Hong Kong: Algernon Yau to visit Dubai

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, tomorrow afternoon to attend the World Governments Summit.

During his stay, Mr Yau will also meet Dubais government officials to give them an update on Hong Kong's latest development and business opportunities.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on February 14. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

This story has been published on: 2024-02-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
People across China hold various celebrations to welcome Spring Festival

Xinhua) 10:04, February 10, 2024

Passengers pose for photos with a Spring Festival decorative installation at Chengdu East Railway Station in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2024. People across the country held various celebrations on Friday, the Chinese Lunar New Year's eve, to welcome the traditional festival. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Passengers pose for photos with a Spring Festival decorative installation at Chengdu East Railway Station in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2024. People across the country held various celebrations on Friday, the Chinese Lunar New Year's eve, to welcome the traditional festival. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

A staff member plays the violin for passengers during a Spring Festival celebration event on the train G1426, Feb. 9, 2024. People across the country held various celebrations on Friday, the Chinese Lunar New Year's eve, to welcome the traditional festival. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Staff members and passengers pose for photos during a Spring Festival celebration event on the train G1426, Feb. 9, 2024. People across the country held various celebrations on Friday, the Chinese Lunar New Year's eve, to welcome the traditional festival. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
In ancient Athens, a symposium was a cross between a debate society and a toga party. Above: "Platos Symposium" (1873) by painter Anselm Feuerbach. Public Domain/via Wikimedia

A white tent sags in the parking lot outside your local supermarket, while the aisles inside bristle with buckets of roses and boxes of chocolates. Yes, Valentines Day is nigh. We will soon be called upon to find not just the real price on our love  Does a $19.95 box of assorted chocolates signify a lesser love than a $39.95 bouquet of roses?  but also find the right words among the thousands of prefabricated expressions of love in the greeting card aisle.



But before we enter the card aisle at the store, we should first explore the philosophy aisle at the library. There we will find, among his many dialogues, Platos Symposium, which grapples with the idea of love. If the history of western philosophy, as Alfred North Whitehead quipped, is little more than a series of footnotes to Plato, the Symposium has no doubt led to the profoundest footnotes of all.



A symposium in ancient Athens was not the sort held in the drab conference rooms where panelists sip bottled water while speakers drone on from prepared texts. Instead, it was a cross between a toga party and debating society, with the symposiasts discoursing on a chosen subject while downing wine and dallying with flute girls.



The symposiasts assembled by Plato soon make clear that love is not just a many-splendored thing, but also a many-splintered thing. This fictional gathering includes the handsome and wealthy Alcibiades, the comic yet conservative playwright Aristophanes and the freethinking and allegedly corrupting Socrates. As each holds forth, we soon discover that eros, the Greek word for romantic love, is anything but a second-hand emotion.

DINNER PLANS: 7 top Houston restaurants still accepting reservations

Just ask Socrates. If his lover asked Tina Turners famous question, whats love got to do with it, he would reply that its got nothing to do with you, lover. The true philosopher is not drawn to the beauty of a body  leave such behavior to slaves  but instead to the beauty of the soul. If we could see the beautiful itself, unalloyed, unmixed and not stuffed with human flesh and mortal rubbish, Socrates marvels, we would be free from the fears and sorrows that come with love for another mortal and flawed human being.



In a word, what we call Platonic love fastens on a beauty which transcends time, place and  please sit down  you. Or, for that matter, the beautiful but blotto Alcibiades, who crashes the symposium with a flute girl in tow just as Socrates finishes his account of love. Then and there the golden boy of Athens challenges this account of eros by declaring his desperate love for  you guessed it, Socrates. And yet, time and again the wise and wondrous but also much older and much plainer philosopher has spurned his advances, leaving Alcibiades at my wits end.



Leave it to the comedian, Aristophanes, to say something serious about Alcibiades predicament. Our distant ancestors, he tells his increasingly inebriated companions, were a race of spherical beings endowed with two heads, four arms and four legs. Powerful and ambitious, they decided to overthrow the Olympian gods. But Zeus strikes first, severing, like a hair slicing a hard-boiled egg, our bagel-shaped forbearers.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
The murder of a Ukrainian prisoner by the Russian occupiers

An investigation into the recently posted video of the executionof two unarmed Ukrainian servicemen by Russian invaders near Klishchiyivka has been launched by the General Prosecutor's Office, according to its Feb. 9 press service report on Telegram.

The video, recorded by an enemy drone, shows a Russian army unit commander possibly ordering not to take prisoners during the Ukrainian army trenches storming.

Read also: Ukraine opens war crimes investigation after video shows Russians shooting surrendering Ukrainians

As a result, an unarmed Ukrainian prisoner was shot as he approached with his hands up, and another was killed by a grenade thrown into a dugout.

The killing of prisoners of war (POWs) is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is considered a serious international crime.

Read also: Investigation launched as video reveals Russian troops using Ukrainian POWs as human shields during assaults

This is not the first time that Russian troops have shot Ukrainian POWs. In a similar incident Russian forces executed Ukrainian prisoners near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhya Oblast in December.

In early December, a video circulated on social media depicting two Russian military personnel shooting two surrendered Ukrainian soldiers with their hands held behind their heads. This was later confirmed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Preliminary findings from investigators place the execution in the vicinity of Stepove village in Pokrovsky district, Donetsk Oblast.

In early September, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said that some 90% of Ukrainian POWs had been tortured, raped, threatened with sexual violence, or otherwise ill-treated.



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
Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has referenced Russian President Vladimir Putins interview with Tucker Carlson in his reaction to the strike on Kharkiv by Russian occupation forces.

Source: Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter (X); European Pravda

"Today, you allow Putin to spread his insane propaganda of genocide, and the next day, he will attack Kharkiv, killing seven people, " the Ukrainian minister said.

Kuleba recalled that the Russian invaders have killed a paralysed man and his wife, as well as a whole family of five: the young parents, their two children aged four and seven, and their newborn baby.

"Interviewing Putin in 2024 is like giving the floor to Hitler in 1944. We need to defeat him, not help him spread bloodthirsty lies," the foreign minister added.

Background:

The European Commission noted that Putin had repeated old lies, distortions and manipulations in the interview.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Putin's claim that the war he unleashed against Ukraine is the result of NATO expansion "clearly ridiculous".

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski noted that there was nothing new about Putin's claims, but it is shocking that an American journalist is giving them a platform.

Support UP or become our patron!
Sources close to the Russian President administration have reported to the Russian opposition outlet Meduza that the interview of Russian President Vladimir Putin with American journalist Tucker Carlson was not intended for the Russian audience, but the Kremlin has wanted to create informational effects and hysteria in the West.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW); Meduza

Details: One of Meduzas sources added that the interviews secondary goal was to show the Russian domestic audience that Putin can still shape global discourse based on the popularity of the interview. However, they did not evaluate Putin's success in this regard.

Sources in the Kremlin focused on presenting the interview as an extremely successful and popular Russian attempt to shape the information environment in the West, claiming that the interview demonstrated Putin as an influential world leader. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that American interest in Putin's interview is "undeniable" and that the Kremlin is interested in the international reaction to the interview because it continues to monitor the domestic response to it.

Russian occupation officials pointed out that the interview reached over 60 million views and stated that the world is increasingly interested in Putin's views and "truths".

Meanwhile, the Russian online community noted that Putin did not provide any new information in his interview with Carlson and simply repeated Kremlin's previous talks about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine for the US audience.

In addition, Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, emphasised that "Putin told the Western world in the most thorough and detailed way why Ukraine did not exist, does not exist, and will not exist".

Medvedev's description of Putin's interview demonstrated that Russia did not abandon its maximalist goals of eradicating Ukrainian statehood and that Putin has no intention of negotiating with Ukraine on any terms other than those aligned with his objectives.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 9 February:

The Russian online community noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not offer any new information in his interview with American media personality Tucker Carlson and simply repeated longstanding Kremlin talking points about Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine for American audiences.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev noted that Putin told the Western world in the most thorough and detailed way why Ukraine did not exist, does not exist, and will not exist.

Delays in Western aid appear to be exacerbating Ukraines current artillery shortages and could impact Ukraines long-term war effort.

Newly appointed Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi identified several of his goals as commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukrainian actors reportedly conducted a successful drone strike against two oil refineries in Krasnodar Krai on 9 February.

Ukrainian military officials reported that Russian forces are increasing their use of illegal chemical weapons in Ukraine, in an apparent violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), to which Russia is a signatory.

Bloomberg reported on 9 February that Ukraine is considering economic reforms in order to secure funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the event that the US Congress continues to block crucial aid.

Russian forces advanced near Kreminna, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka amid continued positional engagements along the frontline.

Russian paramilitary organisation Novorossiya Aid Coordination Center (KCPN) is training drone operators in east (left) bank Kherson Oblast near Krynky.

Russian occupation authorities continue to prepare for the upcoming Russian presidential elections by creating the appearance of popular support for Russian Vladimir Putin in occupied areas of Ukraine.

Support UP or become our patron!
A quartet of crooks were caught on video raiding a Queens store  and one climbed over a food counter before swiping $700 in receipts from workers, police said.

The thieves, sporting surgical masks and hoodies, entered Home Chef Catering, a Guyanese restaurant on Merrick Blvd. near Francis Lewis Blvd. in Briarwood about 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Cops said.

Three of the men, one carrying a gun, ran behind a food counter holding pastries and other treats to get at the store employees, cops said.

A fourth suspect who stood by the door soon jumped over the food counter to join his accomplices, surveillance video taken during the robbery shows.

The thieves made off with $700 in cash, as well as a cellphone and items from the store shelves. They fled the area in a dark colored sedan.

No injuries were reported.

Home Chef Catering sells prepared Guyanese meals. When reached, a worker refused to comment about the robbery.

Police described the four suspects as Black men about 5-foot-6 and 145 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
New Yorks 3rd Congressional District is gearing up for a very special election on Tuesday to replace disgraced Republican George Santos. And the race between establishment Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip is expected to be a nail-biter.

New Yorks 3rd is a big swing district with a predominantly white and college-educated population that includes parts of Queens and Long Islands Nassau County. Its one of the wealthiest districts in the country, and both Democrats and Republicans want it bad. Democrats held the district from 2012 until 2020, when Santos flipped it for Republicans. Now, both sides are vying to reclaim it, as Republicans fight to hold on to their four-seat majoritythey failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with the loss of Santos vote.

Both parties have made the race about the most contentious national issuesimmigration, abortion and the Israel-Hamas warpushing New Yorks 3rd to potentially become a suburban crystal ball for the general election later this year.

Heres what you should know about the two candidates running for Santos old seat.

Suozzi is a familiar name in New York. He got his start in politics when he became mayor of his hometown of Glen Cove, a wealthy suburb in the 3rd District, at only 31 years old, and then held the job for eight years. He moved on to become the first Democrat to be elected as Nassau County executive in 2001, and in 2006 he ran for governor against Eliot Spitzerand lost pretty spectacularly, not even carrying his own county.

In 2016, Suozzi returned to politics after a short break, announced he was running for Congress, and won the district with 53 percent of the vote. He managed to hold on to that seat for three consecutive terms, fending off Republican challengers in all three of his election cycles, including Santos in 2020. But Suozzi wasnt done trying to become New Yorks governor, stepping down from his seat in 2022 to run against incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. He lost, earning only 12 percent of the vote, while Santos struck gold and flipped Suozzis old district to red.

Suozzi wants his old job back now, and a win here would get Democrats one seat closer to reclaiming their majority in the Houseif Suozzi wins, they need to flip four more seats in 2024 to overtake Republicans majority. Theyve spent close to $9 million on Suozzis campaign.

At a rally with women supporters, Suozzi said he was 100 percent committed to abortion remaining safe, legal, and accessible in the United States. He also ran a TV ad centered on his immigration plan, which includes closing portions of the U.S.Mexico border and creating paths to citizenship for migrants. As for the war, Suozzi said his fellow Democrats in Washington are clueless for calling for limiting U.S. aid to Israel.

Two months before his special election, Suozzi even flew to Israel and visited a kibbutz targeted by Hamas on Oct. 7. He told Politico, If you care about Israel and you want bipartisan support for Israel to continue into the future, you need strong, outspoken pro-Israel Democrats.

Pillip joined politics just three years ago after she flipped a Democrat-held Nassau County Legislature seat in 2021, a job she was reelected to just last year. Though she ran on the Republican ticket in those elections, Pilip has been a registered Democrat since 2012, Politico reported.

That hasnt bothered Nassau County Republicans, though, who tapped her to run for Santos seat, emphasizing her unique biography. The 47-year-old was born in Ethiopia, immigrated to Israel, and went on to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. After attending college and getting married, Pilip moved to the U.S. in 2005 and is now a mother to seven children.

As she campaigns for the coveted 3rd Congressional District House seat, Pilip has leaned into her Jewish identity. Attending a vigil for a local New York man taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, Pilip referred to him as my brother, and has made impassioned statements about the war. I stand strong with our communities in support of Israel, Ukraine, and all nations that are subjects of terrorism, Pilip said at a rally. As with many Republicans running for office around the country, Pilip has remained vague about her support for Donald Trump. She refused to say who she voted for in the 2020 election, but said she would support whoever becomes the GOP nominee this year.

Pilip said she agreed with the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, saying, each state is now dealing with it in the way its supposed to deal with this. She opposes a national abortion ban and supports keeping the abortion drug mifepristone available nationally. During back-to-back press conferences with her Democratic opponent outside a migrant tent camp in Queens, Pilip railed against sanctuary city policies and said, if elected, she would secure our border and invest in our brave ICE agents.

In the final days of the race, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke at a fundraiser for Pilip and emphasized the New York Republican was capable of getting the job done. Itll send a strong message to the Democrats that coming into this election cycle, we got a great run, great candidates. Were feeling really bullish about the future, said Johnson.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Friday what he called his outrageous support for the Plan B foreign aid bill proposed after striping out border security provisions.

He specifically knocked his Senate colleagues for focusing on providing additional aid to Ukraine and Israel amid their ongoing wars, instead of addressing the border crisis.

Its criminal neglect for Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and Joe Biden to get together to send $100 billion overseas to fix someone elses border before addressing our border, Paul said Friday in an interview with Fox Businesss Larry Kudlow, calling the idea outrageous.

Paul hit back on Bidens comments that not providing aid to Ukraine was neglect, saying it is reprehensible to negotiate a deal to fund foreign governments militaries without resolving the issue of the U.S.-Mexico border.

In a 64-19 vote Friday evening, the Senate proceeded with the bill whose border provisions were stripped by Schumer (D-N.Y.) after only a handful of GOP senators voted for the original bipartisan package.

Paul pledged to delay votes on a $95.3 billion bill Friday after branding the legislation rotten. In response, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) called him a peckerhead for forcing colleagues to through the procedural steps Friday night and into the Super Bowl weekend in order to pass the funding package.

We have an emergency, we have an invasion, Paul said in Fridays interview, highlighted by Mediaite. We have 700,000 people who came across in the last two months, and theyre willing just to punt on that. You know, they put forward a fake proposal, it wasnt any good. We shot it down.

But that doesnt mean were ready to give up on it. Many of us want to fight, he argued. Thirty-two of us out of 48, three-fourths of us, said we wanted to keep fighting, and wanted to actually fix the border before we ship $100 billion of our money overseas.

The collapsed bipartisan border security deal, which took months to negotiate, was partially forged by Pauls conference colleague, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Hanna Yaremchuk-Bobalo looks at photos of her fallen husband on the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine - Emre Caylak

A 19-year-old shot dead by a sniper while trying to save a wounded comrade. A student killed four days after telling his girlfriend he loved her. A father struck down by mortar fire while trying to escape encirclement by the enemy.

They are among the tens of thousands of soldiers who have died fighting against Russia, and their faces adorn a vast memorial in Kyiv that serves as a symbol of the heavy price Ukraine has paid to keep Vladimir Putins forces at bay.

Hanna Yaremchuk-Bobalo, 45, said: He was so beautiful, as she looked at a picture of her husband Oleh, a film director who worked with Volodymyr Zelensky in showbusiness before joining up to fight on the first day of the invasion. He was killed by mortar fire during the battle for Bakhmut.

The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, which covers the outer perimeter of Kyivs historic St Michaels Golden-Domed Monastery, was set up in 2017 as a tribute to the victims of the war in Donbas, which began in 2014.

It was extended in 2022 to include an informal area for the renewed conflict, marked with a sign that reads 24.02.2022  ...

The wall is now so full that people have resorted to adding their photo tributes to street signs and stone trimmings.

A Ukrainian soldier looks at the memorial wall - Emre Caylak

With Ukraine preparing to mark the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, neither side is close to victory.

This week, tensions between Mr Zelensky and his top commander, Gen Valery Zaluzhny, led to the army chiefs replacement in the biggest shakeup of the countrys military leadership since the war began.

At the heart of the upheaval was a disagreement between the pair over how many soldiers should be mobilised. Gen Zaluzhny said Ukraine needed 500,000 more troops, a figure Mr Zelensky saw as impractical and potentially unpopular.

Gen Zaluzhnys replacement, General Oleksandr Syrsky, has a reputation for brutality and is far less popular with both the public and certain military circles.

Replenishing his ranks is perhaps his biggest challenge but debate over how this should be done is dividing the country.

Meanwhile, thousands of Ukrainians are still coming to terms with the enormous cost of the war, including Kyivs dogged defence of Bakhmut and failed summer offensive. The pain, they said, has only hardened their resolve that Ukraine must win.

Ms Yaremchuk-Bobalo said she met her husband at 18. Their 21-year-old daughter, Liza, is studying in Prague. Ms Yaremchuk-Bobalo does not want her to come home out of fear from regular missile strikes - fragments from shot down weapons fell out of the sky and landed near her apartment last week.

She said: When it first happened, I counted down the days to my own death, I just wanted to be with him.

Then I realised that I had love for 25 years and I am a happy woman because of that. The Russians cant take this treasure as it lives inside my soul.

Two months after his funeral, Ms Yaremchuk-Bobalo fixed his photo on the memorial wall, one of the last taken of him. Not for herself, but - as life in Ukraines cities has returned to some sense of normality despite regular missile strikes - to remind others of the cost of freedom and independence.

When we drink coffee, go about our days, we have to remember our heroes, she said.

According to Ms Yaremchuk-Bobalo, when she joined We Are Together, a support group for war widows, in the months after her husbands death in December, there were 500 members. Now there are over 3,000.

Hanna Prutsakova holding her boyfriend's photo at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine - Emre Caylak

Casualty figures are a military secret on both sides of the war, but US officials estimated that close to 70,000 Ukrainian service personnel had been killed and 100,000-120,000 wounded as of August last year, the New York Times reported.

This past year is thought to have been particularly deadly, with the final intense days of the battle for Bakhmut and the unsuccessful counter-offensive believed to have cost both sides dearly.

Further deaths are likely to have racked up over winter as fighting rages in the meat grinders of Donetsk city Avdiivka and Zaporizhzhia village Robotyne.

Ivan Rybytvas boyish face also looks out from the wall, he is holding a box of supplies delivered by volunteers and smiling.

After undertaking training in the UK, he was deployed to Bakhmut in April last year, when the situation there was at its worst. By his fourth day, he had been shot by a sniper while trying to help a wounded colleague.

His older brother Mykola Rybytva said: The cost of the counter-offensive was enormous. Sometimes we visit two funerals in one week.

The majority of those killed are civilians who would have just carried on their lives, their jobs, their studies, and not had to fight if there was no war. Every person is a tragedy.

Hanna Prutsakovas boyfriend Pylyp Ivanoff, 21, was a climate science student before he joined Kyivs territorial defence.

The last time she saw him was on the eve of his deployment to Bakhmut. They went for coffee together, confessed they were in love for the first time, and four days later he was dead.

She doesnt have any photos with him, and because his body has not been recovered yet, there is no grave to visit.

Ms Prutsakova said: The importance of these small symbolic gestures from loved ones cant be underestimated. A father may place a photo of his killed son on the wall, and other family and friends can visit. It has created a very sad and tragic community.

Ms Yaremchuk-Bobalo, whose family in Crimea have Russian sympathies, said she used to think that it was okay to give up Crimea and other territory to placate Russia.

Now we have experienced so much pain, I cant accept anything short of victory.

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.
FILE PHOTO: House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party holds hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs the House select committee on competition with China, said on Saturday he will not run for re-election, four days after he was one of only four House Republicans to buck party leadership and vote against impeaching President Joe Biden's top border official.

Gallagher, 39, a four-term House member and former Marine Corps intelligence officer, issued a statement noting that the authors of the U.S. Constitution had not intended elective office to be for a lifetime.

"Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old. And so, with a heavy heart, I have decided not to run for re-election," he said in the statement.

Gallagher on Tuesday joined three other Republican House members in voting against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As the effort failed by one vote, Gallagher was surrounded on the House floor by members of his party urging him to flip his vote.

Gallagher said in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece afterward that impeachment would not only fail to resolve problems at the border with Mexico but "also set a dangerous new precedent that would be used against future Republican administrations."

Gallagher, a member of both the House Armed Services and intelligence committees, has spent much of his time this year chairing the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, a bipartisan panel charged with investigating U.S. relations with China and developing strategies to help improve the country's ability to compete with China.

Republicans formed the select committee when they took control of the House in January 2023, part of an effort to raise awareness about issues behind growing tensions with China. A hard line toward China is one of the few policies with bipartisan support in the deeply divided U.S. Congress and Gallagher has been praised for smoothly working with Democrats on the panel.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Diane Craft)
Whitmire has begun replacing department heads and is filling his administrative ranks with almost entirely new staff. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Mayor John Whitmires administration is beginning to take shape, and on Friday, he announced several new top hires at City Hall.

Whitmire has begun replacing department heads and is filling his administrative ranks with almost entirely new staff to help him carry out his vision for the city.

Here are some of the faces working in Whitmires administration.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Chris Newport

Newport is Whitmires new chief of staff. His primary job is to serve as the eyes and ears of the administration and work closely with city departments to ensure the mayors goals are accomplished.

Newport previously worked as a chief of staff for former Mayor Annise Parker. After leaving Parkers office, he held several consulting jobs and served on the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee as the executive vice presidents chief of staff. Before joining Parker, he served as chief of staff for the citys Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department.

RELATED:The 5 likely winners in Houston Mayor Whitmires administration, from Pappas family to firefighters

In an interview with the Chronicle, Newport said Whitmires commitment to service, especially on-the-ground constituent service, is what lured him back to City Hall.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

I believed in him, I believed in his commitment, I believed in his ability to execute on the vision and I wanted to help him, Newport said.

Steven David

David, who worked at Accenture, a business management company, will serve as deputy chief of staff.

David will assist Newport and the mayor in managing staff, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Whitmires office, developing policy and communicating with department heads.

David worked with Parker as a special assistant, then as a special assistant to the chief development officer in the Mayors Office of Economic Development. He was also a performance analyst for the Mayors Office of Innovation and Performance under former Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Chris Brown

Brown, Houstons former city controller, is the new senior adviser for financial integrity. As controller, Brown played a role in helping the city address its pension crisis.

Brown could not seek re-election to the controllers office, where he served eight years, because the position is term-limited.

Marta Crinejo

Crinejo will rejoin the mayors office as the senior adviser for council agenda. She held the same role under Turner.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Jose Soto

Soto joins Whitmires office as the senior adviser for labor relations. Soto previously worked as an assistant public information officer, legislative liaison, and council liaison for Houstons municipal courts.

Veronica Weatherspoon

Weatherspoon will become a senior adviser for constituent engagement. She was previously the director of the citys Correspondence & Constituent Services Division.

Rebekah Williams

Williams will serve as the senior adviser for community relations. She previously served as a communications specialist supervisor for the city.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Cynthia Wilson

Wilson, a former Houston ISD and Dallas ISD administrator, is a senior adviser for organizational culture and education.

Prior to joining Whitmires office, Wilson was an educational consultant at CSW Solutions, a Chicago-based software company.

Joshua Sanders

Sanders takes over as the chief of intergovernmental relations. Prior to that, he lobbied the state and lobbied for the Houston Professional Firefighters Association and Uptown Houston.

Allison Alexander

Alexander will serve as head of administrative operations. She previously served as director of events and operations at Rice Universitys Jones Graduate School of Business.

Elijah J. Williams

Williams is the new senior advisor for infrastructure and economic development.

He had been the executive director for Houstons Energy Corridor and served in government roles at the Texas House, NASA and the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he was a presidential appointee.

Marlene Gafrick

Gafrick, who previously served as director of planning for MetroNational, becomes the senior adviser for planning.

She worked for 33 years in Houstons Planning Department and was its director for eight years.

Ahmed Sharma

Sharma has been hired as a senior multimedia specialist. He formerly worked at Fox and Sinclair Broadcast Groups.

Scout Odegaard

Odegaard is the new senior adviser for boards and commissions. She comes from the Greater Houston Builders Association, where she worked as a government affairs manager. She interned with the lobbying group of Whitmires daughter, Whitney Whitmire. The firm is Whitmire-Munoz.

Alexa Aragonez

Aragonez rejoins the mayors office as deputy chief of governmental relations, a role she held in Turners administration. She previously worked for the city of Arlington as a senior management analyst for its intergovernmental relations and management resources team.

Mary Benton

Benton returns to the mayors office as Whitmires senior advisor for communications. She served the same role in Turners administration and was previously a broadcast journalist.

Julia Ossemi-Seied

Ossemi-Seied has been hired on Whitmires staff as an analyst. She previously worked as Council Member Sallie Alcorns deputy chief of staff and communications director.

Luis Civallero

Civarello joins Whitmires team as an analyst. He previously worked on newly elected Council Member Joaquin Martinezs campaign as the deputy campaign manager.

Diana Patino
Turkish F-16 fighter jets stationed in Romania were scrambled after Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast in the early morning of Feb. 10, Romania's Defense Ministry said.

Consecutive waves of Russian drones hit Odesa Oblast overnight, targeting port infrastructure on the Danube River. At least four people were injured, all of whom were employees of port facilities in the region.

Romania's Defense Ministry said that jets stationed at an airbase near Fetesti, some 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, were summoned in response to perform reconnaissance.

No unauthorized intrusions into Romanian airspace were detected, and no debris from downed Russians was found on Romanian territory, the ministry said.

Bucharest has strongly condemned Russian attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in October 2023 that an anti-drone system had been installed by the Ukrainian border after repeated instances of debris falling on Romanian territory.

Bucharest has previously deployed additional security measures in the border areas, including setting up bomb shelters and issuing air raid warnings.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: New Armed Forces commander settles in, lays down main priorities

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Matt Rosendale said he still loves former President Trump despite Trumps recent endorsement of Tim Sheehy, an opponent of the Montana Republican Senate candidate.

I love President Trump, Rosendale said in an interview with CNNs Abby Phillip highlighted by Mediaite after Trump endorsed Sheehy. He did an incredible job when he was the president, and hes going to come back and do an incredible job next year when he takes the Oval Office, and I plan to be in the United States Senate next year to help him get that agenda through.

Rosendale entered Montanas Republican Senate primary Friday, beginning whats expected to be a tough race against Sheehy, who has support from top Republicans.

This morning, I officially filed for the U.S. Senate. Weve made great accomplishments in the House, only to see them die at the hands of Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer in the Senate. Montanans want a Senator that fights for WE, THE PEOPLE, not the D.C. Cartel! Rosendale wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

In a response to Rosendales entry into the race, a spokesperson for Sheehy linked the businessman and former Navy SEAL to former President Trump, who announced his support for Sheehy Friday.

Both successful businessmen and political outsiders, President Trump and Tim Sheehy cannot be bought and are the conservative warriors we need to put the people of Montana first, drain the swamp, and save our country from the mess Joe Biden and Jon Tester created, the spokesperson said.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Sheehy an American Hero and a highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana.

I also respect Matt Rosendale, and was very happy to Endorse him in the past  and will Endorse him again in the future should he decide to change course and run for his Congressional Seat, Trump wrote.

But in this instance, Tim is the candidate who is currently best-positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester, and Regain the Republican Majority in the United States Senate  America First Patriot Tim Sheehy has my Complete and Total Endorsement! the former president said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Russian army deployed 31 Shahed drones towards Ukraine overnight, with the Air Force confirming the interception of 23 of them, as reported on Telegram on Feb. 10.

The Shaheds were launched from Balaklava and Cape Chauda in the occupied Crimea, as well as from Russias Kursk Oblast.

The Russians focused their attack on Odesa and Kharkiv oblasts. All 23 Shahed UAVs were destroyed within these regions.

Read also: Russian drone attack on Kharkiv leaves 5 dead including children, levels gas station, destroys homes

According to the Air Force, units of anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare equipment were involved in repelling the air attack.

Russia attacked a gas station with Shaheds in Kharkiv, and after a fuel spill, a fire engulfed at least 14 houses, completely burning them down.

Seven people, including three children, were killed in the city as a result of the attack.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that 50 Kharkiv residents were evacuated.

Rescuers continue to extinguish the fires. Law enforcement officers are inspecting the scene and taking DNA samples.

Read also: Three waves of Russian kamikaze drone attacks on Odesa oblast overnight injure four, damage port and civilian

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
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link in Moscow

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link in Moscow

(Reuters) - Russia's registration of candidates for the March presidential election has closed, TASS reported on Sunday, with a list including President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to win, and three politicians who all support Moscow's war in Ukraine.

The list did not include the Russian anti-war candidate Boris Nadezhdin after the Central Election Commission (CEC) barred him on Thursday from running, saying it had found flawsin the collection of signatures required for the support of his candidacy.

The CEC registered Vladislav Davankov, deputy chair of the Russian Duma and a member of the New People caucus; Leonid Slutsky, the leader of the Kremlin-loyal ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR); and the Communist Party nominee, Nikolai Kharitonov.

Putin, 71, who has chosen to run as an independent rather than as the candidate of the ruling United Russia party and who has been Russia's paramount leader since 2000 and controls all the state's levers, is expected to easily win next month's vote.

While nobody has expected the 60-year-old Nadezhdin - who has characterised Putin's war in Ukraine as a "fatal mistake" - to win, his trenchant criticism has surprised some analysts. The Kremlin has said it does not see him as a serious rival to Putin.

Nadezhdin said on Thursday he would challenge the CEC's decision in Russia's Supreme Court.

The war, which the Kremlin calls a "special military operation", is nearing the end of its second year. It has killed thousands on both sides, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and turned scores of cities and villages into rubble.

(Reporting by Elaine Monaghan and Lidia Kelly; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Exports of soju, distilled Korean liquor, topped $100 million for the first time in 10 years in 2023, data showed Saturday.

According to the Korea Customs Service, outbound shipments of soju reached $101.4 million in 2023, an increase of 8.7 percent from 2022.

The last time soju exports surpassed $100 million was in 2013.

Soju is a distilled liquor made of ethyl alcohol and water, with the addition of sweeteners.

An industry source said soju sold overseas had been mostly consumed by Korean residents in the past, but it has grown more popular among the locals thanks to the rise of Korean pop culture.

As of only a few years ago, soju exports had been on the decline, falling from $97.6 million to $89.7 million in 2019 and down to $82.4 million in 2021.

The figure bounced back to $93.3 million in 2022 and has been on an upward trajectory since.

Among countries, Japan was the largest importer of Korean soju with a little over $30 million, followed by the United States with $23.6 million. (Yonhap)




The Russian military attacked Kharkiv with kamikaze drones overnight, killing at least five people and destroying 15 houses, regional governor Oleh Synehubov reported on Feb. 10.

Children were among the fatalities, said the head of the regional military administration.

One man has been treated by doctors, who suffered 40% burns of the body and is in hospital, according to the head of the regional prosecutor's office Oleksandr Filchakov.

Read also: Seven killed, including three children, in deadly overnight Russian Shahed kamikaze drone on Kharkiv

Search and rescue operations continue. The number of victims may increase.

More than 15 houses were destroyed in the city.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones struck a gas station in Kharkiv, igniting a massive blaze after fuel spilled from it. The resulting inferno engulfed 14 nearby houses.

The fire spread over 3,700 square meters. 50 Kharkiv residents, including two children, were evacuated. The State Emergency Service continues to fight the fire and search for possible victims. All relevant utility firms are also working at the scene, said the mayor.

"Kharkiv is under enemy attack. There are a series of explosions in the city. Shaheds. Civilian infrastructure is under attack," he said.

Read also: Russian S-300 missiles kill infant, injure three women in overnight attack on Kharkiv Oblast

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
Consecutive waves of Russian Shahed-type drones struck Odesa Oblast overnight, and although air defenses shot down at least 21 of the drones, shrapnel and debris wounded four people, Governor Oleh Kiper said on Feb. 10.

One of the injured is in serious condition, he said.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down all nine drones from the first wave of attacks, and 12 from the second and third, Kiper added.

The four injured people were all employees of port facilities. All were hospitalized.

The attacks also damaged Danube River port facilities and other civilian infrastructure in and around the port city of Izmail.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: New Armed Forces commander settles in, lays down main priorities

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Firefighters extinguish a fire after a Russian attack on residential neighborhood in Kharkiv, Ukraine Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. According to the city administration, about a dozen private houses were under fire and scores of people were evacuated after Russian drones strike on a residential area. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, killed seven people overnight, including three children, Kharkiv region governor Oleh Syniehubov reported Saturday. Three others sustained injuries, according to the officials.

He said at least 10 drones were launched at Kharkiv, eight of which were shot down. Civilian infrastructure in the Nemyshlyan district of the city was hit, causing a massive fire that burned down 15 private houses, he said.

Syniehubov said that an oil depot was hit, causing the fuel to leak out, which prompted the fire. In a Facebook post, Serhii Bolvinov, head of the investigative department of the National Police, cited a local resident as seeing a true hell: first the fuel flowed, then everything caught fire.

Bolvinov said a family of five  including children aged 7, 4 and nine months  burned alive, trapped in their house as the fire raged. Two other adults were killed by the blaze in another house that burned down, he said.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said more than 50 people had been evacuated and that emergency workers had contained the blaze by Saturday morning.

In an online statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered his condolences to the relatives of all the victims and said that terror cant remain unpunished. Terror cant remain without a fair response. Terrorists must lose this war they had started. Russia must be held accountable for every life it ruined and destroyed.

The Ukrainian air force said air defense systems destroyed 23 out of 31 Iranian Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight. The drones primarily targeted the northeastern Kharkiv region and the southern province of Odesa, the statement said.

Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper said four people were injured there by the overnight drone attacks.

The attacks came in three waves, he said. The first targeted the regional capital  the port city of Odesa. All nine drones were shot down, but the debris damaged port infrastructure and injured one person.

The second and the third waves targeted port infrastructure in the Danube river area, Kiper said. A total of 12 drones were shot down and three people were injured.

Romanias Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday that Russia carried out overnight drone attacks on Ukraines river ports of Ismail and Reni, near the border with Romania.

The ministry said that an F-16 jet of the Turkish Air Force was deployed from a Romanian airbase around 1:15 a.m. to carry out reconnaissance missions in national airspace to monitor the situation. Text alerts were also issued to residents in two counties adjacent to the attacks.

NATO member Romania has discovered drone debris on its territory several times before, following sustained attacks on Ukraines port infrastructure as Moscow attempted to disrupt Kyivs ability to export grain and other produce to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry, in the meantime, accused Ukraine of targeting Russia's civilian transport vessels in the Black Sea with sea drones on Friday evening. One such drone was destroyed, the ministry said, and others were jammed, with no damage to the ships.

The ministry didn't say how many sea drones were used or how many ships were targeted. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv's officials on the alleged attack.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen McGrath in Sighisoara, Romania, and Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed.
Russian drones killed seven people in Ukraines city of Kharkiv, including three children, in a late Friday attack that damaged residential houses and infrastructure.

The strike caused large fires and damaged a minimum of 15 houses in the area, Oleh Synehubov, Kharkiv regional governor, said in a Telegram post, according to Reuters.

As a result of the strikes, seven people died, among them three children: seven-, four-years old, and a baby about six- months old, Synehubov wrote.

He added that at least three people were wounded in the drone attack.

The Ukrainian air defense said it shot down 23 out of 31 drones launched by Russia that were targeting both Kharkiv and the area around Odesa.

Kharkiv has constantly been a focal point of Russias attack since the invasion of Ukraine started nearly two years ago.

The head of the local prosecutors office, Oleksandr Filchakov, said three drones struck a petrol station in Kharkiv.

There was a great deal of fuel and thats why there are these dreadful consequences from the fire, he said.

The gas station attack was carried out using Iranian-made Shahed drones. The strike forced people to evacuate the area, Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov said, according to French newswire Agence France-Presse.

The regional governor in the Black Sea port of Odesa, Oleh Kiper, said the strike injured four people while damaging port infrastructure, cars and industrial facilities, according to Reuters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv on the night of February 10, seven people were killed

Russian troops hit an oil depot rather than a gas station in Kharkiv with Iranian kamikaze drones on Feb. 10, regional governor Oleh Synehubov reported on Telegram.

The risk of another fuel leak persists.

Russia launched ten drones in total at the eastern Ukrainian city, resulting in two hits.

Read also: Russian drone attack on Kharkiv leaves 5 dead including children, levels gas station, destroys homes

Approximately 50 people were evacuated, with four Kharkiv residents rescued from the flames, including a child. One man sustained burns covering 40% of his body.

Currently, one tank remains full, so the threat persists, Synehubov stated.

If necessary, we will extend the evacuation and relocation zone.

The Russian strike claimed the lives of seven individuals, including an entire family: a wife, husband, children aged four and seven, and a six-month-old boy. The victims have been identified, and efforts are underway to locate the infants body. Three additional residents sustained injuries.

Following the fuel leak, the hazardous substance spread throughout Kharkivs residential sector, sparking a large-scale fire that destroyed 15 houses.

Read also: Ukrainian National Police release footage of aftermath following Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Feb. 10

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 are 'storming' Ukraine's frontline city of Avdiivka, 'pressing from all directions' in large numbers, the mayor said

Russian forces are escalating their assault on the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka.

The Ukrainian mayor said Russian forces were "pressing from all directions" in large numbers.

Russian and Ukrainian forces are battling inside the city, officials said.

The situation in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka is critical as Russian forces are surrounding it and escalating their monthslong assault, Ukrainian officials say.

Unfortunately, the enemy is pressing from all directions. They are storming with very large forces," Mayor Vitaly Barabash told The Kyiv Post on Thursday.

He said that Russian forces were primarily attacking using artillery, airstrikes, and soldiers on foot because Russian tanks and armored vehicles had been unable to pass across the soft ground.

He said the fighting was "very hot" and "very difficult."

The battle is important  capturing Avdiivka would be a coveted propaganda victory for Russia ahead of the second anniversary of its invasion and presidential elections in March that are expected to return President Putin to power.

Mayor Barabash noted that fewer than 950 residents remain in the town, which had an estimated pre-war population of around 33,000.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhovyy told national television on Thursday that clashes were taking place in residential areas north of the city and within the town itself, Reuters reported.

Lykhovyy said that Russian troops were amassed in the north of the city to cut off the only road supplying Ukrainian forces in the town.

He said the situation was "difficult but controllable." Avdiivka is still in Ukrainian hands per most recent reports.

A Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" attack helicopter was shot down in the Avdiivka sector, Ukraine claimed. Leonid Faerberg/Getty Images

Russia began its costly assault on Avdiivka in October, sacrificing a huge quantity of men, weapon, and equipment in the process.

The Russians were likely experiencing a ratio of 13 losses for every Ukrainian soldier, Forbes previously estimated, based on vehicle losses.

Russian fighter jets have been launching up to 50 strikes a day with powerful guided bombs but are being forced to strike from afar due to Ukraine's air defense systems, which degrades the attacks' accuracy, said a UK Ministry of Defence intelligence update .

On Thursday, Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down one of Russia's prized Ka-52 "Alligator" attack helicopters in the Avdiivka sector, using man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS).

Russia has been concentrating its war efforts on the city, which is seen as a gateway to capturing the entire Donetsk region.

The UK defense ministry observed that urban street-to-street combat was taking place in the city.

Frontelligence Insight, an open-source research group with suspected ties to the Ukrainian military, said in a recent report: As Russian forces persist in pressuring Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka, it is becoming evident that the fall of Avdiivka is not a matter of if, but when.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Starlink terminal at the Russian position in the occupied part of Ukraine

The Russian military is reportedly increasingly using Starlink terminals at their positions in Ukraine, purchasing them through third countries, Ukrainian military news outlet Militarnyi reported on Feb. 10, citing Kyiv-based engineer Oleh Kutkov, engaged in Starlink terminals for the Ukrainian military.

Read also: US Senate to probe Musk's decision to deny Ukraine Starlink access for attacks on Crimea - Bloomberg

"In fact, the Russians have begun to actively use terminals on the front line," he said.

The terminals are being purchased through third countries and resold by Russian resellers.

"It is impossible to trace and cover up these schemes, because our volunteers 'sweep' terminals in all countries and pay from different cards," Kutkov explained.

While the terminals operate only in Ukraine, it is impossible to distinguish which side on the front line owns a particular terminal in the 20-kilometer zone, as they all use the same channel and satellite scheduler.

"So either everyone is working or no one is working," he said, adding that a large concentration of terminals in one area leads to system overload and a decrease in speed.

Read also: Ukrainian forces destroy Russian 'satellite killer' weapon 'Triada' in Donetsk sector  video

SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has said it does not do business with the Russian government or its armed forces and will take steps to deactivate terminals if they are being used by unauthorized parties.

"Starlink is not active in Russia, which means the service will not work in that country. SpaceX has never sold Starlink in Russia, nor has it delivered equipment to Russia," the company said.

Earlier, the director of the New Geopolitics Research Network and military expert Mykhailo Samus questioned whether it is possible to flash Starlink without Elon Musk's knowledge.

"There are very interesting questions here, Samus said in an interview with Radio NV.

Isn't this evidence that Elon Musk is starting to support Russia, starting to support [Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin?" Samus said.

Read also: Musk denies treason allegations over restricting Ukraines access to Starlink

Earlier, during an online discussion on his X platform (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk proposed "restoring normal relations" with Russia by ceding parts of Ukrainian territory to it, The Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 23.

The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee is investigating SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk's decision not to activate the Starlink satellite network over occupied Crimea, Bloomberg reported on Sept. 15, citing Committee Chairman Jack Reed.

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
Over the course of the past day, Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed a total of 111 times. Russian forces carried out 73 airstrikes and deployed multiple-launch rocket systems 76 times to attack the positions of Ukrainian forces and civilian settlements.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 10 February

Details: Russian attacks killed and injured civilians in Ukraine and damaged several apartment buildings and private residential houses, as well as other civilian infrastructure facilities.

Russian forces deployed 26 Shahed-136/131 attack drones on the night of 9-10 February, with Ukrainian air defence downing 18 Russian attack drones. Information about the aftermath of the Russian attacks is being confirmed.

Russian forces also carried out airstrikes on Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.

A total of over 130 civilian towns and villages came under Russian shelling in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts.

Russia continues to maintain its forces near the Ukrainian border on the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts and is conducting sabotage operations in the area in order to prevent Ukraine from transferring its troops to more active fronts. Russian forces are also increasing the density of mine-explosive barriers along the Russian-Ukrainian border in Belgorod Oblast.

Within the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group of Forces on the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian forces repelled 11 Russian assaults near Synkivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast).

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian assaults near Terny and Yampolivka (Donetsk Oblast) and Bilohorivka (Luhansk Oblast).

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian forces repelled 22 Russian assaults in the vicinity of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka (Donetsk Oblast).

Within the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group of Forces on the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian forces are continuing to repel Russian attempts to encircle the city of Avdiivka. They are firmly holding the ground while inflicting significant losses on the Russians. Over the course of the past day, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 21 Russian assaults near Novobakhmutivka and Avdiivka and another 12 near Pervomaiske and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Marinka front, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing to hold the Russians back near Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), where they repelled 19 Russian assaults.

On the Shakhtarsk front, Ukrainian forces repelled two Russian assaults to the south of Zolota Nyva (Donetsk Oblast) and to the north of Pryiutne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled three Russian assaults to the west of Novopokrovka and Verbove and near Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).

Within the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group of Forces on the Kherson front, Ukrainian forces are continuing to maintain their positions and repel Russian assaults. Despite significant losses, Russian forces continue to attempt to push the Ukrainians out of their positions. Over the course of the past day, the Russians carried out four unsuccessful assaults on Ukrainian positions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are inflicting losses on Russian military personnel and equipment and are wearing Russian forces out along the entire front.

Over the course of the day, Ukrainian aircraft carried out five airstrikes on clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment.

Units of the Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery struck three clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, two command posts and two ammunition storage points.

Support UP or become our patron!
The U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights will visit South Korea and Japan this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of a landmark U.N. report on the North's rights violations, the State Department said Friday.

Ambassador Julie Turner's two-nation trip from Monday through Feb. 22, comes as activists and government officials in Seoul and Washington have paid renewed attention to the 2014 U.N. Commission of Inquiry (COI) report that accused North Korean officials of "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations.

In both countries, Turner plans to meet government representatives, civic society activists and North Korean defectors.

"In the ROK, Special Envoy Turner will discuss efforts to promote accountability for those responsible for North Korea's egregious human rights violations and how best to advance the welfare of the North Korean people," the department said in a press release. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"She will also participate in events commemorating the landmark U.N. COI report, engage with aspiring foreign policy leaders, and visit entities providing support and education to recently arrived North Korean escapees," it added.

In Japan, the special envoy plans to highlight the North's practice of what the department called "enforced disappearances," which includes "abductions," and emphasize the need for an immediate resolution to such cases, according to the release.

"Special Envoy Turner's trip will underscore the U.S. commitment to promoting human rights in North Korea, increasing access to uncensored information within the closed country, and empowering survivor voices advocating for concrete change," it said.

On Wednesday, Turner called on the North to launch a "reform" process to enhance its rights situation in line with the recommendations in the COI report, while stressing that promoting respect for human dignity in the reclusive state remains a "top" priority for Washington. (Yonhap)
Russian occupying forces have continued to fire on the town of Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast, conducting attacks with the support of aircraft.

Source: Luhansk Oblast Military Administration

Details: In addition to Bilohorivka, Serebrianka Forest and the village of Nevske were hit by artillery.

Luhansk Oblast Military Administration reported that the Russian occupiers claim the low quality of tap water in the territories of Luhansk Oblast, occupied since 2014, suggesting it's better suited for technical purposes only.

Reference: Russia occupied Bilohorivka in 2022, but Ukraines Armed Forces liberated it on 19 September.

Support UP or become our patron!
The presidential elections in Russia scheduled for March will have an impact on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Estonian General Staff has suggested.

Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, citing Colonel Tarmo Kundla, Head of the Operations Division of the Estonian Defence Forces General Staff, as reported by European Pravda

Details: "The upcoming presidential election in Russia will affect the efforts of both sides. Russia is still trying to achieve a tactical victory, however minor but noticeable," said Colonel Kundla.

In turn, Ukraine is pushing its military operations further into Russia's interior, hitting important targets, he added.

Kundla noted that Russia's operational and tactical tasks remain unfulfilled, as Ukraine's defences are holding, and Ukrainians continue their operations on Russian territory.

The officer expects that in the coming weeks, Russian troops will raid Ukrainian territory in the border areas of Russias Belgorod and Ukraines Kharkiv oblasts to build up Ukrainian units there and lure Ukrainian forces into moving additional formations from the Kupiansk front.

At the same time, the Donetsk front remains the main foothold for the Russian army. Intense fighting is underway near the settlements of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Donetsk.

Kundla explained that Russian troops have pushed forward on the Avdiivka front, although Ukrainian supply routes have not yet been cut: "The situation is quite critical from Ukraine's point of view, but the fighting is ongoing."

The intensity of the Russian military actions on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts has been much more moderate, with Russia failing to achieve any success. Ukrainian footholds on Kherson Oblast's left bank are also holding.

"In general, the initiative at the front is still in the hands of the Russian Armed Forces. They have not achieved great success, but there have been small shifts. The situation in Avdiivka is relatively critical, but Ukraine's defence is holding," Kundla said.

In his opinion, the replacement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not bring any changes to the front in the immediate future.

Earlier, UK Defence Intelligence noted that the latest Ukrainian strike on the Belbek airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea further derailed the potential of Russian aircraft.

Support UP or become our patron!
Sacramento City Unified School District and its largest teachers union have agreed to raises for teachers and to lower class sizes as part of a two-year contract agreement announced Friday night.

SCUSD and the Sacramento City Teachers Association released a joint statement detailing the contract, which ensures teachers in the district will remain the highest compensated educators in the greater Sacramento region.

This new two-year pact, subject to ratification by teachers and the districts board of trustees, comes less than a year after the two sides agreed to double-digit raises for educators ahead of the contract reopener.

The new deal would lock in pay and benefits for teachers through the summer of 2025. The deal was hammered out Tuesday, according to the districts labor negotiations webpage.

After last years raises of 10%, retroactive to July 2022, county officials warned the district serving 43,000 students would have limited reserves by the 2025-26 fiscal year and said further raises could strain the districts finances.

However, there was no mention of strain in the districts finances in Fridays announcement. The new deal emphasized retention of teachers, smaller classroom sizes and additional services for students with special needs.

We have the opportunity to make significant improvements to students learning conditions, while simultaneously making Sac City Unified a great place for educators to make a career, said Nikki Milevsky, a school psychologist and SCTAs president, in the statement. Sac City leaders are proving that when they work with educators great things can happen.

How much are teachers raises under deal?

If ratified, SCUSD teachers would receive an across-the-board 6% increase in pay for the 2023-24 academic school year, retroactive to July 1. The amount is broken down to a 4% raise and 2% reallocation to retiree health insurance contributions, according to the terms of the deal.

There also would be a 2% ongoing salary increase for the 2024-25 academic school year.

Not part of the final deal was a 1.5% additional increase in district contribution to health insurance benefits, according to the terms signed off by the district and SCTA. The deal says that change paved the way for the 6% pay bump  up from 4%  for the current school year.

Smaller class sizes for SCUSD students

The two-year contract also specifies a reduction of classroom sizes for students in certain grade levels across some of the districts 81 campuses.

 Fourth- through sixth-grade classrooms would be capped at 30 students, down from 33 under the previous contract. A joint committee, however, would need to figure out how to implement those changes, the two sides said in the statement.

 Classrooms in seventh through 12th grades would also be set lower at 32 students, down from 35.

Both class size reductions would come in the 2025-26 school year, officials said, and would only affect core subject classrooms: English, math, science, and social studies.

The district and the union said SCUSD plans to hire additional staff to help students educational needs, too. The district would also change the hiring timeline and provide greater flexibility for hiring managers so more schools are fully staffed for the start of each academic year.

The deal also outlays plans to hire librarians for all secondary schools (sixth grade and above), as well as additional school nurses and behavior intervention specialists to support the social-emotional needs of students.

This agreement affirms Sac City Unifieds commitment to providing our students with the staffing support and resources they need to thrive and succeed, said interim Superintendent Lisa Allen. It also enables district staff to put their full focus toward improving student achievement and outcomes.

SCUSD tackles deals as county warns of cash crunch

The deal also comes three months after the district hammered out a deal with classified school workers  custodians, bus drivers, instructional aides and food service workers  that gave them a 10% pay increase and an $18 minimum wage.

Ahead of that deal, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools Dave Gordon warned district officials in a September letter that SCUSDs reserves could shrink below a state-mandated minimum of $14.5 million if teachers and other staff get a pay raises.

Gordons letter noted the district had enough cash through 2026 but, six years ago, the district faced the possibility of a state takeover amid a deep budget crisis that had set in by 2018. That fall, Sacramento County education officials for the first time rejected the school districts budget due to projected deficits.

Any cash crunch, even if two years down the road, wasnt addressed in Fridays statement, nor was the hostility that followed a strike by teachers in March 2022 that shut down schools for eight days. The strife crippled campuses as teachers squared off with then-superintendent Jorge Aguilar over more pay and a challenging teacher shortage.

In fall 2017, Mayor Darrell Steinberg brokered a deal between Aguilar and the teachers union to avert a strike during stalled contract negotiations.

Lavinia Phillips, the SCUSD Board of Trustees president, lauded the changes as a way to support academic growth and overall well-being.

The SCUSD Board appreciates the proactive work of both negotiation teams to reach an agreement.

When the union members would vote on the deal was not known, but the districts trustees were likely to sign off on the deal at its next meeting Thursday.
Reporting from Israel

In his recent reporting from Israel, Mark Patinkin seems to have spent much of his time in shops, suburbs and cafes, creating the impression that Israel remains a beautiful place despite the atrocities committed by Hamas on Oct. 7.

He toured and shared photos of a damaged kibbutz where some of those attacks occurred and described the horrors endured by the victims. Mr. Patinkin also profiled a few Israelis and Palestinians affected by the violence in the region and ventured into Gaza embedded with Israeli soldiers to describe a neighborhood reduced to rubble.

Glaringly missing from Mr. Patinkin's reporting is the ongoing horror of Israel's relentless bombing of civilians in Gaza and the United States' complicity in this genocide. An estimated 27,000 Palestinians have been killed in a territory in which nearly half the population is under 18. These deaths include several thousand women and children and many elderly and people with disabilities.

Mr. Patinkin failed to describe children whose entire families have been killed or the devastating injuries suffered by thousands of children unable to obtain adequate treatment from Gaza's bombed-out hospitals and clinics. Nor did he describe the widespread hunger caused in part by the U.S. defunding the UN relief agency in Gaza without an alternative plan for getting desperately needed aid to civilians.

Reporting around the safe edges of catastrophe without addressing the catastrophe itself is an egregious disservice to its victims as well as to newspaper readers.

Lenette Azzi-Lessing, Bristol

Editor's note: In fact, one of Mark's stories showcased interviews of people inside Gaza discussing the humanitarian crisis there, and two other stories focused on Palestinian voices from the West Bank.

Ora and Ihab Balha, who founded the Orchard of Abraham's school in Jaffa, the only mixed Jewish-Arab lower school in the city.

Both sides of the divide

Mark Patinkin is a very talented writer and reporter. His articles from Israel and Gaza that described the suffering that Israeli and Palestinian people are enduring were both enlightening and heartbreaking. Reading them I could easily put myself in his shoes.

Of all the articles Mark wrote and all of the people he interviewed, one interaction during his last interview stands out the most.

Interviewing the wife of the Jewish-Arab couple who built and run a combined Jewish-Arab school in Jaffa, Israel, Mark asked what she and her Arab husband were raising their three children as. Her heartwarming and simple reply, "Humans."

Hopefully, one day the world's religious factions will realize that, regardless of faith, we are all humans first.

Lonnie Barham, Warwick

Trump to blame for Iran's terrorism

In another attempt to rewrite history in favor of Donald Trump, Peter Buonfiglio ("Biden administration appeasing Iran," Letters, Jan. 18) claims Trump had Iran in a near total collapse!

In 2015, Obama had an agreement with Europe, China and Russia, years in the making, forcing Iran to stop nuclear research and provide access to inspections. Despite warnings from his own advisers, Trump scrapped the deal.

No other nation supported Trump in this; he just wanted to erase any progress made by Obama. This resulted in Iran rebuilding its supply of uranium, used for nuclear capabilities. Now, Trump warns of nuclear war with Iran!

This stable genius is, once again, on his way to crashing through the world with his chest-thumping lack of basic knowledge and his followers continue to believe he is the messiah. He now wants to demolish the bipartisan immigration legislation so he can use that issue in his bid for election. Trump will continue to do what is good for Trump at the expense of the country and the MAGA sheep bleat on and on.

Richard Donelly, Providence

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Saturday letters: Mark Patinkin's reporting from Israel; Trump and Iran
Rep. Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector-turned-lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party, has proposed a bill calling for the designation of a commemorative day for North Korean defectors, his office said Saturday.

Ji submitted a revision to the North Korean Defectors Protection and Settlement Support Act, which aims to designate July 8 as a commemorative day for defectors from the North. The date is when the government resettlement facility for North Koreans, called Hanawon, first opened in 1999, his office said.

"Hanawon plays a decisive role in the resettlement of North Koreans, as the facilities provide education as well as policy support. We anticipate the bill could improve how we view and think of North Korean defectors, who are still socially vulnerable," Ji's office said.

During a Cabinet meeting last month, President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed the unification ministry to designate a day for North Korean defectors. The unification ministry has since been working on the order while lawmakers have submitted bills presenting their opinions on an appropriate date.

Last month, another defector-turned-lawmaker, Rep. Tae Yong-ho, also proposed designating Aug. 26 as the special day for North Korean defectors. The proposed date is when the Soviet Union officially closed off the 38th parallel in 1945, leading to the division on the Korean Peninsula.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun proposed designating July 14, the day when the defector settlement and support act was enforced in 1997.

South Korea has a longstanding policy of accepting any North Korean defectors who want to live in the South and repatriating any North Koreans who stray into the South if they want to return.

According to the data from Seoul's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs, the total number of the North's defectors in the country is over 34,000. (Yonhap)
With Valentines Day right around the corner, many South Carolina culinary enthusiasts may be looking for the best new areas to plan their reservations.

Luckily, Mixbook, a highly-rated photo book company, recently ran a survey ahead of the famed holiday of 3,000 couples to uncover the best destinations across the country where couples wish to dine for their anniversary.

Of these responses, four areas across the Palmetto State ranked highly among the best locations in the country for couples to experience the local culinary scene for special occasions. Two of these locales even ranked among the top 10.

First of these is the Lowcountry destination of Hilton Head Island in the states southernmost region.

Hilton Head took third overall of 200 total best districts for dinner dates in America as the resort destination is acclaimed for upscale dining against the backdrop of a picturesque island.

Its relaxed and elegant atmosphere, combined with stunning natural beauty, makes it a prime choice for sophisticated dining in a coastal setting, detailed the survey.

Next, Myrtle Beach landed in 10th overall for its oceanfront dining experiences, both casual and upscale, for its idyllic scenery and backdrop for a romantic evening.

Charlestons Historic District was ranked 46th overall, while downtown Greenville came in at 181st on the list.

The top 10 destinations that serve as the best districts in the nation for a romantic dining experience, according to the study, include:

North Beach, California Coconut Grove, Florida Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Florida Keys, Florida South Beach, Florida Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Little Haven, Florida Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona Renos Riverwalk District, Nevada Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Dining, South Carolina
Donald Trump warned National Rifle Association members Friday that Democrats would change the name of Pennsylvania if their party wins at the polls in November.

The former president, during an hour-plus speech in Harrisburg, reflected on his election victory in the state back in 2016 before declaring that his 2024 campaign to retake the White House must be victorious.

Or were not going to have Pennsylvania. Theyll change the name, Trump said. Theyre going to change the name of Pennsylvania.

Trump also mentioned efforts in the U.S. to reexamine naming things after historical figures, such as schools named for George Washington.

Thats one even I thought was safe. Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, their names are now in danger, he said.

Trumps claim about Pennsylvania comes roughly one month after headlines about the National Park Services proposal to remove a statue of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, from a park in Philadelphia.

The statue, local news site Billy Penn noted, is a small version of one atop City Hall, which is arguably the highest profile statue in Philadelphia and limited the height of development throughout the city.

The park service rescinded its proposal following criticism, including from Pennsylvania state Rep. Bryan Cutler (R), who claimed that President Joe Biden and his administration were trying to cancel Penn.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) wrote at the the time that he had been in contact with the Biden administration to correct this decision over the statue.

Im pleased Welcome Park will remain the rightful home of this William Penn statue  right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Penn founded, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump says if he doesnt win the election, Pennsylvania will cease to exist because they will change the name pic.twitter.com/eGyY5GiEMF  Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2024

Trumps claim about Pennsylvania led to mockery from online critics, with one social media user saying, Scare tactic much?

Conservative attorney George Conway, a frequent Trump critic, jokingly wrote that the former presidents remarks were perfectly normal.

Finally.



Pennsyltucky shall rise   Bill DeMayo (@BDeMayo) February 10, 2024

It should finally take its original name of New Wales https://t.co/xiBWfrwkfQ  Thor Benson (@thor_benson) February 10, 2024

Fettermania has a nice ring to it. https://t.co/Q8QCC3oAph  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 10, 2024

You hit this one out the park Donald. Great speech. https://t.co/dOmXM6W8vH  Ben Meiselas (@meiselasb) February 10, 2024

It's funny how we've decided this shit is awesome and cool but when Biden mixes up a name he needs to resign https://t.co/Kxm0thO3a5  flargo (@sorkincel) February 10, 2024

Related...
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) sits next to US President Joe Biden at a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at the White House. Michael Kappeler/dpa

US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned against any relaxing of Western support for Ukraine during the German leader's visit to the White House on Friday.

Scholz said that if the US Congress did not manage to vote in favour of further funding for Kiev, the ability of the Ukrainian armed forces to defend their own country against the Russian invasion would be threatened.

Support from the United States was "essential," Scholz said.

"We are both convinced that this must happen, but also confident that the US Congress will in the end come to a decision [to provide aid]," he said after the talks with Biden, which lasted about one hour and 45 minutes.

Biden, who has been trying for months to get billions in new aid through parliament, has warned that a failure by Congress to approve it would be "close to criminal neglect."

Ahead of the meeting, Scholz said the funding was crucial also to send a clear message to the Russian President Vladimir Putin about solid Western support. He condemned "lies" that Putin had told about the war.

Biden for his part praised Germany for its support for Ukraine: "You've done something no one thought could get done: You've doubled Germanys military aid to Ukraine this year. And it's really important."

"We got to step up and do our part now," Biden said ahead of the talks.

The meeting between Scholz and Biden was the centrepiece of a short 24-hour visit by Scholz to the US capital, his third such trip since Scholz became chancellor in 2021.

Republicans in the US Congress have so far blocked further aid packages for Ukraine, while Scholz has struggled to cajole fellow European leaders into substantially increasing funding and weapons shipments for Ukraine's military.

Scholz's lobbying efforts have focused in particular on several large, wealthy European countries such as France, Spain and Italy.

On Thursday night, Scholz dined at the German ambassador's residence with US senators, including members of Donald Trump's Republican Party. The main topic here too was aid to Ukraine.

Trump, who will likely be the Republican nominee to challenge Biden in the November elections, has criticized further aid for Ukraine.

Scholz and Biden also discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, and the war in the Middle East.

Scholz insisted that any Israeli actions in Gaza must be in accordance with international law.

According to a White House statement, the leaders discussed efforts to prevent regional escalation and underscored the imperative to protect civilians in Gaza.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) sits next to US President Joe Biden at a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at the White House. Michael Kappeler/dpa
South Korea's point man on North Korea said Saturday the government will keep pushing for reunion of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, saying Pyongyang's provocations will not deter Seoul's drive.

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho made the remark after attending an annual gathering of separated families and others who were born in North Korea but ended up south of the border following the war. To mark the Lunar New Year, they came to pay their respects to their ancestors and family members in North Korea by taking bows in that direction from the border town of Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

"We will not give up on our pursuit of fundamental solutions to the problems regarding separated families and abductees," Kim said. "The government will not be affected by any type of provocation or action from North Korea."

Kim said Seoul will remain open to dialogue with Pyongyang on humanitarian matters and added, "North Korea must respond seriously without any political considerations whatsoever."

Kim said any effort to address inter-Korean humanitarian issues must begin with the restoration of an inter-Korean liaison communication channel, while also blaming Pyongyang for the strained ties between the Koreas.

"We urge North Korea to normalize that communication channel, which it unilaterally cut off in April last year," Kim said. "To separated families, who suffered through the war and division on the Korean Peninsula, the recent series of actions taken by North Korea is absolutely deplorable. North Korea must halt provocations that threaten the survival of our people and must not ignore the pain of separated f amilies."

In recent years, aging members of separated families in South Korea have died without having a chance to meet with their long-lost relatives in the North amid strained inter-Korean ties.

The number of surviving separated family members came to 39,881 as of the end of November 2023, with 65.6 percent of the total aged 80 and older, government data showed.

The divided Koreas have held 21 rounds of reunions since the landmark summit of their leaders in 2000, bringing together more than 20,000 family members who had not seen each other since the war. The two sides last staged temporary family reunions in 2018.

In 2022, South Korea proposed holding talks with North Korea on family reunions, but the North has yet to respond to the offer. (Yonhap)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WFXR)U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine wrote a joint letter in support of the FCCs proposal to expand the E-Rate program, helping schools and libraries access affordable internet services.

Under the proposal, the E-Rate program would be updated to allow schools and libraries to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators. In the letter, Warner and Kaine call for the expansion and modernization of the program to help reduce educational disparities and ensure that all students have internet access.

With millions of students at risk of losing internet access at home, we are glad to see the FCC exercising this authority and modernizing the E-Rate program, wrote the Senators in the letter. We encourage the Commission to provide schools and libraries with the flexibility to adapt their programs to local conditions while continuing to effectively guard against fraud and waste.

Gov. Youngkin announces $14.5 million Mack facility expansion coming to Roanoke Valley

Students who do not have internet access at home face significant disadvantages in school. By expanding the E-Rate program, the senators hope to provide devices for connectivity for students and educators at home and help prevent students from losing their internet access.

[We] are excited that the Commission has proposed to update the E-Rate program to allow schools and libraries to provide Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services to students and educators, wrote the Senators, This proposal properly recognizes that learning now extends beyond the physical premises of school buildings.

For more information on the E-Rate program, visit the FCCs website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Senegal President Macky Sall poses during an interview with The Associated Press at the presidential palace in Dakar, Senegal, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Senegalese President Macky Sall defended his decision to postpone elections as violent protests erupted across the country on Friday.

In his first interview since announcing the delay, Sall brushed off allegations that the decision was unconstitutional and that he'd created a constitutional crisis, saying the country needed more time to resolve controversies over the disqualification of some candidates and a conflict between the legislative and judicial branches of government.

But much of the public fears that Sall, who faces term limits, is just seeking to delay leaving office.

Senegal is one of West Africa's most stable democracies, but the presidential vote has been dogged by controversies from deadly protests that resulted in Sall announcing that he would not seek a third term, to the disqualification of two opposition leaders by the highest election authority.

Sall denied that he's trying to hold on to power. I am absolutely seeking for nothing except to leave a country in peace and stability, said Sall. "I am completely ready to pass the baton. I have always been programmed for that.

Sall spoke to the AP inside the presidential palace in the capital, Dakar, while outside, hundreds of protestors took to the streets, burning tires, throwing stones and blocking traffic as security forces used tear gas to disperse them. At least one student was killed on a school campus following demonstrations in the countrys northern city of Saint Louis, according to a statement from the public prosecutor.

Our future is at stake, we have to fight, said Mohamed Sene, a protestor in Dakar.

Sall, who came to power in 2012 and is set to finish his two terms on April 2, postponed elections scheduled for Feb. 25 just as campaigning was set to begin.

Salls bid to delay the election came amid tensions over who was allowed to run. The Constitutional Council, the highest election authority, blocked a major party candidate because he held dual citizenship with France at the time he filed to run. Karim Wade, the son of a former president and candidate for the Senegalese Democratic Party, accused two Council members of corruption and appealed to parliament to delay the election.

Sall said his decision to intervene was necessary to prevent worse electoral chaos.

I dont want to leave behind a country that will immediately plunge into major difficulties, said Sall. I am saying now that I am going to work for appeasement, for conditions that will allow the country to be peaceful ... lets all hold inclusive discussions before we go to elections, he said.

Senegals parliament voted Monday to delay the election until Dec. 15 in a chaotic process that took place after opposition lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chambers.

The constitution empowers the Constitutional Council to reschedule the vote in certain circumstances including the death, permanent incapacity or withdrawal of candidates. But parliament's attempts to change the legislation violates some clauses of the current constitution, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Earlier this week, more than a dozen opposition candidates filed an appeal with the supreme court to overturn the decree.

The Constitutional Council is expected to rule within approximately a week as to whether it agrees with the parliament's conclusion. However, when pressed, Sall wouldn't say whether he would accept the courts decision if it rejected the delay.

It is too early for me to consider this prospect ... When the decision is made, I will be able to say what I will do, he said.

Conflicts analysts say the postponement of the election in a country that used to be seen as a beacon of democratic stability is likely to accelerate democratic decline in West Africa, a region plagued by coups and insecurity.

The current trend threatens to tarnish Senegals reputation and risks enabling anti-democratic practices by elected leaders in other West African countries, said Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

Senegalese faith in democracy has significantly declined under Sall, with more than half of citizens saying their country is less democratic now than it was five years ago, according to Afrobarometer, an independent survey research network. Rights groups accuse authorities of repressing the media, civil society and the opposition. Human Rights Watch said nearly 1,000 opposition members and activists have been arrested across the country in the last three years.

Two experts at the U.S. Institutes of Peace wrote that Sall was responsible for the crisis he cited to delay the election, calling them disputes that his administration, and a presidentially appointed constitutional council, have largely created by barring prominent opposition figures or their parties from the electoral process.

Several opposition members, including Sall's strongest opponent, Ousmane Sonko, have been imprisoned.

Sonko's candidacy was also rejected, due to a conviction by the Supreme Court for defamation against a minister. Sonko's supporters maintain his legal troubles were part of a government effort to derail his candidacy for this year's elections.

On Friday, Sall called on the international community to show restraint and understanding while Senegal was going through a challenging time. He said the path forward includes launching a national dialogue, which could begin as early as next week. The goal is to foster trust and create an inclusive environment for elections, he said.

During periods of fragility, we have to be careful ... The country must navigate this stage of electoral transition with complete lucidity and tranquility, so that the country continues to move forward, said Sall.

But a Senegal expert said the only way out of the current crisis is for the government to release opposition candidates from jail, for Sall to end his tenure on time and for the Constitutional Council to annul the decree.

Senegal is in real danger of plunging into violence and chaos, said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank. Its a citizens revolution against dictatorship and theres no end in sight, he said.

___

Associated Press reporter Babacar Dione contributed from Dakar.
Alex Aiken, who has accepted a top communications job in the UAE, dressed up as a soldier during a Territorial Army recruitment day in London in 2013 - DAN DENNISON/GETTY IMAGES/GETTY

A senior civil servant advised the United Arab Emirates on public service communications during taxpayer-funded trips before accepting the post of communications chief at the Emirati foreign ministry, The Sunday Telegraph can disclose.

Alex Aiken, the Governments executive director of communications, went on five official visits to the UAE - one of which cost taxpayers 8,600 for business-class travel, accommodation and meals.

Last week the Cabinet Office announced that Mr Aiken was quitting his 150,000-a-year post to become communications adviser to the UAE foreign ministry. Shortly afterwards, Mr Aikens wife, Nickie, a deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said she intended to quit at the next election to support her husband in his new role.

However, last weeks announcement prompted concerns about the rules governing the appointments that senior civil servants can take up after leaving Whitehall. MPs raised concerns that Mr Aiken was being permitted to continue in his post for the remainder of his notice period, having accepted a job working for an overseas government.

Now The Sunday Telegraph has learnt that Mr Aiken visited the UAE five times in the space of four years, between 2015 and 2019. The Cabinet Office insisted that Mr Aiken did not discuss job opportunities on any of the trips.

Seven-strong Supreme Council

On one trip, in 2018, he addressed an international conference on government communications hosted by the Emirate of Sharjah and opened by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi, Sharjahs ruler and a member of the UAEs seven-strong Supreme Council.

He was filmed at the event wearing a lapel pin featuring the Union and UAE flags and saying: Im fundamentally here to talk to our friends in the UAE about how we develop the practice of public service communications.

His other trips took place in February 2015, January 2017, May 2017 and April 2019. In both 2017 and 2019 he held official meetings with representatives of the UAE government, The Sunday Telegraph understands.

The disclosure comes after The Telegraph revealed that Mr Aiken hosted a 20-person official delegation from Abu Dhabi last May as part of a new initiative billed by the Foreign Office as the UK-UAE inaugural Strategic Dialogue 2023.

UAE has come under scrutiny over its human rights record and curbs on freedom of expression. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE president, described Vladimir Putin as his dear friend during a state visit by the Russian president in December.

The UK Government is currently considering whether to approve an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph and the Cabinet Office, the department in which Mr Aiken is based, has faced calls by MPs to review the bid on national security grounds.

Proposed takeover

Mr Aikens official biography on gov.uk states that his role includes leadership of cross government work on national security, but a Cabinet Office spokesman said he has not been involved in any discussions related to the proposed takeover of the Telegraph.

His role with the UAE government was approved under an official process carried out within the Cabinet Office and under which Mr Aiken is banned from using any privileged information from his time in Whitehall, and is prohibited from lobbying the UK ministers and officials for two years.

The Cabinet Office spokesman added: Mr Aiken last visited UAE five years ago, in 2019, predating any discussions about a role with the UAE government.

At no time did he discuss any future employment opportunities.

His new role has been vetted through the Cabinet Office Business Appointment Rules process. He will abide by the standard conditions governing senior civil service external appointments.

Other countries visited by Mr Aiken since his appointment in 2013 include the US, France, Australia, Singapore and Tunisia.

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.
Russia attacked a gas station at night. as a result of which residential buildings caught fire

Seven people, including 4- and 7-year-old children and a 6-month-old infant, were killed in a deadly overnight Russian Shahed kamikaze drones attack on Kharkiv, the citys Military Administration head Oleh Synehubov reported on Telegram Feb. 10.

The attack targeted a gas station, causing a fire that spread to nearby private houses after a fuel spill, completely destroying at least 15 of them private homes, according to Kharkiv police chief Volodymyr Tymoshko.

 /Telegram

Read also: Russian S-300 missiles kill infant, injure three women in overnight attack on Kharkiv Oblast

Fifty residents were evacuated from the affected area.

Firefighters managed to contain the fire in the residential quarter, saving 25 houses from spreading flames. Firefighting efforts continue. Law enforcement officials are investigating the site of the tragedy and taking DNA samples, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

 /Telegram

State Emergency Service

Read also: Four injured after Russia hits a hospital in Kharkiv Oblast with a guided aerial bomb

Thirty-one out of 23 Russian kamikaze drones were shot down over Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Russia has recently stepped up its missile and drone attacks on Kharkiv Oblast and regularly shells settlements in the region with artillery.

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
SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said that seven teenagers were in custody after a shooting near two Montgomery County schools on Friday afternoon.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said officers were dispatched to the area of University Boulevard West at Gable Street around 1:20 p.m. for a call about shots being fired. The listed location was close to Northwood High School and Forest Knolls Elementary School.

Arrests made in murder of 2-year-old boy shot in Prince Georges County; mother recovering from injuries

Responding officers got information that a group of teenage boys wearing mostly black clothing had run towards Sligo Creek Parkway near Tenbrook Drive.

MCPD dispatched its RAVEN 2 drone to help look for the teens. The drone quickly found them on the Sligo Creek Parkway Trail near Sligo Middle School.

MCPD and Maryland National Capital Park Police officers responded to the area. Police said that the teens ran towards the middle school, which was briefly placed on lockdown. Officers took all seven teens into custody at that time.

WATCH: Suspects wanted in Germantown Dollar General armed robbery

Police found two BB guns and shell casings from a handgun near the area of the initial shots fired call. Officers did not find the handgun.

Police said that the teens range between the ages of 14 and 15 years old. Several of them were not from Montgomery County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Rockefeller Centers owners were thinking outside the Rock  way outside  when they brought bar/restaurant Smith & Mills to the fabled Midtown complex.

The speakeasy-like lounge is a hiding-in-plain-sight delight.

The new venue was originally supposed to open a year ago, and its the last sort of place you expect in the landmarks underground concourse, which is teeming with office workers, tourists and people on their way to NBC studios upstairs. It could easily be in Tribeca, home of original-but-less luxe Smith & Mills, or even in East Williamsburg.

Close to the ice rink and steps from the bustling 5 Acres cafe, it lurks behind a windowless wall. Only a menu recently posted outside the door indicates its a public restaurant.

While other Rock Center eateries beckon us with windows and seats on the Concourse floor, fortress-like Smith & Mills seems intended to scare customers away. The entry vestibule is so dark, you expect to see a guy checking the list behind a velvet rope.

Close to the ice rink and steps from the bustling 5 Acres cafe, Smith & Mills lurks behind a windowless wall. Only a menu recently posted outside the door indicates its a public restaurant. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

The entry vestibule is so dark, you expect to see a guy checking the list behind a velvet rope. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

But walk in and youll find a charming, friendly room with little resemblance to its hard-edged Tribeca predecessor. Owners Akiva Elstein and Matthew Abramcyk (whos also behind the Golden Swan at the former Spotted Pig site) plushed it up with sexy, velvet burgundy booths and banquettes, a big egg-shaped bar and Deco-style ceiling fixtures.

The smartly curated soundtrack shuffles between bebop, hard bop, reggae, rock and soul  everything from Coleman Hawkins Chant to Grace Jones Esta Cara Me Is Conocida.

Its ideally attuned to the mellow vibe thats even more mellow after one of beverage director Robert Kruegers killer cocktails, such as the instantly tranquilizing One More, Thats Is, a potent elixir of bourbon, eight year-old rum, herbal Amaro Meletti and spicy Mole bitters.

The menu is a mainstream, fun-American mix from chef Miguel Diazs all-electric kitchen. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

The charming, friendly room bares little resemblance to its hard-edged Tribeca predecessor. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

Go for lunch, when the place is quiet, to enjoy the music. (Managers should consider adding the obligatory burger to the menu to draw in more of a midday crowd.)

Nights can be too raucous to hear yourself, much less to savor obscure tunes like a 1947 number by Marcel Thielemans & the Ramblers, a Belgian-Dutch jazz band. (Thanks, Shazam!) The boisterous crowd seems thrilled to booze it up while occasionally noshing on the menu.

There are raw bar items, crudo, bar snacks, small-plates and some larger dishes on offer. Its a mainstream, fun-American mix from chef Miguel Diazs all-electric kitchen. Most things I had were splendid. A $24 cavatelli with mushrooms, black truffles and fiore sardo was richly composed. Smoked trout (also $24) with trout roe and goat cheese with crisp brioche toast was luscious.

A $28 tuna crudo was a microscopic rip-off. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

At lunch, a 6-inch-long poboy with three large, sweet Louisiana Gulf Coast shrimp and spicy remoulade was delicious and satisfying  for a reasonable $24. Tamara Beckwith/NY POST

Some of the pricing is unappetizing. At lunch, a 6-inch-long poboy with three large, sweet Louisiana Gulf Coast shrimp and spicy remoulade was delicious and satisfying  for a reasonable $24. But a $28 tuna crudo was a microscopic rip-off.

A Mediterranean-style tuna sandwich sparked by Calabrian chili aioli and olive tapenade was another bargain for just $24. But why did the menu call it a salad?

I know, I brought it to the managers attention, our friendly waitress said.

Smith & Mills feels like a party, while 5 Acres (pictured) feels like Terminal 5 at JFK. Tamara Beckwith/NY Post

Smith & Mills reflects Rockefeller Centers effort to lure a hipper Midtown crowd than in the past when it had more generic eateries. The owner, Tishman Speyer, brought in Korean restaurant Naro, pasta spot Jupiter and the new America 5 Acres, along with Brooklyn music shop Rough Trade and indie bookstore McNally Jackson.

But Naro is hushed and esoteric, Jupiter tends sober and staid, and 5 Acres feels like Terminal 5 at JFK.

More than any other Rock Center venue, Smith & Mills feels like a party.
KITTERY, Maine  Federal funding could be directed to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to help take its ongoing dry dock expansion project over the finish line after original cost estimates have gone up by $500 million.

A $95 billion measure being weighed by the U.S. Senate includes $3.3 billion for the nations public shipyards, funding that would support dry dock projects in Kittery and at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted 67-32 to advance the bill  which includes billions in aid to humanitarian efforts in Gaza and other global hotspots and support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan  moving it to a final vote.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, said besides supporting American allies, the bill holds importance because a portion of the Department of Defense-allocated funding would help pay for the shipyards dry dock project, which the Navy initially projected to be $1.7 billion.

However, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, in 2023 the Navy reported in a five-year plan that the cost to finish the project actually now sits at $2.2 billion.

Making sure we finish the dry dock expansion is the most critical piece and the estimate for that project turned out to be under what the actual cost is, so we've needed to add funding to complete that, Shaheen told Seacoastonline in an interview on Wednesday. I think what's in this bill will do that.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Seavey Island in Kittery, Maine.

The exact amount of money going to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard if the bill passes has not been determined, according to Shaheens office.

Shaheen says funds for shipyard are vital

The dry dock projects in Kittery and Pearl Harbor are part of the Navys Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), a 20-year, $21 billion effort to improve dry docks, equipment and facilities at the nations four public shipyards. In June, however, the U.S. Government Accountability Office stated that the projected costs and scope of the SIOP have grown since 2018.

"The Navy's four public shipyards are critical to maintaining the readiness of its fleet of aircraft carriers and submarines, the offices study states. However, the condition of their dry docks and facilities is poor, and their equipment is generally past its useful life. Further, the Navy reports that without improvements to shipyard infrastructure, it will be unable to support almost a third of the planned maintenance periods for aircraft carriers and submarines through 2040, hindering fleet readiness.

In September 2021, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro called the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard a beacon to our silent service in a groundbreaking ceremony for the dry dock project in Kittery.

The Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 would also assist with the countrys role in the AUKUS partnership, a trilateral agreement between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom to elevate each other's submarine industrial bases.

A piece of that is to help implement our agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom to improve the capabilities for submarine warfare and nuclear warfare for Australia, Shaheen said of the bill. As we're looking at how we provide balance to China and the Indo-Pacific, that agreement with Australia is really important.

More: Union wins parking fight with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: How ruling could help Kittery

The AUKUS agreement was formally launched by the three partners in September 2021.

Shaheen spoke about the broader anticipated impacts of the national security supplemental bill, if it ultimately is greenlighted by Congress.

The bill covers aid to Ukraine, to Israel and to the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan specifically. It also provides humanitarian assistance to help people in Ukraine and Gaza in some other parts of the world where hunger is threatening malnutrition and famine, she said. A piece of it also is to provide for rebuilding our stock of weapons that have been depleted because of our work with Ukraine and those dollars will go to our defense industrial base, including funding that goes to the public shipyards. As we know, that's really important at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to help address the (dry dock expansion project through the) infrastructure optimization program, which is getting very close to completion at this point. We need to make sure that the funding is there to finish that so we can make sure we get our nuclear subs out.

Its really (all about) how important getting this emergency funding is to not just the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Shipyard, but to support our allies who are really depending on us and who are critical to our national security, so that they know the United States is a dependable partner, Shaheen added.

Questioned on naval submarines role in keeping America safe amid current global tensions, Shaheen said that the nation is a world leader with its technological advances and sits ahead of China on the matter.

It's important that we continue to invest in our submarine industrial base to make sure we stay ahead of our adversaries. That's part of it. We also know that the record at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has been one of the best, she said. I think it is the best of all of our public shipyards in terms of turning out their ships on time and within budget. We want to make sure that we can continue to do that because the faster we can put ships back into operations, the more important that is to our national security.

The Navys other two shipyards are Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Washington.

The national security supplemental was initially combined with a bipartisan deal that included funding for increased border security measures, though the Senate killed that tandem package on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Shaheen: Billions to help fund Portsmouth Naval Shipyard project
Lauren Hammond, who made history as the first Black woman elected to the Sacramento City Council, was remembered as a Sacramento trailblazer, leader and mentor to a league of new women leaders. Her legacy was reflected in the hundreds who gathered Friday for her memorial service at at her alma mater, California State University, Sacramento.

Hammond died unexpectedly Jan. 18, at the Sacramento home she shared with wife Margaret Maher. Hammond was 68.

This wonderful woman, this leader, loved her city and its people. Lauren always did the work, said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who worked alongside Hammond as a city council member. She was a fierce advocate for her district, but I admire her more for her quiet work mentoring, especially young women starting their careers.

Steinberg envisioned what Hammond told them: Be real. Show up. Do the work. Love your district, your community, your city, from your heart, he said. Look at the people who showed up today. Its legacy, and its earned.

In the crowd were childhood classmates from McClatchy High School and friends from Hammonds many years working in the California state Senate, many dressed in her signature colors of red and black. There were neighbors, advocates and the women she shepherded along their path to public service.

Among them, Sacramento City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela and State Sen. Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento, who spoke at the service.

She was iconic....She lit the path, said Ashby, who, a day earlier, adjourned the Senate chambers in Hammonds memory. She left a lasting impression. She helped so many of us.

And, the family who knew her simply as Lauren, sister, aunt, wife and friend.

You know her as an activist  and, yes, she was active  but she was Lauren. She was our sister. She broke ceilings, but she did other things, said sister Carol Hammond.

During the service, Hammond was remembered for devouring Walter Mosleys mystery novels set in her native Los Angeles and dancing to James Brown. Niece Claire Hammond remembered her aunts Saturday dance parties and a playlist of Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

Shed lift us up to touch the ceiling, Claire Hammond said. We felt like we were flying.

A lifetime of activism

Lauren Rochelle Hammond was born Nov. 27, 1955, in Los Angeles, and raised in Sacramento; her passion for public service and her lifelong activism stoked as a child by the 1965 Watts riots.

Lauren has been an inspiration for me. She had a glint in her eye, said local social justice advocate Diana Madoshi. As short as Laurens life was to me  Im 78  there are some people youll meet who are like the light of a candle. She is a candle that never goes out. Her legacy is that that candle brightly remains.

Hammond graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College before earning her degree in government at Sacramento State. She soon entered what would be a lifetime of public service: 22 years in the California State Senate as a contract administrator and the Senates Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act, before making history at Sacramento City Hall with her election victory in 1997.

Hammond served 13 years on the council, becoming only the second Black woman to sit on the dais after the historic 1975 council appointment of Oak Park community leader Callie Carney.

Hammond was the heart that is District 5, and fought fiercely for it, said former mayor Heather Fargo, Hammonds close friend and ally. Fargo dressed like so many on Friday in Hammonds signature black and red. Both became crucial mentors to local women entering the public sphere.

Stockton Boulevard, Franklin Boulevard, 24th Street  all the streets she worked so hard to improve, Fargo said. She worked so hard to improve those communities, to make them safer.

Hammond battled predatory lenders and fought for mandatory dashboard cameras in the citys police cruisers and body cameras for its officers years before other cities followed suit.

She would go on to lead the Sacramento chapter of the National Womens Political Caucus, identifying, recruiting and training women candidates for public office. She was planning the year ahead for the group at the time of her passing.

Her legacy is broad and very deep, Fargo said. And, its really the future, because she mentored so many other women to be in elected office that were going to see her legacy for a long, long time.

Hammond is survived by her wife, Margaret Maher, siblings Marcia, David, Carol and Kevin Hammond, her aunt, Fran Burton, cousins, nieces and nephews.
North Koreans celebrated the Lunar New Year, Saturday, dining on traditional food and playing folk games, while also paying tribute to their two late former leaders on one of the country's biggest holidays, Pyongyang's state media reported.

The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's main newspaper, published an article in its Saturday edition describing the Lunar New Year as "one of the holidays that our people enjoy the most."

According to the story, North Koreans clean up their homes and prepare traditional dishes to mark the Lunar New Year. The paper also said North Korean people dine on "tteokguk," a soup with rice cakes, with their family and perform "sebae," a formal bow, before the elderly  just as South Korean people do.

North Koreans also play folk games, including "yutnori," a board game played with four wooden sticks as dice.

Even though it's a holiday, North Koreans don't celebrate the Lunar New Year over an extended holiday, as South Koreans do.

Unlike in South Korea, where millions of people travel out of Seoul and its surrounding region toward their hometowns en masse during the weekend, North Koreans face travel restrictions.

In North Korea, the birthday of its founder, Kim Il-sung (April 15), called the Day of the Sun; and the birthday of Kim's son, Kim Jong-il (Feb. 16), known as Kwangmyongsong Day; are considered the two biggest holidays.

At the start of the new year, North Koreans typically visit Kumsusan Palace of the Sun or statues of the two Kims in their neighborhoods to pay tribute to their former leaders.

The reclusive regime began celebrating the Lunar New Year in 1989 on Kim Jong-il's order, and it became an official holiday in 2003.

The Korean Central News Agency claimed Saturday that it was thanks to Kim Jong-il's devotion to the Korean tradition that the people were able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with joy. (Yonhap)




PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  A 23-year-old man is dead and a 19-year-old woman is in custody according to Portsmouth police.

On Friday, Feb. 9 around 2:30 p.m., dispatch responded a call for a gunshot wound on the 1000 block of Frederick Boulevard near the Valvoline.

When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound and saw a woman running away from the scene.

Police took the woman, Ahleesha Sykes, into custody and charged her with first degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting in the commission of a felony.

The man was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators said Sykes and the victim knew one another and the incident was domestic related.

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Lunar New Year is celebrated today, but even as the city and a local business plan to hold a block party in celebration, one thing is clear: Living memories of San Luis Obispos Chinatown have become scarce.

At one time, it was one of the most vibrant enclaves on the West Coast. It was the cultural hub for over 2,000 workers on various projects including railroad and road construction.

But most of the site on Palm Street was bulldozed to make a city parking lot in the early 1950s.

Howard Louis and his father, Ah Louis, stand in San Luis Obispos Chinatown (what is now Palm Street near Morro Street) in 1936.

This story captures some of the lost sights and sounds, based on an interview with Howard Louis. He was one of eight children descended from Ah Louis, business pioneer and the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.

Ah Louis began his working career as a cook, a skill he carried his whole life.

Howard Louis fought to save his fathers historic store  the fourth building in San Luis Obispo built of brick, and featuring masonry made by one of Ah Louis many businesses  from the wrecking ball.

Howard died in 2008 at the age of 100.

Adam St. James wrote this story Feb. 9, 1996:

Ah Louis family remembers downtown San Luis Obispo of years past

Exclusion. The word carries immeasurable meaning in the history of San Luis Obispo.

Were it not for the Chinese Exclusion Acts of the 1890s, enacted by the federal government after anti-Chinese agitation flared up along the West Coast, San Luis Obispo might still have a bustling Chinatown.

Howard Toby Louis, son of Ah Louis, holds a Chinese New Year Banner on Nov. 26, 1992. It is depicting Kwan Yin, Caretaker of prosperity and Shou Hsing, god of Longevity. He is at the historic Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo. He was born in 1908, the youngest of eight children.

It was bustling in the late 1800s and even into the early part of this century. The block of Palm Street between Morro and Chorro streets  designated the Chinatown Historic District by the City Council in September 1995  once flourished with the sights, sounds and smells of another culture.

Scores of Chinese workmen roomed in redwood-planked buildings that stood on land now occupied by the Palm Street parking structure. They bought groceries and other necessities from the Ah Louis store, worshiped  if they felt the need  in special shrines to the Buddhist and Taoist faiths and ate in small restaurants and community dining rooms all located in that one city block.

They shared both a fellowship and a loneliness brought on by their common ancestry, and an intolerant turn-of-the-century American mood.

The Exclusion acts, according to Howard Louis, son of Ah and proprietor of the store his father opened 125 years ago, largely kept Chinese women from immigrating to America and joining the men who had done so much to improve the transportation infrastructure of the Central Coast. Despite their heroic efforts to blast and dig the Cuesta Grade roadways and railroad passages that brought San Luis Obispo out of its geographic isolation, the Chinese workers were not allowed the comforts of family life in their adopted home of California.

Had the Exclusion acts not been written, it is possible that Palm Street would today be awash in visions of Chinese women pulling small children through exotic, packed-to-the-rafters groceries. The sounds of the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects might fill the streets. And the scent of soy sauce sizzling on a cast-iron wok would waft into the neighborhood, beckoning the hungry to eat.

Howard Louis remembers it almost like that.

Howard Wong Louis saved the Ah Louis building from the wrecking ball when city planners wanted a big parking lot in the 1950s. He would sometimes close the store and go fishing with nieces and nephews. A funeral was held August 22, 2008 at Reis Family Mortuary.

In the backyard behind the store, he said last week, reminiscing about the old days, we had two brick ovens, like a hogan  a bee-hive, with a two-foot diameter opening in the top, and a hole at the bottom to clean the ashes out of. We had stacks of oak wood to stoke it up. My father would get a live pig from the ranch, skin it and lower it into the oven with a yardarm. They roasted that pig all day and when it comes out, boy is it aromatic. They used that five-spice and soy sauce.

The Louis family  Ah, his eight children, assorted husbands and wives and later granddaughter Elsie  would gather around a table in the middle of the Ah Louis store and dine together. Those employed by Ah Louis would circle another table, and all would sit on teak-wood cubes while they shared a meal and friendly conversation.

Karson Butler Events, located at the historic Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo, is decorated for the Christmas holidays in 2021.

Men from the neighborhood would stop in to purchase pieces of the roast pig they had smelled cooking since 4 a.m.making the Ah Louis store perhaps the first fast food joint in town. It was young Howards job to keep the tea hot, keep the kerosene lamp clean and running, and during the daytime, care for the barnyard animals out back.

Where my warehouse is now used to be our barn. Two stories, hayloft and all. (There was) a horse buggy, and room for six horses in there. It was my duty to clean that place, he said with a laugh.

And next door to that barn was the living quarters for our cook and roustaboutswe had two. Beneath them were all the implements for our ranches, and above them, a pigeon loft. We had rabbits and chickens and ducks. It was my job and my brothers job to feed those damn things. And hogswe even had hogs in the back yard.

Elsie Louis is Howards niece, the daughter of Ah Louiss eldest son, Young. She remembers the animals, and in later years, the family gathering to eat in a room toward the back of a small wooden building next to the Ah Louis store. She says that one of the Louis boys would run out into the street and shout dinners ready, dinners ready and ring a triangle.

The doors would open all around, she said, and there would be all these men all running down the street to eat at the storeall these bachelors, all these men didnt have any homes. It was something that my grandfather just did for people, like the Peoples Kitchen. The boys would carry food into the store and let them eat, and it didnt matter how many people. Then my grandfather would come into the dining room where we (the family) were all sitting, and my grandfather would go to each dish and tell us what it was in it and explain every dish to us. He was a fantastic cook.

Dr. James Watson remembered his grand uncle Howard Wong Louis who died at the age of 100. Louis saved the historic Ah Louis Store from the San Luis Obispo city parking lot designers in the 1950s and kept the memory of Chinatown alive with his stories. Watson spoke at the funeral held at Reis Family Mortuary August 22, 2008.

The store provided more than just good food too. The Ah Louis store was the focal point in the neighborhood for celebrations of both Chinese and American holidays. Howard says that on Chinese New Year or the Fourth of July, the Louiss would light off massive strings of firecrackers.

We sold the biggest selection of firecrackers from L.A. to San Francisco, he said. Skyrockets, Roman candles. For Chinese New Year, we had huge strings of firecrackers from the roof  its 30 feet up there  over the top, out beyond the balcony, to the ground. Then we lit that and kept feeding it over  a 50-foot-long string of firecrackers. God almighty. Then the firecracker paper would be from curb to curb. I have good memories.

Today memories are most of what remains of San Luis Obispos Chinatown.

Happily, the Ah Louis Store is still open  when Howard and Yvonne, his wife of 54 years, are not traveling. The Mee Heng Low restaurant, operated since 1987 by Kim Huynh, still serves steaming plates of chop suey. And the old Shanghai Low restaurant, run for decades by George Gin, still looks like a Chinese restaurant  although now the menu features pizza and pasta.

For those who worked to claim historic status for the neighborhood, the vote of the City Council last September brought long-awaited recognition to the Chinese heritage of San Luis Obispo.

Dan Krieger, a Cal Poly history professor and an active member of the San Luis Obispo Historical Society, says that many hundreds of artifacts from the old Chinatown may one day be exhibited in a proposed new wing of the County Historical Museum.

There is little hope, though, that the hustle and bustle that pervades San Franciscos much larger and still lively Chinese enclave and that once permeated Palm Street  will ever return.

Helen Yung, granddaughter of George Gin, sadly accepts that fate for all who would hope otherwise when she says I wish, but I dont think so.

San Luis Obispo businessman and unofficial leader of Chinatown Ah Louis who lived 1840-1936. The labor contractor and store owner was patriarch of a large family and is seen here in photos provided by the Louis family.
Support SLO County Housing Reporting

 Support reporter John Lynchs coverage of housing and homelessness in SLO County by donating to The Tribunes Local Impact Journalism Fund. Go to sanluisobispo.com/donate.

San Luis Obispo County made $5.5 million in housing and homelessness assistance funds available for grant applications Friday morning, the Department of Social Services said in a news release.

The funding can be used to pay for homelessness prevention and shelter diversion efforts and service coordination, including access to workforce, education and training programs, the release said.

Applicants can also use the funds to cover the cost of rapid rehousing, rental assistance, supportive services that allow people to obtain and retain housing and street outreach to people experiencing homelessness, according to the release.

Funds may also be used to pay for the operation of navigation centers and emergency shelters, along with permanent and transitional housing opportunities, according to the release.

The following funds will be made available for applications on the countys website until March 1, the news release said:

$105,059 in fiscal year 2023 State Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program funds

$2,918,025 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 3 (HHAP-3) funds

$1,734,767 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 4 (HHAP-4) funds

$149,723 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program 2020 funds

$175,715 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program 2021 funds

$88,769 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program 2022 funds

$328,924 in HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program funds.

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will ultimately decide whether or not to approve an applicants funding request in April, according to the release.

In the past four years, ESG, HHAP and HOME Act funds have been used by San Luis Obispo County nonprofits to expand their staffs and increase shelter and outreach efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, in 2022 the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo used a $1.09 million ESG-CV grant  a COVID-19-specific variant of the ESG grant  to expand its case management and outreach team to five members at the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center.
California State Assemblymember Dawn Addis is out on medical leave after a surgery, she said in a news release on Saturday.

Im in good spirits, and I should be able to return to work in a couple weeks time, said Addis, who represents District 30, which includes parts of San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

In late December, Addis visited the emergency room for severe stomach pain. She then scheduled a surgery to remove a mass from her stomach.

Addis medical leave started during the second week of January, according to her chief of staff Julie Cravotto.

After the surgery, Addis confirmed that the mass was not cancerous.

I am grateful to health professionals on the Central Coast who took care of me and continue to monitor my progress, she said in the news release. At times like this Im reminded how important and urgent it is to ensure that every Californian has lifesaving medical care. I remain committed to expanding access to and improving the affordability of high quality health care.
U.N. experts say they are investigating 58 suspected North Korean cyberattacks between 2017 and 2023 valued at approximately $3 billion, with the money reportedly being used to help fund its development of weapons of mass destruction.

And the high volume of cyberattacks by North Korean hacking groups who report to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Koreas primary foreign intelligence organization, is reportedly continuing, the panel of experts said in the executive summary of a new report to the U.N. Security Council obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

The report covering the period from July 2023 to January 2024 and reflecting contributions from unidentified U.N. member nations and other sources, was sent to the 15-member council as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has raised tensions in the region. He is threatening to annihilate South Korea if provoked and escalating weapons demonstrations . In response, the United States, South Korea and Japan have strengthened their combined military exercises.

Amid the increased military and political tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the experts said North Korea continued to flout (U.N.) sanctions, further developed its nuclear weapons, and produced nuclear fissile material  the weapons key ingredient.

The experts said a light-water reactor at North Koreas main nuclear complex at Yongbyon appeared to be operational. South Koreas defense minister said in late December that the reactor would likely be formally operational by the summer, amid suspicions the North may use it as a new source of fissile material.

North Korea has long produced weapons-grade plutonium from its widely known 5-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon. The light-water reactor would be an additional source of bomb fuels, and observers say its bigger capacity could allow it to produce more plutonium. Yongbyon has a uranium enrichment facility as well.

The panel said activities at North Koreas Punggye-ri nuclear test site continued. U.S. and South Korean officials have said North Korea is likely preparing to conduct its seventh nuclear test from the site, which would be the first since 2017.

Outside estimates on the size of North Koreas nuclear arsenal vary, ranging from 20-60 to more than 100. Experts say North Korea can add six to 18 bombs each year. Since his diplomacy with the U.S. collapsed in 2019, Kim Jong-un has repeatedly vowed to build more nuclear weapons and introduce high-tech weapons to cope with what he calls intensifying U.S. hostility.

The panel said that during the six-month period ending in January, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea or DPRK  the Norths official name  launched at least seven ballistic missiles  one three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, one intermediate-range missile and five short-range ballistic missiles.

After two failed attempts, the DPRK successfully placed a military observation satellite in orbit, the experts said. And a diesel submarine was retrofitted as a tactical nuclear attack submarine and added to the Norths military arsenal.

The panel, which monitors U.N. sanctions against North Korea, said the DPRK continues importing refined petroleum products in violation of Security Council resolutions, using combinations of obfuscation methods to evade maritime sanctions.

The DPRKs recorded trade volume in 2023 surpassed the total for 2022, the experts said, including a large variety of consumer goods, some of which could be classified as luxury items that are banned by U.N. sanctions.

The panel said it is also investigating reports from member states about the DPRK supplying arms and ammunition in violation of U.N. sanctions.

The United States, Ukraine and six allies accused Russia last month of using North Korean ballistic missiles and launchers in a series of devastating aerial attacks against Ukraine, in violation of U.N. sanctions.

South Koreas military said in November that it suspected North Korea had sent an unspecified number of short-range ballistic missiles, anti-tank missiles and portable anti-air missiles to Russia, in addition to rifles, rocket launchers, mortars and shells in violation of U.N. sanctions.

During the six-month period, the experts said, trends include the DPRK targeting of defense companies and supply chains, and increasingly sharing infrastructure and tools.

The panel said it also investigated reports of numerous DPRK nationals working overseas, including in information technology, restaurants and construction, and earning income in violation of U.N. sanctions.

And in another sanctions violation, they said, The DPRK continues to access the international financial system and engage in illicit financial operations.

U.N. sanctions are not supposed to hurt ordinary North Koreans, but the panel said there can be little doubt that U.N. sanctions and their implementation have unintentionally affected the humanitarian situation and some aspects of aid operations. But it said their relative role remains impossible to disaggregate from many other factors. (AP)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Springfield Police Department is actively looking for a woman who is accused of taking her ankle monitor off and going on the run.

Officials said Keyannya Simpson, 42, was on pretrial release conditions after an arrest for retail theft. She was placed on a monitor on Wednesday, but officials said she removed it without authorization the following day.

A warrant for her arrest was issued the same day.

Decatur Police looking for missing teenager

Officials added that Simpson has been arrested 67 times in the past for various offenses. 24 were for larceny and theft, which resulted in seven convictions and prison sentences in both Illinois and Tennessee. The Sangamon County Circuit Clerks website indicates that Simpson, in that county alone, has been involved in 15 felony cases for theft and forgery since 2022.

The man hunt for Simpson is ongoing. Anyone who knows information regarding her whereabouts is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 217-788-8311 or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
When Port Orange native Ethan Rich was 6 years old, he took the stage in his theatrical debut  South Daytonas production of The Wizard of Oz. As he grew older, he became involved in Spruce Creek High Schools main productions and its theater club.

Rich, now 24, lives on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Since studying fine arts in theater at the University of Central Florida, he has appeared in a handful of shows for Disney+, ABC and HBO Max streaming networks, including American Born Chinese, Last of the Grads and Ke Nui Road, among others.

During his downtime, Rich returns to his Spruce Creek roots, helping theater arts teacher Jill Cicciarelli bring magic to life on stage.

I try to fly back from wherever I am whenever Mrs. Cicciarelli calls me that they need my help, Rich said in an email. Its become a huge part of keeping my artistic mind engaged  And not only is it an artistic outlet for me to be a part of the storytelling, (but) I get so pumped to see the students with the same passion that I had, and continue to have.

Libby McDonald, as Queen Elsa, sings, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, during dress rehearsal of Spruce Creek High School's production of Disney's "Frozen Jr."

The latest production is Disney's "Frozen Jr.," set to debut tonight.

Rich first pitched in as an alum for "Legally Blonde, The Musical" in the spring of 2021. He served as a technical designer and challenged himself to use projection mapping to create a dynamic set with only digital images.

But Rich isnt the only Spruce Creek theater alum helping out. Dylan Molitor, who graduated in 2016, serves as a technical theater teacher for the school, and Kim Ball, who graduated in 1994, is leading the productions choreography.

Ball began dancing at age 3. She performed at Walt Disney World throughout high school and college. At 18, she choreographed her first show, and over the past three decades, she has choreographed more than 100 productions across the country for professional, educational and community theaters.

Ball and Cicciarelli have been best friends since elementary school. "Frozen Jr. is the eighth Spruce Creek High show the two have collaborated on.

Working with young actors is such a rewarding job," Ball said in an email. "Some students come into the process with years of theater experience and some come in with no experience at all. So creating choreography for varied levels within a production can be a challenge. But, at the same time, (it's) the biggest reward because maybe this was the first time that a student with no experience had the courage to even perform in a show. Or, you watch a group of seniors perform a beautiful number that four years ago wouldve been too difficult.

For Cicciarelli, involving a community of alumni in the arts is important. She said doing so creates a full circle moment.

Its just nice to just have all these relationships you build, and they come back, and they see it from a different point of view. And the kids really, really appreciate everybody working together, she said. So its nice to collaborate together because sometimes, theater teachers are (a) one-person show, and so its really nice when you can have other grownups kind of coming in and supporting these programs because it's a lot.

But Cicciarelli wanted her theater department to connect with more people in the community than just Spruce Creek alumni. This season, she has worked especially hard to share her love of live theater with younger audiences.

I think from a personal standpoint, one of my most vivid memories as a child was when my elementary school brought in this group of performers, and  (I) remember sitting in that audience, and it kind of really sparked an interest for me personally in the arts and finding the empathy that these stories give to the kids, she said. They see people sometimes that maybe dont look like them or come from different backgrounds, and when you watch the art and experience live theater, you really kind of appreciate the community and the work that goes into the shows.

Lina Nasr, as Anna, and Victor Bissoondyal, as Hans, dance, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, during dress rehearsal of Spruce Creek High School's production of Disney's "Frozen Jr."

Cicciarelli said Disneys "Frozen Jr." was selected because it is a show that can resonate with anybody of any age.

Spruce Creek High School Theater is offering free performances of "Frozen, Jr. to local schools, and more than 1,000 students have already signed up to attend and stay after for a conversation with the company and creative team.

In addition to these performances, there will be six regularly ticketed shows, all performed at Spruce Creek High School:

7 p.m. today.

3 p.m. Saturday.

7 p.m. Feb. 10.

7 p.m. Feb. 16.

7 p.m. Feb. 17.

3 p.m. Feb. 18.

Lina Nasr, as Anna, and Libby McDonald, as Queen Elsa, react to Gavin Bryant, as Duke of Weselton, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, during dress rehearsal of Spruce Creek High School's production of Disney's "Frozen Jr."

Tickets are available at teachtix.com/sprucecreek.

After Saturday's matinee performance, the students are hosting Frozen Fest, a family-friendly afternoon filled with fun activities and food trucks.

We really wanted to reach out to the community and schools with our season this year, Moliter said in an email. We wanted to share with the community the hard work our students put into our program but, more importantly, share the arts with the next generation. There is nothing like live theater. It can be fun and entertaining, but also a chance for people to see different points of view.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Spruce Creek High's theater taps into alumni, younger audiences
The stabbing of a Palestinian-American man in Texas meets the definition for a hate crime, police said.

The incident occurred on Sunday, when Zacharia Doar, 23, was riding in a truck with three friends after a pro-Palestine protest near the University of Texas at Austin. Attached to the truck was a flagpole, from which theyd hung a keffiyeh scarf with Free Palestine written on it.

Bert James Baker, 36, rode up to the vehicle on a bike, opened the doors, and began shouting racial slurs at them, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Associated Press.

According to a statement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Mr Baker pulled Mr Doar out of the truck and physically attacked him. The three other passengers then got out and tried to subdue Mr Baker, who then allegedly stabbed Mr Doar in the rib.

Mr Doar was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and is recovering from surgery.

Mr Baker was arrested and has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He reportedly told police he was an alcoholic and had been drunker than usual at the time.

On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department said they had reviewed the case and determined it met the criteria for a hate crime. Theyve communicated the information to the district attorneys office, which will make the final decision if the case should be tried as a hate crime.

Mr Doar and his wife recently had a baby, his father, Nizar Doar, said in a press conference Tuesday.

The first thing that came to mind is, Im going to lose my son, he said. I was thinking, how am I going to tell them that I failed to protect my son?
Stark sheriff

The Stark County Sheriff's Office has planned its next community education program, called Weeding Out the Facts: 2024 Marijuana Laws.

The discussion will be 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Stark County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Training Center, 143 1st St. NE in Massillon.

Planned as an open discussion, attendees will dive into the new Ohio law that went into effect Dec. 7 that allows adults older than 21 to legally possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier said the goal is to provide clear information about what the law means for you and the community.

"We understand that changes in laws can sometimes create confusion, Maier said. Our goal with this program is to offer clarity on the recent changes in marijuana legislation as the law is currently written."

Among topics to be discussed are legal boundaries, personal responsibilities and community impacts.

Registration is open at sheriff.starkcountyohio.gov. Select Community Education. Space is limited.

For more information, call the Stark County Sheriffs Office Community Engagement Director at 330-430-3889.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Stark sheriff plans discussion of marijuana law
The world is going mad. As more and more people get lost in the swirling sewer of disinformation and conspiracy, even our most senior politicians seem unable to tell the difference between right and wrong, victim and perpetrator.

How else to interpret the response to October 7? It took the great and the good  ministers, ambassadors, august pundits and especially the grotesque UN  just over a week to begin condemning Israels response.

Just as Hamas knew they would, the worlds leaders lost no time in obsessively focussing on the apparent bloodlust of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) as indiscriminate killers of Palestinian children and women, never asking what kind of society leaves its women and children exposed, and uses them as shields, while its men hide behind them.

They used the false allegation of collective punishment to demand Israel down arms and leave Hamas and Gazas population alone. But the IDF isnt interested in killing civilians.

On the contrary, it has shown extraordinary restraint and care, attempting to limit civilian casualties, sometimes at considerable risk to the lives and limbs of its soldiers.

But recognising this requires our politicians to be honest about who the good guys and the bad guys in Israel and Gaza actually are, and the rot has progressed far too far for that to be possible.

The most surreal manifestation of this sickness afflicting the moral heart of the West is the surge in calls for Palestinian statehood. Nominally sensible, sober politicians are striding through Westminster and Whitehall, and through the corridors of power across the globe, making grand statements about a war they clearly dont understand.

They enjoy lecturing and finger wagging at Israel from the security of podiums, safe in the knowledge that they are far, far from the rockets and bullets of Hamas terrorists. They understand nothing of whats happening on the ground.

In their estimation, the horror and evil of October 7  the torture, kidnapping and massacre of Jews, men women and babies, in their beds and at play  is not to be met with military force, and the dismantling of Hamass terrorist organisation. It is to be rewarded.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron has already made a significant shift in British government policy, announcing that the UK could recognise a Palestinian state before a final deal with Israel was struck.

And speaking at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, David Lammy reportedly said that under a Labour government Britain it was not beyond contemplation that Labour might opt unilaterally to recognise a Palestinian state.

The message is clear: attack, invade, murder and provoke Israel into miserable and heavy-hearted retaliation and you will get your international stamp of legitimacy, the billions in support, and the power that goes with it all  including an indestructibility that could make Israels existence completely untenable.

Yet just last month, Sir Keir Starmer told The Jewish Chronicle there was no risk of Labour returning to Jeremy Corbyns policy of announcing a Palestinian state on day one in government.

Labours position, stated just weeks before, was to work alongside international partners to recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as part of efforts to contribute to securing a negotiated two-state solution.

Not, as Lammy has now said, for Britain to consider acting on its own steam, international partners be damned.

The reason for this shift is clear. Its not just that Labour is a party of endless U-turning  just this week it scrapped its pledge to spend 28 billion on green goals.

Its that once again its being eaten alive by those who hate Jews. Having pledged to make the anti-Semitism  the root of all the rabid anti-Zionism  of the Corbyn years a never again, it seems that resolve is being weakened thanks to the tantrums and bullying of the pro-Palestine bloc and its enablers.

Presented in the respectable tones of serious punditry, the reality is nonetheless savage: Many of Labours Muslim voters say their trust in the party has been severely compromised by Starmers refusal to call for a ceasefire sooner, and his ongoing refusal to call Israel  rather than Hamas and its numerous affiliates in Gaza  a bastion of war criminality.

They complain that Labour doesnt care about Muslim lives  another brisk inversion of the truth, which is that it is Hamas, the many other armed Palestinian militias and their thousands of supporters, including in Britain, that want Jews harmed, gaslit and rendered powerless.

Starmer has now capitulated to pressure to call for a sustained ceasefire, a weaselly term, and the immediate electoral damage may now be limited  Labour thinks it could lose four seats over Gaza.

But this doesnt change the fact that the pro-Palestine electorate coalesces around some very nasty beliefs about Israel, with worrying implications for Jewish safety and freedom of politics more widely.

And this bloc is used to getting what it wants. It has been protesting against Israels bombardment of Gaza with relative impunity, despite the presence of Isis-style flags, pogrom-inciting anti-Semitic placards and jihadi chants.

Starmer promised things would be different for Jews under his leadership. But given the endless flip-flopping of his party, even on a matter as serious as support for Israel, with which a Palestinian state is completely incompatible right now, it seems that all that was just hot air.

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.
As students continue to pay more for everything, one state representative wants to clamp down on the costliest part of secondary education.

State Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, has proposed a bill that would stabilize tuition costs for students at the Regent universities  the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University  during all four years they attend.

House File 2352 would provide affordable and accessible access to a college education and create stability and certainty for students, Zabner said.

"The truth is that when we deprive Iowa families and Iowa students of an education, we're depriving older folks of access to a nurse, to a doctor," Zabner said. "We're depriving small businesses across the state from having access to engineers and computer scientists, and it really creates challenges for us."

More: On the front lines: What Solon, Mt. Vernon newspaper editors say about unique DI purchase

How does Zabner's bill help?

If passed, beginning with the 2024-25 school year, students attending Iowa's Regent universities would have their tuition costs frozen for the four years they attend college.

That means an Iowa resident who enters the University of Iowa in the fall of 2024 paying roughly $11,000  the tuition cost estimated by the UI  would pay that same amount each year for the first four years, regardless of any tuition hikes approved by the state Board of Regents.

The Regents have approved multiple tuition increases over the past few years, including a 4.25% increase for in 2022-2023 and a 3% increase for 2023-24..

Zabner's bill would not infinitely freeze tuition at its current rate but would instead freeze it when a student's first year starts.

To cover the additional costs incurred by the universities without burdening students, Zabner has suggested the state appropriate additional money to the universities.

More: Judge orders stay in Short's legal battle, allowing downtown Iowa City location to remain open

The Old Capitol Building is seen on the first day of the Fall 2023 semester on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

A bill meant to help students

House Democrats believe that passage of Zabner's bill would save Iowa residents around $2,500 in tuition and fees over four years.

Around 430,000 Iowans are saddled with student loan debt. Those people, on average, owe more than $30,000, according to the Education Data Initiative.

For Emma Seward, a Waverly, Iowa native and current University of Iowa student, high tuition costs have forced her to accelerate "the best years of her life" to finish her undergraduate degree in three years to keep costs low.

She hopes to attend UI's law school and estimates that she will have $200,000 in student loan debt somewhere in the ballpark by the time she is done with school.

"(It's) not because I'm lazy. I've had at least one job every semester of attendance," Seward said. "...It won't be because of my grades. I've been on the Dean's list every semester. It's not because I didn't apply for scholarships... It's not because of an absence of financial aid. I get thousands each year. I will be in this much debt simply because tuition is just too high."

More: Veiled in strength: Coralville's World Hijab Day encourages pride, empowerment

House support of Zabner's tuition bill

Twenty-four members of Iowa's House, all Democrats, have sponsored Zabner's bill, including Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City.

Zabner said while he is hopeful that support may come, he has not heard much positivity from Republicans.

"We have petitions going around, a lot of students have signed our petition calling for this legislation," Zabner said. "...My hope is that these people go home to their forums this weekend and that people tell them, 'The cost of college is out of control,' and they want their legislators to support this bill.

"But I'm not holding my breath."

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: State Rep. Zabner introduces bill to pause tuition hikes
For the past seven years, one question has gone unanswered for Frenetta Hammonds: what happened to my daughter?

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 5 years later, mother holds onto hope for answers to her daughters mysterious death

In February 2017, Hammonds daughter, Shania, was in high school with aspirations of joining the military and becoming a veterinarian.

But Shania was never able to graduate after she was found dead by her friend in the backyard of a home on Willow Gate Lane. Frenetta told Channel 9 she knew something was wrong when she called Shania and got sent straight to voicemail.

I just kept calling her phone, calling her phone, calling her phone and she wouldnt answer, Frenetta Hammonds said, And she usually wouldnt go anywhere without her phone.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, someone called 911 to report a dead body in the backyard of the home where Shania was staying with her friend and her friends grandmother.

Detectives simply classified the incident as a death investigation.

Shanias autopsy report classified her death as undetermined, even though detectives say they found signs of a struggle in her room.

Ive been searching for answers, Ive been coming to conclusions in my head, Hammonds said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'I'm not going to stop fighting,' says mother of teen found dead

Detective Miranda James took over Shanias case in 2018; thats when CMPD changed the case classification to a homicide investigation.

This case is unique because we dont have an actual cause of death for Shania; the medical examiner ruled the manner of death and the cause of death undetermined, James said, Its being investigated as a homicide because all of the circumstances surrounding it lean more that way, that something happened to Shania rather than a medical event.

Detective James has made it clear this is not a cold case, but the cause of Shanias death is still unanswered.

Were not looking for a murder weapon. We dont know what happened to her, she said.

Court documents show Shania was wearing shorts when her body was found in the middle of February. Detectives believe someone moved her body behind the house. Shanias autopsy notes injuries around her face similar to those from an assault.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother wants answers 1 year after teen's death

Warrants show that police took gloves and a phone from the home.

We have done additional testing, even within the last year on evidence. So technology moves very quickly, James said.

She said there are a few of evidence shes hopeful will help to shed some light.

Thats my career goal at this point, is to one day be able to tell Shanias mom answers, James said, One day be able to give her answers about what happened to her daughter.

Frenetta is temporarily living in California, while detectives continue to search for answers in Charlotte. She says her dream is to not only return home but return with answers.

Im not going to stop until I take my last breath and maybe her brothers will take it up after that, Hammonds said.

(WATCH BELOW: Im not going away: Woman still hopeful as sons killing remains unsolved 1 year later)
















NATO should prepare for a possible decades-long confrontation with Moscow because if Russia wins in Ukraine, aggression could spread to other countries, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt published on Feb. 10.

"NATO does not seek war with Russia, but we must prepare for a confrontation that could last for decades," he said, noting that the defense industry should be rapidly expanded because deterrence "only works if it is credible."

Read also: Russia could attack NATO state in three to five years amid faster arms build-up, Danish intel says

The best defense now is to support Ukraine and invest in NATO's military capabilities.

"We need to rebuild and expand our industrial base more quickly so that we can increase supplies to Ukraine and replenish our own stockpiles," Stoltenberg said, explaining that this means moving to the rapid production needed during the war.

He also called for speeding up the fulfillment of orders for European defense companies, stressing that in a market economy, arms manufacturers need signed contracts to increase production.

Read also: EU Foreign Affairs official says Europeans must better understand Russian threat

Putin is preparing his country's economy for a long war, so the West must also do more for its own security.

Stoltenberg is still counting on a "yes" from the US Congress to help Ukraine, stressing that there is a "transatlantic burden-sharing" in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.

Earlier, Bild, citing its own sources in the intelligence of a European country, reported that Russia may try to attack Europe in late 2024 or early 2025, when the United States will be "without a leader" and will be able to save European states only after some delay.

Western militaries, as well as civilians, need to be prepared for an 'all-out war' with Russia that may significantly affect their lives, Britain's Sky News reported on Jan. 19, citing Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of the NATO Military Committee.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Europe is again "facing a military threat that has not been seen for 30 years" and warned of a possible Russian attack in five to eight years.

New intelligence shows that Russia is rearming faster than expected and could attack a NATO country within three to five years, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Feb. 9, Reuters reports.



Read also:

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The West does not seek war with Russia, but should still "prepare ourselves for a confrontation that could last decades," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag in an interview published on Feb. 10.

Officials from NATO countries have voiced growing concerns about the alliance's lack of preparedness for a conflict with Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lieutenant Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of the NATO Military Committee, said in January that civilians in NATO countries should be ready for the prospect of an all-out war with Russia within the next 20 years.

The possibility of direct conflict with Russia is likely dependent on the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Western officials have said.

"If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries," Stoltenberg warned.

NATO must improve its military capabilities, Stoltenberg said, adding that "deterrence only works if it is credible."

Russia's economy is increasingly on a war footing, Stoltenberg said, and NATO should do more to keep up.

"We need to restore and expand our industrial base more quickly so that we can increase deliveries to Ukraine and replenish our own stocks," Stoltenberg said.

Read also: British lawmakers caution that UK military remains unprepared for all-out war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Experts weigh in on shifting age standards for seniors with consideration for pensions and retirement age

By Jung Da-hyun

Traditionally, the elderly are considered to be those aged 65 and older, but the decadeslong perception of the age from which a person can be considered a senior citizen appears to be in question following a young politician's controversial proposal of scrapping free subway rides for the country's older adults.

In line with the political pledge, questions over from what age a person can be considered "elderly" are emerging, with some saying the age should be raised from 65 to 70 as average life expectancy increases and the number of older adults among the population grows.

Currently, most welfare systems for older people are based on individuals aged 65 and older. Offering free subway rides for people aged over 65 is one such policy. The benchmark age of 65 was established through the enactment of the Welfare of the Aged Act in 1981.

According to Statistics Korea, the number of people aged 65 and over was 9.5 million in 2023, constituting 18.4 percent of the total population. This proportion is expected to reach 20.6 percent in 2025 and surpass 40 percent by 2050.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2020 indicates that 52.7 percent of individuals aged over 65 believe the age for acquiring senior citizen status should be between 70 and 74. Another survey in 2022, conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, suggests that 72.6 years is considered the age at which the phase of older life begins.

The economic burden of supporting these older people, due to a low birthrate and aging population, supports the need to raise the age standard.

Resident registration population statistics from last year show that those in their 70s and older surpassed those in their 20s. The sustenance allowance for older adults is set to experience a significant surge, with projections indicating an anticipated rise from 27.4 in 2024 to 104.2 in 2072 for every 100 working-age individuals aged 15 to 64.

Experts agree on the need to discuss raising the age standard for defining old age.

Jeong Se-eun, a professor of economics at Chungnam National University, says that adjusting the age based on increasing life expectancy is plausible.

"There are individuals nowadays who, unlike in the past, remain sufficiently healthy to continue working beyond the age of 65," she said.

Chung Soon-dool, a professor of social welfare at Ewha Womans University, also mentioned that older people today are noticeably distinct from their counterparts in the past.

"There's a perception that they age about 10 to 15 years more slowly than before. Many argue that being considered an 'old man' at the age of 65 is now seen as relatively youthful," she said.

Nevertheless, experts said that any increase in the age standard should carefully take into account the implications for pension and retirement age.

"Raising the age for eligibility in welfare standards for the elderly without concurrently extending the retirement age could significantly impact livelihoods in later years," Jeong said.

"Currently, many individuals in their 60s or older express a desire to continue working, but it is imperative to actively create employment opportunities for the elderly beyond simple roles like collecting garbage."

Chung also noted the necessity of establishing a social system that ensures senior income by extending the retirement age.

"For instance, if the eligibility age for services like free subway rides is raised to 70, the benefits will decrease, requiring individuals to bear additional costs. Therefore, social systems should be prepared to alleviate the burden on seniors," she said.

Park Seung-hee, a professor of social welfare at Sungkyunkwan University, said that practical discussions on how to address income and job problems among older adults are needed while discussing raising the age standard.

The government is examining the issue of the age standard for senior citizens. In March of last year, the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy decided to review the relevant criteria due to the burden on future generations. However, follow-up discussions are proceeding at a sluggish pace.
(WFRV)  Authorities in southern Wisconsin are actively tracking three drivers down after they allegedly were racing and driving recklessly.

The Kenosha County Sheriffs Office posted on its Facebook page about a recent incident involving reckless drivers. On February 8 around 2:20, deputies were in pursuit of three drivers who were allegedly racing and passing illegally.

Photos: Wisconsins first-ever February tornado leaves path of destruction, classified as EF-2

This pursuit briefly caused a high school to go on a soft lockout as one of the suspects allegedly drove through the school parking lot. Officials described a lockout as a protocol that prevents anyone from entering the school.

There was no active threat to anyone at the school, according to authorities.

The release says the pursuit involved the following three vehicles:

White Dodge Challenger

Gray Charger

Black Jeep

All three of the vehicles reportedly had black rims and dark tints. The drivers are suspected to be local residents.

Authorities say they are actively tracking the drivers down. Anyone with information is asked to call 262-656-1234.

Expensive ATV falls through the ice in northern Wisconsin, officials ask people to stay off the ice

No additional information was provided.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Special counsel Robert Hur released a 388-page report this week detailing his findings of a roughly yearlong investigation into President Bidens classified documents case, which will likely be a focus of this weeks Sunday talk shows.

The Senate moved closer to passing a foreign aid package after its bipartisan border deal failed earlier this week, which will also likely be part of the conversation.

In his report, Hur said Biden willfully retained the documents, but did not bring forth any charges. Biden angrily defended himself in a press conference, which drew criticism, after the report characterized the president as an elderly man with a poor memory.

As Biden gears up his reelection efforts, his age and mental competency have been a large focus of media attention and political debate.

GOP Presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who will appear on CBS Face the Nation, called Hurs report unbelievably disturbing, as she continues to push for both Biden and former President Trump, the GOP front-runner, to take competency tests.

Haley will also likely speak about her campaign efforts in her home state of South Carolina, as she faces off in another tough contest against Trump in the states Feb. 24 primary.

Bob Bauer, Bidens personal counsel, will make an appearance on CBS Face the Nation, where he will likely dive into Hurs report and what it means. In a statement this week, Bauer slammed the parts of the final report that he argued goes against Department of Justice norms.

Mitch Landrieu, a former senior aide for the Biden administration who now serves on his reelection campaign, is set to appear on NBCs Meet the Press. He will likely be questioned on Bidens efforts to campaign against Trump and what that will look like as questions about the 81-year-olds capabilities cloud his campaign.

Meanwhile, the Senate voted Friday evening to push forward with a $95.3 billion package funding Ukraine, Israel and other national security priorities closer to passing, despite GOP members being upset that it doesnt include border security measures.

Border security provisions were stripped from the bill after all but four GOP senators voted to block it on Tuesday.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), one of the lead Democratic negotiators behind the border security deal, said the collapse of the bill was shocking and that he was still shaking after it failed. He will appear on CBS Face the Nation, where he will likely talk about the bills demise and where the Senate will head now.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, will also likely talk about Congress inability to pass aid for Ukraine, as he is set to appear on Fox News Sunday. Smith defended Bidens mental capabilities in an interview this week and said he has had conversations on the incredibly complicated, important subjects like those included in the Senate bill.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) slammed the initial Senate border deal earlier this week and called for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to be replaced for supporting it. Lee will appear on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures where he will likely talk about McConnells message to GOP senators: That its their responsibility to pass the critical funding.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who voted against advancing the foreign aid funding bill on Friday, argued that the new deal failed to address what he called the invasion of migrants at the southern border. He questioned how the U.S. could support Ukraine with their invasion but not focus on its own.

Rubio, who will appear on CNNs State of the Union, claimed the original deal would have given too much power to asylum officers.

Heres the complete lineup for the Sunday news shows:

NBCs Meet the Press  Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; Mitch Landrieu, co-chair of the Biden campaign; former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.).

ABCs This Week  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.); Gov. Brian Kemp (R-Ga.)

CNNs State of the Union  Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

FOXs Fox News Sunday  Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.).

CBSs Face the Nation  Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley; Bidens personal counsel Bob Bauer; Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

Fox News Sunday Morning Futures  Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.); former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe; Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah); former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Woody Johnson.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A suspect accused of smuggling meth, alcohol, and tobacco into an Abilene prison unit has been arrested.

Ashley Lynn Taylor was taken into custody Sunday for Delivery of Controlled Substances and Prohibited Items in a Correctional Facility in connection to an incident at the Robertson Prison Unit.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice states Taylor was visiting the unit when officers, detected abnormalities during a routine pat-down search.

A subsequent search of Taylor and her vehicle yielded the meth, alcohol, and tobacco.

No further information has been released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a Marine Corps unit Saturday to show appreciation for the troops' service and order strong readiness against North Korea, his office said.

On the Lunar New Year holiday, Yoon visited the Marine Corps Second Division in Gimpo, just west of Seoul, to inspect the unit's military readiness amid heightened tension with Pyongyang.

"If the enemy provokes, you have to sternly and overwhelmingly respond under the principle of 'act first, report later' to completely crush the enemy's will," Yoon was quoted as saying.

He inspected the multiple rocket system Cheonmoo and urged the troops to be prepared against any North Korean provocations.

During his meeting with soldiers, Yoon made surprise appearances in some soldiers' video calls with their parents on the traditional holiday. (Yonhap)
Recently, deadly tornadoes leveled parts of Middle Tennessee, flash floods swept through Sevier County, and a deep freeze put our lives on hold from Memphis to Mountain City. Improving our preparedness for these types of natural disasters, and helping us recover more quickly and efficiently, is top of mind for me as a legislator as the General Assembly begins its work this year.

This effort starts with providing the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency with the resources it needs, not only to lead recovery efforts but also to help communities prepare for disasters before they strike.

Three key components are needed to help our state better prepare for natural disasters:

Damaged homes are seen on Jackie Lorraine Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Dec. 10, 2023. Tornadoes struck Middle Tennessee the day before, killing six people and leaving more than 160,000 Middle Tennessee residents without power.

 A statewide system of weather stations called a mesonet.

 Statewide access to Flood Predictor, a game-changing tool for understanding flood risk.

 Fully authorizing the Resilient Tennessee Revolving Loan Fund.

Investment will help communities statewide

For those not familiar with resilience, emergency management and preparedness, here is what these tools would mean for keeping you and your family safe from natural disasters.

Creating a mesonet in Tennessee would provide valuable information on exactly what is happening in all 95 counties of our state. Building new weather stations and retrofitting others to the highest standards would give state officials, researchers and meteorologists access to more accurate data like soil saturation and wind speeds. This data will be put to work to help us understand the conditions that make disasters more likely to occur.

With this specific data, we can develop advanced warning for areas where disasters like wildfires or flash flooding are likely to occur and greatly increase our preparedness to respond. The other 35 states with mesonets have reaped the benefits by using them to increase the amounts of federal recovery grants and install higher-quality alert systems.

Last year, I proposed that we expand the Flood Predictor program statewide. This year, TEMA is seeking funding for that expansion directly, a move I wholeheartedly support. The software used in this system transforms complicated engineering data into easily digestible maps. (Imagine looking at Google Maps, but instead of traffic, you can see the flood risk of any area of the state given a certain rainfall event.) Deploying this tool statewide could help mitigate the impact of flooding, which is Tennessees most frequent and costly natural disaster, by enhancing our understanding of local flood risk.

The best part of these new investments is that we can afford them. Floods alone cost the state on average $243 million per year. For less than 3% of that yearly cost, we can have one of the most advanced resilience toolboxes in the country.

Revolving loan fund can increase preparedness

One of the biggest barriers to improving local disaster preparedness is funding. In collaboration with TEMA, House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland has introduced the Resilient Tennessee Revolving Loan Fund Act, which establishes a revolving loan fund dedicated to hazard mitigation projects. This fund is accessible to cities and counties to help acquire the necessary local matches for many federal grants, thereby providing them with essential resources for proactive disaster preparedness. This fund is already seeded with $5 million in state dollars and will attract upwards of $50 million in additional investment from the federal government.

Given the recent challenges faced by our state, including wildfires, tornadoes and floods, it is important to prioritize investment in disaster mitigation to minimize loss of life, mitigate property damage and reduce the cost of recovery.

Greg Vital

While controversial headlines about political divisions dominate many news cycles, my colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle are focused on making sure these initiatives are passed. Reach out to your state representatives and senators and let them know the importance of these investments in preparedness.

State Rep. Greg Vital (R-Harrison), a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources and Commerce committees, is a longtime advocate for land preservation and natural disaster resilience.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Tennessee can improve its preparedness for natural disasters
The Republican Party of Texas executive committee voted Saturday to censure House Speaker Dade Phelan and passed a resolution stating that the party will not associate with antisemites  a reversal from December, when a similar measure was narrowly and controversially defeated following outcry over a major donor groups ties to white supremacists.

The antisemitism resolution, which passed unanimously with two abstentions, came four months after The Texas Tribune reported that Jonathan Stickland, then the leader of Defend Texas Liberty, had hosted infamous white supremacist and Adolf Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes for nearly seven hours in early October.

Subsequent reporting by the Tribune uncovered other, close ties between avowed antisemites and Defend Texas Liberty, a major political action committee that two West Texas oil tycoons have used to fund far-right groups and lawmakers in the state. Defend Texas Liberty is also one of the Texas GOPs biggest donors.

In response to the Fuentes meeting, Phelan and 60 other House Republicans called on party members to redirect any funds from Defend Texas Liberty to pro-Israel charities  demands that were initially rebuffed by some Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who later announced that he was reinvesting the $3 million he received from Defend Texas Liberty into Israeli bonds.

Nearly half of the Texas GOPs executive committee also demanded that the party cut all ties with Stickland, Defend Texas Liberty and its auxiliary organizations until Stickland was removed and a full explanation for the Fuentes meeting was provided. Stickland was quietly removed as Defend Texas Libertys president in October, but is still the leader of an influential consulting firm, Pale Horse Strategies, that works with Defend Texas Liberty clients.

Defend Texas Liberty has yet to provide more details on its links to Fuentes or Fuentes associates  including the leader of Texans For Strong Borders, an anti-immigration group that continues to push lawmakers to adopt hardline border policies.

The tensions came to a head in December, when the Texas GOPs executive committee narrowly defeated a resolution that would have banned the party from associating with antisemites, Holocaust deniers or neo-Nazis  language that some members of the executive committee argued was too vague, and could complicate the partys relationship with donors or candidates.

The need for such a measure was also downplayed at the time by Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi, who abstained from voting but argued there was no "significant" antisemitism on the right. Rinaldi is a longtime ally of Defend Texas Liberty who was seen outside of the one-story, rural Tarrant County office where Fuentes was being hosted. Rinaldi later denied meeting with Fuentes and condemned him. Last month, the Tribune also reported that, at the same time that he was attacking critics of Defend Texas Liberty over the Fuentes meeting, Rinaldi was working as an attorney for Farris Wilks, one the two West Texas oil billionaires who fund Defend Texas Liberty.

After the measure was defeated in December, Patrick also put out a lengthy statement in which he condemned the vote and said he expected it to be revisited by the Texas GOPs executive committee at its next meeting.

The executive committee did as much on Saturday, passing a resolution that stated that the party opposes anti-Semitism and will always oppose and not associate with individuals or groups which espouse anti-Semitism or support for attacks on Israel.

The resolutions language is significantly watered down compared to proposals from late last year, which specifically named Stickland and Defend Texas Liberty or sought to ban those who espouse  as well as those who tolerate  antisemitism, neo-Nazi beliefs or Holocaust denial. Since then, Defend Texas Libertys funders have spun off a new political action committee, Texans United For a Conservative Majority, that has been active in this years primaries.

Separately, the executive committee also voted 55-4 to censure Phelan over, among other things, his role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, his appointment of Democrats to chair House committees and for allegedly allowing a bill on border security to die in May. Phelan was not at the committee meeting.

Phelans spokesperson, Cait Wittman, slammed the censure on Saturday, as well as the executive committees previous failure to ban antisemites from the party and what she said was its delayed response to last years scandal involving Bryan Slaton, a Republican state representative who was expelled from the Texas House in May after getting a 19-year-old aide drunk and having sex with her.

This is the same organization that rolled out the red carpet for a group of Neo-Nazis, refused to disassociate from anti-Semitic groups and balked at formally condemning a known sexual predator before he was ousted from the Texas House, Wittman wrote on X. The (executive committee) has lost its moral authority and is no longer representative of the views of the Party as a whole.

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.
FRONTON ISLAND, Texas (Nexstar)  Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham will head to McAllen on Monday to discuss the acquisition of Fronton Island, a stretch of land in the Rio Grande River where the state recently seized operational control.

Fronton Island is a 170-acre area in Starr County. According to the Texas Military Department, the island in the Rio Grande was lawless and was associated with high cartel activity and smuggling operations involving narcotics, weapons, money and high-value individuals.

The General Land Office worked with the TMD throughout the fall to assume control of Fronton Island after Buckingham granted permission for the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers to police the area in September.

In a September letter to state leaders, Buckingham said her office determined the island is state-owned. The land was surveyed and found to be in a state-owned riverbed, formed due to natural forces. Her office permitted law enforcement to not only patrol the area but also manage the vegetation on the island.

While the federal government refuses to safeguard Texas communities, the GLO will step up and assist our state in its robust border security efforts, Buckingham wrote. It is my hope that with access to this island, the GLO can aid our brave men and women on the frontlines of this ongoing border crisis in stemming the tide of this overflow of illegal immigration.

TMD announced that Fronton Island was fully secured in early November. The land had been cleared of nearly all vegetation. TMD said the densely wooded area allowed transnational criminal activity to be concealed for decades.

In April 2023, Buckingham provided a similar authorization to assume control of islands near Eagle Pass, which has now become an area of federal dispute.

The National Guard is relentless, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a press conference in Eagle Pass on Thursday. On a daily basis, theyre adding more razor wire barriers, more anti-climb barriers, and other ways to repel people from trying to enter illegally.

Several Texas lawmakers attended the conference in Shelby Park where Abbott said what he views as successes of Operation Lone Star  his signature multi-billion dollar border security initiative.

The results are amazing, Abbott said. If you look at what has changed with regard to illegal border crossings, and the past half year or so, you see that too even though Texas represents about two-thirds. We represent only about 30% of the crossings.

Buckinghams press conference in McAllen on Monday starts at 1:30 p.m. She will be joined by officials from DPS and TMD.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Houston woman who left a series of threatening voicemail messages for a federal judge overseeing one of former President Donald Trumps legal fights in Florida has been sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for using interstate communications to threat, kidnap or injure, the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida announced Friday.

In the voicemails, Tiffani Shea Gish threatened to have US District Judge Aileen Cannon assassinated in front of her family for helping the former president, as CNN previously reported. Cannon handled the former presidents request for a special master to review documents and other items the FBI seized from Mar-a-Lago.

Donald Trump has been disqualified long ago, and hes marked for assassination. Youre helping him, maam, Gish allegedly said in one of the voicemails.

CNN has reached out to Gishs public defender for comment, but has not heard back as of Saturday morning.

Gish pleaded guilty November 9, 2023, court records show.

Following her prison sentence, US District Judge David Hittner ordered Gish to serve three years of supervised release, the sentencing order reads. According to the release, Hittner noted that he was concerned for the safety of the public and protecting the judiciary when handing down the sentence.

Holding Tiffani Gish accountable for her threats to assassinate a federal judge sends a strong message that we have no tolerance for those  who often hide behind a far-off keyboard or phone line  seeking to undermine our democratic institutions by threatening the safety of the people who help those same institutions thrive, US Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said in the release.

Gish remains in custody pending her transfer to a US Bureau of Prisons facility, which has yet to be determined, the release said.

Gish was arrested in September 2022 for her series of threatening messages. Investigators traced Gishs cell phone number and interviewed her through the window of her home in Houston, and she admitted to having left the voicemails.

Federal officials have seen a dramatic increase in threats since the search at Mar-a-Lago in 2022. Violent threats surfaced online against US Attorney General Merrick Garland, and the biography and contact information of the federal magistrate judge who signed the Mar-a-Lago search warrant had to be wiped from a Florida courts website due to threats.

Gishs case is just one of a number involving individuals threatening judges and other people involved in the numerous criminal charges the former president is facing.

In another instance, a Texas woman was charged in August with threatening in a voicemail to kill the federal judge overseeing Trumps criminal case in Washington, DC, over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Abigail Jo Shry called the chambers of Judge Tanya Chutkan and left a voicemail message threatening to kill anyone who went after former President Trump and also allegedly included racist comments against Chutkan, who is Black.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Lion, dragon dance performed in Cambodia to celebrate Chinese New Year

Xinhua) 10:19, February 10, 2024

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Folk artists performed lion and dragon dance in Cambodia on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival.

The dancers from six different troupes jointly staged at the Royal Palace and the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh.

Spring Festival is the most important festival in China, which marks the end of the winter and the start of spring.

The lion dance is usually invited by traditional Chinese families to perform as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Spring Festival and to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent best wishes to the Chinese people and Cambodians of Chinese descent, expressing his special thanks to them for their active contributions to the country's prosperity and development.

"On the occasion of the upcoming Chinese Traditional New Year, the Year of the Dragon, on behalf of the royal government of Cambodia, I would like to congratulate and join in the fun with all Chinese people and Cambodians of Chinese descent, who have always shared weal and woe with us since ancient times," he said in a recent message.

Although it is not a public holiday in the Southeast Asian nation, the Spring Festival is widely celebrated, as some schools, companies and institutions are closed on the occasion.

Thorn Sreyneth, a 32-year-old Cambodian reveler of Chinese New Year, said historically, Cambodians of Chinese descent have celebrated the New Year since ancient times.

"They believe that prayers to their ancestors will help them attract good fortune and happiness," she told Xinhua on Friday. "It's an occasion for a joyful family gathering, and usually, adults give gifts, especially red pockets, to children."

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Hyundai Motor has appointed investment bankers JPMorgan and Citi to advise on its at least $3 billion India IPO, accelerating listing plans in the world's third-largest auto market, sources with direct knowledge said.

The company plans to file regulatory papers in India by May to June for an approval, said two of the three sources, all of whom declined to be named as the talks are private.

JPMorgan, Citi and Hyundai's Indian unit declined to comment.

In a statement, Hyundai said it had "no further update at this stage," referring Reuters to its statement earlier this week that the India listing has not been decided, and that it would comment on the matter when the plan becomes finalised, or within a month.

Hyundai, the second-biggest automaker in India with a 15 percent market share, is in the initial stages of considering an IPO in India that would value its local operation at up to $30 billion, Reuters reported this week. The IPO could be India's largest.

Such a fundraising by Hyundai would put the valuation of its Indian operation at more than half its market capitalisation of around $47 billion in Seoul.

Some domestic Indian investment banks are also likely to be appointed for the IPO in coming months, the two sources added.

IPOs in India boomed in the second half of 2023, and bankers expect this to continue in 2024 amid hopes for political stability after upcoming elections.

Hyundai is doubling down in the South Asian nation and the U.S. after scaling back its production in China after years of losses there, and selling its two Russian plants.

It entered India more than two decades ago and is the only foreign player to have become dominant, alongside market leader Maruti Suzuki. Companies like Ford Motor and General Motors have folded their India businesses. (Reuters)
The Conservative Environment Network (CEN) have also urged the Chancellor to overhaul the system in a new farming manifesto - Chris Strickland/Chris Strickland

Conservative MPs have urged Jeremy Hunt to scrap crippling inheritance tax rules discouraging farmers from improving the environmental quality of their land in the next Budget.

Under current rules, landowners in England benefit from Agricultural Property Relief (APR), which provides exemption from inheritance tax payments on land used to grow crops or rear animals under policies designed to ensure farms can be passed down through generations.

However, land that is turned into woodlands, wetlands or scrub, in line with the Governments goals to restore nature and tackle climate change, could face inheritance taxes of 40 per cent.

In June, one farmer told The Telegraph that the rules were a massive disincentive for us to push the boundaries to what is environmentally the best thing.

Once in a generation opportunity

Now, the Conservative Environment Network (CEN) is urging the Chancellor to overhaul the system in next months Budget.

In a farming manifesto to be published this week, the group said the UKs exit from the EU has provided a once in a generation opportunity to improve food security and tackle climate change.

It proposed this could be achieved by developing policies tailored to our own national circumstances and priorities that fairly reward farmers, encourage innovation and restore our natural world.

The network also warned that inheritance tax was hampering adoption of the Governments post-Brexit Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, a series of reforms designed to reward farmers using environmentally-conscious production methods.

Addressing this in the manifesto, CEN called for the abolition of inheritance tax on farmland which is delivering benefits for nature as part of the ELM schemes or private nature markets to equalise the treatment with land used to grow crops and rear animals.

Punishing those boosting nature

James Gray, the Tory MP for North Wiltshire, supported the CEN proposal for inheritance tax abolition on land benefitting nature but also remarked that the Government had been using their post-Brexit freedoms to enable sustainable farming.

He said: Currently, agricultural property relief on inheritance tax only applies to agricultural land.

This threatens to discourage farmers from using their land for promoting biodiversity and entering our post-Brexit farming schemes, whilst punishing those who are already boosting nature.

The Chancellor should use the next Budget to announce this sensible tax cut which could deliver real benefits for our natural world.

Mr Gray added that preserving and improving our natural inheritance for future generations to enjoy was in the political DNA of the Conservatives.

A Treasury spokesman said a consultation was opened last year discussing the scope of APR and whether it posed a barrier to the transition of land from an agricultural to an environmental purpose.

The spokesman said: Farmers play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

We keep all taxes under review and are carefully considering responses to our consultation on the potential extension of APR.

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.
Hyundai Motor has signed a 10-year partnership with the New York-based Whitney Museum of American Art to support its exhibition projects and the Whitney Biennial, according to the company Saturday.

The long-term sponsorship will offer an innovative platform for artists to experiment and showcase their work to the world, while supporting the Whitney Biennial, which opens on March 20, the company said in a statement.

Hyundai Motor said the partnership is expected to embrace "the complexities of our present by inviting visionary artists to share perspectives from their communities."

In the past decade, Hyundai has expanded its partnerships with museums to support "innovation in arts" as part of its efforts to enhance its brand awareness as a premium carmaker. (Yonhap)
Former President Trump praised the demise of the bipartisan border deal Friday, taking credit helping to tank the legislation that took months to negotiate.

Trump urged Republicans to vote against the bill before it was unveiled last Sunday, arguing its passage would be a political victory for President Biden in the election-year matchup that is likely to feature both men as their respective party nominees.

The former president took pleasure in contributing to the bills failure Friday in remarks to members of the National Rifle Association in Harrisburg, Pa.

You give illegals taxpayer-funded lawyers, so they have millions of dollars in this agreement, in this deal, which we by the way killed, Trump said during his speech, highlighted by Mediaite, potentially referring to a measure in bill that would have provided immigration lawyers to unaccompanied children under 13.

I think we killed it. I think its dead! But you can never say it because bad bills always come back to life because these guys make a lot of money with bad bills, he added. But they give millions, tens of millions of dollars thats down there to lawyers to represent the illegal immigrants that come into our country. Its not even believable.

While some Senate Republicans took issue with Trump facilitating the process of tanking the legislation, GOP leaders in the House stated that the bill  negotiated by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.)  was already dead on arrival.

The bills failure comes after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) argued earlier this week that the deal would crack down on the huge flow of migrants across the border and possibly would be the last chance for years to reform immigration law.

But, he faced a big political headwind from Trump, who called on GOP lawmakers to reject any deal that didnt give them everything they wanted.

Republicans backed away from the package Tuesday, deriding the process used to write the legislation and heaping criticism on provisions they claimed would allow 5,000 migrants into the country each day  an issue Republican negotiators ultimately could not refute.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BASF said Friday that it would sell its stakes in two joint ventures in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, where human rights groups have documented abuses including forced labour in detention camps.

The German chemicals giant said the divestment of its shares in the joint ventures with Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry was mainly due to high carbon dioxide emissions and competitive pressure in the market for the chemical intermediate 1,4-butanediol (BDO).

"Recently published reports related to the joint venture partner contain serious allegations that indicate activities inconsistent with BASF's values. Consequently, BASF will accelerate the ongoing process to divest its shares," it said in a statement.

It added that its audits have not found any evidence of human rights violations at the two joint ventures, and that it has no indication that employees at them were involved in such violations.

Beijing has repeatedly denied human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Xinjiang Markor did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of working hours in China.

Earlier this year, German broadcaster ZDF and Spiegel magazine jointly reported that Xinjiang Markor staff were involved in state surveillance of Uyghurs in the region. The United States restricted imports from its parent Xinjiang Zhongtai Group in September citing business practices involving Uyghur minorities.

The Chinese government has faced numerous accusations of suppressing Uyghurs in the region, and Western companies with operations there have come under pressure to act.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) last week urged automakers that produce cars in China to do more to ensure materials that could be made using Uyghur forced labour do not enter their supply chain.

Two of Volkswagen's investors said late last year that the German carmaker must check its operations in China to ensure its supply chains comply with human rights laws, after an audit of its jointly owned Xinjiang site found no sign of forced labour.

BASF, which is spending up to 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) on a chemical complex in Zhanjiang, southern China, to benefit from growth in the country, said its presence in China remains otherwise unchanged. (Reuters)




INDEPENDENCE, Mo.  Independence police say two people were shot and killed Friday, leading to a lockdown at nearby schools.

The shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. near N. Lynn Street and E. Nickell Avenue, police said. Several people who called 911 said they heard gunshots in the area.

KCPD investigating suspicious death of a child near E. 41st, Forest Avenue

When officers arrived, they found two people shot to death at a residence.

An Independence police spokesperson said the nearby William Chrisman High School and Ott Elementary School went into a brief lockdown as police searched for a suspect.

The deadly shooting had nothing to do with either school, police said.

Officers have since taken one person into custody, and the two schools have lifted their lockdowns.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Police have not released any identifying information about the two victims or details about what led up to the shooting. The case is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. FOX4 will update as we learn more.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Japanese government adopted plans Friday to scrap its current foreign trainee program, which has been criticized as a cover for importing cheap labor, and replace it with a system it says will actually teach skills and safeguard trainees' rights as Japan desperately seeks more foreign workers to supplement its aging and shrinking workforce.

Under the new program approved the same day at a meeting of related Cabinet ministers, people who arrive on a three-year trainee visa will be able to upgrade to a skilled worker category that would allow them to stay up to five years and possibly obtain permanent residency.

Japan's population of 126 million is rapidly aging and shrinking, and many short-staffed industries, including services, manufacturing and construction, rely heavily on foreign trainees and language students. Japan also grants visas to some white-collar professionals, often from the West.

The current Technical Intern Training Program, introduced in 1993 as a way of transferring skills to developing countries through youth training, has been criticized as a scheme for importing cheap labor under abusive conditions and unequal benefits. As of last June, nearly 360,000 trainees were participating in the program, with most from Vietnam, followed by Indonesia and the Philippines, according to government data.

The new plan, which still requires parliamentary approval, follows the recommendation of a government panel last year that the current system be abolished after reports of rampant abuses, labor rights violations and other maltreatment.

The new program will continue to restrict which types of jobs are available to foreign trainees, as the conservative governing party remains reluctant to allow a more open immigration policy.

Japan's lack of diversity and inclusivity as well as its comparatively low pay has been making it less attractive to foreign workers, who are increasingly choosing other Asian countries such as South Korea.

The government seeks to create an inclusive society, and we want to make Japan a country that foreign workers will choose, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the Cabinet meeting where the new policy was endorsed.

The current program prohibits trainees from changing workplaces, a rule that caused thousands to run away from their employers due to unpaid wages, harassment and other maltreatment. The new system would allow them to change jobs after working for one to two years, but only in the same job category.

Applicants for the new trainee system will also be required to pass a Japanese language proficiency test. (AP)
TOKYO, Feb 10 (News On Japan) - Seiji Ozawa, a globally celebrated conductor, has died. He was 88 years old. According to his office, Ozawa passed away at his home in Tokyo on February 6 due to heart failure.

The funeral has already been conducted with close family members in attendance.

Ozawa was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2010, leading him to cancel all domestic and international performances to focus on treatment. He made a comeback to the stage seven months later.

Born in 1935 in what is now Shenyang, China, Ozawa began his foundational music education in high school under the tutelage of conductor Hideo Saito.

In 1959, he won first place at the Besancon International Conductors' Competition in France. His illustrious career included positions such as assistant conductor for the New York Philharmonic and music director of the San Francisco Symphony, before becoming the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1973, a position he held for 29 years, significantly enhancing the orchestra's international standing.

In Japan, Ozawa founded the Saito Kinen Orchestra in 1984 in memory of his mentor Hideo Saito, organizing an annual music festival in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.

Ozawa was also instrumental in nurturing young musicians through initiatives like the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Orchestra Project and establishing a music academy in Switzerland.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Harvard University in 2000, the Japanese Order of Culture in 2008, and became the first Japanese honorary member of the Vienna Philharmonic in 2010, among many other accolades.

Source: ANN
NAHA, Feb 10 (News On Japan) - Naha Airport is known for its abundant souvenir shops and gourmet spots, but did you know it also harbors hidden convenient services and scenic spots? Today, a local writer introduces recommended services and spots at Naha Airport that can be useful during your travels.

While Naha Airport is renowned for its souvenir shops and gourmet spots, its convenient services and lesser-known scenic spots might come as a surprise to many. In this article, we will introduce some of the useful services and recommended spots at the Naha Airport domestic terminal building (hereafter referred to as Naha Airport).

Upon arrival, make sure to check out the "Mini Churaumi Aquarium"! Located in the arrival lobby on the first floor, this "aquarium" is home to colorful tropical fish swimming around! Image source: Official website of Naha Airport Terminal Building

First and foremost, we recommend the "aquarium" in the first-floor arrival lobby. Whether you're on the JAL or ANA side, you'll find it right in front of you as you exit the arrival gate. This aquarium is actually affiliated with the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Just like the main aquarium, it houses colorful tropical fish that inhabit the seas of Okinawa, so be sure to check it out.

Not widely known? Naha Airport's "Scenic Spot"

Did you know that Naha Airport also has a scenic spot? The first one we'd like to introduce is the large window on the fourth floor. Located in the corridor connecting the restaurant floors on both the JAL and ANA sides, the view of the sea from this window is stunningly beautiful, offering a panoramic view that is quite appealing. The scenery painted by the blue sea during the day is wonderful, but the evening view is also fantastic! Make sure to stop by after arriving at Naha Airport or before boarding your return flight. I consider it one of the top five scenic views in Okinawa.

The second location is the "Visitor's Deck" on the third floor (open from 8 am to 7 pm). There are discreet entrances on both the JAL and ANA sides, and admission is free. Here, you can enjoy not only the powerful sight of airplanes taking off and landing up close but also the scenic view of Okinawa's sea beyond the runway. With the sea breeze blowing, it's a pleasant place to spend time waiting for your flight. This is also a unique scenic spot at Naha Airport.

Services that come in handy after arrival or before departure!

There are also delightful services that support you during those "troublesome" moments of travel. Image source: Official website of Naha Airport Terminal Building

What to do with luggage?

Moving around with large luggage during a trip can be quite a hassle, especially if you're not using a rental car. But Naha Airport has services to help you out! If large luggage is getting in the way while shopping or dining at the airport, consider using the temporary storage service. Coin lockers are available on each floor from the first to the third. If your luggage doesn't fit in the coin lockers, head to the Yamato Transport counter on the first-floor arrival lobby, where you can also use the temporary storage service.

For those who want to head straight to sightseeing upon arrival, why not use the "Hands-Free Sightseeing" service? Offered at the Yamato Transport counter on the first-floor arrival lobby, this service delivers your luggage from Naha Airport to hotels on Okinawa's main island for a flat fee of 1,000 yen (tax included) on the same day (reception until 1 pm).

Similarly, you can also send your luggage from the hotel to Naha Airport on your return trip!

What if you need to use a computer or smartphone... and you're in a pinch?

If you find yourself needing a computer but didn't bring one, coin-operated computers are available near the information desks on the first and second floors.

And if your smartphone is about to run out of charge, coin-operated mobile chargers can save the day. These are located near the information desk on the first floor and near the elevators on the second floor.

Additionally, if you need to connect to Wi-Fi, free wireless LAN internet service is available throughout the airport (excluding some stores and facilities).

Services that families with children will appreciate!

The kids' space on the second floor is conveniently located near the security checkpoint! Image source: Official website of Naha Airport Terminal Building

There's also a spot for small children to play!

A "Kids' Space" where small children can play is set up near the security checkpoint on the second floor. There are benches nearby for adults to sit as well. Furthermore, the "Welcome Hall" on the second floor is equipped with playground equipment and photo sticker machines, which can be a great way to spend time if you're traveling with children.

Stroller rental available for the entire duration of the trip

At the Barrier-Free Tour Center in the arrival lobby on the first floor, you can rent strollers and wheelchairs. These are not just for the day but can be borrowed for the entire duration of your trip, which is very convenient. If you wish to use this service, make sure to reserve at least three days in advance (charges apply).

Source: MDPR
NAGASAKI, Feb 11 (News On Japan) - As China commenced its grand Spring Festival holiday on February 10th, celebrating the Lunar New Year, Japan too embraced the festivities with various events, notably the "Nagasaki Lantern Festival" and the Spring Festival in Ueno, Tokyo.

In Harbin, a city in northeastern China, the evening of February 9th saw people setting off fireworks and firecrackers, with fire trucks on standby in public squares for any unforeseen incidents.

The Spring Festival holiday in China, marking the Lunar New Year, began on February 10th, kicking off a 40-day period where an estimated record-breaking 9 billion trips are expected to be made.

In Nagasaki City, the "Lantern Festival" is held to celebrate the Spring Festival, adorning Chinatown and other areas with numerous lanterns. On the second day of the festival, February 10th, traditional Chinese lion dances and other performances entertained the crowds.

Visitors expressed their enjoyment, looking forward to the lanterns illuminating the night. The lanterns are lit simultaneously at 6 PM, adding a magical glow to the festivities.

The Lantern Festival, running until February 25th, will see celebrities Masaharu Fukuyama and Riisa Naka, both hailing from Nagasaki Prefecture, participating in a parade on February 17th.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo's Ueno Park, the "Ueno de Panda Spring Festival" is being held to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The first day of the three-day weekend saw a large turnout, with children excitedly sharing their experiences of seeing pandas.

The event features a photo exhibition of "Xiang Xiang," a panda born in Ueno and later moved to China, alongside stalls offering authentic Chinese cuisine. Popular items include crayfish dishes and panda-designed buns, drawing admiration for their cuteness and authentic Chinese flavors.

Additionally, the festival is supporting the recovery of the Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster area through the sale of sake.

The "Ueno de Panda Spring Festival" concludes on Monday, February 12th, wrapping up a weekend of cultural exchange and celebration of the Chinese New Year in Japan.
A community outreach presentation to give Amherst County residents information on substance abuse trends among youth and instructions on how to monitor behaviors and prevent drug overdoses was held Feb. 5 at the Madison Heights Public Library.

Horizon Behavioral Health representatives also shared data on topics such as vaping, marijuana and alcohol use among youth, fentanyl and other drugs. A mock bedroom was set up in the librarys public meeting room to show how vapes and substances can be hidden.

Just more than a dozen residents attended and representatives from the Amherst County Sheriffs Office and Amherst County Public Schools also were on hand to speak on drug trends they have seen daily and field questions.

Januwaa Davis and Curtis Jones of Horizon, a provider of mental health, substance use and intellectual disability services based in Lynchburg, each shared statistics and trends from a Monitoring the Future survey of youth in grades 8 through 10 questioned across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey examines behaviors, attitudes and values from adolescence into adulthood and shows nine out of 10 people with substance abuse problems started those before age 18.

Davis said it is important to note addiction is a disease similar to cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Electronic cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014 and, in 2022, about one out of every 30 middle school students, or 3%, reported using them in the past 30 days, according to the survey.

In 2022, about 14% of high school students reported using E-cigarettes in the past month, the CDC data shows. Most E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s, the survey states.

The presentation also addressed alcohol abuse statistics among youth and showcased various types of vaping products for residents to be aware of.

They can be easily concealed, David said. They look like everyday items. They can be very hard to detect.

According to the survey, one in 17 high school seniors, or 6%, use marijuana daily. Jones noted while marijuana was legalized in Virginia in July 2021, it is more potent, dangerous and addictive; it is illegal for anyone younger than 21 to consume, purchase or possess or attempt to possess; the drug cant be used while driving or consumed in public; no one can legally possess more than an ounce and it is illegal to distribute.

Jones said the drug affects normal brain development in youth and gave information on marijuana edibles that can be mistook for commonly consumed food such as breakfast cereal, candy and cookies and accidentally ingested.

We can all agree that its not safe for our young people, Jones said in addressing varying opinions about marijuana legalization.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, also was addressed. Davis said more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids or fentanyl and the latter drug can be laced into anything.

Davis said 7 out of 10 pills seized by Drug Enforcement Agency in 2023 contained fentanyl, according to the DEA, and 80% of fentanyl-related deaths are from unsuspecting users.

Unsuspecting users, they are being poisoned, Davis said, adding the drug is flooding the market because it is highly profitable for traffickers. Its all about money. They dont care whose lives are being taken, including our young people.

Rainbow fentanyl  pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes  is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction among kids and young adults, according to the presentation.

Xylazine, a tranquilizer and drug used for sedation, anesthesia and muscle relaxation in animals such as horses, cattle and other animals; can be dangerous when combined with fentanyl, Davis said. The mixture has been declared an emergency threat by the White House, she said.

Jones talked to the crowd about how to respond to overdoses, including the use of Narcan, a medication and nasal spray designed to rapidly reverse effects of an overdose. Free Narcan was available to anyone to pick up during the Feb. 5 event.

Jones also addressed how youth obtain such substances: 96% of teens report getting alcohol free through family members or finding it at home and 30% of youth who misuse prescription drugs took leftover items from medicine cabinets at home, according to the survey.

The presentation also included warning signs to look for in youth abusing substances, and apps and social media platforms to be aware of, as well as dangers of sexting. One in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 and second for ages 15 to 19, according to the CDC.

ACPS experienced an incident in mid-December when seven Central Elementary School students accidentally were exposed to fentanyl through a bag of gummies. The bag had traces of fentanyl and criminal charges are pending in Amherst Countys court system against two county residents in connection with how the drug made its way into the schools and caused national news headlines.

Bond denied for Amherst man charged in fentanyl incident that affected school An Amherst County man facing charges in connection with a December 2023 incident where seven students at Central Elementary School ingested gummies from a bag laced with fentanyl was denied bond Tuesday.

Superintendent William Wells said the division was highly fortunate the affected students were OK but urged parents and the public to be vigilant in monitoring drug exposure in homes.

We are seeing students with THC vapes, Wells said. We have vape detectors in our bathrooms and they go off and they drive the principals crazy. We had a first-grader on a bus with a vape. We had three fifth-graders at elementary schools with TCH vapes.

Wells said vape use in the schools has ranged from first grade to 12th grade.

Amherst County Sheriffs Office representative present at the Feb. 5 event said the office works with school officials and the court services unit to give students avenues for support and preventing incidents from going to the court system where young people start a criminal record.

Wells said ACPS has a diversion program in partnership with Horizon where students dealing with substance abuse issues get access treatment in hopes to avoid expulsion. He emphasized the division will go into higher disciplinary measures and ensure consequences if the program isnt completed.

The majority of students, its working, Wells said. We have a few its not. Were trying to find ways to help treat them.
HOKKAIDO, Feb 10 (News On Japan) - From the frigid city of Kitami in Hokkaido comes a report on the "Severe Cold Yakiniku Festival," marking the celebration of "Meat Day" on February 9th.

Announcer Yamaki Shoyo reports from the scene where the current temperature dips below minus 6 degrees Celsius, a condition that's considered warmer than the usual for this time of year. Despite the biting cold, a crowd of 2,000 has gathered, embracing the chill to participate in an outdoor yakiniku (grilled meat) event, billed as the coldest of its kind in Japan.

The freshly grilled meat must be eaten quickly before it hardens in the cold. Drinks, too, demand attention; to prevent them from freezing, they must be stirred every few seconds to minutes.

Tickets for the event, allowing entry for four at a price of 10,000 yen, went on sale on November 29th, celebrated as "Good Meat Day," and sold out immediately. There have been reports of locals who were unable to purchase tickets.

Kitami boasts the highest number of barbecue restaurants per capita in Hokkaido and ranks third nationwide. The city launched this unique blend of yakiniku and cold weather as a dual strategy for local revitalization in 2000. This year marks the 25th iteration of this storied event.

To keep warm, attendees continue to grill a ton of meat provided for the event, sharing warmth and camaraderie in the extreme cold.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Feb 11 (News On Japan) - The newly opened commercial facility "Toyosu Senkyakubanrai," located next to the Toyosu Market, has become a major attraction for numerous tourists from both within Japan and abroad. Despite some initial reactions suggesting that the prices might be a bit steep for locals, "A little expensive for the Japanese taste perhaps..." there are actually ways for Japanese customers to enjoy the offerings at a more reasonable cost.

One of the most talked-about features was the high-priced seafood bowls, mockingly referred to as "Inbound Donburi" on social media. Indeed, some bowls are priced close to 7,000 yen, which can seem expensive to Japanese consumers. However, upon closer inspection of the ingredient case, the seafood used appears to be of high quality, potentially justifying the pricing for foreign tourists who may perceive it as a bargain.

Even well-known gourmet and gay bar mama from Shinjuku Ni-chome, Kanade, known for her expertise in dining out, seemed a bit gloomy when looking at the menus of other establishments, "A little expensive for the Japanese taste perhaps..."

However, while touring the facility with Kanade, it became clear that there are indeed shops that offer more reasonable prices for Japanese customers. For example, "Tsukiji Kagura Sushi" offers sushi sets crafted by skilled chefs starting at 2,970 yen, attracting long lines of customers.

Beyond seafood, there are other popular spots such as "Chinese Soba Katsumoto," which consistently sees queues throughout its open hours and even runs out of soup before closing. It's advisable to visit early to avoid missing out.

Kanade shared a tip for enjoying a meal at Toyosu Senkyakubanrai without waiting in line: start by purchasing a bento from "Yamauchi Foods" on the second floor. This shop sells bento boxes featuring crab meat directly from Hakodate, with the most affordable option being the crab chirashi bento at 1,350 yen. Kanade didn't hesitate to buy the least expensive crab chirashi bento.

Next, she headed to "Menya Takeichi" in the food court on the third floor. Among the extensive noodle menu, Kanade chose the Osaka specialty "Nikukasu Udon Small" for 690 yen, a dish not commonly found in the Kanto region.

Combining the two meals for a total of 2,040 yen proved to be a very economical choice that left one fully satisfied, a testament to Kanade's professional dining expertise. The crab chirashi bento was packed with so much crab meat that the rice was barely visible, offering a hearty meal. Moreover, the udon with its elegant broth and crispy meat scraps was outstanding, with a well-balanced flavor that would leave few unsatisfied.

While Toyosu Senkyakubanrai certainly has establishments geared towards inbound tourists, there is also no shortage of options for Japanese customers. It's definitely worth a visit to find a shop that suits your taste.

Source: MDPR
OSAKA, Feb 11 (News On Japan) - A woman who was detained at an Osaka detention center and left without a bra for 11 days was also subject to male interrogation during this time, with no explanation why she was unable to wear underwear.

According to the Osaka Prefectural Police, a woman in her sixties was detained at the Toyonaka station last month. Upon her arrival, she was wearing a type of underwear with straps over the shoulders, which a female officer instructed her to remove. Consequently, she was left without the option to wear any form of bra for eleven days.

The policy of the Osaka police stipulates that string-like underwear is not permitted due to the potential risk of suicide, while wearing T-shirt style bra tops is allowed. However, this policy was not communicated to the woman, who later underwent interrogation by a male prosecutor without her underwear.

The lack of communication and consideration for the woman's dignity has sparked criticism. Azusa Matsumoto, the lawyer representing the woman, commented on the issue, stating, "This is truly a matter concerning the dignity of women. Wearing a bra is a norm when appearing in public, so it must have been incredibly embarrassing for her."

In response to the criticism, the Osaka Prefectural Police acknowledged the oversight, admitting that "it was unkind not to have explained" the policy to the woman. This incident has prompted a reevaluation of how detainees are treated, particularly regarding their privacy and dignity. The Osaka police are now considering measures to improve their procedures and ensure that detainees are treated with the respect they deserve, reflecting a necessary shift towards more humane detention practices.

Source: ABCTVnews
Lincoln's Pub co-owner Jon Nelson announced last week that the restaurant would close as its five-year lease on the space is expiring.

Nelson posted on Facebook that "weve had to make the tough decision to shut her down," citing unspecified factors in the decision.

"Well take this one on the chin and continue to learn and grow," Nelson said. "We tried to do things different and had successes and failures in both, such is life. The restaurant business is definitely a labor of love, when the love is gone its time to move on."

Nelson, who owns the restaurant with Taylor Riedermann, thanked the restaurant's supporters over the years as well as the memories associated with the eatery, including a pizza box design drawn by his son Jon.

Lincoln's Pub took over the Historic 100 Block spot operated by Dixie Quicks, which opened in Omaha in 1996 and moved to Council Bluffs in 2011. Dixie Quicks closed its doors in 2018.

The announced closing has been tough on employees, including bartenders Denton Racine and Nick Somers, who spoke with The Nonpareil on Friday afternoon.

Im heartbroken, big time, Racine said. Jon has been an amazing guy, as well as Taylor. Its been rough on all of us.

Racine, who has been a bartender there for about four years, said he plans to take a similar job at another bar on the same block.

Nevertheless, he added, I would like to see somebody buy this place, and Ill be more than happy to come back.

When asked about memories, Racine said, The only bad memory is us closing. The owners have been great and the customers fantastic.

Somers added, Its disappointing. The staff here is small and tight. Its been fun. Its sad to see it go.

Somers started working as bartender there as a seasonal winter worker last year.

Ill have to find a new job next winter, but that is a long time from now, Somers said. Its been awesome.

The restaurant, with a prominent mural of the former president as you approach the 100 block of West Broadway from the east, was a staple in the food scene in Council Bluffs.

However, last November, Lincoln's Pub was cited by inspectors from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing for safety violations that sounded like what viewers of "Kitchen Nightmare" have come to expect from a walk-through of a struggling restaurant.

The eatery did not have a certified food protection manager on staff, and cut lettuce and tomatoes lacked date markings, as did meatballs and cream sauce in a walk-in cooler, according to an account published by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Inspectors found what appeared to be mold in jars holding pickled eggs, and the interior of a microwave was encrusted with food debris. Additionally, the inspection found what appears to be deceased cockroaches on the floor in the pizza kitchen and dry-storage area near the prep kitchen.

A follow-up inspection on Dec. 8 found a "number of violations from the previous inspection that have not been addressed."

An inspection on Jan. 18 found the kitchen still lacked a certified food protection manager.

Lincoln's Pub will continue to be open through February serving pizza and burgers, Nelson said. It will open at 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
HKSAR chief executive delivers Chinese New Year message

Xinhua) 10:20, February 10, 2024

HONG KONG, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee on Friday delivered a Chinese New Year message, wishing the people of Hong Kong a full house of happiness and harmony in the Year of the Dragon.

"The dragon is an auspicious symbol signifying nobility and good luck. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, Hong Kong is nurturing fresh vitality and prosperity. We will seize each and every new opportunity, showcase the charm of our city, and write a bright new chapter for Hong Kong," Lee said.

The chief executive said the Chinese New Year is a time for reunions, a time for families and friends to get together, and cherish the joy and warmth of the festive season.

"We share our wishes for children to grow strong and healthy and for grown-ups to be blessed with good fortune," Lee said.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on Friday expressed profound horror at the ongoing situation in the Middle East, reiterating the call for a humanitarian ceasefire and protection of civilians
What if you picked up your Bible to read and the words were not English. Every word was in a language you never learned. Words you could not even pronounce because the alphabet is different than the one you learned. There would be no understanding of the words of God.

There are small rural villages in Cambodia where there are no Bibles in the language spoken there, but that recently changed and two women from North Platte Berean Church were present for the historic moment.

Jessica Stone and Andrea Melius traveled to a small village in Cambodia for the dedication ceremony of translated Bibles in the language of Tampuan.

When the news came that the Bibles were being distributed, Gary Jones, the head of the missions committee at North Platte Berean Church said, Someone needs to go to the dedication.

Currently, John and Kristen Smedley are serving in Cambodia and have been for 20 years. Kristens parents, Charlie and Debbie Shimmin, were missionaries in Thailand. Charlie grew up in North Platte.

North Platte Berean are longtime supporters of this missionary family.

Andrea had been to Cambodia before and has a love for those who spend their lives as missionaries. She showed me pictures of John and Kristen Smedley and their six children, all born as their parents served as missionaries.

Andrea said as they traveled, they were faced with a number of delays a lot of waiting, but voiced God was with them each mile they traveled.

Many of those miles were on remote, bumpy, dirt roads, the humidity was high and so were the temperatures.

When the announcement was made to the congregation in North Platte, John Stone, pastor explained because of poverty, people would pay only $5 for their Bible. The cost of creating the Bibles was $15.

He asked if those in attendance that Sunday would help cover the cost. That need was met and exceeded the goal. All gifts given will continue to support the completion of more Bibles.

It is not an exaggeration to say it takes a lifetime to translate a Bible and some have literally given their life to make sure Bibles are available in the language of anyone who wants to love, serve and learn more about their Savior.

The Bibles were dedicated in a grand ceremony. Jessica and Andrea were there to witness the joy of the people receiving a Bible they could read.

Many villages came together for the all-day celebration. There was a parade, a song written for the celebration and people sang and danced, following one of translators who held their new Bible.

Jessica explained not only could people now read the bible they would read it to others. She quoted Revelations 1:3: God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

I would like to share with you the words of the song they sang as they danced down the village paths. The hymn is written by a young woman named Yett and translated by J.D. Crowley.

Rejoice, rejoice, today everyone. Rejoice brothers and sisters. Today we have Gods word,

We will speak so the people will hear, brothers and sisters listen to the God of heaven.

We sing praises to the Lord God, make His name famous.

Our hearts are filled with happiness because we have Gods word in Tampuan.

As Jessica and Andrea listened to Yett that day, they could not understand her words, but both could hear her heart.
The North Platte Community College Theater Department is hosting auditions for their spring play Plan 9 from Outer Space on Tuesday in the McDonald-Belton Theater.

Auditions will begin at 6 p.m.. There are parts in the play for up to six men and six women ages 16 and older. Technical crew positions are also available. No previous acting experience is required.

Plan 9 from Outer Space is a play adapted from a science fiction horror of the same name from the 1950s, produced, written and directed by Ed Wood.

The play is about aliens seeking to stop humanity from creating a doomsday weapon with the power to destroy the universe. It follows a group of extraterrestrials with a scheme to resurrect the Earths dead in hopes that causing mass chaos will force the humans to listen to them.

Plan 9 from Outer Space, is the epitome of so-bad-its-good cinema, said NPCC Theater Instructor Ritch Galvan, who will direct the play. It is an unintentionally hilarious sci-fi thriller from anti-genius Ed Wood that is celebrated for its staggering ineptitude. This stage adaptation will be part homage and part mockery of the cult classic film.
Tom Suozzi, a Democrat running for his old job in Congress, at a rally in Queens. Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images/=

Stop if you have heard this before: A Democrat so familiar to voters that he may as well be a piece of architecture is running on a promise of restoring order and ending the ridicule and chaos associated with the previous Republican officeholder. But the electorate, a roughly equal mix of Republicans and Democrats, has, over the past few years, seemed to yearn for a return of the chaos.

This is the story of the 2024 presidential election, in which Joe Biden has struggled in the polls against Donald Trump, and also of Tuesdays special election for Congress playing out in a corner of Queens and Nassau County on Long Island.

The seat was held by George Santos until he was expelled by his fellow Republicans in December over his baroque fantasia of a backstory and egregious campaign-finance fraud. Democrats have nominated Tom Suozzi, a politician practically synonymous with Nassau County. He represented the district in Congress for three terms before leaving to embark on a quixotic primary challenge of Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022. Before that, he was the county executive for eight years and the mayor of Glen Cove on the islands Gold Coast  as were his father and his uncle before him. Like Biden, he is a proud moderate, someone willing to take on the left flank of his party.

Republicans, meanwhile, have nominated Mazi Melesa Pilip, a two-term county lawmaker. She has a remarkable biography: An Ethiopian Jew airlifted to Israel to escape civil war in her home country at age 12, she later joined the Israeli Defense Forces and eventually settled in Great Neck, where she and her Ukrainian-born husband are raising seven children. But she is little known in the district, has scarcely campaigned, and, when she does, tends to not alert the press. Worse, she misrepresented portions of her biography: Pilip was not an IDF paratrooper, as she claimed on her official biographies on social media, but rather served in the IDFs paratrooper weapons supply unit. Democrats have eagerly attacked her as another fabulist like Santos.

The Third Congressional District is a quintessentially suburban one  wealthy, mostly white, largely college-educated, and, for a long time, a Republican stronghold. Ronald Reagan once quipped that when a Republican dies and goes to heaven, it looks a lot like Nassau County. Ever since then, it has trended more and more Democratic, voting for Barack Obama (twice) and Hillary Clinton and then for Biden. But since 2020, it has become not only Republican but remarkably MAGA-friendly. Santos narrowly flipped the district from Democratic hands by running as an openly pro-Trump candidate, someone who spoke at the Stop the Steal rally the night before the January 6 riot at the Capitol, and Republicans have won up and down the ballot in both the Queens and Nassau portions of the district since 2021.

Democrats have been losing everything on Long Island and in northeast Queens for the past three years, Suozzi recently told CNN. The Democratic brand is in trouble here, and we have to do a lot to overcome that.

The race appears to be close, with Suzzoi leading Philip by three-to-four points in two polls released Thursday, and strategists in both parties say it is likely even closer. Democrats who have been fretting over Bidens abysmal poll numbers have comforted themselves with the fact that the party keeps winning down ballot, particularly in special elections, by attacking Republicans as MAGA extremists, especially on abortion  the same playbook theyre using on Philip. But a loss here, after the party put up someone with near-universal name recognition against a relative unknown in a district that Biden won in 2020 by ten points  with the presidential election just about to get underway in earnest  would cause a freakout. This is a must-win for Democrats, said Chapin Fay, a Republican strategist from the area. Back in 2016, this district was ground zero for Never Trump Republicans, but now you are going to see how many of them are coming back to the Republican Party as a reaction to Joe Biden.

Mazi Pilip, the Republican in the race, in Massapequa, Long Island. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

While pundits and the press tend to exaggerate the significance of special elections, the hype around this one is deserved: This race matters not just for its predictive power, but for its actual real-world stakes. Republicans currently have just a three-seat majority, slim enough that they cant pass priority legislation with even a handful of members absent. Last week, they didnt even have the votes to impeach Bidens Homeland Security secretary over the border crisis, something they have been pledging to do for the better part of a year. The road to the majority likely runs through New York, where Republicans hold six seats in districts Biden won, including, until Santos stepped down, this one. The Pilip-Suozzi race is showing the contours of the broader campaign that will play out over the next nine months, according to Alyssa Cass, a Democratic strategist working to help flip the House.

New York has always been the home of moderate, Rockefeller-style Republicans, but the strain of Republicanism that has grown out on Long Island is intense, it is angry, it is frustrated. And the reasons people are frustrated are really real, she said. It is schools, it is quality of life, it is cost of living. And then you pair that with a crime increase during and after the pandemic and a New York City tabloid culture that is pumping breathless and hysterical headlines into the district. This is going to give us a lot of clues about what Democrats need to do in November.

Though Democrats are outspending Republicans, both sides are set to put as much as $10 million into the campaign before the final votes are cast on February 13, pummeling each other on guns, Israel, abortion, and democracy. This is the first real contest of 2024, said Gabby Seay, a spokesperson for Battleground NY, which is working to flip GOP-held congressional seats to Democrats. It is big, and so you are seeing folks on both sides test out their approach.

As the race hurtles toward its conclusion, the biggest issue is immigration. More than 100,000 migrants have come to New York City in the past two years, making it an outsize issue in an area filled with homeowners who fled the city. More recently, there has been a surge of asylum seekers at the southern border that Republicans have blamed on Biden. Aware that the issue has been a vulnerability in the past, Suozzi ran on immigration early and often, holding a press conference soon after he was named as the nominee to tout his previous work to secure the border. Democrats pointed to the Republicans blowing up the bipartisan border bill in Congress as proof Pilip and her party are not serious about actually solving the problem.

Suozzi probably has a better vantage point on the shifting politics of Long Island than any other Democrat except Jay Jacobs, who is both the head of the state party and the longtime leader of Nassau County Democrats. When we spoke last Tuesday, he was concerned about the potential political damage that could result from a group of migrants who allegedly attacked two NYPD officers, and most of whom were subsequently released without bail (an issue Republicans used to devastating effect on Democrats two years ago). If Suozzi loses, Jacobs believes this would be the reason why.

We had a group of migrants assault two cops and then not get thrown out of the country immediately. That takes a problem that was already there and magnifies it, he said. This news cycle has been horrible on the issue of the border and the migrants, and its all the Republicans are campaigning on.

Who needed this now? he added. I dont want to find myself where I am the captain of the Titanic and there is an iceberg ahead. And the iceberg is this migrant thing.
In the spring of 2023, Hong Kong had just opened up to tourism after three years of pandemic-related restrictions. So for the third season of his PBS travel show Field Trip, Australian-born chef Curtis Stone assembled a supersized episode highlighting the coastal, cosmopolitan citys culture and cuisine, from martial arts to seaside seafood stalls.

Stone had visited Hong Kong previously, but the Field Trip spotlight is a more in-depth look at a unique location that most travelers havent been able to experience since late 2019. The hour highlights a full range of Hong Kong food, from street vendors to hip bistros to Michelin-starred fine dining  all through the lens of Stones own perspective as a chef and restaurateur.

More from Variety

ADVERTISEMENT

Variety spoke with Stone at the episodes premiere, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board at his Hollywood restaurant Gwen.

What was your relationship like with Hong Kong before this?

Well, interestingly, I opened an office there because weve manufactured cookware. We had an office there on the Kowloon side. But its not one that Ive been to often. I go because of course in Australia, Hong Kong is quite close. Its a bad analogy to say its like Mexico, but Aussies spend their vacations in Hong Kong and Bali and Singapore, those kinds of cities. And then of course, as you turn into a grown up, you have mates that ended up expats working in finance districts, those sort of places. Also, when I was living in London, it was the perfect stopover. You can spend the night there or a couple of nights there. So I went a lot in my 20s, because its such a cool place.

I hadnt been back. Its so interesting going as a tourist, but when I started the show, I really wanted to scratch beneath the surface. It was really an exploration of culture through food.

Story continues

What was the most novel or surprising experience this time around?

What I really learned while I was there was, so much of Hong Kong runs on this generational knowledge  businesses passed down generation to generation to generation. I hadnt really thought much about that. Like those little dumpling shops you walk past  that was somebodys grandfathers grandfathers grandfather. And its just stayed in the family that way.

We went to a beancurd factory, a tofu maker. He was this old guy and he worked his ass off. Because its a hard job, right? They boil the soy milk, they temper it. Then the curd starts to sit. Then they have to work it. Theyre lifting this stuff all day long. I met his daughter, who was an investment banker, successful by that Chinese standard. And then she was like, But Im miserable! And my dad makes bean curd and hes happy. So she left the bank and came back in and invested with him. Now theyve expanded the factory to be another little shop on the other side of the street. And shes like, so happy working in it. Theres this incredible respect.

Was there anything you werent able to squeeze in thats top of your list for next time?

Yes, theres so many great markets. And in the short time, we can only do so much. Theres certain things that are very seasonal. I mean, God, imagine being there now for the new year. And the Year of the Dragon is so fun. They do festivals unbelievably well.

I mean, theres some of the best restaurants in the world. One that we actually went to, Vea  he actually took Chinese medicine, and then made it edible. Everything is like, a sea cucumber. People normally go and find that for medicinal purposes. But he was taking it and finding a culinary use for it. He was a Canadian born Hong Konger. He learned how to cook in Canada, and then he went back to Hong Kong. You find all of these really fascinating stories of people that have this really diverse background, but tied to Hong Kong in one way, shape, or form. He was like, I learned how to cook French food. So Im gonna apply that to Chinese medicine.

Was there any particular ingredient or technique that you took back with you and incorporated into your cooking here?

Actually, that egg roll that we served tonight was a bit of a mash up because we made an XO sauce. XO sauce, its everywhere. People really pride themselves on it. Its a bit like a French chicken stock; everyone has their own. And duck is such an important part of Cantonese cuisine. When youre there, you really see theres so many uses for it. So we made this confited duck leg. We cook it in its own fat really slowly, which they do there, which I was surprised to see. Theres attitudes that you bring back.

What I never really tried to do is recreate that food, because I cant. I dont know how. To become a brilliant Cantonese chef, you need decades of learning. Getting a little master class from the guy that makes shumai his whole life  your hands just dont move in the same way. Youre like, How do I do it? The crew literally had to pull me out.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A legal battle that has been going on for almost 18 years is finally nearing the end as Corine Woodson has reached a settlement agreement with Cleveland Brothers Inc. and she will be leaving her home of over 60 years.

As part of the settlement, Woodsons appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court for a right to purchase the land that contains her home of 60+ years has been rescinded, meaning the sale for division will move forward. Woodsons attorney Jacy Fisher said that she does not want the decision to be perceived as simply settling, insisting that the settlement agreement was a great deal for Corine.

We were able to negotiate a settlement that was really good for Corine, like really, really good. And so it was kind of a best of both worlds situation, Fisher said. It was a deal that you know, my client was excited about and honestly, probably a deal that we didnt think was ever going to be on the table.

Fisher from Gregory Varner and Associates could not comment on specifics because the settlement is confidential.

Fisher was one of the newer parties in the case, representing Corine starting in Jan. 2023 as the 83-year-old woman attempted to prevent the sale of a 40.7 acre plot of land that would force her to leave her home of over 60 years. Woodson became a party in the case after her husband Willie Woodson died and she inherited 10.69% of the 40.7 acres of land, which included her home at 2625 Hamilton Road.

The property is known as heirs property, first purchased by Ben W. Woodson in 1911 and divided up over the years to Ben Woodsons various heirs and descendants. That included Corines late husband Willie Woodson, who was involved in the case until his death in 2022. The property has tenants in common status, meaning that the land is divided up into percentages rather than divided up by owners with individual parcels.

A recap of the cases latest developments

When Corine became party to the case officially in Jan. 2023, she filed a notice of intent to purchase the land outright. However in Aug. 2023 Lee County District Judge Russell K Bush ruled against her motion on the grounds that she filed her notice of intent to purchase too late. The law states that the notice of intent to purchase must be filed must be filed no less than 10 days before a trial begins, in this case the 2019 trial. At that time, Corine was not a party in the case but Cleveland Bros. Inc. was and they did file a notice more than 10 days before the 2019 trial.

The ruling was a final judgment and the sale was set to move forward at a price of $3.97 million.

In response, Corine and Fisher appealed it to the Alabama Supreme Court, and with the help of a financial backer, the team was able to pay a $3.97 million supersedeas bond to the Cleveland Bros. to stay the sale and allow the appeal to go forward.

That $3.97 million bond will now be returned to the financial backer, and Corines daughter Melissa Woodson is thankful for the backers assistance in this case.

The angel that was involved in this process, we cant say thank you enough for all that was done there. Because we know that was part of the opening of the door to help us to get to the Alabama State Supreme Court, Mellissa Woodson said.

On Jan. 12, Fisher was making final preparations for her Supreme Court brief, which was due on Jan. 22, when she received an email from Cleveland asking about settlement discussions. Fisher was surprised by this, considering the deadline for the brief and that prior discussions on settlements had not gone anywhere.

For Cleveland, it simply boiled down to wanting to move on. The case started officially in 2006, and the Cleveland Bros. starting buying interests of other landowners even before that. A Supreme Court appeal meant the case would keep going.

We were just trying to get the matter resolved, Cleveland said. Weve just been, weve been working on it a long time and its good to get some closure.

Settlement brings closure and relief

Fisher brought the opportunity of a settlement to Corine and Melissa Woodson, who were relieved.

It was a relief, Melissa Woodson said. My mom and so many others had been praying to the Lord about all of that and the fact that the Cleveland brothers reached out, it was, again, a sigh of relief and a gratefulness that the Lord had intervened.

Fisher made the first offer, and Cleveland did not make a counter and the settlement was agreed to shortly after. Fisher and Corine officially filed to dismiss the appeal which was completed on Jan. 30.

Fisher was looking forward to arguing her case in front of the Alabama Supreme Court, and she felt she had a winning argument to give Corine a chance to buy the property outright with the case of Johnson v. Johnson. However, Fisher she said the deal was the right one for Corine.

I had to put a little pride aside because this was going to be a great opportunity to argue, what I felt was a great argument before the Supreme Court. I had to do what was best for my client, Fisher said.

Fisher said that Corine will ultimately have to move out of her 2625 Hamilton Road home at some point, but the official timeline is covered under the confidentiality of the settlement.

For Corine, she is thankful for the the support she has received in recent months as the case received national coverage in November.

It meant the world to me, the world to me. Knowing that I have a lot of friends, relatives and neighbors...sending out prayers, and those prayers worked, Corine said. Im just very thankful. Everybody that was working with me and praying for me, and so it all worked out. God is good.

As she reflects on this saga, Fisher is thankful that they fought for Corines right to purchase the land, because the settlement would not have come without it.

If you dont ask, you just wont know. Like if you dont ask for what you want, if you dont fight for what you want, if we would have just not appealed this case and if the financial investor had not agreed to back the appeal, we would not have gotten this opportunity, Fisher said. I think the moral of this story is there is a way for families to preserve their legacy, but youve got to be willing to fight for it. And I mean we fought for it in the 13th hour, and we still got a good result for Corine.

Whats next?

With the appeal rescinded, Fisher explained that the case will revert to the final judgement issued in August.

In addition to whatever Woodson will receive as part of the settlement, she will receive just under $366,000 for owning 10.69% of the property whenever the sale goes through. Corine is not the only one receiving money from the sale, as the other parties with interests in the land will be paid once the sale goes through.

During an interview with the Opelika-Auburn News in November, Cleveland highlighted that the longer the appeal went on the more those interests holders would have to wait to receive their checks.

Everybody who owns an interest in this property is waiting for their checks for their interest, Cleveland said in November. They want their share of the proceeds.

There are 23 total interested parties, including Woodson, and all own a percentage of the land.

Cleveland said in a Feb. 1 interview with the Opelika-Auburn News that the sale would go through in 30 days. According to Cleveland, there is nothing standing in the way of the sale moving forward, but he could not share what was next for Corine or the property.

Additionally, Cleveland said the plans for the property could be a mixed-use residential development, such as a subdivision, and possibly some commercial development but he said the plans are still in the preliminary stages.

As for Corine, she will be leaving her home, but Melissa said her mom is excited about a new chapter.

Shes very excited, and happy about the next chapters in her life. Getting ready to turn 84 this year, shes just so happy to be able to see whats next.
Local students will perform live at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on Monday as a part of a 10-week civics and character program.

The Liberty Learning Foundation will kick off their Hands-on Liberty Program at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Second graders from Carver Primary School, Jeter Primary School and Southview Primary School will join a live performance featuring Libby Liberty and Mr. Palmer.

This resource provides passionate educators with flexible and fun tools to teach, inspire, and empower our Next Great Americans. The Helping Hands project has students nominate and honor a person in their school/community who is already doing the work of a super citizen, said Cynthia Green, the vice president of Educational Resources.

Students will learn about civics, character, financial literacy, career exploration, and American story in their classrooms.

Students will graduate from the program, take their Helping Hands pledge, and honor the heroes in their community who are making a difference.

About the Liberty Learning Foundation

Liberty Learning Foundation bridges the gap between under-funded schools and passionate donors who share their belief that strong civic character must be taught despite budget cuts.

They provide educators with free teaching tools that empower students with an understanding of history, heritage, and the great American ideals that are fundamental to the success of their Next Great Americans.

For more information, visit Libertylearning.org.
A Broadway production thats touring across the country will stop in Auburn in less than a week.

The cast will perform the To Kill a Mockingbird play at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

This is such a classic story for Alabama, said Jonathan Osborne, the director of Communications and Marketing. Its so important to the state and a recognizable and iconic work of literature for the community. I think its important for us to have it as part of our Broadway series.

The performance is based on the To Kill a Mockingbird novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. Set in Alabama, it is a coming-of-age story of two children, Scout and Jem Finch, who are raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is a lawyer, and he defends a Black man falsely accused on sexual assault.

There are a couple of big-name performers like Emmy award-winning actor Richard Thomas, who plays the lead role of Atticus Finch. Birmingham native Mary Badham was chosen for the role of Scout at the age of 10 and earned an Oscar nomination for her performance. She now plays the role of Mrs. Henry Dubose in the tour.

We are very excited to have it here, Osborne said. Its probably one of the earliest shows to sell out for us this season Both nights are sold out. Its been a popular show by demand from patrons across the community, and I know that weve got folks coming from all over the state and from Georgia to see it. Were excited to have a big crowd.

To Kill a Mockingbird is recommended for ages 12 and up, because it contains racially explicit language and costuming and references to sexual abuse. The performance is approximately two hours and 55 minutes long, including one 15-minute intermission.

For more information, please visit Goguecenter.auburn.edu.

Close Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and Scout Backus (Scout Finch). Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson). Scout Backus (Scout Finch) and Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia). (l to r) Dorcas Sowunmi and Mary Badham (Mrs. Henry Dubose). (l to r) Mariah Lee (Mayella Ewell), Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Backus (Scout Finch) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch). Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) perform in the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson), Stephen Elrod (Bailiff), Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch). Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch), Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson) and The Company perform in the Broadway play To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Backus (Scout Finch). Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia). Mary Badham (Mrs. Henry Dubose). See the "To Kill a Mockingbird" cast Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and Scout Backus (Scout Finch). Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson). Scout Backus (Scout Finch) and Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia). (l to r) Dorcas Sowunmi and Mary Badham (Mrs. Henry Dubose). (l to r) Mariah Lee (Mayella Ewell), Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Backus (Scout Finch) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch). Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson) and The Company of To Kill a Mockingbird. Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) perform in the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson), Stephen Elrod (Bailiff), Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch). Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch), Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson) and The Company perform in the Broadway play To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Backus (Scout Finch). Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia). Mary Badham (Mrs. Henry Dubose).
"Islam has destroyed Muslim countries"

? ?? ??????????

Reply

Thread

Link

Right?! Like what exactly does she think the US has done? Created peace and joy?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Christianity has badly influenced Christian countries?? There is no math.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The irony of this take from her when Christianity in the US is so involved in everything, including destroying a bunch of civil liberties and snatching away bodily autonomy.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

"Wake up westerners"

And none for you, rest of the world!

Reply

Thread

Link

Armed invaders crossing the southern border? I think the US' problem related to arms isn't necessarily connected to invaders, Selms.

Reply

Thread

Link

It's such a gross, stupid argument. Like those MAGA morons sitting around with loaded guns in both greasy hands, screaming about the dangerous "illegal people", as the news reports the latest mass shooting by some white guy. I really hate it here.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

It's not terrorism as long as it's white.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The majority of humans are just not serious people.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Unholy fuck there's no end to it.

Reply

Thread

Link

Moments like these I'm glad I'm taking a break from social media

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

In posts like these I read everything to see if things won't be blown up/title is more than clickbait so but.. it's all in there - holy fuck.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Just waiting for her to show up with a "Zionism is Sexy" mug, at this point.

Reply

Thread

Link

Ugh I never knew she was so *vile*. She's the female James Woods.

Reply

Thread

Link

She was liking James Woods tweets so youre spot on

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i almost have to laugh???

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same I knew NONE of this. I liked her as a symbol of support for MS and disability but now. Just Eugh.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

 I did, I did! Im glad its finally come to light.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

lol so that's why dazed removed her picture from their recent article about beauty industry and disability.

Reply

Thread

Link

Raging bigots like her don't care about backlash. I'm mad that I even gave her movies and doc an ounce of attention, and definitely won't be doing so in the future.

Reply

Thread

Link

Ive been on ONTD forever and followed her though posts here and had no idea she was like this. This is the first Ive read about her like this. I feel like a lot of non-A List celebrities publicly spout their bigotry to people arent checking for them so the small number of people who follow them now but its typically not enough to be of consequence until one day, they get too comfortablethen BAM.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think there were stories of her being rude to waitstaff.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

funny enough about that doc, theres a black film critic/journalist who has MS (carolyn hinds) tweeted about reaching out to selmas team about wanting to do a piece on that doc and never hearing back from them

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I unfollowed her and a few other disability activists & leaders after October 7ththe way they so quickly showed their racism shouldnt have been surprising but this conflict is inherently a disability justice issue so its been extra appalling. Almost all of them white women.



How they can so easily blame the oppressed and spout vile racism bullshit shows they have not studied disability history or activism in the way one was led to believe. Absolutely disgusting.



Edited at 2024-02-10 03:52 pm (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

most white women dont want equity for everyone, they want to be on an even playing field with white men

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I mean, yeah but there is a lot more nuance to disability justice issues than that. Its more about being seen as just as valuable as non-disabled folks but clearly Selma only cares about white disabled folks having that acknowledgment.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

MTE and that also goes doubly for Black men as well >_>

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I've been learning over and over again that many people with marginalized identities DGAF about a better society or justice. They just want to be as awful as the worst white men and not be held accountable like the worst white men.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

It's so frustrating when someone's activism/morals totally conflict like that. I followed someone for their really great asexual awareness content, but now they're posting a lot of questionably pro-Israel stuff, including obvious propaganda about the hostages. I'm like...come on.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Wow. Oh I had no idea Selma was like this. I am so deeply disappointed b/c Ive always adored her. The hell.

Reply

Thread

Link

Absolutely disgusting how someone can spew so much hatred and bigotry.

Reply

Thread

Link

Of course Michael Rapaport and Debra Messing agree with her disgusting views

Reply

Thread

Link

Fuck all three of them! 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I heard Debra Messing has announced she's putting together a documentary on antisemitism in the U.S. She will 100% be conflating anti-zionism with antisemitism. She's baiting ppl on purpose.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

She definitely will. The shit she's been posting on her Instagram is insane.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Debra Oppressing is doing everything she can at the moment to make herself seem like the worst person imaginable.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i had no idea she was like this

Reply

Thread

Link
I wonder what the theme and concept will be? She's def gonna try some oscar-baity stuff for sure.

Reply

Thread

Link

She could easily make a mini series for No Body, No Crime.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

that would require her to pay attention to evermore as an album

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

My guess is it will be romantic drama.

Young girl unlucky in love, who goes on a journey of self discovery, and finally finds Mr. Right, but has hesitations because her heart has been broken so many many times before. He convinces he that his love is real and true and forever, and she has her happily ever after. The final scene is a silhouette shot of them on the beach watching the waves at sunset.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

It would be funny if she did something nobody expected, like a disaster film or a drama about a pop singer addicted to romance who goes to rehab.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Why? She already has an Oscar for that Dylan obrien music video she directed 

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I THINK it was mentioned a while ago that its some sort of fairy tale or fantasy type genre.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I feel like shes going to take whatever her favorite Oscar-winning film is and make (Taylors Version) of it in an attempt to get an Oscar for herself. Obviously not that directly but its gonna come out and everyones gonna be like heyyy thats *insert Oscar-winning film* in a different font



I wouldve said she would try to make (Taylors Version) of a Greta Gerwig film but Greta doesnt have an Oscar yet 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





https://instagram.com/p/Cr_4mG_ukWG



There was a comment that idk how to find that wrote out the last scene that was like: this girl is crying in the grocery store and putting every bag of chips in her cart then the guy shows up and grabs the bag from her and opens it and is like I get it now!

lmao it had a lot more to it but I cant remember it all. Still cracks me up. Itll be smth like this lbr.There was a comment that idk how to find that wrote out the last scene that was like: this girl is crying in the grocery store and putting every bag of chips in her cart then the guy shows up and grabs the bag from her and opens it and is like I get it now!lmao it had a lot more to it but I cant remember it all. Still cracks me up.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





Can't wait for all the discourse over it hahahaha.



I'll watch it if it's on streaming.Can't wait for all the discourse over it hahahaha.

Reply

Thread

Link

And if you dont like the movie, it means you are a misogynist.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I wish I had the money and time/capacity to pursue creative things like that.

Reply

Thread

Link

I've been seeing her get dragged for her jet usage and I'm glad this eco terrorist is finally getting some heat. Sis said Cruel Summer will be the bop she gives us for the rest of our lives.

Reply

Thread

Link

Shes trying hard to shut everyone up on it and I hope they keep coming at her for this shit.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I hope the Streisand effect kicks in and they never let go of it. Lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Even Swifties were criticizing her for try to sue the guy who follows her jet on Twitter. And gasp I saw some Joe Alwyn articles where fans were telling her to leave him be. Which I feel like was interesting.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I read today that VistaJet flew a backup jet out to Tokyo just in case something happened to the first one before having to leave for the Super Bowl.



So yay for double the emissions.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Unpopular opinion, but I hate Cruel Summer  Especially the part in the chorus where she's screeching "and it's ooooouuaaaah, whoaaaaa-ooooh"

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

What did we do to deserve this

I mean sure climate change but honestly if I had to pick

Reply

Thread

Link

calling it now



this will be her most sincere effort yet to get that Best Original Song Oscar that has been evading her like crazy. it will be a bad movie but the campaign will be for a pity Best Original Song nom. if Billie Eilish and her brother write another song for a movie they will probably take it instead and Taylor will hate everything



I was really kind of hoping she had given up on this since she broke up with Joe and would hopefully be less interested in filmmaking, but alas, I guess we'll be subjected to her filmmaking

Reply

Thread

Link

I will voluntarily hand in my Disney Adult membership card if they add a fucking Swifties area to the parks ala Star Wars oh my GOD

Reply

Thread

Link

What would that even be, a walk-through of a private jet or a minibar?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

lol who knows but if Disney can exploit her fans they will be down to try anything

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

a minibar in the private jet. or restaurant where each individual table is within its own private jet

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I mean Ill be interested to see what she does but her music videos that shes directed are very twee and its a very different media. My initial expectations are that itll be a cliched and obvious story with no original take on the delivery but Swifties will eat it up.

Reply

Thread

Link

I wonder if she's spiraling down. She loves attention but all this, the tour, the re-releases, new music, the football, the movie... seems way too much.



Please go away, Taylor.

Reply

Thread

Link

It does and it makes me say "until what end?" like has it hit critical mass yet

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Unless she voluntarily takes a break or her health forces her to go on hiatus, she'll never stop. Her fanbase is desperate for more.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I saw a comment saying she's basically Apple pumping out products

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

she finally after that oscar he daddy wanted so badly for her

Reply

Thread

Link

Wheres that gif from? From one of her videos? Because the guy looks like Jake Gyllenhaal in that Vampire Weekend music video where hes playing tennis idk how to embed on mobile https://youtu.be/bccKotFwzoY?si=1yE-CdsQtEaWYTL6

Reply

Thread

Link

I think it's from her "The man" video

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Kenya aims to transition to 100 percent clean energy by the end of the decade, under one of the worlds most ambitious climate pledges to date. It is being supported  alongside several other countries, by funding from several development banks under a scheme that is expected to support the advancement of a global green transition. As several economically developed countries invest in the shift from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives and decarbonize their economies, greater funding will be required to ensure that the green transition is taking place on a global rather than just a local level.

The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) will finance a $70 million plan to advance Kenyas renewable energy capacity in support of a green transition, with an initial payment of $46.39 million. The CIF was established in 2008 as a multilateral climate fund to finance pilot projects in developing countries at the request of the G8 and G20. It expects the financing from its Renewable Energy Integration (REI) investment program to contribute to a reduction in Kenyas greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030 and to help the country achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Most of the funds will come in the form of a loan, with $5 million in the form of a grant.

The CIF investment is expected to spur high levels of additional investment in the green energy sector, with a further $243 million from the public and private sectors expected from implementation partners, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group.

At present, nearly 90 percent of Kenyas energy comes from renewable resources, with 45 percent coming from geothermal sources and 26 percent from hydropower. However, Kenyas renewable energy sector faces significant challenges and is still often unable to meet peak demand. Its energy sources do not provide a steady flow of energy, meaning that alternative options must be added to the grid and the countrys battery capacity must be increased, to ensure the growing energy demand is met and excess energy produced outside of peak hours is not lost.

Although a large proportion of Kenyas power comes from renewable sources, it currently experiences regular blackouts due to the unstable state of its existing grid system. According to Kenyas National Bureau of Statistics, it imported 706.9 kWh of electricity from neighboring Ethiopia and Uganda in the first 11 months of 2023, a significant increase from 288.27 kWh in the same period of 2022.

Expert support from the CIF is expected to help Kenya tackle these challenges and develop its renewable energy, to achieve 100 percent clean energy generation by 2030. The move will help attract investment in innovative storage technologies, such as battery storage and pumped hydropower, to combat the challenge of stable power delivery. It will also see the addition of alternative renewable energy production, such as solar and wind power, which will see an increase of 30 percent and 19 percent respectively by 2030.

Kenya is one of ten countries to receive funding under the CIFs REI program, alongside Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, and Mali. Funding from the CIF is expected to support the green transition of these countries, in support of a global green transition. While several Western countries are investing in the deployment of renewable energy operations, many developing countries cannot afford to do the same without funding from donors and richer countries. Investing in the developing worlds green energy capacity will support the global green transition needed to tackle climate change.

Anthony Nyong, the Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank stated, We are excited to welcome the endorsement of the REI Investment Plan for Kenya, a transformative step towards a sustainable energy future. He added, This comprehensive plan represents a strategic blueprint for integrating renewable energy into?the countrys energy landscape. It reflects our collective commitment to fostering innovation, reducing carbon emissions, and creating a resilient energy infrastructure. We?look forward to actively participating in the implementation of this plan, working?hand in hand with all stakeholders.

Kenya has significant renewable energy potential, as seen through the recent development of its already strong green energy sector. It is home to vast geothermal resources, coming from the African rift, which runs underground. The Somalian and Nubian tectonic plates moved in opposite directions around 25 million years ago, making the surface between two fault lines sink, and transporting magmatic fluids closer to Earths surface to create the rift. The valley stretches over 6,400km from Jordan to Mozambique, providing the perfect conditions to generate geothermal energy.

Peketsa Mangi, the general manager of geothermal development at KenGen, explains, Kenya has developed the capacity for precision geoscientific studies that help us to identify potential areas to drill. Exploration and drilling are cost-intensive endeavours and investors dont want to go to a greenfield without confirmed viable resources. The oil crisis experienced in the 1970s accelerated the deployment of geothermal resources across the country, providing a blueprint for other countries on the rift to follow.

An abundance of renewable energy sources has already allowed Kenya to develop its green energy sector substantially. Funding from the CIF is expected to help the East African country to achieve 100 percent clean energy by the end of the decade and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This will put it far ahead of many other countries striving to achieve a green transition and could provide the blueprint for neighboring countries to follow.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity took part in a meeting of the African Union (AU) Ministerial Committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of African Agenda 2063, which was held virtually
For years, the petroleum industry has been trying to push liquefied natural gas as a clean energy source, or at least a cleaner energy source than other fossil fuels, touting its role as a stepping stone or bridge fuel between higher-emissions fuels and clean energy in the decarbonization transition. But recent research shows that LNG may not always be cleaner than coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel.

The debate over whether LNG is in reality a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels has been reengaged in recent months as the Biden administration has announced that it will pause approvals of new licenses to export liquefied natural gas. Last Friday, President Joe Biden announced that during this freeze the United States Department of Energy will review and assess whether the nations considerable LNG exports are undermining domestic energy security, raising consumer costs and damaging the environment.

This pause will have widespread implications for global energy markets, as the United States was the single biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world in 2023. According to LSEG data, full year exports from the U.S. rose 14.7% to 88.9 million metric tons (MT), but from 77.5 million metric tons in 2022.

As the Biden administration's decision to pause new approvals makes waves around global energy markets, its also caused a major resurgence of the natural gas debate in scientific circles. We now know that natural gas is much more harmful for the environment than initially thought, but there is widespread disagreement about to what extent, and whether pausing exports is actually the right move for the environment.

In December 2023, 170 climate scientists signed onto a letter petitioning President Joe Biden to reject all plans to build more LNG export terminals going forward, and especially along the Gulf of Mexico. Their argument was based on the finding that, in stark contrast to the dominant energy transition narrative, liquefied gas is actually at least 24 percent worse for the climate than coal. This figure comes from a forthcoming Cornell University study (which has not yet been peer reviewed).

The issue is not really the consumption of the natural gas itself, but emissions associated with the life cycle of liquefied natural gas production. The Cornell University figure comes from figuring in the carbon dioxide emissions that result from the liquefying process, which requires chilling natural gas to extremely cold temperatures, an energy-intensive ordeal.

Another major issue is the methane that is released during the extraction of natural gas. Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. While it breaks up much more quickly in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, it is 80 times more potent at warming than CO2 over a 20-year period. And peerreviewed studies (like this one, this one, and this one) are increasingly indicating that natural gas produces much, much more methane over its life cycle than previously thought.

But other experts contend that these figures, while peer-reviewed, are politically motivated and the figures are inflated or skewed to tell a certain narrative thats not necessarily consistent with reality. It's just extremely frustrating to even deal with claims like this, because we talk about settled science, says Dan Byers, vice president of policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he works on environmental issues in a recent Scientific American report. The notion that, you know, LNG and natural gas reduce emissions by displacing coal is completely well established. So it feels like weve got like a flat earth situation going on with these claims.

A recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal goes as far as to contend that the Biden administrations new LNG export pause will actually harm the environment more than it helps. In the op-ed Chris Barnard, president of the American Conservation Coalition, argues that if the United States takes a step back from meeting global energy demands, other energy powers including Russia and China will only be too happy to fill those shoes. He argues that the result will be a more volatile geopolitical landscape as well as an increase of more carbon-intensive energy sources on the market.

As usual, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. But the one thing thats certain is that regardless of whether coal or LNG is cleaner, clean energy buildout will always be the cleanest. Of course, LNG will continue to have a role in stabilizing, and yes, bridging a smooth energy transition. But the quicker we can move away from it, the better.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Guns will be permitted on city-owned property in Omaha under a temporary injunction issued Friday.

The injunction is a partial victory for a firearms group in its lawsuit against the City of Omaha and Mayor Jean Stothert over Stotherts executive order prohibiting firearms on city property. The temporary injunction that Douglas County District Court Judge LeAnne Srb issued will stand until a final court decision is made.

The Nebraska Firearms Owners Association and five Omaha residents filed the suit in December, contending that Stotherts executive order and new city ordinances banning bump stocks and ghost gun parts violate Nebraskas new concealed carry legislation and the Nebraska Constitution. A similar suit has been filed against the City of Lincoln and Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.

Under Legislative Bill 77, which took effect in September, Nebraskans 21 and older can carry concealed firearms without a permit. The state legislation invalidates any local ordinances limiting that ability.

On Friday, Srb granted a temporary injunction in the case of the citys ban of firearms on city property, but did not grant an injunction on the possession of ghost gun parts and bump stocks.

A hearing on the plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction was held in January.

While it is unfortunate that the court enjoined the Citys ability to protect our public spaces, we will abide by this order, Omaha City Attorney Matt Kuhse said in a press release. Fortunately, recently enacted ordinances to prohibit bump stocks and ghost guns remain in effect.

A team of attorneys from the Chicago-based nonprofit Liberty Justice Center is representing the Nebraska plaintiffs without charging them, although they are seeking attorneys fees and costs in the lawsuit, The World-Herald previously reported.

In a press release Friday, the centers president, Jacob Huebert, celebrated the injunction as a step toward a permanent ruling against the citys ordinances.

We are thrilled with the courts decision to grant this injunction and uphold Nebraskans rights against executive overreach, Huebert said.

Srb said in the ruling that the plaintiffs had demonstrated in the preliminary stage that the citys firearms order is likely expressly preempted by LB 77, but that it is less clear whether the ordinances banning ghost gun parts and bump stocks are preempted by LB 77.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024
There is a legitimate IRS program thats designed to allow 70% of taxpayers to file their federal income tax returns for free using online software. But hundreds of millions fail to take advantage, potentially overspending by billions, according to the latest IRS data.

The Free File program began 20 years ago to create a way for the lowest earners to file their federal taxes using free online software. Each year, the income threshold for eligibility is adjusted so that each year, 70% qualify. For instance, for tax year 2023 (those were preparing to file now), people with adjusted gross incomes of $79,000 or less qualify to use Free File.

An examination of 2022 IRS data, the most recent available, reveals that despite 70% qualifying, just 2.2% actually took advantage of the program.

Share of taxpayers using Free File declined in 2022

Just under 3.3 million federal taxpayers used Free File in fiscal year 2022. But 102 million didnt, despite being qualified.

In 2020 and 2021, the share of Free File users had increased over previous years  to 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. That increase couldve been due in part to the very public push to get filers and nonfilers alike on record and eligible for Economic Impact Payments as part of COVID-19 pandemic relief. The tool created to help facilitate the delivery of those payments was built in cooperation with the Free File program. But that progress nearly faded away by 2022.

Overall taxpayer knowledge about the program appears low. A survey conducted in conjunction with the NerdWallet 2024 Tax Report found just 13% of Americans know if they qualify for the Free File program, and a 2020 survey from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that 30% of people who paid to file their taxes were unaware of Free File altogether.

So, how much are taxpayers overspending? Its tough to say, but a conservative estimate assuming a $40 fee per return would amount to $4 billion.

Online tax prep, where 'free' can be misleading

In January, the Federal Trade Commission found Intuit Inc., the maker of TurboTax, engaged in deceptive practices when advertising free tax software. Only after users went through a fairly lengthy process of online form filling would TurboTax disclose whether they could file for free. Many could not and were then steered toward paid products. The FTC now prohibits the company from advertising services as free unless they are, in fact, free for everyone or it discloses the percentage who will qualify before the user begins. Intuit called the FTC decision flawed and said it will appeal.

At the writing of this article, TurboTax now advertises on its Free Edition landing page that ~37% of filers qualify. That, however, is roughly half of the 70% of all tax filers that qualify for IRS Free File.

The FTC ruling against TurboTax isnt the first criticism a tax software company has faced about their free software. In 2020, the New York State Department of Financial Services ruled that several tax software providers engaged in deceptive practices by steering would-be free filers into paid products.

At the time, these providers were members of the Free File Alliance, the name given to the group of online tax software companies authorized by the IRS to provide Free File services via the IRS website. But in the wake of the New York DFS investigation, ProPublica reporting and the 2020 Treasury Inspector survey, the IRS tightened its regulations and oversight of these companies. Ultimately, some companies left the Free File Alliance, including TurboTax and H&R Block.

Where to find the real Free File

The IRS provides a tool that will point you to several appropriate Free File providers, given your responses to a brief set (roughly five minutes worth) of questions. Not all Free File providers are right for everyone; they can set their own income and age requirements, so the IRS matches you appropriately and will indicate if a provider allows free state filing, too. Accessing these providers directly through the IRS helps ensure youre not landing on a page that appears to offer free tax filing but pulls a switcheroo.

The IRS is also offering free tax filing through Direct File for eligible taxpayers in 12 states this year. Direct File doesnt have income limitations like Free File but isnt available for more complex filing needs. If you arent eligible for Free File and live in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington or Wyoming, this option could be for you. The agency expects to roll Direct File out in stages with wide availability across the eligible states by mid-March.

___

Analysis methodology is available in the original article, published at NerdWallet.

___
LINCOLN  When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that the government couldnt take a persons property for owing back taxes without compensation for it, it looked as if a Lincoln woman and a Scottsbluff man might finally get the compensation they had been seeking in separate legal battles.

One had owed $3,800 on property taxes, the other $5,300.

Investment companies bought the tax liens, then got Lancaster and Scotts Bluff Counties to give them the deeds to their houses worth around $60,000, leaving Sandra Niveen and Kevin Fair with nothing.

It was a process allowed by state law.

Then came the decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County last May, where all nine justices agreed that Minnesotas tax sale process violated the Fifth Amendments takings clause, barring the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation.

But in Nebraska nine months later, its still not so clear who owes Niveen and Fair compensation for the homes they lost.

Unable to dispute that its a taking, they instead argue about who is liable for the taking, attorney Christina Martin told the Nebraska Supreme Court this week during back-to-back arguments in the cases. The investor says the county is liable. The county says the state is liable. And the state says the investor is liable.

Martin, of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest legal organization that fights for property rights, said Niveen and Fair will accept just compensation from any of them.

She said fairness and justice require both the county and investors  Tax 106 in Niveens case and Continental Resources in Fairs case  be held liable.

Tax 106 received the whole windfall from the taking, Martin said in Niveens case.

And it couldnt have done it without Lancaster County deeding her entire property to the company over a $3,800 debt.

Justice Jonathan Papik asked if the county had any choice under state law but to do that and if that mattered.

Martin said it didnt matter if the county was just following requirements of state law. What mattered was whether the government took private property without just compensation.

Unlike the Minnesota case  where Hennepin County sold 94-year-old Geraldine Tylers home for $40,000 and kept all of the money after she failed to pay $15,000 in property taxes, interest and fees  in the Nebraska cases neither of the counties got anything more than the back taxes, interest and fees.

The private companies that bought the tax liens did.

Attorney Chris Blunk, who represented Tax 106 and Vintage Management LLC, denied there was a taking at all in Niveens case.

To which Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman asked somewhat incredulously: Not a taking by anybody?

Blunk said its apples and oranges. Minnesotas law was the clear definition of taking. The government took the property and kept the money above what was owed.

Thats law school 101, he said. Our statutory scheme is different than Minnesota.

Justice John Freudenberg asked Blunk, if the justices were to find that it was a taking, who owes the money?

Well, certainly not my client. My client made a bargain with the county and for the purchase price of the taxes that were delinquent and all the subsequent taxes that they paid for the next three years. Their bargain was, from the county, they were to get a tax deed, he said.

Blunk said nothing in the statute said they had to sell the property or give excess to anyone.

Attorney Greg Scaglione, who represented Continental Resources in Fairs case, said the company was an innocent purchaser promised interest and the potential for equity.

Now the county wants to renege on the deal as it is obligated to by the Legislature. And thats not right, he said.

Scaglione said the county needs to make it right with the owner if there is a surplus.

Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Dan Zieg, who represented both counties, said their position, very simply, is they followed the law. Counties dont get to pick and choose which laws to follow.

It keeps coming back to what did the county actually do wrong in all of this? Other than follow the law. We did nothing wrong, Zieg said.

From the time the taxes became delinquent to the time the deed was issued, every step the county took was required by law, ordered by the Legislature, he said.

Its still a taking. Its just that we did not do the taking. It was the state of Nebraska that did the taking by enacting those laws, Zieg said.

But Zieg argued also that the state was right, the investor was responsible, too. The investor came to a fork in the road and couldve foreclosed on its lien. Then, the property owner would get any excess funds that are made through the auction.

Instead, they chose to go to the path of the tax deed and try and opt for that obscene windfall from all of this, he said.

Solicitor General Eric Hamilton took issue with Blunks argument that by having to pay any excess profit on the property now would be to deny them the bargain they reached with the county.

Under this statutory scheme, investment companies receive 14% interest when property owners pay the liens. Or if they could choose to take the judicial foreclosure route theyre entitled to that interest and fees as well.

So there is still plenty for Tax 106, and similarly situated firms, even if they are denied this jackpot opportunity where they receive a tax deed on a property that has surplus equity, Hamilton said.

The court is expected to rule later in the cases.
LINCOLN  Lainey Schmeits says she found her place in the theater department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, embraced by peers and faculty and playing a part in nearly a dozen stage productions.

Our students are and will be successful actors, technicians, directors and educators, as well as biologists, lawyers, business owners and executives, the junior from Kearney told the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Friday. This department is irreplaceable to students like me who are from rural areas.

But the impassioned pleas of Schmeits and others werent enough to keep the regents from voting 8-0 to eliminate UNKs degree programs in theater as well as those in two other areas of study.

Such tough decisions certainly wont be the last that the regents and other university leaders face as they seek to close a systemwide two-year, $58 million budget gap.

The regents have challenged university leaders to balance the budget while still making the university more competitive with peer institutions nationally in academics and research.

Chris Kabourek, who was formally installed as NUs interim president Friday, said the university is going to have to embrace bold structural change if it is going to compete with the best.

One thing I know about Nebraskans is were competitors, he said. And I think Nebraskans have been yearning to hear more of that competitive fire from their university.

Kabourek also briefed the regents on progress toward meeting a five-point plan for accomplishing the goals.

The plan was drafted under Ted Carter, who resigned as president last year to become the top leader at Ohio State. But Kabourek, who previously served as NUs chief financial officer, has indicated he does not plan to be a caretaker while regents search for the next president.

Aggressive scholarship incentives

One change emerging out of the five-point plan was a new scholarship program announced Monday by Gov. Jim Pillen, Kabourek and other university leaders. Its aimed at keeping some of Nebraskas best and brightest students in the state.

Under the Nebraska Presidential Scholars program, any student with a perfect score of 36 on the ACT who attends the University of Nebraska will receive a scholarship covering tuition, fees, books, housing and all other costs of attendance, plus a $5,000 cash stipend.

We are already hearing from students and parents who are extremely excited about the program, Kabourek said.

Carter also had asked leaders of the four NU campuses to come up with zero-based budget plans for nonacademic, administrative programs on their campuses.

While those plans are still being reviewed, Kabourek said its clear that administrative cuts alone wont be enough to balance the budget. The university will have to think bigger and bolder about how it allocates both tax dollars and student tuition dollars, he said.

And that means we have candid conversations ahead of us about what our priorities are and where were gonna get the greatest return on our investment, he said. These conversations can be, and will be, difficult and emotional.

Regents saw that on Friday.

Kearney theater cut draws outcry

At Kearney, campus leaders are seeking to make $5 million in cuts beyond those forced by the systemwide $58 million gap. The extra shortfall is due largely to lagging enrollment at the school.

That put degree programs in three study areas on the chopping block in front of regents Friday: theater, geography and recreation management.

All of the programs have consistently failed to meet state standards for producing enough graduates to justify their continuation. But the theater program had impassioned advocates appear Friday.

They recounted the many successful graduates of the program. And they said department leaders should be given more time to implement a plan that would increase the number of grads.

Theyre just as talented and creative and deserve just as many opportunities as anyone else in the state, Darin Himmerich, UNKs theater program director, said of his students.

UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said all current majors in the affected departments will be able to finish their degree programs. He also said the programs elimination also wont necessarily preclude opportunities for UNK students to appear in campus theater productions.

All the cuts were made with the goal of affecting as few students as possible, he said.

Ive got a $5 million target to reduce, he said. If not here, where?

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024
Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, a retired Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army, who served as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan is dead.

The retired military officer who was born November 10, 1952 in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, died on Saturday morning at the age of 72.

While details of his demise are still sketchy at the time of filing this report, Arogbofa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973.

He became Chief of Staff to former President Jonathan from 10 February 2014 to 29 May 2015.

Arogbofa attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Alabama, United States Army Command and General Staff College, University of Lagos, and University of Ibadan.

At the time of his passing, Brigadier General Arogbofa served as the Chairman of the Center for Research, Information Management, and Media Development (CRIMMD).
Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom, Obong Nsima Ekere, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Chief Don Etiebet have blamed the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahood Yakubu for the partys loss in the state.

According to the trio, Mahmoud refused to act promptly to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini from Akwa Ibom as is the practice since 1999.

Ekere, in a press briefing in his Uyo residence at Ewet Housing estate, said Igini had from the outset shown through his utterances and actions he was determined to frustrate the APC from winning elections in the state.

He said: Now, interestingly months before the elections, the APC family in Akwa Ibom state had expressed a lot of reservations about the character of Mr. Mike Igini.

We had told the entire country and the world that Mr. Igini had shown the world that he was far from neutral in the way he was preparing for the elections and his utterances amongst his staff during training sessions and the things he said showed clearly that the man had a mindset that he had sworn severally that under his watch, the APC cannot win elections in Akwa Ibom state.

All we wanted was for INEC to allow Akwa Ibom people decide for themselves who they wanted.

It was not for INEC and the resident electoral commissioner to come and decide for Akwa Ibom people which political party must win and which one must not win under his watch.

He is supposed to be a neutral umpire. His (Igini) conduct and the things he has done both in the presidential and national assembly elections and the gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections have confirmed our fears.

What we find so difficult to understand is why it was difficult for the INEC chairman and other authorities that be to listen to our pleas to change Mike Igini as the REC in Akwa Ibom.

Ekere further said: From 1999 when elections started again in this country, every election year, the REC and other staff of the INEC who have been resident in a state for a period of time were always moved around.

That way you are sure they will not allow their alliances and their friendships they have developed in the state within that period they have stayed to influence their conduct.

Surprisingly INEC refused to do this. And this is the first time this is happening. They allowed Mr. Igini to frustrate the wishes of Akwa Ibom people. This is most unfortunate, he said.

Akpabio also attributed APCs failure in the state to Igini, saying he found it hard to understand why his local government, Essien Udim, with voting strength of 105,000 was allotted just a bit above 6,000 votes.

He said the recent elections in the state were massively rigged by the PDP in connivance with the INEC headed by Igini.

Etiebet, on his part, vowed the APC will do everything legally permissible to reclaim its victory, insisting that the party won in 26 local government areas of the state.

He accused the INEC of changing the results announced at various polling units which the APC a clear lead above the PDP.
The battle for the Senate Presidency is gaining momentum by the day.

With certificates of return issued to senators-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, the battle for the nations number three seat has shifted to the geo-political zones.

Impeccable sources listed North East, South South and South East geo-political zones as the front runners in the jostle for the exalted seat of the Senate President.

While the three zones are said to have stepped up their bid for the Senate President slot, the North West zone is also said to be interested in the position of Deputy Senate President.

The zones, it was gathered, are reaching out to the Presidency and the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) to make case for themselves in the zoning arrangements of APC.

With APCs majority of 65 members, PDP 42 and YPP 1, APC is expected to produce the President of the Ninth Senate.

Findings showed that sitting senators and others newly elected were positioning themselves to grab available leadership positions in the Ninth Senate, which may be inaugurated on June 8.

Inside sources believe that until the APC rolls out its zoning formula, the intrigue, scheming by aspirants for the coveted seat would not abate.

Front runners in the race for Senate Presidency include Senators Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North), Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) all from North East.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), who is also said to have indicated interest in the Senate top job, hails from the North Central geo-political zone.

New entrants for the exalted position are said to include Senators Benjamin Uwajimogu, Francis Alimikhena and Senator-elect Orji Uzor Kalu.

But some of them are regarded as mere pretenders for the top job.

Lawan, a sitting senator and Senate Leader, was highly favoured by the APC in 2015 for the position of Senate President.

Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, however, upstaged Lawan in what is widely regarded as an unholy alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, to become the Senate President in 2015.

It is however generally believed that the Yobe North Senator looks good to become the Senate President this time around if the APC zones the position to the North East.

Lawan is said to have already stepped up his bid to clinch the Senate top job.

He appears the candidate to beat in the contest, going by his track record and standing in the APC.

Senator Ndume contested the position of Deputy Senate President in 2015 but lost to Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Ndume, a former Senate leader, has never hidden his desire to become the Senate President.

Those close to him say the Borno South Senator is networking in and out of APC to actualise his ambition.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu, leader of the Legislative Support Group for President Muhammadu Buhari, is also said to have oiled his machinery to give the Senate top job a shot.

Adamu, it was gathered, is leveraging on his unalloyed support for Buhari and his loyalty to APC to make a case for occupying the Senate Presidents seat.

The dark horse in the race is said to be Mohammed Danjuma Goje.

Close watchers of the tussle for the seat say Sarakis loyalists and PDP Senators may back Goje in the contest for Senate presidency.

The Gombe Central Senator, though a strong APC member, is considered a moderate who is likely to protect the interest of PDP members in the chamber.

PDP insiders say the permutations as to how to cast their net would be directed by the partys leadership.

Those positioning themselves for the Senate top job from the South South are said to include the Senate Deputy Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena and the Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Observers say Alimikhena (Edo North) and Omo-Agege may be banking on the influence of APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to ensure zoning the slot of either the Senate President or Deputy Senate President to the South-South geo-political zone.

If that happens, the duo would be in a better position to clinch one of the positions.

In the South East, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Benjamin Uwajimogu (Imo North) are said to have their eyes on the Senate Presidency if the slot is allotted to the zone.

Kalu, described as a go getter by those close to him, and Uwajimogu are the only APC senators from the South East.

The duo are said to be selling their aspiration on the plank that the South East geo-political zone would be out of the scheme of things if the Senate Presidency eludes the zone.

Senator Kabiru Gaya has made case for the slot of Deputy Senate President to be zoned to North West to enable him go for it.

Gaya, Kano South and Chairman Senate Committee on Works, has already declared his aspiration and claimed that his colleagues in the red chamber are behind him.

Gaya said: I thank the Almighty Allah who granted me the grace of being elected into the Senate for the fourth time.

As regards the leadership composition of the 9th Senate, majority of my colleagues are mounting pressure on me to run for the position of Deputy Senate President.

I want to use this opportunity to announce that Im running for the position, being one of the most ranking Senators in the 9th Senate.

His ambition, according to the Kano South senator, is however subject to the determination and approval of the APC leadership and the Presidency.

The aspiration of Gaya, who hails from the North West geo-political zone, may alter the permutations being made for the Senate leadership positions

Observers say if Gaya emerges Deputy Senate President, it may be difficult to also retain the Senate Presidency in the North.

The South West geo-political zone is not left out in the scheming for Senate leadership positions.

Feelers from the zone show that the South West senators are waiting for the APC zoning arrangements to decide on their next line of action.

A source close to one of the Senators-elect from the South West, Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi, said that the Ekiti North Senator is eligible to aspire for any position in the Senate zoned to the South West.

The truth of the matter is that APC still has to come up with its zoning arrangements, and depending on what is zoned to the South West, Adetunbi, as a ranking senator, is eligible and will show more than a passing interest in the slots, the source said.

But aspirants banking on the support of the Presidency to secure Senate top jobs may be disappointed.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Affairs (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said that President Buhari believes strongly in the principle of separation of power and may not interfere in the selection process of the leadership of the National Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of high principles. His stand on this matter is that each arm of government should function according to what the constitution says, and that every person in government should do the right thing, and that he will not go beyond what the constitution allows him and that every other arm of government should stick to their constitutional responsibilities, Enang told reporters in Abuja yesterday.
The last polls witnessed the frightening routinization of inconclusive elections on a scale that has evidently become a threat to the electoral process and the Fourth Republic. If nothing is done to halt the abominable trend, especially in view of the arbitrary and whimsical decision by the electoral body to resume the collation of the governorship election result in Bauchi State previously declared inconclusive, democracy could be scuppered. In the following piece, Mr Olarinde Yesufu, a legal expert, draws attention to the unconstitutionality of inconclusive elections as interpreted and applied by INEC. Palladium donates his space today to allow a consideration of this weighty and urgent subject.

ON March 9, 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted governorship elections in 29 states. At the end of the exercise, elections into six of the states were declared inconclusive, while that of Rivers State was suspended at the point of collation of results. The basis for INECs declaration of the elections as inconclusive was that the number of cancelled votes exceeded the margin of win between the two leading candidates in each of the states. The affected states are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto. According to reports, in Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri (PDP) scored 367,471 votes as against Jubrila Bindow (APC) 334,995 votes, with a margin of 32,476 votes and cancelled votes of 40,988. In Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed (PDP) scored 469,512 votes while Mohammed Abubakar ( APC) scored 465,453 votes. Some 45,312 votes were cancelled, leaving a margin of 4,059 votes. In Benue State, Samuel Ortom (PDP) scored 410,576 votes while Emmanuel Jime (APC) scored 329,022. The margin of win was stated as 81,554 votes while 121,019 votes were cancelled. In Kano State, Abba Yusuf (PDP) polled 1,014,474 votes while Abdullahi Ganduje (APC) scored 987,819 votes. The margin between the two candidates was 26,655 while the cancelled votes were 128,572. In Plateau State, Simon Lalong of APC took 583,255 votes, while Jeremiah Useni (PDP) scored 538,326 votes. The margin between them was 44,929 votes while cancelled votes numbered 49,377. In Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwa (PDP) scored 489,558 votes while his runner-up, Aliyu Ahmed (APC), won 486,145. There was a margin of 3,413 votes while 75,403 votes were cancelled.

Basically, elections are meant to be concluded. Having just one inconclusive election is disturbing enough, let alone six inconclusive elections. There must be something fundamentally wrong, outrageously awkward and indefensible in a system that would return six inconclusive elections in one fell swoop! It simply defines a mischief or gross incompetence on the part of the electoral body charged with the responsibility of conducting such elections. This must not be allowed to continue.

The concepts of inconclusive election and the margin of win between two leading candidates are two lexicons that the current INEC, which is headed by Mahmood Yakubu, a professor of political history and international studies, has foisted on our electoral system. Regrettably, it is steadily becoming the culture and pattern of our elections. Indeed, there has never been any major election conducted by this current electoral body that has not been stymied by inconclusiveness. Never in the electoral history of this country have we had it so bad.

The history of inconclusive elections can be traced to the controversial event that occurred in Kogi State on 21st November, 2015, when the election, clearly won by the late Prince Abubakar Audu, but who died before the official announcement of his victory, was declared inconclusive. The late Prince Audu of APC had won 240,867 votes while Idris Wada of the PDP scored 199,514 votes. There was a margin of win of 41,353 votes between them. Analysts knew that the whole idea of inconclusiveness of the election in Kogi State was a political contrivance of the ruling party and probably the presidency, dutifully executed by INEC to pave way for an anointed stranger to the ticket, Yahaya Bello. Mr Bello has gone on to become a political tragedy to the state. Little did Nigerians know then that inconclusiveness of elections was going to be institutionalised as INECs directive principle and policy.

Two weeks after the Kogi election, Bayelsas governorship election was held and was equally declared inconclusive. A return could not be made because, according to INEC, there was a margin of win of 33,154 votes between Seriake Dickson who contested on the platform of PDP and Timipre Sylva of APC. It is also on record that the Osun State governorship election was declared inconclusive. The PDP candidate, Ademola Adeleke, had polled 254,698 votes to defeat the APCs Gboyega Oyetola who polled 254,345 votes. Some 3498 votes were cancelled. The fundamental question that arises here is whether INEC is telling the whole world that an election cannot be won by just one vote in a democratic setting. How then did we come about this idea of margin of votes between two leading candidates, that we can no longer conclude our elections?

In the application of this self-imposed and strange principle of margin of votes, INEC has been found to be as insincere as it is inconsistent. INEC applies the principle, usually, to tilt the pendulum of victory in an election in favour of APC or favoured candidate. Whenever APC is to be at the receiving end, INEC usually fails to apply the principle. For instance, in the bye-election to fill the vacant seat of Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency last year, triggered by the death of Hon. Buba Jibrin, Haruna Isah was declared winner having polled 26,860 votes as against Engr. Bashir Abubakar of PDP, who scored 14,845 votes. The margin of win was 6,900 votes. The election was marred with violence such that 19,960 votes were cancelled. INEC did not declare the election inconclusive, but proceeded to declare APCs candidate winner. That is the level of arbitrariness and selectiveness of INEC in the application of the unknown principle.

Consider also the election for the Abia North senatorial district which, by INEC standard, should have been declared inconclusive. But on Thursday, Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, was among the about 100 senators-elect who received their certificates of return from INEC in Abuja. He had been returned as elected after polling 31,201 votes for the APC to beat incumbent PDP senator, Mao Ohuabunwa who polled 20,801. Some 38,526 votes were cancelled, which is much larger than the margin of win of 10,400 votes. INEC refused to declare the Abia North senatorial election as inconclusive.

It is expedient to mention here that Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, running mate to Prince Audu in the Kogi State governorship election, vigorously contested INECs declaration of inconclusiveness of the election to the Supreme Court. Sadly, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, now psychologically battered and humbled, wrongly, in my humble view, embraced such an unconstitutional and undemocratic concept of inconclusiveness. In that case, the Supreme Court (Per Kekere-Ekun, JSC), curiously, held that the 1st respondent (i.e. INEC) was correct when it declared the election of 21/11/15 inconclusive on the ground that the margin of win between the two fore-runners at the election was less than the total number of registered voters in 91 affected polling units where elections were cancelled. (words in bracket mine). Falekes case has now become an albatross on the neck of our electoral jurisprudence unless the Supreme Court reverses itself. I sincerely hope the apex court will summon the courage to do so when the opportunity avails it.

Both INEC and the Supreme Court must be wrong on this contrived and crooked principle of margin of win in a democratic system that is unknown to our law. Whether or not a contestant has won an election is a constitutional matter. And, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the supreme law of the land, is clear and unambiguous about this. The Constitution specifies only two conditions to be fulfilled under section 179(2). It states:

A candidate for an election to the office of a governor of a state shall be deemed to have been duly elected to such office where, there been two or more candidates-

He has the highest number of votes cast at the election;

He has not less than one-quarter of all the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the state.

It is incompetent for INEC to impose additional burden on a winner beyond what the constitution has stipulated. Indeed, there is something monstrous, oppressive, incongruous, fraudulent, whimsical and undemocratic in allowing INEC to deviate from constitutional provisions and proceed to legislate by imposing additional conditions on winners at elections. INEC, surely, has no such legislative powers and must not be allowed to have its ways in the interest of our nascent democracy.

The additional burden imposed by INEC is traceable to Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections. Regulation 34 (e) provides:

Where the margin of lead between the two leading candidates is not in excess of total number of registered voters of the Polling Units where election were not held or were cancelled in line with Section 26 & 53 of the Electoral Act, the returning officer shall decline to make a return until polls have taken place in the affected units and the results collated into form EC 8E for Declaration and Return.

There is a reference to Sections 26 and 53 of the Electoral Act in the Guideline quoted above. Section 26(1) is about postponement of election. It states, inter alia that where a date has been approved for the holding of an election and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur, if the election is proceeded with on that day, or it is impossible to conduct the election as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the Commission may postpone the election and appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election. The Act adds that such reason for the postponement must be found to be cogent and verifiable. With due respect, if INEC had been sincere, honest and even-handed in the March 2019 election in Rivers State, for instance, it would have proceeded to apply the provision of this section. Few days to the election in Rivers State, it was clear to any objective observer that the tension in the state was palpable so much so that a breach of the peace was likely to occur. INEC ignored all the warning signs and proceeded with the election only for it to suspend same mid-way.

Section 53(2) of the Electoral Act is all about over-voting. It provides:

Where the vote cast at an election in any polling unit exceeded the number of voters in that polling unit, the result of the election in the polling unit shall be declared void by the Commission and another election may be conducted at a date to be fixed by the Commission where the result at the polling unit may affect the overall result in the Constituency.

It is clear from the above provision of the law that a call for a re-run election can only happen when the result of voided votes in a polling unit affect the overall result of the constituency which, in this case is the whole of the state. In addressing the issue, INEC has mischievously changed the word Polling unit to Polling units in Regulation 34(e). By this, it imposes on itself, the duty of collating cancelled votes in a constituency to determine margins of win. No law permits INEC to collate cancelled votes after an election.

Margin of win has never constituted any impediment to electoral victory of a winner in Nigeria until the current dispensation of Prof. Yakubus INEC. In Agagu v. Mimiko, INEC declared the appellant winner of the governorship election in Ondo State with 349,288 votes whilst the respondent garnered 226,021 votes. At the trial, the actual votes were found to be 313,355 and 195,030 respectively. Thus, 248,724 were cancelled. In view of the fact that Section 179(2) of the Constitution had been satisfied, the Court of Appeal of old, not the current one that has become deeply and thoroughly controversial and unpredictable, affirmed the respondents return as governor.

In INEC v. Oshiomhole, INEC had earlier declared 329,740 for PDP and 197, 472 for Action Congress (AC) i.e. for Mr Oshiomhole. In setting aside INECs decision and declaring Oshiomhole as winner, the Court of Appeal of old cancelled 200,723 of votes scored by PDP and 30, 895 of votes scored by AC (cancelling a total of 231,618 votes). The court did not find any reason to call for a rerun because the petitioner satisfied the requirements of Section 179 (2) (a) & (b).

In Aregbesola v. Oyinlola, INEC had earlier declared 426,669 votes for Oyinlola, and 240, 722 for Aregbesola. The margin of win was 185,947 votes. The Court however nullified votes in 10 disputed local government areas when 41, 923 votes were cast for Aregbesola and 253,789 votes were cast for Oyinlola. Total cancelled votes were 298,712. In declaring the petitioner as winner of the election, the Court of Appeal of old referred to Section 179 (2) of the Constitution and held that the appellant satisfied the requirements of the law. Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State was also a beneficiary of cancelled votes without a re-run.

From the foregoing, it is clear that in the entire circumstances of the current events, Section 179 of the Constitution is the applicable provision and not INEC Guidelines or Manual. Again, unfortunately, in Falekes case, and for some inexplicable reasons, the Supreme Court elevated INEC Guidelines and Manual above the Constitution. That is the grave damage the Supreme Court has done to our jurisprudence by its politically motivated decision in Falekes case. Surreptitiously, Yakubus INEC has re-written our Constitution, and for want of integrity and foresight, our courts, from the lowest tribunal to the highest court, have not been vigilant enough to appreciate it.

At the risk of restating the obvious, I am impelled to re-affirm the sacrosanct legal principle and truism that where the Constitution sets the conditions for doing a thing, no legislation or regulation or guideline or manual can alter them in any way, directly or indirectly. Regulation 34 (e) of the INEC Guidelines for elections is unconstitutional and should be so declared. Our constitution must remain inviolate.
On Sunday, March 24, 2019, P.A.G.E. Book Connoisseurs organised an evening of readings and conversation with Chigozie Obioma, whose second novel, An Orchestra of Minorities, was just published in Nigeria by Parresia. It was a very rewarding encounter with Obioma, who was born in Akure, Ondo State, to an Igbo family of 12 children. He studied English Literature at Cyprus International University (CIU), Northern Cyprus. Because he made a First Class in his set, he was chosen as the student commencement speaker on June 23, 2011. In his speech, Obioma spoke eloquently about the necessity of courage, diligence, hard-work and gratitude. He made a solemn promise to make good use of all he had learnt from CIU. As a story teller, he has been steadily fulfilling that promise. He was 27 years old in 2015 when his first novel, The Fishermen, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Among other prizes, the novel has won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, the Los Angeles Times Award for First Fiction and Nebraska Book Award for Fiction. Before then, he was in Ledig House in New York for a residency and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he completed an MFA in creative writing. He writes occasionally for The Guardian of London, Newstatesman among other publications. Chigozie Obioma is an assistant professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, state of Nebraska, USA. In the course of his conversation with KUNLE AJIBADE, Executive Editor/Director of TheNEWS and PM NEWS, the edited transcript of which is published here (including an interview AJIBADE had with him on March 10, 2019 by email), Professor Wole Soyinka, the 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature, made a video call to the gathering, congratulating the author on his second novel, and his literary achievements so far. Obioma was grateful for Soyinkas kind words.

Ajibade: Were you strongly drawn to literature very early? You speak Igbo, Yoruba and English fluently. How have these languages expanded your creative imagination?

Obioma: I was born in Akure in 1986 to a family of an Igbo banker who was transferred to the city that same year, with a promotion in the Central Bank. Hence, the name: Chi-Go-Zie, which was intended as a statement on the auspicious circumstances around my birth. I acquired almost all three languages at about the same time, Yoruba becoming more dominant than others for a long time, until our parents forced us to learn Igbo. I think that the languages add certain eccentricities to my diction. There are times when I use a specific tonality or flair that one can only attribute to a particular language other than the English language. But these languages can also be stifling sometimes. I speak Turkish too and when I first learnt it, I recall how difficult it was to communicate extemporaneously in English for a while.

Ajibade: In the acknowledgement page of An Orchestra of Minorities, you thank your unnamed father for being your researcher, copy editor and your champion. Apart from helping you to research the work, how did he help to develop your interest in creative writing and public affairs?

Im an ontologist  one who is interested in the metaphysics of being. I probe the peripheral, the cosmic questions of life and being, and the result is always that I see a cast of these characters who are unlucky, marginalised, or vulnerable, to use your words. But I wont say that I linger on this for too long.

Obioma: It is simply because he doesnt like to take credit for anything and to even be named or thanked. To a great extent, my parents  especially my father  were instrumental in my developing into a writer. First, he helped me cultivate a fecund mind by telling me stories frequently and then he provided the books to help enrich that landscape of my imagination. I wrote for The New York Times last year about how I came to writing, first through the stories they told me and eventually by becoming obsessed with reading.

Ajibade: Benjamin, the narrator of your first novel, The Fishermen, is earthy, while the narrator of your second novel, An Orchestra of Minorities, is an ageless, omnipresent chi, who moves smoothly between our world and the metaphysical realm. I find the innocence of Benjamin and the experience of this elemental chi very striking. Obviously, these are deliberate, strategic artistic choices. Could you explain these choices and how they have helped you to achieve what you set out to do in the two novels?

Obioma: Indeed, they are deliberate. I have often been drawn to alternate ways of story-telling. In The Fishermen, my intention was to have the narrator tell the story by association  that is, to try to understand phenomena by first comparing them with other things; things that he understands more as a child. Thus, to fully comprehend why his father leaves the house frequently to look for food, he has to associate it with the eagles trips to hunt for food. For An Orchestra of Minorities, I wanted to look at the questions of fate and destiny through the prism of the Igbo worldview. By having the chi as a narrator  a 700-year-old reincarnating spirit  I was able to chronicle landmarks of Igbo history from the first encounter with the Europeans to the Biafra war. But also, by being loquacious and wastefully confessional, the chi is able to discuss various aspects of the Igbo odinani  from the process of childbirth to the metaphysical plain of the ancestors.

Also, Im always looking to play with narrative techniques in ways that feel fresh or new to me. To that end, the chi works both as a first and third person throughout the novel. There are times when while within its host, Chinonso, it is speaking in the first person, but when the chi goes into the metaphysical space, it speaks in the third person.

Ajibade: I can see that you intermesh the historical with the fictional in your two novels. You dont bother to change or invent new names for MKO Abiola, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, Oliver de Coque, Mary Onyali, Jay Jay Okocha, Sani Abacha, names of towns, villages and their streets, etc., etc. What effects do you want this naked realism to have on your readers?

Obioma: I have said that I work in the dualism mode  that is, based on the Igbo fundamental axiom that where one thing lies, another thing lies beside it too. In essence, the Igbo believe that there is no distinction between the world of the living and the dead. In the same way, I believe there is not much distinction between the three realms in my fiction: the realm of the real, of the fictional, and of the extraordinary. Hence,the comingling. But there is also the need to situate the realist parts of the novels in specific historical contexts  for The Fishermen, the 1990s Nigeria, and for An Orchestra of Minorities, the 2000s. I think The Fishermen would not have been possible without that specific context, as the encounter with MKO serves as a major turning point in the lives of the Agwu boys.

Ajibade: As you tell your stories, you slot in critical opinions about Nigerian political, cultural and economic problems. How much of topical issues should a novelist accommodate in his or her fiction?

Obioma: Im not sure how much as I feel its the prerogative of individual writers. But I will say that I myself do not set out specifically to tackle political or economic problems in my fiction. When I have such opinions, I put them out as non-fiction. But I believe that when you look straight at a distant hill, if your sight is good enough, you will see other things and not just the hill. This is to say that these questions come through my side vision; they creep into my work because Im writing about these specific historical moments and the milieu of the characters themselves. Chinonso, having to go to such an underdeveloped country as Cyprus to go to school, is only possible because of the lack of dependable educational possibilities in Nigeria.

Ajibade: What is responsible for your attraction for the stories of the vulnerable, the neglected, and the marginalised, in your novels?

Obioma: Something existential, something indescribable. Im an ontologist  one who is interested in the metaphysics of being. I probe the peripheral, the cosmic questions of life and being, and the result is always that I see a cast of these characters who are unlucky, marginalised, or vulnerable, to use your words. But I wont say that I linger on this for too long. The boys in The Fishermen are very different in class status from Chinonso Olisa of An Orchestra of Minorities. They are upper middle class children whose father works for the Central Bank of Nigeria. So, it is only after they encounter the vision-seeing madman that their lives are changed.

The Fishermen was, in some ways, based on the experience of growing up in a rather large family by Nigerian standards. The realities of growing up with such a crowd and coming to understand the vicissitudes of siblinghood and the sacredness of consanguinity in the Igbo/Yoruba culture inspired the novel. But so also was nostalgia for childhood days and the Nigeria of that time.

Ajibade: In what ways are parts of The Fishermen and An Orchestra of Minorities recreations of your own life experiences?

Obioma: The Fishermen was, in some ways, based on the experience of growing up in a rather large family by Nigerian standards. The realities of growing up with such a crowd and coming to understand the vicissitudes of siblinghood and the sacredness of consanguinity in the Igbo/Yoruba culture inspired the novel. But so also was nostalgia for childhood days and the Nigeria of that time. Growing up, I was awakened to the campaign of Moshood Abiola and I wanted to capture that seminal moment in the novel as well. For An Orchestra of Minorities, I was inspired by the real life version of Chinonso, who was defrauded by agents to move to Northern Cyprus only to find that he had been defrauded of everything he had. That shock, that disappointment, the unravelling that it inspired in him, was integral to the construction of the novel. So, my answer would be that it wasnt necessarily my experiences, but rather, the consciousness of all the experiences that Im aware of, whether they are mine or of others, or even of imagined others.

Ajibade: Why do you make God ponderously silent about the lumbering forces of human history and the darkly ambiguous nature of humankind in An Orchestra of Minorities?

Obioma: I think its not exactly clear whether or not the Supreme Being is silent or not in the novel. It does not however speak audibly. But thats also the mystery of this not fully known entity in the Igbo imagination. That said, I wanted the chi to have an uninterrupted flow of testimony throughout as it will be inhibiting other voices across time, it was necessary to have a full autonomy of speech uninhibited by any interlocutory interferences whatsoever.

Ajibade: William Shakespeare writes in King Lear: As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; they kill us for their spot. Your narrator shares this crippling, pessimistic view of life. I know that this is contrary to the world-view of your narrator, but dont you think that the drama of Chinonsos life would have been different if you, his creator, have imbued him with the idea that our destiny is largely in our hands as human beings?

Obioma: Indeed, were I writing a realist novel within the framework of the Western worldview, it would be, of course, the case that the character will have full agency. But in the Igbo worldview  which is the framework for the novel  agency is fluid. When someone does something, the outcome, if unpleasant, is often attributed to the weak nature of the persons chi. This is to say that agency is dualised between the physical efforts of the human being and the metaphysical efforts of his chi. Within this framework, Shakespeare is right, and the axiomatic principle of the novel form with its provenance in the Judeo-Christian Western tradition  is moot.

Ajibade: The reader empathises with Chinonso, the ill-fated, tragic figure, in An Orchestra of Minorities when he is humiliated in the house of Chief Obialor; when he is duped by Jamike Nwaorji; when he is imprisoned for four years in Cyprus on trumped-up charges; and when he suffers the indignity of deportation to Nigeria, where he is later detained by the Nigeria Police. We know that he has lost his senses in Cyprus, so he is a raving madman by the time he sets ablaze the pharmacy of Ndali, the love of his tangled life. The haunting metaphor of a neurotic Chinonso running away in his car on the highway and the constant refrain of chi, the narrator  I have seen it many times- tell the reader that humanity is doomed to a recurring cycle of tragedy. And that there is nothing we can do about it. I think, in the end, you dont purge the reader of this emotion. Shouldnt there be a redemptive release from the bondage of this dark vision, this tragedy?

Obioma: You go deep here and make valid points about the decidedly bleak nature of the chis account. But the current state of our people, even of the world, is bleak. And Chinonso himself is a truly unfortunate man, one whose chi fails him time and again. I think stories like his  as that of the real life man who inspired his story  are true, and should be told as fiction too. I think thats where the greatness of Shakespeare comes in. He told tragic stories where people rise and fall in a steep decline. In those stories, there is no release but simply life expressed in crystalline truth.

Ajibade: Tell me about the process of writing An Orchestra of Minorities. Did you read some books for inspiration before you started writing it? How long did the writing take? What kind of queries did you receive from your readers, including your editors?

All the time I was writing The Fishermen, I was thinking about this story that would be told by a chi who is like 700 years old, and who has been coming and going for so long. It was a very strange idea even to me, but the more I thought about it, the more it came together. Putting down the story on paper probably took like two years but, cumulatively, I would say probably even five years.

Obioma: I speak with a lot of my friends who are writers who say they dont have knowledge of where the story is going; they just start, and the story writes itself. They arrogate, in some way, agency to the muse  whatever that is. But Im a control freak. So, when a gem of an idea comes to me  itcould come at any time; it could just spring up from a casual discussion with a friend  when it comes, I just grab the idea and I begin to think about it, an incubation period when I try as much as possible not to write anything down with the exception of some phrases that would eventually be incorporated, or some cosmetic things. But the actual plot, I dont write down. I wait for the idea to incubate in my mind; it could take from two weeks to three years even. Ill just be thinking about it all the time and eventually I come to a point where the story shapes itself and feels fully formed, and I just sit down. Its like delivering a baby.

I usually would write down the whole plot sequence at a go. For The Fishermen, for instance, I remember this rainy day in Cyprus when I began writing the story early in the morning, and Ididnt get up from the seat till 6 p.m. I poured everything down. The expansion of the project is what takes time. But, at that time, most of the work had been done internally during this incubation period. Thats how I write fiction. The same happened with An Orchestra of Minorities. All the time I was writing The Fishermen, I was thinking about this story that would be told by a chi who is like 700 years old, and who has been coming and going for so long. It was a very strange idea even to me, but the more I thought about it, the more it came together. Putting down the story on paper probably took like two years but, cumulatively, I would say probably even five years. I thought about the book for two years before I wrote anything down.

With respect to the question on research, indeed I have an authors note on the second to the last page of the book where I recommend some materials on the Igbo cosmology and religion. Indeed, I like to say that Ive read almost everything that anybody has written about Igbo cosmology, especially the concept of chi. Sadly, the scholarship on that is very minimal. Chinua Achebe has an essay, then theres a dissertation someone wrote in the 1980s. Its a deep research on the chi and I also did field research with my dad; we went to various places in Abia where Im from. I read extensively because its not fantasy. This is bearing fidelity to the actual worldview of the Igbo people and I was going to be berated if I got anything wrong.

Ajibade: What about your editors, what queries did they raise, and how did you respond to them?

Obioma: Well, I was very lucky to have three wonderful editors working on the book. I sold the book to US, UK and Australian publishers simultaneously. I would have worked with my former Nigerian publishers at the same time but I decided to leave them, so it took some time before I finally convinced my good friend, Azafi, to publish the book. I have to say that we went about three rounds wherein they would send queries and, after having read them, I would rework certain things. Its a book thats cosmic and is doing quite a number of things; it is a bit complex. My UK editor had to read some books to be able to understand the cosmological part. But theres the human story. The personal story of the novel is that its a love story  a doomed love story, I have to say, between this very poor poultry farmer and this girl, a student of pharmacology, and his entanglement with her becomes his undoing. That story is one of the things we mostly worked on. I took care of the cosmological part.

Ajibade: Your description of poultry farming is detailed and precise in An Orchestra of Minorities. Did you research poultry farming or you just imagined it?

Obioma: Generally, I dont do research for writing. I vaguely had the idea of writing a cosmological novel long before I got the idea for writing An Orchestra of Minorities but I thought I would do research. That dissuaded me from pursuing it then. It probably would have been the first book before The Fishermen but I had to do this before that. But for other parts, it was a chore to do research. For the poultry farming, I did a little bit of research. I went to a farm and all that, but I think most of it was my imagination. Now, this is why I dont do research and also the reason why I dont write about a place that Im in. If Im living in, say, Lagos, its going to be very difficult for me to write a fiction about Lagos. The reason is because I trust so much in the power of the imagination and in hindsight that if Im writing about this particular moment, I would become more documentary; I would be writing about the very obvious details but if I chose to write about this moment later in the evening when its ended, then everything becomes just your memory and can never be 100 per cent accurate. It becomes more mouldable; you shape it into anything. Thats when the most obvious details trickle in and, for me, these are the obvious details that make fiction most interesting.

For instance, someone asked me about the details of the feather falling; Chinonso flinging the chicken into the river and a feather falling on him and touching his hand. Thats something that I may not have witnessed because one of the farms I went to, a chicken jumped and some of its feather fell off. If I were taking notes then, I would just have written that the chicken jumped and the feather fell. But later on, I imagined that the feather fell on me. Because of that I really shy away from research.

Ajibade: You were a very young writer thirsting for sunlight when your first novel was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, how has that achievement helped you?

Teaching creative writing is often like trying to ask a healthy man to stand up straight. They can stand alright, thats not the problem. The problem  or, rather  what you want is for them to stand completely straight, and still. This is difficult to do, and most often than not, the person trying to teach students to do this cannot himself stand up completely straight. This is the biggest challenge.

Obioma: As I said, I always think of more books than one, so the idea of An Orchestra of Minorities was already in my mind before The Fishermen was published. I hope Im not being too modest when I said I didnt really give a damn about how The Fishermen would do. The anxiety of the second book: I hear a lot of people say that the success of the first book can, in many ways, inhibit your writing the second book because, in many ways, you now have a precursor, so you want to top that in terms of reception. I didnt have that much pressure.

Ajibade: Elif Shafak, the Turkish writer, in her brilliant, luminous and piercingly honest TED talk, The Revolutionary Power of Diverse Thought, says, among other things, that tribalism shrinks our hearts, it shrinks our minds too. What are your own thoughts on the relentless attack on diversity and multiculturalism, and the bewildering wave of populism and nationalism in Europe and America today?

Obioma: I try my best not to get involved in US politics. I used to be on Facebook, and during the 2016 election, I just couldnt stand it anymore. Months towards that election, The New York Times wanted me to do an essay on Donald Trump. I did not. In primary school, we studied the qualities of a leader in our Civics class. I think that President Donald Trump doesnt have the qualities, sadly. There was something that someone said that I will not forget in an article: he said the greatest flaw of the current president is that hes opening himself up to the public and he has no emotional ability to withstand what that means; that Obama was gracious even to his critics. And that spoke to me because, as you said, I was very young when The Fishermen came out. I didnt know anyone, I was a recluse. I wasnt in the community of Nigerian writers. Following the success of the book, a lot of people came at me with one thing or the other. I hate to read praise about my work; For example, the stuff about The New York Times review, I didnt read it for a long time. To the people who were writing nasty stuff about me, sometimes I would fire back until I realised one day that I should stop responding. That I dont have to be on Twitter to respond to what they were saying. But, sadly, President Trump doesnt know how to do that. If a two-year-old calls him an idiot, he would reply and they would start sparring. I think its an embarrassment.

Ajibade: You once said that you would be much happier in the 17th or 18th century Igboland than the Igboland of 21st century. What kind of frustration, what kind of anxiety, what kind of nostalgia, made you say that? In other words, what problems do you have with modernity?

Obioma: Let me begin with the last phrase. I think quite a lot of people confuse material modernity with modernity itself. When the Europeans came to Igboland andYorubaland  our first contact was in the 15th century with the Portuguese, then the British came in the 17th century  they saw everything that we were doing and they dismissed it as backward, uncivilised. The irony at the time was that most places in Igboland had an egalitarian system that was extremely democratic. The idea of the chi as the narrator of An Orchestra of Minorities comes from that. The Igbo were very egalitarian. But the British, at the time, had a monarchical system where one person, because of some consanguinity, an accident of birth, became a leader. Sometimes from five years old, you are the king and starts behaving anyhow. Which is more superior or meaningful? But they came here and said we were so backward, we were inferior.

Material modernity is different. Look at some places in the world  Saudi Arabia, for instance. Those Arabs have not changed their culture one bit, but they use aeroplanes. Nothing has been made that has invented something new. Everything that has been invented has only occasioned processes that were already there. For instance, people were travelling before aeroplane; it only made travel faster. People were communicating before phone, its just easier now. So, I dont really believe in the so-called modernity that has been imposed on us from foreign ways. Thats not to say that our culture was perfect; there was the killing of twins and a few other things. Thats why I said I would prefer to be an Igbo man, unadulterated in the 17th century than now.

Ajibade: You teach creative writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. What are the challenges of teaching creative writing?

Obioma: Teaching creative writing is often like trying to ask a healthy man to stand up straight. They can stand alright, thats not the problem. The problem  or, rather  what you want is for them to stand completely straight, and still. This is difficult to do, and most often than not, the person trying to teach students to do this cannot himself stand up completely straight. This is the biggest challenge. I know I have spoken in parables here. What Im really saying is that you teach the technical stuff, you teach a sense of how fiction works, the cosmetics effectively, but it is difficult to create that part in a students consciousness from whence the deepest and most profound fictional ideas come if they dont already have it.

The other challenge is that writing is a big gamble, and youre teaching people to go into this world of gamble and try to win their way through it. It is not an easy thing to do and there are times when you want to ask them to hide their pens and put on a lab coat, but you cant do such things. Youre their teacher!

Picture credit: Ayodele Efunla/TheNews.
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)
It has been reported that a Nursing Officer II at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos state, has died.

The nurse, Aderoju Victor Olumuyiwa died days after he was pushed down a moving vehicle by suspected one-chance operators in Lagos.

Local repprts show that Aderoju Victor Olumuyiwa was going to work in the early hours of Wednesday, May 22, 2019, when he mistakenly boarded a one-chance bus. After being robbed, he was allegedly pushed down and he sustained a head injury.

A Good Samaritan later spotted him lying unconscious by around Bolade bus stop and notified the Lagos state emergency ambulance services.

The 33-year-old nurse was subsequently rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, but he eventually died on Thursday.
The operatives of FCT Police Command, attached to Utako Divisional Headquarters, have apprehended six suspected armed robbers in an uncompleted hospital building marked as a black spot in Utako village, Abuja.

Recovered from the suspects were a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and wraps of substances suspected to be marijuana.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, and shared on the commands X account on Friday.

According to the statement, the suspects, hailing from neighboring states bordering the FCT, were identified as Basara Hassan, Daniel Charles, Adamu M Oshiaka, Chancy Asidi, and Saliu Al Hassan. Further investigation led to the arrest of Yusuf Iliyasu, alias Tablet, an ex-convict and syndicate leader.

ALSO READ: Female kidnapper arrested while trying to pick ransom

The statement said, The operatives of FCT Police Command, attached to Utako divisional Headquarters, on 07/02/2024 at about 2300hrs, in a coordinated raid operation, arrested six (6) suspected armed robbers in an uncompleted hospital building which is a marked black spot in Utako village.

The suspects; one Basara Hassan m 41, Daniel Charles m 27, Adamu M Oshiaka m 32, Chancy Asidi m 38, and Saliu Al Hassan m 24, all from neighbouring states bordering FCT were arrested. A locally made pistol, two (2) live cartridges, and wraps of substances suspected to be marijuana were recovered from the suspects.

Further investigation about the recovered ammunition, led to the arrest of one Yusuf Iliyasu a.k.a Tablet, who is an ex-convict and the syndicate leader.

While an investigation is ongoing, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to assure residents of his unwavering commitment to make Abuja a hell for criminals and to ensure the safety of all.
A High Court sitting in Kaduna State has sentenced one Abraham Adama to two years imprisonment for cheating by impersonating American movie star Sylvester Stallone on social media.

The charge against Adama reads: That you Abraham Adama (a.k.a Sylvester Stallone) (m), sometime in 2023 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, committed an offence to wit: cheating by impersonation when you falsely presented yourself as Sylvester Stallone (an American actor) on several online social media applications to several unsuspecting victims and in that assumed character cheated one Amelia James of the total sum of $200 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.

He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him and Justice Darius Khobo sentenced him to two years prison term with a fine option of N150k.
, In recent developments, Nigerian nurses have voiced out against what they perceive as unfair treatment by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria regarding the cumbersome certificate verification process. Nurses across the country have expressed frustration over the difficulties encountered during the verification of their nurses academic credentials, raising concerns about transparency and efficiency within the regulatory body.

The certificate verification process, a crucial step in obtaining licensure to practice nursing in Nigeria, has been marred by delays, inconsistencies, and bureaucratic hurdles, according to numerous complaints from nurses. Many have reported experiencing prolonged waiting periods for their documents to be processed, with some waiting months or even years without resolution. Such delays not only hinder career progression but also create unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals seeking to contribute to the healthcare system.

Furthermore, the lack of clear guidelines and communication from the NMCN exacerbates the challenges faced by nurses navigating the verification process. Ambiguities in requirements and procedures have left many applicants feeling lost and disheartened, with some resorting to costly and time-consuming measures to meet unclear demands.

The unfair treatment of Nigerian nurses by the NMCN raises serious questions about the regulatory bodys commitment to supporting and facilitating the professional growth of its members. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare sector, particularly amidst ongoing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that their concerns are addressed promptly and effectively to ensure a competent and motivated nursing workforce.

Calls for reform within the NMCN have grown louder in light of these issues, with demands for greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the certificate verification process. Stakeholders, including nursing associations, government agencies, and policymakers, must collaborate to enact meaningful reforms that uphold the rights and dignity of Nigerian nurses while strengthening the integrity of the nursing profession.

READ ALSO:Reps orders Health Ministry to return N10bn for COVID-19 vaccine production to Federation Account

As the voice of Nigerian nurses continues to resonate, it is hoped that authorities will heed their calls for change and work towards a fair and equitable system that recognizes and values the contributions of nursing professionals across the nation.
Justices Farouk Lawal Adamu and Abdullahi M. Liman of the Kano State High Court have convicted and sentenced Huseini Suleiman ( a.k.a Khalifa Abba) and Umar Yau to four years imprisonment for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card fraud.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one -count separate charge bordering on cybercrimes.

The charge against Suleman reads That you HUSAINI SULEMAN (A.K.A. KHALIFA ABBA) on 19th September, 2023 in Kano within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, used the Guaranty Trust Bank MasterCard belonging to Abubakar Sarki Abdullahi and fraudulently withdrew the sum of N1, 285,000.00 (one million two hundred and eighty five thousand naira) from his Guaranty Trust bank account number: 0020234639 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 (B) of Penal Code and punishable under Section 322 of the same code.

The defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Lily Jacob-Duke prayed the court to convict him accordingly. However, defence counsel, Salisu Sulaiman prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the convict as he is a first time offender.

Consequently, Justice Adamu convicted and sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment or a fine of N250,000. In addition, the defendant was ordered to return to school by the court and he was given a period of 2 years to accomplish the task of acquiring a University degree and the officers of the Correctional facility should be put on notice of the order of the court.

The charge against Yau reads That you UMAR YAU on 19th September, 2023 in Kano within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, used the Guaranty Trust Bank Mastercard belonging to Abubakar Sarki Abdullahi and fraudulently withdrew the sum of N1,285,000.00 (one million two Hundred and eighty five thousand naira) from his Guaranty Trust Bank account number: 0020234639 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 33 (1) OF THE CYBERCRIMES (PROHIBITION, PREVENTION, ETC) ACT, 2015 and punishable under SECTION 33 (1) OF THE SAME ACT.

The defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him.

Thereafter, Justice Liman convicted and sentenced the defendant to three years imprisonment with an option of fine of (N100,000) One Hundred Thousand Naira

The convicts journey to the Correctional Centre began when a petitioner alleged that they swapped an ATM card belonging to one Abubakar Sarki Abdullahi under the guise of trying to assist the owner whom they met at the ATM branch/site and fraudulently withdrew a total sum of (N1,285,000) One Million Two Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand Naira Only from his bank account.

Related
From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has disclosed that the Federal Government is making plan to rebuild first ever concrete road highway in Bauchi State from the north east region.

Governor Mohammed stated this while performing the ground breaking ceremony of 9.9 billion naira rehabilitation of 29 kilometers road from Dindima-Yashi-Mainamaji, Friday in Bauchi, noted that procurement is on process to procure a concrate road for the first time in northern Nigeria from Bauchi to Dindima.

Mohammed noted that the road if constructed it will greatly reduce the number of accidents rate as well as improve and burst the economy of the two states and the subregion.

According to the governor, the first batch of the road will start from Bauchi to Mainamaji, while the second and third batch will start from Mainamaji to Alkaleri and from Alkaleri to Gombe state respectively.

He disclosed that the State government is also working with the North East Development Commission NEDC to make sure that the contract is being extended to the same contractor to other parts of Alkaleri Town and also reduce the bridges that transverse upto Gombe State for the time being.

The former FCT minister, therefore, appreciated the concern of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the effort and support of vice-president Kashim Shetima on the projects.

The governor equally appreciated the effort of last administration for awarding the contract from Duguri to Rimi and Mansur at cost of two billion so that, that section of the local government would be open up. Mohammed however lamented over delayed being experienced from the contractor and urged him to speed up and mobilise to the site.

Related
From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reiterated his administration commitment towards making Alkaleri local government area an oil and gas free trade zone in the subregion.

The governor was speaking during the official flagging-off ceremony of the rehabilitation of 29 kilometers road from Dindima-Yashi-Mainamaji, Friday in Bauchi. Noted that the road will open up more income revenue generation as well as tourisim attraction.

According to the governor, said the state government is currently working accidiously to make sure we repositioning ourselves as a State and as a potential oil and gas state, so that we can incentify the private sector.

He explained that Kolmani is an institute, prospect and growth of oil and gas saying that the crude oil will come out and it will be developed there, were going to have a refinery, power station, and fertilizer blending company all there, so Alkaleri is designated as industrial zone in the state and region.

He said, if its actualize, the Area will be first in the country and promised to work with vision and intellect to make sure we realized this objective.

The governor who personally appreciated the vice president Kashim Shetima for partnering with the State in ensuring that this road Bauchi, Alkaleri and Gombe State is done.

Recall that the Kolmani oil and gas was discovered in the area in 2023 during the last administration of President Muhammadu Burari.

Related
From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi

Officials of Benue state government has disclosed that about 4,000 cases of Gender Based Violence, (GBV), were recorded in the state in the year 2023.

The State Epidemiologist/State Project Coordinator of COVID-19 Preparedness a d Response Project, (CoPREP), Dr Terungwa Ngishe, who made the disclosure spoke on Thursday, in Makurdi, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Gender Based Violence/Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment in the state.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Human Services alongside their partners the Police, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Civil Defense, Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Benue State chapter, to curb the menace.

The CoPREP project coordinator said the figure may rise up to 8,000 if not the awareness been created.

He explained that the awareness of GBV became glaring and noticed during the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19 epidemic in 2020.

According to him, In Benue state, we have over 4,000 recorded cases of gender based violence and this figure is before all the interventions we are having now.

He however urged the people to join hands with the state government to nip it in the bud saying the awareness that is being created will go along way to sensitize the people.

In her remarks, the programme consultant, Dooshima Ageh lamented that the incidences of wife battery, emotional abuse and wife estrangement are high.

She listed other incidences to include, children and spousal abuse explaining that During the 2020 lockdown, there were over 500 cases of violent acts reported between August and September, 2020 alone.

Last year 2023, 3,841 cases were reported in the State and captured on the Gender Based Violence Dashboard for Benue State.

These cases include rape, spousal abuse, child abandonment, trafficking of persons, denial of resources, psychological/emotional abuse, battery, stalking, destruction of properties and denial of inheritance rights.

She added that these violent acts have led to the maiming, mental instabilities, deaths individuals and discord in the communities.

She called for the need for all partners to work together to eliminate gender based violence and promote the human rights of women and girls in the State.

She explained that the signing of the MoU was to assist the two ministries and their partners to deliver on the expectations of the partnership which is to prevent and respond to GBV cases in a human right approach based on local, national and international best practices and protocols.

Related
The Senate Committee on Local Content on Wednesday held the first interactive session with the leadership of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at the Senate Building at Abuja and resolved to collaborate and deepen the implementation of local content in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan moderated the meeting and assured that the committee would not antagonize the Board and other entities under its supervision but would collaborate towards effective implementation of the Boards mandate for the benefit of Nigerians.

She expressed concern over the parlous state of the economy, particularly the alarming level of unemployment which has fuelled an increase in criminality. She emphasised the need to deepen the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD Act, to create employment opportunities from the activities in the oil industry and catalyse other sectors of the economy.

She requested the Board to submit performance reports on the implementation of the NOGICD Act, specifically on the Boards third-party investments, capacity building programmes, expatriate quota management and research and development. She also requested the Board to recommend sections of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act that needed to be amended by the National Assembly.

Other questions raised by the committee concerned the status of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) and the performance of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund).

READ ALSO: Senate knocks FG, IOCs over non remittance of N1trn debt to NDDC

The Committee Chair criticised the international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria for not investing in the petrochemical sub-sector and other associated manufacturing activities, whereas IOCs in other oil producing jurisdictions make such investments and contribute significantly to those economies. She announced that the committee would invite the IOCs and other relevant agencies of Government, with a view to compel the companies to create tangible value in the Nigerian economy beyond the extraction and sale of crude oil. She said: We need to get them around the table and tell them what we want as a country as against watching they export crude oil only.

In his comments, the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe thanked the committee for adopting a cooperative approach and assured that the Board would provide all the requested documentations and partner effectively, to achieve the mandate of the committee and that of the Board.

On the Boards performance, the Executive Secretary stated that the Nigerian Content level for 2022 and 2023 stood at 54 percent and the Board is on course to accomplish the 70 percent target for 2027, as set in the Nigerian Content roadmap.

On international oil companies model of operation in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary explained that most oil conglomerates have different arms, which includes their downstream companies which make such investments in the petrochemical and linkage sub-sectors. He however, noted that most operating companies in Nigeria do not have such subsidiaries in the country, hinting that the Board is willing to support indigenous firms that are interested in such ventures.

He added that the Board lacked the mandate to compel the IOCs to change their business model in Nigeria but was collaborating with some oil companies to develop the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPs), which is designed to manufacture oil and gas equipment and components as well as other manufacturing and research and technology programmes.

READ ALSO: NCDMB parleys chevron, recommits to fast-track approvals of oil Industry projects

The Director Finance and Personnel Management, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ofili provided clarity on the performance of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) and the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF). He explained that the NCI Fund is managed by the Bank of Industry (BoI) on behalf of the Board, and US$300m was deposited with the BOI. He clarified that the NCI Fund is a portion of the NCDF  which is pooled from the 1% percent of every contract awarded in the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, as specified in section 104 of the NOGICD Act.

He also revealed that BoI had loaned out US$330m to 70 qualified oil and gas companies, with the additional $30m accruing from the interests from the loans. He mentioned that another Fund created by the NCDMB is the US$50m domiciled with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank and it is broken into $30m for working capital and capacity building and $20m for Women in Oil and Gas. Dr. Ofili indicated that eight firms have accessed the $30m working capital and capacity building fund, while three firms have successfully accessed the Women in oil and gas fund. He said: We want serious minded women entrepreneurs in the oil and gas industry to step forward and access this fund. That is the only way it can make impact in the economy.

The Director asserted that the NCI Fund is the most successful fund scheme in the country, basing his assessment on the faithful repairment by the beneficiaries and the growth of the fund. He mentioned that the Bank of Industry carries out quarterly project monitoring on the loan beneficiaries, while the NCDMB holds an annual monitoring review on the fund scheme and beneficiaries.

On the proposed amendment of the NOGICD Act, the Director Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu explained that concerted efforts were made during the tenure of the 9th National Assembly to review the legislation and the Board developed a compendium on areas that it believed should be amended. He promised that the Board would submit the compendium to the Senate so it could become the reference point for further discussions and considerations.
The Delta State Police Command has officially acknowledged the arrest and detention of the police officers allegedly responsible for shooting a Vigilante Commander and two members of the Idjerhe Kingdoms vigilante group.

The detained officers were alleged to have stormed Jesse town, the traditional headquarters of Idjerhe Kingdom, on the 30th of January, 2024, and shot the vigilante commander, Mr Freeborn Ofeshohwo alias Cornerstone and two other members identified as Friday Johnson and Enor Young.

Following public outcry, the state commissioner of police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, on Friday condemned the shooting of the vigilante members, disclosing that the cops had been identified and detained for their involvement in the incident.

CP Olufemi, in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe, assured the people of Idjerhe Kingdom that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

He assured the djerhe Kingdom, particularly families of the injured victims, that the command under his watch would ensure justice in the incident.



The statement titled, Re-Protest, Anger As Policemen Shoot Idjerhe Kingdom Vigilante Leaders And Two Others: CP Abaniwonda Olufemi Condemns The Act, Orders The Detention Of The Officers Involved, And SCID To Commence A Full-Scale Investigation was released on Friday.



The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the officers involved have been identified and detained, while an internal disciplinary action has been initiated.

The CP wishes to reiterate that its not in the character of the Command to trample on the rights of citizens, assault, or use their rifles without recourse to Force Order 237.

He assures members of the public that the officers concerned will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the extant laws as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations to serve as a deterrent to others, noting that under his watch, such conduct by officers of the command will not be tolerated, the statement read.

CP Olufemi warned officers and men of the command that he would not condone any form of unprofessionalism in the discharge of their duties as anyone found flouting the Forces code of conduct would be dealt with.

He has therefore tasked officers and men to uphold the tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect to the rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while hoping that the actions taken on the erring officers will serve as a deterrent to others.

He appealed to members of the public, particularly indigenes of Idjerhe Kingdom, and the families of the injured vigilantes who are currently receiving treatment to remain calm and assure them of justice, Delta police commissioner added.

The arrest is coming barely 24hrs after DAILY POST reported the incident which led to protests across Idjerhe Kingdom on Thursday.

The three victims are currently receiving medical attention for the life-threatening injuries they sustained during the attack.

However, the people of the area led by the Otota of Idjerhe Kingdom, Chief Onosia James Obriki, condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked attack on the people of the Kingdom.

Chief Obriki had during the protest appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the state commissioner of police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, to investigate the shooting and ensure that the officers fingered were arrested and prosecuted.
Self-proclaimed prophet, Dr. Kan Ebube Muonso of the Power and Victory in Christ Church, has made a prediction regarding the outcome of the AFCON 2023 tournament, foreseeing hosts Ivory Coast as the eventual winners.

Ivory Coast will go home with the cup in error, he stated confidently.

However, Dr. Kan emphasized that he has been fervently praying for Nigeria during his mountain program, seeking divine intervention.

I have been interceding for Nigeria in my mountain program by the power of God. I will collect the cup from Ivory Coast and hand it over to Nigeria, he affirmed.

Taking to his churchs Facebook page on Friday, Dr. Kan shared his prophetic insights, suggesting that the error in awarding the cup to Ivory Coast would be due to the referees partiality.

Nigeria is the rightful team to go home with the cup, he asserted.

He continued, I saw Ivory Coast going home with the cup in error by ref/partial against Nigeria, but Nigeria is the rightful team that is supposed to go home with the cup. I will collect the cup from Ivory Coast to Nigeria by the power of God after my mountain program which will commence tomorrow.

Dr. Kan concluded his post with a declaration of faith, expressing confidence in the power of God to manifest.

In my next post after the mountain, you will know that there is power in God. Operation show your power. My God will prove himself again, he proclaimed.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has asserted the presence of moles within the current administration clandestinely working for the opposition.

While not specifying the party involved, Onanuga raised concerns over individuals leaking confidential documents to the public and emphasized the urgency for the Federal Government to take decisive measures to identify and weed out such individuals.

He highlighted ongoing investigations into the civil service framework, initiated at the request of the Presidency, aimed at identifying and removing individuals deemed moles.

Regarding a recent alleged internal memo leak, suggesting President Tinubus approval of the disbursement of N500 million for the inauguration of a Tripartite Committee, Onanuga expressed dismay, attributing these leaks to unauthorized disclosure of classified documents.

This step is crucial in ensuring the security and maintenance of sensitive information, the presidential aide said.

Onanuga remarked, What is worrisome is, how come a memo written by SGF to the President bearing the Presidents signature leaked out? It means that there are some fifth columnists within the government.

He further added, There are so many moles around who are probably doing the bidding of the opposition. They do not respect the civil service rule for handling official secrets. And it shows that the government should look inwards to probe how memos between officials are getting into the public space. Memos that are supposed to be secret are not supposed to be flying all over the place.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a wanted declaration for the wife of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, along with three other individuals.

Named in the declaration are a CBN official, Eric Odoh, a businesswoman, Anita Omoile, and a Bureau De Change operator, Jonathan Omoile. The EFCC alleges their involvement in a conspiracy with Emefiele to unlawfully convert significant sums of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Following the arrest and subsequent court proceedings against her husband, the wife of the former CBN boss reportedly went into hiding.

The EFCC has published the suspects mugshots on its website and social media platforms, urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the nearest EFCC Command or police station.

This development marks a significant escalation in the investigation of corruption allegations against both past and present officials, as it is uncommon for spouses to be charged alongside those undergoing trial.

Emefieles troubles began after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023, which led to his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos. He was subsequently transferred to Abuja and placed in the custody of the EFCC, where he faced charges related to money laundering and fraud.


After several years of dormancy, it appears the Port Harcourt refinery is set for a restart as Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) has disclosed that it delivered 475,000 barrels of crude oil to the refinery this week.

The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigerias four state-owned refineries, has endured extensive neglect and deterioration over the years.

A $1.5 billion rehabilitation project of the refinery was launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2019, to restore the refinery to its nameplate capacity of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd).

To underscore the readiness of the refinery to begin production, the dual unit plant reportedly took delivery of 475,000 barrel on January 18, 2024.

This was confirmed in a statement by Shells bonny oil terminal manager Osita Nnajiofor on Friday.

READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery registers MOMAN, IPMAN, DAPPMAN for product distribution

This significant milestone was made possible through intensive preparations, collaboration and the dedication of the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, BOGT and Port Harcourt Refinery Company, PHRC teams.

The recommencement of crude oil supply from the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal to Port Harcourt Refinery is a significant achievement and a game-changer for the industry and the country. The intensive preparations, collaboration and dedication of both teams involved were instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring a safe and efficient supply operation.

This milestone will support the governments aspiration of steady supply of petroleum products to the downstream market and other associated benefits to the economy of the nation.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and African richest man and Business Mogul, Aliko Dangote, on Thursday in Kinshasa, DRC met with the President, Felix Tshisekedi with the prospect of going into mining and agricultural sectors.

It would be recalled that President Tshisekedi was sworn in last January as the new President having won the Presidential elections for the second term.

In a statement issued by Obasanjo Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Friday, the former President said he was in DRC with Dangote to see how the country could benefit from one of African biggest investors, Aliko Dangote.

He added that apart from bringing Dangote to congratulate the President on his re-election, he was also there to report on the progress of the DRC-Nigeria Business Council.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo condoles with Namibians over president death

According to Obasanjo, the meeting was a friendly one. It was about congratulating President Tshisekedi on his re-election and the quality of the inauguration ceremony. I also came to inform him about the progress made within the framework of the DRC-Nigeria Business Council.

Finally, it was about seeing within the framework of the DRC-Nigeria Business Council, which allows for closer ties, facilitation, and economic integration between our countries, how we could benefit from one of our biggest investors Aliko Dangote, added the former Nigerian President.

On his part, Aliko Dangote indicated that he planned to invest heavily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and this was important for me to address the issue with President Tshisekedi to have his blessing, he said.

It was gathered that the Nigerian businessman planned to invest in the mining and agricultural sectors in the Central Africa region.
They were apprehended on Friday while transporting 12 underage children- eight girls and four boys aged between five and 16 years- from Nasarawa State to Ogun State

This information was disclosed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement released on Saturday.

Adeh said, Operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74, on Friday, February 9, at about 12:55 am, intercepted one Muhammad Isah, male, of Kafanchan, Kaduna State in a Toyota Hiace bus with Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying twelve; four male and eight female; underaged children to a destination later discovered to be in Ogun state.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the children whose ages are between five years to 16 years, all from Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State were being trafficked to Ogun state by one Pastor Simon Kado, male, and Jesse Simon-Kado, male, who are now presently in police custody.

While the investigation is still ongoing and efforts in conduit with Nasarawa State Police Command on how to reunite victims with their respective families, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, wishes to reiterate that the safety of residents remains his utmost priority.

Recently, there has been a surge in kidnapping and bandit attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In January 2024, the Special Intervention Squad of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command took down three notorious bandits in a forest within the Bwari area of Abuja.

In the same month, Janari, a notorious kidnap kingpin alleged to have masterminded multiple kidnappings in Kaduna State and Abuja, along with some of his foot soldiers, were killed during operations conducted by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in Kaduna State.

Kanyi Daily recalls that the Nigeria Police Forces Intelligence Response Team had eliminated notorious kidnappers and gun runners who were terrorizing Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa states
By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka has revealed the Ministrys transformative journey towards a vision that will propel the state into a more environmentally conscious and technologically advanced era, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Commissioner Chukwuemeka, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Awka, said part of the the vision, aside ensuring the use of renewable energy, would also revolutionize the states energy landscape, promoting sustainability and ensuring a constant and reliable power supply for residents and businesses alike.

According to him, the Ministry, under his watch, has a focus, enshrined in the acronym ISE, which implies that every project the Ministry will execute must be Impactful, Sustainable, and Eco-friendly.

Engr. Chukwuemeka also credited the improved power supply being enjoyed in the State now to Anambra States strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), while also noting that the government will not relent in its efforts and forward-thinking initiative to ensure 24/7 power supply in the State.

Going memory lane on how far the Ministry has gone in ensuring clean and sustainable energy for Ndi Anambra, the Commissioner said some feeders in the state now generate up to 22-hour power supply in a day, as against the maximum generation of 15 hours they inherited when Governor Chukwuma Soludos Administration came on board. This, he said, was above the 18 hours they earlier targeted upon assumption of office. The Commissioner, who said the state government would not relent until it achieves 24/7 power supply in the State, also revealed that the Soludo Administration was making efforts to diversify the states energy generation sources, leveraging on the its abundant gas reserve, water bodies, wastes, and solar radiation.

While attesting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has special interest in the States power sector, the Commissioner also recalled that the state government, through the Ministry has resolved the Rights of Way challenges, land-related issues and other issues that were hitherto stagnating or impeding the execution of the some federal governments interventional projects in the power sector in the state for long time.

The Commissioner further revealed that the resolution of those issues has now resulted to the speedy execution of those projects, which include the ongoing construction of the 132KV Umuchu Sub-station and the 133KV Aguleri Sub-station. He also noted that the Ministry was working hard to achieve such resolution and execution in other places in the State where such issues still exist, including the Ogidi Area.

While disclosing that some communities and local government areas in the State, including the Anambra West Local Government Area and parts of Anambra East Local Government Area, such as Eziagulu-Otu, Enugwu-Otu, and Mkpunando had never been connected to the national grid and thus had never seen electricity before; the Commissioner said the arrival of the Soludo Administration had brought relief to people from the area, as some of the communities have now been connected to the national grid while efforts are till in progress to connect the remaining ones.

Concerning the opportunity presented by the Electricity Amendment Act, 2023 which authorizes states to legislate on their power, Commissioner Chukwuemeka said the draft of the Anambra State Electricity Policy and Electricity Bill, which are prerequisites for establishing the Anambra State Electricity Market, were currently ready for the consideration of the State Executive Council and the State House of Assembly. He recalled the recent commissioning of meter manufacturing company in the state which has the capacity to manufacture over 1.4m meters annually, adding that such initiative will help to close the metering gap in the State.

On streetlighting of the State, the Commissioner said the state government, in line with the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo to cut down the cost of governance and promote all-round environmental sustainability, had so far converted over 25,000 diesel-powered streetlights to solar streetlights in different parts of the State and also installed over 1500 new solar-powered streetlights in other parts of the State, including the Okpoko community where over 563 solar streetlights have been installed. He recalled that the present administration inherited over 25,000 diesel-powered streetlights in the State which was costing the State over nine hundred million naira monthly to power them, adding that the amount and the general cost of governance would have soared higher by now, if not for the switchover to solar streetlights by the present administration, given the current price of petroleum products in the country.

Aside from reducing the cost of governance, environmental concerns, eco-friendliness, human health, and efficiency of operation also take centre stage in the Governors visionary decision to embark on the switchover, he said.

While noting that the government has made it a policy that any streetlights to be installed in the State henceforth must be solar-powered, Commissioner Chukwuemeka also explained that the three-in-one streetlight being installed by the government charges fast and discharges slowly, switches itself on and off at the appropriate times, and stores power for uninterrupted illumination even during the cloudy and rainy days, among other numerous advantages. He also explained that, aside the streetlights, many facilities in the State are currently being powered by solar, including the State High Court rooms, High Court Judges residence, Federal High Court rooms, Court of Appeal rooms, Umueri General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital, and Ekwulobia General Hospital, as well as the various correctional centres in the State. He further hinted that plans were already on motion to also ensure that the Anambra State Secretariat, health centers and water facilities in the State are powered by solar.

The Commissioner also recalled that the water facility inventory his Ministry had when he newly assumed office showed that over 70 percent of the water facilities in different parts of the State were not functional, mainly because of power source, which are largely diesel generators that are expensive to maintain and environmentally unhealthy; hence, the need for alternative source that will be more effective, efficient, and eco-friendly.

He also disclosed that the state government had resuscitated and converted many hitherto diesel-powered and non-functional boreholes to solar-powered boreholes in different parts of the State, including the moribund 50,000-liter water facility newly renovated and converted to solar by the State Government at the Civil Servants Quarters, Iyiagu Estate, Awka. Others, he said, include those converted at Iyiora, Anam, in Anambra West Local Government Area with 5000 gallon tank; and the solar-powered borehole recently constructed for the people of Ibuhugwu village in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, as part of the compensation for the sub-station being constructed on their land.

Commissioner Chukwuemeka also revealed that Governor Soludo had given a marching order for the resuscitation of the various water schemes and facilities across the state to ensure uninterrupted clean and portable water supply to the people of the state. This, according to him, would be done under the Private Public Community Partnership (PPCP) model, which will have both the private sector, the government, and the community actively involved in the project and initiative, both in the pre-execution stage, the execution stage, and the post-execution stage (the management and maintenance) of the projects.

He also explained that work had already begun in the five urban water schemes in the State, which include the Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and the Otuocha Water Schemes, adding that the schemes would also have water labs upon completion, which will serve purposes and accrue many benefits to the parties involved.

We didnt stop with the people in the city. There are about 55 semi-urban water schemes in the state, but we have selected 15 (five from each of the three senatorial zones) for now as where to begin the first phase of resuscitation. We also did same in the rural area, we have 68 water schemes, but chose to begin with few from each local government area, he explained.

He attested that the state government also had special interest in the Water sector, which, he said led to the creation of the Anambra State Water Resources Management Agency, headed by Engr. Ikeobi Ejiofor. He also acknowledged the existence of the Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation, and the Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), all working towards provision of clean and portable water for the people. He also recalled that, immediately after the 2022 flood disaster, the Ministry attracted intervention from the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) that led to the rehabilitation of 98 hand pumps in the communities affected by the flood disaster, to prevent the people from resorting to drinking from the subsided flood or the contaminated rivers in the area as they had been doing in the past due to scarcity of water.

Commissioner Chukwuemeka said Anambra, during the 2023 World Toilet Day, was the only state in the southeast honoured and awarded for achieving Open Defecation Free status in three local government areas (Anambra East, Aguata, and Nnewi North Local Government Areas), even as the Ministry also works hard to achieve a state-wide Open Defecation Free status before the end of the year. He also revealed that the States Fire Service, which is also under his Ministry, has been rated as the overall best performing Fire Service in the southeast, 3rd in the entire southern Nigeria, and the sixth in the entire country.

The Commissioner recounted how he met the Fire Service with no firefighting equipments and in lack of functional firefighting trucks despite a good number of firefighting trucks that were abandoned in the premises due to lack of maintenance culture. This, he said, moved him to procure new firefighting kits and equipments that will serve them for years, as well as repair all the spoilt and abandoned firefighting trucks and fixing them to standard again, rather than buying new ones, in line with Governor Soludos disregard and intolerance for wastage. He further announced that the Ministry had developed a yet-to-be-launched Fire App to help the public promptly report fire incidents and get response even when they dont have airtime on their phones.

Going statistical in the response and operational efficiency of the States Fire Service in fighting fire in the State, the Commissioner, who attested to great improvement revealed that, out of 141 fire outbreaks recorded in the state 2022, the fire service contained 136 (representing 96.5%); while in 2023, they contained 102 out of 105 (representing 97.1%).

Commissioner Chukwuemeka also highlighted Governor Soludos recent signing of pact for out-of-court settlement of the 14-year-old lingering dispute between the state government, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreation Service Employees (AUPCTRE), and the staff of the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation Board, as another remarkable stride in the Ministrys journey towards achieving its vision and mandate to the people.

While appreciating the Governor and urging Ndi Anambra to expect more transformative strides from the Ministry, Commissioner Chukwuemeka further advised the people to always take full ownership of government facilities in their areas and protect them against vandals; even as he advised the citizens to desist from anything capable of slowing down the actualization of the Governors vision to make the Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.

Related
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) again suffered another set back as three Local Government Chairmen defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano.

The decampees include Hon. Ado Tambai Kwa, Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local council, the immediate constituency of acting National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Hon. Kwa dumped APC to NNPP along his deputy Hon. Garba Yahaya Labour and other councillors from Gandujes home council.

Similarly, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna also lost a strong loyalist and chairman of his Nassarawa local government council, Hon. Auwalu Lawan Aramposu, to NNPP.

Hon. Mudassiru Aliyu, member of APC and Chairman of Garun-Malam Local Government council also cross carpeted to NNPP.

Receiving the decampees and their mass supporters at the Coronation hall, Government House on Saturday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the ingenuity of the former APC members to join the NNPP.

Governor Yusuf who assured the decampees of fairness and equal treatment in their new party stressed that NNPP would be magnanimous enough to accommodate the entire APC members to serve humanity.

The Governor reiterated the government commitment to enhance social and economy development through massive investment of resources in the areas of education, health, agriculture, water resources and human empowerment.

According to Governor Yusuf,  We are lucky that some of you have recognised the pattern of our leadership and decided to join hands with us on a mission to make Kano great. You are highly welcome home .

The defection of APC members to NNPP is coming barely two weeks, after the national Chairman of the party and immediate past Governor, Ganduje extended an open letter inviting the NNPP leadership to the ruling party.

The intrigue, although thoroughly calculated to win the heart of the Kwankwasiyya moment ahead of 2027 presidential ambition, only thought out after Governor Yusuf secured his mandate at the Supreme Court.

Related
The Imo State Police Command, acting on a well informed tip off, has successfully arrested two suspects, Jamilu Monday and Dantala Musa. The suspects were apprehended with locally-made guns and 10 rounds of live cartridges which were neatly carefully concealed in their traders look alike bags to avoid any form of suspicion.

This Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, confirmed this development to journalists.

Okoye noted that the suspects were rounded up by eagle-eyed operatives of the commands Rapid Response Squad (RRS) during its stop and search operation along Bishops Court Road in Owerri, Imo State.

He added, The suspects were intercepted in a minibus with Reg no. KED 364XA and arrested two suspects namely; Jamilu Monday m 29 years, and Dantala Musa m, 25 years, who were unlawfully in possession of one locally made cut-to-size gun and ten rounds of live cartridges neatly concealed in their bag.

Again, operatives of the Commands Tactical Squad, on the same day, apprehended two other suspects identified as Ihechi Favour and Bright Chimezie, who were also unlawfully in possession of two fabricated guns, an axe, and sharp iron object, while on intensive stop and search operation at Naze Junction, along Aba Road.

The PPRO indicated that the suspects would be charged and subsequently arraigned in court upon completion of thorough investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, urged the operatives to sustain the tempo while he thanked them for wonderful job.

Related
The umbrella body of Kogi indigenes living outside the state, Kogi in Diaspora Association, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt its unwarranted witch-hunt of ex-governor Yahaya Bello.

The group threatened peaceful mass protests and civil disobedience should the anti-graft agency fails to back out from the alleged calculated attempt to tarnish the image of Bello.

The Kogi in diaspora association, in a press statement issued after its meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, rubbished the decision of EFCC to slam corruption charge against the former governor, saying it would not fold its hands and allow Bello to be ridiculed over baseless allegations.

It lamented that the EFCCs decision would go a long way to rub off negatively on the investment drive in Kogi State.

The statement signed by the associations co-covener, Seyi Olorunsola, called for a public apology from EFCC for causing embarrassment to the former governor and people of Kogi State.

The statement reads in full : Kogi in Diaspora Association, under the leadership of Co-covener Seyi Olorunsola, convened today in Abuja to address the growing concerns over the attempts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tarnish the image of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, H.E. Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The association vehemently rejects the claim by the EFCC that over N80 billion of Kogi State funds were diverted and misappropriated in September 2015, months before Governor Yahaya Bello contested and won the Kogi State gubernatorial elections. This assertion is not only contentious but preposterous. How can someone divert state government funds before gaining access to the levers of leadership?

In light of the associations deliberations, the following resolutions have been reached:

*Immediate Reversal and Apology:* The Kogi In Diaspora Association demands that the EFCC rescind its ill-informed decision to pursue a smear campaign against ex-Governor Bello. The EFCC should issue a public apology to him and the people of Kogi State for the needless embarrassment caused.

*Impact on Diaspora Investment:* The association expresses concern that the EFCCs misguided actions will impede efforts to attract investments from its Diaspora citizens. The tarnishing of the states image poses a significant setback to economic development initiatives.

*Judicial Clearance:* It is emphasized that previous attempts by the EFCC to link Governor Bello to corruption have failed the judicial test in the courts. The EFCC is urged to discontinue its malfeasance against the people of Kogi State.

*Acknowledgment of Governance Achievements:* Governor Bellos commendable performance during his 8-year tenure is acknowledged, and the association advocates for allowing him a deserved breather from the corridors of power as he contemplates future political aspirations.

*Ultimatum to EFCC:* The Kogi In Diaspora Association issues a 72-hour ultimatum for the EFCC to halt its unwarranted witchhunt of the former Governor. Failure to comply will result in civil disobedience protests by the associations members in Abuja and major cities.

The Kogi In Diaspora Association remains committed to upholding the integrity of Kogi State and its leaders. It urges a swift resolution to this matter to avoid further damage to the states reputation and its diaspora investment prospects.

Related
Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi believes that Nigeria can eradicate poverty in 2030 if the country diligently implements the policies of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Fayemi, who made this comment through his Chief of Staff (CoS), Biodun Omoleye, during an event commemorating the 2019 international youth day, said his state will continue to support the SDG vision of making sure that poverty is eradicated across the developing nations, especially Nigeria, in 2030. He said:

:The essence of the SDGs is to eradicate poverty globally and make the world a better place to live for everyone by 2030. Throughout the world, there is a new order that recognises the skills of young people, a new order that believes society must be devoid of poverty and diseases, a new order that believes people must live well, a world free of pollution and how do we get there?

The governor noted that the world is constantly becoming aware of the relevance of youths in each society, and any order that fails to empower the youths with leadership is bound to fail.

He also advised youths to always show their capabilities and abilities, Fayemi added:
The crisis in Nguru, a community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State may be far from being over, following the last minute decision of the Parish Priest of St. Marys Catholic Church, Agbani Nguru, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeh to cancel a bursary awards, which was supposed to take place during church service.

The exercise was sponsored by a group known as the Nguru Development Foundation.

Nguru Development Foundation, this paper gathered, had for the past 11 years, been organizing and giving bursary awards of various sums to indigenes of Nguru community who gained admission into institutions of higher learning and had usually used the platform of the Catholic Church in the community for the disbursement.

Trouble, however, started, according to our sources, in 2018, following the refusal of the Parish Priest of St. Anthonys Catholic Church, also in Nguru, Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze to allow the ceremony take place in his church, allegedly as a result of a lingering disagreement between some members of the Foundation and a renowned cleric from the community, Rev Fr Paul Obayi.

The rift borders on alleged attempts by Fr Obayi to acquire a large parcel of community land to build a private university.

It was learnt that these Nguru indigenes, otherwise known by the tag, Nguru Concerned Citizens had gone to court to challenge the propriety of the alleged land transaction, joining the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Godfrey Onah, in the suit.

This, it was learnt, was what made Fr. Igwebueze to prevent the sponsors of the annual bursary from using the church for the 2018 event, a development that made them to schedule this years ceremony at St Marys Agbani, Catholic Church in the same Community.

Findings reveal that preparation was in high gear for the ceremony, as the parishioners eagerly awaited the event, until the morning of Sunday August 18 when the Parish Priest communicated to the Secretary of the Foundation, Mr Okechukwu Onah, that he was under intense pressure to not allow the parish be used for such an event, a development that made the organizers to make frantic calls to the beneficiaries, numbering 33, advising them on a new venue.

It was further learnt that Nguru has been sharply divided since Rev Fr Paul Obayi met resistance by some members of the community over his intention to acquire community land for a private university project.

This division that has lingered for four years and became even sharper during the events that led to the election of an Igwe for the newly-created Nguru Autonomous Community in 2018.

Although most of the people who were opposed to Fr Obayi and his university project supported another candidate in the Igwe elections, Chief Christian Attajah, Chief Linus Obayi eventually won the election and has since received his staff of office from the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Members of the Nguru Development Foundation refused to officially speak on the matter, but our findings revealed that accusing fingers have been pointing at the new Igwe, Chief Linus Obayi, suggesting that he prevailed on the Parish Priest to lock the Foundation out of the church, less than 12 hours to the time it was scheduled to disburse its annual bursary to new undergraduates.

A member of the Foundation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed that Igwe Obayi allegedly called Fr. Ezeh, warning the priest to desist from Nguru politics.

Continuing, our source revealed that the Foundation had decided to avoid using the Church for any of its activities henceforth.



We will not have anything to do with the Catholic Church or any other church as far as this our annual event is concerned, he said.

In our community, we have more than 10 village squares of various sizes and we think that conducting these events in these places where our forefathers held their meetings will be better and easier for us going forward.

We are a predominantly Catholic community and that is why we have been partnering the church for these events every year, since 2008, until last year. We had also reasoned that using the platform of the Church will be an easier way to attract other members of the community to join in contributing to the education of our sons and daughters.

But since the Church is proving to be uncomfortable with such a worthy cause as ours, we will keep away from them going forward, he concluded.

The bursary awards ceremony, which was quickly shifted to the home of the Secretary of the Foundation, Prof. Ike Onyishi of the Dept of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka was attended by parents and guardians of awardees as well as previous recipients.

Chairman of the Foundation Mr Bonaventure Ugwu charged the new students to be good ambassadors of the community and focus on their studies.

Bonaventure, whose goodwill message was delivered by Prof Ike Onyishi informed the beneficiaries that there were no shortcuts to greatness, admonishing that being focused, diligent, honest and hardworking formed the major springboards for achievement and greatness.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Igwe Obayi said it was regrettable that some people were hell bent on smearing his name.

He told DAILY POST that he never contemplated such action, let alone carrying it out.



How can I ask the parish priest to stop them? What right have I to influence him?

The last time I saw that parish priest was during the visit of the Bishop to our parish, that was the last time I saw him, I dont have his number, never called him. If they had said I influenced the home parish priest, (because we have two parishes), some people may accept that one.

But this parish priest in question, I never visited him, never called; it was yesterday some people told me that such rumour was going on. I leave it to God, I swear that if I ever did any such thing, may my reign not go well. I leave them for God.

The issue is that during my election, they supported my opponent but at the end of the day, I won; I called them let us work together, but they are still fighting me; I dont support evil. My younger brother is a member of the Foundation, some members of my cabinet are members, and they are contributing, so why will I try to stop them, he stressed.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has exposed an alleged fraudulent act of a retired President of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs. Margaret Igbeta, who is accused of opening Eco Bank account that has over N870 million with the name of her maid, Theodora Atsu.

The ICPC filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja, for the interim forfeiture of the N870 million traced to the former judge, which the anti-graft agency claimed were obtained fraudulently in the course of her official duties.

According to ICPC, Igbeta operated a proxy fixed deposit account in the name of her maid, Theodora Atsu, with Ecobank Plc, where she accumulated N870,321,492.15 between 2008 and 2019.

She was said to have opened the account with her passport and the name of Atsu on the 5 March 2008, with an initial deposit of N8 million.

She subsequently made several other deposits including N123,745, 925.57 and N5 million, in the months of March and May 2008.

The ICPC also noted that the money was far above her legitimate earnings both as a judge and the president of the customary court of appeal within the period that the account was operated.
Aged female petty traders whose sources of livelihood were ruined by forces beyond their control are struggling in their twilights to make ends meet. They share their daily experiences in this report by Kunle Akinrinade, Adebukola Adebayo & Uche Chinenye.

Madam Lydia Ebunoluwa would have laughed it off as a figment of someones imagination if anyone had predicted about 20 years ago that she would be hustling for survival as a 77-year-old retiree. For the greater part of her 28 years of dedicated service as a teacher, her major dreams were to live happily and enjoy the sweat of her long years in service.

Indeed, the indigene of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State was happy when she retired from active service in 1995 and collected her retirement emoluments. She had spent a part of it on building a house on a parcel of land she had acquired while she was in service as a teacher in various public schools in Agege, a Lagos suburb, in the hope that she would live on the rent and her paltry monthly pension.

But a few years into retirement, she lost the house to a controversial demolition exercise and life became a nightmare. Since the horrible incident, she has been living from hand to mouth, selling sachet water around the popular Ile Epo Market on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

In an encounter with the distraught woman penultimate Tuesday, she lamented the turn her life had taken, intermittently bursting into tears as she recalled her happy years as a teacher and the cruel fate she has had to grapple with in retirement.

Life has been very cruel to me. I lost the only building I spent my retirement benefits to build. I was collecting rent from the house until it was pulled down by some lawless land grabbers. As you can see, I sit here all day selling pure (sachet) water to passers-by just to eke out a living, she said in a tone laden with emotion.

A few hours ago, the woman who supplies me the water on credit tongue-lashed me for not being able to pay for the water I collected from her on credit yesterday. I dont make enough that can feed me three times a day.

The most I make in a day is N500. The little I earn from selling the water and my meagre monthly pension is what keeps me going; but it is not enough to make me happy. I have grandchildren from my late daughter while the other two children of mine have no jobs. It is sad that I have to go through hardship at old age.

A few meters away from the spot where Ebunoluwa operates, 63-year-old Comfort Adeboye fought hard to sell a popular brand of soft drink to a motorist held in traffic at Ile Epo Bus Stop. With teary eyes, she told The Nation her descent into hard life after she lost her grocery shop to the demolition of buildings carried out by the Lagos State Government during the construction of the Abule Egba flyover a few years ago.

She said: I used to run a grocery shop at the Abule Egba section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. I was doing well in business until my shop was pulled down by the state government at the beginning of the construction of a bridge on the highway. Since then, my life has become miserable.

I lost everything to the demolition exercise because it was done in the early hours of the day and I live around Agbado, Ogun State. I could not salvage anything from the rubble and life became difficult for me because I am a widow with two undergraduate children to take care of.

At my age, I am not supposed to be doing this kind of hard work, but there was no help from anyone and this is the only work I can do for now to earn a living despite the attendant hazards and low profit.

For 60-year-old Mrs Titilayo Oladeji, the need to sustain her family dragged her into selling shea butter at Oshodi Market, after her herbal medicine business collapsed without remedy a few years ago.

She had wanted to try her hands on other businesses but she lacked the means to start up. Worried by the need to cater for her five children, she started selling shea butter by collecting the local product on credit.

She said: I used to run a fairly successful herbal medicine business until the business collapsed and life became miserable for me and my family. I make an average of N1000 daily from selling shea butter while I have five children to cater for. Some of them are currently studying in the university while others are apprentice artisans.

My husband and children live in Ibadan, Oyo State while I hustle selling shea butter here in Oshodi, Lagos. From the N1000 profit, I pay the sum of N200 for my accommodation in a dingy room I shared with others like me who come from other states to trade at Oshodi Market, because I do not have money to rent a befitting room where I can sleep comfortably.

A 60-year-old public toilet janitor at Oshodi, Mrs Imoru Lamidi Imoru, said she decided to take up the job three months ago, when she was at a crossroads after losing all the money she invested on a grocery business, saying that she would have ended up as a beggar if she had not taken up the job.

The mother of five said: I must confess that I started this job three months ago after being in a quandary as to what to do to earn a living. I am 60 years old, but my life became a mess after my business failed and I was left with no choice but to survive on anything that could guarantee my meals every day.

My job is to collect money from people who use the public toilet, and that is my means of livelihood. I do this job in order to survive, so I would not end up in the streets as a beggar. The work is not that profitable. Some times I earn barely a thousand naira and at other times I dont even earn anything at all.

Although I live in Sango area of Ota in Ogun State, I reside temporarily somewhere in Ikeja, because what I earn cannot take me home every day.

But for her failed marriage two decades ago, Mrs Abimbola Ishola said she would not have been struggling to make ends meet. The 60-year-old woman, who sells body cream at Oshodi Market, said she took to the trade to support herself and children after she was abandoned by her ex-husband.

The business, according to Abimbola is too small to take care of her needs and that of her three children because of the little amount she earns as profit.

She said: I have been selling hair and body cream for over 20 years. I started the business to support myself and my children. I make only N500 at most on a daily basis from selling creams because the business is not hugely profitable.

Aside the meagre profit from the business, Abimbola, who displays her wares close to the roadside, has to contend with avoiding arrest by the operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offence Task Force, who carry out routine raid on street traders in the area.

She said: Like others, I have had to battle some challenges, including running away from arrest by men of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offence Task Force, who regularly chase many of us who are street traders. Some of my colleagues had been arrested in the past and I am just lucky that they have not arrested me or confiscated my wares.

I have been training my three children from the little money I make from my little business. I reside at Kola in Alagbado, a Lagos suburb, and live with my children while my husband has abandoned me.

A widow, Mrs Olajide Bosede, said she ventured into hawking herbal medicine after she lost her husband about 10 years ago.

She said: I decided to start this business ten years ago in order to have money to support my family after the death of my husband, although the business is not profitable enough, as I make little income from it.

To be honest with you, my profit on a daily basis is not more than N500, which is hardly enough to feed me and my family or transport me to my home at Kola in Alagbado area of Lagos.
<! Asiwaju Bola Tinubu >

The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said he was in support of total shutdown if necessary to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

Nigeria has so far recorded 42 infection of Coronavirus, with Lagos the worst hit with 29 cases.

Tinubu, who spoke after a closed door meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Marina, urged all residents of Lagos and Nigerians in general to obey governments directives and measures put in place to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.

Addressing newsmen, Tinubu who said he was in support of any decision taken by the government, including a total shutdown if necessary, to halt the spread of the virus, encouraged Nigerians to do the same.

So far, Lagos has the highest number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in the country.

The State Government had earlier implemented some measures, including social distancing and directing a category of its workers to work from home.

<!

after_article responsive (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

>




Herbert Wigwe

The Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe has revealed the total amount donated by the private sector to the war against Covid-19.

According to him, all the donations is now N23billion.

Wigwe who spoke to Stephanie Busari of CNN in an interview on how the private sector is helping to further reduce the negative impact of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria added that another N20billion would soon be realised from donations.

He said the donations would be used to get medical equipment, build isolation centres and distribute food to citizens.

According to him, the whole money donated by the private sector is domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not in the custody of the Federal Government.

There are different committees that give an account of every penny spent from the money, Wigwe said.

Every 30 days KPMG carries out an audit process on money going in and coming out from this donations for accountability purposes.

He stated that there there would be distribution of foodstuffs to 1.67 million households all over the country noting that each food item is bagged and branded CACOVID NOT FOR SALE.

The Access Bank boss said the foodstuff distribution would be done through state governors of each state, to the local government and finally to the wards, stressing that we would give to the female head of homes in each family, the process would take two to three weeks.

He said if the distribution can reach out to 80 per cent of the 1.67 million homes, it would be a success level in reaching out to Nigerians.

Speaking on the building of isolation centres, he explained that the private sector coalition would be partnering with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to get it done in about 20 states including Lagos, Abuja and Portharcourt, adding that ventilators and bed would be provided.

Wigwe also assured that by next week the group would receive 38,000 molecular testing kits which he said were part of the 250,000 ordered.

With that, he said ,at least 1000 tests can be performed a day noting however, that 100 PCR testing kits that were ordered cannot come again due to rationing of it all over the world.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that the private sector and the banks need to invest heavily into the health care and pharmaceuticals even after the pandemic.

The CEO of Access Bank also said his group was open to supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the manufacturing sector such as companies manufacturing face-masks and health care equipment especially now that foreign exchange is scarce.

He said Access Bank has been significantly supporting the SMEs.
BLOOMINGTON  A 25-year-old Joliet man is facing multiple battery and weapon charges in McLean County.

Devonte E. Turner appeared in court Friday and was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and one count of aggravated battery of a peace officer, all Class 2 felonies.

Turner also was charged with one count of invalid Firearm Owner's Identification Card, a Class 3 felony, and one count of domestic battery causing bodily harm, a Class A misdemeanor.

Assistant State's Attorney David Fitt said Bloomington police responded to a report from a woman who said her daughter was concerned for her safety with Turner.

The mother had recently permitted the two to reside in her home, and she noticed her daughter's eye was bruised, Fitt said. The mother also was concerned that her daughter and Turner may be in possession of a firearm, Fitt said.

When the daughter and Turner left the home to go to a store, officers met them there and interviewed them separately, Fitt said.

The daughter told officers that she and Turner had had an argument at home, and that he struck her in the face with an open hand, causing her bruised eye, Fitt said.

As Turner was being arrested, he told police he had a firearm, and police located a loaded 9mm handgun inside his jacket pocket, Fitt said.

Turner struggled with officers and had to be lifted by his legs and carried out of the store, Fitt said, adding that as the defendant was being carried, he kicked an officer in the groin.

Fitt said Turner was previously convicted of felony aggravated battery in 2022 and had been on mandatory supervised release from the Illinois Department of Corrections since September.

Fitt filed a petition to deny Turner's pretrial release based on his unwillingness to follow court orders and the danger he poses to the community, as well as the victim and her mother.

Assistant Public Defender Carol Shegog-Parker said Turner did admit to possessing the firearm before police located it, and that he denies hitting the victim.

Shegog-Parker asked for Turner to be released on conditions that he participate in mental health and substance abuse treatment; be ordered not to have contact with the victim and her mother; and be ordered not to possess any firearms or weapons.

Judge William Yoder approved the state's request for detainment, stating that pretrial conditions would have been ineffective and that Turner poses a danger to the community and the victim and her mother.

As Turner was being read his rights for appealing the detainment and mandatory conditions, he spoke over Yoder in the courtroom and threatened to harm and kill one of Yoder's children. On Saturday, he was charged with two counts of threatening a public official, Class 3 felonies, according to documents sent by the state's attorney's office. Those documents also said Turner told a detective he made the threats in anger and does not intend to follow through on them.

Turner's arraignment hearing on the battery and weapon charges is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 23.

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  New evidence presented in Barton McNeils challenge to his 1999 murder conviction was not enough to convince a McLean County judge to give him a new trial.

In a written ruling issued last week, Judge William Yoder denied McNeils petition for post-conviction relief, following a third-stage hearing held in November.

McNeil, 64, is serving a 100-year prison sentence, having been convicted in the suffocation death of his 3-year-old daughter, Christina McNeil.

He has maintained his innocence and is now represented by Karl Leonard and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller of the Exoneration Project and John Hanlon, director of the Illinois Innocence Project.

McNeil has alleged his ex-girlfriend, Misook Nowlin, killed his daughter. Nowlin is serving 55 years in prison, convicted of killing her mother-in-law, Linda Tyda, in 2011. She has also sought a new trial for her conviction, but it was denied in August by McLean County Judge Scott Kording.

Hanlon said McNeil was "disappointed" in the ruling, and the legal team plans to appeal Yoder's decision in the 4th District Appellate Court in Springfield.

In response to the ruling, McNeil said Yoders decision made the judge a party to three murders.

As a former McLean County states attorney, he fought to maintain my wrongful conviction in the service of Misook Nowlins getaway. In so doing, he facilitated Nowlins later killing of Linda Tyda. And as a judge, he is determined to unjustly take my own life despite his awareness of my innocence, he said in an audio recording provided to The Pantagraph by his family.

At the November hearing, McNeil's attorneys presented evidence they said implicated Nowlin in the girls death. She was one of three witnesses called during the November hearing by McNeils legal team, who say Nowlin told her then-husband Don Wang she had killed Christina. Wang could not be found to testify, the attorneys said.

Nowlin invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during much of her testimony, but she stated she did not kill Christina.

Nowlin's other daughter, Michelle Spencer, and Spencer's stepmother, Dawn Nowlin, also testified and had submitted affidavits in 2013 saying Wang told them Nowlin confessed.

First Assistant States Attorney Brad Rigdons witness, former Bloomington detective Steven Fanelli, testified about his interview with Wang conducted in February 2012, in which Wang told him Nowlin had now confessed to killing Christina.

In his ruling, Yoder wrote the conclusive character of the new evidence was the most important element of McNeils innocence claim.

However, the testimony from Spencer and Dawn Nowlin is not conclusive evidence that, when considered along with the other trial evidence, would probably lead to a different result at trial, Yoder wrote. The evidence supporting the postconviction petition does not place the trial evidence in a different light or undermine the court's confidence in the judgment of guilt.

His ruling was based on the evidence related to whether Nowlin confessed to Wang, having previously ruled DNA evidence taken from the scene of Christinas death would not be considered. McNeil said in the recording that DNA evidence shows Nowlins involvement.

DNA doesnt lie. The McLean County States Attorney along with Judge Yoder himself know perfectly well that the presence of Misook Nowlins DNA on the freshly laundered bed sheets could only be the result of her direct involvement in my daughters murder, he said. Who is more guilty of taking innocent lives? Who should really be behind bars?

McNeils cousin, Chris Ross, criticized McLean Countys slow and biased legal process and said McNeils case should be the first case taken up by a statewide conviction integrity unit being developed by the Illinois Attorney Generals Office.
NORMAL  Higher education institutions in Bloomington-Normal are honoring Black History Month this year with campus events to bring students and community members out to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Black Americans, past and present, and discuss race in America today.

"It's an important time of year, important discussion, important topic," said Byron Craig, interim chief equity and inclusion officer for Illinois State University. "It's not just the history of it  it's what's happening moving forward."

Craig grew up in Sandusky, Ohio, where celebrating Black History Month and Black achievements were always an important part of his household. He attended NAACP and church sponsored events throughout February, since Black History Month was not talked about in his school. He said it was common for Black communities to learn more about their history outside school.

"The significance of it is to acknowledge what African Americans have added to this country, (which) typically goes unnoticed, unrecognized basically," said Craig, who serves on the President's Diversity and Inclusion Council at ISU. "(It's) a time of year to celebrate those achievements, but also think about where we are currently in the public culture and what else still needs to be done. This is American history as well."

Black History Month started as Negro History Week, established by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to coincide with Abraham Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12 and when Frederick Douglas celebrated his birthday on Feb. 14. Fifty years later, the celebration officially expanded and began Black History Month in 1976.

Craig, also an assistant communications professor and co-president of the Queer Coalition affinity group for faculty and staff, said the preservation of Black history has been under attack in some states, and he feels a sense of urgency to ensure Black history is not erased. He noted Black History Month is not only about understanding Black history, but about the history of the United States and race, and bringing that knowledge and understanding to current events.

"It's more than just what happened in Tulsa. It's these things that we don't hear about when we're kids in school," Craig said, noting the Black scholars and historians who have worked to bring more inclusivity to education. "Acknowledging the work that African Americans have put into the building of the U.S. and not just the U.S.  Black people have touched different nations and countries; it encompasses a larger picture than just the U.S."

Craig added his office at ISU is currently in an "exciting" transitional phase and working to expand their work in equity and inclusion. He said they are hoping to have more programming planned by this time next year.

Events

Illinois State University

In honor of Black History Month, Barbara Fields, a professor of history at Columbia University in New York, will present a lecture titled "Is Race Identity?" at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Prairie Room III at the Bone Student Center.

The ISU Book Club is sponsoring a reading of "Take My Hand" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29. Advanced registration is required.

The university has partnered with the Normal Theater to host "Can You Dig It? Exploring Race, Representation, and Culture in Blaxploitation Films." Screenings started on Jan. 25, and two screenings remain: "Coffy (1973)" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 and "Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted (2004)" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22.

Scott Jordan from the department of psychology hosts a series about comic books each year called ReggieCon. This year the event will celebrate Black History Month at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. Craig, Caitlin Mercier and Eric Wesselman will serve as panelists, with special guest author David Walker. The event is free and open to the public via Zoom. ReggieCon is sponsored by the ISU Department of Enrollment and Academic Services, the Department of Psychology and the Sage Trust Fund.

Illinois Wesleyan University

The Black Student Union at IWU is hosting several events on campus throughout the month, including a Black Excellence Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 17 and an event about the history of soul food from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19.

The BSU is also hosting Trap Bingo at 7 p.m. Feb. 9, Spades 101 at 6 p.m. Feb. 10, Family Feud at 6 p.m. Feb. 23, and a Mardi Gras Bash from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 24. The union is also hosting a "Crush for your Crush" event Feb. 12-14.

The Black fraternities and sororities, known as the Divine 9, will be on campus 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, to talk about Greek Life and hear from students interested in learning more about the Divine 9.

The Students of Colored in STEM will host an ice cream social at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 inside the Multicultural Center and a Meet the Speaker event at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 with Zahia Drici, chair of the mathematics department.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion's 6th annual Unity Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Hansen Student Center.

Heartland Community College

HCC's Student Engagement Office and Black Student Union will present guest speaker, Toy Beasley, who is a member of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, the Fully Free Campaign and the Clean Slate Illinois initiative, at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26. The event will be held in the Community Commons Building room 2012.

Photos: Bradley basketball wins 73-60 at Illinois State

The persistence of anti-Black hate crimes is an American tradition: What more than 30 years of federal data tells us The persistence of anti-Black hate crimes is an American tradition: What more than 30 years of federal data tells us Over 60% of all reported hate crimes are racially motivated At least 1,500 anti-Black hate crimes have been reported every year since 1991 Complete data based on official hate crime reporting is limited There are 3 main reasons why hate crimes go unreported Opportunity for nuanced conversation and data
SPRINGFIELD  Former Republican State Sen. Sam McCann, a onetime third-party candidate for governor, was taken into custody Friday morning ahead of his federal corruption trial on charges he misused campaign funds.

The arrest caps a bizarre week that was supposed to have seen his corruption trial begin and end  until a last-minute hospitalization forced its postponement until Monday.

U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless had ordered McCann to communicate with the federal probation office upon his discharge from Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, where hed checked himself in after a weekend of feeling unwell.

But McCann was only able to prove hed emailed his probation officer on Wednesday, when he was told hed be discharged from the hospital later in the day. Accompanied by an assistant U.S. marshal, McCann went to retrieve his cellphone from his Ford F-250 pickup truck parked outside the courthouse  the same make and model of a vehicle prosecutors allege McCann partially funded illegally with campaign cash  in order to show Lawless hed also emailed the probation officer when he got home, like hed been ordered to.

But he couldnt find anything in his sent email folder.

I dont see it, your honor, McCann said. I know that I sent it. I know that I hit send twice.

Another probation officer told the judge that the office had called McCann and his wife multiple times and sent multiple texts but hadnt heard anything back from them. McCann also claimed he didnt see any of the missed calls or texts on his phone.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Bass wondered aloud how McCann had known about Friday mornings hearing, which had been scheduled the prior afternoon, if he was having so much trouble with his phone.

McCann replied that his standby attorney had emailed him about it.

Lawless said McCanns behavior was the continuation of a pattern and that she couldnt conclude anything other than that hed violated (his) conditions of release, and said hed be taken into custody with the U.S. marshals immediately until his trial commences Monday morning.

There seems to be an excuse every time, Lawless said. There are no more excuses, sir.

The former lawmaker had suddenly ditched his court-appointed attorneys in late November, the morning his trial was supposed to begin the last time around. Because hed be representing himself in a high-stakes trial, Lawless said it was in the interest of justice to grant McCann a 10-week continuance in order to prepare.

But 10 weeks later, McCann was missing in action on Monday morning, the day his rescheduled trial was set to begin. Instead, his standby attorney Jason Vincent told Lawless that McCann had checked himself into a hospital in St. Louis for unspecified symptoms.

After a few incremental status hearings, McCann videoconferenced into Lawless Springfield courtroom on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, telling the judge he was on a nitroglycerin drip and that he did not know that I can put a coherent thought together.

Judge Lawless delayed the trial after that, over Bass objections. Bass again on Friday pointed out that all but one of McCanns tests in the hospital had come back normal. He also directed Lawless attention to a note in McCanns hospital records  filed to the court under seal  that said McCann claimed to have fallen in the shower before he was discharged, but that even after this alleged fall  he was stable for discharge, Bass said.

After McCann returned to the courtroom after getting his phone, Bass told the assistant marshals to be prepared if McCann passes out  something hed claimed to have done on Saturday night before checking himself into the hospital.

McCann stayed upright, however, and walked with the marshals out of the courtroom and across the hall into a room that appeared to have a holding cell inside. A guard indicated hed likely be in there for a while for processing.

McCann spent eight years in the General Assembly, most of that time as a Republican. But in 2018 he left the GOP, which he said wasnt conservative enough under then-Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. He then established the Conservative Party in Illinois and ran for governor on a third-party platform backed by organized labor  one of Rauners major foes.

Two years prior, McCann had gone toe-to-toe with Rauner in a battle over his Senate seat. He won against the well-funded candidate the governor had backed against him.

During those election battles, McCann allegedly engaged in a scheme to convert more than $200,000 in contributions and donations made to his campaign committees to pay himself and make personal purchases, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys office at the time of his indictment.

McCann allegedly used some of that money to pay his mortgage and personal debts, buy personal vehicles, and even paid himself.

In addition to spending roughly $60,000 on a truck and SUV, McCann also allegedly purchased two recreational vehicles with campaign funds.

Prosecutors allege McCann sought to use those RVs as part of a scheme to channel campaign funds to himself through an Ohio RV rental business.

McCann also allegedly spent $50,000 in campaign funds on credit card payments related to a family vacation in Colorado and charges from Apple iTunes, Amazon, a skeet and trap club, Cabelas, Scheels, Best Buy, a gun store and cash withdrawals.

Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center
FLOSSMOOR  A masonry worker died Wednesday after a motorized hand saw sliced his neck at the construction site of Homewood-Flossmoor High Schools science building, according to Flossmoor, the Cook County Medical Examiner and High School District 233.

Flossmoor Fire and Police departments responding to the accident arrived at the school at 11:10 Wednesday morning. Ronald P. Simonson, 63, of Vernon Hills, was taken to Advocate South Suburban Hospital but died at 11:58 Wednesday, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Today is a very sad day for the HF community as we grieve the loss of a masonry worker who died following an accident while working on the science building project yesterday, the district wrote in an email to parents. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, coworkers and friends. Our hearts go out to them as they cope with this loss. It is in difficult times like this that the HF family comes together to support each other.

Simonson worked for Joes Masonry, a subcontractor hired to assist in the construction of the schools net zero science building and the culinary and fashion/interior design renovations, according to a spokesman for the district and the districts website.

A man who picked up the phone for Joes Masonry declined to comment.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it launched an investigation Thursday morning into the accident, headed by its federal branch rather than the Illinois branch, because Simonson was an employee of a private firm.

The regional director for OSHA said the department has six months to complete its inspection and issue penalties if malpractice is found.

(Joes Masonry) had one prior OSHA inspection in 2012 for which they received a citation for lack of guardrails on a scaffold, according the statement by the media and public information office for OSHA.

School continued for the rest of the day Wednesday and no students or teachers were harmed, according to District 233. In an email to parents, the district was unclear about whether anyone in the school witnessed the fatal accident.

While there was very limited opportunity for students or staff to have seen the accident based on its location at the construction site, the schools Counseling Department is prepared to speak with any students or staff members who are experiencing reactions, the statement read.

Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center
Way back in 1990, I was making $17,000 a year working for an online Statehouse news and information company. I was too broke for a vacation, so I helped pay for a modest trip by covering a strike at the Delta Pride catfish processing company in Indianola, Mississippi, for a few publications.

Almost all of the striking workers were Black women, and their highly unusual walkout had caused a national stir. I was fascinated by what was happening and wanted to see the action up close.

In the process of covering the strike, I visited the unions makeshift soup kitchen. I spotted a woman ladling soup who looked a lot like Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago). Sure enough, after approaching the soup lady I discovered she was indeed Rep. Flowers, who it turned out is from Mississippi.

Rep. Flowers explained that her sister was one of the strikers and she was spending her break helping as best she could. And even though she was there to support family and friends, she was clearly in Mississippi to also demonstrate solidarity with the striking union workers, and she was obviously proud to do her part for the over-worked, underpaid and mistreated employees, who eventually prevailed.

We didnt talk long, but seeing her in those circumstances has always stayed with me.

Im telling you this because, despite the fact that Rep. Flowers has compiled an 89% lifetime AFL-CIO voting record after serving 39 years in the Illinois House, labor unions are falling all over each other to contribute to her Democratic primary opponent Michael Crawford. As I write this, those union contributions have totaled more than $362,000, and much more is coming Crawfords way. Were likely looking at seven figures there.

Im fully aware that voting records are not the be-all, end-all for any organization, including organized labor. Other factors often come into play.

But its abundantly clear that those unions are acting at the behest of House Speaker Chris Welch, who can control their legislative destinies. No way could she have been targeted without his consent and even encouragement.

Speaker Welch stripped Flowers of her Deputy Majority Leader title and barred her from attending House Democratic caucus meetings last year after a large majority of his members complained about her behavior. She was disrespectful and rude to colleagues and allegedly abusive to some staff. She was behaving as the opposite of a caucus leader. I fully support the notion that she should not have run again and instead shouldve retired and took her pension of at least $256,000 after one year.

But this whole thing bothers me on multiple levels:

1) If the massive union contributions succeed in toppling Rep. Flowers, how much will Speaker Welch owe them for conducting this political hit, and what will he have to do to repay the favor? Ive been wanting to ask Welch about this for weeks, but for the first time ever in my career I was denied an interview request after it was initially granted. I was told he wants to wait until after the primary to explain everything.

2) How beholden will Michael Crawford be to the unions and to any other interest groups which chip in on this endeavor if he wins?

3) How can other House Democrats be assured that regularly voting for organized labors bills will prevent the same dire fate from happening to them? Yes, Flowers is an extreme case, but the unions and Speaker Welch are also trying to unseat Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago), who has a 95% lifetime AFL-CIO voting record. I also wanted to ask Welch why Rep. Nichols is being targeted and why other members should feel secure, but, again, my interview request was denied.

I mean, I get it. This is Democratic Party family business. Sometimes, things just gotta be done. We had to sit still and take it, lamented the Goodfellas movie character Henry Hill after his friend Tommy DeVito was whacked by the mob. It was revenge for Billy Batts, and a lot of other things. And there was nothing that we could do about it.

Flowers is Flowers. Nichols has associated himself with people hostile to Welchs leadership, including former Rep. Ken Dunkin. And both Nichols and Flowers have angered other powerful and influential interest groups which Welch relies on. Id hope, though, that Welch has put some limits on his thankfulness.

Ill close by stating the obvious: Speaker Welch had better win these races. If everyone thought that Mary Flowers was a chaos agent before, just wait to see what happens if she gets another term.
President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke has praised Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for proposing to streamline VAT and other taxes to make them more simple and welcoming for business owners to pay.



Speaking on Joy News "PM Express" show, Dr. Ayim-Darke expressed optimism about the proposal and noted that it is welcoming for businesses while, at the same time, raking in more revenues for the State since many more Ghanaians will be captured into the tax net.



"This proposal makes us happy because it deals with some fundamental challenges we have complained about over the years. With this decision, businesses can breathe sighs of relief since the burdensome nature of our tax system is worrying us. We welcome this proposal", Dr. Ayim-Darke proclaimed.



"We have, over the period expressed concern about the VAT and we say in the case of the VAT, the imposition of the VAT structure has cascading effects, and it needs to be streamlined to make businesses competitive", he added.



"Bawumias ideas and vision are laudable. We are only waiting for the measures he would adopt to implement them. They are feasible and we are happy about that", Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke further opined.



The President of AGI further emphasized; "We shall support Dr. Bawumia to perfect his visions so that we can all benefit from them as business owners."



Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia shared his vision to the Ghanaian people on Wednesday, 7th February, 2024 at an event held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and in line with his vision, he promised to do away with a number of taxes, also change the course of his governance if he is elected to lead Ghana as President.

Source: 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
American Bible University, located in Houston, USA, recently recognized the exceptional leadership qualities, humanitarian efforts, and divine activities of Oseadeeyo Nana Kumi Kodie I, the President and Founder of DADABA GROUP and Development Chief in Akyem Osiem.



The renowned philanthropist is known for his contributions and support to the needy through his NGO, the DADABA FOUNDATION.



One of the notable initiatives of Nana Kodie is providing monthly stipends to orphans and widows above 60 years old in Akyem Osiem. This act of kindness has brought smiles to the faces of many in need.



The American Bible University took notice of Nana Kodie's selflessness and decided to honor him along with other distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions through their respective ministries.



During the ceremony, the President of the American Bible University, a retired Army Captain Chaplain, emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership positions.



He also encouraged leaders to serve as role models and demonstrate integrity in every aspect of their work, as it plays a crucial role in shaping society.







Dr. Olayinka Olubunmi-Williams, another prominent figure at the event, advised the graduands and the general public to uphold integrity in all aspects of their lives. He challenged them to embrace the values and virtues associated with this human quality, emphasizing its significance.



Nana Kumi Kodie on his part expressed his gratitude to the American Bible University for the honor bestowed upon him. He also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated team at the Dadaba Foundation, who stood tirelessly alongside him in his humanitarian endeavors.



The American Bible University, together with its affiliates in Ghana, annually recognizes students who have excelled in their religious educational disciplines.



The university awards associate certificates as well as honorary doctorates, degrees in divinity, doctorate degrees in theology, master's degrees in theology and counseling, and bachelor's degrees, among others.



In conclusion, the recognition of Oseadeeyo Nana Kumi Kodie I by the American Bible University is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities, humanitarian services, and divine activities.



It serves as an inspiration for others to follow his example and demonstrates the importance of integrity in shaping society. Nana Kodie's efforts to bring joy to the lives of the needy through the Dadaba Foundation are truly commendable, and we applaud the American Bible University for acknowledging his contributions.

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
Vice President and New Patriotic Party(NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has never sought to distance himself from the challenges or perceived economic woes that the country is faced with.



To Dr. Gideon Boako, Spokesperson to the NPP Flagbearer, his boss is and "still remains an integral part of the current administration," but simply has "a mind on his own" and intends to execute that agenda once given the mandate to serve as President.



Dr Bawumia, during his address to Ghanaians on his vision for the country when elected as president, on February 7, 2024, at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Auditorium, said: "As Vice President, I am like a drivers mate, but if by the Grace of God you make me a President, I will be in the drivers seat and with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and priorities."



He further added that the Economic Management Team (EMT) of which he (Bawumia) heads, does not have decision-making powers, but serves as a advisory body to cabinet.



"I was appointed as chair of the EMT, as a sub-committee to Cabinet we do not have decision-making powers but I am very proud of the quality of advice we have been providing over the years to Cabinet.



As vice president, I was asked by the president to assist in solving the problems that were inhibiting the economy. My approach was to help formalize the economy through digitalization as stated in our 2016 manifesto, he posited.



His remarks have not gone down well with a section of the public who believe Dr Bawumia is attempting to insulate himself from the blame heaped on the EMT for the economic challenges that Ghana is facing.



But speaking on Friday's edition of Mpu ne Mpu on United Television (UTV), Dr Gideon Boako, who is also the Parliamentary Candidate for Tano North, pointed out that the Vice-President's statement simply buttresses the fact that he is his own man.



Adding that "the Bawumia led government will continue some of the projects of his boss, Nana Akufo Addo while he champions his agenda which is mainly digitally driven."



''The NDC do not want to speak to the economic data and performance Bawumia spoke about. Bawumia took one solid hour to build a case that despite all the questions and the talks, the government led by Nana Akufo Addo has constructed over 11,000 km of roads than any government since 1992. Bawumia said it but the NDC couldn't challenge it.



''No government since 1992 has created 1.2 million jobs as President Akufo Addo has done which Bawumia spoke about, yet the NDC has not challenged the records," he stated.







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
Dr. Bernard Tutu Boahen, a Political Marketing Analyst, has revealed that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Vce Presdient propelling his won vision and campaign message.



He said, Dr Bawumia needed to adopt his own strategy for the upcoming elections and defend it accordingly as much as he can.



Speaking to the vision lecture of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Tutu Boahen called on Ghanaians not to be too hard on the flagbearer as he outlines his own vision for the next government he is the leader of.



The NPP Flagbearer mired himself in controversy when he asserted that the Economic Management Team (EMT) of which he heads, does not have decision-making powers but only advises cabinet.



Thankfully, I was appointed as chair of the EMT, as a sub-committee to Cabinet we do not have decision-making powers but I am very proud of the quality of advice we have been providing over the years to Cabinet.



As vice president, I was asked by the president to assist in solving the problems that were inhibiting the economy. my approach was to help formalize the economy through digitalization as stated in our 2016 manifesto, he said.



Critics say having contributed to the country's current economic situation, the Vice-President is now seeking to distance himself from the mess.



However, speaking on the Midday News on TV3 on Friday Febraury 9, Dr Tutu Boahene said At this stage that Dr Bawumia finds himself in he must also defend his campaign and put his campaign within the context that people expect him to be running his campaign.



It is what people expect of him that will actually tell his campaign engine moving forward. And so for me, he has done the needful; people may call it a betrayal but I may not see it as a betrayal. For me, it is what works and it is going to work for him.

Source: 3news.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 Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, along with the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and other associated unions, have decided to suspend their extensive industrial action.



This decision, made on Friday, February 9, came after negotiations with government officials regarding their terms of employment, where key concerns were addressed.



In a press briefing following the discussions, Ken Botchway, the Chairman of TEWU at the University of Ghana, disclosed that the government has settled the outstanding nine months of tier-two benefits owed to them.



Latex Foam Valentine's Day Promo



"Fortunately, the government has disbursed the funds to the appropriate managers. However, the government is expected to compensate with a 3% penalty for the delay in releasing these funds," stated Mr. Botchway.



He emphasized that while the strike has been suspended, it has not been fully terminated, as the government still needs to resolve additional issues.



"Interest must be calculated on the funds the government has disbursed. It's crucial that the government employs compound interest rather than simple interest, as the latter puts contributors at a disadvantage. This will be a focal point in our ongoing discussions," he added.



University unions embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike to protest against what they perceived as government negligence towards pension matters and the alleged unjust discontinuation of their overtime allowances.



The unions involved in the strike action included the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSAUG), the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) under the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).

Source: graphiconline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Greater Accra Regional Office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) can now conduct its operations in a fully-furnished and magnificent office complex after Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in Charge of Lands and Forestry, on behalf of the Sector Minister, officially handed over the newly-constructed office to DVLA.



A brief ceremony held on Thursday, 08 February 2024 at Kwabenya in Accra saw Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio handing over the keys of the complex to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations of the DVLA to signify the completion and the readiness of the facility for its operational functionality.



Detailing his excitement with the completion of the project, Hon. Benito-Owusu disclosed that the Ministry undertook the construction via a Public-Private Agreement (PPA) with a privately-owned firm known as Unique Development.



Providing background context to the project, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio explained that the Greater Accra Regional office of the DVLA happened to be one of the state agencies which was affected by the Ministrys redevelopment of the Energy City enclave and that the Ministry found it prudent to provide them with a new and even more spacious office complex for that will enhance smooth delivery of their duties.









Outlining some of the features of the edifice, the Deputy Minister revealed that the new complex is an upgrade on the demolished one and that it has been built to ensure smooth and effective installation of modernized and digital equipment that will aid the work of the DVLA.



He did not fall short of commending Unique Developers for the immense work done and praised the DVLA management for their effective collaborations in getting the place ready.



This was done through a partnership between the Ministry and a private company by name Unique Development. The company has successfully relocated the existing occupant of that area. All the replacement facilities were done in consultation with the affected agencies, he said.



The Deputy CEO of DVLA in charge of operations, Mr. Prince Edusei Poku acknowledged the incredible work done by the Ministry in providing his outfit a befitting office and assured that the facility will be used for the purpose for which it was established.



He further stated that final works will be done expeditiously to ensure that facility is up and running within a year.





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 Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, says Ghana has travelled a long way and is making some considerable democratic progress.



And in Africa, Ghanas democracy is one of the best. My plea is that even as Members of Parliament, we should be sensitive to the needs of the public in making laws and doing things the way that will benefit the people, he asserted.



Speaking at a media engagement with the leadership of Parliament, the Minority Leader said democracy has helped the country move forward.



Our job here is to guard against the derailment of our democracy because this democracy has helped the country to go forward, and we have to protect it, he stressed.



He added, In as much as we are here to do our work, we have a responsibility to assist Ghana to maintain this democracy, and I think that all of us must take it seriously.



Dr. Ato Forson intimated that the current democracy is most enduring and the one that has prospered in this country.



In fact, it has its own weakness and we are working to perfect it as time goes on, he noted.



He continued, You will agree with me that yesterday [referring to Tuesday], we introduced new Standing Orders and there are some major reforms that Parliament, through the Speaker and experienced people like my good friend, Suame Messi, have introduced.



I am sure over the years the work of Parliament, you can agree with me, is evolving and changing and correcting itself.



We are aiming for the best; we are not perfect. If we get something wrong, we call on the public to correct us, but we are here to help this democracy to mature, he said.



Majority



The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, on his part, was worried about the high attrition rate in Parliament and blamed the political parties for this development.



For the NDC, five MPs elected not to contest. When they went into the primaries, 17 of them were not successful to have retained their slots and represent their constituencies, bringing their number to 22.



For the NPP, 18 elected not to contest and 28 lost. And that means that 46 out of the 137 will not be contesting, which is about a third of those who will not be contesting, he said.



According to him, the longer MPs serve in Parliament, the better they do their jobs, adding, I keep saying that it doesnt take one year or one term to build the capacity of an MP. It is much more than that.



He argued that if one wants to discover a persons true relevance, let him serve in Parliament for two terms and see how the person blossoms.



If after two terms into the third term the person is not maturing, then perhaps you can draw your conclusion.



But first time the person comes, so much resources are spent to blow the capacity of that person and just after the first term the person is peeled off at the expense of the state.



I dare say the political parties are causing huge financial loss to the country, and I think that we really need to come together to interrogate our constitutions of the political parties to do what is needful, he stated.



The Majority Leader stated that he was unaware of this practice in any of the established democracies, where the sluice gates are open to all comers at the end of the legislative session.



Whoever thinks he is qualified to contest comes forth to contest. It does not exist anywhere. What pertains in the established democracy is the leadership of the political parties assess the performance of the members and pass on the report to the party, he said.



According to him, if there is a problem with a persons function, they can call and advise him.



He pointed out that if he stiffened his neck and refused to bend or reform after two, three, or four assessments, the parliamentary group might inform the party that he is not a gooder and is not helping the course, and we do not see him in parliament.

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
A group calling itself "Young Northerners Forum" has impressed upon the General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Fiifi Kwetey, to render an apology to the Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



The group is asking Fiifi Kwetey to retract some words they described as "disrespectful and derogatory" made by the latter against the character of Dr. Bawumia.



"We, the Young Northerners Forum, strongly condemn the disrespectful and derogatory comments made by Fiifi Kwetey towards Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, referring to him as a disgrace to the Northern Region. We find such remarks highly offensive, inappropriate, and completely uncalled for to be brazenly uttered to northerners against a northerners on a northern soil", a statement by the group copied to Peacefmonline read.



The statement further said; "As members of the Young Northerner Forum, we believe in the values of unity, respect, and coexistence in the political ecosystem. We firmly stand against any form of tribalism, discrimination, or belittlement towards individuals based on their regional background. It is disappointing to witness such divisive language coming from someone in a position of influence and authority."



"We, therefore, call upon His Excellency President John Mahama to impress upon Hon. Fiifi Kwetey to yield to our demand of rendering unconditional apology for his derogatory comments. Otherwise, it will be a tacit endorsement of the unguarded statement of Mr Fiifi Kwetey. In an election year, it is even more important for us to emphasize the principles of unity and collaboration, and a clean campaign devoid of character assassination", they established.



Read full statement below:



STATEMENT BY YOUNG NORTHERNERS FORUM CALLING FOR A DECORUM CAMPAIGN, CONDEMNING FIIFI KWETEY TRIBAL COMMENTS AND CALLING FOR A RETRACTION AND APOLOGY.



We, the Young Northerners Forum, strongly condemn the disrespectful and derogatory comments made by Fiifi Kwetey towards Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, referring to him as a disgrace to the Northern Region. We find such remarks highly offensive, inappropriate, and completely uncalled for to be brazenly uttered to northerners against a northerners on a northern soil.



As members of the Young Northerner Forum, we believe in the values of unity, respect, and coexistence in the political ecosystem. We firmly stand against any form of tribalism, discrimination, or belittlement towards individuals based on their regional background. It is disappointing to witness such divisive language coming from someone in a position of influence and authority.



At the seat of Dagbon Namship, Gbewa Palace in Yendi, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II in the presence of Mr Fiifi Kwetey and NDC politburo described Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a brother of H.E John Mahama and called on them to avoid the exchange of ascerbic comments but focus on issues. Seemingly, no sooner did Mr Kwetey leave the Palace than the piece of advice fell off his brain. We resist any unguarded attempt by Mr Fiifi Kwetey to pitch the two candidates at each other.



Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as Vice President of Ghana and his elder brother, Former President John Mahama - both representatives of the Northern Region have shown great dedication and commitment to public service. Their efforts in the areas of economic development, financial stability, and social empowerment have significantly contributed to the progress of our nation over the years. They are our heroes of millennial politics and it will therefore be a dereliction of duty if we turn a blind eye while any of them is being unfortunately described as a disgrace. Our heroes remain our heroes NOT a disgrace.



We, therefore, call upon His Excellency President John Mahama to impress upon Hon. Fiifi Kwetey to yield to our demand of rendering unconditional apology for his derogatory comments. Otherwise, it will be a tacit endorsement of the unguarded statement of Mr Fiifi Kwetey. In an election year, it is even more important for us to emphasize the principles of unity and collaboration, and a clean campaign devoid of character assassination.



As political leaders, they have a duty to rise above partisan differences and work towards the betterment of our beloved Ghana. Our diversity is our strength, and it is through embracing our differences that we can build a brighter future for all.



Let us commit ourselves to promoting peaceful and inclusive dialogue during this crucial year. Let us refrain from hate speech and violence, and instead engage in constructive discussions that foster understanding and unity. They must remember that their words and actions have the power to make or unmake the future of our nation.



Signed...



John Nasara

President, Young Northerners Forum

0546741313



Ibrahim Mahama

Secretary, Young Northerners Forum.

0248842286

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
On February 6, 2024, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia delivered an address at the auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) where he outlined his vision as a presidential candidate.



During the lecture, he outlined several initiatives he plans to undertake if elected President in the upcoming general elections on December 7, 2024.



Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, the National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently spoke on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' indicating how the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been affected by Bawumia's vision statement. According to Nana B, the NDC has been shaken up by Bawumia's statement.



"Bawumia's vision has given hope to Ghanaians...and it has put fear in the NDC," he 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
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:

An illustration of a magnetic field generated by a supermassive black hole in the early universe, showing turbulent plasma outflows that turn gas clouds into stars. Credit: ROBERTO MOLAR CANDANOSA / JHU

Black holes not only existed at the dawn of time, they birthed new stars and supercharged galaxy formation, a new analysis of James Webb Space Telescope data suggests.

The insights upend theories of how black holes shape the cosmos, challenging classical understanding that they formed after the first stars and galaxies emerged. Instead, black holes might have dramatically accelerated the birth of new stars during the first 50 million years of the universe, a fleeting period within its 13.8 billion-year history.

"We know these monster black holes exist at the center of galaxies near our Milky Way, but the big surprise now is that they were present at the beginning of the universe as well and were almost like building blocks or seeds for early galaxies," said lead author Joseph Silk, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University and at Institute of Astrophysics, Paris, Sorbonne University. "They really boosted everything, like gigantic amplifiers of star formation, which is a whole turnaround of what we thought possible beforeso much so that this could completely shake up our understanding of how galaxies form."

The work is newly published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Distant galaxies from the very early universe, observed through the Webb telescope, appear much brighter than scientists predicted and reveal unusually high numbers of young stars and supermassive black holes, Silk said.

Conventional wisdom holds that black holes formed after the collapse of supermassive stars and that galaxies formed after the first stars lit up the dark early universe. But the analysis by Silk's team suggests that black holes and galaxies coexisted and influenced each other's fate during the first 100 million years. If the entire history of the universe were a 12-month calendar, those years would be like the first days of January, Silk said.

"We're arguing that black hole outflows crushed gas clouds, turning them into stars and greatly accelerating the rate of star formation," Silk said. "Otherwise, it's very hard to understand where these bright galaxies came from because they're typically smaller in the early universe. Why on earth should they be making stars so rapidly?"

Black holes are regions in space where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape their pull, not even light. Because of this force, they generate powerful magnetic fields that make violent storms, ejecting turbulent plasma and ultimately acting like enormous particle accelerators, Silk said. This process, he said, is likely why Webb's detectors have spotted more of these black holes and bright galaxies than scientists anticipated.

"We can't quite see these violent winds or jets far, far away, but we know they must be present because we see many black holes early on in the universe," Silk explained. "These enormous winds coming from the black holes crush nearby gas clouds and turn them into stars. That's the missing link that explains why these first galaxies are so much brighter than we expected."

Silk's team predicts the young universe had two phases. During the first phase, high-speed outflows from black holes accelerated star formation, and then, in a second phase, the outflows slowed down. A few hundred million years after the big bang, gas clouds collapsed because of supermassive black hole magnetic storms, and new stars were born at a rate far exceeding that observed billions of years later in normal galaxies, Silk said. The creation of stars slowed down because these powerful outflows transitioned into a state of energy conservation, he said, reducing the gas available to form stars in galaxies.

"We thought that in the beginning, galaxies formed when a giant gas cloud collapsed," Silk explained. "The big surprise is that there was a seed in the middle of that clouda big black holeand that helped rapidly turn the inner part of that cloud into stars at a rate much greater than we ever expected. And so the first galaxies are incredibly bright."

The team expects future Webb telescope observations, with more precise counts of stars and supermassive black holes in the early universe, will help confirm their calculations. Silk expects these observations will also help scientists piece together more clues about the evolution of the universe.

"The big question is, what were our beginnings? The sun is one star in 100 billion in the Milky Way galaxy, and there's a massive black hole sitting in the middle, too. What's the connection between the two?" he said. "Within a year we'll have so much better data, and a lot of our questions will begin to get answers."

Authors include Colin Norman and Rosemary F. G. Wyse of Johns Hopkins; Mitchell C. Begelman of University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology; and Adi Nusser of the Israel Institute of Technology.

More information: Joseph Silk et al, Which Came First: Supermassive Black Holes or Galaxies? Insights from JWST, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2024). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad1bf0 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Global liberal democracy faces a near-unprecedented list of digital threats in 2024 as the increasing exploitation of AI and the rampant spread of disinformation threaten the integrity of elections in more than 60 countries. And we are woefully unprepared.

Votes are scheduled in India, Pakistan, Mexico, and South Africa, to name but a few. A hotly contested election will be held for the European parliament in June, and the US presidential elections are on the horizon in November. A general election is also due in the UK at some stage in the coming year.

These elections are all happening at a time when global security and the very foundations of democracy are under significant strain from the rise of populism, far-right ideologies, and fascist movements. Meanwhile, trust in mainstream institutions like politicians and the media remains extremely low.

What we might have once dismissed as outlandish conspiracy theories, such as that Taylor Swift is secretly working for the Pentagon and the Super Bowl is rigged, are gaining traction, and social cohesion is fraying as people segregate into isolated echo chambers online.

There is a real danger that unless we act now to protect the public, these issues will only be exacerbated by the threats posed by AI, Russian disinformation campaigns, and the invasive use of technology to target voters in the coming months.

AI, deepfakes and disinformation

It's already clear that 2024 will be known as the year of the first AI elections. AI's ability to harvest near-infinite amounts of data into actionable intelligence and produce personalized content to sway public opinion will assuredly be used by mainstream political parties seeking to gain a tactical advantage in campaigning.

We are already seeing parties use AI to analyze data on voting patterns and targeting voters in real-time with algorithmically-driven ad placements.

There's nothing inherently wrong or illegal about that, though it will alarm civil libertarians and does need to be regulated. The malevolent uses of AI by rogue actors is far more concerning. Deepfakesfalse or manipulated texts, images, video and audioare already being spread via the gaming of algorithms with the intention of manipulating voters.

A deepfake AI manipulated voice of US president Joe Biden was already deployed in New Hampshire, urging voters not to turn out in its primary contest last month. During Slovakia's parliamentary elections last year, a deepfake audio recording went viral on social media, falsely depicting a party leader claiming to have rigged the election and planning to increase beer prices.

There are allegations that deepfakes were used in an attempt to sway voters in Argentina, New Zealand and Turkey in the past year. It's certain we will see highly sophisticated deepfakes circulated in many countries by rogue actors in the coming months in an attempt to influence voters, sow dissent, and put politicians on the defensive.

Bad actors

The potential for state-orchestrated disinformation campaigns is evidently also a concern in the democracies holding elections this year. US State Department officials have claimed that Russia is planning to use disinformation to try to influence public opinion against Ukraine during the numerous elections scheduled across Europe this year.

In October last year the US sent a declassified intelligence assessment to more than 100 governments accusing Moscow of using spies, social media and sympathetic media to spread disinformation and erode public faith in the integrity of election outcomes. Just last month the German Foreign Ministry disclosed that its security agencies had exposed an extensive pro-Russian disinformation operation, orchestrated using thousands of fake social media accounts.

NATO and the European Union have also warned against the threats to democratic cohesion caused by Kremlin-fueled disinformation campaigns.

In India, the ultra-nationalist government of Narendra Modi has been accused of running a covert disinformation operation, circulating propaganda to discredit foreign critics, attack political opponents and target Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities. Human Rights Watch reports increased attacks against ethnic and religious minorities including Muslims, as well as journalists and opposition leaders.

Taking action

Calling for action now is almost moot as it's probably already too late. The fact that there are so many elections happening simultaneously around the world in 2024 only exacerbates the problem. However, we must at least try.

An urgent global effort among nations is needed to set the ground rules for how the use of AI is to be regulated, particularly around elections. The US Senate is currently considering the Protecting Elections from Deceptive AI Act, while the EU reached a tentative agreement in December to regulate AI, becoming the first major global power to do so.

Laws need to force transparency in how AI models are trained and deployed, and require disclosure for when they are used in political campaigning. The worry is that the pace at which the technology is advancing is outpacing efforts to safeguard the public.

Social media platforms must be held accountable for disinformation spread. Companies like X, Meta and Alphabet have downsized teams dedicated to integrity, hindering proactive disinformation countermeasures. Tough new laws are needed to force these tech monoliths to tackle disinformation and force transparency in algorithms and political ad targeting.

Proactive strategies like pre-bunking (teaching people to spot fake news) and rapid response strategies are essential to combat election interference. Media outlets also need to learn from past mistakes and balance truthful reporting with free speech, avoiding the "false balance" trap of amplifying disinformation from populist politicians masquerading as legitimate discourse.

Finally, we must find ways to tackle the echo chambers and conspiracy theories that threaten to derail social cohesion. Gaining back public trust in institutions such as the mainstream media and government is not going to be easy.

There are no magic spells to fix this overnight. But we can't just sit back and accept the status quo. Education in media literacy is also vital to defend against disinformation.

But while these steps may keep the mainstream parties honest, they will do nothing to stop the bad actors. Russia, China and Iran are all likely to attempt to shape geo-political outcomes in their favor in 2024 by attempting to interfere in elections.

The stability of global democracy may well depend on how these emerging threats are navigated in the months to come. When Donald Trump claimed the 2020 election was stolen, thousands of his supporters stormed the US Capitol. He may well be the president of the US again in November.

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:

Left: global annual mean carbon dioxide (black curve) and air temperature (red curve) since 1850. Right: Average temperatures over central England in summer (red curve) and winter (curve). Temperatures relative to 18501900 average. Credit: Neven Fuckar / Data: Met Office HadCRUT5 and HadCET

Earlier this year, the UK's weather and climate service, the Met Office, announced average global temperatures in 2023 were 1.46C above pre-industrial levels. This made it the hottest year on record, 0.17C higher than the previous record in 2016.

However, shortly after that announcement, the Met Office also forecast a multi-day blast of cold Arctic air bringing sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice to many parts of the UK. When the cold snap arrived, temperatures dropped to -14C in the Scottish Highlands and -11C even in England.

Ten days later, a village in the Scottish Highlands reached a balmy 19.9C, the warmest January temperature ever recorded anywhere in the UKby a full degree Celsius. That might seem more in keeping with the global warming trend. Yet just ten days on from that record warmth, much of the UK has again been hit by unusually cold and snowy weather.

It's not just the UK. This winter, record-low temperatures have been observed right across Canada, the US and China.

This might seem confusing. Why are the weather and the climate producing such opposing signs? The reason is that they refer to atmospheric characteristics on substantially different timescales.

You cannot sense the climate

I do not think there is a person on Earth who can truly experience a "global annual average" of temperature. No one really knows what a degree of extra warmth over a century feels like, especially given temperatures might vary by 10C between day and night in the UK, for example, or by 20C and more between a hot summer day and a cold winter night.

This means we usually have a hard time feeling or recalling seasonal averages and how they change with passing years. We can spot climate changes in environmental shifts like receding glaciers or early flowering plants, and we can track changes with instruments. But it remains very hard to "feel" climate change.

In contrast, we feel and much better remember the weather on daily and weekly timescalesparticularly extreme weather like a cold snap, heat wave or strong storm.

Hot one day, cold the next

How winters are changing in Oxfordshire. Credit: Neven Fuckar / Data: Met Office HadUK-Grid

Weather phenomena are very rapid and variable compared with climate properties that are defined and changing on longer time scales. The weather might be hot one day and cold the next, but an annual mean climate cannot suddenly slide from warm to cold.

The climate is essentially an accumulation of weather across a considerable amount of time. For example, weather information might refer to the local temperature at noon or 4pm, the daily minimum, average or maximum temperatures, or the weekly average. Whereas climate is much longer term.

Climate information might refer to, for example, average temperatures over a month, or averages over seasonal (three-month) periods, years or decades. In climate analysis, we usually look for anomalies with respect to the "baseline"a longer-term average of perhaps 30 or 50 years of data.

The line wiggles upwards

We can use more than a century of data to spot patterns, such as the close relationship in the left graph (above) between global atmospheric CO and near-surface temperatures. There are, of course, some variations of around 0.1C or sothe wiggles in the red lineas the climate does not change perfectly smoothly. That's why 2016 was exceptionally hot, and the years after were slightly cooler.

These variations become more pronounced when we zoom in and examine a smaller regional area or shorter time units. For example, the right-hand graph above shows data from the Central England Temperature (HadCET) record, the world's longest-running instrumental temperature record which began in 1659. This graph, which shows both winter and summer mean temperatures for central England, picks up more substantial variability over the same period from 1850 by both measureson the order of 1C. The internal variability of these seasonal means in essence drowns out long-term climate change at this regional scale before 1960s.

Looking at the right-hand graph alone174 years of datayou'd struggle to spot recent climate change. But zoom out to the global annual mean data in the left graph, and the long-term trend becomes clear.

We can zoom in even further to look at daily winter weather variability in the English county of Oxfordshire (HadUK-Grid). The histograms below show daily minimum temperatures (the left panels 2.a and 2.c) and daily mean temperatures (the right panels 2.b and 2.d) from two distinct 21-year periods.

They show that the chances of experiencing sub-zero weather is still significant even in the more recent 2002-2022 period. However, the "tail" of daily minimum temperatures to the left of the mean is thinner, so extreme cold temperatures are less common. The average daily minimum of 0.59C (the number in blue) has increased by about 1C to 1.6C in the more recent period, while the daily mean increased by 1.29Cboth increases are greater than global warming over this time.

These are signs that Oxfordshire is warming over the long term, and its winters are warming slightly faster than the world as a whole. Global climate change makes high temperature extremes more likely, even in winter. It does not forbid winter cold snaps, but it does reduce their likelihood.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
By Saio Marah

A police prosecution witness, Detective Constable Sheku Turay has admitted in court that he ignored remarks threatening the life of a complainant, Major Amadu Kargbo by not investigating the issue.

The allegation was made by the 21-year-old accused, Safinatu Sesay who said in her cautionary statement to police that she published the photo and information of the complainant on social media because she wanted the public to know that the complainant had threatened to take her life when she (accused) return to Sierra Leone from Holland. She further noted in the statement that the complainant was also harbouring her younger sister.

That section of the statement was read out by the police witness at the Pademba Road Magistrates Court on Monday 9th October 2023, after Lawyer Elvis T. Enoh representing the accused asked him to read it out.

Lawyer Enoh earlier asked the witness whether he as an investigator works for the complainant or the accused. His response was for both accused and complainant.

Responding to a question on whether he investigates people or crime, Turay responded by saying; he investigates crimes committed by persons.

Asked whether it was of interest to the police to investigate an allegation made by a suspect, Turay said it depended on the statement made by the suspect.

The police witness also told the court that he was not aware of the complainant maltreating the sister of the accused and that he was not aware that the accused sister resided with the complainant.

Lawyer Enoh asked: The welfare of the sister of the accused was not of interest to you? The witness replied: I was not investigating that.

Again the Lawyer asked: Is it not of interest to you as a police officer to investigate a childs welfare? Turays response was, I was not in charge of investigating such, but cybercrime.

The defence further pointed out that police did not also investigate the allegation before sending the file to the law officers' department for legal advice.

The witness had in his testimony informed the court that on the 6th August 2023, he was on duty at the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Lumley Police Station when he received a complaint of cyberbullying. He said that he obtained a statement from the complainant, who he said showed him his phone that contained SMS messages having threatening remarks.

The police witness further informed the court that the complainant further showed him a Facebook account bearing the name Rose. After receiving the said information, he invited the accused and obtained a Voluntary Cautionary Statement from her as well.

The court heard that on the same day, he sent the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Freetown for further investigation and that on the 30th of August, his boss called him to the CID headquarters, where the same case was reassigned to him.

According to him, he then charged the accused with sending insulting messages, sending false statements by means of a computer system.

The case resumes on the 18th of October this year.

Copyright (c) 2023 Politico (11/10/23)
By Abdulai Fasineh Dumbuya

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah has praised President Julius Maada Bio for what he said is his passion and commitment toward education in Sierra Leone.

He was speaking in a media interview on the 23rd of October, 2023 analyzing and updating the public on the first 100 days of the President after his re-election following the June 24 multi-tier election in the country.

Bah said that the Government of Sierra Leone is spending a sizeable part of the budget on education and described the Presidents passion for learning as unmatched.

He spoke of how in the wake of Covid-19 almost all countries around the world cut down spending on education to save President Bio.

Asked about the landmark achievements of the Presidents 100 days in office, the Minister said within this period of time, Bio has succeeded in putting plans, structures, and systems in place for sustainable peace and security.

He said the first task of any President is to ensure that the country is safe and the rule of law is protected.

Bah acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens about the cost of living in the country, and efforts to alleviate the situation, whilst also stressing President Bios human capital development which he said would be a success in the long term.

He highlighted improved electricity accessibility in parts of the country and the plans by the government to kick start the Feed Salone agricultural project, which he said people should not write off at this early stage and should instead team up with the government so that it could be sustained.

He assured the public that when the Presidents initiated plans are fully implemented, then the Feed Salone project would succeed. He stressed that in the next five years, Sierra Leone would achieve food sovereignty.

Copyright  2023 Politico (27/10/23)
From a press release: Kelly's Angels and Camp Stomping Ground in Saratoga County are sending two kids to summer camp later this year at no charge.

Camp Stomping Ground in Middle Grove has gifted Kelly's Angels with two scholarships for children ages 7-12 to attend the overnight camp as guests this summer.

We can't thank the team at Camp Stomping Ground enough for this wonderful gift to the children of our community that will put smiles on their faces," said Mark Mulholland, Kelly's Angels president and founder. This latest collaboration between Kellys Angels and another local organization demonstrates the positive ripple effect that working together creates, as well as the power of kindness.

Laura Kriegel, Stomping Ground director and co-founder, said, Camp Stomping Ground empowers kids to make choices to customize their camp activities and encourages them to explore anything and everything that interests them. Teaching kids about decision-making is part of our goal to help build empathetic communities through humble curiosity, personal responsibility, restorative practices, and unbounded creativity.

Stomping Ground is located at the former Camp Boyhaven Boy Scout camp at 3430 Boyhaven Road.

Applications are now being accepted for children residing in New Yorks Capital Region who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness, or persevered through another form of adversity. Members of the Kelly's Angels Board of Directors will review applications and select the winners in March. Applications should be submitted by February 29, 2024 through the Kelly's Angels website.

You can learn more about Camp Stomping Ground and its mission through the latest episode of our Kelly's Angels Podcast, The Up Beat, which features Laura Kriegel talking about how she and her partners came to convert the former Boy Scout camp into a transformative place for youth.
To be clear, no one believes Jemima Mount really counts as a mountain, even for South Jersey.

At about 50 feet, the geologic formation deep in Wharton State Forest falls hundreds of feet in elevation short of the most generous definition of mountain, and some would barely consider it a hill.

Its one of several rises within the forest, with names like Apple Pie Hill, Devious Mount and the Forked River Mountain, formed by deposits millions of years ago as the sea retreated from New Jersey.

For some off-road enthusiasts, even a mild incline to charge up on trucks, dirt bikes and ATVs proved all but irresistible. There were deep ruts gouged into the hillside, plants uprooted and litter scattered around the area, as attested by posted videos and many who have been there.

Years ago, volunteers and state officials blocked the dirt road leading to Jemima Mount. John Druding points to that effort as a model for protecting resources in state lands.

The president of Open Trails NJ, an advocacy organization for access in Wharton, said members of his group helped block that area to prevent future damage.

The recovery of that area is just absolutely phenomenal, he said. There are trees growing there. They didnt close the road leading to it.

That closure could be on its way, under a new map unveiled by the state Department of Environmental Protection last week identifying 200 miles of usable roads within the forest, out of more than 500 miles of dirt and sand roads that have been mapped. The map has been in the works for years. Members of the public can offer their comments at njparksandforests.org/wharton until March 9.(tncms-asset)f51575fc-bc7b-11ee-b357-77fe9313ce57[0](/tncms-asset)

Among the roads not shown on that map is one leading past the access to Jemima Mount.

Druding agrees changes should be made to the roads in the park, as do many others who want to see the existing roads remain open.

Some are impassible even in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and others have been poorly maintained.

In some cases, roads appear on the existing map that run through streams. But while Druding agrees that roads should not cross sensitive wetlands or endangered species habitat, he argues the states proposal goes too far.

Theres no way that people should be driving through those areas. But they should be able to drive to those areas, he said. You dont have to close the road at the source.

In comments made as the public comment period on the proposal began, DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette denied the state is closing any roads. He said the maps include fire lanes, trails and other routes where no one should have been driving in the first place.

The idea that somehow by identifying appropriate legal routes that there is necessarily a restriction of other routes is fundamentally incorrect, LaTourette said.

That statement itself is just complete hogwash, Druding said. Many of the roads were there before the state acquired Wharton in the 1950s. Some date to before the American Revolution, he said.(tncms-asset)d06152f4-a8b7-11ed-bad5-db1d25e382ce[1](/tncms-asset)

The area saw extensive development in the 1800s, with paper mills, glass works, bog iron extraction and cranberry bogs. Towns grew up and were abandoned long before Philadelphia industrialist John Wharton began buying extensive property in the Pinelands in the 1870s.

Druding cited previous state descriptions of the area, which include the mapped roads. There are other steps possible to address safety and road quality concerns, he said, short of what he sees as the mass closure of hundreds of miles of roads.

They jumped to the worst possible solution before trying anything else, he said. There are probably a handful of roads that should be closed, he acknowledged.

Covering more than 120,000 acres, Wharton State Forest is the largest state forest in New Jersey. In addition to historic Batsto Village, the forest offers swimming, canoeing, hiking, fishing, hunting and more. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited there and in all state lands, but registered and insured vehicles can use more than 500 miles of unpaved roads, if the vehicle can make it.

For comparison, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, which is about half the size of New Jersey, includes 452 miles of road, of which 310 miles are paved, according to the National Park Service.

The states proposal has some fans as well.

It accomplishes the goal of providing easy access, but also protecting wildlife areas, said Jason Howell, the public lands advocate with the Pinelands Alliance, an advocacy group that is supporting the adoption of the state map.

The area continues to change and develop, with a growing population around the state forest. Howell cited increasing incidents of illegal dumping in the forest. In a recent interview, he argued it makes sense to protect sensitive areas, such as wetlands or habitat for endangered animals.(tncms-asset)e3b5449c-3f48-11ed-a9d2-afbbfcbd44c3[2](/tncms-asset)

Besides, he said, the back country of the state forest remains accessible, including popular spots to put in canoes and kayaks.

I can get everywhere I need to go in really no time at all, Howell said.

One concern raised by some people who attended a public presentation of the plan at the visitor center at Batsto was access for hunters, who want to reach remote areas and, if successful, may be dragging a deer back to their vehicle.

Druding said all those involved in the discussion want people to experience nature and enjoy the state lands. Howells response is there are more ways to enjoy nature than driving through it, with most of the routes still open to hiking, horseback riders and bikes.

I did some measurements. There is not one place within Wharton State Forest on the maps as drafted that is more than 1.1 miles from a motorized vehicle route, Howell said.

He believes the DEP will listen to the public comments and will be willing to make changes where they are needed. His group wants supporters to submit comments in favor of the maps.

With GPS and social media letting more people know just where to find Jemima Mount and other remote sites, steps must be taken to protect these areas and preserve what makes them special in the first place.

Critics of the states map say accessing the dirt roads in the forest has been part of the local culture for generations. And Druding is not convinced the state will put much weight on the comments from residents. A significant number of people who responded to a survey of vehicle use in the forest conducted last year said they wanted to keep the roads open, he said.


The Supreme Court The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the plea filed by Shiv Sena-UBT faction challenging the ruling of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar which had held that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his camp constitutes the "real" Shiv Sena. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench presided over by CJI DY Chandrachud and comprising of Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will resume hearing on February 12.



The top court on January 22 had issued notice on a plea filed by Shiv Sena UBT leader Sunil Prabhu and called for the response of CM Shinde and 38 other MLAs within a period of two weeks.



Former CM Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction has petitioned the Supreme Court questioning the January 10 decision passed by Narwekar holding that the group led by CM Shinde was the real "Shiv Sena" as it commanded a majority in the legislature and also in the partys National Executive.



The petition also challenges the dismissal of the disqualification petitions filed against CM Shinde and other MLAs of his camp.



We will list it, CJI Chandrachud recently told senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the Thackeray-led faction and mentioned the matter for listing.




PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Representatives in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly have recently proposed new legislation entitled the Freedom to Read Act. The bill seeks to establish requirements for library materials in public school libraries and to protect school library media specialists against harassment.

However, what the bill really does is completely remove local control of school libraries from locally elected boards of education. It strips away parents and community members constitutional right to express dissatisfaction with decisions made by those elected officials.

No single tradition in public education is more deeply rooted than local control over the operation of schools  Milliken v. Bradley, 418 U.S. 717, 741-42 (1974). Local control maintains and stimulates the interests of parents and the community in their childrens education and provides flexibility in educational programs to meet a particular communitys needs. In New Jersey, the state has supervisory authority, but much of the duty and authority to operate public schools has been delegated to local boards of education. This bill significantly and substantially removes local control from New Jersey boards of education.

Specifically, the bill states that boards of education shall adopt a policy on the curation of library materials. The bill mandates minimum requirements, but those minimum requirements are so exhaustive (and not minimal) that BOEs have no discretion whatsoever in drafting the mandated policy.

The bill mandates that a board policy give the schools library media specialist the sole authority to determine what materials are appropriate for the library and at what grades or ages these materials should be available. The bill requires that librarians have absolute legal immunity, civil and criminal, in deciding what materials should be in the library, and prohibits anyone from criticizing the materials chosen by the librarian. Under this bill, if you express disagreement with the librarians choices, you are guilty of harassment.

On what basis is this reasonable or lawful?

Big promises for Cape Mays new library in an old building At a recent town hall meeting in Cape May, the mayor and the project architect described a new branch library on Franklin Street in glowing terms. The new branch of the county library system is planned to open early next year in a building that once served as a segregated school.

This bill also obliterates the states obscenity statute and allows librarians to decide what is obscene and what is not. If this bill passes, a library media specialist in the name of diversity can curate library materials that show less than completely covered human genitals, pubic region or buttocks, all in violation of the obscenity statute, and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

Deciding what library materials will be available to children should be decided within the parameters of the law presently on the books. Equally important, it should be left to the local BOE, with parents and community members having input. Local BOEs and school administrators should be held accountable when the materials they choose are inappropriate or not sufficiently diverse. Parents and community members should not be stripped of their constitutional right to challenge the decisions of their local BOE or school administrators. Deeming such activity harassment is a dangerous, slippery slope to eviscerating our constitutional right to free speech.

This bill indefensibly removes this responsibility from local control and places it in the total control of the state. It is a clear attempt to intimidate and stop any parent or community member who may disagree with the materials in the public school library from participating in the educational process. Once again, the State of New Jersey tells its public school parents to be quiet and accept our values, morals, decisions and judgment. The state is in charge of your local school. Just take it, and if you criticize or harass anyone about it, you will be found liable for discrimination.

Each BOE must take seriously its responsibility to ensure that all diverse viewpoints are expressed in its librarys materials. Equally important is that all views on how and at what age some topics are presented should be included in the decision-making.

Parents and community members who want to express dissatisfaction with the decisions made by their local BOE, school administrators or even the schools library media specialist have a constitutional right to do so. This bill seeks to restrict and eliminate those rights to the detriment of our democracy and public school system.

Contact the NJ Senate and Assembly Education Committee members and tell them you support local control of schools in New Jersey and the right to challenge elected officials. All members of the community deserve to have their voices heard. Urge them to withdraw this bill.
Transcript:

Edgar Zuniga runs this 80-year-old ice cream shop in Quito. This shop has seen a lot of history, including back in the 1990s when power had to be rationed. There were blackouts and even a national decree to set the clocks forward an hour to take advantage of sunlight.

Edgar Zuniga, Owner of Heladeria Victoria: Our freezers need to have the right temperature to be able to serve ice cream. So, when we were told, we were going to have two, three, four hours without electricity, for us it was a shock, but above all, a concern.

The solution to the power problem in the country was this, a hydroelectric power plant built with help from Chinas Sinohydro state-owned construction company. The Coca Codo Sinclair plant includes a transmission system that carries power across the country.

In 2016, then-President Rafael Correa and Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the plants inauguration in Quito.

China's President Xi Jinping, center, and his wife Peng Liyuan stand with Ecuador's President Rafael Correa, during a welcoming ceremony in Quito, Ecuador, on Nov. 17, 2016. (AP)

Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador: We inaugurated the largest infrastructure ever built in this country, the hydroelectric plant Coca Codo Sinclair. That plant, with a power of 1500 MW, could provide electricity, alone, to all the homes of Ecuador.

The project cost more than $2 billion and was financed with a $1.7 billion loan from the Export Import Bank of China.

Xi Jinping, President of China: China is willing to work with the Ecuadorean side in light of the principles of cooperation like equality, mutual benefit, win win, flexibility, pragmatism, openness and inclusion to constantly deepen our cooperation.

Since its completion, the plant has been surrounded by controversy. One critic is Fernando Villavicencio, an assemblyman who chairs the Oversight Commission.

Fernando Villavicencio Assemblyman

Fernando Villavicencio, Assemblyman: China lent us the money and forced us to hire a company they wanted. The State could not decide which was the best company and the best cost.  It was a fatal negotiation, a loss of sovereignty, and of good sense.

Villavicencio also questions the quality of the materials used and the appearance of thousands of cracks in the plants distributors, which conduct water to the turbines to generate electricity.

Fernando Villavicencio: We discovered that for the year 2022, by July, which is the most recent data update we have, there are 17,499 cracks.

Mechanical engineer Roberto Varhola worked as a consultant during the projects construction and objected to the building of the power plant. He said there is not enough water flow to generate 1500 megawatts of power.

He also warned about the potential risks caused by the cracks in the distributors.

Roberto Varhola, Mechanical Engineer: The number of cracks is a years long nightmare.  The worst nightmare a mechanical engineer has is for there to be a crack in a part.

Varhola blames both the Ecuadorian authorities and the Chinese construction company for the structural problems.

Roberto Varhola: As an Ecuadorian citizen I feel cheated and swindled because they should have done better.

In response to media coverage of the problems with the plant, the Chinese state-run news outlet Global Times quoted Chinese Embassy officials in Ecuador saying, the problem has been assessed by an international third-party independent testing agency  which concluded that it will not affect the operation and safety of the unit and that the plant is safe for its 50-year design life. The report also noted the power plant generates more than 30 percent of the electricity in Ecuador.

In addition to structural problems within the plant, the Coca Codo project is also facing environmental threats from the outside.

In 2020, erosion caused a giant sinkhole, damaged oil pipelines in the region causing spills, destroyed part of a highway and carried away a part of the town of San Luis.

Erodita Andi has lived in the area for 15 years.

Erodita Andi, San Luis Resident: When it rains, every now and then you hear the mountain as it comes down. That is the terror that we as a community live through every day.

Geologist Carolina Bernal links the aggressive nature of the erosion to the way sediments are managed by the power plant. She and other experts say prior environmental studies should have been better analyzed before construction started.

Carolina Bernal, Geologist: Its an area that is having more and more problems, because there is a threat that due to the constant accumulation of sediments, the mechanical room will flood and we would have to be dredging all the time, removing that sediment.

Engineer Jorge Sevilla says there was a lack of updated geological studies prior to construction. He says increased sediment upstream of the dam is raising water levels and could create clogging which would jeopardize the operation of the plant.

Jorge Sevilla, Geological Engineer: It was thought that what was already done was enough and it was not.

Plagued with concerns surrounding the plant, residents in area towns have their own complaints of unmet economic expectations.

Luis Herrera, Local Resident: The hydroelectric project was going to generate tourism, attract more people to see the hydroelectric installations, but it didnt happen at all.

Instead of money flowing into the area, repairs of the plant will cost money, as will dealing with the erosion. Ecuador and the U.S. are working together to mitigate the environmental threats to the plant in order to keep the lights and freezers on in the country.
COLE VALLEY  Massive amounts of snow caused significant damage to the facilities and infrastructure at the Niabi Zoo, but no animals were harmed.

Zoo officials said in a news release that during the five days of heavy snow in early January, the 25 inches of wet and heavy show placed an "unprecedented strain on zoo infrastructure and animal habitats."

Despite the setback, the zoo was able to provide care to all animals, the release said. Seven of the zoos big cats were relocated within the zoo and two of the zoos Amur leopards were transported to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio.

This move was previously planned as the animals were part of a cooperative breeding program, but was expedited due to damage to the cathouse.

Im grateful to our staff for doing an amazing job modifying temporary spaces and getting our displaced animals into safe areas, Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson said. The staffs compassion for our animals is what makes Niabi Zoo a leader in conservation and education.

Jackson said Friday all other animals were in their winter holding habitats and were not displaced or injured. Zoo officials are now in contact with engineers and contractors that specialize in zoo work, but "it's going to take time" Jackson said.

Staff are also working with insurance adjustors to make a full assessment of the damage and organize a plan for the full restoration of the park and its critical infrastructure.

The most significant damage includes the collapse of the outdoor cathouse, sagging of the supports in the eagle enclosure, partial collapse of the Pallas cat exhibit and roof damage in the aviary home to birds and guinea pigs.

The canvas top over the carousel will also need to be fully replaced, according to a news release. The zoo team has also partnered with the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District Board to determine the next steps in restoration of the zoo.

Donations to the zoo can be made in a variety of ways at niabizoo.com/support/donate/.
A Savanna, Illinois, man currently serving time in an Iowa prison for trafficking in fentanyl is facing charges in Carroll County, Illinois, after authorities said they linked fentanyl he was selling to the overdose death of a Thomson woman in 2022.

According to a news release issued Friday by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations, Saidrick Thomas, 21, is charged with one count each of drug-induced homicide and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Under Illinois law, drug-induced homicide is a Class X felony with a special sentencing range of 15-30 years in prison. Unlawful delivery of a controlled substance is a Class 2 felony that carries a prison sentence of three to seven years.

According to the Illinois State Police news release, on March 2, 2022, the Thomson Police Department requested the Illinois State Police lead a death investigation involving the alleged drug overdose of 28-year-old Amy LaShelle of Thomson.

As a result of that investigation, on Feb. 7, the Carroll County States Attorneys Office approved the charges against Thomas.

Thomas is currently incarcerated at Anamosa State Penitentiary.

On May 20, 2023, Thomas was arrested by Clinton authorities after he sold fentanyl on four occasions to confidential sources working with the Blackhawk Area Task Force in April and May of that year. The Clinton County arrest warrant was served to Thomas at the Carroll County, Illinois, jail, where he was being held on charges of manufacture and delivery of 1-15 grams of fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance.

On Aug. 24, 2022, Thomas pleaded guilty in Carroll County Circuit Court to one count of manufacture and delivery of 1-15 grams of fentanyl. Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Jerry Kane sentenced Thomas to serve eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Kane ordered the sentence to run concurrent, or at the same time, to any prison sentence Thomas was to receive in Iowa.

On Aug. 25, 2022, Thomas pleaded guilty in Clinton County District Court to four counts of possession with the intent to deliver fentanyl. Each charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

On Oct. 27, 2022, Clinton County District Court Judge Mark Lawson sentenced Thomas to 10 years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently, or at the same time.

According to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records, Thomas is due to be paroled from the Anamosa State Penitentiary on May 27, 2027.

According to Carroll County Circuit Court electronic records, Thomas has not made a first appearance on the new charges.
A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to Davenport Police has led to the arrest of a Davenport man on child porn charges.

Devin Dion Day, 29, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Day also is charged with two Class D felony counts of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act and two aggravated misdemeanor accounts of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act. The Class D felony charges carry a prison sentence of five years each, while the aggravated misdemeanor charges each carry a prison sentence of two years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Detective Sean Johnson, on Sept. 28, 2023, Davenport police were sent to Days residence to investigate a report of an unresponsive baby.

At the time, Day was the subject of a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

As a result of both of the investigations a search warrant for Days phone was granted.

On the phone police found that from May 17, 2023, through Sept. 21, 2023, there were multiple videos made by a surveillance camera in the home of a minor victim. Police also located several indecent images of the minor victim.

For the May 27, 2023, date, police found an image of child porn that had been transmitted from Wickr, an instant messaging app that allows for end-to-end encrypted and content expiring messages.

During a first appearance on the charges Saturday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Peter Gierut scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Feb. 20.

Day was being held Saturday in the Scott County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond set by Gierut.
First Lutheran Church of Moline will be hosting a soup supper on Ash Wednesday, February 14 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to the service at 7 p.m. at 1230 5th Ave., Moline. Menu will include baked potato soup, veggie trays, and an array of desserts. Suggested donation is $5 per person with proceeds benefiting ELCA World Hunger. Questions, call the office at 309-764-3517. Please be our guest  all are welcome!
Editor's note: This is the first part of a two-part series on Indigenous maternal healthcare in South Dakota.

On a small, triangle-shaped reservation in the northeast corner of South Dakota, a nondescript one-story beige building in the middle of the small city of Sisseton serves the healthcare needs of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. The Couteau Des Prairies Health Care System, a 25-bed, nonprofit hospital, is the only inpatient resource for the entire reservation and was the only hospital with a functioning OB-GYN Department.

But as of February, the hospital no longer provides specialized womens healthcare.

The Coteau Des Prairies Health Care System looked at what would be best for the patients and the competency that our staff and obstetrics provider had, said Craig Kantos, chief executive officer of the CDP Hospital. We had one obstetrics provider and he was leaving. The days of having one OB provider who is on call 24/7 arent feasible anymore.

The closure of the only OB-GYN hospital program serving the Lake Traverse Reservation illustrates the many challenges facing healthcare providers fighting against disproportionate rates of Indigenous infant and maternal mortality.

Over three-quarters of Coteau Des Prairies patients are Indigenous, Kantos said. In 2023, 45 babies, most of whom are Indigenous, were born there. Each and every baby is listed on the hospitals website with their name, birthday and a photo.

While there is another medical facility in Sisseton, the Indian Health Service-operated Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center is only an outpatient clinic  not equipped for emergency births or specialized care.

The reservation, which borders North Dakota and Minnesota, is the home of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate  two bands of Santee Dakota people forcibly relocated from their homelands in southern Minnesota. Situated over 90 miles from any large city, the reservation is a rural area with few opportunities for specialized medical care.

With the closure of Coteau Des Prairies OB-GYN services, women looking for specialized care on the Lake Traverse Reservation now have to travel either to Watertown or Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or to Fargo, North Dakota. Such a long commute is one of the hallmarks of a maternal healthcare desert, an issue affecting many rural areas across South Dakota and the United States.

Nearly 25% of South Dakota women live over 30 minutes away from a birthing hospital compared to a 10% nationwide average. Western South Dakota reservations experience abnormally long commute times to birthing centers, sometimes over 118 miles, or 128 minutes.

A lack of access to specialized maternal healthcare has been shown to lead to higher rates of poor birthing outcomes such as preterm births and infant and maternal mortality. Indigenous women in South Dakota already experience disproportionate rates of negative birth outcomes.

According to the South Dakota Department of Public Health, Indigenous women accounted for 46% of the pregnancy-associated deaths in the state from 2012-2021, despite accounting for only 9% of the states total population. The DOH noted that the leading causes of death include motor vehicle accidents, unintentional overdoses and suicide.

While access to specialized care decreases, birth rates on reservations continue to rise. On the Lake Traverse Reservation, the birth rate was 1.5 times higher than the United States average and the rate of births among women ages 25-29 is double the United States average. On the Standing Rock Reservation, where some women experience commutes of over 118 miles to the nearest birthing center, the rate of births is 20 percent higher than the national average.

After deciding to close the Coteau Des Prairies OB-GYN Department, Kantos said hospital administrators reached out to representatives from local and tribal police departments, emergency services, the local IHS clinic and all hospitals between Watertown and Fargo to inform them.

We met with the goal of discussing what we do in inclement weather. In some parts of the state the interstate closes periodically, and weve been told that if we need to get people out we can, Kantos said. Weve asked the tribe about potential hotel vouchers for tribal families who need to leave in inclement weather, but we havent heard back about if thats doable or not.

When it comes to emergency births and the need to drive over an hour to receive care, many Indigenous people are less likely to have a reliable form of transportation. With an increased need to travel for specialized OB-GYN services, tribally operated resources are bracing for an increase in home births and support.

Were taking steps to adapt to this. One of the changes were planning for is having some of my core visitors including myself become doulas and attend doula training, said Leona Iyarpeya, a Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate citizen and manager of her tribes Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. I think were pretty prepared, but I do see that number increasing and hitting the 40 marker as one of our services is transportation.

Iyarpeyas program provides items like phone cards, diapers and support services, as well as transportation to pregnant women, expectant fathers and parents, and caregivers of children under 5 years old. Families dont need to be enrolled citizens to benefit from the program.

Travel itself poses a risk to mothers seeking healthcare. Not only is cost often an issue, but travel-related deaths are a risk not accounted for in the maternal mortality rate.

Typically when we determine maternal mortality, we dont consider accidents, said Dr. Lyle Best, a former healthcare physician who worked with the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service for over two decades. If youre pregnant and youre in a car accident and die, thats not maternal mortality. (In the 1990s) we had a situation in Indian Health Services where a woman was being transferred to Sioux Falls and the plane crashed. The woman was killed and the pilot was badly wounded. Is that considered maternal mortality? She wouldnt have been on the plane if she wasnt pregnant.

Obstetrics doesnt generate a lot of revenue for hospitals, especially those in rural communities. Kantos said 45 babies were born at Coteau Des Prairies in 2023, and the hospital only had one obstetrics provider during that time. Half of the counties in the United States lack an obstetrics provider, according to a report from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Its difficult for many rural places to provide obstetrics services. It doesnt generate a lot of money, and its hard to find physicians who want to work in a small town and take on that added responsibility, Best said. Obstetrics is a terrifying experience, it generally goes well and its a happy time but as someone who has been there for hundreds of deliveries, your stomach is in a bit of butterflies trying to think of what would happen if, heaven forbid, you lost either the baby or the mother.

While maternal mortality rates continue to rise across the United States, Indigenous mothers remain the most at risk of dying during or after pregnancy. Indigenous mothers across the United States are two times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white mothers, according to the CDC.

Hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia are the leading cause of maternal deaths in developed countries. Pre-eclampsia affects between 5-8% of all pregnancies. Indigenous people are rarely included in studies focused on pre-eclampsia.

Research in general is limited when it comes to Indigenous mothers and pregnancy complications. Best is currently working to research conditions like pre-eclampsia, though hes faced barriers when obtaining records and data in areas with large Indigenous populations.

What is known about the increased risk that Indigenous mothers face when giving birth is that the social environment plays a major role. Living in a rural community with a lack of reliable transportation, specialized services and social deprivation affect the population deeply.

The medical environment can sometimes lead to perhaps having less than adequate care through either Indian Health Services or other facilities they may depend on, and theres probably some implicit bias or racism involved in the medical decisions that get made, Best said. But it doesnt take a genius to understand that the American Indian maternal mortality rate is not in line with their portion of the South Dakota population.

As Coteau Des Prairies discontinues its obstetrics services, Kantos emphasized that a majority of medical needs can be covered by family medicine.

Even though obstetrics will be closed, we will still do general OB-GYN services. Well still continue with the full gambit of family medicine and wellness checks. We know we can still do it, Kantos said.
PIERRE  Despite being described as a politically motivated piece of legislation, the House State Affairs committee voted Thursday to pass a bill that would ban the spread of misleading ballot information in South Dakota.

HB 1239 comes from Rep. Bethany Soye, R-Sioux Falls, but it was Rep. Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, who spoke about an instance before the 2022 GOP primary when postcards were sent across a handful of legislative districts that left out candidates appearing on the ballot and left out key information about the election.

I want to say one of the best things about America is the right to free speech and the ability to mix it up in campaigns, Odenbach said. ...But the bill does confirm the fact that the right to free speech ends at intentionally defrauding the voters.

The bill language itself is based on a 1913 law banning the spread of misinformation on ballot measures. Soye explained her bill would expand that ban to the full ballot.

Much of the debate centered around one word, facsimile, which means an exact copy. Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, had concerns that if a postcard was sent out mimicking a ballot with a checkmark next to a candidate's name, it could be considered illegal under the proposed bill.

I think we've got to be real careful when we're talking about limiting free speech, he said.

The bill was quickly amended, with lawmakers quipping that the audience was watching live legislating, to ban exact copies of official sample ballots that contained misleading information.

Mortenson said that while he didnt like that the bill came from a politically motivated origin, he liked the merit of the bill and encouraged the sponsor in future testimony to speak to the merits.

Two no votes came from the committee, Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, and Rep. Rodger Chase, R-Huron.

It's a step forward, but you're still going to see nasty-grams out there from other entities that you have no control over, Chase said.

HB 1239 passed with a 7-2 vote and now heads to the House floor for debate.

This story originally appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
Sandra Lipkowitz sits at her desk next to a landline telephone in her home office in San Francisco on Friday. Lipkowitz is upset about the possibility of AT&T taking away landlines. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

An effort by AT&T to pull out of its obligations to offer landline services across a huge swath of California  including most of the Bay Area  has raised impassioned safety concerns among residents worried about what might happen if they lose access to their traditional wired phone lines, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

As the designated carrier of last resort in California, the telecommunications giant has long been required to provide basic phone services to people who want them, as required by state law. Such services are cheap, ubiquitous and heavily regulated.

But now, the company wants out.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Last year, AT&T filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission to shed its obligation to offer basic phone services to people who request them. After a series of public meetings through the spring, the PUC is expected to make a decision on AT&Ts request in September.

Spokespersons for AT&T said they planned to transition the few remaining consumers with traditional copper-based phone service to newer technologies from them  or other phone service providers.

But if the companys proposal is granted, AT&T wouldnt legally have to. If the PUC approves AT&Ts request, the company would no longer be obligated to provide landline services to Californians who say they need them. Millions of people could be affected and lose access within six months, according to the application, if the PUC grants the companys request.

Being forced to offer what AT&T called obsolete telephone technology was sapping resources the company would prefer to devote to expanding its state-of-the-art broadband network, AT&T said in its application to the PUC.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Lipkowitz, who has a landline telephone in the hallway of her San Francisco home, is concerned about experiencing a natural disaster without access to a wired phone. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Spokespersons for AT&T said less than 7% of households in their California territory are using copper-based landline phone services, and that the company is investing in newer technologies such as fiber and wireless.

At least one telephone company in a specified area is legally required to provide access to telephone service to anyone in its service territory who requests it, state agency officials wrote in a summary of AT&Ts petition to cease offering landline services. The agency will be expected to make a decision on the request in September after a series of public hearings on the application.

AT&T has argued that its proposal should be granted even if there is no other carrier of last resort.

Other outcomes are possible, such as another carrier besides AT&T volunteering to become the Carrier of Last Resort in your area, or the (agency) denying AT&Ts proposal, PUC officials wrote.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In addition, AT&T is also requesting to stop providing federally subsidized, low-income phone services. For that to be granted, AT&T must demonstrate that another company can provide the services it currently offers. Telecommunications policy advocates say they dont think thats possible because the only options to replace AT&T are cell phone services, and they are notoriously unreliable.

Getting rid of landlines, many Bay Area residents said, would be life-threatening for those who rely on them for medical or emergency needs.

The impacts could be devastating for those especially in rural areas where cell service is spotty or nonexistent, advocates said. As of early February, nearly 3,000 people across California submitted comments to the commission raising concerns about AT&Ts proposal, many of whom said they were disabled, older, or live in areas where landline service is crucial.

San Francisco resident Bella Rubin is one of many residents who said they rely on AT&Ts landline services for dire medical needs. Rubin, who is in her 80s, said that after her husbands heart condition worsened, he began using a machine that transmits signals from his defibrillator to UCSFs cardiology department  and its only by landline.

When the internet is down or electric outages have occurred, the transmission has blown, Rubin said. The AT&T landline is a medical necessity.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

What AT&T is seeking is really, really profound, said Regina Costa, telecommunications policy director for The Utility Reform Network. By removing that obligation, that means there is no one that can guarantee service for a customer.

In San Francisco alone, 34% of households utilize a landline, and almost half of householders 55 and older use a landline, according to researchers at Hire A Helper, a moving company that analyzed recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Nicole Torres, COO of On Lok  a nonprofit senior services provider in San Francisco  voiced her concerns about the potential loss of landlines across the state.

Disconnecting landlines could leave some of our vulnerable senior population isolated, unable to reach loved ones, access emergency services, or address critical needs, said Torres, adding that many frail and isolated seniors do not use cellphones. During power outages or disasters, landlines can be their lifelines for communication and help.

Thousands of households in cities including San Rafael, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont and Santa Rosa  and many more  could be affected, according to the PUC.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

San Francisco resident Sandra Lipkowitz, who lives alone and has no immediate family, said she has felt devastated and helpless since hearing about the proposal.

Lipkowitz, who has a landline telephone on the nightstand of her San Francisco home, fears losing communications when the power goes out if AT&T takes away landlines. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

If electricity goes out, I have no way to contact anyone, Lipkowitz said, calling the proposal corporate greed. It just feels like were being thrown to the side  because were the most vulnerable and the big corporation doesnt care.

For Lipkowitz, AT&Ts petition to end landline services has evoked the terror of living through the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the fires that followed. The Bay Area households and businesses that lost power for days after a stronger-than-forecast bomb cyclone this month ripped through California reinforced those concerns, she said.
A proposal to tax lithium as a precious metal in South Dakota passed through the House and a Senate Committee before failing by a single vote in the full Senate this week.

House Bill 1043 would have classified lithium as a precious metal and implement a 5% severance tax. It passed with a 57-to-9 vote in the House, but a 23-to-9 vote in the Senate failed to reach the two-thirds majority necessary to establish a new tax.

The bill's Senate co-sponsor, Randy Deibert (R-Dist. 31), announced his intention to reconsider the vote, which will occur when the Senate reconvenes next week.

West River Reps. Phil Jensen (R-Dist. 33), Tina Mulally (R-Dist. 35) and Peri Pourier (D-Dist. 27) voted against, as did Sens. Red Dawn Foster (D-Dist. 27), David Johnson (R-Dist. 33) and Shawn Bordeaux (D-Dist. 26). Sens. Mike Diedrich (R-Dist. 34) and Julie Frye-Mueller (R-Dist. 30) were absent from Thursday's vote.

Mulally told the Journal she didn't believe in taxing something "just to tax it or to feed the government pocketbook." Johnson spoke on the Senate floor just before the vote, expressing his disappointment in the effort to create a new tax instead of fixing the state's current tax problems. He sarcastically asked why lithium wasn't categorized as ground beef so that it could be taxed under a higher rate.

"We've got a mining industry in the Black Hills. It's exploratory. They're trying to create industry that could be lucrative to the state of South Dakota in the future. But instead, what we're going to do is put handcuffs on them."

The original legislation proposed a 10% tax. South Dakota imposes severance taxes on precious metals  gold and silver  which includes a per-ounce tax on gold, a 10% tax on the net profits from the sale of precious metals severed in the state, and an 8% tax on the value of the royalty received for the right to sever precious metals. H.B. 1043 would charge a 5% tax on the net profits from the sale of lithium in lieu of the 10% tax for gold and silver.

Deputy Director of the South Dakota Department of Revenue's Business Tax Division Jason Evans explained the legislation would create a net profits tax, meaning companies will make certain deductions from their overall profits before the remainder is taxed.

"What the effective tax rate of that is per ounce or per pound or whatever measure of unit you want to use, that could vary by company, I suppose, depending on how profitable they are, because it's a net profits tax," Evans said.

The bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Kirk Chaffee (R-Dist. 29), told the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week the bill isn't designed to stagnate business investments in the state, but ensure companies pay a fair share. The state receives 80% of the tax revenue, which is placed in the general fund, while the county where said precious metals were severed receives the other 20%, up to $1 million.

"Why would we allow mining companies from around the world to mine our Black Hills without paying a severance tax?" Chaffee said during last Tuesday's Senate hearing. "South Dakota is open for business, and I want to make sure that everybody knows that. And as mining develops, it is my intention that our regulations, our regulatory tax treatment would adapt to change with it."

H.B. 1043 is the second time Chaffee has tried to get legislation through regarding lithium severance taxes. His attempt in 2023 with House Bill 1072 would have classified lithium as an energy mineral. It passed through the House with a 57-to-13 vote, but failed in the Senate Taxation Committee.

Proponents called H.B. 1043 "good legislation" but "by no means perfect." Several outdoors groups, including the Izaak Walton League, South Dakota Sierra Club and Dakota Rural Action supported the legislation. Dr. Lilias Jarding with the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance called it "a good start" in addressing mining in the state.

"I tried to make it clear that the Sierra Club supported 1043 to put it into the category for severance tax with gold and silver, but that we looked at that as a first step in the process of making sure that the lithium mining industry was well-regulated and that the Black Hills would be protected," Guy Larson, chapter chair of South Dakota Sierra Club, told the Journal recently.

Larson said they're not necessarily in favor of lithium mining but recognize it as a reality they might have to deal with. Proponents want to ensure the state has adequate resources to handle any potential remediation given South Dakota's history of inadequate bonding, he added. Projects like Gilt Edge, a former-mine-turned-Superfund-site in Lawrence County that operated for decades before its owners went bankrupt and abandoned the site, has racked up remediation costs well over $120 million.

Opponents of the legislation included the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association and Elevate Rapid City. Garth Wadsworth, Senior Public Policy Director at Elevate, testified during last Tuesday's hearing a tax of this magnitude would disincentivize investments in the state and impact the workforce, something he explained South Dakota is "well-positioned to fully maximize" with "the opportunity related to lithium mining."

Lithium mining differs from gold or silver mining because its product is a pegmatite  something that needs extensive concentrating and processing, according to Kwinn Neff, president of the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association.

"We can't go out to a creek and grab some lithium and say, you know, this is valuable," he said. "It's not valuable until this rock that contains lithium goes through a process of concentrating and processing. It's really not valuable until we put it in our cell phones and buy that."

Taxing lithium mining at such a high rate doesn't make sense, especially when considering the difference between lithium and gold, Neff said, explaining gold sits around $2,000 an ounce while lithium is at 49 cents. South Dakota's would be one of the highest tax rates in the U.S., he said.

There is currently only one operating lithium mine in the United States  Silver Peak, Nevada  which produces about 1 percent of the worlds lithium. The push for critical minerals under the Biden Administration is a result of the need to develop green energy. Lithium and similar materials are used in batteries and other clean-energy technology. Advocates cite the need to shift mining and processing of these materials away from countries like China, Russia and Iran.

Two lithium exploration projects are in the works near Custer and Keystone.

Lithium was first mined from pegmatite orebodies in South Dakota in the late 1800s. Keystone is the site of the former Etta Mine, the largest source of lithium in the United States for decades, according to Midwest Lithium. The largest spodumene crystal ever found was at the Etta site, which began as a mica mine in the early 1880s and continued operation until 1886. It reopened as a spodumene mine in 1898. Work at the site continued with interludes until 1968.

In 2018, the U.S. had a net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption of more than 50% for lithium, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, from 2016 to 2019, over 90% of the lithium imported to the United States came from Argentina (55%) and Chile (36%).
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System announced the passing of retired Judge Jeff W. Davis, who served on the bench for the 7th Judicial Circuit in Rapid City for 43 years, making him one of the longest-serving judges in state history.

Davis died on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.

Davis was born and raised in Rapid City, where he graduated from Rapid City High School. He received a bachelor of science degree and juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Following graduation, Davis served as a law clerk for two judges from 1973 to 1975 and worked in private law practice with Sieler, Sieler and Trimble in Rapid City from 1975 to 1979.

Davis was appointed a magistrate judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit in 1976 and a circuit court judge in 1979. He served as presiding judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit from 2006 to 2015. During his time on the bench, Davis served on numerous committees and boards including president of the South Dakota Judges Association and on the Judicial Qualifications Commission. He was also instrumental in the Pennington County Courthouse remodel.

Davis retired from the bench in 2019.

"In the halls of justice, Judge Davis will forever be remembered as an unwavering defender of the law throughout his entire career. His wisdom, fairness and commitment to justice leave an indelible mark on the legal landscape of our state, said South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his judicial excellence and dedication.
During South Dakota Governor Kristi Noems January 31, 2024 speech about the U.S.-Mexico border, she alleged that the cartel has infiltrated reservations in South Dakota, specifically the Pine Ridge and Lake Traverse Reservations.

Now, officials from both the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate have addressed those allegations.

On February 8, SWO Chairman J. Garret Renville and several tribal council representatives met with Noem at the South Dakota State Capitol to address her remarks.

During the meeting, Renville requested that the SWO not be referenced in the future concerning drug trafficking. Renville added that no reservation should be singled out, as drug use is a problem across the state of South Dakota.

Moving forward, the tribe requested that Noem collaborate on a cooperative law enforcement agreement to divert tribal members apprehended by state officials for drug and alcohol-related offenses within the Lake Traverse Reservation.

Under the Indian Self-Determination Policy, we plan to take care of our own Dakota People so we can rebuild families through positive treatment and cultural intervention, Renville said in a February 9 press release. We see a bright future for our own Dakota People, and we want to safeguard our tribal elders and children by protecting our families, community, and Nation.

The tribe is currently working on constructing an adult detention center in Agency Village with delivery expected later this year. Construction on the new Tribal Police Station adjacent to the Adult Detention Center is also expected this year. SWO is also planning on establishing a new 24-bed in-patient alcohol and substance use disorder treatment center. The new center will replace the 47-year-old Dakotah Pride building. A new wellness center is also under construction.

The tribes February 9 press release noted that Noem seemed receptive to the prospect of future law enforcement collaboration. The release said Noem plans to work to explore appropriate protocols, including cooperation with the federal government, state law enforcement and justice agencies.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe, also named in the speech, elected to ban Noem a second time, citing concerns over the tribes safety. Noem was previously banned in 2019 after supporting anti-protest legislation following the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline Protests.

Drug and human trafficking are occurring throughout South Dakota and surrounding states, not just on Indian Reservations, President Frank Star Comes Out said in a February 2 press release. The United States and the State of South Dakota must honor our treaty rights within our Sioux homelands, not constantly try to degrade, diminish and ignore them.
Avalanche danger has eased across much of western Montana, but triggering a potentially deadly slide remained possible Friday and into the weekend  and danger remained high south of Bozeman.

After warm temperatures and rain across the area significantly reduced snowpack stability two weeks ago, a return to more seasonable temps and moderate snowfall the past week brought some stability to western Montana's mountains. But avalanche danger remained elevated Friday in places that received the most new snow, such as around Seeley Lake and the Swan Range.

And in south-central Montana, an avalanche warning was in effect in the southern Madison and Gallatin mountains, and around West Yellowstone and Idaho's Centennial Range. There, new snow in recent days combined with a few feet of new snow in recent weeks was overloading an exceptionally weak snowpack, making large, deadly avalanches almost certain. Avalanches were also likely in the northern Madisons and Gallatins, in the Bridgers and around Cooke City.

"Weve been warning you about the remarkably weak snow lower in the snowpack all season and it is now being put through its biggest test yet. Its not handling it well," the center wrote in Friday's forecast. "On Wednesday, snowmobilers in Tepee Basin triggered an avalanche from a distance that broke 4 feet deep and a mile wide. This is a huge avalanche, the biggest weve seen all season. Carefully ponder what it would mean to trigger a similar slide before even approaching the runout zone beneath a steep slope today."

Danger was lower in the western part of the state.

Around Missoula, the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, which covers an area from Lost Trail Pass to around Seeley Lake, stated Friday that storm-slab avalanches of new snow were possible, particularly in areas where wind caused snow to accumulate deeper, such as the downwind side of ridges or saddles. Avalanches of loose new snow were also possible in steep terrain.

The center's forecast area received 2-7 inches of new snow Thursday, with snowfall favoring the Rattlesnake and Seeley areas. About 1-3 inches were expected Friday before drier conditions over the weekend.

Beneath the potentially touchy storm slab at the surface, the center warned, could be a persistent weak layer near the base of the snowpack. It's unlikely a backcountry traveler could trigger a slab avalanche on the weak layer, but such an avalanche would be large with significant consequences if it happened.

Persistent slab avalanches were most likely above 6,500 feet elevation and on northerly aspects where old, unstable snow lurks near the ground, according to the forecast. But previous warm temps and rain also left some wet, unstable snow near the ground on southerly aspects, too.

"The sensitivity of this problem has decreased, but the consequences of any avalanche triggered remain high," forecaster Arden Feldman wrote. "You aren't likely to experience signs of instability like collapsing or whumpfing as you travel through the mountains. Tracks on a slope are not indicators of stability  avalanches may be triggered after many riders have crossed a slope.

"The best way to identify the problem is to dig in the snowpack and look for poor structure with a firm slab on top of weak, unconsolidated snow. If you find this, individual risk tolerance will dictate how steep of a slope you are willing to expose yourself to. However, if you want to avoid the problem, we recommend sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness. Short of that, you can reduce your risk by avoiding large avalanche paths and those with ugly consequences if you are caught in a slide."

Avalanches are possible on any slope 30 degrees or steeper, and can be triggered remotely and without warning from above, below or adjacent to a slope that steep. Avalanches are most likely to begin on slopes between 35 and 45 degrees.

Avalanche problems associated with wintertime snowpack generally involve dense layers of snow with weak layers of crusts or sugary snow crystals between the slabs. The weak layers, often of angular, faceted crystals that don't hold together, can act like dominoes: If a trigger such as a backcountry traveler impacts the layer, the resultant collapsing of the weak layer can propagate outward from the trigger point. That propagation allows for a slide to be triggered from above, below or to the side of a slope 30 degrees or steeper. Once an avalanche is triggered, the weak layer can act more like marbles, allowing a potentially massive amount of snow to accelerate downslope with significant destructive force.

On Wednesday a backcountry skier triggered and was caught in a slab avalanche while descending a couloir southwest of Lake Como in the southern Bitterroot Mountains. According to a public observation the skier submitted to the avalanche center, they were able to ski out of the tumult of snow as it slid about 700 vertical feet down the mountainside.

In addition to their own staff forecasters, avalanche centers rely on public observations of snowpack conditions or avalanches to help inform their understanding and forecasting of avalanche danger across broad and diverse areas. Observations are anonymous and can be submitted via the centers' websites.

Farther west of Missoula, around Idaho's Silver Valley and in the mountains of far-northwest Montana and the Idaho Panhandle, wind slabs were the main concern Friday. The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center cautioned that such avalanches were possible at high elevations, particularly on southern, eastern and northern slopes that were downwind in recent days, but that such slides would likely be small.

"These instabilities in the snowpack surface are likely to be fairly small and unlikely to bury you," Forecaster Ben Bernall wrote, "but the potential consequences of taking a ride in steep terrain should be in the forefront of your mind."

New snow was a greater concern in the Swan Range, according to the Flathead Avalanche Center. While avalanches were unlikely or possible across the rest of the center's forecast area  in the Whitefish Range and around Glacier National Park  potentially large storm slab avalanches were likely in the Swan Range. Dry-loose slides of new snow were also likely.

"Heavy snowfall and wind have developed dangerous avalanche conditions in the Swan Range," Forecaster Mark Dundas wrote. "Riders may encounter slabs reactive to their weight in both wind-affected and sheltered areas. Expect to trigger loose snow slides on many steep slopes. Enjoy today's powder on lower-angle terrain so you can do the same tomorrow."
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy on Friday, only hours after Sheehy officially got a challenger in the primary.

U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale jumped into Montana's Senate primary earlier in the morning, after many months of teasing a bid.

"I LOVE MONTANA! Tim Sheehy is an American Hero and highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana. He is strongly supported by our incredible Chairman of the NRSC, Steve Daines, and many other patriotic Senators and Republicans who have endorsed our Campaign to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. "I also respect Matt Rosendale, and was very happy to Endorse him in the past - and will Endorse him again in the future should he decide to change course and run for his Congressional Seat. But in this instance, Tim is the candidate who is currently best-positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester, and Regain the Republican Majority in the United States Senate."

Sheehy and Rosendale are vying for the Republican nomination to take down incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. The GOP sees flipping Montana's Senate seat as a vital part of taking back control of the chamber in November. Former Secretary of State and past chair of the Public Service Commission Brad Johnson is also running in the primary.

Jessi Bennion, a political science professor at Montana State University, said she does not think Rosendale is "toast" after Trump weighed in, but called Trump's support "huge."

I still think this can be a close primary but the Trump endorsement is huge no doubt," she said. Trump won Montana by 16 points in 2020 and more than 20 points in 2016.

Rosendale quickly responded to Trump's announcement.

"I love President Trump. But he needs actual fighters in the U.S. Senate to enact his Agenda 47 - and thats me and not Mitch McConnells hand pick, Tim Sheehy," he wrote in a post on X. "Im going to win this primary, defeat Jon Tester in November and together we will Make America Great Again!"

Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and CEO of a Belgrade-based aerial firefighting company, has never run for elected office, but has a number of key endorsements in addition to the former president.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are all backing Sheehy. The NRSC is one of the main bodies tasked with bringing a Republican majority back to the U.S. Senate.

"Tim is a Political Outsider, Strong on the Border, the Military/Vets, and our constantly under siege Second Amendment. He will stand tall in the fight against the Radical Left Democrats, who are Destroying our Country," Trump continued. "Also, he is far more likely to Defeat Lazy Jon. America First Patriot Tim Sheehy has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"

This will be Rosendale's second attempt at unseating Tester; he challenged him in 2018 but lost by 3.5 points. In that race, Trump visited Montana four times to hold rallies in support of Rosendale.

Shortly after filing to run at the Montana State Capitol building, Rosendale was asked about the prospect of a Trump endorsement but declined to comment, saying, "I will never discuss my conversations with President Trump with the media."

Rosendale has also visited Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida home, multiple times in recent months.

In a written statement, Sheehy said he was "incredibly proud and honored" to have Trump's support.

Before and after Trump's statement, Rosendale was announcing a slew of his own endorsements, including from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida; Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton; Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky; the group Gun Owners of America and more.

Particularly for those on the national level, this race is about more than one candidate versus another, it's about taking back control of the U.S. Senate.

When the NRSC was asked how it will respond if Rosendale prevails in the primary, the group declined to comment.

Bennion said it'll be necessary for the organization to find a way to back whoever emerges.

"They will absolutely have to pivot and you will see a shoring up of support around who the nominee is," Bennion said.

The GOP primary election is on June 4.

Photos: Montana GOP converges on Helena with eyes on 2024 election cycle
When Reid Carter purchased his home in Westover Hills, he said it also came with the promise of a safe neighborhood.

So, when he, along with his neighbors, noticed cars racing through their streets to avoid congested boulevard traffic, he went to the city to see if something could be done.

The city responded by creating no access zones during peak hours  a decision that effectively eliminated the problem.

That was 50 years ago.

When Carter came to the city last year to share concerns regarding the proposed Westover Hills bike lane plan, he expected similar results. Instead, he said he was told it was a done deal.

This thing has been carried through by a small part of the citys government that feels like they have the power to make the right decision and nobody else does, Carter said. They clearly did not react to any of the specific suggestions, proposals and complaints provided when they heard them.

Carter isnt alone. Several Westover Hill residents, along with the Virginia Department of Transportation, have concerns for the impending projects safety.

City officials argue they have done their due diligence.

The Westover Hills bike lane plan

The plan will see pedestrian improvements and bike lanes added along Westover Hills Boulevard.

The project is part of an initiative to install 25 miles of bike lanes throughout the city to encourage different modes of transportation.

The city will utilize funds awarded by the Federal Highway Administration to finish the two-phase project.

Beginning this spring, the traffic-dense boulevard will see one northbound lane and one southbound lane converted into bike lanes separated by a line of plastic bollards.

Also slated for the first phase of the project are improvements to pedestrian walkways starting near the Nickel Bridge and extending to the intersection of Westover Hills Boulevard and West 49th Street.

Kristen Nye, City Council representative for the 4th District where the lanes will be located, said the project has been years in the making and is in line with the citys goals to improve multi-modal transportation.

The project will increase accessibility, improve safety and reduce speeding, Nye said.

If you go to other major urban centers, they have built out their infrastructure a lot better than we have, she said. We need to look at the full picture of how this is going to squeeze the road, slow down traffic and create a safe space for people, for bikers, for walkers, for runners.

Ex-city traffic engineer weighs in

Tom Flynn, a retired traffic engineer, served as the citys lead traffic engineer and was a key contributor to the first iteration of the City of Richmond Bicycle Master Plan.

He is also a Westover Hills resident who is not convinced this project will provide the level of safety the city is promising. While he supports bike lanes and the importance of safe streets, he said some designs, while well-intentioned, could pose greater safety risks.

I know how to reduce accidents. I also know how to design plans that reduce them, Flynn said. I also know bad plans when I see them.

Several of Flynns concerns stem from the lane reductions. It is a busy thoroughfare. Flynn said reducing each side down to one lane will lead to more accidents.

He said it all boils down to demand. If a significant change is to be made, there needs to be consideration of who it will impact most.

If youre going to eliminate traffic lanes on a major four-lane, divided arterial, what is the accident history there? Flynn said.

VDOT determines how safe a road is by comparing the number of accidents to the number of motorists. There have been no pedestrian or bicyclist-related accidents along this stretch of road in the past eight years, according to VDOT data.

For Flynn, this indication suggests that there is limited need for changes.

VDOT recommendations

Following a review of the citys plans, VDOT made several recommendations after it deemed some of the designs may not be safe for bicyclists.

In his decades-long career, Flynn said he has never seen a project be deemed unsafe.

With this specific project being funded with federal dollars, the city only needs to comply with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials requirements  which are more catered to continuity than safety, Flynn said.

The city could not confirm whether changes had been made to the plan to accommodate the VDOT recommendations. The latest published design does not show any changes. However, Nye said the traffic department works closely with VDOT and welcomes its feedback on all projects.

Group for Sensible Bike Lanes

Several residents, who felt unheard, formed a grass-roots coalition coined Group for Sensible Bike Lanes to develop their own report to feature citizen-led traffic and impact studies and neighborhood opinion.

However, fearful of being labeled a NIMBY  not in my backyard  the group also wanted to offer alternatives. Wayne Collier said the group does support bike lanes after all, just not this specific plan.

The group conducted a door-to-door survey that found more than a quarter of Westover Hills households opposed the project and nearly all of them have concerns.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, the group also manned various points between New Kent and Evelyn Byrd roads and counted passing cyclists. In total, they tallied 88.

In order to determine alternatives, the group pulled inspiration from other successful city bike lane projects like one in neighboring Forest Hill.

Its suggestions include eliminating the parking lanes instead of travel lanes, or routing cyclists through neighborhoods.

When group member Val Murphey, responsible for compiling the 34-page document, presented the report to city officials, it was met with little consideration, Collier said.

City officials offer reassurance

For seven years, Nye said there have been numerous meetings held across the district regarding this proposed project.

She said the city has listened to citizens concerns and has tried to offer assurances.

Similarly to the citys massive city-led community response campaign for its Richmond Connects Plan, the city also polled citizen responses for this project, which saw favorable support. The poll also revealed 88% of those in support were cyclists.

Theres a lot of opinions on this, Nye said. There is a lot of support for it, and there are people opposed to it. But I think what is getting lost in the mix is that there is a great deal of support for having multi-modal infrastructure, not just in Westover Hills, but all over.

For Nye, creating access to other forms of transportation is the bigger picture. While it is true that there are fewer cyclists and pedestrians who traverse the boulevard than motorists, she said this is in part because of a lack of safety. She, herself, opts to not bike the thoroughfare because it can be dangerous.

By creating the option, more cyclists will come, she said. Likewise, she said, when it comes to equitable transit, it should not be demand that determines the need.

Do you have to see people walking in the street before you create a sidewalk? Were not going to ask or encourage people to transport themselves in an unsafe way just so we can create a demand, Nye said.

While the Westover Hills neighborhood is the largest impacted by this project, there are other neighborhoods that are also located along the thoroughfare.

She said that when it comes to transportation projects, nothing is going to be perfect and not everyone is going to like everything, but there are some safeguards in place.

The same no cut-through signs that Carter and his neighbors fought for decades ago will help safeguard against those looking to skirt through traffic, Nye said.

The plastic bollards and reflective paint are intentionally temporary. If things are not working, they can be replaced before implementing more expensive, permanent landscaping.

If we put it in and things go sideways, we can make adjustments. The city has said that, Ive said that, the CAO has said that, the traffic department has said that. If there are issues, we will change the lines, move the paint, do all of that, Nye said. We will address it.

Cats and dogs that need homes in the Richmond area
Hedge funds aggressive purchases of single-family homes, seeking short-term rent and only slightly longer-term profits from flipping them, are helping to push house prices out of reach for young would-be homeowners.

State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, wants it to stop.

He proposed Senate Bill 693, which is among several General Assembly efforts to reexamine current residential housing and development practices in order to tackle Virginias affordable housing and land use issues.

The measures can be tough sells, though.

Legislators voted to carry over Sturtevants bill and several other development-related measures for consideration next year. While that implies a proposal might be revived, it is generally viewed as a polite way of killing a measure without formally doing so.

A Senate committee also voted to carry over until next year Senate Bill 430, a proposal by state Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, that seeks to restrict local governments ability to use zoning codes to reject affordable housing.

A House of Delegates panel did the same with a different but hotly contested growth and development issue  the siting of solar farms. A House energy issues panel voted to continue until next year House Bill 636, sponsored by Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, that would have allowed the state to step in when localities reject large-scale facilities.

And the Senate General Laws Committee carried over Senate Bill 284 from state Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William.

It would have said local governments could approve new data centers only when they have a minimal impact on historic, agricultural and cultural resources and are more than one mile from a national park, state park or other historically significant site.

The committee did the same with Roems Senate Bill 285, requiring local governments to assess the impact of a proposed data center site on water use, the regional electric grid, carbon emissions and on agricultural, historic and cultural resources within the locality.

The Local Government Committee killed Roems Senate Bill 288, which said local governments approvals of new data centers needed to ensure they met noise abatement requirements, so that noise from the facilities would not exceed the sound levels already observed in the area.

On the other hand, House Bill 878 from Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax, authorizing local governments to acquire property for affordable housing, passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 85-15.

Youngkin cites supply, demand

Affordable housing has become a top concern across the state, although what to do about it has been a challenge.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has said dealing with affordable housing is a priority, says it is a matter of addressing supply and demand.

He has blamed unnecessary regulations, overburdensome and inefficient local governments, restrictive zoning policies, and an ideology of fighting tooth and nail against any new development.

Sturtevant argued, without success, that one demand and supply problem is the removal of some supply by hedge funds that speculate on rising house prices by buying single-family homes with the aim of flipping them.

In an already tight market, he said, these cash-rich investment pools took up a reported 9% of the metropolitan Hampton Roads homes for sale last year and 8% of those in metro Washington.

That amounts to a significant price-shifting reduction in supply, he said. He did not have figures for metro Richmond.

Nationwide, in the July-to-September quarter of 2023, large and mega-investors  those with more than 100 homes and more than 1,000 homes, respectively, purchased between 8,000 and 10,000 single-family homes per month, according to Thomas Malone, an economist who tracks home sales markets for the Corelogic data analytics firm.

Whats a couple going to do when theyve lined up a mortgage and bid on an asking price for a house when a hedge fund can come in with a cash-only deal at 5% more? Sturtevant asked.

The hedge fund in such a case will typically rent the house for a few years. In so doing, it will take advantage of what in many cities  including Richmond  are rents that have risen sharply in recent years, before counting on rising real estate prices allowing it to flip the house for a tidy profit, he said.

Sturtevants bill would have barred any investment partnership, trust or corporation with more than $50 million in assets under management from acquiring any interest in single-family homes residential land after July 1, 2025.

It would have required them to divest any they already acquired by a year after that.

Lenders concerned about unwinding deals

But it would be difficult for sellers or agents to know if a buyer would be disqualified, argued Erin Kormann, legislative counsel for the Virginia Association of Realtors, when the bill came before the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

And Matthew Bruning, lobbyist for the Virginia Bankers Association, said lenders were concerned about the impact of unwinding so many deals.

Im just a country lawyer, but there may be a constitutional issue. Can we discriminate against two classes of buyers? asked state Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George.

Without a clear answer to his question, which sent fellow senators and committee staff scrambling for law books, the Courts of Justice Committee voted to carry over the idea until next year.

VanValkenburgs bill sparked big concerns from local government associations. It said any type of residential use a local zoning code allows would be deemed all right to use on land zoned for agriculture, conservation or a residential use with large lots, or with other restrictions on what can be built.

It added that no local ordinance could require special use or conditional use permits for housing that would not otherwise need zoning standards for a proposed site.

In addition, any development made under the authority VanValkenburg proposed would have set aside at least 10% of units as affordable homes, for households with income at or below 120% of the areas median income.

That last is the key to the bill  and the unprecedented-in-Virginia proposal to dictate zoning actions to localities that might otherwise reject a development with an affordable housing component, VanValkenburg said.

Were in an affordable housing crisis, he said. California has already done this to deal with their crisis; Montana sees whats coming and has enacted legislation like this.

For Generation Z  adults born in the mid-1990s and on  Richmond is the second-hardest metropolitan region to buy a home, he said, citing a recent New York Times analysis.

If you want to live in western Henrico County, the area I represent, and youre a public servant, youre a working-class American, it is almost next to impossible to buy a house unless you have already had equity from homes you bought before, VanValkenburg said.

Its a regional problem. Its a statewide problem. And its gonna get worse. And I put this bill in because I wanted to get people talking, he said as he moved to continue his proposal rather than see opposition from local government associations lead fellow senators to kill it outright.

We need to fix this now because this problem is only going to get worse and the solutions are only going to get harder, he said.

A payment to prevent development

One measure that would expand, rather than limit local government actions on growth and development issues, has made it through the House and is on the to-do list of the Senate Local Government Committee.

Sponsored by Bulova, D-Fairfax, it would give local governments the power to buy development rights.

Probably the best way to describe the need for the bill is the town of Vienna, Bulova said.

It used to be a lot of relatively modest homes ... over the last couple of decades, speculators buy up individual lots. They go ahead and tear down these relatively small homes and then they build million-dollar homes on top of them, and so that means working-class individuals no longer have a place thats affordable.

His bill would allow localities to pay a property owner in return for the property owners agreement not to redevelop the parcel for at least five years.

The approach is working to preserve open space in many localities, he said.

Today in history: Feb. 9 1942: Joint Chiefs of Staff 1943: Battle of Guadalcanal 1950: Joseph McCarthy 1962: Jamaica 1964: The Beatles 1971: Earthquake 1984: Yuri V. Andropov 1986: Halley's Comet 2002: Princess Margaret 2009: Alex Rodriguez 2020: Parasite 2021: Impeachment 2022: Kamila Valieva
Virginias Senate on Friday endorsed adding ethnicity to the states hate crime laws after Senate Bill 7 cleared the chamber on a vote of 36-0.

The bills patrons signal bipartisanship as well. Proposals from Sens. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, and Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, were rolled into a bill from Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Orange, during review in committees before the measure reached the floor.

Subramanyam said a rise in discrimination against various communities has inspired him to carry the proposal.

My goal behind this was simply to address hate in our community and to make sure that everyone is covered under the statute, he said.

Meanwhile, House Bill 18, by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, is working its way through that chamber. If it clears the House, both bills will be reviewed by the opposite chamber in the back half of legislative session, which is scheduled to end March 9.

From there, Gov. Glenn Youngkin could choose to sign it into law, seek amendments or veto it.

But a veto might be unlikely.

Im very thankful that there seems to be a lot of appetite on both sides of the aisle, Helmer said in a recent interview.

During Youngkins Jan. 10 State of the Commonwealth address, he alluded to the House and Senate proposals without naming them.

Pass a hate crime bill which ensures all forms of antisemitism, not just religious bigotry, are treated as hate crimes under the law, Youngkin said.

A deputy secretary for the administrations Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security expressed support of Reeves bill during a committee meeting last month.

The proposals are the latest attempt to shore up protections or signal support for communities in Virginia that can be subject to discrimination or hate crimes. Supporting Virginias Jewish communities has been a focal point for Youngkins administration.

Last year, the state legislature passed a bill to adopt a definition of antisemitism. But the definition, already embraced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, is not legally binding.

Helmer, who is Jewish, worried that the definition bill would not provide sufficient protection against instances of discrimination or hate crimes.

I said (last year) that we should not take symbolic actions that can act as cover for antisemitism, he said.

While his bill would apply to hate crimes based on any ethnicity, Helmer said it can be especially helpful for Jewish people  who may not necessarily identify with the religion, but whose heritage is connected to the ethnicity and culture.

We need to make sure that the law in Virginia protects Jews and other ethnicities from attacks, Helmer said when he first filed his bill in December.

In the months since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, bias incidents against Muslims and Jews have been on the rise in America.

When a committee heard Helmers bill last week, two people called in during public comment to express concern that the proposal could be applied to people who speak out against Israel amid its conflict with Hamas.

Helmer told the committee and speakers that his bill applies to hate crimes, not speech, and that it would apply to crimes based on someones ethnicity.

It also applies if you beat somebody up because theyre a Muslim, he said.

Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesperson with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said his organization is generally in favor of any legislation that strengthens anti-discrimination laws.

He added that religion and ethnicity can be conflated.

People are often targets for their ethnicity or their perceived ethnicity or their perceived religion, he said, and noted how people who are Sikh are often perceived as Muslim due to the turbans they wear.

Reeves bill will next be reviewed by the House and, should it continue, Helmers bill will be heard by the Senate.

Today in history: Feb. 9 1942: Joint Chiefs of Staff 1943: Battle of Guadalcanal 1950: Joseph McCarthy 1962: Jamaica 1964: The Beatles 1971: Earthquake 1984: Yuri V. Andropov 1986: Halley's Comet 2002: Princess Margaret 2009: Alex Rodriguez 2020: Parasite 2021: Impeachment 2022: Kamila Valieva
Cancun bank robber captured thanks to city surveillance

Cancun, Q.R.  A man reported for stealing a backpack of cash from a bank parking lot has been arrested. The man, identified as Miguel N, was taken into custody from his vehicle Friday after being located by city surveillance.

The victim of the Friday morning bank parking lot robbery in Puerto Cancun was able to provide police with a description of the man and his vehicle. On Friday afternoon, the vehicle described used in the robbery was located on city streets by C5 surveillance.

Police and navy personnel located the red Hyundai involved in the theft of cash in the Puerto Cancun plaza and arrested the driver who was found in possession of bags of cash and cheques.

According to the FGE, the victim had arrived at the bank to make a business deposit when he was robbed. He was approached by a subject who apparently threatened him with a firearm to snatch the backpack in which he had the money, police reported in an official statement.

Upon locating the car, the inspection was carried out where the driver was found with a dark bag with cash as well as a folder with various bank checks of different denominations, one for 61,055 pesos and another for the amount of 40,500 pesos, as well as various bills of denomination of 500 pesos and 1,000 pesos making a total of 735,000 pesos.

A total of 735,000 pesos was found during the arrest. Photo: FGE February 9, 2024.

Police seized the money and the vehicle during the arrest of Miguel N.
Missing American man found bound and blindfolded in Mexican jungle south of Cancun

Bacalar, Q.R.  A New York man who was reported missing was found bound in Mexican jungle. A missing persons report for the American man was released by state officials on February 4 in the Mayan town of Limones in the municipality of Bacalar, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of Cancun.

Military personnel located him in the next-over municipality after an area resident reported suspicious activity.

On February 6, two days after the man went missing, military personnel at a citizen security post along the Noh-Bec-Petcacab highway received citizen information about the presence of a Tulum taxi with three armed men on board entering a jungle area.

State officials issued a missing persons report February 4.

The military men entered the area on foot approximately one kilometer from their post where, about 100 meters in, they found the missing American bound and blindfolded sitting under an old structure.

The military found Joseph Buonincontri bound and blindfolded sitting under an old structure.

Photo: Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional February 6, 2024.

The man has been identified as 35-year-old Joseph Buonincontri from New York. It was only late this week that authorities released information regarding his discovery.

Next to him was his wallet, which contained official identification and gear that included a tactical vest and R-15 holsters left behind by his kidnappers. Military personnel who found Mr. Buonincontri identified themselves as members of the Army, providing him with medical first aid.

On the night of February 6, the State Attorney General reported in a briefing, the FGE Quintana Roo reports that in coordination with Guardia Naction Mexico, SEDENA Mexico and SSC QROO, it located a male person of foreign nationality, reported missing in the town of Limones, municipality of Bacalar.

After the implementation of a search and rescue operation, the person was located in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. After his location, the corresponding investigations are carried out to clarify the facts.

Mr. Buonincontri was provided with first aid while they waited for official authorities to arrive.

Photo: Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional February 6, 2024.

Mr. Buonincontri was not found with any serious injuries. He had been kidnapped from his home in the town of Limones and his family called for $200,000 in ransom. Police have not announced any suspects in the kidnapping.
Kevin Shenkman of Malibu, left, and Scott Rafferty of Walnut Creek specialize in suing cities, school boards and other government agencies under the California Voting Rights Act, which seeks to ensure that racial and ethnic minorities are fairly represented in local government. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle 2023/Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023

A long-running feud between a Bay Area attorney and a rival lawyer in Southern California is spilling over into San Francisco politics, potentially triggering huge changes to the citys public school system  and underscoring flaws in a powerful state law that often allows private attorneys to shape public policy.

Scott Rafferty of Walnut Creek and Kevin Shenkman of Malibu have never liked each other, to say the least. Both specialize in suing cities, school boards and other government agencies under the California Voting Rights Act, which seeks to ensure that racial and ethnic minorities are fairly represented in local government.

In December, the Chronicle published an investigative series on the CVRA, finding that the law is achieving mixed results, sometimes leaving minority voters and candidates worse off than before and shifting millions in taxpayer money to a small group of plaintiffs attorneys.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The law allows attorneys to collect fees when they win or settle a case, and these incentives have produced an explosion of lawsuits and demand letters that are transforming the way Californians vote. Shenkman and a handful of his colleagues have earned $15 million in the past decade. He has sued or threatened to sue at least 175 local jurisdictions throughout California. Meanwhile, Rafferty has targeted 30 local agencies, mostly in the Bay Area.

The two lawyers could not be more different in temperament and style. Shenkman, who grew up in Detroit, quotes rapper Tupac Shakur, drops f-bombs and wisecracks, rides motorcycles for fun and gets right to the point. Rafferty, who went to Princeton, is serious and lugubrious, fond of long digressions. They first clashed in 2017, when Shenkman sent demand letters to a city council and school board in Raffertys home county of Contra Costa and Rafferty publicly questioned the merits of the cases.

Shenkman, shown at UC Law San Francisco, is offering to defend San Francisco schools against Rafferty, free of charge. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle 2023

Since then, in letters and comments to reporters, Rafferty has criticized Shenkman for having carpet-bombed the state with CVRA-related legal threats, saying that Shenkman doesnt back up his claims and picks on small government agencies. One Shenkman case against a tiny town in Santa Barbara County was kind of unconscionable, Rafferty told the Chronicle last year.

Shenkman has said Rafferty lacks his experience with voting rights cases and doesnt know what hes doing. Shenkman got into the field in 2011, taking several CVRA cases to trial and winning large, precedent-setting judgments against cities and school boards. Rafferty handled his first CVRA case six years later, in 2017.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He is a fing moron, Shenkman told the Chronicle in December. And that is on the record.

Now Raffertys disdain for Shenkman appears to have helped lay the ground for a pair of legal threats against San Francisco schools.

Today its Rafferty who is targeting a local school board under the CVRA  and Shenkman is the one offering to defend the schools against Rafferty, free of charge.

Rafferty says the San Francisco Board of Education and the City College of San Francisco board should switch to district elections to empower Black, Asian and Latino voters. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023

Last month, Rafferty, 67, sent demand letters to the San Francisco Board of Education and the City College of San Francisco board, alleging that both institutions are suppressing the voting rights of minorities by conducting at-large elections.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Rafferty said the boards need to junk their current systems and switch to district elections, arguing that the change would empower Black, Asian and Latino voters. Otherwise, he said, he would sue the schools under the CVRA. The school board has hinted that it will cave to Rafferty, settling the case and adopting districts voluntarily; members will be voting on the issue next week.

Both of the boards targeted by Rafferty are racially diverse. The seven-member Board of Education contains Black, Asian American, Middle Eastern, Latino and mixed-race directors, along with two white directors. The City College board has six minority members and one white person.

But Rafferty charged that the boards at-large elections have a discriminatory effect on minority neighborhoods and disserves voters of all races.

He also asked each board to pay him up to $40,000, under a provision of the CVRA that allows plaintiffs attorneys to collect fees when they force a quick settlement. San Francisco taxpayers would be on the hook for those fees.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

According to the text of the law and court precedents, plaintiffs in CVRA cases must prove two things. One, they have to demonstrate a pattern of racially polarized voting  different racial groups voting as blocs in at-large elections. Two, they need to show that those elections dilute the influence of minority voters and that an alternative system such as districts or ranked-choice voting would correct the problem.

Shenkman practices his argument for a California Supreme Court Voting Rights lawsuit against the city of Santa Monica in front of law professors in San Francisco in June 2023. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle 2023

Robert Rubin, the renowned San Francisco civil rights lawyer who co-wrote the CVRA in 2002, said he hasnt read Raffertys letters but doubts that the school board is violating the law Rubin helped create. Rubin is an ally of Shenkman, having worked alongside him on one of the biggest voting rights cases in state history, an ongoing eight-year lawsuit against Santa Monica. Rubin has also been involved with San Franciscos public schools, pushing the 2016 ballot initiative to allow noncitizens to vote for board members.

If theres no racially polarized voting, and theres no analysis, theres no case, Rubin said. Weve gotta protect the sanctity of this law, too. Its a very important law. We dont want it to be trashed by people who are misusing it.

Two other experts on voting rights said they are skeptical of Raffertys claims, explaining that San Francisco elections in recent decades suggest that race isnt usually the driving factor: Ideology and policy have more influence on results, and many candidates have been able to win with votes from other racial groups.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Theres certainly some racially polarized voting  campaigns that target Asian or Latino voters, said Chris Elmendorf, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis. But its not so severe as to prevent minorities from getting elected, when they depend on crossover voting.



He said he thinks the city boards can win if they mount a defense against Rafferty.

San Francisco would be a very hard case to make, agreed J. Morgan Kousser, a history professor at the California Institute of Technology who has testified as an expert witness for Shenkman in six CVRA trials. There are Black candidates, there are Asian candidates who win.

Responded Rafferty, Yes, there are members of the political elite of every ethnicity in San Francisco. Thats true. But this is about the voters. Its about their disengagement from the system, and the fact that they really do not have a dedicated voice in the governance of the board.

Rafferty portrayed himself in the letters as an ally of the schools. He suggested he is actually trying to protect them  against possible legal action from his rival.

My practice differs from Mr. Shenkman in almost every possible respect, Rafferty noted.

Rafferty, who went to Princeton, is a serious speaker fond of long digressions. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023

Under the rules of the CVRA, the first lawyer to send a demand letter gets priority for the $40,000 fee. Shenkman, Rafferty wrote, has sent so many letters throughout the state that the Malibu attorney or some other lawyer was all but certain to target San Francisco at some point  unless Rafferty threatened to sue the boards first.

Thats batshit nuts, Shenkman said. In his paranoid mind, he thought that me or someone else might beat him to it.

Shenkman, 45, said he has never considered suing any organization in the city under the CVRA: Nothing in San Francisco is, or has ever been, on our radar. Because the citys politics are famously complex and multiracial, he said, it would probably be challenging to prove that minority voters are being harmed.

In fact, Shenkman said, hes so bothered by Raffertys letters that he would be glad to defend the Board of Education free of charge: Im 100% serious. He said he conveyed the offer to a legal colleague who represents the board but isnt sure it was conveyed. The colleague did not respond to the Chronicles requests for comment.

During a Friday interview, the Chronicle told Rafferty about Shenkmans offer to defend the schools. Rafferty laughed softly.

Im not surprised, he said. But fine.

Rafferty also blamed the Chronicle for spurring the demand letters, writing that the newspapers series, which focused on Shenkman, raised the profile of the CVRA and made legal action against the schools all but inevitable.

His language echoes several long email critiques he sent to the Chronicle after its investigation was published. In a December phone call, Rafferty complained that the stories made him look like a lightweight compared with Shenkman.

On Friday, Rafferty defended his allegations against the San Francisco boards. He said his research has found racial disparities in voter turnout and preference, showing that the needs of Latino and Asian neighborhoods have been ignored. He pointed to the 2022 recall of three school board members, which was heavily supported by Latino and Asian voters. If minority voters had wanted those members on the board in the first place, he said, there wouldnt have been a recall.

Latinos, Asians and white people are currently underrepresented on the school board, compared with their numbers across the city, while Black and Middle Eastern communities are overrepresented. This means that Latino, Asian and white voters could see gains under district elections, at a cost to other groups. A map of the home addresses of board members shows that several notable areas of the city, including the Tenderloin, South of Market and Marina, have no representative living there.

While the experts on California election law said they are skeptical that Raffertys allegations against the schools have merit, they acknowledged that it can be expensive and time-consuming to dispute a CVRA allegation, and the school board might decide to settle rather than absorb those risks.

Shenkman, shown at UC Law San Francisco, grew up in Detroit and is known as a blunt speaker. Michaela Vatcheva/Special to the Chronicle 2023

San Francisco schools are at a fiscal crossroads after overspending for years, with the possibility of a state takeover in the coming year or two unless they figure out how to avoid a $400 million deficit.

According to the law, if the school board switches to districts and pays Rafferty $40,000, it gets immunity from any CVRA lawsuit  even if the new districts dont end up helping minority voters and candidates, which is possible.

This is the persistently messed-up thing about the CVRA, Elmendorf said. As long as the target of a lawsuit adopts districts, they cannot be sued. It is a get-out-of-jail-free card.

The Chronicle investigation found that dozens of local governments have settled questionable CVRA claims because they cant afford to risk a ruinous lawsuit. While in theory CVRA cases are supposed to be hashed out in court, in practice the laws outcomes are often driven by the choices and personalities of plaintiffs attorneys.

Rafferty has previously blasted Shenkman for making allegations against school boards without performing a detailed analysis of voting patterns. In a 2017 missive, for instance, Rafferty told a school board in Contra Costa County that typically, Mr. Shenkman asserts that a district has racially polarized voting without a scintilla of evidence.

The Chronicle investigation found that Shenkmans demand letters tend to be three or four pages of mostly legal boilerplate, with some examples of local election results to back up claims of racial discrimination. Raffertys letters, in contrast, can run to 20 pages, with charts and voting statistics. He prides himself on his research and the fact that hes not going after small players, he said last year. I go after the meanest, the baddest.

But Raffertys January letters are uncharacteristically brief. In his demands to the San Francisco school and community college boards, he gives no evidence of racially polarized voting or vote dilution, promising only that he will be providing detail in the coming weeks. He doesnt discuss recent election results, unlike Shenkman.

Shenkman said this shows that Rafferty has no idea if theres a violation or not, he said. Its dangerous.

Rafferty, shown with his dog at his home in Walnut Creek, sent demand letters to the San Francisco Board of Education and the City College of San Francisco board, alleging they suppressed the voting rights of minorities by conducting at-large elections. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023

Rafferty acknowledged to the Chronicle that he is trying a new tactic.

Ive always given a lot of detail in demand letters, he said. And it hasnt gotten me much respect. It just hasnt been valued. That was one of the big takeaways from your story. He referred to the Chronicles December profile of Shenkman, which was headlined, Hero or opportunist? Malibu lawyer remakes California voting.

Rafferty continued, What was he called? A hero?  But I have the evidence. I would have been delighted to present it. The school and community college boards, however, havent even spoken to me.

Another reason Rafferty sent the letters hastily, without evidence, also appears to involve the rivalry with Shenkman. Rafferty said that twice before, in Concord and Victorville (San Bernardino County), he had poured up to 100 hours into researching CVRA violations and attending public hearings, only to find that Shenkman had sent an earlier demand letter to those cities. When that happens, the attorney who postmarked his letter first gets priority  and the money.

I never want to be preempted again, Rafferty said Friday. Ive turned this case down multiple times. More people have come to me about San Francisco than anyplace else. I just decided Im not going to be living in fear of what people are going to say.
Risky billboards around Cancun removed after winds

Cancun, Q.R.  The city of Cancun has removed at least three large billboards after recent winds downed several. Mayor Ana Paty Peralta oversaw the removal of the selected billboards that were dismantled using large machinery.

Peralta says three overly large billboards were taken down on Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard and Jose Lopez Portillo Avenue by municipal authorities given that they represented a risk to citizens.

Peralta was accompanied by other municipal authorities including the head of Civil Protection, Antonio Riveroll Ribbon who supervised the dismantling of one of the poles on Blvd. Colosio.

A wind-battered billboard is being dismantled by city officials. Photo: H. Ayuntamiento de Benito Juarez February 8, 2024.

We have requested the support the Mexican Society of Structural Engineering who are the experts in structures to make an opinion in conjunction with Civil Protection and to know which ones represent a risk to the safety of the people of Cancun, Peralta said.

Machinery was used to dismantle three large billboards deemed to be at risk of collapsing in strong winds.

Photo: H. Ayuntamiento de Benito Juarez February 8, 2024.

The billboards were removed after one similar such advertisement collapsed at its base last week during a day of extremely strong winds. The massive sign fell onto a passing motorist, crushing the vehicle.
Roof fire in Jose Maria Morelos leaves secondary school in ruins

Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R.  A roof fire in Jose Maria Morelos left an entire secondary school in ruins. The late night fire happened at the Andres Quintana Roo Federal Secondary School in Jose Maria Morelos when a palapa began to burn.

The palapa section of the school, which was used as a both a large classroom and storage area, caught fire and quickly spread to other areas.

Despite the efforts of firefighters, the palapa was a total loss, however, a majority of the exterior classrooms surrounding the building were not affected. Civil Protection and Jose Maria Morelos are working to determine a cause.

The palapa area that burned housed costumes that were to be used for the Carnaval celebrations currently taking place around the state.
Tulum promotes itself in OTM Mumbai 2024 Asian fair

Tulum, Q.R.  Tulum is participating in the OTM Mumbai 2024 with a Riviera Maya information kiosk. The municipality is promoting its destination to Indian travelers during the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) tourism fair in Mumbai.

Tulums Directorate of Tourism met with Indian media as well as the directors of Turkish Airlines, who are also participating in the Asia-based tourist fair.

Tulum is there with the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) from February 8 to 10. OTM is the main travel fair in India and Asia Pacific which is being held at the majestic Jio World Convention Center to more than 1,250 exhibitors from more than 50 countries.

Mayor Diego Castanon Trejo wanted to participate to position Tulum as the best Hindu wedding tourist destination.

Companies and professionals from the travel and tourism industry including tour operators, wedding organizers, film producers, representatives of travel agencies, airlines, hotels, as well as national and state tourism organizations, participated in the 2024 Fair.

Tulums participation was also an opportunity to attract new investments that contribute to diversifying the economy of Tulum and Quintana Roo in the information technology, automotive, electromobility, aerospace and biotechnology sectors, where infrastructures such as the Maya Train and the Tulum Airport will play a key role.
Montgomery County  and farther southwest, Galax  stand out on a new population map of Southwest Virginia. They are the only islands of growth in a region where the number of residents has fallen since 2020.

I think Montgomery County has continued to experience population growth because of many factors, the biggest factor being the quality of life we have to offer our citizens, board of supervisors Chairwoman Mary Biggs wrote in an email Thursday.

According to numbers released last week by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Montgomery County grew by 571 people between 2020 and July of last year. That was an increase of 0.6% to a total estimated population of 101,894, including students at Virginia Tech.

The Weldon Cooper Center, based at the University of Virginia, produces the population estimates used by Virginias state government to allocate money and services.

Last weeks report found that while Virginias total population grew, the increase was concentrated in the eastern and northern parts of the commonwealth.

In nearly all of Southwest Virginia, from Roanoke County west to Kentucky, population has declined since 2020, the Weldon Cooper Center reported.

Besides Montgomery County, the regions only other exception was the city of Galax. It grew by 102 people to 6,720 residents.

Roanoke lost 966 people, or 1% of its population, between 2020 and 2023, the Weldon Cooper Center found. The citys population was estimated last year at 99,045.

Salems population fell by 1.4% to 24,985. Roanoke County dropped 0.4% to 96,519. Botetourt County also slid 0.4% to 33,466. Franklin County tumbled 0.5% to 54,182. Craig County went down 0.8% to 4,855.

In the New River Valley, Floyd County declined 2.9% to 15,025. Giles County dropped 1.1% to 16,610. Pulaski County fell 1.8% to 33,203.

Radfords count, which includes Radford University students, was 4.3% lower with 16,854 people.

Births continued to be fewer than deaths in each county and city across both the Roanoke and New River valleys between 2020 and 2023, the Weldon Cooper Center found.

Montgomery Countys growth during those years was driven by migration  while the county had 277 more deaths than births, it also had 848 more people move into the county than moved away.

Biggs wrote that newcomers are drawn by jobs at Tech and at businesses in the county, and by general quality of life concerns.

They find a community that is investing in its infrastructure and services that our citizens need and expect, including education, public safety, recreation and more, Biggs wrote. Increased medical care and cultural opportunities, regional cooperation between local governments and Tech, and the areas natural beauty also are positives for the county, Biggs wrote.

Most of the localities in the New River and Roanoke valleys also had migration counts that were a net positive, but were not large enough to offset the gap between births and deaths.

In its report, the Weldon Cooper Center framed the new numbers as showing lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and fitting into a national picture of slowed population growth. Virginias overall growth in the past year, like the United States as a whole, was about half a percent.

For Virginia, this was the lowest annual growth since the Civil War, the center found.

Initially, the pandemic caused the number of deaths to spike and immigration to drop, both slowing population growth temporarily.  A more lasting impact of the pandemic has been high levels of migration continuing to flow out of Virginias large metro areas into smaller metro areas and rural counties, the centers report said.

However, the rural areas receiving most of the population outflow were not in Southwest Virginia, but were closer to Northern Virginia and Richmond. Since 2020, Virginias four fastest-growing counties were New Kent, Goochland, Louisa and Caroline, all in or adjacent to the Richmond Metropolitan area, the centers report said.

Virginia, like many states to the north, has seen people leaving large metro areas for southern states, which have seen population growth accelerate since the pandemic, the report said.

But Southwest Virginia may be about to see a shift in its population trends, said Hamilton Lombard, estimates program manager for the Weldon Cooper Center.

A longer-term look at the numbers shows that the regions population declines are partly a legacy of past out-migration that left an unbalanced age distribution, Lombard said Thursday. Southwest Virginias population skews older than some parts of Virginia, and very few young people are moving in, compared to other areas, he said.

However, much of Southwest Virginia is now seeing more people arriving than leaving, and as that number grows, it may soon be more significant than the mismatch between births and deaths.

For most of the region, the arrival of newcomers still is small numbers but definitely a change from where it was at the start of the decade, Lombard said.

Roanokes population drop seems like those in urban areas across the country, where a slow recovery from the Great Recession prompted millennials to continue renting for longer than had been usual  and where that population is now moving outside city limits to buy homes of their own, Lombard said.

But in areas around the city, like Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke counties, growth probably will resume soon, Lombard said.

Considering Southwest Virginia as a whole, Lombard said that he could not predict how quickly population trends would reverse. It could be another one or two years, or even a decade, he said.

Its still hard to know where were at with changes since 2020, Lombard said.

Weldon Coopers announcement of its findings, along with its data, is posted on its website.
, ,         2015 ,      -        .

   .                 ,    .

 ,   ,   ,      ,      .   .           .

    ,  -     ,  8       .

        .             ,   , ,         ,   .

         ,        ,   ,      2023     .

              ,      .           ,  ,   ,  ,       .

     ,                2022 .       .

      ,     ,          .        ,     .     .      .

 ,    - ,   ,      ?    ,     ,  .    ,  []       .

     .         ,      .       ,     ,    ,       .  ,     ,      .

   

58- ,          ,      ,      ,        ,    -.

     ,     .   2014                  ,        ()    .

             .

     .

       ,     ,   .       ,     .    .

 2019       .              2022 ,    .     24       ,    ,    ,     ,          .

   ,   ,           2022 .

     ,           2022-   2023 ,               - .

          ,      ,          ,    ,        .     ( )       ,     .

 ,     10   ,      ,    ,    .

       ,       ,     ,    ,  7  Frontelligence Insight,   ,     .           .

  2023      ,        .       - ,       .         ,    .

   ,        .

  ,  ,  ,  ,    ,         .      , ,   - .

             Economist   ,        .   ,     . ,          ,     ,    ,        .

        ,         500    ,     .

 ,            ,        .          ,            .

    , ,  ,       ,  ,         ,       , -    .

   ?

          .         .

     ,    ,   ,    ,    , ,    ,     .     .     ,      ,   .   ,        .

,     ,        ,       ,      .,    .

          .  ,   ,  - .       .          .

                    .

      !  !   .           .  ,      ,      .  ,  ,         .

          ,   " "         .    :  ,      ,              .

:   ()    ()         .      .
FLORENCE, S.C.  Wilson High School students got a taste of Italy for lunch Wednesday as part of Chartwells Global Eats Program.

The food was served from Florence One Schools food truck  with a Florence, Italy, sign hung from the side. Each student had a chance to sample a cheese tortellini with bolognaise sauce. A full serving of the Italian staple will be served up to students in April.

Thats part of this whole program we put together with Chartwells that creates all the food for the cafeterias in this district, they want to get global cuisine to their children and educate them on the different flavor profiles that Italian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Indian cuisine and Mexican cuisine  they put together this whole program and included me, said Michael Toscano, chef and owner of Le Farfalle in Charleston and Da Toscano in New York City.

For each country that we visit during Global Eats, Chartwells has a celebrity chef that represents that country, said Angela Price, resident district manager. We are excited to welcome chef Toscano as the representative of Italy. He is a very experienced chef who has a restaurant right here in South Carolina. Wilson was the first school in the district to host a Global Eats event last school year so it feels like we have come full circle with this event.

Joining Toscano will be Florence 1s executive chef Katrina Smith and Chartwells K12 regional chef Imani Colclough, a graduate of West Florence High School.

Chef Imania does guest spots on television and now our students can watch him work in person, Price said. They will be inspired by the fact that he is someone from Florence who loved cooking and now he is working as a regional chef. Thats a huge thing.

Were getting health and culture at the same time for our kids to have in the cafeteria, Toscano said. Its a fresh pasta made with good ingredients filled with real cheese and topped with a great meat sauce that has meat that was cooked for this batch of sauce. Its beautiful stuff, really impressive what Chartwells is able to bring to our schools.

Food is magical. Food is special. Food is so special to me these kids are going to have this at their fingerprints. This takes them to another place, Toscano said. Theyre here to learn to enjoy the taste and flavors from all over the world and it allows them to learn about the geography of Italy and all the places in the boot. This is inspired from Bologna, the Emilia-Romagna region. It immediately makes the brain want to go and travel and taste and make them excited about being in school.

Were trying to decide if kids like it. It seems like they like Italy pretty good, Smith said as she loaded out trays of tortellini. We do have the review coming up soon.

A quick survey Wednesday showed that out of 11 trays pre-prepared, four had been served up less than 15 minutes into the event.

A lot of these kids havent been out of Florence or South Carolina. Were actually teaching them to eat around the world, Smith said.

The students who lined up for the taste seemed to be eager learners.

After the Global Eats program, Advantage Academy students had additional time to meet and talk with Toscano, who prepared an additional dish for them  a Caprese sandwich.
If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE).
Gessler has 18 years of experience in the financial and banking industry, according to a press release from Security National Bank.

Gessler is involved in the community as an executive board member for the St. Florian Burn and Fire Foundation, which raises money for the Miracle Burn Camp held at Camp Foster in Okoboji, Iowa. She also volunteers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Unity Point Health  St. Lukes Hospital.
SIOUX CITY  The 98-year-old former Swift & Co. turkey plant is on the market again, at an asking price of $140,000. A city demolition order on the property remains in effect.

If the building, 1804 Dace Ave., sells at that price, it would be the first time in decades that it fetched a higher price than it last sold for. Over the last 25 years, the building's price has declined precipitously each time it sold, most recently for $40,000 in 2020.

"I think that property, once it's put back together, it has pretty good opportunity," said Brett Sichmeller, a realtor with the Sioux Falls firm of Alpine Companies and the building's listing agent. Alpine listed the 42,360-square-foot building last fall.

Sichmeller said he visited the building -- a relic of Sioux City's iconic stockyards -- on Wednesday of this week to do a virtual walk-through and for architectural renderings.

"My personal thought is indoor storage," he said of possible end-uses for the commercial property, though he noted that a buyer might have any number of redevelopment ideas.

The long neglected, four-story, brick-and-concrete structure, painted a shade of beige, graffitied and with many of its windows broken, has been vacant for years. It was built in 1926 as a "produce plant," in the parlance of that day, where Swift churned out eggs, milk, butter and cheese. (Various real estate and property-record listings incorrectly claim the structure was built in 1900.)

Former Swift building The former Swift turkey processing plant is shown in this Journal file photo. The plant, built in 1926, is currently on the market for $140,000.

Swift later used the building as a turkey plant; the meatpacker moved out in 1980. From that point it was occupied by a variety of businesses until about 2011, when its last known occupant moved out.

"It needs to be cleaned out and cleaned up," Sichmeller said of the interior.

The building is structurally sound in spite of its dilapidation; the city ordered it demolished last year due in part to frequent break-ins, which is particularly undesirable given the number of hazards within the building. The city has had to frequently engage contractors to have the building's doors welded shut or boarded up, but trespassers have continually re-entered it, thus requiring the city to once again seal up the doors that were broken down.

Sioux City Code Enforcement Manager Darrel Bullock told The Journal Friday the building remains red-tagged and the demolition order is still in place.

"We've sent letters out, and reached out, phone calls to the owner," Bullock said. "And he has made promises that he would keep it secured and figure out what he was going to do to develop it, but nothing has come from that."

The building's owner is a Harrisburg, South Dakota entity called DLRS Properties Inc.

Sichmeller said the property has received inquiries from prospective buyers.

"It's going to take the right person to be able to get it, be able to put the money back into it, in order to get it in operating condition again," he said. "I think it's just an undertaking there, you know, to be able to get that back to good condition."
Foreign leaders, heads of int'l organizations extend best wishes for Chinese New Year of Dragon

Xinhua) 10:23, February 10, 2024

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year of the Dragon is approaching, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations have sent their festive blessings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and the Chinese people, voicing their expectations for stronger bilateral relations and win-win cooperation with China.

Noting his belief that relations between Indonesia and China will be stronger, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the two countries will continue to build a mutually beneficial and win-win partnership.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said that China is playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Expressing his expectations for bilateral cooperation to reach new heights, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that he is looking forward to forging the next "golden 30 years" of Kazakhstan-China relations.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said he is glad to see China making steady progress on the path of sustainable development and enhancing its international status and influence.

The ancient Silk Road connecting Syria and China showcases China's splendid culture and long history, said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, adding that Syria stands ready to jointly open up broad prospects for Syria-China cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Wishing the Chinese people happiness and good health, Senegalese President Macky Sall said Senegal will as always firmly adhere to the one-China principle.

President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera said the new great achievements of Chinese-style modernization will bring new opportunities to the world and new hope to the vast number of developing countries, as well as provide strong assistance for the Central African people to realize their dreams. The Central African Republic is willing to work with China to build a community of shared future with high quality.

President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan said China has achieved unprecedented development achievements, noting that Seychelles highly values its traditional friendship with China, unswervingly pursues the one-China policy, and supports China's peaceful reunification.

Noting the Serbia-China comprehensive strategic partnership is unbreakable, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he believes China in the Year of the Dragon will continue to forge ahead in all respects with strength, wisdom, and innovation, and realize the Chinese Dream at an early date.

Hungary will continue to actively participate in Belt and Road cooperation and the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries to promote the development of Europe-China relations, said Hungarian President Katalin Novak.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus reiterates its adherence to the one-China policy and always firmly supports the development of Europe-China relations.

Noting that for the first time, the Lunar New Year is part of the UN holiday calendar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his thanks to China and the Chinese people for their unwavering support to the United Nations, to multilateralism and global progress.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Santiago Jacobo, an employee of Pleasant Hill Park, was found stabbed to death Saturday morning. Courtesy of Maria Jacobo Santiago Jacobo leaves behind his children, son Santiago and daughter Mikaela, and his wife, Alejandra Jacobo. Courtesy of Maria Jacobo

An employee of a Pleasant Hill park was found stabbed to death Saturday morning, according to the citys Police Department.

Officers responded to a report of an unconscious man lying on the ground of the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park at about 4:50 a.m. and determined that he had died of stab wounds, police said.

Police identified the victim as Pittsburg resident Santiago Jacobo, 37, a member of the parks janitorial staff who had been working late Friday night in the park, at 147 Gregory Lane. His wife, Alejandra Jacobo, who became concerned when he did not return from his shift, found his body and called 911, police said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The park was closed Saturday morning during the investigation, and police asked people to avoid the area.

Police do not have a suspect in the stabbing and urge anyone with information to contact the investigations bureau at 925-288-4630. Members of Jacobos family are working with investigators, police said.

Santiago Jacobo, shown with son Santiago and daughter Mikaela, was found stabbed to death at Pleasant Hill Park. Courtesy of Maria Jacobo

In addition to his wife, Jacobo is survived by two children, son Santiago and daughter Mikaela, according to his sister-in-law, Maria Jacobo, who organized a GoFundMe account to cover the familys funeral costs and other expenses. As of Feb. 21, the account had raised more than $40,000.

It feels so unreal how his life was taken in such a violent and cowardly way, Maria Jacobo wrote on the GoFundMe page. Santiago was a kind hardworking man and will be missed by many loved ones.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

It was Pleasant Hills first homicide since April 2023, when a Concord man was shot dead outside a sports bar.
LE MARS, Iowa  The Floyd Valley Foundation and Floyd Valley Healthcare Education will host their second annual Womens Evening Out in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center on April 4.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. There will be womens health and informational booths, gourmet appetizers and drinks.

Speaker Maggi Thorne will give the keynote address with the theme of Never Give Up!

Thorne is a seven-time competitor for the Emmy-nominated show American Ninja Warrior, second mom up the warped wall and first mom to beat the salmon ladder, Ninja Warrior Las Vegas finalist, two-time Team Ninja Warrior competitor and two-time NBC Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge competitor, according to the press release.

Individual seats, $40 per person, or tables of eight, $320, can be reserved beginning Feb. 12. Reservations are necessary; tickets will not be sold at door. Please contact Amy Harnack, foundation manager, at 712-546-3348 or amy.harnack@floydvalley.org.
The Sioux City Journal took third place for general excellence among the state's largest newspapers at the Iowa Newspaper Association's 2024 Iowa Better Newspaper Contest. The Journal won 17 awards including first for Best Website and first in the Best Feature Story category for our coverage of the fatal police shooting of Michael Meredith in Sergeant Bluff. Take a look at the other stories from the past year-plus that won awards.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Zainab al-Zein was forced to make a desperate decision: Feed her infant daughter solid foods that her tiny body may not be able to digest or watch her starve because of a lack of baby formula in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Al-Zein chose to give 2-month-old Linda solids, knowing the choice could lead to health issues.

I know we are doing something harmful to her, but there is nothing, said al-Zein, feeding her wailing daughter crushed biscuits in the cold tent they now call home. She cries and cries continuously.

The war between Israel and Gaza's 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 resort 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.

Displaced Palestinians are also being squeezed into ever tighter areas of the tiny coastal enclave, prompting outbreaks of illness and disease, to which malnourished children are particularly vulnerable. The U.N. says the population is at imminent risk of famine, with a quarter of people already starving.

For Palestinians enduring increasingly dire conditions, the most basic of acts  such as changing a childs diaper  have become a luxury that can require sacrifice.

I sold my childrens food so I can buy diapers, said Raafat Abu Wardeh, who has two children in diapers.

Aid is not reaching everyone, and shortages of basic goods have caused prices to skyrocket. With Gaza's economy decimated, few Palestinians have regular incomes and most are either depleting their savings or subsisting on handouts.

At makeshift street stalls, older children working as hawkers sell individual diapers for three to five shekels ($1 to $1.50) or entire packs for up to 170 shekels ($46). A pack of diapers before the war cost 12 shekels ($3.50).

The prices of diapers are very ridiculous, said Anis al-Zein, who was buying them along a street in central Deir al-Balah and is not related to Zainab. A child costs you 20 shekels ($5) a day. Especially in a bad situation like this, all prices are high and there is no income for people. There isnt even aid.

Some parents are using cloth diapers, but those require washing with water, which is also scarce.

Mohammed al-Khatib, the local program manager for the U.K.-based Medical Aid for Palestinians, said some people have been forced to buy smaller diapers and tape them together.

Lack of fresh produce, the proliferation of unregulated food stalls and cold weather has contributed to the spread of illness, including respiratory infections, skin rashes and diarrhea. It is winter, and the kids are wet most of the time, al-Khatib said.

The war, triggered by the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas assault on southern Israel, has unleashed unimaginable destruction, with more than 27,000 Palestinians killed and close to 67,000 wounded in Israels offensive, according to local health officials.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza does not differentiate in its count between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of those killed were women and children. Israel blames Hamas for the high death toll because the group carries out attacks and militant activities in residential areas.

The Hamas attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel, most of them civilians, and roughly 250 were taken hostage.

The lack of diapers has added to the poor sanitary conditions for the estimated 1.7 million displaced Palestinians, many of whom are crammed into overcrowded shelters.

The United Nations childrens agency UNICEF said this week that most of the newly displaced have only 50-67 ounces of water a day to drink, cook and wash. It said chronic diarrhea among children was ticking up.

UNICEF says aid deliveries into Gaza are not meeting the vast needs.

The agency estimates 20,000 infants up to 6 months old need formula, which UNICEF has been delivering along with necessities that have also included diapers and cash.

This is far from being enough to address the colossal needs of the children in Gaza, said UNICEF spokesperson Ammar Ammar.

The needs of infants are part of a broader threat to all 335,000 children in Gaza under 5 years old, who are at high risk of severe malnutrition and preventable death, UNICEF said.

For many families in Gaza, the threat of dying from hunger is already real, Ammar said.

The U.N. humanitarian office said Wednesday that recent screenings show that nearly 10% of children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, a 12-fold increase from before the war. The rate is even higher in northern Gaza, which has been largely cut off from aid for months.

For Zainab al-Zein, the difficult choice to feed her now-4-month-old baby crushed biscuits and ground rice instead of formula has meant frequent trips to the local hospital, which like Gaza's health care system at large is under deep strain from the war.

This is known, of course, as unhealthy eating, and we know that it causes her intestinal distress, bloating and colic, said al-Zein as Linda cried ceaselessly. What can I do?
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.

Theyve 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 thats too hot, you really burn your mouth. Thats how my mouth feels 24/7, Feldman said.

She has lowered the dose with her doctors 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 whats called the maximum tolerated dose.

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 drugs  like the one Feldman takes  which 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 bodys 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, FDA spokesperson Chanapa Tantibanchachai said.

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.

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 whether 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 cant 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.

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.

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 its not going to work.

Types of cancer on the rise Types of cancer on the rise #10. Corpus and uterus cancer #9. Pancreatic cancer #8. Acute lymphocytic leukemia #7. Kidney and renal pelvis cancer #6. Skin cancer (excluding basal and squamous) #5. Tongue cancer #4. Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer #3. Tonsil cancer #2. Thyroid cancer #1. Oropharyngeal cancer
WASHINGTON  How it began: President Joe Biden was urgently seeking more money from Congress to aid Ukraine and Israel. He took a gamble by seizing on GOP demands to simultaneously address one of his biggest political liabilities  illegal migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

How it ended: Biden came close to succeeding, before it all fell apart spectacularly. Now the president is trying to make the best of it after a major congressional deal was scuttled once Republican front-runner Donald Trump got involved. And Biden is intent on showing that the former president and his Make America Great Again" Republican acolytes in Congress aren't really interested in solutions.

In between: There is a story of a president willing to anger his own partys activist class in an election year, rare hope for bipartisan progress on one of the third rails of American politics, and a sudden, stunning collapse publicly engineered by Trump that Biden's team now sees as a political gift.

This account of Biden's big gamble is based on interviews with more than a dozen White House aides, lawmakers, Biden administration officials and congressional aides, some of whom spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the back and forth over the collapsed deal, and what happens next.

The bipartisan legislative deal announced Sunday evening was the culmination of more than four months of negotiations that started with Senate Democrats and Republicans, and later included top Biden aides and Cabinet officials. It came after Republicans, led by then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, backed a temporary spending deal that kept the government operating but delivered no new funding for Ukraine.

McCarthy had insisted to the White House that any effort to continue U.S. funding for Ukraine needed to be linked to significant steps to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, long a GOP priority. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Biden's most valuable Republican ally when it came to Ukraine aid, also began appealing to senior administration officials for the spending measure to include border provisions.

Inside the White House, there was no shortage of grumbling that Republicans were insisting on unrelated policy changes and holding up badly needed money for the Ukrainian armed forces.

But Biden and his advisers saw a potential upside as well, at a time when the president's handling of immigration was one of his biggest political vulnerabilities and there were chaotic scenes at the border and in major Democratic-run cities where migrants are sleeping in police station foyers, bus stations and hotels.

Before long McCarthy was ousted and it took weeks to elect a replacement. New House Speaker Mike Johnson, elected Oct. 25, made clear that he, too, wanted to pair border security with any new Ukraine funding.

While the House was in disarray, a group of bipartisan senators quietly got to work.

The White House kept its distance until senior officials felt it was the right time to get directly involved, but there was also pressure from Republicans for them to join the talks. GOP lawmakers insisted it was necessary for Biden to expend some political capital and embrace a border compromise that could be unpopular with parts of his own party.

On Dec. 12, the White House dispatched senior officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, to join the negotiations. The idea was to underscore Bidens seriousness about cutting a deal with Republicans.

Immediately after the Republicans demanded that the administration show up, they showed up, said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., one the negotiators.

Difficult negotiations stretched into 2024. But there were signs of progress and Biden was optimistic. So much so that on Jan. 18, he said he didn't think there were any sticking points left.

In an effort to push the bill forward, Biden even adopted Trumps own language saying hed shut down the border if given the power  a stunning admission from a Democrat that was quickly and loudly condemned by activists in his own party.

The deal that emerged would have overhauled the asylum system to provide faster and tougher immigration enforcement, as well as given presidents new powers to immediately expel migrants if authorities become overwhelmed with the number of people applying for asylum. It also would have added $20 billion in funding, a huge influx of cash.

It was never entirely clear what the White House strategy was to advance the border compromise in the House should it make it out of the Senate.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said it was a mistake that the White House didnt negotiate with House Republicans directly, but that even so, if the deal "actually sealed the border, it couldve sailed through.

Enter the former president. At a rally in Nevada on Jan. 27  after solidifying his position as the far and away GOP front-runner  Trump said his piece: As the leader of our party, there is zero chance I will support this horrible open borders betrayal of America. Ill fight it all the way.

A lot of the senators are trying to say, respectfully, theyre blaming it on me, Trump added, followed by the 10 words that made Biden aides light up: I say, thats OK. Please blame it on me. Please.

Its far from assured that Bidens efforts to pin the blame on Trump will stick.

Biden, though, has his plan: 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."

Americas reeling as flow of migrants reaches historic levels
Pairs of oxen pull a boat-shaped float with an iconic century-old sacred image of Virgin Mary breastfeeding infant Jesus standing on the bow, during the Our Lady of Remedies procession in the small town of Lamego, in the Douro River Valley, Portugal, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. One of Portugal's largest and oldest religious festivals, the two-week celebrations that culminate with the procession, draw thousands. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

A horse rider holds a Mongolian flag during a traditional performance at a cultural event organized for the media and entourage following Pope Francis' visit to Mongolia, at the Mongolia Cultural Park, some 40 kilometers out of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Dean Wiberg, right, volunteers at the evangelical Crossroads Chapel tent, which distributes thousands of free Bibles during the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn., on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. For many faith communities, the fair has long been an opportunity to reach a diverse crowd that can top two million. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell'Orto)

Maya Johnson, 7, of New York, is playfully swung into the lake by her friends during Camp Be'chol Lashon, a sleepaway camp for Jewish children of color, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Petaluma, Calif., at Walker Creek Ranch. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Lebanese Maronite Christian Patriarch Beshara al-Rai, second left, leads the sermon to commemorate the Feast of the Transfiguration in the Cedars of God forest, in the northeast mountain town of Bcharre, Lebanon, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. For Lebanon's Christians, the cedars are sacred, these tough evergreen trees that survive the mountain's harsh snowy winters. They point out with pride that Lebanon's cedars are mentioned 103 times in the Bible. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A girl watches the sunset over the scenic Kadisha Valley, a holy landmark for Lebanon's Maronite Christians, in the northeast mountain town of Bcharre, Lebanon, Friday, July 21, 2023. For Lebanon's Christians, the cedars are sacred, these tough evergreen trees that survive the mountain's harsh snowy winters. They point out with pride that Lebanon's cedars are mentioned 103 times in the Bible. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Members of the Hebrew Israelite community rally outside of the District Court in Beersheba, Israel, ahead of a hearing on the deportation orders for dozens from their community, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Over the decades, the community has made inroads into Israeli society, and most of them have citizenship or residency rights. But 130 members remain undocumented, and Israeli authorities have ordered them to leave. The orders have left dozens of people, some of whom have lived most of their lives in Israel, in an uncertain legal limbo.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A Star of David hands from a fence outside the dormant landmark Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood on Thursday, July 13, 2023, the day a federal jury announced they had found Robert Bowers, who in 2018 killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue, eligible for the death penalty. The next stage of the trial with present further evidence and testimony on whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison. It stands as the deadliest attack on Jewish people in U.S. history. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar/File)

The memorial of the Rev. Maxim Andre of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, on the peninsula of Kalaupapa, Hawaii, on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Palaniswami climbs the rocks along the Wailua river, which is sacred to many Native Hawaiians, at Kauai's Hindu Monastery on July 13, 2023, in Kapaa, Hawaii. The monastery was founded by guru Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami in 1970. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Palaniswami stands at the base of a Rudraksha tree, which produces a bright blue fruit at the Kauai Hindu Monastery on July 10, 2023, in Kapaa, Hawaii. The monks who reside at the temple monastery practice Shaivism, one of the major Hindu traditions, which worships Shiva as the supreme being. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Worshippers attend a Mass in the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, July 9, 2023. With tourism reaching or surpassing pre-pandemic levels across Southern Europe this summer, iconic sacred sites struggle to find ways to accommodate both the faithful who come to pray and millions of increasingly secular visitors attracted by art and architecture. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A worker asks to a tour guide person to stop taking photos to tourists due to the start of the praying time at Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. With tourism reaching or surpassing pre-pandemic levels across Southern Europe this summer, iconic sacred sites struggle to find ways to accommodate both the faithful who come to pray and millions of increasingly secular visitors attracted by art and architecture. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Firewalkers dance across a bed of burning coals in a ritual in honor of St. Constantine in the village of Lagkadas, Greece on Monday, May 22, 2023. Firewalking is the most spectacular and public of these annual rituals that also include dancing with icons, prayer, and shared meals by associations of devotees of the Christian Orthodox saint called "anastenaria" that have held similar celebrations for centuries. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell'Orto)

A sandstorm rolls into Dimona, Israel, as the Hebrew Israelite community marks New World Passover, an annual celebration of their 1967 exodus from the United States, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Now, dozens of their members are facing the threat of deportation. The community do not consider themselves Jewish, but they claim an ancestral connection to the Holy Land. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A shoe that belonged to a child victim of the former Nazi German death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is scanned at the conservation laboratory on the grounds of the camp in Oswiecim, Poland, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Most of the victims were Jews killed in dictator Adolf Hitler's attempt to exterminate the Jews of Europe. (AP Photo/Michal Dyjuk)

Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Ben Garrett counsels a sailor in his quarters on the USS Bataan on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. One of the chaplains' roles aboard the ship is help sailors deal with stress Navy life brings. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

Morning service concludes in the annex of the Cathedral Notre Dame du Congo in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sunday Jan. 29, 2023. The cathedral is being prepared for Pope Francis' visit to Congo and South Sudan for a six-day trip starting Jan, 31, hoping to bring comfort and encouragement to two countries that have been riven by poverty, conflicts and what he calls a "colonialist mentality" that has exploited Africa for centuries. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Pope Francis, second from left, looks at traditional dancers performing at the Martyrs' Stadium In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. Francis is in Congo and South Sudan for a six-day trip, hoping to bring comfort and encouragement to two countries that have been riven by poverty, conflicts and what he calls a "colonialist mentality" that has exploited Africa for centuries. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Loyola University basketball player, Tom Welch, shakes hands with Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the team's official chaplain, before attending practice on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Chicago. The beloved Catholic nun captured the world's imagination and became something of a folk hero while supporting the Ramblers at the NCAA Final Four in 2018. At the age of 103, Sister Jean is using her platform to publish her first book, "Wake Up with Purpose: What I've Learned in My First Hundred Years." In the memoir she tells her story and offers life lessons and spiritual guidance. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Munni Devi, front, wipes her tears as she and Shanta Devi leave their house, in Joshimath, in India's Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand, Jan. 19, 2023. Big, deep cracks had emerged in over 860 homes in Joshimath, where they snaked through floors, ceilings and walls, making them unlivable. Roads were split with crevices and multi-storied hotels slumped to one side. Authorities declared it a disaster zone and came in on bulldozers, razing down whole parts of a town that had become lopsided. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Joshimath town is seen along side snow capped mountains, in India's Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand, Jan. 21, 2023. For months, residents in Joshimath, a holy town burrowed high up in India's Himalayan mountains, have seen their homes slowly sink. They pleaded for help, but it never arrived. In January however, their town made national headlines. Big, deep cracks had emerged in over 860 homes, making them unlivable. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Svalbard Kirke member Lars-Olav Tunheim descends from Plataberget mountain during a hike in Longyearbyen, Norway, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. As climate change impacts the Svalbard archipelago faster and deeper than the rest of the world, its pastor is helping the community of miners and environmentalists grapple with transformation in this unforgiving, awe-inspiring wilderness. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

The Rev. Siv Limstrand lights candles at the church's cabin in Bolterdalen, Norway, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. The cabin is used for retreats and church groups. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Participants lay face down on the grass during an integration circle at an ayahuasca retreat in Hildale, Utah, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Following each of the three ayahuasca ceremonies, Hummingbird Church asks their participants to partake in integration, or a group reflection and discussion, to help interpret messages they received from the ayahuasca. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

An empty pitcher and shot sized cups sit on an altar during an ayahuasca ceremony hosted by Hummingbird Church in Hildale, Utah, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that contains an Amazon shrub with the active ingredient, DMT, and a vine containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors that prevents the drug from breaking down in the body causing visions lasting several hours. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

2023 in religion: Images capture global expressions of faith, spiritualism

In the searing heat of Mecca, throngs of Muslims from around the world converged for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

In the round-the-clock darkness of the polar night, a Lutheran pastor in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard persevered in her ministry to one of the worlds most remote towns.

Associated Press photographers were on the scene  there and in scores of other locales ranging from the flood-stricken mountains of northern India to the sacred volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Their mission: Finding myriad ways to convey how faith and spiritualism, in their many forms, manifested themselves around the world in 2023.
Another rare photo of Harriet Tubman has been released by a Maryland tour group, this one capturing her at the age of about 70.

Alex Green, owner of Harriet Tubman Tours, told The Auburn Citizen the 1892 photo comes from an edition of The Household Magazine.

Tubman is pictured wearing a dark dress with a decorative collar and a hair pin. Below the photo, she is referred to as "Harriet, the Modern Moses, now living in Auburn, N.Y."

An article with the photo includes a lengthy quote from Tubman about her visit as a teen to the Bucktown General Store in Dorchester County, Maryland, where she was struck in the head by a 2-pound weight thrown by a slaveowner at another enslaved person. The weight fractured her skull, resulting in epilepsy and what she believed were spiritual visions that she experienced for the rest of her life.

Green noted that the quote is an example of "plantation dialect," which racistly stylizes the speech of Black people.

Tubman biographer Kate Clifford Larson posted the photo on her Facebook page on Wednesday, calling the civil rights icon "beautiful" and commenting, "such style!" The biographer thanked Green and his wife, Lisa, for finding the photo. In comments below her post, Larson expressed hope that the original could be found as well.

Harriet Tubman Tours previously released a rare photo of the group's namesake in December. That photo, from 1908, pictured her standing in front of her home on South Street in Auburn.

Green said he hopes the photos generate more interest in Tubman, her life and her work to achieve freedom for all.

"I thought it'd be interesting to move the needle forward with her wonderful life," he told The Citizen in December. "History has so much to catch up to."

Gallery: Photographs of Harriet Tubman
The view from the fifth floor of the Nebraska Capitol is nothing short of spectacular, providing a close-up look at Faith, Courage, Justice and Wisdom at the top of the Rotunda and descending looks at the murals, mottos and the mosaic medallions on the floor far below.

But few of the thousands who visit the states architectural masterwork have had the opportunity to take in those views, for the fifth floor has been closed to the public since 1986, the final year of the celebration of the buildings 50th anniversary.

In fact, the fifth floor, as originally conceived by architect Bertram Goodhue 100 years ago, would be the place to experience the building from a great interior overlook. But when the building became crowded, offices were moved there, leading to the closure of the floor to the public.

That, however, could change if the Legislature appropriates the funds needed to restore the gallery as originally conceived. Or, the fifth floor could remain closed perhaps forever if the project isnt funded this year.

Last year, Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, introduced LB812 to appropriate $3.4 million for the Office of the Nebraska Capitol Commission to restore the fifth-floor gallery during the fifth and final phase of the ongoing seven-year heating, ventilation and air conditioning project at the Capitol that will, later this year, focus on the remodeling of the tower.

The budget that passed in 2023 allowed for only $1.5 million of the total amount needed, so Clements introduced LB1210 to transfer another $1.5 million from cash reserves for the design and construction needed for the area.

That relatively small expenditure  $1.5 million out of a state general fund budget of $5 billion  is likely an all-or-nothing proposition for the restoration of the fifth floor.

Providing full restoration funding would allow the work to be done in conjunction with the HVAC project. Failing to take advantage of the efficiencies in doing the restoration simultaneously with the tower likely would make the fifth-floor project prohibitively expensive.

Given that deadline of sorts, appropriating the additional $1.5 million should be a no-brainer for, first, the Appropriations Committee, then the Legislature.

It would also likely trigger additional fundraising and other efforts by the Nebraska Association of Former State Legislators to see the fifth-floor project, which it proposed five years ago, to fruition, restoring the intended use of the floor and the spectacular view to the Capitol, the states most iconic building.
DES MOINES  State courts would be permitted to order the deportation of immigrants arrested in Iowa while in the country illegally, and local officials would be given legal immunity when assisting in immigration enforcement measures under a bill advanced in the Iowa Senate.

Senate File 2211 would create a state crime for migrants who enter or re-enter the state illegally from another country and would give Iowa law enforcement authority to arrest undocumented immigrants in the state.

It also allows state judges the option of ordering some migrants to return to their home country instead of pursuing prosecution.

Officers and state agencies would be cleared to transport undocumented migrants to ports of entry to make sure they comply. If migrants refused to comply with an order to return, or those who were ordered to be removed after being convicted of a felony, could be charged with a Class C felony and face up to 10 years in prison and a $13,660 fine.

Those whose removal followed being convicted of two or more misdemeanor drug crimes, crimes against a person, or both, could be charged with a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,245 fine.

Law enforcement officers would not be allowed to arrest or detain an undocumented migrant on the grounds of a public or private school, place of worship, at a health care facility where a migrant is receiving medical treatment or those receiving a medical examination for sexual assault.

The bill was advanced on a 2-1 vote and is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate Judiciary Committee.

Democrats opposed

Immigrant rights organizations and Democrats voiced strong opposition to the bill, which would have major implications for migrants across the state and is certain to trigger lawsuits.

They noted the bill is unconstitutional as immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

Federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have ruled that immigration laws can only be enforced by the federal government.

Republican lawmakers in Texas passed and Gov. Greg Abbott signed a similar measure in December thats being challenged in court. Supporters of the Texas law have said they hope to push the issue back before a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

Immigrant rights advocates warned that the bill would lead to widespread racial profiling and a circumvention of protections asylum-seekers have under constitutional law and international obligations. The bill does not provide funding or a requirement to train officers on immigration law, despite authorizing them to make decisions about a persons immigration status.

Opponents also raised concerns that parents may be separated from their children if arrested under the new state crime, and lead to migrants being sent across the southern border regardless of their legal status in the United States.

'Instill fear'

Its going to instill fear, and its going to drive immigrant families that have been living here like mine for 30 years, said Kenia Ceron, of Des Moines.

Immigration and refugees have helped sustain rural areas, while domestic migration has drawn people away.

In 2022, Iowa lost nearly 7,300 people to domestic migration, but gained nearly 7,300 international migrants, according to U.S. census data.

What we have in Iowa is mixed-status families, comprised of both U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants, Ceron said. What this bill will do is  drive Iowans  U.S. citizens Iowans  out of the state in fear for their families members that will be persecuted under this bill.

She said the bill would also undo years worth of work by Iowa law enforcement to build trust with Iowa immigrant communities to report crimes, identify issues and establish mutual respect and communication.

What this bill will do is make immigrants like myself more fearful of our law enforcement as theyre acting as federal agents, Ceron said.

'Soft invasion'

State Sen. Sandy Salmon, R-Janesville, said she introduced the bill because the country has totally lost control of our borders and is suffering a soft invasion.

Salmon noted arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time high in December. The U.S. Border Patrol recorded 249,785 arrests on the Mexican border in December, up from 191,112 in November and up from 222,018 in December 2022, the previous all-time high.

This is unsustainable, she said, adding border agents have encountered individuals on the terror watchlist trying to enter the U.S. via Mexico.

Salmon said Iowa needs to defend itself, attributing increases in fentanyl seizures, drug overdose deaths and human trafficking to illegal immigration issues and what she said has been a failure of Democratic President Joe Biden administrations to secure the border and enforce federal immigration laws.

This is something we can do to help protect out state and protect our nation, Salmon said.

After a weekend trip to Texas, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds this week said she plans to once again send Iowa State Patrol officers and Iowa National Guard troops to aid Texas authorities with border security efforts.

'Not their job'

Erica Johnson, executive director of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, said the bill would place pressure on Iowa law enforcement and Iowa judges to interpret federal immigration law, which is not their job.

Its a nonsense law, Johnson said, calling Salmons talking points on the bill a list of grievances and laying them at the feet of immigrants.

Tom Chapman, representing the Iowa Catholic Conference, said the group is opposed to the bill, noting much of it is clearly preempted by federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

We dont encourage illegal immigration, Chapman said.   We support our countrys right to control its borders, and we understand the situation at the southern border cannot continue as it has, but the issue needs to be solved at the federal level with passage of border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values.

Federal vote

U.S. Senate Republicans voted Wednesday against advancing a bipartisan border security deal that was part of a larger emergency foreign aid package to fund the war in Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific security.

Iowa's two Republican U.S. senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst both voted against the deal their own party members helped negotiate.

Grassley, in a statement, said while he appreciated efforts made to negotiate border policy, the resulting deal fails to address the border crisis caused by President Bidens open border polices and refusal to enforce our immigration laws, which have allowed 8.8 million illegal immigrants and counting into our country.

Gaping loopholes, poor border enforcement mechanisms and a lack of accountability measures make this legislation woefully inadequate, Grassley continued. Ultimately, this bill would yield massive discretionary power on border policy to President Biden and his administration. I will not vote to advance a bill that would codify ineffective policies and give President Biden more power to abuse what he has already so badly broken.

Iowa bill

Republican state Sens. Lynn Evans, of Aurelia, and Jeff Reichman, of Montrose, voted to advance the bill, with state Sen. Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, opposed.

Weiner said Iowas legal system is not set up and lacks the legal expertise to deal with immigration issues.

I worry that what were heading for is the use of more Iowa taxpayer dollars to try and defend an unconstitutional law, she said.   I suggest, rather than passing this bill, we call our (federal) senators and representatives and ask them to revive the failed border security deal.

Reichman, echoing Salmon, said somethings go to be done" absent the political clout in Congress to curb illegal border crossings.

Evans said changes are needed to the bill to clean up some of the language as it moves forward.
The Journal reports that half of Americans believe Israel has gone too far in its war against Hamas. I agree that the plight of the population of Gaza is terrible. But if Hamas pledges to kill Jews and eliminate Israel (as stated in their written charter and in their actions) Israel must eliminate Hamas now.

None of the Israel critics has offered a solution to this problem other than an Israeli cease fire, which is essentially a surrender by Israel and a guarantee of repeated Oct. 7 attacks, since that is their stated goal.

If Hamas would surrender and leave, the suffering of the Gazans would end. How about pushing for that? Lets all remember how this mess started. Hamas knew this war would happen, why else would they have taken innocent hostages? -- Michael Potash, Sioux City
Jim Kelly with Diane Hie in November, about a month before he passed away. Hie helped Kelly, who was terminally ill, plan his death. Courtesy of Cathy Ross-Garron

My grandma Diane Hie is 84 years old and her companion Jim Kelly was 95. They formed a relationship over 20 years ago when Jim had a house in the Santa Cruz Mountains and my grandma lived in Oakland. They spent many weekends together  lots of morning walks and root beer floats after dinner. Years later, they both bought homes in the Rossmoor community in Walnut Creek.

Last September, while my grandma and I were in Italy, during her daily call to Jim she learned he was in the emergency room for gastro-intestinal bleeding. He was being admitted for additional studies and scans, and ultimately was diagnosed with stage-four-rectal cancer that had metastasized. It was a life-ending diagnosis with the option being palliative radiation with the addition of hospice  radiation for symptom control, hospice for when his condition worsened.

Jim had no symptoms at this time. He was pain-free, independent and with sound cognition.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Like my grandma always does, she faced this head-on and began to prepare for the months ahead. This included making sure her health was good as she embarked on this caregiver journey. Her primary care physician not only gave her a clean bill of health but, after hearing about Jims situation, she gave my grandma information about the End of Life Options Act. My grandma called me right after the appointment with her new knowledge, and we agreed this was exactly the situation this program targeted. She felt empowered to educate Jim on this option.

AB15, the End of Life Options Act, took effect in California in 2016. It allows certain terminally ill adults, who meet qualifications, to request aid in dying with prescription drugs from their attending physician.

My grandma presented the information to Jim over dinner one night. Jim had heard about the program but was under the impression it was unattainable. He agreed this was absolutely something he would like to pursue and then began working with his physicians to enroll in the program. Jim was firm that he did not want any palliative treatment. He did not see the benefit and did not want to deal with the side effects. He also did not want hospice care. Eventually, he was enrolled in the End of Life Options Act.

My grandma and Jim are both pragmatic. Together they meticulously planned Jims end of life. They finalized paperwork and Jim began removing things from his home and donating to various agencies. They were intentional with their time, focused on logistics. A few months in, Jim was beginning to decline. He was losing weight and was increasingly tired, often waking in the morning only to fall back asleep in the living room.

My grandma temporarily moved into his home, sleeping each night in the spare bedroom. They had breakfast together each morning and dinners each night. My grandma would report back that they were making their way through all the good wine. They were able to use this time to reflect on their lives, their relationship and what they were facing in the near future.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

They would talk about the final end-of-life plan, floating around potential dates. They talked about Jims ability to drink the medication within two minutes. They planned to have apple juice handy for mixing the drug, as well as sorbet for a small bite after to cut any bitterness. All the while, the medication was tucked away in the back of Jims closet. My grandma had initially wanted to keep the medication at her house out of fear that he may take it one day, on a whim, all alone in the house. She shared this with Jim and said his response was, Diane, in all these years have I ever betrayed you? She relented.

As the weeks went on, Jim decided that he would like to drink the medication the week before Christmas, the Thursday before to be exact. That morning I woke up to a text from my grandma saying Jim had decided the time was mid-morning. As planned, I would be waiting nearby at my grandmas house, ready for whenever she wanted my assistance or company.

Right as I reached their area, I received a text from my grandma saying Jim had taken the anti-nausea meds and would be taking the life-ending drugs in one hour at 11 a.m. I drove over to my grandmas house and let myself in. Her birds were chirping loudly as I paced in her living room. I was full of nervous energy. I thought to myself, maybe I should go walk the hill, but then I was too nervous to be far from my car in case I needed to get to Jims house urgently.

At 11 a.m. I knew that Jim was drinking the life-ending medication. I looked outside, the sun shining, bright green hills off in the distance, and tried to soak it all in for him. This was it; this was his end. At 11:13 a text came through from my grandma, Please come now.

I ran to my car and drove the three minutes to Jims complex. I walked up his stairs and slowly let myself into his home. I was immediately struck by how calm and warm it felt. I turned the corner to the living room and Jim was sitting in his Eames chair and my grandma was next to him holding his hand with his favorite book on her lap. Classical music was playing.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Jims eyes were closed, and he let out occasional agonal breaths. His look said death was imminent. His eyes were sunken in, and his fingers were turning blue. I hugged my grandma and moved to the other side of Jims chair where I sat on the floor, my hand on his leg, and we waited.

The raspy breathing noises began to fade, his chest only slightly rising and falling. We each took turns putting our hand on his chest to feel for a heartbeat, unsure if we felt shallow beating or if it was our own hands shaking. He let out one last big breath and that was it. We watched intently, and at 11:42 we decided he was officially gone. It was all so painless and peaceful. It was like watching someone drift off into a deep sleep, an eternal sleep.

My grandma says the last thing he said, besides feeling the medications taking effect, was that he described euphoria. My grandma finds so much comfort in this.

Jim passed at 95. His body was being taken over by metastatic disease, yet he never had to feel those symptoms, he never had to suffer. He was able to die with dignity, in his home, in his favorite chair, with my grandma by his side holding his hand. In a way, this was healing for me.

The last death of a family member I witnessed was my fathers, just weeks after my daughter was born. He was also ravaged by cancer; however, he was deeply suffering in that he was not ready to die. He still had so much life to live.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Slate Plus members get more Care and Feeding every week. Have a question about kids, parenting, or family life? Submit it here!

Dear Care and Feeding,

I have a 16-year-old daughter, Rachel, who has always been a go-getter. Shes smart and personable and has always had big plans for the future, such as college and an eventual career in high-level nursing. Like most teenagers, Rachel uses social media (mainly TikTok and Instagram). Although her father and I have regulations about its use, and we loosely monitor what shes consuming, we trust her to be responsible. Now, Im wondering if I did something wrong.

Recently, Rachels goals have done a 180. She used to be excited about the prospect of college, getting a degree, and eventually moving to her dream city, but now, all she talks about is dropping out of high school (right now!) and finding a nice rich man to take care of her. She wants to focus on maintaining her appearance and learning housewife skills for said future man. She cant wait to be able to sit at home all day and make quilts and homemade butter while homeschooling her children. Shes now talking about how great the patriarchy is and how she cant wait for someone to come and take care of her. When I learned more about where this was coming from, I found out that Rachel had been spending almost all of her social media time looking at tradwife accountspages that glorify being a SAHM and turn it into some sort of cottagecore patriarchal fantasy.

For the record, I myself am a SAHM. Im not looking down on women who choose homemaking as a career. Thats what I did! What I am is deeply concerned that Rachel is not actually in love with the idea of becoming a wife and mother; she likes the idea of being taken care of by a man, and shes going to put herself in a situation that could turn abusive. Ive tried to have conversations with her about the dangers of relying on a man and what being a SAHM actually looks like, but it goes in one ear and out the other. Rachel is serious about dropping out of high school to focus on her future as a tradwife. She has already been letting her grades slip, and she has told her dad and me that she no longer plans to go to college because real men dont need some educated feminist woman. Im so scared for her. Weve already taken her off social media and put her into therapy, but it seems to have had no effect so far. Any advice would be appreciated.

Please No Tradwife

Dear Please No Tradwife,

Keep Rachel off of social media (to the best of your ability, as its hard to monitor what she consumes when shes out of your presence) and in therapy. These things may not have taken hold yet, but hopefully, they will be helpful in the long term. Let her know that as long as shes in your home, she has no choice to take school seriously. Until her grades improve, she shouldnt be allowed to hang out with friends or talk on the phone. Sign her up for tutoring and make her stick with it until things turn around. Explain to her that in contemporary society, there are very few men (and even fewer rich ones) looking to take care of a woman who doesnt have a high school diploma and that the tradwife lifestyle she so covets often comes with a loss of personal freedom. Ask her how shed feel if her partner wouldnt let her talk to her family or friends or prevented her from having hobbies and interests of her own. Let her know that its okay to want someone to be a protector and provider, but that a quality man is going to want a woman who has more to her than her ability to bake bread and rear children. Inform her that many SAHM meet their husbands in college, and that part of what makes these women intriguing to their partners is their education and worldliness.

Introduce your daughter to some accessible feminist texts that will help her to better understand how patriarchy truly impacts the lives of women. If you cant get her to read them on her own, read them to her at the dinner table. bell hookss Feminism Is for Everybody and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies We Should All Be Feminists are easy to read and dispel the myth of feminism being some sort of cult for man-hating women. Talk about how feminism has improved the quality of life for women; explain to her that there was a time in this country when men could legally rape their wives, when women could not vote or get a checking account or divorce an abusive partner. Keep these conversations going on a daily basis, talk about feminism until you are blue in the face, for you literally have to deprogram your daughter. Also, check in with her friends parents and see if this tradwife thing is limited to Rachel, or if other girls have been indoctrinated by TikTok as well.



Jamilah
The Hawaii Supreme Court handed down a unanimous opinion on Wednesday declaring that its state constitution grants individuals absolutely no right to keep and bear arms outside the context of military service. Its decision rejected the U.S. Supreme Courts interpretation of the Second Amendment, refusing to interpolate SCOTUS shoddy historical analysis into Hawaii law. Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the ruling on this weeks Slate Plus segment of Amicus; their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus.

Dahlia Lithwick: Mark, I know youre eager to talk about a kind of amazing and historic Hawaii Supreme Court decision on gun rights. Its a unanimous opinion authored by Justice Todd Eddins that flames the logic of the U.S. Supreme Courts Second Amendment decisions. And it cuts to the core of everything weve ever said on this show about originalism and judging. Walk us through the case?

Mark Joseph Stern: Its an amazing case because the Hawaii Constitution has a provision that is the same as the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It literally uses the exact same words as the Second Amendment. And Justice Eddins said: Even though the provisions are the same, we will not interpret them the same way, because we think the U.S. Supreme Court clearly got it wrong in Heller when it said the Second Amendment creates an individual right to bear arms.

Advertisement

Justice Eddins then pored over the immense body of scholarship and historical research that has shown, beyond a reasonable doubt, that SCOTUS was catastrophically wrong in Heller. He even quoted this great study that refutes a centerpiece of Justice Antonin Scalias analysis in Heller, which was the idea that the phrase bear arms typically meant individual use of a weapon in 18th-century parlance. Scholars have analyzed thousands of documents from that era and proved that Scalia was just objectively wrong: The phrase bear arms was unfailingly used in a collective context, describing a militiawhich makes sense, since the Second Amendment begins by saying its purpose is to protect the militia, not an individual right to own guns.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Then Eddins opinion goes on to analyze the real history of guns in Hawaii. And he says: Never have Hawaiis people felt that carrying deadly weapons during daily life is an acceptable or constitutionally protected activity. The history of the Hawaiian Islands does not include a society where armed people move about the community to possibly combat the deadly aims of others.

Its so interesting, Mark, because this really echoes the conversation we had about the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts discussion of Dobbs and real historybut also originalism, and who history leaves out.

Well, whats really great about Eddins opinion is that its not just a rejoinder to Heller. It also goes on to talk about how its just not practical or feasible or wise to use history as your only guide to constitutional interpretation. He wrote: History is prone to misuse. In the Second Amendment cases, the court distorts and cherry-picks historical evidence. It shrinks, alters, and discards historical facts that dont fit.

Advertisement

Related From Slate A State Supreme Court Just Issued the Most Devastating Rebuke of Dobbs Yet Read More

I feel like we could just read chunks of this opinion into the record because its just such a delightful excavation of both the bad history that undergirds Bruen and Heller before it, as well as the larger project of conscripting judges into historical analysis. But I just want to read this quote from Justice Eddins: Judges are not historians. Excavating 18th and 19th century experiences to figure out how old times control 21st century life is not a judges forte. History is messy. Its not straightforward or fair. Its not made by most. Bruen, McDonald, Heller, and other cases show how the court handpicks history to make its own rules.

Advertisement

I love that two-step of saying to the U.S. Supreme Court: First, you got the history wrong, and second, even if you got the history right, this is such a distorted lens through which to determine not just rights to today but also safety today. In light of this case and the Pennsylvania abortion decision, it does feel like state courts are starting to say, Actually, well look at our own constitutions, our own prerogatives, even our own competency as judges. Is this the way forward, Mark?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a way forward, for sure. And Justice Eddins actually cites the great concurrence by Justice David Wecht of Pennsylvania to explain that if were only looking at laws from the 18th century, were looking at laws written by misogynistic, often slave-holding white men. And he also cites a great law review article by our friend Melissa Murray talking about how this hardcore originalist approach locks in the law at a time when it was exclusively controlled and written by racist, sexist white dudeswho could not have possibly foreseen either societal progress over the last few centuries or the technological advancements that have moved weaponry from muskets to AR-15s.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Now, Ill note that theres a big difference between the Pennsylvania and Hawaii cases. In Pennsylvania, the court can expand rights under its state constitution to encompass reproductive autonomy beyond what the U.S. Supreme Court held in Dobbs. Here, though, the Hawaii Supreme Courts opinion will have limited reach, because gun advocates can still run to federal court and imperil any gun safety law under the sun. But what I think Justice Eddins is saying is: We will not be a part of that. We refuse to be complicit in this distortion of history that is killing us, thats making us less safe and less free. We have an independent duty to interpret our own states constitution, and it guarantees a kind of liberty thats very different from the paranoid armed society that SCOTUS sees as the pinnacle of liberty.

I think thats powerful, even though it has limited effect. It could inspire other courts. I feel like these state judges are in conversation with each other about developing an alternate vision of the law that can thrive in state judiciaries. As SCOTUS moves in the wrong direction, theyre showing us what the right direction might be, and giving us a little hope for the future.
New Yorks 3rd Congressional District is gearing up for a very special election on Tuesday to replace disgraced Republican George Santos. And the race between establishment Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip is expected to be a nail-biter.

New Yorks 3rd is a big swing district with a predominantly white and college-educated population that includes parts of Queens and Long Islands Nassau County. Its one of the wealthiest districts in the country, and both Democrats and Republicans want it bad. Democrats held the district from 2012 until 2020, when Santos flipped it for Republicans. Now, both sides are vying to reclaim it, as Republicans fight to hold on to their four-seat majoritythey failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with the loss of Santos vote.

Both parties have made the race about the most contentious national issuesimmigration, abortion and the Israel-Hamas warpushing New Yorks 3rd to potentially become a suburban crystal ball for the general election later this year.

Heres what you should know about the two candidates running for Santos old seat.

Tom Suozzi (D)

Suozzi is a familiar name in New York. He got his start in politics when he became mayor of his hometown of Glen Cove, a wealthy suburb in the 3rd District, at only 31 years old, and then held the job for eight years. He moved on to become the first Democrat to be elected as Nassau County executive in 2001, and in 2006 he ran for governor against Eliot Spitzerand lost pretty spectacularly, not even carrying his own county.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2016, Suozzi returned to politics after a short break, announced he was running for Congress, and won the district with 53 percent of the vote. He managed to hold on to that seat for three consecutive terms, fending off Republican challengers in all three of his election cycles, including Santos in 2020. But Suozzi wasnt done trying to become New Yorks governor, stepping down from his seat in 2022 to run against incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. He lost, earning only 12 percent of the vote, while Santos struck gold and flipped Suozzis old district to red.

Suozzi wants his old job back now, and a win here would get Democrats one seat closer to reclaiming their majority in the Houseif Suozzi wins, they need to flip four more seats in 2024 to overtake Republicans majority. Theyve spent close to $9 million on Suozzis campaign.

Advertisement

At a rally with women supporters, Suozzi said he was 100 percent committed to abortion remaining safe, legal, and accessible in the United States. He also ran a TV ad centered on his immigration plan, which includes closing portions of the U.S.Mexico border and creating paths to citizenship for migrants. As for the war, Suozzi said his fellow Democrats in Washington are clueless for calling for limiting U.S. aid to Israel.

Advertisement

Two months before his special election, Suozzi even flew to Israel and visited a kibbutz targeted by Hamas on Oct. 7. He told Politico, If you care about Israel and you want bipartisan support for Israel to continue into the future, you need strong, outspoken pro-Israel Democrats.

Mazi Pilip (R)

Pillip joined politics just three years ago after she flipped a Democrat-held Nassau County Legislature seat in 2021, a job she was reelected to just last year. Though she ran on the Republican ticket in those elections, Pilip has been a registered Democrat since 2012, Politico reported.

Advertisement

Advertisement

That hasnt bothered Nassau County Republicans, though, who tapped her to run for Santos seat, emphasizing her unique biography. The 47-year-old was born in Ethiopia, immigrated to Israel, and went on to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. After attending college and getting married, Pilip moved to the U.S. in 2005 and is now a mother to seven children.

As she campaigns for the coveted 3rd Congressional District House seat, Pilip has leaned into her Jewish identity. Attending a vigil for a local New York man taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, Pilip referred to him as my brother, and has made impassioned statements about the war. I stand strong with our communities in support of Israel, Ukraine, and all nations that are subjects of terrorism, Pilip said at a rally. As with many Republicans running for office around the country, Pilip has remained vague about her support for Donald Trump. She refused to say who she voted for in the 2020 election, but said she would support whoever becomes the GOP nominee this year.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related From Slate Welcome to the Creator Economy, George Santos! Read More

Pilip said she agreed with the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, saying, each state is now dealing with it in the way its supposed to deal with this. She opposes a national abortion ban and supports keeping the abortion drug mifepristone available nationally. During back-to-back press conferences with her Democratic opponent outside a migrant tent camp in Queens, Pilip railed against sanctuary city policies and said, if elected, she would secure our border and invest in our brave ICE agents.

In the final days of the race, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke at a fundraiser for Pilip and emphasized the New York Republican was capable of getting the job done. Itll send a strong message to the Democrats that coming into this election cycle, we got a great run, great candidates. Were feeling really bullish about the future, said Johnson.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in Trump v. Anderson, which challenges Donald Trumps ability to appear on the ballot in Colorado. A group of voters brought the case under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars former officeholders from returning to power if they have engaged in insurrection; the plaintiffs argue that Trumps participation in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol subjects him to disqualification under the amendment. On a new episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed a strange and discomfiting threat that emerged from the right flank of the court during arguments. Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus.

Advertisement

Dahlia Lithwick: Mark, I want to ask you about something that struck me only at 3 a.m. when I was trying to figure out what I thought about oral arguments. And the thing I was really clocking that we hadnt talked about enough is the mob-like threat that emerged from some justices, likenice democracy you got, itd be a shame if something happened to it. By that I mean, there was this subtle threat, right? And it starts in Jonathan Mitchells briefing, when he says therell be all sorts of chaos and mayhem and violence if Trump is removed from the ballot. There was a question from Chief Justice John Roberts about how, if the court sides with Colorado, Republicans are going to knock Democrats off the ballot next. Its there in Justice Samuel Alitos questioning about vexatious, frivolous lawsuits that will surely follow.

I think we are so used to that kind of menacing tone. Alito was saying: Well, if you allow Colorado to knock Trump off the ballot, therell be more lawsuits by people who are willing to weaponize the legal system. And I guess theres only one answer to that, the answer that Jason Murray gave, which was that courts actually do know what to do with frivolous, threatening lawsuits that have no point. But another answer could be: Im sorry, Justice Alito, are you threatening me? Since when do we accept the idea that if Colorado is allowed to deploy Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to be used, other people will use it for shitty outcomes and therefore we shouldnt use it at all?

Advertisement

Related From Slate A Grand Bargain Is Emerging in the Supreme Courts Trump Cases, but Chaos May Be Ahead Read More

Mark Joseph Stern: I mean, it is a threat, right? Its a threat that if a majority of the court allows Colorado to remove Trump from the ballot, justices like Alito are going to come out swinging for the frivolous, ridiculous cases that followwhich really should not be compared to this one, since its very much rooted in the Constitution. Its a threat that red states will try to retaliate, that Ron DeSantis will remove Joe Biden from the ballot because hes a traitor or a Chinese spy or whatever other reason, just fill in the blank. And Sam Alito will be ready to let it happen.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

I think our friends Steve Vladeck and Lee Kovarsky wrote a great piece about this saying, Well, actually, the check here is the Supreme Court. The justices have full authority to step in and say: This is a meritorious case that well consider seriously, and that is a frivolous one that well reject out of hand. The Supreme Court has the last word on this and could easily shut down any of those absurd, retaliatory moves by red states. So the slippery slope argument, its a classic Alito grievance-based line. Like, If you squeeze out a win over my dissent, I will find a way to get back at you twice as hard and twice as fast.

Advertisement

I think youre telling on yourself when you say that, right? Like, every accusation is a confession.

I think it ties into the piece we wrote on Thursday about selective judicial humility. Like Roberts and Alito, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh kept fretting that a ruling for Colorado could lead to such dangerous places. If we let Colorado remove a presidential candidate from the ballot, well have to get involved in each and every other case out of red and blue states alike. So we have to look at the consequences of our decision.

Where was that concern in literally any other case? Especially in gun rights cases, which are an apt comparison, I think. In 2022s Bruen, the court declared all gun restrictions presumptively unconstitutional and created an entirely new test out of thin air for assessing them. We have since seen scores of gun laws struck down, and now the Supreme Courts docket is getting flooded with these cases. Every gun restriction under the sun is being invalidated because the Supreme Court decided to change the rules and overturn centuries of precedent. And they didnt care about the consequences. They specifically said that judges are not allowed to consider the consequences of gun safety laws when assessing their constitutionality. It doesnt matter if a gun restriction could save a thousand lives or a millionif it doesnt have enough historical analogues from 1791, its unconstitutional. Judges cannot look to the consequences, period.

Advertisement

Advertisement

And yet on Thursday, it was all consequence-based judging! From top to bottom! And I think thats another example of the hypocrisy disparity between the different sides of the court. In Bruen, the liberal justices were very focused on consequences. Theyve said that the court cant close its eyes to the reality of whats going to happen in the real world because of a decision. The conservative justices said the opposite. And yet here, theyre magically all on the same page. Justices like Roberts have rediscovered judicial humility and the beauty of letting the people decide and democracy working itself clean.

Thats true of Dobbs, too, where the court said originalism was the hill they would die on regardless of the consequences. Now theyre saying, Never mind originalism, we cant have Colorado deciding an election for the other states.
The Surge has never seen a reputational collapse as swift as that of Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford. Here was a quiet, under-the-radar conservative who voted against everything for being too liberal, until he was then tasked to cut a deal with Democrats on border security. He did so, and the deal he cut was deemed stringent enough that the Border Patrol union endorsed it. But given the opposition from Trump, and Republicans political incentives not to improve the situation at the border prior to the election, the deal was dead the instant it came out earlier this week. Lankfords reputation on the right tanked with it. When Lankford, who has maintained a dry sense of humor through this torching of his career, was asked how it felt to be run over by this bus, he replied, And backed up. He described himself as feeling like the guy standing in the middle of the field in a thunderstorm, holding up the metal stick. In a speech before his bill officially went down in a Senate vote, Lankford referred to a popular commentator on the right who had told him, weeks earlier, If you try to move a bill that solves the border crisis during this presidential year, I will do whatever I can to destroy you. Although this was a particularly merciless episode of Republican Punished for Trying to Solve a Problem, its nothing new when the topic is immigration. Those Republicans who worked with Democrats on previous immigration reform proposals in 2007, 2013, and 2018 have all been burnedand for deals that were far less in Republicans favor than this one. After what happened to Lankford, it may be a little longer than the average five years before a Republican has the nerve to try again.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/biden-claims-congress-failure-to-approve-new-ukraine-aid-close-to-criminal-neglect-1116705971.html

Biden Claims Congress' Failure to Approve New Ukraine Aid 'Close to Criminal Neglect'

Biden Claims Congress' Failure to Approve New Ukraine Aid 'Close to Criminal Neglect'

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden said on Friday that the US Congress' failure to approve new funding for Ukraine security assistance is close to criminal neglect.

2024-02-10T00:48+0000

2024-02-10T00:48+0000

2024-02-10T00:48+0000

americas

us

joe biden

ukraine

us arms for ukraine

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/19/1115199454_0:112:3246:1938_1920x0_80_0_0_2bc8d1abb83b0b9a27327fef1d19147d.jpg

"The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine is close to criminal neglect, it is outrageous," Biden said during remarks alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans blocked a $118 billion national security supplemental package that includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and border policy reforms. Republicans claim the reforms in the bill would not do enough to deter illegal immigration to the United States. The Senate is working to pass a separate national security bill that would exclude any border measures.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230410/nato-not-even-trying-to-track-arms-sent-to-ukraine-as-russia-warns-of-rampant-smuggling-1109320578.html

americas

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 arms for ukraine, biden against us congress, gop against arming ukraine, will us stop supplying ukraine with arms, us 118 billion national security supplemental package
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/big-cat-with-deadly-claws-what-we-know-about-russias-new-manul-ifv-1116712148.html

Big Cat With Deadly Claws: What We Know About Russia's New Manul IFV

Big Cat With Deadly Claws: What We Know About Russia's New Manul IFV

Sputnik International

The BMP-3 (Boevaya Mashina Pekhoty, lit. Infantry Combat Vehicle) is currently the latest armored infantry carrier in the Russian Armys arsenal. Russian defense concerns have proposed an array of upgrades, ranging from deep modernizations of the base BMP-3 model, to infantry fighting vehicle designs based on the Armata and Bumerang platforms.

2024-02-10T13:04+0000

2024-02-10T13:04+0000

2024-02-10T13:45+0000

military

ground forces

high precision systems

bmp-3

bumerang

t-15

baikal

russia

military & intelligence

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0a/1116711985_0:208:2901:1840_1920x0_80_0_0_b88556cbba6a185b9129c247396d1e1e.jpg

Rostec-owned defense holding company High Precision Systems and the Russian Defense Ministry are putting the finishing touches on the final design of the prospective Manul (Pallas' Cat) IFV, taking into account the experiences of the Armys experiences in the ongoing proxy war against NATO-armed Ukrainian forces.High Precision Systems offered almost no new hints on the new IFVs features, except to reiterate that it will include a turbocharged, 816-horsepower UTD-32T engine.What Else Do We Know About the Manul?First unveiled at a defense show in 2020, the Manul has been touted as a heavy modernization of the BMP-3, a Kurganmashzavod design that was first introduced in 1987. A unified technical base and swappability of parts with the BMP-3 means reduced development, manufacturing, and repair costs, and simplified training.Since its unveiling, the Manul has featured at least two potential weapons configurations.The prototype unveiled in 2020 was fitted with the Bumerang-BM, the same universal combat module featured on an array of other new Russian IFV designs (more below). The robotic system includes a 2A42 30 mm autocannon, four Kornet anti-tank missile launchers and a secondary PKT 7.62 mm coaxial machinegun.Variants of the system featuring a remote-operated 57 mm automatic gun, part of the AU-220M Baikal gun mount, have also since been created.The vehicle could become a modular weapons platform, with armament configuration depending on the militarys needs. In August 2023, a High Precision Systems representative confirmed to Sputnik that the Manul could serve as a base platform for a variety of purposes, from reconnaissance and command vehicles to self-propelled artillery, anti-aircraft systems, and infantry and ammunition transports.In a separate interview with Sputnik last September, Kurganmashzavod Deputy Executive Director for State Defense and Military Support Roman Khromov said Russias Ground Forces had expressed interest in the Manuls front-facing engine design, and confirmed that the new IFV would borrow heavily from the base BMP-3.The IFVs troop carrying capabilities are unknown, but the base BMP-3 has a crew of three and space for up to seven troops in its belly.What Other IFV Designs Does Russia Have in the Pipeline?The Manul is one of several prospective new IFV being put through their paces by defense manufacturers and the MoD.Others include:The Kurganets-25, another tracked Kurganmashzavod-designed infantry fighting vehicle/armored personnel carrier, first unveiled in 2015 and originally seen as a potential replacement for older, Soviet-era BMP designs. The vehicle has been undergoing extensive testing by the military, which has cited its high profile (the vehicle stands over three meters tall) as a potential risk against enemy anti-armor weapons.Formal state testing is known to have begun in 2017, and to have continued as of the fall of 2022, with upgrades to their chassis reported in late 2023. The system can be fitted with a Bumerang-BM autonomous turret. Alternatively, a AU-220M Baikal with its 57 mm autocannon and 7.62 mm 6P7K machinegun can be equipped. The Kurganets has a crew of three and room for up to eight passengers.The T-15 Armata, also unveiled in 2015, is a heavy IFV concept designed and produced by Russian tank-making giant Uralvagnozavod, another Rostec company, and is equipped with heavy armor to provide troops with maximum-possible protection in urban environments, and enough of a punch to enable it to support tank forces in encounters with enemy tanks. Based on the T-14 tank hull and featuring a front-end engine placement, the T-15 can carry seven to nine troops, and has a three-man crew situated at the center of the vehicle behind the engine compartment.The vehicle can be equipped with the Bumerang-BM or AU-220M Baikal. A variant with the DUBM-57 Kinzhal combat module has also be equipped, also featuring a 57 mm autocannon, as well as Ataka-T anti-tank guided missiles. About two dozen T-15s have been produced for evaluation purposes to date.The VPK-7829 Bumerang infantry fighting vehicle distinguishes itself from the Manul, Kurganets-25, ant T-15 with its heavy duty 4x4 wheeled configuration instead of tracks. It too is equipped with a Bumerang-BM or AU-220M Baikal remote weapons station, has a complement of three, and room for up to eight passengers. Developed by the Military Industrial Company and produced by the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, the Bumerang was also first unveiled in 2015. State testing of the system began in April 2023, and was expected to be wrapped up by the end of the year.

baikal

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2024

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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

Ilya Tsukanov

what is the russian manul infantry fighting vehicle, what does bmp stand for, what is the russian bmp design, bmp, ifv, manul, armored transport
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/elderly-man-with-poor-memory-public-see-biden-losing-his-marbles-after-special-counsel-leak-1116714921.html

'Elderly Man With Poor Memory': Public See Biden Losing his Marbles After Special Counsel Leak

'Elderly Man With Poor Memory': Public See Biden Losing his Marbles After Special Counsel Leak

Sputnik International

American voters don't consider President Joe Biden fit to occupy the number one office, reiterating the importance of his mental acuity due to his age.

2024-02-10T17:53+0000

2024-02-10T17:53+0000

2024-02-10T17:53+0000

world

us

newsfeed

joe biden

donald trump

barack obama

mexico

egypt

maryland

wall street journal

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/15/1116292268_0:0:3070:1726_1920x0_80_0_0_a8e8c0bc49eabf53cf21b5e5ab05780d.jpg

The White House can no longer disguise that President Joe Biden's mind is rapidly failing in the wake of a leaked US special counsel reportRobert Hur, a former US attorney from Maryland during Trump's presidency, detailed Biden's handling of classified documents in a report leaked this week.It revealed that he exhibited "diminished faculties" during interviews, describing him as an old man with a poor memory, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.Although the investigator chose not to press criminal charges against Biden  on the basis of his age and frailty  he concluded that the president was nonchalant about keeping secret documents from his time as vice president.Biden made things worse when he mistakenly called Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi "the president of Mexico" in his public response to the report.According to analysts, the president's gaffe reflects how people perceive him, not just because he is 81 years old, but because he has failed to forge an image of strong leadership.Thau said voters cannot name any of Biden's achievements, stressing that the swing voters he often interacts with frequently doubt whether the president is "really the one in charge" or "other folks in the administration or Congress are pulling the strings."An Arizona citizen who voted for Biden in the last election told a media outlet that the president's mental alertness now impacts his choices. Many people link Biden's age with their unhappiness about the economy, Gunner Ramer, the political director of the Republican Accountability PAC, told the media. He said undecided voters had told him they were upset about how things are going in the country.In a survey by the Wall Street Journal last December, only 14 percent of the participants thought Biden had the most physical energy to be president, while 48 percent chose Trump. Regarding mental fitness, 29 percent thought Biden was better suited, while 45 percent favored Trump.Unlike Biden, Trump has a firm connection with his supporters. Trump fans see their vote as backing their candidate rather than just opposing the other party, a poll by WSJ reveals.Biden has maintained a lower profile compared to past officeholders: according to data compiled by Towson Universitys Martha Joynt Kumar, up to January 20, 2024, he has held fewer press conferences than the last five presidents  around 33, in contrast to Trump's 54 and Obama's 65 at that juncture in their terms.Moreover, Biden has participated in significantly fewer media interviews than his predecessors. According to analysts, it has been difficult for Biden to forge a solid public image. When he ran for president in 2020, he promised to make politics boring again  after four years of Trump's constant provocative tweeting on social media platform X.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/biden-says-hed-never-forget-the-you-know-the-thing-1116706090.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231120/report-biden-donors-advisers-struggling-over-how-to-address-presidents-age-1115084075.html

mexico

egypt

maryland

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2024

Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg

Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.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

Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg

biden's age, biden's achievements, us rising inflation, is joe biden senile, is joe biden in his mind
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/industrial-megapower-germany-on-edge-of-ruin-thanks-to-energy-war-against-russia-1116714501.html

Industrial Megapower Germany on Edge of Ruin Thanks to Energy War Against Russia

Industrial Megapower Germany on Edge of Ruin Thanks to Energy War Against Russia

Sputnik International

In 2022, Berlin dutifully followed the Biden administrations instructions to cut Germany off from Russian gas and ramp up arms deliveries to Ukraine for NATO's proxy war against Russia. Two years on, alarming predictions of a major economic crisis and the wholesale deindustrialization of Europe's biggest industrial economy are coming to pass.

2024-02-10T15:17+0000

2024-02-10T15:17+0000

2024-02-11T09:13+0000

economy

nato

basf

russia

berlin

germany

vladimir putin

joe biden

business

nord stream

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0a/1116714343_45:0:3686:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_49d1ec303bd8a4af52214e3180263df4.jpg

Germanys industrial production has dropped for the seventh-straight month, reaching negative 1.6 percent in December, from negative 0.2 percent in November, according to data released Wednesday by Germanys national statistics office. Among the sectors most heavily affected was the chemical industry, which faced losses of a whopping 7.6 percent  its worst showing since 1995. Construction suffered a 3.4 percent decline.Business media took the data as a sign of serious problems in the German economy, with Bloomberg running a piece entitled Germanys Days as an Industrial Superpower Are Coming to an End, and citing the energy crisis stemming from the loss of Russian energy supplies as the straw that broke the back of the declining European economic powerhouse.Theres not a lot of hope, if Im honest, Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA Group AG, a Dusseldorf-headquartered special purpose industrial machinery company, told the outlet. I am really uncertain that we can halt this trend. Many things would have to change very quickly. The company Klebert manages is nearly 150 years old, surviving 20th century crises from the two world wars to the 1929 depression. Now, it and its 18,000+ employees face an uncertain future.Some 5,000 of Michelins 66,000+ European employees are based in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In late 2023, the company announced cuts of over 1,500 jobs to its German operations. Goodyear, the American tire giant, announced the closure of two plants in the country, cutting 1,750 jobs.Dozens of other major German businesses have been affected by the energy crisis, with European chemical giant BASF SE recently slashing 2,600 jobs, and Cologne-headquartered specialty chemicals company Lanxess AG cutting 7 percent of its German workforce.German businesses have spent years sounding the alarm about problems with infrastructure, an aging workforce, bureaucracy, economic costs associated with the pandemic and falling investment in education and other public services. The crisis in economic ties with Russia, combined with efforts by Berlins transatlantic "ally" to pluck high-tech industrial manufacturers out of Germany using generous subsidies, and growing competition from China, have combined to create a perfect storm of unprecedented industrial malaise.With Berlin cutting off cheap and reliable natural gas supplies from Russia in 2022, German businesses now have to pay among the highest energy bills in the bloc, with electricity prices for non-household consumers topping 22 cents per kilowatt hour, up from 15 cents/kwh in 2022 and just 9 cents/kwh in 2021.Systemic ProblemOpposition politicians have blamed German elites slavish dependence on the United States and ideologically-motivated actors in the government for the crisis.The German government has not only demonstrated its absolute incompetence, but shown that they are absolutely dependent on the United StatesTheyve shown their status as a vassal, Alternative for Germany lawmaker Eugen Schmidt told Sputnik on Friday, commenting on Berlins obstinacy in investigating the 2022 attack on Nord Stream  which robbed Germany over 100 billion cubic meters per year in capacity for the import of Russian gas.Germany is ruled by actual American agents of influence here in Germany, Schmidt believes. They pursue US policy in Germany. On top of that, the lawmaker said, theyve recruited ideologically-motivated people who have no idea how the economy works or how to correctly implement the countrys policies, especially in economic terms, how to protect the countrys interests so that the economy works effectively, with officials instead focusing on priorities like the climate agenda and immigration, according to the lawmaker.Adding insult to injury, despite the economic pain, Berlin has decided to continue pumping billions in additional euros into the NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, committing over 7.6 billion ($8 billion US) in military assistance in the 2024 budget, on top of over 17 billion ($18.3 billion) delivered in 2022-2023, and the more than 40 billion in direct or EU-based economic support.Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in May 2022 that European powers suicidal and absolutely political move to halt the purchase of Russian energy would boomerang against them.For Germany, these words have proven prophetic.Last month, Putin pointed to a World Bank report stating that Russia had officially overtaken Germany in GDP PPP terms to become the fifth-largest economy in the world.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/germanys-economic-dilemmas-deepen-as-corporate-distress-takes-hold-1116662356.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240125/eu-chiefs-attempt-to-quell-farmer-fury-finds-no-ground-as-protest-spreads-1116388051.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/vassal-scholz-govt-ignoring-nord-stream-terrorism-despite-colossal-damage-done-to-germany-1116703509.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/burden-of-ukraine-funding-may-be-passed-onto-europe-1116606550.html

russia

berlin

germany

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2024

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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

Ilya Tsukanov

why is germany in decline, why is germany in economic crisis, russian gas, russian energy, industry, manufacturing
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/russian-defense-minister-shoigu-inspects-production-of-drones-1116708084.html

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu Inspects Production of Drones

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu Inspects Production of Drones

Sputnik International

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has inspected the implementation of the state defense order for the production of reconnaissance and attack drones by defense industry enterprises in the Russian republic of Udmurtia, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

2024-02-10T07:35+0000

2024-02-10T07:35+0000

2024-02-10T07:46+0000

military

sergei shoigu

udmurtia

russia

defense ministry

central military district

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1a/1116411610_0:175:2523:1594_1920x0_80_0_0_4001822a3d5fa2862d8a00d03afae3e6.jpg

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during a working trip to troops of the Central Military District, inspected the implementation of the state defense order for the production of reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by enterprises of the defense industry in Udmurtia, the ministry said.The minister instructed the management of the enterprises to increase the speed, quantity, and quality of products by increasing the automation of production facilities. UAVs should be used to solve the tasks of relay, control, guidance, and target designation during special operations, Shoigu said at a meeting with defense industry enterprises producing drones of various classes. Sergei Shoigu was also shown new Russian composite materials that significantly increase the survivability of drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Shoigu noted that most of the tasks set for the enterprises a year ago have already been accomplished.The Kalashnikov Group will double the production of Vikhr-1 guided missiles, Kitolov-2 projectiles, and Strela anti-aircraft missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry added. Shoigu emphasized that the company's management should pay attention to the demand for anti-aircraft guided missiles. "The head of the Russian Defense Ministry was informed that since 2022 new workshops have been opened, the commissioning of which allowed to increase the production of unmanned aerial vehicles by 60%, and in the future to multiply their output," the ministry said. The Lancet drones developer presented Sergei Shoigu with new samples of reconnaissance and attack UAVs, which were improved taking into account the experience of the special military operation.Shoigu was also told that new developments by the ZALA AERO company will allow for all combat drones of its production to be united into a single system and to attack enemy objects in an automated mode. The capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces enable it to fight successfully against Ukrainian FPV drones in the special operation zone, Sergei Shoigu concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240131/russian-defense-minister-shoigu-inspects-production-of-self-propelled-howitzers-1116507083.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240207/all-clear-russia-rolls-out-swarm-of-mine-detecting-drones--1116642603.html

udmurtia

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

russian defense minister sergei shoigu, state defense order, reconnaissance and attack drones
Proposition 24 expanded state privacy laws, barred lawmakers from weakening them and established the California Privacy Protection Agency. d3sign/Getty Images

Californians can now enforce a ballot measure that seeks to protect privacy rights by allowing consumers to stop businesses from using or selling information about their location, health, race, gender or other personal details, a state appeals court ruled Friday.

Proposition 24, approved by 56% of the voters in 2020, expanded state privacy laws, barred the Legislature from weakening the laws and established the California Privacy Protection Agency to enforce the measure and penalize businesses that violated it. It followed revelations that a data-mining firm, Cambridge Analytica, had improperly obtained personal data of as many as 87 million Facebook users.

Prop. 24 was scheduled to take effect in July 2023. But when the new state agency failed to meet deadlines for some enforcement regulations, the California Chamber of Commerce argued, and a Sacramento County judge agreed, that the privacy protections could not be enforced until a year after the regulations were finally adopted.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The ruling required enforcement of the law to be delayed at least until July 2024, and possibly longer for regulations that have not yet been finalized. But the states 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento said Friday that Prop. 24 could take effect immediately.

The delay would disregard (Prop. 24s) unambiguous provision setting forth a July 1, 2023, date for the commencement of enforcement, Justice Elena Duarte said in a 3-0 ruling overturning the postponement ordered by Superior Court Judge James Arguelles.

The voters intended to strengthen and protect consumers privacy rights regarding the collection and use (including sale) of their personal information, Duarte wrote, and the ballot measure must be interpreted to follow their intention.

California voters added privacy rights to the state Constitution in 1972, and in 2018 approved a measure entitling consumers to know what personal information businesses were collecting about them and to prohibit sale of that information.

Prop. 24 went further by allowing consumers to correct inaccuracies in data held by businesses and to restrict use or disclosure of sensitive information. The Privacy Protection Agency can fine companies that violate the law.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The agency welcomed Fridays ruling.

The California voters didnt intend for businesses to pick and choose which privacy rights to honor, Michael Macko, the agencys deputy director of enforcement, said in a statement. We are pleased that the court has restored our full enforcement authority.

This is a good day for consumers privacy, said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit that supported Prop. 24. Every day that our data is put in the public sphere, it becomes more dangerous for us.

Court said Prop. 24 is the nations strongest consumer-privacy law, and that major companies doing business in California would most likely extend the same policies to their operations in other states.

The state Chamber of Commerce could ask the state Supreme Court to take up the case and overturn the ruling. Spokesperson Denise Davis said the chamber was considering its options.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/russian-military-prevented-ukraines-attack-on-civilian-ships-in-black-sea-1116712381.html

Russian Military Prevented Ukraine's Attack on Civilian Ships in Black Sea

Russian Military Prevented Ukraine's Attack on Civilian Ships in Black Sea

Sputnik International

The Russian navy foiled an attempted attack on February 9 by Kiev on Russian civilian transport ships with the use of unmanned semi-submersible boats in the southwestern region of the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

2024-02-10T13:48+0000

2024-02-10T13:48+0000

2024-02-10T13:48+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russian defense ministry

black sea

ukraine

russian armed forces

kiev

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/04/1114726856_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6a9f5c08571e58e42cf218f5119282d5.jpg

"On the evening of February 9, 2024, the Kiev regime carried out an attempted terrorist attack on Russian civilian transport vessels in the southwestern region of the Black Sea using semi-submersible unmanned boats," the ministry said. Russian navy patrol boats and fleet aviation stopped the attack, the ministry said, adding that as a result, a Ukrainian unmanned boat had been destroyed and other boats had been stopped by electronic warfare systems.At the same time, no civilian transport ships or ships of the Russian navy were damaged, the Russian military stated.In a separate development, the Russian Armed Forces carried out 31 strikes with missiles and UAVs on facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, locations of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries, the Russian Defense Ministry said.Russian units inflicted more than 245 casualties on Ukrainian forces and destroyed 25 vehicles, seven boats, six field artillery guns and one HIMARS MLRS combat vehicle in the Kherson area during the week, the ministry added.The ministry also reported that Russian troops in the South Donetsk area improved their positions on the front line during the week, repulsing five attacks. The Ukrainian forces lost up to 1,160 servicemen and three tanks. During the week, 36 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered to Russian forces.During this week the Russian military hit two launchers and a radar of a Ukrainian S-300 SAM system, as well as eight ammunition depots of the Ukrainian forces, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/watch-russian-su-34-combat-aircraft-make-deadly-special-delivery-to-ukrainian-forces-1116624135.html

black sea

ukraine

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

russian military, russian defense ministry, russian civilian transport ships
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/russias-rosatom-head-to-visit-hungary-early-march-to-inspect-paks-nuclear-plant-says-hungarian-fm-1116706284.html

Russias Rosatom Head to Visit Hungary Early March to Inspect Paks Nuclear Plant, Says Hungarian FM

Russias Rosatom Head to Visit Hungary Early March to Inspect Paks Nuclear Plant, Says Hungarian FM

Sputnik International

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev will visit Hungary in early March to inspect two nuclear power plant blocks near the city of Paks, FM Szijjarto told RIA Novosti.

2024-02-10T01:35+0000

2024-02-10T01:35+0000

2024-02-10T01:35+0000

world

russia

hungary

rosatom

peter szijjarto

alexei likhachev

paks nuclear power plant

paks nuclear plant

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101564/98/1015649877_0:68:1301:799_1920x0_80_0_0_18919df5d0c973e88e3dd579f3b59585.jpg

He's coming in the beginning of March. I have had a phone conversation with him [Likhachev] yesterday as well, Szijjarto said on Friday. Szijjarto noted that the Hungarian side is working closely on the project with their colleagues from Rosatom due to the key nature of energy in the modern global economy. According to Szijjarto, the construction of two additional nuclear units will more than double energy production in Hungary, as well as increase its share in the countrys energy sector to 70%. Paks is Hungary's only nuclear power plant, generating about a third of all electricity in the country, with the share expected to increase after the planned commissioning of the two new NPP reactor units. The Hungarian leadership has repeatedly said that nuclear energy is a way to ensure the country's energy security. The four units of the 500-megawatt Paks NPP were built between 1982 and 1987, and their 30-year operating lifespan was extended by 20 years between 2012 and 2017, to allow for their closure between 2032 and 2037.In late 2014, Russia and Hungary signed an agreement on the construction of two additional advanced reactors. The parties agreed that Russia would allocate a $10.6 billion loan to finance the construction of the units while the entire project cost is 12.5 billion euros. Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said in February that construction was set to begin in 2024. At the moment, Rosatom is involved in the construction of nuclear power plants in Turkiye, India, China, Egypt, Hungary, and Bangladesh.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/hungary-to-be-able-to-stop-importing-electricity-once-paks-2-nuclear-plant-launched-1114982858.html

russia

hungary

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 nuclear capabilities, nuclear corporation rosatom, alexey likhachev, paks npp, paks nuclear plant, peter szijjarto, russia hungary relations
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/the-wests-hate-crime-problem-destroy-war-hero-monuments-but-protect-satanist-statues-1116715140.html

The West's Hate Crime Problem: Destroy War Hero Monuments, But Protect Satanist Statues

The West's Hate Crime Problem: Destroy War Hero Monuments, But Protect Satanist Statues

Sputnik International

Maybe the fact that it was done "to protect free speech" and "equality" in a country where you're not allowed, and can't even read this article on Sputnik International News without a strong VPN? Free speech for the Devil, but free speech for international news? They'll cut you off at the ankles.

2024-02-10T18:16+0000

2024-02-10T18:16+0000

2024-02-10T18:16+0000

us

russia

hate speech

satan

satanism

analysis

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0a/1116716849_0:40:794:487_1920x0_80_0_0_c1238672f7136fabd8d883b2944fa44c.png

So, what is "evil"? Here are two from M. Scott Peck that I find comprehensive - "The willingness to impose suffering on others, in order to avoid your own spiritual growth", and "militant ignorance". Now we know what evil is. So, what is hate?The best definition of hate I have ever read was Hunter S. Thompson's phrase, "fear and loathing". And by this definition, aren't there things that should be hated? Feared and loathed? Someone who hurts a child, Nazi war criminals who intentionally and continuously target civilians for mass murder, a phiolsophy which deems some people the "master race", and delegates other human beings to the status of livestock or insects, and treats them as such? The worship of the epitome of evil? Do you not fear and loathe these things? Then, you hate them. And why shouldn't you? If there is a law against things that people have a right to hate, that people should hate, then that law is actually a law against truth, against history, a law against morality. Right?Can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?Is it the goat-headed, androgynous Satan on a throne? The little pre-adolescent girl and boy looking up at Satan with love and admiration? (Maybe something's not quite right with that, eh?) Is it the fact that it was sitting on the public grounds of the Arkansas state Capitol, (Land of Bill and Hillary) like the one that was displayed in the Iowa state Capitol, last Christmas? How about all of the above? Maybe the fact that it was done "to protect free speech" and "equality" in a country where you're not allowed, and can't even read this article on Sputnik International News without a strong VPN? Free speech for the Devil, but free speech for international news? They'll cut you off at the ankles.Here's some more "free speech" from Iowa's state Capitol this past Christmas...Meanwhile, scores, if not hundreds, of monuments to the Heroes of the Red Army, more than 8.6 million soldiers who gave their lives in World War 2 (not counting the other 20 million Soviet civilians who were murdered) liberating eastern Europe (and saving the world) from the Nazis of the 20th century, have been desecrated and destroyed across Europe, in Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, with government approval or even by the governments themselves. Destroyed by the stupid and ungrateful ahistorical grandchildren of those they saved...Statues honoring the Heroes of the Soviet Red Army, destroyed, like history itself, so no satanists or Nazis might get "offended".In the US, statues of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson have been removed from public spaces in multiple states. Even a statue of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was removed from the New York City city hall in 2021. This historical revisionism and desecration of history and the memories of true heroes, some of the greatest men in the history of the USA, is bad enough, but it gets worse.Was Robert E. Lee a great man? Don't ask Wikipedia or MSNBC liars, read his own words for yourself. Read them, and ask yourself how many are not honorable and true. Thomas Jefferson? The author of the Bill of Rights, perhaps the greatest testament of liberty and equality in the history of the world? And BLM and LGBQT want to erase his memory? But Satan gets "free speech", Jefferson's FIRST Amendment, right?Ain't cha proud to be a 'Murikan?Robert E. Lee monument, removed from Lee Park in Dallas, Texas. I used to play in that park, directly under that statue, when I was a little kid.Stonewall Jackson statue and history being removed. Note BLM and ANTIFA "art" on the pedestal...Statue of Thomas Jefferson, the Father of Freedom of Speech, in NYC City Hall for 187 years - now removed. Because who needs to remember history, right?I am a Christian, and a Communist, which means, above all, an Internationalist and Egalitarian. . I find the idea of slavery repugnant. I consider every human being on this planet, who has not sold their soul and still posseses it to be my equal, no more no less. And I am willing to fight, and even die, for their rights and freedoms every bit as much as for my own. I have proven it. And, yes, I know, Jefferson and Lee and Jackson owned slaves. But if you want to criticize them for that, (and I'm not saying you shouldn't, or that I don't either) you must also ask yourself, and learn, and understand, who it was who founded and financed and profited from the modern slave trade over the last 500 years, in collaboration with the British monarchy and others, in the banking centers of the City of London, and who still does so to this very day.Know your history, and then get back to me. Then, we can talk about it. And FYI, in case you didn't know, the first masses of slaves sent from England to the Americas and the Caribbean weren't African, they were Irish. Look it up.Recently, the Iowa state government, under the guise of First Amendment freedom of speech and religion, allowed the Satanic Temple to place a statue of Baphomet inside the Iowa state capitol. At Christmas time. Is this somehow special and OK? IS IT?Apparently so, because Satanic statues have been displayed, with government approval, not only inside the Iowa or Arkansas state Capitols, in Detroit, in L.A, and who knows or cares in how many other places? Because it's already too many, and more than enough.When a Christian named Michael Cassidy destroyed the statue of Satan in the Iowa state Capitol building, he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor vandalism, but the charge has since been increased to a felony "hate crime". For smashing a monument to Satan, the Antichrist, the embodiment of everything evil, the greatest enemy of Humanity and God. Soon, in the USA, in 2024, he will go to trial for this "crime", facing more than a year in prison, because it might have hurt some satanist's feelings. "Justice"? "Freedom"? You tell me.And understand this - down to the core of your being, to the very depths of your soul - the exact same people who are now today tearing down the monuments to the Red Army Heroes who saved Humanity from the Nazis of the 20th century, are now the Nazis of the 21st century, and they are the ones who are literally putting up the monuments to Satan in the seats of their political power. Today.Understand it, because it's real, right here, right now. Don't pretend you don't see it, don't even try to look away. Because it's as obvious as the nose on your face, or the horns on the goat-headed monument to Satan at your state Capitol. Those little kids in that statue could be yours. That's the whole idea behind it. Exactly. Deal with it accordingly. At least as well as Michael Cassidy did.Maybe it's already too late to save this world, but the only way we can save our own souls is by doing everything we can to try to save it, and all the good people in it, like the innocent little kids in that statue. Maybe we can do it, if we try as best we can. So, let's try.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230502/largest-satanic-gathering-ever-held-in-boston-1110038557.html

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2024

Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg

Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.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

Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg

monumants to satan, why are satanic statues allowed in capitols, confederate monuments destroyed, who destroyed soviet wwii monuments, red army monuments destroyed
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/watch-russian-uavs-eliminate-camouflaged-ukrainian-artillery--1116706998.html

Watch Russian UAVs Eliminate Camouflaged Ukrainian Artillery

Watch Russian UAVs Eliminate Camouflaged Ukrainian Artillery

Sputnik International

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing the Zala reconnaissance UAV detecting camouflaged artillery guns of the Ukrainian armed forces and their destruction with Lancets kamikaze drones.

2024-02-10T06:05+0000

2024-02-10T06:05+0000

2024-02-10T06:05+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

lancet

russian defense ministry

ukraine

russia

d-30

drones

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0a/1116707875_86:0:1332:701_1920x0_80_0_0_9dbc50f72ca5fb9b045c38fb4bd67993.jpg

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing the Zala reconnaissance UAV detecting camouflaged artillery guns of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their destruction with Lancets kamikaze drones.During the aerial reconnaissance, the UAV crew discovered two camouflaged US-made Ukrainian M777 howitzers and a D-30 artillery piece. They were destroyed with Lancet loitering munitions. The drone operators eliminated the enemy equipment with a direct strike.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/watch-russian-t-90m-tanks-obliterate-ukrainian-positions-near-donetsk-1116701961.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

Russian troops, using a reconnaissance drone, spotted two camouflaged guns of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Sputnik International Russian troops, using a reconnaissance drone, spotted two camouflaged guns of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 2024-02-10T06:05+0000 true PT0M32S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russian ministry of defense, zala reconnaissance uav, camouflaged artillery
In a harness racing rarity, 15-year-old pacer Mariner Seelster celebrated victory on Friday evening, Feb. 9 at The Meadowlands and the achievement put him over the million-dollar mark in career earnings.

Racing in a Meadowlands Amateur Drivers Club event for his 437th career start, the Ontario-bred pacer topped eight rivals that were five to 10 years younger, winning by more than five lengths in 1:53 flat with Tony Beltrami in the sulky.

Beltrami and Mariner Seelster looped a pair of early leavers after the :27.4 first quarter to take the lead. As Beltrami gave the veteran pacer a breather to the half in :57, Kick The Dirt Up rushed up to challenge. Headed briefly down the backstretch, Mariner Seelster fought back on the way to three-quarters in 1:25.2 and left his rivals in the dust.

The victory was his 71st lifetime with the lion's share of the $15,541 purse sending his career earnings to $1,005,029.

Bred by Seelster Farms Inc. of Lucan, Ont., the Camluck-M T Freedom gelding is currently trained by Travis Alexander for owners Fiddlers Creek Stables, Alexander Racing Stable, D Elegance Stable Ix and T L P Stable.

Mariner Seelster was the 2-1 favourite and paid $6.20 to win. Early leader Elm Grove Qwiggly re-emerged with a three-wide move down the backstretch to win the race for place over Aintnobettor A and Valor.

Buddy Earl wins Friday feature

Things didnt go as hoped, but as it turned out, that didnt matter, as Buddy Earl racked up a second straight score, taking the evening's featured $20,270 mid-range conditioned trot.

Dave Miller, the U.S. Hall of Famer who currently sits atop The Big M driver standings, made Plan B work to get the four-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick-Nixie Volo his seventh lifetime score in 32 tries.

My plan was to go ahead and leave but the whole field left inside of me, said Miller. But the trip worked out really well for us. We had live cover.

With the field of nine leaving in a straight line, Miller and Buddy Earl had to take back to seventh around the first turn as Conrad DiPoggio IT had the lead at the quarter in :27.4 while 8-5 favourite Outside The Fire raced alongside that one before taking the point.

The action continued to the half as King Alphonso, in search of a second straight score, took over at the half in :56.1. Mon Amour was up and out of the three-hole at that point and raced on the rim while making progress first-over as Buddy Earl picked up a live tow as three-quarters was reached in 1:25.4.

Miller tipped Buddy Earl off his cover soon after the field straightened up in the stretch and gradually made his way past King Alphonso on the way to an easy 1-1/4-length win in 1:53.2, just a fifth of a second off his lifetime best. Some Chapter, the 9-5 second choice, fired late to grab second with King Alphonso holding third.

Hes just so sharp right now I can race him anyway I want to, said Miller. Hopefully, he can hold his form and keep it into the summer.

Buddy Earl, a Richard Johnson trainee owned by Cathy Curly-Bonney and Ross Bonney, paid $10.60 to win as the 4-1 third choice in the wagering.

Millers three winners led the driver colony and upped his 2024 Big M total to 20.

The 20-cent Pick-8 failed to yield a winning ticket for a fifth straight card, upping the carryover to $8,355 for Saturday.

Despite a sequence that began with a 3-5 and a 2-5 shot, the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 returned $879.88. Five favourites emerged victorious among the seven dashes.

All-source handle totalled $3,063,392, the eighth time in 10 cards this year that betting has bust the $3-million barrier.

Todd McCarthy returns to action Saturday night after his winter vacation. Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m.

(Standardbred Canada & Meadowlands Racetrack)
Making his season's debut a winning one on Friday night (Feb. 9), Sunshine Boy picked up where he left off at Fraser Downs, at the head of the Preferred class, for trainer Jim Marino.

Driven by Scott Knight, Sunshine Boy capped off the opening week of the 2024 harness racing season at Fraser Downs with a 1:53.2 triumph in Friday's $10,000 featured finale for Marino and his partners, J J J Stables and Paul Sanders.

A nine-time winner at the fall Fraser meet, Sunshine Boy delivered as the 4-5 favourite in his return, clearing to command after being parked from the outside post through a :55.3 first half. The six-year-old Sunshine Beach gelding opened up two lengths leading the seven-horse field down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:24 and held clear through the lane over runner-up Itll Be Fine (Dave Hudon) with Mach Steady (John Abbott) besting Pureform Mr Toffee (Allan Molloy) in a show photo.

Sunshine Boy, who won the last Fraser Preferred on Dec. 15, returned $3.90 to his backers at the betting windows. He is now a career winner of 24 races and more than a quarter of a million dollars.

The victory completed a training triple on the seven-race card for Marino, who also sent out back-to-back winners in races two and three. Shales Storm ($9.10) prevailed first in a nose decision with John Abbott in the bike then stablemate Major Winker ($5.70) made a winner's circle appearance with Knight aboard.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)
Fourteen years after Sportswriter won the O'Brien Award for two-year-old pacing colts in 2009, Casie Coleman has another O'Brien Award winner in that division with Legendary Hanover.

And she'd surely like to see her latest protege develop into the level of sophomore that Sportswriter showed before that son of Artsplace was retired due to injury.

This past Saturday, Feb. 3, Legendary Hanover was awarded the 2023 OBrien Award In the Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt category at the black tie gala in Charlottetown, P.E.I. The son of Huntsville-Lillian Hanover found the winners circle six times in nine starts, while taking a speed badge of 1:50 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Included in those victories, the talented freshman captured Nassagaweya and Champlain stakes divisions, as well as the Dream Maker Series final.

The richest payday for the colt came courtesy of his second-place effort in the $970,000 Metro Pace, helping lift his seasonal earnings to $405,100 for Coleman's West Wins Stable, Eric Good of Davidsonville, Md. and Mark Dumain of Pine Bush, N.Y.

Coleman provided an update on Legendary Hanover to Woodbine Mohawk Park's Elissa Blowe and Jeff Bratt during the pre-card show on Thursday, Feb. 8.

"Yeah, he was a big boy as a two-year-old but he's filled into himself now  he's a man now. He's got a big ass end, big shoulder...last time I measured his hopples I think they're about 64 inches.

"He's a big, big boy and he's training back great. He looks like a million bucks. He's training very, very good. I got nothing negative to say about him right now. If everything looks this good come North America Cup time with him, I will be pretty happy."

A difference in the Coleman operation these days is the change of approach. In prior years, Coleman would ship north with the stable. Now, residing year-round in Wellington, Florida, her focus is young horse development and not managing a bustling full-time stable.

"When I got out of the claimers and overnight horses and went to the babies and it ended up being a very good decision," said Coleman. "I've been very fortunate to have some very fast babies and a handful that went on to be studs, which has kind of changed things for me.

"I love the stakes program. I love racing two and three-year-olds. It's not often I keep an older one anymore. I've got Linedrive [Hanover] now but he's the only one older than three at the moment. There's 16 here with me and one with Linda [Toscano] to make 17. I just stepped back. I used to keep between 100 to 130-ish in my stable but I just took the numbers back substantially and I like the way I'm doing things right now with just selecting and prepping young horses."

Coleman also updated the Mohawk crew on some of her emerging two-year-olds and returning three-year-olds while also reflecting on the recently departed American Ideal. The full interview is available below.

(Standardbred Canada)
Next weeks hearing schedule in the Legislature includes Gering state Sen. Brian Hardins bill seeking to screen out foreign adversaries from buying Nebraska land near military sites.

Several bills sponsored by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach also are on the weeks agenda, including measures to encourage farmers to use biological nitrogen more properly and help short-line railroads repair and add tracks.

All hearings begin at 1:30 p.m. CT (12:30 p.m. MT) on their scheduled days in Lincolns State Capitol. Nebraskans can watch each hearing online by clicking on the Nebraska Public Media logo on the Legislatures website (nebraskalegislature.gov).

The Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee will meet in Room 1507 Monday to hear Legislative Bill 1120, which Hardin has made his 2024 priority bill.

It would require buyers of land within 10 miles of a military installation, except for Omaha and Lincoln, to submit an affidavit stating they arent affiliated with a foreign government or nongovernment person determined to be a foreign adversary as defined by federal regulations.

The current Code of Federal Regulations applies the foreign adversary label to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Routine Unicam bills finally clearing 2023s filibuster logjam State senators passed the 2024 Legislatures first set of bills Thursday, including a measure by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson affecting legal filing requirements for providers of certain professional services.

Hardin, whose District 48 includes Scotts Bluff, Banner and Kimball counties, has said he wants to prevent hostile nations from buying land near the soon-to-be-upgraded Minuteman missile sites in the Panhandle.

If LB 1120 passes, county registers of deeds wouldnt be allowed to record land sales until they receive the bills required affidavit from affected buyers.

Ibach and Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Tom Brewer of Gordon are among 18 cosponsors of Hardins bill.

Agriculture Committee members will hold a hearing on Ibachs LB 1368 Tuesday in Room 2102. The bill has 10 cosponsors, including Hardin and Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.

It would set aside $5 million for incentive payments to farmers who cut their use of commercial fertilizer and make more use of innovative technology including properly used biological nitrogen products.

Incentives of up to $10 per acre would be available to farmers who can verify theyve reduced their nitrogen use by either 15% or 25 pounds an acre, whichever is less, by incorporating a qualifying product in the farmers nutrient plans.

LB 1368 would fit into sustainable agriculture efforts that will make Nebraska a world-renowned leader and ensure we protect our land and water for generations to come, Ibach said in the bills statement of intent.

The District 44 senator also will introduce LB 935, which would appropriate $6 million to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates for dental services, before the Appropriations Committee Tuesday in Room 1524. Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad is a bill cosponsor.

Hearing on Nebraska's 'stand-your-ground' bill ends with tense exchange over race, crime A tense exchange over race, crime and disparities in the judicial system capped off an otherwise banal hearing Thursday on Nebraska's proposed "stand-your-ground" law.

Ibach will return to the same room Thursday for a Revenue Committee hearing on her short-line railroad bill, LB 1084, which is cosponsored by Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Dave Murman of Glenvil.

Its meant to help defray the high costs of, and incent investment in, qualified short-line rail maintenance expenditures, Ibach said in LB 1084s statement of intent.

The bill would offer 50% income tax credits to qualified short-line operators to either maintain existing track or build new track. It would set aside $4 million a year for maintenance grants and $5 million for grants for new tracks.

Maintenance grants would be limited each year to $5,000 per current track-mile, while no short line could receive more than $3 million in any year for new rail infrastructure expenses.
A room in HealthRight 360s Walden House in San Francisco is furnished with a bunk bed set. The California Department of Health Care Services is investigating the two overdose deaths this year at the residential drug treatment facility. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2019

California officials are investigating the recent deaths of two men who fatally overdosed while seeking drug treatment at Walden House, a longtime San Francisco facility for those struggling with addiction.

HealthRight 360, which operates Walden House and is the citys largest provider of drug treatment, reported the deaths  one Tuesday and another three weeks ago  to the California Department of Health Care Services and San Francisco Department of Public Health, as regulations require.

The Department of Health Care Services, which oversees and licenses organizations that provide addiction treatment across the state, is conducting an investigation.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Weve had two unfortunate overdose deaths in the program, which as you can probably understand has been pretty traumatic for both the clients and the staff, said Gary McCoy, a spokesperson for HealthRight 360. Treatment programs are not immune to the outside world.

The deaths come as San Francisco struggles to get a handle on its worsening opioid epidemic. The city reported 806 overdose fatalities last year, its deadliest on record. The deaths at Walden House point to the difficulty of treating drug addiction even among those who might seek sobriety, with relapse an ever-present possibility. Fatal overdoses have spiked amid the rise of fentanyl, the super powerful and addictive opioid that drives many fatalities.

Due to fentanyls powerful potency, recovering drug users can overdose more easily if they relapse and use the same dosage they did before getting sober.



Overdoses continue to mount despite efforts by Mayor London Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom to crack down on the citys illicit drug market and push to expand treatment. Breed has proposed to address the problem, in part, through a controversial measure to mandate drug screenings for welfare recipients in the County Adult Assistance Programs. Those deemed to have a substance use disorder would be required to enter a treatment program or face losing their cash assistance from the city.

The two recent deaths occurred at Walden House, 890 Hayes St., which provides a 90-day residential treatment program for about 65 clients at a time after theyve gone through detox.

Before the past month, only one fatal overdose was reported at the facility in the past four years. That occurred in March 2020, according to data from the San Francisco medical examiners office. Two additional deaths were reported in 2023 at another HealthRight 360 facility at 214 Haight St., the data indicates.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its not a new phenomenon that substances are snuck into programs, McCoy said. But theres a higher risk for overdoses with fentanyl being in the illicit drug supply.

HealthRight 360 has taken precautions to try to curb fatal overdoses by providing the overdose-reversal drug Narcan inside every facility it operates.

The citys Department of Public Health, in response to the recent deaths, requested the organization conduct a review of its policies and procedures to identify additional steps that might be necessary to protect clients.

After Tuesdays death, Walden House residents were restricted from moving in and out of the building without approval from their supervisors. The measure will probably be in place for one to two weeks, according to McCoy. The purpose is to give officials time to assess the situation and to prevent drugs from being brought into the facility.

A man going through treatment at Walden House said that in response to the second fatality, residents were required to submit urine samples, and staff turned over every room looking for drugs and paraphernalia. The man asked for anonymity, saying he feared repercussions, and the Chronicle agreed not to identify him under its anonymous source policy.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Drug use within the facility is rampant, he said.

The client said that hed seen people smoking fentanyl and methamphetamine in the facilitys bathrooms.

McCoy disputed the notion, reiterating that the organization is an abstinence-based program that prohibits any drug use on-site. Residents at all HealthRight 360 residential facilities are required to store medications with staff in a locked room.

While there are returns to use for folks, its generally not on-site, and if it is, we have protocols, McCoy said.



The client said hes trying to sustain his momentum and suppress thoughts to use dope, but the recent deaths and others drug use have made it more difficult.



Its a little bit unbearable, he said. The morale here is awful.
Roger and Ann Ireland, both 89 years young, have shared a lifetime of love and happiness together. Their remarkable story recently took an unexpected turn when a car accident landed them in Iredell Health Systems Hospital-Based Skilled Nursing Facility. But amidst the facilitys walls and the challenges of recovery, Roger and Ann found themselves celebrating a milestone that few couples will reach  their 71st anniversary.

The skilled nursing staff, moved by Roger and Anns unwavering devotion to one another and magical love story, organized a heartfelt celebration to celebrate their 71 years of marriage. The theme was Believe in Magic.

As they sat surrounded by balloons, friends, and delicious treats, Roger and Ann reminisced on their seven decades of marriage. It was evident that their love had only deepened with each passing year.

Ann met Roger when she was 14 years old. He was a cook at Harmony Cafe, where Ann and her family frequented after Sunday church service.

Roger had his little white hat and apron on, and when I saw him, I knew I did not want any other boy. I just wanted him, said Ann.

Roger, who was also 14 at the time, felt the same exact way. They believe it was a true instance of love at first sight.

I loved her the first time I ever laid my eyes on her. When she came to the cafe after church, I saw her and said to myself, Someday I am going to marry that girl, said Roger.

Being only 14, Anns father would not let her date Roger. However, Roger, recognizing the uniqueness of their love and unwillingness to lose Ann, started going to her church so they could spend more time together.

My family kept us in the church all the time, so whenever I met Roger, he started coming to our church. Thats the only way I could see him. When the church doors opened, he was always there.

And four years later, on Jan. 29, three days after Anns 18th birthday, Roger and Ann got married.

When she turned 18, I picked her up in my daddys brand-new Chevrolet, drove it to York, South Carolina, and married my girl, said Roger.

They did not have a traditional wedding ceremony and, in fact, Roger paid the judge $6 to officiate their union, marrying the love of his life.

I only paid the judge $6, but she is worth more than any amount of money, said Roger.

I married an angel. Youre my angel, Roger told Ann as he held her hand.

When they first got married, they moved to Statesville, and then in 1962, they built their forever home and settled in Union Grove.

As the years progressed, their family grew, and they welcomed four sons. Roger worked in a cotton mill and later at Southern Screw Co. in Statesville. Roger also helped prepare and clear the land where Iredell Memorial Hospital was built. Ann worked for 31 years in a factory finishing room.

Since they never had a traditional wedding, Roger and Ann renewed their vows in a ceremony for their 50th anniversary, reminding each other of their enduring love and devotion.

Weve had a great life together. Putting God first in our relationship is what has kept us together. That really helps a marriage, said Ann.

Weve had a happy, blessed time ever since we got married, added Roger.

As they reflect on their 71 years of marriage, Ann and Roger agree that their faith has played a huge role in their success.

Weve been together 71 years, but when we go to heaven, well spend an eternity together, said Ann.

Ann was discharged from skilled nursing on Feb. 3 while Roger continues to recover.

Im doing a whole lot better. Roger is still recovering and taking his therapy. Were hoping he can get strong enough to go all the way through it. But the staff here are wonderful, I couldnt have asked for anything better. Ill never forget this anniversary party they threw us, said Ann.
The self-described largest power station in the United Kingdom is building a plant along the Columbia River in Longview to harvest wood pellets for Asia to generate power.

In an area known for its timber industry, the company Drax is aiming to use Pacific Northwest forests to replace coal overseas  a plan the company says will limit fossil fuel use, while critics say wood-burning energy is as bad for the climate and public health as wildfires.

Local jobs

Drax, under its subsidiary Pinnacle Renewable Holdings, bought the local land for $13.5 million from Pacific Lumber and Shipping at the Port of Longview, breaking ground on the 48-acre plot in July.

The facility is still in early phases of development, but the company projects to be up and running by the first quarter of 2025 and bring up to 60 local jobs.

Ted Sprague, president of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, said he found Drax to be well thought of in the wood products industry, and that this business would leave a good footprint for the regions tax base.

I get the sense that theyre going to use as many local folks as possible, Sprague said.

Drax estimates the project will cost them $250 million to build and contracted with JH Kelly, an industrial construction company based out of Longview, for buildout.

Rising demand

The demand for biomass  natural products like wood and organic waste used to produce energy  is growing as industries search for ways to meet a rising call for renewable energy by both consumers as well as governments aiming to lower emissions.

The market size for wood pellets is expected to grow from around $9 billion to more than $13 billion in 2030, according to market research and consulting firm Grand View Research.

Laurie Nelson-Cooley, Manager of Business Development for the Port of Longview, said the port has been actively pursuing the wood pellet industry for business partnerships on the port since 2011.

We made Longview a go-to choice for future pellet plants. Pinnacle Renewables, now Drax, saw this potential in 2018, Nelson-Cooley said.

A 2019 report from the company says Pinnacle was the third largest producer of industrial wood pellets in the world.

Drax operates 11 pellet production facilities in the United States and 13 in Canada.

The facility in Longview will only be a wood pellet production facility, and will not be generating any electricity onsite. All 11 of the Drax-owned industrial facilities in the United States, located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, are pellet production facilities.

In the south, wood pellets are shipped to the huge Drax Power Station in Selby, England.

Using natural products like wood and organic waste to produce electricity is more common in the UK than in America. In 2021, a parliament study shows nearly 13% of total UK electricity supply was generated by biomass, like burning wood, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports about 1% of total U.S. electricity was created by biomass in 2022.

In 2022, Drax says it generated 11% of the UKs renewable energy  more than any other generator.

Sustainability, air quality questions

Drax says it uses low-grade roundwood, sawdust and forest residues, or non-construction grade timber, to create pellets. But some climate advocacy groups are pushing back, saying the project this company is proposing is a risk to the climate and public health.

Portland-based climate advocacy nonprofit 350 PDX has called biomass a false climate solution, claiming that the burning of wood pellets is not much more sustainable than burning coal or other fossil fuels.

Grant Stoker, a communications manager for Drax, said the company is not yet at a point where it knows where it will be sourcing forest products and sawmill residues to produce pellets in Longview.

Other Drax sites have faced fines for violating air quality rules by releasing pollutants that can cause cancer. A 2017 state report shows cancer among Cowlitz County residents was higher than the state average.

The state of Louisianas Department of Environmental Quality fined Drax for excess release of volatile organic compounds, air pollutants linked to cancer and breathing problems, from its two facilities in the state in 2022. The two settlements totaled $3.2 million, and came after the company was fined $2.5 million by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for releasing more than three times the pollutants permitted for its plant in Gloster, Mississippi.

Stoker said the company discovered and self-reported an issue with the Gloster plants emissions calculations, and that Drax is continuing to work with environmental consultants to monitor air quality permit requirements for that site.

While the Longview site is not yet at the air quality permitting phase, Stoker said Drax will be working with Southwest Clean Air Agency to guarantee its compliance with state, local and federal air quality regulations.
Longviews Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is celebrating its 100th birthday with a reception at the citys public library.

The local chapter of women, who are descendants of American Revolution soldiers, was chartered on Feb. 22, 1924, according to a press release from the organization.

Now, a century later, the group is holding a reception Saturday in the Mrs. R.A. Long Room in the Longview Public Library, where the chapters framed charter hangs.

The chapter is named Mary Richardson Walker after a missionary and one of the first settlers in what is now Washington state and Oregon.

Following the reception, attendees plan to walk to R.A. Long Park in the Civic Circle for the dedication of an Elm tree, a symbol of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, the press release states.

The group says the tree was donated to the city of Longview in honor of the chapters 100th birthday and to honor the members relatives who battled in the Revolutionary War.
U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, announced Thursday she will not seek reelection this fall, joining a wave of retirements in a House of Representatives whose dysfunction has been on full public display this week.

In giving up on nearly two decades of seniority  and a powerful committee chair position  at just 54 years old, McMorris Rodgers decision was taken by some Washington Republican political observers as a clear sign that remaining in the fractious GOP House majority was just not worth it any more.

McMorris Rodgers announced her decision in a statement saying shed been honored to represent the people of Eastern Washington.

They inspire me every day. They are part of the strength and soul of America  the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known. After much prayer and reflection, Ive decided the time has come to serve them in new ways. I will not be running for re-election to the Peoples House, she said.

The statement did not give a specific reason for her departure and did not say what her future plans were, except to predict the best is yet to come.

McMorris Rodgers declined interview requests through her spokesperson, Kyle Von Ende, who said she wanted her statement to speak for itself.

Her announcement came amid some high-profile disarray in Congress this week, as efforts to reach a bipartisan deal on border security fell apart, and House Republicans tried but failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The announcement makes McMorris Rodgers the second member of Washingtons congressional delegation to decline to run for reelection this year. U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, announced in November he wouldnt seek a seventh term, citing the personal toll the job had taken on his family life.

McMorris Rodgers choice to step aside comes at a high point in her seniority and power in the House of Representatives, as she chairs the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she has been a vocal critic of Biden administration policies and of plans to potentially tear down four Lower Snake River dams.

She had socked away more than $1.6 million for her reelection campaign and faced no big-name challengers in the solidly Republican 5th Congressional District, where she was reelected in 2022 with nearly 60% of the vote.

In that context, her decision was seen by some observers locally and nationally as a further sign of just how unappealing the House has become for politicians who want to get things done.

When a new chair of a top committee retires, it tells you exactly how bad a workplace Congress has become, said Doug Heye, a former Republican National Committee communications director, in a post on the social media platform X.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn praised McMorris Rodgers as a trailblazer and a dedicated public servant who was politically aligned with her district. But he said her decision was a sign of distaste for whats going on in Washington, D.C.

Obviously there are major league problems with how Congress is functioning and I think Americans across the board are concerned about its ability to get the peoples business done, said Dunn.

Former state GOP Chair Chris Vance, now an independent, noted that McMorris Rodgers had previously risen to be part of GOP leadership as conference chair and then gave that up in favor of the Energy and Commerce post.

She was on the leadership track and then jumped into the policy track, and the House Republicans arent making policy any more, said Vance. What does it even matter being chairman of the most powerful committee and youre not doing anything and you have to put up with Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene screaming at you all the time?

Unlike some congressional Republicans, McMorris Rodgers wasnt facing a primary threat from the MAGA wing of the GOP.

She was the only member of the Washington congressional delegation to vote against impeaching former President Donald Trump for his actions stoking the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, McMorris Rodgers lone remaining Republican colleague in Washington, praised her as a conservative champion for the state and the country.

Her constituents in Eastern Washington, and Congress as an institution, are better off because of her dedicated service, Newhouse said in a prepared statement. As a friend, I wish her the very best wherever the next chapter takes her.

There has been rampant speculation in state Republican circles that Newhouse may be the next to announce his retirement. He did not answer on Thursday when asked whether he planned to seek another term.

Her retirement from the House signals a new chapter in a life that has revolved from a young age around politics and government.

McMorris Rodgers was elected to the House in 2004, winning a competitive Republican primary and then the general election, succeeding Rep. George Nethercutt, who famously defeated Democratic House Speaker Tom Foley in 1994. She had previously served as a state representative for a decade and was a legislative aide before that.

In her statement on Thursday, McMorris Rodgers talked about her faith and family as drivers of her career, and expressed hope for the future.

No matter the division, we must unite in prayer. And as we do, we will bring hope and healing to broken lives, broken families, and broken systems failing broken people. Together, may we always be guided by Gods abundant grace and wisdom to keep the promise of America alive.
OLYMPIA  In an effort to boost low turnout in local elections, the Washington House passed a bill Thursday that would allow cities and special districts to have elections in even years.

Washington currently has elections in odd years for city positions, like council seats, and special districts, including water and sewer districts. The staggered timing puts them between races for offices such as those in Congress and the state Legislature, and depresses turnout, supporters say.

House Bill 1932, which needs approval from the state Senate to move forward and become law, would give those governments permission to switch those races to even years, when more voters tend to cast ballots.

The House passed the bill 52-45 on Thursday morning, with Republicans and a few Democrats voting against it. The bill encountered vocal opposition in the floor debate, including concerns voters wouldnt participate in down-ballot races if more contests were on a single ballot.

Opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, have also voiced worries that even-year elections would burden elections officials with more work on an uneven schedule, leading to staffing challenges, rather than spreading out elections annually.

Majority Democrats revived interest in the legislation after low turnout in the November 2023 general election  about 36% of voters submitted ballots that got accepted. King County was roughly at the same level, with 37% turnout. Some counties saw turnout of less than 30%.

The bills sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac, said the bill would let cities choose timing that works better for them, and would increase turnout.

This is about a slow, methodical, smart way to make sure, proven by data, that two and three times more people will definitely vote, Gregerson said.

Republicans offered a flurry of proposed changes to the bill, including requiring school district bond measures be in even-year general elections, which got rejected.

County auditors were virtually unanimous in their opposition to the bill, said Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground. The longer ballots could require new technology, he said.

Theres no objection to increasing voter participation, Cheney said. But doing so without the infrastructure in place, without the resources, without the skilled technicians who we rely upon to make sure our votes are counted accurately, we need to be listening to those people.

Opponents also said the policy would inundate voters with information, leading to voter fatigue, and federal and state races would suck up all the oxygen if local races were at the same time.

Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, pointed to the Legislatures removal of advisory votes from ballots last year because it crowded the ballot, and confused voters and decreased participation as well. Advisory votes, which had been on ballots whenever the Legislature voted to raise taxes, werent binding and didnt make changes to policy.

We need to protect odd-year elections so that the important work of our local governments is highlighted, Corry said, so that people can make an informed decision and not be rushed to fill out a huge ballot that could be potentially confusing for them.

In King County, voters historically have filled out a higher share of items on their ballots in even years than in odd years, according to an analysis by the Northwest Progressive Institute, which supports the even-year elections bill.

Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, said voter turnout increases among young people and voters of color in even-year elections.

It is incumbent upon us to make voting as accessible as possible, Mena said. This bill is one more tool in the toolbox for local governments, who want to switch, who want to experiment with this, who want to see if this makes voting more accessible to those that have been historically marginalized.

Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, a political scientist, said elections were too frequent and that the data was crystal clear, citing figures from the secretary of state that more people vote in even years.

The switch would be optional. A city could make the change through its legislative body, like a city council, or by having voters decide on an ordinance change or charter amendment. Entities wanting to make the change would be required to have two public hearings.

Most Washington counties already have their elections in even-numbered years. In 2022, King County voters opted to switch county elections to even years beginning in 2026.

In Seattle, Council President Sara Nelson expressed skepticism about switching local elections to even years. She acknowledged turnout would be higher, but said she was worried about the publics ability to get enough information about each candidate.

I believe that greater turnout doesnt necessarily mean a better-informed public when it comes to the issues that impact peoples daily lives most directly, which is the stuff that comes out of City Hall sometimes, from public safety to potholes, she said recently.
Huntsville native and business owner Trey Wharton is one of three candidates vying for the State Representative District 12 Republican nomination.

Wharton, 57, has previously served as the Huntsville school district president and as the board chair for the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. He is also currently on the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors. He graduated with a business administration-finance degree from Texas Christian University and founded the Wharton Insurance Network in 1991.

Gov. Greg Abbott and nine state associations, including the Texas Alliance for Life and the Texas Bankers Association, have endorsed Wharton.

According to a Feb. 5 Texas Ethics Commission campaign finance report, Wharton has so far received over $63,000 in political contributions with over $50,000 in cash on hand. Abbotts campaign has donated $34,910.40 in in-kind contributions to Whartons campaign for digital marketing.

Wharton said he decided to run after he became disappointed with incumbent Kyle Kacals performance. Kacal suspended his re-election campaign in late November following the last special legislative session.

I filed to run against an incumbent that I didnt feel portrayed our values, our conservative values, Wharton said. Thats the way I was raised. My wife was raised in a rural conservative community and she moved back with me after college and we wanted to raise our family in the same type of atmosphere. I wanted our voices to actually be heard in Austin.

US-Mexico border

In January, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration to allow federal border agents to cut barbed wire set up near Eagle Pass under Abbotts orders. Since the ruling, however, Abbott has continued to add additional barbed wire and refused federal border agents access to the area.

Given that Abbott has endorsed him, Wharton said the border is his number one concern and he supports Abbotts response at Eagle Pass.

I support what hes doing and trying to get done for the state because that is an invasion because its not just families coming across looking for refuge, Wharton said. Its actually people that are looking to invade our country and harm it from the inside. We need to support that and try to get those things taken care of.

Wharton said he has spoken with officers working at the border and they need all the support they can get. He also voiced support for a border wall and creating a task force to provide more support to border officers.

We need to take care of ourselves first and invoke our rights to do that, he said. Thats supporting the Operation Lone Star that Gov. Abbott is doing, and making sure that our families are taken care of because our communities are being overrun.

Education funding

During last years series of special legislative sessions in Austin, Abbott was unsuccessful in passing his plan for education savings accounts (ESAs) which would have provided families state funding to attend private schools.

In November 2023, retiring District 14 incumbent Rep. John Raney authored an amendment that killed Abbotts last attempt for ESAs. Kacal voted in favor of Raneys amendment as one of his final acts in office.

Serving on a school board and being married to a former school teacher has given Wharton a ground-level perspective on education, he said.

My wife was a school teacher; she had kids in her classes sometimes that she knew this was not the right setting for them and so something needs to be done, he said. That bill that came out of the Senate, there was a stop-loss for the school districts.  There was also accountability for the funds, which was not there before, and it was geared more towards the economically disadvantaged.

Wharton said parents should have the opportunity to send their children to a different school, regardless of their income.

You have some kids, especially in the inner-city schools, that could get out of a very bad situation and you could possibly make a generational change for them, he said. Im a businessman. Competition makes you hone your skill. So, lets go forward with that.

That does not mean public school teachers should not receive more support, he said.

The teachers, I mean, theyre where the rubber meets the road and they need to be taken care of, he said. Being married to a former teacher  my mother-in-law is a retired teacher  they have always been underpaid for what they do.  They didnt get into that career for the pay, but it is nice to be rewarded.

Urban growth

The growth being experienced in District 12 right now cannot be ignored, Wharton said. Transportation and infrastructure need to be planned to accommodate the future.

Our district, its spread across several counties, but it has a big issue, he said. Its going to be the growth thats coming from the Houston area. We have I-45, Highway 6 and 290. Were going to have to have the state and county and city officials working together in order to make sure that we manage the growth because we all know we dont want to be like Houston.

If elected, Wharton said he would listen to experts across the board to solve the issues facing District 12.

I need your input because Im smart enough to know that I dont know anything, he said. I want to go to the experts in those different areas and say, Can you educate me on this so we make the best decision for the people?  Im a very engaged person. I mean, youre going to see me, youre going to hear from me. How else would you be represented if you didnt see your representative?

On Sunday, The Eagle will publish a meet the candidate article on John Harvey Slocum, a state representative candidate in District 12, as part of an ongoing series covering all local candidates facing primary challengers.
February 9, 2024: India has long been the largest customers for Russian arms exports. Because of the Ukraine War Russia has been unable to deliver orders to India on time, if at all. That, and growing quality and performance problems with Russian weapons, has India increasingly turning to Western suppliers. Over the last twenty years Russia has supplied 65 percent of the $60 billion in weapons purchases India made. Despite that, there has been a trend towards obtaining Western weapons and Western countries have been cooperating with India to make this easier. That means making deals with Indian firms to produce Western weapons in India. The Western countries are willing to transfer technology and supply training to make this happen. Western nations will work with India if Indian forces have any problems with Western weapons. This superior customer support is another reason for favoring Western weapons.

At the same time India has had increasing problems with Russian weapons and, because of the Ukraine War, Russia has been unable to deliver Indian orders on time. India also noted that it was superior Western weapons that were causing Russia so many problems in Ukraine. There are other factors. Both the United States and India consider China a military threat. Finally, India feels more capable in opposing China because of growing Indian economic power. Indian GDP doubled in the last decade; from $1.7 trillion in current dollars to over $3.5 trillion now. This made India the fifth largest economy, surpassing Britain ($3.2 trillion) and France ($3.2 trillion). The rest of the top five are the U.S ($21 trillion), China, Germany ($4.1 trillion) and Japan ($4 trillion). Chinese GDP growth is slowing although in the last decade it more than doubled from $6.1 trillion to $18.3 trillion. Over three decades of spectacular economic growth in China resulted in the Chinese GDP becoming fourteen times larger than it was in 1989. In that same period the U.S. GDP doubled. After World War II India had a larger GDP than China and never felt the same urgency as China to modernize and expand its economy. Since the 1990s India has been trying to catch up.

But India has not been as effective in keeping up with the Chinese military in terms of modernization. Indian threats to oppose Chinese military moves carry little weight with the Chinese or anyone else who analyzes the situation. Actions have consequences and, in this case, it means China can push India around on their mutual border. China intends to keep pushing until it regains its claimed lost territories. Currently the Indian GDP growth rate is increasing faster than Chinas, but the Indian defense budget does not benefit. Indian military modernization plans remain on hold as the politicians try to figure out how to enrich themselves from all the additional money now available for spending. China notices this persistent corruption and is encouraged to push ill-equipped and supported Indian troops back from disputed border areas.

India was neutral towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That makes sense because India has one of the largest armies in the world but has avoided getting involved in any wars. Even the Indian border disputes with China have been largely free of lethal violence. Border activity with China is more push and shove than opening fire.

This is in contrast to the many nations that support the Russian invasion because they have a lot in common with Russia as they tend to be aggressive and warlike dictatorships or those with ideological or economic reasons to back Russia. These supporters include Belarus, Eritrea, China, Iran, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Syria. All these supporters agree that the West is a problem for them and Russia. Even before the 2022 invasion, Russia insisted that its operations in Ukraine were part of an effort to defend Russia from growing NATO efforts to destroy Russia.

India has no problems with NATO and many of Indias trading partners are NATO members. Russia, on the other hand, was a major trading partner until the Cold War ended in 1991 and it was downhill from there. India considered the Russian invasion of Ukraine a mistake but officially remained neutral. That invasion turned India away from Russia as an arms supplier. Indians saw no problem with that because they had been losing confidence in Russian weapons for over a decade. For Russia that meant the loss of their largest arms export customer.
February 9, 2024: The United States sold $80.8 billion worth of weapons to export customers in 2023. This was in reaction to the Ukraine War, when many European NATO countries sent large quantities of weapons to Ukraine. Now those NATO nations want to rebuild their own weapons stockpiles. NATO nations close to Russia, especially Poland and the Baltic States are also increasing their defense spending and acquisitions of weapons in case Russia attacks. Before 2022, such a Russian threat was seen as very unlikely. Then Russia invaded Ukraine and later Russian leaders indicated that once Ukraine was absorbed there were other border areas requiring similar attention.

Since 2022 Poland has been ordering large quantities of weapons and expanding its peacetime armed forces. This is to discourage a Russian attack or defeat it if Russia attacks anyway. That is still seen as unlikely because Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a NATO member, as are the smaller Baltic States. NATO is a defensive coalition, formed in the 1950s to protect members from Russian aggression. NATO membership means that if you attack one member, all NATO nations act as if they were attacked. This arrangement has worked so far, but there are fears that Russia now feels they can attack a NATO nation and intimidate other members from getting involved by threatening to use nuclear weapons against what they consider an attack by NATO. That twisted logic interprets NATO defending itself against Russian aggression as a NATO conspiracy to destroy Russia.

Sales by American defense companies in 2023 were up 56 percent over the previous year. That was because the Americans were increasing their own stockpiles while helping other NATO members do the same. At the same time, NATO countries were still sending more weapons and munitions to Ukraine, which is still fighting the Russian invaders. Poland is the NATO member spending the most on defense because they have faced a thousand years of attacks by Russia. Poland considers themselves as the defender of Europe from Russian aggression. Nations west of Poland, especially Germany, see themselves as eventual targets of Russian aggression. During the Cold War many Europeans feared that a Russian attack would seek to overrun all of Europe from Poland to the Spanish border. This is less likely now because France has had nuclear weapons since 1960 and those weapons were to deal with a Russian invasion that sought to cross the Rhine River and enter France. Russia has had nuclear weapons since 1949 but, like all other nuclear powers, has not used them.

The Americans dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan to end World War II and the impact of those attacks have convinced subsequent nuclear powers to threaten to use them, but not actually do so. This led to some strange politics after 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved. Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, three of the new nations emerging from the wreckage of the Soviet Union, inherited some Soviet nuclear weapons. A 1992 treaty arranged for Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to eliminate their nuclear weapons in return form guarantees by the United States, Britain, and Russia that Russia would never attack them. That lasted until 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine to nab the Crimea and parts of the Donbas area. That petered out in 2015 without a formal ceasefire. Russia then invaded Ukraine a second time in 2022, intending to conquer the whole country. That proved to be not only a mistake, but a disaster.

The fighting is still underway, and a frustrated Russia asserts it will keep fighting the Ukrainians for as long as it takes to absorb Ukraine back into the Russian empire. Poland and the Baltic States believe with some justification that they are next, so Poland has increased procurement of weapons and will soon be the most powerful military power in NATO Europe. This includes ordering $15 billion worth of weapons from South Korea, particularly including a thousand K2 tanks which are similar to the American M1 tank but more modern. This will give Poland the largest tank force in Europe. Poland has also ordered more American HIMARS missile launchers and AH-64 Apache helicopters as well as 32 of the new American F-35 stealth fighters. More F-35s will be obtained as soon as the F-35 manufacturer catches up to orders from the United States and other NATO nations. F-35s are replacing the F-16, which has been the staple fighter for the United States and many NATO nations for 50 years. European nations receiving F-35s are sending their F-16s to Ukraine.

Germany is allegedly reviving its armed forces, after allowing them to shrink during the 1990s. That was because Russia was no longer a threat and Germans wanted to spend money on social programs rather than armed forces. That has changed and the Germans promise to send a military force to Poland to add to the forces deterring a Russian invasion. American forces remain in Germany where they are part of the NATO defense forces there to deter Russia. The largest American contribution has been the majority of the military aid initially sent to Ukraine after Russia invaded. Since then, European NATO members have increased their contributions while the Americans reduced theirs, in part because the United States had depleted its reserves of weapons and equipment and needed to rebuild those reserves in case China became a problem in the Western Pacific.

The Russian threat in Ukraine has led many European NATO members to increase defense spending to the NATO goal of two percent of GDP. Until now, few European nations came close to two percent. Now several nations are headed for two percent, and some will be spending a little more than two percent. The Ukraine War is responsible for this revived interest in defense among European nations.
February 9, 2024: Since the October 2023 Hamas offensive in Gaza, Israel has gone on the offensive against Hamas in Gaza, in the West Bank, and may soon kick off against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel gave peace a chance and that didnt work, but perhaps belligerence will.

The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) are fully mobilized and so are Israeli civil defense operations. Israel expects Hezbollah to fight back against IDF forces while also attacking Israeli civilians in northern Israel. Hezbollahs ongoing attacks on civilians are intended to weaken the Israeli offensive by forcing the Israeli to assign troops to protect Israeli civilians.

Israeli civilians are warned that there may be widespread power outages lasting or two days. There could also be disruptions in availability of food supplies. In northern Israel, where the heaviest fighting is expected, 100,000 civilians are being moved from areas that might be under fire or subject to enemy raids. Additional medical professionals are being mobilized as are preparations for establishing temporary hospitals and first aid facilities as well as stockpiles of food for displaced people. Arrangements were made to transport thousands of wounded to hospitals throughout Israel.

Israel also went after Hezbollah leaders. These attacks are made with air strikes or using Mossad (secret intelligence service) assassination teams. IDF infantry are supported by self-propelled artillery, air strikes and the use of aircraft and UAVs for air reconnaissance and surveillance. IDF leaders understand that Hezbollah has been preparing its defenses for several decades and receiving weapons from Iran. Those deliveries were often destroyed by Israel airstrikes as the trucks passed through Syria on their way to Lebanon. These attacks were the main reason for the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes against targets in Syria over the years. The Iranian missiles and unguided long-range rockets that did reach Syria were attacked if the warehouses or bunkers containing weapons could be located. Some of these storage sites were also used as workshops where Iranian technicians added guidance systems to unguided rockets. The guidance system kits were more compact and easier to conceal and smuggle into Syria for installation on unguided rockets that survived their trip from Iran.
Concerns about land redevelopment

I have concerns about the Woodsonia proposal for the veterans land redevelopment. The plan, proposed without public input, flies in the face of a March 2018 plan that, though I did not like, at least was developed with a nod to public input to plan proposals at that time.

Woodsonias plan incorporates TIF funding, which would go to build a 2,000 unit apartment complex. TIF funding skews property tax asking at that complex. For example, assume that only 500 students from this new complex are sent to public schools. Simple math tells us that 500 students would require a new school building and a lot of new teachers. Who pays for those added expenses? I havent even mentioned the city expense of police and fire protection, ambulance service, road maintenance and snow removal. Guess who pays?

At what point do elected officials decide that they should stop adding to a burden of taxes that already puts Nebraska in the top 25% in property tax rates among the states. This property tax burden is placed upon the very individuals who have made Grand Island the city that it is. At what point do elected officials side with individual property owners instead of the corporations and millionaires.

The Good Life legislation specifically states that, upon completion of the project, at least 20% of sales within the boundaries of the district will be made to persons residing outside the state.

At what point, do elected officials stop playing Nebraskans for fools and instead work to eliminate corporate control of the government.

Gerald Poels

Grand Island

Celebrating Black History Month

February is a time for all of us to recognize the incredible impact that Black Americans have made on our nation; to recommit ourselves to the struggle to achieve and ensure racial justice throughout our land; and of course, to celebrate Black Americans who have made tremendous contributions to our history to the fabric of America.

Black history is American history  history we have an obligation to understand and learn from. Throughout February and all year long, we celebrate the Black joy, strength and culture that are woven into the fabric of our nation and the progress we fight each day.

As this years Black History Month arrives, we must also recognize that there is a revived, widespread effort to ban the accurate teaching of our countrys history  efforts to stop teaching about the modern realities of racism and to silence votes trying to speak the truth. There are dark chapters in our history, but we have to know the full truth of our past in order to continue our work toward a more just world. We must root out systematic racism and fight for racial justice in all forms. From the continued fight for voting rights to challenging systemically racist parts of our Constitution, like the slavery exception in the 13th Amendment, there is still much work to be done. Not just this month, but always, we must honor and remember the brave work Black leaders in America have accomplished throughout history. We must carry on the fight for justice and equality for all.

Paul Bacon Hallandale Beach, Florida
A Lincoln man pleaded no contest to second-degree murder Thursday for grabbing a gun from his center console and shooting a man to death in response to a fender bender.

The two  the shooter, Karsen Rezac, and the victim, Kupo Mleya  lived a block apart on Washington Street but didn't know each other.

"To that charge, sir, how do you plead?" Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret asked Rezac.

"I plead no contest," he answered.

In exchange, Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Chris Turner dropped a felony weapons charge as part of a plea agreement.

Rezac, 24, now will face a sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison at his sentencing in March.

In court, Turner said Lincoln police were called to South 20th and Washington streets at 12:20 a.m. Dec. 23, 2022, on reports of the sound of a crash, then several gunshots.

Officers found Mleya, still in the driver's seat, with gunshot wounds to his head, his Jeep Patriot riddled with bullet holes and the driver's window shattered.

The 38-year-old Lincoln man died at the scene.

Turner said witnesses reported seeing a light-colored SUV leaving the scene immediately afterward, and investigators quickly developed Rezac as a potential suspect.

Not only did Rezac live near where the shooting happened, but he also was the registered owner of a white GMC Yukon SUV, which police found parked nearby with damage to its passenger side and a window consistent with the debris at the scene and gunshots, the prosecutor said.

A search of the SUV turned up nine spent casings and a 9mm Glock handgun in the center console.

When investigators interviewed Rezac the next day, he told police he was backing out of his driveway when the Jeep "slammed" into him.

"The defendant stated he had a 9mm handgun in the center console and that he 'freaked out,'" Turner said.

Rezac told police he fired toward the other driver before driving away, leaving his SUV a few blocks away, and walking back to his apartment. He said Rezac acknowledged officers still were on the scene, but said he was too scared to contact them.

Mleya, a native of Zimbabwe, emigrated to the U.S. to attend school and had worked at the Lincoln bike shop Cycle Works, at Frontier Harley-Davidson and as a groundskeeper at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a student in the late 2010s.

Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023 4. Christopher Karmazin
On a day when state judges are traditionally elected, political grandstanding ensued, including threats of worsening an already clogged state criminal justice system.

After learning Tuesday that Senate members would not move forward with judicial elections without judicial reform, House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, delivered a scathing speech Wednesday, signaling an impasse, citing more than 20 vacancies on the states circuit court, which could potentially backlog criminal and civil cases further.

The move could mean delayed justice for South Carolinians.

If you claim to be for (judicial reform), thats your prerogative, Smith said on the House floor, referring to the Senate. But destroying the current system to make the case for change still destroys the system and puts the public in harms way. Im pleading with my colleagues across the hall to simply do your job that you were elected to do.

Smiths remarks prompted Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee, to fire back.

If the speaker of the House wants to accomplish what he says he wants to accomplish, his time might be better spent working with his colleagues in the Senate rather than demagoguing them, Alexander said. Mr. Speaker of the House, the Senate, as always, stands ready to work with you, but we do not work for you.

Smith claimed the Senates decision to choke judicial elections threatens public safety by stalling a number of criminal court cases after July 1 due to a potential increase in vacancies on the states circuit court. Unlike positions on the states Supreme Court, which enjoy a holdover status during pending vacancies, the same is not true of lower courts, such as the circuit court, which hear most cases.

The state is at a very real risk of its criminal justice system coming to a catastrophic halt, Smith said, pointing to an existing backlog of criminal court cases.

State Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland, a lawyer legislator and major proponent of judicial reform, said Smiths remarks were disingenuous.

Im a consumer of this (judicial selection) process, and what I see and hear offends me, Harpootlian said. Hopefully, the speaker will wake up and smell the coffee on the fact we need to do something on judicial reform. Giving speeches about how the public is going to be in danger is irresponsible, because nothing happens (relating to judicial vacancies) until July 1.

State Sens. Wes Climer, R-York, and Harpootlian, pointed to the yawning gap between now and July 1, insisting that the General Assembly has plenty of time to hold judicial elections after a judicial reform bill is passed.

Its the same as saying, Oh, we dont have a budget yet for 2024-2025 (which is due Jun. 30), so the state is going to shut down. I mean, its just irresponsible, Harpootlian said

Smith said 24 circuit court vacancies would result if judicial elections arent held before July 1.

Rep. Nancy Mace to speak at Citadel graduation Nearly 25 years to the day after becoming the first female cadet to graduate from The Citadel, South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace will serve as the commencement speaker for the 2024 Corps of Cadets commencement ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

As of Nov. 30, 2023, South Carolina had a total of 175,167 criminal cases pending, according to data from S.C. Court Administration, which considers cases more than 365 days old as backlogged. Of the total number of cases, 81,854 are more than a year old, while 56,077 have been stale for more than 545 days, or a year and a half.

But the backlog has declined over the past two years. In 2021, the state reached an unprecedented level of backlog cases with 191,708 pending criminal cases on court dockets. That number decreased in 2022 to 179,100, and again in 2023 to 175,167.

Steps to unwind judicial blockade

Climer and Harpootlian both say judicial elections only proceeds if a bill on judicial reform passes the General Assembly.

Currently, several proposals are in the Senate, and most of them involves changing the makeup of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission  a 10-member body charged with considering judicial candidates qualifications.

The majority of proposals seek to address ongoing concerns raised about the transparency and perception of trustworthiness of the judiciary, and particularly concerns about what level of influence is held by lawyer-legislators who hold power over screening judges.

In a bill by Climer, S. 178, all legislators, lawyer or otherwise, would be excluded from the JMSC and would, instead, include the governor and six members of the public. It would also reduce the number of commissioners from 10 to seven.

Harpootlian has proposed a bill, S. 879, that would disqualify a legislators close relative from seeking a judgeship, remove the ability for members of the bar to submit anonymous complaints against judicial candidates, and prohibit candidates from withdrawing their candidacy once the JMSC begins vetting that candidate.

Its the appearance of impropriety, Harpootlian told The State last December. Im not alleging there actually is impropriety, although there are certainly cases that raise huge questions, but the appearance of impropriety shakes the publics faith in the judiciary.

Harpootlians measure, like others, would also expand the number of judicial candidates eligible to be forwarded to the General Assembly for consideration.

The JMSC can currently recommend up to three candidates for each vacant judgeship. Harpootlians proposal would instead allow the committee to send an unlimited number of candidates to the Legislature for consideration.

Another proposal, S. 871, by state Sen. Mia McLeod, I-Richland, would require all legislators who actively practice law in the Palmetto State, to recuse themselves from voting in judicial elections. Like Harpootlian, McLeod also sponsored a measure  S. 872  to remove the three-judicial-candidate cap the JMSC follows when it submits qualified candidates to the General Assembly.

Despite the variety of proposed measures in the Senate, Climer and Harpootlain said theyre confident the Upper Chamber can deliver on judicial reform in a matter of weeks.

Im confident that at the end of the day, the Senate will produce a bill that accomplishes the goals of remedying the conflict of interest (among lawyer-legislators) and giving the people of South Carolina more confidence in the judicial system, Climer said. But in the meantime, you should continue to expect those who profit most from the status quo to defend it most vigorously.

Moreover, after a bill on judicial reform passes the Senate, Harpootlian said Smith has the power to bring that bill directly to the floor.

Unlike in the Senate, (Smith) has the sole ability to set (bills) and have them voted on, Harpootlian said.

Still, the House has been working to address judicial reform through several ad hoc committee meetings, where testimony by several key players, including S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, have offered solutions to correct problems associated with the judicial selection process.

If the speaker is that concerned, he should move a bill that solves the problem, Climer said.
House Republicans are not accepting the Senates version of the Constitutional Carry bill.

A week after the Senate passed H. 3594, the permitless carry bill, House Republican leadership announced they plan to reject the changes that were made during the Senate amendment process.

It is our firm belief that this bill, in its original form, best reflects the fundamental rights and freedoms of our constituents, SC GOP Majority leader Davey Hiott wrote in a statement via Twitter.

Under current law, anyone who can legally own a gun needs a concealed weapons permit, which requires training to carry it publicly. This bill, however, allows all legal gun owners to carry publicly without a CWP.

The House passed a version of the permitless carry bill in 2023. The Senate added several amendments last week, including creating an optional training program free to participants available twice monthly in every county in SC, put on by SLED.

The Senate also changed the age from 21 to 18 to carry a concealed weapon and added an extra penalty for carrying in prohibited places without a CWP.

While I respect the intentions and efforts of the Senate, the House Republican Caucus remains united in our decision to non-concur with the Senates changes, the SCGOP release said.

House Republicans who took issue with the amendments said the bill that came out of the Senate was not true constitutional carry, but instead, a watered down version.

Some House Republicans have been concerned that if they send the bill back to the Senate, it may not move through at all, leaving another year without the passage of the bill. But RJ May, R-Lexington, vice president of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, called that concern a political tactic.

What the Senate passed is unacceptable and were glad they [House Republicans] finally came around to actually stand up for second amendment rights, May said.

Gov. Henry McMaster has been a supporter of the bill since its inception. He released a statement after House Republicans decided to not concur.

The decision today by Republicans in the SC House to reject Senate changes to H. 3594 keeps the revolving door for career violent criminals wide open, the press release said. The public is losing confidence. So am I.
Four residential developers have signed letters of intent to give the Town of Holly Hill a total of $15,625,963.80 to build a new wastewater treatment facility.

Mayor Billy Chavis made the announcement during the town councils monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 5.

The design work began last November, Chavis said, adding later that the construction work is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

The facility will be able to treat up to 1 million gallons of wastewater a day  enough to serve existing customers and new customers for decades to come.

The council voted to raise water and wastewater rates by 20 percent and to establish fees for other town services. The vote followed a public hearing during which no one spoke. The rate chart is available at the Town Hall and on the towns website.

The developers cash, along with the utility rate increases, mean that Holly Hills utility system is no longer teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, Chavis said.

The utility system is not completely out of the woods yet. It still owes $2.6 million in loans going back to 1991 and needs some repairs to keep stormwater out of the sewer lines.

Chavis said he hopes the treatment plant can be built for considerably less than $15.6 million, and if so, the remainder of the money will go toward repaying the loans, repairing the sewer lines, and performing maintenance work.

Also, the mayor announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded the town a $2.1 million grant that will cover half of the expected cost of a downtown renovation plan.

The mayor also announced that the downtown block  Old State Road between Gardner Boulevard and Railroad Avenue  has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

That allows owners to apply for government grants to restore the facades of their buildings, among other things.

Chavis also announced that a company intends to build up to nine distribution warehouses on acreage off S.C. Highway 453 South.

He said the company wants to ask the town to annex the property, but that cant happen until other annexations extend the town limits to the property. Discussions toward that goal have begun, he said.

The council passed a resolution to engage with UR Consulting Services LLC for professional services rendered. The towns independent auditor felt the town needed some help cleaning up their financial records and recommended hiring that firm, Chavis said.

Councilman David Barber, who oversees the police department, reported that two patrol vehicles that were damaged have been repaired and are back on the streets.

He also announced the hiring of Tyasia Washington as a police officer.

Washington told the audience that she grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. She graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy last August. She previously worked with the St. Matthews Police Department.

Planning Commission Chairman David Teague reported that the commission expects to complete its review of the towns comprehensive plan for future growth and development by the end of this month.

Code Enforcement Officer Gayle Austin said she is continuing to work for the removal of shipping containers from properties in town.

The new sound system greatly enhanced the audiences ability to hear the proceedings.

Just before the meeting closed, Dr. Gaynell Walters stood up and exhorted the entire audience to give the mayor and council members a standing ovation in recognition of their efforts to improve the town.

The Holly Hill Town Councils next regular monthly meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 4, in the governmental complex at 8423 Old State Road. Contact Town Clerk Shelia Williams at 803-496-3330 for details.
February 10, 2024: Russia currently has half a million soldiers in Ukraine plus another 50,000 in Russian provinces adjacent to Ukraine. Nine months earlier Russia only had 390,000 troops in Ukraine. This indicates that the Russians are planning more offensive operations in 2024. Ukraine has access to Western satellite surveillance photos and data collected by American and other NATO nation intelligence agencies. This was the source of information on new equipment Russian forces are receiving. This includes new radios for their tanks that allow the crew to communicate more easily with Russian infantry accompanying the tank. This communication makes it easier to establish ISTAR or intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance conditions so that the enemy can be engaged on favorable terms for the attacker.

What the Russians have to deal with is a Ukrainian force that uses its own ISTAR more effectively and does so with Western weapons that outperform whatever the Russians are using. Another advantage is training. Ukrainian soldiers get more of it than their Russian counterparts, who usually get little or none. This keeps Ukrainian casualties lower and makes them far more effective. Wounded Ukrainians receive better medical care, something Russian soldiers realize only if they are captured and witness these practices. Rumors of the differences in training and treatment of the wounded get back to Russia and, despite threats of prosecution for spreading such information, Russian troops continue to talk to each other. This highlights another problem; Russian conscripts or men mobilized into the military for other reasons hear about what is happening in Ukraine and most want no part of it.

Most Russians wonder why they are invading Ukraine when the Ukrainians have never sought to attack Russia. The Russian government has a convoluted explanation for this, based on the idea that NATO is seeking to hurt Russia. This is not convincing. NATO was founded in the 1950s as a defensive alliance against Russian aggression. It still is defensive only and that is why NATO sent Ukraine weapons and other assistance, but NATO nations did not send troops to fight alongside Ukrainians. Negotiations are underway between Ukraine and NATO about when Ukraine can join NATO. Ukraine cannot join while they are still fighting Russian invaders. As soon as the fighting ends, Ukraine can join NATO and then, if Russia attacks again, they will have to take on the entire NATO alliance. Because of this the Russians plan to keep fighting this war, at least until the West tires of supplying the Ukrainians. At that point Russia believes they will have a chance to defeat Ukraine and absorb it back into the Russian empire.

To avoid this fate, the Ukrainians are depending on novel weapons and tactics to overwhelm Russian efforts to attack anyone or defend themselves. New types of UAVs, electronic warfare and defensive tactics earlier forced the Russians to take higher losses while little, if any territory. So did Russian leader Putins constant insistence on suicidal frontal attacks by untrained troops against the advice of his military leaders. The heavy use of UAVs has introduced another problem, occasional problem, gridlock. There have been situations where both sides had numerous UAVs over an area searching for and attacking enemy troops. That meant no one on the ground was safe and Ukrainian and Russian troops spent most of their time hiding from each others UAVs. In these situations, its only safe to move at night because few UAVs have night vision sensors. Those sensors are expensive and rarely used on unmanned aircraft. This gridlock also demonstrates another need, UAV air supremacy. Unlike manned warplanes, no UAVs carry IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) equipment. When airspace is crowded with UAVs its difficult to tell who they all belong to and who they are searching for to attack.

These UAV IFF and gridlock problems are increasingly important because both Russia and Ukraine are building and using hundreds of thousands of UAVs in 2024. Whoever can figure out how best to use their UAVs will have an edge and that will often be decisive. Ukraine needs this edge more than the Russian invaders. Ukraine is fighting for survival while Russia is less certain about why they invaded. The Ukrainian population is united on the need to defend their territory while Russians sent to fight are increasingly having doubts. The Russian government, controlled by Vladimir Putin, has a difficult time justifying the cost Russians are paying to be in Ukraine and those doubts are evolving into opposition within the Russian military and government. The Russians have gotten themselves into a quagmire and are seeking to avoid being defeated in Ukraine because of it.
South Carolina State University will be adding a gun-sniffing dog over the next month to beef up campus security, the university's president said Friday.

My number one responsibility to the students and to the parents is a safe environment, SCSU President Alexander Conyers said during a Friday afternoon press conference in front of the university's administration building.

I am committed to ridding the campus of anyone who may want to bring a weapon on this campus. The students know that. I owe that to our students and our parents and that is my number one priority, he said.

The security measures were announced three days after an on-campus shooting led to the arrest of a former university student. The shooting occurred in Hodge Hall. There were no injuries though the campus was placed in lockdown.

Conyers said gun-sniffing dogs are currently used across the state and country at larger universities.

It is very, very effective, Conyers said. I am very familiar with the capabilities of this dog.

Conyers said a gun-sniffing dog will be brought to campus within the next week and its capabilities will be demonstrated to students, faculty and staff.

I don't want this to be a surprise to our stakeholders, Conyers said. This isn't about trying to make arrests. This is about keeping everybody safe. This capability is to serve as a deterrent so that no one gets arrested, so that no one goes to jail.

We are here to provide an education to the young men and women who have chosen South Carolina State and every single day we are looking for new capabilities to ensure that we can do that in a much safer environment, Conyers continued.

Conyers said the university hopes to have its own gun-sniffing dog within a month and that appropriate training and certification will be done for personnel.

Conyers said searches will be random and before the dog is used, a university policy will be implemented. The policy will be put together with the assistance of universities that already have used gun-sniffing dogs, Conyers said.

The university will initially have one gun-sniffing dog and will look to increase that as the student population grows. The dog will be on campus full-time.

Random checks will done on an as-needed basis.

Certainly we don't want to get into what our exact employment will be, Conyers said. We certainly don't want to give anyone any reason to think they can out-think the system."

Prior to Friday's press conference, Conyers met with male students at the university for about 1-1/2 hours to inform them of the new security measures the university is taking and safety expectations of the university.

Today was the start of an education for our male students, Conyers said. We will do the same for our female students as well, because they have different challenges. I see the need for a more programmatic system for educating our students. This isn't new, trying to ensure our students get to graduation.

Conyers said the university has taken on a number of security measures in recent years.

This is absolutely a gun-free campus, Conyers said. Absolutely zero tolerance for guns. Students understand that. Parents understand that, I hope. Every student on this campus knows that this is a gun-free campus.

Every student on this campus knows that if they are caught with a weapon, they will not sleep in their bed that night, Conyers said. Every student on this campus knows if they are found with a weapon on this campus, it is out of my control and it is in the control of state law enforcement.

Conyers said security cameras are throughout campus at entrances, gates and around dorms.

We have cameras throughout this entire campus, Conyers said. We have 24-hour monitoring of those cameras.

A new guard shack will be built at Gate 5 and a television will be mounted at the station, Conyers said.

We want our visitors to know that they are being watched, Conyers said.

Currently, the university has about 700 security cameras and 27 emergency call boxes across the campus.

Cameras don't prevent incidents but they help us solve them in a much, much faster way, Conyers said. This campus is not much different than many other campuses of this size with issues but we are working hard every single day to mitigate those.

In addition to cameras, the university has added more campus safety officers to assist campus police and upgraded lighting and security technology around residence halls and classroom buildings. Conyers said the campus has 14 sworn police officers and contract security.

The university also has three sirens on top of three buildings across campus. He said the sirens will be activated in the event of an active shooter or a campus lockdown.

There are also guest policies.

Conyers said guests can come on campus and visit, but guests must sign in after a certain hour.

The university is open to guests, always. We just ask the guests to follow our rules and if they don't, they will be held accountable as well, Conyers said.

Conyers said the university provides services to students struggling with mental health counseling and telehealth, and also offers faculty and staff the same type of service.

S.C. State sophomore Jah Allen said security has improved on campus since last year.

On and off campus, it is a little hard to get on if you don't have a valid student ID, Allen said.

Gates have been fixed, helping better limit campus access, Allen said. It is getting better. We are not all the way there yet as secure as we need to be, but we can get there.

Allen described the gun-sniffing dog measure as heat.

I didn't even know they could go that far as to sniff out gunpowder, Allen said. They need that here to bring the dogs here. Hopefully they will sniff out what they need to sniff out and get it off the campus.

Freshman Zane Prioleau said the university's security plans will help.

It is definitely going to change the stigma around State and how like it looks and what people think of State, Prioleau said. It is going to make it a safer environment for everybody to have fun, especially since the HBCU is giving us space to grow.

Prioleau says he feels safe on campus.

Conyers encouraged students to report any illegal activity on campus to campus police. Conyers said tips will remain anonymous.

This week's shooting is not the first incident at the university just over the past year.

Two months ago, an 18-year-old Denmark man was charged with attempted murder, trespassing after warning and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

That shooting took place on Dec. 1 in Building F of Hugine Suites, an on-campus co-ed housing unit for S.C. State students.

There were also two shootings in March 2023, also near the Hugine Suites. A student was treated for non-life threatening injuries in the early March shooting. There were no injuries in the second March shooting.
Black History Month is considered one of the nation's 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.

MLK Day Wreaths from the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Wreath Laying Ceremony are pictured at The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, Monda

"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 ASAAH president, said Woodson chose that week because Black Americans were already celebrating Lincoln's and Douglass's 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.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: The life and times of Ulysses Jarvis Jr. For several months, I researched the family of one of our most outstanding citizens who has reached the age of 93. While conducting my works, I found that the family of Ulysses Jarvis Jr. is one of the most notable Black families in the County of Orangeburg.

Woodson's 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

Every president since Gerald R. Ford through Joe Biden has issued a statement honoring the spirit of Black History Month.

Get TheTandD.com for $1 for 26 weeks Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com. View our latest offer at https://thetandd.com/subscribe.

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."
WASHINGTON  After months of negotiations and delays, the Senate voted Thursday to move forward on legislation that would provide wartime aid to Ukraine and Israel.

While far from a final vote, it was a momentary victory for Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a strong supporter of the aid for Ukraine, in particular, despite a growing number in his party who opposed it.

The deep Republican divide over the aid, along with contentious debate over a border policy compromise with Democrats that was blocked by GOP senators, recently left a small group of senators in his conference fuming  and some even calling for his removal.

"WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP  NOW," Utah Sen. Mike Lee posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, after the text of the border bill was released. He added in another post, "Senate GOP leadership screwed this up  and screwed us."

While McConnell's job isn't immediately in danger, and the vast majority of the conference still supports him, growing anger from a small section of his caucus has rattled GOP senators and upended their regular private meetings, which have devolved into occasional yelling and frustration. Shortly before Thursday's vote, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said McConnell isn't listening to his members as a growing number of them have opposed the foreign assistance.

"He's so focused on Zelenskyy," Hawley vented to reporters, speaking of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "He's got bigger problems than Zelenskyy."

Not going anywhere

In an interview Thursday, McConnell said he's not going anywhere. "They've had their shot," he said of his critics, referring to the 2022 leadership election, in which Florida Sen. Rick Scott challenged him and received 10 votes out of 49 Republicans. He would not say whether he will run for leader again after the November election.

"I haven't made any announcement on that yet," McConnell said.

McConnell, 81, was first elected party leader in 2007 and is now the longest serving party leader in Congress. He has long enjoyed a fierce loyalty from the majority of his GOP conference, many of whom were elected because of his steady acumen on campaigns and benefitted politically from his focus on confirming conservative judges to the federal bench.

However, the past several years tested the party stalwart, as he struggled with some health issues and as Donald Trump remained a powerful force in the party. His relationship with the former president has been strained, and the two haven't talked since before Trump supporters' violent Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Criticism has grown louder

The critics' calls for a leadership change have grown louder, and more open, in recent weeks amid the divisions over whether to support the border compromise with Democrats and whether to support aid for Ukraine's war against Russia.

McConnell says he's seen it all before  internal angst amid the rise of the right-wing tea party almost 15 years ago, and yearly fights over spending, for example. "We've always had a lot of divisions," he said.

"I think the fact that we're in a presidential election, the fact that the border is a huge issue to both sides elevated this debate," he said. "But from my perspective, it's just another tough situation we've been in a lot of times over the last 18 years."

He added, "I've been there too many times on too many issues."

Scott and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz have also verbally beaten up on McConnell in recent days.

At a news conference Tuesday to oppose the border proposal, Cruz blamed McConnell for Republicans' failure to win back the majority in 2022 and for allowing Republican compromises with Democrats.

"I think a Republican leader should actually lead this conference and advance the priorities of Republicans," said Cruz, who has long sparred with the Kentucky senator.

Many Senate Republicans still support him

There is little evidence at this point that the number of those saying they want a change in leadership has grown beyond the 10 members who voted against McConnell in 2022. Calls to remove him are "definitely not the majority view," said Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

She said GOP support for moving forward on the Ukraine legislation was "an affirmation of his leadership" and a positive signal to the world.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said McConnell "is our leader and he's going to continue to be our leader. I mean, anybody here could call a conference and try to remove him. No one's doing that."

Three Republican senators are eyeing the job, whenever McConnell decides to give it up. South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 3 Republican, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn are all discussed as potential successors and quietly started to position themselves among members.

Asked about the open criticism of McConnell, Cornyn called it a "bad trend."

"I think when we're divided, it's sort of a gift to our political opponents," Cornyn said.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., says he thinks some of the open rebellion started after the House ousted its Republican leader, Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, in October. "Now it's stylish for people to bash the leader," Tillis said.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said he supports McConnell: "I think he's still the brightest political mind I've ever met."

"We're closer today as a family than we were a week or two ago," Marshall said of the conference meetings. "You know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

8 political cartoons debate aid to Ukraine
CHEYENNE  Theres no such thing as a free ride, I was often told growing up.

The lesson was that you have to pay for everything; nothing comes easy, cheap, or free.

Well, once in awhile people get a break.

That is what is happening in Cheyenne and other cities nationwide. The city governments are offering bus rides free of charge.

In a society where we are expected to pay for everything, this comes as a shock and a raised eyebrow of suspicion.

What is the catch?

As far as I have been able to discern, there isnt any.

Cities have apparently discovered that trying to collect money for bus rides wasnt worth the effort.

Paying for rides whether in cash or voucher takes time for the driver that could be spent instead on expanding a route perhaps to keeping to a schedule of stops.

Then there also the time and office work devoted to accounting for the collections.

They also figured that maybe offering free rides would be one way to get people to ride the bus again.

Nationally, public transit programs are struggling. They lost lots of ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were working from their homes or shunned mass transportation because of the danger of physical contact.

It has been slow to pick up again.

In Cheyenne the public transit system shut down its fixed-route system for nearly three-and-one-half years.

The citys transit program continued to offer paratransit services to disabled residents covered by the American Disabilities Act.

These included medically necessary trips, essential workforce trips and grocery and pharmacy trips.

When the pandemic subsided, the city last August cranked up the public transit system to again include fixed routes.

They also decided to offer free rides.

After more than three months, the free ride program is dong well in attracting riders.

It is definitely working said Renae Jording, the program director.

The total ridership was 10,445 for the first months of free operation.

Financially its doing okay through federal grants and money from the city and other sources.

Were getting enough to continue services. Jording said in a recent phone interview.

She also noted that Cheyenne is not a big public transit community.

Most people here drive or have other means of transportation, be it friends, neighbors, relatives.

This free service is one way the city can help its residents who need transportation, she said.

Thats why were here. Jording added.

Meanwhile the entire transportation industry is unsettled about the pros and cons of free transit service. Big cities tried free service in hopes of discouraging high volumes of vehicle traffic for a drop in traffic congestion and air pollution.

Some of these programs failed in reaching that goal, according to internet sources.

Those sources also concluded that perhaps free public transit works better in smaller communities than in a big metropolis.

A 2022 study by the National Center for Transportation Research listed the benefits of zero-fare transport as less road traffic, fewer accidents and easier parking.

Also, increased public access especially for the poor and people in low-paying jobs who can benefit from the social interaction.

And finally, environmental and public health benefits from decreased air and noise pollution.

Then there are the drawbacks, based largely on the experience of large U.S. cities, that include vandalism and problem riders as well as revenue shortfalls.

But Cheyenne isnt New York.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how much lower income riders depended on mass transit to get them to jobs they could not do at home.

Urban planners subsequently took interest in public or mass transit as a way to equalize transportation in a community and to reduce traffic density, wear and tear on roads and air pollution.

Advocates claim the benefits far outweigh the cost of losing out on money from bus tickets.

Some supporters argue that free fares should be a basic human right and draw a parallel with other services everyone pays into such as public health, schools, and libraries so this should not be exclusive to just those in our community who can afford it I doubt that you will find many Wyoming residents who support the latter assertion.

But they can still a support free rides as a more practical and more charitable system of getting carless people around town.
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.
MBABANE - While there is a lucrative market for horses, the same cant be said for its cousin, the donkey.

It turns out that horses attract such a price tag even in the country. This was evident when a citizen by the name of Jeremiah Shabangu of Mabeleni in Dlangeni said he was selling his horses for E70 000. He is known in the area for breeding the horses. This price could be equated to the purchasing of some pre-used cars. This is because horses appear to have much usefulness.

They could be used as a mode of transport. They can carry both humans and loads. Horses come in different breeds. They include the Appaloosa, Clydesdale, Rahvan, Mustang, Dutch Warmblood and Morgan horse. The inconsequential use of horses for transportation has an environmental impact as they do not need to be refilled with the limited resource of fuel as cars do.

They can also be used for the horse racing sport and betting. One South African sport betting company, Cash and Sport, said an average race horse can cost E300 000 plus E50 000 to E60 000 a year for maintenance. A quick search on Gumtree online shop showed that some listings of horses for sale varied. In the platform, it showed a South African selling a horse for E85 000 while another one put up an E80 000 asking price.

Breeders

The South Africa National Hor- seracing Authority (NHRA) said breeders or stud farms earned an average of E44 000 per horse. Shabangu said he owns 13 horses. He said he has been keeping and breeding horses for the past 35 years. He explained that he often sold horses to those who wanted them for diverse reasons. He said he has never sold one to anyone who wanted it for commercial reasons like horse racing.

Shabangu said he had sold 20 horses from his stock in the 35 years he has kept them. He made it clear that he did not discriminate against anyone who wanted to buy a horse. He further said most of the previous buyers were farmers who wanted a horse for patrol reasons.

The farmer said he sometimes sold them to ordinary people who admired them. He said he was yet to meet a businessperson who might, perhaps, want to buy it for business purposes. If anyone did not afford to pay the E70 000 price, he said he was amenable to barter trading. Though negotiable, he said he usually took four cows for a horse as acceptable payment.

Not only are horses lovable animals to keep, they have been introduced into the security agencies in the country for their capability for speed. Unlike its cousin the donkey though, the horse proves to be much more valuable. A comparison of two breeders led to the differences on the value these two animals attract.

Donkey

On the other hand, Sibongile Mavuso from Nhlalakahle is a donkey breeder. Shabangu and Mavuso both shared the usefulness of the animals and the love they have for them but differed on their worth. Mavuso said that her investment in donkey breeding was paying off gradually. Mavuso is an owner of seven donkeys. Donkeys are capable of independent thinking and decision making.They are also intelligent, sociable and calm.

Just like cattle, she said she used her donkeys to till the land. She said she used ropes to tie up the plough to the donkey, which then dragged the plough with her at the controls at the rear. I saw their value from my growing up. I am able to make a living out of them, she said. She said she ploughed not only her fields but were sometimes she was hired by some members of the Nhlalakahle community for ploughing. Mavuso said she only charged her clients E2 per line tended. She said the interest was not in making money but was assisting neighbours.

Mavuso said the donkeys had multiplied from the time she started keeping them years ago. She said it was an inheritance for her. Proving that she turned the inheritance to work for her, she said she learnt about the usefulness of donkeys from her uncle who unfortunately passed away. Mavuso said she relies on the donkeys for heavy loads but not for their meat.

Shabangu, who rears horses, also concurred with Mavuso and said these animals could not be kept for their meat because it is not edible. When the donkey dies, she said she simply buried it. Mavuso said she would dig a hole in the ground and covered it with soil and rocks.




Stick all your dishes in a dishwasher, and youll see some of them fare better than others. Even if you took the precaution of only loading stuff thats dishwasher safe, youll see the plastic dishes come out more wet than the ceramic ones. Whatever, you might say to yourselves. These things are random.

Theyre not random. Theres an explanation. Find out what it is below, along with some uplifting news about how were all confused in exactly the same way.

15 Smuggled Cargo In 1995, a woman crashed her motorcycle on the way to a flight, and she boarded the plane with broken ribs. Air began filling a cavity in her chest, and when staff asked for doctors among the other passengers, a surgeon volunteered to operate on her mid-flight, with help from a coat hanger. The operation was successful.

14 Super Walls Astronauts have tried mixing concrete in space, and they discovered that concrete made in zero-gravity is stronger than the regular kind made on the ground. Gravity pulls denser parts of the mixture down, but without gravity, the mixture stays evenly mixed until it hardens.

13 Emperors Clothes: Origins Before The Emperors New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen, the same concept popped up in an earlier folk tale. Here, you couldnt see the clothes if you were a bastard. So, everyone who saw the emperor naked feared losing their inheritance, and the emperor himself feared being booted from the throne. Advertisement

12 Telegraph Trolls The first wireless hack was in 1903, and it involved a dirty limerick. Marconi sent a message to London, but a hacker overrode it, saying, There was a young fellow of Italy, who diddled the public quite prettily.

11 Fake Animals There is no such species as oxen. Ox is just the name we use for any cow-like animal that pulls something. Hook a bull up to a plow? Its an ox now. Hook a buffalo up to the plow next door? Great, now thats an ox, too. George H. Harvey Strong as an ox remains a valid compliment, though. Advertisement Advertisement

10 Bring Back Lard We always used to cook with animal fat, rather than vegetable oil, which requires processing. Procter & Gamble invented the vegetable processing technique to use up a raw material they were stuck with: cottonseed oil. Theyd built cottonseed oil factories to make candles, then this oil became useless thanks to lightbulbs, so P&G invented a new use.

9 Na Na Na Na-Na-Na-Na The Beatles song Hey Jude contains the sounds of one of the four saying fucking hell. Sources dispute whether thats John or Paul, but the words are quite audible when you know what to listen for, right before the three-minute mark. Advertisement

7 Genius Move Einstein never failed math as a kid, as one urban legend says. He did fail his college entrance exam  not the math section, but other sections, including language. It didnt help that the exam was in French, and young Einstein mostly spoke German. Advertisement

7 Love a Bad Boy After killing half a dozen people, Russian serial killer Sergey Maduev was arrested, but he escaped custody thanks to a surprising ally: the prosecutor. He seduced her and convinced her to smuggle him in a gun. Advertisement

6 And They Called Me Mad In the 1980s, scientist Dan Shechtman was talking about something called quasicrystals, earning some mockery, since what the hell are quasicrystals? He delayed publishing for years because people made fun of the idea. The research later won him a Nobel Prize. AMES lab And yet scientists still say your healing crystals are bunk, for some reason.

5 E.S.P. People are able to sense the Earths magnetic field. Actually, in experiments, only men are able to sense the Earths magnetic field  and only when hungry. Advertisement Advertisement

4 Scavengers Be Gone A helicopter crashed trying to rescue 81-year-old skier Robert Blake in 2014. That added some inconvenience for the rescuers, but one party never gave up. The mans dog stayed by him and guarded his body from coyotes.

3 The Science of Moistness A dishwasher heats all dishes to the same temperature and then switches the heat off. Plastic plates absorb less heat than ceramic ones to reach this temperature, so once the heat turns off, the plastic dishes have less stored heat to release. Released heat is what dries the dishes, so plastic dishes are more likely to come out wet. Advertisement

2 Huh? The interjection huh isnt an English word to express confusion. Its an everything word. People use it in dozens of different languages, having arrived at it independently.
Amidst a hiring freeze and a $177 million deficit, the University of Arizona is set to promote three interim leaders to serve in their roles full-time.

Steve Patterson, interim vice president and chief of safety; Jenny Lee, interim dean of Arizona International; and Jenna Hatcher, interim associate vice president of diversity and inclusion in the presidents office have all been asked to take on the positions permanently.

The hiring freeze, which will last through the end of June, has special exemptions that can be allowed by UA President Robert C. Robbins to hire senior leadership positions he deems necessary.

The promotions have not been officially announced yet because they are still going through the finalization process, said Pam Scott, a spokesperson for the UA.

She added that the university hopes to finalize the positions in the next few weeks.

All three have been very effective in their interim roles for the past 6-9 months and we are in the process of making them permanent, she said in a statement to the Arizona Daily Star. In all three cases we have highly qualified individuals, and we are taking the opportunity to promote within.

Additionally, Scott added, promoting from within avoids a costly search process.

Because the terms of the promotions are still being officially worked out, Patterson, Lee and Hatchers permanent salaries have not been decided.

Currently as interims, Patterson makes $300,000, Lee $390,000 and Hatcher $397,100. It is unclear if they will receive raises along with their promotions.

Steve Patterson

Patterson was named interim chief safety officer in April 2023.

He began working at the university in late 2022, assisting with safety enhancements as an independent contractor, after Thomas Meixner, a professor of hydrology and atmospheric studies, was shot and killed on campus that October, allegedly by a former graduate student. A consultants report conducted after the shooting said UA should improve its safety protocols.

Before beginning his role at the UA, Patterson worked at the FBI in Tucson, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In 2021, he received the U.S. Attorney Generals Excellence in Law Enforcement award.

In a statement to the Star, a representative for the office of public safety wrote that Patterson and the entire office strive to continually improve safety across the campus community.

The team looks forward to strengthening their partnerships with students, faculty, staff and visitors to ensure that we continue building a safe and supportive environment, the statement read.

Jenny Lee

Lee, who has been with the UA for 20 years, was first appointed as interim vice president for Arizona International and the dean of international education in July 2023. Her responsibilities as the senior international officer for the UA include overseeing global partnerships, programs and outreach abroad.

The job is actually combining two administrative positions, Lee said, which will help shave off some of the administrative bloat UAs Interim Chief Financial Officer John Arnold has said the university is struggling with amidst its deficit.

Arizona International oversees the Global Center, international admissions, international affairs, international faculty, scholars and alumni, international student services and travel, study abroad and the micro-campus network.

Lee said that now that her role is permanent, she is looking forward to implementing a strategic plan for the office.

Now with some permanence in my role, we can actually strategize and think about the long-term goals for the institution as well as the short-term projects, she said in an interview Thursday. I think overall it just helps the community, especially our employees, to know that our leaders are not constantly turning over (and there isnt) uncertainty about how long the leader will stay.

She is also a professor of educational policy studies and practice in the College of Education.

Jennifer Hatcher

Hatcher was appointed to the position of interim associate vice president for diversity and inclusion within the UA presidents office in July 2023. Her position is also a combination of two administrative roles: vice president and chief inclusion officer and the associate vice president for diversity and inclusion.

She was previously the associate director of inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility for the UA Cancer Centers community outreach and engagement. She is also a professor in the College of Public Health.

Hatcher did not respond to requests for an interview or a comment on her promotion.
A campaign is underway to build a new recreational trail between Patagonia and Sonoita dedicated to connecting people with the landscape around them, just like the man for whom it would be named.

The Tom Meixner trail would cross about 8 miles of hills and grassland along Arizona state Route 82 and tie into a larger trail network through an area that meant a lot to the University of Arizona hydrologist and professor.

This would be perfect for Tom. It has great resources, it has water, and it connects the Cienega and the Sonoita watersheds, said Shela McFarlin, a volunteer and former board member with the nonprofit Cienega Watershed Partnership. His vision was to connect these watersheds and connect the people on the ground doing this work.

Meixner was serving as chairman of the partnership and head of the U of As Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department when he was killed by a gunman at the departments offices on campus on Oct. 5, 2022.

A group of his friends and colleagues first floated the idea of building a trail in his honor a few months after his death.

The project is being developed by the Cienega Watershed Partnership, Friends of Sonoita Creek and the Mountain Empire Trail Association, a small Patagonia group founded in 2006 to turn an old railroad right-of-way into a path for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders.

The proposed Meixner trail is an extension of that so-called Train Track Trail, or TTT for short, which follows the route of the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad that ran between Benson and Nogales from 1882 until the tracks were pulled up in 1963.

Friends of Sonoita Creek president Bob Proctor lives in Patagonia and also serves on the boards of the Mountain Empire Trail Association and the Cienega Watershed Partnership, among other local groups. He said it is an honor for him and his fellow trail developers to be working on this tribute to Meixner.

When I first met him, I told him about the Train Track Trail and his eyes got really big, Proctor said. He was really interested in it. It was something that he wanted to work on.

Meixners trail would run northeast to Sonoita from Casa Blanca Canyon, about five miles north of Patagonia, following a path cleared in 2022 for the installation of a fiber optic cable in the Arizona Department of Transportations right-of-way for Route 82.

The extension of the TTT would connect the communities of Sonoita and Elgin to an existing web of trails covering about 20 miles around Patagonia and link them to the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail, which crosses the state from north to south.

Its a good idea, and I think it would really promote the birding and eco-tourism (economy) for the Sonoita-Patagonia area, Proctor said. Its just about getting the bureaucracy to go along.

The group is hoping to get Santa Cruz County officials to endorse the project and help convince ADOT to grant them access to the right-of-way.

The trail already has the support of a lot of volunteers who cant wait to help us build it, McFarlin said. Everybody supports the idea. Now we have to figure out what the real steps are to get it done.

That effort includes a fundraising push, which officially got underway with the launch of a GoFundMe page in September. Between that and other donations, McFarlin estimates they have collected about $11,000 so far towards a goal of $75,000.

She said the money will be used to cover materials, labor, equipment and any permitting, design and engineering costs involved.

As for actual infrastructure, Proctor said they will have to pay for new gates and small cattle guards to allow for horse and bicycle traffic at about 20 locations along the trail.

They also intend to put up some signs with Meixners name on them.

It would be a great thing for his legacy, Proctor said.

He was just a wonderful human being, added McFarlin, who preceded Meixner as board chair of the Cienega Watershed Partnership and continued to work alongside him until his death.

The trail project has the full support of Meixners family members, who toured the site in January 2023 with McFarlin, Proctor and others.

Kathleen Meixner wrote a heartfelt appreciation for the idea, calling it a perfect tribute to her late husband, who took her hiking for their second date and later served as troop leader for his two sons as they worked to become Eagle Scouts just like their father.

It has a section which is adjacent to the creek, and I can imagine Tom stopping to squat down and look at the flowing water as he often did whenever we encountered water on one of our family hikes, Kathleen Meixner wrote. I can imagine him delighting in the fact that we would like to develop this trail to connect parts of the Arizona Trail in the area. I anticipate the possibility that Boy Scouts could participate in the trail development effort, which would be so meaningful to Tom.

Maintaining the trail shouldnt be a problem, either. Proctor said there are a lot of volunteers from local clubs and conservation groups who have expressed willingness to take care of the new stretch once its built.

In fact, a few locals have already taken it upon themselves  unofficially, of course  to use the path cleared for the fiber optic cable for recreation.

I see bicycles and people walking on that portion already, Proctor said.
Sporadically all day, cyclists ride The Loop trail along the Rillito and come up against a closed gate.

The gate stops cyclists and walkers from going under the North Stone Avenue bridge and west past Tucson Mall, though you can clamber through it. The quarter-mile gap by the mall is one of the few left in the celebrated path built by the Pima County Regional Flood Control District.

Truth be told, its a good thing people cant go further  at least as conditions stand now. Theres nothing but trash and mud down beneath the bridge, and, Thursday afternoon, a man who was bent over at the waist, hanging down like he was doing yoga, though it was probably the effects of the blues  opioid pills that have a grip on so many people.

This area near Tohono Tadai bus station is one of the trouble spots along the Tucson areas justly celebrated Chuck Huckelberry Loop. In this area, people have congregated to sell and do drugs and sometimes have set up camps to live in, though conditions have been better in recent months.

Some of the same qualities that attract so many riders, runners and walkers also attract people doing drugs and looking for a place to sleep or pass out. Much of the Loop is near the services of the city  the stores, the streets the bus routes, the bathrooms  but set apart. Its protected from cars, near the wild corridors of the riverbeds and washes, and open to great views of the surrounding mountains.

Its a great place to bike and a convenient place to do heavy drugs if youre caught in that habit.

Damion Alexander rides the loop daily and is a big fan and promoter of the trail. But he knows weird things can happen in the few areas frequented by drug users.

I was riding by some people and I slowed down, Alexander recalled. A guy stood up, right as I went by, blew out, and I took in a full mouthful of something that made me queasy, then my face started to tingle.

When out-of-town friends come into town, he cautions them against riding near two areas: The Tucson Mall and the east side of the Santa Cruz River, from about Grant Road to south of Congress.

Anyone whos visiting Im like, those are the two areas where you should just go to the other side, he said.

The Loops trouble spots

But even the north side of the Rillito near the Tucson Mall, and other areas farther away, sometimes presents unpleasant obstacles or experiences.

Larry Morgan was riding westbound on the north side of the Rillito June 23, wearing dark glasses in the bright sunshine. When he went under the Stone Avenue bridge, he said, he suddenly saw a group of men and a bicycle lying across the path.

I hit the bicycle, went over the handlebars, went over his bicycle, and onto the pavement, Morgan recalled. There were 5 or 6 homeless guys there.

One of the men helped him up, to lean Morgan over a fence, but that was the extent of their help, he said. Morgan ended up yelling at passersby on the bridge above, asking for a phone to call for help. It took at least 90 minutes to get him help for what turned out to be a broken femur, broken collarbone and three broken ribs.

Morgan acknowledges he was going somewhat fast  15 mph or so  when he went under the bridge, and the abrupt change of lighting was also a factor. Speed is a common theme in collisions on The Loop. But nothing would have happened if there werent a bike strewn across the path, too.

I dont want to give off a false impression of The Loop  its mostly great. Even in the one other area where people have set up camps recently, along Barraza-Aviation Highway, there are fewer reports of conflicts.

But people have come across some pretty ugly stuff while on The Loop. That became clear when the countys social-media team asked on Facebook last week what the weirdest thing is that Loop users have seen.

Most of the answers dealt with the behavior of drug users and campers: People passed out across the path, people defecating, people having sex, and of course, people doing drugs.

One of the Loop riders who answered, Randy Jardee, said his big fear is running over someone in the path. Hes come across such people twice when riding the Loop at night, which, he acknowledged is against the rules. So is lying across the path at night, he noted.

Id hate to injure someone. And Im sure theyd hate to be ran over, he told me via Facebook.

Bike patrols cut drug dealing

City and county officials have made some progress in the area around Tucson Mall. The situation there, Council Member Kevin Dahl said, is not so much about homelessness  it was an open-air drug market.

Dahls office used its discretionary budget to pay for bike patrols in the area, first for a three-month pilot project, then for another three months. It made a difference.

When I spoke to people at Tohono Tadai over the last two weeks, most said the area is more orderly than it was months ago.

Bike cops were much more effective than police patrols in cars, Dahl said via email. The officers could survey from a distance and ride right up on a transaction almost before the drug dealers and customers were aware they were there.

But sometimes jurisdictional issues come up. While the Loop was built by the flood-control district, much of it is within the city of Tucson or other incorporated towns. Sometimes one jurisdiction wants another to respond.

It adds to the complexity, said Eric Shepp, who is director of the flood control district and a friend of mine. We have to figure out in which jurisdiction the activity is and ask the appropriate law enforcement.

Around the Rillito, the geography is especially tricky, with county and city responsibilities for adjacent roads and paths. The county has parks employees who are dedicated to patrolling and maintaining The Loop, and the flood control district has spent $200,000 to $300,000 per year on clean-ups.

We have a process where we go around the regional watercourses and clean up camps, Shepp said. The complaints are from folks on The Loop, so we get a lot of attention on The Loop.

Mall presents roadblock

As long as drug abuse remains pervasive, there will probably be some bad encounters on The Loop. But there is a school of thought that more legal activity in places like the Tucson Mall area  more cyclists, walkers and runners  will discourage the illegal or problematic behavior.

The problem, in the mall area, is that the mall itself owns the land all the way up to the edge of the Rillitos south bank. Because thats private property, the owners of the land and the management company operating the mall would both have to approve of extending the loop along the north edge of the mall parking lot.

The flood control district made such a proposal early last year. The simple, reversible solution would be to make the outer lane of the four-lane road that runs along the edge of the mall parking lot into an extension of the Loop, perhaps separated by barricades.

The land owner approved, but mall management so far has not. That leads to scenes like one that photographer Mamta Popat and I saw Thursday, when a spandex-clad father and child from Ohio found themselves stopped against the gate, gazing down under the Stone Avenue bridge, wondering where to go.

They asked us for directions to continue west, and we pointed them across Stone and through the Mall parking lot.

A more regular, local rider, Bobby Barnell, said its a hassle to always cross Stone on his regular route. Hes constantly aware of getting hit by cars.

I try to avoid parking lots, he said. Id rather go under the bridge.

Whether bridging that gap will dilute the problematic interactions in that area, we cant know until we try. A reversible solution strikes me as one worth trying.

The broader problems of drug abuse and occasional conflicts with riders around The Loop, though, are just going to take the kind of sustained effort that helped out near Tucson Mall and Tohono Tadai station. More eyes, more reports, more official responses without regard to jurisdictional boundaries.

That ought to at least keep these problems from breaking what makes The Loop so successful.
After nearly 50 years of flying A-10 Warthog attack jets at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the 355th Wing has begun divesting planes from one A-10 squadron amid a planned retirement of the entire fleet.

A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft number 82-648 was retired from service with the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan and on Tuesday taxied from D-Ms main airfield to the adjacent 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group for final maintenance procedures and preparation for storage.

Hundreds of retired military aircraft, including more than 100 already retired A-10s, are stored at the 309th AMARG, also known as The Boneyard.

In October, A-10s from the 354th Fighter Squadron Bulldogs were deployed to the U.S. Central Command, which includes the Middle East and Central Asia, the command said.

But its unclear if jets from the 354th are still deployed.

The Air Force doesnt divulge deployment details such as force numbers or status due to operational security concerns, spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.

The 354th has 26 A-10s assigned to squadron, which is a typical complement of fighters, she said.

The Air Force plans to divest an entire squadron of D-Ms A-10s during the summer and fall of this year, as part of a plan to retire the entire A-10 fleet in the next three to five years, said Col. Scott Mills, commander of D-Ms host 355th Wing and an A-10 pilot.

In place of the A-10 mission, the Air Force Special Operations Command plans to establish a new power projection wing at Davis-Monthan over the next five years.

Pilots and maintainers of divested A-10s at Davis-Monthan will move on to the nations fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, D-M said.

Besides the 354th combat squadron, D-Ms host 355th Wing operates an A-10 training squadron, the 355th Fighter Squadron. Another A-10 training unit, the the Army Reserve Commands 47th Fighter Squadron also operates at D-M.

Originally designed by Fairchild Republic for close air support of ground troops A-10 model can carry bombs, missiles and rockets and features a 30-millimeter rotary nose cannon that can destroy tanks and fortified bunkers with a rapid-fire hail of bullets.

The first model of the aircraft to arrive at Davis-Monthan was an A-10A on March 2, 1976.

First used in combat during the Gulf War in 1991, the A-10 has been involved in every major conflict since then, as an effective tank killer and platform for close air support and rescue missions.
PHOENIX  The Arizona Free Enterprise Club is asking a judge to void proposed rules that say its members have no right to photograph, approach, question and even seek documentation of voters who are using drop boxes.

Rules in the new Elections Procedures Manual about what can be restricted around the freestanding outdoor boxes where voters deposit their ballots violates the First Amendment rights of its members, attorneys for the group contend.

These activities  watching drop boxes, speaking to people at election sites, and photographing activity at election sites  all constitute forms of speech, the new lawsuit says. And it says members of the organization which lobbies for less government regulation and lower taxes, are interested in monitoring what goes on around drop boxes.

But thats not all the lawyers say group members want.

They are also just as interested in conveying a message to others that the drop boxes are being watched and should be watched, the lawsuit says.

All that comes amid perennial claims, without proof, that mules have been stuffing drop boxes in Arizona with massive numbers of fake ballots or ballots that had been illegally harvested from other voters. That resulted in members of at least one group, some visibly armed, monitoring boxes and videotaping voters.

The situation got so bad that U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi barred members of Clean Elections USA from gathering within 75 feet of the boxes, taking videos even if the people taking the pictures are outside that 75-foot perimeter, and mandating that anyone openly carrying a weapon or wearing body armor remain at least 250 feet from any drop box.

Liburdi said there is a First Amendment right of people to gather on a public sidewalk and watch at a distance.

But I do think balancing that right against the right of voters to exercise their vote without legitimate fear of intimidation or harassment is appropriate here, he wrote.

That injunction, however, was issued against only that group which was conducting the surveillance. And it has since expired.

What has happened since is the publication of the newest version of the Elections Procedures Manual. It is meant as a guide for how county officials should interpret state election laws.

There already are some laws about what can and cannot occur within 75 feet of an actual polling place, including taking pictures and intimidating voters.

But Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, is advising election officials that certain activities outside that limit but around free-standing drop boxes also could constitute illegal obstruction or harassment. That includes hanging around within 75 feet to monitor those delivering ballots and, even outside that 75-foot limit, intentionally following people who are delivering their ballots.

That, the Free Enterprise Club contends, unconstitutionally interferes with their rights. And, if nothing else, they argue that his rules illegally go beyond what already is prohibited by the state Election Code.

But the lawsuit also takes aim at Fontes contention that other kinds of activity, both inside and outside polling places, could be considered illegally intimidating. These include taunting, or using threatening or offensive language to a voter or poll worker as well as directly confronting photographing or videotaping in a harassing or intimidating manner, including when they are coming or or leaving a polling location.

And challengers also question Fontes assertion that it could be illegal harassment to ask voters for documentation or other questions that only poll workers should perform.

All this, the lawsuit says, goes too far as there already are laws against voter intimidation.

The Free Enterprise Club has a long record of lobbying and litigation over election rules.

One pending lawsuit actually seeks a ruling that drop boxes are illegal and that voters who dont want to mail back their early ballots actually have to bring them to an election office. There has been no ruling on that case.

The organization also has sought to block enforcement of Proposition 211, the 2022 voter-approved measure which requires full disclosure of the original source of all funds used to influence elections, arguing that making it reveal the names of the people who contribute to its efforts violates the rights of donors. A judge has rejected that contention.

It did, however, get courts to quash a bid to give Arizona voters the last work on $1.9 billion in tax cuts enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2021.

And it was at the forefront of successfully getting GOP lawmakers to impose new identification and proof-of-citizenship requirements on those registering to vote.

That actually goes to a separate lawsuit, also filed Friday, by the Republican Party against Fontes.

It is asking a judge to block the use of the new Elections Procedures Manual.

Attorneys for the national, state and Yavapai County Republican parties contend that the manual was enacted without providing the public sufficient opportunity to comment. That, says attorney Christopher Murray, violates legal requirements that govern any agency enacting rules.

But Murray also contends the new manual contains various provisions that run afoul of voter registration statutes approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. These range from requirements on county recorders to check databases to see if registered voters are citizens, to allowing those without such proof to vote in presidential elections.

That last point has political implications.

The most recent figures show there are about 32,000 Arizonans who are what is known as federal only voters. These are individuals who have failed to provide proof of citizenship but, according to at least one judges ruling, are still allowed to vote in federal elections.

And what makes that number important this election year is that Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden in 2020 by 10,457 votes.

But there is no immediate data available about how many of these federal-only voters actually cast ballots in 2020 or in the races for U.S. Senate or House of Representatives two years later.

This is a blatant attempt to rewrite election law and hollow out basic safeguards that are designed to preserve election integrity in our states election, state GOP Chair Gina Swoboda said in a prepared statement.

Ronna McDaniel, who chairs the Republic National Committee, was even more blunt in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

AZ Democrats want to make it easier for non-citizens to vote during a border crisis and get rid of basic election safeguards, she wrote. Were going to court to stop them.

What the GOP lawsuit does not say is that a federal judge last year actually blocked the state from enforcing its 2022 law requiring proof of citizenship to vote for U.S. president.

Judge Susan Bolton did not question that Arizona is free to demand such proof to vote in state and local elections.

But she pointed out that the National Voter Registration Act requires the Election Assistance Commission to prepare a form that can be used to vote in federal elections. That form mandates only that applicants sign a sworn statement avowing, under penalty of perjury, they are in fact citizens.

And that, the judge said, trumps state laws as far as voting for federal offices.

Binding precedent indicates that Congress has the power to control registration for presidential elections, Bolton wrote.
Editor's Note This column originally published in November 2006. The Osage murders came into worldwide prominence in 2023 with the release of the shot-in-Oklahoma "Killers of the Flower Moon" movie. Click here to see all of our coverage going back to when scenes were shot here to reaction to the movie.

A crime spree in the early 1920s that became known as the Osage "reign of terror" left at least seven wealthy interrelated Indians and two others dead.

The victims were killed in a plot designed to allow the plotters to collect oil money from the government on headrights held by the Brown family, a group of Osages. Some newspaper accounts from that period at times indicated as many as 21 may have been killed, but later accounts set the figure at nine.

Three men, including wealthy rancher William K. Hale, once known as the "King of the Osage Hills," his nephew and a ranch hand, were sentenced to life prison terms for their roles in the killings -- one on a guilty plea and two after jury trials.

The series of mysterious deaths among wealthy Osage Indians began in May 1921 when the decomposed body of Anna Brown, holder of oil land valued at about $2 million, was found in a ravine near Greyhorse.

The body of her cousin, Henry Roan Horse, also known as Henry Roan -- a .45-caliber bullet hole in his head -- was found frozen in his car in a ravine between Tulsa and Fairfax in February 1923. Another victim was Charley Whitehorn, Anna's cousin, who died of a gunshot and whose body was found near Pawhuska.

Next, George Bigheart, another of Anna's relatives, became ill and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital, where it was discovered he had been poisoned. As he neared death, Bigheart called for his attorney, Bill Vaughn of Pawhuska, to come to the hospital for a conference.

After conferring with Bigheart, Vaughn started home on a train but when the porter went to wake him in his Pullman berth the next morning, he was missing, and the berth had not been used. Vaughn's body was later found with a crushed skull, on the track near Pershing (about 5 miles south of Pawhuska). Officers later speculated that he may have learned too much from Bigheart.

Victims six, seven and eight were W. E. Smith, his wife, Rita Brown Smith, and a white servant girl who died when their house at Fairfax was demolished by a nitroglycerin explosion on March 10, 1923. It was the first night the Smiths had lived in their house in Fairfax. They had moved there from a country house because they feared for their lives after Roan Horse had been killed.

Rita and Anna's mother, Lizzie Q, also died. At first it was believed that her death was caused by her age, but it later appeared to be part of the plot. Lizzie Q's death and those of the cousins left Mollie Brown Burkhart (Rita and Anna's sister and Lizzie's daughter) as the only member of the Brown family alive and gave her and, by extension, her husband control of the family's wealth. Her husband eventually admitted his role in the killings.

The murder cases remained unsolved until 1925 when federal agents entered the investigation because the killings occurred on the Osage reservation. Hale was accused of being the mastermind in the killings after Ernest Burkhart, Mollie's husband, and John Ramsey, one of Hale's ranch hands, admitted their roles and named Hale as the mastermind.

It also was discovered that Hale had a $25,000 insurance policy on Roan's life, though Hale insisted that he had taken out the policy because the Indian owed him money. He maintained his innocence even after serving 20 years in prison and being paroled.

Hale said he exhausted his fortune trying to prove his innocence.

Burkhart, the first to go to trial, told the district attorney after three weeks of testimony that he was tired of lying and wanted to plead guilty to the Smith murders. He was given a life prison term for murder.

Hale received a life term after a U.S. District Court jury found him guilty of murder for Roan's slaying. Ramsey was convicted after three trials in the Smith murders and received a life sentence.

All three were paroled later -- Hale in 1947, Ramsey in 1948 and Burkhart in 1959. Burkhart received a pardon in 1966.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
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

Election deadline: Tuesday is an election day for voters in Bixby, Jenks, Mounds and Sand Springs. Each school district has a two-part, multimillion-dollar bond proposal on the ballot.

Enrollment deadline: Tulsa Public Schools first enrollment window for the 2024-25 school year closes Friday.

Closing time?: With its new elementary school on track to be completed in time for the 2024-25 school year, Catoosa Public Schools Board of Education is slated to vote Monday on closing the Helen Paul Learning Center at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Deadline extension: Citing nationwide delays with the FAFSA application, Oklahoma State University announced Thursday that it would extend its admission and scholarship deadline for incoming students to June 1.

Foundation accolade: The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence announced Tuesday that the Foundation for Tulsa Schools will be one of three recipients of its 2024 Outstanding Program Awards.

The Foundation for Tulsa Schools is receiving the award for the Healthy Thriving Schools Initiative. Launched in 2022, the program is funded and supported through the Foundation for Tulsa Schools and executed by Tulsa Public Schools Student and Family Support Services team.

This initiative supports staff and resources for implementation of best-practice-model mental health services. It allows TPS to create a district-wide framework to promote the whole child by elevating mental health as a district operational priority, strengthening the districts social, emotional and mental health foundation and developing the leadership capacity and infrastructure needed to implement a multitiered support system.

The award will be presented May 4 in Norman.

Stay-home day: Anderson, Collinsville, Kiefer, Prue, Tulsa Honor Academy and Tulsa Legacy are not in session Friday.

School board calendar: The boards of education for Allen-Bowden, Berryhill, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Claremore, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Mannford, Mounds, Liberty, Owasso, Prue, Skiatook, Sperry, Union and Verdigris each have a meeting scheduled for Monday, as does the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board.

The boards of education for Anderson, Sapulpa, and Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences are each scheduled to meet Tuesday.

The boards for Epic Charter Schools, Deborah Brown Community School, Pretty Water and Tulsa Legacy are scheduled to meet Thursday, as is the state CareerTech board.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
The rescue of a child on Friday nearly 60 hours after a landslide hit a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines has been hailed as a "miracle" after searchers had given up hope of finding more survivors.

The girl, who the Philippine Red Cross said was three years old, had been among scores of people missing after the rain-induced landslide hit the village.

Officials said later on Friday the death toll had almost doubled to 27.

The girl was earlier found as rescuers used their bare hands and shovels to look for survivors in Masara village on southern Mindanao island, disaster agency official Edward Macapili of Davao de Oro province told AFP.

"It's a miracle," Macapili said, adding that searchers had believed those missing were probably dead.

"That gives hope to the rescuers. A child's resilience is usually less than that of adults, yet the child survived."

Video of a rescuer carrying the crying, mud-caked child in his arms was shared on Facebook.

"We can see in the social media posts that the child did not have any visible injuries," Macapili said.

He said the girl's father saw his child before she was taken to a medical facility for a check-up.

The Philippine Red Cross posted photos on Facebook of their workers carrying the girl, wrapped in an emergency blanket and hooked up to an oxygen tank, into a hospital in nearby Mawab municipality.

The landslide struck Tuesday night, destroying houses and engulfing three buses and a jeepney waiting to pick up workers from a gold mine.

While the death toll increased to 27 from 15, the number of missing fell to 89 from more than 100, official figures showed, as searchers retrieved more bodies.

The number of injured also rose to 32.

Bare hands

Rescuers were racing to find anyone else alive in the thick mud as rain fell on Friday.

While they were using heavy earth-moving equipment in places, they had to rely on their bare hands and shovels in areas where they believed there were bodies.

Sniffer dogs were also used to detect those buried in the mud and rubble.

Three buses and a jeepney buried by the landslide had been found "at ground zero", Apex Mining, the operator of the mine, said in a statement Friday.

Initial reports said at least 20 workers were trapped inside the vehicles.

Company spokeswoman Teresa Pacis told AFP that no bodies were found inside the vehicles but several bodies were nearby.

Landslides are a frequent hazard across much of the archipelago nation due to the mountainous terrain, heavy rainfall, and widespread deforestation from mining, slash-and-burn farming and illegal logging.

Rain has pounded parts of Mindanao on and off for weeks, triggering dozens of landslides and flooding that have forced tens of thousands of people into emergency shelters.

Massive earthquakes have also destabilised the region in recent months.

Hundreds of families from Masara and four nearby villages have had to evacuate from their homes and shelter in emergency centres for fear of further landslides.

Schools across the municipality have suspended classes.

The area hit by the landslide had been declared a "no-build zone" after previous landslides in 2007 and 2008, Macapili told AFP.

"People were asked to leave that place and they were given a resettlement area, but the people are so hard-headed and they returned," he said.
PIGGS PEAK  A leopard is scary enough on a photograph, now imagine seeing it live.

In the small community of Luhlangotsini in the northern part of the country, fear has taken hold as reports of a leopard sighting have circulated for the past three weeks. Residents, including some community police members, have expressed growing concern over the presence of the elusive wild animal, which is said to be roaming freely in the area.

Faced with the leopards presence, the community held a meeting about a week ago to address the situation and discuss measures to protect themselves. The gathering aimed to find ways to safely coexist with the leopard and ensure the safety of the community members.

Leopards, often mistaken for cheetahs due to their similar appearance, are one of the locally known big cats. Like most wild animals, they are territorial, but unlike lions, they lead solitary lives. Confirming the concerns raised by the community, Mfanuzile Hlophe, the bucopho for Luhlangotsini, acknowledged that a leopard had indeed been spotted in the area.

Local authorities have received reports from residents who have encountered the leopard or witnessed its presence. Hlophe also mentioned that some community members, who commonly sell wild vegetables and fruits, have been hesitant to venture into the forested areas due to the lurking danger.

Furthermore, residents who rely on hiking for transportation to nearby towns, such as Mbabane or Piggs Peak, are now apprehensive about travelling during the early morning or evening hours. They fear that the leopard may strike at any moment, leaving them vulnerable to a potential attack.

The elderly woman, who resides in the vicinity of Luhlangotsini, shared her own experience, revealing that her son was one of the residents who had encountered the leopard. She expressed deep concern for her schoolgoing grandchildren who had to walk through the area during the early morning hours. The fear of the leopards presence has made their daily journey to school a terrifying experience.

With the community on edge and residents fearing for their safety, local authorities are now faced with the challenge of addressing this wildlife intrusion.Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of the community members and find a suitable solution to peacefully coexist with the leopard. As the Luhlangotsini community remains on high alert, the communitys hope is that appropriate measures will be taken to mitigate any potential risks and restore a sense of security to the area.

It could not be immediately ascertained if they reported to the police but Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, the Deputy Police Information and Communication Officer, advised people to report any element prone to disturbing peace to the nearest police station. In this case, Mnguni said they should have reported to the police. The nearest police station for Luhlangotsini is in Piggs Peak.
OpenAI chief Sam Altman is seeking to raise trillions of dollars to reshape the global semiconductor industry, and has held talks with potential investors including the UAE government, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Altman is reportedly looking to resolve some of the biggest challenges faced by the rapidly-expanding artificial intelligence sector -- including a shortage of the expensive computer chips needed to power large-language models like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The global chip industry is currently dominated by just a few firms, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and US-based NVIDIA.

While many countries have unveiled plans to support domestic chip production, the financial support they have offered pales in comparison with the vast sums of money Altman has reportedly been discussing with investors.

The Journal estimated that the total cost of realizing Altman's project could be as much as $7 trillion.

This is roughly a trillion dollars more than the market value of the world's two largest public companies -- Apple and Microsoft -- combined.

An OpenAI spokesperson told the Journal the company has held "productive discussions about increasing global infrastructure and supply chains for chips, energy and data centers."

They added that they would "continue to keep the US government informed given the importance to national priorities."

Altman has held meetings with senior government officials from the United Arab Emirates, as well as SoftBank's chief executive Masayoshi Son and representatives from TSMC, according to the Journal.

Both Bloomberg and the Financial Times have also reported on some of Altman's meetings in recent weeks.

Altman has floated the idea of building dozens of chip-fabrication plants in the next few years with money from Middle East investors, and then paying TSMC to build and operate them, the Journal said.

After rising to prominence following the widely-publicized release of ChatGPT, Altman's fortunes have wavered in recent months.

He was briefly fired from his position at the AI firm in November, only to be rehired a few days later after staff and investors rebelled.
Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- At 0:00 on Saturday, marking the auspicious onset of the Lunar New Year festival, Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong conveyed heartfelt wishes for the well-being, peace, prosperity, and joy of all Vietnamese citizens, both within the country and across borders. He also extended his aspirations for global peace, cooperation, camaraderie, and enduring development to Vietnam's esteemed international partners hailing from various corners of the world.

Business

-- On Friday evening, at Cat Lai Port in Ho Chi Minh City, multiple export shipments comprising 105,000 tonnes of electronic components were successfully loaded onto the container ship Uni Perfect, operated by the Evergreen shipping line. This significant event marks Vietnam's inaugural export deliveries in the Lunar New Year, said the Saigon Newport Corporation.

-- Commencing their dedicated efforts on Friday, over 1,000 engineers and workers have initiated a comprehensive working plan that will unfold over the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday at the Long Thanh airport construction site in Dong Nai Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. The objective is to accelerate the pace of progress on the airport project, according to the project management board. This commitment to work extends throughout the Tet holiday, following the decision of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Society

-- On Friday night, the skies above Hanoi dazzled with a spectacular drone light show featuring 2,024 multicolored drones. These aerial devices seamlessly orchestrated to create various images and words, showcasing the allure of the Vietnamese capital's prominent destinations and adding a vibrant celebration to the Lunar New Year festivities.

-- On Lunar New Year's Eve at 11:00 pm, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan led a delegation from the Ministry of Health, accompanied by Angela Pratt, representative of the World Health Organization in Vietnam. Together, they visited the Central Obstetrics Hospital in Hanoi to express their appreciation and encouragement to the dedicated medical staff who were diligently working during this significant time.

-- The Da Nang City Department of Public Security on Friday dispelled a rumor circulating on social media claiming that local traffic police would not be conducting breath alcohol checks during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, which commenced on Thursday. The department affirmed that contrary to the misinformation, traffic police forces would maintain continuous checks throughout Tet.

-- A delegation headed by Nguyen Van Nen, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, paid a visit to Cho Ray Hospital on Friday evening. During the visit, Secretary Nen conveyed his heartfelt Lunar New Year wishes to the medical staff and encouraged them to fulfill their duties for the well-being of patients. The hospital's director, Nguyen Tri Thuc, assured that the hospital had made thorough preparations, including personnel, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, to effectively serve the people during the Tet holiday.

Lifestyle

-- A diverse crowd, including individuals from the UK, Russia, and various other countries, on Friday night congregated at 11 specified locations in Ho Chi Minh City to marvel at vibrant fireworks displays heralding the arrival of the Lunar New Year. The enthusiastic atmosphere prevailed as similar fireworks performances unfolded in other locations, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Can Tho.

World News

-- The White House on Friday rejected a report from a Department of Justice special counsel, Robert Hur, who said in the document that President Joe Biden was suffering memory lapses. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called the report clearly politically motivated, according to Reuters.

-- The U.S. is offering a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to the identification or location of key leaders in the Hive ransomware organized crime group, the State Department said in a recent statement, adding that the Hive ransomware variant has targeted victims in over 80 countries, including the U.S., Reuters reported.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Tourism authorities in Da Nang City, central Vietnam welcomed the first foreign visitors arriving on a flight from Thailand and presented gifts and organized a lucky draw program to enhance the visitors' experience on the first day of the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival.

A reception for the guests was initiated following the landing of flight VN628, operated by national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

The aircraft touched down at Da Nang International Airport at 6:45 am on Saturday morning.

The event was organized by the municipal Department of Tourism in collaboration with Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, and various airlines.

The first foreign visitors to Da Nang City in central Vietnam take part in a lucky draw at Da Nang International Airport, February 10, 2024. Photo: L.T. / Tuoi Tre

The exact number of these initial visitors has not been disclosed, but they were warmly greeted with a lion dance performance at the airport terminal and presented with special local gifts.

A lucky draw program was arranged for the guests, with three fortunate winners each receiving a round-trip air ticket from Vietnam Airlines for the Don Mueang - Da Nang route, along with Da Nang's tourism products.

Other visitors received vouchers for local attractions, including Asia Park, Nui Than Tai Mountain Hot Springs Park, and cultural events such as the Ao Dai Show in Da Nang.

Following the reception of the guests, Da Nang promptly extended its welcome to more international visitors arriving on a flight from Taiwan, as well as domestic travelers on a Vietnam Airlines flight.

A foreign visitor is given a gift upon arriving at Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, February 10, 2024, the first day of the Lunar New Year festival. Photo: L.T. / Tuoi Tre

These guests were presented with souvenirs, including the iconic 'non la' (conical hat), Vietnamese candied ginger, and baked coconut crackers.

The airport anticipated receiving over 125 domestic and international flights on Saturday, estimating a total of 17,000 visitors, which includes approximately 7,500 foreigners arriving on 53 of the total flights.

As per airline updates, the city is expected to receive 894 flights during the week-long Tet holiday (from February 8 to 14), reflecting a 16-percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The skies over Hanoi were illuminated brilliantly on Friday night with a spectacular drone light show featuring over 2,000 colorful drones.

This dazzling display was followed by a series of fireworks, marking the celebration of Tet, the Lunar New Year festival, which falls on Saturday.

Around 11:30 pm on Friday, the 'Hanoi Art Light Festival - Brilliant Thang Long' drone show commenced on the shores of West Lake in Tay Ho District.

The theme of the show, 'One Day of the Capital - A Thousand Years of History,' was portrayed with the use of 2,024 drones.

The organizers deliberately used a total of 2,024 drones, symbolizing the year 2024, setting a Southeast Asian record for the highest number of unmanned aerial vehicles deployed in a drone light show in the region.

The drone performance, lasting approximately 15 minutes, showcased vivid depictions of Vietnamese Emperor Ly Cong Uan with the Capital Relocation Edict, as well as Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature Pavilion), and other iconic architectural landmarks of Hanoi.

Viewers were highly impressed by the striking depiction of the Ly Dynasty's imposing dragon in the night sky, as well as the enchanting images of the Thang Long Citadel and other captivating destinations in the capital city.

Hanoi authorities designated the entire Nguyen Dinh Thi and Trich Sai Streets as dedicated spaces for viewers to enjoy and contemplate the drone light show.

The spectacle was also broadcast live on LED screens, creating an immersive experience filled with the melodious sounds of music.

The performance conveys a message of hope for Vietnam's outstanding achievements in the Year of the Dragon  a year symbolizing breakthroughs, sublimations, development, and prosperity.

The intention is to enable the country to stride forward alongside other nations across the globe.

To accommodate the multitude of people arriving from various locations to witness the drone and firework performances at West Lake, the Tay Ho District authorities organized 15 parking lots for both cars and motorbikes, ensuring convenience for the attendees.

Following the captivating drone show were engaging and thrilling firework displays that generated spectacular and dazzling light halos, adding excitement for the viewers.

The pyrotechnic displays extended for a duration of 15 minutes.

Mot Cot (One-Pillar) Pagoda, a renowned attraction in Hanoi, is artistically illuminated by colorful drones, creating a mesmerizing display in the night sky of the Vietnamese capital on February 9, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

On February 9, 2024, a crowd gathered at West Lake in Hanoi to witness and capture the drone-created image of one of the symbolic architectural marvels in the Vietnamese capital. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

An impressive image of a dragon takes shape as a prominent feature of the drone light show, illuminating the sky above West Lake in Hanoi, February 9, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

A splendid scene unfolds during the fireworks displays at West Lake in Hanoi on February 9, 2024, marking a joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year festival. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Young individuals in Hanoi record scenes of the fireworks displays held in celebration of the Lunar New Year festival at West Lake on February 9, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Under the night sky lit up by a drone light show, a couple of youths share a kiss in celebration of the Lunar New Year in Hanoi, February 9, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Thi Nai Lagoon, a distinctive salt marsh ecosystem spanning 5,000 hectares in Quy Nhon City, the capital of Binh Dinh Province in south-central Vietnam, is set to become the focal point of a planned urban area in the province.

Binh Dinh authorities envision the development of the lagoon, known for its rich biodiversity encompassing various plant and animal species.

"Thi Nai Lagoon is graced with stunning landscapes, nestled amid mountains, rivers, the sea, and islets, rendering it highly attractive to visitors," said Pham Anh Tuan, chairman of the Binh Dinh Province Peoples Committee.

"The lagoon holds the potential to evolve into a world-class tourist destination."

The Binh Dinh administration plans to turn the lagoon into a one-of-a-kind area in the province by promoting its historical and cultural values and protecting its natural ecosystem, Tuan said.

Pulling a net out of the lagoon, Nguyen Van Dung, a 78-year-old fisherman from Diem Van Hamlet, Phuoc Thuan Commune under Tuy Phuoc District, said that many local residents rely on the waterway to earn an income.

"I am delighted to hear about the transformation of the lagoon into a modern urban area," he said.

A corner of Thi Nai Lagoon in Quy Nhon City, a popular beach city in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre

Located approximately eight kilometers northeast of Quy Nhon, Thi Nai Lagoon stands as the largest of its kind in Binh Dinh, characterized by vast green mangrove forests and an extensive network of canals.

Standing on the north side of the lagoon is the Phuong Mai peninsula, which is home to rocky mountains and vast sand dunes.

At one point, Thi Nai Lagoon acted as a marine base for soldiers from Tay Son. It also witnessed several naval battles in the late 18th century and the early 19th century.

In late 2006, Binh Dinh inaugurated the Thi Nai Bridge, marking the longest cross-sea bridge in Vietnam at that time.

This bridge, linking Quy Nhon with the northeastern area, played a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities for economic development in the region.

Under an urban development plan approved by the central government in late December last year, Binh Dinh will build a sustainable and smart urban area.

Within the province, urbanization will be seen as a key driver for economic growth.

Notably, Thi Nai Lagoon will play a role as the center of the prosperous Quy Nhon City, while traffic infrastructure will be developed around the lagoon.

In 2017, the provincial administration launched a design competition for the area surrounding the lagoon.

The Lagoon-side Vitality design by a Vietnam - France joint venture won the first prize.

Tran Viet Bao, director of the provincial Department of Construction, has outlined plans for the development of a tourism-commercial urban area situated to the east of Thi Nai Lagoon, aiming to leverage the area's natural landscapes.

The province is committed to integrating wildlife conservation considerations into the implementation of this project.

The projected urban area is meant to build the Tourism in Quy Nhon City - Binh Dinh brand, Bao said.

The lagoon-side area will be festooned with a series of squares, recreational spaces, an opening community space, and facilities designed to provide trade and tourism services for residents and visitors.

Ho Quoc Dung, secretary of the provincial Party Committee and chairman of the Binh Dinh Peoples Council, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in early 2024 that officials and locals expect the province to soon become one of the more developed localities in Vietnam.

To make that dream come true, Quy Nhon must be turned into a modern urban area centered around Thi Nai Lagoon.

Quy Nhon City is the heart of Binh Dinh Province, while Thi Nai Lagoon will be considered the heart of the new Quy Nhon City, Bao underlined.

A design for the projected Thi Nai Lagoon urban area in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Binh Dinh Department of Construction

Quy Nhon is currently surrounded by the sea and mountains. It spans an area of just 285 square kilometers.

The addition of Thi Nai Lagoon to the citys development will help expand the city by creating a new space for bustling and modern facilities, both around the lagoon and near the Phuong Mai peninsula.

Furthermore, the province will invest in a tourism-centered railway that will link Phu Cat Airport and the Nhon Hoi economic zone, as well as skirt part of the lagoon-side urban area to reach Quy Nhon.

After the administrative hub of the province is relocated to the Nhon Hoi economic zone, the lagoon-side urban area will become the core part of Quy Nhon and allow it to beef up its connection with logistics centers at the airport, An Nhon Town, and seaside areas, the provincial leader said.

It is vital to preserve the mangrove forests of Thi Nai Lagoon if the province deploys the urban area project, Nguyen Van Khanh, a resident of Quy Nhon, said, explaining that the forests around the lagoon are the green lungs of the city.

Fisherman Nguyen Van Dung said, Many locals wondered whether developing an urban area would plague the nature of the lagoon."

"Nevertheless, I am confident that the provincial administration will take preventive measures to ensure that any potential negative impacts on the lagoon are avoided if they decide to harness its value and potentialities."

Thi Nai Lagoon boasts some 573 species of flora and fauna, with 111 fish species and 12 rare and endangered animals, according to statistics released in 2020 by the Binh Dinh Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Lantern show held to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in Markham, Canada

Xinhua) 10:32, February 10, 2024

People take photos with a light installation during a lantern show in Markham, Ontario, Canada, on Feb. 8, 2024. This event, featuring over 250 colorful silk lanterns, is held here from Feb. 8 to 25 to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Saturday. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

People look at light installations during a lantern show in Markham, Ontario, Canada, on Feb. 8, 2024. This event, featuring over 250 colorful silk lanterns, is held here from Feb. 8 to 25 to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Saturday. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
MBABANE  The people have spoken!

His Majesty King Mswati III is not taking lightly the submission made by emaSwati during the Sibaya Peoples Parliament, where many of them called for the fight against corruption to be governments priority. This was evident yesterday during the Official Opening of the First Session of the 12th Parliament, which was marked by the Speech from the Throne, where His Majesty minced no words on the issue of corruption.

Speaking from the Throne, Ingwenyama issued a directive that judgments should be passed on those individuals involved in corruption. The Kings directive, this time around, had an element of decisive actions that should be taken and these rhyme well with the calls made at the Sibaya Peoples Parliament.

The directive was profound and even emphasised in vernacular by the Kings Interpreter Sihle Dlamini, who had the whole chamber and gallery in stitches as he used the term bobhabuli (catfish) when referring to corrupt individuals.



A notable aspect of the speech is that it is almost similar to the one His Majesty made when he officially opened the first session of the 11th Parliament on February 1, 2019, where he implored all to give credence to sentiments that had been made by the nation at the Sibaya, where all acts of corruption and malpractice were strongly castigated.

His Majesty said if the country was to make a meaningful turnaround to the economy, there was a need to fight, control and eliminate all forms of corruption with punitive measures to protect resources and restore financial stability.

Corrupt

His Majestys 2019 speech came after the then Prime Minister, the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, who he had appointed three months prior, had issued a strong warning to all corrupt persons and those who abused State funds and resources. The late former PM had issued the warning when he made his maiden address during the swearing-in of Cabinet ministers at the Hospital Hill on November 6, 2019, where he said the net was closing in on all corrupt people as his new government was determined to clean the country.

In a boardroom that was filled with principal secretaries, spouses of ministers, legislators and high-ranking officials, the late former PMs words were welcomed with a round of applause. As if to prove that indeed His Majesty is deeply worried about corruption, he emphasised around the same time last year when delivering a similar speech that for the country to realise its goals, there was a need for emaSwati to unite against corruption by refusing to be part of any crime and rejecting every type of criminality for the advancement of the nation.

At yesterdays event, His Majesty highlighted that corruption stood in the way of progress in the nations plans, programmes and projects for development. The King said emaSwati have made their voices heard at Sibaya and expressed frustration with the lack of tangible progress in addressing the issue.

Accountable

We strongly encourage government to prioritise taking action on this matter. It is high time we witness judgments passed on individuals involved in corruption, holding them accountable for their actions. Law enforcement agencies and structures must work together in our quest for zero tolerance for corruption in Eswatini, the King said.

Worth mentioning is that the former PM, Cleopas Dlamini-led government, is on record having informed the nation early last year that about E90 million is being lost to corruption monthly in the country. This indicates that State resources continue to be lost through corruption and this was supported by findings made by the former Public Accounts Committee (PAC) led by former MP Musa Kunene.

But while the PAC helped government recover over E200 million, nothing was done in terms of prosecuting those found to have had a hand in the irregularities discovered by the Office of the Auditor General (AG).Meanwhile, when delivering the Speech from the Throne yesterday, His Majesty first shared a reflection of the events of the past year and said he was grateful to the Almighty God and ancestors for their guidance and protection that saw the nation through to the new year.

We have many reasons to celebrate the past year, as it marked a significant double milestone of 55 years since our nation gained Independence and the Kings birthday. We commend emaSwati for the successful national event, which was honoured by other esteemed leaders from the region and beyond, the King said. Also, the King said of significance to the previous year was the political landscape as it was an election year and emaSwati were able to boldly chart a way forward for the country during Sibaya.

The 2023 national elections, His Majesty said, were a watershed moment in the Kingdom of Eswatinis history, with over 90 per cent of eligible voters registering and an overwhelming turnout of people who voted. Under the motto of ngete ngasala nasakha live (I will not be left behind) emaSwati responded to the call to vote as part of their contribution to national service. The country as a whole deserves praise for the excellent turnout in an election that was in conformity with all regional and international applicable norms and best practices, His Majesty said.

The King said it was equally pleasing that the elections under the Tinkhundla System of Government were free and fair and that the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) needed to be commended for what he termed as robust civic voter education initiatives and for facilitating the successful outcome of the elections.

Elaborating, His Majesty recounted that in July before the elections, a call was made on all emaSwati to elect more women and people with disabilities to Parliament and the nation responded positively by increasing their numbers, something which he said was commendable.

Improvements

We also wish to thank all our media houses and the Royal Science and Technology Park for providing the nation with up-to-date information during the elections and Sibaya. The plan starts now to work on more improvements for our next elections, the King said. The Speech from the Throne covered a variety of critical sectors, among them being the creation of opportunities for young people.

His Majesty stated that the countrys youth stood as the architects of the nations future and was at the core of the vision to attain First World status. However, the King said, the daunting spectre of unemployment engulfed more than half of young people, presenting a formidable challenge that required immediate attention.

His Majesty said it was imperative that the country steadfastly continued to forge pathways and opportunities for young people. Eswatini has spearheaded numerous initiatives, such as the youth fund, Rural Development Fund, and small-scale and export guarantee schemes.

These endeavours are designed to facilitate access to financing, enabling young entrepreneurs to initiate businesses and, in turn, create employment opportunities, His Majesty said. Emphasising, His Majesty said the role of quality education and skills development could not be overemphasised in paving the countrys path to the shared prosperity it has envisioned.

The King said creating employment opportunities for young people hinged on the quality of education, right from the lowest grade to the highest level. We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our development partners who have been unwavering in supporting governments efforts. The country will continue with its full participation and we shall learn from the great experiences we get in our interactions from our international and regional organisations.

On another note, and as has been the case in previous years, Their Majesties were presented with five cows by the 12th Parliament, three of which are for His Majesty the King and two for Her Majesty the Indlovukazi.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Claim:

McDonald's sells a McToast sandwich in Ukraine and other countries that consists of sliced cheese between two upside-down buns.

Rating:

Rating: True

On Feb. 3, 2024, Reddit user u/Riflemen45 posted what was purported to be a picture of a McDonald's menu in Ukraine. The picture showed an odd-looking offering that might remind some readers of a grilled cheese sandwich. The sandwich consisted of slices of cheese between two buns, except the buns were upside down and facing the opposite direction when compared to the restaurant's cheeseburgers. "Toast with cheese," the translated menu read.

An online post claimed that McDonald's was offering a McToast with cheese and upside-down buns.

Source: u/Riflemen45 via Reddit.com

Snopes also found posts on TikTok and X from users who resided in several countries who mentioned the sandwich and even offered tutorials of how to make it at home. One video claimed that it was part of McDonald's "secret menu," presumably talking about an offering in the U.S.

It's true that the sandwich  which is called the McToast  has been offered before at McDonald's locations in Ukraine, including both before and after several of the company's restaurants closed and then reopened in the months following Russia's invasion in February 2022.

An online post claimed that McDonald's was offering a McToast with cheese and upside-down buns.

The standard McToast with cheese at McDonald's in Ukraine.

According to the official McDonald's website for its Ukrainian restaurant locations, the basic version of the sandwich is described as a "hot bun with two slices of cheddar cheese."

In Malta, the same sandwich is available as the standard McToast, the McToast with ham and cheese and the McToast with bacon and cheese. Snopes also found similar offerings at McDonald's restaurants in Italy and France.

An online post claimed that McDonald's was offering a McToast with cheese and upside-down buns.

The McToast with bacon and cheese at McDonald's in Malta.

The McDonald's website for the Czech Republic displayed a unique offering: a McToast with fried mushrooms and cheese.

An online post claimed that McDonald's was offering a McToast with cheese and upside-down buns.

The McToast with mushrooms and cheese at McDonald's in the Czech Republic.

Story continues

Snopes reached out to McDonald's Corporation to ask for a full list of countries where the McToast is offered. This story will be updated if any further information comes our way.

Sources:

McToast with Cheese. McDonalds Ukraine, https://www.mcdonalds.com/ua/uk-ua/product/200010.html.

---. McDonalds Malta, https://mcdonalds.com.mt/product/mctoast-with-cheese/.

Simonetti, Isabella. McDonalds Begins to Reopen Restaurants in Ukraine This Week. The New York Times, 19 Sept. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/19/business/mcdonalds-reopen-ukraine.html.

u/Riflemen45. Ukrainian McDonalds. r/mildyinteresting via Reddit.com, 3 Feb. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/mildyinteresting/comments/1aifv8u/ukrainian_mcdonalds/.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  United States

Indian-American Tech Exec dies after assault, 7th death of Indians in US



Vivek Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-American Tech Executive, has died after suffering life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington DC. Read More

Saturday February 10, 2024 1:07 PM , ummid.com News Network

Washington: Vivek Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-American Tech Executive, has died after suffering life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington DC.

Vivek Taneja, a resident of Alexandria, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, was attacked on February 2 in the 1100 block of 15th Street NW near White House. He succumbed to his injuries on February 07, 2024, media reports said citing local police officials.

The police said Taneja was knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement after an altercation with another man at the Japanese restaurant, Shoto and Akedo, in the Midtown Center building.

The Washington Police has released a video of "a person of interest in the case of a man assaulted outside Shoto Restaurant".

DC Police just released this video of a person of interest in the case of a man assaulted outside Shoto Restaurant on 15th Street NW on Friday at 2am.



41-year-old Vivek Taneja of Alexandria was seriously injured. He passed away Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/DgwLyQms8y  Spencer Allan Brooks (@SpencerSays) February 9, 2024

The Washington Police has also offered a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest and conviction.

List of Indians died in US since Jan 2024

This is the 7th death of an Indian or Indian-American in the United States since start of the year 2024.

On Feb 5, 2024, Sameer Kamath , 23, was found dead on Purdue University Campus.

Shreyas Reddy Beniger, a 19-year-old student, was found dead last week, but authorities had ruled out any foul play.

Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old student from Haryana, was hammered to death by a homeless drug-addict in Georgia's Lithonia on January 16. Incidentally, Vivek had given shelter to the homeless and fed him for days.

Another Indian student, identified as Neel Acharya at Purdue University, Indiana, was confirmed dead days after being reported missing on January 28.

Akul Dhawan, another Indian student, was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January.

Another Indian origin student, Syed Mazahir Ali, was attacked in Chicago by four yet to be identified persons on Feb 4, 2024. Mazahir Ali, who is pursuing Masters in IT from Indiana Wesleyan University, is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital .



Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Islamabad, Feb 10 (UNI) At least eight people were injured on Saturday in clashes between protestors and police in North Waziristan district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported.

According to the reports, hundreds of people were protesting and chanting slogans against delay of election results announcement when police opened fire to disperse the protestors, leaving several protestors injured.

The wounded include police personnel and a former member of the National Assembly, or the lower house of the country's parliament.

Official sources told Xinhua that police opened fire when hundreds of protestors tried to enter an army camp in Miranshah area of North Waziristan.

Rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
New Chairperson sworn in for Mizoram Lokayukta 18 Mar 2024 | 6:41 PM Aizawl, Mar 18 (UNI) Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath of office to Lalmalsawma, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the new Chairperson of Mizoram Lokayukta at a ceremony in Rajbhawan on Monday. see more..

Wife of former Chakma leader in Mizoram convicted in graft case 18 Mar 2024 | 6:25 PM Aizawl, Mar 18 (UNI) Special Court (Prevention of Corruption Act) Aizawl sentenced Sujata Chakma (34), wife of deceased former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Chakma to four-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 12 lakh in a corruption case on Monday. see more..

Ola set to elevate travel experience at Kolkata International Airport 18 Mar 2024 | 6:11 PM Kolkata, Mar 18 (UNI) Ola Mobility has announced its Airport operation services at Kolkatas Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. see more..

Election authorities in Meghalaya ask all licence holders to deposit arms & ammunition 18 Mar 2024 | 6:09 PM Shillong, Mar 18 (UNI) With the model code of conduct coming into force in Meghalaya, district election authorities have issued a separate slew of orders to ensure peaceful, free, and fair polls during the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. see more..
HA NOI  Viet Nam's office real estate market is showing potential for developing green and flexible models due to the inevitable needs of the international market, especially the Grade A office segment.

ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, now underpins good business and is driving governmental, societal and business strategies. Viet Nam has committed to net- zero carbon emissions by 2050, which means sustainability and ESG goals and demand will likely drive the market in the coming years.

This will have a particular influence on office performance, with increased demand for green office buildings like those with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Mark certifications.

In Viet Nam, listed companies must now include ESG information in annual reports or submit sustainability reports. The State Securities Commission of Viet Nam has created a handbook on green, social and sustainable bonds and guidelines for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting in collaboration with the IFC (International Finance Corporation).

There has been a sharp increase in the expectations of consumers, shareholders, investors, employees and stakeholders about ESG performance. PwCs ESG trends report in 2023 highlights that sustainability and ethical criteria influence 60 per cent of purchasing, increasing by 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

Businesses and organisations can use their real estate to reflect their commitments to legal and stakeholder demand for sustainability. This is driving demand for green offices.

Hoang Nguyet Minh, Senior Director of Commercial Leasing at Savills Ha Noi said: More than 85 per cent of Viet Nams fastest-growing companies have ESG commitments, which is driving a surge in demand for offices that meet green standards.

"However, Ha Noi currently only has four office projects with green certifications, including Capital Place (LEED Gold), TechnoPark (LEED Platinum), and Taisei Square Hanoi (LEED).

The Green Building Council (USGBC), a leader in the green building field, created LEED awards in the 90s to implement an open and balanced green rating system. This is one of the most widely used green building rating systems in the world and is a symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

Green offices support reduced resource consumption, which can result in reduced operational costs but also improved long-term operational efficiency given the use of energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and waste reduction measures.

According to Savills Asia Pacific ESG, from the end of 2023, office buildings with green certificates have had rents 7.5 per cent higher than conventional projects.

Minh added: In 2024, we forecast demand from tenants working in energy and power, manufacturing, and consultancy. European, Japanese and Singaporean enterprises are actively seeking environmentally sustainable office spaces, which is positive for green certified projects in the pipeline."

Green office stock in Ha Noi remains limited, and TechnoPark Tower is the first and only office building with a LEED Platinum certification in Ha Noi, the highest ranking of LEED certification.

According to Savills Ha Noi, in 2023, there was a notable increase manufacturing leasing, driven by an influx of FDI. Manufacturing tenants took the largest total leased area, with information and communications technologies (ICT), finance - insurance - real estate (FIRE) and education tenants following closely behind. Developments with green certificates like Capital Place, Lancaster Luminaire, and Lotte Mall are popular and had the most transactions in 2023.

Given rising demand, developers are responding. In Ha Noi, upcoming developments are set to deliver an additional 68,499 sq.m of green office space by the end of 2025.

Increasingly, occupiers cannot ignore the importance of ESG in their business longevity, and using real estate as a tool to achieve green goals delivers long-term benefits to their business performance.

Among more than 20 green certification systems, the most popular international green certifications in Viet Nam now are LEED and Green Mark with a total of about 20 projects recorded. Of which, there are up to 17 projects in HCM City.

Troy Griffiths, Deputy Managing Director of Savills Vietnam said: Viet Nam has a strong SME base and a very active start up environment. These users do not typically take formal office space and so co-working space has grown extensively.

"As these occupiers businesses mature then they will require formal office space and therefore increase demand, that may be best satisfied with hybrid models.

Commenting about Viet Nams market, Troy added: Influences of demand change quickly in a dynamic business environment, such as Viet Nam. With HCM Citys recent rapid growth in FIRE and ICT industries then the formal office occupiers will continue to require highly functional and pleasing space to satisfy the young workforce.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam needs to promote the development of national corporations as an important force to drive economic growth, experts have said.

Developing enterprises, including large corporations, have been considered an important solution to improve production capacity and build an independent and autonomous economy. Its time to further promote their role in this period when the Vietnamese economy needs added impulse to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The ministry said that Viet Nam has orientations to develop national enterprises and large-scale enterprises to play leading roles in key industries and fields and be capable of performing strategic tasks leading the industrialisation and modernisation process.

These policies demonstrate the message of the Party and the Government that Viet Nam will develop a business community with unique identities and brands to build an independent and self-reliant economy, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said.

International experience from countries which achieved success in industrialisation have shown that large corporations and national corporations played an important role in the early stages of economic reform.

They would help create an ecosystem to lead the development of small and medium sized enterprises and enable participation in the domestic and international value chains.

According to Tran Toan Thang from the ministrys Development Strategy Institute, the 500 largest private enterprises in Viet Nam have an average workforce 160 times higher and total assets 376 times higher than the rest of the private sector.

Despite accounting for a modest 0.075 per cent of the total number of private enterprises across the country, the top 500 have been creating jobs for 12 per cent of the labour force, have 28 per cent of the total assets, 18 per cent of revenue and contributed 18.4 per cent of the State budget from the private sector.

Compared to foreign direct investment (FDI) and State-owned enterprises (SOEs), the top 500 have greater impact, he said.

He cited statistics that every 1 per cent increase in investment capital of the top 500 raises investment by the domestic private SMEs by 0.45 per cent in the first year and 0.26 per cent in the following years.

This means that the investment of large corporations promotes the investment of smaller enterprises as their suppliers or satellite enterprises.

What policies?

Emphasising that every economic sector is equal in a transparent and competitive environment, Thang said each will need separate policies to promote their development.

Viet Nam has policies for cooperatives as well as micro, small and medium sized enterprises, he said, adding that specific mechanisms should also be raised for large corporations.

The power of large corporations contributed significantly to the development of major economies such as the Republic of Korea, Japan and China, he said.

Without strong Government support through different measures and policies, it would be difficult to have globally famous private brands with capitalisation of hundreds of billions of dollars like Samsung, Huyndai, LG, Daewoo, Toyota, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Honda, Huawai, Alibaba and Tencent, for example, Thang said.

Viet Nam needs to have big names on par with the leading businesses in the region and the world. Large corporations will create a spillover effect on productivity and play a role as a leading force in the market.

It is not only the national pride, but large enterprises can shape business models and growth as well as playing a decisive role in strategic issues such as technological innovation and participation in global value chains, he said.

Nguyen Quoc Viet, deputy director of the Viet Nam Institute for Economic and Policy Research, said a majority of large enterprises in Viet Nam operate in the real estate sector. Policies should be raised to encourage them to invest in high technologies to build the core strength.

According to Dung, its the right time to unleash resources and promote the position and role of large corporations for socio-economic recovery and development.

The ministry is proposing to the Prime Minister a study on building mechanisms and policies for the formation and development of national enterprises to promote their pioneering role in emerging industries with competitive advantage, moving toward an independent and self-reliant economy.

The project will select industries with competitive advantages, allowing Viet Nam a shortcut toward becoming an industrialised country, such as offshore wind, ammonia, green hydrogen, steel production, electric vehicles, telecommunications, electronics, semiconductors and infrastructure, Dung said.

The ministry planned to propose a number of specific mechanisms and policies to maximise the resources and promote investments in innovations such as fintech, cyber security, AI robotics, telecommunications, and research and development towards sustainability. In addition, the policies would focus on encouraging renovations in governance such as ESG practices.

However, developing appropriate policies to promote the development of large corporations to drive SMEs in the right direction is a problem which could not be easily solved in the short term, but requires strong determination and firm action, Dung said.  VNS
Phan Anh Son, president of the Viet Nam Unions of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) talked with Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Hang about VUFOs outstanding achievements of people-to-people diplomacy in 2023 as well as the role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering bilateral relations between Viet Nam and other countries over the past decades

What are the outstanding achievements in people-to-people diplomacy of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations in 2023?

The world situation had many fluctuations in 2023. The biggest fluctuation was increased conflicts and fierce competition among big countries. Countries around the world also faced common challenges such as pandemic, climate change and natural disasters. The international situation was thought to be unfavourable for Viet Nam last year. The world economy was also relatively gloomy. However, under the leadership of the Party, foreign affairs and diplomacy works achieved many important results, notably, high-level diplomacy. There were nearly 50 business trips of Vietnamese leaders to other countries. Viet Nam also welcomed about 50 delegations of leaders from other countries. In a successful year of Viet Nams foreign affairs sector, people-to-people diplomacy works have certain contributions.

In 2023, VUFO carried out some major tasks as follows. It maintained relationships with existing partners and also expanded the partner network. VUFO also implemented many people-to-people diplomacy activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and other countries, including Canada, Argentina, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, England, France, Italy and the Netherlands by new forms, new content, new approach and new participation from foreign partners.

For example, on the occasion of the Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Crown Princess Kikos visit to Viet Nam in September 2023, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan. It is believed to be a very smooth combination between the State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy, conveying many values of people-to-people friendship, cooperation and culture in Viet Nam's foreign policy.

Regarding high-level activities of the Party and State leaders, on the occasion of the visit of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping to Viet Nam, VUFO coordinated with relevant agencies to successfully organise a friendship meeting of friendship scholars and youths between the two countries. The meeting was attended by more than 400 delegates. This was a very special meeting because of the presence of both Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife as well as Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his wife. There were also senior leaders from the two countries. More importantly, both Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping emphasised in their statements that people-to-people friendship was the foundation, driving force and a very important factor promoting people's friendship, tradition and cooperation between Viet Nam and China.

Previously, in May 22, 2023, on the occasion of the visit to Viet Nam of Chairman of the United Russia Party (URP) and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, VUFO held a friendship meeting for Vietnamese people who had studied, worked, lived in the former Soviet Union and today's Russia; and Vietnamese people who love the former Soviet Union and today's Russia. Speaking at that meeting, Medvedev said: "The first foreigner I met since I was a child was Vietnamese."

It was told that at that time, Medvedev's father was a professor at a university. He taught foreign students, including Vietnamese students. The statement showed that Medvedev has very deep impressions about the country and people of Viet Nam.

Also in 2023, VUFO deployed many foreign affairs activities within a high-level framework. We received Politburo member and President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez and Secretary General of the Cuban Women's Union Teresa Maria Amarelle Boue on the occasion of commemorating the 60th founding anniversary of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Viet Nam (September 25, 1963)  the predecessor of the Cuba - Viet Nam Friendship Association, and 50 years since Fidel Castro first visited Viet Nam and the liberated zone in South Viet Nam (September 1973).

Through the activities, VUFO once again affirmed to world leaders and people that "Viet Nam is always the same. Viet Nam is always faithful and grateful for your efforts, contributions and support."

Also in 2023, VUFO organised an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement: Ending the war, restoring peace in Viet Nam. It was to not only commemorate the signing of the agreement but also give an opportunity for Viet Nam to express its gratitude to the friends who supported Viet Nam during the years of war for independence.

Last year, foreign non-governmental aid achieved impressive numbers after VUFO innovated its approach to mobilising foreign non-governmental aid. The value of aid disbursement reached US$223.3 million although the world situation had many changes and a lot of countries adjusted their foreign policies and aid policies for developing countries, including Viet Nam.

VUFO reformed dissemination activities, focusing on conveying information about Viet Nam's country, people, policies, culture, friendship and cooperation to international friends. We consider these as the foremost important task that we have to do, so that Viet Nams partners and friends in all continents do not lack information about Viet Nam. We sent them timely and most accurately information through an official channel about Vietnamese issues in all fields.

What is the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening and cultivating bilateral relations between Viet Nam and other countries over the past 50 years?

The role and contribution of the people-to-people diplomacy always goes hand in hand with the progress of the nation's history. Going back to 1975 and before, people-to-people diplomacy played a very important role in the countrys two resistance wars for national independence and national unification, the main mission and role of the people-to-people diplomacy were to mobilise friends, people of other countries, social movements, peace movements to support Viet Nam's struggle for national independence and unification.

Since 1975, when peace was restored in Viet Nam, the people-to-people diplomacy entered a new stage. The people-to-people diplomacy continued to mobilise friends and people all over the world to support Viet Nam in breaking the blockade and embargo, helping Viet Nam to open up, innovate, reform and develop the economy. Those were great contributions of the people-to-people diplomacy. Furthermore, the people-to-people diplomacy also assisted Viet Nam to reconcile and normalise relations with a number of countries, including the United States.

In 2000s, the people-to-people diplomacy continued to promote friendship cooperation to implement the foreign policy of the Party and State. During the past 50 years, the people-to-people diplomacy has played a major role in promoting friendship relations and people-to-people cooperation between Viet Nam and countries around the world, building a positive and favourable social foundation to develop Viet Nam's relations with other countries.

The people-to-people diplomacy has also coordinated with the Party and State diplomacy to carry out the foreign policies of the Party and State. In general, the people-to-people diplomacy has helped to not only strengthen the friendship relations between Viet Nam and other countries but also mobilise resources to serve the countrys development.

How do you evaluate contribution of the people-to-people diplomacy to development and improvement of relations between Viet Nam and the United States and what will the people-to-people diplomacy do to promote diplomatic relations between the two countries in the future?

I think that 2023 was a special year in the overall picture of Viet Nam's foreign affairs work. It was a very special thing that relation between Viet Nam and the United States had been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development. In the upgrade of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, the people-to-people diplomacy has made remarkable contributions. In the joint statement on upgrading to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, there are 10 major items, including one item related to the people-to-people diplomacy. The people-to-people diplomacy has maintained a smooth channel of cooperation between the Vietnamese people and all social classes of the United States. We have maintained a channel to contact and exchange information to American friends and partners at all levels of society.

To deepen people-to-people relations and contribute to upgrading the relationship between Viet Nam and the United States, in September 2023, VUFO signed a five-year cooperation programme with the United States Institute of Peace in the 2023-28 period.

The cooperations purpose focuses on two major things. The first thing is to coordinate to implement programme to overcome the consequences of war in Viet Nam. The second thing is to carry out educational programmes, convey lessons about peace from the two countries. The painful history of war needs to be conveyed to many countries and peoples to avoid repeating the same things that happened in the two countries more than 50 years ago. That is the biggest purpose of the agreement between VUFO and the United States Institute of Peace.

How has the people-to-people diplomacy applied the concept of "bamboo diplomacy" in practice?

I think the term strong root means that the goals of Viet Nam's foreign policies are consistently with independence, self-reliance, for peace, cooperation and friendship. The "strong root" also means the spirit, the will, and the character of the Vietnamese people, which are self-reliance and independence.

The term firm trunk means the coordination among the three pillars of diplomacy, which are the Party diplomacy, the State diplomacy and the people-to-people diplomacy. At the conference reviewing foreign affairs works of 2023, Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee's Secretariat, said that the important task of the three pillars of diplomacy was coordination. If the coordination was carried out smoothly, it would bring a synergy for Viet Nam's diplomacy.

In the meantime, the term flexible branches are thought to be suitable with the motto of the people-to-people diplomacy, which is proactive, flexible, creative and effective. The nature of the people-to-people diplomacy is encouraging and persuading international friends, people, movements and politicians to support Viet Nams national interests.

Could you share about challenges of the people-to-people diplomacy last year and orientations for this year?

There were several challenges for the people-to-people diplomacy work last year. The first challenge was the external factors. They were the fluctuations and changes in the international and regional situation, causing the adjustments of foreign policies of all countries in the world, including Viet Nam.

The second challenge was that Viet Nam has a system of long-standing friends and partners who have supported the country in the two resistance wars for national independence and unification. However, the group of friends and partners is currently entering the ageing phase and gradually losing their role in many countries. It requires Viet Nam to not only continue to maintain the existing partner network but also expand the network of friends and partners through the people-to-people diplomacy in different countries.

Therefore, we have identified a number of key tasks for the VUFO this year.

We will continue to innovate thinking, forms and approaches in implementing the people-to-people diplomacy. The people-to-people diplomacy activities will be more in-depth, supporting the pillars of the Party and State diplomacy to meet the foreign policy goals of Viet Nam.

Next, we also plan to focus on giving more training for specialised staff to implement the people-to-people diplomacy work. We will expand our partners in all continents.

The people-to-people diplomacy work will concentrate more on agencies, ministries, sectors and parliaments of countries that have the authority to approve aid budgets for developing countries.

After Viet Nam upgraded the relations with important partners, there has been a wave of many large companies from big countries shifting their investment direction to Viet Nam and neighbour countries. The wave is called friend-shoring. We schedule to take advantage of the opportunities so that the large companies will come to Viet Nam to partly fulfill their social responsibilities for the socio-economic development of Viet Nam as well as contributing to helping Viet Nam to overcome the consequences of war.

Regarding foreign policies dissemination, we have a big goal. It is making innovation in content and form to convey information about Viet Nam more promptly, more accurately and more diversely this year. Those are our major focuses this year.  VNS
BUENOS AIRES  Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi, who also covers Peru, Bolivia, Guyana and Suriname, presented his credentials to Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on February 8.

Expressing his honour to be the Vietnamese Ambassador to Peru, Nghi affirmed he will do his utmost to continue developing the bilateral ties between the two countries.

He expressed his wish that the two countries will bolster delegate exchanges at many levels and hold activities to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations (November 14, 1994  2024), contributing to effectively promoting bilateral ties.

On February 7, the diplomat met with representatives of Bitel  one of the largest telecom operators in Peru, which is also a subsidiary of Viet Nam's military-run telecom giant Viettel.

After 10 years of operating in Peru, Bitel has accounted for 19 per cent of the market share in the South American country. In 2023, Bitel earned a revenue of nearly US$408 million, with 5 million subscribers in 2023.

Besides providing telecommunications services, Bitel has also diversified products such as providing e-wallet services (Bipay), free OTT TV (TV360), electronic lottery (Tusami), and customer retention, especially in remote areas where travel is difficult.

Bitel is committed to providing free internet services to more than 4,000 schools in Peru and universalising telecommunications services. With this investment project, Bitel has created jobs for more than 3,000 Peruvians.

Pham uc Anh, general director of Bitel, affirmed that Bitel will continue to grow in Peru with plans to expand in several areas, including infrastructure, production, and business to ensure compliance with commitments with the Peruvian government, helping to cement the two countries relations.  VNS
Leading cybersecurity experts and thought leaders from information security, technology and the ICT sectors will discussing key industry issues at a seminar being organised by NGN, a leading IT Systems Integrations and Managed Cyber Security Company, in Bahrain.

The event, being held under the theme "Cybersecurity in the Era of AI" will kick off on February 13 at NGN's headquarters.

It will explore a wide range of topics including the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on corporate cybersecurity strategies, the application of AI in detecting and combating cyberattacks, the role of AI in improving responses to cyber incidents, and the legal and ethical challenges associated with AI in cybersecurity, said NGN in a statement.

The decision to organize this event stems from the growing challenges posed by the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence across sectors monitored by NGN, and in line with the company's ongoing effort to raise awareness about cybersecurity, it stated.

The event aims to empower cybersecurity companies with smart solutions to enhance their security measures and identify potential gaps in their systems and applications, said a top official.

"NGN is organizing this seminar as a proactive measure to bolster the preparedness of Bahraini companies in tackling threats arising from the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence. The aim is to elevate their cyber resilience in response to the escalating use and incorporation of AI applications across diverse industries," remarked its CEO Yaqoob Al Awadhi.

"This initiative reflects NGN's commitment to social responsibility by educating companies and furnishing them with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory hurdles stemming from the integration of artificial intelligence across sectors," stated Al Awadhi.

The seminar will be moderated by Alaa Albahrani, Senior Manager of Information and Cyber Security at AUB.

Joining him as panelists are Aysha Jamsheer, Unit Head of Information Security GRC at BBK, Mohamed Sanad, Senior Manager of Information Technology at SNIC, and Ammar Jameel, an expert in Information & Cyber Security and Sustainability at Bahrain Credit.

The seminar will shed light on the anticipated opportunities and challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the future, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A NANG  The a Nang International Airport in the central city of the same name welcomed more than 125 domestic and international flights carrying over 17,000 passengers on February 10, the first day of the Year of the Dragon.

The airport served 53 international flights with some 7,500 passengers abroad on the day.

Up to 894 domestic and international flights are expected to arrive at the airport during the seven-day holiday, beginning February 8, up about 16 per cent year-on-year.

The municipal Department of Tourism, the airport, the a Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC and air carriers jointly held a ceremony to welcome the first holidaymakers.

The same day, the central city welcomed the first international cruise ships in the lunar new year with more than 1,800 passengers.

Last year, the city served 22 cruise ships with more than 18,000 passengers.

The numbers are expected to reach over 45 and more than 50,000 this year, respectively.

Nearly 362,000 tourists are hoped to visit the city during the holiday, a rise of 23 per cent from the corresponding time last year, including 172,000 international and 190,000 domestic.

The northern province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognised Ha Long Bay, also welcomed the first group of nearly 300 visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to the heritage on the day.

Pham Van Hiep, managing director of the Ha Long International Cruise Port, said around 2,000 international tourists visited the bay on the day.

Ha Long Bay is expected to attract some 1.4 million vacationers this year, up 25-30 per cent from the previous year.

According to the provincial Department of Tourism, Quang Ninh province aims to lure at least 17 million arrivals in 2014, including three million international visitors.

The northern province of Ninh Binh, known for its Trang An Landscape Complex that was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2014, has organised a range of activities to welcome the first tourists in the lunar new year, striving to fulfill the yearly target of serving 7.5 million visitors, of them 900 are international ones. VNS
In Indonesia, stable economic growth continues, reaching an estimated 5 per cent in 2023. Foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded an annual increase, from $32 billion in 2021 and $33.4 billion in 2022 to $37 billion in 2023. Despite the decline of global trade, Indonesia was able to maintain a trade surplus for four years in a row, reaching $36.9 billion in 2023.

Denny Abdi, ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam

Vietnam also continued the trend of remarkable economic growth, with a 5.05 per cent growth in 2023. The confidence of the international community in Vietnam remains strong due to its political stability and excellent business environment - as shown by FDI. By the end of 2023, total disbursement of FDI reached $23.28 billion.

Following 2022 trends, total bilateral trade continued to exceed the $10 billion target, reaching $13.8 billion in 2023. Also last year, the first direct flight between our capital cities since the pandemic was also launched, strengthening connectivity between our two countries.

In addition, in terms of Indonesia-Vietnam relations, 2023 marked an important milestone as we celebrated 10 years of our strategic partnership.

Given these achievements, the outlook in 2024 for bilateral relations between the two countries is promising. Especially when both countries welcomed 2024 with a state visit by President Joko Widodo at the invitation of State President of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong.

In his meetings with President Thuong, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, President Widodo discussed the elevation of Indonesia-Vietnams strategic partnership to a higher level, setting a new target of reaching over $15 billion in 2028, and the vision to become high-income economies by 2045 while also reaching net-zero emission targets.

President Widodos state visit also produced agreements between the two governments, as well as between businesses. The two sides finalised an MoU on fisheries and another on ICT. A number of deals between businesses were also agreed in the areas of technology, renewable energy, and high-tech industries.

President Widodo also co-chaired a high-level business dialogue with PM Chinh and selected CEOs from Indonesia and Vietnam to discuss cooperation in developing a knowledge-based economy, and to showcase investment commitments, prospects, and challenges between the two countries. This is in line with our priorities for Indonesia-Vietnam cooperation: agriculture, fisheries, high-tech industries, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

The two nations are urged to focus on high-value products and facilities

In the coming years, cooperation in these areas will be increasingly vital in our bid to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. As developing economies, Indonesia and Vietnam are in a very similar situation, experiencing rapid socioeconomic growth driven by youth, and a vast potential of human and natural resources.

To ensure these advantages translate into tangible benefits, it is fundamental to collaborate in developing and connecting our resources. This means promoting investment in education, research and innovation to capitalise our human resources, as well as promoting investment in developing regional supply chains.

To achieve this, Indonesia and Vietnam need to transform their economic cooperation, shifting from the conventional trade partnerships into collaborations focused on production of high-added value products. For instance, Indonesia and Vietnam have put much attention into the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Naturally, as developing and neighbouring countries, this can resort into a competition. This competition should instead be converted into a collaboration.

Vietnam, through VinFast, has established itself as a global electric vehicle manufacturer. Indonesia, on the other side of the table, has all the ingredients needed to become a global battery manufacturer. Through cooperation, Indonesia and Vietnam can work together to develop a regional supply chain for EVs, multiplying the output produced in comparison to when we compete. This strategy can be replicated in other priority sectors.

Yet, it has to be underlined that economic development must not grow at the expense of sustainability. Indonesia and Vietnam have set their net-zero emission goals according to the Paris Agreement. Our reliance on energy based on fossil fuels can be a bottleneck to our development if not addressed effectively.

The two countries are also partners of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, and the ability to mobilise these resources efficiently will be key to unlock further investments in renewable energy. Environmental, social, and governance considerations have also become a deciding factor for investors to fund projects.

All in all, in 2024, I believe the challenges we have faced may continue to be among us. Hence, our endeavours in energy transition, digital transformation, and industry down-streaming will be key in unlocking our potential. Both Indonesia and Vietnam have the resources and commitments to level up, what is left is making full use of these assets.

Much may need to be done, but seeing the foundations of our relations and the commitments shared between us, I strongly believe 2024 will be a positive year for Indonesia and Vietnam.

Vietnam, Indonesia eye cooperation in EV development, food security, manpower Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has invited Vietnam to cooperate in the development of several sectors, including the electric vehicle (EV) industry, green industry, food security, research and development, and human resources.

Indonesia seeks trade deal with EU to compete with Vietnam Indonesia is urgently pursuing a trade agreement with the European Union, according to newswire JakartaPost. This initiative, according to Indonesian Economic Affairs Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto, is largely motivated by the desire to level the playing field with Vietnam, which currently benefits from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Indonesia targets 1,000 investors via golden visa programme The Indonesian government has set a target of attracting at least 1,000 investors through the golden visa programme, part of an effort to attract high-quality talent and capital flows into this Southeast Asian country.
Ambassador of Germany to Vietnam, Dr. Guido Hildner

The Lunar New Year celebrations are an opportune moment to shed light on the progress and prospects of German-Vietnamese trade and investment cooperation for 2024, the importance of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the challenges that both countries need to address to strengthen their ties. As we embark on the Vietnamese New Year, let us embrace the potential of this relationship and work towards a prosperous and greener future.

Over the years, our two nations have successfully worked towards deepening their trade and investment cooperation, with renewable energy emerging as a significant metier. The recent visit of German Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Vietnam has renewed the focus on this important field of cooperation. Members of the high-ranking business delegation that accompanied the president looked for opportunities to enter the Vietnamese market, to strengthen their economic ties with Vietnam or even to consider investment in the country.

At the same time, German companies are actively recruiting Vietnamese talents, in order to meet a significant skilled labour shortage at home. German employers will therefore continue to increase their efforts to attract Vietnamese workers for a career in Germany. This shows the modern side of the Vietnamese-German relationship: We are collaborating in order to improve the economic, social and environmental situation of both countries and peoples.

Trade and investment outlook

Germany and Vietnam have witnessed a steady growth in their trade and investment relations over the years. After the recent pandemic, two-way trade between our nations has developed positively, and direct investments from Germany have flowed into Vietnam at an increased pace. The economic outlook for 2024 is promising, with global headwinds softening and international demand rising again.

Germany, as Europes largest economy and a world leader in technology and innovation, offers a wealth of opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. The German market provides access to advanced technology, machinery, and expertise, while also presenting healthy consumer demand for Vietnams exports. This already mutually beneficial relationship has laid the foundation for a stronger economic partnership in the coming year.

Vietnams ambitious energy transition plans and Germanys recognised expertise in renewable energy technologies have created a solid foundation for cooperation in this sector. Both countries acknowledge the importance of transitioning to sustainable and clean energy sources to combat climate change and achieve their respective environmental goals. Germany has been a leading player in renewable energy technologies for many years. The countrys renewable energy sector has successfully transitioned its energy mix towards cleaner alternatives, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. German companies have accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in these fields. They are prepared to share the best practices with their Vietnamese counterparts.

Vietnam offers significant potential for the expansion of renewable energy, with its abundant solar and wind resources. The government has set commendable targets to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its energy mix, aiming for 31-36 per cent renewable energy in 2030 according the Power Development Plan VIII, or even 47 per cent in the context of the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Collaborating with Germany will allow Vietnam to leverage German technology and expertise to achieve these targets more efficiently.

Germanys engagement in Vietnams renewable energy sector is already evident. German companies have invested in wind and solar energy projects, providing not only financial resources but also technology transfer and knowledge sharing. Furthermore, German banks have been instrumental in providing financial support and expertise for renewable energy projects in Vietnam. A high number of additional German companies stand ready to invest in on- and offshore wind parks as well as in solar farms in the country, just waiting for the legislative framework to ripen.

Efforts to harmonise standards will contribute to a more efficient and transparent environment for businesses

Importance of the EVFTA

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which came into force in 2020, has been instrumental in strengthening the economic ties between Germany and Vietnam. This comprehensive trade agreement has facilitated increased market access for goods and services, reduced trade barriers, and provided a framework for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including renewable energy. Under the EVFTA, both countries have committed to promoting sustainable development and climate change mitigation. This aligns perfectly with the renewable energy objectives of Vietnam and Germany, creating new avenues for bilateral cooperation in this sector.

The agreement eliminates tariffs and reduces non-tariff barriers, ensuring a level playing field for businesses from both countries. Vietnamese exports, especially agricultural products, textiles, and seafood, benefit significantly from improved market access to Germany. The removal of barriers to trade and investment has encouraged German companies to explore opportunities in Vietnam, leading to increased foreign direct investment and technology transfer in sectors such as manufacturing and renewable energy.

Moreover, the EVFTA emphasises the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development, with specific provisions on labour and environmental standards. This ensures that economic cooperation between Germany and Vietnam goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social welfare. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the upcoming EU legislation on this matter supplement these endeavours and guarantee for a cooperation that is in line with the highest labour and environmental standards. German companies are delighted to see that their Vietnamese counterparts fully embrace these regulations and consider them an economic opportunity.

The path forward

While Germany-Vietnam economic relations are thriving, several challenges should still be addressed to further solidify and expand the trade and investment ties.

Firstly, to maximise the benefits of the EVFTA, Vietnam needs to align the regulatory framework to enhance business environments and ensure the smooth flow of goods, services and investments. Continuous efforts to harmonise regulations and standards as well as to accelerate decision-making procedures will contribute to a more efficient and transparent business environment. Investors from Germany are particularly interested in reliable and transparent legal conditions.

Secondly, Vietnam needs to continue investing in infrastructure development to create an enabling environment for trade and investments. This includes improving transportation networks, logistics systems, and energy infrastructure to support the renewable energy sectors growth. Germany, and especially German companies, stand ready to assist with their knowledge and expertise.

Finally, Vietnam should continue to invest in developing a highly skilled workforce capable of driving the growth of the entire economy and especially of the renewable energy sector. Providing vocational training programmes and scholarships, as well as sharing best practices, will help build a sustainable talent pool to support the industrys needs.

Vietnam and Germany promote rooftop solar in commercial and industrial sectors The rooftop solar project, implemented by GIZ in tandem with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, focuses on the adaptation of relevant technical regulations, key stakeholder capacities, and technology cooperation, with an aim to ensure the sustainable development of the Vietnamese market.

Germany to support Vietnam in fostering socioeconomic growth Germany is willing to make significant efforts to support Vietnam in achieving its socioeconomic growth goals in collaboration with the target of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the phase-out of coal-fired energy by the 2040s.
Adam Sitkoff, executive director American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi

It is incumbent upon the business communities of both countries to capitalise on this momentum to unlock higher levels of two-way trade and investment, while working with both governments to break down the challenges and obstacles standing in the way.

The United States is Vietnams second-largest trading partner, its largest export market, and one of the top drivers of investment here. Vietnam has risen to become a top-10 trading partner of the US, and the economic relationship between the two countries is expected to continue its rapid growth. Vietnam is increasing its attractiveness as a destination for American investment as many companies seek to diversify their global supply chains.

I believe the most important factor for a favourable investment climate is a fair, predictable, and streamlined regulatory environment that values innovation - not only to draw in new investment, but also to maintain and grow the investment already here. There is no doubt that existing investors expanding operations is the best advertisement to engage new investment.

Although there are uncertainties in the global economy, there are many things the government can do right now to improve the business and investment climate that will help increase productivity and reduce the costs, complications, and risks of doing business in Vietnam.

There are always ways to improve the business climate, and we appreciate Vietnams efforts to streamline administrative procedures. However, some regulations continue to introduce new administrative procedures such as licensing, approvals, and heavy reporting requirements.

I encourage the Vietnamese government to clarify those elements of Vietnamese law that hinder the efficient deployment of foreign investment, and that any additional administrative burdens in draft laws and regulations be carefully considered and avoided whenever possible.

Crucial to many US manufacturers choosing Vietnam is the ready access to renewable power. Any plans for expansion of current facilities or supply relocations should include green energy solutions. To achieve its zero-carbon goal by 2050, Vietnam should prioritise energy sources that are both affordable and socially sustainable.

This process will require financial and technical support from external sources  and the projects need to be realistic and bankable. Vietnam should eliminate current regulatory uncertainties to unlock substantial international capital waiting on the sidelines. We know that new power grid projects will attract investment and expand the capacity of Vietnams renewable energy sources, providing safe and reliable energy supply for both residential and commercial consumers.

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) appreciates the Vietnamese governments effort to support the countrys transition to a digital economy. Our members work actively to support this transformation, both with Vietnamese partners and through their own projects.

We urge the government to take a holistic approach and global view in developing a digital regulatory framework. The free flow of data across borders, and access for Vietnamese users to global-standard services and data protection, are vital to that transition.

I see tremendous opportunities for American investors here, although getting promised investments to actually happen is often challenging in todays globally competitive environment. Attracting new foreign investment requires continuous improvements in infrastructure development, protection of intellectual property, education reform, health and wellness policies, legal and tax policy certainty, and enhanced transparency in Vietnam.

AmCham looks forward to partnering with the Vietnamese government to navigate these challenges and improve business conditions that strengthen the private sector, ensure sustainable economic and social development, and promote prosperity here. Progress in these areas will not only help attract more foreign investment, but will also support Vietnams aspirations to propel itself to the next sphere of economic competitiveness.

This year marks 30 years of AmCham in Vietnam, and together AmCham members represent billions of US dollars in foreign investment, tens of thousands of direct employees, hundreds of thousands of indirect employees, and a significant share of Vietnams exports and tax revenues.

American companies have an interest in Vietnams continued success. In this regard, I will continue to work on lowering barriers to trade, to help the Vietnamese government make it easier to do business, and to create a high-standard, transparent, and stable business environment.

President Joseph R. Biden and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reaffirmed the importance of economic, trade, and investment cooperation and innovation-driven inclusive economic growth as the core foundations and sources of momentum in the bilateral relationship. Both sides pledged to create favourable conditions and facilitate the further opening of markets for each others goods and services, support trade and economic policy, and regulatory measures to achieve this aim; and to address issues such as market access barriers via the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. The United States applauds Vietnams progress in significant market-based economic reforms, and affirms its enthusiasm and commitment for a broad, strengthened, supportive, and constructive engagement with Vietnam in its transition to a market economy, and subsequently to market economy country status, under US law. The US noted Vietnam officially requested the review of its market economy status on September 8, 2023. The US will review Vietnams request as expeditiously as possible, in accordance with US law. The US appreciates Vietnams ongoing efforts to further modernise and enhance the transparency of its monetary policy and exchange rate management framework, to promote macroeconomic stability, and to ensure the safety and soundness of the banking system. The leaders will continue strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. Both sides applauded the progress thus far and look forward to additional substantial progress in the near future under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, which will deliver concrete benefits to the economies, workers, families, and businesses of the two countries and the region. The US pledged further support for Vietnam in manufacturing, high-quality digital and physical infrastructure development, just energy transition, sustainable and smart agriculture, and broader and sustained participation in regional and global supply chains, with a particular emphasis on Vietnams Mekong Delta region. To that end, the US International Development Financial Corporation intends to continue to finance private sector projects in Vietnams infrastructure, climate and energy efficiency, healthcare, and small business sectors, including climate-focused and women-owned enterprises. Vietnam and the US decided to strengthen science, technology, and digital innovation cooperation, regarding this as a new breakthrough of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The US affirmed its commitment to increasing support for Vietnam in the training and development of a high-tech workforce. Acknowledging Vietnams tremendous potential as a major player in the semiconductor industry, the two leaders pledged to support the rapid development of Vietnams semiconductor ecosystem and to work together energetically to improve Vietnams position in the global semiconductor supply chain. Towards this end, the US and Vietnam announced the launch of semiconductor workforce development initiatives - supported by initial seed funding of $2 million from the US government, in conjunction with future Vietnamese government and private sector support. Vietnam and the US pledged to comprehensively cooperate in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The two leaders applauded the promotion of secure and reliable digital infrastructure in Vietnam, affirming its potential to provide new opportunities for digital capability enhancement to Vietnamese innovators to expand the growth of Vietnams digital economy. These efforts will aim to include support for open and interoperable network architectures including through exploring the launch of an open radio access network in Vietnam, secure 5G, and adoption of emerging technologies to provide new digital upskilling opportunities to Vietnamese innovators, subject to congressional notification. *Excerpt from joint leaders statement on raising US-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, September 2023

Building US-Vietnam ties via trade As the United States and Vietnam will approach the 10-year anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership, it is an exciting time for our bilateral relationship and the United States engagement with the broader Southeast Asia region.

Building on far-reaching US-Vietnam cooperation As we welcome a new year, we at the US Mission in Vietnam take this opportunity to wish the Vietnamese people every joy and happiness in what we hope will be a very prosperous year filled with blessings and good fortune. During this special time of year, we reflect on the bonds that bring together friends and family, as well as the growing ties that unite our two countries and our peoples.

Deals bode well for US-Vietnam ties The new economic cooperation framework involving the United States and Vietnam, and the updated version of a trade and investment deal, are set to drive bilateral ties forward.

Landmark year for US-Vietnam relations The road for Vietnam and the US to officially raise their existing comprehensive partnership to a strategic one is looming large, expected to help both economies to further increase both their investment and trade ties.
Partying and congratulatory activities every Lunar New Year lead to increased demand for alcohol and beer, but this Tet, in addition to traditional alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beer has also become a popular choice.

Dang Minh Hau, owner of Han Vu Cha cha ca La Vong restaurant in Hanoi said, non-alcoholic beer was cheaper than regular beer of the same brand, contributing to high sales at the restaurant.

We recorded excellent revenue during the year-end parties in 2023 and the first month of the current year. In December, while regular beer sold around 100 crates, we sold nearly 500 crates of non-alcoholic beer, she said.

Previously, our restaurant thrived during lunch hours as customer groups from nearby government offices gathered for drinks, but now people opt for quick meals and leave.

The Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcoholic Beverages has led many beer brands to engage in the production, sales and development of this beer to win market share.

Popular brands offering non-alcoholic beer on the Vietnamese market today include Heineken, Sagota, Oettinger, Bavaria, and Sapporo.

According to Global Market Insights, the global non-alcoholic beer market will exceed $25 billion by 2024.

However, the non-alcoholic beer market in Vietnam is still just starting and needs more time to be accepted by consumers and form regular consumption habits like traditional beer products.

Son Nguyen, a communications officer for a foreign beer brand, said that although the non-alcoholic beer was launched by his company in the Vietnamese market three years ago and has been very active in communicating about responsible drinking behaviour, consumption levels have not yet reached expectations.

"It still takes a lot of time to make non-alcoholic beer become a popular product because many consumers still consider it to have a bland taste and bring an experience that is not as attractive as traditional beer," said Son.

Meanwhile, Cuong Nguyen, founder and CEO of C-Brewmaster Craft Beer said, "The non-alcoholic beer products produced by C-Brewmaster are only sold in small quantities and contribute insignificantly to the company's revenue. Our purpose of continuing production is to diversify products and catch consumer trends."

Cuong Nguyen owns three craft beer factories, in Hanoi, Phu Yen and Tien Giang. His products are currently distributed mainly to high-end hotels and resorts in Vietnam, with a few exported abroad.

A representative of MM Mega Market supermarket said that since the beginning of January, beer consumption has decreased by 10-15 per cent and non-alcoholic beer products have decreased by 7-10 per cent.

Meanwhile, Bach Hoa Xanh also sells various domestic and imported non-alcoholic beers, but consumption has not met expectations.

According to Ngoc Thach, an employee of Bach Hoa Xanh store in District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, this year customers tend to be more interested in non-alcoholic beers. "However, they are still hesitant because some brands sound unfamiliar," said Thach.

Non-alcoholic beer is beer that has had the alcohol removed or brewed to contain less alcohol than the allowable limit. Around the world, there are many different regulations regarding non-alcoholic beverages.

The US Food and Drug Administration stipulates that drinks with an alcohol content of less than 0.5 per cent can be considered non-alcoholic. In Italy, non-alcoholic beer actually contains up to 1.2 per cent alcohol. In the UK, non-alcoholic beer bottles must have an alcohol content of less than 0.05 per cent.

But many consumers still have issues with non-alcoholic beer, seeing it as not real beer, or somehow less manly.

"As someone who enjoys drinking various beers ranging from light to heavy, non-alcoholic beer didn't leave much of an impression on me after trying it for the first time. It felt quite similar to drinking fermented fruit juices. Perhaps it's a beverage more favoured by women as it's easy to drink and also not harmful to health like regular beer," said Nguyen Hai Tran, 26 years old, Vietnamese.

"In my family, my father and older brother also enjoy traditional beer, while my mother and sister-in-law only drink soft drinks, so it's unlikely that my family will consume this kind of beverage during this Tet holiday."

Despite this reputation, for many non-alcoholic beers is a fun and safe alternative.

"I've tried non-alcoholic beer before. In my country, it's not as popular as alcoholic beer, but it does have a niche market. One of the most unforgettable memories I have with non-alcoholic beer was during a summer barbecue with friends. We had a designated driver, so we decided to try some non-alcoholic options to keep things light. Surprisingly, it tasted quite similar to regular beer, and it was refreshing to have a cold drink without worrying about getting intoxicated," said Choong Chin Hooi, a 37-year-old Malaysian.

"Personally, I think non-alcoholic beer can be a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the taste of this beverage without the effects of alcohol. It's especially beneficial for people who are driving, pregnant, or simply prefer not to consume alcohol for health or personal reasons."

Experience the Central Tet Festival to the fullest with Huda Tet Carnival 2024 The Huda Tet Carnival 2024 is bringing the excitement of the Lunar New Year to central Vietnam, promising to treat locals to a series of vibrant and memorable activities.

Alcoholic beverage groups urged to track trends The alcoholic beverage industry is expected to continue facing hiccups until 2024 as revenue and profit of many brands remain on the decline.

Vietnamese-made products: The choice of top global markets Vietnams trade sector harvested inspiring achievements in 2023, being listed in the top 20 nations in trade scale.

Saigon Beer takes a walk on the chill side SABECO just kicked off a series of colourful and attractive activities to welcome the 2022-2023 festive season with the campaign Walking on the Chill side."

Carlsberg launches premium beer to celebrate 175 years With the introduction of its signature line of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner in Vietnam, the Danish beer company continues to work in the pursuit of perfection.
SCG's efforts to ensure "no one is left behind" are in line with its ESG strategy towards sustainable development.

The group not only carries out meaningful humane programmes for the community but also implements policies for social security and military families.

SCG, along with Ho Chi Minh City Command and local authorities, visited and granted gifts to disadvantaged households

Over the past three years, SCG has teamed up with the Ho Chi Minh City Command to organise many activities to show the warm and meaningful bond between the military and the people, such as visiting, taking care of, giving New Year wishes, and granting gifts to policy families and Vietnamese Heroic Mothers in the four districts of Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, Nha Be, and Can Gio.

The group also donates cement and cash to restore and repair the martyrs' memorial temple in An Phu commune, An Nhon Tay, and Cu Chi district ahead of the Lunar New Year.

SCG cares about and nurtures the young Vietnamese generation.

On the occasion of Tet, SCG and the Ho Chi Minh City Command visited and presented gifts to Vietnamese heroic mothers, expressing gratitude for their noble sacrifices for the independence and freedom of the nation

The group, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Student Assistance Centre and Thanh Nien Newspaper, has carried out the "Spring Bus" programme, one of SCG's annual activities, over the past five years.

The programme is part of a series of Tet care activities for disadvantaged pupils, students, and workers in the municipal city.

This year, SCG brought about 2,200 students and workers from the city to the Central and Central Highlands provinces to celebrate Tet, with a total value of VND50 million ($2,049).

In addition, SCG has also awarded 100 gifts worth $1,639 to paediatric patients at District 8 Hospital and other paediatric cancer patients being treated at Thu Duc Hospital.

After three months of construction, the martyrs' memorial temple was completed on December 22, 2023, to celebrate the country's major holidays

SCGP poised to drive transformation in Vietnams packaging industry Although continued headwinds undermine growth, Vietnam's packaging industry is sending positive signals about innovative and sustainable solutions through SCGP Packaging Speak Out 2023 - Vietnam.

SCGP completes acquisition of 70 per cent stake in Starprint Vietnam On December 18, Thailands consumer packaging solutions provider SCG Packaging (SCGP) announced that it has acquired a 70 per cent stake in Starprint Vietnam JSC, a packaging manufacturer with key customer bases.
Jaya Ratnam, Ambassador of Singapore to Vietnam

And what a year it has been. Now, as we begin 2024, both countries look to elevating our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Last year, as part of the celebrations, we saw continuation of exchange of visits at all levels. The highlight was the exchange of visits by our prime ministers - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Singapore in February, while Singapores PM Lee Hsien Loong visit in August culminated with an announcement that both sides would work on upgrading our relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

We have been able to move forward with such confidence as our bilateral relationship continues to rest on firm foundations of mutual trust and support established by our former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Vo Van Kiet. Their legacy continues to guide our countries.

Deep economic cooperation has made our relationship mutually beneficial and remains the cornerstone of our bilateral relations. There is no better symbol of such cooperation than the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs). These were conceptualised by the aforementioned former PMs, and the first was established in the southern province of Binh Duong in 1996.

In 2023 alone, we saw five new VSIPs launched, and such a pace of expansion is unprecedented.

The continued success of the VSIPs is testament to the strong confidence in Vietnams economic prospects and the governments efforts to create an enabling environment for foreign investors. The VSIP model leverages the complementary strengths of both our countries. They have also evolved to support Vietnams development needs, with the latest focus being on sustainable development and innovation.

Befittingly, I ended 2023 by joining Vietnams State President Vo Van Thuong in the south-central province of Quang Ngai in December to mark the 10th anniversary of VSIP Quang Ngai I and witness the in-principle approval for VSIP Quang Ngai II, the 18th VSIP.

Indeed, we are standing at a high point of our trade and investment cooperation. In 2023, Singapore was the largest investor in Vietnam with over $6.8 billion invested, or almost 19 per cent of the total foreign investment. Cumulatively, over the years, Singapore has invested $74.51 billion into Vietnam, which makes us its second-largest investor.

We are aggressively expanding into new areas of economic cooperation. We broke new grounds when we concluded the Green-Digital Economic Partnership in February 2023 to facilitate cooperation in new growth areas such as carbon credits, renewable energy, talent and innovation, and the digital economy.

Already, there has been significant progress, with the announcement in October 2023 of a bilateral electricity project for the import of 1.4GW of low carbon energy from Vietnam to Singapore. Just as the VSIPs are an icon of our bilateral partnership, we look to this Vietnam Singapore Energy Project (VSEP) to drive our relations forward and bind our economies even closer in the coming decades.

Looking forward, we are working on bringing our economic cooperation to an even higher level, maintaining plans to elevate our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Our bilateral projects will serve as pilots to develop legal regimes and regulations to keep pace with our aspirations for relationships.

Our current regime and regulations are designed for todays world. As good partners, we can learn from each other, experiment and figure out the way forward together. We have a strong record of doing so. When VSIP Binh Duong I was first launched, it was probably the first of its kind in Vietnam.

There are several areas where we will be doing so in 2024 and beyond. On energy, Vietnam has approved an offshore wind site survey permit for a cross-border electricity trading proposal by PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation and Sembcorp Utilities, which is the first important step forward for the VSEP and fulfilling our respective climate commitments. Now, we will both need to move forward on this project, including readying our energy infrastructure to prepare for the trading of renewable energy at such a scale.

For sustainability, we substantially concluded the negotiations for an Implementation Agreement in 2023. When signed, it would provide the framework for us to collaborate in carbon credit projects compliant with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This year, both Vietnam and Singapore need to figure out how to work together on projects that can generate carbon credits compliant with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

In terms of talent development, we signed a MoU on the Innovation Talent Exchange (ITX) Programme in 2023. When implemented, the programme will enable Vietnamese professionals to seek working stints in eligible innovation-related areas of work in Singapore, and vice versa. This year, we need to work to design the process that will allow us to implement the ITX.

Besides the new areas of cooperation, we must also future-proof our existing areas of collaborations  including, and especially, the VSIPs. In Quang Ngai in December, President Thuong encouraged VSIP to shift the I in VSIP from industrial to innovation. I entirely agree with him. The VSIP must continue to strive to keep ahead of the changing needs of the economy.

VSIPs have a good record of doing just so. The first VSIP, Binh Duong I, focused on light manufacturing, while Binh Duong II featured modern logistics facilities. The third VSIP there - Binh Duong III set to be launched in 2024, is positioned to be a smart and green industrial park, with an on-site solar farm, housing major groundbreaking green investments from LEGO and Pandora.

To meet our common goals, Vietnam and Singapore are already taking concrete steps to step up our coordination and cooperation as we face in an increasingly fluid and adverse external geopolitical environment. Firstly, the mandate of the Vietnam-Singapore Connectivity Framework  a high level ministerial bilateral coordinating mechanism unique to Vietnam and Singapore launched in 2006  has been refreshed and upgraded in 2024 to include cooperation in the new and emerging areas of energy, sustainability, and innovation.

Secondly, also in 2024, we will launch the first annual meetings of our prime ministers, a format will enable high-level oversight and direction for our bilateral cooperation.

As long as we continue to work together, Vietnam and Singapore can bring our bilateral relationship to greater heights. We have ambitious targets ahead, but our future has never looked brighter.

Singapore and Vietnam enter new phase of relations Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, will pay an official visit to Vietnam this week. Tan See Leng, Singapores Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, writes about how both economies can bring their economic ties to greater heights.

Vietnam and Singapore deepen collaboration on smart and sustainable industrial parks Singapores Sembcorp Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, and its state-owned joint venture partner in Vietnam, Becamex IDC Corporation, announced the addition of four new Vietnam Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) on August 29.

Singapore to import 1.2GW of low-carbon energy from Vietnam Singapores Energy Market Authority (EMA) on October 24 announced that it has given tentative approval for plans to import 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of primarily wind-generated electricity from Vietnam.
The first global assessment of progress on climate action reaffirmed what we already knew: the world is lagging behind on its climate goals.

The assessment was presented to COP28 in Dubai at the end of last year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised the alarm in his remarks at the summit, warning that we are miles from the goals of the Paris Agreement  and minutes to midnight for the 1.5-degree limit.

As the dust settles on COP28, the world is left to reflect on the challenges laid bare, as well as the progress and strong commitments made during this pivotal gathering of global leaders. For Vietnam, a nation grappling with both the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change, the outcomes of COP28 carry profound implications that will help shape its trajectory towards a sustainable future.

Ramla Khalidi, resident representative in Vietnam of the United Nations Development Programme

Adaptation and mitigation

We highlight four key areas. Firstly, parties defined time-bound targets and agreed a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation, which aims to support vulnerable communities on the frontlines to build resilience and strengthen their adaptive capacity to the impacts of the climate crisis  a crisis they bear little responsibility for.

The summit also recognised that climate destruction often transcends the limits of adaptation, and requires innovative approaches to address loss and damage. That is why the operationalisation of the loss and damage fund was a landmark development designed to support developing nations, particularly those most vulnerable, such as Vietnam, to cope with catastrophic losses and costly damages incurred from the unavoidable impacts of climate change-induced disasters. The fund received initial commitments of just under $800 million.

Secondly, COP28 successfully overcame the deadlock in prior negotiations relating to the gap towards the 1.5-degree target. The summit concluded with a historic call to transition away from fossil fuels, signaling the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.

However, the outcome contains ambiguous language, making reference to transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, compared to more ambitious calls for phasing out or phasing down fossil fuels.

At COP28, more than 130 countries endorsed a global renewables and energy efficiency pledge, committing to triple renewable energy and double the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. Vietnam, despite its growing energy demand, bold international leadership in committing to a 2050 net-zero goal, and impressive national efforts to decarbonise its economy and transform its energy systems, is among the countries that have yet to endorse this pledge.

Vietnam did, however, join a group of 66 countries with the global pledge to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68 per cent by 2050 compared to 2022 levels.

Timely action

Thirdly, although large volumes of climate finance were pledged at COP28, including $57 billion in new commitments in the first four days alone, developed countries are coming up short of their current commitment to provide $100 billion annually in climate finance to developing nations. With developing countries needs estimated to be at least $6 trillion by 2030, we expect to see the adoption of a more ambitious climate finance goal at COP29.

The fourth aspect is that significant progress was made in terms of new commitments. These include 153 countries signing a declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action. This aims to transform food systems to be more resilient and sustainable, reduce methane emissions, support gender-responsive transitions, protect peoples health from mounting climate impacts, and conserve nature.

Such agreements could not be timelier for Vietnam, given the countrys commitment to the implementation of its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), agreed in December 2022. Under the JETP, international partners and leading financial institutions have committed to mobilise $15.5 billion over the next few years to catalyse Vietnams energy transition.

The JETP will support Vietnam with policy reform and development, technology transfer, investments in renewable energy development, improved energy efficiency, power grid upgrading and modernisation, skills development and capacity building for the transition, and increased private sector participation. It is expected to kickstart the shift away from fossil fuels and coal power, expedite the adoption of cleaner, renewable energy sources, and drive more foreign green investments into the country.

Among the most significant outcomes of COP28 for Vietnam was the successful launch of the JETP Resource Mobilisation Plan. The plan outlines a roadmap for Vietnam to mobilise the necessary financial resources and prioritise projects supporting its objectives. The effective implementation of JETP will support Vietnam to transform its economy to one that is green, low-carbon, and climate-resilient, while ensuring that the transition is just, equitable, and inclusive.

The commitments made during COP28, as well as Vietnams own path to a net-zero economy, present new development and business opportunities for the country, as well as prospects for increased regional and international collaboration in science, technology and innovation.

This was reaffirmed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who had several bilateral meetings with global leaders and international companies at COP28 to garner support for investments in renewable energy and Vietnams green economy. The prime minister also committed to continue policy reform to create an improved enabling environment for investments.

Main proposals

To maximise these opportunities and support the flow of preferential climate finance and investments into the country to drive its development objectives, Vietnam should focus on priority areas identified by domestic and international investors.

Investors point to regulatory clarity and consistency as an important obstacle. In an environment of rapid change, overlapping and conflicting rules issued by central government agencies and local authorities generate uncertainty and complicate efforts of businesses to attract financing. The shortage of long-term, Vietnam dong-denominated financing remains a major constraint on domestic investors.

In the absence of deep and liquid secondary financial markets, the government must step in to create new mechanisms to ensure that financing is available for slow-gestating projects on reasonable terms.

Vietnamese businesses, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will have more opportunities to invest in new market segments and products, and participate in global supply chains. However, they require support. Technical help is needed, especially for SMEs, to enable them to compete in export markets and integrate into global supply chains.

Incentives must be developed for investments in energy efficiency, and we must find ways to improve their affordability. High upfront investment costs and limited funding for energy efficiency projects in Vietnam present challenges, particularly for SMEs. The cheapest energy is the one we dont use, and so energy efficiency must remain a top national priority.

Above all, Vietnams energy transition must continue to aim for justice and equality for all; not only must the energy transition not bring about negative impacts on communities, but it should generate new opportunities and contribute to shared prosperity, especially for those that are most vulnerable.

The just transition must be people-centred, serving as a driver of new and improved employment opportunities, poverty eradication and social justice, so that no-one is left behind.

Climate change requires revitalised cooperation at the global level and solutions that span across borders. Along with his cautionary remarks, UN Secretary-General Guterres offered some hope that if collective, resolute action is taken, it is not too late. Only through concerted action can we create a greener, more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Afghan, Pak trade blows after suicide attack on Pakistani military Post 18 Mar 2024 | 5:39 PM Kabul, Mar 18 (UNI) Afghanistan and Pakistan targeted each other's border regions with strikes on Monday following a suicide attack on a Pakistani military outpost over the weekend. see more..

Japan's Kishida not planning elections until LDP lawmakers penalised for scandal 18 Mar 2024 | 3:37 PM Tokyo, Mar 18 (UNI) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to take disciplinary action against the lawmakers of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) involved in the slush funds scandal before calling snap elections, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Monday. see more..

Leaders of 6 CIS states congratulate Putin on victory in prez election 18 Mar 2024 | 3:26 PM Minsk, Mar 18 (UNI) The leaders of six member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistanhave congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election, noting the broad support of Russian citizens, the Kremlin said on Monday. see more..

Kuwaiti Emir 1st among Gulf leaders to congratulate Putin on re-election as Russian prez 18 Mar 2024 | 3:26 PM Kuwait City, Mar 18 (UNI) Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the first among the leaders of the Gulf countries to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election, the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported on Monday. see more..
Prosecutors in the sentencing hearing Friday for the former Waco woman convicted in the 2016 hit-and-run death of a Baylor cyclist presented evidence that she continued to drink and drive and lie about her behavior well after that incident.

A McLennan County jury sentenced Tammy Renee Blankenship, 56, to 10 years in prison Friday, a day after finding her guilty of second-degree felony charges of manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in the Oct. 16, 2016, hit-and-run death of David Grotberg, who was a 19-year-old Baylor University sophomore from Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He died shortly after a vehicle struck him while he was riding a bicycle at about 10 p.m. in the 3200 block of Franklin Avenue.

Prosecutors presented a case starting last week that Blankenship hit Grotberg while driving drunk on the way from a party in Woodway to her downtown Waco home. Blankenships attorney argued this week that there was insufficient evidence that she was at the scene, and pointed out inaccuracies in the affidavit for her arrest.

While Blankenship was eligible for probation with the 10-year sentence, the jury specified prison. Because the jury made a deadly weapon finding regarding the car Blankenship was driving, she will not be eligible to seek parole until she receives credit for serving half of her sentence. She has been free on bond since her March 2019 arrest, so very little of that time is already behind her.

After the punishment hearing concluded, Grotberg's parents and many of his five siblings gave impact statements. None of Blankenship's family members or supporters had any remarks when all had been said and done.

David's sister, Elizabeth, read a statement from Kaitlyn Morris, who was dating David at the time he died and was riding bikes with him when he was hit.

Morris wrote that David loved fiercely, but he also accepted correction with grace. She said that when they talked about how they wanted to change the world, he told her marriage was part of the plan but he would not propose until he was a junior at Baylor.

"One time at church, I mentioned that I liked figs and afterward David went riding on his bicycle to three different H-E-Bs to find figs for me as a gift," Morris wrote.

She wrote that she would have agreed to be David's wife if he had lived long enough to ask officially, and that Blankenship had taken that away from her.

David's mother, Diane, said Blankenship had killed her son and callously left him on the side of the road. That night her life shattered into a million pieces but her faith has taught her to go on. She said she knows she will never be the same.

"Because I poured so much into David, I feel this loss that much more deeply," Diane Grotberg said. "David and I shared the same faith and because of that faith I cannot live in anger."

She said she has forgiven Blankenship, but before she can experience that forgiveness, Blankenship must admit to what she did and take responsibility. She said Blankenship must find her own faith in Christ.

All of David's siblings remind her of him, because of the things they learned from him while he was alive, Diane Grotberg said. She said she now feels anxiety, avoids crowds and sometimes has trouble concentrating or completing tasks.

"These pieces don't fit back together properly, because David is gone," she said. "One day you will leave your cell, but I will live in grief for the rest of my life."

David's father, Clark, said that when he heard how David had died, riding bicycles with Morris, he knew David had been riding a little behind her and a little closer to traffic to protect her. He said if he could, he would tell David he had saved Morris' life, that he had done well.

Clark Grotberg called his son a wonderful person and child of God who Blankenship recklessly and carelessly took from his family and friends and everyone whose life he might have touched if he had lived.

"I not only lost my son, I lost a friend," he said. "David would want to draw you to Jesus. David would hope, and I hope that you would spend some time while you're in your cell figuring out how to get closer to God. You have to repent before you can find forgiveness."

David's sister, Sarah, said her brother would never get to see the person she is becoming.

"I love to ski, and I know he would have skied with me," she said. "I've learned to bake and I made wedding cakes for my two sisters who have married. I know he would have eaten my test cakes. And now I have to worry that I will forget him."

Sarah Grotberg also said that since her birthday is the day after David died, she now regrets her birthday and even hates the ripening of crops and turning of leaves because all of that reminds her of how much she misses David.

David's sister, Marissa, said she was never meant to be the oldest of her siblings.

"Just before I had to start making important decisions, you took David away from me and now can't ask him for his advice, or share my life with him," she said. "You could have come forward, but instead you dragged us through seven years of not knowing and you dragged us through this trial."

David's brother, Thomas, spoke during the sentencing hearing and said the last seven years have been tough without his older brother to give him guidance. He lamented that he would never get to tell David he had found a wife.

Through most of the statements from David Grotberg's family, Blankenship sat with her head down, crying.

"This case has always been about justice for David and accountability for Tammy Blankenship," McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said in a statement after Friday's proceedings.

He said the jury's verdict achieves those goals and he is grateful for the jurors' service. He also said he is proud of McLennan County assistant district attorneys Tara Avants and Will Hix, who presented the case, and appreciates the work of everyone else involved in prosecuting the case.

"No verdict can bring David back, but hopefully this outcome shows Davids family that their sons life mattered in our community," Tetens wrote.

In Fridays sentencing hearing before Judge Susan Kelly of Wacos 54th State District Court, prosecutors produced evidence that Blankenship was arrested in Austin on a driving while intoxicated charge in April 2018, a year and a half after Grotbergs death. The arresting officer testified that she appeared to be intoxicated, based on her eyes and speech.

The charge was later reduced to a traffic ticket and dismissed.

At the time, Blankenship was an administrator at Midway Independent School District. A Midway ISD official from that time said Blankenship did not report the incident to her superiors. When the superintendent confronted her about the notification the district received from law enforcement, she lied about being with a colleague, the witness said. In addition, Blankenship claimed she was roughed up by the officer, an accusation later judged to be false, the official said.

Blankenships attorney, Shane Phelps, called two prosecutors for whom Blankenship had been a witness in a Harris County murder case: Kelly Siegler, with the Harris County District Attorneys Office and Texas Assistant Attorney General Lisa Tanner.

Both said they knew Blankenship well from three iterations of the trial, in which Blankenships testimony had been instrumental in getting and maintaining a conviction.

Seigler and Tanner said they believed Blankenship would be successful in probation.
WATERLOO -- Black Hawk County Public Health's I-Smile Program is partnering with Kimball and Beecher Family Dentistry to provide free dental care to children in need on Feb. 23.

Appointments will be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 4015 Hurst Drive in Waterloo.

The "Give Kids a Smile in the Cedar Valley Day" provides free dental services to children ages 1 to 13. Services include oral exams, x-rays, preventive care such as cleaning, fluoride and sealants, as well as restorative care such as fillings. Children must be registered in advance and parental permission received to receive services.

If transportation to the event is an issue, Medicaid patients are advised to contact the member service phone number on the back of their Iowa Medicaid card to schedule a ride. Scheduling must be done at least three days prior to the appointment day.

To sign up, call Kimball and Beecher Family Dentistry at (319) 235-6287 to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about the I-Smile program call (319) 292-2284 or visit the Black Hawk County Public Health website.

How a non-institutional response to mental health crises is possible  even in big cities How a non-institutional response to mental health crises is possible  even in big cities
Nicholas Erickson, artifacts registrar at Grout Museum District, looks over the telegram sent to Henry Grout informing him his brother, Warren, had been shot and killed in Tombstone, Ariz., in 1883.
Leave AEAs alone

HSB 542 removes local control of school districts, going against the Iowa Constitution, allowing cities and counties to govern themselves. Local decision making is transferred from the AEAs to the director of the Department of Education or eliminated 133 times. He has authority over budgets, staff, salaries, and contracts, etc. How does one person in Des Moines know the needs of children in Cedar Falls?

The problems dont stop there. It bypasses open meetings for public input into AEA budgets. Iowa taxpayers foot the bill and deserve a seat at the table. So, elected boards approved the levy rate, but now the Department of Education reduces it, removing media services. The bill removes local control of curriculum and doesnt allow for sharing positions between AEAs and school districts.

As a retired teacher, Im appalled. Legislators are removing local control from their own constituents. Parents, teachers, administrators and AEA staff should be up in arms. Local school districts and AEAs now support our students, teachers, schools, and families. The system is working. This bill breaks education, creates chaos, and serves no good purpose.

The League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer County oppose this bill.

Cherie Dargan,

president, LWVBHB

Stand up for kids

Im at a loss as to why Governor Reynolds and her Republican Legislature are so intent upon crucifying the educational system in our state. Its not hard to understand why we have a shortage of teachers and young people going into the profession.

Money is diverted to private schools, teacher pay in Iowa is not up to standard, individual student populations are marginalized and now the AEAs are about to be decimated.

How many of these legislators are trained educators? How many of them have spent an entire week in a classroom? Not just the token visit for an hour, but an entire week with an educator. They have no idea of the myriad skills the teacher needs to navigate the educational, emotional and social issues present in a classroom of 25 students.

Why are we trying to fix parts of our system that are not broken? Why is our Department of Education being run by someone with absolutely no educational background? Who is coming up with these ideas to further degrade our educational system?

I have serious doubts this Legislature will stand up for my grandchildren enrolled in our Iowa schools.

Julie Rokes, Dike

A good Joe

I like President Joe Biden, not only for all the positive things he has accomplished for our country, but for what he is not. He has not been indicted. He does not have 91 felony counts against him. He has not been convicted of sexual abuse. He did not steal top secret and classified documents and refuse to return them to the National Archives. He did not illegally inflate his companys worth. He did not promote a seditious attack to overthrow our government. He did not ask an official to find 12,000 some votes. He did not pay a porn star $130,000 to hush her up before the election or sleep with her while his wife was pregnant. He did not ask a foreign leader to find dirt on a political opponent or he would withhold defense money. He is not a scab and appear at a non-union hall during last years UAW strike. He is not a serial liar. He did not lie or distort 22,000 times in four years and lie 25-30 times every time he held rallies. He is not a racist. He did not tell Nazi hate-group Proud Boys to attack the Capitol.

Jean Ann Waskow

Shame on Republicans!

Shame on you, Republicans, for thinking Trump was the best for our country when he was in office. Obama had our country going in the right direction for eight years, and he handed it off to Trump who rode the wave for as long and he could. But if we take a look back at Trumps four years, how many of the individuals he selected to be a part of his cabinet/advisers did he end up firing because they refused to follow his lead. Also, how many of those that did follow him have either been indicted and investigated or are now in prison? Now that we are a year out from selecting our next president the current Republicans in the House and Senate are afraid to make a decision that will upset Trump (a person who has how many current trials against him in progress??) and could effect their relationship with him. Thats called shaking in your boots for no reason! Too bad we dont have Republicans that have a backbone instead of being told what to do by someone that wants to be a dictator!

Randy Lee, Cedar Falls

Thoughts and prayers

I am always amazed at the reactions of certain politicians. Three servicemen die, and they are shouting at the top of their lungs, pounding their fists on their desks and stomping their feet in the halls of Congress.

Ten, 15, 20 schoolchildren are gunned down, and they offer thoughts and prayers.

Charles Onken,

New Hampton

Food for Iowas kids

The USDA is launching a Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for children, offering federal funds to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed, about $40 per month for kids who qualify. Gov. Reynolds refuses to accept Summer EBT even though these funds are earmarked for children who receive free and reduced-price lunches at school, for which around 40% of Iowa children qualify.

AAUW of Iowa urges legislators to support SF 2039, a bill that would require Iowa to participate in the Summer EBT program to support Iowas kids.

This program is clearly needed here. Providing families with summer grocery benefits reduces child hunger and supports healthier diets. Families headed by a woman are more than twice as likely to live in poverty than families headed by a man. School-age children who experience severe hunger are at increased risk for poor mental health and lower academic achievement. The grocery benefit program offered during the pandemic lifted millions out of hunger; children ate more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy and drank less pop.

If Iowa claims to feed the world, it should insist that its own children benefit from Summer EBT.

Karen Agee, Cedar Falls
WATERLOO  Some four-legged officers will no longer be patrolling the streets of Waterloo and instead live the rest of their lives at home and off-duty.

Axe and Niko, two of the Waterloo Police Departments K-9s, have retired. Niko is 12 years old. Axe, about 10 years old, had his last shift in January. His handler and owner, Sgt. Jordan Ehlers, said Axe went out with a bang.

Axes very last deployment was on Jan. 19 when police officers needed his assistance in sniffing for drugs during a traffic stop. The dog alerted officers that a controlled substance was present and after searching the vehicle, officers found 23 pounds, or more than 10 kilograms, of methamphetamine. Two people were arrested and each have a $100,000 bond for possession and intent to distribute more than five kilograms of meth.

Some of Nikos shining moments include finding a gun connected to a shooting buried in a tall snow bank. These are called article searches and the dogs can find items with fresh human odor on it. With the discovery of the gun, the perpetrator was linked to the shooting and ultimately convicted in a federal court. A few years ago, Niko also tracked a criminal suspect for about an hour.

Axe recently suffered a stroke and has arthritis and will live with Ehlers. Niko is at retirement age and will live with Officer Al Bovy, who is retiring at the same time as his canine companion. Bovy started at the department in 2002 and became a K-9 handler in 2007 with Spike, who retired in 2014. Spike also went home to live with Bovy. Prior to being hired, Bovy was a reserve officer. He also served on the tactical team for part of his career.

Ehlers said K-9s usually have their one handler during their career. The dogs commonly live at home with their handlers.

I always tell everyone that its the best possible job to have to be able to bring your dog to work with you every day, he said. Its nice to be able to have somebody to talk to and knowing that I have pretty much that immediate backup.

Ehlers will not be paired with another K-9, but instead assume the role as K-9 supervisor.

Axe was my first dog that Ive ever handled, he said. He was ornery when I obtained him but now hes a sweet boy.

Niko and Axe, along with current K-9 Barron, are considered dual purpose dogs. They are used for backup, officer protection, apprehension, tracking and can detect narcotics. The departments other K-9, Liberty, is a single purpose dog and can detect explosives. She is also present in Waterloos schools.

Both Axe and Niko held other roles in the department. Axe spent four years on the Violent Crime Apprehension Team. The VCAT unit works closely with federal agencies and Axe participated in multiple roundup events through the marshal service. He also worked to track homicide suspects and warrants. Both Niko and Axe were assigned to the tactical team, similar to SWAT, which deals with things like hostage incidents, narcotics raids, an armed suicidal person, barricaded suspects and fugitives refusing to surrender.

Ehlers said police dogs are used as a de-escalation technique. He can send in the K-9s to search for suspects and alert the officers when he finds them with a bark, rather than have officers do manual sweeps. He said that individuals are more likely to surrender when they hear the dogs bark due to how aggressive it sounds.

Waterloos K-9s get recertified every year and go through weekly training at the department which includes finding hidden narcotics, laying tracks for the dogs to follow, and attacking decoy suits  or heavily padded suits officers wear so the dog can bite without hurting the person inside.

Police departments go through an extensive process before purchasing their next K-9. Many dogs are imported from overseas. Axe came from the Netherlands and Niko came from Slovakia. Both of them, as well as Barron, are Belgian Malinois which is a breed similar to a German Shepherd.

Dogs receive basic training overseas and then come to the U.S. to specific kennels where police departments observe the dogs and select the ones they think will best fit the department. Waterloos K-9 unit operates on donations only, so the selection, purchasing and training of the dogs are not paid for by residents.

As for Niko and Axes replacements, two new dogs are expected to be sworn in later this spring.

Close Police K-9 Niko and Officer Al Bovy search an area around Marcos Pizza on Ansborough Avenue following a robbery on May 5, 2021. Officer Dustin Lindaman and K-9 Liberty search a neighborhood on Lafayette Street on Sunday in connection with a homicide a day earlier. K-9 "Sali" of the Evansdale Police Department assisted Waterloo police searching for evidence following a robbery along University Avenue Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Evansdale Police Officer Mike Dean and K-9 "Sali" search a car following a high-speed chase that ended in the Waterloo Police Department parking lot on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Sgt. Steven Bose and K9 Mitch search Lawnhill Avenue for a driver who ran away following a pursuit in a stolen car on Saturday. A Waterloo K-9 officer and his partner search vehicles behind an Irving Street home following a series of drug raids Wednesday. (JEFF REINITZ / Courier Staff Writer) Axe with handler Waterloo Police Sgt. Jordan Ehlers during a barricaded suspect call in April 2022. Police searched a home on Adams Street in Waterloo for a person with a warrant on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. No one was home at the address. Photos: K-9s in action Police K-9 Niko and Officer Al Bovy search an area around Marcos Pizza on Ansborough Avenue following a robbery on May 5, 2021. Officer Dustin Lindaman and K-9 Liberty search a neighborhood on Lafayette Street on Sunday in connection with a homicide a day earlier. K-9 "Sali" of the Evansdale Police Department assisted Waterloo police searching for evidence following a robbery along University Avenue Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Evansdale Police Officer Mike Dean and K-9 "Sali" search a car following a high-speed chase that ended in the Waterloo Police Department parking lot on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Sgt. Steven Bose and K9 Mitch search Lawnhill Avenue for a driver who ran away following a pursuit in a stolen car on Saturday. A Waterloo K-9 officer and his partner search vehicles behind an Irving Street home following a series of drug raids Wednesday. (JEFF REINITZ / Courier Staff Writer) Axe with handler Waterloo Police Sgt. Jordan Ehlers during a barricaded suspect call in April 2022. Police searched a home on Adams Street in Waterloo for a person with a warrant on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. No one was home at the address.
The meal will go from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 710 Broadway St. Following the meal, the movie "Big George Foreman" will be shown. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend.
Health care workers are trained to help others but increasingly, those workers are the ones needing help, as patients turn violent and lash out."I've experienced and been witness to my colleagues experiencing verbal abuse, sexual assault and harassment and physical violence," said Maggie, a 
Gov. Kim Reynolds in her Condition of the State address responded to two policy areas in which the federal government is failing. The first is immigration and the crisis at the southern border, and the second is the growing threat from communist China. Reynolds and many other governors are responding to the failure of the Biden administration to address these national issues. Regarding China, Reynolds is proposing legislation to strengthen Iowas laws against foreign ownership of farmland.

Reynolds is working diligently to protect Iowa and the nation from the growing threat posed by China. China is a growing power. From both an economic and national security standpoint, China represents the most dangerous threat to the United States. Although China has its own internal economic and political problems it is a growing economic and military power. China is also trying to expand its presence across the globe, including establishing a foothold in the United States.

A recent Government Accountability Office report documented that the federal government is failing to properly document and track foreign ownership of land. Specifically, the GAO report notes that the United States Department of Agriculture has failed to consistently share timely data on foreign investments in U.S. agricultural land as required under the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA).

This report confirms one of our worst fears: that not only is the USDA unable to answer the question of who owns what land and where, but that there is no plan by the department to internally reverse this dangerous flaw that affects our supply chain and economy, stated Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash). Further, Newhouse argues that food security is national security, and we cannot allow foreign adversaries to influence our food supply while we stick our heads in the sand.

It is estimated that China owns 380,000 acres of land in the United States. Chinese ownership of farmland and other aspects of American agriculture should be alarming to all Americans. This is especially true with recent efforts by Chinese interests to purchase ground near military bases. China continues to grow more aggressive, buying American land has been one of many ways they have waged this new battle, stated Reynolds.

Currently, Iowa has some of the strongest laws in the country on foreign ownership of land, noted Reynolds.

Nevertheless, there are ways that state-level land ownership restrictions can be evaded by foreign investors. Iowas laws do a good job of ensuring Iowa farmland stays in the hands of domestic producers, but they should be strengthened. In addition, what is more possible for our state is that the other components of food production, like processing plants, could be acquired and controlled by foreign nations.

As a result, Reynolds argues that as Chinas threat adopts, our laws should too. Therefore, Reynolds is proposing new legislation to further protect our farmland from foreign interests. The objective of this legislation will be to enhance reporting and enforcement, increase penalties, and provide more transparency to Iowans on what land is currently under foreign ownership.

Reynolds correctly notes that we cannot let foreign governments undermine the agricultural dominance our farmers have worked so hard to build.

It is not just in agriculture and land ownership that China poses a threat. For decades, the United States has been running massive trade deficits, especially with China. It is estimated that at least 4 million manufacturing jobs have been lost to China. Iowa is known as an agricultural state, but it is often forgotten that manufacturing is a major pillar of the states economy. Since 2001, it is estimated that Iowa has lost 33,714 jobs to China.

Critics may argue that foreign ownership of land is not a risk, but allowing even one acre to be owned by China is a threat. Protecting American sovereignty is vital, and Reynolds is working to protect not just Iowa, but the United States.

Americans should be concerned about the growing influence of China, especially in our own backyard. As Reynolds stated, Lets make sure that American soil remains in American hands.
JSW signs MoU with Odisha Govt to set up Rs. 40,000 cr EV and EV battery manufacturing unit

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10 (UNI) JSW group will set up a first mega scale Integrated Electric Vehicle and EV Battery Manufacturing Project in Odisha with an investment of Rs. 40,000 crore.



A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed on Saturday between the JSW and the Odisha government for establishing an Integrated Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Battery Manufacturing Project at Cuttack and Paradip.



Sources said that the EV Vehicle, and Component Manufacturing plants will be set up in Cuttack and copper Smelter and Lithium Refinery will be established at Paradip.



The ambitious project, with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore, will mark a significant growth in employment generation in the state.It will provide job opportunities for 10,000 youths.



The project will also spur employment generation in ancillary and support services and will catalyze MSME development, opening a plethora of opportunities in the auto component supply chain and services sector.



Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that this day marks a great leap forward in our journey towards industrial excellence and sustainable development.



Powered by the 5T initiative, Patnaik said Odisha is on a steady path of transformation. The establishment of the JSW Groups Electric Vehicle manufacturing unit is a testament to our state's evolving industrial landscape, he stated.



This strategic move underscores our commitment to sustainable development, and thereby, positioning Odisha as a pivotal player in India, the Chief Minister said.



He further said the project will enhance the livelihoods of thousands of families and contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of our region. It will also catalyse the growth of MSMEs, spurring the development of a vibrant ecosystem of ancillary industries.



The project will also herald Odishas significant entry into the ever growing automobile industry sector in India, he said.



JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal said the company chose Odisha for its first EV unit for its stable leadership, State governments unparalleled support to industries, besides its resources and skill ecosystem.



Odisha has all the potential to become a One Trillion Dollar economy, he said, adding that the company has a Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore Investment Plan in Pipeline for Odisha.



Among others, the event was attended by Charmain 5T Initiatives & Nabin Odisha Kartik Pandian, Chief Secretary PK Jena and Seniors Officers of Odisha government, representatives of leading industry associations, leading technical and professional institutions of the state.



The project consists of a 50 GWH EV battery plant, EVs, Lithium refinery, Copper smelter and related component manufacturing units.

UNI DP CS1409
What worries me is that some of these shoulder-fired rockets might be employed on worldwide commercial aircraft when things truly start to go wrong in the US or Europe

And things in USA and EU are going south fast

WtR
To be honest, even after seeing it two and being on the third time, I continuing to learn. Putin is so intelligent that it makes me cringe at my abilities to recall info, he is a damn encyclopedia. I felt sad when I listen to Tucker and his questions of obvious CIA origin and processing

Step back in thought: Russians for the most part, as I do understand, know about literally everything Putin said in the Tucker Interview. We in Russia have been living with this situation for many years and I would hope everyone in Russia understands Russian position. Those who dont? Need to leave Russia and find a woke western country to crawl within

What occurred was clear precise answers and more than just answers. It was explanations to all points and questions and above all that, this is our goal! Peace, peace, peace! Understanding! And above all, Russia wants peace, peace, peace! Live and develop as nature and our ancestors intended!

Tucker was in personal nosebleed territory and Very far above his pay grade (his laughter and actions belied everything and it was obvious), but I doubt that the majority of Putins comments were directed at or addressed to Tucker. Tucker was the tool used. It most likely will never be known who contacted who first in this interview, but I have my suspicions. Putin uses tools very well.) Tuckers only contribution was to provide Putin with a platform and the common decency to let him speak. That Tucker did very well for the most part and got in line as Daddy Putin had to remind him occasionally

Theres no reason to be upset at the outcome, it seems to me that Tucker missed a lot of what Putin was saying. I do not believe Tucker was acting the fool to force Putin to go into further detail on any particular subject since there is no reason for him to do so. When I say that he did not comprehend, I mean it literally. Tucker just did not get it

He sees the existential threat that NATO expansion and missile defense pose to Russia, but he finds it hard to believe that the United States cannot fix this problem by calling out and fixing its own crazy. The crazy is an infestation and a simple can of bug spray is not the answer. Tucker believes it to be that easy

Within simple discussions and negotiations, Putin tries to explain why everything has procedures and forms, and Tucker obviously finds it difficult to follow these formalities

Yes, I respect that he spoke with Putin, that he was taking a big chance, and that overall, I believe he did a passable job. At least he kept quiet and seemed to listen for the most part. Did he comprehend, though? Understand? No. Some things he comprehended, but a lot was well beyond his comprehension. Over his head, by way too much

Can you imagine any western politician sitting down with Putin and trying to communicate? Tucker makes our political class in the west look like children. Nuff said

1. Did you feel that Tucker lacked knowledge? * I believed he could have performed & informed himself better.

2. Is this the best we can do as Americans? * I believe that we can do better, but we dont care.

Similar to how I feel about the narrow list of politicians from which we must choose. Our people in America do not put our best face forward and the world sees it

When Putin was basically asked about who makes decisions in the United States and or who he as the Russian president deals with, Putin said, I dont know. Thats a pretty incredible thing, no?

* Above meaning is, no one is in charge in the USA. *

Thus, he (Tucker) was out of his depth with Putin and Tucker really is the very best we have in our media. He is not informed enough and he is only in it for himself

Hes a good man. Forgive his weaknesses. Hes a journalist not a leader

Whom would not want to meet Putin? I would be honored to sit down with him and let him talk till the sun comes up as the rooster crows

WtR

Link to Rumble Video of Interview: https://rumble.com/v4c98yf-tucker-carlson-x-vladimir-putin-interview.html
EVANSVILLE  There were two tornadoes that hit southern Wisconsin Thursday night, including one near Evansville that could be classified as an EF3, according to investigators.

Tim Halbach, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said Friday that a tornado near Albany is being classified as a high EF1 but it will take further investigation to determine if the Evansville-area tornado would be classified higher than a high EF2.

An EF 5 tornado is considered the most severe.

The tornado had winds of 135 mph north and northeast of Evansville and was throwing debris east of Evansville 10,000 to 15,000 feet into the air. The tornado was on the ground for 36 minutes, traveling 24.5 miles with a maximum width of 500 yards.

The EFI tornado had peak winds of 110 mph and was on the ground for 14 minutes, covering 8.35 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards, the weather service said.

Were not considering it a 3 at this point, Halbach said during a press briefing at the Ace hardware store on Evansvilles east side, just a block from a command post set up by the Rock County Sheriffs Office. We want to look at some aerial footage and talk with some other experts on the damage we saw.

That damage included large farm equipment, which is not a typical indicator when assessing the severity of a storm, said Helbach, who is based in Dousman. The storm knocked out power, downed utility lines, damaged homes and farm buildings and closed roads.

Storms started popping up in northeast Iowa Thursday, but Helbach said they werent tornadic until the storms started to enter Green County.

They started to show more signs of rotation and thats when we started to issue tornado warnings, Helbach said.

The first tornado warnings for the unusual storm were issued at 5:04 p.m. in the Albany area with the tornado going through that area between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Helbach said.

In the Evansville area a tornado warning was issued at 5:32 p.m. with the tornado hitting around 5:45 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

For tornado warnings, thats a pretty good lead time, Helbach said. Our standards are normally 10 to 15 minutes ahead of when a tornado like that happens. Obviously, when it happens in February like this, a lot of time people wont think those warnings are legit. But from the people we talked to, a lot of people heard the warnings and were in their shelters and were safe from the tornadoes.

Only one person was taken to a hospital. The victim was in a car that had been moved by the tornado but Rock County Sheriff Curtis Fell said he had no further details on the incident. He said maybe a half dozen other people suffered minor bruises and cuts but declined treatment.

Im really amazed more people werent hurt, Fell said. Weve had a number of people that have suffered significant loss to their homes and some of their livelihood, right now.
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.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
New Delhi, Feb 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court, surprised by the issue of women prisoners getting pregnant in jails and around 196 babies being born in different jails in West Bengal, said on Friday that it will examine the issue.

A bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked Senior Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who is the amicus curiae in the suo motu case on conditions in prisons, to examine the issue of pregnancies and report back to the court.

The matter came to light on Thursday when the submission was being made before the Calcutta High Court by an amicus curiae during the mention of a case related to prison reforms and correctional homes in the State of West Bengal.

A division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya took a serious view of the submission and said that the matter would be placed before a division bench hearing criminal cases.

The amicus suggested to the High Court that the male employees of correctional homes should be prohibited from entering enclosures holding women prisoners. The Supreme Court has directed Amicus Curie to examine the matter and report back to them.

UNI/SNG GNK
Answer Me, created by Banana Balloon Shenzhen on behalf of Tencent Sustainable Social Value, is the top winner in the global ONE Screen 2023 Short Film Festival, the premiere short film festival produced by The One Club for Creativity celebrating global filmmakers from both commercial advertising and film industries.

Answer Me, which highlights Tencent SSVs commitment to digital education and online teaching for rural areas of China, was named Best of Show, Best of Region-Asia Pacific, and awarded three Craft awards: one each in Screenplay, Directing, and Casting. In addition, Banana Balloon won a Craft award in Cinematography for The Third Ear, also on behalf of Tencent SSV.

Other top winners include director Joaquin Salim, working with Capitolio Caracas, for Aleros [Pompeii] for the band La Vida Boheme. The music video won Best of Region-Latin America, and Craft awards in Remote Production and Editing.

Best of Region-North America honors went to Havas New York for You Don't Know the Half of it on behalf of The Harris Project. The work also won a Genre award in Drama. There was no Best of Region-Europe winner selected this year.

Other ONE Screen 2023 Genre winners are as follows:

Other ONE Screen 2023 Craft winners are as follows:

Animation: Spoon Tokyo Scuffing Song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Pocari Sweat Returnable Bottle Project

Emerging Filmmaker: Theo James Krekis London Pram Snatcher for BFI London

Music Composition: OPPO Shenzhen See More in a Snap for OPPO Find N2 Flip

Sound Design: Bensimon Byrne/Narrative Toronto Others for Casey House

Type on Poster: Sunday Afternoon New York Human Response Exhibit, self promotion

ONE Screen is a global festival focuses on all forms and aspects of short films  narrative fiction, comedy, commercials, branded content, music videos, spec work, passion projects, animation, sound, movie poster design, title sequences and more  and has a mission to celebrate and award filmmakers from around the world working in both the film and ad industries, with no limitation and total artistic freedom, all on one screen.

The 2023 jury included top creatives in the agency and production company worlds, including Cristo Fernandez, who starred as Dani Rojas in the AppleTV+ hit series Ted Lasso and founded independent film production company Espectro MX Films.

The One Club for Creativity  home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) awards, ONE Asia Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more  is the worlds foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organizations four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.
The ongoing saga of the proposed Zee-Sony merger took another turn this week as both parties faced off in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Mad Man Film Ventures, a Zee shareholder, filed an application seeking to restrain Sony from taking any further actions related to the merger while the NCLT case is pending. However, Sony strongly objected, arguing that Mad Man lacks legal standing and their attempt to "rewrite" the agreed-upon merger scheme is invalid.

Mad Man's Argument:

Their primary concern is that Sony's pursuit of arbitration before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) is an attempt to pre-empt the NCLT proceedings. They also argue that Sony cannot seek to terminate the merger agreement and claim a termination fee while the NCLT case is ongoing.

Sony's counter:

Sony vehemently contested Mad Man's assertions, emphasizing that they have no locus standi in the matter. They point out that Mad Man participated in the voting process for the merger scheme and are now essentially trying to renege on their agreement.

NCLT's decision:

While the NCLT did not immediately grant relief to Mad Man, they have requested responses from the respondents (Zee and Sony Pictures Network India) and scheduled a further hearing for March 12th.

This latest development highlights the growing complexities surrounding the Zee-Sony merger. The outcome of the NCLT case and the parallel arbitration proceedings will significantly impact the future of the merger.
A north Alabama homeowner killed a man who kicked a door open and entered a house early Saturday morning, Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said.

Deputies answered a call of a burglary in progress in the 17000 block of Morris Road in Elkmont, the sheriffs office said. The call came in at 4:20 a.m.

The homeowners said someone violently trying to break in woke them up. The individual kicked the door in before deputies could arrive and was hit with gunfire from the homeowner. The man retreated outside where he died, the sheriffs office said.

The deceased man has been identified by investigators as Christopher Jason Hovis, 44, of Hartselle.

The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary results indicate a justified shooting, according to the sheriffs office. There are no charges at this time.
Tunisia arrests 19 for alleged links to terrorist group

Tunis, Feb 10 (UNI) Tunisia has arrested 19 people for alleged links to an extremist religious cell, the Tunisian National Guard said in a statement on Friday.

The statement, posted on the National Guard's Facebook page, said the 19 people, who were wanted by security and judicial agencies, had been sentenced to one to 10 years in prison on charges of being involved in a terrorist group.

The statement did not provide further details.
When the popular and acclaimed pizzeria Post Office Pies announced this month that it was leaving Avondale after 10 years, it shocked many and raised some questions.

Avondale has seen a lot of shakeups in its thriving restaurant and bar scene the past few years, but has the booming neighborhood revitalization stalled out?

In December, Rodney Scotts Whole Hog Barbecue closed its Avondale location that had opened in 2019 in the closed Bottletree, which had been a popular music venue.

Avondale Common House recently moved out of the building it took over from the defunct Wooden Goat in 2016 and announced it merged into Ferus on 41st, which took over the Fancys on 5th restaurant that operated from 2016 to 2021 across the street from the entrance to Avondale Park.

Melt Avondale moved to Lane Parke in Mountain Brook in 2022 after holding down a key spot on 41st Street in Avondale since 2014.

We are definitely concerned about businesses moving out, said Jeff McGee, president of the Forest Park/South Avondale Neighborhood Association.

Avondale still has its key anchor businesses, including Avondale Brewery (now owned by Good People Brewery), and Saturn, which opened in 2015 as a music venue, Saws Barbecue and 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales.

The sign at the former location of Rodney Scott's Whole Hog Barbecue in Avondale, which opened in 2019 and closed in 2023, now refers customers to its locations in Homewood and Trussville. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)ggarrison@al.com

McGee noted that Lags Eatery, which closed years ago in Homewood, plans to reopen in Avondale soon.

To some extent, Avondale may be a victim of its own success as increased demand has led to increased rent for businesses.

What Ive heard is behind that is that the landlords are going up on their lease rates significantly, said Birmingham City Council President Darrell OQuinn, whose district includes Avondale. Landlords are trying to recoup lost revenue from having to make some concessions during the pandemic.

During the lockdown of 2020 during the pandemic, restaurants were hit hard and many are still trying to bounce back, along with landlords.

I think its the normal business cycle, said Bob Vines, a commercial real estate developer with Arc Realty who played such a pivotal role in the revitalization he was nicknamed Mr. Avondale.

The situation with each restaurant is different and affected by many factors, he said. Post Office Pies Chef and founder John Hall, who started the pizzeria in an old Avondale post office, moved to Oregon and is focusing more on family life, Vines said.

Post Office Pies has a Mountain Brook location that continues to operate. The sign at the former Rodney Scotts in Avondale refers customers to its Homewood and Trussville locations.

The restaurant industry is difficult, Vines said. It seems glamorous, but its not. Its every day, all day.

While some restaurants have moved out of Avondale and key buildings are vacant, its poised to bounce back, Vines said.

There is a lot of change, Vines said.

But he said hes confident in the future of Avondale.

Things change, Vines said. Things move around. Things grow out.

Avondale Brewery and Saturn continue to book major acts for concerts throughout the year, he said. I think they did 40 shows last year and just packed out, Vines said of the brewerys concert venue. Just an amazing amount of people who went to the shows at Avondale Brewery.

That will keep business booming and entice other restaurants, he said. It will open up opportunities for others, Vines said.

Theres also a constant shifting in the popularity of neighborhoods, Vines said.

Five Points South once reigned supreme in the 1980s and early 1990s for its nightlife, but the development of bars and restaurants in Lakeview pulled business away.

The same thing happened with Avondale pulling business away from Lakeview after Avondale Brewery opened in 2011.

All those people who were going to bars in Lakeview are now over in Avondale, Vines said.

The revitalization of downtown and Uptown has businesses in those areas competing for many of the same bar and restaurant customers as Avondale, Lakeview and Five Points South.

There is shifting, Vines said. There is movement.

Hunter Renfroe, principal owner of Orchestra Partners that owns several buildings in Avondale, declined to discuss the current situation but said positive changes are coming.

We will be making some announcements in the next few weeks, Renfroe said in an email. Suffice to say, there are some positive developments that are almost ready for publicity that will far outweigh the negative press lately.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  Tribal sovereignty is expected to again be a top issue facing Oklahoma lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt as they returned on Monday to begin the 2024 legislative session.

Stitt, a Republican and himself a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has had a contentious relationship with tribal leaders that began with a dispute during his first year in office over casino revenue and has worsened with conflict over agreements on tobacco sales, motor vehicle tags, taxes and criminal jurisdiction.

In his State of the State address to lawmakers on Monday, Stitt once again took aim at expanded tribal sovereignty and the landmark 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision on criminal jurisdiction, dubbed McGirt after the plaintiff in the case, that much of eastern Oklahoma remained a tribal reservation.

Three years after McGirt, we are still operating under a confusing and conflicting patchwork of jurisdiction across our state, Stitt said.

Stitt also said confusion remains in Oklahoma over whether tribal citizens on reservations must pay income taxes or can be cited by police for traffic violations.

We cant be a state that operates with two different sets of rules, Stitt said. Especially based on race.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, a frequent critic of Stitt and one of many tribal leaders in the gallery for the governors speech, bristled at Stitts suggestion that race is a factor in tribal relations.

Thats either a very cynical, purposeful, strategic employment of rhetoric, or its born of complete ignorance, because were not talking about race, Hoskin said. Were talking about sovereign nations. And if he doesnt get it at this point, Im starting to doubt that he will.

Hoskin also downplayed Stitts contention that there is widespread confusion over criminal jurisdiction.

The picture hes painted of confusion, we dont see it, Hoskin said. We see cooperation every day.

Last year the Legislature convened in special session to override the governors veto of a bill to extend agreements on tribal tobacco sales and motor vehicle tags, and the issue is expected to surface again this year.

Many lawmakers hope the relationship between the tribes and Stitt has thawed somewhat following a deal the governor reached last month with the Chickasaw Nation for a 10-year agreement on tobacco and car tags. Similar deals have been signed with the Apache, Potawatomie and Wyandotte tribes.

I see it as a very good indication that the state and the tribes will be able to work together, said Sen. Brent Howard, chairman of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal relations.

Stitt isnt the only GOP governor whose relationship with tribal leaders has been contentious. A South Dakota tribe on Saturday banned Republican Gov. Kristi Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation after she suggested sending razor wire to Texas to help deter immigration and said that cartels were infiltrating Native American reservations in that state.

Among the issues Oklahoma lawmakers are expected to tackle this session is a possible income tax cut, a top priority for Stitt. The House approved a 0.25% reduction in the rate last week, but Senate leaders have said such a move is premature since final revenue numbers havent been released.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat released data over the weekend suggesting that cutting the states portion of the sales tax on groceries would save the average Oklahoman more than five times as much as a 0.25% income tax cut.

Eliminating the grocery tax would provide Oklahomans immediate relief and savings they would see every time they go to the grocery store, said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

__

By SEAN MURPHY Associated Press Writer
A suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at an east Birmingham gas station is in custody after he was arrested by teams of law enforcement offers in a Grayson Valley neighborhood.

Deeric Mikell Lewis, 21, of Center Point, is charged with murder in the Tuesday night killing of 33-year-old Colby Lemar Cade. He is also charged with attempted murder in the wounding of a woman who survived, and with discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle.

Birmingham police took Lewis into custody Thursday afternoon on Molly Drive. He has been held in the Birmingham City Jail and now that warrants have been issued, he will be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail where he will be held without bond.

A motive has not been disclosed.

A suspect in a Birmingham homicide was arrested Feb. 8, 2024, in a Grayson Valley neighborhood.(Contributed)

The incident began around 6:36 p.m. Tuesday when gunfire erupted at the Shell station on the corner of Old Springville Road and Brewster Road.

Cade and the female drove off in a sedan and were believed to have been seeking medical attention when they crashed into one of the bay doors at Station 30, which is about a half block away.

Birmingham Fire Chief Cory Moon said there were no firefighters injured when the vehicle struck the building.

Both victims were taken to UAB Hospital where Cade was pronounced dead.
On Thursday, the Autauga-Prattville Library Board banned any books with sexual or LGBTQ content for children 17 and younger, prompting one board member to resign.

Prattville has been at the heart of book challenges in Alabama. Last year, patrons challenged 47 books, mainly with LGBTQ characters or themes. The librarys new obscene content policy attempts to stop children from accessing any books or materials that deal with sex or LGBTQ issues.

For the avoidance of doubt, the library shall not purchase or otherwise acquire any material advertised for consumers ages 17 and under which contain content including, but not limited to, obscenity, sexual conduct, sexual intercourse, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender discordance, the updated 53-page policy states. Age-appropriate materials concerning biology, human anatomy, or religion are exempt from this rule.

Library director Andrew Foster said he was unaware of the changes until they were announced in yesterdays meeting, even though the policies state they were prepared by the library director and board of trustees. Hes still reviewing the policy and will determine the next steps with his staff. The librarys three branches have about 80,000 materials, Foster said.

The board is essentially asking for a potential overhaul of the entire collection, Foster said. He said this will require significant time and money to enact these changes and is concerned about legal challenges the library may face.

Once board member Christie Sellers heard the changes were made in non-public meetings, she resigned Thursday. Four other board members resigned last year after the Autauga County Commission approved several library board appointments without consulting the current board.

Sellers told The Prattville Post the new content policies were created in secret meetings and evoke blatant censorship of certain books within our current library collection.

Equally disheartening is the evident discrimination against a minority people group, Sellers said. As a board member, it is disconcerting to witness actions that contribute to the marginalization of any community within our constituency. We must serve the entire community without bias, and I find it unconscionable to be associated with a board that engages in such discriminatory practices. I cannot align myself, even with a dissenting vote, with the pervasive ideologies that are evidenced by the subcommittees recommendations.

Board president Ray Boles provided AL.com with the updated policy but declined to comment further. The exact language about obscene content is used in the programming section of the policy. The policy can be found below the story.

Librarians must also put a red warning label on any adult book with sexual or gender identity content. The policy isnt clear if librarians must remove or move any books for children and young adults. However, the policy also states, the board reserves the right to exercise discretion over weeding of materials.

Another form change includes the patrons reconsideration form used to challenge material. In a previous version of the form, the patron must check yes or no if the material has been reviewed in its entirety. The form now asks if the patron reviewed the material thoroughly.

Two opposing groups have sprung up in Prattville because of the controversy and have expanded their messages statewide: Clean Up Alabama, which is behind many of the book challenges in the state, and Read Freely Alabama, a group opposed to such challenges. Clean Up Alabama didnt respond to AL.coms request for comment.

Prattville resident Angie Hayden, co-founder of Read Freely Alabama, became emotional when talking about the controversy and how it has affected her 25-year-old LGBTQ daughter.

I cant even tell you the amount of emotional trauma this has been for someone who has grown up in Prattville, been an avid reader, an avid user of the Prattville Library, to have a board say to her that books about people like her are dangerous and inappropriate and must be segregated away for the safety of the community, Hayden said. I find that an insult to not just LGBTQ people, but all people.
Marco Perez was sentenced Friday to be executed, a Mobile County jury decided on Friday, one day after convicting 24-year-old Perez of capital murder in the death of Mobile police officer Sean Tuder in 2019, WKRG reported.

The jury voted 11-1 in favor of the death penalty. At 24, Perez now becomes the youngest person on Alabamas death row, by six years.

Multiple media reports indicated Perez attorneys called multiple witnesses to testify on Perez behalf, imploring the jury to spare his life, including several family members, according to WALA.

As he had done during the trial, Perez became emotional Friday, weeping quietly as his sister and mother testified. Perez father also testified, the outlet reported, saying his son had changed in the five years since the murder and noting Perez became a father roughly nine months after he murdered Tuder.

Savannah Brewer, testified she learned she was pregnant with Perez child the day after the Jan. 20, 2019 shooting.

Prosecutors, however, countered with Perez troubled youth, including multiple suspensions from school beginning in middle school until he was expelled from high school for fighting. More recently, Perez had caused trouble with guards and other inmates while imprisoned at Mobile County Metro Jail.

Surveillance video was shown of an incident in the jail which reportedly shows Perez assaulting another inmate. Evidence was also shown that Perez was at one point in possession of a shank inside the jail.

Prosecutors had already put Tuders widow, Krissy Tuder, on the stand Thursday afternoon following the announcement of the guilty verdict. She recalled two Mobile police officers coming to her home to tell her Sean Tuder had been killed while trying to arrest Perez at Peach Place Inn apartments.

Krissy Tuder said she did not work for a year after her husbands death and remains in counseling.

That day changed my life, she said, according to the report. It changed everything about me.

Sean Tuders mother, Noreen Tuder, also spoke to the jury, as did Lawrence Battiste, Mobiles chief of police at the time of the murder. John Holzer, Tuders National Guard platoon sergeant, also testified and said Sean Tuders death hit the unit harder than any he had seen in his military career.

One of Perez attorneys, Jason Darley, noted Perez would die in prison, either by execution or by natural causes. Executions are carried out at Holman Correctional Facility near Atmore.

The state is coming here asking you to kill again, Darley said, according to WALA. At some point, the killing has to stop -- you dont have to sign your name to the death warrant.
Not a single vote has yet been cast, but the election will soon be over.

Democratic party bosses next week will name someone to become the next treasurer of Alabamas largest county, after both the incumbent and her rival failed to file state paperwork on time, costing them a spot on the ballot.

The state ethics commission earlier this week affirmed a decision by its staff to strike both Eyrika Parker, the incumbent Jefferson County treasurer, and Mara Ruffin Allen from consideration for missing the deadline to file ethics forms.

The action on Wednesday is the latest loss for both candidates, following earlier failed appeals to state court judges in Montgomery County.

When we do have our caucus, we will not be able to accept either Mara Ruffin Allen or Eyrika Parker as nominees because the ethics commission has said because they were disallowed on the March ballot, they will not be allowed on the November ballot, Jefferson County Democratic Chairman Wayne Rogers told AL.com Friday. The Ethics Commission has given their opinion of what the law is, and we have no choice but to follow the dictates of the ethics commission.

The state ethics commission earlier this week affirmed a decision by its staff to strike both Eyrika Parker, the incumbent Jefferson County treasurer, and Mara Ruffin Allen from consideration for missing the deadline to file ethics forms.joseph D. Bryant

The treasure is responsible for selecting banks to invest millions in county money.

Jefferson County Democratic Party brass will now meet to name a candidate for the seat. Because there are no Republicans seeking the position, the Democratic candidate is most likely to win the position.

Rogers on Friday also announced a meeting of the 121-member Jefferson County Executive Committee to select a candidate on Feb. 17. The meeting is at 10 a.m. at the Five Points West Library in Birmingham.

Parker, who has about a year left in her term, offered few words regarding the Ethics Commissions ruling.

Im going to say what I always say, the best is yet to come, she said.

Her attorney offered further response.

Were obviously disappointed and we disagree with the commissions interpretation of the ethics statute, but we accept it, said attorney Calvin Biggers. Ms. Parker will continue to seek other ways to serve the public.

On the other side, Allen, a Bessemer business owner in her first run for office, said her candidacy is not over.

Allen maintains that her court case in Montgomery County Circuit Court remains open. The judge did not rule against her but only denied her motion for the temporary restraining order to allow her name to appear on the primary ballot.

Were just waiting for another hearing, Allen said. I dont know why the Democratic Party is going ahead to nominate somebody. Its not over with.

The name of whoever is selected to run in the general election will not appear on the primary ballot but will appear as the single name during the general election, Allen noted.

I have been patiently waiting for the judges decision. I dont know why the Democratic Party is in such a hurry.

In a change of rules to assure no other candidate is disqualified for failure to turn in required papers on time, the party is requiring people to have their completed financial disclosure form before being considered for the appointment.

According to state law, candidates must file a statement of economic interest within five days of qualifying to run for office. Failure to comply with the filing requirement disqualifies the candidate. The Alabama Ethics Commission must certify whether candidates have filed the form.

In all, 13 candidates in Jefferson County were disqualified to run in the March 5 primary.

Since then, three of them were restored after proving that they had filed the forms: Cheryl Hamilton Long, candidate for Constable District 56; Joan Singleton, candidate for Jefferson County Assistant Tax Collector, Bessemer and Andre Glenn Bennett, a candidate for Constable District 51.
A substitute teacher in north Alabama was arrested for allegedly engaging in a sex act with a student under 19 years old, authorities announced Friday.

The DeKalb County Sheriffs Office received a complaint about a substitute teacher possibly having inappropriate relations with a student, said Sheriff Nick Welden.

The investigation led to the arrest Friday of Stephanie Mechelle Woods, 45, of Henagar, the sheriff said.

A news release announcing the arrest did not say which school or schools in DeKalb County Woods worked at.

Woods was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center on a charge of school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19 years.

I would like to thank our Investigations Unit and the Board of Education for their earnestness in getting this case taken care of, Welden said in a statement. Our children have every right to feel safe at school, and parents have every right to expect it. Our children are our No. 1 priority and we will protect them at all cost.

Further information on the incident was not released.
Katie Britt first took office only a little more than a year ago, but speculation has been stirring about whether the freshman Republican senator for Alabama could complement Donald Trump at the top of the GOP ticket in 2024 as the partys nominee for vice president.

While the Britt-for-vice-president speculation has come from pundits such as Newsmax TVs Mark Halperin, and Britt has been asked about the possibility -- which she laughed off during a November appearance on CBS Mornings --, on Friday the first large group of people has weighed in on the question: Alabama voters.

Half of likely Alabama Republican voters would approve of a Trump-Britt ticket, according to an Alabama Daily News/Gray Television poll released Friday and conducted on behalf of the outlets by Cygnal, reported Gray Television station WBRC in Birmingham.

A little less than a third of those polled disapproved of Britt as the partys vice presidential nominee.

Britt could not be reached for comment on the poll or the speculation.

The poll also found Britts approval above water by a more than 4-to-1 margin.

About two-thirds of respondents said they approve of Britts job to just 15 percent who hold an unfavorable view of her Senate tenure.

Shes a natural when it comes to messaging and personability, and I think that really comes through in these numbers, Alabama Daily News Publisher and Capitol Journal host Todd Stacy said of Britt in WBRCs story. In just one year in the Senate, to have approval numbers and favorability numbers that high, and to have such low unfavorability numbers. Its really impressive for a first year senator who just took office a year ago.

Late last month, Halperin called Britt a sleeper pick for vice president.

I am going all in on this. I just think, compared to the other alternatives, her upsides are huge, her downsides are very minimal and, above all else, she can go to the suburbs of Philadelphia, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Phoenix and most of the other people being talked about [as potential Trump running mates] would have trouble doing that and she speaks fluent MAGA, he said, according to Newsmax.

During an appearance on CBS Mornings in November to publicize her memoir, Britt sidestepped a question on whether she would like to be Trumps running mate.

Oh goodness, I am just working hard in the U.S. Senate ..., she said.
The issue of whether the USA is a democracy continues to arise. The simple truth is: No, the USA is not a democracy, not even a representative democracy, although it once was. That needs to change if America is to survive.

Theoretically, we live in a democracy. Schools then and now keep saying America is a democracy, and our federal constitution and all our state constitutions say we are a democracy. But today, the actual structure of our federal government and of all our state governments violates all those constitutions, so democracy is effectively dead.

Let me explain.

The phrase in the Declaration of Independence about governments deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed affirms mens right to self-government, implemented via democracy, a term that connotes government by the people. Taken literally, the term democracy implies that the people subject to the government actually govern themselves for their votes decide all the issues of government.

For this to seem plausible, one must understand that democracy comes in two flavors, usually denominated direct and representative. A direct democracy is a government in which the people governed actually do decide all the issues of all three branches of government, legislative, executive, and judicial, in a big conclave or some such arrangement (e.g., old-style Vermont town halls). Obviously, this is not feasible where the people governed number in the millions.

YouTube screen grab.

A representative democracy is a government in which the people elect representatives who staff the three branches of government and act on the peoples behalf. The democracy of the United States and of each of the States of the United States is supposed to be a representative democracy.

You might find it interesting to learn that the English Common Lawwhich (a) governed the 13 colonies and which the colonists valued so much they fought a war against Great Britain to retain because the latter was diminishing those laws and (b) is still the basis for our system of government and law todayis Teutonic in origin for ancient Teutonic people operated under a direct democracy.

Once Julius Caesar successfully conquered Germania by 50 BC and post-Caesar Romans conquered Britain by 88 AD, the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus wrote his 97-98 AD work Germania. There, he noted that the Germani were the most formidable of all Romes opponents and attributed this to the Germanis intense morality and strong attachment to freedom, of which Tacitus wrote, The freedom of the Germani is a deadly enemy. If youre interested, he described in detail how their direct democracy played out.

In The Outline of History, H.G. Wells tells us that when trouble at home caused the Roman legions to be recalled from Britain to home in 410 AD, the Germani, Jutes, Angles, Saxons, and Danes switched from raiding Britain to settling in Britain, and became the fathers of the English.

Daniel Hannan, in Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World, further asserts that the Anglo-Saxon political values these Teutonic migrants brought with them to Britain included personal autonomy, rights of contract, property rights, and rule by law, and thus became the headwaters of the English common law.

But enough of our Teutonic digression. Now let us return our attention to elucidating exactly how it is that, today, our federal and state governments fail to be democracies.

The US Constitution provides in Article 1 Section 1:

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

This says in very plain words that all of the federal governments legislative powers are vested in Congress. That means no person or institution has any power to make a federal law except Congress. Hence, no one can enact federal law except the peoples elected representatives. That is the constitutional guarantee of the representative form of democracy in the federal legislative branch.

In particular, the bureaucracy has no power to make laws. That is, no federal agency can write laws. But of course, today, they all do! Federal administrative regulations have the force of laws, and their total mass and effect are far greater than congressionally-created laws.

The same Article 1 Section 1 provision appears in every state constitution, but all the states have their home-grown bureaucracies that promulgate regulations, often called administrative rules, that are themselves laws, all without elected officials being involved.

Question: Which branch of the federal and state governments contains the bureaucracy? Answer: The bureaucracy is in the executive branch.

So, all those laws made under the guise of administrative regulations are made in the executive branch. What a gross violation of both federal and state constitutions and the separation of powers doctrine!

Now, to be sure, the bureaucrats have an excuse. They point to statutes by which the state and federal legislatures have delegated to the agencies the authority to make laws in the form of administrative regulations, and there is a long history of state and federal appellate decisions dealing with this delegation. (most notably Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., which the Supreme Court is currently reviewing).

Initially, courts applied the doctrine of non-delegable duty, which rejected delegation. Then, when delegation proponents threatened court packing, the courts created a nuance that allowed delegating if the delegating statute provided sufficient guidance and instruction about how the agency was to implement the delegated legislative authority.

In fact, today, the United States and all states have a large statute called the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which has the procedures for the administrative enactment, enforcement, and adjudication of administrative regulations. If you want to see the APA for a specific state, just Google the state name followed by administrative procedure act. The whole federal administrative infrastructure got a boost in 1984 from the Supreme Court in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., which said agencies got to have the last say in interpreting laws. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing its Chevron holding.

Today, every president, every governor, every congressman and state legislator, every elected politician, and every judge and justice of every court, both state and federal, knows that most of the laws controlling Americans are, in fact, the products of non-elected administrative agencies rather than constitutionally-authorized legislation from federal or state legislatures. All these actors go along with it to get along.

So, Houston, we have a problem: we are no longer a democracy, whether direct or representative! This exercise of unconstitutional power by the executive branch agencies to enact laws is truly a great source of many of our problems today.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Ever notice how the left changes the narrative by demanding a shift in language? Abortion becomes pro-choice, but the outcome is unchanged. Vagrants became the homeless, only to become the unhoused, again with the same outcome and common thread of addiction and mental illness. I realize this happens all the time, but recently in my home city in Colorado, we just witnessed a linguistic innovation that leaves me in awe. One of our local leftist activists managed to transform the term illegal alien (i.e., a person in the US illegally), bypassing migrant and undocumented immigrant toget thisperson here legally! Wow, I wish our side could find that brand of Kool-Aid in the store.

First, I need to get something out of my system. I strongly object to the word immigrant as applied to aliens who are here illegally. An immigrant is a person who files the requisite applications, receives the requisite approvals after being properly vetted, and then waits his turn to be admitted based on US priorities. It may take time, even several years, but those who are here legally waited their turn and so must (should) everyone. An illegal alien is not a migrant or an immigrant, period.

But, back to my story: In a thread on the NextDoor platform about providing clothing to those people whom Gov. Abbott bussed to ice-station Denver, a reader questioned the legality of these migrants presence in our states. The immediate response from this luminary was, Actually, they are legal! How did she achieve this mental triple-axel? Simple. If the Border Patrol stands by while a multitude walks in or hands out appearance tickets for court dates in the next decadevoila!they are here legally!

No vetting of any kind, no criminal background check, no attention paid to US labor/skillset needs, nothing. Just overwhelmed Border Patrol Agents performing a perfunctory processing of people we know nothing about. Yet, according to our leftist brethren, they are here legally. Amazing!

Image: The lefts legal immigrants. YouTube screen grab.

I will note that this activist made no public mention of the mother and son killed the month before in our city. Jose Menjiaur-Alas (who uses the alias Jose Menjivar), a habitual criminal, got drunk and drove a truck 100 mph into a 30-mph zone near a high school and killed the pair. Menjiaur-Alas is an illegal alien who has been deported four times! I have no doubt that this activist would consider Menjiaur-Alas to have been in the US legally; after all, the Border Patrol stood by as he walked in.

We can only suppose that the mob of illegal aliens that beat two NYPD officers, only to flip us the bird when DA Alvan Bragg released them, was, similarly, here legally. Nearly two-thirds of all federal arrests involve non-citizens, but I suppose that, according to the left, they are here legally, too.

As an example of an actual, real immigrant who did it the right way, I would like to introduce Paris Svoronos. Svoronos is Greek by birth but grew up in Egypt, where his father worked as an engineer. He earned a B.S. in chemistry and physics at American University-Cairo in 1973 and went to Georgetown University on an F1 student visa for a Ph.D. (with the allowable $39 in his pocket). By 1979, with Ph.D. in hand, Svoronos was appointed assistant professor of chemistry at Trinity College, which sponsored his application for permanent residence (i.e., a green card). He was on his way toward citizenship but for a few glitches along the way.

As luck would have it, the immigration lawyer hired had a personality conflict with the reviewing Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) official, and Svoronos was ordered to leave the US within three weeks. After an appeal and additional costs, his green card application was back on track, and after another five years, he would be permitted to apply for US citizenship. He married, moved to New York City to teach at Queensborough Community College (Q-CC), and fathered a beautiful daughter (now a neurocritical care physician at Mt. Sinai Hospital).

Another glitch came when he applied for citizenship: His case took two years to pass through the bureaucracy, at which point his daughter was joined by a brother (now on the faculty of Harvard). This time, the INS rejected the application because of the discrepancy in the number of offspring; Sir, I had one child when I applied, but its been two years, and now I have two. Back to square one.

But undeterred, Svoronos wrote his appeal directly to President Reagan and was given an appointment with INS after only three weeks! At this meeting, he was put to the test. Who is the lieutenant governor of New York: Stan Lundine. Who are the justices of the Supreme Court: He named all nine. Who was the president (other than George Washington) who had appointed the most Supreme Court justices: FDR.

Svoronos aced it, and on June 6, 1987, he became a US citizen! He likes to point out that he was born Greek by accident, was raised in Egypt by accident, but became an American by choice!

So, what did Svoronos do with his citizenship, won after so many years? He chose to spend 40 years at Q-CC serving (legal) immigrant students starting at rock bottom poverty. Many awards followed, including being the first CC Carnegie Foundation/CASE chemistry professor of the year (2003), the Stanley Israel Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences (2018), being named a fellow of the American Chemical Society (2018), and being the only CC prof to be the Norris Foundation professor of the year (2021).

Svornoss most treasured accolades, though, are the countless cards/letters from his students who have gone on to become MDs, DDSs, DVMs, and PhDs. I have seen this collection, and I envy the joy his students attribute directly and solely to him, and not to the unexceptional Ed.D. administrators and DEI officers. His service was a way to say thank you to the country he loves, which has given him the opportunity to change lives.

Retired now, walking with a cane after three knee replacements (one was botched), he remains for me a friend and the greatest example of what an immigrant can bring to the US. Having to work for his citizenship made him appreciate its meaning, an attitude as far as you can get from the entitled illegal aliens whom intellectual lightweight activists summarily declare legal.

Dr. Bruno, a scientist retired after more than 40 years in research, amuses himself writing books and editing scientific journals, along with wood and metalworking.
One of the things the Obama-Biden Administration is known for was its use of psychological tricks to get Americans to do what government officials wanted Americans to do. Some describe this method as a government nudge while others describe it as manipulation or coercion.

Politico described it as the government using psychology on citizens as a way for policymakers to change peoples behavior:

For the past year, the Obama administration has been running an experiment: Is it possible to make policy more effective by using psychology on citizens? The nickname is nudging -- the idea that policymakers can change peoples behavior just by presenting choices or information differently. [] Nudging has gained a lot of high-profile advocates, including behavioral-law guru Cass Sunstein and former budget czar Peter Orszag. Not everyone likes the idea --the behaviorists are saying that you, consumer, are stupid, said Bill Shughart, a professor of public choice at Utah State University -- but President Obama was intrigued enough that he actually hired Sunstein, a law professor at Harvard who co-wrote the best-known book about the topic, Nudge. The president officially adopted the idea last year when he launched the White Houses Social and Behavioral Science Team (SBST), a cross-agency effort to bring behavioral science research into the policymaking process. Now the team has published its first annual report on this experiment.

Nudge has been defined in this way:

A nudge [] is any aspect of the choice architecture that alters peoples behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives. To count as a mere nudge, the intervention must be easy and cheap to avoid. Nudges are not mandates. Putting fruit at eye level counts as a nudge. Banning junk food does not.

Emphasis should be on changing peoples behavior in a predictable way. One of the major government promoters of nudging, Cass Sunstein (a President Biden National Security official), has unconvincingly suggested that nudging is not manipulative, coercive, secretive, or trickery.

It is reasonable to conclude that the scholars idea of nudge is likely manipulation, coercion, and/or trickery, at minimum, most of the time.

The term is based on the physical nudge, in which one person physically or forcefully pushes another in the direction desired by the nudger. The nudgee is able to sense both the nudger and the direction in which the nudger desires the nudgee to go.

In other words, it seems that physical nudges never occur without the nudgees knowledge of being nudged.

It seems that necessary conditions, then, for psychological nudges would include informing the nudgee that they are being nudged, by whom they are being nudged, the nudgees predictable response/behavior, the nudgers desired response/behavior, and other relevant information.

Now, how many times did the government or others say something like, President Obama and all of us in the White Houses Social and Behavioral Science Team are nudging you here to make this behavioral change which we used psychology to determine would be your predicted behavior. This is a nudge; you are still free to repel our nudge, though, and choose what you want.

Or, how many Americans even knew that the Obama-Biden Administration had a Nudge Unit which used psychology on its citizens to get them to act in a predictable way? Probably not many. (Some might have known of former President Obamas support for nudging but might not have known about the actual Nudge Unit labeled as the White Houses Social and Behavioral Science Team.)

The point is that government nudgers and other psychological nudgers most often act covertly and secretly, while a physical nudge and the desired response of the nudger does not occur secretly.

Thus, government nudges are likely manipulation, coercion, and/or trickery.

The Obama-Biden Administration started a Nudge Unit to use psychology on citizens in America and get Americans to act in a predictable way. The Nudge Unit was in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (a potentially significant fact in and of itself). The Trump Administration then eliminated the Nudge Unit. Then the Biden-Harris Administration re-commissioned the U.S. governments Nudge Unit:

The Biden-Harris Administration formally rechartered the Social and Behavioral Sciences Subcommittee (SBS) of the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council in April 2022. The SBS coordinates policy action to address pressing social issues and Biden-Harris Administration priorities using the tools and insights of the social and behavioral sciences.

The Biden-Harris Social and Behavioral Sciences Subcommittee functions to advance the Biden-Harris Administrations Agenda:

The social and behavioral sciences offer unique tools for describing, understanding, and addressing societal challenges, and assessing and evaluating initiatives, programs, and policies. As described in its Charter, the SBS leverages these tools to advance the Biden-Harris Administrations agenda, to carry out short-term, high-priority tasks, and to lay the groundwork for longer-term coordination of agency efforts related to the social and behavioral sciences.

Emphasis should be on both the use of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Subcommittee, or Nudge Unit, to advance the Biden-Harris Administrations agenda and lay the groundwork for longer-term coordination of agency efforts related to the social and behavioral sciences.

The question then, should not be is the Biden Administration using psychology on Americans? but instead how is the Biden Administration using psychology on Americans to advance the Biden-Harris agenda or a swiftly chosen replacement candidate?

Regardless of opinions on the Super Bowl and celebrities, Americans should at least be aware of the governments Nudge Unit which might be using psychology to nudge Americans and advance the Democrat agenda.

Image: Yale University Press
Researching Americas role in the founding of the modern Jewish state led me to a fascinating historical nugget that rejiggers much of what we know about modern Israels founding. The truth is not what you may think it is. It shows that the state was very early on a pawn in the Cold War and that Truman was callously willing to jettison the Jews if need be.

In a 1998 essay marking Israels 50th anniversary, historian Paul Johnson addressed a paradoxical aspect of the Zionist miracle, which we certainly did not grasp at the time and which is insufficiently understood even now. Martin Kramer explained in an illuminating essay from November 2017.

On November 29, 1947, the United States voted for the resolution to partition British Palestine into two separate sectors, one Jewish and one Arab. At the same time, though, it imposed an arms embargo to stop any arms from going to the Jews in British Mandate Palestine. This left 650,000 Jews alone and without weapons to defend themselves and face 50 million Arabs pledging to finish what Hitler started.

No Truman defenders can deny this reality. We can only conclude the president was prepared to accept another Jewish genocide. He knew that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al Husseini, had raised an Islamic army for the Nazis in return for a German promise to this end. After the war, he was a wanted war criminal. There are still surviving pictures of him with his good friend Adolf Hitler. He was the spiritual father of the Gaza and West Bank Arabs and terrorist Yasser Arafats uncle.

Image: Harry Truman meeting with Ben Gurion and Abba Eban. Public domain.

The Arabs, meanwhile, easily obtained arms. Jordans Arab Legion was armed and trained by the British and led by a British officer. At the end of 1948 and in the beginning of 1949, British RAF aircraft flew with Egyptian squadrons over the Egyptian-Israel border. On January 7, 1949, Israeli planes shot down four British aircraft.

That wasnt the only strange thing that the United States did. After first approving a two-state solution, by March of 1948, the United States reversed itself on the two-state solution and, instead, sought a temporary United Nations (UN) trusteeship. On the eve of the British withdrawal from Israel in May 1948, Americas top diplomat warned Israeli leaders against declaring independence.

What was all this sea-sawing from the United States? The answer lies in the Cold War.

Harry Truman faced a difficult presidential election in 1948 and needed every vote and campaign contribution he could muster, including from Americas Jews. This was the driving force behind his support for establishing the state of Israel. However, the Cold War ultimately drove his policies, and he was indifferent about the fate of the Jews. Once out of office, though, Truman would unabashedly take full credit for Israels creation simply because, in May 1948, he recognized Israel as a fait accompli (de facto) but not de jure, as a legal entity.

By contrast, the Soviet Union under Stalin also voted for partition and recognized the new State of Israel de jure as opposed to the limited de facto recognition from Truman. It held firm in its commitment before and after the vote for partition.

In a May 1947 United Nations speech, Soviet Ambassador to the U.N., Andrei Gromyko, astonished the assembly with a humanist speech about Israel. Kramer writes (emphasis mine):

During the war [said Gromyko], the Jewish people had been subjected to indescribable sorrow and suffering. It is difficult to express them in dry statistics. Jews had been subjected to almost complete physical annihilation. And now hundreds of thousands of Jews are wandering about in various countries of Europe, many in camps for displaced persons where they are still continuing to undergo great privations. The time has come, to help these people, not by word, but by deed. This is a duty of the United Nations. [snip] No Western European state, Gromyko asserted, has been able to assure the defense of the elemental rights of the Jewish people. This is an unpleasant fact, but unfortunately like all other facts, it must be admitted, and that explains the aspirations of the Jews to establish their own state. And then the bombshell: It would be unjust not to take this into consideration and to deny the right of the Jewish people to realize this aspiration. It would be unjustifiable to deny this right to the Jewish people, particularly in view of all it has undergone during the war.

In March 1948, with the United States retreating from the idea of partition, the Soviet Union stood in favor of it and attacked Trumans trusteeship proposal. If trusteeship were put to a vote, Gromyko warned that the Soviet Union would cast a no vote. The Soviet Union also authorized its satellite, Czechslovakia, to sell desperately needed arms to Israel.

According to Abba Eban, Israels first U.N. Ambassador, without the Soviet bloc, we couldnt have made it diplomatically or militarily. Likewise, David Ben-Gurion, Israels first prime minister, said, They (Soviet Union) saved the country, I have no doubt of that. In her memoirs, Golda Meir similarly wrote that without the arms from the Eastern Bloc, I do not know whether we actually could have held out until the tide changed as it did by June 1948. From partition until June, as Meir said, things were grim.

This wasnt philosemitism, of course. It was because Israel was then a socialist experiment and had instantly become a Cold War pawn, with the Soviet Union backing it and Truman jettisoning his support lest the Soviets get a win. Indeed, across Washington, D.C., Israel was no longer Americas concern.

Of course, there was a bit more going on than pure Cold War politics. The Secretary of State in particular, former General George C. Marshall among them, was unconcerned with the fate of the Jewish people. Why else the embargo? Marshall, like the British, preferred a relationship with Arab oil over the existence of the Jewish State. He was firmly against partition and the establishment of a Jewish state.

Also, credit for Russian support must be given to the diplomatic efforts led by Chaim Weizmann, who was Israels first president, and Ben-Gurion, as well as the vagaries of fate, sometimes referred to as the G-d of Abraham. These men would compare favorably to Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin in the role they played founding a new nation.

Finally, all this occurred against the backdrop of the Holocaust. Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill had long known about the Nazi death camps but ignored that information. Many in the world felt that the Jews would be safe if they were reinstated as a nation in their ancestral home, where theyd had a continuous presence for almost 4,000 years.

Today, Biden and his administration are mimicking Truman in the worst way possible with their incomprehensible demand for a two-state solution. Like Truman, Biden is withholding armaments while Jews once again face annihilation. However, unlike the calculating Truman, Biden doesnt even have the excuse of a Cold War. Instead, he is bowing before those in the Democrat party with their genocidal demand that Jews be erased from the river to the sea.
Another day, another Venezuelan thug.

This is what New York City has drawn upon itself as the mother of all sanctuary cities, based on this report from the New York Post:

A 15-year-old migrant suspected of shooting a tourist and firing at a police officer in a robbery-gone-wrong in Times Square was arrested on Friday, authorities said. The US Marshals Joint Regional Fugitive Task Force and the NYPD tracked Venezuelan teen Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa down in Yonkers less than 24 hours after Thursdays mayhem at the Crossroads of the World.

It follows from the New York Police Department's announcement a couple days ago about a major theft ring of Venezuelan migrants plaguing New York City, rushing up on mopeds and dragging victims on sidewalks to rob them, and before that, the FBI warning of a major prison gang making its way up to the U.S. from Venezuela. That was five days ago. Shortly before that, there also was the heinous beating of two New York Police officers in Times Square by eight asylum-seeking Venezuelan illegals, most of whom were found to be living at the expense of the city near Times Square. After their arrests, they were let out with no bail, and at least two of them flashing double-middle fingers to their country of "asylum." Before that, Venezuelan flash mobs reportedly plagued New York and Long Island department stores, stealing thousands in goods.

Sound like Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro is emptying his prisons as reports have had it? Sound like the Caracas slums are coming here?

That we are getting so many of these reports in such rapid sequence about these Venezuelan migrants tells us a lot about what is coming down the road for the U.S. This one tried to rob a sports-gear store near crowded Times Square with two other migrants, got stopped by a security guard, pulled out a "very large" .45 caliber handgun and shot at her as well as into the crowd, according to the Post. He hit a Brazilian tourist in the leg, who was hospitalized and sent home (nice vacation ending for her, and nice ad to come to Manhattan) and then fired not once, but twice at pursuing cops before getting away. The cops picked him up the next day, supposedly bawling alongside his mother as a "child," but that kind of behavior is cultural -- being perfectly visible in this documentary about Colombian shantytown dwellers here.

Where did this poor pitiful "asylum-seeker," for one, get his gun in that gun-free city? Where did he get his expensive "fly" haircut, his white designer duds for his shooting spree, a gold necklace for his arrest, and a big gun for his robberies?

Six months after arriving, he's already on his way to having a long rap sheet:

The teen arrived in September and had been staying at a temporary shelter at the Stratford Hotel on West 70th Street, Chell told reporters. He is also a suspect in a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx from Jan. 27, and another incident in which shots were fired at a park on 45th Street in Midtown on Jan. 25, police said. It wasnt immediately clear whether he would also be charged for those incidents.

There's suggestions all throughout this story that he's an experienced thug, in the way cops described how he fired his weapon, in his having a high-caliber .45 handgun at all -- how does a 15 year-old in a gun-free city get that? -- and in having changed his clothes after his act and escaping from his migrant shelter to a second home base in Yonkers, about 15 miles north of Manhattan. The Post reported that the entire "family" left the facility on Friday.

The Venezuelan migrants not only have an outsized number of criminals coming over, they are coming here with an entitlement mentality, having been schooled since birth in the socialism of Hugo Chavez who once bellowed on Venezuelan radio that it was all right for poor people to steal from shopkeepers, which contributed to an atmosphere of lawlessness there that only went downhill. There also is the malevolent influence of Catholic "liberation theology" which claims a "preferential option for the poor" prevalent south of our border which promotes envy and victim mentality, effectively excusing crimes against those judged to be better off. Celebrate diversity.

The confluence of Soros district attorneys who don't prosecute actual crimes in blue cities, and the presence of Venezuelan criminals without legal status exposed only to socialist entitlement mentality amounts to the perfect storm for New York.

Even if Joe Biden does somehow shut the borders, the illegal migrants already inside are now beginning to create new waves of problems, including continuous high crime such as is seen in places like Venezuela, extending well beyond their mere illegal border crossings.

And that will have far-reaching lifestyle consequences for New Yorkers as they adapt to the presence of Venezuelan shantytown dwellers without legal status inside their city.

Since I spent time with decent people in Caracas and Medellin for that matter, I can give a rundown of the kinds of things New Yorkers can expect now that the Caracas "ranchos" have now brought in, and under Joe Biden, won't be sent back.

There will be express kidnappings, such as seen in this excellent movie here which featured authentic Venezuelan thugs cast in acting roles as themselves. Children will see their classmates disappear, their families fleeing from kidnappers without telling anyone. Carjackings will become common, as will bulletproof vehicles. Everyone will need a personal security guard and not go out without one. They will live behind high walls with enhanced security systems and their social life will revolve around private dinner parties -- where every participant is well-known and trusted. If you wear a watch, it better be a cheap watch, you don't dare wear one worth money. You also won't go out with jewelry of any kind on. Fake diamonds embroidered onto the bodice of your dress might have to substitute. You will be very careful about getting into a cab, and the cabbie will be just as afraid of you. If you do get into a cab, you will place your purse in the trunk because motorcycle and moped thieves will smash the car window in moving traffic to grab yours if it's visible. You will be very careful of stopping for diversions on roads, as they may be ruses for kidnappers, and you will watch the roads carefully for glass or nails that could puncture your tires, leaving you at the mercy of thieves and ransom-seeking kidnappers lying in wait. You will not use public ATMs for banking or pay for gas at outdoor gas pumps as organized thieves will place card readers in most of those. The entire society will become a low-trust society,eventually hampering economic development as has happened in places like Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina, which have been hit by this kind of unpunished crime.

As Victor Davis Hanson has noted in the past, the great illegal migrant waves into the U.S. won't stop until migrants find that the U.S. they arrive at is no better than the place they left behind. That equilibrium appears to be advancing pretty rapidly here.

Welcome to the Caracas slums -- brought to New York by none other than Joe Biden and his open-borders policy. This won't be the last outrage to be heard from these imported thugs into our country. These daily crime stories are actually just the prelude.

Image: Screen shot from New York Post video, via YouTube.
Did you know there is a heretofore unknown legal principle known as the spirit of Aloha, which for Hawaii--at last check a part of the United Statestakes precedence over the Bill of Rights? Hawaiis Supreme Court thinks so:

Hawaii's highest court ruled Wednesday that Second Amendment rights as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court do not extend to Hawaii citizens, citing the "spirit of Aloha." In the ruling, which was penned by Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Todd Eddins, the court determined that states "retain the authority to require" individuals to hold proper permits before carrying firearms in public. The decision also concluded that the Hawaii Constitution broadly "does not afford a right to carry firearms in public places for self- defense," further pointing to the "spirit of Aloha" and even quoting HBO's TV drama "The Wire." "Article I, section 17 of the Hawaii Constitution mirrors the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution," the Hawaii Supreme Court decision states. "We read those words differently than the current United States Supreme Court. We hold that in Hawaii there is no state constitutional right to carry a firearm in public."

So not only has the Hawaii Supreme Court declared Hawaii Constitution-free, they declared the God-given right to self-defense, the natural, unalienable right without which no other right really matters, null and void.

"The spirit of Aloha clashes with a federally-mandated lifestyle that lets citizens walk around with deadly weapons during day-to-day activities," it adds. "The history of the Hawaiian Islands does not include a society where armed people move about the community to possibly combat the deadly aims of others."

No federal, or other, law requires anyone to carry arms. And what, pray tell, might the spirit of Aloha be? Everyone is entitled to a lei? Everyone is required to wear grass skirts and wiggle their hips? The Court is not forthcoming on this point oflaw?

The court's opinion further says the state government's policies curbing certain gun-carry rights have "preserved peace and tranquility in Hawaii." "A free-wheeling right to carry guns in public degrades other constitutional rights," it concludes. "The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, encompasses a right to freely and safely move in peace and tranquility."

Graphic: Hawaiin Nights, Leon Lippert, Wikimedia Commons.org. Public Domain.

But of course! Following that sort of logic, wouldnt peace and tranquility also require things like government paid iPhones, widescreen TVs, free marijuana and other drugs, free Hawaiian vacations and who knows what else? Of course, if one has no right to self-defense, thats going to cut down on population, and government expenses.

In addition, the Hawaii Supreme Court notes a quote from HBO's "The Wire," that "the thing about the old days, they the old days." The court's opinion states that it "makes no sense" for contemporary society to pledge allegiance to "the founding eras culture, realities, laws, and understanding of the Constitution."

Of course not. What did some of the most brilliant, politically astute men who ever lived know? Man, particularly Hawaiian man, has evolved beyond the need for individual liberty.

The case dates to December 2017, when Hawaii citizen Christopher Wilson was arrested and charged with improperly holding a firearm and ammunition in West Maui. The firearm Wilson was arrested carrying was unregistered in Hawaii, and he never obtained or applied for a permit to own the gun. He told police officers that the firearm was purchased in 2013 in Florida. Wilson argued in court that the charges brought against him violated the Second Amendment. But, according to The Reload, the Hawaii high court explicitly rejected the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the Second Amendment in 2008s District of Columbia v. Heller and 2022s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which both held that there is a constitutionally protected right to carry firearms.

Bruen also affirmed the right to carry firearms outside ones home, which is likely what so offended the Hawaii Supreme Court. It might also be noted Bruen also struck down registration requirements unless such can be shown to be historically common, particularly around the founding era in America, which they were not.

We are left with a vexing question: is the Hawaii Supreme Court so devoid of knowledge of and respect for the law and Constitution they would dismiss and replace a fundamental, natural, unalienable right with a tourism slogan like the spirit of Aloha? Are they purposely thumbing their noses at the Constitution, or are they merely arrogantly, proudly, stupid? Is Bud Light their PR advisor?

Another possibility is this is Hawaiis first move toward secession. I wonder how that will work when air and sea service to Hawaii is suspended? Maybe thats what the spirit of Aloha is all about? In any case, Im sure the Mummified Meat Puppet Administrations Department of Justice will immediately defend the Second Amendment right of Hawaiians, or more likely, the spirit of Aloha.

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.
Suddenly, the national socialist media are finally admitting what weve all been screaming about for years. The implication is that the GOP is supposed to ride to the rescue and remove Joe Biden from office, saving all the leftists from what he has done to destroy the country  under someone elses orders  and have the GOP look like the bad guys once again.

Are you getting sick and tired each time theres a heads, the authoritarian left wins, and tails, the pro-freedom right loses proposition?

Were all supposed to suspend belief that the White House staff didnt see the mans severe mental decline, years ago, right in front of their very eyes.

Were also supposed to ignore the obvious conclusion that theyve had to use all manner of pharmacological interventions to keep the man lucid during those short times theyve risked him in front of the cameras. We are also supposed to pretend not to notice that theyve set the man up to be the fall guy when the economy falters. And now theyre taking a page from the climate change crisis and using his decline to thread the needle between being too incompetent to be prosecuted and not too incompetent to govern.

Lets start with the fact that the national socialist media have finally admitted the truth after years upon years of insulting denials of reality  that 81-year-old Biden might have some cognitive issues. As detailed by the Media Research Center, Media Lied for YEARS About Biden's Mental Fitness; We Brought the Receipts.

Now is as good a time as any to remind everyone of how desperate these same journalists were to dismiss that idea as a right-wing conspiracy theory cooked up by cynical Republicans and Russian television, until ten seconds ago.

In left-wing media land, where war is peace and the border is secure, Joe Biden has spent the last three years of his presidency wowing reporters with his stunning mental fitness.

But now were going to see them pull a massive bait-and-switch, where we finally realize why they insisted on calling their economic disaster Bidenomics. If the far-left fascist authoritarians can get the GOP to do the dirty work and remove Biden, they can suddenly start blaming everything on him. He will become the Stalin of the United States.

Perhaps its time that the pro-freedom right sat out another setup of the authoritarian left. Maybe the GOP should tell the Democrats that they made their Biden, and now they have to lie in it.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, the director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
On Thursday evening, in the wake of Special Counsel Robert Hur's report about Joe Biden's mishandling of classified documents, declining to prosecute him, I learned that President Biden would make a statement to the nation.

I was surprised but anxious to hear whatever he had to say.

In the end, what we watched was a grumpy old man who proved that Mr. Hur was correct.

How can a man deemed too senile to stand trial be deemed fit to run this country? President Biden broke the law willfully, presenting serious risks to national security  but hes too senile to put on the stand: Thats the bottom line of special counsel Robert Hurs report on the prezs mishandling of classified documents. Too senile to appear before a jury but fit to take the dreaded 3 a.m. phone call? You can't make this up. Of course, there is a lot more to this story than Mr. Hur's report. We suspected back in 2020 that then-candidate Mr. Biden had problems answering questions or thinking on his feet. This is why the Democrats hid him in the basement and avoided questions from real reporters. This is also why they fixed the primaries so that he could get the nomination without much of an effort.

It got worse when he made it to the White House and then couldn't answer questions or else started making up stories.

Yes, a president is going to mess up a name now and then. In Mr. Biden's case, it was over and over.

Let's not forget the role of the media.

They protected him and allowed this now-president to avoid press conferences.

Wonder now why the media's credibility is sinking, too?

Last, but not least, I was not the only one who watched the well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. China saw him. Iran saw him. Our enemies know that they are dealing with a man with problems.

P.S.: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.
Last week, Mayor Tiffany Henyard of Dolton, Illinois, went viral for her defense against the towns trustees who accused her of overspending. According to Henyard, the people attacking her (all of whom are black) were guilty of beating and attacking a black woman thats in power. Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis made the same defense, as did New Orleans big-spending mayor LaToya Cantrell. All have said that black women are special. And honestly, all of them are right to say that because thats what theyve been told for decades. Given that culturally pervasive message, why shouldnt they believe they get a pass?

Dolton, Illinois, a town with slightly more than 21,000 people, sits just outside of Chicago. Ninety percent of its population is black. The median household income is $50,237, with roughly 15.4% of families living below the poverty linewith 42.8% of people under 18 in poverty. Im willing to guess that many of those children have no father in their lives.

Image: Tiffany Henyard makes her case. X screen grab.

Most people outside of Chicago had never heard of Dolton until last week when footage emerged of Mayor Henyard berating the towns trustees for daring to challenge her spending. You see, in that tiny town, Henyard, who rakes in almost $300,000 annually as both mayor and township supervisor, has been on a spending spree:

WGN Investigates has catalogued tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent on trips, meals and more by Henyard and her allies in Dolton and on the Thornton Township board where shes the supervisor. Township credit card records show Henyard and other officials spent more than $67,000 on trips to Portland, Austin, Atlanta and New York City. Many of the flights were first class. So were the accommodations. In Atlanta, Henyard and her team stayed at the Four Seasons hotel costing taxpayers more than $9,000. In New York, the bill came to $13,000.

Sadly, theres nothing unique about a government official being accused of living large on taxpayer dollars. What makes Henyard special is the dressing down she gave the town trustees (all black) when they challenged her. Her defense boiled down to stating that shes black and female:

Mayor Tiffany Henyard:



"You all should be ashamed of yourselves because you all black & you sitting here attacking a black woman in power"



This was her response when questioned about using tax funds to pay for lavish trips, 1st class tickets, a $1M giveaway, and a $287k salary pic.twitter.com/m4SYjCWqlu  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 7, 2024

If this sounds familiar, its because youve heard it before. Most recently, you heard it from Fani Willis, who is alleged to have broken all sorts of rules, both moral and political, to get her lover to persecute and prosecute Donald Trump:

Fani Willis, who allegedly broke up her boyfriends marriage & paid him $650k to investigate Trump, spoke at church today in Atlanta & broke her silence. You cannot expect black woman to be perfect and save the world, she said. This case is OVER. pic.twitter.com/XGrIsOzruJ  Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 15, 2024

And Fani Willis didnt even originate the playbook. Just last year, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell made the same case to defend her unusual spending on first-class flights (although she later agreed to repay the price of her upgrades):

New Orleans Democrat mayor has declared economy class flights unsafe for black women, while insisting she wont repay $30,000 of taxpayers money blown on first-class flights to France and Switzerland. Speaking at a press conference Thursday, LaToya Cantrell said: My travel accommodations are a matter of safety, not of luxury. As all women know, our health and safety are often disregarded and we are left to navigate alone. As the mother of a young child whom I live for, I am going to protect myself by any reasonable means in order to ensure I am there to see her grow into the strong woman I am raising her to be. Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesnt understand the world black women walk in.

Its all too easy to look at what these women say and think that theyre just the excuses of people accused of abusing public funds or perverting public agendas for their own benefit. However, what youre missing if you think that way is that something more profound is going on here: These are not just excuses. Instead, you are witnessing a deep and genuine belief system that informs these womens actions.

Each of these women has been raised to think that black women are unique because they are victims among victims. They are flotsam and jetsam borne along societal tides, lacking all agency over the bad things that come their way.

At the same time, theyve also been taught that black women are uniquely beautiful, wise, funny, sassy, warm, loving, productive, and omnipotent. They are Oprah Winfrey and every wise black woman judge who has populated Hollywood productions for the last 30 years.

What happens when generations of women are raised to believe that they are incredibly special, so much so that they are better than all other people, even as they are the most abused, maligned, and wrongfully persecuted people in the world? Well, its narcissism on steroids. They are their own goddesses and can do no wrong. Any pushback, even from within their own community, is an attack on the god-head (goddess-head?).

When you raise generations with truly false ideologies, whether its that all Jews must be killed (the UNRWA-funded belief in Gaza and the West Bank) or that certain people are simultaneously both perfect and persecuted, youre going to get inevitable outcomes: Genocidal rage in the Middle East and black women who stand accused of abusing their political power and access to taxpayer money. In all these cases, the actors are convinced that they are righteous and everyone else is evil.
The Biden border catastrophe has created a gaping nationwide leadership vacuum. For three years, President Biden has refused to enforce immigration and border law. The so-called border bill is a bait-and-switch ruse that will aggravate the problem rather than solve it. Biden attacks Texas for attempting to defend the border gap, while thousands of illegal migrants continue to stream into our country daily. In federal court, the Biden administration contests the immunity of Donald Trump for acts in the Oval Office, but insists that border and status violators have practical immunity from Texas judicial process.

Will it ever end? Millions of law-abiding Americans are ready for reassurance now that a new president will do what must be done to reverse the intentionally manufactured Biden crisis at the border. Donald Trump is the only American who can credibly provide it.

A galvanizing moment in the 2016 presidential campaign was candidate Trumps release of eleven names from whom he would select nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court. Telegraphing his intentions eight months before the November election inspired American confidence in the quality of his likely picks, and confidence in him.

Now, ten months before national elections, President Trump could reassure and energize concerned Americans watching the destruction of their border in real time. How? By announcing decisive steps he would take on his first day in office, pursuant to existing executive authority, to turn the illegal migration tide. Here are announcements now I would respectfully encourage for Inauguration Day 2025 measures:

1. Border wall construction, deportations, and the Remain in Mexico program shall be resumed.

2. Biden administration prosecutorial discretion schemes that have erased the border and gutted deportation proceedings shall be revoked.

3. Effective on Inauguration Day, the U.S. withdraws from the 1967 UN Refugee Protocol and repudiates its fraud-generating non-return doctrine.

4. U.S. Attorneys shall move for dismissal of federal lawsuits against Texas or other states attempting to defend their territory against illegal migration.

5. Leveraging existing statutory authorities, thirty days after Inauguration Day, the DoD, DHS, and OMB transition teams shall deliver to the president a strategy to free our border and treasury from human traffickers and their U.S. enablers.

6. The U.S. shall reiterate its right to preemptive self-defense against governments and organizations encouraging, enabling, or ignoring U.S. border violations.

7. Existing federal judicial settlements and consent decrees undermining border security and presidential authorities shall be deemed repudiated.

8. No federal district court order pretending to regulate immigration shall be enforced beyond the issuing courts geographic boundary.

9. Notwithstanding a claim of fear, passage through a U.S. port of entry shall be denied to a non-citizen lacking a valid U.S. visa. No visa, no entry.

10. No person who is unlawfully present in the United States shall be eligible for any category of work authorization, adjustment of status, or inclusion in the eVerify database.

Our nation needs a strong message on immigration, and we need it now. Donald Trump is the person to deliver it.

The author, a Texas lawyer, is a Navy veteran of submarines and Iraq. He served in the Pentagon as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics from 2006-2009 and has lived and worked in Mexico.

Image: Public domain.
Tom Crewe in The Guardian:

Oscar Wilde always imposed. Meeting him in 1892, the French writer Jules Renard reported: He offers you a cigarette, but selects it himself. He does not walk around a table: he moves the table out of the way  He is enormous, and carries an enormous cane. The affectations of dress and manner; the extraordinary, magnetic talk; the flourished epigrams; the startling, needling essays, stories and plays  all these were impositions. They were how Wilde forced himself on the attention of the world, made himself notorious, and then famous. And in the ugliness and despair of his downfall  in 1895 he was found guilty of homosexual offences (acts of gross indecency) and sentenced to two years of hard labour  he imposed himself again: on the contemporary and historical imagination. But also on the lives of gay men, for 128 years and counting.

There is a well-known passage in EM Forsters Maurice, written in 1913 but not published until 1971, after Forsters death. Maurice, who has failed to kill lust single-handed, resolves to consult a doctor about his problem. I am an unspeakable, he confesses, of the Oscar Wilde sort. What is unspeakable is immediately revealed by the use of Wildes name: that Maurice is homosexual. To be an Oscar Wilde sort was to be gay  but was it to be anything like Oscar Wilde?

More here.
The Galaxy Watch smartwatch devices will soon have yet another uncommon health feature in the form of sleep apnea detection. Samsung announced back in October 2023 that this feature was given approval by South Koreas Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Now its been given approval by the FDA in the US.

Samsung says this feature is the first of its kind to gain FDA approval, which makes this kind of a big deal. Not just for Samsung, but for anyone who might end up developing sleep apnea. If youre unfamiliar with what sleep apnea is, its a sleep disorder that can manifest in two different ways  obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive is more common, and this type essentially closes up your airways making it more difficult to breathe. Central sleep apnea prevents your brain from sending signals to your breathing muscles.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In both types, the person affected ends up having trouble sleeping. Which can have a negative impact on long-term health. This new feature aims to help alert wearers of Galaxy Watch devices to possible signs of sleep apnea so they can catch it earlier on. Sleep apnea doesnt have a cure but it is possible to lessen the impact it has on you. CPAP machines are one way you can do this. These stimulate positive airflow by keeping the breathing airways open during sleep. And with this new watch feature, you might be able to discover sooner if this is something youll need.

The sleep apnea feature on Galaxy Watch will detect obstructive sleep apnea only

Now that youre aware of what two types of sleep apnea there are, heres what you can expect from the feature on Samsungs watches. Itll attempt to detect signs of obstructive sleep apnea over a cycle of two nights. Users will need to enable sleep tracking on the watch and track their sleep for at least four hours. This has to be done twice in a ten-day period Samsung says. The watch will monitor for signs in people over the age of 22 who havent already had sleep apnea diagnosed. The feature will only detect OSA though and not CSA according to Samsungs press release. The feature will however be able to detect signs of moderate and severe OSA.

Advertisement

This disorder often goes unnoticed and untreated, so Samsung is aiming to help people recognize this disorder more often. Sleep is a huge part of good health and its why Samsung and other brands have been so focused on providing better sleep monitoring features in their wearables. From tracking REM sleep to giving you pointers on how to improve your sleep in the future.

The feature will require a compatible Galaxy phone

Naturally, youll need a compatible Galaxy device to use the new sleep apnea feature once it goes live. Samsung doesnt list when the feature will be rolled out though, or which phones will need to be connected to one of its watches. Furthermore, it doesnt mention which watches will support this feature either.

However, its a pretty safe bet that the most recent watches will be compatible. This would likely include the Galaxy Watch 6 series and the Galaxy Watch 5 series. Likewise, with the phones, you can expect the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy S23 series to have support. That being said, its also highly likely that many of Samsungs other Galaxy phones will be compatible as well.
Sonys PlayStation 6 is still years away and theres been no official mention of the next-generation console, but theres already talk of what kind of specs could come with it, including whether or not Sony will stick with AMD for the APU.

A new rumor suggests thats exactly what Sony is going to do. Continuing with its decision to use an AMD APU for its future PlayStation hardware. When designing the PS5, Sony reportedly had talks with multiple suppliers for the chip, including NVIDIA. But the company settled on AMD, working with it to manufacture a custom APU for the PlayStation 5 based on AMDs RDNA 2 architecture. According to the rumor, Sony has decided to stick with AMD for its next-gen console. Whats more, is that Sony is said to only be considering AMD.

Advertisement

Advertisement

If the rumor is accurate, then Sony is likely pleased with the results of AMDs chip for the PlayStation 5. So much so that it feels like theres no reason to consider anything else.

The PlayStation 6 is already in development

Not only is the PlayStation 6 rumored to be sticking with AMD for the APU, but its already in development as well, says RedGamingTech. Sony is reportedly already talking with studios about the console too. The reason for this is that Sony is gathering input from the studios to find out what they want and expect from the consoles hardware and performance. Whats more, the speculated release window for the PlayStation 6 is said to be 2028.

So in theory consumers are looking at another four years. This wouldnt be too far off from Sonys usual release cycle between consoles. The PS4 was released in mid-November in 2013. While the PS5 was released in late November in 2020, making it a 7-year cycle. Obviously, nothing about the PlayStation 6s 2028 release timing is confirmed by Sony, and anything is subject to change. But if the timing is accurate then that would push the release cycle between the PlayStation and the PlayStation 6 at an 8-year gap.

Advertisement

According to Wccftech, theres a good reason for this. Sony wants to ensure that the PlayStation 6 is the most powerful console of its generation. And it has no issue with taking as much time as it needs to make that happen. Even if that means pushing out the console another year. Interestingly, RedGamingTech says that because of this timing, he believes that Xbox will release its next-gen console first. He also briefly mentions that Xbox is considering a handheld console.

Sony will focus a lot on path tracing and ray tracing for its next-gen console

Sonys plans of making the PlayStation the most powerful console of its generation are said to include some huge upgrades for graphical performance. Namely with the company putting a big focus on path tracing and ray tracing for the PlayStation 6.

This wouldnt be in every single game title. But in certain games development studios could make heavy use of the path tracing and ray tracing technology. To imagine what this might look like, one only needs to look at how Cyberpunk 2077 makes use of these technologies. Theres a heavy emphasis on reflection quality and making things like windows and water have some really detailed reflections. Although this is really only possible on high-end PCs right now. But if Sony is planning to implement these technologies in the PlayStation 6, then console gaming is going to look a lot better than it ever has before.
Lenovo is a world leader when it comes to laptops. It appears that a company has grown tired of the boring laptop form factor that we have now and has decided to mix things up. According to a new report by Windows Report, it appears that Lenovo is working on a transparent laptop. This device could be shown off during MWC later this month.

MWC sounds like a good idea were going to see s ton of top companies show off their products there. For example, Tecno is going to show off a rollable phone during the event.

Advertisement

Advertisement

While the source leaking this is reputable, you will still want to take this information with a grain of salt. Since were talking about a leak, theres always the chance of it not being 100% true to life.

Lenovo could show off a transparent laptop at MWC

Move over Nothing, Lenovo also wants to bring a transparent device. However, theres a completely different mentality here. From the looks of the leaked renders, it appears that the laptops display will be completely transparent. When its open, you will see right through the display. So, places in the picture where the pixel would be black will be completely transparent. Since its transparent, also expect a completely bezel-less experience.

Well, there technically is a bezel. The bezel is a massive chin bezel that, obviously, holds the very non-transparent electronic components. Its an interesting-looking concept, and it would be interesting to see if Lenovo eventually released this product in the future.

Advertisement

As for the keyboard, it appears that there may not be a physical keyboard. Rather, it looks like this will be a dual-screen laptop. So, instead of there being a keyboard, youll see a secondary display with a digital keyboard. When the laptop is closed, you will see straight through the display to the digital keyboard.

Since this is a concept, we cant really take some of the details to heart. For example, in one of the renders, it appears that this will have two USB-C ports. However, those might just be a formality.

Theres one potential issue

If this is indeed only a concept, then this could possibly be addressed. If transparent screens sound familiar to you, LG showed off an incredible-looking transparent television during CES this year. While the screen was transparent, it could be made non-transparent for the press of a button. A black sheet would rise from the bottom so that you cant see through the screen. This will turn it into a regular television

However, there doesnt seem to be anything in place to make this transparent Lenovo laptop non-transparent. Sure, the laptop will be nice to use in very dark environments or in places where privacy is not an issue. However, what if you want to take your laptop outside or in a coffee shop? The visibility will be a massive issue, and obviously, everyone will be able to see what is on your screen.

So, were going to have to see what Lenovo is going to do.
Sonys best pair of headphones for noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM5, are available for a killer deal over at Amazon right now. These regularly cost $399.99 but you can currently pick them up for just $328. This is the lowest these headphones have ever been so far, and the price alone makes these a great pickup if you want a pair of premium wireless headphones. Theyve been down to $328 a few times before, but usually dont last long at this price before going back up. So take advantage of the lower pricing while you can.

Sony is well-known for having industry-leading noise-canceling headphones and the WH-1000XM5 are the cream of Sonys crop. Granted you wont always need to use the noise-canceling feature. However, its super useful for when youre wearing these while traveling. If you frequent airports, trains, or other transit methods, you definitely want these. Theyre also really great for while youre out shopping if you dont mind wearing a pair of over-the-ear headphones while at the store. This is when I frequently use them. As I like to listen to music while grocery shopping or shopping for other products.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The nice thing is that when and if I need to talk to someone, I can use the quick attention mode. To activate this you simply put your hand over the right earcup. The headphones will then pause your music and enable the ambient sound so you can hear people around you. This is great for quick conversations or when needing to speak to the cashier at checkout stands. These have a pretty good battery life too. At up to 30 hours you could listen to them for at least a few days before needing to charge them. Whats more, is that you get 3 hours of listening time with just 3 minutes on the charger. So in under 20 minutes, you could have a full days worth of listening time.

Buy At Amazon
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians in Rafah early Saturday, hours after Israel's prime minister said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after being uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gaza's territory. It's not clear where they could run next.

Word of the invasion plans capped a week of increasingly public friction between Netanyahu and the Biden administration. U.S. officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest three months old.

Fadel al-Ghannam lost his son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in one of the strikes. Standing amid the rubble, he said the strike tore the bodies of his loved ones to shreds.

He feared even worse, with the looming ground invasion of Rafah and said the world's silence has enabled Israel to proceed. To this day, the world has not been fair to us and given us our rights, he said.

In Khan Younis, the focus of the current ground combat, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least one person and wounding several, said Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry.

He said medical staff are no longer able to move between the facilitys buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the hospital.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

A RIFT WITH WASHINGTON

The steadily climbing Palestinian death toll now at almost 28,000 after four months of war, according to Gaza health officials  has contributed to the friction between Netanyahu and Washington.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but U.S. officials have pushed back, calling for more surgical strikes. President Joe Biden said this week Israel's response is over the top.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza after more than four months of war.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahus office said Friday. On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

It said he had ordered the military and security officials to come up with a combined plan that included both a mass evacuation of civilians and the destruction of Hamas forces in the town.

It remains unclear where civilians can go. The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people do not have homes to return to.

In addition, Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a prewar population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to some 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

NORTHERN GAZA

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.

An Israeli air and ground offensive has killed roughly 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and minors, according to local health officials. Roughly 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.

Netanyahu has said the war will only end with total victory for Israel, including crushing Hamas, a goal that is even viewed by some in Israel as unattainable.

Hamas has ruled Gaza for 17 years, since overrunning the territory in 2007, and has struck deep roots. Before the war, it ran a government apparatus with tens of thousands of civil servants and civil police.

In recent weeks, some Hamas policemen emerged in areas of northern Gaza from where Israeli forces had withdrawn, with the group saying they were determined to crack down on looting of abandoned properties and price-gouging.

Residents and first responders pulled bodies from the rubble of areas in western Gaza City from where troops had withdrawn earlier this week.

The entire area has turned into rubble, said Assad Radwan, a Gaza City resident who lives close to Shifa Hospital, the strips biggest. Most of Gaza (city) has become unrecognizable for its own people.

In a sign of resilience, hundreds of people gathered Friday for outdoor prayers amid the destruction of the urban refugee camp of Jebaliya in northern Gaza. Friday prayers are the highlight of the Muslim religious week, and the mass gathering marked the first such service since the start of the war.
Irish star Andrew Scott has suggested that there should be weekly sales of West End theatre tickets as young people struggle to afford 150 tickets.

The 47-year-old actor, known as the hot priest in the comedy series Fleabag and as James Jim Moriarty in the detective show Sherlock, has won Olivier Awards for his theatre work.

His latest production, Vanya, an adaption of Russian playwright Anton Chekhovs family drama Uncle Vanya will be shown in cinemas from February 22.

Andrew Scott has won Olivier Awards for his theatre work (Isabel Infantes/PA)

When the critically acclaimed play was on at the Duke of Yorks Theatre in September, there was a ballot for 10 tickets for under 30s, amid reported sales of seats for up to 180.

Scott told Isobel Gough on BBC Radio 4s Broadcasting House programme that he thinks the current situation is a problem.

He said: No matter how zeitgeisty or how modern you think your play is, if you are having to spend 150, no person between the age of 16-25 or beyond is going to be able to afford that, that is frustrating to me.

Hopefully there is some night or two nights a week when you can get something like a sale rack, you have to be prepared to rummage a little bit.

It is important that it doesnt remain an elitist art form.

Dominic West who was in The Crown has also criticised the prices of West End theatre tickets (Ian West/PA)

The Crown and The Wire star Dominic West is also among actors who have hit out at West End theatre prices, saying that they are crazy at the moment.

He told The Times in November that he wanted to be in Arthur Millers A View from the Bridge at the Ustinov Studio in Bath  which plays from February 16 to March 16  due to regional audiences having hunger for a good play and for a good night at the theatre.

West also said: You get a lot of tourists in London and people are not necessarily there because they want to be there  it is because it is part of the tourist trail.

Several websites offer cheap theatre tickets for London shows for around 10 or 20 but some productions, such as Plaza Suite starring husband and wife actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker as a couple, have prices between 125 and 200.

In October 2020, Scott won the best actor Olivier Award for his role in Present Laughter, a modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. He also won the 2005 gong for outstanding achievement in an affiliate theatre for A Girl In A Car With A Man, which focuses on a narcissistic male character.

Scott recently starred in All Of Us Strangers about an adult dealing with the grief of losing both his parents along with Paul Mescal.

The fantasy drama has been nominated for a total of six Baftas, which also includes best director for Looking series writer Andrew Haigh and outstanding British film.
Lord David Cameron has said he is deeply concerned about a planned Israeli ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Rafah, on the southern border with Egypt, is one of the only regions not yet targeted by an Israeli ground offensive and is providing refuge to more than half of Gazas 2.3 million population.

It is the last remaining stronghold for Hamas fighters in Gaza, according to Israel, after more than four months of conflict triggered by the militant groups deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah  over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area. The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 10, 2024

The Foreign Secretary wrote on X: Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah  over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area.

The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

It comes after Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled there would be an imminent invasion of Rafah, saying he had asked the military to prepare for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people there.

It has raised questions over where civilians could be moved to, with Israeli evacuation orders now covering two-thirds of the territory.

On Saturday, at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  were killed by Israeli air strikes in Rafah.

Labours shadow foreign secretary David Lammy tweeted on Friday: 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are in Rafah, with nowhere to go. Its the gateway for aid to Gaza. An Israeli offensive there would be catastrophic. Far too many civilians have already been killed or wounded.

The fighting must stop now. We need a sustainable ceasefire.

Tensions have risen between Mr Netanyahu and the US, which has warned Israeli forces against expanding its Gaza ground offensive to the southern city.

As the Israeli bombardment has escalated, concerns have been increasing about the plight of Gaza civilians who are facing shortages of food and medical services.

The latest figures from the Hamas-run health ministry put the overall Palestinian death toll at more than 28,000.

Mr Netanyahus pledge to attack Rafah came as he also rejected Hamass ceasefire proposals.
Former Irish premiers have paid tribute to their predecessor John Bruton as a man brimming with ideas and who worked extremely hard for his country.

Enda Kenny, who served as taoiseach from 2011-2017, said his Fine Gael colleague John Brutons death marks the passing of a political icon in Co Meath and in Ireland.

Former taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern, who won the 1997 Irish election that would deny John Bruton a second term in government, said the former premier had an extraordinary career.

The coffin of former taoiseach John Bruton is carried on a gun carriage following his state funeral (Brian Lawless/PA)

Current taoiseach Leo Varadkar said during the graveside oration that he looked to him for guidance, and asked him recently how it was possible to lead a three-party government successfully and to keep it together?.

Mr Bruton was taoiseach during the rainbow coalition government from 1994-1997, comprising his Fine Gael party, Labour and the Democratic Left.

Mr Kenny and Mr Ahern were among the politicians and dignitaries in attendance at the State funeral for Mr Bruton, held in Saints Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath on Saturday.

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen was also in attendance at the funeral mass.

Mr Ahern said Mr Bruton was a decent guy who he had worked with to reform the Irish parliaments lower house (the Dail) in the early 1980s.

He said that during Brexit debates at Westminster, the two leaders represented Ireland against the Brexiteers.

I served with John for over 40 years in one form or another, from being in the Dail and out of the Dail, Mr Ahern told reporters.

He was a good guy, a decent person, a good politician, he worked extremely hard and served the country well.

John Bruntons wife Finola and daughter Mary Elizabeth following his state funeral (Brian Lawless/PA)

In recent years, when we were over in the House of Commons during the Brexit debates, (his wife Finola would) always be there and shed sit through the boring debates that John and myself would have with Brexiteers.

I think he served us so well, and I think he did so many jobs at home and abroad, I had a lot of dealings with him when I was taoiseach, when he was EU ambassador to Washington and he worked incredibly hard.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr Bruton loved his family, he loved his politics, he loved his country.

Nobody could question his integrity and his motivations and intentions in politics were all for the right reasons: take action, sort it out, make the lives of the people better.

And if the fundamental question for any politician is did you leave your country in a better shape than you found it? He did.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny said John Bruntons death marks the passing of an era

He had the greatest and deepest respect for his office and was a person with a restless mind, was always wanting to try new concepts and make decisions about new issues in a changing Ireland and he was very conscious of that, Mr Kenny told reporters.

A friend of mine for 50 years, I feel that deeply, but for Finola, and his family, its the passing of an era.

It is an emotional day. I see his face, I hear his voice. I know his mind  youd certainly know that John Bruton was in a room when you were with him.

And from that point of view, its a passing of an era here in Dunboyne, the passing of a political icon in Co Meath and in Ireland.
Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is to set sail this weekend a week after its sister ship was forced to cancel its deployment because of an issue with its propeller shaft.

The fleet flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth had been expected to depart from Portsmouth Naval Base last Sunday to lead the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War, involving more than 40 vessels.

But the sailing of the 3 billion warship was called off at the last minute after the problem was found in final checks with the starboard propeller coupling.

The setback came 18 months after HMS Prince of Wales broke down off the Isle of Wight, when it also suffered a malfunction with a coupling on its starboard propeller.

Since the cancellation was announced, the crew and base workers have been busily preparing the HMS Prince of Wales to take over its sister ships role in Exercise Steadfast Defender  which will take place off Norway.

As part of the preparations, scaffolding which was seen on the carriers flight deck has been removed ready for the sailing which is listed to take place at lunchtime on Sunday.

Having HMS Queen Elizabeth out of action could affect the ability of the Royal Navy to deploy an aircraft carrier to the Red Sea amid the continuing threat by Iran-backed Houthi rebels  which armed forces minister James Heappey has suggested was being considered.

Announcing the change of plans, Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew Burns said: Routine pre-sailing checks identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeths starboard propeller shaft. As such, the ship will not sail on Sunday.

HMS Prince of Wales will take her place on Nato duties and will set sail for Exercise Steadfast Defender as soon as possible.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is due to sail from Portsmouth to take the place of HMS Queen Elizabeth to join the Nato Exercise Steadfast Defender.

As ever, sailing will be subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.

On completion of initial investigations, HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail for Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out in due course.

The cause of the issue with HMS Queen Elizabeth is wear and tear of her starboard propeller shaft coupling.

HMS Prince of Wales berths alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth at Portsmouth Naval Base (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The MoD has not confirmed if HMS Prince of Wales will take over all of its sister ships scheduled duties, including taking part in the annual Joint Warrior exercise off northern Scotland.

HMS Prince of Wales broke down as it was heading to a diplomatic mission to carry out exercises with the US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and the US Marine Corps.

The carrier came to a halt off the Isle of Wight and was brought under tow back into harbour for the problem to be identified.

Inspections by divers and engineers found the carriers 33-ton starboard propeller  the same weight as 30 Ford Fiesta cars  had malfunctioned, with a coupling holding it in place breaking.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the issue on HMS Queen Elizabeth was separate and not linked to the earlier defect on its sister ship.

He said: The issue identified is with the ships shaft couplings. The ships propeller shafts are too big to be made from a single piece of metal, so each shaft is made from three sections, which are connected using shaft couplings, which bind the shaft sections together.

HMS Prince of Wales was taken to the Babcock shipyard where it was built in Rosyth, Fife, to undergo repairs to a propeller shaft, which took nine months to complete.

On that occasion, HMS Queen Elizabeth acted as the replacement for its sister ship on the US deployment.
A 44-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of detective chief inspector John Caldwell has been remanded in custody.

Alan Lundy, with an address at Flax Street, Belfast, appeared in Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with attempted murder, directing terrorism and the preparation of terrorist acts.

The court heard that Lundy was questioned for seven hours and 44 minutes after being arrested on Thursday.

Mr Caldwell was seriously injured after he was shot several times in front of his son at a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone, on February 22 2023.

The detective, who had investigated a number of high-profile murder cases, spent several weeks in intensive care.

The court heard that the prosecution was not arguing that Lundy was in or around Omagh on the evening of the attack on Mr Caldwell.

The court heard that at no point was any explanation or comment made when police put the accusations to Lundy.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot several times in front of his son in February 2023 (David Young/PA)

The case instead relates to his actions in the build-up and the chain of events afterwards, and that he was the conduit between East Tyrone where the shooting took place and Belfast, where police said vehicles were sourced.

A defence solicitor for Lundy told the court that the prosecutions evidence is not sufficient to connect my client to the charges.

I would submit that police have created a narrative thats not supported by any evidence that this court can rely on.

Judge Michael Ranaghan said that it was a circumstantial case that could potentially involve a number of strands of evidence, including phone evidence, CCTV, police statements and over and above that, a complete no-comment interview with police.

The defendants solicitor said a bail application would be made at a later date as sureties needed to be prepared.

The judge said that any bail application he would consider compliance with conditions set by the court.

When the accused was asked by the judge whether he would sign the legal aid form, he made no reply.

At one point during proceedings, the judge was alerted to disturbances at the back of the court and asked everyone in court to stand up.

Three people who did not stand up were ordered to leave the courtroom.

When they did not leave, the judge then asked that they be removed and a person was heard asking a question.

He was asked to establish his identity and at the end of proceedings, the judge asked police to inform the man to appear before his court on Monday morning.

He said if he does not apologise in court then, a warrant will be issued, the judge said.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has offered to call off a planned strike by junior doctors later this month if NHS bosses give permission for further time for negotiations.

The trade union for doctors and medical students announced the industrial action after it said the Government had failed to meet the deadline to put an improved pay offer on the table.

Thousands of medics will strike in England for five days from 7am on February 24 until 11.59pm on February 28.

But now the BMA has written to the leaders of NHS Employers asking for them to increase the period during which it is allowed to hold strike action in order for further pay negotiations to take place.

In a letter to Danny Mortimer, the chief executive of NHS Employers, the BMA chairman of council, Professor Philip Banfield, has asked him to agree to the extension, which he can do on behalf of hospital trusts.

Doctors, we pulled out all the stops to avert this round of strikes. We asked the health secretary to extend our strike mandate for four weeks so we could keep talking in good faith. But she declined, leaving us no choice but to announce a 5-day full walkout from 24-28 Feb. pic.twitter.com/t8iW4uDJDK  Junior Doctors (@BMA_JuniorDocs) February 9, 2024

He says in the letter: In return for this agreement the BMA Junior Doctors Committee is prepared to cancel the planned strike action for 24th to 28th February, providing space for the Government to negotiate with us during the next two weeks.

The BMA suggests that if NHS Employers agree to the request, it will allow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins and the Government more time to present a credible pay offer to junior doctors.

The Government has previously said that it was not willing to negotiate while strike dates were pending.

In a letter seen by the PA news agency, Mr Mortimer replied to the BMA saying that he could not direct NHS trusts on how to respond to the proposal and added that the focus should be on negotiating a settlement.

He wrote: NHS leaders are deeply concerned both at the fact of the action the JDC are choosing to take in late February, and also for the decision to strike for an extended period of five days.

They would join me in urging the JDC to instead focus on finding a way to resume and conclude negotiations with the government.

I know that you yesterday asked the Secretary of State to consider the question of an extension to the present JDC strike mandate.

I want to be clear that her response is one I support and, in any event, I do not have the ability to direct NHS organisations to accede to your request.

The BMA has also not ruled out further strike action after these dates, with junior doctors in England previously staging the longest strike in NHS history in January, for six full days from January 3 to January 9.

The latest round will be the 10th strike by junior doctors since March 2023.

The BMA has said the glacial speed of progress over pay with the Government was frustrating and incomprehensible.

My statement on Junior Doctors calling further strike dates. pic.twitter.com/UtzdUxzwJH  Victoria Atkins (@VictoriaAtkins) February 9, 2024

It has said the new round of strikes would be the last on their current mandate, which expires at the end of this month.

However, it is balloting on extending the mandate by a further six months.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: This action called by the BMA junior doctor committee does not signal that they are ready to be reasonable.

We already provided them with a pay increase of up to 10.3% and were prepared to go further.

We urged them to put an offer to their members, but they refused. We are also open to further discussions on improving doctors and the wider workforces working lives.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of personally blocking a deal with the junior doctors.

"It's another body blow for leaders of NHS services already stretched to the limit."@julianhartley1 responds to the announcement by @TheBMA of a five-day strike by junior doctors this month. Read more   NHS Providers (@NHSProviders) February 9, 2024

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters he wants the Government to negotiate and bring this to an end.

Thousands of NHS appointments and operations are likely to be cancelled during the fresh round of strikes, after the six-day strike in January saw more than 100,000 appointments put on hold.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, described the announcement of further industrial action as another body blow for leaders of NHS services already stretched to the limit.

Patients having to wait even longer for the care they need is a huge concern, he said.

Junior doctors have received a pay rise averaging nearly 9% this financial year.

The BMA has been asking for 35% pay restoration as its starting position, but has said it is willing to negotiate.

Junior doctors make up around half of the NHS doctor workforce.

They can have up to nine years of working experience as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty, or up to five years experience to become a GP.

Junior doctor members of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) will also walk out from February 24 until February 29.
Attorneys general from 10 states and Washington, D.C., are calling on the Biden administration to issue emergency protections for workers from extreme heat this summer.

In a petition on Friday, the Democratic top prosecutors, led by New Yorks Letitia James, said the Biden administration should issue a temporary emergency heat standard for this summer to protect workers.

In 2021, the Biden administration said it planned to develop rules aimed at protecting workers from heat exposure. However, actually developing and finalizing regulations could take years.

In light of that, the attorneys general are calling for an interim rule to apply this summer.

We urge [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] to issue an emergency temporary standard for occupational heat exposure that applies when the heat index reaches 80Fa temperature associated with increased rates of serious heat-related illnessesand requires employers to take the necessary and readily implementable steps to prevent harm to their workers, such as providing water, rest breaks, and access to cool or shaded areas, they wrote.

In addition, they wrote to the White House asking for support.

Currently, there are no national rules protecting workers from heat exposure. Between 1979 and 2018, more than 11,000 Americans have died from heat-related conditions.

Last year was the hottest year on record, and large parts of the U.S. saw intense heat waves, leaving outdoor workers vulnerable.

The White House did not respond to The Hills request for comment.

A spokesperson for the Labor Department, which houses OSHA, did not address The Hills questions about whether it would consider an interim standard.

Instead, the spokesperson directed The Hill to information about its ongoing efforts.

The attorneys general who petitioned the administration are from New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Minutes after the special counsel report landed on Thursday afternoon, House Democrats stood and cheered for President Joe Biden as he used their annual retreat as the latest chance to make a forceful case for four more years on the job.

By the time they took their seats as the president returned to the stage minutes later, murmurs were rippling around the room, according to several who spoke afterward to CNN.

How damaging are all the renewed questions about age and mental acuity going to be? Does anyone have a plan to make more Americans see the behind-the-scenes sharpness and lucidity that they know is far from the public image? And why was the leader of the free world sitting in front of one of the friendliest audiences he could find, long after the press had been escorted out, answering scripted questions off prepared notecards  even if he did end up quickly moving past them to riffs of his own?

Whether brutally honest or  as Biden aides charge  a partisan hatchet job by a Donald Trump appointee out to damage a president he couldnt find cause to prosecute, the special counsels report aimed straight at what every Biden adviser has known would be the presidents consistent liability from the moment he started talking about running for reelection : At 81, hes clearly aged, and to many that looks like hes not up to the job.

One Democratic member of the House responded to being told of the questions about age and memory raised in the report with a morbid laugh and sullen shake of the head. Another started anxiously asking for a sense of how others were responding, palpably feeling at wits end. Even members who feel like ageism, double standards for Trump and overblown concerns about Biden are all at play say they are getting worried that the questions about age  which have been showing up in many Democratic focus groups for over two years  keep getting louder.

And theyre loud enough to leave leading Democrats worrying undecided voters might believe that four more years of the far right, anti-democratic agenda Trump is promising would be better than four more years of Biden if he seems on the decline.

Inside the White House and among Bidens reelection campaign staff, the tension is constant. Top aides have set the strategy that the president need not play the Washington news cycle game of constant appearances that risk embarrassing flubs, while others complain that this unfortunately reinforces the image put forward by his political opponents that he is barely bumbling through his days.

Biden is constantly caught coming off stilted, and looking like a caricature, complained one sympathetic former West Wing aide, who asked not to be named to speak bluntly about the situation.

Some of the folks around him create this weird bubble because theyre trying to be protective, but theyve got him so anxious he makes mistakes, the former aide said.

Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster, who was initially skeptical of Biden running for reelection instead of making way for a younger candidate but has since come around, said that she and three other members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation left an Oval Office meeting last week all chattering with each other about Bidens impressive command of the issues.

Its like, No, hes fine, Kuster said. Most people dont get an hour with him. Hes sharp. Hes doing fine.

This isnt just allies covering for a president at a tough moment. Dozens of officials, aides and others who have spent time with Biden in private have told CNN over the last three years that they find him to be completely on top of things. And White House aides liked to point out, for example, that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy  who would often publicly question Bidens mental fitness  also told reporters after meetings that the president was on top of all they discussed.

More informal moments planned

The internal debates go beyond staging speeches or agreeing to interviews. Current and former aides tell CNN that decisions about opening White House events to the press, how long they are scheduled for and other logistics are obviously clouded by considerations about the presidents age and how it will come across.

How much sleep the president is getting and how he looks have been topics of conversation among advisers, with several pointing to the speeches he delivered at the beginning of January at Valley Forge and the Mother Emanuel church in Charleston as examples of finally getting him to come across with the strength and vigor they wanted.

Biden aides also feel themselves that this hasnt been enough. In internal meetings over the last few weeks, they have focused on plans to have the president do more informal campaign stops, like his swing by a boba tea store in Las Vegas on Monday, where he chatted with the cashier as he was shown how to put the straw through cups plastic cover. These play up Bidens famous retail politics virtuosity, and they also feed content that the campaign is trying to disperse online as they try to break through in a fractured media environment.

Most importantly, they reflect what Biden aides have learned from experience: Nothing combats questions about the presidents competence as much as people seeing him in action.

I want to see the president do what he does best: Be with people in their homes, see him on an individual level, so that hes connecting not just on the policy successes but that hes connecting to the people, said Rep. Gabe Amo, a newly elected Democratic congressman from Rhode Island who until last summer worked for Biden in the White House. I think less about the details that the president remembers, and more about the values hes portraying. And thats what you get when you put the president with the people.

Of course, each unscripted moment is a chance Biden will make a slip, like last weekends mixing up French President Emmanuel Macron for long-dead French President Francois Mitterrand. Or when he came back to the microphone on Thursday night after forceful remarks about the special counsel report to have his carefully weighed comments about negotiations over the Israel-Hamas war distracted by his referring to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the president of Mexico, rather than Egypt.

Those remarks were quickly added to his schedule, reflecting an internal acknowledgement that seeing the president in action was the best way to combat the special counsels allegations.

Anybody can have a slip of the tongue and say Mitterrand, but look at all the things that Donald Trump has said, said Rep. Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat who joined Biden for the boba tea and other stops last week. Joe Biden is very sharp, very well-respected, holds his own with international leaders, negotiating with the Senate on this whole foreign policy package. If I felt somebody wasnt competent, I wouldnt want them with their finger on the button. And I certainly dont think that about Joe Biden.

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin said Trumps flubs are much worse, from saying Biden would start World War II if he gets a second term to appearing in a video deposition to mistake a photo of E. Jean Carroll for one of his second wife.

Joe Biden is not walking around pretending that hes 30 years old anymore. Hes running based on his wisdom and his experience and his fantastic accomplishments in office, said Raskin, who said that his own takeaway from the Thursday session with House Democrats in Virginia was of a president who is completely lucid and recalling stories from many years ago in stark contrast to what is in the report.

Theyre down to the point where all theyve got against him now is hes old. Give me a break.

The Biden campaign seized Friday night on Trumps event with the National Rifle Association in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to portray the GOP front-runner as confused and deranged.

Every single time Donald Trump opens his mouth, hes confused, deranged, lying, or worse, said spokesperson TJ Ducklo. Tonight, he lied more than two dozen times, slurred his words, confused basic facts, and placated the gun lobby weeks after telling parents to get over it after their kids were gunned down at school.

Biden aides dismiss outside advice on age

Democratic operatives and consultants have chipped in with advice: Spend a whole lot more time working on his makeup and lighting, they tell Biden aides, or finally accept that the arthritis explanations arent working and start having him do more events where he starts out seated instead of being photographed shuffling to a podium.

Other Democrats are blunter, reacting with rage when talking about the president still going on bike rides after his 2022 tumble on camera (which he got right up from) or going shirtless on the beach last summer. At this existential moment for American democracy, they say, a faltering president is too often too close to a costly embarrassing moment.

Little delights Bidens inner circle more than sneering at outsiders who didnt think he would win the 2020 primaries or the general election. To them, those same outsiders are now lobbing suggestions at them about what he should do differently. Pundits who declare new revelations will completely reshape the election, at least until the next one comes along, also grate on those same top advisers. That also didnt change with the special counsel report or its aftermath.

A campaign aide told CNN that many in the Wilmington, Delaware, campaign headquarters feel Republican attacks on the president and his age are nothing new from those that have been lobbed at him since he started running for president in 2019.

For all the attention to Bidens gaffes in the last campaign, voters didnt care, said Kate Berner, a deputy communications director for that run and later in the White House who is now an outside adviser to the reelection effort.

At the end of the day, if youre concerned about a national abortion ban or Social Security existing or the cost of your prescription drugs or your kids safety at school because of gun violence, Bidens age might be something you think about, but Trump is on the wrong  side of all those issues.

White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates added that any concerns about Bidens age are undercut by what aides feel is another week of more relevant news, this time in standing against Republicans who backed away from their own demands for a bipartisan border and immigration bill.

Biden demonstrated the same experienced leadership and maneuvering that has made him the most effective president in modern history, achieving a major, bipartisan border security deal endorsed by the Border Patrol Union, Bates said.

Counting this as another win for Biden even as his political opponents question his competency, Republicans, Bates jabbed, Must have forgotten that theyve seen this movie before.

At least one clear impact of the report: a president who has always hated being called old snapped back at the report saying a jury would find him to be a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

Im well-meaning and Im an elderly man and I know what the hell Im doing. Im the president. I put this country back on its feet, and adding mockingly that he defied conventional wisdom to get as much accomplished because I guess I just forgot what was going on.

Backstage before going out to see House Democrats, Biden was more angry than sarcastic about the accusations. The suggestion he didnt know what year Beau Biden had died clearly cut deepest for a father who has been defined by that grief ever since the moment the glioblastoma took his son nearly nine years ago.

How would I f****** forget that? Biden said, according to one of the people who heard him.

CNNs Arlette Saenz, Haley Talbot and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Biden administration officials traveled to Dearborn, Michigan, Thursday for private meetings with Muslim and Arab American community leaders, as the president seeks to repair relations with a key constituency upset about his support for Israels war in Gaza.

Abbas Alawieh, a Lebanese American and a Democratic strategist, said he was honored to attend the meetings alongside members of the Palestinian American community who advocated for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and for ending military funding to Israel.

But he described it as a somewhat frustrating process. He added that two of the attendees currently have family members stuck in Gaza.

The meeting was very tense at different times. There was crying at different times, there was yelling at certain times, said Alawieh, who used to be Democratic Rep. Cori Bushs chief of staff. I think we certainly found that among the senior officials who were there, my impression was that they were interested in a meaningful back and forth, but also that they were not authorized to deliver meaningfully on any of the demands, the primary demands that the community came in with.

More than half of Dearborn residents are of Middle Eastern or North African descent.

Officials did say there were missteps regarding Bidens statement around the 100-day mark of the war and the fact that it did not reference Palestinian deaths, according to someone familiar with the meetings, who also said the White House expects there could be additional meetings with Muslim and Arab American community leaders in the future.

Alawieh was invited to attend in a personal capacity, but he also represented the Listen to Michigan campaign, which launched last week and calls for Democrats to vote uncommitted in the states Feb. 27 primary to pressure Biden to support a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

The administration officials came in and spoke of missteps, specifically pointed to the statement that President Biden issued at the 100-day mark, as an example of a mistake, said Alawieh, adding later: We werent just looking for them to acknowledge mistakes and how theyve talked about the war publicly, but also acknowledge that the presidents continued support for Netanyahus far-right government and his continued funding for Netanyahus most murderous instinct is the problem.

The Biden administration officials he said were present during his meeting included Steve Benjamin, senior adviser to the president and director of the Office of Public Engagement; Tom Perez, senior adviser to the president and director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs; Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser; and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, among others.

Layla Elabed, the campaign manager for Listen to Michigan, said the Biden administration officials private acknowledgement of missteps contrasts with the presidents public inaction regarding stopping violence in Gaza  though on Thursday Biden commented that Israels military response in Gaza has been over the top.

Elabed did not attend the meetings on Thursday but spoke with Alawieh about it afterward.

The fact that, you know, telling us privately that theyve made mistakes, while continuing to fail to hold Netanyahu and his right-wing government accountable, its a blatant misstep of moral bankruptcy, Elabed said.

Alawieh said he became emotional during the meeting when speaking about his own experience surviving war in Lebanon in 2006 and the ensuing nightmares he faced. He said that calling for a cease-fire is the bare minimum required for the Biden administration to prove it is serious about tackling Islamophobia.

I asked them directly, I looked Mr. Perez in the eyes, I looked Mr. Finer in the eyes, and Samantha Power in the eyes, Mr. Benjamin in the eyes, and I asked, Have you advised President Biden to call for an immediate cease-fire? Will you advise President Biden to call for an immediate cease-fire? And none of them could give me that commitment, Alawieh said.

Alawieh said he attended one of a handful of meetings yesterday, adding that Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and state Rep. Abraham Aiyash also met with the Biden officials, but he was not present for those interactions.

Michigan is a critical battleground that Donald Trump won in 2016 and that Biden carried in 2020. Biden himself visited this month on the heels of an endorsement from the United Auto Workers, but did not meet with members of the Muslim and Arab American communities during the trip.

I just feel like President Biden has put those of us who have been supporting him and the Democratic agenda for years at such risk, Alawieh said. He added: Not only is he threatening to lose this election to Donald Trump in November, but from what Im seeing on the ground, the Democratic Party is at risk of losing Arab and Muslim Americans and many young voters for not just one election, but perhaps for a generation to come.
In an exclusive excerpt from his new memoir, 'What Have We Here?' the actor recalls experiencing racism after playing Lando

Lucasfilm/Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock Billy Dee Williams with Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford

When it comes to fandoms like Star Wars, not even Hollywood's most beloved stars are safe from backlash if their characters behave in nefarious ways. Actor Billy Dee Williams, 86, knows that all too well.

He recalls running afoul of fans in his new memoir, What Have We Here?, out Feb. 13 from Knopf. His role as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode VThe Empire Strikes Back had such an impact on Williams, he named his book after a related experience. When I got the cape [Lando wears in the film], I said, This is fantastic!  Williams told PEOPLE. Thats the kind of stuff I like to fool around with. I dont take myself too seriously.

Lucasfilm/Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock Billy Dee Williams and Harrison Ford in Star Wars

In an exclusive excerpt from his new memoir, Williams recalls how, for a time, he fell out of favor for appearing to kill Han Solo at the end of the 1980s Star Wars film. Reador listenbelow.



Nearly everywhere I went, fans harangued me for betraying Han Solo. I got dirty looks on airplanes. How could you? A flight attendant scolded. At the grocery store, a man shopping with his teenage son looked at me with disgust. I should put you in the deep freeze, he said, as his son nodded in agreement. The harshest reaction came on the playground at my daughters school. In the afternoon, as I waited in the courtyard to pick her [up], parents scowled at me. Then, after the bell rang, I got the same treatment from [my daughter] Hanakos friends. Mr. Williams, you sold out Han Solo. Whyd you do that? Now Han Solo is dead.

It was laughable until it wasntuntil I sensed a Black-White thing might be brewing. Thats when I took a step back, put up my hands, and told people to wait a minute before they criticized me any further. I guess I had done a good job playing Lando as a dubious character. But Lando wasnt a bad guy, I explained. Although it looked like hed betrayed his best friend, the truth was that Lando was caught in the middle of a situation between Han Solo and Darth Vader. He had to hold onto his own situation and buy time without contributing to the complete demise of his friend.

Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox Lando (Billy Dee Williams) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford)

It was an intricate, carefully choreographed scene, with Lando seeming to give up Han, and Leia professing her love for the Rebel Alliance hero, who, despite the dire circumstances, calmly responds to her heartfelt admission by famously saying, I know. What only a very few people knew and the rest of us learned much later was that George created this amazing cliffhanger because Harrison had signed a contract only for the original and its sequel, and he wasnt sure if he wanted to play Han Solo again. George didnt want to kill him off in case he did return. So Han was put in a deep freezeand I was the designated bad guy.

For more on Billy Dee Williams, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.



From What Have We Here?  2024 by Billy Dee Williams. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
LEXINGTON, Va.  Georgias GOP Gov. Brian Kemp, once seen as a potential 2024 presidential rival to former President Donald Trump, on Saturday offered some of his sharpest rhetoric yet against the Republican front-runner.

This election should be about results, not personalities  because if this general election becomes a debate about who can outlast the other 80 year-old politician, the American people will lose, Kemp said in a speech to students at Washington and Lee Universitys Mock Convention in Lexington, Virginia.

Kemp didnt explicitly name Trump in his speech before the convention  which every four years seeks to emulate a real presidential nominating convention for the party currently out of the White House  but he spoke about the need for Republicans to offer a positive vision to voters rather than simply running against President Joe Bidens record.

Our message to voters must be about what were going to do for the country if they give us the keys back to the White House, he told students.

Without delving into specifics, the Georgia governor also railed against the fringe elements of political parties.

We have leaders unwilling to stand up to the fringe elements of their own parties or because theyre scared of getting called out on prime-time Fox News or MSNBC. Well, Ill tell you, Ive been there, folks, and Ive lived to tell the tale. Because at the end of the day, this election is not about any one person, politician or political issue, he said.

Kemp also urged members of his party to abandon their focus on the 2020 election, which Trump still falsely claims was stolen from him despite election officials saying votes were secure.

Former US President Donald Trump in New York City on Jan. 11, 2024. (Peter Foley / AFP via Getty Images)

We have to focus on the future, not looking in the rearview mirror at past elections. The fact is, the voters who will decide this race for the presidency are tired of hearing about 2020, Kemp said.

We need to tell the American people what were for, what are we going to do to restore the American dream, Kemp added.

Kemp, who told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last year he would back Trump if he became the GOP nominee because hes a lot better than Biden, has broken with Trump over 2020, tweeting in August, The 2020 election in Georgia was not stolen.

His Saturday comments come as Trump is under indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, for his efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election there. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the aftermath of Trumps efforts to override the election results in Georgia, Kemp and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger faced criticism from Trump and his allies for failing to help Trump overturn Joe Bidens win.

Im ashamed that I endorsed him, Trump told Fox News of Kemp at one point in late 2020.

And in 2021, ahead of two crucial Georgia Senate runoff elections, the former president promised to campaign against Kemp in his 2022 re-election race.

Kemp, who defeated a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022, addressed the crowd on Saturday shortly after Donald Trump Jr., Texas GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt and Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Neither Kemp nor Youngkin has explicitly endorsed Trump in the GOP primary, but Youngkin called on Virginia Republicans, who will head to the polls in the Republican primary race on Super Tuesday, to come together.

As Virginians express their choice on March the 5th, we must come together. As Americans across the country make their choice, we must come together. We must come together around a nominee with universal support in order to usher in a new era  not of Republicans versus Democrats, but of an unrivaled America, he said.

Youngkin named only one elected Republican official in his remarks: Kemp.

We agreed that we would serve. I know my friend Gov. Brian Kemp, who you will hear from later, would say the exact same thing, Youngkin said.

Trump holds a wide polling lead over his only remaining major Republican primary rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
DALLAS (AP)  Animal cruelty charges were dropped this week against a 25-year-old man accused of taking two monkeys from the Dallas Zoo after he was found incompetent to stand trial, but he remains in custody and still faces two burglary charges related to what had been mysterious incidents there last year.

Davion Irvin has been ordered to a state hospital and currently remains incompetent to stand trial, according to court filings. Prosecutors said in the Monday filings that they were dismissing six misdemeanor animal cruelty charges against Irvin because he'd already spent the maximum amount of time allowed in jail for the punishment on those charges.

The Dallas County district attorneys office said Friday that because a year had passed and his competency hadnt been restored, prosecutors were by law required to dismiss the misdemeanor cases.

Irvin still faces two felony burglary charges, one related to taking the monkeys and one related to the escape of a clouded leopard named Nova.

Irvin was arrested last February after an odd span of events that began weeks earlier when zoo workers discovered that Nova's enclosure was cut and she was missing. After a search that closed the zoo, Nova was found later that day near her habitat. On the same day, a similar cut was found in an enclosure for langur monkeys but none had gotten out.

About two weeks later, two emperor tamarin monkeys named Bella and Finn went missing from their enclosure. Dallas police released a photo and video of a man they wanted to talk to in the case, later identified as Irvin. Those images prompted a tip that led police to a vacant home where Bella and Finn were found.

Irvin was arrested two days later after he was asking questions about animals at a Dallas aquarium and a worker recognized him. After his arrest, Irvin told police that he loved animals and that if released from jail, he would steal more, according to an arrest affidavit.

About a week after Nova's escape, a vulture named Pin was found dead. Police hadn't linked Irvin to Pin's death, and on Friday the zoo said that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had determined the punctures and lacerations on Pin's back were consistent with a predator, possibly a feline.

Dallas County jail records showed that Irvin remained in custody Friday. Attorneys for Irvin did not respond to requests for comment Friday.
PASADENA, Calif.  ABC is diving back into the senior dating pool.

Fresh from the success of last fall's "The Golden Bachelor," which led to Gerry Turner's "Golden Wedding" to Theresa Nist in a live special on Jan. 4, the network Saturday unveiled plans for "The Golden Bachelorette." This fall one of the 22 senior women from the original will look for love from among a pool of older men in the new series.

But who will it be?

While a final decision hasn't been made, the leading candidates are Joan Vassos, 61, the private school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, and Leslie Fhima, 65, the Minneapolis personal fitness trainer and "Golden Bachlor" runner-up who said Gerry broke her heart by choosing Theresa. People familiar with the plans say Faith Martin, 61, a high school teacher from Benton City, Washington, is also in the mix, thanks to her passion for the dating series and survival skills: She was the third-place finisher, eliminated only after the show's hometown dates.

Kathy Swarts (center) co-hosted the gold carpet with "The Bachelorette" season 20 star Charity Lawson (right) and interviewed fellow "Golden Bachelor" castmate Faith Martin ahead of the Golden Wedding between Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist in Palm, Springs, California, on Jan. 4, 2024.

Joan was less lucky: Despite winning a rose from Gerry, Joan left the series in the third "Golden Bachelor" episode when her daughter faced medical complications after childbirth. While "Bachelor" series often choose the previous season's runner-up  Joey Graziadei, the current "Bachelor," finished second in the last "Bachelorette"  executives are intrigued by a lead who is still familiar to the audience but less well known than finalists, enabling the exploration of fresh backstories.

The age of the likely "Golden Bachelorette" leads  more than a decade younger than Turner, who's now 72  means the pool of men being cast may be slightly younger than the 60-year-old minimum for "Golden Bachelor."

"Golden Bachelor" runner-up Leslie Fhima is pictured at Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's wedding in Palm Springs, California on Jan. 4, 2024.

When "The Bachelor" premiered in 2002, ABC aired two seasons of the show before premiering "The Bachelorette" spinoff in January 2003. But there's interest in an eventual season of "Golden Bachelor in Paradise," another spinoff in which men and women from previous seasons of the franchise are thrown together in a tropical locale. So the network, and producer Warner Bros. Television, hope to quickly amass a group of candidates for that event as early as next year.

Including all viewing within 35 days on ABC and Hulu, Disney claims 43.4 million viewers tuned into the series at some point, Disney TV Group chief Craig Erwich told the Television Critics Association, in making the announcement. "Golden" also marked the most successful edition of "The Bachelor" franchise on Hulu, where more than a third of the audience had never watched a "Bachelor" season before.

Before "The Golden Bachelorette" arrives in September (sure to be promoted on ABC's Sept. 15 Emmy Awards), the network also plans a regular "Bachelorette" season this summer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is 'The Golden Bachelorette'?
Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, who made news earlier this week with his vote against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, announced on Saturday that he wont run for re-election this year.

The Framers intended citizens to serve in Congress for a season and then return to their private lives. Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old. And so, with a heavy heart, I have decided not to run for re-election, Gallagher said in his statement.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which was one of the first outlets to report the news of Gallaghers retirement from the House alongside The Wall Street Journal, reported Saturday that the congressman said his future work will be in-line with his national security goals and focus on defense policy.

Gallagher on Tuesday was one of three House Republicans who voted against impeaching Mayorkas, whom Republicans have accused of violating his oath of office. Gallagher was among several Republicans who expressed skepticism about impeaching Mayorkas ahead of the failed vote, saying during a closed-door meeting Tuesday morning that impeaching Mayorkas would open Pandoras box, lawmakers leaving the room told reporters.

The Wisconsin Democratic Party pointed to Gallagher's decision to resign as evidence that "Speaker [Mike] Johnson and the House GOP are mired in chaos and dysfunction."

Mike Gallagher calling it quits is about as stark an indictment of Republicans inability to govern as you can get, Wisconsin Democratic Party Communications Director Joe Oslund added to NBC News in a statement. Wisconsin Democrats look forward to competing in the 8th and bringing some stability and competence back to the House.

The congressman has represented Wisconsins 8th Congressional District since 2017 and currently chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

He joins more than a dozen House Republicans who wont seek re-election in 2024, according to the House Press Gallery.

Earlier this week, Washington GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, also announced that she wouldnt seek re-election this fall.

House Republicans are running for the retirement exits amidst a litany of their legislative failures, MAGA chaos, and because they know they are about to lose the majority," Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Viet Shelton said in a statement to NBC News.

Republican political consultant Alex Bruesewitz has been mulling a primary challenge to Gallagher and said in a social media post on Saturday that Gallagher was once considered by many as a rising star in the GOP, but instead of embracing the MAGA movement, he decided to betray the grassroots and protect the swamp.

But for the reporters, members of Congress, and grassroots patriots across Wisconsin, who are reaching out to me asking if I will run lets just say I am now taking a VERY STRONG LOOK, Bruesewitz added.

Last year, national Republicans hoped to recruit Gallagher to run for Senate against Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who is seeking a third term this year, but Gallagher declined to run for the seat.

Major potential candidates such as businessmen Eric Hovde and Scott Mayer have been floated as challengers, but they have not yet declared their intentions to run.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in December that he expects Hovde, who ran for Senate in 2012, to run.

Wisconsin is among the strongest pickup opportunities for Republicans this cycle, but defeating Baldwin is likely to remain a battle. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as Lean Democratic.
People and health care providers forced to leave states with laws limiting access to gender-affirming medical care and abortion may soon be eligible for a $500 tax credit if they move to Illinois.

Legislation filed Thursday by Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat, would create the income tax credit. The benefit would be available only to taxpayers who permanently relocate to Illinois from a state with more stringent abortion laws or laws that restrict access to other lawful health care, including gender-affirming care, for the purposes of either providing or receiving treatment.

Public school teachers who relocate to Illinois because of content-based restrictions in their home state that prevent them from addressing subjects like race, gender identity or sexual orientation in the classroom would also be eligible for the tax credit, according to Cassidys bill.

Cassidy in a statement shared to social media late Thursday said the measure is meant to ease the burdens of moving for individuals and families who feel they have been left with no other choice but to uproot their lives and move elsewhere.

When I left Florida in 1991 seeking a place that was more accepting of the LGBTQ community, it took months of planning and expenses, said Cassidy, one of just two openly LGBTQ lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly.

When I imagine a family with a trans kid being forced to flee their home just to access care for their child, or a couple facing a devastating pregnancy outcome realizing theyre simply not safe where theyve made their home needing to act immediately, its just overwhelming to contemplate, she added.

State laws targeting LGBTQ people have surged in recent years, with more than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills filed last year alone, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). More than 80 of them became law.

This year is already shaping up to be another record-shattering year for state legislation targeting the LGBTQ community, with close to 400 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced or carried over from last year, according to the ACLU.

In a recently released survey of more than 92,000 transgender people in the U.S., more than 4,000 said they left their homes in 2022 because of anti-LGBTQ legislation. U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate, told Politico on Tuesday that states restricting access to gender-affirming health care and abortion are creating medical refugees.

Twenty-three states and counting have passed laws that ban gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit group that tracks LGBTQ legislation. Some restrictions also apply to adults.

At least 29 states since the Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections in 2022 have limited access to abortion, according to Planned Parenthood, though the severity of restrictions vary by state. Abortion is completely banned in more than a dozen GOP-led states.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
More than 150 law enforcement personnel are searching for a man in east Tennessee accused of fatally shooting a Blount County deputy and injuring another deputy during a traffic stop on Thursday, authorities say.

Kenneth DeHart, 42, is wanted on warrants of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the Blount County Sheriffs Office.

Officers have searched dense and wooded areas in hopes of finding DeHart, Blount County Chief Deputy Jeff French said in a video posted on the offices Facebook page.

Weve done search warrants, and weve followed up on every tip that weve gotten, French said. No tip is too big or too small. We appreciate the community sending us those. We ask that you continue to do that, and were going to continue to follow up on it.

French said the department will continue to work tirelessly until they bring DeHart into custody.

Deputy Greg McCowan - Blount County Sheriffs Office

Were not going to stop, he said.

On Friday, the suspects brother was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact, Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond said at a news conference. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is accused of aiding the suspect after the commission of a homicide. The brother is due in court on Monday, Desmond added.

Berrong also confirmed to reporters a woman had been arrested in connection to the incident and was transported to the Sevier County Jail.

The woman arrested is DeHarts girlfriend, a Sevier County Sheriffs Office spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Sunday. She is currently being held without bond, according to Sevier County jail records.

The search for DeHart continues, said Sheriff James Lee Berrong. On Saturday, the sheriffs department increased the reward for information leading to DeHarts capture to $100,000.

We are committed to track him down. It might be today or tomorrow, but we are going to get him and hes going to be brought to justice in Blount County, he said.

The officer killed was Deputy Greg McCowan, according to Berrong. A second officer, Deputy Shelby Eggers, was injured after returning fire. She was treated at a hospital and released, the sheriffs office said Friday.

McCowans SUV can be seen parked in front of the sheriffs office, festooned with flowers and a wreath, in a photo posted on the the Blount County Sheriffs Office Facebook page.

Blount County Sheriff's Office

DeHart is believed to be traveling on foot and should be considered armed and dangerous, the sheriffs office said. People were advised to not approach the suspect and should instead contact law enforcement.

His last known location was in the countys Wildwood area, according to the sheriffs office.

Blount County, home to the city of Maryville, is about 30 miles west of Gatlinburg.

The sheriffs office has not provided details on what led to the initial encounter between the deputies and the suspect.

The sheriff said the shooting happened after a traffic stop, and the deputy who was shot in the leg returned fire. Its unclear if the suspect was also wounded.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the search and has issued a statewide blue alert for DeHart.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A 12-year-old boy died less than 24 hours after arriving at a North Carolina wilderness camp for troubled adolescents, according to authorities, who said the childs death appeared to not be natural.

The boy, who has not been publicly identified, was found dead at Trails Carolina Camp in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, on the morning of Feb. 3, the Transylvania County Sheriffs Office said. The day before, he had been transported per parents by two men from New York to Trails Carolina Camp, the sheriffs office said in a statement, adding that the death appeared suspicious since he had arrived at the camp less than 24 hours prior.

The boy had been assigned to a cabin with other students and four staff members when he got to the camp. Shortly after 8 a.m. the next morning, staff discovered he was not breathing, officials said. The staff said that they had done CPR, but when emergency responders arrived, rescue efforts were initiated and then stopped as the child appeared to be deceased for some time, the sheriffs office statement said.

Following an autopsy earlier this week, a forensic pathologist said the boys death appeared to not be natural but the manner and cause of death is still pending, according to the sheriffs office.

The camp told officials it placed the staff members assigned to the boys cabin on leave, the sheriffs office said. Investigators executed search warrants for two areas of Trails Carolina and are continuing their investigation, the sheriffs office said, but Trails Carolina Camp has not completely cooperated.

Trails Carolina disputed that in a statement issued Thursday through a public relations firm, saying its staff has fully cooperated and that the Transylvania County Sheriffs Offices statement does not present an accurate account of the facts nor the current state of the investigation.

Trails Carolina also said it has conducted an internal investigation of this incident and the Trails facility has been investigated by outside professionals who are subject-matter experts, and neither found evidence that the camp caused any harm or had improper supervision or unsafe conditions. It was not clear from the statement what type of experts conducted the external investigation.

In a statement earlier in the week, the camp said that there were few details available about the boys death, only that at approximately 8 a.m. on Feb. 3, staff called 911 when a 12-year-old student did not respond to attempts to wake him.

It cautioned against speculation and said its priority has been to acknowledge and respect the unfathomable impact on this familys life and maintain the integrity of the investigation.

A controversial history

The boys death is the second of a Trails Carolina camper in the last decade. In November 2014, 17-year-old Alec Lansing walked away from the camp, prompting a massive search. His body was later found in a stream, where investigators believed he fell after climbing a tree and breaking his hip, leaving him unable to move. Reports from the time said he died of hypothermia.

A 2021 investigation by WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina, reported that a state Department of Health and Human Services report showed Trails Carolina waited five hours before calling for help to find Alec. The camp was cited for failing to supervise a student and fined $12,000 but was allowed to continue operating, the news outlet said.

Trails Carolina said at the time that it was proud of the work it had done serving children.

Since its founding, Trails has helped make a difference in the lives of more than 2,800 adolescents, Trails Carolina told WBTV in 2021. Seven years have passed since the tragic event in 2014 and we continue to pray for healing and peace for everyone involved.

Trails Carolina describes itself as an adventure therapy program that aims to help children and teens who struggle with various mental health issues and behavioral concerns. It is licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; records show the agency has cited the camp for numerous deficiencies in recent years, most recently in June 2023, when it found that Trails Carolina failed to provide training to staff on alternatives to restrictive interventions.

The 2023 report mentions students at the camp with diagnoses of attention deficit disorder, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, learning differences and other conditions, and said some of the children told agency workers they had been restrained by staff.

Most campers told the agency at the time that they had not been hurt when they were restrained, though one showed a bruise on their upper arm that was caused by staffs hand, the report said. Another said staff had held their arms down and one arm felt tingly so they asked staff to stop and the staff loosened up a bit, the report says.

In response to the evaluation, Trails Carolina submitted a plan of correction in which it committed to more training and wrote: The Executive director will monitor the situation to ensure it will not happen again.

Trails Carolina did not respond to questions about its past evaluations. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said it could not comment on the 12-year-old who died but said in an email that staff have been on-site for several days investigating this incident and are working closely with local authorities.

The camp has also faced legal issues. Federal court records obtained by NBC News show it was sued by the father of a former student who attended Trails Carolina when she was 14. The complaint, filed in 2022, alleges the student was molested in 2019 by another female student in her cabin and that staff denied her request to be in housing separate from her alleged abuser.

The complaint was later voluntarily dismissed by the students father but was filed again in 2023 under her name. Trails Carolina has denied the allegations in court documents, and the case is ongoing.
When senior national security officials gathered in the White House Situation Room in December to prepare for the 2024 election, they faced a pair of stark, simulated scenarios that tested the limits of any federal response to election-related chaos, four people familiar with the meeting told CNN.

What if Chinese operatives created a fake AI-generated video showing a Senate candidate destroying ballots? And how should federal agencies respond if violence erupts at polling stations on Election Day?

For nearly an hour, the No. 2 officials at the FBI, CIA and departments of Homeland Security and Justice wrestled with how to respond to the deepfake video, including whether and how to notify the public about the activity if they werent sure that China was behind it, the sources told CNN.

When it comes to a coordinated federal response to things like rampant disinformation, deepfakes and the harassment of election officials, Were all fking tied up in knots, said one US official familiar with the election security drill.

The previously unreported meeting was the first such drill the Biden White House has held in more than three years in office. It highlights the wrenching questions confronting the administration as it games out potential threats to the 2024 election and the limits of federal power to respond to them.

People vote on Election Day at the Jeffersonville Masonic Lodge in Jeffersonville, Ohio, on November 7, 2023. - Carolyn Kaster/AP/File

US national security officials have to weigh whether publicly calling attention to disinformation might inadvertently amplify the very message theyre trying to bat down. And they can act more swiftly to speak out publicly if they know that a foreign actor is behind an information operation targeting the election. If theres a chance an American citizen is involved, US officials are more reluctant to counter it publicly out of fear of giving the impression that they are influencing the election or restricting speech.

In both scenarios, federal officials favored a muted public response, largely choosing to let state and local governments take the lead. That points to a deep-seated dilemma they face: How does the federal government protect voters from election threats when many of those voters dont trust the federal government in the first place? State and local officials run elections and are more trusted voices in their communities, but how can federal officials act decisively to support them?

The participants opted for state election officials, and not the federal government, to lead any public messaging to counter disinformation spread by the fake video in their jurisdictions, two of the sources said. Officials also discussed options for notifying Congress. No one at the table raised their hand offering to be the lead federal agency to tell the public about the deepfake.

As for violence at the polls, the federal officials decided not to dispatch federal agents to support local police because they did not have the jurisdiction to do so.

Biden walks with Xi Jinping at the Filoli estate in Woodside, California, in November 2023. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/File

Were in uncharted territory right now

The election security drill came the month after Chinese leader Xi Jinping assured President Joe Biden in a face-to-face meeting that China would not interfere in the 2024 US election, signaling the administration was still preparing for that potential.

The role of deepfakes in election security has become all the more critical in light of the recent AI-made robocall ahead of the New Hampshire primary that mimicked Bidens voice, another US official familiar with the meeting told CNN.

Were in uncharted territory right now, said the first official familiar with the meeting, citing the ease with which someone can use AI to make fake audio and video to target voters and the challenges US agencies have in quickly responding. Its the speed and the volume at which our adversaries can flood the information environment.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement to CNN last week that Chinas position is to always adhere to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs.

Officials from multiple federal agencies last week briefed the Senate Intelligence Committee on their election security preparation for 2024, including the White House drill in December, three sources familiar with the briefing told CNN.

There were pointed, unanswered questions about how the federal government will handle AI-generated fakes in the election, two sources said. And senators were left wondering how prepared the federal government truly is to respond to these kinds of threats.

A spokesperson for Senate Intelligence Committee declined to comment on the briefing.

The election is already upon us and Im going to keep pressing to make sure were using all available resources and authorities to deter, detect, disrupt, and expose foreign efforts to meddle in our elections, Sen. Mark Warner, the Virginia Democrat who chairs the committee, said in a statement to CNN.

A senior administration official stressed that election security is a top priority in a statement to CNN.

We remain concerned about a range of actors seeking to interfere in the electoral process and undermine confidence in our election infrastructure. Generative AI provides these actors a way to supercharge their malign efforts, the official said. Thats why there is a whole-of-government effort to ensure the integrity and security of the 2024 Federal elections.

Sen. Mark Warner in November 2023. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/File

Policies at the state level are also still a work in progress. CNN recently asked election officials in all 50 states about efforts to counter deepfakes. Out of 33 that responded, most described existing programs in their states to respond to general misinformation or cyber threats. Less than half of those states, however, referenced specific trainings, policies or programs crafted to respond to election-related deepfakes.

In a recent interview with CNN, Francisco Aguilar, the secretary of state in Nevada, the states top election official, said he is still working out how to deal with the threat of AI-generated fakes in elections and how federal agencies might be able to help him.

You look at our budget at the state of Nevada and you see what constraints we have, Aguilar said. I dont think weve been through a full election cycle where its truly existed. So we are kind of in pioneering times right now.

Balancing vigilance with caution

After a relatively quiet midterm in 2022, federal officials tasked with election security are preparing for a range of potential threats, and are expecting hackers from Russia, China and Iran to be active, while viral conspiracy theorists are poised to pounce on any voting glitch to falsely cry fraud.

Former President Donald Trumps lies about voter fraud continue to resonate with large chunks of the country, with a majority of Republicans and Republican-leaners saying Bidens 2020 win was not legitimate, according to a CNN poll in July.

After getting caught flatfooted by a Russian hack-and-leak campaign in the 2016 election and by the pro-Trump rioters who stormed the Capitol after the 2020 election, US officials focused on securing the election are trying to balance the need to stay vigilant with being cautious about when to speak out about these threats without it backfiring.

Multiple former senior US national security officials involved in protecting elections told CNN that, in a post-2016 world, the disclosure of intelligence may be construed as political.

Its a trick box, said Adam Hickey, who worked on election security issues for the Justice Departments National Security Division. Unless the proof that its a fake is virtually undisputable, [US officials] will be accused of weighing in on the election itself, and none of them want that.

But if US officials can expose the role of a foreign government in an interference campaign, Hickey said, voters can weigh the message in light of its source, without speculating about who the foreign government favors or why.

Still scarred by 2016 Russian interference

Some in the federal government are still scarred by how slow the national security establishment was to warn the public about Russian interference in 2016. It was many months after the fact that states learned that Russian hackers had scanned their computer systems. But national security officials are also keen to avoid announcing a major new development on the eve of an election without giving the public adequate information to act on it.

During the White House drill, the senior federal officials were testing out a policy that was established after 2016 for notifying the public and Congress about foreign election interference. The policy stipulates that partisan politics shall not play a role in the decision to tell the public about foreign interference activities. It also asks officials to consider whether going public will render the foreign meddling less effective rather than inadvertently amplifying it.

The Justice Department, FBI and CIA declined to comment on the election security drill. The Department of Homeland Security referred questions to the National Security Council.

Cait Conley, a US Army combat veteran who joined DHSs Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency last year to bolster its election security work, declined to discuss the White House meeting but said her agency did over two-dozen security drills with state and local officials last year.

[W]e prioritize tabletop exercises that integrate the range of cyber, physical, and operational threats election officials may encounter, Conley said in a statement to CNN. Many of those threats are derived from the tactics and techniques of our foreign adversaries from Chinese network penetration operations to Russian and Iranian foreign influence operations.

CNNs Evan Perez, Natasha Bertrand, Donie OSullivan and Katie Bo Lillis contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Tourism flourishes as Kashgar gears for Spring Festival gala

Chinadaily.com.cn) 10:40, February 10, 2024

Photo taken on Feb 4, 2024, shows actors performing at the entrance to the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/xjtpw.xjdaily.com]

This year, Kashgar prefecture in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is one of the four branch venues of the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the most-watched TV gala of the country.

Visitors from across the country filled the streets of Kashgar, enjoying a diversity of local cultural elements and delicacies.

Photo taken on Feb 4, 2024 shows tourists visiting the night market at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/xjtpw.xjdaily.com]

A child and his family stroll through the night market at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/xjtpw.xjdaily.com]

Visitors browse selections at a jewelry store in Kashgar, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/xjtpw.xjdaily.com]

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
WASHINGTON  Newly unearthed footage from Jan. 6, 2021, appears to show a rioter  a man identified in an NBC News story nearly two years ago  firing a gun into the air outside the Capitol during the attack.

Online sleuths who have aided in hundreds of Jan. 6 prosecutions say he is the same man they identified to the FBI who is currently individual No. 200 on the bureaus Capitol Violence page, which he first appeared on three years ago. Videos and photographs from the Capitol on Jan. 6 showed him with what appears to be a gun in his waistband. As NBC News previously reported, that man, John Emanuel Banuelos, told Salt Lake City police that he was at the Capitol and had been captured on film with a gun. I was in the D.C. riots, he told the investigators, according to a police transcript. Im the one in the video with the gun right here.

Banuelos has not been arrested or charged in connection with Jan. 6; the Salt Lake City police had arrested him in connection with the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Christopher Thomas Senn in a park on July 4, 2021.

Man, should I just tell the FBI to come get me or what? he asked Salt Lake City police officers, according to a police transcript. Weeks later, Banuelos called an investigator with the department and talked about going where Donald Trump sent him, apparently referencing the Capitol, according to a police record. The Salt Lake City DAs office did not pursue a case against Banuelos, who claimed self-defense in Senns death.

Now, footage released by another Jan. 6 rioter appears to show Banuelos firing the gun into the air twice during the chaotic scene on the west side of the Capitol, as rioters battled with police. Online sleuths also surfaced U.S. Capitol Police surveillance footage previously released in connection with another Capitol attack case that shows the man theyve identified as Banuelos appearing to fire the gun. They found multiple other videos in which the gunshots can be heard.

The man identified as Banuelos seen appearing to fire a weapon in Capitol CCTV footage. (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia)

The footage is the first showing a rioter firing a gun on Jan. 6. The incident took place at 2:34 p.m., which is about 10 minutes before an officer inside the Capitol shot and killed Ashli Babbitt as she jumped through a broken window leading into the Speakers Lobby. The incident with the gun outside the Capitol was not previously known to online sleuths and has never been mentioned in any court filing. At the time and location where the shots appear to have been fired, the Capitol grounds were in chaos, with law enforcement firing their own nonlethal rounds of crowd-control munitions following sustained, repeated assaults on officers, which could explain why the sound of two gunshots didnt grab much attention.

Despite repeated false claims from conservative media figures that the mob that stormed the Capitol was unarmed, a multitude of defendants were armed with deadly or dangerous weapons, including several who carried firearms, as the Justice Department has proven in court. Among Jan. 6 rioters who were proven to have carried firearms during the Capitol attack are Christopher Alberts, who was sentenced to seven years in prison; Mark Mazza, who carried two guns and was sentenced to five years in federal prison; and Guy Reffitt, who was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after he became the first Jan. 6 defendant to go to trial.

Another Jan. 6 participant, Jerod Bargar, dropped his gun in the mob and was recently sentenced to five years of probation, with six months of home confinement. The officer who recovered Bargars weapon on the ground was aware of multiple reports of firearms in the crowd, according to prosecutors. Trump also knew the crowd was armed, his former aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified before the House Jan. 6 committee in 2022. He urged security to remove the magnetometers at his rally that morning, she testified, adding that Trump yelled: Theyre not here to hurt me.

Because so few rioters were arrested on the scene on Jan. 6, there will never be a full accounting of how many of the rioters were carrying guns and other weapons.

The new footage was released this week by Derrick Evans, a Jan. 6 rioter who has admitted that he committed a felony on Jan. 6 and was sentenced to three months in federal prison. He is a former West Virginia legislator and is now running for Congress, having screamed at police officers that day on his own livestream: Were taking this country back whether you like it or not!

Evans did not shoot the new video  he stormed the Capitol from the east side of the building, not the west side where the shots were fired  but hes been using the video he obtained to raise money for his campaign and placed narration over the video that included false claims about the Jan. 6 attack.

Informed by NBC News that the man he posted video of had been identified, Evans told NBC News that he thought it was fishy that Banuelos wasnt arrested. While Banuelos has an extensive online history of being a Trump supporter, Evans described him as an agitator and said he thinks he might be a federal agent, feeding into a false narrative that has been disproven time and time again.

I think itd be very disingenuous for myself or anyone for that matter to be like, Hes for sure a federal agent, that would be wrong to say that, Evans said. But I think its equally wrong to say hes definitely not. I think its a fair question.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, which has overseen the more than 1,250 cases brought against Jan. 6 rioters in the more than three years since the Capitol attack, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about any potential criminal case against Banuelos. Banuelos did not immediately respond to a message sent to one of his social media accounts.

In the nearly two years since Banuelos was publicly identified, a social media account under his name has sent threatening messages to online sleuths who have been working to investigate Jan. 6, the targets of those threats told NBC News. One of the videos Banuelos has sent to the group containing an implied threat shows Banuelos holding a gun; that footage appeared in a recent PBS segment about the Sedition Hunters work.
On the evening of March 17, 2020, a former Mexican police officer working for the Sinaloa cartel left his hotel room in Tijuana and walked across the U.S. border into Southern California at 10:09 p.m.

Ricardo Ramos Medinas first stop was San Diego International Airport, where he picked up a rental car. He drove to a nearby location and met a female drug mule, who handed off a grocery sack filled with methamphetamine. Then he set out on a much longer journey  a 16-hour drive to Montana.

Medina had made the trip a handful of times before, but this time it didnt go as planned. Before he reached Butte, he was pulled over by state and federal officers. Inside his white Jeep Compass, they found about 2 pounds of pure methamphetamine  enough, authorities said, to supply the entire town of Townsend, Montana (population: 2,150), for multiple days.

The arrest, which was outlined in court papers and in interviews with investigators on the case, helped bring down a drug trafficking ring that federal prosecutors said brought at least 2,000 pounds of meth and 700,000 fentanyl-laced pills into Montana from Mexico over three years.

Why Montana? said Chad Anderberg, a Montana Division of Criminal Investigation agent who was one of the lead investigators on the case. It boiled down to money. He could make so much more profit from drugs he sold here than in any other place.

Illegal drugs have long flowed from Mexico to the more remote parts of the U.S. But with the rise of fentanyl, cartel associates have pushed more aggressively into Montana, where pills can be sold for 20 times the price they get in urban centers closer to the border, state and federal law enforcement officials said.

Some areas of the state have become awash with drugs, particularly its Indian reservations, where tribal leaders say crime and overdoses are surging.

On some reservations, cartel associates have formed relationships with Indigenous women as a way of establishing themselves within communities to sell drugs, law enforcement officials and tribal leaders said. More frequently, traffickers lure Native Americans into becoming dealers by giving away an initial supply of drugs and turning them into addicts indebted to the cartels.

South of Canada and east of Glacier National Park, Browning, Mt., is a remote, and often overlooked town at the edge of the Great Plains. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

A mural warns of the dangers of methamphetamines in Browning, Mt. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

Right now its as if fentanyl is raining on our reservation, said Marvin Weatherwax, Jr., who serves on the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and represents the 15th district in the Montana House of Representatives.

Cracking down on the drug trade is especially challenging in a state as vast as Montana where law enforcement struggles to police the wide-open spaces and Indian reservations rely on under-funded and short-staffed tribal police forces. On at least one reservation, tribe members formed a vigilante group in a desperate bid to fight drug-related crime.

But Montana authorities have made inroads in the last couple of years. The arrest of the former Mexican police officer was part of a massive bust that ensnared 21 other members of a drug-trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world. And since last April, 26 suspects have been charged in a second federal drug case involving Mexican cartel associates and members of two Native American tribes.

People are surprised, said Jesse Laslovich, the U.S. attorney for Montana, who has been overseeing the investigations. Youre as far north as you can get in the United States, and yet we have the cartel here.

Marvin Weatherwax Jr., D-Mt., represents District 15 in Montana, and is a member of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

They know who to choose

Stacy Zinn spent her first four years with the Drug Enforcement Administration in El Paso, Texas, where she investigated Mexican cartels. She went on to work in Afghanistan and Peru pursuing narcoterrorists and cocaine traffickers. In 2014, the DEA transferred her to Montana and later placed her in charge of its offices in Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula.

When I was promoted and they said, 'Youre going to Montana,' Im like, Montana? Are there drugs in Montana? recalled Zinn, who retired from the DEA in October after 23 years.

The state is sometimes referred to as the last best place in America. Its 1.2 million people are spread out across 150,000 square miles of mountains, rivers and mostly rugged terrain.

Locally made methamphetamine was long Montanas primary drug scourge. But in the mid-2000s, the once-plentiful meth houses in the Midwest and northern states began to disappear amid new restrictions banning access to the drugs precursor chemicals. Mexican cartels saw an opportunity and began capitalizing, law enforcement officials said, flooding the U.S. with a super potent form of meth and targeting indigenous communities in particular.

Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Montana (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

Zinn was shocked by the scope of the meth problem when she arrived in Montana 10 years ago. But then came the arrival of fentanyl, which is even cheaper to produce and far more deadly.

A counterfeit fentanyl pill that can be made for less than 25 cents in Mexico sells for $3 to $5 in cities like Seattle and Denver where drug markets are more established, but up to $100 in remote parts of Montana. It was one of the few states that hadnt been a focus of Mexican cartels, Zinn said, but that soon changed.

The profits are just out of this world, she said.

Zinn was more than 1,300 miles from the southern border and here she was once again investigating Mexican cartels  the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, or CJNG.

I got excited, Zinn said. This is the territory I know and understand.

At first she just heard whispers of a cartel presence. But over the years cartel associates have appeared to grow bolder, she said, showing up more often as they seek to expand their operations.

Stacy Zinn, former Montana director of Drug Enforcement Agency operations, in Billings, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

The cartel will send out their advance team or individuals to get to know whos distributing small amounts on this reservation, who can we get our claws into, Zinn said. And then when they do that, then they own them. Weve seen that over and over.

Women are often prime targets. Cartel associates have pursued single women on reservations, according to law enforcement and tribal officials, and then used their homes as bases of operations.

They know who to choose, said Stephanie Iron Shooter, the American Indian health director for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. Just like any other prey predator situation  thats how it is.

The drug crisis has been felt most acutely on Montanas Indian reservations.

Between 2017 and 2020, Montanas opioid overdose death rate almost tripled (from 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents to 7.3). In the decade leading up to 2020, the rate of overdose deaths among Native Americans was more than twice that of white Montana residents, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

One of the few gas stations in Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

In many ways, Indian reservations make for ideal places for a drug operation to set up shop. The communities suffer from high rates of drug addiction and low numbers of law enforcement.

The Northern Cheyenne tribe relies on two federally funded Bureau of Indian Affairs tribal police officers per shift to patrol more than 440,000 acres of land home to roughly 6,000 residents, according to the tribal council. The adjacent Crow Reservation, the largest in the state, has four to six police officers per shift to patrol a swath of land the size of Rhode Island, according to Quincy Dabney, the mayor of Lodge Grass, a town on the reservation.

When we dont have the boots on the ground and people arent being held accountable, it really becomes the Wild, Wild West, said Laslovich, the U.S. attorney. I think you see that in Indian Country, here in Montana, more than we should.

Complicating matters further, the reservations are sovereign nations where local law enforcement is restricted from operating without an agreement with the tribe. Even when agreements are in place, local and state authorities are often barred from arresting tribal members. And the tribal police officers are largely prohibited from arresting outsiders on the reservation.

An abandoned house on the west side of Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

It adds up to a jurisdictional maze that hampers crime fighting at a time when drugs are ravaging Indian communities, current and former law enforcement officials say.

We are fighting this problem standing on one leg, and half the time were handcuffed, Zinn said.

Dismantling a drug-trafficking ring

The case involving the former Mexican police officer-turned-drug trafficker was set in motion a couple of years earlier when the Butte-Silver Bow Sheriffs Office received an intriguing tip.

In September 2018, a worker at a local FedEx store called to report that multiple people had been coming into the shop and stuffing wads of cash into packages addressed to the border town of San Ysidro, California (Fed-Ex prohibits the shipment of cash).

A couple of months later, one of the people who was sending the cash admitted to investigators that it was drug proceeds tied to an organization in Mexico.

Over the next several months, investigators with a DEA task force developed a cooperating witness. The witness introduced an undercover agent to the man who was supplying the drugs from his base in Sinaloa, Mexico  Humberto Villarreal.

You just dont get these kinds of cases where were dealing straight from Mexico, said Sgt. Kevin Maloughney, an 18-year veteran with the Butte-Silver Bow Sheriffs Office.

Soon the agents were ordering meth and fentanyl-laced pills directly from Villarreal. The drugs typically flowed to Montana from stash houses in southern California, authorities said.

Ricardo Ramos Medina, a former Mexican police officer-turned-Sinaloa cartel associate, was stopped by police in March 2019 for running a red light in a remote section of Montana. (Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators focused on Medina, the former police officer and a cousin of Villarreal, after he was pulled over on the Fort Peck Reservation, in the far northeastern corner of the state, for running a stop sign in March 2019.

The sheriff's deputy let him go with a warning. But a report of the unusual encounter with a Mexican national in such a remote part of Montana later made its way to the agents investigating drug trafficking.

They discovered that Medina was a key part of the drug ring. He had valid U.S. visas, which made it easy for him to cross into the U.S. at the port in San Ysidro, Calif., on trips to collect cash and deliver drugs.

Because he had no criminal history, there would be no reason for him to be further scrutinized, said Anderberg, the Montana investigator.

After his arrest, Medina told investigators that he had traveled to Fort Peck in an effort to expand the cartel's drug operation to the reservation, according to Anderberg.

The multi-agency investigation resulted in the seizure of 65 pounds of meth, more than 2,000 counterfeit OxyContin pills laced with fentanyl and 3 pounds of heroin. The agents also confiscated more than $32,000 in cash and 19 firearms, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Montana.

Between 2019 and 2022, federal agents seized more than 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills, $32,000 in cash, 19 firearms and 65 pounds of meth, some of which was shipped in cases. (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana)

Villarreal was sentenced to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Medina pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Twenty others were also convicted for their roles in the drug trafficking network.

A second federal drug case in Montana has led to charges against more than two dozen people and includes allegations of Mexican cartel members using Native Americans as pawns in the operation.

The still-ongoing probe centers on the Crow Indian Reservation, where authorities say cartel associates took over at least two properties and used them to distribute meth to people on the reservation as well as the nearby Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and in the town of Billings.

Lawyers for two of the midlevel defendants, Ranita R. Redfield and Zachary D. Bacon, described in court papers how they were used by the cartel.

Redfields lawyer wrote that she returned to the Crow Reservation after enduring a period of family turmoil and heartbreak, only to get drawn into the cartels clutches.

Footprints in the snow near the Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

Choosing to distance herself from acquaintances who knew her from the past and had no place to live, she often stayed with the cartel, the lawyer, Jessica Polan Wright, wrote. Trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction and under the cartels control, Ranita became a pawn in their operations.

Redfield, 47, who pleaded guilty to dealing meth, was sentenced in December to five years in prison.

Bacon, 35, got involved in the operation after meeting the daughter of one of the Native American drug dealers, his lawyer wrote in court papers. He pleaded guilty in September to selling meth; he was sentenced to five years of probation.

The cartels business model involves first locating and ingratiating themselves upon the local distributors. Then, when the bills started coming due, they brought in other, less friendly individuals, the lawyer, Matthew Claus, wrote.

Men stand next to a mural in central Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

The cartel extracted tens of thousands of dollars in cash, guns and vehicles from the Crow Reservation. Money and guns flowed out of state and out of the country and then the cartel left. In their wake, they left addicted, strung out, impoverished tribal members facing prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences, like Zach Bacon," Claus added.

The suspected ringleader, a member of the Jalisco New Generation cartel who goes by the name of Carlos, is now on the run, according to law enforcement sources.

Anguish on the reservations

The Blackfeet Reservation in northern Montana was rocked by tragedy in March 2022. Over a single week, 17 people suffered fentanyl overdoses, four of them fatal.

The community is home to the only in-patient treatment center that exists on a Montana Indian reservation. But the 16-bed facility, Crystal Creek Lodge Treatment Center, has long focused on people struggling with alcohol abuse.

Were lacking a lot of resources to deal with a crisis that even our facility is not equipped to handle, said Durand Tyland Bear Medicine, the director of Crystal Creek Lodge Treatment Center.

Saint Michaels cemetery in Browning, Mt. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

In the southeastern part of Montana, the Northern Cheyenne reservation is also in the grip of a drug epidemic, but its fueled by methamphetamine.

Some of the drugs pouring into the reservation came from the cartel network operating out of the neighboring Crow Reservation, prosecutors said in court papers.

Serena Wetherelt, president of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, said violent crime and burglaries surged during the pandemic, and calls to the police often resulted in no response. The situation got so dire, she said, that some tribal members formed their own vigilante group, the Peoples Camp.

They had cars. They had spotlights. They had a phone, she said. People would call that number rather than call the cops.

In 2022, the Northern Cheyenne tribe filed a federal lawsuit against the Interior Department and its Bureau of Indian Affairs, alleging that the federal government had breached its obligation to keep residents on the reservation safe by failing to provide adequate law enforcement officers.

Serena Wetherelt, President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

A Bureau of Indian Affairs spokesperson said the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Wetherelt said the situation went from bad to worse in the months after her tribe filed the lawsuit.

Last December, Wetherelt was notified by a tribal police chief that a reorganization of the federally funded force meant the number of officers and other staff was slashed from 19 to seven, according to members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council.

Were not asking very much from the government, Wetherelt said. We are asking for basic law enforcement to help our people

Her voice cracked with emotion and then she briefly went silent.

Im sorry, but this really makes me emotional, she continued. We just cant seem to get anywhere.
Excited nature lovers flocked to a tiny town from all across the state of Vermont last September, wildlife officials said.

They all came to see one rare sight: a marbled godwit.

The spotting on Sept. 19 in North Hero was a significant moment for birders in the area. It was the second time a marbled godwit was reported in Vermont during the past decade, according to eBird, a bird sighting database ran by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The godwit in North Hero was a rare and exciting find, the kind of vagrantor bird outside of its usual rangethat gives local birders a chance to see a new species close to home, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department bird biologist Jill Kilborn said in a Feb. 6 news release.

But seemingly out of nowhere, the godwit was found dead a week after its first sighting, officials said.

Marbled godwits typically migrate to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts during the winter, according to Vermont wildlife officials. This marbled godwit was not the one spotted in Vermont.

A landowner found the dead bird within a mile of where it was spotted alive, Kilborn told McClatchy News in an email.

Many birders grew worried about what happened to the godwit after they noticed its disappearance from the shore, officials said. Due to the rarity of the bird and its mysterious death, wildlife officials said they decided to send the bird to a laboratory in New Hampshire to find out what happened.

Now, months later, state officials have released the cause of the rare birds death.

A marbled godwit is a shorebird with stilt-like legs, officials said. It has an extremely long bill that helps it dig in the sand for food, according to All About Birds.

Its about as big as a crow with typically brown and white coloration, according to the database. The bird prefers to stay near wetlands during breeding, then move on to salt ponds and beaches during the winter.

Marbled godwits range from the Great Plains and Ontario when breeding to the Atlantic and Gulf Coast for winter, although they dont usually cross through Vermont, officials said.

Its unknown how the bird ended up in Vermont, although factors such as strong weather or migratory patterns can contribute, Kilborn said.

Confusion on what happened to the marbled godwit was cleared up with the test results from the University of New Hampshire Diagnostics Lab, according to state officials. The results took about six weeks to process, Kilborn said.

After a full disease panel and necropsy, it appeared the bird died of natural causes, the department said.

Despite having no injuries, the godwit had several other issues that officials say may have contributed to its death: malnutrition, high parasite load and infections.

Oftentimes birds found outside of their normal range are very stressed, and if they cant find the proper food or cover this can combine with other stressors like poor nutrition and sickness, Kilborn said in the release. All evidence suggests this is what happened to the godwit.

Even though other factors were at play in the godwits death, it still could serve as a valuable lesson on how excited viewers could put unintentional stress on a rare bird, Kilborn said.

If a bird is changing their behavior because you are watching them, then you are too close, she said.

North Hero is about 35 miles northwest of Burlington.

Marmoset kept in a birdcage rescued by California officials. Why marmosets arent pets

Bald eagle mom protects eggs for 62 hours during CA snowstorm. See photos

Penguin chick makes history at California aquarium. Why is it a remarkable milestone?
Five US Marines have been confirmed dead after their helicopter crashed in a remote area of Southern California during a training flight Tuesday night, according to a news release from their Marine Corps unit.

Efforts are underway to recover their remains, the release said Thursday, after the helicopter  a CH-53E Super Stallion  was reported overdue while en route from Creech Air Force base near Las Vegas to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement Thursday. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service.

The families of the Marines were notified Wednesday night and early Thursday in person, Col. James Ford of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said during a news conference Thursday. The Marines identities are expected to be released 24 hours after the notifications, the unit had said earlier.

Top row, from left: Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey and Capt. Miguel Nava. Bottom row, from left: Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis and Sgt. Alec Langen. - US Marine Corps 3rd Aircraft Wing

Being a Marine was everything

Those killed were Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan; according to a news release from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The release said the crew was conducting routine flight training.

Langen, 23, was serving as crew chief on the flight, his family said.

Being a Marine to Alec was everything, his mother, Caren Langen, told CNN affiliate KNXV Thursday.

Steven Langen, Sgt. Langens father, told the station he was a Marine who had flown in a CH-53E Super Stallion, the same type of aircraft that crashed.

He died with people he wanted to be with, doing the job they wanted to do and loved to do, said Langen.

Alec Langen was married a month ago, his parents told KNXV.

We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service familys worst fear, said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, their units commanding officer. Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve.

Recovering remains in hazardous terrain

Ford said the focus has shifted to recovering the remains of the Marines in what he described as hazardous terrain, indicating officials are conducting a ground recovery. He did not elaborate, nor did he take questions from reporters.

Since our five aircrew of Marine heavy helicopter squadron 361 were located, their fellow Marines have remained by their side, as Marines do, and took shifts throughout the night at the mishap site, keeping watch over the fallen despite the hazardous weather conditions, Ford said. Our fellow Marines were, and continue to be, guarded by their brothers and sisters.

The helicopter was found Wednesday morning in Pine Valley, a mountainous area some 30 miles east of the San Diego station, during a multi-agency search effort that San Diego officials had said was hampered by heavy snow. The crash is under investigation.

The CH-53E is a heavy-lift helicopter that can move troops and equipment and carry as much as 16 tons of cargo, according to the US Navy. The Marines aboard the craft were assigned to Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, Marines Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon previously said.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter taxies in 2023 at Inyokern Airfield, California. - Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez/US Marine Corps/File

Winds were gusting up to 20 mph Tuesday evening near Pine Valley, and they likely were stronger at higher elevations. Radar indicates a heavy band of precipitation swept through the area between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday, with rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations.

The aircrafts last ping was recorded at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, Cal Fire San Diego spokesperson Mike Cornette told CNN on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden mourned the Marines in a statement Thursday morning, saying he and first lady Jill Biden were heartbroken by the news.

As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nations finest warriors, Biden said.

Super Stallion helicopters have been involved in several wrecks over the past decade, at least two of them fatal.

In 2016, 12 Marines were killed when two CH-53E helicopters collided during a night training exercise off Hawaii  a crash military investigators attributed to pilot error. Two years later, four crew members were killed when a Super Stallion crashed during a training mission near El Centro, California.

The outcome of another incident that occurred after a training exercise in Djibouti was considered a miracle at sea: 25 Marines and Navy sailors survived when a CH-53E crashed in 2014 as it tried to land on an amphibious transport dock at sea.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Dakin Andone and Monica Garrett contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
You might recall how Guy Fieri fans were abuzz back in February when rumors circulated on social media that he was in Cincinnati filming at several local restaurants for his hit Food Network TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (or Triple D as it's commonly known). Those restaurants included Senate, Blue Ash Chili and Taste of Belgium.

While Fieri himself might not have been here, his crew certainly was. Friday nights episode of Triple D featured a new segment on the popular local chain Taste of Belgium.

The show, titled Old Friends, New Flavors, caught up with restaurants that were previously featured on the show, but have grown substantially since. Fieri also visited a curious diner called Gizzards in Michigan and spent time making pizzas in New York with Roberto Caporuscio, who, by the way, makes some of the best Neapolitan-style pies I've ever tasted.

Taste of Belgium owner Jean-Francois Flechet

Guy Fieri's crew returns to Taste of Belgium

Fieri kicked the segment off with a voice-over saying, Since I was there in 2014, this Belgian Bistro has gone to 7th heaven.

The segment included archival footage of Fieris 2014 visit interspersed with more current interviews with Taste of Belgium customers and Jean-Francois Flechet himself (the editing made obvious by the fact that, in the archival version, Flechet is bearded and in the more current footage, his face is freshly shorn).

Along with replaying segments where Flechet made his famous waffles and pretzels for Fieri, the new footage shows him making his now equally famous Belgian meatballs and frites.

Flechet mentioned how, since his restaurant was first featured on the show, it has grown to seven locations, with an eighth one on the way. That would not have happened without Triple D, he said.

'He has done more to help small restaurants in the U.S. than all the food celebrities combined'

When I spoke to him in March, just after the Triple D visit, Flechet also credited Fieri with shrinking a light on smaller, mom & pop style restaurants that the national food media tends to overlook.

I think, personally, that he has done more to help small restaurants in the U.S. than all the food celebrities combined, Flechet told me. Its just amazing.

"He is not taking the approach of, Oh my God, that person is such a great chef,' " he continued. Its just someone who is doing something interesting in the community. Its a very different approach than the promotion of celebrity chefs.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives returns to Cincinnati's Taste of Belgium
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia's part-time Legislature moves at a quick clip. And its time-pressed lawmakers expect the same from members of the public who want to make their voices heard.

Year after year, no matter which party is in charge, committee and subcommittee chairs have repeatedly exhorted those providing testimony at the Capitol to speed things along. They often remind speakers that a countdown timer is running or urge them to consider whether weighing in is even necessary.

There's broad agreement that some kind of public comment time management is necessary in Virginia's sessions, which generally run no longer than 60 days. But critics say the way the General Assembly structures its work means important deliberations take place privately and citizens' concerns get short shrift.

Virginia's legislative calendar just isnt designed for public input, said Sally Hudson, a University of Virginia professor and former member of the House of Delegates, who has advocated for rethinking the way sessions are structured.

One particular exchange last week, during which victims of violent crime were limited in their remarks, highlighted the issue and drew a sharp rebuke from the states GOP attorney general and governor and Republican legislators, who are in the minority in both chambers.

The incident took place during a meeting led by Del. Vivian Watts, a Democrat who is the third-most senior member of the House of Delegates. The panel was hearing a so-called second look bill backed by criminal justice reform advocates that would allow individuals serving long prison terms to petition a court for a potential reduction to their sentence.

After the subcommittee heard an explanation of the bill, Watts told lobbyists and members of the public that she would allow six minutes of testimony for supporters in the room, who also included some crime victims, and then six minutes for opponents.

When the opponents' six minutes ran out after only three speakers, Watts attempted to cut the group off. As the wife of a murder victim insisted on being heard, it appeared her microphone was silenced.

Michael Grey, whose son was fatally shot while trying to sell an iPhone in 2018, stepped up to the microphone next. Watts asked him to stop speaking and then chided him when he persisted, saying: I am not happy with the performance. However, I'll let you go forward."

Melinda Wallin, who appeared shaken, followed and simply introduced herself before Spotsylvania County commonwealth's attorney Ryan Mehaffey, whose office prosecuted the 2019 fatal shooting of Wallin's son, said: Respectfully, I'd ask for one minute for Ms. Wallin. ... Her son died in her arms and she just wants one minute. We've been here all day. Please.

Next speaker, please, Watts said after a long pause, according to a recording of the meeting.

I just felt railroaded. I felt so disrespected, Wallin said in an interview this week.

Watts said she had attempted to be clear and fair about the expectations she laid out and had tried to give some leeway to the speakers. Virginia's tightly compressed session means at some point, you have to move on, she said.

We try to cover as many bills as Congress does in a whole year in eight weeks, she said.

While the exchange was striking, it represented a common back-and-forth and underscored the time crunch faced by lawmakers, most of whom earn around $18,000 a year and many of whom travel long distances to Richmond.

The General Assembly legislates for a narrowly politically divided state of some 8.7 million people and considers thousands of bills in sessions scheduled for at most 60 days in even-numbered years, less in odd-numbered years. Lawmakers typically don't meet over the weekends and generally structure the weeks so work can conclude more quickly on Fridays.

Nationally, state legislatures  which differ widely in how long they meet  have varying policies on handling public input. Some offer visitors more time and latitude than others. Members of the public who visit capitols to petition their government also face varying regulations that limit the display of signs, political messaging on clothing and even where people can gather.

Virginia legislators cant plod through discussion on every single issue or they would run out of time, said House GOP Leader Todd Gilbert. But the public broadly deserves more time, and especially on sensitive topics like the second look bill, he said.

Gilbert also suggested the limited public comment could have been by design in this instance.

Last year, the measure passed the Senate unanimously but died on a unanimous, bipartisan vote in a House of Delegates subcommittee after a public hearing that featured over an hour of testimony, including emotional pleas from victims who said the measure would add to their trauma.

By the end of the public comment, then-sponsor Sen. Chap Petersen, a Democrat, threw up his hands and said: Do what you want with the bill. ... Im sorry, so sorry for these families.

Broadly speaking, the Assembly's time limits for speakers  which vary from panel to panel  have generally seemed tighter this session, said Megan Rhyne, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government. She also questioned why the Senate is not taking online public comment in subcommittees or allowing the submission of written public comments.

Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia, expressed similar concerns about the Senate's virtual testimony policies and the lack of an option to submit written comments.

But other Assembly observers have noted how much access and transparency have improved since the pre-pandemic days when not all meetings were recorded and there was no ability to testify online.

The Assembly's current session has been replete with other examples of visitors and even legislators being told to keep their remarks or questions brief. One instance happened in a House subcommittee discussing the closure of several state prisons and another in a Senate committee debating collective bargaining and other employment-related measures.

Please, make it quick! Democratic committee chairman Sen. Creigh Deeds said, adding about a later bill with a chuckle: You might speak too much, and well kill it."

In an interview, Deeds said he seeks to allow as much public input as possible but with so many bills, there's not much time for it.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the subcommittee hearing was held last week.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthi militia held a funeral on Saturday for at least 17 militants killed during joint U.S.-British airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed militants, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said.

The Houthis have launched waves of exploding drones and missiles at commercial ships since Nov. 19 in what they say is a response to Israel's military operations in Gaza, prompting Britain and the United States to start retaliatory strikes last month.

"These crimes will not discourage the Yemeni people from continuing their support and backing of their brothers in the Gaza Strip," Saba said in its coverage of the funerals.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday its forces conducted self-defense strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels (USV), four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile (LACM) that were prepared to launch strikes against ships in the Red Sea.

"CENTCOM identified these missiles and 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," it said in a statement. "These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels."

Besides the airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the U.S. and Britain have returned the militia to a list of terrorist groups as turmoil from the Israel-Hamas war spreads through the region.

The Houthi campaign has disrupted international shipping, causing some companies to suspend transits through the Red Sea and instead take the much longer, costlier journey around Africa.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba; Writing by Adam Makary; Additional reporting by Lucia Mutikani in Washington; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Helen Popper and Andrea Ricci)
Young undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers" once had the political leverage to force a vote on a bill that would help them earn citizenship. But in the now-defunct Senate bipartisan immigration proposal, Dreamers were ignored altogether, a casualty of the rightward shift on immigration.

This is true despite poll after poll over a number of years showing support for these immigrants who've lived most of their lives in the U.S., having arrived as young children with parents and family who either remained here after their visas expired or entered the U.S. without authorization.

While some lawmakers say recent years' arrivals mean "we don't know who is coming in," they once again chose to leave in the shadows hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and other people who have lived and worked in the U.S. most of their lives without legal status.

"Dreamers" is a term based on legislation introduced in 2001 to provide a path to citizenship for this category of young immigrants. It includes the more than 500,000 who have protection from deportation through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which allows eligible young adults to work and study in the U.S. It's been compared to the GI Bill in its ability to launch some young adults into the middle class, thus benefiting their communities, too.

Not all Dreamers are eligible or can afford to enroll or are accepted into DACA, an Obama-era program, which is also at risk: Then-President Donald Trump tried to stop it, and it has been blocked from accepting new applications by a Republican-led court challenge. An estimated 1.1 million eligible Dreamers don't have DACA.

In the early 2000s, Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, drew blowback from immigration advocates when he called on them to break apart a comprehensive immigration bill to address Dreamers as a stand-alone issue. It didn't happen, and the comprehensive effort failed.

"Relief for DACA recipients and other Dreamers should have been enacted as a stand-alone bill a long time ago and it should be enacted as stand-alone today, mainly because of the urgency of the precarious situation they are in today," Saenz told NBC News.

Saenz noted that along with strong support for Dreamers, many of the immigrants are playing important roles in the workforce  including in essential jobs like health care roles during the height of the Covid pandemic.

So there is not a reason, not a political reason, not a policy reason, why relief for the Dreamers should not be enacted down the road, he said.

The omission of Dreamers is a stark difference from the previous decade, when Congress could not ignore them. They formed a powerful youth-led lobby, staging nonviolent sit-ins in congressional offices, led rallies and marches, and worked on campaigns.

But Congress has rebuffed them for so long and missed so many opportunities to reconcile their status in the U.S. that many of the first Dreamers to press for legalization are well into adulthood; some who were eligible to change their status have become citizens, professionals and members of the military, while others are still struggling as longtime residents without legal status.

Nonetheless, theres still support for Dreamers, as demonstrated by the conservative National Association of Evangelicals: Though it praised the bipartisan Senate proposal, the group noted a permanent solution for Dreamers was one of the bills missing pieces.

The looming presidential election and the record numbers of immigrants arriving at ports of entry and between them complicate that possibility.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who introduced a Dreamers bill in 2017, told Reuters that helping Dreamers or other people in the U.S. without legal status is "toxic" and "tabled for years now" because of the current situation at the southern border.

'No real allies left'

Leonardo Rodriguez, a 22-year-old in his final semester at the University of California, Berkeley, is now the same age his mother was when she crossed the southern border with him from Mexico to join his father, who was already in the U.S. Rodriguez was 5. He has been protected from deportation and permitted to work through DACA, which he applied for and received as soon as he was eligible.

He and other undocumented young people often discuss how their life was easier when they first came to the U.S., even though they were in a completely culturally different place and had to learn a new language.

When you were younger, we arent asked to prove our citizenship and we would get student of the month or honor roll or to go on our filed trips, Rodriguez said.

It was when he began to do better in elementary school that his parents sat him down and had a frank talk with him about his status in the U.S. Despite his academic success, he would hit a wall one day, they told him. They promised to help him overcome those barriers, but at the end of the day, they would not be able to completely remove that, he said.

Leonardo Rodriguez, 22, student at UC Berkeley. (Courtesy Leonardo Rodriguez)

The years of hoping Congress would act and then being disappointed took a toll in high school, when Rodriguez began to wonder, "What am I going to try for?" But community college saved him, and he decided that if he couldnt change his government, he would become active in his community, helping in groups aiding people during the pandemic.

Rodriguez also became part of his community college board and a board trustee and was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve on the California Student Aid Commission. His GPA at Berkeley is 3.1.

For me its kind of disheartening to see that theres no real allies left for the undocumented, Rodriguez said, reflecting on the recent events in Congress around the immigration bill. Weve had to resort to putting that task back on undocumented people again, kind of like, how can you help yourself? How can you survive on your own, you know? How can you advocate for you?

Even in his home state, the University of California system chose to put off a vote on a proposal to allow students without legal immigration status to hold jobs on its campuses. UC President Michael Drake said the student work plan could put immigrant students at risk of criminal prosecution and deportation for working without legal status, The Associated Press reported.

The bipartisan immigration proposal, which Republicans forced onto a funding bill for aid to Ukraine and Israel, died on a procedural vote Wednesday, killing the measure President Joe Biden had urged Congress to pass. But Trump had told party members to sink the bill, leaving it with few prospects.

Bruna Sollod, senior communications and political director with United We Dream, a network of groups advocating for Dreamers, said the group didnt want to be part of the bill that she and other advocates consider to be wholly bad policy and would have remained so even if protections for Dreamers had been added.

The people who live here and who are working for their families and are part of communities, theyre trying to do the best they can with that, and the government is failing these people and failing the communities that were a part of, Sollod said.
We know we will find her an amazing home.

Perry Shirzad/U.S. Coast Guard Heartland

Two weeks after she was found trapped in a shipping container by U.S. Coast Guard members in Houston, Texas, Connie the Container Dog preparing to find her forever home in the D.C. Metro area.

Connie was accidentally discovered by a team of marine inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston on January 31. They were randomly selecting from thousands of shipping containers for inspection at the Port of Houston when they heard barking and scratching coming from one of the containers stacked about 25 feet in the air.

When they lowered the container and opened the door, a dog popped out! U.S. Coast Guard Heartland shared in a now-viral Facebook post.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Reyes, who helped rescue Connie, toldThe Washington Post that her incessant barking likely saved her from being shipped overseas. The container she was found in was reportedly headed for Dubai.

Its unknown how Connie ended up in a shipping container full of totaled vehicles and car parts in the first place, but its likely she was living in a junkyard and was accidentally loaded into the container, where she remained stuck without food and water for at least a week.

Despite being tired and hungry, the two-year-old pup was very happy to see her rescuers, the Coast Guard said.

She walked out on her own immediately. She was very, very happy to see all of us, Reyes recalled to the Post. She just wanted to be pet the entire time.



After giving her some cuddles and much-needed water, the inspection team took Connie to the Pasadena Animal Shelter in nearby Pasadena.

That same day, staff at Maryland-based Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) sent an email to Pasadena Animal Shelter offering to care for Connie. Founder Andrea Deoudes had come across her story on Facebook and wanted to help.

I thought, What a survivor to make it through all of that, Deoudes told the Post.

The Texas shelter agreed and sent Connie on her way via private plane this week. Deoudes said that staff treated her like a celebrity when she arrived at FCAR with her tail wagging ready for some treats!

But the drama didnt end there. During an initial exam, Deoudes, who also works as a veterinarian, discovered something unexpected. Connie was pregnant.

"She was taken directly to our rescue Founder, Director, and Veterinarian for a full workup, including bloodwork, x-rays, and an ultrasound. Upon exam, we noticed that Connie had some mammary development. Her x-rays showed some minor concerns, and when the ultrasound was performed, SURPRISE CONNIE IS PREGNANT!!!" FCAR wrote in an update on Wednesday.

"The fetuses have strong heartbeats and were bouncing around, so while her pregnancy is guarded due to her being without food and water for 8 days or more, we are hopeful given what we could see," the update continued.

Deoudes will care for Connie until she gives birth to her litter. Barring additional health issues, the dogs will eventually all be put up for adoption locally.

We know we will find her an amazing home, Deoudes told the Post. Its going to be tough because were going to receive a million applications.



For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



The Princess of Wales continues showing signs of a healthy recovery following her abdominal surgery last month. For the first time since her operation, she has left Windsor.

The Daily Mail reported that Princess Kate traveled to Sandringham on Friday morning with her husband, Prince William, and their three kids, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, for the half-term holidays. King Charles III is also residing at the royal estate in Norfolk as he recuperates from his first treatment for his cancer diagnosis .

Catherine is recovering well, an exclusive source told the Mail. She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William.

Kensington Palace announced in a statement last month that Kate had been admitted to the hospital on January 16 for a planned abdominal surgery. Although its not clear why the princess needed surgery (the palace is maintaining her privacy on the matter), Bazaar did quick learned that her condition is not cancerous. The palace added that she is unlikely to return to her royal engagements until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year.

On January 29 , the palace released another statement , which said the princess had returned to Windsors Adelaide Cottage to continue her recovery. A royal source told Bazaar, The princess is in good spirits.

While appointing a subject a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Prince William said his wife has received excellent medical care during her recovery. Trish Spruce, a recruiter for the United Kingdoms National Health Service, posted on LinkedIn that the prince had said that Catherine had two Filipino nurses looking after her and they were amazing and kind.

You Might Also Like
Actor Selma Blair is facing backlash online after an Islamophobic Instagram comment from last week went viral.

The comment was made on an Instagram video posted by Abraham Hamra one week ago, in which he calls out U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Cori Bush, D-Mo., for being the only two members of Congress to vote against a measure that would prevent anyone who partook in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel from immigrating to the U.S.

Hamra, whose Instagram bio refers to him as a speaker and Syrian Jewish refugee, calls Tlaib a liar, moron and a hateful antisemite in the video and said the truth is, the Jews have been victimized by the Arabs, and not the other way around.

Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, said the bill was redundant with already existing federal law.

Its just another GOP messaging bill being used to incite anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Muslim hatred that makes communities like ours unsafe, she said.

Blair thanked Hamra in a comment on the video, which was also shared one week ago and has since been removed from the post. NBC News viewed the post before it was removed. Its unclear who took it down.

Deport all these terrorist supporting goons. Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds, Blair wrote in the post. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate.

Blair, an avid disability rights activist who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, faced backlash from posters on the social media platform X on Friday. Her account on the platform no longer existed Friday evening.

Selma Blair going full speed ahead with bigotry and hate speech was not on my bingo card for 2024 but its a reminder that the genocide of Palestinians couldnt have happened unless a lot of regular people had been supporting their horrific oppression for decades, one X user said Friday.

Another called Blair out for revealing herself to be a raging Islamaphobic bigot.

The Council on AmericanIslamic Relations condemned Blair and encouraged her to apologize and dialogue with the Muslim American community.

No one is born a bigot, and we should never assume that someone is doomed to remain a bigot. Based on the hateful and ignorant remarks that Ms. Blair made, we doubt that she has ever engaged in any meaningful interactions with her Muslim colleagues in Hollywood or other members of the American Muslim community, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said in a statement.

We encourage Ms. Blair to apologize, and we also invite her to dialogue with our community. We also call on Hollywood studios and agencies to stop punishing artists who express support for Palestinian human rights while ignoring hateful comments by artists who support the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Mitchell continued.

Other celebrities, like Michael Rapaport and Debra Messing, commented in support of Hamras Instagram video as well, but their comments have not been removed.

Blair, who is Jewish, has yet to respond to the backlash. She has been outspoken about her support of Israel since the Oct. 7 attack. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening.

Tlaib was censured by the House in November for her comments and actions on the Israel-Hamas war.
US District Court for the Southern District of Florida / AFP via Getty Images

US District Court for the Southern District of Florida / AFP via Getty Images

A Texas woman accused of making death threats against the judge presiding over former President Donald Trumps classified documents case was sentenced Friday to three years in prison.

Tiffani Shea Gish, of Houston, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, the Justice Department said in a news release.

Holding Tiffani Gish accountable for her threats to assassinate a federal judge sends a strong message that we have no tolerance for those  who often hide behind a far-off keyboard or phone line  seeking to undermine our democratic institutions by threatening the safety of the people who help those same institutions thrive, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said in a statement.

A public defender listed for Gish did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday night.

Gish pleaded guilty in November to one count of using interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to court documents.

That guilty plea came more than a year after Gishs arrest in Houston in connection with threatening voicemails left for U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the Trump appointee who is overseeing the case against the former president for his handling of classified material after leaving office.

According to court documents, Gish had admitted to federal marshals that she left messages for Cannon, warning the judge that she was marked for assassination and that she planned to shoot her in front of her family.

Fridays sentencing comes as other judges in cases related to Trump have become targets.

A Texas woman was charged last year in connection with threats to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing Trumps federal election interference case. Chutkan recently postponed the trial, which was scheduled to begin next month, as Trump appeals rulings that said he is not immune from prosecution.

The classified documents case that Cannon is overseeing is scheduled to go to trial in May.

Trump is accused of willfully retaining national defense information in connection with classified documents that were uncovered at his Mar-a-Lago property more than a year after he left office, and scheming with two co-defendants to delete security video at the property.

Trump and co-defendants Walt Nauta, a top aide, and Carlos De Oliveira, a maintenance supervisor at Mar-a-Lago, have denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In a filing Thursday, special counsel Jack Smiths team asked Cannon to reconsider an order to turn over unredacted documents that Smiths team says identify more than two dozen witnesses and threaten their safety and testimony. Prosecutors noted in a separate filing this week that social media threats received by a potential witness in the case are the subject of a federal investigation.
Chairman Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., presides over the first hearing of the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, in the Cannon House Office Building on February 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee is investigating economic, technological and security competition between the U.S. and China.

WASHINGTON  Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, will not seek reelection this November.

Gallagher told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he will leave Congress at the end of his current term to enter the private sector and spend more time with his young family. He said his future work will be in-line with his national security goals and focus on defense policy.

I really just feel like Ive accomplished much more than I even thought I could when I set out, and I firmly dont believe that the best use for the next chapter of my career is staying in Congress for another decade, Gallagher said in an interview.

Even though my title may change, my job may change, my mission is always going to remain the same, he said. My mission is to prevent World War III. Ive dedicated myself to restoring conventional deterrence in order to prevent a war with China, and so whatever I do next will be an extension of that mission.

Gallagher, 39, was first elected to Wisconsins 8th Congressional District in 2016 and quickly made foreign policy and attempts at congressional reform his focus. The former Marine and intelligence officer has argued for term limits and said his decision to leave stays true to that thought process.

I think that the institution is healthier when people serve for a period of time and then go home, Gallagher said. He noted he has two young daughters and wants to grow his family.

Still, Gallaghers announcement came with little warning. The Green Bay Republican in his eight years in Congress established himself as one of Capitol Hills top national security and foreign policy hawks and had been on the rise in Washington as the youngest committee chair in recent history.

He was tapped last year to lead the select committee working to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party  one of Congress most high-profile committees. And he was a top choice for Republicans to run for Senate in 2024 before he pulled his name from consideration last summer.

In an interview, Gallagher pointed to his chairmanships of the select committee on China and the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation as key accomplishments. He noted the select committee has released three reports of policy recommendations on U.S. competition with the CCP and said the panel has an aggressive plan to get more of those recommendations into law during the final 10 months of the current Congress.

He downplayed his departures impact on the future of Congress' work on China, noting the select committee was established only for the current Congress. He said hed have recommendations if a future speaker wanted to continue a similar committee, like empowering it with legislative jurisdiction.

Weve already succeeded beyond what was imagined, he said of the select committee. Through (the recommendations), through our investigations, we've had a massive impact on U.S. foreign policy.

On his own work, he added: If I didn't think I could not only maintain, but also enhance, my influence on U.S. foreign policy and the future of defense policy in particular, I wouldn't be leaving.

Gallaghers departure leaves open his safely-Republican northeastern Wisconsin seat. Republicans have about a 16-point edge in the largely rural 8th District, and Gallagher had won each reelection handily, by no fewer than 25 points. His announcement gives Republicans just months to join the race before the state's primaries. A Trump-aligned GOP consultant living in Florida with ties to the district has indicated interest in the seat.

Largely seen as a more moderate Republican in todays GOP, Gallagher has at times been at odds with his party.

Notably, Gallagher called on former President Donald Trump to call off his supporters as they stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and was critical of the insurrection. But he ultimately voted against impeaching Trump for his actions. He's said Trump lost his support after Jan. 6 but has remained relatively quiet on the former president since.

Just this week, Gallagher drew the ire of many in the GOP when he voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border. The move temporarily blocked his partys impeachment effort and drew backlash from his partys right flank  including the threat of a primary challenge.

But in an interview, Gallagher insisted party politics and the current Republican tumult in Congress did not play a role in his decision not to seek reelection. I feel, honestly, like people get it, and they can accept the fact that they dont have to agree with you 100%, he said, later adding of the Mayorkas backlash: The news cycle is so short that I just dont think that stuff lasts.

He said, however, that leaving Congress means he wont have to constantly campaign  a move he says will free me to just do my job.

(Ive) beaten a lot of primary challengers and won by a greater margin than anyone in the history of the district, so Ive been able to focus a lot on the job, he said. But still, like even in a presidential year, thats hard.

Democrats failed to field a candidate to challenge Gallagher in 2022. Kristin Lyerly, a De Pere OB-GYN who's been active in Democrats' efforts to restore abortion access in Wisconsin, is considering a run this year.

The move makes Gallagher the latest in a flurry of planned retirements in Congress. Dozens of lawmakers have announced intentions to retire over the last year, and on Thursday, House Energy and Commerce chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican, said she would not seek reelection. Other departing House committee leaders include Appropriations chair Kay Granger of Texas and Financial Services chair Patrick McHenry of North Carolina.

Gallagher told the Journal Sentinel he will figure out his next steps in the coming months. He said hes open to a variety of things and mentioned teaching, as well as writing and speaking about U.S. foreign policy, as interests.

Some combination of those things, but I dont know what that is yet Gallagher said. Theres a lot left in the 118th Congress that I want to get done, and this move will allow me to focus on that.

His decision to leave the House was not a recent revelation. He and his wife had been discussing a potential change for about a year, he said.

And while Gallagher will leave Capitol Hill in just under 10 months, he did not rule out a return. He said he would welcome the opportunity to serve in a future presidential administration and added that, if the timing was right, he wouldnt rule out running for the House or Senate, or at the state-level in Wisconsin.

I just think its healthier to take a step back from time to time, develop a new skill set, Gallagher said.

I always envisioned the type of career where I would go between the private sector and stints of public service, he said. And I think this will get me back to that balanced track, which I think is much more healthy, both for myself, my family and for the institution.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher will not seek re-election
WWE star Maryse announced she was has a "rare pre-cancer of the ovaries" is determined to beat her diagnosis.

The two-time Divas Champion said on Instagram on Saturday she had been suffering from severe abdominal swelling that was causing extreme fatigue. She said she saw several doctors and underwent tests but was never diagnosed with anything. She said she was eventually told to let it go, but was persistent on figuring out what was wrong with her.

Then she met a doctor in Los Angeles who "truly listened" to what was wrong with her. Aliabadi performed surgery on Maryse for what was thought to be endometriosis disease.

"(The doctor) found and removed 11 implants around my uterus, ovaries, and all connective tissues around the organs in my abdominal cavity. These were sent to pathology for testing," she wrote.

Tests revealed there was no endometriosis  but the results showed serous borderline tumors, something she said is a pre-cancer diagnosis and if they became cancerous, the survival rate is less than a year.

What are serous borderline tumors?

Borderline ovarian tumors are "low malignant potential" tumors that are not completely benign, according to the University of Chicago Medicine. It can only be diagnosed by microscopic assessment after surgery. Women usually between the ages of 20 and 40 are affected and are usually diagnosed in the early stages. If not caught early enough, it could spread to other parts of the body, according to Cancer Research UK.

Surgery is typically the only treatment needed, which usually involves the partial or full removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. Patients require long-term follow-up care, as 10% of tumors can recur several years after the initial diagnosis, or also become an invasive cancer, UChicago Medicine says.

'Determined to beat this thing'

Maryse said she will have total hysterectomy that will involve the removal of her uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and omentum, as well as the removal of abdominal lymph nodes.

"I'm remaining positive and determined to beat this thing. There is only one option and it's winning the battle! As a mom of two young daughters, I have to," she said.

Maryse also spoke about breaking the stigma of women being conditioned to suffer, such as always seeking advocacy and follow instincts. She began the post by saying her doctor was a superhero who "saved my life."

Several current and former WWE stars, like Brie Garcia (formerly known as Brie Bella), Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks), Charlotte Flair, Naomi, Natalya and more posted words of encouragement for Maryse.

The 41-year-old is listed as current star for WWE, but hasn't appeared in the ring since the 2022 Royal Rumble. She has been married to fellow WWE star The Miz since 2014, and they have two children.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WWE star Maryse reveals 'rare' diagnosis of pre-cancer of ovaries
The home minister also lauded all those who participated in the long struggle on various fronts on the Ram temple issue

New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took all sections of society along on the Ram temple issue and described the Supreme Court verdict on the matter as a reflection of India's secular character to the world.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony on January 22, he said that in no other country has the majority community waited for so long for a matter related to its faith.

The home minister said Ram is not a person but a symbol of an ideal life for crores of Indians and that is why he is known as "Maryada Purushottam".

"The concept of Ram Rajya is not for any particular religion or sect. Ram Rajya symbolises an ideal state not only for India but the entire world," he said.

People who imagine India without Ram do not know the country and symbolise the era of slavery, he said, noting that the illustrations of the God and the "Ram Darbar" were given space in the Constitution too

January 22 is going to be historic for thousands of years, Shah said.

Shah underlined that there were apprehensions that post the Supreme Court verdict there could be unrest but such fears were unfounded as the country saw a harmonious atmosphere.

In a unanimous verdict in 2019 in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case, the Supreme Court paved the way for the construction of the temple and directed the Centre to allot an alternative five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple showed India's secular character to the world, Shah said.

He also lauded all those who participated in the long struggle on various fronts on the Ram temple issue.

People's struggle for constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya began in 1528 and the legal battle fought for it started in 1858, he said, adding that it all came to an end on January 22 which rejuvenated India's faith and marked the beginning of the journey of a great India.

He recalled that the BJP had passed a resolution in its Palampur executive meeting in 1989 saying that the construction of the Ram temple should not be linked with a religion.

The BJP had thrown its weight behind the construction of the Ram temple with the adoption of what has come to be known as the Palampur resolution, and its senior leader LK Advani launched his Rath Yatra a year later.

This was a movement for the revival of the consciousness of the country. That is why we will legally liberate the Ram Janmabhoomi and build a Ram temple at that place, he said in the House.

The temple's construction is the journey from struggle to devotion, from chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Jai Sia Ram', he said while heaping praise on Modi for his leadership and the arduous religious discipline he subjected himself for 11 days in the run-up to the January 22 ceremony.

In an apparent swipe at some opposition members, he said those who imagine India without Lord Ram do not know India.

Critics used to mock the BJP over its promises alleging they were driven by electoral exigencies, he said, asserting that the Modi government banned triple talaq as well and fulfilled many other commitments.

The BJP and its leader Modi do what they say, he said.

India's culture cannot be separated from Ramayana, Shah said and added that an over 300 years long struggle ended with the inauguration of the Ram mandir.

"The date of January 22 marks the beginning of the journey of great India. This day paves the way for Maa Bharti (mother India) to take us on the path of becoming Vishwaguru (world leader). It was a day that marked the hopes, aspirations and accomplishments of crores of devotees," Shah said, adding that the Ram mandir is a sign of cultural rejuvenation.

Shah said the journey that started on January 22 will be carried forward and expressed confidence that the Modi government will come back to power in 2024 after the general elections.

The Ram mandir has been built following legal and constitutional mandate, Shah said, adding that the BJP kept its patience and the Ram temple was built in Ayodhya in a "harmonious environment".

No political slogans were raised at the consecration ceremony, Shah said, adding, "I say with folded hands that accept the message of unity and move forward."

Addressing critics, he said they should accept the overwhelming popular sentiment on the issue and not vitiate the atmosphere of joy and devotion.

Remembering BJP veteran Advani's contribution with his 'Rath Yatra', he said it acted as an awakening for people and Modi during his tenure finally fulfilled their aspirations.
Modi speaks on last day of the session before Lok Sabha polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Emotions ran high as the members of the 17th Lok Sabha bid farewell on the last day of the Budget Session. Meeting for one last time in this Lok Sabha, the outgoing MPs shook hands and took photographs and selfies for memories as they bid goodbye to each other. Speaking at the farewell occasion in Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the present Lok Sabha saw many game-changing reforms that will lay the foundation of a strong India.

Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were later adjourned sine die, ending the Budget Session.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, Modi said the five years of the 17th Lok Sabha were a period of "reform, perform and transform", with the country moving towards "big changes" at a fast pace.

"It is rare that we reform, perform and also see transformation... The country has moved towards big changes at a fast pace and all members of the House have made an important contribution. We can say with satisfaction that the tasks for which many generations had been waiting for centuries were accomplished in the 17th Lok Sabha, the PM said as he thanked MPs and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

In his Lok Sabha address, the Prime Minister mentioned laws like the abolition of triple talaq, the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the women reservation law and the new Indian Penal Code.

The Prime Minister said the 17th Lok Sabha saw 97 per cent productivity. "We are moving towards the end of the 17th Lok Sabha and we resolve that productivity should go beyond 100 per cent in the 18th Lok Sabha," Modi said.

Modi said as their term comes to an end, there is also an apprehension in the minds of members about the outcome of the general elections.

For generations, people had dreamt of one Constitution, but this House made that possible by removing Article 370, he said, taking a dig at the Opposition, saying their attacks make him only stronger.

The Prime Minister said the 17th Lok Sabha gave exceptional national service despite several challenges, particularly Covid-19, when no one knew who will survive and how many of their near and dear ones will live to see another day.

Referring to the resolution passed on Saturday about the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple, the Prime Minister said that it will give constitutional powers to the future generations of the country to take pride in its heritage. He said that the resolution comprises "samvedna, sankalp and sahanubhuti" along with the mantra of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas".

Modi also appreciated Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas role in the functioning of the House. "You always had a smile on your face, no matter what happened. You led this House in an impartial manner and I laud you for it. There were times of anger and accusations, but you handled these situations with patience and ran the House wisely," Modi said.

He added that there used to be talk of the need for having a new building in earlier times, but the decision of the Speaker made this a reality during the 17th Lok Sabha.

Mr Modi said the ceremonial installation of the "sengol" in the House was also made under Birla's leadership.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Speaker for initiating the proceedings in the New Parliament building with the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

On his part, Birla appreciated the support from the lawmakers and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for accepting the demand of the MPs for a new Parliament building.

Earlier, NCP MP Supriya Sule expressed thanks to the Union ministries and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for their cooperation during the last five years.

Members of this Lok Sabha worked in the old and new parliament buildings. The memories of both buildings are going to be with them and we are determined to continue cooperation for the development of the country. We may have disagreements in views, but we hope we will not have sourness in relationships among us, said Ms Sule.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary too lauded the role of Mr Birla but went on to say that he is still struggling to adjust to the settings and galleries of the new Parliament. He added that the Opposition played its role with responsibility.

The Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel, BSP's Ritesh Pandey, LJSP's Prince Raj, Shiv Sena's Rahul Ramesh Shewale, BJD's Anubhav Mohanty and JD(U)'s Sunil Kumar Pintoo were among the other MPs who spoke on the occasion.
Rise of Deep Fakes Spurs Global Legislative Action, India Faces Growing Threat

The rise of deep fake videos targeting all genres of people has raised alarm bells, prompting widespread concern and an urgent need to curb the misuse of deep fake technology. The United States Senate has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act. This law would make it illegal to share non-consensual, sexualised images, and videos created by artificial intelligence without the individuals consent. Similarly, the European Unions proposed Artificial Intelligence Act aims to provide strict regulations to address deep fakes. As this technology becomes more available to the public, an increasing number of countries are grappling with the dilemma of deep fakes and how to tackle this issue.

In a policy brief for the International Centre of Counter-Terrorism, entitled the Weaponisation of Deep Fakes Digital Deception, the far right Ella Busch and Jacob Ware stated the words, deep fake, are derived from the concept of deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence-machine learning (AI/ML). Deep learning algorithms are composed of deep neural networks, which simulate the human brain in a way that enables the AI to learn from large amounts of data. Deep learning is unique from machine learning for its ability to process unstructured data, such as text and images, which make it ideal for creating deep fake videos, audio, images, or text. Deep fakes are created using a specific deep learning algorithm called a generative adversarial network (GAN). GANs, first developed by researcher Ian Good fellow in 2014, consist of two neural networks  a generator algorithm and a discriminator algorithm. The generator algorithm creates a fake image (or other form of media) and the discriminator judges the medias authenticity. The action repeats for hours, or even days, until reaching a stable state in which neither the generator nor the discriminator can improve their performance.

In other words, deep fakes are a type of synthetic media that involves the manipulation of someones facial appearance through deep-generative methods. Although the technique of mimicking someones face or voice isnt new, what is revolutionary about deep fake is its reliance on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). GANs rely on two AI models that work in tandem. The first AI model, the forger, helps in manipulating someones face based on the provided sample. The second AI model, the detective, scrutinises the forgers creation and, based on Face Training Data, identifies all the reasons why it's fake. The forger then makes improvements based on the inputs provided by the detective. This process of improvement continues until the detective is unable to find any difference between the real image and the generated image.

Like any technology, deep fakes have both positive and negative uses. Filmmakers are extensively using this technology to translate films, age/de-age actors, help speed film production and reduce its costs. In the field of education, deep fakes can help in creating much more innovative lessons which are far more engaging than the traditional form of learning. It can be used to re-enact historical moments; help understand human anatomy and assist in architecture. It can also be used by medical researchers to develop new ways of treating diseases without actual patients. Deep fakes have numerous benefits to offer.

On the other hand, deep fakes are extensively being used to commit crimes such as financial scams, spread misinformation, and share sexually explicit videos. According to Europols Innovation Lab, deep fakes could become a staple tool for organised crimes, as they can be extensively used for bullying, allowing intellectual property violation, facilitating fraudulent documents, manipulating evidence, supporting terrorism, and fostering social unrest and political polarisation. There have been reports that deep fakes were employed in the last Assembly elections to malign opponents, and if no steps are taken, they may be widespread during 2024 general elections.

This writer, himself, was a victim of a deep fake video impersonating his voice that was maliciously circulated the day before polling in the 2019 parliamentary elections. Fortunately, the impersonation was so crude and amateurish that it got caught out and exposed before it could do substantial reputational and electoral damage. Nonetheless, the deep fake did end up creating apprehensions in the minds of a certain section of the electorate.

In response to an unstarred question raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding the regulation of AI and deep fakes, the ministry of information and broadcasting stated that it currently relies on Section 469 of the IPC (forgery for the purpose of harming reputation) and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021), to address the issue of deep fakes. These rules impose an obligation on social media intermediaries to ensure the expeditious removal of prohibited misinformation, patently false information, and deep fakes. Unfortunately, these rules fail to effectively address the issue of deep fakes. Moreover, these rules are highly ambiguous and generic, lacking substantial measures to regulate deep fakes. Even the proposed Digital India Bill fails to provide any provision or principle on which the ministry intends to rely while regulating deep fakes. Thus, there exists a legal vacuum which results in the failure of properly regulating deep fakes.

This vacuum has resulted in a rise of AI and deep fake-related crime in India. According to McAfees survey on AI voice scam, about 47 per cent of Indian adults have experienced some form of AI voice scam which is almost double the global average of 25 per cent. Moreover, according to the UK-based Sumsub Identity Fraud Report, India has witnessed 1,700 per cent growth in the number of deep fakes. This clearly shows that India is severely unequipped and unprepared to keep pace with the rapid advances in technology.

The first Industrial Revolution fundamentally transformed the world by enabling transition from agrarian and manual labour to machine-driven manufacturing. Similarly, the AI revolution holds the potential for a comparable paradigm shift. If India wants to reap the benefits of this AI revolution, then it must ensure that it is prepared to tackle the upcoming challenges.

Europol estimates that by the year 2026, nearly 90 per cent of the online content may be synthetically generated. This shall significantly alter the way we interact with one another, consume information and spend time on the internet. Similar to the United States, and the EU, India also needs a law to tackle the rise of artificial intelligence and deep fakes.

The next Parliament should suo motu constitute a joint committee of Parliament to address this issue, and ensure that proper consultations are carried out with all concerned stakeholders. The objective should be to draft a comprehensive legislation that takes into account the perspectives of all stakeholders, and helps shape a law that would tackle the challenge of deep fakes before it becomes portentously pervasive.
by Mathias Hariyadi

From February, the term 'Isa al Masih' will no longer be used, but the more appropriate 'Jesus Christ'. For the outgoing leader, it is a desire to show the plural and open face of the country. And to file away the controversy and protests over support for his Defence Minister Subianto and his son, the vice-presidential candidate (ahead in the polls).

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - On the eve of the presidential and parliamentary vote in Indonesia - the most populous Muslim nation in the world - in a climate marked by protests over the "interventionism" of the outgoing leader Joko Widodo in favor of Prabowo Subianto,there is a small but significant change for Christians.

In fact, with presidential decree 8/2024 regarding public holidays, the head of state last week decided to officially change the name of the anniversaries, moving from the previous Islamic name to the Christian term. From this month of February, therefore, the term "Isa al Masih" will no longer be used, but the more appropriate "Jesus Christ" will be used.

Jokowi's decision will concern, in particular, the naming of four holidays present in the country's calendar: Christmas, which from today will be called "Day of the Birth of Jesus Christ"; Good Friday, which is the Day of the Death of Jesus Christ; Easter, now Day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ascension to heaven, from Isa al Masih to Jesus Christ. The choice was based on Jokowi's desire to show the increasingly plural face of the country in terms of religious faith and confessional harmony.

The possibility of changing the name of the Christian holidays had been discussed for two years, since the Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had proposed it during a meeting with the Indonesian bishops in the Moluccas in April 2022. A choice linked to the request of groups of faithful who asked to make the terminology more "Christian", compared to using the Islamic denomination.

Without particular protests or criticism from other parties, in particular those linked to the Muslim faction, the initial idea took shape and became law precisely in these days on the eve of the elections.

A non-random choice, because Jokowi himself, in driving the candidacy of his Defense Minister Subianto - and of his son Gibran Rakabuming as vice-president - emphasized the multi-cultural, plural and open element of the country.

Meanwhile, from the latest findings, Subianto's victory seems to be looming, stronger than the controversies and attacks of recent weeks that have touched the current leadership and the government.

A poll released today (conducted between January 29 and February 5) credits the outgoing Defense Minister with 51.9% of the preferences, followed by the former governor of Jakarta with 23.3% and 20.3% for Ganjar Pranowo , former leader of Central Java province.

However, in general, all the findings of the last period give the duo an overwhelming majority compared to their rivals. Jokowi, as the outgoing president is popularly known, has been accused of interference and bias over his implicit support for Prabowo.

These charges have been rejected by the head of state, who claimed a position of impartiality towards the challengers to his succession. In the past, Widodo was targeted by the Council for Electoral Ethics for having supported with a coup the modification of the law on the minimum age to favor his son's candidacy for the vice-presidency.
Today's news: One million Palestinians at risk in Rafah ahead of the Israeli army's ground assault on Hamas. A growing number of Japanese expatriates in China and the US return for increasing racism and economic reasons. Modi 'enlists' young Muslims in universities to win the minority vote. Prison authorities ban prison visits and phone calls to Nobel Prize winner Narges Mohammadi.

PAKISTAN

With a large part of the votes in the general elections in Pakistan counted, no political force has a clear majority despite the two main challengers declaring victory: on the one hand the former prime minister - now in prison - Imran Khan, according to whom the independents obtained more preferences. On the other, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for whom his own party has the largest number of votes and invites others to form a coalition. For the army the vote was a "success".

ISRAEL - GAZA

Trapped in the Rafah area, over a million Palestinians await the ground assault announced by Israel in the city south of the Strip. Humanitarian agencies warn of the risk of catastrophe for civilian victims. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, speaks of "anxiety and panic" and people who "don't know where to go". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out a plan "for the evacuation of the population and the destruction of 4 Hamas battalions".

JAPAN

An increasing number of Japanese expatriates in the United States and China are returning to their country of origin due to the rising cost of living. The number of economic migrants grew from 1989 to 2019, then recorded a progressive decrease in the last five years: Shanghai and New York were the cities that recorded the strongest decline. Among the causes are anti-Asian racism in the USA and the arrests of citizens of the Land of the Rising Sun in China, as well as "economic" issues.

INDIA

A Hindu group linked to Narendra Modi is placing Muslims loyal to the prime minister's party in leadership positions in Islamic universities, as part of a plan to gather support within the minority ahead of the next elections. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) wants to distance the Muslim electorate from the Congress and other opposition movements, bringing them closer to the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

IRAN

For over two months the Iranian authorities have deprived Narges Mohammadi, pro-human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner, of the possibility of making phone calls and receiving visits in prison. The restrictions would have expired on February 4 but, according to what her family revealed, the Evin prison authorities have extended them for a further - and indeterminate - period of time.

MALAYSIA

A Malaysian court has rejected as unconstitutional more than a dozen Sharia-inspired laws issued in Kelantan, a state led by a religious party linked to Islamic law. The country has a dual system, under which criminal and family laws apply to Muslims, parallel to the secular one. The judges, with a vote of 8 to 1, deemed the laws "invalid" because they concern issues - sodomy, gambling, etc. - which fall under the jurisdiction of the federal Parliament.

RUSSIA - CHINA

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the occasion of the lunar new year. The Kremlin leader received the assurance that China "is ready to strengthen international and multilateral collaboration" with Moscow "in the year of its presidency of the Brics countries", as communicated by Beijing television.

KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyz Parliamentarian Sairbek Tasiev has proposed a ban on the import of electronic cigarettes, "given the increasingly widespread diffusion among students in schools". Other deputies add the ban on its use within Kyrgyzstan, while a fringe of parliamentarians and economists are critical, considering it an ineffective measure.
by Stefano Caprio

The Ukrainian autocephalous Orthodox Church has removed the memorial of the holy Russian prince Aleksandr Nevsky from its liturgical calendar, teh saint who defeated Westerners in the 13th century and was the forerunner of the alliance with the Asian empires. While Kirill would like to canonise the great generals of Russian military history.

The Synod of the Ukrainian autocephalous Orthodox Church Pzu (Pravoslavnaja Zerkov Ukrainy) has decided to exclude from the liturgical calendar the memory of the holy Russian prince Aleksandr Nevsky, victor in the battles against the Westerners and advocate of compromise with the Tatar Horde in the 13th century.

This is not a de-canonisation or an "anathema against a saint", as it is described in the Russian press, which denounces yet another move of the "Ukrainian schism", since each local Orthodox Church (there are 15, including the Ukrainian one not recognised by the Russians) arranges the celebrations of saints according to its own criteria, but in the light of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the decision appears to be a sort of "spiritual nuclear missile" launched by Kiev against Moscow, as Aleksandr Soldatov notes in Novaja Gazeta.

The exaltation of the figure of Alexander Nevsky has been the rhetorical premise of the religious justification of Russia's conflict against the hostile West, starting with the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of his birth in 2020.

The young provincial leader was Prince of Novgorod, then Grand Duke of Kiev and Vladimir at a crucial moment in Russian history, that of the Tatar invasion in 1240. His hometown was outside the Mongol Khan assault routes, and he achieved historic victories, later clothed with apocalyptic-historical significance, in 1239 (at only 19 years of age) against the Swedes on the Neva River - hence the title Nevsky - and in 1242 on the ice of Lake Peipus against the Teutonic Knights, heirs of the Templars sent to the shores of the Baltic to conquer the northern lands to Catholicism, and sunk in what was then epically remembered as the 'battle of the ice'.

After the death of his father, he remained the only free prince of ancient Rus', and from 1247 began a series of negotiations with the Tatars by travelling as far as the seat of the Great Khan at Karakorum in Mongolia, in a delegation that was also joined by a representative of the Roman papacy, the Franciscan Giovanni del Piano Carpine, who later passed on in his memoirs the account of the destruction of the city of Kiev, and the description of the Asian empire in the great Historia Mangolorum.

Although he was not forced to do so, Aleksandr agreed to obtain from the Tatars the confirmation of the princely title, the famous yarlik that constituted the system of government of the Russian principalities for over two centuries, against payment of the dan, the subjugation tax to be paid with dengi, the Mongolian money, all terms that remained in the Russian language as the only legacy of the 'Tatar yoke', that of the centralised administration of the Eurasian Horde, very similar to the Putinian "vertical of power".

The prince's exploits attracted the interest of Pope Innocent IV, who sent a couple of cardinals to Vladimir - the new capital, which had replaced Kiev razed to the ground - to convince Aleksandr to reunite with Rome, also to escape Asian domination, but he replied that "we have everything we need in the tradition of the faith", becoming the forerunner of Holy Russia rejecting any union with the Latins.

The popes had managed to pull Prince Daniil of Galicia, a western region of Rus' (now between Poland and Ukraine), to their side a few years earlier, creating even then a situation similar to the ecclesiastical-political schism of today. With his settlement in Vladimir, moreover, Aleksandr laid the foundations for the translatio of the mother city from Kiev to Moscow, then still a simple post station, founded by the princes of Vladimir.

Nevsky died in 1263 while on his way to visit the Khan of the Golden Horde in Saraj in the Caucasus, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, accompanied by Metropolitan Kirill of Kiev, who had followed the prince by opening the seat of Suzdal, 20 kilometres from Vladimir, in what would later be called the 'Golden Ring' of ancient Russian cities.

He was canonised by the Council of Moscow in 1547, known as the 'Hundred Chapters', which was held at the same time as the Council of Trent and had a similar significance for Russia to the Catholic Counter-Reformation, defining the ideology of the Church as the 'institutor of the State' that is now being relaunched by Patriarch Kirill in support of the new version of the 'Russian world'.

The figure of Aleksandr at that time was further exalted by the first Tsar Ivan the Terrible, who intended to impersonate the superiority of 'Moscow - Third Rome' over the entire Christian world.

Peter the Great also had recourse to the epic of the holy prince, transferring his relics from Vladimir to St. Petersburg, the new capital he founded at the mouth of the Neva, naming the victories of the new Russian army and navy, created precisely to defeat the Swedes once and for all, after him.

A few weeks ago, Aleksandr's relics and sarcophagus were brought back by the patriarch's will to the Lavra named after him, with symbolic intentions similar to the transport of Rublev's icon of the Trinity, at the end of the grandiose Nevsky Prospect around which the streets and canals of the scenic capital of the North, the 'City of St. Peter' of a new imperial vision of a Western type, wind.

Hundreds of churches in Aleksandr's honour were built at the time of Alexander II in the second half of the 19th century, and the very name of the Tsar (like his uncle Alexander I) was still decided upon by Catherine II to honour the holy prince, evoking at the same time the exploits of Alexander the Great.

Even in Soviet times, an 'atheist' cult of Aleksandr Nevsky developed on the initiative of Stalin, as an inspiration for resistance to the Nazi invasion during the Great Patriotic War.

The first to lash out against the sacrilegious Ukrainians was the "retired" Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbacev), former Russian ex-arch for Africa and "spiritual father" of the late Evgenij Prigozin, who was also rejoicing at having succeeded in rejecting the session of the ecclesiastical tribunal by which Patriarch Kirill intended to oust him definitively, now postponed to a date to be determined thanks to mysterious interventions "from above".

The metropolitan, a former soldier and chaplain to all kinds of fighters, called the Pzu hierarchs "thugs in disguise", while the saintly Aleksandr remains "a challenge and a mental threat" to Ukraine and the entire West, protecting Russia from any attempt to defeat it and erase it from history.

Patriarch Kirill himself recalled that the fate of Aleksandr Nevsky represents "the entire historical perspective of Russia", which would therefore be the vocation to fight eternally against the West and to submit to the East, then to the Mongols and now to the Chinese, who after all are the main heirs of Genghis Khan.

Indeed, it is not surprising that the Ukrainians wanted to get rid of this symbol of neo-imperial ideology, in the process of de-colonisation from Russian oppression, and other 'protector of Russia' saints such as Sergius of Radonez, who blessed the troops of Moscow prince Dmitry Donskoj, or his disciple Andrei Rublev, whose icons are used by the patriarch as flags of the 'Russian trinity' of the reunion of the original countries, perhaps even as far as Seraphim of Sarov, the starets canonised by Tsar Nicholas II, himself declared a saint in 2000, as the inspirer of the Putin era.

Moreover, it was Kirill himself who, as metropolitan in 2001, proposed the canonisation of Admiral Fyodor Usakov, the commander of the Russian Black Sea fleet at the end of the 18th century, famous throughout the East as "the invincible Usak-Pasha", whom no one thought could even end up in the choir of saints.

Today, the Patriarch is also pushing to elevate to the honour of the altars the generalissimus Aleksandr Suvorov, who has already been awarded all kinds of noble titles, including that of Prince of Italy, for his countless victories without ever being defeated, and at this rate it is likely to go as far as Soviet heroes such as Marshal Georgij Zukov, liberator from the Nazis and repeatedly compared by Kirill to St George the Victorious, or the astronaut Jurij Gagarin, who launched himself into space before the Americans almost self-canonised, even though on his return he claimed that he 'had not seen God'.

RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY SATURDAY, CLICK HERE
In addition to the creation of new specialised centres, dedicated mental health services will be introduced in all polyclinics in Singapore. The number of psychiatrists and psychologists in public health will also be increased, by 30 per cent and 40 per cent respectively. The government wants to implement the measures by 2030.

Singapore (AsiaNews/Agencies) - "The government will take a number of significant steps to improve the mental health and psychological wellbeing of citizens," Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced to Parliament on 7 February unveiling a series of changes by the government in addressing the issue for its five million inhabitants.

The most significant measures that will be introduced are an increase in the number of places in the psychiatry department of the National Institute of Mental Health, while the Alexandra Hospital will be completely refurbished by increasing the space dedicated to the treatment and mental wellbeing of patients. The number of psychiatrists and psychologists employed in public health will be increased by 30% and 40% respectively.

The executive also aims to renew 'basic' training in these fields, starting with the preparation of 28,000 workers and volunteers who will be in the front line for the wellbeing of the community. Finally, the big news is the introduction of dedicated mental health services in all existing polyclinics and the creation of 900 more social and health clinics, with the government aiming to have all these measures in place by 2030, or even earlier.

Wong emphasised that mental health is the government's priority in the coming years: 'We have a lot to do and the agenda is busy. We have set plans for facilities and training and we have a lot to achieve on a very complex issue. We want the issue, which affects everyone, to involve the entire population, so that together we can learn how to improve collective wellbeing and continue to fine-tune our strategies based on feedback from citizens and their experiences'.

The deputy prime minister himself acknowledges that attitudes towards mental health problems are changing in Singapore, although stigma still remains deep-rooted. And this 'reduces a complex issue to harmful labels and stereotypes.

This kind of issue exposes people struggling with mental health conditions to discrimination in interpersonal relationships, as well as in the workplace. Opening up about the issue or entering therapy may result in social ostracism. This holds back many people who would need treatment'.

Improving mental health treatment also means unhinging the mentality still predominant in Singapore that celebrates the 'rhetoric of success' at the expense of those who need psychological help and support.

Indeed, on this front, Wong pointed out that the government is taking policy measures, reviewing the education and health system, reducing wage gaps and strengthening safety nets, but he also reminded the House that 'we cannot make this happen through politics alone. We need everyone's help to change things,' he concluded, 'in favour of shared prosperity.
by Angeline Tan

Philip Chan, 59, is the first to come under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act, adopted in 2022 to deal with growing pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC). A real estate developer linked to a Shenzhen-based group, Chan attended the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing last year.

Singapore (AsiaNews)  For the first time since it came into force in July 2022, Singapores Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act has been used to classify a 59-year-old businessman born in Hong Kong, Philip Chan Man Ping, as a "politically relevant person.

The Registrar has assessed that Chan has shown susceptibility to be influenced by foreign actors, and willingness to advance their interests, reads a statement released by the Home Affairs Ministry on 2 February.

While the government did not say which foreign country's interest Chan was pushing in Singapore, Chan was among 30 overseas Chinese who in March last year participated in the yearly session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing, a largely ceremonial advisory body of China's parliament.

At the time, he told local media that representatives from the overseas Chinese community should form an alliance and tell the China story well.

In 2019, Chan was warned for facilitating a meeting at a restaurant he owns to discuss the Hong Kong anti-government protests, reported The Straits Times.

As a politically relevant person, Chan must disclose annually political donations of S, 000 or more, that he receives and accepts, foreign affiliations, and migration benefits.

In response to a query from The Straits Times, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on 5 February that Mr Chan, as president of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association (HSBA), has promoted cooperation between Hong Kong and Singapore.

China has always refrained from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and has no intention of commenting on this specific matter, added the spokesperson in a written response.

Meanwhile, Chan resigned from the HSBA, effective 2 February. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr Chan for his invaluable contributions, dedication, and leadership during his tenure, said the HSBA, which connects business communities in Singapore and Hong Kong, and seeks to boost industry and commerce between the two cities and China.

This decision was made with the understanding that his term would naturally conclude in June 2024, and, as part of the succession planning, it was anticipated that a new president would be selected and voted in by the end of his term, HSBA added.

Chan is a real estate investor by profession and president of the Kowloon Club, which helps new immigrants settle into Singapore.

He is the managing director of Singapore's Wen Way Investments Pte Ltd, the real estate investment arm of Shenzhen-headquartered Amer International Group.

Chan now has 14 days from 2 February to submit representations to the Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures. If he is designated as a politically relevant person, he can appeal against the registrars decision to Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.

The businessman said he had no statements to make, nor will he make public his presentations to the registrar.

The incident has renewed debate on China's clout in Singapore.

Veteran diplomat Ong Keng Yong, who is the executive deputy chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said the ease of doing business and operating among foreign corporations and organisations via Singapore, has emboldened Chinese companies and entities to use Singapore to extend their clout in the region and beyond.

From this perspective, efforts have been made to cultivate relevant opinion makers and policy people. The idea is to have a PRC-friendly constituency, said Ong. Hence, the pool of Chinese expatriates or naturalised Singaporean citizens of Chinese origin is important.

Initially, cultivation efforts revolved around business and some ancestry ties. This has now become more obvious and those inside this circle have become bolder and outgoing, he added, noting that Chan is one such individual.

RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY THURSDAY, CLICK HERE.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Kia refreshed the fourth generation of the Carnival and unveiled it at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show as a 2025 model year, and the changes were massive.

The Korean automaker introduced the fourth generation of the Carnival in 2021 for the 2022 model, and Kia named it an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). It didn't look like a minivan anymore but more like an SUV with sliding rear doors and a lower ground clearance. Kia updated the vehicle in all areas. Besides the new bolder look, the automaker also performed significant upgrades inside the cabin, so customers could enjoy more luxurious items than before in the Carnival. Last but not least, the drivetrain went through some changes and was available with a surprisingly new hybrid drivetrain that aimed for excellent fuel efficiency.

When the automaker decided to refresh the Carnival, the new model had to sport the brand's new signature design. As a result, the 2025 model year MPV featured a broad black grille at the front that covered almost the entire front fascia and was flanked by tall and slim LED headlights. Furthermore, a set of amber-colored daytime running lights extended to the sides and then angled down, following the car's front corners.

From its profile, there were no significant changes besides the wheels' new design. The car was available in five grades for the ICE-only version, while the HEV was offered in four, ditching the LX base trim level. Thanks to the generously sized sliding rear doors, the 2025 Carnival provided enough space for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. A body-colored C-pillar and darkened D-posts behind them created the image of a more upscale vehicle. Finally, out back, the automaker boasted a refined aspect thanks to its smooth lines. A skid plate that contrasted with the black cladding was also available, giving the car an SUV stance.

Customers found a surprisingly luxurious cabin in the 2025 Carnival. The most significant change was for the dashboard, where Kia installed a curved panoramic dual-display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. This setup was available as an option, while a set containing a 4.2-inch TFT plus an eight-inch touchscreen was fitted as standard. Furthermore, the automaker offered an option for a color head-up display that projected an image onto the windshield. Kia knew that when all the seats would be occupied, the interior rearview mirror could be pointless. That's why it offered it as a dual system: either as a regular mirror or, at the flick of a switch, displayed the image from behind the car taken from a dedicated camera.

Up to eight passengers could sit on the three-row vehicle. Still, the automaker also offered the car with either six or seven chairs.

Under the hood, the 2025 Carnival came with either a 3.5-liter V6 or a hybrid drivetrain. The latter consisted of a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and an electric motor for a total output of 242 hp (245 PS) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Cadillac is renowned for many outstanding achievements in its illustrious history, but one peak has remained unconquered until now. Even more, the fabled American brand has kept its distance from the greatest motoring happening in America, leaving the other GM division  the one on the opposite end of the corporate hierarchy  to wear the laurels wreath. NASCAR and Caddies have crossed paths so rarely that it's not even worth mentioning. But what if they did it again?

Chevrolet is the undisputed top predator of NASCAR , with 42 titles in 72 seasons. Still, the Camaro retirement is turning the page for General Motors and its presence on the oval superspeedways. With Oldsmobile and Pontiac long since defunct, Cadillac is the only brand left in the corporate portfolio  and a successful racing name for decades.Despite its triumphs in other motoring jousts, the luxury brand hasnt honored the dirt tracks of the brickyards with its crest  at least, not in a worthwhile manner. The 50s records show sporadic appearances of Caddies in NASCAR events, but other than that, it wasnt meant to be.But here we are, in 2024, when cars drive themselves. Im still waiting for the moment they start fixing themselves and pay themselves out, leaving me with the troublesome choice of liveries for said cars. I know Im off to the happy hunting grounds of imagination, but tell you what? I ran across an equally imaginative car visualist with bolder dreams than mine.Jeff Hunter (I told you I was roaming the happy hunting grounds) wears the warcry generalmotorsjeff on social media, and hes on to something about the Cadillac-NASCAR pairing. Its a digital illusion, but what if the newly launched 2025 CT5-V Blackwing were to grace the high banks with its mean looks?Look at the ten proposals in the gallery  which one looks like it could take the checkered flag after a 500-mile hot pursuit? The pixel lord has only gently brushed the grilles, headlights, and front aprons but generously cast bright liveries over the slow-slung V8-powered racers with a luxury coat of arms.Some say the bowtie is the correct emblem on a NASCAR-oriented product from General Motors, but the Camaros future is in the wraps of uncertainty. The Monte Carlo nostalgia is strong  the nameplate has amassed nearly 400 wins in the Cup series, but the iconic Chevy muscle car was the last one standing. Not nearly as successful as the historic mid-size personal luxury model, the Camaros first win came in the same year as the Monte Carlo, in 1971.After that season, the fierce Mustang rival took a five-decade sabbatical. It returned on the first step of the podium in 2018. On the other hand, Cadillac hasnt hit the bullseye in the fabled competition  mainly because it didnt line up at the start line. Would the retirement of the Camaro be the stage-setting opportunity for the brawny CT5-V Blackwing to plant the flag on the ovals?
With the first seven best-selling nameplates in America being trucks and SUVs in 2023, it is clear that passenger cars are not exactly a priority anymore. However, it seems that even when you have a few CUVs and SUVs, they're still not enough.

SUV

PHEV

Last year, the crown was held onto by the eternal Ford F-Series, followed by the traditional runner-up series  Chevrolet Silverado and Ram trucks. After that, Toyota's RAV4 placed fourth, of course, followed by the surprising Tesla Model Y, which is also Europe's best-selling nameplate and one the highest-selling models in the world. Sixth was Honda's CR-V, and seventh came the GMC Sierra, while the first passenger car  the iconic Toyota Camry  was only eighth.As such, you would say that a carmaker with two passenger cars and an additional four high riders would be safe from any trouble. Well, don't count on Mitsubishi to be that automaker because they sold pennies last year in America  a little over 87k vehicles. To put that into the proper perspective, Honda  which isn't their biggest rival in the US market  sold in January 2024 alone some 84k vehicles! Thus, we can easily say that Mitsubishi is but a mere shadow of its former self. This is a bit disappointing, especially since enough fans are left out there to dream of its potential American revitalization. Both in the real world as well as the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, as it turns out.By the way, we recently heard a whisper that Mitsubishi's corner office head honchos are thinking about ditching the Mirage nameplate in America  which is one of the least expensive hatchback and sedan automobiles money can buy right now. So, perhaps, they intend to replace it with something a lot bigger  like a hypothetical revival of ' Project America ,' Mitsubishi's Endeavor? This mid-size crossoverwas built in Normal, Illinois, at MMNA from 2003 to 2011 with a 3.8-liter V6 under the hood but failed to gain enough traction to warrant a replacement at the time.Now, Philippines-based virtual artist Enoch Gabriel Gonzalez, known as enochgonzalesdesigns on social media, wants to give Mitsu CUV fans a CGI moment to rejoice with the return of the Endeavor as an eight-seater CUV that could represent a viable alternative to the new field of rugged off-road mid-sizers like the Ford Bronco 4-Door, Jeep Wrangler, or the Toyota 4Runner rather than fighting with the numerous other crossovers like the Toyota Grand Highlander or Ford Explorer.Unofficially positioned above the current 2024 Outlander and Outlanderas a hypothetical new flagship, this Mitsubishi could bring in fatter profits for the Japanese company if the company makes it compelling enough in the low-to-mid $40k range. So, would you want the Endeavor to come back as an eight-seater like this one? Also, what powertrain would you feel suitable  another V6 like the original or something new age, like a hybrid or plug-in hybrid setup?
Akrapovic d.d. of Slovenia is a premier exhaust manufacturer founded in 1990 by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovic. Four years later, his exhaust systems were used in the WSBK and ESBK. Come 2004, the Slovenian company developed an exhaust system for a Formula 1 team.

kW

Photo: NM2255 on YouTube

The next step was to crack into the world of series-production automobiles, where Akrapovic is currently held in high regard for its high-quality exhausts. The manufacturer's latest system is a limited-run exhaust designed for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 and its more track-focused brother. Only 50 units will be produced, of which number 10 equips the GT3 RS in the video below.Pictured at Biesse Racing's dyno testing room in Neive, the Neunelfer sounds closer to a GT3-spec racer instead of a road car. Then again, its exhaust system is a completely different animal from the stock unit. Comprising a titanium muffler and outlets with ceramic matrix composite outer sleeves, the Akrapovic exhaust is 12.2 kilograms lighter (that would be 26.9 pounds in old money).Akrapovic's dyno testing revealed gains of 6.5(8.7 horsepower) at 2,900 revolutions per minute and 24.1 Nm (17.8 pound-feet) of torque at 2,400 revolutions per minute. Not a big deal over the stock numbers, but remember that the 4.0L flat-six mill of the 911 GT3 RS is sufficiently potent fully stock. Porsche claims 525 ps and 465 Nm or 518 horsepower and 343 pound-feet. In a rear-drive and rear-engine car that weighs 3,197 pounds (1,450 kilograms), that's a recipe for incredible fun. Unfortunately, the gentleman who filmed the yellow-painted GT3 RS in the video below hasn't shared how many ponies and pound-feet this example of the breed makes with the new exhaust.The fine print on Akrapovic's website reads that said exhaust doesn't meet emission compliance requirements for street or highway use. Also worthy of note, Akrapovic hasn't shared any pricing information. Most retailers charge in the ballpark of 5,000 euros for the Slip-On Race Line titanium exhaust on which the special edition is based, with 5,000 euros converting to $5,400 at current rates.Peanuts compared to the sticker price of a brand-new GT3 RS, especially if you also consider the humongous dealer markups. The GT3 RS is up there with the most expensive versions of the 911, retailing at $241,300 in the United States of America. By comparison, the Dakar is $222,000 and the S/T is $290,000 (sans destination charge).Few series-production engines dare rev as high as the naturally aspirated boxer of the GT3 RS. The 6.5-liter Ferrari V12 comes to mind, which tops a spine-tingling 9,500 revolutions per minute in the Daytona SP3 and 812 Competizione. The Lamborghini Revuelto's 6.5-liter V12 can also take 9,500 revs. Higher up the spectrum, the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 spins to 12,100 rpm.However, the best is yet to come. A track-only car, the Red Bull RB17 targets a ridiculous 15,000 revolutions per minute from a Formula 1-inspired V10. Similar to Akrapovic's limited-edition titanium exhaust, the RB17 is also limited to 50 units.
Corvette Forum member imxz28 has uploaded fresh pics of the upcoming ZR1 in two different parts of California. No fewer than four prototypes were spotted in Yucca Valley and San Diego, with said prototypes featuring different rear wings.

Photo: Baldauf

Split between two coupes and two convertibles, the prototypes in question feature two high-wing spoilers, an intermediate rear spoiler, and a spoiler that looks very similar to the T0E of the Corvette Z06 . Last year, the carparazzi spotted a fourth design in the form of a ginormous wing. It's not known whether the biggest one spotted thus far will be included in the ZTK package, and we don't know how many designs will be offered in total.Pictured with carbon-ceramic brakes and sticky rubber supplied by Michelin, the camouflaged vehicles further sport air intakes on the outside of the boomerangs and on either side of the engine lid. The reason is pretty obvious, isn't it? Turbocharging means high temperatures, therefore requiring more air than a free-breathing engine for cooling.GM also worked its magic up front, where you'll notice hood vents. Could those work in a similar fashion to the S-duct system introduced by Ferrari back in 2018 with the 488 Pista? As implied, this aerodynamic trickery comprises a front intake, a duct, and a hood vent. The air exiting through said vent creates a downward force over the front axle. In the 488 Pista's case, the S-duct system accounts for an 18% increase in downforce compared to the 488 GTB with a 2% penalty in terms of drag.According to a dealer source who attended a dealer meeting in November 2023 in Las Vegas, the Detroit-based automaker brought a camouflaged prototype on stage, giving it some revs. Dirty with rubber from testing at the Nurburgring, said prototype sounded like a muffled Z06.Turbos need exhaust gas to spin, which explains the muffled Z06 quality of the ZR1's engine . Derived from the LT6 of the Z06, the LT7 of the ZR1 is believed to pack in excess of 800 horsepower. Some peeps look forward to 850 ponies, but alas, General Motors offered zero clues in regard to the upcoming ZR1's output. Be that as it may, we're most certain that it overshadows the previous gen.Still the most powerful series-production vehicle in GM's history, the C7 Corvette ZR1 boasts 6.2 liters of small-block V8 goodness and a 2.65-liter Eaton TVS blower as opposed to 1.7 for the Z06. The LT5 further differs from the LT4 in respect to fuel injection, for it combines direct and port injection. Closely related to the LT4, the LT5 is the only fifth-gen small block with dual injection.Offered exclusively for the 2019 model year with either a manual or a torque-converter automatic, the C7 ZR1 is a fine swansong to the front-engined Corvette. Its replacement will switch to a dual-clutch transaxle dubbed M1K, which is a different RPO code from the M1M in the Z06, M1L in the Stingray, and the MLH in the E-Ray.Regardless of GM's regular production order code, said transmission is called TR-9080 in Tremec vernacular. In addition to the C8, the dual-clutch box is also used by the Maserati MC20 . The Italian supercar comes with twin-turbo V6 muscle exclusively, with said engine sharing a few characteristics with Ferrari's twin-turbo V8 and Alfa Romeo's Ferrari-based turbo'd sixer.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Why a reset is sometimes the only option

The strategy didn't work, mainly thanks to the prompt reaction from customers in the United States. Other carmakers rapidly confirmed their commitment to keeping Android Auto and CarPlay around, leaving GM alone in its struggle to abandon phone mirroring systems for embedded operating systems.Google recently revealed that Android Auto's adoption numbers surpassed 200 million vehicles, making the in-car experience a must-have feature for drivers.However, while Android Auto has already become an essential system in new-generation cars, users continue to struggle with connection problems, broken features, and various errors that have pushed some to the CarPlay world.The Samsung Galaxy S24 launch proves that not even spending more than $1,000 on a smartphone guarantees a flawless experience on Android Auto . Users typically try the same fixes, including changing cables. While it might sound unusual for beginners, cables are often responsible for the connection problems Android Auto users encounter. The cable that worked correctly with a phone might not work at all with another, so trying multiple cords is often the painful yet working solution.Eventually, many problems can be fixed by completely resetting Android Auto.Several Galaxy S24 buyers told me this week that they restored Android Auto in their cars by resetting the app. Some claimed that a complete reset of the infotainment system was also required, but Android Auto only loaded when starting from scratch on the mobile device.Fortunately, resetting Android Auto takes seconds, though you'll lose the saved data. However, considering you couldn't run the app without this workaround, it's probably a minor inconvenience.Android Auto comes pre-loaded with Android, so the easiest way to reset the app is from the phone's Settings menu. I'll provide the steps for a Samsung phone, but they should be similar on other devices running Android 13 and Android 14 First, open the Settings menu and scroll down to the Apps section. Given that Android Auto comes pre-loaded with the operating system, you should find it in the Apps section even if you didn't previously install it from the Google Play Store.Google continues to service Android Auto as a stand-alone app, compared to Apple, which updates CarPlay with new operating system releases. Google's approach makes more sense, considering that shipping new features and bug fixes is not tied to operating system updates.Once you find the Android Auto entry in the Apps section, tap its name to access additional options.Your next stop is the Storage menu section. Tap it to reveal additional options, with your phone now displaying how much storage Android Auto uses for the app, the data, and the cache. Clearing the data and the cache with the buttons at the bottom of the screen should return all values to 0 (also freeing up space on your phone  the more you use Android Auto, the more space it eats up on your smartphone, so if you don't care about the saved data, you can follow these steps regularly to free up space).Now, go back to the previous screen by tapping the back arrow in the top left corner. Look for the three-dot icon in the top right corner and tap it. You should now see an option called Uninstall Updates. The warning appearing on the screen informs you that uninstalling updates removes all saved data, including work profiles  theoretically, clearing the cache and the data manually (which I detailed earlier) is no longer required if you uninstall updates; however, several users told me that they couldn't fix Android Auto without completing every step manually.Tap the OK button, and Android should remove all Android Auto updates . Once the process is complete, you should be running the original Android Auto version that came with the phone. If the version is too old, Android Auto might block you from launching the app without updating. If automatic updates are enabled on your device, the Google Play Store should automatically download and install the latest version To block automatic updates, open the Android Auto Play Store page, tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and uncheck the option that reads "Enable auto update."Resetting Android Auto doesn't make sense for some users, but starting from scratch helps eliminate potential corruption problems blocking the app from loading.Theoretically, an Android Auto corruption error prevents the app from starting but doesn't block the mobile device from connecting to the infotainment unit. It's why you might see your phone charging when you connect it to the car without Android Auto launching on the screen.The Samsung Galaxy S24 owners who resolved the issues with a complete reset on both ends told me the connection profiles had been corrupted. Starting from scratch on the infotainment unit and the mobile device removed all files and eliminated the loading errors, as the Android Auto setup rewrites all data for a correct connection to the vehicle.
There are many cars from the past that keep custom garages on their toes in our time. How many times haven't we seen models originally made decades ago being given a new life at the hands of American builders, many of them looking a hell of a lot better than what carmakers are rolling off assembly lines at the moment?

Photo: Mecum

Photo: Mecum

I don't know if anyone has had a good long look at the custom industry to see what decade from the past is best represented today. At first glance it seems that the 1950s, 1960s, and to some extent the 1970s rank very high, with a lot of cars made during those years being reinterpreted for show and sell purposes all over America.But have you ever wondered which car that steals the custom world's attention nowadays is the oldest?American carmaker Ford introduced the Model A in 1927 as a replacement for the venerable Model T, the vehicle that for all intents and purposes popularized the horseless carriage and introduced to the world the concept of assembly line manufacturing.Just like the vehicle it replaced, the Model A was quite a big hit, despite staying in production for just three years (by comparison, the T was made for no less than 19 years). During this rather short time, Ford sold well over four million units of the thing.The story of the Model A would have ended all those decades ago if it weren't for a breed of custom car makers called hot rodders. Tracing their roots to the bootleggers of the 1920s, who tried to modify their vehicles to escape the law during the Prohibition era, hot rodders are particularly keen on the A. And for all intents and purposes, at close to a century old, it makes this kind of Ford one of the oldest platforms still in use in the custom industry today.Granted, "still in use" is a rather loose notion, as most of the time very few of the original bits remain on a modified Model A. Kind of what happened to the one sitting before us now, looking so different than what Ford made in 1929, the year the vehicle hails from, that you may easily mistake it for something else entirely.Then hot rod is the work of an Indiana-based specialist called Sik Customs. It's known among enthusiasts as the Diablo Rojo, or the Red Devil. The reasons for its name are immediately clear through its shape and color  that would be a mean and low metal apparition in House of Kolor Candy Apple Red.The vehicle uses, naturally, a custom frame, one that has been specifically made for this project. It was sectioned, chopped, and channeled to allow for the installation of a Ford steel body and makes the entire build look low enough sneak under a door.In the usual style of this kind of project, the Diablo Rojo wears its wheels outside of the body, and the engine is fully exposed to the elements, sandwiched between the vintage grille and its flanking round headlights and the cabin.The engine is not particularly impressive, but nothing to scoff at either. We're talking about a 350ci V8 equipped with Keith Black pistons and a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system.It's unclear how much power the engine develops, but it is handled in its entirety through a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Which, in turn, is commanded by a Lokar shifter, installed in a cockpit that is almost impossible to see.The "almost invisible" part is owed to how low the hot rod is, but also on account of the severe chop, and yet the habitat does hide everything a vehicle needs to be functional, and then some: custom seats, a dashboard snatched from a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, but rocking Dakota Digital gauges, and even power windows.The thing has a pair of doors, but they oftentimes may prove too hard to use, so a sliding top has been fitted to allow for fresh air, as well as entry and exit if needed.At least on paper, and despite the cramped appearance, the Diablo Rojo should ensure a rather smooth ride. That's because its builders didn't cut corners when it comes to the mechanical bits, and fitted a four-inch drop axle, a Chevy-sourced ten-bolt rear end, a custom 2-link suspension system at the rear, and coilovers. The hot rod rides on Divco milk truck wheels wrapped in Coker tires.We're bringing the Diablo Rojo hot rod up because it's about to sell during an auction run by Mecum over in Glendale, Arizona, at the beginning of March. It is listed with no mention of expected sale price, and with an undisclosed reverse, making it impossible for us to make an estimate on it.We will come back to the story once the hammer falls and update this story with the relevant info.
EV

ICE

PHEV

A lot of folks have criticized the Japanese conglomerate for its reluctance to join the novellifestyle. Yet, last year, they fared better than everyone and are currently deadlocked in a battle for the worldwide top-selling nameplate as they claim that its Corolla nameplate ultimately outsold Tesla's Model Y based on new figures. That's debatable, as they tally both the passenger car and Corolla Cross models  while Tesla doesn't bundle Model 3 and Model Y sales together.Anyway, what's more important to note is that they're so late to the EV party that less than one percent of their sales represented fully electric vehicles! Even though sales rose more than 325% for EVs, it's still like a drop of water in a giant lake of-powered and hybrid vehicles. Akio Toyoda is well known for not betting heavily on EVs, and he even said in a recent interview that he believes zero emissions vehicles won't account for more than 30% of Toyota corporation's sales by the time they finally diversify the EV lineup.Speaking of diversification, everyone expects more bZ models to arrive soon, and we really hope that the Land Cruiser electric concept will make it into series production. But that probably means there are still not enough EVs to make an effective alternative to ICE-powered, hybrid, and fuel-cell variants. No worries, though, as the imaginative realm of digital car content creators always has a solution.More precisely, Vince Burlapp (aka vburlapp on social media or burlappcar.com), who is a prolific virtual artist and loves to dream of all the latest models across the wide-ranging automotive realm, has a workaround for the conundrum. The pixel master recently imagined that Toyota could go bold and rework some of its most popular nameplates into wildly-designed EVs.The first one to undergo the transformation was the best-selling Camry mid-size sedan, and now there's also a more compact companion in the form of the hypothetical Prius EV. It's only logical since the latter started the hybrid revolution all those decades ago for the Japanese automaker, right? The current model, reinvented as a 'Hybrid Reborn' in HEV and(Prime) form, has already swapped the biggest accolade in North America  NACTOY's car of the year award So, perhaps, when it's time for the XW70 sixth generation five or six years from now, Toyota will switch the zero emissions attitude into high gear and also offer a fully electric version of the Prius alongside the HEV and Prime models. Who knows, maybe it will even look like this unofficial design project?
After years of thriving in South America, the compact pickup truck sector finally mounted a rebirth in North America, too, all thanks to just a couple of entries.

SUV

While unibody compact pickup trucks like the Renault Oroch, Chevrolet Montana, and the all-new first-ever Ram Rampage are familiar sights across Latin America, the sector was essentially out of business further up North. That was until Hyundai got the wacky idea to start making its first-ever four-door pickup truck at HMMA in Montgomery, Alabama, based on the same unibody platform as the NX4 Hyundai Tucson crossoverYears later, the South Korean automaker is already working on a mid-cycle facelift because it needs to distance Santa Cruz from Tucson even further in an attempt to catch up to the only other contender in the reborn sector  Ford's Maverick. Initially used for compact cars and then for SUVs, this nameplate was revived for a little unibody compact pickup truck that has more in common with the Ranger and F-150 pickup truck models than its platform siblings  the Ford Bronco Sport and Escape.Last year, the strategy worked out like a charm, and the Maverick turned into not only America's favorite small truck but also the best-selling hybrid truck in the United States as it overtook the F-150 PowerBoost by a slim margin. As for the difference to Hyundai's Santa Cruz, how does 94k versus almost 37k sound? Naturally, is anyone surprised the rumor mill hears whispers of potential new contenders at every corner  from Toyota, Subaru, and even Ram?Some believe that the Japanese automaker might revive the Stout nameplate or derive the Corolla Cross into a unibody compact pickup truck and then split the costs with Subaru to allow them to bring back the BRAT or Baja models. Others think that Ram would be wise to make the Rampage a North American affair, too. However, someone from across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has decided that Volkswagen is the most appropriate brand to enter the new niche.More precisely, Kleber Silva, a Brazil-based virtual artist known as KDesign AG on social media, has decided to have a CGI go at imagining a compact pickup truck from VW by reminding us of the Tarok concept launched in Brazil in at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show in 2018 and then showcased in 2019 at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Curiously, it is said that although years have passed since its introduction, the project was never scrapped officially  and the resurgence of the compact truck sector in North America could be the triggering factor for its return to prime time.Interestingly, the pixel master has updated the Tarok concept's unibody compact pickup truck look with styling cues from the ID series, thus suggesting that it could also double as an all-electric model. Would you sign your name on the purchase bill if that were the case if the little Tarok would feature the same powertrain options as, let's say, the ID.4 compact crossover SUV?
EV

AWD

Not long ago, we cheered for the arrival (for ordering) of the all-new S650 seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang across the big pond  aka the Atlantic Ocean  in places like the Old Continent and the British Isles . We were pretty happy to report that FoMoCo skipped the 315-hp EcoBoost turbo inline-four mill and went straight to the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 top by only bringing the Mustang GT and Dark Horse versions.Unfortunately, both cost an arm and a leg compared to their equivalent US counterparts because of various fees (and corporate greed). Additionally, the sad news continued with the reveal that both featured reduced power setups due to the more stringent emissions control. Well, at least we get to hear the V8 rumble one more time before thelady sings its novel tune. Anyway, we thought that Ford would be dormant for a while after that, as it's still winter in the northern hemisphere, and the big Detroit Three bears usually tend to hibernate a little longer than usual.Well, color us impressed because the Blue Oval revealed this week a couple of impressive refreshes for two of their most important mid-size crossover SUVs  the facelifted 2025 Ford Explorer and the upgraded 2025 Lincoln Aviator . You can already order both, and the Explorer comes out to play from nationwide dealerships starting with the second quarter of the year sporting a new face with a bigger radiator grille (which changes its design based on trim selection), new headlights, and taillights, plus a significant overhaul of the cabin's arrangement.From now on, the Explorer's cockpit has a revamped dashboard that frees more cabin space and a redesigned 12.3-inch instrument cluster plus a 13.2-inch infotainment screen for the all-new Ford Digital Experience, which continues to integrate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among many other smart features, unlike their rivals from General Motors. There's also BlueCruise for carefree driving on selected highways. The trim family tree is simpler now  Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.On the premium side, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator also comes with a fresh situation up front while the sides and rear are kept unchanged. The ritzier sibling also produced on the Ford CD6 platform, boasts a similar revamp of the interior. This time around, funny enough, the center display is up to 13.2 inches, but the instrument cluster is marginally larger at 12.4 inches instead of 12.3 inches for Explorer. I'm already thinking that it's going to be a party at Chicago Assembly when someone messes up and puts the Explorer's cluster into an Aviator and vice versa.Anyway, we all know that Ford is the automaker with the most recalls so that it wouldn't be a surprise. Just like with the justice system, let us give them the benefit of the doubt until something messy happens. Instead, let us see which is better for a family of up to seven if they don't want to buy a VW Atlas, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Palisade, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Sorento or Telluride, and they absolutely have to have a new 2025 Explorer or Aviator. Of course, if we want to compare them, it's best to stick with the Explorer ST or Platinum, as these two feature the same powertrain as the Aviator  the 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.As such, let us discard the Explorer Active and ST-Line because those are too cheap, anyway  starting from $39,625 and $44,385, respectively. Instead, the Explorer Platinum comes out to play from $51,525, and the Explorer ST from $55,205, effectively making it the current flagship of the series. Still, that's way less than a 2025 Aviator, which is offered from $58,495 for the Premiere trim  in turn, it's more than $5k costlier than a 2024MY. Of course, Ford and Lincoln will tell us they have many upgrades to warrant the sticker price changes. If you ask me, an Explorer ST is the better choice because it's always cool to see the looks on people's faces when you tell them it's a sporty CUV instead of an elegant behemoth.Strictly practically speaking, I wouldn't go for a $67,495 Reserve, let alone the $87k Black Label  it's easier to invest part of the difference into an Explorer Platinum if you want something ritzy and add perks like the $795 Star White Metallic Tri-Coat paintjob, switch to the 3.0-liter EcoBoost for $4,615 and, a black-painted roof for almost $5k, and BlueCruise for $700, and still come out paying an estimated net price of $61,230, which is more than $7k cheaper than an Aviator Reserve, for example. Of course, if we suppose money is no object of concern, and you don't need seven seats but want the sportiness bundled with luxury. In that case, I suggest keeping an eye out for the newly introduced Audi RS 6 Avant GT special edition , of which just 660 examples will be produced.The company hasn't said anything about bringing it over to America, but it did hint that it's a worldwide affair  so there's still hope. Of course, you also need to mentally prepare to pony up in excess of $200k for this collectible Alas, it's such a great-looking estate, has space for five people and luggage, and can take them to the track or on some canyon carving adventures to the tune of its 621-hp V8!
10 February 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Eager to increase its exports of non-oil and gas products and to diversify its exports, Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the trade houses operating in different foreign countries. Setting up trade houses in foreign countries gives positive results. With the help of these trade houses, the exports of Azerbaijani products are encouraged, the promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand, and the organisation and coordination of the sale of our products are successfully carried out.

Today, the country has 12 trade houses, and their number is increasing day by day. It is worth noting that five of the twelve trade houses are operating in China, and Azerbaijan is planning to open two more trade houses in this country. The figures demonstrate that 41 percent of Azerbaijani trade houses are located in China and Azerbaijan intends to increase it to 50 percent, which is

The figures demonstrate that 41 percent of Azerbaijani trade houses are located in China, and Azerbaijan intends to increase it to 50 percent, which reveals the fact that Azerbaijan sees China as a new market for its domestic products. Actually, despite being the factory of the world, China is also considered a lucrative market for many countries with its developing economy. As is known, China is the biggest country in terms of population, and the more its economy develops, the more its population consumes. Therefore, many countries, including Azerbaijan, compete for the Chinese market.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, Sinomach Holding Eurasian Region Commercial Director Kanan Guluzade pointed out that Azerbaijans Trade Houses operating abroad have a positive effect on the advertising and sale of products produced in Azerbaijan for various purposes in foreign markets.

"China is one of the main trading partners of Azerbaijan. Trade turnover between the two countries has already exceeded 2 billion US dollars. The growth rate will gradually accelerate during this year and regulate the development by 50%. In recent years, Azerbaijan's attention to the export of food and beverages of various purposes, along with energy products, has led to an increase in the number of our trading houses. The opening of trading houses in 5 different cities in China in a short period of time is a clear indication of the growing interest in our products in China, Guluzade said.

He noted that the showcased products are mainly food and beverage products. The interest of Chinese citizens visiting Azerbaijan in our fruit juices, Azerbaijani tea, jams, and various packages, including Azerbaijani wine, leads to the exhibition of products in accordance with local demand by the respective trading houses.

Non-oil products occupy a small place in our country's exports to China, fuel products make up approximately 60 percent of our exports. We will be able to see the result of the activity of our trading houses in the coming years when our non-oil products will form the main part of exports, Kenan Guluzade concluded.

---

Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 20:47 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Armenian officials face apathy from European organisations in response to their allegations about Azerbaijan. And this is not because the European Union or the UN institutions support Azerbaijan, but because Armenia is no longer of interest to Western organisations. However, such "officials", who always try to show themselves as someone important and constantly want to attract the world's attention with various trivial excuses, play into the hands of the West. Having not been satisfied, they went extra mile to call Western countries impose sanctions against Azerbaijan

It became known that Armenia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Mher Margaryan, spoke at the session devoted to the annual report on the work of the organisation and the allocation of priorities for 2024.

In his speech, Margaryan referred to the threats and problems affecting the maintenance of international peace, development, and human rights, as well as the UN's ability to respond to the problems they face. He noted that member countries are compelled to note with deep concern that the Organisation has failed time and again to protect vulnerable communities facing existential threats, subtly alluding to the alleged "ethnic cleansing of the Armenians of Garabagh." It would be surprising if he did not mention it.

"The blockade and starvation of the population of "Nagorno-Karabakh", as well as the barbaric siege of its only vital transportation highway, which began in December 2022 and culminated in September 2023 with the use of lethal military action against innocent civilians, a planned ethnic cleansing that was gradually carried out under the supervision of the international community - is one clear example. This led to the mass forced displacement of the entire ethnic Armenian population, the enormous suffering inflicted on the civilian population, and, in fact, the most brazen and blatant violation of international law - including the very Charter of this Organization," the Permanent Representative said.

Margaryan, who has no understanding of truth and justice, but speaks enthusiastically on this topic, for some reason does not say a single word about the crimes committed against the civilian population in Garabagh 30 years ago. Undoubtedly, Margaryan, like every Armenian, does not speak this language and cannot even speak it. But history has always talked about it and will talk about it. Mosques used as pigsties in Garabagh, destroyed cultural monuments always talk about Armenian brutality. Even the soil can talk about Armenian vandalism. The mass graves found during the excavations in Askaran show the bitter history of innocent people who were killed about 30 years ago.

It is interesting that the UN and EU organizations, which immediately hear the words of the Armenians and respond, have not yet expressed a single opposing opinion about Armenia. On the contrary, Armenia has always been purposefully supported by some institutions of the European Union.

European Union officials did not consider it necessary to impose sanctions or any restrictions against Armenia due to massacres committed against Azerbaijanis in Khojaly, Askaran, Khojavand and other districts of Garabagh. But a simple appeal presented by Armenia without evidence is always immediately heard by European officials. This dual approach is still tops the agenda.

And what have they (the Armenians) been doing in the territories of Azerbaijan all this time? Have they built cities and laid out infrastructure? Armenians say that Azerbaijan destroyed cultural monuments of Armenians that were allegedly located on the territory of Garabagh, but since Azerbaijan liberated the occupied territories from the separatist regime, reality told a different story. Although falsifying history is a common thing according to the Armenian mentality, it is not so easy to convince the world about it. A fake historical monument by carving a cross on stones can only be a part of Armenian games. As for Margaryan raising the topic of ethnic cleansing and preemptively complaining to international organizations, it is clear that Yerevan is setting up a stage game.

The Armenian Permanent Representative to the UN complains about the unresponsiveness and inaction of these international structures.

He added, "This failure not only constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles based on which this Organization was established but also unambiguously means a serious departure from the internationally endorsed commitment to protect the population from atrocities, including genocides and ethnic cleansing."

If these "ethnic cleansings" were allegedly carried out as stated by the Permanent Representative, why did the report on the official website of the UN Mission after the anti-terrorist operation conducted by Azerbaijan on its territory not reveal a record of any violations?

In a nutshell, one issue can be noted that until now, Armenia has only tried to change the situation by using all kinds of excuses to slow down the peace process in the South Caucasus. They simply do not understand the fact that the West considers Armenia necessary to a certain extent.

---

Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 16:25 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Ambassador to Cuba Ruslan Rzayev met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Ricardo Cabrisas, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Embassy in Cuba.

The sides touched upon historic friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba. The meeting discussed the development of economic cooperation and the assessment of mutual trade opportunities.

It was also emphasized that there are prospects for cooperation in the fields of health care, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and information technologies.

At the end, they exchanged opinions on other issues of mutual interest.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 18:10 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Ambassador to Morocco and Senegal Nazim Samadov met with Tierno Amadou Si, the Senegal Press Agency director (SMA), Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Embassy in Senegal.

The meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation in the field of media between the relevant institutions of the two countries. SMA director informed Azerbaijani diplomat about its divisions.

Tierno Amadu Si met with great interest the ambassador's proposal to establish relations between SMA and AZERTAC, exchange information, and sign a memorandum of cooperation.

An the end, they exchanged opinions on other issues of mutual interest.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 10:59 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijani Culture Ministry held a meeting with the delegation of the representatives of the influential Morrocan media organizations, who are on a visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Mohammed Aswab, editor of Morocco's "Maghreb Arab Press" agency, Anass Machloukh, editor of "L'Opinion" publication, Souhail Nhaili, editorial director of "Le Matin" magazine, and a number of other media representatives of this country took part in the meeting.

Welcoming the guests, Culture Minister Adil Karimli informed the guests about Azerbaijan's ancient and rich culture and also spoke about the cultural relations between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Morocco.

It was reported that the city of Shusha, one of the ancient cultural centers of Azerbaijan, was declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2024 by ICESCO.

At the end of the meeting, the issues of mutual interest were discussed.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Fatima Latif

A meeting of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Delimitation Commission may be held in the near future, Azernews reports, citing the Deputy PM of Armenia Mher Grigoryan.

"There is still no agreement on the time of the next meeting, but I think we will organize it soon," he said.

It is worth noting that the last meeting of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Delimitation Commission was held on January 31. The meeting took place between the delegations headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan. This was the 6th meeting.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 15:03 (UTC+04:00)

Deputy Russia Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said the issue of peacekeepers in Garabagh is discussed only with the Azerbaijani side, Azernews reports, citing the Russian Deputy Minister telling in an interview with TASS.

He noted the dialogue with partners is constructive:

"We resolve all issues based on mutual agreement. As for extending the powers of the Russian peacekeeping contingent after November 2025, it will depend on the situation in the region, requirements, and relevant agreements with Baku," said the deputy minister.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Mazahir Afandiyev

In order to put an end to more than 30 years of occupation of its territories, Azerbaijan started armed operations on its sovereign territory on September 27, 2020, directed by four well-known resolutions of the UN Security Council and based on the rules and principles of international law. In forty-four days, the armed forces of neighboring Armenia, which occupied twenty percent of Azerbaijan's territory, and armed groups operating illegally on Karabakh territory, supported by various sources, were destroyed, and our nation's constitutional sovereignty was reestablished.

Following Armenia's formal appeal to the Russian Federation on November 10 of that year, the war was halted with the approval of the leaders of all three states and direct participation from Russia. Azerbaijan and Armenia then agreed on a nine-point statement, which Armenia signed as an act of surrender.

Following diplomatic negotiations aimed at bringing about a sustainable peace until September 2023, the President of Azerbaijan made the decision to launch a local, one-day anti-terrorist operation. He did this while following the Constitution, which our wise people cite as a source of guidance for the triumph of law and justice. Subsequently, on October 15, he raised the Azerbaijani flag, which is highly valued by all Azerbaijanis, in Khankendi. On November 8, he commanded a military parade in the Khankendi city square, showcasing the national pride of our people.

In light of the current challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution in a globalizing world and the renewal of the political architecture of the world at large, Azerbaijan is about to enter a new era as a state under the rule of law with completely autonomous, sovereign, democratic growth and expresses unequivocally that the sustainable development agenda must be put into practice.

In order to achieve this, President Ilham Aliyev signed a Decree on December 7, 2023, allowing for the first time to organize early presidential elections in Azerbaijan. The decree also allowed for the involvement of all representatives of the Azerbaijani people and encompassed all of the country's sovereign areas. The independent Republic of Azerbaijan conducted presidential elections on February 7, 2024. The elections were hailed as the "election of Victory" by the populace, which took part in them enthusiastically.

The fact that these elections were held in every city, district, and village across Azerbaijan with a 200-year-old history of statehood is what gives them the most historical and critical significance. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who led the triumphant Azerbaijani Army and freed our areas from occupation, Ilham Aliyev, voted in these elections in Khankendi. This signaled the start of a new chapter in Azerbaijan's history.

High-level arrangements were made for the participation of delegations from all around the world's parliaments, in addition to experts, journalists, mass media, and international organizations invited to Azerbaijan to oversee the conduct of early presidential elections in our nation in compliance with local and international law. Members of both houses of parliament from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a strategically important country in Europe's Balkans where the Muslim population is densely populated, were part of one of the delegations that paid us a visit. The statements made by the delegations of the observation missions reflect the recent infrastructure reforms, the hospitality of our people, our state's dedication to multicultural values, and Azerbaijan's invaluable contribution to the sustainable development agenda.

In their greetings, the friendly states of Azerbaijan and the official delegations accredited in Azerbaijan stress how much the people of Azerbaijan value their deserving son, Ilham Aliyev, who is now their property.

Thus, I would like to sincerely congratulate all voters on the outstanding victory of Ilham Aliyev, the Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party and the heroic son and commander of the Azerbaijani people, in the early presidential elections that were held in the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. I also want to encourage every Azerbaijani to put forth all of their effort and skill in the name of our state's advancement and the country's continued sustainable development.

Mazahir Afandiyev is the Member of the Milli Majlis (the Azerbaijani Parliament).

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 13:20 (UTC+04:00)

Indian citizens intending to cross the Azerbaijani state border and migrate illegally were detained, Azernews reports, citing the State Border Service.

The Service said that on February 5 at 19:15 in Zagatala district, citizens of the Republic of India Mohammed Ameen born in 1967, and Deepak born in 1997, who illegally tried to violate and cross Azerbaijani-Georgia state borders, were detained.

As a result of the carried-out operational-investigative measures, it determined that the detainees arrived in the territory of Azerbaijan on an official basis and intended to migrate illegally.

The fact-finding measures are continuing.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 12:37 (UTC+04:00)

Jordanian media outlets covered the extraordinary presidential elections held in Azerbaijan on February 7, Azernews reports.

On the internet pages of the Jordanian State Information Agency Petra, the television channel Al-Mamlaya, the electronic version of the leading government newspaper Al-Raif, www.ammonnews.com, www.sarayanews.com, www.jordanzad.com, www.jordanzad.com and www.assabeel.net a series of articles entitled such as Azerbaijan opens a new page on the path of democracy, Ilham Aliyev was once again elected president of Azerbaijan and Preliminary results confirm the victory of Ilham Aliyev were published.

The articles noted that more than 6 million voters took part in the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, and international observers did not encounter any violations during the voting held throughout the country.

The media outlets also emphasized that Ilham Aliyev was re-elected president of the Azerbaijan Republic, gaining about 93% of the votes, and the head of state and his family members voted at the polling station established in Khankendi.

The articles said that in these presidential elections, Azerbaijanis voted in Garabagh for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

Chief Executive Officer of bp Murray Auchincloss has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his victory in the snap presidential elections, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency,

On behalf of bp, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I wish you every success in all your efforts to enhance the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate bps unwavering commitment to our energy projects in Azerbaijan. We at bp look forward to further strengthening the long-standing partnership between bp, the Government of Azerbaijan, and SOCAR.

Your Excellency, once again please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.

I look forward to meeting you soon in Baku.

Yours sincerely,

Murray Auchincloss,

Chief Executive Officer of bp"

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 11:28 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum Taha Ayhan has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his victory in the snap presidential elections, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Honorable President,

On behalf of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), we have the distinct honor and privilege to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellencys well-deserved re-election as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Your Excellency's unwavering commitment to enhancing the development and unity of the youth of the OIC countries is evident in Your gracious and pivotal support, notably demonstrated through hosting the Founding General Assembly of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) in Baku in 2004, including hosting the Eurasian Regional Center of the ICYF in Baku which serves as exemplary models for leaders in our region and fostering the institutionalization and growth of the ICYF as an esteemed international institution affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). As ICYF, we stand united in our pride for Your Excellency's confidence, support, and leadership and endeavor to emulate the level of dedication inspired by Your Excellency.

It is with profound admiration that we acknowledge the historic significance of Shusha being selected unanimously by our esteemed Executive Board as the OIC Youth Capital for the year 2024. This momentous achievement stands as an affirmation of the visionary and exemplary leadership demonstrated by Your Excellency, as well as the resolute determination of the victorious Azerbaijani army in realizing cherished dreams. The liberation of Shusha under Your leadership and guidance symbolizes a triumph of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the principles of peace, unity, and progress. Your far-sighted policy has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of ensuring Azerbaijans territorial integrity. The achievements realized in 2023 underscore the unwavering commitment and strategic vision of Your Excellencys leadership, which have contributed immensely to fostering stability and prosperity within the region.

We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency for diligently ensuring that the population of the Garabagh region, particularly the city of Khankendi, were afforded the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to participate in free and fair electoral processes, a privilege they have experienced first within the span of 33 years. Your commitment to upholding democratic principles and promoting civic engagement serves as an inspiration to youth across the globe.

As we embark on the journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our youth, we remain firm in our determination to deepen cooperation and strengthen the bonds of friendship among our Member States. Your leadership and immutable commitment to advancing the welfare and aspirations of young people continue to inspire and motivate us in our shared pursuit of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

At this juncture, we extend our sincere best wishes for Your Excellencys noble endeavors in promoting OIC solidarity and fostering the development of the people of Azerbaijan. May Your Excellency and Your Esteemed family enjoy good health, success, and prosperity.

Please accept, Honorable President, assurances of our highest consideration and enduring best regards.

Taha Ayhan

President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum"

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 14:05 (UTC+04:00)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has praised the excellent conduct of the presidential election in Azerbaijan, according to the information posted on the ministrys website on Friday, Azernews reports.

Russia expressed its commitment to further strengthening its alliance and strategic partnership with the Republic of Azerbaijan, along with active collaboration on international and regional issues, including the implementation of trilateral agreements aimed at normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

The ministry noted that 790 international observers monitored the election in Azerbaijan. The Russian Federation sent 148 representatives through the Federal Assembly, the Executive Committee and the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA), the SCO, and the OSCE ODIHR.

CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev emphasized the election's compliance with democratic principles and highlighted the high voter turnout.

Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, described the voting process as held in a favorable atmosphere with competitive alternatives. Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), praised the openness and transparency of the election.

Against this background, the assessments from Western countries and international structures controlled by them looked extremely biased, which, as we saw, were initially extremely biased towards the presidential election in Azerbaijan and were practicing pre-approved methods to discredit the electoral process," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 13:38 (UTC+04:00)

President of Union of the Independent Trade Unions of Albania Gezim Kalaja has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

Allow me to convey cordial congratulations from Albania and the members of the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania for the reconfirmation as the historical President of Azerbaijan.

Your Excellency, as a historical leader who conveyed peace and freedom in the region.

We congratulate Your Excellency for the historical victory, the respect for democratic standards in the elections, as well as the victory of territorial integrity in Azerbaijan.

Long life to Azerbaijan!

Long life to Albania and Azerbaijan fraternity!

Fraternity from Albania!"

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
9 February 2024 15:46 (UTC+04:00)

Director-General of the ICESCO Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The Director-General of the ICESCO extended his congratulations and best regards to the head of state on his victory in the presidential election and wished him new successes in his activities for the progress of Azerbaijan. He once again commended President Ilham Aliyev`s contribution to the Islamic solidarity.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik for his attention and congratulations.

During the phone conversation, they expressed confidence that the longstanding fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO would continue to expand in the future.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Tajikistan plans to involve Azerbaijani companies in the geological exploration of oil and gas fields, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Tajik Foreign Ministry.

Azerbaijan Energy Minister Parviz Shahbaz and the Tajikistan Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ilhom Abdurahmon discussed this issue in the meeting.

The meeting discussed the current level and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of energy between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, as well as the involvement of influential Azerbaijani companies in the process of exploration of oil and gas resources in Tajikistan.

The sides also exchanged views on the issues of Azerbaijani companies investing in the implementation of energy projects, especially in constructing modern water and solar power plants, oil transportation, and processing methods in Tajikistan.

It is worth noting that there are about 28 oil fields in Tajikistan. The confirmed oil reserves are more than 2 million tons. According to the Statistical Agency under the President of Tajikistan, in 2023, Tajikistan produced about 18 thousand tons of oil.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

Turkiye and the central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan signed the 11th Term Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Protocol on Friday and a related 62-article action plan, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Cevdet Yilmaz, vice president of Turkiye, and Akilbek Caparov, chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet, met in the Turkish capital Ankara, Yilmaz said on X.

The protocol covers areas from mining to finance and agriculture to education and culture, he said.

"With our new 62-article action plan, we aim to take our trade and economic relations to the next level," he wrote.

He added that in addition to the action plan, a protocol amending a 1992 international road transport agreement was signed between the Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Ministry and the Kyrgyz Republic as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two countries' export bodies.

Yilmaz and Caparov also resolved to pay particular attention to cooperation between the two countries in water management, he said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 21:25 (UTC+04:00)

Standard & Poor's Global Ratings has affirmed Georgias long and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings at 'BB/B' with a stable outlook, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

S&P positively assessed the countrys progress achieved in economic growth and fiscal consolidation and noted the trend would continue in 2024, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

The Agency said the parameters of the budget planned for 2024 indicated a high level of fiscal discipline, emphasizing the low level of government debt as a strength of the rating

Maintaining the positive trend of fiscal parameters is considered as a trigger for rating improvement by the S&P.

The rating predicts Georgias economic growth at five percent in 2024, noting growth in the medium term is expected at the same level.

The Agency positively evaluated the acceptance of the European Union candidate status by Georgia in December 2023 and said it expected that it would further encourage reforms in the country.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2024 21:55 (UTC+04:00)

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang on Friday sincerely congratulated his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze on his confirmation as Georgias new PM, expressing readiness to work with the new Head of the Government for further development of bilateral ties through joint efforts, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

In an official letter sent to Kobakhidze, Qiang noted that the China-Georgia strategic partnership was gaining a healthy momentum, highlighting the strengthening of political trust between the two states.

The One Belt One Road [Chinese global infrastructure development strategy to invest in more than 150 countries] cooperation is making steady progress [with Georgia] and coordination in international relations is becoming closer, the Chinese PM stressed.

He wished Georgia prosperity and happiness, and health to the Georgian people.

The Georgian Parliament on Thursday approved Kobakhidze as the Head of the Government with 84 votes in favour and 10 against, following the resignation of Irakli Garibashvili as the PM on January 29.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Across the open Southern Border, a mass of humanity is flooding America. The new phenomenon is large groups of Chinese Nationals. Even legacy media is now acknowledging the Chinese invasion across the Southern Border. They land in Ecuador by air from China, then move on bus, foot through the Darian Gap in Panama, and back onto buses after a quick stay at Department of Homeland Security Camps in Panama. 5,000 a day total migrants, equating to more than 100 buses northbound daily.

Some are fleeing the Chinese Communist Party, some are escaping the collapsing economy, but some are very different. Watch for the younger-ish males with good teeth, flat stomachs, military haircuts, and the avoidance of eye contact. Those are the initial discriminators that begin to indicate a military connection. Teeth? Yes, one of the major reasons for non-deploy-ability of U.S. soldiers is dental issues. China mimics everything American Military, and that likely includes deployment standards. Michael Yon, former Special Forces Operator has documented the Chinese invasion at length. I spent some time with him and Ann Vandersteel and others documenting this in Panama.



Where do these incoming Chinese Special Operators trace to? Most likely, it is the mundane-sounding Strategic Support Force (SSF). This is the Chinese equivalent of Special Operations Command, only much bigger, much more unconstrained by the Constitutional rule of law and that kind of silliness. Distributing a mass, lethal pesticide such as Fentanyl and up-gunned cannabis as an attractant that kills 10,000 a month is easy without these moral and legal guardrails. Its all in a days job for the men and women of the PLA SSF.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/02/open-border-allows-chinese-special-operators-infiltrate-america/
Tom Ozimek, writing at the Epoch Times, reports: A new study examining the likely impact that fraudulent mail-in ballots had in the 2020 election concludes that the outcome would almost certainly have been different without the massive expansion of voting by mail.

The Heartland Institute study tried to gauge the probable impact that fraudulent mail-in ballots cast for both then-candidate Joe Biden and his opponent, President Donald Trump, would have had on the overall 2020 election results.

The study was based on data obtained from a Heartland/Rasmussen survey in December that revealed that roughly one in five mail-in voters admitted to potentially fraudulent actions in the presidential election.

After the researchers carried out additional analyses of the data, they concluded that mail-in ballot fraud significantly impacted the 2020 presidential election.

They also found that, absent the huge expansion of mail-in ballots during the pandemic, which was often done without legislative approval, President Trump would most likely have won.

Had the 2020 election been conducted like every national election has been over the past two centuries, wherein the vast majority of voters cast ballots in-person rather than by mail, Donald Trump would have almost certainly been re-elected, the reports authors wrote.

Biggest Story of the Year

The new study examined raw data from the December survey carried out jointly between Heartland Institute and Rasmussen Reports, which tried to assess the level of fraudulent voting that took place in 2020.

The December survey, which President Trump called the biggest story of the year, suggested that roughly 20 percent of mail-in voters engaged in at least one potentially fraudulent action in the 2020 election, such as voting in a state where theyre no longer permanent residents.

In the new study, Heartland analysts say that, after reviewing the raw survey data, subjecting it to additional statistical treatment and more thorough analysis, they now believe they can conclude that 28.2 percent of respondents who voted by mail committed at least one type of behavior that is under most circumstances, illegal and so potentially amounts to voter fraud.

Federal Arrest Over 2022 Mail-In Ballot Fraud Scheme | Facts Matter

This means that more than one-in-four ballots cast by mail in 2020 were likely cast fraudulently, and thus should not have been counted, the researchers wrote.

A Heartland Institute research editor and research fellow who was involved in the study explained to The Epoch Times in a telephone interview that there are narrow exceptions where a surveyed behavior may be legal, like filling out a mail-in ballot on behalf of another voter if that person is blind, illiterate, or disabled, and requests assistance.

However, the research fellow, Jack McPherrin, said such cases were within the margin of error and not statistically significant.

What Are the Implications?

In addition to reassessing the likely overall degree of fraudulent mail-in ballots in the 2020 election, Heartland analysts calculated the potential impact that fraudulent mail-in ballots might have produced in the six key swing states that President Trump officially lost.

This, then, was used to determine the impact of potentially fraudulent mail-in ballots on the overall 2020 election result.

First, the researchers analyzed the electoral results for the six swing statesArizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinunder the 28.2 percent fraudulent mail-in ballot scenario that they estimated based on the raw survey data.

Then they calculated the electoral results in the six states under the different scenarios, each with a lower assumed percentage of fraudulent ballots, ranging from 28.2 percent all the way down to 1 percent.

For each of the 29 scenarios that they assesses, the researchers calculated the estimated number of fraudulent ballots, which were then subtracted from overall 2020 vote totals to generate a new estimate for vote totals.

Overall, of the 29 different scenarios presented in the study, the researchers concluded that President Trump would have won the 2020 election in all but three.

Specifically, they calculated that the only scenarios that would affirm the official 2020 election result, namely that candidate Biden won, were mail-in ballot fraud levels between 1 and 3 percent of ballots cast.

Mail-in ballot fraud rates higher than 3 percent would, according to the study, mean more fraudulent Biden votes that should be subtracted from the total, putting President Trump ahead.

For example, the adjustment to the vote tallies under fraud percentage rates between 13 and 6 percent would mean President Trump would have won Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, though he would have still lost in Michigan and Nevada.

Under such a scenario, President Trump would have won 289 Electoral College votes compared to candidate Bidens 249.

In scenarios of 54 percent fraud, each candidate would have received 269 Electoral College votes, but President Trump would likely still have won because Republicans controlled more state delegations and, under a tie scenario, Congress would have voted based on the number of delegates.

However, the researchers expressed confidence in their overall assessment that the level of mail-in ballot fraud was over 25 percent, indicative of an actual Trump win.

We have no reason to believe that our survey overstated voter fraud by more than 25 percentage points, and thus, we must conclude that the best available evidence suggests that mail-in ballot fraud significantly impacted the 2020 presidential election, in favor of Joe Biden, the papers authors wrote.

Survey Criticism

Jim Womack, president of the North Carolina Election Integrity Team, told The Epoch Times in an earlier interview and in additional written comments in response to the new study, that he believes the survey questions were flawed and make the survey statistically meaningless, though not without value.

We know there was fraud in the 2020 election, but you cant conclude that it was 20 percent or 10 percent or even 5 percent based on the survey because the questions that could lead to such conclusions were unclear, Mr. Womack said.

However, he said that the survey questions on which Heartland based its research were unclear. He argued that the questions comingled legal and illegal activity and that this made it impossible to conclude specific percentages of mail-in ballot fraud with certainty.

For instance, Mr. Womack pointed out that its legal and permissible in all states for people who by reason of blindness, disability, or illiteracy request or require assistance in filling out mail-in ballots to get such assistance.

However, the wording of one of the survey questionsDuring the 2020 election, did you fill out a ballot, in part or in full, on behalf of a friend or family member, such as a spouse or child?did not differentiate between legal and illegal forms of filling out a mail ballot on behalf of someone.

Therefore, 21 percent of people responding yes to this question does not necessarily mean that this percentage of people actually committed voter fraud, Mr. Womack argued.

Mr. Womack also said that another survey questionDuring the 2020 election, did you cast a mail-in ballot in a state where you were no longer a permanent resident?to which 17 percent replied yesalso does not support the conclusion that all such cases were illegal. Thats because, as Mr. Womack pointed out, federal and state laws allow some voters (such as UOCAVA registered citizens) to cast a ballot in a state where they are no longer permanent residents under certain circumstances.

We'd need to dive deeper into these responses to determine if these were fraudulent or not, Mr. Womack said.

Regardless, he praised the Heartland Institute for engaging with the topic of mail-in ballot fraud and raising public awareness about what he said is an important problem.

Response to Criticism

When asked to comment on Mr. Womacks objections, Mr. McPherrin, of the Heartland Institute, told The Epoch Times that he stands by the findings.

For instance, Mr. McPherrin acknowledged that its legal for people who are blind, disabled, or illiterate to get help from someone in filling out a ballot.

However, he argued that the number of such individuals responding to the Heartland/Rasmussen survey (which was based on a representative sample of 1,085 likely voters) would likely have been tiny.

It would be difficult to imagine that dozens of blind people or those that are illiterate or disabled are answering this poll, he said, adding that the presumably tiny fraction of survey respondents who fall into this category would be statistically insignificant and not impact the overall survey results.

But even if that particular question is left out due to concerns about its clarity, the percentage of people who admitted to potentially fraudulent voter activity would still be about one in five, he said.

Mr. McPherrin said he and his team have received and reviewed Mr. Womacks criticism and they believe the points he makes have some validity but not enough to affect their findings in a meaningful way.

He maintains the study clearly shows that if the 2020 election had been as fair and secure as prior elections, President Trump would almost certainly have been re-elected to a second term.

Mr. Womack continues to stand by his criticism of the survey question design, providing The Epoch Times with a written statement on Feb. 8 that calls the survey very poorly constructed, failing to capture even a single instance of probable voter fraud.

He argued that the survey questions were vague and ambiguous, commingling permissible with impermissible behaviors, thus diminishing the quality and usefulness of responses.

Further, Mr. Womack argued that propagating the contents of the survey does more harm than good and potentially undermines the work and reputation of legitimate election integrity organizations like EIN, referring to the Election Integrity Network, a project of the Conservative Partnership Institute.

Meanwhile, the authors of the Heartland study call for state legislatures to do all in their power to ensure the 2024 presidential election is as secure as possible, mostly by severely limiting mail-in voting and adopting other commonsense policies to prevent mail-in voter fraud.


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?
UPDATE: Two discussions at his church (not First Methodist) my neighbor had this morning lead me to revise my opinion of the impact of this issue. I now think this is penetrating and has the potential to significantly impact both races adverse to the Walkers.

My neighbor did not initiate either discussion, with one group he encountered between Sunday School and church and the other after church. Someone in the second group had read the article below but when my neighbor asked, no one in the first group even knew what the BO was. Both groups were highly concerned with the pandering to homosexuals aspect, and the second group also highly concerned about the illegal alien aspect. The concern was higher on the school board race, but existed for both. What was really telling was that there was consensus in both groups that the Walkers should not be re-elected.

To me, this shows the information is spreading among voters and they are starting to use it in making their voting decisions. Of the four places I had heard this earlier, only the one who was a First Methodist member had mentioned using it as determining how they would vote.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

____________________________________________________________________________________

There has been a good bit of chatter among voters about the potential impact of involvment with a church split swinging two key local races against a local power couple. To their credit, these politicians' opponents do not seem to be trying to use this politically against them, nor do any other political organizations. Although more widespread than one would expect, it is still just chatter among voters.

It is smart by opposing candidates not to try to use this politically as trying to weaponize anything about an opponent's religion usually backfires on those using it. A good example is former US Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), who ran some TV ads that were interpreted as casting doubt on her opponent's religion, and prompty sank Dole's reelection campaign.

To give some background, the situation involves County Commissioner Randy Walker and his wife School Board member Carolyn Walker and the congregation split at First Methodist Church in Washington. The Walker's had long been members of that church but were part of the minority of members who departed in the split.

Many "mainline" Protestant denominations have had their central church bodies come under the influence or outright control of those who push more politicized doctrines over traditional religion. This has been going on for decades. First there was the "Social Gospel" which promotes liberal political doctrine, and then the even more radical "Liberation theology". These ideologies promote causes ranging from homosexuality to illegal immigration over traditional religious views.

The United Methodist Church was one of the earliest such Protestant denominations to be heavily infiltrated by the Social Gospel, which was what we now call "woke" long before the term "woke" was even coined. Many local church congregations have never been happy with the Social Gospel and there has been increasing pushback, in some cases involving splits in denominations.

In the Methodist Church, the pushback finally evolved to creation of a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church which is designed to get the church back to traditional religion and out of politicized doctines like the Social Gospel. This is where the split at First Methodist came in. Many in the church saw the new Global Methodist Church as representing more what they thought a church should be and began a process to leave the United Methodist Church to join the new denomination.

The liberal Wikipedia says the split pitted the "progressives" who remained in the United Methodist Church against the "conservatives" who moved to the new Global Methodist Church. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Methodist_Church

The Walkers were part of a vocal minority that wanted to remain in the United Methodist Church, and when that issue went against them the Walkers bailed out to another Methodist Church that remained part of the "woke" United Methodist Church. This is what led to the chatter among voters.

While it might seem tempting in the throes of hotly contested political campaigns to try to tie some of the Walkers votes in government to their stance on this church split, like Randy Walker's vote in favor of tearing down the monument to fallen Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery or Carolyn Walker's vote in favor of a math curriculum that includes promotion of leftist "social justice" political views in math class, their opponents have wisely not done so. If those issues on those votes as elected officials do get used, they should stand strictly on their own and not be tied in any way to what is dividing our churches.

Contested issues within churches need to stay within those churches and not be dragged into politics. Other candidates in these races are to be commended for not trying to drag this church split into political campaigns. It is already a big enough challenge for the churches involved.

What about voters? It may well impact how some who were very involved in the issue within that church vote, but probably not much beyond that. Only if the races are very close will that be enough to have a real impact. In spite of the wide chatter on this situation, most voters will likely look at other issues in making up their minds, like the failure of the county commission to reduce taxes in spite of their surplus, and the failing scores of so many Beaufort County schools.
An alleged fraud scheme uncovered by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations could be costing Medicare $2 billion, The Washington Post reported Feb. 9.

Data from the National Association of ACOs recorded a massive spike in Medicare claims for catheters among seven medical equipment companies. In two years, the companies went from billing 14 patients for catheters to nearly 406,000.

According to the report, patients' insurers were billed for catheters that they never ordered or received. In at least one case, the former owner of one of the companies said it wasn't a product she ever offered to customers. Three federal officials who spoke to The Washington Post anonymously confirmed federal officials are investigating the alleged fraudulent billing. The FBI told the outlet it could not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.

The National Association of ACOs uncovered the data after several member ACOs discovered unusual spikes in billing for catheters from a group of companies. NAACOs found no evidence patients ordered the catheters on their own, though the companies used their Medicare numbers to bill for them.

Clif Gaus, president of the association, told the Washington Post the association has "never seen anything like this" on a national scale.

"Where do you get half a million [Medicare] beneficiary names and ID numbers?" Dr. Gaus told the outlet. "There has to be a breach somewhere in the healthcare system."

Because catheters are low-cost items, they may not receive as much scrutiny as pricier medical devices, according to The Washington Post, but when ordered in bulk they could create profit for fraudsters.

In 2022, HHS recommended Medicare reduce the reimbursements it pays for catheters to reduce the risk of fraud.

Read more here.
HCA Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., has submitted a plan of correction to address deficiencies and remove its immediate jeopardy status, a CMS spokesperson confirmed to Becker's Feb 8.

CMS on Feb. 1 sent a letter to the hospital, notifying leadership that the facility is in immediate jeopardy and must take action to avert the loss of federal funding. CMS had set a Feb. 6 deadline for Mission Hospital to submit a plan of correction indicating how it will come back into compliance with regulations related to its governing body, emergency services, nursing services, patients' rights, quality assurance and laboratory services.

Submitting a correction plan initiates a multistep process to ensure the hospital has the opportunity to come into compliance, according to a CMS spokesperson. If the plan is accepted, inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Public Health will conduct another survey to evaluate whether immediate jeopardy conditions have been removed. In that case, the hospital will have 90 days to complete specific corrective actions and regain compliance with the regulations, according to CMS.

Late last year, the state health department conducted inspections at Mission Hospital on behalf of CMS and, in its initial findings, recommended the hospital be placed in immediate jeopardy. Surveyors noted nine deficiencies in their initial survey related to incidents that occurred 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 a spokesperson with the state health department told the Citizen Times that a full report on findings from the December survey would be available by March 3 or after CMS receives an acceptable correction plan, whichever comes first. State officials have criticized the agencies for not sharing more information on the findings. Sen. Julie Mayfield said she is working to get access to the corrective plan to ensure it is sustainable.

"The bottom line is they have to increase staffing, and they have to increase the resources that are available to staff," Ms. Mayfield said during a Feb. 6 news conference, according to the Carolina Public Press. "That's medical equipment, supplies, people  it's everything you need to serve patients and run a hospital."

Officials at Mission Hospital previously said they had started taking steps to address issues when they received the initial findings from the health department in January, including bringing in additional staff to work in the ED.

"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 previously told Becker's, adding, "We are pleased to hear from our EMS partners and patients that those actions are yielding positive results, including decreased wait times for care."

Becker's has reached out to Mission Hospital regarding details on its plan of correction and will update the report if more information becomes available.
If youve an event to include, email c.doherty@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Did you know?

According to a study by Amazon Books UK Belfast takes a top 10 spot as the UK's most romantic city ahead of Valentine's Day, based on the most sold romance novels per capita of the last year

Get a birds-eye view

Get a bird's-eye view

WWT Castle Espie will be hosting a fun-filled festival of bird-themed events for February half-term, giving families an opportunity to get up close with winter wildlife. Running from February 12-16, The Big Hideout will see WWT Castle Espie turn its hides into hideouts filled with bird boxes, mini beast motels, bird orchestra and more for all ages to enjoy. Binoculars and telescopes will be available to borrow, and experts on wetland nature will be on hand to help guests discover many of the birds that flock to the centre from around the world in the colder months. Visitors can also experience the new walk-through aviary, or join one of the daily Keeper Talks and learn about the birds that call Castle Espie home. All activities are included in admission or free for members and children aged four and under. For more information and to book tickets, visit Castle Espie Wetland Centre | WWT or follow WWT Castle Espie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie

Room for romance

Room for romance

Love is in the air as Belfasts Merchant Hotel introduces a range of romantic experiences to spoil your other half. From fine dining to afternoon tea, cocktails and spa treatment, there are lots of options to treat your Valentine. The Room for Romance package offers a romantic overnight stay in the heart of Belfast, where a chilled bottle of Champagne and a sweet treat awaits in your room. The package also includes 100 Merchant credit to use during your stay. The package starts from 199 per person sharing and can be booked up until 30 April. If pampering is your other halfs love language, show them just how much you care by gifting them an afternoon at The Spa at The Merchant, with treatments including a Signature Stress Relief Massage and the latest results-driven HydraFacial treatments. Dining options include the six-course tasting menu in The Great Room Restaurant, or a romantic dinner with live music in Berts Jazz Bar.

themerchanthotel.com/valentines-day

Have a look-see

Have a look-see

The third edition of Look North takes place over the weekend of February 23-25 2024 celebrating the heritage and creative talents of North Belfast. Festival goers can participate in a wide range of activities that celebrate the areas rich heritage, cultural, creative and literary talents. The programme features talks, walks, poetry readings, panel discussions, music, tours of historic buildings, and beginners creative writing classes in poetry, short story and memoir.

northbelfastfestival.com

Belfasts big lunch

Belfast's big brunch

Neighbours from all four corners of Belfast and across Northern Ireland will come together to share friendship, food and fun at a very special Big Lunch celebration tomorrow. The event takes place in the heart of Belfast at 2 Royal Avenue from 2-4pm as the 4 Corners Festival comes to a close. Head to the entrance 2 Royal Avenue (the old Bank of Ireland and former Tesco) where you will see The Big Lunch banner and a friendly face to greet you. Admission is free. Eden Project, who are the people behind The Big Lunch, have teamed up with Corrymeela and 4 Corners Festival to unpack the power of food and fun in bringing people together breaking down barriers between us. Offering easy steps anyone can take in a supportive, inclusive way to generate hope and genuine friendship, all partners are inviting everyone to join in The Big Lunch in June as a huge act of community spirit.

www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

Great minds

Great minds

Do you or someone you know, have what it takes to sit in the famous black chair? Hat Trick/Hindsight Productions are currently casting contenders for the next series of the BBC Two quiz show Mastermind. Anyone can apply as long as they are aged 18 or over and are a resident of the UK. As well as regular quizzers, organisers also want to encourage people who might not usually apply for quiz shows to get involved.

eu.castitreach.com/ag/hattrick/mastermind22/welcome.html

Travel deals of the week

Holiday deal of the week

The Travel Department is offering holidaymakers an unmissable Algarve experience. The Algarve Coast and Country holiday is a fully-guided seven-night trip that includes flights and transfers for only 599pp. Guest will stay in the lovely seaside town of Albufeira or Vilamoura, just a short distance from the beach. There will be opportunity to take in the spectacular views, rugged cliffs and charming villages on a guided excursion to Lagos and Sagres, enjoy a half-day wine tasting tour, and go on excursions to Portugal's historic villages of Alte and Silves and the historic towns of Faro & Loule. The Travel Department also have a deal on the Costa de la Luz and Seville seven-night guided holiday, from 899pp. Guest will have an opportunity to enjoy various panoramic tours and even retrace the footsteps of Christopher Columbus.

www.traveldepartment.co.uk

BPerfect megastore

BPerfect megastore

BPerfect Cosmetics recently revealed the revamp of their state-of-the-art megastore in Foyleside Shopping Centre, Londonderry. The store features a dedicated masterclass event space, state-of-the-art hair and scalp diagnostics cameras, and a BPerfect Cosmetics signature base bar where a team of skilled makeup artists are on hand to guide you to discover your perfect colour match.

eu.bperfectcosmetics.com

Romance at Titanic Belfast

Romance at Titanic Belfast

From now until Valentines Day, Titanic Belfasts Month of Love Romantic Experience transports guests to a romantic escape where a box of chocolates awaits and a bed filled with rose petals adds to the romantic ambiance. Included in the offer is a glass of Prosecco and four-course meal in the award-winning Wolff Grill. The experience costs from 299 per room.

www.titanichotelbelfast.com/belfast-hotel-deals

All aspects

All aspects

Aspects Festival has unveiled its Young Aspects programme, offering a range of creative childrens events suitable for all ages. Taking place from March 1-3, at various locations around Bangor, the line-up features a diverse range of reading, writing and arts events. Young Aspects features the ever-popular Woodland Chew and Yarn, Book-Inspired Yoga, Digital Art Workshop, Book Binding, Writing Workshops, Bedtime Story and more. Big Wave Surfer, writer and athlete Al Mennie will be giving a talk about his writing journey.

aspectsfestival.com/whats-on
Favourite book?

One of my all-time favourite books is The Color Purple by Alice Walker. It was actually one of the books I studied for English literature at school, so its definitely a testament that I wasnt put off by all those essays. I love the original film and musical too and I cant wait to watch the new film adaptation. Im also a big fan of the Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Favourite song?

Im not one hundred percent sure of a song, I listen to quite a range of stuff. Ive had the mick taken out of me a good few times by my friends for listening to Classic FM in the car, but if Im giving them lifts theyll just have to deal with my music. Whatever mood Im in though, I can always count on the Cranberries to have something for me. I also love the Carpenters and the past year Ive really gotten into boygenius, Tiny Habits, MUNA, Infinity Song, Amble and Ye Vagabonds. Ive been trying to see more gigs lately and up next Ive got Amble, which Im really looking forward to. Im also hoping to get to Glasgow for the Celtic Connections festival this year.

Favourite film?

This is a tough one. Ive actually just downloaded the Letterboxd app where you can rate all the movies youve ever watched and see what your friends thought of them too. However, to no surprise Ive been finding it difficult to commit to my ratings. Saying that, my favourite film of the year was probably Aftersun. I remember watching it with my friend Eimear and when the movie finished we both just sat there in silence and looked at each other. We had to put some more light-hearted TV on afterwards to cheer us up a bit, but it was a really excellent film.

Favourite place?

One of my favourite places in the world is Portsalon in Donegal. I used to stay there with my school friends in the summer and wed all be crammed into a wee house, sleeping on the floor and all. Wed have a laugh jumping into the sea and singing songs on the beach and it was just very wholesome.

Favourite meal?

Heres a question I can answer pretty quickly. Mushroom and truffle arancini is my absolute favourite food. I used to be a very fussy child but I like to think Ive grown out of that. I at least like to try something now before declaring to the world I absolutely hate it, which is more than I can say for when I was a child.

Conor is performing the role of Cupid in NI Operas new production, Cupids Bow, at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from February 14-17. Cupids a barman in a cocktail bar where all of operas greatest characters go to unwind and sing an aria or two. In April, Conor performs in The Lost Boy from NI Operas Salon Series at The Playhouse, Londonderry.

www.niopera.com/whats-on
The legacy of the Disappeared has a longer history than previously understood

Academic Padraig Og O Ruaircs new book, The Forgotten Disappeared, reveals the extent to which disappearances have been part of Irish history for 200 years

Members of the Chalmers family at the burial site of Private George Duff Chalmers just before his exhumation and re-burial in 2018. (Photo courtesy of the Chalmers family)

Padraig Og O Ruairc Sat 10 Feb 2024 at 09:00







The legacy of those Disappeared by the Provisional IRA during the Troubles still features in Irish politics on both sides of the border. Twenty-five years after the Belfast Agreement the killings of Jean McConville, Captain Robert Nairac, Columba McVeigh and the 14 other people then known to have been disappeared by republican paramilitaries still make newspaper headlines.
The chief chocolatier on Valentines Day prep, her 40-books-a-year reading challenge, and the joy of sharing her passion with a growing number of visitors.

The best time to get up at the weekend is?

Im privileged to spend most of my weekends surrounded by chocolate. On Saturdays I get up a little later than weekdays, around 8.30am, so that I can get to work by 9.30am. At The Chocolate Manor we usually offer two chocolate experiences every Saturday. This can be a mix of scheduled workshops, birthday parties, family experiences and hen parties. Its such fun introducing our guests to the wonderful world of chocolate.

Breakfast or brunch?

Brunch is a rare treat  a break from the Weetabix or porridge I rely on to keep me going when Im working. I love to meet up with my sister and mum for a relaxed brunch. Ill order eggs Benedict with a chai latte.

What does an ideal Saturday look like?

I take great pleasure in not having to set an alarm. So, when I wake up on a Saturday off, Ill make a cuppa and then settle on the sofa with a book. This year Im determined to bake more with my son. Next, were planning on making creme brulee with Broighter Gold lemon shortbread and Braemar Farm ice cream from Paula McIntyres Taste Causeway Recipes and Stories.

Geri Martin

What would your perfect Sunday be like?

I like to relax and spend the day with the kids or seeing my family. Weather permitting, Ill go for a walk and later catch up on TV Ive missed during the week.

Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors?

I love to walk; its so good to clear the head. My favourite place to go is Castlerock Beach, especially on clear days when you can see Scotland.

How have weekends changed as you have gotten older?

Its been a long time since I went out on the town. Im now more likely to be found at a comedy show. Since November Ive been aiming to go to a comedy gig at least once a month. Jarlath Regan was fabulous in December and I really enjoyed the Work In Progress show for the new tour by Belfasts own Vittorio Angelone in January.

If you could eat out anywhere tonight in NI, where would you go and why?

Ocho Bistro, Coleraine, located in a wonderful spot overlooking the River Bann. Its menu showcases the very best of local seasonal produce with outstanding tapas and a newly expanded menu of accomplished dishes.

What would you order?

Always the goats cheese croquetas and roasted sweet-and-sour carrots. Recently I tried the venison haunch presse for the first time and it definitely wont be the last.

At weekends youll always make time to

Read. When I turned 40 I set myself the challenge of reading 40 books in the year and it reignited my love of reading, especially a good book series. At last count I have at least 17 different series on the go, so my to be read list just gets longer and longer.

Do you sometimes work at weekends?

Being a chocolatier means weekend and evening work, especially around busy times like Valentines Day when people seek out our special chocolate creations. I love sharing my passion for chocolate with our visitors. We give people the opportunity to learn about one of their favourite foods while making memories with family and friends. I am still so proud that we were named Best Food and Drink Experience in Northern Ireland at the Giant Spirit Awards. We had just moved The Chocolate Manor to Castlerock when Covid hit, so to survive that, and to now be welcoming guests from across NI and the island of Ireland, as well as Canada, Brazil, the US and Europe, is a dream come true.

Who would you most like to go for a drink with and why?

I am in awe of Kirsten Tibballs, the world-renowned chocolatier and owner of the Savour School in Australia. I would love the chance to meet over a drink and, if she were to bring dessert, it would be even better.

Are you a weekend cook?

No, weekends are usually busy with family activities or work, so cooking is usually the same as during the week  making the best of whats in the cupboard and fridge.

Whats your dream Sunday dinner?

Duck with dauphinoise potatoes and roasted carrots. Ideally I wouldnt be the one cooking it.

Who do you normally eat Sunday dinner with and where?

We dont regularly sit down to Sunday dinner. I enjoy it most when someone else cooks. The buffet at The Stormont Hotel is the best the kids and I ever enjoyed and were hoping to get back again soon.

Too tired to cook, what are you ordering from the takeaway?

My favourite is red Thai curry from Whoosh in Coleraine. I absolutely love that I can now enjoy it at home thanks to its noodle snack pots. Its simple to prepare, ready in minutes, and so I consider it the best way to have takeaway.

Heading for the cinema, what are you going to see?

For the past few years, trips to the cinema have been with the kids, so lots of animations and Marvel movies. When I choose the movie, I like a mystery/thriller. I really enjoyed the recent Knives Out films with Daniel Craig.

Daniel Craig.

Staying in, what programmes are on the menu?

Unsurprisingly, I am a big MasterChef fan, especially the Australian version, which has a mammoth 50 episodes each season. Beyond that, I stream lots of drama series: Billions, Succession, The White Lotus, Kin, Yellowstone, I could go on. Recently, I loved series two of The Traitors.

What are you reading?

Im usually reading two books at a time: an audiobook and a physical/ebook. I listen to audiobooks at the gym, out walking or when working alone. Lesley at Bridge Books, Dromore, recommended my current book, Sweetpea by CJ Skuse. My favourite genre is crime/thrillers, especially by NI writers including Claire Allan or Brian McGilloway. Im listening to the Fens series by Joy Ellis.

Bedtime is?

I usually head to bed around 10pm with a cup of sleep tea (spiced apple and vanilla camomile) and my book. Due to tinnitus and my never-ending to-do list, podcasts help me switch off, so at midnight Ill resume the latest episode of what it is Im watching and try to drift off.

The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, grew from modest beginnings in a home kitchen on the North Coast of Ireland to working with five-star restaurants and some of the biggest names in commercial life. Via interactive workshops, guests can experience the joy and wonder of creating their own chocolate treats, expertly guided by Geri Martin. thechocolatemanor.com
Massive 1996 blast announcing end to Provo ceasefire left two people dead and 42 badly injured

Janis Rowland and Jonathan Ganesh at the memorial service

Relatives and loved ones of the victims of the London Docklands bombing held a memorial service yesterday to honour those killed and injured in the massive explosion.

A 3,000lb device comprised of Libyan-made explosives detonated in a vehicle parked outside the Bashir family business on February 9, 1996 as the IRA ended an 18-month ceasefire.

Inam Bashir (29) died in the newsagents along with colleague John Jeffries.

The force of the blast destroyed the surrounding area and 42 people were left badly injured.

Docklands Victims Association president Jonathan Ganesh, who suffered serious injuries, described the bombing as horrific and paid tribute to those injured and killed at yesterdays service.

It is now 28 years since I saw my two friends killed and other people left severely injured  it was horrific, he said.

Its so sad a number of the victims of this attack, due to their declining health, were unable to attend the service in person today.

But I felt very moved that victims, including Inams brother, attended online through video-link.

Ihsan Bashir added: It was a very moving service.

I am touched that people have not forgotten my brother and all those impacted by acts of evil.

Janis Rowland, who lives in the Docklands area, also attended the service, and said the local community will never forget the victims.
The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) has affirmed that it will highlight its opposition to the UK Legacy Act at its upcoming annual Congress meeting.

The Governments NI Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act became law last year.

The legislation  which would bring an end to Troubles-era cases and inquests and offer conditional amnesty to those accused of killings  has been universally opposed by all parties in Northern Ireland.

The Irish government also announced in December that it was launching inter-state legal action against the UK Government in relation to the the legislation.

Tom Ryan, director general of the GAA, noted the case of former Bellaghy chair Sean Brown in his latest annual report.

The Co Derry man was murdered nearly 27 years ago after locking the Wolfe Tones GAC club premises late at night.

The GAA club has publicly backed the Irish governments interstate case over the Legacy Act.

Mr Browns inquest has also been subject to interminable delays.

Tom Ryan states: Worse still, the decision of the British government to introduce a Legacy Bill means that the inquest process is on a time clock, which will run out on May 1st.

I write about Sean Brown because he was a highly active and respected member of our association, a pillar of his community and a valued member of the wider GAA family.

I think too of the family of Patsy Kelly from Trillick and the countless other families who seek truth and some measure of closure and who are being thwarted by the decision of the British government to proceed along this route.

According to The Irish Times, Mr Ryan also confirmed that GAA president Larry McCarthy will raise the concerns in his final address to congress in a fortnight.

We are going to discuss that at Congress. The Uachtaran will have words to say on that. I choose my words carefully in the report and I dont want to deviate from that because I know it is a very, very sensitive subject.

I think the principle is an important one that the whole association should stand behind Sean Browns family.

Mr Ryan further remained tight-lipped in regards to queries about whether the GAA will increased its pledged sum on 15m to the Casement Park redevelopment project.

Youve seen our figures, and admirable as it is as a financial performance, theres not a whole lot of scope for something in excess of what has been committed to Casement, he said.

He did however, maintain that the association remains fully committed to providing partnership funding for Casement.

The one thing that hasnt wavered along all the time with this thing was our part of it. So, were still there. Were still backing it; we still have made a financial commitment to it; and we still really, really need it to happen.

I think it was a positive that it was designated as a venue for Euro 2028. Yeah, I think things have changed significantly in our favour since I sat here last year. I think the fact that the executive has been restored as well will undoubtedly be a positive, so I can only control the bits we can control, theyre still absolutely in place, but things are looking better in the overall scheme of things.

The west Belfast GAA venue was included among the stadia that will host games as part of the UK and Irelands successful bid to host Euro 2028 last year.

The stadium, which will host Antrim GAAs home games and Ulster finals, has been at the central of legal battles since renovation plans for it were announced in 2013. At that point, the GAA pledged 15m towards the project.

The legal challenges were dismissed in 2022, but the grounds have still remained closed for over a decade.
John Bruton hailed a great statesman at removal mass in Co Meath

John Brutons role in building peace in Northern Ireland was praised at the State funeral of the former Taoiseach.

Political figures, including Stormont leaders Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly, attended the service in Co Meath on Saturday.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar and president Michael D Higgins were also among the mourners at St Peter and Paul's Church.

Mr Bruton (76) died in the Mater Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday. He had been ill for some time.

John Bruton, who died this week.

His time as Taoiseach, from 1994 until 1997, included a key period in the peace process.

Along with Prime Minister John Major, he launched the landmark Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995.

In his homily, Fr Bruce Bradley praised Mr Brutons pioneering cooperative part" in securing peace in Northern Ireland.

"Courage, integrity, decency  the words recur again and again in the tributes paid to him since his death, he told mourners.

"His personal qualities and significant accomplishments have been rightly celebrated.

This included, he said, his patient, pioneering cooperative part in enabling a cessation of violence in Northern Ireland, his championing of the European Union and Irelands place in it, his valuable role as EU ambassador to the United States, his later work with the IFSC. And so on.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the State funeral of John Bruton. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly sat alongside each other inside the church. As they exited the church, they embraced members of the Bruton family

Also among the mourners were Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, former SDLP MP Mark Durkan and senior figures from the Irish government.

These included Irelands Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue.

Former taoisigh Enda Kenny, Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern were also present.

Fr Bradley described Mr Bruton as "an exceptionally good man".

He added: "John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, 'willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain', as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth."

Members of the public watched the funeral mass on a large screen outside the church.

Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with Irish soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours were given at the graveside.

Soldiers dressed Mr Bruton's coffin at the family home ahead of the removal mass on Friday.

The coffin of former taoiseach John Bruton is carried on a gun carriage following his state funeral (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Bruton was taoiseach of the "rainbow coalition" government between 1994 and 1997, overseeing a referendum that would legalise divorce in Ireland.

He is survived by his wife Finola, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren and his younger brother, former government minister Richard Bruton, who read a prayer of the faithful during the funeral.

Their sister Mary Bruton spoke to thank friends for their kindness during the family's grief.

Mr Bruton's daughters Emily Bruton Iniekio read the poem Death Is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland, while her sister Mary-Elizabeth Bruton gave the second reading.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said Saints Peter and Paul's Church had been important to Mr Bruton, and they had met at Sunday masses.

"Faith was important to him and the Christian ideal," Bishop Deenihan said, adding that aspects of the late taoiseach's religious beliefs "informed his political thinking".

"He was not, and rightly so, an advocate of a theocracy but was, in the best sense of the term, a Christian democrat.

"The Christian principles of co-operation, dialogue, equity and respect - central to the teachings of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount - are also evidenced in his work in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe."
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 31 Palestinians in Rafah, hours after Israels prime minister said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic.

More than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after being uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory.

Word of the invasion plans capped a week of increasingly public friction between Mr Netanyahu and the Biden administration. US officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 31 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals.

Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest three months old.

In Khan Younis, the focus of the current ground combat, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least one person and wounding several, said Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry.

He said medical staff are no longer able to move between the facilitys buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the hospital.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The steadily climbing Palestinian death toll  now more than 28,000 after four months of war, according to Gaza health officials  has contributed to the friction between Mr Netanyahu and Washington.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but US officials have pushed back, calling for more surgical strikes.

President Joe Biden said this week Israels response is over the top.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza after more than four months of war.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Mr Netanyahus office said on Friday.

On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

It said he had ordered the military and security officials to come up with a combined plan that included both a mass evacuation of civilians and the destruction of Hamas forces in the town.

It remains unclear where civilians can go. The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people do not have homes to return to.

In addition, Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

The border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to some 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.
The report has rocked Mr Bidens campaign to stay in the White House (AP)

US President Joe Bidens Democratic allies are launching an aggressive defence against a special counsels explosive claims that the 81-year-old president could not remember major milestones in his life.

Mr Bidens aides are trying to diminish the significance of the prosecutors allegations that the American leader was too forgetful to be charged for mishandling classified material.

The President set the angry tone hours after special counsel Robert Hurs report was released, dismissing its conclusions about his memory and insisting he had not forgotten the year his son Beau died, as Mr Hur claimed.

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

Democrats on Capitol Hill and around the country quickly followed.

Hawaii senator Brian Schatz said: Republicans saying that Biden is old is the least surprising thing in American politics. Its all theyve got.

Democrats plan to answer the widespread questions about the 81-year-olds age and readiness by affirming that Mr Biden is capable of being commander in chief and trying to discredit people who portray him as enfeebled.

Key to that strategy is drawing a contrast with former president Donald Trump, the heavy Republican front-runner who is himself 77 and has also confused names and facts while also facing four indictments and multiple multimillion-dollar civil judgments.

The signs of support are crucial for Mr Biden as he prepares for what could be a tight election against Mr Trump. Even before the reports release, fears were mounting that the coalition that helped elect Mr Biden in 2020 was fraying, making it all the more important for the President to keep as many supporters as possible firmly on his side.

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

The Biden campaign circulated talking points to allies that were obtained by The Associated Press. The talking points refer to Mr Hur, a US attorney during the Trump administration, as a Maga-appointed attorney who doesnt have a case so he decided to lob personal attacks against the president.

The talking points also stressed that Mr Hur is a lawyer  not a doctor  so people should take his legal conclusions and ignore his political opinions.

The White House has also noted Mr Biden cooperated with Mr Hur, who declined to charge him with unlawfully retaining classified documents, while Mr Trump faces an indictment in Florida after the FBI seized records from his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Mr Bidens vice president Kamala Harris said Friday: The way that the Presidents demeanour in that report was characterised could not be more wrong on the facts and clearly politically motivated, gratuitous.

I will say that when it comes to the role and responsibility of a prosecutor in a situation like that, we should expect that there would be a higher level of integrity than what we saw.

Mr Biden has faced scathing criticism from the Trump campaign on his cognitive abilities (AP)

Indignation spread into South Carolina, where Mr Biden scored a commanding victory in the first-in-the-nation Democratic primary on February 3, which was designed by his campaign to project clear strength. Some saw Mr Bidens forceful response to the special counsel as a promising sign.

I truly believe this is bringing the best out in the president. Its showing that hes a fighter, said LaJoia Broughton, a 42-year-old small-business owner in Columbia who voted for Mr Biden in the primary.

Mr Bidens allies say they do not expect the President or his campaign to take on the age question more directly. They cannot make Mr Biden any younger, and note that attacks on the president over his age were also persistent four years ago, when Mr Trump labelled him Sleepy Joe.

Instead, they intend to draw on the blueprint of the 2020 campaign and argue many voters will not want a repeat of Trumps turbulent time in the White House. They also plan to highlight Mr Bidens accomplishments and an economy that continues to show strength.

Kate Berner, a former deputy communications director in the Biden White House, said: The President has said that age is a fair question on voters minds, but if youre an independent or pursuable voter across this country and youre worried about your kid facing gun violence while going to school, the prospect of a national abortion ban, or the future of our democracy, you may think about the presidents age, but at the end of the day the choice is easy.

Donald Trump is 77 (AP)

Donald Trump is on the wrong side of all of those issues.

Some Democrats were not so optimistic. Jim Messina, who led former President Barack Obamas last campaign, said: This is a distraction. When youre running a presidential campaign, you dont like distractions.

Mr Messina compared the special counsels report to the announcement in October 2016 by then-FBI director James Comey that he was further investigating Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons handling of classified emails when she was secretary of state.

Mr Comeys announcement, which came 11 days before the election, has been highlighted as a key component in Mr Trumps victory over Mrs Clinton in 2016.

In this case, this weeks report comes nine months before US election day on November 5.

Theres just so much time to get through all this, Mr Messina said. Trump has all the trials coming up. Id be surprised if this was an issue in a month.

However, Mr Trumps allies were emboldened this week.

Beyond celebrating the release of the special counsels embarrassing descriptions of Mr Biden, the former president won a new trove of delegates in Nevadas Thursday caucuses, where he ran unopposed.

Donald Trump Jr wrote in one of many messages highlighting the new report: We all already know that Joe Biden is senile. Whats being lost is that Joe Biden is a criminal who put American national security at risk.
Hungarian President Katalin Novak has been in office since 2022 (AP)

Hungarys conservative President has resigned amid a public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.

The decision by Katalin Novak unleashed an unprecedented political scandal for the long-serving nationalist government.

Ms Novak, 46, announced in a televised message on Saturday that she would step down from the presidency, a post she has held since 2022.

Her decision came after more than a week of public outrage after it was revealed that she issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of hiding a string of child sexual abuses in a state-run childrens home.

A general view of Sandor Palace, office of the Hungarian President in Budapest (AP)

Ms Novak said on Saturday: I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people. I made a mistake.

The resignation came as a rare piece of political turmoil for Hungarys nationalist governing party Fidesz, which has ruled with a constitutional majority since 2010.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Fidesz has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the electoral system and media in its favour.

Ms Novak, a key Orban ally and a former vice president of Fidesz, served as Hungarys minister for families until her appointment to the presidency.

She has been outspoken in advocating for traditional family values and the protection of children.

Ms Novak was the first female president in Hungarys history, and the youngest person to ever hold the office.

But her term came to an end after she pardoned a man sentenced to more than three years in prison in 2018 for pressuring victims to retract their claims of sexual abuse by the institutions director, who was sentenced to eight years for abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

Public outcry followed a pardon the President granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case (AP)

She said on Saturday: Based on the request for clemency and the information available, I decided in April last year in favour of clemency in the belief that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children entrusted to him.

I made a mistake, because the decision to pardon and the lack of justification were apt to raise doubts about zero tolerance for paedophilia. But here, there is not and nor can there be any doubt.

Also implicated in the pardon was Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure who endorsed the move as Hungarys then-minister of justice.

Ms Varga was expected to lead the list of European Parliament candidates from Fidesz when elections are held this summer.

But in a Facebook post on Saturday, Ms Varga announced that she would take political responsibility for endorsing the pardon, and retire from public life, resigning my seat as a member of parliament and also as leader of the EP list.
Throughout the Republic of Ireland people are marching and holding protests

Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. Throughout the Republic of Ireland people are marching and holding protests, but also taking action on the high street and in sporting arenas. With the annual visit by Irish politicians to Washington coming up next month, will the Irish government use the opportunity to advocate for peace in Gaza?

Will Sinn Fein boycott the visit due to US military support for Israel?

How much impact are acts of solidarity making on the conflict?

Tabitha Monahan is joined by Irish Independent Deputy Political Editor Hugh OConnell and News Correspondent Ellen Coyne.

Ireland and Palestine: Will Sinn Fein boycott the annual White House visit?

This episode was produced by the BelTels sister podcast, The Indo Daily
Ex-Newsnight anchor also pours scorn on idea a reunified Ireland is inevitable

Former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis has said reviving Stormont could be Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks legacy.

The high-profile journalist spoke out during an episode of The News Agents podcast, which she presents with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall.

Ms Maitlis reflected on how the deal that resurrected powersharing was a response to issues created by Brexit.

She said: The [old] answer to this was Theresa Mays... backstop, which was one of those bits of legislation where, if you didnt look too closely, it all worked quite well.

Boris Johnson came in, ripped it up, promised there wouldnt be a border down the Irish Sea and then promptly put a border down the Irish Sea.

It created this very odd situation where... trading bodies were arguing that somehow they came out of this worse.

[Some people] didnt feel as much a part of the mothership of the United Kingdom.

[The DUP] walked out in protest at checks on goods crossing from Britain to Northern Ireland, and that was the end of powersharing.

Its worth just putting in brackets that what has made this more complicated now is the election of May in 2022, which brought Sinn Fein to power as the largest party.

Since we have [had] powersharing, it has always been accepted that the DUP was the dominant position and Sinn Fein sort of snuck in as the deputy. Now Sinn Fein is in the dominant position and the DUP is struggling.

I think it is no small credit to Rishi Sunak that while the plotters may be plotting, the WhatsAppers may be WhatsApping and the pollsters may be polling, hes saying, Wheres my legacy on this? Im going to get the Windsor Framework up and running to sort out trade and Im going to sort out powersharing.

From left: Chris Heaton-Harris, Michelle ONeill, Emma Little-Pengelly and Rishi Sunak at Stormont Castle last week

If he can say in two years that is something he has managed to succeed on, I think that is a feather in his cap.

Everyone is thinking about their legacy. Rishi Sunak wants to go out saying, At least I actually solved the problem.

Ms Maitlis said the appointment of Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly as first and deputy first ministers was a symbolic moment.

She added: They both had incredibly political upbringings, which I suppose leads you to understand how they got here, but its nevertheless quite extraordinary. Theres something about the youth of the two women  theyre in their 40s.

While some, including Mary-Lou McDonald, have claimed unification is now within touching distance, Ms Maitlis was far from convinced.

She said: Michelle ONeill has to say that. She has to speak to her constituency, which is Sinn Fein.

We havent forgotten what the overarching ambition is. But... who knows what is going to happen in a decade?

[A border poll] has to be done by the will of the people. It has to overcome a threshold when the public is asked.

I think the other part of the jigsaw is, when you talk to people in Ireland, a lot of them are saying, Dont make the mistake of thinking we want a united Ireland, we dont. Thats a massive drain on resources.

Because Northern Ireland is much more expensive to run, its a lot poorer, so this idea that... everyone in Ireland (wants) to see [unity] is a complete fantasy.
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 Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Hawaii passed a bill to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot during the 2024 election.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years.
Vehicles exported abroad via Ningde land port in China's Fujian

Xinhua) 11:09, February 10, 2024

A forklift loads cargo containers at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

This photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

Vehicles for export run inside a carriage at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

Staff members load vehicles for export onto a carriage at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Placed orders for approximately 706 medicines with various CDMOs

Mediplus Health Services, the second-largest pharmacy retail chain in India, based in Hyderabad, has made a significant move into the $25-billion generic drug market. The company has announced the launch of its own brand of generic medicines, available across its expansive network of 4200 pharmacies.

This initiative is backed by partnerships with contract drug manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) like Akums India and Windlas Biotech, aimed at producing 706 generic medicines.

Mediplus Health Services has placed orders for approximately 706 medicines with various CDMOs, with Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals securing the contract for manufacturing 450 of these medicines. Presently, 550 medicines are stocked on the shelves of Mediplus Pharmacies, with nearly 360 of them being manufactured by Akums.

The introduction of 'Store Generics,' a concept of selling proprietary brand drugs through their own pharmacy network, was first implemented in Telangana. It has since expanded to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha in recent months. Of all the products available at Mediplus stores, 80% are pharmaceuticals.

Gangadi Madhukar Reddy, MD and CEO of Mediplus Health Services, revealed that close to 70% of Mediplus drugs are manufactured at Akums' facilities in Haridwar. Out of the 706 medicines, 550 generic drugs are currently on the shelves, with 350 to 360 sourced from Akums. Reddy clarified that these drugs cater to 70% of medicinal needs, excluding insulin, certain injections, and a few complex drugs.
In line with Max's vision to expand footprint in tier 2 cities with abundance of clinical talent

Max Healthcare Institute, one of Indias largest private healthcare providers, has announced the acquisition of 100% stake in Alexis Multi-Speciality Hospital for an Enterprise Value of Rs 412 crore.

The 200 bedded hospital owned & operated by Alexis is a JCI accredited facility located on a land parcel of ~2 acres at Mankapur, North of Nagpur. The hospital has G+6 floors and a basement with built up area of ~2.25 Lakh sft and offers multidisciplinary care in the areas of Gastroenterology, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Transplants, related diagnostic facilities etc. The hospital is equipped with high end bio medical equipment like Varian True Beam LINAC, 128 Slice CT Scan, 3 Tesla MRI, Digital X Ray, ARTIS Q Cath Lab, etc.

The bed capacity can be expanded to ~340 in view of the availability of the FAR for the given land and the strength of the existing structure. Further, the hospital medical programme can be further strengthened in the surgical specialties like CTVS, Urology, Oncology & Neurosciences leading to improvement in average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB) and occupied bed days (OBD).

The current run rate of Revenue & EBITDA for the Hospital is Rs ~150 crore & ~25 crore respectively. The hospital is generating cash & has good brand equity in the market in the region.

Nagpur is a fast growing city with a population density of 47L & high literacy rate (~90%). The city is strategically located in the heart of Maharashtra & experiences drainage from adjacent regions like Amravati , Jalgaon, Gondia, Chhindwara, etc. Further the city has availability of experienced medical talent owing to presence of government hospitals, medical colleges and private healthcare players.

This acquisition further strengthens Max Healthcares footprint in Western India and will enable provisioning of best in class clinical care to all patients in the region.
Funded by ICMR, the project is expected to be completed in three years

Amrita Hospital in Faridabad has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H), Eranki Labs, and Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics to develop state-of-the-art technology in radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Dr Bhaskar Viswanathan, Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, has been awarded a research grant to spearhead the development of an indigenous robotic ultrasound system for tumour motion and radiation hyperthermia. This technology aims to revolutionise cancer treatment by providing non-invasive, precise, and effective therapies.

The collaboration aims to leverage robotic ultrasound systems to track tumour movement in real-time, ensuring accurate radiation therapy delivery while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Dr Avinash Eranki, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at IIT-H and CEO of Eranki Labs, underscored the importance of precise energy delivery in cancer treatment. He emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of the collaboration, combining expertise from medical and engineering domains to advance technology in cancer care.

The project, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is expected to be completed in three years.

The partnership between Amrita Hospital, IIT-H, and Eranki Labs signifies a significant step forward in cancer treatment technology, promising improved outcomes for patients battling this debilitating disease.
Six and a half years ago Dalton Mountain Road bridge was closed due to failing piles. Although it re-opened a few weeks later as a one lane bridge, the lingering question has been: when will it be replaced?

This year finally seems to be the year, as the Montana Department of Transportation opened bids Feb. 1 for the bridge's replacement.

At the. Feb. 2 Lincoln Government Day meeting, Lewis and Clark County Public Works Director Jenny Chambers said the Montana Department of Transportation engineering estimate for the project was approximately $4.5 million. She said Sletten Construction came in with a bid a little over $3.9 million, while Frontier West LSD came in at $4.6 million.

"The good news is they've got some bids. They got a reasonable bid that looks like within the range of what they thought was the funded cost," Chambers said.

MDT is handling the Dalton Mountain bridge replacement under their off-system bridge program. They accepted it into that program in July 2019. Lewis and Clark County approached MDT about including it in the program shortly after the Montana Legislature approved $$558,806 in funding through the Treasure State Endowment Program. Since then, MDT requirements and budgeting issues have pushed the bridge replacement back several times.

During a Nov. 18, 2021 public meeting on the bridge replacement, MDT project manager Ryan Boysen unveiled the proposed design for the new bridge: a single span, pony-truss bridge without any piles or piers in the river. At the time he said MDT had to work through a series of environmental concerns such as county flood plain requirements and issues with threatened and endangered species. From a construction standpoint, bull trout concerns will limit in-stream work to window between July 15 and Sept. 15.

Roger Dey

Initial work on the project should get underway once the contract is awarded, but on-the-ground work probably won't start until May or June, when staging for the project is likely to get underway. The project is expected to last between 130-160 days.

"The road will probably be closed when they start formal construction; probably mid June-ish," Chambers said.

While construction is underway, there will not be a detour at the bridge site. Instead, traffic to the Dalton Mountain and Willow Creek areas will be routed down Stemple Pass Road and around Herrin Lake Road. County commission chairman Andy Hunthausen noted the Herrin Lake detour has always been part of the plan, since there isn't space to build a detour bridge across the Blackfoot River at the construction site.

Chambers said the contractor will likely build a temporary bridge for their use while they tear down the old bridge, but the construction corridor will be closed to traffic. "It's going to be a definite impact to the community."

"We're hoping to get plans from MDT on traffic safety and overall how their contractors are going to be working on the detour of the area," Chambers said.

She added they've asked that MDT to include in the contract that the contractor has to maintain traffic around the detour and address the impact to the county road and count assets. "That will include, hopefully, some (magnesium chloride dust control), it will include some signage; will include some additional gravel and material if it has to be graded...during the time of the project and based upon those impacts."

Those plans likely won't be established until after the contractor is hired.

"That's why I want them to come up here in the spring to give the community an update and really do a robust public outreach on what those alternatives are going to be; How they're gong to manage the traffic," Chambers said.

She is planning to talk to MDT and ask the county commission to invite them to Lincoln in March or April to provide an update on the bridge construction as well as on other projects that are planned in the area this summer, including a chip seal project on Highway 279 over Flesher Pass.
The week kicked off with a bank holiday in honour of St Brigid, and saw both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak travel to Stromont to mark the re-establishment of powersharing in the North.

In the Dail, TDs paid tribute to the late former Taoiseach John Bruton, and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan shared his thoughts on the future of transport in Ireland.

Advertisement

In the world of sport, Andy Farrell hushed any talk of a potential Grand Slam, instead focusing on his side's upcoming game against Italy at the Aviva this weekend, while internationally, focus is on the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Can you recall some of the top stories of the week? Test your knowledge with our quiz below...
An Israeli drone strike has struck a car near Lebanons southern port city of Sidon, killing at least two people and injuring two others, security officials said.

The strike came as tensions across the Middle East grow with the Israel-Hamas war, a drone attack last month that killed three US troops in north-eastern Jordan near the Syrian border and attacks by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels on vessels passing through the Red Sea.

Advertisement

The drone strike near the coastal town of Jadra took place about 37 miles from the Israeli border, making it one of the furthest inside Lebanon since violence erupted along the Lebanon-Israel border on October 8th, a day after Hamas attack in southern Israel.

An Israeli security official said the target of the strike in Sidon was Hamas official Basel Saleh, who was injured to an unknown extent.

Advertisement

The attack was aimed at a senior Hamas official, the Israeli military said (AP)

Advertisement

The official said Mr Saleh was responsible for enlistment of new Hamas recruits in Gaza and the West Bank.

The attack in Lebanon came as Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met in Beirut with Lebanese leaders including the countrys caretaker prime minister, parliament speaker and the head of the militant Hezbollah group.

Mr Amirabdollahian said that if the United States wants to bring stability to the region again, it should work on forcing Israel to end its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

He told reporters after meeting his counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib that after four months of war, Israel and its backers did not achieve anything tangible.

Advertisement

In an apparent reference to attacks by Iran-backed fighters in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, Mr Amirabdollahian said if American wants calm to prevail in the region, then the mechanism and the solution is to stop the genocide, crimes and the war against Gaza and the West Bank.

He blasted Washington, saying the US is working on two tracks, one of which is sending weapons to Israel and participating in the genocide in Gaza and at the same time speaking about reaching a political solution to the war.

Two Lebanese security officials said the strike damaged a car and killed two people, including one on a motorcycle.

Advertisement

Advertisement

At least two people were killed and two others were injured (AP)

Lebanese troops cordoned off the area.

Drone strikes in Lebanon blamed on Israel have so far killed several officials from Hezbollah as well as the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The previous farthest strike was the January 2nd attack that killed top Hamas official Saleh Arouri in Beirut.

The US Central Command announced on Saturday that the US military conducted self-defence strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels, four anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea from Yemen.

Advertisement

The military said the missiles and an unmanned vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israels offensive in Gaza.

But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperilling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Tensions have also flared elsewhere in the region. A US air strike in Baghdad on Wednesday killed a commander of Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful armed groups in Iraq, as part of Washingtons retaliation for the killing of three US troops in Jordan last month.

Advertisement

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that has launched numerous attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, issued a call on Friday for fighters to join its ranks to drive occupying forces out of the country.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted about 170 attacks on bases with US troops in Iraq and Syria over the last four months, saying they were due to Washingtons support of Israel in its war in Gaza and that it aims to expel American forces from the region.

Iraqi and US officials launched formal talks last month to wind down the presence of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, but the talks were paused following the death of three American troops in a strike in Jordan attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Officials from both countries announced on Thursday that the talks will resume, with the next meeting set for Sunday.
Israeli air strikes have killed at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The strike came hours after Israels Prime Minister said he had asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people there ahead of a ground invasion.

Advertisement

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement triggered panic in the region as well as warnings from diplomats.

An Israeli soldier waves from his tank in southern Israel near the Gaza border (AP)

More than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after following Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of the territory.

Advertisement

It is not clear where they could run to next.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining stronghold for the Hamas militant group in Gaza after more than four months of war sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack.

Advertisement

Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry warned that any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences, and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land.

Mr Shoukry also said Egypt was working to bridge the gap between the warring sides to achieve a permanent ceasefire and free the remaining hostages taken on October 7 in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The negotiations are complex, he said.

Advertisement

Palestinians check the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah (AP)

There is increasing friction between Mr Netanyahu and the United States, whose officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out air strikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from the current ground combat in Khan Younis just to the north.

Advertisement

Overnight into Saturday, three air strikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official as well as Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals.

Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest three months old.

Later on Saturday, an Israeli air strike on a home in Rafah killed at least 11 people, including three children, according to Ahmed al-Sawaf, head of Rafah municipality.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Egyptian officials have warned of dire consequences to a ground invasion in Rafah (AP)

The dead were taken to Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital, according to an AP journalist there. Two other strikes killed two policemen and three senior officers in the civil police, city officials said.

In Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least two people and wounding five, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders.

Israeli tanks reached the hospital gates on Saturday morning, Ahmed Maghrabi, a physician at the hospital, said in a Facebook post.

Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said hospital staff are no longer able to move between buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering there.

Today I met with Chancellor Scholz and spoke about several of our shared priorities, including our support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression and ongoing developments in the Middle East.



I look forward to seeing him again soon at the NATO Summit in Washington. pic.twitter.com/T8h60csW00  President Biden (@POTUS) February 10, 2024

The Israeli military said troops were not currently operating inside the hospital and called the surrounding area an active combat zone.

Roughly 80 per cent of Gazas people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.

Advertisement

The Gaza health ministry said the bodies of 117 people killed in Israeli air strikes were brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours, raising the overall death toll from the offensive to 28,064, mostly women and children. The ministry said more than 67,000 people have been wounded.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on October 7th, killing 1,300 people and taking 250 others hostage. Not all are still alive.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but US officials have called for more surgical strikes. US President Joe Biden said this week Israels response is over the top.

PRESS RELESAE: the #ICJ will hold public hearings on the request for advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, from 19 to 26 February 2024 https://t.co/aCshb2NaIh pic.twitter.com/Zce3yvwLUS  CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) February 9, 2024

Mr Netanyahus office says it is impossible to eliminate Hamas while leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah.

Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The Rafah border crossing, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Advertisement

Rafah had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000, and the United Nations says it is now home to some 1.4 million additional people who fled fighting elsewhere.

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock warned an Israeli offensive on Rafah would be a humanitarian catastrophe in the making, adding on X that the people in Gaza cannot disappear into thin air.

The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people no longer have homes.
Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 31 Palestinians in Rafah, hours after Israels prime minister said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic.

Advertisement

More than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after being uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory.

Word of the invasion plans capped a week of increasingly public friction between Mr Netanyahu and the Biden administration. US officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)

Advertisement

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, just to the north.

Advertisement

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 31 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals.

Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest three months old.

In Khan Younis, the focus of the current ground combat, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least one person and wounding several, said Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry.

Advertisement

He said medical staff are no longer able to move between the facilitys buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the hospital.



Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The steadily climbing Palestinian death toll  now more than 28,000 after four months of war, according to Gaza health officials  has contributed to the friction between Mr Netanyahu and Washington.

Advertisement

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but US officials have pushed back, calling for more surgical strikes.

President Joe Biden said this week Israels response is over the top.

Advertisement

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza after more than four months of war.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Mr Netanyahus office said on Friday.

Advertisement

On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

It said he had ordered the military and security officials to come up with a combined plan that included both a mass evacuation of civilians and the destruction of Hamas forces in the town.

It remains unclear where civilians can go. The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people do not have homes to return to.

In addition, Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

The border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to some 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.
A man who leaped over a judicial bench and attacked a Nevada judge during a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas last month that was captured in a courtroom video that went viral has now been indicted for attempted murder.

A grand jury returned the nine-count indictment against Deobra Redden, 30, in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Advertisement

His arraignment is scheduled for February 29.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus was about to deliver Reddens sentence in an attempted battery case on January 3 when he lunged over the bench at her.

Courtroom cameras recorded as Holthus clerk and a court marshal fought with Redden to restrain him in the wild video that was widely viewed on the internet and social media posts.

A week later, Judge Holthus sentenced him to up to four years in prison for the battery charge he had pleaded guilty to in November.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The new indictment for attempted murder alleges that Redden attacked Holthus by grabbing her, pulling her hair, placing his hands around her throat and/or hitting her on the head by manner and means unknown.

He is also accused of punching and/or kicking and/or pushing a Las Vegas police officer.

A lawyer who represented Redden at the initial hearing did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment on Saturday.

Reddens foster mother, Karen Springer, and his older sister, LaDonna Daniels, told reporters outside court last month that Redden has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, though court records show he was found competent to stand trial.

Advertisement

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said at the time that Reddens adult criminal history included convictions for three serious offences and nine misdemeanours, mostly involving violent acts.
Police have been searching an area of the River Thames in central London for chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi.

A police boat circled between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges, flashing lights and pausing beside a small ship before moving off again on Saturday morning.

Advertisement

Despite the poor visibility caused by the weather, a crowd gathered to watch the operation.

Advertisement

Detectives believe Ezedi may have gone into the river after being seen on CCTV leaning over the railings of Chelsea Bridge in west London on the night a woman and two young girls were attacked with a corrosive substance in Clapham, south London.

The force said on Friday its main working hypothesis was the 35-year-old had gone into the Thames.

However, police admit that Ezedis body may never be found due to the speed of the current in the river.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Abdul Ezedi seen on CCTV on the night of the attack at a Tesco in Caledonian Road, north London (Metropolitan Police/PA)

In a briefing at Scotland Yard on Friday, Commander Jon Savell said: We have spent the last 24 hours meticulously following the CCTV, and its our main working hypothesis that hes now gone into the water.

We have looked at all of the available cameras and angles, and with the assistance of Transport for London and CCTV from buses that were travelling over the bridge at the relevant time and there is no sighting of him coming off the bridge.

Asked whether police were willing to say that Ezedi was dead, Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart said: Im prepared to say that hes gone into the water and if hes gone into the water then thats the most probable outcome.

Advertisement

A CCTV image of the suspect traveling along the Albert Embankment approaching Vauxhall Bridge (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Ezedi, from the Newcastle area, is accused of pouring a strong alkali on his ex-partner, and injuring her two young children, aged three and eight, on Wednesday, January 31st, in Clapham.

The breakdown of the relationship is considered a possible motive for the attack.

Advertisement

Mr Savell confirmed the woman remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital and was still very poorly and unable to speak to police.

Speaking about the river search, Mr Savell said: At this time of year, the Thames is very fast flowing, very wide and full of lots of snags.

Advertisement

It is quite likely that if he has gone in the water, he wont appear for maybe up to a month, and its not beyond possibility that he may never actually surface.

Mr Sewart said police had tracked Ezedis movements from the Tower Hill area, where he had walked more than four miles with purpose to Chelsea Bridge.

Police searched the area near Chelsea Bridge at low tide (Lucy North/PA)

He continued: When he has got to the area of Chelsea Bridge, his behaviour visibly appears to change in so much as he walked up and down the bridge  he pauses in the midpoint of the bridge, halfway down the bridge.

Then he walked to and from the side of the bridge and can be seen to sort of lean over the railings before there is a loss of sight.

Earlier this week police said the last confirmed sighting was just before 11.30pm on January 31st, a few hours after the attack, as he crossed over Chelsea Bridge and entered Battersea Park in central London, then crossed back over the same bridge minutes later.

The manhunt has been under way for more than a week, with officers raiding two addresses linked to Ezedi in Newcastle in the early hours of Thursday.

Ezedi, who is not the father of the children who were hurt, suffered significant facial injuries in the incident which police previously said could prove fatal if left untreated.
Anti-fascist activists have gathered in Hungarys capital to oppose an annual commemoration held by far-right groups.

The rally also underlines diplomatic tensions between Budapest and Rome over the detention of an Italian citizen in a Hungarian jail.

Advertisement

Hundreds of activists marched through central Budapest alongside a heavy police presence, and called for freedom for every anti-fascist.

They said they were seeking to prevent the far-right from observing the Day of Honour, an annual event marking the failed attempt by Nazi and allied Hungarian soldiers to break out of Budapest during the Red Armys siege of the city in 1945.

The demonstration came as an Italian anti-fascist activist is being held in a Hungarian jail for allegedly being involved in assaults against suspected participants in the Day of Honour commemoration in Budapest last year.

Advertisement



Protesters clash with riot police (LaPresse via AP)

Advertisement

Images of the activist, Ilaria Salis, chained and shackled at a Budapest court hearing sparked official protests by the Italian government. Prosecutors are seeking an 11-year sentence for the woman.

Luca Kruczynski, 35, a participant at the anti-fascist march Saturday, said he had travelled from Berlin with friends to protest against the neo-fascist groups that are having their events here now every year.

He said he had concerns that Salis prosecution would be a political trial, adding: We see that Nazis are going to group up on different occasions and in different cities all over Europe.

Advertisement

There are people who say no to this, and who have a close eye on this and tell them: Here and no further.'

A separate group of activists gathered in Milan on Saturday to call attention to Salis case. Hungarys government has denied that Salis is being held in inappropriate conditions.

Italys government has called on Hungary to observe European and international law, which calls for the need to respect the dignity of prisoners, including the way in which defendants are transferred to court and the guarantees of a fair trial.

Last week, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni spoke about Salis detention with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The case is delicate for the far-right-led government of Ms Meloni, who has forged friendly ties with the nationalist Mr Orban.

Advertisement

Advertisement



Hundreds of anti-fascist activists gathered in Hungarys capital (AP)

Italys foreign and justice ministers have refused a request to seek pre-trial detention at home in Italy or in the Italian embassy in Budapest for Salis, citing the sovereignty of Hungarys court system.

Salis father met with Italys foreign minister Antonio Tajani and justice minister Carlo Nordio on Monday in a bid to persuade them to intervene on his daughters behalf, but walked away disappointed.

Advertisement

In a joint statement on Monday, Mr Nordio said he suggested to the father that Salis Hungarian lawyer make the case in court to change the conditions of her confinement, while Mr Tajani said that he has twice personally intervened with the Hungarian government on her behalf.

The leader of the Italian opposition, Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, noted on Monday that Ms Melonis far-right-led government only moved on behalf of Salis only after seeing the chains and shackles.

Ms Schlein said: It is difficult not to think that Meloni is embarrassed in front of her European ally, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban.
Former US president Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race, said on Friday he had firmly protected gun rights while in the White House and vowed if re-elected to undo all restrictions enacted by president Joe Biden.

Speaking to thousands of supporters at an event organised by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Mr Trump promised to rescind a rule curbing sales of gun accessories known as pistol braces and other regulations put in place by the Biden administration.

Advertisement

"Every single Biden attack on gun owners and manufacturers will be terminated my very first week back in office, perhaps my first day," Mr Trump said in a speech at the Great American Outdoor show in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania.

The NRA enthusiastically backed Mr Trump during the 2016 race and throughout his administration, cheering him on as he appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court and adopted a series of steps sought by the influential gun lobby. These included designating firearm shops as essential businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing them to stay open.

Advertisement

Donald Trump arrives at the National Rifle Association presidential forum at the Great American Outdoor Show on February 9th, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Seeing conservative gun owners as critical to his re-election chances, Mr Trump has continued to court them aggressively. He told the crowd on Friday that if he is re-elected "no one will lay a finger on your firearms" and bragged about resisting pressure to implement gun restrictions during his term in the White House from 2017 to 2021.

Advertisement

"During my four years nothing happened, and there was great pressure on me having to do with guns. We did nothing, we didn't yield," Mr Trump said.

Republicans, with the support of the NRA and other gun rights groups, largely oppose stricter laws, citing the right to bear arms established in the US Constitution's Second Amendment. That stance has remained fixed even in the face of a steady stream of mass shootings, and with the United States registering the highest rate of gun deaths among rich countries.

At Friday's address, Mr Trump's eighth in front of an NRA crowd, he urged his supporters to "swamp" the polls in November, a recognition that he needs the battleground state he lost in 2020 if he wants to retake the White House.

'Get over it'

Ahead of Mr Trump's speech, the Democratic National Committee put up a billboard in Harrisburg referring to comments Mr Trump made following a school shooting in Iowa in January, when he expressed condolences before telling his supporters they had "to get over it," and needed "to move forward."

Advertisement

Advertisement

"Donald Trump to victims of gun violence: 'get over it'," the billboard reads.

The Biden campaign held a call on Friday with reporters about Mr Trump and the NRA. One speaker was Maxwell Frost, a 27-year-old Florida congressman who said he got into politics to stop school shootings and enact stronger gun laws.

"We have Republican politicians like Donald Trump, who are all too willing to stand by and watch kids senselessly die, because he's bought and paid for by the NRA," Mr Frost said.

Mr Trump's speech came one day after he won Republican presidential nominating caucuses in Nevada and the US Virgin Islands, moving closer to the nomination and a likely general election rematch with Mr Biden.

Advertisement

Mr Trump again on Friday raised questions about Mr Biden's mental acuity, the day after a Department of Justice special counsel report said Mr Biden, 81, suffered from memory lapses, even as it concluded he should not be charged in a probe into his handling of classified documents.

The White House blasted that characterisation and called the report "clearly politically motivated".

Mr Trump, 77, has his own history of gaffes, recently confusing Republican rival Nikki Haley with the former Democratic speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, occasionally appearing to slur his words and suggesting former Democratic president Barack Obama was still in office.

On Friday, Mr Trump made a number of false or misleading statements, including the assertion that he had won Pennsylvania twice.
A three-month-old baby was in a stable condition on Sunday after being stabbed in the abdomen at a home in suburban Ipswich, west of Brisbane.

Police have charged a 26-year-old, who lived at the same Ripley address, with attempted murder.

A police spokesperson said the baby was taken to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday, but by Sunday had been stabilised.

On arrival, officers located a three-month-old infant with what appeared to be a stab wound to the abdomen, the spokesperson said.
I met up with friends at a Vietnamese restaurant. One of them used his chopsticks to serve himself from the shared plates. Am I wrong to be disgusted?

R.M., Mosman, NSW

Credit: Simon Letch

A: Forks have no rules. Do what you like with them. Use them for eating, whisking eggs, combing eyebrows, scratching buttocks. And when your partner starts their painfully tedious dinner-party rant about how nobody knows theres a plural in John Denvers Take Me Home, Country Roads, you can use a fork to stab them in the thigh under the table.

Spoons have no rules. Do what you like with them. Use them for scooping soup, stirring beverages, catapulting peas, imitating a koala by hanging them from your nose. Or grab a bunch of them at a backyard barbecue and play spoon-percussion to Lil Nas Xs Old Town Road (until your partner stabs you in the thigh with a fork).

But chopsticks have rules. Lots of rules. Rules that strike fear into the heart of all diners: eating with chopsticks is like eating with loaded sniper rifles. Hold your chopsticks incorrectly and youve insulted the host. Point with your chopsticks and youve disrespected your friends. Poke your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice and everyone at the table will be stricken with lethargy and bankruptcy (I havent done the research on this, but it feels sort of right).
The policy details the establishment of Panchkarma, Kshara Sutra and AYUSH units in ESIC hospitals

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on Saturday decided to extend medical benefits to superannuated insured persons with relaxed norms.

The decision was taken at the 193rd meeting of ESIC under the chairmanship of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, a labour ministry statement said.

The ESIC approved a proposal to provide medical benefits to the insured superannuating workers who went out of the ESI Scheme coverage due to exceeding the wage ceiling, if the worker was under insurable employment for at least 5 years before superannuation/ voluntary retirement, it stated.

The persons who were in the insurable employment for at least 5 years after April 1, 2012 and superannuated/voluntarily retired on or after April 1, 2017 with wages up to Rs 30,000 per month will be benefitted under the new scheme.

To augment the service delivery mechanism in North-Eastern states to fulfil the vision of Act East Policy of the government, the ESIC relaxed the existing norms for establishment of dispensaries, medical infrastructure/regional/sub regional offices in NE states including Sikkim.

To promote holistic wellbeing of ESI beneficiaries, a new policy on AYUSH 2023 in ESIC institutions was adopted during the meeting.

The policy details the establishment of Panchkarma, Kshara Sutra and AYUSH units in ESIC hospitals.

During the meeting, to strengthen the infrastructure of medical care, approval for acquisition of lands for construction of 100-bed hospitals each at Udupi, Karnataka; Idukki, Kerala and 150-bed hospital at Malerkotla, Punjab was also accorded.

Concessions/facilities for non-IPs (insured persons) to avail ESI healthcare services at nil user charges at ESIC medical colleges and hospitals at Alwar, Rajasthan and Bihta, Bihar have been extended till March 31, 2025.

The Revised Estimates 2023-24, Budget Estimates 2024-25 and Performance Budget 2024-25 of ESIC were adopted by the ESIC during the meeting.

During the meeting, Yadav said that overall improvements have been made in the service delivery mechanism of the ESIC by building and increasing capacity, renovation & construction of medical infrastructure throughout the country and adopting robust policies.

He further said the quantum and magnitude of efforts made to extend the social security benefits to the vulnerable workforce of the country should always be strengthened.

Labour Secretary Arti Ahuja suggested formulation of a standardised plan for disbursement of cash benefits, medical benefits, and construction management for enhanced service delivery.

A book on HR norms of the ESIC was also released on the occasion by Yadav.
There were massive protests in some parts of the country after the CAA was passed by Parliament in December 2019 and got the presidential assent

The rules for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be issued before the coming Lok Sabha polls and the process to grant Indian nationality to the beneficiaries will start soon after, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said here on Saturday.

Under the CAA, the Modi government wants to grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians - from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who had come to India till December 31, 2014.

"The CAA is a law of the country and its notification will definitely be issued. It will be issued before the polls. The CAA will be implemented before the elections. No one should have any confusion about it," Shah said at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2024.

He said granting Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities of the neighbouring countries was a promise of the Congress leadership too.

"When the Partition happened - Hindus, Buddhists, Christians - all wanted to come to India after facing religious persecution there. They (Congress leaders) had promised to give citizenship to these people saying all of you are welcome. But the (Congress) leaders went back on their word," Shah said.

The home minister said he wanted to make it clear that the CAA is not a law to snatch anyone's citizenship.

"Our Muslim brothers are being instigated on the issue of CAA.

"CAA can't snatch anyone's citizenship as the law does not have that provision. CAA has been enacted to give citizenship to those people who have come from Bangladesh and Pakistan after facing religious persecution. No one should oppose this law," he said.

There were massive protests in some parts of the country after the CAA was passed by Parliament in December 2019 and got the presidential assent.

Delayed by over four years, rules for the CAA are a must for its implementation.

Officials said rules are ready and the online portal is also in place as the entire process will be online.

The applicants will have to declare the year when they entered India without travel documents. No document will be sought from the applicants.

According to the law, the benefits under the CAA will be given to the undocumented minorities from the three countries.

The promise of implementing the controversial CAA was a major poll plank of the BJP in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in West Bengal.

The saffron party's leaders consider it a plausible factor that led to the rise of the BJP in Bengal.

According to the Manual on Parliamentary Work, the rules for any legislation should have been framed within six months of presidential assent or seek an extension from the Committees on Subordinate Legislation in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Since 2020, the home ministry has been taking extensions at regular intervals from the parliamentary committee for framing the rules.

Over a hundred people lost their lives during the protests or in police action after the parliament passed CAA.

Meanwhile, in the last two years, over 30 District Magistrates and Home Secretaries of nine states have been given powers to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

According to the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2021-22, from April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, a total of 1,414 foreigners belonging to these non-Muslim minority communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were given Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The nine states where Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization is given under the Citizenship Act, 1955 to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra.

Interestingly, authorities in none of the districts of Assam and West Bengal, where the issue is politically very sensitive, have been given the powers so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna and, along with them, MS Swaminathan, also known as the father of the green revolution, will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award.

In a line-up post on X, PM Modi said that, as a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao served India extensively in various capacities.

"Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth," the PM said.

"Narasimha Rao Garu's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," he added.

Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi said this honour is dedicated to the former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh's incomparable contribution to the country.

"It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country, even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation-building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency are inspiring to the entire nation," PM posted on X.

Swaminathan, a prominent figure in Indian agriculture famed for his leading role in India's 'Green Revolution', will be conferred the honour posthumously, the Prime Minister said.

Taking to 'X', PM Modi said that Swaminathan's visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation's food security and prosperity.

"It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr MS Swaminathan in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation's agriculture and farmers' welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernising Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor, encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan's visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but has also ensured the nation's food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely, and l always valued his insights and inputs," the Prime Minister said in a post on 'X'.

Several leaders across the country extended greetings upon the grand announcement.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he is honoured to inform the Rajya Sabha that Chaudhary Charan Singh, who has been a symbol of honesty and worked for the welfare of farmers, has been awarded the Bharat Ratna.

"Chaudhary Charan Singh has been a symbol of honesty and has been dedicated to the farmers. Honorable Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed happiness in the Rajya Sabha on the decision to honor Chaudhary Charan Singh ji with Bharat Ratna," the Vice President's office said in a post 'X'.

Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar lauded the services of the former Prime Ministers Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh and the agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan and said that all three made their contribution to the country, to society and to take it forward.

"I thank the PM, Central Government, and President. Be it the farmers of the country, agricultural scientists, or those who follow a democratic system in politics - I congratulate all of them. PV Narasimha Rao was one such PM who gave a respectable position to the then-LoP Atal Bihari Vajpayee and sent him to the UN. Former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh always fought for farmers and was their messiah. Similarly, agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan made agriculture beneficial for the farmers...So, all of them made their contribution to the country, to its society and to take it forward. I thank the PM once again," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the three personalities and expressed happiness over this decision on his social media account, calling it 'praiseworthy'.

Welcoming the announcement of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Chief Minister wrote on social media platform X, "The decision to confer the 'Bharat Ratna' upon former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a mass leader and messiah of farmers, who dedicated his life for the uplift of villages, farmers, oppressed, and deprived, is commendable. He was a seeker of democracy in a true sense. This honour is a recognition of his unparalleled contributions to nation-building."

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister expressed that conferring the Bharat Ratna upon the 'farmer's messiah', Chaudhary Charan Singh, is an honour for crores of farmers of the country.

"This recognition holds particular significance for Uttar Pradesh, given Chaudhary Sahab's tenure as Chief Minister, during which the state witnessed significant progress and transformation," he said.CM Yogi further wrote about the announcement of Bharat Ratna for former PM P.V. Narasimha Rao on X; he stated that "the decision to honour former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao with 'Bharat Ratna' is highly commendable. His visionary leadership played a pivotal role in driving the country's economic development forward. His contributions to India's progress will always be remembered."

While speaking to the media, CM Yogi highlighted how PV Narasimha Rao steered the country through challenging times and implemented crucial economic reforms during his tenure.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister welcomed the announcement of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon the esteemed agricultural scientist and pioneer of the Green Revolution, Dr. MS Swaminathan, stating, "The decision to honour the eminent agricultural scientist and father of the Green Revolution, Dr. MS Swaminathan, with the 'Bharat Ratna' is commendable. His remarkable contributions to agriculture and farmers' welfare are widely respected. This honour is a true tribute to his unparalleled contribution in transforming agriculture."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, to three personalities.

"I would like to thank the Prime Minister under whose leadership Bharat Ratna will be conferred to Chaudhary Charan Singh, who bravely opposed the emergency and fought for farmers...PM Modi showed generosity and awarded Bharat Ratna to the Janata Dal leader too. It is PM Modi's vision...PV Narasimha Rao's life was dedicated to the Congress. He also opened new doors to development for the Government of India. His grandson has tweeted that Congress forgot about his contribution. I would like to thank PM Modi for remembering NaraSimha Rao," CM Yadav said.

After the announcement of Bharat Ratna to his grandfather and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating an alliance with the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls.

There have been speculations about Jayant Chaudhary jumping ship to the BJP, giving a jolt to the INDIA bloc.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said that it is of no consequence to him that the recognition has come on the 'eve of general elections'.

While Chidambaram welcomed the decision of the central government, he also said, "Happy that secular, socialist leaders have been awarded Bharat Ratna It is gratifying that the BJP is discovering the contribution of the three eminent men. It is of no consequence to me that the recognition has come on the eve of general elections. Homage to the memory of the three Bharat Ratna Awardees."

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the contributions of former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, were unprecedented, but the Modi government is maintaining silence on the legal status of providing minimum support prices to farmers based on the Swaminathan formula.

He further said that "Providing farmers with a legal guarantee of a minimum support price based on the Swaminathan formula will be a true tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh ji and Swaminathan ji".

In a post on X, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said that due to the stubbornness of Prime Minister Modi, 700 farmers were martyred during the movement, but the government broke its promise to the farmers.

"PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan were, are, and will always be the gems of India. Their contribution was unprecedented, which every Indian respects. The Modi government is silent on giving the legal status of minimum support price to farmers based on the Swaminathan formula. Due to the stubbornness of Prime Minister Modi, 700 farmers were martyred during the movement, but the government broke its promise to the farmers. Even today, the farmers are ready to march to Delhi, but the government is not listening," he said.

"Providing justice to farmers is one of the main objectives of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Our demand for 'Kisan Nyay' is that farmers should be given a legal guarantee of a minimum support price based on the Swaminathan formula. This will be a true tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh ji and Swaminathan ji," he added.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Dola Sen questioned why these personalities are being honoured after 10 years.

"It is a good thing that they are giving senior personalities Bharat Ratna posthumously. But why did they remember them after 10 years? This question will arise," Sen said while speaking to ANI on Friday.

On Friday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray demanded Bharat Ratna for the founder of Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray who passed away in 2012.

Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, being an agriculturist and an advocate, Narasimha Rao joined politics and held some important portfolios. He was the Minister of Law and Information, 1962-64; Law and Endowments, 1964-67; Health and Medicine, 1967 and Education, 1968-71, Government of Andhra Pradesh. He was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971-73 and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee from 1975-76.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born in 1902 at Noorpur in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, in a middle class peasant family. He graduated in science in 1923 and did his post-graduation at Agra University in 1925. Also trained in law, he set up practice in Ghaziabad. He shifted to Meerut in 1929 and later joined the Congress. He was first elected to the UP Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli, and represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He became Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant's Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, Justice, Information etc.

In June 1951, he was appointed Cabinet Minister in the State and given charge of the Departments of Justice and Information. Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Sampurnanand in 1952. When he resigned in April 1959, he was holding charge of the Department of Revenue and Transport.

Trained as a plant geneticist, Swaminathan's significant contributions to India's agricultural sector have earned him a reputation as the scientific leader of India's green revolution movement. His work has been instrumental in the agricultural renaissance of India.

This prestigious award recognises his pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in agriculture and modernising it during challenging times.

Since assuming office in 2014, the Modi government has announced Bharat Ratna for Lal Krishna Advani, Karpoori Thakur, Madan Mohan Malviya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh.
Israeli forces travel towards Gaza. The war against Hamas that erupted more than four months ago is stretching public finances by pushing the budget deep into the red. Photographer: Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg

Israel received its first-ever sovereign downgrade as Moodys Investors Service lowered its credit rating, citing the impact of the ongoing military conflict with Hamas on its finances.

The nation was cut by one notch to A2, the sixth-highest investment grade and on par with Poland and Chile. Moodys changed the outlook to negative, concluding a review that it started in October.

The conflict and its aftermath will materially raise political risk for Israel as well as weaken its executive and legislative institutions and its fiscal strength, for the foreseeable future, Moodys said in its statement on Friday, adding that it expects that Israels debt burden will be materially higher than projected before the conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision does not reflect the state of the countrys economy.

It is entirely due to the fact that we are at war, he said in a statement. The rating will go back up as soon as we win the war.





Chart The conflict, which erupted more than four months ago, is stretching public finances by pushing the budget deep into the red. The fiscal costs of Israels worst armed conflict in 50 years are also forcing the government to rely far more on debt to fund its needs and pay a war bill the central bank estimates at 255 billion shekels ($69 billion) over 2023-2025.

The governments revised budget for 2024, which is pending final approval in parliament later this month, will come with a deficit of 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product, which would be among the widest for Israel this century. The shortfall was wider only in 2020, when the government spent and borrowed heavily to contain the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns that followed.

Traders have already priced in a possible downgrade, meaning a cut should have a muted impact on markets. The cost to insure Israels debt against default in the next five years is now higher than for lower-rated sovereigns such as Mexico and Indonesia.

The war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas swarmed into southern Israeli communities from Gaza and killed around 1,400 people. Israels retaliatory air and ground offensive has killed more than 27,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory.
The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, urged Pakistan authorities on Friday to uphold fundamental human rights, including a free and fair trial through the independent judicial system and also expressed concern over restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day and significant delays in election results.

"The UK urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights, including free access to information, and the rule of law. This includes the right to a fair trial through adherence to due process and an independent and transparent judicial system, free from interference," the British Foreign Minister said in an official statement.

"We recognise, however, serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections. We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols. We also note the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process," the former British PM said.

He also underscored the significance of the election of civilian government with the people's mandate, saying that the new government must be accountable to the people it serves.

The statement, quoting British Foreign Minister, read further, "The election of a civilian government with the mandate to deliver crucial reforms is essential for Pakistan to flourish. The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan's citizens and communities with equity and justice. We look forward to working with Pakistan's next government to achieve this, and across the range of our shared interests."

Significantly, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court.

As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates, Dawn reported.

According to the latest provisional results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are leading with 58 seats.

On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) which has emerged as the single largest party, is trailing with 34 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) at 34 seats.

According to the unofficial results called by Geo News for 224 out of 265 seats, independent candidates, mostly backed by PTI, are leading with 91 seats, followed by PML-N and PPP at 64 and 50, respectively.

The ECP has released the provisional results for 134 out of 265 seats in the National Assembly.
Alipays AI features drew nearly 600 million interactions during Alipay's signature annual Five Fortune Chinese New Year campaign in a short span of 12 days, from January 29th to February 9th. The campaign encourages consumers to collect digital Five Fortune cards in the Alipay app as they gear up for the most significant festival of 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240209720572/en/

AI Theatre allows users to play as key characters in iconic scenes from classic films (Photo: Business Wire)

This year, Alipay has introduced for the first time four AI-powered experiences for the Five Fortune campaign, namely "AI Theatre," "AI Fortune Hunt," "AI Photo Studio," and "AI Red Packets." These innovative features enable users to spend the fortune cards to create an AI-generated video or image, or earn more fortune cards.

In the "AI Theatre," users can upload a photo and take on the role of key characters in iconic classic film scenes, such as works by the comedic genius Stephen Chow. As of February 8th, this feature has been used to generate 2.3 million personalized clips, allowing users to take center stage in their own cinematic moments.

The "AI Fortune Hunt" challenge is the most popular means of collecting fortune cards this year. It invites users to decipher over 100,000 images generated by AI, each with the Chinese character Fu (Fortune) hidden inside. As of February 8th, users have discovered over 2.9 billion AI-generated Fu characters. For a glimpse of the AI Fortune Hunt feature, check out Alipay's TikTok video here.

The "AI Photo Studio feature transcends physical barriers by bringing friends and family together in shared moments through AI-generated group photos with 16 customizable photo templates.

Furthermore, the "AI Red Packets" feature offers users a fun way of sharing best wishes for the new year by utilizing AI voice and video synthesis technology to help users create personalized digital red packets with video covers featuring their own avatars.

Launched in 2016, Alipays Five Fortune campaign quickly became a popular part of peoples lives in China during the Chinese New Year holiday period. During the Five Fortune campaign, users can collect digital fortune cards through various means, such as scanning the Chinese character Fu through the Alipay app's AR scan function, participating in merchant sub-campaigns, and so on. These cards, which represent good wishes, can be converted into monetary rewards.

About Alipay

In the digital era, Alipay has evolved from a trusted payment tool to an open platform that connects businesses, institutions, service providers, and other partners with consumers. Alipay enables partners from various industries to offer safe and convenient payment options. It also enables partners to communicate and deliver different digital services to their customers in China through Alipay mini programs, lifestyle accounts and other tools. The Alipay platform connects over 80 million businesses with more than one billion consumers.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240209720572/en/
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
ATLANTA  The Carter Center condemns the Israeli governments directive to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Rafah to pave the way for a military offensive and reiterates our call for an immediate ceasefire. This plan is alarming given that an estimated 1.3 million Gazans now reside in overcrowded conditions in Rafah, previously designated as a safe zone. The Israeli governments directive further undermines prospects for long-term peace and its citizens security and prosperity.

Ordering this new wave of displacement of Palestinians will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing 126-day siege causing over 25,000 deaths, including some 12,000 children. Many in Rafah have already experienced multiple displacements. There are severe shortages of food, water, and medicine as humanitarian aid fails to meet the basic needs of Gaza residents. The Carter Center reiterates its urgent call for all sides to allow unfettered access to humanitarian assistance.

The forcible deportation of a population is defined as a crime against humanity under the statutes of the International Criminal Court. This directive likely violates international law and contravenes the provisional measures directed by the International Court of Justice on January 26, 2024, in the case of South Africa v. Israel.

As The Carter Center stated in its Israel-Palestine Guiding Principles, the cycle of violence will only end when all sides adhere to international law and use dialogue and determined diplomacy to pave the way for a realistic peace process. Israels proposed action takes us further from this goal. We call on the international community, including the United States, to take concrete steps to bring an end to violations of human rights against Palestinians and Israelis and to advance regional stability.

###

Contact: media@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Happy birthday to trailblazer Ron Husband, the first Black artist to reach the rank of animator at Disney, who celebrates his 74th birthday today.

Though Husband retired from Disney in 2013, after 38 years with the company, he has remained active in the arts, through teaching and writing the book Quick Sketching with Ron Husband, among other activities. But last month, he had an assignment like no other: introducing the launch of Louis Vuittons mens fall/winter 2024 line.

The idea to get Husband involved with the iconic French fashion house came from Pharrell Williams, who became mens creative director at Louis Vuitton last year. Williams tasked Husband to come up with his vision of the first cowboy, which in turn inspired the Western theme of the fall line. (Husbands drawing also appears on one of the coats in the new collection.)

London-based director Bafic shot a video with Husband to introduce the show. Is this not the coolest appearance ever of an animator on film? If theres anything cooler, I certainly cant think of it.

If you want to learn more about Husbands amazing life and work, check out his blog. Hes got some real stories about overcoming adversity to rise to the top.
Breaking News Would you like to receive our breaking news news? Signup today!

e-Edition Subscribers e-Edition Only - $39.00 Year This is the exact replica of our weekly printed paper. Great for searching archives!

General Interest Imported List: General Interest


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.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with Preserving a Picturesque America, invites the public to participate in a special one-hour program on Friday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. examining how the group takes a historic sketch from the two-volume set Picturesque America, published in 1872, and paints the same scene as it is today. The program will take place inside Point Park, which does require an entrance fee of $10 for persons 16 years and older, 15 and younger are free, unless one has the America the Beautiful Pass.Officials said, "The preface of Picturesque America described 'the design of this publication to present full descriptions and elaborate pictorial delineations of the scenery characteristic of all the different parts of our country.The wealth of material for this purpose is almost boundless.' Preserving a Picturesque America believes 'one can build a stronger connection with nature and the picturesque when taking the time to view these things through an artistic lens.' There are few equals to the picturesque that is Point Park on top of Lookout Mountain. Come learn how this time-honored tradition of sketching/painting is instilling a love of the natural world we live in."For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.
This week, Governor Bill Lee issued his State of the State Address, which included a promotion for his deeply unpopular Education Freedom Scholarship Act, a publicly-funded voucher program benefitting for-profit private schools. In response, parents and educators across Tennessee have joined Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment and Tennessee for All to hold events highlighting the State of our Schools and call on legislators to keep public funding in schools that support all students.

In late November Governor Bill Lee announced the Education Freedom Scholarship Act which would subsidize private school tuition at a rate of $7,075 per student. This is over $2,000 more than the average per-pupil funding Tennessees public schools receive. While Governor Lee has ramped up focus on teaching to the test and unrealistic accountability measures for public school students and teachers, his EFSA proposal would require no such accountability measures for private school voucher recipients. Furthermore, students with disabilities only benefit from the voucher program if they give up their protected rights.

By the second year of the program, its estimated that vouchers will be available to over 110,000 students who are already enrolled in private schools with a taxpayer price tag of over $790 million, plus administrative costs. Money spent to subsidize private school tuition would be money unavailable to fund our local public schools. Every day Tennesseans would be on the hook to make up the gap in the form of increased local taxes.

"The best way to make sure that every child in Tennessee has the opportunity to go to a great school is to make sure that the school in their neighborhood has everything it needs to serve, inspire and educate its students. Ive had three kids come up through our local public Title 1 school- all have thrived because that school has an outstanding principal and a great culture that makes good teachers want to stick around. Every kid in our low-income neighborhood gets to benefit from that school. We need to spend our energy and our tax dollars making public school better, not on voucher schemes that have been proven ineffective and that divert tax money to support private schools that can operate without any accountability and that can pick and choose what kind of students and families theyd like to serve." -Sarah Marquez Berestecky, CALEB Vice-Chair and local parent

As Tennesseans from Maryville to Memphis, we believe that all students deserve access to high quality public education and that we must fund our local schools accordingly. If you wish to get

involved and work with us to make TN fully invested in our children, schools and communities, you can plug in by registering for the next Public School Strong Orientation Feb. 12, 7:15-8:30 p.m.



Eric Atkins, Co-Chair Unity Group Of Chattanooga

Kaitlin Blanchard, Chattanooga DSA Treasurer

Rev. April Berends and Rev. Zachary Settle, Grace Episcopal Church

Rick Bowers, Executive Director of Green|Spaces

Donna Palmer, President of First Centenary United Women in Faith

Michael Gilliland, Organizing Director of Chattanoogans in Action for Love,

Equality and Benevolence
An Orange Grove Center employee has been arrested on multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor after it was learned he had asked young boys to send him naked photos.

Quentin Anthony Williams, 27, of 8682 Don Ray Way, Collegedale, was arrested on Thursday at his work site.

Collegedale Police said they were contacted by a Texas man who said his eight-year-old son had been corresponding via SnapChat with Willaims. The chats went back and forth as far back as last August.

The father said he learned that the man involved lived in Collegedale. He emailed police there copies of several chats and two video recordings of conversations his son had with the man.

It was agreed that a federal online officer would take the place of the boy on the chats. Williams told the person he thought was still the boy he wanted him to "get out of his comfort zone" and send him naked pictures.

After police confronted him, Williams admitted the contacts with the Texas boy and said he was also in touch with a 10-year-old boy in Tennessee. He said he had naked photos of that boy on the hidden folder on his phone.

Police found that folder and saw that the 10-year-old was completely naked in all the photos.
Bill Kilbride, whose five-year term as chairman of the board at the Tennessee Valley Authority expired in January this year, addressed the Rotary Club of Chattanooga with tales of bootlegging, burning cordwood and a directive to keep your fingers in your pocket.

Imagine you are a drop of water somewhere north of Knoxville, he told the group. The energy you create by falling a few feet will be recreated nine times as you pass through TVA dams in the Tennessee River.

Hydroelectric power is free power, he said. The waters going to flow. Hydro turbines turn twice as fast today as they did when the TVA Act was signed in 1933, he stold the club.

Its improving markedly, he said. Thats got a place.

Just last month the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted TVA permission to build a gas pipeline at its Cumberland Fossil Plant northwest of Nashville. The pipeline comes near the end of a long-term plan to transition the plant from coal to gas. The fossil plant will be shut in two phases, in 2026 and 2028.

Gas is a good bridge fuel, Mr. Kilbride said. Gas is a transition to clean and renewable energy. Many coal plants can use their current furnaces and plumbing, he said, saving time and money as they head for other energy.

The Biden Administrations goal is no carbon pollution in the power industry by 2035. But Mr. Kilbride said some environmentalists are not happy with gas now, even as a transitional fuel.

What do you want us to do, burn cordwood? he asked. He said TVA needs to add capacity, not cut it. If the Cumberland coal plant were shut down without a gas transition phase, somebodys going to be without.

You cant always just buy more, he said.

Nuclear power is clean and renewable. In May 2023 Governor Bill Lee created the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council to spur development of new nuclear technology.

In March 2023 TVA announced that it will develop a new small modular reactor design along with three other companies: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation and Synthos Green Energy. Ontario will get the first SMR plant in North America. Construction will be complete in 2028..

The concrete is being poured, Mr. Kilbride said.

Tennessees Clinch River near Oak Ridge is in line, too, in about 10 years.

Mr. Kilbride was skeptical about solar and wind energy in Tennessee. He said solar plants need 300 acres of flat land. It takes volume, he said, and the sun doesnt shine every day in Tennessee.

He drives by TVAs five wind turbines at Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm near Oak Ridge.

Theyre not moving, he said. The birds are sitting on them.

TRIPLE HOME RUN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Kilbride told the story of the TVA Act passed in 1933 under FDR and outlined TVAs four missions: To provide power with necessary financing, labor and construction; To use that power to help local people; To develop a solid base for economic development; To protect the watershed.

In 1933, he said, 10 percent of rural Tennessee had electricity.

If we could go back in time, I think we would be absolutely shocked, he said. That life had to be absolutely miserable.

Mr. Kilbride was president of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce in 2016 when Wacker chose a Charleston, Tn., site for its polysilicon production plant, across the Hiwassee River from chlorine manufacturer Olin. Wacker is one of eight direct-serve TVA customers which also include the Fort Campbell Army Base and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.

The Wacker plant converts chlorine into polysilicon, a key ingredient in solar panels and microchips. To sign on, Wacker required an uninterrupted power supply, beyond TVAs 99.9 percent reliability. A break in power would birth a chunk of plastic, he said.

That point one would ruin this place, he said. TVA agreed to supply one direct power cable from Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, and another from Watts Bar Nuclear Plant. When Wacker opened, its $2.5 billion value was Tennessees highest ever.

Wacker now employs 650 people, many of whom are supplied by the Wacker Institute at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, a ready-made workforce.

When you want economic development to work, everyone has to win, Mr. Kilbride said. That one was a triple home run.

BOARD MATTERS

Mr. Kilbride said no micromanaging was a top rule during his time as TVA board chairman.

Its not meaningful, he said. Hands on the table. Keep your fingers in your pocket.

Mr. Kilbride said he would meet with the TVA CEO at least once in 10 days. TVA has 10,000 employees, $10 billion in revenues, $10 billion in expenses and 10 million people in the TVA watershed.

You cant micromanage that, he said.

BOOTLEGGING

As a college freshman at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tn., Mr. Kilbride and his roommate set up a beer supply run to the dry campus in a dry county. The operation was shut down by the college president when students returned from Christmas break. Mr. Kilbride said he took as a compliment the presidents accusation that he was skilled at capitalizing on other peoples misfortune, until his dad set him straight.
Is Travis Kelce one to 'dive' into relationships? Here's what he said during the humble beginnings of his relationship with Taylor Swift.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift have been dating since September 2023, and rumors suggest their romance is heating up. Kelce is headed to Super Bowl LVIII with the Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024, and fans are hopeful Swift will head there after performing in Japan. Now, were looking at what Kelce said about diving into relationships while his romance with Swift was brand new. Heres what he said about getting to know someone before committing to them.

Travis Kelce explained how he feels about diving into a relationship amid his romance with Taylor Swift

The Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, spoke to Kristin Cavallari on her podcast, Lets Be Honest, about relationships  and the topic of romance and commitment came up. Cavallari asked Kelce about what it takes for him to commit to someone. Kelce didnt mention Taylor Swift, but he gave a thoughtful response on the topic and indicated that he doesnt want to rush their relationship.

Ill tell you what, to really dive into a relationship with somebody, I feel like its gonna take at least, I dont know, its gonna take some time, Kelce said. I feel like you really gotta know somebody to take that step and really be committed and be in full throttle. I cant just meet somebody and then automatically think that forever is just a day away. Its too much. Im setting myself up for failure.

I think it takes quite a bit of time for somebody to really get to know somebody and really get to find that affection and that love for them, the tight end continued.

Kelce added that he believes the initial spark in a relationship can definitely grow. The initial spark is always fun, he added. Thats the peak of the roller coaster for the majority of it. But, at the same time, as you get to know somebody and you get to see their tendencies and what they do on a daily basis, I think all of that can grow, 100%.

He said he was just living his life when it came to dating

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift | Mega/GC Images

Travis Kelce spoke to Kristin Cavallari about his love life at the time. While he was reportedly starting to see Taylor Swift, he didnt reveal their romance. Instead, he said he was just living his life and not worrying too much about the dating scene.

Im just out here living my life, he said. I dont like to put parameters, or, like I just said, Im not even organized on what Im going to do next week. I think I like to believe that all that stuff will come genuine and natural, and I wont have to think about getting into that part of my life ahead of time. It all kind of just  the stars will align, I guess.

Travis Kelce remarked on whether fans will see Taylor Swift at Super Bowl LVIII

It seems likely that Taylor Swift will make it to Super Bowl LVIII in time to see Travis Kelce hit the field for the Chiefs. Kelce commented on the situation ahead of the big game.

Shes focused on entertaining the crowd out in  is it Singapore right now? I think thats in a few weeks. I know shes out in Japan, Tokyo maybe, he told Extra. So, shes just working on entertaining them.  The Super Bowl will worry about if she can make it.

Swift hasnt said whether she plans on attending the big game. But fans are willing to bet shell fly from Japan and make the trip happen.

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel.
In this Feb. 19, 2013 file photo, OxyContin pills are arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt. Companies and U.S. government entities have agreed to settlements of lawsuits over the toll of opioids totaling more than $50 billion.
In 2017, African sand cats captivated the internet after photos of them from a study conducted in Morocco went viral. Their miniature sizes and adorable faces make them look similar to a regular house cat, but these wild felines are well-adapted to the arid climates of the Sahara Desert and the Arabian Peninsula.

The sand cat weighs up to 7.5 pounds and has pale gray fur designed to help them camouflage themselves among the hard-packed gravel and dry brush of the harsh desert landscape. With their unique abilities to thrive in such desolate conditions, they are unlike any other wildcats known to science.

To understand more about the ecology of the species, a team of researchers has carried out the most extensive study of sand cats that has ever taken place. Their findings have helped break down the sand cats social dynamics and determine the sizes of their home range. They also discovered that the cats conservation status might need to be upgraded to Near Threatened.

Since the sand cats are so small and elusive, it was hard to track them through the extreme desert conditions. Still, the team did not back down from the challenge. They fitted 22 sand cats with VHF radio collars and followed them across southern Morocco, navigating through the glaring sun during the day, cold, strong winds at night, and uneven terrain.

As they observed the felines, they realized that the tiny sand cats were able to travel distances farther than previously thought, rivaling the ranges of larger cats, such as tigers and leopards. The sand cats projected range is about 1,093 square miles over six and a half months, although it is likely an underestimation. The cats can move beyond the area where technology can detect them, making it difficult to estimate where their ranges began and ended.

The vast desert may seem grim and empty, but further explorations showed there was more to the environment than meets the eye. The studys lead author, Gregory Breton, described it as a place teeming with life.

Our journey began in a scorching desert, with temperatures that can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months. Local herders flock by with goats or camels, often accompanied by guard dogs. Though the flat, arid land may sometimes look bleak and barren, it is alive with incredible wildlife, including poisonous snakes, golden eagles, African golden wolves, and African wildcats, said Breton.

The researchers managed to obtain strong data for 10 of the cats and were even able to track one male cat for over a year. The information they collected led them to believe that the cats lived a nomadic lifestyle, which has never been reported for any wild cat.

The travel patterns of the species seem to be based on ecological conditions. When their food sources of vegetation and rodents are scarce, or activities of humans and other animals disturb the area theyre occupying, sand cats will move to another location.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Ever since this 39-year-old woman was a little girl, she has dreamed of traveling to Europe.

But, she didnt have a lot of money growing up, so she had to work hard in order to climb the corporate ladder and earn a good salary.

Then, once she started bringing home enough money, she was able to finally start saving up and working toward fulfilling her lifelong traveling dream.

However, shes currently married to her husband who is 43 and she is also the head of the household.

Meaning I handle 90% of the expenses at home to support my husbands dream of building his company, and that leaves me with little money to save for anything, she explained.

But, after enduring countless struggles and making a lot of sacrifices, she and her husbands finances are finally in a great spot. In other words, she thought it was finally time to take their long trip to Europe together.

Everything is totally prepared, too. She can get free plane tickets using her credit card points, and she has already been approved for PTO at work. Plus, she learned French and Italian to help them along on their travels, and she has enough money saved up to support both her and her husband as they enjoy the vacation.

Theres one main issue with her plan, though: her husband is not a U.S. citizen and requires a visa to travel abroad, which he never actually got.

For some context, they have both known for years that he needed a visa, and they talked about it when they first discussed traveling to Europe together. So, she has been constantly reminding him to check on the visa application requirements so it could be processed in time for their trip.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
This January marked Chilean pastor Alex Ugartes 24th anniversary at Iglesia Evangelica Bautista Esperanza Viva (Living Hope Evangelical Baptist Church) in Vina del Mar, a milestone that prompted him to ask himself if he should transition to something new.

His moment of reflection was short-lived. Last Friday, wildfires started in at least four places across the Valparaiso region. Within hours, they had reached Ugartes neighborhood. They soon torched his home and church and claimed the life of his father-in-law, a tragedy that prompted the church leader to reconsider his vocational plan.

God showing me this tragedy and the needs of His people helped me understand that its time to start all over again, he told CT.

Summer wildfires are not uncommon in this Pacific coastal South American country. This year, however, a particularly intense heatwave has coincided with prolonged drought. Strong winds caused the blaze to spread quickly toward some of Chiles most heavily populated areas, including historic cities like Valparaiso and the countrys tourism capital, Vina del Mar.

As of February 9, the fires have killed 131 people and damaged or destroyed more than 5,000 homes.

Among the casualties were eight Esperanza Viva congregants, who lost their lives when the blaze reached their residential neighborhood of Villa Independencia. On Friday, Ugarte preached at two funerals, one for an elderly couple and another for two siblings, who were 5 and 7.

Theres so much pain, he said. Many people are desperate because their families are now homeless. But our hearts remain steadfast, looking forward to seeing what God will do.

Close to home

Esperanza Viva is one of eight churches that experienced significant damages, the National Office of Religious Affairs of Chile told CT. But church leaders in the area estimate the real number could be twice that. Furthermore, at least nine pastors lost their homes, according to a group of leaders from various churches trying to organize a disaster response.

Pastor Magno Rodriguez and his wife, Maria Angelica Cubillos Alvarez, are among them. They lead the Corporacion Internacional de Restauracion, an independent Pentecostal church in Quilpue, a more inland city in the Valparaiso region, where they live.

We could see the wildfire far off, said Cubillos. But then a neighbor came to me yelling, saying, Your house is on fire.

Magno and one of his sons tried to put it out, but gave up when the flames intensified. The family fled in a pickup truck as flames and smoke surrounded them.

It was like driving with your eyes closed, he said.

Cubillos has burns in her neck, and her husband and one of her sons both injured their arm fighting the blaze.

It is a miracle that nobody in the congregation died, she said.

But the tragedy still hit too close to home. While the fire spared the house next door, their neighbors perished from smoke inhalation, trying to escape.

They died of suffocation in our backyard.

Looks like we were bombed

A week after the fires first began, the government has continued to issue emergency alerts for new fires in Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Quilpue. (Though most fires are now under control, the hot weather and other factors continue to spark new blazes.)

Our focus is now on helping people, said pastor Dionicio Viana, director of the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) base in Vina del Mar. His headquarters were spared by the fire because a nearby avenue created a kind of wind corridor between two hills, which redirected the flames away from the building.

In neighborhoods like Villa Independencia, Achupallas (in Vina del Mar) and Pompeya (in Quilpue), few homes remain.

When you look at our neighborhood [of Achupallas], it looks like we were bombed, like a war, said Viana.

For the past week, residents have been without water and electricity. There are rumors that at least some of the fires were set intentionally.

A collective psychosis has arisen and now everyone is afraid of new outbreaks, Viana said.

People are stealing the little that we have, said Cubillos. He explained that looters are searching for valuables among the rubble. To protect against additional looting, residents are building fences around the houses, but there isn't even a hammer or boards, nor lighting to do the work when it gets dark. We have to use our cell phones for light.

In the past week, volunteers from churches around the country have gathered in Vina del Mar to help. With funding from Operation Blessing, four YWAM bases have sent people to join Viana in removing debris from the streets and houses. In some instances, they have begun to rebuild.

This week we started to build a house for a brother here. We have already repaired the floor, he said.

Although the wildfire victims have received significant attention from the media and government, this wont last longer than two or three weeks, says Viana. But then the expensive work of reconstruction will begin.

Struck down, but not destroyed

In 1982, a group of Swedish missionaries opened an Independent Assemblies of God church in Villa Dulce, a neighborhood in Vina del Mar. Last week, the fire burned it down.

But assistant pastor Gonzalo Ramirezs heart feels heaviest when it comes to the impact the disaster will have on the faith of congregants.

Before the reconstruction of the walls of the church, we will need a spiritual reconstruction, he said. You can rebuild the church. But the history of it, of the missions that began in that place, the souls that got saved there  How many miracles have we seen in that place?

With all this emotional baggage, he had to preach at the first service after the disaster, two days after the church was turned into ashes.

Ramirez first came to Villa Dulce to study at the churchs Bible institute (which now operates only online), where he met his future wife.

My daughter, who is now 15, was practically born in those pews, he said.

Usually, between 80 and 100 people attend Villa Dulce on Sunday. But with many roads closed and people displaced, only about half of that number turned out. The group met in a church building that the fire left mostly unscathed.

Ramirez preached on 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, reminding his church that as followers of Christ, they had this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from [themselves], and that they were called to persevere in the midst of turbulent times.

Because power was still off, the service was not livestreamed. But several days later, he preached a similar message on Facebook.

With much respect and much humility I invite you, my beloved brothers and sisters, to look into the eternal things that go beyond what is evident ... to keep our hope in God, because those are the things that will remain, he said.

At Esperanza Viva, Ugarte says his congregation will meet this Sunday on the grounds of the church building for an open-air service, for the first time since the fire. (The location was inaccessible last week.)

For 24 years, God blessed us with a beautiful building, with classrooms for [Christian] education, training rooms, and a kitchen that prepared 8,500 meals during the pandemic, he said. Now our neighbors say we are going to build a church even more beautiful than the old one.

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs: Theres a war on men, boys need to see biblical masculinity

Despite society labeling masculinity "toxic" in what many call a "war on men," California Pastor Jack Hibbs told his congregation that what Christian men need to reflect, especially for their sons, is "biblical masculinity."

Hibbs, who leads Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, recently preached the second part of a sermon series titled "The War of 2024," in which he examines the issues Christians will metaphorically fight over with the culture this year.

"There's a war on men," Hibbs said during the sermon, saying that "one of the biggest battles raging in our culture" involves Satan directly attacking men.

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 lie that is advancing today against men is something of this nature: men cannot be strong. That's rude, ugly and toxic," Hibbs lamented. "If you're the man, you can't be the leader anymore. Men can't lead."

"Men are not allowed to be strong; men are not allowed to be the leader, and men cannot have an opinion anymore, not allowed. Whatever we say, it's the wrong thing. It's sexist; it's chauvinistic; it's racist."

At one point, Hibbs directed his congregation to watch a PragerU video featuring conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey recommending that, to combat toxic male traits, men should be more masculine, not less.

"When you try to make men more like women, you don't get less 'toxic masculinity,' you get more," she said. "Why? Because bad men don't become good when they stop being men; they become good when they stop being bad."

"Aggression, violence, and unbridled ambition can't be eliminated from the male psyche; they can only be harnessed. And when they are harnessed, they are tools for good, not for harm."

Stuckey further suggested that "the same masculine traits that bring destruction also defeat tyranny," "the traits that foster greed also build economies," and "the traits that drive men to take foolish risks also drive men to take heroic risks."

"The growing problem in today's society isn't that men are too masculine; it's that they're not masculine enough. When men embrace their masculinity in a way that is healthy and productive, they are leaders, warriors and heroes," she added.

Returning to his sermon, Hibbs said, "Kids must see biblical masculinity and biblical femininity while they're growing up," adding, "God created the family for a reason, and that's why Satan hates it. Children are the target in all the areas of life."

Hibbs told the parents in attendance that if they have a 4-year-old boy who "accidentally puts on his mom's high heels," they should say to him, "Put your dad's boots on" instead.

Hibbs added, "If you've got a little girl that's walking around wearing her dad's boots," she should instead be encouraged to try on her mother's high heels and walk around in them.

"God says to the parent, 'train up the child in the way that they should go,'" said Hibbs, quoting from Proverbs 22:6. "You have a boy or do you have a girl? Then, in that direction, place these tools or these items or these things in their hands."

"Groom them in the direction that they should go based upon God's Word because the enemy of your children is out to groom them their way. Someone's going to win this battle, ... and God would have it to be us."
Home News City drops criminal charges against Ohio pastor who sheltered homeless at church

City officials in a small Ohio town have agreed to drop all criminal charges against a local pastor who was housing homeless people at his church in alleged violation of zoning laws.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dad's Place in Bryan  a town of approximately 8,400 people about 50 miles southwest of Toledo  was pulled into a dispute with the city when he decided to keep his church open 24/7 last March because the neighboring local homeless shelter was often full, according his lawyers at the Plano, Texas-based First Liberty Institute.

Avell was subsequently slapped with 18 zoning law violation charges related to keeping his church open, and his alleged zoning ordinance violations included lacking proper kitchen and laundry facilities, having unsafe exits, and using improper ventilation.

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

A court filing states that because Dad's Place is zoned as Central Business, the building was prohibited from allowing people to eat, wash clothes, or sleep on the property.

After the story drew national attention when Avell was arraigned in municipal court last month, the city of Bryan issued an extensive 42-page press release that included pages of documents related to the pastor's alleged zoning violations.

Avell pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers met with city leaders on Feb. 1 amid a pending lawsuit against them. On Jan. 22, First Liberty, along with the law firms Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and Spengler Nathanson PLL, filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against the city on behalf of Avell.

Following their meeting, the city agreed to drop the charges against Avell, and he agreed to stop residential operations, acquire requisite building certifications and zoning permits, and install the necessary safety measures, according to his attorneys.

"I am thankful to God, the city, and for everyone who has been praying for this day to come," Avell said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. "Bryan is my home. I am eager to continue to serve God, my community, and the people I love."

First Liberty senior counsel Jeremy Dys also praised the latest development in his client's case.

"We are grateful that the city of Bryan has dropped the criminal charges against Pastor Avell," Dys said. "Ministries like Dads Place provide vital public services to their communities. We will continue our conversations with city officials in hopes that we can find a final resolution where Dads Place can continue to serve those in need in its community."

Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade also praised the agreement, saying the city "appreciates the willingness of Dads Place to work with the city to resolve the parties differences amicably and to ensure that the services provided by Dads Place are delivered in a safe manner."

"The parties continue to work together in a concerted effort to bring the case to a final resolution," the mayor added.

Avell founded Dad's Place in 2018, and offers services to members of the community such as free haircuts, Bible studies, and other events, according to its Facebook page.

During an interview with Fox News about his situation, Avell was driven to tears explaining why he feels called to minister to the homeless in Bryan.

"I was spiritually homeless, and God provided a home for me in Heaven," he said. "Hes put a burden on my heart for them. Many of these people have been rejected by their families and cast aside by their communities. So, if the church isnt willing to lay down her life for them, who will? This is what were called to do."

"And I can't help it, because I believe this is the mission of the church: to make disciples. And this is how we do it, by showing the love of Christ, preaching the truth, and laying down our lives in service and humility, as Christ laid down His life for us. That's what I believe."
Home News ERLC political engagement guide aims to help Christians think biblically about politics

The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has released a guide for Christian political engagement amid a divisive presidential election year.

Released last week, "The Nations Belong to God: A Christian Guide for Political Engagement" was authored by Andrew Walker, assistant professor of ethics and apologetics at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a fellow at the ERLC Research Institute.

"Politics is a calling to be engaged within a world that belongs to God, not ultimately to princes, presidents, or prime ministers," wrote Walker in the guide's introduction.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

"My goal in writing this resource was to move Christians to a place of strategic engagement. That begins, first and foremost, with understanding that the nations belong to God."

Miles Mullin, vice president and director of research at ERLC, told The Christian Post on Friday that the commission wants to help churches handle the issues stemming from election-year politics.

"We were thinking about how to best serve our churches during this election cycle, but we wanted something that would be useful beyond 2024," Mullin explained. "We wanted a resource that was grounded in Scripture, thoroughly Baptist in its approach, and relevant to the everyday politics of local communities."

"This guide, written by our colleague Andrew Walker, is that. It casts a vision for political engagement that goes well beyond just voting, but encourages Christians to be involved at every level of politics in a way that honors the Lord and loves our neighbors."

The guide is organized like a catechism, with each chapter headlined by a question and followed by a brief answer, and then a longer commentary building on the answer.

There are 40 questions in the guide, including "What is Politics?," "What is the Proper Relationship Between Church and the Government?," "What is the Common Good?," "Does Scripture Command a Particular Form of Government?," "What is Unique About Christian Political Engagement?," "What is Justice?," and "Do I Have an Obligation to Vote?"

In describing the "overall goal of Christian political engagement," Walker stated:

"Remembering that Christ is the true King of kings, Christians should pursue wisdom,

justice, and righteousness for the sake of the earthly common good, with a view toward recognizing how God has ordered and preserved the world for our good, and ultimately, for his glory."

The guide states that Scripture doesn't offer an "exact formula" for what the ideal government structure must be. But Walker stresses that "[f]undamentally, a government that sets itself in opposition to God's moral law is a government that is unbiblical and will not survive for long as its ultimate destiny is one of chaos."

The guide advises against the idea of state promotion of a formal religion or denomination.

"Scripture indicates that the government's jurisdiction is related to earthly affairs

only and is not to hinder, promote, or directly interfere with religious matters," he wrote.

"Baptists look on established church-state arrangements with great concern," the guide continues. "For one, nowhere has the long-term vitality of the Christian faith been nursed by the state's relationship with it. Where church-state establishments have occurred, they have always resulted in a secularized and nominalized faith accommodated to the needs of the state. By failing to distinguish that which is Christian from non-Christian, Christian identity becomes diluted."

Walker urges Christians to temper their expectations for political victories.

"A Christian should have chastened expectations about politics in this age," the document reads. "We are not promised total defeat or total victory apart from Christ ushering in his Kingdom."

Mullin also told CP that while the ERLC has "released platform analysis summaries in the past," the commission has "not released a political engagement guide, per se."

"Unlike other guides that are focused on specific policy details, this guide should serve as a framework for Christians to think biblically about all of their political activity, not just a single election," he said.

"The guide also encourages Christians to think not just nationally, but locally, where they are likely to have the most influence. It is our hope that Christians will be inspired to do more than vote, and instead to get involved in their local communities, get to know their neighbors, and work for good alongside them without compromising their Christian convictions."

Mullin said they "wanted to be helpful to Christians as they serve their communities and seek the welfare of the places where God has placed them," referencing Jeremiah 29:7, which reads in part "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile."

"At the ERLC, we hope that this guide helps remind people both that politics are important but not of ultimate importance," he continued. "And political engagement, at its best, should be a tangible manifestation of that command to love our neighbors as we work towards a common good that both honors God and serves our neighbors well."

"I think we will find that the Lord also opens up more opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission as we engage politics as a way that is found pleasing and honorable to Him."

The guide comes at a time when many believe that the United States, including its churches, is experiencing unprecedented division over politics.

Last year, David Platt, pastor of McLean Bible Church near Washington, D.C., and former head of SBC's International Mission Board, released a book warning about how American political power can corrupt the mission of the Church.

Titled Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus, Platt cautioned that the "American gospel," an ideology that "uses Jesus for the sake of comfort and power and politics and prosperity in the world," was an internal threat to U.S. churches.

"If we're not careful, we can conflate the Gospel with American ideals and values and power and politics, and in the process, lose the way of Jesus," Platt told CP in an earlier interview.

"What He's called us to is so much bigger than what we are tempted to get caught up with in this world, and particularly my country, with the pursuit of comfort and power and politics and prosperity here."

The ERLC guide warns there are "two equal and opposite errors when it comes to a Christian evaluating their love for their country."

"One Christian is tempted to give uncritical love to their country as the 'patriot,'" he wrote. "Another Christian is always critical of their country, believing themselves the 'prophet.' A better model is prophetic patriotism: A person who loves their country while acknowledging its fallenness and who loves their country even when he or she feels criticism is necessary in order to reform it."

"But a love for Christ calls forth a higher love than what we can give to our country or nation," Walker continued. "Christ demands our ultimate allegiance, and it is that

ultimate allegiance that informs how we are to act and live amid the nation where God

has placed us. We can love our country best by not ascribing to it a love that Scripture

deems it not worthy of having."
Home News First-ever global database for acts of religious violence launched

The first global database to track cases of anti-religion violence became available to the general public in January, providing rights advocates, ministries and others a plethora of information to defend religious freedom and belief.

The Violent Incidents Database (VID) tracks types of perpetrators, religion of victims and both non-physical and physical violence, from forcible marriage to killings. Run by the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) and funded by Global Christian Relief (GCR), it is the first worldwide database of incidents of anti-religion violence, said IIRF International Director Dennis Petri.

Its not expert-opinion based, its just recording incidents as they appear in public sources in the media, and thats really the added value of the instrument, because it fills a gap, Petri told Christian Daily International. And of course, its useful for research but also for ministries that work in that space to inform their strategic planning, and also for advocacy and awareness raising, because it really gives you a sense of the scope and the magnitude of different phenomena.

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

Providing searches by country, religion and perpetrator, the database also includes data on arrests, vandalism, sexual harassment, abductions, attacks on houses, attacks on shops, closures of worship venues, attacks on religious buildings and cases of people forced from their homes or countries.

Kinds of perpetrators listed are religious groups, organized crime, political parties, religious leaders, ethnic leaders, family, government officials, ideological pressure groups, ordinary civilians, revolutionaries or paramilitary groups and multilateral organizations.

Research on religious freedom violations has developed greatly in the past few decades, Petri said, and several Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) data sets have emerged.

They all have their value, and theyre getting better, and so thats very helpful, but there was not an event-based database just yet, an instrument that records incidents of religious freedom violations whether violence or non-physical violence, and so thats what we do, Petri said.

The IIRF has had a database of religious violence cases in Latin America going back to 2002, but the group launched it as a global database available to the public starting in January.

Reception has been very good, Petri told Christian Daily International at the Jan. 30-31 International Religious Freedom Summit in Washinton, D.C. In academia, its already seen as a complement.

Unlike some instruments that focus on one religious group, the VID catalogs incidents of violence against eight categories of people, including animists and atheists.

There are entire religious traditions that just dont collect data, Petri said. Its very difficult to get together information. And even within Christianity, which does the best job, its still very uneven. So, some countries and some denominations will have more reports than others.

About 95% of the data is based on public sources, Petri said, and by clicking on the Actions column of a given report, a user can access the URL for the incident source.

Its a database that at least, we hope, gives an expression to whats known out there, and of course what we know is not everything that happens, Petri said. It can serve journalists, clearly, to raise awareness, to write context for stories, and it can give access to individual incidents, but mainly it provides the quantification just to give a sense of the scope of these things.

The database is a complement, not a substitute, for more targeted research, filling in the gaps of other efforts, he said.

Of course, its very helpful for policymakers, especially people in the human rights fields, because in human rights whats required is a way to prove that what youre talking about is not just isolated incidents or exceptions but part of a pattern, that its structural. And the VID gives that framework, Petri said.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News Israel believes it found likely Hamas tunnel beneath UNRWA's Gaza headquarters: report

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly viewed photos of a giant tunnel located underneath the central headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza that the Israel Defense Forces believe could belong to Hamas.

The Hebrew-language newspaper Israel Hayom reported this week that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed Blinken photos of a tunnel located in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City underneath UNRWA headquarters that the Israel Defense Forces believe could be one of Hamas' strategic tunnels.

According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the Israeli leader met with Blinken in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Senior officials from the American and Israeli sides attended. Blinken and Netanyahu held a private meeting, which was later expanded.

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 Israel-Hayom report states that Netanyahu showed Blinken alleged proof of the misuse of the UNRWA headquarters.

UNRWA has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations that multiple agency members have ties to Hamas and other Islamic terror groups and that some UNRWA employees may have participated in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against Israel that killed over 1,200, mostly civilians.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told The Christian Post that the agency doesn't comment on private diplomatic discussions. UNRWA did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

Late last month, multiple media outlets reported on an intelligence dossier that estimated about 1,200 UNRWA employees in Gaza have links to Hamas, the terror group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The report also suggested that around half of the agency's employees have family members who belong to extremist groups.

The dossier came on the heels of the United Nations announcing that it had terminated multiple UNRWA employees accused of participating in Hamas' attack on Oct. 7. The terror group also abducted over 240 people on the days of its attack.

In response to the Oct. 7 attack, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza to eradicate Hamas and free the hostages. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 27,000 people have been killed since the war began. Those figures don't differentiate between combatants and civilians.

At least 12 UNRWA employees are alleged to have connections with Hamas' attacks against Israel, and seven of the accused employees were reportedly primary or secondary school teachers. Six workers of UNRWA allegedly took part in the Oct. 7 massacre, according to the intelligence report, and two are believed to have helped kidnap Israelis.

Two employees were tracked to locations where multiple Israeli civilians were murdered, and others are believed to have assisted with procuring weapons and coordinating logistics for the attack.

Following the allegations against UNRWA, the United States paused funding to the agency. Fielding questions from the press about his meeting Wednesday, Blinken said the U.S. is "deeply concerned" by the allegations UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attack.

"And its imperative that, as the UN has said its doing, that there be a thorough investigation, that there be clear accountability, and that there be clear measures put in place to make sure that this cant happen again," Blinken said. "We know that the work that UNRWA performs, the functions that it performs, have to be preserved because so many lives are depending on it. And so going forward, were going to look to the actions that are taken. And as I said, its imperative that the functions be preserved."

In a statement last month, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urged countries that had suspended funding to the agency to reconsider.

"It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the Agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation. The U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the highest investigative authority in the U.N. system, has already been seized of this very serious matter," the commissioner general stated.

In November, UNRWA claimed it sought further information about a report from Israeli Channel 13's Almog Boker. The journalist claimed that a teacher with UNRWA held one of the people Hamas abducted on Oct. 7 in his attic. The teacher allegedly kept a man in his attic for over a month and barely provided him with any food and neglected the man's medical needs.

On Jan. 31, a gathering of Christians and Jews on Capitol Hill spoke with congressional leaders about supporting Israel during the ongoing war. One of the coalition's requests for Congress included the complete cessation of funding to UNRWA based on the recent allegations and concerns supporters of the Jewish State have had about the agency for years.
Home News Researchers question retraction of studies showing risks of chemical abortions

Pro-life researchers are questioning an academic publishing company's decision to retract studies that suggested significant health risks associated with taking chemical abortion drugs as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a case related to the abortion pill.

Sage Publishing announced Monday that it had retracted three studies, citing undeclared conflicts of interest and issues with the researchers' conclusions. Sage Publishing alleged that the study authors did not disclose their ties to pro-life organizations, such as the Charlotte Lozier Institute.

In its retraction notice, the publishing company also alleged that an independent reviewer assessed the studies in response to a reader's complaint about the presentation of data in the studies. The reviewer reportedly determined that some of the data presentation could affect the conclusions.

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

Sage said it became aware that "a peer reviewer who evaluated the [2021] article for initial publication" was also affiliated with Charlotte Lozier Institute, ruling the "peer review for initial publication was unreliable." Sage says that the same reviewer also peer-reviewed two other articles by the same lead author in 2022 and 2019.

Sage's "independent post-publication peer review" of the three articles found problems with "the study design and methodology," "unjustified or incorrect factual assumptions," and "material errors" in the author's analysis of the data.

The three studies Sage Publishing retracted were cited by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in an April 2023 ruling suspending the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the chemical abortion pill.

In a Wednesday statement provided to The Christian Post, Jim Studnicki, vice president and director of data analytics for the Charlotte Lozier Institute, believes that the Dobbs ruling in June 2022 may have played a part in the decision. Studnicki is one of the authors listed in the three studies.

"I think Dobbs really accelerated this; there's a sense of desperation among those in the abortion industry," Studnicki stated. "They've always had the literature to themselves. All of the major health associations are pro-abortion, most of the journals are pro-abortion, all the academic departments in the universities are pro-abortion."

In an interview with The Christian Post, Tessa Longbons, another one of the authors listed in the three studies and a senior research associate at Charlotte Lozier Institute, said that the publication's decision was "disappointing" and "disheartening." According to Longbons, she and her colleagues addressed each of the concerns the publication brought to their attention.

Regarding the accusation that the study authors had not disclosed their ties to pro-life organizations, Longbons asserted that she and her fellow researchers never concealed this fact.

"We fully disclosed who we were affiliated with," the senior research associate told CP. "All of us have our affiliations listed, and we reported that the studies were funded by Charlotte Lozier Institute."

"And furthermore, we included biographies for each author that provided more details about who we are, where we work, and the type of work that we do," Longbons continued. "So all of the information was provided upfront to the journal and presented so that readers can also see who we are and what we're working on."

In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, Sage declined to comment and directed the outlet to its Monday statement announcing the retractions.

According to the timeline of events that led to the retraction, science professor Chris Adkins complained to Sage in April 2023 about the 2021 study that found the rate of emergency room visits after a chemical abortion increased by over 500% from 2002 through 2015. Adkins argued that the study authors exaggerated their findings and represented them in a manner that he described as "grossly misleading."

The webpage outlining the authors' research also questioned why Sage retracted the pro-life studies for "undisclosed conflicts of interest," citing examples of the publication reportedly not holding researchers affiliated with pro-choice institutions to the same standard.

The pro-life researchers did not receive word about the reported issues with the studies until Sage sent them an email in June 2023. After the Charlotte Lozier Institute responded on July 13, 2023, Sage published an expression of concern that same month, announcing that it had begun an investigation.

Finally, in November 2023, Sage informed the researchers that it had retracted the three studies. In addition, on Nov. 14, Studnicki was kicked off the editorial board of the Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology journal. The HSRME is a journal owned by Sage.

On Nov. 16, researchers requested more time to respond to the criticism, with Sage responding on Nov. 21 and giving them until Nov. 29. The researchers provided the publication with a rebuttal, which Sage acknowledged it had received on Dec. 6. The publication proceeded to retract the three studies on Feb. 5, 2024.

Longbons defended the research, citing issues with abortion data in the United States as the reason why the November 2021 study used Medicaid data. The pro-life researcher stated that the study's methodology is "very clear."

"As chemical abortion has been increasing in the U.S., we just wanted to see what's been going on," Longbons said. "And how does the safety of chemical abortion compare to surgical abortion?"

"And there really wasn't any other study that was doing that so comprehensively, looking at all ER visits and then all ER visits specifically related to pregnancy," she continued. "So, we wanted to fill that research gap."

While Longbons acknowledged there are opportunities to focus on questions regarding the specific types of emergency room visits and the reason women visit the emergency room, the researcher argued that this is not indicative of a flaw in their study.

"That's just an opening for future research that we would like to do and that we would like other people to do," she said.

The researcher argued that academic journals and institutions appear to have become more politicized in recent years, promoting ideology instead of science. Longbons stated that this latest trend is "concerning."

"When we listen to scientists, we trust them to give us the facts," she stated. "We trust them to be giving us the truth. And not just their own viewpoints."

Michael New, an assistant professor of social research at the Catholic University of America and senior associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post Thursday that he believes Sage is prioritizing politics over public health.

"Indeed, much of the rationale that Sage used to retract these studies does not withstand serious scrutiny. Contrary to Sage's claims, the authors made clear their affiliations with various pro-life groups," the pro-life researcher stated. "Additionally, the fact that one of the reviewers of these studies was a Lozier Institute scholar is irrelevant."

New contends Sage's review process is "double-blind," meaning that the authors and the reviewers were unaware of one another's identities. New also expressed doubt that a study would be accepted based on one supportive review.

"Sage's other justifications for retracting the study include a variety of technical arguments raised by an outside scholar," New continued. "However, journals usually retract studies in response to scholarly misconduct. Examples of this would include either misrepresenting or falsifying data."

"They do not generally retract studies because of differences of opinion about the analysis or interpretation of data," he added.

Instead of retracting the studies, New believes the publication should have allowed the authors' critic to publish a response, stating that this would have created a dialogue between academics. As a result, the scholarly community could decide who it thought had the more compelling argument.

"Unfortunately, instead of facilitating a debate between academics, Sage has decided to effectively weaponize academic publishing and take a clear stance in favor of legal abortion," New stated. "Sadly, this is further evidence that many journals are now prioritizing the promotion of left-wing causes over the dissemination of high quality research."
Home News Suspect in hand-chopping case captured by police after evading arrest for 13 years

In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a man named Savad, the first accused in the shocking 2010 hand-chopping case of professor T.J. Joseph.

Savad, 38, was apprehended on Jan. 9 from Kannur district where he had been living under the assumed name Shajahan and working as a carpenter.

The arrest comes 13 years after the gruesome attack that shook Christians throughout India. On July 4, 2010, Islamic extremists belonging to the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) hacked off Joseph's right hand while he was returning from church with his family. Joseph, then a professor at Newman College in Thodupuzha, had prepared a question paper for a BCom exam that allegedly contained derogatory references to a religion.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

This was cited as the trigger for the chilling assault executed by Savad and six others, allegedly on the instructions of principal conspirator M.K. Nasar.

A prolonged manhunt ensued as Savad went underground after the attack that he had spearheaded. The NIA finally tracked him down to the Beram ward of Mattannur municipality in Kannur, where he had settled with his family. Area residents described him as a very reserved man who seldom mingled with neighbors.

Savad had even traveled abroad briefly during the 13 years he evaded arrest. The NIA had announced a reward last year for information leading to his capture.

Joseph termed the arrest a "victory for the legal system" but stressed that the actual masterminds remain free. Two lengthy trials resulted in the conviction of 19 people under UAPA while Savad absconded. He will now face fresh charges.

The sensational case had sparked outrage nationwide and fueled concerns over religious tensions and freedom of expression. While Joseph acknowledges this breakthrough, he reiterates his unwavering pursuit of comprehensive justice.

Savad was produced before an NIA court in Kochi and remanded in judicial custody. The trial proceedings against this long-elusive key suspect will be keenly watched as an important milestone in the protracted case.

Originally published by Christian Today India
Home News Women share their abortion stories: 'The life was just sucked out of me, too'

WASHINGTON  Three women have opened up about their past abortions and how they eventually forgave themselves after struggling with indescribable emotions and, in some cases, addictions.

Last month, thousands of pro-lifers from across the globe braved the cold and snow to attend the 51st annual March for Life, where the theme this year was "With Every Woman, For Every Child."

The theme emphasized the movement's dedication to uplifting pregnant women so that no woman feels alone before and after her pregnancy.

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

For those who have had an abortion, many women have described feeling as if abortion was their only option at that moment.

Women who spoke with The Christian Post discussed how they found healing after their abortions and have been inspired to help other women facing similar situations they experienced. The following pages highlight their stories.
Home Opinion Does Hell have various degrees of punishment?

The doctrine of Hell is one that is often neglected or avoided simply because of the weightiness and darkness of the subject. However, its critically important that Christians speak about Hell in the way that the biblical text speaks about Hell. Our doctrinal positions should be formed on the basis of Scripture rather than our feelings about a specific subject. Is your doctrine of Hell different than Jesus doctrine of Hell?

What did Jesus teach about Hell?

In Jesus earthly ministry, He preached many sermons and taught on various subjects which are visibly evident in his most famous sermon known as The Sermon on the Mount. The preaching of Jesus was not exactly light. As the Prophet greater than Moses, Jesus thundered the truth of the Kingdom of God including Heaven and the judgment of God in the Hell of fire (Matt 5:22). Jesus pointed to the certainty of both Heaven and Hell. Jesus likewise spoke of the eternality of both Heaven and Hell (Matt 25:46).

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 Lord Jesus himself frequently described Hell as a place of righteous judgment upon rebels and lawbreakers. We see evidence of Jesus doctrine of Hell in multiple passages (Matt 5:22; 8:12; 10:28; 13:42; 24:51; 23:33; 25:30; Mark 9:4348; Luke 13:28). In these texts, we see weighty language of wrath, retribution, and punishment that point to the holy vengeance of a sovereign God who must judge sinners.

In Jesus parable in Luke 16 regarding the rich man and Lazarus, the doctrine of divine judgment in Hell is illustrated vividly as the rich man immediately drops into the abyss of Hell after his death. In the flames of Hell, the rich man requests a drop of water to cool his tongue, because he states that he was in anguish in the flames of judgment (Luke 16:24). In contrast, Jesus points to the fact that the poor man (Lazarus) was in complete comfort in the presence of Abraham (Luke 16:25). The presence of Abraham was a means of illustrating a place of blessing since the Jews idolized Abraham as their Jewish hero. The parable points to the severity of the divine vengeance of God.

When we examine Jesus parables and his preaching on the doctrine of Hell, its clear that he intentionally employed key words to underscore the severity of Hell.

Fire: Jesus often used the imagery of fire to illustrate the punishment awaiting the unrepentant. In Matthew 25:41 we find these words by Jesus, Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (ESV).

Outer darkness: This term highlights the separation from Gods presence and the despair associated with eternal punishment. In Matthew 8:12, Jesus said, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (ESV).

Weeping and gnashing of teeth: This is descriptive language indicating the anguish and regret of those facing judgment. In Matthew 13:42, Jesus warned that those who experience the final judgment of God will be thrown into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (ESV).

Degrees of punishment

The Bible teaches that Hell will be more severe for some people than for others. While all unbelievers who die outside of the grace of God will experience the wrath of God for eternity in Hell, we must recognize the clear teachings of Scripture that point to varying degrees of punishment in Hell.

In Luke 10 and Matthew 11, a parallel passage is found in both Gospels that points to the reality of different degrees of punishment in Hell. It may come as a surprise to some people, but Jesus actually taught that Hell would be more severe for those who lived in cities like Capernaum than for those who lived in the wicked city of Sodom. Notice the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:

Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to Heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.1

Jesus issues a woe to the people living in three specific cities and contrasted them against three additional cities. The cities near the Sea of Galilee (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) had been at the center of Jesus earthly ministry. The people there had seen a great light. They had witnessed his miracles, signs, and wonders  and heard his powerful preaching and teaching. They had filled up synagogues and houses as Jesus preached the Scriptures. Yet, most of those people had walked away and rejected Christ.

The other cities mentioned by Jesus (Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom) were all cities to the north  near the Mediterranean Sea. They were Phoenician cities. William Hendriksen explains:

Yet, from Isa. 23 and Ezek. 2628 one receives the definite impression that the commercial seafarers and colonizers who inhabited these cities were proud, money-mad, and cruel. 2

Amos speaks of the people of Tyre selling Israelites as slaves to the Edomites. According to Joel 3:6, the Phoenicians sold the children of Judah and Jerusalem into the hands of the Greeks. We know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The city of Sodom was filled with homosexuality and vile sin. Its from this city that we derived the word sodomite to describe sexual deviancy and rebellion against God in grotesque sexual sin. Yet, Jesus provided a warning to the cities that had the most access to his preaching ministry that their judgment would be more severe. As Matthew 11:20 states, they had the most access to Jesus ministry and yet they did not repent.

In a modern-day example, a morally acceptable grandmother who attends church every Sunday morning and has never committed any vile crimes against children, embezzled money from her employer, or committed murder can die and go to Hell as an unconverted church member. In contrast, the savage who grows up in a dark jungle and is taught to worship his ancestors and never one time hears the name of Jesus dies and goes immediately to Hell too. However, the grandmothers Hell will be more severe. Why will it be more severe? According to Jesus teaching in Matthew 11 and Luke 10, it will be more severe based on her access to the Gospel and being responsible for her ongoing rejection of Christ.

Elsewhere in the New Testament, we find other passages that illustrate the various degrees of eternal punishment. In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus makes the following statement:

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. According to Christ, every word will be judged, which reveals that there will be a greater condemnation for some people than for others.



In Luke 12:47-48, Jesus contrasts two servants who were given a command to follow, and one received a severe beating while another received a light beating. This too illustrates a difference in punishment that will be issued at the return of Christ.

And that servant who knew his masters will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

In Pauls letter to the church in Rome, he writes the following in Romans 2:5:

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when Gods righteous judgment will be revealed.

In the verse that immediately follows, Paul writes, He will render to each one according to his works. The records of our lives will be opened according to Revelation 20:12. We will be judged by the deeds we have done and the words we have spoken. The books that chronicle our lives will be opened and every action, word, thought, and deed will be exposed, examined, and judged accordingly. Since every word and deed will be different for every person, its clear that different degrees of punishment will be issued.

In another passage in the New Testament, a clear warning is issued by the author to the Hebrews that points to the vengeance of God being directed toward those who commit sin. In Hebrews 10:29-31, we find the following words:

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, Vengeance is mine; I will repay. And again, The Lord will judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The key language worse punishment and vengeance is mine, I will repay point to the fact that those who deserve worse punishment will receive worse punishment by the Lord himself. Hell will be far more severe for some than for others because our Lord is a righteous and perfect judge who judges with perfect justice and divine judgment.

While the doctrine of Hell may have fallen out of popularity among many within evangelicalism, we must adopt the same doctrine of Hell that Jesus taught and the same doctrine of Hell that the New Testament apostles preached. The teachings of the New Testament point to Hells severity, but also of the different degrees of punishment that will be measured out by the sovereign judge of all mankind.

Do you know someone who has delayed in coming to Christ? Remind that person that every day given to sin stores up more wrath. Every word spoken, careless thought, and lustful action will be judged accordingly.

Jonathan Edwards sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is the most famous sermon preached in the history of America. Consider the words of a faithful servant of our Lord who preached this sermon powerfully and God used it to awaken many people to their need to repent:

The bow of Gods wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood. Thus all you that never passed under a great change of heart, by the mighty power of the Spirit of God upon your souls; all you that were never born again, and made new creatures, and raised from being dead in sin, to a state of new, and before altogether unexperienced light and life, are in the hands of an angry God.3

Matthew 10:28: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell.

1. Matthew 11:2124  English Standard Version

2. William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke, vol. 11, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 19532001), 577.

3. Jonathan Edwards, Sermon: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Originally published at G3 Ministries.
Conversion therapy ban will criminalise Christians and parents, Parliament hears

Members of Parliament have warned that both parents and pastors stand to be criminalised if legislation to ban so-called conversion therapy is passed into law.

The Conversion Therapy Prohibition (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Bill, brought by Baroness Burt of Solihull, had its second reading in the House of Lords on Friday.

Peers warned that the current draft of the bill is too broad and will undermine free speech, religious freedom and parental rights.

Lord Morrow, chairman of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said the bill as it currently stands would damage legitimate free speech and private family life.

"I do not think the public would forgive us if we passed a law which exposed parents to huge fines simply because they do not want their kids to get caught up in the social contagion that undoubtedly exists around trans issues, and the prospect of church ministers being fined for harmlessly upholding their beliefs within their churches is not one that any democrat, Liberal or otherwise, should welcome," he said.

He also disagreed with claims that the bill was not about preventing harm, abuse or coercion, but about targeting opinions.

"None of these words appears in the Bill. It is about punishing what some people regard as wrong opinions, and that is not the kind of law any of us should be willing to go along with," he said.

The Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, said she was not convinced that the current text and its "lack of agreed definition" would give a "safe space" to Christians and others who want to seek counselling to help them live celibate lives or marry someone of the opposite sex.

She added that any definition seeking to protect from harm must also continue "to preserve our current liberties".

Lord Strathcarron warned that silent free speech in the form of silent prayers would also fall under the proposed ban, and that all religious leaders would be at risk of prosecution.

"Thus, we have a new crime: prayer crime," he said.

"Ban Conversion Therapy's founders say that a ban must cover 'gentle, non-coercive prayer', before going on to confirm that prayer has a 'pernicious power', and then linking prayer and corrective rape. Humanists UK says that the ban must cover repentances, wilfully ignoring that repentance is a core belief of the Christian faith.

"As it is drafted, will our own right reverend Prelates also face prosecution, if, for example, at Sunday school they were to read from any of St Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Galatians or Corinthians or from the Hebrews or the Epistle of James?"

He said the Bill would criminalise parents simply for discussing gender issues with their children and questioned why the current wording "assumes there is only harmful intent" when parents have only their child's best interests at heart.

"Surely it cannot be right, as a matter of principle, that free speech becomes criminalised when there is no harm intended, let alone caused," he said.

"How are these private family conversations discovered anyway? It is possibly because a child tells a classmate or teacher.

"What then of the teacher? Is he or she committing a crime by not reporting the parents to the police? If she or he does report the parents to the police and the police arrest the parentswho now have a criminal recordwhat does that do to future family relationships?"

Baroness Fox agreed that religious freedom is threatened by the Bill and questioned whether Christians would be free to pray the Lord's Prayer under the proposed ban.

She said, "Every day, in this Chamber, noble Lords recite the Lord's prayer: 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'

"With this in mind, take the scenario of a young Christian who wants to be delivered from evil and to follow the Church's teaching, and so asks the vicar to pray to help him avoid sexual temptation.

"Surely the Bill will turn that priest into a criminal, or could do; after all, the Bill makes no distinction between consensual and non-consensual behaviour.

"What is at stake here should concern atheists, agnostics and everyone, because the Bill jeopardises fundamental principles of secular democracy."

Several peers pointed out that abusive practices are already covered by existing laws.

Lord Farmer said, "When we go beyond the existing law, we very quickly infringe free speech and religious liberty.

"I have yet to hear a clear articulation of the gap in the law that the Bill intends to fill. Hence, I am left wondering to what extent it is needed at all. I do not believe I am alone in that."

He urged Parliament not to go down the same route as the state of Victoria in Australia where official guidance on its conversion therapy ban only allows prayers that affirm a person's sexuality or gender identity.

"Victoria's approach is lauded by those calling for this Bill, yet its law and official guidance are extraordinarily intolerant," he said.

These fears were shared by Baroness Foster who said that the implications for free speech, freedom of religion and parenting are "quite chilling".

She said there was a risk that the Bill would "create a new orthodoxy" and a "new category of opinions that must not be uttered, at the risk of criminal conviction".

"One of the central tenets of Christianity is the need to repent. That is universal; it applies to us all. Is that now going to be challenged or likely to be illegal, as the Victoria commission said? I find that very chilling indeed," she said.
Thriving in times of turbulence

Being Greek-Cypriot I still struggle with British winters: those low clouds that lower the spirits, the rain that chills the body and the wind that batters everything. This winter, with ten named storms since September, has been particularly challenging.

Turbulence is, so to speak, in the air and those pummelling winds seem to echo much that is happening in the church in Britain and elsewhere. I could write a long blog on the troubles I know of: the defections, the divisions, the deviations, the discouragements, the derision  and that's just under one letter of the alphabet! These are such turbulent times that even the Church of England  that weighty old tortoise long assumed to be immobile in any gale  is wobbling unsteadily. Oh yes, I could write a very long and very dark blog.

But I'm not going to. Why not? Two reasons. First, the enemy of our souls loves to spread discouraging news, whether true or false. As getting cold and damp increases your chance of catching some virus of the body, so discouraged Christians  weakened in faith, love and hope  are vulnerable to every sickness of the soul. The second reason is simply that, beyond the noisy buffeting and chilling winds of our day, there are many encouragements. Let me offer you four.

First, that the faithful church finds itself struggling against the harsh winds of the world should surprise no one. It is exactly what our Lord promised his people long ago: 'In this world you will have trouble' (John 16:33 NIV). Older generations of Christians, many of whom grew up shuddering at the horrors detailed in Foxe's Book of Martyrs, knew that Christians should be prepared for opposition.

An appropriately meteorological comment is in that old hymn of John Bunyan's 'To Be a Pilgrim', with its lines, 'One here will constant be, come wind, come weather . . .' No, for the faithful follower of Jesus, storms are normal. Indeed, I would be more upset if our church did not face turbulence. I'm not trivialising matters by suggesting that, with so much opposition, we must be doing something right.

Second, in a fallen world it's inevitable that bad news gathers more publicity than good. One failing pastor gains more press coverage than a thousand who do their duty faithfully. And if our cultural climate plays up bad news, it downplays the good. Steadily and quietly, evangelical Christianity continues to make gains, sometimes explosively. Here in the UK alone, there are now thousands of Iranians who over the last few years have come to a committed faith in Christ. In France, the homeland of scepticism, it is reliably reported that a new evangelical church is being planted every ten days. I could go on.

Third, as the saying goes, it's 'an ill wind that blows nobody any good'. In the Bible lands grain was often threshed on the tops of high ground where there were the best winds to blow away the light and useless chaff. Sadly, there are many bodies and individuals that while claiming the name of Christ, are in fact working to hinder the gospel. While we must pray for a change of hearts and minds here, we can't help but think that if the 'Lord of the harvest' (Matthew 9:38) were to let the wind of our time blow to give us a church richer in wheat and poorer in chaff, then it might be a very good thing.

Fourth, we need the right perspective. Many of us have taken off from some rain-drenched and storm-lashed British airport and, within minutes, found ourselves blinking in the serene sunlit world above the clouds. There's an obvious spiritual parallel. Through prayer, through Bible reading, worship and fellowship in our church, we need to ascend through the murky turbulence of current events to the sunlit, eternal lands of heaven. It's vital to remind ourselves that God reigns above the clouds of this life and, one day, will reign here.

So be encouraged. But I must say more than 'cheer up!' In the face of turbulent winds that can bend and break, we who trust in Christ must stand firm. We must keep the faith and to do that requires three things.

We must believe the faith. We must not just simply assent to facts but, in a way that governs every area of our lives, we must constantly remind ourselves who God is.

We must live the faith. We must reject any frail Christianity that only creeps out for an hour on Sunday. No, we need a faith that shapes and guides all that we think, say and do.

Finally, we must share the faith. If these are turbulent days for Christians, can I point out that they are even more so for non-Christians? There are dark storm clouds over the whole world and 'wars and rumours of war' are widespread. Today we have a perhaps unprecedented time to share the good news of Christ with our troubled and fearful neighbours, family and friends.

In this winter weather, the world may reassure itself that spring is just around the corner. We who are Christians have a far better hope: for us a glorious eternity lies not far away. In the meantime, let us look up beyond the clouds and believe, live and share the faith.
Celebration activities held at Brussels Airport to mark Chinese Lunar New Year

Xinhua) 11:12, February 10, 2024

A staff member poses with a smurf costumed character wearing traditional Chinese clothes at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 9, 2024. The festive atmosphere to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year fills the air at the Brussels Airport with various celebration activities held here. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

Tourists demonstrate calligraphy works of Chinese character "Fu", which means "good fortune", and their names at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 9, 2024. The festive atmosphere to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year fills the air at the Brussels Airport with various celebration activities held here. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

A tourist take selfies with a smurf costumed character wearing traditional Chinese clothes at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 9, 2024. The festive atmosphere to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year fills the air at the Brussels Airport with various celebration activities held here. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

A calligrapher writes Chinese character "Fu", which means "good fortune", at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 9, 2024. The festive atmosphere to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year fills the air at the Brussels Airport with various celebration activities held here. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
BROOK PARK, Ohio  A 36-year-old man asked police to escort him to the home of a Brook Park resident to whom he had recently sold an alligator.

The man, a reptile collector, requested the escort at about 9:30 p.m. Jan. 25. He said the Brook Park resident, who lives on Mercer Drive, never paid him for the alligator, which will eventually grow to about 6 feet long. The man said he wanted the alligator back.

The man said he also sold a semiautomatic pistol to the Brook Park resident. The resident never paid the man for the pistol  except by giving him an ounce of marijuana  but the man didnt ask for police assistance in that matter.
CNBC's Jim Cramer on Friday prepared investors for next week on Wall Street, saying investors should pay attention as earnings season continues, with reports from companies including Shopify , Marriott and Wendy's .

He also recommended researching retail stocks next week before the industry reports a slew of earnings results the week after.

"Next week seems busy, but, you know what, it's a classic interregnum  Google that  before we get to retail earnings," Cramer said. "Remember, those heavy earnings weeks are all in front of us, and they're about doing your homework."

On Monday, Cramer said he'll be waiting for earnings reports from two "scorchers," cloud networking outfit Arista Networks and Cadence Design Systems , which provides software for artificial intelligence hardware. Both companies hit all-time highs on Friday, and Cramer said that may mean they're coming in too hot, but added that their stocks could go higher if the quarters are positive.

Shopify reports on Tuesday, and Cramer said he's optimistic because online shopping seems to be booming. Also reporting on Tuesday is Marriott, which Cramer said has been a consistent winner because it's grouped in with several travel stocks that have been performing well. He said he's also optimistic about Tuesday reports from used car dealer AutoNation , animal health company Zoetis and airplane parts manufacturer Howmet .

Wednesday brings a report from Kraft Heinz , which Cramer said he wouldn't touch because the stock has been obliterated, and packaged food companies are "out of style" on Wall Street. He also worried about the report from Cisco , with the company reportedly laying off thousands of employees, as he thought it would wait to do layoffs until it closed on its acquisition of Splunk .

Thursday, Cramer said he'll be paying attention to Wendy's report and said he's not sure the results will be positive after the company's change in management. He'll also be watching a report from the Trade Desk , which he said consistently beats its numbers and rivals Google in placing online advertisements.

On Friday, Cramer said it's worth waiting to see what happens with earnings from Treehouse , a company that makes food that supermarkets use as their store brands. The stock has been stalled, he added, even as Costco and Walmart are seeing success with their store brand products.
Former President Donald Trump's social media post earlier in the week asking his supporters to give Anheuser-Busch a "second chance" came after Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White personally asked him to back the beer company, a person familiar with the situation told CNBC.

Anheuser-Busch last year suffered a major backlash over its Bud Light marketing promotion with a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney.

White, whose UFC is the leading mixed martial arts promotion company, reached out directly to Trump to encourage positive commentary about Anheuser-Busch, according to the person.

In his Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump appeared to be well-informed about detailed aspects of the beverage company's operations.

He noted that the company spends $700 million a year "with our GREAT Farmers," employs 65,000 Americans and has provided scholarships to families of fallen members of the military. Trump wrote, "Anheuser-Busch is a GREAT American brand that perhaps deserves a Second Chance?"

UFC, which is owned by TKO Group Holdings , in October announced a partnership with Anheuser-Busch to make Bud Light the official beer partner of the mixed martial arts company, in a deal that was reported at the time to be worth $100 million.

In a press release announcing the deal, White said, "There are many reasons why I chose to go with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light, most importantly because I feel we are very aligned when it comes to our core values and what the UFC brand stands for."

A spokesman for UFC declined to comment on White's conversation with Trump. A spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch did not respond to a request for comment.

In his social media post on Tuesday, Trump threatened to release a list of companies  other than Anheuser-Busch  that he considers to be "woke."

"Am building a list, and might just release it for the World to see," Trump wrote. His followers, Trump suggested, should be "going after those companies that are looking to DESTROY AMERICA!"

Those comments came after Trump in a social media post on Sunday was much more critical of the company, saying: "the Bud Light ad will go down as the WORST AD in history."

"In a matter of minutes 30 billion dollars worth of market cap simply disappeared from the face of the earth. Will they ever get it back? Who knows, but what a mess!" Trump wrote.

Trump, who is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, attended UFC's Dec. 16 event in Las Vegas, where he walked out into the audience with White and the musical artist Kid Rock.

Trump had attended two other UFC events previously in 2023 and had been at other of the promoter's events in prior years.
Activist Commentary: Ancora is primarily a family wealth investment advisory firm and fund manager with $9 billion in assets under management, with an alternative asset management division that manages approximately $1.3 billion. It was founded in 2003 and hired James Chadwick in 2014 to pursue activist efforts in niche areas like banks, thrifts and closed-end funds. Ancora's website lists "small cap activist" as part of its products and strategies, and its strategy has evolved in recent years. From 2010 to 2020, the majority of Ancora's activism was 13D filings on micro-cap companies. In the past few years, the firm has taken a greater number of sub-5% stakes in larger companies. The alternatives team has a track record of using private and when necessary, public engagement with portfolio companies to catalyze corporate governance improvements and long-term value creation.

Ancora is a $9 billion wealth advisory firm that has been using activism more often and has developed into an activist to be respected and feared. With an approximate $1 billion position in NSC, the firm likely has a partner who has shared in the investment and is relying on Ancora to lead the activist effort.

Norfolk Southern (NSC) is a Class I railroad operating freight trains in the United States. Railroads have been frequent targets of activist investors for many years with TCI at CSX, Pershing Square at Canadian Pacific, Mantle Ridge at CSX, TCI at Canadian National and now Ancora at Norfolk Southern. One of the reasons why railroads are so frequently targeted by activists is because they are relatively simple businesses. When they underperform their peers, it is easy to understand why and generally simple to fix.

Norfolk Southern has materially underperformed the markets and its peers over the past one, three and five years. When you see that in a railroad company, there is one key metric to look at, which drives railroad profitability and shareholder return: It's the operating ratio. The operating ratio is the company's operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. When Pershing Square and the late railroad veteran Hunter Harrison went to Canadian Pacific, CP had an operating ratio of 81% and Harrison was able to get it down to 64.7%. When Mantle Ridge and Hunter Harrison came into CSX, the company had an operating ratio of 70%, which Harrison was able to get down to 58.4%. NSC's operating ratio is almost 69% and the right management team with the right strategy should easily be able to get the operating ratio down close to 60%.

The strategy that Hunter Harrison and his "cubs" have so successfully been able to implement is precision scheduled railroading, or PSR. This strategy prioritizes consistent, reliable, predictable service through scheduling and running fewer trains. It reduces switching costs, which also leads to fewer safety risks, and the move has worked pretty much every time it has been implemented. But, for some reason, NSC utilizes a resilience model that does not prioritize cost reductions; they are the only publicly traded Class I rail company that does not utilize the PSR strategy. Moreover, a resilience model enables more short-haul and lower margin intermodal transportation: This uses two modes of transportation, like rail and truck or rail and water. Under a PSR strategy, the company would also be able to improve its transportation mix to more higher margin routes and merchandise categories.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel here; the roadmap has already been drawn at Canadian Pacific and CSX. Ancora is likely to follow the same strategy here. First, get a majority  or close to a majority  of the board. Second, bring in a CEO with experience successfully implementing a PSR strategy. Ancora is nominating a majority slate of directors that include former Ohio governor John Kasich and former Kansas City Southern executive Sameh Fahmy. The firm will likely include at least one Ancora representative on the slate who we would expect to be Jim Chadwick, signaling Ancora's commitment to be a long-term shareholder here. Just because the firm is nominating a majority slate does not mean that there is no room for settlement below a majority. Ancora does not need a majority of the board to be successful here. At Canadian Pacific, Pershing Square got less than a majority. At CSX, Mantle Ridge got five of 13 directors. But the key element in both of those situations is that the CEO was replaced. That is something that we believe will have to happen here for Ancora to be successful.

We would expect to see the company come to the table for settlement discussions, but short of a settlement, we have no doubt that Ancora will take this to a proxy fight and win. Inside the activist world, and among investors who were shareholders of Canadian Pacific and CSX, this is as sure of an activist strategy as there is. Three of NSC's top shareholders are also former investors of CSX when Mantle Ridge created so much value for them with this strategy. Further, there are several other hedge funds that own NSC, and we would expect them to support Ancora's director slate.

Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments.
When Amber Steeves started working at Verizon almost 15 years ago, she did one of the best things you can do when you start a new job. She enrolled in the company's 401(k) program to begin saving for retirement.

"I was never financially stable, and that was a goal," she tells CNBC Make It. "OK, now I'm working, I need to be smart about my money," she recalls telling herself.

Steeves started at Verizon right after college. Around the same time, she also started making monthly payments on her student debt, which was less than $15,000 when she graduated. Though she balances her debt payments and retirement savings well now, it wasn't easy at first, she says.

"I was working paycheck to paycheck after graduating school and hitting the job market during the 2009 recession," Steeves says. "A few times on and off for about six years, I had to ask for options such as lowering my monthly payments or a temporary forbearance due to unexpected life and financial circumstances."

Verizon offers employees a 6% match on retirement contributions, which Steeves says she has been taking full advantage of "since day one." But now Steeves, who works as an accommodations team member at the company, has the opportunity to get even more out of her employee benefits.

This past December, Verizon announced it would begin offering 401(k) matching for student loan payments.

"It felt like April Fool's, I did not believe it," she says. The company, like many others, had a tuition assistance program in place, but Steeves says she often joked with colleagues or friends at other companies about their employers offering a benefit for educational debt.

"[It] still kind of doesn't feel real, even though I've signed up for it, I have it ready," she says. "I really can't put it into words because I've never heard of a company offering this type of benefit before."
Investors expect the Securities and Exchange Commission to greenlight spot ether ETFs in May, but the price action for the crypto could be subdued compared to bitcoin's moves in the runup to its ETF approvals. JPMorgan said that while the second largest cryptocurrency is poised to benefit from the introduction of exchange-traded funds that track its price, the drama is already a little more muted. Since Nov. 9, when BlackRock first incorporated its iShares Ethereum Trust, the price of ether rallied 20%, JPMorgan said. That compares to the 55% surge bitcoin saw after BlackRock first filed its spot ETF application for the flagship crypto. "We think the ether spot ETF is being less 'hyped' than its bitcoin counterpart perhaps due to its lower market cap and lack of 'first mover advantage' vs. bitcoin," JPMorgan analyst Kenneth Worthington said in a note this week. "Or perhaps the market learned its lesson from the misguided hysteria around the BTC ETF. Regardless, we see the spot ether ETF being less appreciated by the market." The lack of expected enthusiasm could stem from regulatory ambiguity around ether's status as a security. Bitcoin's status as a commodity versus a security has been clear, according to Nico Cordeiro, chief investment officer at Strix Leviathan. "It seems like at least at this point in time, there's still some debate left as to what ETH gets classified as, and because there is a yield component  the SEC has a stronger case to say it's a security versus a commodity, so that will drive some uncertainty," he said. JPMorgan estimates a "no more than 50% chance" of spot ether ETF approval by May 23, the final deadline for the SEC to approve or deny the Ark/21Shares application . Like the SEC did with the bitcoin ETF, JPMorgan predicts the regulatory agency will take a similar approach in approving all applications at the same time, the firm said in its note this week. Owen Lau, an analyst at Oppenheimer, said there's a "high likelihood" the ether (or ETH, the ticker by which the cryptocurrency is more commonly referred) ETF gets approved and that may already be baked into market expectations. "Compared to bitcoin I expect the hype of the ETH ETF to be milder," he told CNBC. "Given that the market cap of ETH is only 32% of bitcoin and 16% of crypto, the amount of new money coming in could be less compared to bitcoin. But it is still another important milestone for increasing adoption." He added that following Grayscale's court victory over the SEC last summer, the industry now has a playbook to reference should the regulator reject ether ETFs. Gustavo Schwenkler, associate professor at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, echoed that sentiment, referencing another landmark court case. "Bitcoin was always clearly stated to be a commodity, Cardano and Solana were always clearly securities, but ETH was always kind of left up in the air," he said. "But I'm not quite sure that this is where the SEC wants to take this It would just put them in a situation again where they have to fight their position, and they just have really weak standing right now after the Ripple case and this discussion of whether tokens are securities or not." Indeed, last summer, a judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that Ripple's XRP token is "not necessarily a security on its face." Schwenkler said any excitement leading up to potential ether ETF approvals will be "less speculative" and that a lot of it is priced in already. "Because we already have this lesson from bitcoin, I think the reaction is probably going to be less extreme than what we saw in bitcoin," he said.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting.
The main house at Gordon Pointe spans 11,500 sq ft. Dawn McKenna Group / Coldwell Banker Realty

The most expensive home for sale in the U.S. hit the market this week for $295 million. Gordon Pointe, as it's called, is a roughly 9-acre compound in Naples, Florida, on the Gulf Coast, in an affluent enclave called Port Royal. The mega-listing includes a main house that spans about 11,500 square feet, with six bedrooms. Two guest houses, each over 5,000 square feet, bring the estate's total interior living space to 22,800 square feet. All three homes are on a peninsula that delivers 1,650 feet of waterfront, a private yacht basin and T-shaped dock. Before you start counting up bedrooms and calculating the price per square foot (which is about $12,900), co-listing agent Leighton Candler of Corcoran told CNBC the value here isn't so much about the size of the three grand homes on the property, it's about privacy, beach frontage and a rare opportunity for significant development. According to a press release that launched the listing, "The property can accommodate more than 200,000 square feet of residential development," meaning the land has a ton of untapped potential. "There can be eight waterfront homes on this property," Candler told CNBC. While the property could be broken apart after purchase, the New York-based broker speculates a potential buyer will more likely maintain it as a private family compound.

Gordon Pointe's sandy white beach stretches over 700 feet on the Gulf of Mexico. Dawn McKenna Group / Coldwell Banker Realty

The nine acres are made up of contiguous lots, the first of them purchased in 1985 by John and Rhodora Donahue. John Donahue co-founded a Pittsburgh-based investment management firm, now known as Federated Hermes, with over $758 billion in assets under management, according to the firm's website.

The waterfront view of the main house and a stretch of beach on Gordon Pointe. Dawn McKenna Group / Coldwell Banker Realty

After that first purchase in 1985, the Donahues continued to buy up more of the peninsula and didn't stop until they owned it all. Their buying spree created an exclusive, gated compound almost entirely surrounded by water. A single private drive means no pesky through traffic. "It gives you all the benefits of being on an island, but on Gordon Pointe your family can be secluded without feeling isolated," Candler said. Along with a T-shaped dock that can accommodate six boats, the Donahues also constructed a private yacht basin that's 231 feet by 50 feet and has a depth of almost 8 feet. Candler told CNBC it's a rare amenity that had to be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A view of Gordon Pointe with the private yacht basin in the lower right corner. Dawn McKenna Group / Coldwell Banker Realty

Can Gordon Pointe fetch $295 million?

According to Realtor.com the median listing price in Port Royal is $24.1 million. The highest-priced home, before Gordon Pointe, in the ultra luxe beachfront community hit the market in December at $45 million, or just under $4,300 per square foot. Meanwhile an empty lot of almost 1.5 acres adjacent to Gordon Pointe has been on the market for a year, at an asking price of $63 million. "We did our best to price [Gordon Pointe] and we can defend that price all day long," co-listing agent Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker Realty told CNBC. McKenna said the listing is already drawing significant interest since it went live Wednesday and that she's already booked eight in-person visits with prequalified buyers. It's no surprise to hear listing brokers argue an eye-popping price tag is justified, but true comparisons at this level and buyers with enough cash to pay that kind of money are few and far between. And, as is the case with any real estate listing, there can be a big gap between an initial asking price and what a property ultimately sells for. For some nine-figure context, here's a closer look at the second- and third-most-expensive listings currently for sale in America.

A view of the Central Park Tower at 217 West 57th St. in New York City. Source: Cody Boone, SERHANT Studios

The first of the two listings is a penthouse that debuted in New York City in September 2022. The residence sits high atop 217 West 57th Street, overlooking Central Park, spanning three floors and over 17,500 square feet. Broker Ryan Serhant made headlines when he listed the mega-apartment at $250 million, which he told CNBC at the time was the appropriate price. "I know it sounds crazy, but relatively speaking, it's priced at a great value on a per-square-foot basis," Serhant said in 2022. "It's just a very, very big apartment with lots of amenities." But naysayers questioned the nosebleed asking price, which amounted to over $14,000 a square foot. "I consider this a fantasy price," Manhattan luxury broker Donna Olshan told CNBC in 2022. The triplex residence sat on the market for 12 months with no takers. After a yearlong run at $250 million, the asking price was slashed by $55 million, or 22%. The pricey pad is still on the market for $195 million.

It was a similar journey in Los Angeles, with the seven-bedroom 20-bath mansion known as Casa Encantada. The mansion, located at 10644 Bellagio Road in Bel Air, is owned by children's book author Karen Winnick, the widow of late billionaire and financier Gary Winnick. The residence hit the market in June for $250 million. After the sky-high ask failed to lure a buyer, the home was taken off the market only to reappear in November with a $55 million price cut. Listing agent Kurt Rappaport is still looking for a buyer willing to pay the $195 million.

Nine-figure whisper sales

The reality is nine-figure listings can take months, even years, to sell, and that's not necessarily a reflection of a broker's ability. Real estate consultant Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, looked at 10 U.S. home sales that traded for $150 million or more and found many of them were so-called whisper listings  sales that leveraged hushed word-of-mouth marketing and no public real estate listings or marketing campaigns. That makes tracking price changes over the life of the listings nearly impossible.

Jeff Bezos gives a thumbs-up as he speaks during an event about Blue Origin's space exploration plans in Washington, D.C., May 9, 2019. Clodagh Kilcoyne | Reuters

But perhaps unsurprisingly there are a lot of famous billionaires involved in these sales, including hedge funder Ken Griffin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and mega-investor Marc Andreessen, who each picked up nine-figure compounds in quiet off-market deals.

The Chartwell Estate in Los Angeles Photograph by Jim Bartsch, courtesy of the Estate of Jerry Perenchio

One notable mega-mansion of the 10 transactions compiled by Miller did officially come to market and has an interesting price history. In 2017 the mansion at 750 Bel Air Road in Los Angeles, known as the Chartwell Estate, had a $350 million price tag. It sat on the market with no bites, and the oversized asking price took several deep cuts, to $195 million. In 2019 the estate finally sold for $150 million, purchased by Lachlan Murdoch, executive chair and CEO of Fox Corp. and son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
A Palestinian man and children look at the damage at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 8, 2024.

Israel's neighbors and key mediators warned Saturday of disaster and repercussions if its military launches a ground invasion in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, where Israel says remaining Hamas strongholds are located  along with over half the besieged territory's population.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  in Rafah, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people ahead of an invasion. He gave no details or timeline.

The announcement set off panic. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, which borders Egypt. Many fled there after following Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of the territory following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war. It's not clear where they could go next.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have "disastrous consequences," and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land. Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Read more about the Israel-Hamas conflict: Palestinians brace for Rafah evacuation, Israeli assault plan

Another mediator, Qatar, also warned of disaster, and Saudi Arabia warned of "very serious repercussions." There's even increasing friction between Netanyahu and the United States, whose officials have said a Rafah invasion with no plan for civilians there would lead to disaster.

"The people in Gaza cannot disappear into thin air," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on X, adding that an Israeli offensive on Rafah would be a "humanitarian catastrophe in the making."

Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes in Rafah, a rare entry point for Gaza's badly needed food and medical supplies, during its current ground combat in Khan Younis just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of a family, including a total of 10 children, the youngest 3 months old.

Fadel al-Ghannam said one strike tore his loved ones to shreds. He lost his son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren. He fears even worse with a ground invasion of Rafah, and said the world's silence has enabled Israel to proceed.

Later on Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a home in Rafah killed at least 11 people, including three children, according to Ahmed al-Soufi, head of Rafah municipality.

"This is what Netanyahu targets  the civilians," said a neighbor, Samir Abu Loulya. Two other strikes in Rafah killed two policemen and three senior officers in the civil police, according to city officials.

In Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the area's largest, killing at least two people and wounding five, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders. Israeli tanks reached the hospital gates Saturday morning, Ahmed Maghrabi, a physician there, said in a Facebook post.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said hospital staff are no longer able to move between buildings because of the intense fire. He said 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering there.

The Israeli military said troops were not operating inside the hospital but called the surrounding area "an active combat zone."

Israel's army chief, Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, said more than 2,000 Hamas fighters in Khan Younis had been killed in airstrikes and ground combat, but the offensive in the city was far from over.
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan (R) addresses his supporters during an anti-government march towards capital Islamabad, demanding early elections, in Gujranwala on November 1, 2022.

A senior aide to Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday their party would try to form a government as it had won the most seats in Thursday's general election.

Interim party chief Gohar Ali Khan called on all institutions in Pakistan to respect the party's mandate, telling a press conference in Islamabad that if complete results were not released by Saturday night, the party would hold a peaceful protest on Sunday.

Khan and rival ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have both claimed victory. Independent candidates backed by Khan won the most seats, despite him being in jail and his party barred from the polls.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., is seen outside the U.S. Capitol after the last votes of the week on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

House Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wi., chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, announced on Saturday that he would not seek re-election this year, leaving a seat open in a key swing state as the 2024 race kicks into high gear.

The former Marine Corps officer joins an exodus of more than a dozen Republican congress members planning to leave their posts, each one widening the path for Democrats to attempt to win back the House majority. His seat in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district is particularly valuable, given the state's battleground status and House Republicans' current rail-thin majority.

"Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old," Gallagher said in a statement announcing his departure.

At times, Gallagher has splintered from his party. He was one of three Republicans on Tuesday to buck party leadership and vote against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, sinking the motion.

He was also a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump's involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, though he opposed the impeachment of Trump that followed.

Despite occasional resistance to his party, Gallagher is still an essential GOP vote representing a key swing state. Trump won Wisconsin in 2016 but lost it to President Joe Biden in 2020.

Gallagher's retirement will likely trigger a congressional frenzy on both sides of the aisle to fill his seat.

Wisconsin's 8th district is a slightly redder region of the Badger State. In 2022, Gallagher won roughly 72% of the vote against several third-party candidates but no formal Democrat opponent.

This time could be different, though, with Democratic eyes already gearing up to replace him. Kristin Lyerly, a Wisconsin OBGYN, has said she is considering a bid to flip Gallagher's seat.

Gallagher has served four terms in Congress. His departure from Washington was unexpected given his status as a GOP rising star. Republicans last year eyed Gallagher for a possible Senate run, which he declined.

He was also appointed to the helm of the House's high-profile China committee, which was created at the start of last year.

The Select Committee on the CCP is a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to oversight and regulation of U.S.-China relations. The committee made news in January when FBI Director Christopher Wray announced that U.S. investigators had targeted and neutralized a Chinese-backed hacking group called "Volt Typhoon."
Sitting through Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was a pain in the ass for people in the audience, but Jon Cryer says we dont know shit about crack ache.

Long before the emergence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the dominant movie movement in Hollywood, superhero movies were campy (or crappy) popcorn flicks that emulated the over-the-top dramatics of the source material. However, nowhere in the entire Superman anthology will superfans find a comic book chapter centered around Lenny Luthor, the faux-hawk-sporting, convertible-driving, totally tubular nephew of the Man of Steels archnemesis Lex Luthor who plays a prominent role in Superman IV. No, this forgotten henchman only appeared in the fourth film featuring Christopher Reeve as Kal-El, and Lenny Luthor was played by future sitcom superstar Cryer, whose biggest regret regarding Superman IV was the way he prepared for his flying stunts. Mine would be the movies existence.

On last nights Late Night with Seth Meyers, Cryer explained how, in order to ensure that his flying harness would secure him without difficulties, he applied the hair removal cream Nair to his entire nether regions, front and back. Its too bad the screenwriters of Superman IV didnt have to undergo such an exercise  maybe Nair would have dissolved the script they pulled out of there.

Advertisement

When Cryer joined the filming of Superman IV in 1986, he was only 21 and young enough to make some rookie mistakes. Theres a lot of flying in Superman IV, its a Superman movie, Cryer told Meyers, and I was so excited about that. Cryer said that, when he met with the films stunt coordinator, the man had some unorthodox suggestions for the inexperienced actor. He says, One thing you have to be aware of  is that, when they put the harness on you, they have to cinch it incredibly tight, so it will catch any hair that you have on there.

You may want to take care of any hair you have, either on the back or on the front, either way, so that it doesnt catch in the harness, the coordinator told Cryer. Nair came into play, the actor admitted, saying that the hair removal cream left him smooth as glass and ready for shooting. However, Cryer continued, What I did not realize was that the painful stuff is delayed because, what I learned is when your butt hair grows back it hurts!

Advertisement

Decades later, Cryer graduated from nephew to uncle when he played Lex Luthor in the CBS/CW Supergirl TV series. Cryer quickly gathered from the newest generation of superhero actors that his painfully learned lesson about flying stunts may have been for naught, saying of a conversation he had with series star Melissa Benoist, The first day of work, I said, Hey, I know were going to be doing some flying stuff, do we still have to do that? She said, No!

Cryer realized of the advice he received 30 years prior, This guy was clearly pulling a prank.
One deeply disturbing aspect in the case of suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi is the complicity of the Church in Britain's immigration racket.

The Afghan was granted asylum on his third attempt only after a priest vouched he had converted from Islam to Christianity  punishable by death in his homeland.

So pathetically desperate was a Baptist minister to support Ezedi's application for sanctuary here, they seem to have overlooked his sex crime convictions.

Troublingly, his case is no one-off. Suicide bomber Emad Al Swealmeen, who blew himself up outside Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2021, pulled off the same trick.

And gullible vicars across the country are enabling masses of asylum seekers to convert  most, if not all, of them Muslim.

The Afghan was granted asylum on his third attempt only after a priest vouched he had converted from Islam to Christianity  punishable by death in his homeland

One deeply disturbing aspect in the case of suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi is the complicity of the Church in Britain's immigration racket

Suicide bomber Emad Al Swealmeen, who blew himself up outside Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2021, pulled off the same trick

Of course, the Church of England and other denominations will insist this flock is genuine. That it represents a triumph in their efforts to spread the word of the Lord. More likely, however, is that it is cynical opportunism  a way to game a broken system.

Indeed, we reveal today how immigration judges have warned for a decade that asylum seekers are 'fabricating' conversions to strengthen bogus claims to stay in the UK.

With Ezedi's alleged victims consigned to a lifetime of disfigurement, you might think church leaders would be embarrassed by their role in letting terrorists and other dangerous criminals into the country.

Not a bit of it. With self-important defiance, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says: 'We simply follow the teaching of the Bible, which is to care for the stranger.'

Don't blame us, he's saying. It's the job of the Home Office and immigration tribunals to vet asylum seekers. While true, this is disingenuous. Clearly, a glowing reference from a priest will be hugely persuasive with whoever makes the decisions.

The truth is, our top clergy are hand-wringing liberals who believe the asylum system is ungodly. That is why they caustically condemn every attempt to stop the boats.

The Church insists it wants to work with government to tackle the industrial-scale deception. If sincere, it should start by refusing to baptise any asylum seeker until their claim to stay here is granted.

Fight for freedom

When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine almost two years ago exactly, President Zelensky's forces were not prepared to follow the script.

Instead of Putin's monstrous military machine achieving total victory within days, as expected, it was driven back thanks to the heroism of Ukraine's troops and the help of Nato  stirred into action by Boris Johnson.

Today, however, the situation is precarious. As Richard Pendlebury's powerful frontline despatch explains, a war of attrition has set in. Ukraine's army is largely volunteer, middle-aged and many have medical conditions.

Despite suffering unimaginable losses, Russia still outnumbers it on the battlefield. Kyiv's supplies are running low and its brave forces are in danger of being overwhelmed.

Despite suffering unimaginable losses, Russia still outnumbers Ukraine on the battlefield two years on after Putin's army invaded

Interviewed by discredited American journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin called on President Zelensky to negotiate a deal

While the West vowed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, it has been dithering over continued military aid, especially the US. But we must not falter.

Interviewed by discredited American journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin called on President Zelensky to negotiate a deal.

Of course, plenty want Ukraine to sue for peace. But even if Russia ended hostilities in return for keeping its territorial gains, do the defeatists think it would satisfy Putin?

The tyrant claims he has no plans to attack Poland or the Baltic states, but he said that about Ukraine just weeks before ordering his troops in. He can't be trusted.

So America, Britain and the EU must hold their nerve and continue to ship arms to Kyiv. Not just sufficient to prolong the stalemate, but enough to win the war.

This is a fight for freedom. It is democracy versus evil autocracy. If Russia wins, it is not just Ukraine who loses  it is all of us.
A dingy used-car auction garage on Crawford Street in Rochdale doesnt exactly feel like its at the epicentre of a game-changing electoral crusade. But then George Galloway has never been your typical political crusader.

Bookmakers are telling the story of this by-election, he tells me confidently. Last Friday, we were 16-1. Four days later, we were 2-1. Winning here is a real possibility.

Last time we met was during the Batley And Spen by-election campaign, when similar bravado from the Workers Party of Britain leader was ultimately rewarded with a lacklustre third-place finish.

This time, though, Galloway believes there is an issue that could see the voters of this Greater Manchester mill town carrying him back to Parliament. Or, more specifically, the Muslim voters who make up almost a quarter of the constituency.

We did quite well in Batley, with 21 per cent of the vote, but back then there was no genocide going on, he says, with a typically inflammatory opinion of the ongoing Israeli combat operation in Gaza.

Starmers doubled down on his positions, and Labour is in trouble everywhere. There are dozens, if not scores, of constituencies where if once-loyal supporters of Labour en masse desert the party, that will have influence in many, many places. And Rochdale is definitely one.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner on the campaign trail in Rochdale with Labour candidate Azhar Ali on January 28

Labour candidate for Rochdale, Azhar Ali, speaks in Rochdale during the launch of his campaign for the up-coming Rochdale by-election

When you drive into town you pass under a bridge that proudly proclaims: Rochdale  birthplace of co-operation, a commemoration of the local workers who founded the first co-operative society. But collaboration  at least with his former colleagues  appears to be the last thing on the former Labour MPs mind.

When I put it to Galloway that the Tory Party is delighted by his decision to stand and split Labours vote, he replies: That pre-supposes a belief that we think Keir Starmer is the lesser of two evils, in the way people were invited to believe Joe Biden was the lesser of two evils. But we dont share that perspective. We think Keir Starmer is the greater of two evils.

Whether or not Rochdales electors share that analysis will go a long way to determining the outcome of this contest. And if Labours vote splits sufficiently to allow Galloway through the middle, a number of Tory MPs believe Rishi Sunak could be encouraged to call a snap Gaza Election.

On Tweedale Street, just up from Rochdale Central Mosque, there are signs that schism could indeed be developing.

Its been going OK, Adam tells me. Weve been here since 2.30 and weve raised about 50.

He, his friend Uzar and their small band of youthful volunteers are standing by the traffic lights with buckets gathering donations for Gaza. I explain Ive met George Galloway, and ask what he thinks about local people voting for him.

I think they should, he tells me. Im not massively political, and I dont know much about Labour and Starmer, but Galloway is the one speaking up for the people in Palestine.

As you walk around the tightly packed estates of this part of Rochdale, you quickly see that concern and anger over the conflict raging 2,500 miles away is raw and real. Palestinian flags are on prominent display in homes and shop windows. Free Gaza graffiti is daubed on the walls. Outside one house I came across, a car had a Palestinian flag stencilled immaculately across its bonnet.

Ibrahim, who runs one of the local solicitors offices, explains why. Its true that local people are unhappy with Starmer and Labour on this. They have a strong affinity with the people in Gaza. Yes, its partly based on religion. But its also grounded in basic humanity. They see whats going on there and they think, Thats wrong. So they think Starmers wrong too.

But while the impact of Gaza on political opinion among Muslim voters is significant, the community is not a single, amorphous block.

As Im driving over to meet the Labour candidate, Azhar Ali, taxi driver Umar offers a slightly different perspective. Its an important issue, he says, but there are a lot of important things going on.

He explains how some of his friends have said they should stop buying Coca-Cola because of the drinks giants alleged support of Israel. But its like, well if I do, is that really going to make much difference? And anyway, I like Coke!

Azhar Ali is pinning his hopes on the fact Umar is right, and this will not become a single-issue campaign. Which is why hes agreed to take me out canvassing with him in Wardle, traditionally one of Rochdales rock-solid Conservative wards. Its the bread and butter issues that people are concerned about, the Lancashire Labour group leader tells me. People are struggling to pay their mortgages. Affordable housing, people living in overcrowded conditions. The NHS is coming up over and over again.

George Galloway, pictured with his wife on February 8, believes the Israel-Palestine conflict is an issue that could see the voters of Rochdale carrying him back to Parliament

At George Galloway's HQ, a flyer's opening words are: The people of Gaza dont have a vote  but you do'

And Gaza? There is anger on the doorstep. Particularly among the younger ones, who probably dont tend to vote anyway, Azhar  who has broken from his leader and called for an immediate ceasefire  admits to me. But the first and second generation, and the professionals, when you have the conversation with them, I think 70 per cent of them are happy with my position.

As we walk through the blizzard sweeping down from Brown Wardle Hill, the fact that Labour are focusing resources on core Tory areas such as this is a clear sign of political confidence. Though Azhars teams presence here is also a sign of trepidation over the reception that may greet them in their traditional Muslim areas.

But it soon becomes clear that when it comes to those bread and butter issues, Labour is, indeed, cutting through.

Susan, who lives in one of the neat cottages lining Ramsden Road and normally votes Tory, is almost apoplectic over the state of the health service.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer

Whats happening to the NHS is disgusting, she tells Azhar. Its basically had it. Its a disgrace. She promises to consider switching her vote at the by-election.

And so it continues: potholes, plans for traffic calming measures, fuel prices, hospital car parking charges. These are the issues troubling the voters of Wardle. Gaza doesnt merit a single mention.

And this, at heart, represents the key to the Rochdale by-election.

Whether passions over Palestine and Israel hand George Galloway victory. Or antipathy to the Government allows Labour to hold on.

Yes, there are some complicating factors. Reform (formerly Ukip) has convinced former Labour MP Simon Danczuk to return and fight under its banner. And he has the name recognition and sufficient local support to take votes from both white working-class Labour and Tory voters.

Organisation will also have a key impact. Labour is throwing significant resources into the seat. And while Galloway is surrounded by a small core of loyal activists, I didnt detect quite the same ferocious energy that Ive seen from his supporters in previous contests.

But at the end of the day, it will be the resonance  or lack of it  of events in the Middle East that will determine the result.

As Im leaving Galloways campaign HQ, I pick up one of his flyers. He has insisted he is focusing on local issues, as well as those dominating the international stage. But its opening words are: The people of Gaza dont have a vote  but you do.

George Galloway is right. The people of Gaza dont have a vote in Rochdale. And for Labour, that might just be enough.
Why are we fighting Ukraine's war for them?' is an inane comment that angers me every time I hear it.

It would be far more logical for Ukrainian servicemen on the frontline to opine, 'Why are we fighting the West's war for them?'

When Ukraine faced a full-scale invasion by Russia two years ago, it could be argued that the West had already let the country down.

Since then, though Ukraine has received considerable support from the US, the UK and other Western countries, there is little doubt we could and should have done far more.

Saturday, February 24, marks a sad anniversary for Ukraine  it will be exactly two years since its citizens woke up to discover that thousands of enemy soldiers were spilling across the border from Russia and Belarus intent on conquering Europe's second-largest country within days.

A Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar towards Russian positions in the Donetsk region

People take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by members of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps of the Right Sector near Lviv

Saturday, February 24, marks a sad anniversary for Ukraine  it will be exactly two years since the war began

Lord Ashcroft close to the frontline in eastern Ukraine. Image credit: LORD ASHCROFT KCMG PC

Due to a combination of incredible bravery from its Armed Forces and tactical blunders from its Russian counterparts, Ukraine was able to prevent the invaders sweeping into its capital, Kyiv, and within weeks it had forced a major retreat.

Since then, war has raged unabated, with more than half a million people on both sides either killed or wounded.

Today, Ukraine is at crisis point as Russia continues to hold a quarter of its territory: its allies, notably, the US, are suffering 'war fatigue' and the supply of money and weapons for Ukraine is in danger of drying up.

When President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington in December 2022  his first foreign visit since the start of the war  he was given a glittering reception and hailed a war hero.

At the same time, the US announced its largest single delivery of arms to Ukraine  a Patriot missile system as part of 1.45billion in military aid.

When Zelensky returned to Washington a year later, there was no such fanfare and he was forced to bring the equivalent of a begging bowl as the Republicans in Congress blocked the next round of military aid worth 47billion.

An EU support package worth 50billion over three years was also later blocked, this time by Hungary, but this issue has now fortunately been resolved.

But why should the West continue to supply billions of pounds of military aid to Europe's second largest country?

Ukraine had been preparing for an attempted all-out invasion by Russia since 2014, when its larger and more powerful neighbour illegally annexed Crimea and other areas in the east of the country.

I visited the frontline in 2018 as part of my research for my book White Flag? An Examination Of The UK's Defence Capability.

In 2014, the world not only stood by and allowed Russia to seize vast amounts of land but, I was told during my visit, Ukraine had been quietly advised by its Western allies not to fight for the Crimea militarily, a decision that many later regretted.

I should declare an interest.

Lord Ashcroft at the remains of an apartment block in Izium, eastern Ukraine, where some 50 people were killed. Image credit: LORD ASHCROFT KCMG PC

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomes President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Oval Office of the White House September 21, 2023

Since the start of the war, I have been a passionate supporter of Ukraine.

I have visited the war-torn country five times, including going to many cities and towns near the frontline such as Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Kramatorsk.

I have witnessed unimaginable suffering and admirable courage from Ukrainians in equal measures.

Ukraine became a separate country after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. It is often forgotten  though not by Ukraine  that, in 1994, the governments of Russia, the US and the UK signed the Budapest Memorandum, under which they all agreed to 'respect the Independence and Sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine' and to 'refrain from the threat or use of force'.

This was necessary because the US had persuaded, though some would say 'bullied', Ukraine into transferring all the former Soviet nuclear weapons on its territory to Russia.

It was only because of the memorandum that Ukraine felt safe in giving up the nuclear arsenal on its soil.

Since 2014, and most definitely since February 2022, Russia has clearly been in breach of that 1994 agreement but the US and the UK equally clearly have a moral obligation to defend Ukraine at all costs.

Over the past two years, the US, the UK and many other countries have provided billions of pounds in military aid to Ukraine  an array of military hardware without which Ukraine could not have fought its two-year war.

However, the West's support has always had its limitations.

Indeed, it has often appeared to provide enough military aid to prevent Ukraine from losing the war but never enough to enable Ukraine to win the war. By prolonging the war, the death toll mounts to obscene levels.

Part of this restraint  including the unwillingness from the West to send its soldiers on to Ukrainian soil  stems from the fact that the US and other nations do not want the war to escalate into a global conflict.

Unsurprisingly, nobody in their right mind relishes the prospect of a nuclear war.

I have witnessed unimaginable suffering and admirable courage from Ukrainians in equal measures

The West's military aid to has helped prevent Ukraine from losing the war but never enough to enable Ukraine to win the war

Part of this restraint  including the unwillingness from the West to send its soldiers on to Ukrainian soil  stems from the fact that the US and other nations do not want the war to escalate into a global conflict

There is no doubt, however, that President Vladimir Putin's ambitions for more territory do not end with Ukraine.

He is eyeing former Soviet Union territories such as Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Georgia, to name only a handful of the republics that gained independence more than 30 years ago.

There are fears, too, that Western nations such as Finland and Sweden could be targeted, hence the desire of both countries last year to be accepted swiftly as members of Nato.

We should learn from history. The West was right to stand up to Saddam Hussein in August 1990 when Iraq invaded the tiny but oil-rich country of Kuwait.

If he had been allowed to get away with it, there is little doubt Saddam would have targeted other oil-rich countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia. But strong Western military action halted his plans.

Nato was formed in 1949 by 12 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and France.

It has 31 members across Europe and North America, which have agreed to help one another if one of them is attacked.

Ukraine would become a Nato member tomorrow if that offer was on the table, but it is not  member countries fear it would lead to a massive escalation of the conflict in Eastern Europe.

Similarly, Ukraine is seeking EU membership but, once again, that may not be granted for now.

If the West is not going to allow Ukraine to become a Nato member while still at war with Russia, we must, at the very least, maintain and, ideally, step up our level of military aid to the country.

Without such support from the West, everything now points to a Russian victory in the long term.

Putin has a much larger population at his disposal, he is willing to increase conscription to unprecedented levels and he does not seem to mind how many Russians die in order to win the war.

It made me proud to be British when Rishi Sunak visited Ukraine last month and told President Zelensky that Ukraine 'will never be alone', while at the same time announcing 2.5billion of military aid over the coming year.

Our Prime Minister was also right when he said: 'It sends a strong signal to Putin and others that we are here to stay. We are here to support Ukraine in the long term.'

President Joe Biden, left, speaks at an event with G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO Summit, in Vilnius, Lithuania, July 12, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes British PM Rishi Sunak to Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, January 12, 2024

Yes, Ukraine is fighting for its freedom, its very survival but it is fighting the West's war, too.

President Zelensky was spot on when he said last month that by supporting Ukraine, Europe is supporting itself. 'Giving us money or giving us weapons, you support yourself. You save your children, not ours,' he said.

If the resolve of the US and Europe to defend Ukraine weakens, it would be a tragedy not just for Ukraine but for the world in general.

For we not only have a moral obligation to defend Ukraine but, if Russia is allowed to annex its neighbour, the world will be a much more dangerous place.
She was probably the most happily married monarch in British history, enjoying 21 years of blissful union with her beloved husband Prince Albert.

So its fitting that Queen Victoria was the first wedding influencer, not only changing the face of bridal fashion but altering royal weddings forever.

On this day, February 10, 1840, the 20-year-old queens nuptials set new trends that continue to this day, including wearing white and having a huge tiered cake.

She also began the tradition of royals processing in a carriage to the ceremony, past well-wishers lining the streets.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert married on 10 February 1840 in St James's Palace

Victoria had not intended to have an elaborate ceremony, preferring to marry in private. But the Prime Minister of the day persuaded her otherwise

Victoria went against convention by opting to wear a white satin and lace dress, which was designed by William Dyce

Yet, the young Victoria - whod only been on the throne for three years when she married her beloved first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha - hadnt wanted a public wedding at all.

Shed hoped to follow the usual royal style and say her vows in private at a small evening ceremony, as so many kings and queens had done before her.

But her prime minister Lord Melbourne had other ideas and convinced her that a larger affair allowing her subjects to join the celebrations would help boost her - already considerable - popularity.

In fact, her wedding became a national event with even Charles Dickens remarking on the excitement.

Society is unhinged here by her majestys marriage, and I am sorry to add that I have fallen hopelessly in love with the Queen, he joked in a letter to a friend.

The Chapel Royal of St Jamess Palace was chosen for the ceremony and Lord Melbourne convinced her to ride in a carriage from Buckingham Palace so that her subjects could glimpse the royal bride-to-be, while the police pushed back any rowdy onlookers.

And if the sight of their monarch being conveyed in a golden carriage wasnt thrilling enough, Victoria caught their attention for other reasons: she was clad in white and she wasnt wearing a crown or tiara.

Most women at the time wore bright, colourful dresses on their wedding day that could be recycled for other occasions, as white was impractical and needed to be cleaned.

Brides who did choose white, were usually from wealthy families. Before bleaching techniques were mastered, white was a rare and expensive colour, more a symbol of wealth than purity,' says her biographer Julia Baird.

But Victoria chose the colour because she wanted to highlight the delicate lace trim, which she commissioned to be handmade in Honiton, Devon, to boost Britains flagging lace-making industry.

White wedding dresses quickly became the norm after her wedding, and interest in lace surged after Victoria showcased their skill (although Victorias lace pattern was said to have been destroyed so that the template couldnt be copied).

She also asked that no one else - apart from her 12 bridesmaids - wear the colour, so as not to detract from the impact of her appearance, etiquette that we still follow today.

The gown itself was partly designed by pre-Raphaelite artist William Dyce and was made from cream satin woven in Spitalfields, the historic centre of the silk industry in London.

The veil, which matched the flounce of the dress, was four yards in length and almost a yard wide.

She also chose an 18ft white satin court train instead of the crimson velvet robe of state, a romantic gesture that appealed to the publics idea of her being less as monarch and more of an adoring and innocent bride.

Victoria completed her outfit with flat white satin slippers, kid gloves and, rather than wear a crown, she opted for a wreath of orange blossoms and myrtle - the latter of which has been included in every British royal wedding since.

While its not known if Victoria wore something borrowed, her dress and veil were new and she certainly wore something blue - a large sapphire brooch surrounded by diamonds given to her as a wedding gift by Albert and later worn by the late Queen Elizabeth.

She also wore earrings and a necklace made from diamonds given to her by the Turkish sultan in 1838.

After the ceremony, the royal newlyweds returned to Buckingham Palace where they stole half an hour alone together before the wedding breakfast - Victoria gave Albert a ring and he told her they should never keep any secrets from each other.

Victoria also swapped her wedding gown for a swan-down white dress for the wedding banquet.

The centre piece was their wedding cake, a three-tiered tour de force weighing 300lbs, measuring 9 feet across and 16 inches in height.

The scale of Victorias cake was a novelty, and adding to the spectacle was some of the first cake toppers - figures representing Britannia and the royal newlyweds themselves in classical costume. This sparked a trend for couples to add bride and groom figures on their cakes.

At four in the afternoon, the Queen and her new husband set off for Windsor Castle where they intended to honeymoon for a total of two days.

Their wedding night had an inauspicious start, with Victoria taking to the sofa with a pounding headache.

But it seems she revived enough to later write in her diary. I NEVER, NEVER spent such an evening! MY DEAREST DEAR Albert sat on a footstool by my side, and his excessive love and affection gave me feelings of heavenly love and happiness I never could have hoped to have felt before.

An artist's representation of the couple on their wedding dayl After the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was held at Buckingham Palace - but not before the newlyweds stole half an hour to be together

The bride changed into her second dress of the day ahead of the feast

The wedding cake was huge, weighing in at 300lbs and was 16 inches high. It was decorated with figures of Britannia plus the bride and groom surrounded by cupids

He clasped me in his arms, and we kissed each other again and again! His beauty, his sweetness and gentleness, really how can I ever be thankful enough to have such a Husband! Oh! This was the happiest day of my life!

The couple, who went on to have nine children, were happily married until his death on 14 December 1861.

Victoria recycled her wedding wardrobe many times over the years, wearing her lace flounce and veil for the christenings of her children and her diamond jubilee portrait.

And when Victoria died, her wedding veil was placed over her face for burial.
If a pre-fixed dinner at a crowded restaurant does not appeal to you or your partner on Valentine's Day, it might be time to try something a little different.

Fortunately, planning a celebration at home can be just as impressive - if not more - than the most sought-after reservation.

Experts in food, fashion, decor, and music reveal ways to plan a special evening in without being too complex or time-consuming.

Experts in food, fashion, decor, and music reveal ways to plan a special evening in without being too complex or time-consuming

THE AMBIANCE:

EXPERT: Kim Seybert, Lifestyle and entertaining expert

This February 14, all efforts should be directed towards making your sweetheart feel special.

Since founding her eponymous line in 1998, Kim Seybert has made it her mission to beautify the dining room table.

'Whether you have the dinner prepared by a private chef or you are cooking yourself, you should go the extra mile towards setting a table that conveys love and romance, she says.

According to Seybert, a Valentines dinner is all about setting the mood for what happens after the meal, so you want to make it as romantic and sensual as possible.

To do this, having the right ambience is important.

Lifestyle and entertaining expert, Kim Seybert's luxury table decor is available at fine retailers

'There is nothing more romantic than a shared meal over candlelight; make use of dimmer and candles.'

The expert suggests a color palentte of reds and pinks with hints of white or soft purple to get you in the mood for love.

'Our Croco Placemat in red or fuchsia is a great base for evening of romance.

'Layer the colors by using our Dipy Dye Napkin in fuchsia or the Watercolor Ikat in fuchsia.

'While red roses have become a symbol of Valentines, I much prefer to go with pink peonies and tulips bunched with red anemones and ranunculus.'

Toast to love with champagne and add our heart shaped Sweetheart Coasters to the table for a whimsical Valentines Day accent.

A Valentines dinner is all about setting the mood for what happens after the meal, so make it as romantic and sensual as possible.

'There is nothing more romantic than a shared meal over candlelight; make use of dimmer and candles,' says Kim

'Whether you have the dinner prepared by a private chef or you are cooking yourself, you should go the extra mile towards setting a table that conveys love and romance,' says the home decor specialist

Make your at-home date an extraordinary event, too, using Reece's menu as a guide for your own palate and partner pleasing feast.

Chef Reece MacIsaac has built a reputation around his singular culinary exploration, authenticity, and artistry

THE MENU:

EXPERT: Reece MacIsaac, Private chef

Chef Reece MacIsaac has built a reputation around his singular culinary exploration, authenticity, and artistry which is a result of his cooking experiences at some of the most exclusive restaurants around the world.

MacIsaac's impressive portfolio includes creating elegant dishes at Melbourne's Attica, a fine-dining establishment and regular in The Discovery World's 50 best list.

Originally from Canada, he made a name for himself in Toronto before perfecting his gastronomy craft via research and development at Baan Tepa in Bangkok, helping the upscale restaurant earn two Michelin stars.

His culinary prowess, likeable personality, and love of travel found him designing multi-course tasting menus as a private chef.

These delicious and beautiful creations make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Make your at-home date an extraordinary event, too, using Reece's menu as a guide for your own palate and partner pleasing feast.

Valentine's Day menu Salad of Rose Chicory and California Citrus Blood Orange vinaigrette, Calamansi Leben Lobster Agnolotti Grilled Lobster Head Bisque, Thai Basil Dry Aged Wagyu Rib Cap Sunchoke & Comte Pave, Bone Marrow Bordelaise Macadamia & Passionfruit "Creamsicle" Advertisement

MacIsaac's impressive portfolio includes creating elegant dishes like his Macadamia & Passionfruit "Creamsicle" dessert

Macadamia & Passionfruit "Creamsicle" ingredients For the ice cream: 250g Macadamia Nut Milk 250g Heavy/Double Cream 6 Egg Yolks 100g sugar 20g honey 5g Madagascar vanilla paste 250g toasted macadamia nuts, crushed 2g salt For the passionfruit granita: 250g passionfruit puree 250g filtered water 85g sugar Advertisement

Macadamia & Passionfruit "Creamsicle" recipe:

Ice cream instructions:

Combine milk, cream, honey and 2/3rds of the macadamia nuts in a medium sauce pot and bring to a simmer.

Combine egg yolks, vanilla, salt and sugar in a bowl and whisk vigorously until mixture becomes slightly pale.

Temper the yolk mixture by adding the hot milk and cream, little by little, until both mixtures are completely incorporated.

Put the ice cream base back into a pot and onto the stove on medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until mixture reaches 82C(180F).

Cool down ice cream base completely, strain through a fine mesh sieve and place in an ice cream maker until frozen.

Passionfruit granita instructions:

250g passionfruit puree

250g filtered water

85g sugar

Combine ingredients and place in a freezer proof container for 2 hours, whisking after the first and second hour.

scrape the granita with a fork for a softer texture and store in freezer until ready to use

Assembly:

Scoop the macadamia ice cream into a chilled bowl or coupe, place a few toasted macadamias on top of the ice cream and cover the ice cream generously with passionfruit granita. Zest lime over top and enjoy.

Phillip suggests rich fabrics like velvet for Valentine's day or sheer fashions like the ones that came down the Paris Couture runways

Phillip Bloch is an American celebrity stylist, designer, and television personality.

THE OUTFIT:

EXPERT: Phillip Bloch, celebrity stylist and designer

Phillip Bloch is an American celebrity stylist, designer, and television personality.

He has styled some of the most iconic celebrity looks of all time, including Halle Berry's Oscar winning ensemble.

He also worked on River Phoenix's last photo shoot and Michael Jackson for Ebony and Jet magazine.

'This holiday of love and passion invites you to dress and undress in a more romantic or even sensual way,' says the stylist responsible for some of the most iconic celebrity looks of all times.

'Gentlemen, Valentines Day is no time to slack off on your sexy style,' he informs.

'Heat it up by dressing up.'

According to Phillip, Valentines Day is the perfect holiday to remind yourself to treat yourself to something sexy underneath.

'As a couple opting for a romantic night in, remember that it is not just any night. It is a night of love, so put a little extra effort into it and I guarantee youll get a little extra something something out of it,' says the veteran stylist.

'Matchy-matchy his and hers pajamas is a cute way to Illustrate togetherness, and bring a little romance back to the living room.'

Whatever you choose to wear, 'nothing says sensuous like beautiful rich fabrics.'

The expert recommends soft and sexy materials like cashmere and velvet.

'One of the most regal and romantic fabrics that translates beautifully into our favorite jewel or wine tones such as burgundy, merlot, or royal blue and adds an extra sensuality to basic black.'

Phillip is also a fan of the sheer trend.

'It was everywhere on the Paris Couture runways last week as designers freed the nipple leaving nothing hidden or up to the imagination.

'Showing off your sexiest lingerie as an underpinning is the perfect way to wear this trend with a little more modesty.'

Shop it: The Aurora huggie hoop by Bound Studios, $43; bound-studios.com. OBIDI Velvet cardigan, now $223; baltini.com; Satin Maxi Skirt by H&M, $37.99; hm.com. Diamond heart ring by Paula Rosen Jewelry, $1,600; paularosenjewelry.com. Black Suede Studio by Ricca Mules, $328; saksfifthavenue.com; Gooseberry Intimates. The Ones Vault locket by Ben Shoppe, $3,775; thebenshoppe.com

New York-based DJ Mei Kwok is a sought-after DJ around the world

THE PLAYLIST

EXPERT: World renowned DJ, Mei Kwok

DJ, fashion tastemaker, and entrepreneur Mei Kwok is a sought-after DJ.

With a finger on the pulse, Mei has established herself as a downtown fixture among NYC's premier creative community of fashion leaders, artists, and musicians.

In addition to becoming a commodity in the NY nightlife scene, she is a coveted DJ around the world for the industry's top VIP events.

The fun-loving spirit has been featured in the nations top outlets from The New York Times to Vogue to WSJ and Harpers Bazaar.

She's provided the musical backdrop for a range of clients including Prada, CFDA,Valentino, Cartier, Fendi, Netflix, and Victoria's Secret, among others.

Mei shares her romantic playlist with Daily Mail, saying 'because I'm from NYC, I will always go back to sultry R&B.'

Mei Kwok shares her romantic playlist with Daily Mail, saying 'because I'm from NYC, I will always go back to sultry R&B'

1. D'Angelo - Untitled (self explanatory, the music video speaks volumes alone lol)

2. The Weeknd, Jennie, Lily Rose Depp - One Of The Girls. 'While The Idol had its ups and downs with tv critics and was millennial-cringe worthy, the album was actually EPIC, this is one of my favorite sex forward tracks from the album.'

3. Rihanna - Sex With Me. 'There isn't another artist that eludes authentic sex like Rihanna, which is one of the reasons there will never be another version of this Queen.'

4. Usher - You Got It Bad. 'Reminds me of my late teens crying about random crushes but, nonetheless, an epic song about being deeply and uncontrollably in love with someone.'

5. Des'Ree - Kissing You. 'From the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack, and what evokes romance more than Romeo & Juliet?! This is the greatest love story the world has ever known!'
She was known as a talented mimic - in private! - and enjoyed a joke with family and friends.

But it still came as a great surprise when a royal insider revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth loved to imitate children's drama Grange Hill - and still performed her own ten-minute routine of its main characters in her final years.

The late royal, who passed away in 2022 aged 96, entertained dinner guests years after the drama had finished its 31-series run in 2008.

Queen Elizzabeth entertained dinner guests with a 10-minute sketch based on Grange Hill. This continued years after it concluded its 31-series run in 2008. Pictured, the show cast in 2003

The Queen left this fishmonger in stitches while visiting the English Market in Cork

A smiling Queen on her 76th birthday at Windsor Castle

According to author, broadcaster and royal confidant Gyles Brandreth, the Queen would mimic the voices of many protagonists from the show, which is centred around a comprehensive school and featured such favourites such as Tucker, Roland and Zammo.

Many of its actors then went on established careers in television drama, including a number who had prominent roles on EastEnders.

(Todd Carty and Susan Tully are perhaps the best-known).

Brandreth, a royal biographer, revealed the Queen's unlikley interest in the show during a discussion on his Rosebud podcast last year.

Despite being 51 years old when the series first hit TV screens in 1978, the Queen turned out to an avid viewer, according to close friends of the former monarch, who spoke to the author.

The broadcaster and former politician, who wrote a 2022 biography titled 'Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait', said: 'I was told only recently by proper friends of the Queen, that they were - not many years before her death - at a dinner at Windsor Castle with the Queen, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, and just two other people.

'And the subject of Grange Hill came up. And the Queen did a routine - a routine lasting ten minutes on Grange Hill.

'She played all the characters with the accents as a complete set piece.'

The Queen's in-depth knowledge of Grange Hill was revealed by biographer Gyles Brandreth during a discussion on his Rosebud podcast

Queen Elizabeth shows her humorous side at the races at Newbury in 2013

The Queen with her trainer, Nicky Henderson at the Gold Cup in 2009

The BBC announced that the gates of the London-based comprehensive were to close in 2008, almost 30 years after the first episode, claiming the series no longer reflected children's lives.

In its heyday Grange Hill featured hard-hitting stories of drug addiction, teenage pregnancy and bullying at school.
An upcoming documentary is set to delve into the twisted tale of a son who is believed to have killed himself in jail after being accused of murdering his own mother and grandfather in a plot to inherit the family's estate.

Nathan Carman was a suspect in grandfather John Chakalos's death after the wealthy 87-year-old real estate developer was shot and killed in his Vermont home in 2013 - but a prosecutor rejected a warrant for his arrest pending more information.

Yet, three years later, the young man went on a fishing trip with mom Linda Carman, 54, whose body was never recovered after the boat sank off the coast of Rhode Island.

Prosecutors claimed that Carman had intentionally set out to kill his mother during the excursion - which he denied - before the then 29-year-old took his own life while awaiting trial at the Cheshire County Jail in Keene, New Hampshire.

Here, FEMAIL has unraveled the true story as Netflix gives the green light to a documentary about what was dubbed by many at the time as 'Murder on the High Seas.'

Nathan Carman went on a fishing trip with mom Linda Carman, 54, whose body was never recovered after the boat sank off the coast of Rhode Island

He was also a suspect in grandfather John Chakalos's (right) death after the wealthy 87-year-old real estate developer was shot and killed in his Vermont home in 2013

The chilling case was sparked in September 2016 when Carman and his mom left to go fishing off the coast of New England on his 31-foot fishing boat named the 'Chicken Pox.'

'Nathan Carman planned to kill his mother on the trip,' an indictment issued at the time read. 'He also planned how he would report the sinking of the "Chicken Pox" and his mother's disappearance at sea as accidents.'

Before the trip, Carman allegedly altered the boat by removing two forward bulkheads and trim tabs from the transom of the hull in order to make it more likely to sink that day.

Eight days after their departure, he was found clinging to an inflatable life raft off the coast of Martha's Vineyard - an island off Massachusetts - by the crew of a passing freighter.

Linda was nowhere to be found and her body was never recovered.

Carman told the Coast Guard at the time that he said he heard a 'funny noise' in the engine compartment of the boat and then saw water pouring in.

The boat started filling quickly with water, he swam to the life raft and called for his mother but never saw her again, he claimed.

The young man denied doing anything to intentionally make the boat unseaworthy but, in 2019, a federal judge in Rhode Island decided that Carman had contributed to the sinking of the Chicken Pox.

The chilling case was sparked in September 2016 when Carman and his mother (pictured together) left to go fishing off the coast of New England on his 31-foot fishing boat

Before the trip, Carman allegedly altered the boat (pictured) by removing two forward bulkheads and trim tabs from the transom of the hull in order to make it more likely to sink

US District Judge John McConnell issued a written decision in favor of an insurance company that had refused to pay out on his $85,000 claim.

But the situation only deteriorated for Carman as the investigation unearthed a much bigger scandal.

Prosecutors alleged that his scheme to get his hands on his inheritance had begun years earlier when he purchased a rifle in New Hampshire.

It was said that he used that firearm to shoot his grandfather Chakalos, a Second World War veteran, on December 20, 2013, while he slept - just weeks after Carman's grandmother died of cancer.

Chakalos, who was a real estate developer, left behind an estate that was worth nearly $29 million, which was to be divided among his four daughters.

This meant that his mother would receive $7 million, which would all go to Carman in the event of her death - as he was Linda's only heir.

Police confirmed at the time that Carman was the last person to see Chakalos alive when he had dinner with him the night before his death.

He also owned a semi-automatic rifle similar to the one used in the killing - but the firearm disappeared.

Following his grandfather's murder, the young man received $550,000 from two bank accounts Chakalos had set up that made him the beneficiary.

Carman moved from an apartment in Bloomfield, Connecticut, to Vernon, Vermont, in 2014.

He was unemployed much of the time, and by the fall of 2016 was low on funds when he hatched the scheme to kill his mother, prosecutors said.

Chakalos, a Second World War veteran, was shot at his home on December 20, 2013, while he slept

Carman was ultimately arrested in 2022, six years after the sinking, over the death of his mom but pleaded not guilty

Carman had told ABC's 20/20 that he was misunderstood and an easy target for police because he suffered from Asperger's syndrome - a condition on the autism spectrum

Carman was ultimately arrested in 2022, six years after the sinking, over the death of his mom.

He pleaded not guilty to fraud and first-degree murder, and was scheduled to go on trial in October.

An eight-count indictment also said Carman shot and killed his wealthy grandfather in order to obtain money and property from Chakalos's estate.

But the indictment did not charge him with his grandfather's killing, and he had consistently denied any involvement in the two deaths.

Carman had told ABC's 20/20 that he was misunderstood and an easy target for police because he suffered from Asperger's syndrome - a condition on the autism spectrum.

However, his former high school classmates painted a more disturbing picture.

They claimed that during Halloween in 2009 a parent of a trick-or-treater called police because he had been handing out Ziploc bags filled with fish guts.

Carman had also held a fellow student hostage at knife point while in school and wrote extensively about how to construct homemade bombs, police documents previously revealed.

He was awaiting trial when he was found dead in a county jail cell.

His death was ruled 'not suspicious' - meaning investigators determined no one else was involved, with no crime committed.

The AG refused to release an exact cause and manner of death for the suspect - citing a policy that states officials will not release such information in non-suspect cases.
Its Chinese New Year  the Year of the Dragon. Dragons represent ambition and enthusiasm.

Yet as Mars links with Pluto on Valentines Day, subtle confidence has a stronger effect than brash displays of strength.

ARIES

MAR 21  APR 20

As your ruler moves into Aquarius, your life isnt going to transform beyond recognition. Youre not going to wake up a different person, leading a different life. Yet theres an undeniable shift in the cosmic energy. Where youve been feeling stuck? Youll see ways to move forwards. When you look back, youll see this week as a turning point. The changes happening are positive. Embrace them. Do yourself a favour!

OSCAR CAINER: Its Chinese New Year  the Year of the Dragon. Dragons represent ambition and enthusiasm

Theres exciting news in your forecast. cainer.com

TAURUS

APR 21  MAY 21

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. If only it was as easy to do as it is to say! Yet this week, your quest for happiness can take a step in the right direction. As Mars changes signs, youll feel more motivated and inspired. There might be a few moments of discord  youre still in the process of creating your symphony. But theres sweet music to be made.

In a week of celestial creativity, transform your life. cainer.com

Gemini

May 22  Jun 22

Some people enjoy complications. When you tell them your plans, they suggest something different that has a certain appeal. Which puts you off track. Aargh! You felt confident you knew how to deal with a certain situation. Now, youre not so sure. This week brings the courage to stick to your convictions. Dont let anyone undermine you. You know what youre doing. Youll soon see clear proof. Ive got so much more to tell you.

For valuable insight, go to cainer.com

Cancer

Jun 23  Jul 23

Would you mind standing? On second thoughts, maybe you need to sit down. Should you push your way to the front of the queue? Or wait patiently for your turn? Its hard to work out what were meant to be doing. If life is a game, the rules constantly evolve! Youve been caught up in such a bewildering scenario youre unsure how to proceed. The Mars/Pluto link brings the clarity youve been missing.

To see how your life could change for the better, visit cainer.com

Leo

Jul 24  Aug 23

You have the power to create sweeping changes this week. But do you secretly like things the way they are? Does the idea of turning everything upside down unsettle you? Are you worried youll end up less satisfied? With Mars in your opposite sign, be on the lookout for possibilities. Theres no need to rush or be reckless. But, since the solution to a problem is manifesting, stay alert.

Find out how to maximize your luck this week. Visit cainer.com.

Virgo

Aug 24  Sep 23

You can study your whole life, but therell always be things youll never know. Hiding amongst these are the things we think we know, which we dont. Like buildings constructed on shaky foundations, we place layers of logic on our assumptions, then wonder why our plans dont come to fruition. This week, rethink where youre heading. The consequences lead to a satisfying change.

This could change your life. Visit cainer.com

Libra

Sep 24  Oct 23

Even carefree folk are happiest when change comes along at a time when theyre ready for it. To stop it happening unexpectedly, we have psychological protection mechanisms. We do our best to counteract unanticipated elements. You might not like the look of the change on your horizon. But suppose you see the possibilities it contains? Your future is full of promise.

Your week-ahead forecast, the most rewarding call you could make. Visit cainer.com

Scorpio

Oct 24  Nov 22

A bit like a tree surgeon whos worrying about making a wrong decision and cutting off the branch theyre on, youre confused by the decisions you must make. Theres a lot riding on them. Something big needs to change, and youre the one with the experience and expertise to do it. This week, if you start small, youll clear enough space to know which move to make next.

Ive got a special message for you. It holds the key to your future. Visit cainer.com

As Mars (pictured) links with Pluto on Valentines Day, subtle confidence has a stronger effect than brash displays of strength, says Oscar

Sagittarius

NOV 23  DEC 21

Its fine to scratch an itch, but some itches need to be soothed rather than agitated. As Mars changes sign this week, it empowers you to move on from the tiring, stressful situation youve been caught up in. You dont have a point to prove any more. You can let go. Instead of wasting any more energy, affirm your commitment to a positive course of action. Its liberation time.

The future is waiting for you. When you get there, youre going to love it! Cainer.com

Capricorn

DEC 22  JAN 20

Our yes is only as strong as our no. When we say no with utter conviction, its much more powerful than saying yes just to pacify or please. But that doesnt mean saying no is easy. This week, follow the principles that resonate with you. You need to make the most of this cosmic climate, not waste energy on situations youre just going along with. Be sincere. Success will ensue.

Your week-ahead forecast is packed full with important news. Visit cainer.com

Aquarius

Jan 21  Feb 19

If you were a magician, youd be checking your book of spells, polishing your cauldron and dusting your wand off. Youd be doing everything to prepare for this weeks possibilities. Youd be anticipating the winds of change about to blow in your direction. And just because you dont have those tools, doesnt mean you cant work magic. With Mars entering your sign, be careful what you wish for! Lift your spirits!

Your forecast has life-changing news. Visit cainer.com

Pisces

Feb 20  Mar 20

Some things dont make sense. We can try to work out why theyre happening, conduct extensive online research and consult experts. But were still no closer to understanding. Youre dealing with a situation in this category. So, suppose you stop questioning and start accepting? This week presents a change of perspective. A new mindset brings inspiring ways to forge ahead.

Want to hear priceless info about your week? Visit cainer.com
The United Kingdom and its people have inspired literature, music, film and television around the world as admirers from other countries pay tribute.

Celebrities, in particular, appear to be enamored by the UK and have expressed their love of Britons' quirks, sayings and way of life.

Taylor Swift even dedicated a song to England's capital with her hit London Boy, in which she declares: 'God, I love the English.'

She goes on to describe her love for places such as Brixton, Camden and Highgate, while also mentioning she enjoys a 'rainy cab ride' and 'grey skies'.

Of course, Taylor isn't the only A-lister to declare their love for the UK, with stars including Tom Cruise, Will.i.am and Cameron Diaz previously declaring the things they like the most about being our great nation.

While some celebrities appear to love everything about the nation, others are oddly specific about the things they like - from obscure accents to unusual traditions.

Here, FEMAIL reveals the most specific and eyebrow-raising examples of the things A-listers most like about the UK...

Sarah Jessica Parker is 'obsessed' with the London Underground

Sarah Jessica Parker, who is currently in the UK for her play Plaza Suite, said she is 'obsessed' with the London Underground

Sarah Jessica Parker has revealed she is 'obsessed' with the London Underground.

The Sex And The City actress, 58, said she wants to become 'completely conversant' with the workings of the tube, as she stays in the UK capital.

'I want to know Jubilee, Piccadilly, Northern,' she said at the opening night of her play Plaza Suite at the Savoy Theatre.

Speaking to Whats On Stage, she added: I want to know Edgware. I want to know all of it, Barnet, High Hill. I want all of it!

'I want all of it and I even found a map store that takes me back to the early maps of the Forties. So your system here is so exquisite, you have great public transport.'

Sarah Jessica Parker on Timpson's

Sarah Jessica Parker once professed her love for Timpson's, sharing a snap of the High Street Kensington store

It's not the first time Sarah has been impressed with a British institution.

In 2019 another visit to London saw her profess her love for Timpson's in High Street Kensington station.

She shared a blurry picture of the front of the store to her 9.7 million Instagram follows.

She gushed about the shop, which carries out key cutting, dry cleaning and various forms of repairs, calling it her 'favorite wee shop'.

She wrote: 'Scenes from a rendezvous with a London working husband. Included among them my new favorite wee shop at Kensington High St tube station.'

Parker added: 'Oh London, there is never enough time.'

Timothee Chalamet saying Hull is the UK's sexiest accent

In December, Wonka star Timothee revealed he thinks Hull has the UK's sexiest accent - much to the astonishment of those living there

In December, Wonka star Timothee Chalamet revealed he thinks Hull has the UK's sexiest accent - much to the astonishment of those living there.

The Wonka star, 27, who is dating Kylie Jenner, expressed the surprising opinion during a hilarious appearance on LADBible TV in December.

The new Wonka actor was asked by Keegan-Michael Key about which accents he is attracted to.

People assumed it would be French or something else exotic, but he quickly answered: 'I like Hull.'

Keegan-Michael, 52, answered, visibly surprised: 'You like Hull?'

The Dune actor replied: 'Yeah, why's everyone cracking up? Hull is sexy.'

But he also revealed he loves the Essex accent and a 'middle-aged northern accent'.

People reacted with shock online too, as one person said on X/Twitter: 'Okay so I'm honestly obsessed with award-winning superstar actor Timothee Chalamet randomly saying HULL has the UK's sexiest accent. He speaks nothing but facts.'

Another said: 'Timothee Chalamet declaring his love of the Hull accent feels like a fever dream.'

Lucy Beaumont, who is from Hull originally and wrote the sitcom 'Hullraisers', said she was baffled as to why he would find it attractive.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5Live, Beaumont said: 'I think he's on drugs.

'I've had this accent for 40 years and no one has ever told me it's sexy.

'He looks like a very lovely young man and he should stay away from the region or he'll be savaged by middle-aged Hull women.'

Taylor Swift wants a night out in Brixton

Taylor Swift left fans baffled when she mentioned Brixton in her 2019 hit London Boy (pictured in Brixton in 2020)

Taylor Swift released her London Boy hit in 2019, when she was dating British boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

Though Taylor seems to have now bid goodbye to her London-loving days - as her new album The Tortured Poets Department contains a song called So Long, London - British fans were left baffled at the time of the song's original release.

The songstress lists her love for places such as Brixton for a night out, Shoreditch for spending the afternoon, and strolling through Camden Market.

She also sang about wanting a 'grey sky' and 'rainy cab ride'.

But Londoners noted that to fit all the places within one day, it would take several hours to travel on the tube - although presumably she would take a taxi.

One fan tweeted at the time: 'Taylor Swift's 'London Boy' is super-funny, but the idea of doing Shoreditch in the afternoon, Brixton in the evening and then back to Highgate is giving me major London Underground anxiety.'

Another said: 'Today we learned that Taylor Swift doesn't know London geography.'

One jokingly suggested that if she actually walked through Camden Market, as Swift sings about enjoying, she would 'see human faeces in phone boxes'.

However long-time Londoners took issue with the suggestion she might fancy a night out in Brixton - as they were unsure if they could imagine her on the dancefloor in an SW2 nightclub.

Tana Mongeau falling in love with Caffe Nero

Tana Mongeau said she was 'obsessed' with Cafe Nero and said it gave her the best iced vailla coffee she'd ever had

The average Briton is used to the sight of a Caffe Nero on almost every high street - but influencer Tana Mongeau was left stunned when she tried its coffee for the first time.

In a TikTok video, Tana said she was 'obsessed' with the chain as it gave her the 'best' iced vanilla coffee she'd ever had, while rating their ham and cheese croissant an 11/10.

She said: 'It's 8.15am, we are at Caffe Nero because everything else is closed. I'm obsessed with this place because it does the best iced vanilla coffee absolutely ever.'

'Mmm' she added, as she took another sip. Continuing, she said: 'And now we're going to try their whole menu!'

Tana, 25, tried a brie and bacon sandwich, which she called a 'crazy combo'. 'Love brie, love bacon. Never really seen them hang out.'

John Travolta visits Wetherspoon's and Morrisons

John Travolta showed he was keen on Wetherspoons pints during a trip to Norfolk

In April 2022, John Travolta was spotted making a trip to Norfolk.

The New Jersey native was spotted by fans at the time dropping in for a drink at the Wetherspoons in Dereham.

Later that week, he was spotted in the Morrisons bakery aisle.

John signed his name on a pack of sausage rolls for an awe-struck Morrisons shopper when he visited the supermarket, it later emerged.

He apparently bought himself a fillet steak and bread rolls - and even enquired to the manager to see if Morrisons' own-brand shortbread was in stock.

Meanwhile Jamie Salter, who was drinking in Wetherspoons at the time, said he couldn't believe it was actually him.

He said: 'Meeting John Travolta was unreal, Dereham doesn't usually play host to one of the most famous Hollywood stars on the planet.

'I feel extremely lucky to have met him as it certainly wasn't what I expected to experience on a Thursday night out in Dereham.

'We were sat at another table at the Wetherspoons and a couple of staff members pointed him out. We didn't believe them, but I walked past and got a glimpse of him.'

Meryl Streep is a fan of Homes Under The Hammer

Meryl Streep has admitted she is 'addicted' to an unexpected choice  Homes Under The Hammer

Actress Meryl Streep has revealed her secret addiction to British daytime TV programmes, admitting she loves real-estate based shows such as the BBC's 'Homes Under the Hammer'.

The Oscar winner made the revelation during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

'I'm addicted to everything where they do real estate. I love 'Grand Designs' and 'Homes Under the Hammer',' Steep told Norton.

The actress then gave a special shout-out to Channel 4's 'Come Dine With Me', which she described as 'fabulous'.

Snoop Dogg wants a cameo on the cobbles

Snoop Dog has said he is a huge fan of the Cobbles - and even wants to be on it

Snoop Dogg is determined to bag a role on Coronation Street, if ITV bosses will let him.

The rapper, 51, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is a huge fan of the soap and sees himself propping up the bar at the Rovers Return, insisting he's a huge fan of the 'reality' of the serial.

Speaking at the launch of his game Hot Box last year, Snoop told The Sun: 'Coronation Street, I love it. If they call me I'll do it. I'll play whenever they need.

'I love the cinematography, acting, the storylines and just the reality.'

The Drop It Like It's Hot hitmaker explained how he feels a special connection to the UK after the late Queen gave him permission to travel to Britain after he faced a tour ban when he was accused of murder in the mid 90s.

He's not the only celebrity to be obsessed with UK soaps and reality TV.

Will Smith has admitted he is partial to an episode of EastEnders, while Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt have admitted they love the Only Way Is Essex.

Margot Robbie also loves Love Island so much that she invited Chris Taylor - now on All Stars - to make a cameo in the film.
An Irish traveller has shared the things she dislikes about living in a house

A traveller mum has revealed the four biggest culture shocks she has experienced since moving into a house for the first time.

Heidi McDongh Clee is an Irish traveller who is married to an English gypsy, and the pair moved into their first house a few years ago, after previously living in a trailer for all of their lives.

The mother-of-two posted a TikTok under her handle @h.mccc, outlining all of the aspects of a house she's not so keen on.

Heidi McDongh Clee is an Irish traveller who is married to an English gypsy, and the pair moved into their first house a few years ago, after previously living in a trailer for all of their lives

Her video has already been seen by more than 44,000 people, who have given her some advice in the comments.

Heidi told viewers: 'So here are some things that I hate about living in a house, whilst I do my eyebrows and eyelashes.

'Context, I'm an Irish traveller and I'm married to an English gypsy. For pretty much all of our married life we have lived in a trailer in a site and things like that.

'So this is the first time we've lived in a house properly and there are some differences I have noticed'.

No one knows their neighbours

She revealed that the first shock to the system, was that 'no one seems to really know their neighbours and people who live next door'.

The mother-of-two explained: 'So when we first moved into this house, we made it our business to chat to the people next door and thankfully they are lovely people.

'But as a whole in general, no one seems to really know who's next door if that makes sense.

The mother-of-two posted a TikTok under her handle @h.mccc , outlining all of the aspects of a house she's not so keen on

'No one that I've noticed really talks to one another, everyone's kind of doing their own thing and you do see it on the news regularly about people who have died in their own homes and it seems standard.

'No one would have noticed. Someone has been dead in their own home for months, years even and it's standard, nobody notices.

'We could pull to the completely different end of the country and not know who's on that yard or site but you go out and you talk to people and you get to know everyone.

'Then over time you're all mixing and chatting. People can live here for years next door to one another in houses and not know who the person next door is'.

Getting ill more easily

Moving onto her second point, Heidi added that her children have suffered from minor illnesses a lot more since moving into a house.

She said: 'The next thing is sickness here. So before we lived in a house my children never got sick, were never on antibiotics or anything like that.

'But since we've been in here, the children have been sick with silly things like coughs and colds and whatever, or they've needed to go to the doctors and get antibiotics.

'I swear blind it is the central heating that's doing it because obviously in the trailer and things, you don't have central heating so it's not an issue.

'Houses are not healthy for you, no joke, they're not healthy'.

Lack of freedom

Understandably, the traveller adds that she doesn't like the lack of freedom having a house has imposed, in comparison to living in a trailer.

She told her 52,000 followers: 'Another thing that baffles me is there's no freedom here.

'Obviously when you're in a trailer you can move a lot quicker and pull from one end of the country to the next if you fancy it.

'We still have the trailer and we can just pull wherever, but we don't do it as much now that we have the house - we don't move as freely as we would have done. It just feels a lot less free, it's hard to explain'.

Less sense of community and no children playing outside

Talking about her children's experiences since moving into a house, she goes in on another aspect of home life that's left her confused.

Heidi said: 'I don't ever see any children outside playing, it never ever happens.

'I don't understand where everyone's children are. Thankfully we are within walking distance of the sites so my children just go there and play all the time.

'Down there, they're out constantly, but here I don't see anyone's children playing'.

She adds: 'Also, if you're on a site or camp the children are always in and out of places - the adults as well.

'So when you're in a trailer you're in one and another's homes a lot for a cup of coffee. Every so often you just walk over and have a chat in that kind of way.

'But here it doesn't happen, I don't think there's a lot of sense of community. The women would all just go into someone's trailer, have a coffee and be there for two hours'.

The TikToker concludes: 'Here, I'll never see anyone visiting one another and that's a big thing. No one really visits each other in the houses. Those are the main things that I really don't like'.

Commenters were quick to chime in with their own experiences and advice

Commenters were quick to chime in with their own experiences and advice, with one writing: 'Open your windows no matter the temperature for five minutes a day, it helps! I do that and my kids stopped getting so sick'.

However, Heidi responded: 'We live with them open and the doors, but I've noticed how unhealthy it is'.

Another penned: 'My whole street knows who's who. I'm in Scotland,' with a third adding: 'The area I'm from everyone knows each other and if you dont someone else will - also Scotland!'

Meanwhile, someone else remarked: 'I am from US and this is so true for us too, but when I visit my familys town in Mexico everyone knows everyone is so nice'.

Others chimed in with: 'I don't know if its an Irish thing but I always make the effort to know my neighbours. It makes me feel safe' and 'I always need to know who my neighbors are. Luckily theyve always been great'.

Another viewer added: 'I live in a house. I cant get my head around it how people dont speak to one another, I always speak to my neighbours but I dont think I've ever saw them speaking to each other'.

Someone else advised: 'I agree, central heating is dry heat, I'm forever coughing, always ill'.

It comes just after Heidi previously revealed some of the things she hated about living in a trailer.

She mainly encountered issues when the chilly winter months rolled around, explaining how they would usually get their water supply from outside via taps or cans and simple tasks would get become trickier in the colder moments.

Heidi admitted that even the simplest of tasks, such as making a cup of coffee could be a challenge, especially if the jug of water in the home was empty, meaning a trip outdoors to get it filled.
The real-life Wolf of Wall Street's ex-wife has revealed the two qualities that make women 'the perfect prey' for narcissists - and shared the steps she took to find happiness again after splitting from financial crook Jordan Belfort.

Nadine Macaluso, 56, who now works as a marriage counselor and family therapist in Florida, met Jordan, 61, when she was just 22 years old and working as a model.

The two soon became engulfed in a whirlwind romance, tying the knot in 1991 and welcoming two children together - before they ultimately divorced in 2005 after 14 years of marriage.

After they went their separate ways, Nadine accused the broker of physical and mental abuse, which she said was fueled by his rampant drug addiction and multiple infidelities.

The real-life Wolf of Wall Street's ex-wife has revealed the two qualities that make women 'the perfect prey' for narcissists - and shared the steps she took to find happiness again

Nadine Macaluso, 56, who now works as a marriage counselor and family therapist in Florida, met Jordan Belfort, 61, when she was just 22 years old and working as a model

The two soon became engulfed in a whirlwind romance, tying the knot in 1991 and welcoming two children together, before they ultimately divorced in 2005 after 14 years of marriage

Their relationship was portrayed in the 2013 flick Wolf of Wall Street, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan and Margot Robbie as Nadine, who was renamed Naomi for the movie

Nadine and Jordan's relationship - as well as Jordan's illicit stock market scheme, which saw him steal nearly $200 million from investors - was portrayed in the wildly popular 2013 flick Wolf of Wall Street, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan and Margot Robbie as Nadine, who was renamed Naomi for the movie.

Now, the model-turned-therapist has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com about the characteristics that she believes narcissists gravitate towards most.

After they went their separate ways, Nadine accused the broker of physical and mental abuse, which she said was fueled by his rampant drug addiction and multiple infidelities. They're seen at their wedding

She explained that there's a test called the Five-Factor Model of Personality that can measure a person's extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience.

And according to the mother-of-two, those who score high in 'agreeableness' and 'conscientiousness' are the most susceptible to toxic relationships.

'What research has shown is that women who scored high in agreeableness and conscientiousness were perfect prey for these people,' she shared. 'I score very high in both.

'A woman who's agreeable is very tolerant and loyal and kind. She's very pro-social, her life is all about relationships.

'And a woman who's very conscientious is very determined, has tons of integrity, wants to see things through.'

Nadine also opened up about the three biggest 'red flags' that she thinks every woman should look out for when starting a relationship.

Now, the model-turned-therapist has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com about the characteristics that she believes narcissists gravitate towards most

According to the mother-of-two (seen with Jordan), those who are 'agreeable' and 'conscientious' are the most susceptible to toxic relationships

Nadine also opened up about the three biggest 'red flags' that she thinks every woman should look out for when starting a relationship

She said that if your partner failed to 'respect your boundaries' or used words that didn't 'match his actions,' you should be wary.

She said that if your partner failed to 'respect your boundaries' or used words that didn't 'match his actions,' you should be wary. She's seen with Jordan and their two kids

Nadine also warned against 'love bombing' - which is described as 'an attempt to influence another person with over-the-top displays of attention and affection.'

'Love bombing is a strange one because it can feel so good,' she added. 'So it's kind of a tricky one to see.'

Jordan spent 22 months in prison after it was brought to light that he had scammed more than 1,500 people through an elaborate stockbroker scheme in 1999.

Nadine previously revealed on TikTok that she 'walked away from their marriage with absolutely nothing' - since she was asked to turn over all of her valuables to the government following his arrest.

While chatting with DailyMail.com, she recalled what it was like come out of the romance with so little, and she admitted that while she was 'very, very afraid,' she was 'full of relief' since she was finally 'free.'

'I was very, very afraid, but yet I was full of relief, 'cause I was free,' she shared. 'So I think that was worth more to me than anything.'

Jordan (seen left in the movie and right in real life) spent 22 months in prison after it was revealed he had scammed more than 1,500 people through a stockbroker scheme in 1999

Nadine reflecting on being left with 'nothing' following their split, and she said that while she was 'very, very afraid,' she was 'full of relief' since she was finally 'free'

As for how she was able to start over following the tumultuous split, Nadine (seen with their kids) explained that getting 'educated' and 'talking' about what she went through helped her

As for how she was able to start over following the tumultuous split, Nadine explained that getting 'educated' and 'talking' about what she went through helped her immensely.

When asked about the steps women should take after leaving an unhealthy relationship, she urged, 'First, they have to get educated. Education, I think, is what really leads to confidence and empowerment.'

She also encouraged women who have been with an abusive partner to talk to a 'trauma-informed therapist,' and form a 'small circle of people that they can trust.'

'You need a lot of emotional support,' she continued. 'You can't let it consume your life.

'Talk to every single person about it. I was lucky in the sense that I had company [with my two kids].'

Lastly, she suggested that they 'go back to work if they can,' adding: 'Or go to school - do something where you can have your own autonomy so you can support yourself.'

Nadine did just that following her split from Jordan. She relocated to Los Angeles with her two kids, went to college, and earned her PhD in Counseling and Somatic Psychology.

She now dedicates much of her life to assisting others who may be suffering.

Earlier this month, she released a book entitled Run Like Hell: A Therapist's Guide To Recognizing, Escaping, And Healing From Trauma Bonds as a bid to help survivors 'go on to have healthy, positive relationships and lives, armed with knowledge and awareness.'

After the divorce, Nadine relocated to LA with her two kids, went to college, and earned her PhD in Counseling and Somatic Psychology. She now dedicates her time to helping others

She has become a viral TikTok star for spilling numerous secrets about their marriage and using her experience to give others who may be dealing with unhealthy relationships advice

She has also become a viral TikTok star in a recent months for spilling numerous secrets about their marriage, revealing which scenes of the movie were accurate and which were exaggerated for the sake of views, and using her experience to give others who may be dealing with unhealthy relationships advice.

Nadine has since remarried, and she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso (seen together), who has three kids from a past relationship, for 23 years now

And while she has been fiercely honest about the trauma that she endured while she was with Jordan, she told DailyMail.com that they were ultimately able to stay amicable for the sake of their kids.

'[After the split] I took my kids to California and he was in New York, so I had a lot of time away from him and a lot of time to heal,' she explained.

'Because we had children together I made a choice, really, as their mother, to keep a good relationship with him, the best that I could.

'That doesn't mean we've always gotten along, but in the end, we've always put our kids first because we have an obligation to them.

'We brought them into the world. How I feel towards him is different than how he behaves towards my kids, so as long as he's a good dad [that's what matters].'

Nadine has since remarried, and she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso, who has three kids from a past relationship, for 23 years now.
A woman has divided opinion online after making spaghetti bolognese using only her microwave.

Whitney Ainscough from South Yorkshire, shared a tutorial of her 'quick and easy way' to make the classic Italian dish.

Her video, which was posted under the handle @itsmebadmom on TikTok, has already been seen by more than 1.7 million people, with commenters unsure what to think of the cooking hack.

In the clip, armed with a bag of frozen mince and a plate of chopped onions, she took to preparing her dinner.

She instructed viewers: 'Come and make tea with me. So you want to pop your frozen mince into a jug and then pop it into the microwave'.

Whitney Ainscough from South Yorkshire, shared a tutorial of her 'quick and easy way' to make the classic Italian dish

The TikToker filled a plastic jug to the brim with the mince, before scraping some raw onions on top.

She added: 'So this is for spaghetti bolognese and you can cook it in the microwave. Pop it all in.

'You're going to want to pop your onions in and mix them in. The onions go into the jug as well.

'Then all you do is is put that in the microwave and it will cook lovely, as it goes down you can add more onions'.

Placing her own jug in the microwave, she explained: 'Pop that in for about 10 minutes and then we'll come back when it's done'.

Next, she comes back to film the results, pulling out the jug of now cooked mince and onion.

The mother from South Yorkshire said: 'So that's been in for about 10 minutes, I have mixed it halfway through.

'It's looking good. It's how to make spaghetti bolognese in a f******* microwave.

Next, she comes back to film the results, pulling out the jug of now cooked mince and onion

'All you need to do now is add your chopped tomatoes, your pepper, salt, garlic.

'Add all that into here, whack it back in for five minutes and it will be ready. Just pop your pasta in a jug too and get that ready'.

While some viewers praised the savvy mother, others were quick to slam her unique cooking method, insisting it would take the same amount of time to make the meal in a pan with fresh ingredients.

One shocked user penned: 'I refuse to believe this is a thing,' with a second adding, 'I'm all about a lazy tea but if you're gonna make spag bol [sic], just make spag bol'.

A third chimed in with: 'Public service announcement, you can cook mince straight from frozen in a pan'.

Meanwhile, others joked: 'Spaghetti Bolacouncil Estate' and 'Are you on Just Eat?'

Someone else remarked: 'I should have scrolled past when I saw frozen mince but was curious'.

Others added: 'Is this legal?' and 'I feel lazy warming my beans up in the microwave. This has made me feel so much better'.

While some viewers praised the savvy mother, others were quick to slam her unique cooking method, insisting it would take the same amount of time to make the meal in a pan with fresh ingredients

READ MORE: Mother divides opinion as she shares 'caring' lunchbox her son was given at a birthday party Advertisement

Some viewers also commented on the state of the microwave, writing: 'Oh my god., look at the microwave,' alongside a crying emoji and 'Microwave [has] been through two wars'.

However, some people defended the mother and argued that the video is useful for those who don't have access to an oven.

One viewer said: 'Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for people with no cooker, this could be a lifesaver, seeing healthy meals available'.

Another penned: 'Never knew you could do mince in the microwave.'

A third argued: 'This is a really good video for those who dont have access to other facilities due to maybe just moving into a new home or not being able to afford a cooker.

'I really do think its good for those who don't have the choice so well done for giving people a new idea'.

It comes after Whitney previously racked up views for making a video about her daughters school shoes.

She took to TikTok in September last year to reveal her dismay after forking out 100 to buy her daughter the very best designer shoes for the new school term - only to be told they don't conform to the uniform policy.

The mother-of-three explained how she had bought the Vivienne Westwood pumps for her 11-year-old daughter who has just started in Year 7 - but has been left angry after receiving the message from the school.

She added that she had buy her daughter a new pair of school shoes, arguing that the fashion choice has no effect on her child's ability to learn.
El canciller @J_GonzalezOFr participo, junto a otras autoridades, en el inicio de la celebracion del ano nuevo chino, ocasion en la que la @ChinaEmbPeru presento una muestra de danzas y tradiciones milenarias. ?????????? pic.twitter.com/lWSELSga05
King Charles and the Duchess of York have 'bonded' over their cancer battles with 'an exchange of letters', a royal source has claimed.

Both Charles and Sarah Ferguson have been diagnosed with the disease this year, and have reportedly supported each other with heartfelt letters.

Sarah, 64, who has previously battled breast cancer, was diagnosed with skin cancer, while the King has been found to have an unspecified form of the disease.

The monarch, 75, began his treatment at a London hospital this week, and is reportedly 'wholly positive' of his prognosis and 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible'.

After news of her skin cancer diagnosis, the Mirror reports Charles wrote to the Duchess of York to offer his support and well wishes.

King Charles and the Duchess of York have 'bonded' over their cancer battles with 'an exchange of letters', a royal source has claimed

Fergie has since returned this gesture after news of the King's battle became public.

A source said: 'The King and Sarah are incredibly fond of one another and now they have bonded over their respective cancer diagnosis with an exchange of letters.

'Cancer is a wicked disease that affects so many individuals and their families and its clear that extra support from loved ones and the extended cancer community can help immeasurably.'

This week, Sarah attended a cancer charity fundraiser and gave a speech in which she shared a touching tribute to King Charles, urging him to 'keep fighting on'.

At the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope event in Florida, she said: 'I want to thank you all for your kindness in supporting my family members who are going through a hard time, and we wish everyone well, every family in the world, that has been diagnosed or who is going through a difficult time, we wish them well.

'And of course, my brother-in-law, we wish you well, keep fighting on.'

She added: 'The cancer alliance is about hope, and there isnt enough hope in the world.

'For anyone whos suffering from low hope, for anyone who believes they cant do this, they can, its absolute nonsense.'

Both Charles and Sarah Ferguson have been diagnosed with the disease this year, and have reportedly supported each other with heartfelt letters.

Sarah, 64, who has previously battled breast cancer, was diagnosed with skin cancer, while the King has been found to have an unspecified form of the disease

Sarah attended a Cancer Alliance event alongside Erbil Gunasti (left). The Duchess was the keynote speaker at the event

The first sign that anything was amiss with King Charles' health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate.

He chose to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time.

Shortly afterwards, palace officials also revealed he chose to share his cancer diagnosis in the hope it would 'assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer'.

No further details on Charles' condition have been shared, other than he remains 'wholly positive' and is looking forward to returning to full public duties.

The first sign that anything was amiss with King Charles' health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate

He is at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and is expected to return to London for weekly treatments

Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'.

He is at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and is expected to return to London for weekly treatments.

Last month, NHS England saw a massive surge in people looking for information on melanoma, the fifth most common type of cancer, after Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with the disease.

The Duchess of York, 64, is said to be in 'good spirits' despite the 'distressing' news, which marked her second cancer diagnosis in six months after she was treated for breast cancer last year.

There was one visit every 13 seconds to the NHS website for information on melanoma in the two days following the announcement.
Italy's former Royal Family have gathered in Turin today for the funeral of Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Naples, who died at the age of 86.

His coffin laid in state at the Sant'uberto Chapel on the eve of the funeral service, and his wife Princess Marina, 88, and their son Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Venice, 51, remained at his side.

Prince Vittorio, the son of the last King of Italy Umberto II, died earlier this month.

His funeral, which is taking place at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in northern Italy, looked to be an opulent affair, with extravagant floral arrangements at the door.

Prince Vittorio's son, Prince Emanuele Filiberto, was pictured entering the cathedral in a long black coat, shielding from the rain with an umbrella.

Italy 's former Royal Family are gathering in Turin today for the funeral of Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Naples, who died at the age of 86

Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia kisses the coffin of his father

Princess Clotilde Courau of Savoy exits the cathedral following the funeral ceremony of late Prince Vittorio Emanuele

Prince Vittorio's son, Prince Emanuele Filiberto, was pictured entering the cathedral in a long black coat, shielding from the rain with an umbrella

Marina Doria of Savoy, widow of Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, arrives at the Duomo Cathedral

Princess Marina, widow of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, and Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy

A child touches the coffin of the late Prince in Turin, Italy today

Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy touches the coffin of his late father

Shortly afterwards, his mother the newly widowed Princess Marina arrived.

His immediate family later paid their respects at his coffin as it was carried away.

Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Prince Aimone were among the early arrivals today, dressed all in black. There were also a host of European royals in attendance, including Albert, the Prince of Monaco, who was without his wife Charlene, and Queen Sofia of Spain.

The Prince of Naples was the son of the last king of Italy, Umberto II, who went into exile after the country voted to become a republic in 1946.

However, despite the results of the referendum, the House of Savoy always maintained its claim to the throne and cited the Spanish example to prove its case.

Spain restored its monarchy in 1975 when the nation returned to a democracy following the death of General Franco.

After the House of Savoy fled Italy when he was just nine years old, Prince Vittorio Emanuele spent most of his life in exile in Switzerland and Portugal.

Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Naples' coffin is carried from the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia attends the funeral of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy

Queen Sofia of Spain arrives at the Duomo cathedral in Turin for to the funeral ceremony of late Prince Vittorio Emanuele

There were a host of European royals in attendance, including Albert, the Prince of Monaco, who was without his wife Charlene

Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, and Prince of Venice and Princess Marina

Sister of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy looks on on the day of Vittorio Emanuele's funeral

He went on to marry Marina Ricolfi Doria and the couple had a son, Emanuele Filiberto.

After battling for decades, the Prince of Naples finally returned to Italian soil in 2002 after parliament lifted a clause in the Italian Constitution which barred his family from setting foot in the nation.

During his visit he held an audience with Pope John Paul II, but he encountered a frosty reception with the Italian people.

Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Prince Aimone were also among the early arrivals, dressed all in black

Italy 's former Royal Family are gathering in Turin today for the funeral of Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Naples, who died at the age of 86

His funeral, which is taking place at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in northern Italy, looks to be an opulent affair, with extravagant floral arrangements at the door

The heir to the defunct throne was no stranger to controversy during his lifetime, after also being arrested in connection with the death of a German teenager in 1978.

Dirk Hamer was 19 years old and asleep on a boat in a Corsican port when he was shot during in his right leg. He died three months later.

At the time, the Italian Prince was also at the port, arguing with a group of tourists whom he accused of stealing his inflatable boat.

More than a decade later, Vittorio Emanuele was arrested in France in connection with the killing, but he was cleared at a court in Paris in 1991. He was given a suspended sentence for possession of a rifle.

The Prince of Naples was the son of the last king of Italy, Umberto II, who went into exile after the country voted to become a republic in 1946

Leka, Prince of Albania, attends the funeral of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy

Prince Charles Louis, Duke of Chartres, attends the funeral of Prince Vittorio Emanuele

Actor Daniel McVicar attends the funeral of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy

However, the plot thickened 20 years later when a recording emerged of the exiled royal appearing to admit to killing Hamer.

The recording was filmed in Potenza jail, where he was being held ahead of a trial for racketeering and involvement in prostitution (of which he was acquitted).

During the 2006 recording, he is seen telling other inmates he had taken the court for a ride after his acquittal.

In the video, he described firing two shots which hit the tourist as he was sleeping on his boat off the island of Cavallo in 1978.

After the clip emerged, he dismissed it as 'manipulated' and 'not true'.

The Prince of Naples was the son of the last king of Italy, Umberto II, who went into exile after the country voted to become a republic in 1946

Prince Jean of Luxembourg attending the funeral of Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

In the clip, as reported by the Independent, the exiled prince said: 'I was in the wrong... in the wrong.

'I have to say I took them for a ride... the prosecutor had asked for five years and six months. I was sure of winning.

'They gave me a six-month suspended sentence [for arms possession]; six months, there was an amnesty, they didn't even register [the sentence]. I got out!'

However Hamer's family renewed their calls for the exiled prince to face justice following the release of the recording.

Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy flanked by Princess Marina of Savoy and her son Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy

The exiled prince grew up between Switzerland and Portugal after his family fled Italy in 1946 when it became a republic

The mystery surrounding Hamer's death became a focus point in Netflix documentary The King Who Never Was.

The documentary was directed by journalist Beatrice Borromeo, who is Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter-in-law.

It later emerged that Beatrice, who has also modelled for Vogue, was the person who leaked the recording.

Speaking to Tatler last year about the story, Beatrice said: 'for as long as I can remember the story of this case was part of our lives' adding that Hamer's mother Birgit is her own mother's best friend.
READ MORE: What to know about the 'hard to spot' cancer that killed Toby Keith

King Charles III and OJ Simpson both announced this week they have cancer

King Charles III sent shockwaves through the world this week as he announced his battle with an unspecified cancer.

The same day, country music legend Toby Keith died from stomach cancer at age 62, a form of the disease with just a 32 percent survival rate.

And on Friday, OJ Simpson announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Cancer cases are on the rise in the US, with a report published last month estimating that a record-high two million Americans will get cancer this year.

This has largely been fueled by an epidemic of cases in young people, including the rare appendix cancer that killed Designated Survivor star Adan Canto last month at just age 42.

In the midst of alarming increases and celebrity deaths, many Americans worry that they too could be living with a silent cancer killer.

King Charles III, 75, announced this week that he has an unspecified form of cancer

Your browser does not support iframes.

Though trials for universal screening methods show promise, experts caution that most cancers can't be screened for with routine bloodwork.

However, there are some forms of the disease that offer routine screening. Here is how to get tested for them.

Breast cancer

The above graph shows the changes in breast cancer screenings (black line) since 2017 by month. It also shows a predicted screening rate (yellow dotted line) and the Covid infection rate (blue line) in the US over the same period. Screenings were initially steady but dropped in the first year of the pandemic by as much as 14 percent

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in both the US and the world.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates there will be more than 300,000 new cases this year, along with 43,700 deaths.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of breast cancer include a lump that feels different from surrounding tissue, a change in the shape or appearance of the breast, inverted nipple, peeling or flaking of pigmented skin around the nipple, and redness or pitting around the skin of the breast.

Death rates have plummeted 43 percent between 1989 and 2020, after successful public health awareness campaigns, better screening and new drugs.

And nine in 10 patients are expected to survive after five years.

Breast cancer is detected with an x-ray called a mammogram. This involves placing the breasts between metal plates to flatten them and get images from above and from the sides.

Currently, all women ages 50 to 74 are advised to get a mammogram every two years.

In May, a leading health panel recommended the age at which women are regularly screened for breast cancer with a mammogram be cut from 50 to 40.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) said an extra 20 million women in their forties would benefit from a mammogram every two years.

The change would save 20 percent more lives, according to the USPSTF, which has drafted the proposal in response to rising rates among middle-aged women.

Screening is typically conducted at a general doctor's office or hospital. According to the CDC, most insurance plans are required to cover screening every one to two years beginning at age 40.

Prostate cancer

OJ Simpson (left) announced Friday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Dexter Scott King (right), the younger son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died last month after battling prostate cancer

Your browser does not support iframes.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease in men.

Healthcare providers warn the disease can be difficult to spot, as it often causes no symptoms at first. The signs typically mirror that of an enlarged prostate, which tends to affect older men.

However, ACS states that early warning signs include issues urinating. This could include needing to pee more often, especially at night, or having a slow or weak urinary stream.

It may also be difficult to start peeing or men may feel as though their bladder has not fully emptied. You may also find yourself running to the bathroom with an increased urge to urinate.

As the disease progresses, people may develop pain during urination, loss of bladder and bowel control, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, pain in the testicles, and blood in the urine or semen.

Experts estimate that it will strike 300,000 American men this year and kill more than 35,000, most of whom are over age 65 - and the American Cancer Society (ACS) says rates are rising about three percent every year.

Prostate cancer can be detected via a blood test or a digital rectal exam.

The blood test measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by cells in the prostate gland. It's mostly found in semen, though there are small amounts in blood. As PSA increases, so does the risk of prostate cancer.

During a digital rectal exam, a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that could be cancerous. This is because the prostate is located just in front of the rectum.

However, the ACS states that a digital rectal exam is less accurate than a PSA test.

The ACS recommends that all men at an average risk of prostate cancer get screened starting at age 50. However, those at high risk, which includes black men or those with a father or brother who was dignosed before age 65, should start at 45.

Those at the highest risk, which includes men who had more than one brother or a father and brother with prostate cancer, as well as men with a BRCA mutation, get screened starting at age 40.

Most men should be tested every two to three years.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of the disease in the US.

It accounts for one in five cancer deaths, followed by colorectal cancer, which causes one in 10 cancer deaths.

About 53 percent of cases are diagnosed when the disease has traveled to multiple other organs.

Only one in four lung cancer patients survive after five years.

Signs of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, include chest pain or discomfort, a lingering cough, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, fatigue or lethargy, trouble swallowing, and swelling in the face or veins in the neck.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, followed by exposure to secondhand smoke.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for all adults ages 50 to 80 who have a history of smoking at least 20 packs of cigarettes for one year or more. Screening is also suggested for those in that age range who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

The disease is detected using a low-dose computed tomography scan (CT scan), which should be repeated every year in those who are at risk.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer symptoms to look out for include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex and lower back or pelvic pain

Your browser does not support iframes.

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common form of the disease in women. However, unlike most other cancers on the rise, doctors know what causes it.

Most of the time, it's caused by the common sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV) - and there's already a cure for it.

The vaccine for HPV is more than 90 percent effective, experts estimate, though they warn that not enough Americans are getting it.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, a small canal that connects a woman's uterus to her vagina.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cervical cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in the earlier stages, making it more difficult to detect.

When they do occur, symptoms include bleeding after sex, after the menopause, or between periods. Vaginal discharge that's watery, has a strong odor, or contains blood can also occur, as well as pelvic pain, especially during sex.

As the cancer progresses, it can cause difficulty having a bowel movement or urinating, backache, leg swelling, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that nearly 14,000 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, along with about 4,300 deaths.

According to the ACS, cervical cancer most commonly affects women between ages 35 and 44, and the average age is 50.

This form of cancer is detected with a pap smear or HPV test.

During both tests, the doctor uses an instrument called a speculum to look inside the vagina. They then collect a sample of cells and mucus from the cervix.

Both tests can be done in a doctor's office. Experts recommend starting them at age 21 and then repeating every three years.

Colorectal cancer

Data from JAMA Surgery showed that colon cancer is expected to rise by 90 percent in people ages 20 to 34 by the year 2030. Doctors are not sure what is driving the mystery rise

Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise worldwide, causing an epidemic in young people.

Rates are expected to double in young people by 2030, and colorectal cancer is also expected to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50 by the end of the decade.

This is based on data from JAMA Surgery, which found that between 2010 and 2030, colon cancer will have increased by 90 percent in people ages 20 to 34. Rectal cancer will have spiked by 124 percent in the same age group.

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the third most common type in the US and the third leading cause of death in both men and women.

The ACS estimates about 153,000 colorectal cancer cases were detected in 2023, including 19,500 among those under 50 years old.

Some 53,000 people are expected to die from the disease this year.

According to the ACS, symptoms include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, cramping or abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.

Amid concerns over the rising rate among younger adults, in 2021, the US Preventive Services Taskforce lowered the screening age from 50 to 45 years old.

This is usually a colonoscopy, where a camera is inserted into a person's rectum, searching for growths or changes to their intestines.

However, patients younger than 45 are less likely to get screened since they don't fall within the recommended age range.
A mother has revealed how her healthy young son one day came home from childcare with a simple limp that led to a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Jaimee Thompson said her son Jack was 'like any other boundary pushing three-year-old' and loved dolphins, the colour yellow and watching 'old school' Scooby Doo and The Smurfs cartoons.

The mum, from Freshwater on Sydney's Northern Beaches, said there had been no sign anything was wrong with Jack until the sudden limp he developed in April 2023.

Jaimee and Jack's dad took him to doctors to have the limp and a subsequent fever looked at but were told not to be too concerned as there were no other symptoms.

'The doctors thought it was just a virus that he picked up at daycare, so he went through a couple of rounds of antibiotics and that probably went for a couple of weeks,' Ms Thompson told Yahoo News.

'It was leading up to winter - there was a lot going around. He had some X-rays and doctors told us not to worry.'

The couple took Jack home but in the following weeks, despite the antibiotics, he did not improve.

Jack (pictured left) with his mother Jaimee, brother Ted and father Trent was diagnosed with neuroblastoma

His mother said she had no clue something was wrong until Jack suddenly developed a limp

Ms Thompson said one night she heard Jack screaming from his bed and went in to ask if he had been having a nightmare but he replied 'no, I'm hurting mummy'.

She called an ambulance and Jack was admitted to hospital.

Ms Thomspon said just three weeks after she first noticed the limp 'four doctors walked into our room to advise us our baby bear had stage IV cancer. Neuroblastoma'.

'Whilst Jack had been playing, swimming, sleeping, laughing and giving ''huggles'' his nerves cells had failed to mature properly, resulting in a mandarin-sized tumour growing near his adrenal gland and kidney,' she said on GoFundMe.

'From there it spread to lymph nodes, bone marrow and his bones, from the top of his beautiful head down to his toes.'

In May 2023 Jack started what his mother said was 'one of the most gruelling treatment protocols a child can endure'.

Jack spent six months in hospital undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy, an eight-hour surgery, a bone marrow transplant and 12 rounds of radiation.

He has undergone six months of gruelling treatment in hospital including chemotherapy and radiation

He is now recovering but the cancer has a 50 per cent likelihood of returning

She said the ordeal left him with side effects that include the loss of fine motor skills, reduced eyesight and infertility.

He has, however, responded well to the treatment and has been cleared of all but a few remaining cancer cells in his bone marrow.

The irrepressible toddler will now need to undergo another six months in hospital for immunotherapy treatment which aims to remove those remaining cancer cells.

'Despite this success, the hard truth is that Neuroblastoma has a 50 per cent relapse rate. And if Jack relapses, his chances of survival plummet to just 5 per cent,' Ms Thompson said.

There are currently two new therapies that have been approved by the FDA in America which target Neuroblastoma - DFMO and a bivalent vaccine.

They are the standard therapy in the United States and have been shown to halve the risk of relapse but won't be available in Australia for another two years.

DFMO (diflouromethylornithine) works by limiting the ability of cancer cells to make the polyamines they require to grow and spread, according to the Children's Cancer Institute.

The bivalent vaccine trains the body's immune system to recognise and eliminate cancer cells that may be 'lurking' in the body after chemotherapy, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre.

Ms Thompson has launched a GoFundMe asking for help to access 'at least one of these drugs'.

The couple are asking for help to fund trips to the US for life-saving treatment - Jack with his brother Ted

'Your generosity will be used to cover the cost of medication and other hospital requirements such as scans and bone marrow aspirations as well as flights to the US and accommodation whilst we are there,' Ms Thompson wrote.

Jack will need to take the therapy for two years from mid-August requiring six visits to the US.

'They say it takes a village to raise a child. Thank you for being part of Jack Jack's village. We can't do this without you,' she said.
Whats the story?

British cleaning brand Smol was launched in 2018 by former Unilever employees Paula Quazi and Nick Green. Their aim is to create hardworking, innovative formulations that are kinder to the environment.

Why should I buy?

This concentrated multipurpose cleaning spray contains lower levels of added chemicals compared to other brands and comes in a bottle-for-life made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic. The cleaner arrives in tablet form, which you dissolve in water to save on the environmental costs of transport. It is also vegan and animal cruelty-free.

Why shouldnt I buy?

It contains some ingredients that are derived from petrochemical sources.

Free start-up sample, 2 for delivery (trigger spray and multipurpose refill tablet). Refill pack of six, 6.60, smolproducts.com

The extra mile

In 2021, Smol set up the initiative Suds in Schools with The Hygiene Bank charity. This helps children experiencing hygiene poverty get their clothes cleaned for free at mini launderettes in schools across the UK.

Made in

Denmark

Made from

Citric acid, sodium sulphate and other cleaning agents. The refill packs of tablets (six for 6.60) come in FSC-approved cardboard printed with vegetable-based inks. All packaging is recyclable or home-compostable and designed to fit through your letterbox.

Journey

By sea and road

Our rating


My favourite drink as a child was Nehi Orange Soda [an American drink brand].

There was a soda machine in the church basement, and from 11 oclock to one oclock on Sundays I sat there thinking, Just an hour and 40 minutes until Nehi Soda.

I went to a private Catholic school in Albany, Georgia, then on weekends Id go to these fire and brimstone Protestant Baptist sermons. I secretly thought, I like white church better. Its quieter, shorter and theres less screaming.

My mama was adamant about not allowing us coffee.

As a kid, Id beg her so much that sometimes she would put some in a saucer and let me sip it up. But shed jack it up with so much milk and sugar that it tasted like hot chocolate, so I was like, Whats the big deal?

I was 24 when I had my first alcoholic drink.

I was working in a bar in Mississippi and this man ordered a white wine, looked at his watch, paid and left. All night I was thinking: Will I go to hell if I drink this? The Bible dont say that, and Jesus turned water into wine. But Mama said it was nonalcoholic. After my shift I necked it and walked home  the most merry ten-minute walk Id ever had.

Edinburgh reminds Reginald of a starry drinking session,

On my first night in London in the 1990s, I was on a train and there was this girl in a Star Trek uniform.

I asked where she was going, and she said, To a Star Trek party, want to come? That was the first time I tried scrumpy. I took a sip then knocked it back. She goes, Dont knock it back! And I said, I knew it wasnt gonna be too much. About 20 minutes later, it was too much.

I didnt go to bars until I came to England and I couldnt tell you where I was first served.

I went to Rada  the Royal Academy of Dramatic Alcoholics  and Ive forgotten.

Only in England would you be asked to reminisce about your first taste of booze, like losing your virginity. Youre like, I was disappointed. It was over very quickly.

Every day I have grapefruit juice with two teaspoons of vitamin C. It clears my head then looks around my body and says to all forms of mucus, Get out!

Many herbalists believe that mucus is a source of maladies, so I try to live a mucus-free existence. Every time I watch the Alien movies, I think the worst thing about the alien is the mucus.

Reginald prefers a head-clearing glass of grapefruit juice

Ive never associated drinks with style.

In movies, people dress in tuxedos and say, A martini with an onion, not an olive. I once went into a bar and asked for a martini with an olive. I was disappointed  its just booze.

Before I was born, my father used to make moonshine.

Eight years ago, he connected with a guy who still made it and brought some home. Everyone wanted to know what it was like to drink a pint of watered-down petrol.

My father used to say, It doesnt matter what you do  alcohol, whatever.

If people can tell what youre on, youve done too much.

I shared a drink with Dominic West and Clarke Peters from The Wire at the Edinburgh Festival.

They were like Crockett and Tubbs [from Miami Vice] when I met them. I liked those cats. Someone introduced us and we realised that we have similar tastes in imbibing.

At Have I Got News For You they have an after-show party.

I had a few drinks with Sir Trevor McDonald, who was hosting.

He wasnt sure whether he liked me at first. He would walk up to me, slap me on the back and say, Reg, my main man, whats the word on the streets? I said, No white man has ever said those words to me.

Tickets for Reginald D Hunters The Man Who Could See Through S*** tour are available at reginalddhunter.com
My name is Milly Johnson, Im 60 years old and I am a stationery addict.

There is, oddly, no accepted term for people like me. The closest is papyrophiliac, which means someone addicted to paper, but my passion extends far beyond that because I love all stationery: pens, scissors, wax seals, writing slopes with their secret compartments.

We need a word for us because we are legion. Who cant remember King Charles having a mini meltdown over a leaky ink pen at the beginning of his reign? Its of paramount importance we have the right stationery for the right job.

Ive always coveted stationery. As a child, the first place I headed for at the weekend was WH Smith to blow my pocket money on ring binders, Quink and Bambi staples.

I never questioned it then. Only recently have I wondered why a new stationery purchase is catnip for me. Maybe, on a subconscious level, it makes me think of new, promising beginnings  being prepared and organised. I make handwritten lists constantly.

My diary has to be an unlined Moleskine, extra large. The paper is smooth, the layout is perfect, its too big to lose and, at around 25, it doesnt break the bank.

Im sure a psychologist could unpick my behaviour  and also why the most striking of my notepads sit in a glass cabinet, because I cant bring myself to use these sacred treasures. A psychologist might also explain why Ive just spent 70 quid on a pencil sharpener.

Its from a brand called Hovel, is made of 90 beautiful grams of solid brass set on a walnut base and it sends me into a hypnotic trance of delight when I use it.

There is nothing like writing with a freshly sharpened pencil. Unless its writing with a 600 Caran dAche Varius Ivanhoe silver mechanical pencil, which I dont own. Yet.

As an author, I often have to sign hundreds of books in one sitting and the pens have to feel right in my hand: not too weighty, but substantial with a good ink flow.

A new notebook makes me think of promising beginnings

I use robust Mole Mate ballpens, sometimes a Parker fountain, often a Sharpie for a splashy signature. For letters  yes, I still write them  I use a Scriveiner ink pen with an extra-fine nib.

It glides over the hammered paper  envelopes always to match. Youll never find me typing a round robin letter at Christmas; if someone is important enough to write to with news, they deserve it to be handwritten.

Luckily, I have an antiques dealer fiance who indulges my ardour. Through him, I have acquired a magnificent pair of Asprey scissors; an art nouveau rocker blotter for mopping excess ink; and a Tiffany pen with matching silver bookmark.

A few years ago, he bought me a Montblanc Meisterstuck ballpoint pen. When I showed it off to my dad, he was horrified at how much the refills would cost. (Theyre not actually that expensive  around 15 for two.)

Though my dad did like a good, more modestly priced pen himself. One of my most treasured possessions is a red Parker ink pen that he gave me to do my O-level exams with. I did my A-levels with it too, and my degree, and I signed my first book contracts with it.

To this day, if an important document needs a signature, I use that red Parker. Its the one Ill use to sign my deal with Netflix (we live in hope).

Im a great believer in craftspeople having the best tools for their trade. You wouldnt have found Leonardo da Vinci drawing Vitruvian Man with a pop-a-point pencil.

And every time I start a novel, I have a ritual of cleaning my office from top to bottom and buying a notepad. (It would be unthinkable to use one already in my possession.) With my most recent, The Happiest Ever After,

I used a notebook from Lulu Guinness. I type my manuscripts, but the notebook is where I write down ideas and memos-to-self  the colour of a characters hair, a killer line. If I have too many ideas for one book, I transfer the unused thoughts to a spares notepad and use them in another story. Nothing is ever wasted.

Even though my passion might be bats to some, I have 21 novels out there, every one of them still in print  so whatever Im doing is obviously working. Readers, I am convinced I owe it all to stationery.

The Happiest Ever After by Milly Johnson will be published on 15 February by Simon & Schuster, 16.99. To order a copy for 14.44 until 25 February, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25. Also on eBook and audio.
As a schoolgirl in 1970s West Yorkshire, Jennie Godfrey was always aware of the Yorkshire Rippers creeping threat. Even at the age of seven, we played Ripper chase  a perverse variation on kiss chase  in the playground, says the 53-year-old debut novelist.

Godfrey was born in Batley, a small working-class town just three miles from Dewsbury, where the investigating police officers, known as the Ripper Squad, were based.

She had what she describes as a traditional Northern childhood. Her dad was a mechanic, repairing lorries for a local haulage company, and her mother cared for Godfreys severely disabled elder sister.

When she was nine, Godfrey ran away, triggering a police search. This is when the reality of the Ripper set in.

I was a properly unhappy child, she recalls. First of all, I went to the woods with my little tea set and my Famous Five book. When it started to get cold and dark, I went to a babysitters house.

She rang my mum and she rang the police. When they came to talk to me the police said: Everyone was very frightened for you because of the Ripper. It was not long after hed killed Josephine Whitaker.

She was 19, a building society clerk, and that changed everything. [Almost all the previous victims had been sex workers.] As children wed had a lot of freedom  we could play out from eight in the morning until it got dark with no one worrying. Suddenly we all had to be afraid of him, whereas we hadnt before.

We had to say where we were going, who with and when wed be back.

Jennie today and wit her sister Susan (left) in the 70s; Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe; PM Margaret Thatcher

On 2 January 1981, the Yorkshire Ripper  34-year-old Peter Sutcliffe  was caught. It was five years after his first murder; he had killed 13 women.

The moment is one of my strongest childhood memories, says Godfrey: her family were watching TV together and, when Sutcliffes picture flashed up, Godfreys father David said: Bloody hellfire, I know him!

It turned out that Sutcliffe had worked as a truck driver and David had serviced his lorry regularly. Dad just kept saying, But I know him. Hes quiet, unassuming, quite shy. This is not happening, not possible.

He went off to his work van to find the records Sutcliffe had signed when Dad serviced his lorry. He had to show us to prove it. He was so shocked, and I absorbed that.

The next day, Godfrey went to school and told everyone: No one believed me. They just thought I wanted attention.

Godfrey didnt dwell much on her childhood until one evening, in December 2019, she sat down to watch a documentary series called The Yorkshire Ripper Files. Everything came flooding back.

The next day, as she walked her staffie Rocco, an idea for a book popped into her head.

Dad saw Sutcliffe's picture and said, 'Hellfire, I know him!'

It sounds a bit woo-woo, but the whole thing just came to me on that dog walk  including the title, The List of Suspicious Things, she says. I ran home and started trying to get it all down. I didnt stop writing until nine that night.

The story is set in Yorkshire in 1979; Margaret Thatcher is prime minister, drainpipe jeans are the tweenage must-have. The main character, 12-year-old Miv, is obsessed with the murders that are changing her area from a trusting community where nobody locks their doors to one where women are afraid to go out in the dark.

She decides to draw up a list of suspicious things and ropes in her best friend Sharon to investigate.

It sounds dark, but Mivs inquisitive voice lets Godfrey bring a light touch to her subject. Life when I was growing up was simple like that, she says. There were some tough things going on, of course, like domestic violence.

People talked about it, but then just got on with it. I wanted to get that matter-of-factness across.

Theres a lot of me in Miv. I was a very bookish child and top of the class, which is never a good place to be! So

I was a bit of a loner, apart from having my friend Sharon, who I used to walk to school with. (The real-life Sharon is OK with having the same name as Mivs best friend.)

In the months before Godfrey got her book idea, she had what she calls a midlife meltdown. After decades in the corporate world, where she had risen to become HR director of a FTSE 100 company, she had taken voluntary redundancy and moved to Somerset.

Thanks to the redundancy money, Godfrey had a bit of time to decide what to do next and with Miv now in her head, she signed up to a creative writing course. Then lockdown hit.

Living alone and unable to see her friends, she wrote. By September 2020 she had her first draft. Through the writing course, she was approached by an agent, and for a year they worked on the book together while Godfrey supported herself by taking a job in the local branch of Waterstones.

In May 2022, days before her agent planned to submit the manuscript, Godfreys mum suffered a bleed on the brain, losing 70 per cent of her sight. I drove straight to Stoke Mandeville hospital. I got an email from my agent saying shed decided to send it out early to a handful of people but I was so distracted, I didnt read it properly at the time.

When Godfrey was driving home later, her agent phoned and told her to pull over. Within six hours they had their first offer, and more came. Over the following week, Godfrey took calls with various editors in the hospital car park, wearing my holiest leggings and definitely not looking like an author.

Godfrey wont say how much she was paid, only that its enough money not to have to worry for a bit. The book is already being translated into four languages, has been picked for BBC Radio 2s Book Club, and screen rights are a possibility.

For most of her life, Godfrey wanted to write, but I put it on the back burner because people like me dont get to be novelists, she tells me  now a novelist, sitting in a meeting room at her publishers office, high above the Thames.

The List of Suspicious Things will be published this week. Godfreys mum can no longer read, but she will listen to the audiobook, which is narrated by actress Joanne Froggatt.

Godfreys dad has read a proof version. Hes always been one of those 1970s dads  never effusively warm, hardly ever reads books. But he read this and hes telling the world about it.

Why does she think a book about the impact of the Yorkshire Ripper on one girls childhood resonated so much with people?

When I was writing the book, I would test pieces out by doing public readings. And by the end I would always have a queue of women wanting to tell me their experience of him. Thats one of the reasons I had the confidence to go for it. I was definitely changed by the Yorkshire Ripper  I think a whole generation of women were. Its always women. And theyve all got a story.

Jennies novel The List of Suspicious Things will be published on Thursday by Cornerstone, 14.99. To order a copy for 14.24 until 25 February, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25.

Collage: Ellie Allen-Eslor
Gen Z are more likely to care about their pensions than Millennials and Gen X, as more than a third of 35 to 54 year olds admit that they don't take an interest in their retirement savings.

According to data from InvestEngine, 64 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds said they were engaged with their pension, while 70 per cent of over 55s reported having an interest in their savings pots.

That fell to 58 per cent among people in the 35 to 55 age group, who often face other life commitments and milestones that take their attention away from pension saving. Homebuying and having children sees their finances diverted from their retirement fund.

Pension pots: Many UK workers aren't saving enough money for retirement, it is feared

Although many are likely to be paying into a pension under the auto-enrolment scheme, if they aren't engaging with their pot they could be missing out on higher contribution matching opportunities offered by their employers.

People also run the risk of forgetting about certain pension pots when it comes to drawing their pension.

Andrew Prosser, head of investments at InvestEngine, said: 'While automatic enrolment has undoubtedly been a huge success in reversing the decline in workplace saving, it has arguably exacerbated this lack of engagement we're seeing today, particularly among middle-aged adults.

'Indeed, this group needs to be most engaged, as the later they leave it the less time they will have to benefit from any potential returns on their pension investments.' His firm surveyed 4,000 adults across the UK.

By neglecting to save now, Millennials and Gen Xers are likely to face problems further down the line. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions indicates that 38 per cent of the UK's working population, or 12.5 million people, are not saving enough money for retirement.

However, cutting your pension contributions isn't always done out of ignorance. More often than not, the realities of life simply get in the way.

Sean Cope, 36, reduced his pension contributions before he bought a flat last year, instead using the extra money to maximise his deposit.

'After using the entirety of my savings, I didn't really have much left, and then had to do some renovation around the flat, so I was just looking to cut costs where I could,' Sean told This is Money.

Before stepping onto the housing ladder, Sean had increased his pension contributions, having worked freelance for five years previously.

'For about a year or eighteen months I was active in paying above the auto enrolment contribution, but prior to that I was totally unengaged. I have no idea where previous pots are from previous roles over the last 10 years, I still don't know where a few of them are,' he said.

'This year's financial priority is just to pay off my credit card. I'm trying to clear all of that and have a blank slate, then I can start planning for the future a little bit more.

'Given that I have around 30 years of work left, paying into my pension, I hope that will be enough to top up the contribution.'

According to data from wealth management firm Saltus, 79 per cent of grandparents are providing their adult grandchildren with financial support of 11,000 per year on average, to help them with rent, mortgages, higher education and other bills.

As a result of offering this support, 14 per cent of grandparents have reduced their own pension contributions.

Mike Stimpson, partner at Saltus, said: 'It is hard to know how long this level of support will go on, or if it will become more commonplace as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, but it certainly stresses the importance of effective financial planning in order to ensure your money goes furthest when it is needed the most.'

Research from Resource Solutions shows that Gen Z is the generation most worried about retirement, with 72 per cent of young adults worried that they may not be able to stop working at the state pension age due to their finances.

Some 70 per cent of Millennials also reported having similar worries.

The fears come as a study from the International Longevity Centre suggests that the UK will need to raise its retirement age to 71 from the current 66 by 2050 in order to maintain the current number of workers per state pensioner.

Andrew Prosser of InvestEngine said: 'The idea of retirement can often feel too far away to prioritise for many young and middle-aged adults, particularly during such challenging economic times, but the risks of not engaging early can be significant. '

Working longer: Research from The International Longevity Centre shows that the retirement age may need to rise to 71 by 2050

For 24-year-old Leo Hodges, however, his future savings are at the top of his mind.

Leo was interested in saving while at university, where he faced a tighter budget while living on a student loan.

'If I could track it as much as possible, then I could still really enjoy myself, go out, go for dinners and all that stuff, whilst also saving a little bit for either big things like holidays, or for the future,' he told This is Money.

Now paying into a pension, he capitalises on his company's pension scheme, contributing an extra percentage of his income every time he receives a pay rise, which his employer then matches.

'I can fit that within the life I want to have, I can go out with mates and all of that, but still add that one per cent each time I get a pay rise.

'I try to add one-off contributions every month,' he added. 'I have a spreadsheet where I track all of my outgoings and incomings, so at the end of the month I can see whether I have 400 left over or 100 left over. Then I can base my contribution on that.

'I think all of that data and those statistics [about the current cost of living] do push you one way or the other. It's either 'I'm never going to afford it so what's the point', or 'that's a horrible statistic, I'm going to have to really prepare and create a tragic spreadsheet that all my friends laugh at'.'

On the other hand, Dr Nisha Prakash of the University of East London said: 'In general, the Generation Z are soft savers. They would rather spend on accumulating experiences rather than saving for retirement.

Last year, Jen Tait set up Rise Lettings Group to invest in property ahead of her retirement

'However, the pandemic had a significant change in how Gen Z and millennials perceive the utility of money. With lockdowns confining families within homes, the young adults were exposed to the perils of having low savings amidst economic uncertainty.

'I am not sure whether this trend would continue even after the economy stabilises. I believe that once the growth kicks in, focus for the young earners will once again shift to consumption.'

Of course, paying into a pension isn't the only way of saving for retirement. Jen Tait, 41, hasn't paid into a pension since 2010, but not for a lack of interest in building a future for herself and her children.

Jen, who is the director of her own company, Rise Learning Group, said: 'It is less that I can't be bothered, and more that I don't trust pension schemes. They create a finite pot of money that will run out as you draw from it.

'Investing in property, on the other hand, means that pot will continue to rise in value, and I will both earn money from the rents from these properties, and the value of the pot will continue to grow.'

Last year, Jen set up a lettings company, with entering her 40s having 'spurred' her into acting on the interest she had always had in property.

'I wouldn't be surprised if many self-employed people haven't thought about their pension, or don't pay into one, she added. 'I think most self-employed people will have an alternative plan to a pension, or won't have a plan at all.'
Lax Democrat-run policing has been cited for fueling the rise, with even California Governor Gavin Newsom questioning: 'What the hell is going on?'

The rise of online shopping has offered a new opportunity for cargo-stealing pirates to loot thousands

Along the Union Pacific trainline in downtown Los Angeles, piles of shredded Amazon boxes litter the tracks where old-school train heists are back in vogue.

California cops have been left scrambling as gangs of thieves armed with bolt cutters and crowbars are clambering aboard mile-long trundling freight trains to loot expensive electronic goods, high-end clothing and jewelry.

Sometimes the robbers strike while the lumbering locomotives are still moving, while others brazenly trigger the emergency brakes so that their accomplices can hack their way into the metal containers.

LA is the undisputed 'capital of cargo theft' with trains ferrying goods from the major ports, but the spate of train thefts have almost doubled across the nation since 2019.

Unsightly mounds of discarded cardboard boxes and undelivered items lay by the side of Union Pacific train tracks in downtown Los Angeles, January 14, 2022

A person carries items collected from train tracks, after criminals targeted a locomotive before leaving its doors wide open in a daring train heist

Officials say thieves target carriages with bolt cutters, making off with valuables without a care for care for the chaos left behind. Pictured: A couple rummage through stolen items fallen from cargo containers near

Keep hearing of train burglaries in LA on the scanner so went to #LincolnHeights to see it all. And theres looted packages as far as the eye can see. Amazon packages, @UPS boxes, unused Covid tests, fishing lures, epi pens. Cargo containers left busted open on trains. @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/JvNF4UVy2K  John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) January 13, 2022

The issue of mass cargo theft shot into focus almost three years ago, when a Union Pacific railway track was overrun with thousands upon thousands of ransacked delivery boxes.

Stunning footage captured by NBC Los Angeles in November 2021 showed the tracks littered with cardboard as opportunistic criminals picked at the scraps - before the cameraman caught a thief in action with a pair of bolt cutters.

As outrage over the thefts swept the internet - with one expecting mother in Seattle telling the outlet she was 'honestly just disgusted in human behavior' after seeing her child's car seat on the side of the tracks - photojournalist John Schrieber went to see the looting in action for himself.

He shared clips to X of abandoned packages 'as far as the eye can see' from the side of a Lincoln Heights track several months after, where he noted that thieves make an effort to target products bound for people's homes as they are more valuable than bulk items such as toilet paper.

But the episodes are far from isolated incidents.

In 2022, Union Pacific claimed around 90 cargo containers were being illegally opened each day, and theft on its trains on the West Coast were up 160 percent that year.

Compared to the year ending October 2021, the spike stood at a staggering 356 percent.

In January 2022, the crisis even brought out California Governor Gavin Newsom to the tracks, where he likened the mess caused by the thefts to a shanty town, adding: 'I couldn't take it. I can't turn on the news anymore. What the hell is going on?'

The year before, the FBI estimated that cargo-theft losses amounted to $1 billion - a figure it admits is an undercount, according to the New York Times.

The outlet cited a supply-chain risk expert that gave their own estimate at over $50 billion lost annually, with the reasons for the crimewave primarily falling on the abundance of online shopping, and lax security on freight trains.

California Governor Gavin Newsom visits a Union Pacific railroad site in January 2022, where he said he had to visit the mess for himself. 'I couldn't take it,' he said. 'I can't turn on the news anymore. What the hell is going on?'

Much of the spike has been connected to the dramatic rise of online shopping in recent years, with the online retail sales soaring from $5 billion in 1998 to an estimated $2.7 trillion by 2027

Law enforcement said the gangs use cunning techniques to target trains, including triggering the emergency brakes and pulling trucks alongside the locomotives

The first reason is clear: E-commerce sales in 1998, the year the US Census Bureau began collecting data on the subject, stood at around $5 billion; the $958 billion figure today is forecast to rise to over $2.5 billion by 2027.

While the need for ultra-quick deliveries has torn up the landscape of online shopping expectations, it has also reshaped how packages are transported from A to B.

Notably, the seemingly secure route by sea becomes far more vulnerable as soon as packages are loaded out of California's Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

Once on the tracks, carriages are often only secured by solitary metal locks, and are typically manned by the drivers and staff who may be miles from looters down the end of the long carriages.

While the mechanics and logistics of hauling tones of goods across the country lend themselves to opportune criminals, the soft-on-crime policies of Newsom and Los Angeles DA George Gascon have come under fire and been blamed for the mess.

In December 2021, Union Pacific sent a letter to Gascon urging more aggressive prosecutions for cargo thieves and calling for an end to a no-bail policy for some defendants aimed at reducing overcrowding at jails during the coronavirus pandemic.

'These individuals are generally caught and released back onto the streets in less than twenty-four hours. Criminals boast to our officers that charges will be pled down to simple trespassing - which bears no serious consequence,' the letter said.

In January 2022, as train car thefts swept the state, the National Review had had enough.

'This breakdown of order is happening because the bedrock of civilized society, the rule of law, has been abandoned,' the outlet's editorial board concluded.

'Never before have such arrays of riches from the world over been so invitingly there for the taking... For Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon, a paradigm exemplar of todays progressive prosecutors, this is literally the express-track redistribution of wealth.'

In 2022, Union Pacific claimed around 90 cargo containers were being illegally opened each day. Pictured: Shredded boxes and packages are seen at a section of the Union Pacific train tracks in downtown Los Angeles Friday, Jan. 14, 2022

Amid fury over the repeat cargo heists, Union Pacific sent a letter to Gascon urging more aggressive prosecutions for cargo thieves while residents blame lax Democrat-run policing for fueling the crisis

Union leader Edward A. Hall, national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said that in his 28-years as a Union Pacific engineer he would frequently watch looters crack into trains unencumbered.

He detailed to the New York Times how criminals would even use ladders to clamber up carriages, or pull trucks alongside the trains, but his only option was to call the rail police dispatcher and keep going.

Once opened, the carriage doors would also remain open, leading to thousands more items pouring out of the cargo along the tracks.

'Between L.A. and Tucson is where I know a lot of theft happens,' Hall added.

The safety mechanics of the freight trains also offer another route in, as thieves have also reportedly taken to cutting the air-compression brake hoses between the carriages, triggering the emergency brakes.

From there, a conductor may try to locate the source of the problem, however their miles-long walk along the length of the train hardly lends itself to a quick arrest.

Officials warn that the rise in online shopping is only adding to the chaos, as they are increasingly able to pinpoint more expensive cargo loads as they practice - such as identifying certain locks and tracking shipments across the Pacific.

Former Union Pacific law enforcement agent Gary Rogers said he became adept at tracking the tactics used by gangs on his decades on the force, who moved with such ruthlessness they left it almost impossible for cops to catch them in the act.

He told the New York Times that the most successful heists would see one daring criminal climb on board the train, before timing the emergency brakes to just the right moment to strike.

'The train would stop, and the guys would be there waiting to unload.'
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on the Chinese New Year.

The letter addressed to President Xi Jinping, published by the Prime Minister's Office, reads as follows,

"On behalf of the Armenian people and myself, I send warm congratulations and best wishes to you and the friendly people of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. The Spring Festival is the most popular family holiday in China, coming from the depths of history, which is at the same time modern. May it bring health, new achievements and joy to all families. The Armenian-Chinese traditional friendly ties have a rich history and are characterized by mutual trust and great respect. The Armenian government attaches great importance to the Armenian-Chinese relations, considering the development of cooperation with the People's Republic of China in multi-faceted, including in regional initiatives among its foreign policy priorities. I sincerely hope that in the near future there will be an opportunity to further expand and deepen the collegial relations achieved during the previous years, including through the activation of high-level visits. Congratulating you again on this beautiful holiday, I wish you good health and well-being, and peace and prosperity to the friendly people of China."

The letter addressed to Premier Li Qiang reads as follows,

"On behalf of the Armenian government and myself, I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. I wish that this beautiful holiday embodies the cherished dream of bringing the nationwide goals and aspirations of the friendly Chinese people to life. The Armenian-Chinese friendly relations, based on close traditional ties, mutual respect and trust, have steadily developed and strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Armenia is ready to make all efforts to further deepen them. Please accept, Your Excellency, my sincere wishes for prosperity, peace and harmony."
US think tank Institute for the Study of War updates this 3D map on a daily basis

Want to get a real-time view of the war in Ukraine but don't know where to start?

This incredible online tool generates an interactive, 3D map of the conflict, offering users the ability to zoom into the frontline and observe the latest reported updates in minute detail.

The fighting in Ukraine's eastern and southern regions stretches for well over 1,000 kilometres, with Putin's troops intent on blasting the defenders with artillery from their highly fortified positions as Zelensky's men launch drone strikes on key Russian positions and fight for every inch of territory.

Now, with the conflict approaching the two year mark, the conflict has largely stalled - but the gargantuan frontline is nevertheless in a constant state of flux as Kyiv's forces repel Russian attacks and attempt localised counteroffensives.

This can make it extremely challenging for keen observers of the battle to understand how the conflict is evolving day by day.

But now, a US think-tank, The Institute for the Study of War, has collated its daily intelligence reports into this map to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest battlefield developments.

The tool, which is updated on a daily basis, offers a highly accurate representation of the battlefield terrain, and has a plethora of options that can be toggled on or off to enhance the user's experience and provide more information.

You can take a look at this fantastic tool in the module below - or click here to visit the website directly.

Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery at their fighting position in the direction of Avdiivka of Donetsk Oblast

Mortar platoon soldiers with an 82mm mortar perform a combat mission as Ukrainian soldiers hold their positions in the snow-covered Serebryan Forest in temperatures of -15C, January 2024 in Kreminna, Ukraine
A couple have been left outraged after a real estate agent made them jump through a series of bizarre hoops to put down an offer on a house - before brutally turning them down.

Sydney woman Maddie Langshaw, 25, and her fiance Ante Jungbluth Miocic, 30, have been looking to buy a home on the NSW Central Coast for months.

They found the perfect property online but were unable to visit it because they both work long hours and weekend shifts in the marketing industry.

Ms Langshaw asked her parents to inspect it, and they came back with glowing reviews and suggested it would be the perfect buy for their daughter.

But the real estate agent refused to sell to the couple until they met a series of demands that included having them drive an hour to inspect the property themselves.

He then had the gall to ask them to write a 'love letter' about the house to the daughter of the late homeowner explaining how perfect it was and their future plans as a couple.

Maddie Langshaw, 25, and her fiance Ante Jungbluth Miocic, 30, who live in Sydney have been looking for property on NSW 's Central Coast for months

The couple made an offer - before it was turned down - prompting a mixed reaction of anger and shock and leaving them with the feeling they had been 'played'.

Ms Langshaw has been saving up for a house since she was 14 but says she is now losing hope of ever owning a property.

'I've been pretty defeated since then. It's becoming really exhausting,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

The couple said they were on the phone to Ms Langshaw's parents throughout the inspection.

'They said it was good structurally, we can do a lot with it and it was below budget,' Ms Langshaw said.

The couple texted the real estate agent with their offer the same day before he called them back.

He said the house had belonged to a man who had died and his daughter was the seller.

'He said she wouldn't sell to us unless we saw the house face to face,' Ms Langshaw said.

'We fell for it because we knew the woman would have a personal connection if it was her father's house.'

Maddie had been saving for a house deposit since she started working at 14, after seeing both her parents struggle to purchase homes later in life

The couple were in the middle of grocery shopping but immediately jumped into their car and drove an hour north after the real estate agent said he had a dinner to go to and couldn't meet them any later.

'Maybe I'm naive because I thought he was a genuine guy,' Ms Langshaw said.

'He said he was close to the owner, had sold previous properties for him and had a personal connection.'

Ms Langshaw, found herself tearing up at the stories the agent told as they 'really tugged on my heartstrings' and reminded her of losing her grandfather at 19.

'I was invested at that point,' she said.

Ms Langshaw said the real estate agent spoke to the couple like they already had the house, telling them their offer was the top one.

'He said, "Guys, you could cut down this tree. You could extend there",' she said.

'As we left he told us our offer was great. But told us to write a letter to the owner about what our vision for the property is, about our future and about us.

'He said the seller wants to know. We thought it was weird, but it was her dad's house and we really wanted it.'

The real estate agent insisted they inspect the property so they were connected to it, made them write a personal letter about what their plans for the house was, their future plans and who they are. He also told them their offer was at the 'top mark', but then told them to offer more

The couple spent an hour on the letter and said it was so personal they don't want to make the contents public.

The would-be homebuyers submitted the letter with their offer - and then the real estate agent went silent.

The couple said they didn't receive an acknowledgement email and decided to call the real estate agent first thing on Monday - but he didn't pick up the phone.

'He eventually called and said, "I thought you guys would send a higher offer after seeing it on Saturday",' Ms Langshaw said.

The agent then gave them an amount and said to make an offer 'north' of it prompting the couple to add an extra $5,000 to their offer.

Ms Langshaw and Mr Miocic were stunned after receiving a call informing them the house had been sold to another buyer - who had offered $5,000 more.

'We would have offered more but he didn't tell us or give us the opportunity,' Ms Langshaw said.

The news was a blow to the couple who are already battling high rent payments with the cost of their one bedroom apartment being raised by $100 next week.

'We can't even get into the market. We have a deposit, we have approval but we're being messed around,' Ms Langshaw said.

She said she had been saving up since a teenager and encouraged her partner to do the same after they met a few years ago.

'I come from a single-parent household. I saw both my parents struggle to buy a house when they were in their late-30s and 40s,' Ms Langshaw said.

'I wanted to set myself up.'

Originally from the Central Coast, Ms Langshaw moved to Sydney when she was 21 for her career, and sacrificed a lot for her deposit, including living in share homes.

But she loves where she grew up.

The couple, who both work long hours and many weekends in marketing, had their hopes dashed when the agent ghosted them, only to eventually inform them the house had been sold to someone else

'When we recently got engaged I wanted to move back because we started thinking about our future and possible children and we wanted to be near my parents, surrounded by family - and have a yard.'

Ray White Parramatta's asset and sales executive Amir Jahan told Daily Mail Australia he suspects the real estate agent was using a stalling tactic on the couple.

'Some agents want to buy time. The reason is in case their first offer falls through, they have a back-up buyer,' he said.

'It sounds like as soon as the first offer went through, they ghosted the second buyer.'

He said he would never tell any buyers to write a letter about themselves or make them come and inspect it if they were happy.

'It's a basic process. Yes to accept. No to reject. Every single offer we get we respect the buyer.

'For every buyer, it's big money. It's money they have saved up for their whole lives.

'As an agent it doesn't matter if it's a high or a low offer, agents should tell the owner about all offers or interested parties.'

Mr Jahan suspects the agent probably had a high offer and was just using the couple.

'He had them on the loop to wait until he saw what would happen with the first buyer,' he said.

Real Estate Institute of NSW CEO Tim McKibbin told Daily Mail Australia he's never heard of an agent asking a prospective buyer to write such a letter.

'It's extremely unusual. I've been in the industry for more years than I care to remember, and I have never heard of this,' he said.

'If it is a condition from the vendor the agent has an obligation to pass on the request [to write a letter], but it is very unusual.'

Mr McKibbin said the moral of the story was 'you've got nothing until you have exchanged the contract' - and recommends buyers exchange as soon as possible after doing their due diligence.

'And that's true if it is a first homebuyer or someone buying the MLC building in Sydney.'
A leafy reserve in Sydney's east secretly declared Aboriginal land will have 'developers circling like sharks', a radio broadcaster has warned.

An exclusive investigation by Daily Mail Australia this week revealed that despite locals in Little Bay using and maintaining the plot between their homes, it was quietly handed over without consultation.

Houses in the streets surrounding the reserve sell for about $4million.

One resident said it was a case of 'pass the parcel' of land by authorities to its new Aboriginal owners, who can now sell it to developers who could build up to ten homes on the site.

However, Randwick Council has said it advised the NSW Government against ceding the land which it said was being used and mainatined.

Because of the land claim, residents who have used the land for decades are now likely to be barred from entering, despite clearing mowing and maintaining the property which was once a rubbish dump for car parts, and infested with rats and snakes.

And their only hope now for reversing the decision is a costly battle in the NSW Supreme Court.

Denise Hope says if developers move in after Land Council members marched in and said 'lock your gates', she's selling up after living by the reserve and helping care for it for 40 years

Lesley and Colin Brown have cared for and cleared the land (above) outside their back gate, keeping it mown and snake free, but fear they'll now be excluded from the tranquil plot

Randwick City Council was the 3,495sqm plot's Crown land manager, but neighbouring residents said it never did anything for the land which had been used like rubbish dump.

They said they have spent thousands of unpaid hours of upkeep on the land and kept red-bellied black snakes from using it as a corridor into the suburb.

When it came to the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council (ALC) making a claim on the land, the NSW Department of Planning said the Office of Crown Lands consulted Randwick Council as to whether the land was being used.

The Council has told Daily Mail Australia it advised the Department that 'the land is lawfully used and maintained for public purpose' and that the Council had carried out maintenance including 'stormwater and sewerage drainage infrastructure'.

The Council also informed the NSW Government that 'the site is an important buffer to the National Park and has habitat value'.

None of the 13 landowners who use the area for recreation, beehives and for social gatherings, were informed of any decision underway by Crown Lands.

The NSW Office of Crown Lands said, as per the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, that 'if the land is lawfully used, occupied or likely to be needed for an essential public purpose, the land claim will be refused.

'(But) in this case the assessment found no evidence that there was a relevant tenure in place.'

Given the advice by the Council, it appears the NSW Department Planning decided to ignore that advice and decided the plot was free to take.

The La Perouse ALC made the claim in 2016, and Crown Lands was told by the local council that use of the plot was 'almost exclusive to the private properties which back onto the reserve via gate access'.

George Manolias has kept beehives on the land, which is mown by neighbours, but Randwick Council nonetheless said it was not being used by anyone

NSW law says if 'if the land is lawfully used, occupied or likely to be needed for an essential public purpose, the land claim will be refused', but the council claimed there was nil use of the land

Any decision to grant land to an Aboriginal Land Council can only be reversed by engaging barristers for a costly battle in the NSW Supreme Court

Radio 2GB's Ben Fordham said Daily Mail Australia's exclusive story about the 'little slice of heaven' in Little Bay declared La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council property 19 days ago will have an almost certain result.

'They'll try to have it rezoned and then the developers, well theyll circle like sharks,' he said on air.

The land - which undeveloped is worth around $7million - is the equivalent of 10 average sized residential blocks, although the plots in neighbouring Grose Street are much larger.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure told Daily Mail Australia that 'it could not be demonstrated that use by the general public was more than notional'.

The Department found 'there was no general access track or evidence the land was being used by the greater general public'.

Neighbour Sharon Brogan (left) has helped care for and clear the land which was a rubbish dump infested by rats and venomous snakes before residents pitched in and cleaned up via their access gates (right)

A planning Department spokesperson said parties could 'seek a judicial review of the determination in the Supreme Court if they believe an error has been made'.

The Department assesses if any proposed sale of the land 'balances the social, economic and environmental considerations of the site'.

However, residents would be forced to engage lawyers to challenge the decision in court, and they were unaware the land claim had been lodged seven years ago until last month.

Locals were shocked on January 20 when two men wearing Aboriginal Council T-shirts turned up to inspect the land.

Walking through the plot, one of the men startled residents by saying that the 'land had been granted to the Aboriginal Land council the day before'.

Most of the 13 houses on Grose and Reservoir streets and Marconi Place have doors or gates which open onto the land so that the residents pitch in to tend to it, saying 'the council does nothing'.

Apart from keeping 'the snakes down', residents also cleared lantana, weeds and dumped car parts from the land more than ten years ago, with local Sharon Brogan saying 'it's been good for our community and we've looked after it'.

George Manolias said he had obtained council permission to keep two of his beehives on the reserve, and has provided his neighbours with honey for years.

While Mr Kamper's electorate does not fall within the boundaries of the powerful La Perouse Land Council's statutory area, some of Australia's most expensive real estate does.

La Perouse ALC covers Woollahra, Waverley, and Randwick local government areas, and parts of the City of Sydney, Sutherland and Bayside LGAs.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA) enables local Aboriginal land councils to claim Crown land that is owned by the NSW Government and have it transferred to them in freehold title.

La Perouse's ALC CEO Chris Ingrey said the Grose Street land was zoned 'recreational', but residents fear it will be rezoned and sold off to developers.

This is the case with another nearby land plot 350m from Grose Street which was gifted to La Perouse ALC, rezoned and is now the subject of a $30m development of an 83-apartment property of an 1.16 hectare site.

Locals fought a losing battle to restrict the development's scope on the Jennifer Street site, with Randwick council spending almost $1million in legal and consulting fees opposing it in the NSW Land & Environment Court.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: HOMEOWNERS TOLD 'LOCK YOUR GATES" AFTER ABORIGINAL LAND CLAIM La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council CEO Chris Ingrey (above) has not indicated if the land willl be sold off to developers Advertisement

A consortium of developers made an original expression of interest to the La Perouse land council in 1999 on the Jennifer Street space, and helped identify other parcels of real estate the land council could claim, with an understanding they would develop it together.

That did not happen and the development has since changed hands.

Lesley Brown, whose property backs onto the Grose Street plot, said the ALC men who inspected the Grose Street land parcel in January had discussed 'townhouses' being built on the land, but 'the site is smaller than Jennifer Street and access is a problem'.

Denise Hope, who has been living there since 1982, said if the plot was sold to developers she and her husband would sell up and move because, 'I couldn't put up with the development'.

The La Perouse Land Council says it 'plays a key role in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in the area', but agreed it has several land grant applications going.

One of the Grose Street residents said the grant was 'a warning to all people in all NSW, it could happen to you tomorrow'.

The NSW Planning Department said 'residents continued access to the land will be a matter for La Perouse ALC as the new owner of the land'.

However, the ALC men who inspected the land in January told the residents they would now have to 'lock your gates' and not treat it like an extended backyard.
The mother of PC Andrew Harper has slammed 'insulting' council plans to spend millions of taxpayer cash refurbishing the same traveller camp where his 'barbaric' killers were arrested.

Newlywed PC Harper, 28, was killed by thugs Henry Long, then-18, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both then-17, who dragged him behind their car for a mile at over 40mph in 2019.

His killers then hid at the Four Houses Corner Gypsy and Traveller site near Ufton Nervet, West Berkshire, where they destroyed evidence and were later arrested.

Now, PC Harper's mother Debbie Adlam, 56, has told MailOnline of her utter disbelief and fury at Lib Dem-run West Berkshire Council's plan to spend 3.5million on refurbishing the camp and allowing it to house almost double the number of gypsies and travellers.

She fears it could see her come face-to-face with her son's barbaric killers when they are released from jail.

Debbie said: 'They want to give them [the killers] back their normal lives.

'We can't start our lives again. You can't start Andrew's life again. Life for us is never, ever, going to be the same.'

PC Andrew Harper was killed four weeks after he got married, by Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers (pictured, with his wife Lissie on their wedding day)

Pictured: PC Harper with his mum Debbie who says West Berkshire Council's plans for a revamped traveller site are 'insulting' to her family

The council was set to approve the plans before Debbie pleaded with them to think again, and later Thames Valley Police objected.

A decision will be made on the proposal later this year.

She told MailOnline: 'From that planning aspect - I think it's a deep feeling of lack of respect for any of us.

'They want to give them back their normal lives.

'It's likely [the site will] go ahead. I can't see it not happening.'

Debbie claimed police officers have been taunted about Andrew's death, with yobs suggesting they will 'do another one' as they praise his monstrous killers as 'heroes'.

She said: 'It's just so disrespectful. Certain family members [of the killers] helped them.

'Praising how brilliant their boys were.

'That's not normal human behaviour. That's not the way any decent human being would react.

'If they think their sons are heroes for killing somebody, that speaks for who they are.

'That's not normal.'

Debbie said she was worried that it would only be a 'handful' of years until her son's killers are released from jail and she could run into them in the local area.

She said: 'All they want to do is open a place to live but it's a totally disgusting thought, for that to happen.'

Henry Long (left), Jessie Cole (centre) and Albert Bowers (right), were jailed over PC Harper's death. They were found not guilty of murder in a verdict that shocked the nation

PC Harper's monstrous killers Albert Bowers (left) and Jessie Cole (right), smiling as they are led away in handcuffs

The Four Houses Corner caravan site has been left derelict but West Berkshire Council wants to spend 3.5m revamping it

Long, Cole and Bowers were arrested at the site (pictured) in Ufton Nervet, Reading, in 2019

Debbie's son had only been married for a month when the brave officer tried to stop Long, Bowers and Cole steal a quad bike in Stanford Dingley. As he chased them, he unintentionally stepped into the loop of a tow-rope attached to the back of the criminals' car.

As they sped off, it lassoed his feet and he was dragged along a mile of country lanes, swinging from side to side as almost all of his clothes were ripped from his body.

The horrific journey lasted 91 seconds and by the time he came free, PC Harper's now nearly naked body was so severely battered that a witness initially thought he was a deer carcass.

The horrors of the case continued when his smug and unremorseful killers giggled through the trial, smirked at press cameras and even fell asleep as the jury was shown footage of the killing.

Then, in verdicts that outraged the nation, the three were acquitted of murder - an outcome met with whoops, cheers and pats on the back from their Traveller community.

They claimed all along that they had no idea they were pulling PC Harper behind them.

The trio were instead convicted of manslaughter. Long, who was seen deliberately swerving into verges as he dragged PC Harper's body along the road, was sentenced to 16 years in prison, while Bowers and Cole both received 13 years.

Debbie Adlam (left) accused the council of showing 'no respect' to her son's memory over the plans for the gypsy site (right PC Harper)

West Berkshire Council's plan proposes building 17 gypsy pitches with space for two caravans each, car parking and a 30 sqm amenity building with a kitchen, dayroom and bathroom (pictured, a graphic design of the revamped site)

Designs show amenity buildings on the revamped gypsy site near Reading that will cost 3.5m to carry out

Describing the heartbreaking moment she found out that her son was dead, Debbie said: 'I was in bed and got the knock on the door at 4.45am.

'I came down and that was when the whole world fell apart.

'You don't know what's going on. I thought he'd been in some kind of accident.

'You just try to find a way in your head for it not to be true.

'You will do anything to believe it's not true.'

She said the travellers partied for days at the camp after the verdicts and sentencing.

She said: 'What we've seen from the people that were resident there at the time is nothing but appalling.

'We have had no sense of empathy from their community whatsoever in four years.

'This is from a blood relative, saying ''our boys are the heroes''.

'In a few short years the people that are actually responsible are going to be back on the streets.

'The people that have to police them are a concern to me.

'There's been concerns with the police in that site for quite a long time. The police have been there regularly.

Debbie described her beloved son as a 'good lad' who always looked out for everyone Pictured: The pair together

Pictured: The Travellers' camp near the scene of the killing in Berkshire before it became derelict

'They've had their tyres slashed, their windows broken and they've had to turn up in pairs for their own safety.

'I know in recent times they're ridiculing police officers because of the death of Andrew.

'We have to live knowing these things happen. My concern is for the mental health of the officers that will still have to go up there.

'Some of those people are friends of Andrew's and saw the absolute devastation that his body endured.

'Anybody who thinks they know how bad this event was, think again. It was an awful lot worse than you realise.

'I worry for police officers' mental health and whether they're likely to have a suicide on their hands because of the reopening of this site.'

After PC Harper's body finally became free of the car, all that remained on him were his boots, socks and some 'shredded remnants of his trousers'.

The rest of his clothes, including his police stab vest, had been torn from his body as he suffered 'catastrophic injuries'.

The policeman was found by his police colleagues and pronounced dead at the scene.

The camp has long been associated with anti-social behaviour, stealing, and now the killing of PC Harper.

In 2020, the camp was abandoned and the residents were given council homes nearby.

When MailOnline visited the site this week, it was overgrown and littered with rubbish, with a 24/7 security guard camped there.

PC Harper's widow Lissie (pictured) successfully campaigned for Harper's Law, which means that criminals who kill frontline emergency workers will receive mandatory life sentences

Last picture: Andrew and Lissie at their best friend's wedding just four days before his death

PC Harper and wife Lissie share a touching kiss on their wedding day - just four weeks before he was tragically killed in the line of duty

It has been less than five years since the killing, but West Berkshire Council has now applied to itself for planning permission to spend 3.5million on 'reviving' the camp.

Debbie has told the Council she would not 'take this lying down'.

She said: 'I have to speak up. [Andrew's colleagues] remain haunted by the events of what they saw that night.

'They have to live with what they've seen.

'I have to protect his memory. We will never be able to move on. That connection to that site will remain always for us and for the police community.'

She added: 'I think [the site] should be diluted so it's not just the same people in there.

'There's been a lot of harassment of officers, teasing of officers about Andrew.

'As a police officer you are a target.

'They say things along the lines of ''We will do another one''.

Showing MailOnline photos of her son as a child, Debbie said: 'He was fun and caring and a jolly boy.

'He always saw the funny side of things. He would always be the one making sure everyone was okay. He was built that way.

'He liked singing a lot, wasn't the type to be grumpy. He was a good lad.'

Debbie described her son as a 'fun and jolly boy' who 'wasn't the type to be grumpy'. Pictured, the pair together when Andrew was a child

Discussing her grief, Debbie said: 'People don't realise the depths of how this affects you. Nothing is untouched.' Pictured, Debbie with Andrew as a toddler

Remarking on the trauma of losing her son, she said: 'You think you're coping and then all of a sudden you're not.

'People don't realise the depths of how this affects you. Nothing is untouched.

'[Andrew's] got a nephew now who's never going to see him.

'He never got to have his own children.

'We are still the lucky ones who got to have him for the time he was around.'

Since his death, PC Harper's widow Lisse, 32, has successfully campaigned for Harper's Law, which means that criminals who kill frontline emergency workers will receive mandatory life sentences.

She was just 28 and only four weeks married, still awaiting her wedding video and yet to go on honeymoon when her husband was killed.

A year after PC Harper's death, she spoke to the Mail about her 'funny, goofy, kind-natured and nurturing' husband, who was her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life.

She said: 'I miss everything about him  the hugs, the kisses, him coming in and scooping me up, giving me love. It's crippling.

'We had a honeymoon booked in the Maldives in September, which I had to cancel, and were planning on trying for a baby when we got back.

'Andrew would have been a great dad and having a family with him is one of the many things his killers have taken from me.'

The couple had been together since Lissie was 16. His body was so mutilated that she wasn't allowed to see him after he died.

Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper, 28, (right) with a colleague

Police at the scene of the crime where PC Harper's body was discovered at the side of a road near Reading

PC Harper was dragged behind their car for a mile at over 40mph before he was found dead by the side of the country road (pictured, police at the scene)

Lissie said: 'Not seeing Andrew's body after he died has made it even harder for me to believe that he's gone. But I sat beside his closed coffin in the chapel of rest and told him that I loved him, that everything would be OK, and one day we'd be together again.

'I asked if I could have his wedding ring because I wanted to wear it on a chain around my neck, but they couldn't find it.'

After the verdict, Lisse said she was 'utterly shocked and appalled' at the the decision that saw Long, Bowers and Cole avoid murder convictions for their 'barbaric' killing.

She added: 'Myself and our families will spend the rest of our days missing him, loving him and being utterly proud of the incredible man that he was.'

West Berkshire Council's plan proposes building 17 pitches at the camp with space for two caravans each, car parking and a 30 sqm amenity building with a kitchen, dayroom and bathroom.

The site would also have a sewage treatment plant and a children's play area.

Previously, the site only accommodated for 18 single pitches. It means any new site will have the ability to house close to double the number of gypsies and travellers.

Bill Bagnal, the project manager and applicant for the site's refurbishment, said the plans were a 'reasonable balance between cost and need'.

He said there was a 'legal right' to return to the site that had a 40-year history of use by travellers.

Mr Bagnall said the 3.5m revival 'provides an opportunity for a fresh start and maximises the ability to have the site reoccupied in a tidy, safe and thoughtful manner'.

Local classic car repairman Tony Howard lives a few minutes from the site and used to rent a field opposite the gypsy camp.

Mr Howard said he thought police officers in the area would fear for their lives if the site reopened.

He said: 'A lot of police officers are frightened of them of course.

'If a police officer went around there, they just shout you down.

'You got good and bad. It's a shame because they make it bad for the good ones.'

He said the killing of PC Harper left him distraught.

'I couldn't get over that,' he said. 'They made fun of it afterwards. They don't care about anybody except for themselves.'

He added: 'Me and my wife used to rent the field opposite and they gave us nothing but trouble.

'We had a horse box there. They put a bullet through the windscreen.

'I don't agree with [reopening] the site at all. I can't imagine what [PC Harper's] wife thought of that.'

Formal objections to the plans show the scale of local disgust at the proposals.

One local objecting to the plans said the while the camp was functioning it was a 'no-go area for the police' and said any proposal to reopen it should be rejected as it was connected with 'allegations of theft, threatening and bad behaviour'.

Another said the plans were 'disrespectful, degrading to the public service community, PC Harper's family and totally out of touch with massive public support for the police'.

They said: 'Coupled with no remorse shown or even attempted to be shown prior, at the time and after his death you are totally out of touch with public feeling and these people are laughing at you as a council for even allowing this to be considered.'

Another local said: 'There is very recent and tragic history associated with this site, namely PC Harper.

'I find it appalling that West Berks would even consider the re-opening of this site considering its history.'

At the time of the killers' sentencing, Pauline Anderson, chair of The Traveller Movement, said: 'Those lads are out of the picture now. PC Harper's family will never recover. Nor will their families.

'There's so much shock and horror that this should happen  and to someone in the line of duty. The alleged lack of remorse is unforgivable.'

Thames Valley Police and The Traveller Movement have been contacted for comment.

The Liberal Democrats and West Berkshire Council refused to comment when approached by MailOnline.
From a dramatic on-stage brawl over a golden tiara to a racy scandal about nude photographs and a furious allegations of vote-rigging at one of the world's biggest competitions, the law of the jungle reigns in the dog-eat-dog world of top-level beauty pageants.

Only this week, the Ukrainian-born winner of this year's Miss Japan contest announced she was giving up her title after it was revealed she was having an affair with a married influencer known as 'Muscle Doctor'.

For weeks, Karolina Shiino, 26, had endured abuse over her heritage, having moved to Japan as a child where her mother remarried a Japanese man. When she won, she was slammed online for not being native to Japan - before local media suddenly exposed a celebrity love-triangle hidden behind the scenes.

Shiino was attacked on X, formerly Twitter, for her affair as critics said she 'shouldn't have won to begin with'.

Elsewhere in the cut-throat theatre of international beauty pageants, spectators slammed 20-year-old Eve Gilles from Nord-Pas-de-Calais for winning Miss France with a 'woke' haircut.

Eve suffered an onslaught of criticism simply for wearing her hair short, telling the Mail she was harassed by trolls for not 'fitting the profile' of a Miss France winner.

But the story dates back decades, with dozens of women dragged by critics and competitors fiercely desperate to condemn or win at any cost. MailOnline looks back on the most infamous international pageant queens over the years.

Carolina Shiino, 26, walked away with the pageant's top prize in Tokyo earlier this year

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 fashions may have changed over the years, but the set-up remains the same. Beauty pageants claim to celebrate the most attractive people based on several criteria, boasting their exterior assets on stage while answering questions to let the judges on their qualities inside.

Over the years, pageants have evolved to include criteria such as intelligence, natural talents and charity work - making the events more inclusive of people with great inner beauty who set a good example to others. As we uncover, some recent winners have now been stripped of their titles for scandals and behaviour considered to fall beneath the expectations of a true pageant queen.

Competition is tough at the highest level, with fans and rivals enthusiastically scrutinising entrants through a tense and often controversial contest. Pageants, on occasion, erupt in huge spectacle or scandal before fizzling out and starting again.

The tiara incident: Miss Sri Lanka, 2021

Mrs Sri Lanka resigns after arrest: the damning conclusion of a dramatic three weeks following an on-stage outburst at the annual competition in Colombo in 2021.

Caroline Jurie was not named the winner of the event in the capital that April 4, but had claimed the titles for Mrs Sri Lanka in 2019 and Mrs World in 2020.

She appeared outraged when Pushpika De Silva was instead named Miss Sri Lanka 2021 and drew global attention when she forcibly removed the winner's tiara on stage in front of an audience.

'There is a rule that prevents women who have already been married and are divorced, so I am taking steps to make the crown go to second place,' she said in a bizarre on-stage intervention.

While De Silva was estranged from her husband, they were still legally married.

'I'm still an un-divorced woman,' De Silva said. 'A true queen is not a woman who snatches another woman's crown, but a woman who secretly sets another woman's crown!'

De Silva claimed she sustained injuries to her head as Jurie snatched the crown from her and it became caught in her hair.

The judges ultimately took De Silva's side, allowing her win to stand so she could go on to compete in the international Mrs World competition.

Her rival, meanwhile, gave up her title after being arrested and released on bail only later that month.

Chandimal Jayasinghe, the national director of Mrs Sri Lanka World, told the BBC: 'We are disappointed. It was a disgrace how Caroline Jurie behaved on the stage.'

Organisers said they were claiming compensation from Jurie for damages to the stage and backstage dressing rooms where several mirrors had been smashed.

Jurie was also accused by organisers of bringing disrepute to the event.

Mrs World Caroline Jurie (second left) was arrested after she took the crown off the head of Mrs Sri Lanka winner Pushpika De Silva (centre) after stepping on-stage

Trans controversy: Miss United States of America LLC, 2022

Top pageants are protective over who can and who cannot enter. We saw the controversy around Mrs Sri Lanka over whether the winner was divorced or officially separated from her partner. In 2018, Miss Ukraine was stripped of her crown after becoming pregnant - a decision that riled women's charity Pregnant Then Screwed.

In 2022, a US appeals court ruled that pageant operator of Miss United States of America could not be forced to allow trans women to compete because doing so would interfere with its ability to express 'the ideal vision of American womanhood' - a controversial move that critics said violated anti-discrimination laws.

Judges for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a complaint brought by Anita Green, an activist and trans woman who argued the requirement for contestants to be 'natural born females' violates Oregon law, where she lived.

It took three years from the first lawsuit against Miss United States of America LLC - not to be confused with the Miss USA pageants - for the court to reach an outcome. The eligibility requirement was ultimately protected under the First Amendment's protection against compelled speech, the judges ruled.

'I don't think someone shouldn't be allowed to compete simply because they are transgender,' Green said in 2019. 'I think that's very arbitrary. Transgender women are equal to cisgender women.

'To me, pageantry isn't just about the way a person looks. To me, it's about giving people a voice.'

Anita Noelle Green, who brought a lawsuit against a pageant competition in 2019

Federal judges ultimately ruled that the pageant was protected by the First Amendment

Love Island sex scandal: Miss GB, 2015

Zara Holland, winner of the Miss Great Britain pageant 2015/16, made headlines when she was stripped of her title for having sex with fellow contestant Alex Bowen on reality show Love Island in 2016.

The star, then 20, was seen going on a date with Bowen - who later married fellow Love Islander Olivia - before heading off to the 'hideaway' for some alone time during Series 2.

In response, the organisers of Miss Great Britain released an unexpected statement saying that, based on feedback from pageant insiders and members of the public, 'we cannot promote Zara as a positive role model moving forward'.

'We wholly understand that everyone makes mistakes, but Zara, as an ambassador for Miss Great Britain, simply did not uphold the responsibility expected of the title.'

Zara snapped back that she had 'done nothing wrong'. 'All women have needs. There is nothing wrong with having sex on TV. I knew what I was signing up for  it is Love Island. I am a 20-year-old girl who was in the moment.'

'I haven't committed a crime, so why should I have my title taken from me? It's horrific,' she said upon leaving the villa.

Zara Holland, Miss Great Britain, poses for a photo at the Little Black Dress cocktail party in London, October 22, 2015

Fired over racy pics: Miss Nevada USA, 2007

'Katie Rees has been relieved of her duties as Miss Nevada USA 2007,' said Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, in late December 2006.

It was the pithy conclusion to an industry scandal in which Ms Rees, then 22, was judged to have acted inappropriately after revealing photos were published online.

Photos showed Rees 'kissing other women, exposing one of her breasts and pulling down her pants to show her thong underwear at a party', CBS reported at the time.

Her attorney said she 'wants the public to know she was 17 and had a lapse in judgement' when the photos were taken.

'The actions on that evening in subject are in no way indicative of the person she is or the person she has become.

'She is a law-abiding citizen and talented adult. This was an isolated incident that occurred more than five years ago when she was a minor.'

The decision saw runner-up Helen Salas awarded the title to go on to compete at the Miss USA pageant in early 2007. Rachel Smith of Tennessee ultimately won the competition.

A similar story had unfolded before. In 1993, Huda Naccache was disqualified as Lebanon's entrant in the Miss Universe pageant that year.

She was revealed to have posed for nude photographs, causing controversy in Lebanon and raising questions about the standards and expectations placed on contestants.

Ten years prior, Vanessa Williams had made history as the first African American women to be crowned Miss America. But her reign was also short-lived due to a scandal in which Penthouse magazine bought and published unauthorised nude photos of her.

Williams was again pressured to give up the title. It would be another 32 years before former Miss America CEO Sam Haskell would publicly apologise to her.

Katie Rees is crowned Miss JET at the JET Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007 after she was disallowed from continuing in the Miss USA pageant

The 2006 decision saw runner-up Helen Salas awarded the title to go on to compete at the Miss USA pageant in early 2007.

Title stripped for being camera-shy: Miss Universe, 2016

Puerto Rico's 2016 Miss Universe contestant was stripped of her crown after revealing in an interview that she did not like having her picture taken.

Kristhielee Caride was made to give up her title after organisers raised questions about her attitude.

Desiree Lowry said she was embarrassed by the interview with a Puerto Rican newspaper.

'I saw the damage that she was doing and the damage that she was doing to the organization,' Lowry said during a press conference.

'Miss Puerto Rico is a public figure and part of your job is to be in front of the camera.'

'You always have to put your best face forward. It's a given that we are going to be in front of cameras and that we have to answer all types of questions.'

The story took a sad turn when Caride, having been stripped of her crown, said she had been overcome with depression and stopped eating.

'I [have] depression. I'm not eating, but it is something that I have controlled,' she told Univision.

Ms Caride revealed she briefly checked into a psychiatric hospital after the decision was made.

'(I feel) betrayed by the organization because there was never a moment that I disrespected them,' she told the station.

'There wasn't a reason for them to do what they did to me.'

But Caride apologized to her fans in a Facebook note earlier this month and revealed she had been having personal problems in the day leading up to the interview.

'Beauty queens are not exempt from having a bad day,' she wrote in Spanish. 'I allowed my feelings to get in the way of my work.'

Caride wrote that she did not agree with the organization's decision but said she accepted it 'with dignity'.

'I will always remember that night of November 12,' she wrote. 'When I won the title, and all the experiences and lovely memories of having been Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2016.'

Puerto Rico's former 2016 Miss Universe contestant Kristhielee Caride

'There wasn't a reason for them to do what they did to me,' Caride said after losing the title

'Woke haircut': Miss France, 2023

Twenty-year-old Eve Gilles received a torrent of abuse after her sensational victory in the Miss France 2024 pageant late last year.

Critics slammed the starlet from Dunkirk who sported a short bob as she fulfiled her lifetime ambition and claimed the title on December 16.

Trolls said the long hair favoured by previous winners would have been more appropriate than a short pixie cut, laying into Gilles online.

Gilles said that she was shocked when she was then suddenly 'hit by a wave of body-shaming'.

'I stopped looking at these comments saying that I am thin, that I have no shape, this thing, that thing.

'Being criticised about my hair doesn't bother me, I chose it like that and I can change it.

'But I don't choose my body. I don't choose my shapes. The metabolism that I have, I don't choose it.

'These are things that we learn to live with the, and I don't understand how we can criticise something that we can't change.'

Commenting on her own choice of haircut, she said: 'We're used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair.'

Gilles entered the highly competitive environment from a refreshingly ordinary background, working in egg factories as she read mathematics in hope of becoming a statistician.

'The path doesn't matter, the important thing is the arrival,' she said in an interview with French media after securing her title.

Eve Gilles (pictured), 20, from Nord-Pas-de-Calais in northern part of the country was crowned Miss France in front of 7.5 million TV viewers

Eve Gilles (left), is crowned Miss France 2024 by Miss France 2023 Indira Ampiot (right), at the Miss France 2024 beauty pageant in Dijon

Vote rigging: Miss Universe, 2023

R'Bonney Gabriel made history as the first Filipina American to be named Miss Universe in 2023 - but her victory was marred by allegations of corruption from fans.

The Miss Universe Organisation said spectators believed it was 'suspect' that JKN Global Group owned both Miss Universe and Miss USA, whom Gabriel was representing.

The group rubbished the claims, however, saying critics 'aren't familiar with the history of the organisations' and that a top accounting firm in the US 'handled the results and verified the process'.

Amy Emmerich, the CEO of Miss Universe Organization, said a third-party investigation into the claims of vote rigging turned nothing up.

'Their results showed that the rigging allegations were unfounded. R'Bonney has been a strong and dedicated contestant.'

'The false rigging allegations are absurd and distract from the incredible milestones our organisation and the delegates experienced this weekend,' the organisation added in a statement to Today.

A year prior, the Miss Universe Organisation suspended Miss USA President Crystle Stewart pending a separate investigation into allegations the Miss USA 2022 pageant was rigged.

'The current allegations that the 2022 Miss USA pageant was in favor of one contestant over another are misleading and simply not factual,' Stewart said in a statement.

Miss USA contestants at the time took to social media to complain about R'Bonney Gabriel's Miss USA 2022 win, alleging favouritism. Gabriel denied the allegations.

'We really can't blame this girl and it's really sad because her performance was amazing and she probably could have won fair and square,' Miss Montana USA Heather Lee O'Keefe said in a TikTok video.

'The issue is not with Miss Texas or R'Bonney winning. The issue is with the alleged corruption of the Miss USA organisation.'

Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel reacts as she is crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, in New Orleans on Saturday, January 14, 2023
A Texas farmer has found what he believes to be a helmet from the crew of the doomed Columbia disaster, which broke apart in the skies and killed all seven people onboard more than two decades earlier.

In February 2003, Space Shuttle Colombia was supposed to land following a 16-day mission.

But tragically the spacecraft broke apart as it re-entered the atmosphere over Louisiana and Texas, killing all seven people on board.

David Brown, Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, William McCool and Ilan Ramon are believed to have dead within minutes.

It's been two decades since the Space Shuttle Colombia Disaster. The tragedy is set to be retold in a BBC Two documentary series, starting on Monday at 9pm.

'The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth' will capture personal stories of the launch, unfolding disaster and fallout shared by the astronaut's families, as well as NASA staff who were involved in the mission.

A recent post on X, formerly Twitter, has unveiled a possible discovery of one of the crew's helmets, found in Texas

(L-R) David Brown, Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, William McCool and Ilan Ramon lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Colombia disaster in 2003

A photo, uploaded by @Morbidful on January 10, shows a single, weathered helmet laying on a patch of grass, allegedly discovered by a Texan farmer

A recent post on X, formerly Twitter, has unveiled a possible discovery of one of the crew's helmets, found in Texas.

READ MORE: Inside the harrowing final moments of the Columbia disaster 2003 astronaut as new BBC documentary The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth revisits horror space incident Advertisement

A photo, uploaded by @Morbidful on January 10, shows a single, weathered helmet laying on a patch of grass, allegedly discovered by a Texan farmer.

A caption accompanies the image, which reads: 'Photo that allegedly shows part of an astronauts helmet found by a Texas farmer after the Columbia disaster in 2003.'

Although the piece of protective wear appears to be covered in rust and dirt - as it may have been left to defend itself against nature's elements as it lays outside - it appears to show signs of having gone through scalding temperatures.

Parts of the white helmet looks charred and molten with black marks, and a large hole can be seen to the back, perhaps apparent from the result of a fire or explosion.

Below the helmet is a large hole in the ground with no grass growing above it, which may indicate that the helmet had been burning as it made an impact with the ground.

The shuttle's disintegration was initially caused by a piece of foam insulation broke off from the external tank and struck the port wing of the orbiter, which destroyed the internal wing structure and caused the ship to become unstable.

The astronauts were killed when superheated atmospheric gases blasted inside the breach like a blow torch, melting the ship's structure.

The Space Shuttle Columbia, on mission STS-107, launches January 16, 2003 at Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida

Mac Powell stands next to what he believes to be the suspected damaged left wing from the fallen space shuttle Columbia, on his property in Nacogdoches County, Texas in 2003

Members of the space shuttle Columbia reconstruction team walk around shuttle's debris on the floor grid of the RLV Hangar May 6, 2003 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Although the helmet has not yet been confirmed by NASA or local authorities as being linked to the tragedy, there are speculations under the post that it came from a crew member

READ MORE: Piece of shuttle Columbia found in a dried out Texas lake eight years after tragic crash Advertisement

A NASA report from 2009 revealed that although that the astronauts had been preparing the shuttle for return to Earth at the time, some crew members weren't wearing their bulky protective gloves and still had their helmet visors open, while some weren't fully strapped in and one was barely seated.

Although the helmet has not yet been confirmed by NASA or local authorities as being linked to the 2003 Colombia tragedy, there are speculations under the post that the item may well have come from one of the crew member's uniform.

Alluding to the locate in which the helmet was found, one person said: 'Bodies of all seven of its astronauts were found here - within the same 20-mile radius.'

Meanwhile, @visionaryvoid, posting an official photograph of the recovered debris and items from the blast in 2003, said: 'Pieces of all seven astronauts were found scattered across Texas and Louisiana.'

This comes after a piece of NASA's fallen Challenger was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida in November 2022 - nearly 37 years after the craft exploded 73 seconds into flight and killing all seven astronauts aboard.

Episode 1 of The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Monday 12 February.
The father of two puts his success down to persistence and says 'there are answers waiting in these cold cases to be found'

Over time, cold cases become increasingly difficult to solve as witnesses die and evidence goes stale.

But one 'badass' cop in California has solved an astonishing eight cold cases - cracking 'more in three years than any single detective in the last 15'.

Using a series of 'out of the box' schemes, Matt Hutchison, 39, at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety in California, has worked his way through six decades-old murders and two sexual assaults - and all in his spare time.

He's posed as a trash collector and a busboy in bars to gather DNA, and even flown to Hawaii to make an arrest.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, he said: 'Each case presents a different set of problems, there are highs and lows and disappointments. In my mind there is always a way to get to the end result. Just walking away because its difficult is not an option.'

Detective Matt Hutchison has solved eight cold cases in the last seven years

He said his goal is to find answers for every family who has been waiting years for justice and for the original detectives who have endured 'sleepless nights' over cases that were never solved.

He started his first cold case in 2014, saying: 'It just struck me that these families are still waiting. The first family I spoke with made a comment that they hadnt heard from our department in some time and I could hear the hurt in their voice. It didnt sit right with me, we shouldnt forget these victims.'

Detectives are only allowed to work on cold cases when they aren't busy with their standard caseload. So Hutchison squeezes in time here and there between his day job and spending time with his wife and two young sons.

'These are the types of cases that consume you, you dont switch off on the drive home,' he said, 'I can be watching TV with my wife and something hits you and Ill make a note.'

It isn't easy, he added: 'I feel like I absorb these cases and I care so much that they are constantly in my head, I try to take that and make it motivation. I have put pictures of the victims on my desk.

When it gets tough, he said he reminds himself: 'My job or my burden is nothing compared to what they went through. So I think, stop feeling sorry for yourself Matt, and get back to work.'

Deputy District Attorney, Rob Baker, who has worked with Hutchison on many of his cases, said: 'Intelligence, tenacity and empathy are the three hallmarks of every great investigator.

'[Hutchison is] one of the greatest investigators with whom Ive had the privilege to work.'

Here DailyMail.com reviews some of the cold cases he's solved.

The 1982 murder of Karen Stitt

Karen Stitt was last seen in 1982, walking to a bus stop around midnight to travel home after a date with her boyfriend in Sunnyvale.

The next morning, a delivery driver found the 15-year-old's naked body hidden behind a low, blood-stained wall.

She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed 59 times.

Karen Stitt was murdered in 1982 when she was just 15

Her case went cold for 40 years, despite 20 detectives looking at it, until Det Hutchison picked it up

Despite a thorough investigation with over 20 different detectives picking it up, there were no significant leads in the case, until Hutchison took it on nearly four decades later.

He used a sample of blood and bodily fluid recovered from Stitt's body and sent it for the latest form of DNA testing, called Investigative Genetic Genealogy.

The results weren't good, there were only three matches and they were all so tenuous - third cousins - as to be almost useless. The genetics company told him the case was 'very unlikely' to ever be solved.

Many people would have given up, but Det Hutchison kept going, plugging away at leads in his own spare time even when he was rotated out of the homicide department.

He said: 'With Karen that was years in the making, there were times when it ground to a halt. We had disappointments.'

Hutchison decided to contact the three third cousins. Two were no help, but the third helped them draw out a family tree which led him to four brothers.

He found all four and gathered their DNA to rule out two. Using social media he then narrowed it down and identified who he believed to be the offender.

Gary Ramirez, now 75, was arrested last year and is awaiting trial for her murder

In August 2022, Hutchison and 14 other officers flew to Maui to arrest former Fresno resident Gary Ramirez, 75, on suspicion of murdering Karen Stitt.

They took a DNA sample and it was a direct match. He said: 'I felt a mix of emotions, it floods back to me now, relief, pride, gratefulness to be in a position to be able to tell the family its done, we have him.'

Ramirez was extradited from Hawaii and is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing in his trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

The 1979 murder of Elena Mena

Elena Mena was 18 years old and working as a security guard at a Sunnyvale office building on a quiet Saturday afternoon when she was stabbed to death during an attempted sexual assault.

An office worker interrupted the assault and the suspect fled, but Mena later died in hospital.

Despite the case being picked up again and again over the years, there were no major breakthroughs - until Hutchison took up the file and identified a new DNA set on Mena's shoe.

They sent the blood off for testing and found a direct match to Samuel Silva, a man with a long history of violent crime.

Elena Mena was murdered in 1979, her killer wasn't identified for another forty years

Hutchison found and used a new DNA sample to identify Samuel Silva, a known criminal who died in 2008

Silva had died in 2008 so the department closed the case under 'exceptional' conditions meaning the evidence was sufficient to convict him, had he been alive.

Hutchison said: 'In that kind of a case its bitter sweet, yes you have the answer, but you cant hold the person accountable.

'Even if he cant be prosecuted the family still deserves the answer.

'I still want to prove it beyond the reasonable doubt so that if they have any questions, I can give them the answers.'

The 1979 murder of Keith Judd

Bar owner, Keith Judd, 45, was attacked and killed during a robbery in 1979.

The father of two was found lying in a pool of blood by one of his employees and rushed to hospital where he died.

At the time officers found fingerprints, and even arrested a suspect. But the district attorney's office declined to prosecute citing not enough evidence.

Then decades later, Hutchison found 'fingerprint evidence that had been misplaced' and re-examined the case.

They identified Thomas Hinnard, a man in his 80s who lived in Sunnyvale at the time of the killing and frequented Judd's bar.

Hutchison said: 'The evidence was fingerprints, we didnt know where he was living but a simple Google search led to public information that he was potentially living in a homeless encampment a few hours away.

'We had to be strategic and make sure we didnt lose him. There was a very thought out plan of approach to this case to not let on what we were suspecting.'

Hutchison then spent many months locating and re-interviewing dozens of people.

In February 2021, they arrested Hinnard and charged him with the murder of Keith Judd.

The department said at the time: 'Sometimes an arrest may take years or even decades, but our detectives are relentless and work hard behind the scenes to help bring justice to victims and their families.'

Hutchison recovered 'misplaced' fingerprint evidence and identified Thomas Hinnard as a suspect - he was arrested in 2021

The 1996 rape of a seven-year-old girl

In March 1996, a seven-year-old girl identified only as Jane Doe was at home with her family when she answered the phone to a stranger, claiming to be a doctor.

The man told her to sneak out of her home to see him at which point he took her to a nearby side yard and raped her.

The girl survived and DNA was taken from her clothing but no match was found.

Twenty-seven years later, Hutchison picked the case up and identified a suspect.

He said: 'We knew we needed to get DNA from our suspect, we looked for all kinds of ways to get eyes on him, to know where he might be.

'Public information available online led to a pattern of behavior so we knew where he might be on that night.'

Hutchison decided his best chance was to go undercover as a busboy at the Irish bar they thought he would be at to gather his food and drinks in the hope of getting a sample.

He collected his half-eaten hot wings, beer cup and straws and sent them off for testing: there was a match, Richard Jeffrey Martinez.

Martinez was arrested last year and is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing in his trial.

Since then, police have identified two other possible victims. If convicted, he faces 50 years to life in prison.

But once again, the victory was bittersweet, Hutchison said: 'The victim is still alive, and this happening to her when she was seven. Then me contacting her almost 30 years later, Im keenly aware of how much pain me even calling to ask would cause.

'I only wanted to call if I knew I could solve it. And I knew I could. I know it wasnt easy for her, I was opening a wound that she might prefer to keep closed.'

Richard Jeffrey Martinez was arrested last year and charged with her rape - since then, two other victims have come forward

The 1969 murder of Susan DeLeon

In 1969, high school student Susan DeLeon was strangled to death and her body was left near the entrance to the city dump.

A man she babysat for, Charles Maine Jr., was identified as a person of interest at the time, but when he provided an alibi, saying he was at a class with his wife, Barbara when the murder happened, he was cleared and the case went cold.

But then in 2017, Karol Smith - who had worked for the department on organizing many of the cold cases - had a breakthrough.

She realized that the name of Maine's wife was incorrect in his alibi and found a letter from his real ex-wife, Ellen, sent in 2008, which said she believed Maine had murdered DeLeon.

Maine's alibi crumbled and with Smith, Hutchison started digging. The pair found a mention in the records that DeLeon had been 'newly parous', in other words: pregnant.

They began to suspect DeLeon had told Maine she was pregnant and he had killed her for it.

Despite the new evidence, in 2018 the Santa Clara DA at the time declined to prosecute, saying he wasnt convinced the evidence was sufficient.

Maine then died in an Oregon hospital in early 2019 and at that point, prosecutors declared the case 'exceptionally' cleared, deciding if he had been alive, there was enough evidence to charge and convict him.

With each new case Hutchison solves, he gains momentum to solve more.

He said: 'I have two cold case homicides that Im working and we have active leads that we are pursuing.'

Ending with a message for families of victims, he said: 'You guys do the hard work by keeping hope alive, by keeping your loved one's memory alive.

'Never give up, and dont feel like youre bothering the department, we can solve these cases and we should be.'
New York voters will decide on Tuesday who will replace disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos in a race that could determine the politics of the House for the rest of the year.

Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip are locked in a tight battle to fill the vacant seat that encompasses parts of Long Island and Queens. The swing district that has both elected Republicans and Democrats in recent years.

The special election on February 13 comes as Republicans have a narrow majority in the House with just 219 seats while Democrats hold 212 seats.

With such a slim majority, the GOP have struggled to move forward with Speaker Mike Johnson's most pressing priorities.

Just this week, Republicans suffered an embarrassing blow when they failed to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a chaotic vote. If Democrats pick up another seat before the re-do vote to boot Mayorkas can be held, Republicans can kiss thoughts of impeachment goodbye.

At the same time, House Republicans are grappling with effort to pass aid to Israel after a standalone bill also crashed and burned.

With the threat of their majority shrinking even further and Democrats looking to flip the House this fall, all eyes are on the critical New York special election where more than $25 million could be spent on advertising in the race by Election Day.

Republican Mazi Pilip and Democrat Tom Suozzi are vying to fill the congressional seat left vacant since the ousting of Congressman George Santos

Who is on the ballot?

Democrats are aiming to reclaim the seat with the election of Tom Suozzi, a three-term former congressman who represented the district from 2017 to 2023 before launching a long-shot bid for governor.

Republicans have put their faith in GOP candidate Mazi Pilip, an Israeli-American who served in the Israel Defense Forces before immigrating to the U.S. and being elected a Nassau County legislator.

An Emerson College poll released on Thursday shows Suozzi and Pilip in a tight race with Suozzi at 50 percent and Pilip at 47 percent among likely voters.

Another Newsday/Siena poll also showed Suozzi with a slight lead over Pilip at 48 percent to 44 percent.

Mazi Pilip cast her ballot early at a polling station in Massapequa, NY on Friday. She is locked in a tight race against Democrat Tom Suozzi to fill the seat vacated by George Santos.

Tom Suozzi looks to return to the seat he previously held before running for governor

Voters in New York's Third District head to the polls for the special election on February 13

With the race locked in a statistical tie, both candidates have been campaigning on issues that have been front and center in recent months such as border security and support for Israel.

Issues at stake

Pilip and Suozzi each held dueling press conferences outside a migrant shelter in Queens last month putting the crisis on the forefront in the race as the debate over the border heated up in Washington.

Suozzi has criticized House Republicans for refusing to negotiate over the border and has taken aim at his opponent's opposition to the bipartisan border bill introduced in the Senate. Pilip has criticized the bipartisan deal, claiming it 'legalizes the invasion' of the U.S. at the southern border.

The issue is also playing out on the airwaves. In an ad targeting Suozzi by the Congressional Leadership Fund, a GOP Super PAC, Suozzi is featured saying how he 'kicked ICE out' as Nassau County executive, but Suozzi has pushed back, releasing his own ad featuring him defending immigration authorities.

The candidates have also fiercely clashed over abortion, which has proven to be a successful line of attack by Democrats since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. Suozzi and multiple outside groups backing him have been running ads on the issue.

Pilip, the mother of seven who describes herself as 'pro-life,' has said she would not back a national abortion ban and every woman should be able to make their own decision, but she has voiced support for the Dobbs decision in which the Supreme Court returned abto states.

Perhaps where the candidates have been more closely aligned is their stance on Israel. Both have actively been engaging New York's Jewish community as Israel carries out a war in Gaza following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.

Suozzi set himself apart from some Democrats by announcing his support for the Republican-led standalone aid bill for Israel.

He said while he would prefer a bipartisan comprehensive package he is committed to doing whatever it takes to stand with Israel. That bill failed in the House.

Pilip, who is an Ethiopian Jew and served as a paratrooper in the Israeli army, has also been vocal in her support for Israel and critical of the rise of anti-semitism in New York.

While Pilip and Suozzi have remained largely focused on their district, the special election has been overshadowed by the 2024 presidential race.

Pilip has accused Suozzi for voting with Biden '100% of the time' and has tried to link him to the so-called squad. Suozzi has dismissed efforts to link him to the progressive wing of the Democratic party responding during the lone debate it is about 'as believable as you being a member of George Santos's volleyball team.'

Meanwhile, Pilip, a registered Democrat despite serving as a Republican, has declined to say whether she voted for President Trump in 2020. She has committed to voting for whoever is the Republican nominee in 2024 but has said Trump 'cannot represent us' if he is convicted.

Replacing George Santos

New York's Third District seat has been vacant since GOP Congressman Santos who was expelled from Congress in December.

And while many Republicans want to look past the election of the fabulist serial liar who flipped the district seat from blue to red in 2022, his presence looms large in the race to replace him.

Suozzi has invoked Santos on multiple occasions and warned his opponent is 'unvetted and unprepared.'

Pilip has pushed back on the accusations that her public record is thin, but the memory of Santos has been hard to shake.

Ex-Congressman George Santos speaking on Capitol Hill. He was expelled from Congress last year, leaving New York's Third District seat vacant

Santos is facing multiple charges of fraud and theft. He will go to trial later this year.

Last fall, Santos pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. He is accused of stealing the identities of campaign donors and ran up thousands of dollars in bills as well as using campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses like designer clothing and Botox.

In November, a long-awaited House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence Santos violated ethics and committed crimes prompting a motion to expel him from Congress.

On December 1, Santos became only the sixth House member to ever be expelled from the House, opening a vacancy in the New York Third District.

Santos is scheduled to stand trial in September.
A US Border Patrol chief has warned that his agents are being overwhelmed by the flood of Chinese migrants crossing the border illegally and that they could be missing Communist spies, DailyMail.com can reveal.

More than 24,000 Chinese migrants crossed US borders illegally in fiscal year 2023, compared to around 2,000 in 2022 and just 342 in 2021 - making them the fastest growing demographic of illegal entries.

Some have been found to have links with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its affiliated People's Liberation Army (PLA), but border chiefs are concerned more could be slipping through their grasp.

Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Good, of the Border Patrols El Paso Sector, told the Homeland Security Committee during a private hearing in September last year that his agents were 'trying their best to figure out why [individuals from other continents are] coming' but that 'information can be hidden' and 'their agendas, their ideologies, the reason for them coming could be missed'.

Gloria Chavez, chief patrol agent for the Border Patrols Rio Grande Valley Sector, also told the Committee in June that the massive surge in Chinese migrants had forced her agents to enlist a translation service, with each Chinese national taking up to seven hours to interview.

The high success rate of Chinese asylum claims is a long-standing trend, but it has come under the spotlight following a spike in illegal crossings by Chinese migrants last year

The interviews were shared with DailyMail.com by the committee.

Its chair, Mark Green, said the surge in Chinese migrants was a 'massive' national security concern.

He said agents were being 'overwhelmed', with many Chinese nationals being 'released into the interior with little consideration for their country of origin'.

Green blamed Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas for making it 'clear to the entire world that our borders are open'.

He added: 'While it is true that some individuals may be seeking relief from authoritarian regimes, there is no way for our brave men and women on the frontlines of this crisis to adequately vet all of them before being effectively forced to release themparticularly when countries like China wont allow us access to their various law enforcement databases.

'My Committee has been informed that some of these Chinese nationals have even been found to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)and those are just the ones weve been able to vet.

'As the CCP works to undermine and infiltrate our institutions and even military installations, Secretary Mayorkas has made it clear to the entire world that our borders are open.

'This is simply unsustainable, and the national security risks are massive.'

The surprise explosion in crossings by Chinese migrants has sparked fevered speculation over why so many are suddenly making the arduous journey from East Asia, with some commentators suggesting Beijing may be smuggling in some as spies.

But immigration experts have said they thought it unlikely that the CCP would send in agents in this manner, suggesting Xi Jinping would prefer a more direct route using work visas - as has been the case in the past.

Links to the CCP and PLA are common among Chinese citizens and does not necessarily mean they are operating as spies.

Meanwhile, startling US government data has revealed that more illegal Chinese migrants were granted asylum in the over the past three years than any other nationality, raising concerns that more will be encouraged to follow.

More successful asylum claims in the US are made by Chinese migrants than any other nationality, according to government data

Chinese nationals also have the third highest success rate when it comes to US asylum claims

In 2022, Chinese nationals accounted for 14 per cent of all successful 'defensive' asylum claims.

These claims are so-called because they are made by those defending themselves from deportation proceedings, so would include migrants who have crossed the border illegally.

China also tops the table for all types of successful asylum claims, with 13 per cent of all approved applications.

That is despite the Chinese being responsible for just 1 per cent of all border encounters that year.

Around two thirds of Chinese asylum claims were successful between 2001 to 2021, the third highest success rate of any country, according to analysis of Immigration Court records by Syracuse University.

Last year, the figure was 55 per cent.

Compounding matters is Beijing's refusal to repatriate its citizens when their asylum claims are rejected.

A former assistant secretary of state told DailyMail.com that Beijing would often deny that the migrants were indeed Chinese.

The US is powerless in these situations.

Experts are warning that the high success rate of Chinese migrants claiming asylum - coupled with Beijing's refusal to take back them back if they fail - is acting as a 'green light' to many considering taking their chances on the border.

Rebecca Grant, Ph.D., a national security analyst at IRIS Independent Research, said the 'historically high rate of accepting claims from China' coupled with Beijing's record of blocking repatriation acted as a 'huge green light' for migrants.

Chinese migrants arriving at the southern border between the United States and Mexico appeared near California in December. (Migrants pictured are not accused of having links to CCP)

The migrants, reported to be mostly Chinese nationals, were lined up neatly dressed and with proper luggage as they were processed following their illegal crossing. (Migrants pictured are not accused of having links to CCP)

Grant also raised questions over its implications for national security.

'I want to know who these people are and why they're here,' she told DailyMail.com. 'The prevailing narrative is that China has got economic problems; these are economic migrants.

'Let's say 90 per cent of them are. They should still come in legally, so I'm not in favor in any case.

'But the really worrying part is our adversaries see this gaping hole on the southern border because of the huge loopholes that the Biden administration allows.

'Of course, China may take advantage of that.'

Beijing has a track record of using citizens working in the US to steal trade secrets from American companies, plundering everything from technology that can be used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons to genetically-modified seeds.

Grant suggested that the CCP may try to exploit America's porous border by smuggling in a handful of spies among the hundred plus daily crossings.

But Michele Thoren Bond, a former assistant secretary of state, said this was unlikely.

'It would be a pretty random way to place your agents,' she said, adding that Beijing would likely favor a more direct method of infiltration.

Economic espionage has previously been carried out by Chinese citizens with US visas.

Bond did, however, hit out at the Chinese government for its obstruction of repatriation efforts.

She said that when she acted as Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs in the Obama administration, China was unwilling to take back its citizens.

'They said: "Well we don't know if they're Chinese".

'If somebody has been issued a US passport, we have a photo recognition program that enables us to take a photo of that person and run it through our system and see if we get a hit.

'Now, the Chinese do a lot more with ID in their population than we do.

'So, it is simply not credible for them to say, "gosh, we have no way of knowing if these people are Chinese".'

A group of people, including many from China, walk along the wall after crossing the border with Mexico to seek asylum, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, near Jacumba, California. (Migrants pictured are not accused of having links to CCP)

Former immigration judge Paul Schmidt told DailyMail.com that the reasons for the high success rate of Chinese asylum claims were threefold.

Historically, it is a hangover from congressional legislation that granted asylum to families fleeing China's One Child policy.

Chinese migrants are also rarely unrepresented, with most arriving 'lawyered up', Schmidt added, while Xi Jinping's repressive rule also gave strong grounds for asylum claims to be accepted.

He agreed with Bond's assertion that the border was an unlikely route into the US for Chinese spies, but added that it was not without concern.

'There's a lot of reason to be suspicious of some of the things the Chinese government does,' he said. 'The Chinese government is out for the Chinese government.'

Most Chinese migrants seeking a new life in the US usually first fly into Ecuador, where they do not need a visa.

Then they pay smugglers to take them through the dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama to the US, just like hundreds of thousands of other migrants from Central and South America.

It is thought the sudden spike in Chinese nationals heading to the US is part of an exodus from the country sparked by draconian Covid restrictions and the repressive regime of Xi Jinping.
President Joe Biden continues referring to recent conversations with deceased foreign leaders as he struggles to recall the exact details of previous meetings.

At New York City fundraisers Wednesday, Biden twice recalled a conversation with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl about the January 6 riots on Capitol Hill, at the G7 summit in 2021.

'Helmut Kohl of Germany looked at me and said, 'What would you say Mr. President if you picked up the London Times tomorrow morning and learned there's 1000 broken down the doors of the British parliament, killed some [inaudible] on the way in to deny the next prime minister to take office. And you think, what would we think?' Biden claimed at one event.

Kohl died in 2017.

Biden has a history of struggling to remember who is alive and who is deceased

US President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House on February 6, 2024 in Washington, DC.

While telling anecdotes from a G7 summit Biden repeatedly confuses the names of deceased world leaders with their modern counterparts.

The White House on Thursday defended Biden's recent mistakes, noting that political figures often make mistakes while speaking publicly.

'As it relates to the names and what he was trying to say, many people, elected officials  many people they can misspeak sometimes,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the White House press briefing after reporters repeatedly asked about the mistakes.

Speaking in Las Vegas on Monday, Biden recalled the same summit meeting, referring to a conversation he with French President Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996, instead of the current leader Emmanuel Macron.

Biden's mistakes are notable, as he frequently refers to these two conversations with European leaders on the fundraising circuit with Democratic donors.

He warns that European leaders are worried about the threat that former President Donald Trump poses to the future of global democracy.

The White House on Tuesday refused to engage with questions about the president's mental fitness.

A reporter singled out Biden's Monday gaffe mixing up the French leaders during the White House daily briefing on Tuesday, but Jean-Pierre shot down the question.

'I'm not even going to go down that rabbit hole with you, sir,' she replied to Fox News' Peter Doocy. When he objected that it wasn't a rabbit hole, she listed 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.'

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks to reporters during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 6, 2024

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024

Biden's evident confusion sparked some light ribbing from Late Night Host Stephen Colbert on Tuesday.

'I'm telling you. It's a feature, not a bug. It's all summed up in his new campaign slogan, Biden 2024: I see dead people!' he joked.

The president's struggles only remind voters about 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.

It's not the only time Biden has confused the names of world leaders.

In 2019, he briefly referred to a conversation about America under the leadership of former President Donald Trump with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when he meant to refer to then-Prime Minister Theresa May.

'Margaret Thatcher  um, excuse me, Margaret Thatcher, Freudian slip,' Biden said in 2019, realizing the mistake and correcting himself. 'But I knew her too.'

In 2019, President Biden referred to a conversation with Margaret Thatcher about former President Donald Trump before correcting himself.

During a November 2022 speech, Biden recalled a conversation with a man who 'invented' insulin, even though the man who discovered the drug died in 1941, a year before Biden was born.

In September 2022, Biden gave a shoutout to deceased Indiana Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., who died in a car crash in August 2022.

'Jackie, are you here? Where's Jackie?' Biden said, scanning a crowd of lawmakers at a conference on hunger. 'She must not be here.'

President Joe Biden looks out in the crowd for Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) weeks after she died in a car crash.

The White House dismissed the incident by noting that the congresswoman was just 'top of mind' for the president.

'I mean I think many people can speak to sometimes when you have people top of mind, they are top of mind,' Jean-Pierre said to reporters at the time.

It the latest in a growing list of mistakes by the president since he took office.

The 81-year-old 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 Russian Vladimir Putin was 'clearly losing the war in Iraq.'

In 2023, he closed out a speech on gun control with the bizarre proclamation: 'God save the Queen, man' even after Queen Elizabeth II had died in September 2022.

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's missteps only add to the concerns American voters have about the president's mental and physical abilities as he runs for reelection.

According to a recent NBC poll, a total of 76 percent of voters have either major or moderate concerns about Biden, 81, having the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term.

Sixty-two percent of voters in the poll say they have 'major concerns' about Biden's mental and physical health.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. A group of United States congressmen have introduced the Armenian Protection Act (H.R.7288) - a bipartisan bill that will restrict U.S. aid to Azerbaijan by removing the Presidential authority to waive Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Its Senate counterpart (S.3000), spearheaded by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), was adopted unanimously last year.

Its past time for the U.S. take action to hold Aliyev accountable. That's why I'm the leading Democrat on the Armenian Protection Act, which will halt all further U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan and require proof that they can be a trustworthy party in peace negotiations.  Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) February 9, 2024

Representative Michael Lawler co-authored this legislation with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and fellow first-term legislator Gabe Amo (D-RI).

If and when adopted and enacted into law, the Lawler-Pallone-Bilirakis-Amo Bill will tighten the existing statute restricting U.S. aid to Azerbaijan  Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act  substantively limiting the authority of the President to waive its full enforcement, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reported.

Rep. Lawler, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was adamant about the need for clear Biden Administration action to stop bolstering Azerbaijans anti-Armenian attacks. Over 100,000 Armenians were targeted, abused, and displaced by the Government of Azerbaijan when they fled Nagorno-Karabakh in recent months, explained Rep. Lawler. There is no question of Azerbaijans aggression, yet President Biden continues to turn a blind eye. He continued to note that Its simply unacceptable for the U.S. to be funding Azerbaijans campaign against the Armenian people. The Armenian Protection Act will put a stop to the Biden Administrations funding of Azerbaijans authoritarian regime and desire for regional dominance.

Rep. Pallone stressed the need for Azerbaijani accountability for the genocide against NK's Armenian population. President Aliyev broke international law when he ordered his deadly assault of Artsakh last September and still has not faced any meaningful consequences from the international community. World leaders failed to stop his genocidal campaign that has displaced 120,000 Armenians from their historic homeland even though his belligerent rhetoric and troop movements made it clear an attack was imminent, stated Rep. Pallone. Its far past time for the United States and our allies to take serious actions that will prevent even more death and destruction at the hands of Aliyev and provide the safety and security in the region that Armenia needs to thrive as a democracy. The Armenian Protection Act will finally hold the Aliyev regime accountable, halt any further U.S. security assistance until they end their destabilizing actions in the region, and require proof that they can be a trustworthy party in peace negotiations moving forward. I call upon House leadership to take up this commonsense legislation and pass it immediately.

Rep. Bilirakis stressed the importance of passing the measure. Given the political and humanitarian crisis that has resulted from Azerbaijans recent aggression toward neighboring Armenia, it is unconscionable that U.S. tax dollars are going to support this brutal regime. Those dollars could better be used here at home, said Rep. Bilirakis.

We must send a clear message to the Government of Azerbaijan and our partners around the globe that the United States will not stand for unprovoked attacks on the Armenian people, said Congressman Amo, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We cannot allow the Government of Azerbaijan to get a free pass for their brutal military aggression and blockades against the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to show that the United States stands with the people of Armenia and will not accept Azerbaijans assault on Nagorno-Karabakh.
A small business owner whose personal details were exposed in the 'doxxing' of hundreds of Jewish creatives involved in a private WhatsApp group said she fears for her family's safety amid a deluge of abusive messages.

The names of almost 600 Jewish writers, artists, musicians and academics who were part of a private WhatsApp group set up in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks were leaked by high-profile pro-Palestine activists, including feminist author Clementine Ford who published a link to the list, on Thursday.

The so-called 'doxxing' - a term used to describe the publication of private or identifying information - has prompted a wave of abuse towards those named in the list.

Daily Mail Australia spoke to one business owner identified in the leak who said the group was initially set-up in response to a wave of anti-Semitism in Australia prompted by the fall-out of the Israel-Gaza war.

Activist Clementine Ford has defended publishing a link to list identifying details about members of a Jewish WhatsApp group

But the business owner, who this publication is not naming to protect her identity, said she left the group after only three days.

Despite this, her name and business were identified in Thursday's leak and she has since been receiving dozens of abusive messages.

'We started getting prank calls, abusive emails and comments left on our social media pages,' she said.

'We've had to delete our Instagram account and have even decided to change the name of our business.

'Two clients have already cancelled their bookings and demanded refunds. It will probably further impact our clientele because no one wants to be associated with anyone involved in controversy, even if we've done nothing wrong.'

The business owner said she was afraid the abuse might escalate and was worried for the physical safety of her two young children.

Another Jewish business owner Maggie May Moshe told The Age that she being outed as a member of the group had led to her being targeted.

She said her gift store in the inner Melbourne suburb of Thornbury had been plastered with anti-Israel stickers and graffiti while her personal and business channels had been inundated with abusive posts.

Ms Ford said publishing the WhatsApp group chat demonstrated the coordinated efforts to 'silence Palestine activists'

Her professional musician husband Joshua Moshe has been dumped from he has been a long-time member of.

As a result the couple are moving to a Melbourne area where more Jewish people live.

Victoria Police said they were investigating the supposed 'doxxing'.

'Police are investigating following reports the personal details of a number of people, who belong to a private social media chat group, appear to have been released online,' a police spokesperson said.

The business owner has reported the abusive messages to the police but she was told they could only act if there were actual threats of violence.

She said she cared equally for the Palestinians and the Israelis who were suffering in the ongoing conflict.

'The actions of the Israeli government have absolutely nothing to do with Jews living in Australia,' she added.

She also made a personal plea to Ms Ford.

The WhatsApp group involved Jewish members in creative industries responding to the activities of pro-Palestinian activists

'Please stop ... it's really just a primitive attack on decent people who only want peace,' she added.

'Australia needs to be a place that promotes peace and equality amongst all of its citizens so please stop spreading hate.'

Ms Ford did not reply to the Daily Mail's attempts to contact her for comment but she has defended her actions in an Instagram post.

She accused 'media players' of ignoring that 'anti-Zionist Jewish people were involved in collating this info into this link (and also were responsible for leaking it in the first place), not to mention the reasons it was leaked at all'.

The WhatsApp group provided an 'insight into the coordinated efforts are to silence Palestinian activists and their allies,' according to Ms Ford.

'This is a group of 'creatives' working to silence voices calling for Palestinian liberation,' Ms Ford wrote.

'Knowing that I will likely see some of these people at industry events is sickening - but not quite as sickening as knowing how many more peers I'll run into who have maintained silence on Palestine AND the people trying to harm others because of it.'

Ms Ford ended the post by stating the group showed how 'diabolically deep it goes'.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said: 'It has been said to me by numerous community members that they feel relief that their parents or grandparents who survived the Holocaust are not alive to see this'

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the WhatsApp group was started when group members saw pro-Palestinian activists organising boycotts and anti-Israel petitions in their industries.

'This was a way for community members to share information, support each other and protect their reputations and livelihoods which were being relentlessly targeted,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday.

'Others were shocked by the normalisation of antisemitism and wanted to join with colleagues to do something about it. These WhatsApp groups became a refuge.'

The 'doxxing' of group members had left Mr Ryvchin in 'great shock and disbelief that people are once again drawing up lists of Jews'.

'It has been said to me by numerous community members that they feel relief that their parents or grandparents who survived the Holocaust are not alive to see this.

'Our community members who were motivated to speak up by the October 7 attacks and historic levels of local antisemitism should be proud and we stand with them in unity and solidarity.

'We call on our fellow Australians to resist the harassment and bullying, and when asked to sack or blacklist Australian Jews, to say not in our time and not in our country.'
Under a different circumstance, this would be the perfect winters day for a walk in the woods. The temperature is a little below zero, the sky a faultless blue and sunlight dapples through the pine canopy as we crunch across the snow.

But these details are incidental to the crash and boom of incoming and outgoing artillery fire that echoes through this lovely forest.

Like hooded wraiths, two Ukrainian soldiers in white camouflage overalls have just stepped from among the trees to greet us, assault rifles slung over their shoulders.

This way and quickly, they say.

We go that way and quickly, because today is also ideal for drone warfare and the Russian frontline and its numerical superiority in such weapons is well within range.

First line of defence: Richard Pendlebury, left, with Sasha, a gunner tasked with stopping Russian assaults reaching Ukraine trenches

Snow patrol: Ukraine soldiers return to their base after frontline manoeuvres near Kupiansk

The Russian frontier is only 25 miles away. We must avoid the clearings, the soldiers say. No chance to admire the blueness of a sky filled with hostile eyes and murderous intent.

Presently, we arrive at a timber-framed portal, obscured beneath a mound of foliage.

What follows has a Narnia-like quality. Beyond and below this discreet entrance, earth steps descend steeply into another world, where a tabby cat named Pixel begins purring round my ankles.

A black iron kettle is boiling on a stove in the corner of the dugout, watched over by a plump artilleryman in a khaki T-shirt. Encouraging letters from schoolchildren decorate the walls. All seems well and homely, and smells deliciously of pine sap and brewing chai.

But then the unmistakable growl of a military jet, moving low and fast over the forest, penetrates our subterranean reverie, and the soldiers in this potential tomb fall silent and nod grimly to each other.

This was the Kupiansk forest frontline, late last month. The situation here and in two other sectors of this vast warzone, is difficult the Ukrainian armys supreme commander has admitted, with perhaps a degree of understatement.

In this second winter of full-scale war, battlefield conditions are taxing for both sides. But pressure is growing on the Ukrainian defenders in particular, not least since summers failed counteroffensive and, more recently, the suspension of American and EU funding.

A bill to lower the age of conscription from 27 to 25 has also stalled in the parliament in Kyiv. As it is, the average age of the Ukrainian combat soldier is a scarcely credible 43 years (almost two decades older than that of the average British serviceman in World War II).

Mail photographer Jamie Wiseman and I were given privileged access to troops in the frontline sectors of eastern Ukraine most threatened by an expected Russian winter offensive. Everywhere we visited in these sub-zero temperatures, frostbite and pneumonia have begun to appear on the casualty lists.

Politicking and finance might determine their fates.

But, as our snapshots of life here show, these are the places where a badly mauled but still determined and largely volunteer, middle-aged army, is dug into the snow and ice  in preparation for a new Kremlin onslaught.

In Dnipro, I am woken at 5am by an explosion. The air-raid sirens begin to wail and, as the sun appears over the ice-bound Dnieper river, two more detonations rattle my windows; Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have struck the city, social media reports.

The temperature is falling towards a predicted -21C, as we set off eastwards; retreating from this haven of relative peace and security towards the guaranteed miseries of the frontlines.

Sasha, pictured here in the woods, says, we are not Russians who can fire indiscriminately

Richard Pendlebury, centre, says frostbite and pneumonia have begun to appear on the casualty lists everywhere he visited in the sub-zero temperatures

The journey into the Donbas takes us through a vast, flat snowscape, broken only by the skeletal outlines of trees, occasional car wrecks and halts at military checkpoints.

A crosswind is whipping snow from the fields over the road surface. In the distance, one of the Donbas coalfields characteristic slag heaps looms like an enormous iceberg in a polar sea.

Eventually, we reach the sad little Donetsk town of Kurakhove.

At Christmas, after a long and devastating siege, the Russians captured Maryinka, a few miles up the road. It was the Kremlins most significant battlefield victory since taking Bakhmut last May.

Observers believe Kurakhove will be the next target in the Russian line of advance. The town stands beside a reservoir supplying water to a power station and was once an anglers delight.

Beneath a mural of a bucolic fishing scene decorating a wall on Victory Street, there is a quote from the English writer Neil Gaiman: Its not the fish you catch, its the peace of mind you take home at the end of the day. I am contemplating this when a volley of Russian rocket artillery lands a few blocks away, causing me to jump and a nearby pack of stray dogs to scatter.

An air defence system blasts into action and, belatedly, the local warning siren comes to life. The only civilian to be seen in the main street is a drunken man in the middle of the only junction, shouting at passing military traffic. Kurakhoves peace of mind has long vanished, along with the fishermen.

We drive on, by icy back lanes and through deserted, war-scarred villages until we reach the location of a drone unit of the Border Guards. We visited them last spring, when they were heavily involved in the unsuccessful defence of Maryinka.

Bivouacking in an abandoned cottage, they grumble about the cold and military situation.

This is not good drone weather. The skies are clear but when the temperature falls below -10C the drones batteries lose power.

There have also been instances this week of rotors freezing mid-flight, causing the machines to drop out of the sky. The situation here in the last couple of days has become quite rough, the senior NCO tells me. They [the Russians] are pushing. We need more drones and more pilots. There has been a marked increase in Russian drone activity and effectiveness in the past few months.

Daniel, who worked in a travel agency before the Russian invasion, is now a qualified drone pilot, flying his machines via video goggles.

Richard, left, meets the Thunder Company at night on a freezing roadside behind the Kharkiv frontline

Soldiers return to barracks in the snow after a front line patrol near Kupiansk

It is -15C but he cant wear gloves because the controls require finger-tip sensitivity on his part. His hands are purple with cold and a small icicle hangs from an eyebrow. The drone he is trying to launch refuses to lift off. The battery is sleepy. Again, its this perishing cold.

This war has made me hate the winter, reflects the NCO. I dream of the summer. After victory I dont ever want to feel this cold again.

We drive north, in a snowstorm, to meet Nazar, a senior sergeant in a scout battalion.

His unit has been in continuous action near Bakhmut  one of the other difficult sectors  for more than a year. He is carrying a new American AR-15 assault rifle equipped with a thermal scope, which he paid for from his own pocket. Unfortunately, we must buy [up-to-date equipment] for ourselves, he says.

This [rifle] cost me 3,000 euros, which is not cheap, but when you are talking about [the price of] your life well, that is worth more than 3,000 euros to me.

His units hardest fighting of the full-scale war has taken place during this winter and the last. When the frost comes the Russians start moving forwards, he says.

Its deja vu. The conditions now are much more hard [for us] than usual. In winter its very easy for our enemy to find us with their drones, which have become the biggest threat.

I ask him about rest and rotation. Thats a painful question. Our battalion doesnt have rotation.

New guys come in to replace someone who has been wounded or killed... but we cannot leave our positions [for a rest] because who will take our place?

The frontline is so big and we need more guns, more equipment, but, most of all, more men.

The snow is still falling as we reach an icebound hamlet beyond the city of Sloviansk. Here, another abandoned cottage is being used as the medical command post for a battalion of the 56th Brigade.

In the front yard, a soldier is chopping firewood as snowflakes drift around him and artillery thuds in the distance.

The cottages warm but cramped interior is piled with boxes of pills, bandages and tourniquets, much of which has been donated by civilian aid organisations. The doctor in charge is a young reserve lieutenant called Viktor.

He speaks candidly to me about the pressure he is under and the new challenges the winter war has imposed. Its very tough now, on the battlefield, he says. Sometimes we dont sleep for several days. Eighty per cent of the casualties we are treating are caused by shrapnel, rather than bullets.

In the capital Kyiv life is relatively normal and the 'restaurants and bars were full of young people who have neither volunteered nor been drafted'

A young boy, one of the few children remaining along the front line, heads home on a sled

But due to the [steep fall in] temperature we are now getting cases of pneumonia and frostbite. Because of the sub-zero temperatures the [safe] time for applying a tourniquet is also significantly reduced, to no more than an hour, rather than two.

This requires faster medical aid provision and faster delivery of the wounded to the casualty station.

Battlefield evacuations are carried out with an elderly M113 armoured personnel carrier.

Marked with red crosses, it is nevertheless concealed under trees  the drone threat, again  in a field across the lane. Manufactured for the U.S. Army during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, the vehicle is considerably older than the doctor himself.

But he appreciates its capabilities, compared to the Soviet-era blood-wagon it replaced. Once, in an extreme situation, we were able to get 11 wounded soldiers, including two stretcher cases, into the back, along with two medics, Viktor recalls. It was quite a squeeze, but we got everyone out.

I wonder how so many were wounded at one time.

But then we meet Thunder Company and understand.

Our rendezvous with them takes place at night on a sub-arctic roadside behind the Kharkiv frontline.

The soldiers lead us down a farm track of iron-hard ruts until an unharvested wheat field blocks our way and the faint light of a cottage twinkles on a hillside.

Suddenly, the horizon beyond is lit by an explosion.

The next 48 hours are instructive. All of Ukraines military strengths and weaknesses are to be found or articulated inside the hillside hovel that has become the embattled companys HQ. Even before the war, life must have been hard for whoever lived here. There is no plumbed water, the wallpaper is peeling and I can hear mice in the ceiling (which is why most units have a pet cat  in this case she is called Dusia.)

In the main room, plasma screens are broadcasting monochrome snowscapes  nearby frontlines  in real time, captured by a dozen different drone cameras. On another screen, Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet is crooning Love Is All Around, courtesy of MTV.

Back in Kyiv, the restaurants and bars were full of young people who have neither volunteered nor been drafted. Here, our hosts are grizzled, stout-bellied and with medical conditions that should have seen them signed off as unfit.

But they are determined. This is an existential conflict, being fought by Ukraines Generation X.

A bear of a man with the call sign Poacher, the company commander was a construction engineer. He has undergone heart surgery and suffered a broken neck. After the full Russian invasion he rejoined the army, along with his 28-year-old daughter. Why is he even here? Who else would come? Poacher asks. The younger ones can run faster than us old guys.

His deputy is a walrus-moustached veteran with the call sign Kruger. Look what they gave me to fight with, he says. He shows me a Carl Gustaf M/45 submachine gun; a World War II era relic that the Swedish army retired almost 60 years ago.

The following night he takes the gun outside the cottage and fires a demonstrative burst into the hillside. A weapon of last resort, he grumbles. Like Nazar, he has bought himself an AR-15 rifle, which has three times this museum pieces accurate range.

Ihor, the company supplies officer, had a heart valve fitted after he suffered blast injuries in 2014. He has been wounded almost every year since then.

A gentle soul, he has found solace in cooking for his comrades  and us  splendid stews and his piece de resistance; a doughnut made from cottage cheese, raisins and jam, called pundyky.

Word has spread about his culinary prowess. One of the company wives said to her husband: After the war Im taking up with Ihor. You can do what you like.

Such comradeship has been forged in extreme adversity. Their original company was almost totally destroyed in the meat grinder of Bakhmut.

Poacher says that of his 120 men who went in, only 26 came out alive or without life-changing injuries. None went unscathed.

He says their performance in Bakhmut was mirrored by that of the Russian enemy, only they had more idiots in charge than we did. Kruger says: We held our position there for seven months and then the unit that replaced us lost it inside three weeks. That p***ed us off.

What remained of their company was taken out of the line then folded into a new formation  41st Brigade  an amalgam of professional soldiers, volunteers and conscripts. Two of the companys replacement platoons have been trained in the UK.

At dinner  Ihor has fried potatoes and hunks of lamb  they raise a toast: God save the King!

Poacher explains: The NLAW [a UK donated anti-tank missile made in Northern Ireland] saved us. Britain has been true from start. But the West has to be patient and understand we cannot defeat Russia immediately.

It is a chimpanzee with nuclear weapons. You have to press slowly. It can be destroyed only from inside. We have to work towards that.

We are billeted in a spartan outbuilding heated by a small stove. Tonight, the fire soon dwindles and by 3am its simply too cold to sleep. In the darkness, artillery fire is marking a slow drumbeat, like the tolling of a village church clock back home.

The next morning, the snow gives way to heavy rain and meltwater pours off our hovels roof. You have brought your British weather with you, Kruger complains. The drone monitors are dark. Nothing is flying in this downpour. At least the Russians are suffering the same. The lane outside is no longer a frozen rut, but mud and slush.

Towards the main road, hundreds of newly cut pine trunks have been piled by army engineers. The timber will be used to strengthen Ukrainian trenches and dugouts; defensive rather than offensive positions. By afternoon the rain stops, the sky clears and the temperature plummets, again. The slush is transformed into treacherous, iron-hard, ice.

On our way into the battered city of Kupiansk we are delayed as a Humvee gingerly reverses a 105mm artillery piece across this tundra. Kupiansk was taken by the Russians in the spring of 2022, retaken by Ukrainians in the autumn of that year and is now threatened again by Kremlin forces massing just outside.

All the urban bridges over the Oskil river have been destroyed, forcing a long detour towards the frontlines. It is miserable.

What stands between the Russians and a winter breakthrough on the Kupiansk front? Artillerymen like Sasha.

Before the invasion, he was a maritime welder in Kherson. Now he is a 41st Brigade gunner and his Soviet-era Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer  donated by Poland  is tasked with stopping Russian assaults before they reach the first Ukrainian trench. He complains that his winter camouflage suit makes it harder to move inside the vehicle. Every so often his driver starts the big diesel engine to make sure it doesnt freeze.

Theirs is a deadly game of hide and seek. The artillerymen are nervous that our arrival and presence will give away their position (though we later learn that the incoming Russian artillery fire is passing over the forest and falling, fatally, into Kupiansk beyond.)

Among the trees, Sashas vehicle is hull down in a gun pit. The howitzer is further concealed by camouflage netting and a heavy mesh screen, to protect against kamikaze drones. This is lifted only when the 122mm gun is about to fire.

Ammunition has to be conserved. We are not Russians who can fire indiscriminately, says Sasha. If we are given a target we fire, for example, six shells.

After that we scatter and take cover away from the vehicle (in case of retaliatory artillery fire or drones). The most shells his crew have fired in a day is 23.

Recently, his howitzer destroyed two Russian armoured vehicles that were supporting an attack by infantry.

Sasha is one of Natures optimists. Everything will be fine! he declares as we part.

It is not a sentiment widely expressed in these difficult times for Ukraine.

Additional reporting: Oleksandr Kostiuchenko
Within an hour of arriving in downtown Portland to investigate the city's newly-declared 'state of emergency' over its fentanyl crisis, I am on the phone calling 911.

One of dozens of homeless drug addicts lining the sidewalks has just taken a hit from a piece of aluminum foil in open view and collapsed in a lifeless heap.

In a county where overdoses caused more than 200 deaths in 2022 alone, I fear another might be about to happen right in front of me.

The 911 operator asks for a location  Everett Street and Fourth Avenue in Chinatown  a description of the patient, a black man probably no older than 30, and takes my contact details. 'We'll pass it on,' the handler responds calmly and hangs up.

But nearly 20 minutes later there is still no first responder on the scene. By this time the man has started to stir, and eventually stumbles to his feet before shuffling away.

A homeless drug addict takes a hit of what appears to be fentanyl in downtown Portland

Public drug-taking continues to be prevalent despite officials declaring a 'state of emergency'

The user falls to the ground and appears lifeless after smoking the drug

He has survived - this time. But given the 533 percent explosion in overdose deaths in Multnomah County, where Portland is located, since 2018, there is a frightening chance his next hit could be his last.

And after only a few hours here, I'm left thinking: so much for a state of emergency.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek had made the dramatic declaration on January 31 along with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.

'The next 90 days will yield unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl and provide a roadmap for next steps,' Kotek declared.

But on this drizzly Tuesday morning in downtown Portland, there's barely a cop, support worker or city official in sight  and even reporting a suspected overdose to 911 seems to yields no response.

Block after block is lined with homeless addicts openly using fentanyl and other hard drugs in broad daylight. Many users are hunched or bent double in a zombie-like state  the tell-tale sign someone is high on fentanyl.

Is this what 'unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl' looks like?

There were tense scenes when Kotek and her colleagues briefed county officials on the state of emergency on Thursday, February 1.

City and state officials said the state of emergency would mark 'unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl'

Tents line the streets of downtown Portland in the days after the state of emergency was declared

A drug user openly smokes a substance from tin toil in downtown Portland

During the meeting, Dr Sharon Meieran, an elected Multnomah County Commissioner, accused the leadership of a 'pathetic feeble attempt to govern by press release'. 'It will solve nothing and it will do nothing,' she told them.

In an interview with DailyMail.com, Meieran, an emergency room doctor in Portland, was exasperated as she said the announcement did not even establish 'a plan for a plan'.

Indeed, there is little substance to the declaration beyond creating a 'command center' whose objectives remain vague. Leaders have not even decided how they will measure the success of the latest scheme.

'There is no element of this that says emergency except for the title of the declaration,' Meieran said.

'We need to be seeing people out and about who are responding in some way, whether it's getting people the medical services, getting law enforcement involved, diverting people to treatment, whatever that is. And there's none of that.

'So much of what we're seeing goes to show this is all really politically driven rather than substantively driven.'

The explosion in drug deaths and fentanyl addiction in Portland has been linked by critics to the decision to essentially decriminalize all drugs in 2021.

In November of the previous year, Oregon's voters back Ballot Measure 110, which altered the law so that instead of arresting drug users, police issued citations which compelled them to seek treatment.

Far from reducing drug use and helping addicts, deaths surged as fentanyl swept through the state. Law enforcement officials have said as few as one percent of people who were given citations actually received treatment.

The policy is also blamed for allowing public drug taking to proliferate. Users no longer fear arrest or punishment - in fact, their lethal substances won't even be confiscated.

Justin Machus, who owns a clothing boutique in downtown Portland, said he believes the state of emergency announcement is little more than 'lip service'

Critics have blamed policies including the implementation of Ballot Measure 110, which altered the law so that instead of arresting drug users, police issued citations which compelled them to seek treatment

Meieran said confiscation of drugs including fentanyl, which can be purchased in pill or powder form for just a few dollars a hit, 'should be happening'. She also called for more work to tackle the supply chains of the drug.

'I think there's no question that the decriminalization especially as it was implemented without any planning or resources, or seeming forethought was a disaster,' she said.

Meieran, who was elected as a nonpartisan, also called for an expansion of support service for the addicts whose lives have been ravaged by the drugs.

She proposed an amendment to the emergency declaration that would add targets such as a 25 percent reduction in fentanyl deaths and overdoses, and increases in treatment services.

In the downtown heart of this once-thriving city - which like San Francisco was formerly viewed as a liberal haven - businesses are also struggling to deal with the fallout of the fentanyl's crisis

Many storefronts are boarded up and some of those which remain open even lock their doors, forcing customers to knock so a staff member can let them in. The situation has been worsened by the pandemic, which caused office vacancy and footfall to plummet.

Justin Machus, the owner of the MACHUS clothing boutique, said he believes the state of emergency announcement is little more than 'lip service' to give the impression that something is being done.

Machus, who has owned businesses in Portland for 22 years and moved into his current unit two-and-a-half years ago, told DailyMail.com: 'It has got progressively worse. It's more overt and it's in your face now. They were different drugs in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was cocaine and heroin.

'Fentanyl has changed everything. It's just in your face all the time. There's no fear of anything.'

He said addicts frequently loiter around his store but that police refuse to move them along unless they are actually on the property. Today, he keeps a canister of bear spray behind the counter for self-defense.

A few moments before the interview, two drug users were sheltered in the outdoor area of a restaurant a couple of doors away from the store. They were crouched over a piece of aluminum foil, preparing a hit of what appeared to be fentanyl.

Machus and two of his employees said they had voted in favor of Measure 110 three years ago, but didn't expect it to contribute to the situation today. Their intention was to prevent lifelong criminal records for people using small amounts of recreational drugs.

'The use of [fentanyl] so overtly in public, that was something that was never considered. We just don't want to see people doing drugs in public,' Machus added, acknowledging how jarring it was that something so seemingly obviously needed to be stated.

Braxxton Dahm, one of Machus' employees, added wryly: 'It's really easy to declare a state of emergency in an election year'.
They start at dawn. A trickle at first, queuing patiently in the early morning gloom, wrapped up warm against the bitter Midlands chill.

Then, as thin winter sun fails to break through skies grey as slate, that trickle turns to a deluge and the line grows ever longer, snaking back from the shuttered beige food truck emblazoned with 'JACKET SPUDS', through Tamworth's St Editha's Square, and back, deep into the shopping precinct.

By 10am, when the wagon opens for business, it's two hours to the front. These potato pilgrims hail from every corner of the globe, as far afield as Australia. And they're all here to see one man  Ben Newman, better known to his 2.3million TikTok followers as Spudman.

'It's like this every day,' says Ben, luxuriously bearded and sporting his now trademark pink Mohican. 'It's just crazy.'

He's warm, friendly, and possibly one of the nicest men I've ever met, responding to the near-incessant requests for videos and selfies with the same patient charm.

Tucking in: Tom Parker Bowles with Ben Newman at his food truck in Tamworth, Staffordshire

Customers queue in the early morning gloom from the shuttered beige food truck, through Tamworth's St Editha's Square, and back

'This stall has been in the same spot since the 1970s. I took it over in 2003. I had left college and didn't really know what to do.

'And I was sat in the pub with my dad, who was a potato merchant, when he told me Phil, the stall's owner, was retiring. So I thought: 'I'll buy it and take it over.'

And he did, and his wagon became a much-loved and popular local fixture. But never, well, this popular.

Now, Spudman serves over 800 potatoes a day, costing between 3 and 7. 'We sell them until we run out. Then shut up shop and start again from scratch the next day.' But it was after Covid, 'when retail was on its backside', that one of his sons, aged 13, introduced him to TikTok.

'I started off using it just to keep an eye on my kids. Then I thought, "what the hell', and posted a few videos.'

The third one got half a million views and 'totally opened my eyes'. (A recent post gained an incredible 100million views.)

'And suddenly I'm being followed by millions of people all across the world. I get recognised wherever I go, and I've got celebrities doing stints on the wagon.' He shakes his head then grins. 'I still can't quite believe it.'

But behind the upbeat bonhomie is a rather more gruelling reality. He styled his pink Mohican to raise money for kidney research, having been through three different failed transplants (in 10 to 15 per cent of patients, the immune system 'attacks' the transplant, according to the NHS).

'My body kept rejecting them,' he says with a shrug, and he'll remain on dialysis for the rest of his life.

But Ben has little time for self-pity. 'The business works around me and my illness. I can live a long time if I stay healthy.'

Ben Newman, known as Spudman, serves over 800 potatoes a day, costing between 3 and 7

The potatoes are baked for an hour in two vast iron ovens, before being unwrapped, lavished with spectacular amounts of butter. Toppings include baked beans, tuna mayonnaise, coleslaw and fresh chilli

Fundraising for kidney research is one passion; the other is Tamworth itself. 'This is not about me, or making money,' he says, stopping for yet another selfie.

'It's about breathing life back into Tamworth. And I'm also being totally selfish. I want a business that will be here in ten years' time, and I want a town to trade in. I love this place, but Tamworth doesn't market itself well. Did you know it was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia?'

Now, Tamworth is not just about pigs and manifestos (it was in the town that Tory prime minister Robert Peel issued a famous appeal to the electorate in 1834). Tamworth's about baked potatoes, too.

While Spudman disappears back into the wagon to serve up more succour and hot spuds, I talk to PC Wakely, a local policewoman, who has come up to the back door to plead for a fan.

'His satnav took him the wrong way,' she sighs, 'and now he's parked where he shouldn't be. He's driven from Walsall, and I just want to get him off the Square.'

She asks Ben if he'll do just two potatoes, as a special favour. For the first time, the smile falters. 'No one jumps the queue,' he says firmly. 'It's just not fair.'

Please, says the lovely PC, and he relents. 'Just this once. And don't bloody tell anyone, I'll be lynched.'

Once the potatoes are wrapped and dispatched, and the satnav-challenged punter sent back on his way, PC Wakely is full of praise. 'It's a phenomenon. I've never seen anything like it. And it so great for Tamworth, too. We all love him.'

'Potato pilgrims' hail from every corner of the globe and as far afield as Australia to visit Spudman's truck

Ben styled his pink Mohican to raise money for kidney research, having been through three different failed transplants

The queue may be long, and the wind bitter, but there are no complaints. It's all very British.

Aya is from Milton Keynes. 'I saw him on TikTok,' she says, her teeth chattering. 'And he seemed so nice. 'So I came up on my day off and have waited an hour-and-a-half so far.'

'John' has travelled four hours from Blackburn. 'Please don't give my real name, as I'm skiving off work.' He also saw Ben on TikTok.

Lee has made the trip up from Southampton, staying in Tamworth the previous night. 'Everyone's a potato fan,' he says, 'and I love his TikTok stuff. I'm really excited to meet him.'

Nicole and Leann have taken a two-hour detour en route home to Manchester from London. 'It was my son who persuaded us to come. He's so into TikTok.'

Ricky and Nicole come from Barnsley. 'She's here for a photo, but I'm here for the spud.'

A few weeks back, a couple travelled all the way from Malaysia. 'They caught a flight from Kuala Lumpur, booked a hotel, hired a car and came all the way here. Just to see me,' says Ben, shaking his head. 'It's all very humbling.'

But there are a smattering of locals, too, who've been coming for years. 'Best value, best potato and what a lovely man,' says Molly. 'A Tamworth legend.'

TikTok, of course, is mainly responsible for this potato phenomenon. When I tell my 13-year-old son (a Spudman superfan) I'm going to interview him, he can barely contain his glee. I become, briefly, the 'sickest' dad in the world when Ben sweetly films a personalised message.

'OMG!!!!' comes the awed response.

This video has made his month. And he's not alone. Those huge TikTok numbers bring in income, which in turn allows him to do things like 'Free Potato Day' where he gives away 2,000 potatoes. And they helps raise money for kidney research too.

'I believe in karma. You put good things in, and get good things back. We had a lovely group of people from Skegness this morning. All are suffering from dementia. But they came with pink Mohawks, and had a great time. That motivates me.'

You must have had a few juicy offers, I say, with businesses keen to get a taste of that sweet TikTok fame. 'I'm still totally overwhelmed,' he admits.

'And have turned down some insane offers to franchise. But I decided to concentrate on Tamworth and potatoes. And it's more manageable if my health goes south.'

But what about the baked spuds? Can they really be that good, or is this simply more empty social media hype, a butter-drenched trend, a half-baked craze?

But Ben really does know his, ahem, potatoes.

They come from Lowes farm, under ten miles away, mainly a variety called Melody. And the butter is also local, from Burton-on-Trent. He's ordered his cheese (80 per cent cheddar, 20 per cent mozzarella  'for extra melty stringiness') from the same supplier for the past 20 years. Ben believes in buying local.

The team (and there are usually three, plus him) get into work at 5am, and wrap around 800 potatoes in foil. 'You get one-and-a-half potatoes per portion, which is about 18 bags or 800 spuds per day on average.' They make their chilli fresh every day, 'but there's only so much you can do. We're not pretending to be a 15 gourmet Smashburger, rather a 5 baked potato.'

Once wrapped, the potatoes are baked for an hour in two vast iron ovens, before being unwrapped, lavished with spectacular amounts of butter, and lustily seasoned.

You can add then anything from baked beans and tuna mayonnaise to coleslaw and that fresh chilli. Equally important, you'll always get a pocketful of change from a tenner.

Enough talk, though, it's time to tuck in. 'Leave it wrapped up for a couple of minutes, to let everything melt and meld,' Ben tells me, handing over a precious polystyrene box.

The skin is crisp and brown, with just the right amount of chew, the earthy undertone of the potato shining through.

Inside, a magnificent hot mess of melted butter and cheese. The chilli has a whisper of cumin, and the baked beans add bite.

This really is a spud sensation, every mouthful a joy. For once, do believe the hype.

'It's all very simple,' he says, as I get ready to leave.

'This brings so much happiness to Tamworth. And so much happiness for me too.' With that, Ben Newman slips back into the wagon.

Cook. Social Media Sensation. Philanthropist. All round good egg.

Not forgetting the man behind one of the finest baked spuds to ever pass my lips.
With its detached Victorian houses and parked Range Rovers dotted along its length, the tree-lined street could easily be mistaken for an upmarket pocket of Edinburghs south side.

In fact, Castle Terrace is not even in Scotland  and, for those currently eyeing up properties there, that is the whole point.

It has long been among the most desirable corners of the Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed but lately there has been an added appeal for Scottish buyers: they see it as a tax haven.

Estate agents say the street is one of the prime targets of largely Edinburgh-based high earners looking to avoid the SNPs increasingly punitive tax regime.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is attracting Scots who face higher tax bills

It is the pick of a bunch of affluent locations in north Northumberland now catching the eye of this new breed of buyer.

One estate agent in the area told the Mail he was taking at least a call a day from high net-worth individuals from Scotland looking to move house.

Their over-arching precondition, says Patrick Paton, is the property must be in England.

I have to say I am very surprised at how buoyant the market is, says the boss of Paton & Co Estate Agents.

Normally the first couple of weeks into January things take a while to get going and then it really picks up at the end of February, the beginning of March, but we have started the year off with a bang.

The starting gun on the flurry of activity came on December 19.

No sooner had Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivered the Scottish Budget  which introduced a new tax band for higher earners and raised the top rate to 48p in the pound  than the phone started ringing.

Buyers are monetising the change, says Mr Paton. Theyre saying theyre going to be 15,000 worse off, or 9,000 worse off, if they remain in Scotland. Theyve sat down and done their sums on what the impact of the Budget was.

The Scottish Government has been warned for years about the risks to the nations already sluggish economy of widening the cross-Border tax gap.

Top earners would vote with their feet, it was told. A brain drain would ensue. Scotland would struggle to attract talent.

A Mail investigation finds that, just weeks after the Budget, it is happening already.

Higher earners  always the most mobile sector of the population  are moving south to take advantage of Englands more favourable tax climate and, for now, commuting to Scotland for work.

The struggle to lure talent north is upon us too. Tourism leaders told a Scottish parliament committee last month the only way their members can do it is by offering candidates significantly higher salaries than they would earn in England  a practice they see as unsustainable.

Retaining workers is proving equally challenging. Staff shortages are a key factor in the decision taken by nearly 60 per cent of Scotlands bars, restaurants and hotels not to open fully in January and February, according to a poll of members by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

The same poll found 96 per cent of hospitality outlets north of the Border feel the Scottish Government is out of touch with the business community.

At his office just a mile over the Border, few are better placed than Mr Paton to gauge the numbers of house-buyers moving in either direction across it.

He says there have been more crossing from Scotland to England than vice versa for several years, largely to escape the divisions wrought by the independence debate.

Now, he says, it is driven almost entirely by a financial calculation.

Estate agent Patrick Paton

Most of the individuals Ive been talking to are East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh based. They can just jump on the train and its a 45-minute journey up to the centre of Edinburgh from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Mr Paton says the clamour for properties in the area has prompted many sellers to come to market much earlier in the year than planned.

Castle Terrace, awash with six and seven-bedroom Victorian piles, is being targeted by several would-be Scottish tax exiles, says Mr Paton, but any significant properties within a 15 to 20-minute car journey to the towns railway station will also be considered.

Sweetening the deal is the fact that those moving from Edinburgh get much more for their money in north Northumberland.

For example, says Mr Paton, 800,000 will get you a detached five-bedroom, three-public room farmhouse a short drive from Berwick-upon-Tweed with a bit of land and lovely views.

The December Budget saddles Scotland with six tax bands while England has three  and all those earning more than 28,500 face a bigger tax burden north of the Border.

A 42p rate kicks in at earnings over 43,665 while in England it is a 40p rate starting at 50,271.

Ms Robison introduced a 45p rate for those earning more than 75,000 and pushed up the rate for earnings above 125,140 by a penny to 48p. In England the top tax rate of 45p kicks in at 125,140.

It means someone earning 50,000 in Scotland is paying 1,542 more in tax than an equivalent earner in England. At 70,000 it is 2,096 more and at 100,000 it is 3,346 more. For those on 200,000 it is almost 7,500 more.

Simply, experts are telling the Scottish Government, the differentials have become so great that behaviours are changing. And the net result will be a stagnant economy.

Sir Tom Hunter, one of Scotlands most successful businessmen, has been saying for years that it is the tax revenue as opposed to rate which is the key to economic growth.

But the serial entrepreneur and philanthropists wisdom continues to fall on deaf governmental ears.

He tells the Mail: For me whats important is the tax take not the tax rate. Last year we published analysis of the Irish experience which exemplifies that position. Ireland is predicting a 65billion [55billion] surplus over the next three years, Scotland a 30billion deficit; low tax rate [Ireland]; high tax take.

He added: Having six bands of tax rates when our nearest neighbours, who we can join tomorrow, have three, is frankly ridiculous.

The tax position in Scotland is a disincentive for investment, for growth and for talent attraction and, lets face it, 11 per cent of Scottish taxpayers contribute 65 per cent of tax revenues here.

The irony for the SNP is their former leader Alex Salmond, for one, grasped the relationship between tax burden and tax revenue and understood that, by increasing one, governments did not necessarily increase the other.

He was an advocate of the Laffer Curve, named after American economist Arthur Laffer, which held that there is an optimum tax rate where revenue is maximised but that, beyond it, the tax rate falls as economic behaviours alter.

The sea change came under his successor Nicola Sturgeon. Famously, when her finance secretary Derek Mackay was asked at a parliamentary committee whether his 2016 Budget took account of the Laffer Curve, he said he had never heard of it.

Eight years on, US-based Mr Laffer, 83, who married his first wife in Angus, continues to keep tabs on Scotland. He tells the Mail the SNPs tax rises are stabbing Scotland in the heart.

Businessman Sir Tom Hunter disagrees with the SNP's tax policy

It is folly, he says, to raise taxes when theres a lower tax regime just a few miles down the road from you.

Who in their right mind would do what Scotland is doing? says Mr Laffer, who was a key architect of President Ronald Reagans low tax revolution in the 1980s. Raising taxes as the Scottish Government has done simply ends with high income earners hiring accountants and lawyers to shelter their income, or moving and basing themselves in England where taxes are lower. That is happening in Scotland.

Mr Laffer says the government is acting crazily by pursuing a high taxation agenda even though the results keep getting worse.

Ultimately, he suggests, the failure to understand the Laffer Curve will hit the poor.

The Scottish Government needs to understand you cannot distribute more than you can produce. These sorts of measures will not help the poor in Scotland who will suffer when tax hikes reduce tax revenues and impact government investment and spending.

They will suffer when business stop investing in Scotland and move their operations and jobs to a lower tax regime.

It was only last month  weeks after the Budget was announced  that ministers launched an investigation into the likely effects of their tax regime on the economy.

That was at the urging of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) which provides forecasts for the Scottish Government.

The figures it has already provided make sobering reading.

The number of Scots paying one of the three higher rates from April will stand at 647,585  up from 307,100 on a higher rate when income tax came under the SNPs control in 2016/17.

The SFC estimated the new 45p tax band on earnings between 75,000 and 125,140 would raise 74million next year while increasing the top rate to 48p in the pound will net a meagre 8million.

The more striking numbers were the huge sums being lost through the behavioural impact of people avoiding paying the new rates whether by diverting earnings to pensions, reducing hours or even leaving the jobs market entirely.

In the case of the 45p rate the potential tax take of 147million was reduced by half. On the 48p rate the potential take of 53million was shredded to less than a sixth of that. The Laffer Curve in action.

The clear message from the latest quarterly economic indicator from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, meanwhile, is Scotland is mired in a low growth cycle.

Its president Stephen Leckie spelled out the issue last month: Companies are now grappling with the increasing tax burden of working in Scotland, making it more challenging to retain and attract talent. The introduction of a new income tax band is impacting on our competitiveness and depleting the spending power of individuals in the economy.

Mike Branney, the founder of Glasgow-based online fashion retailer Oh Polly, surely knows just what he means.

His firms turnover was 113million in the last financial year but he is now expanding outside Scotland because he says the government here fails to understand the economic environment required for growth.

He says: The problem we have is that as a tech company we need to attract people with the skills and experience of working in a digital business with similar revenues.

People with those skills are not always available in Scotland, so we seek to attract Scots working in the digital sector elsewhere who want to return home, but the tax differential is making that difficult.

Thats why our Glasgow office has gone from being our largest to our third biggest after London and Liverpool. We are now looking at establishing one in Manchester rather than expand Scotland.

Similar themes were explored in detail days ago at the Scottish parliaments economy and fair work committee as representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry laid out the realities facing pubs, restaurants, hotels and visitor attractions.

MARC Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance raised the case of Crerar Hotels boss Chris Wayne-Wills who is now considering whether the business can afford to recruit staff from England at significantly higher levels of income to take account of the tax burden.

The committee was told this was a live conversation in the industry and an issue arising repeatedly in the interview process.

Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality, said his and other sectors of the economy were struggling to recruit professionals willing to move to Scotland and shoulder the tax burden. Its being raised by members fairly consistently at the moment, he said.

Their point was crystal clear: Scotland needs to be competitive both in its ability to attract tourism and recruit and retain the staff needed to service the industry. The nation was failing in all three.

Mr Crothall read out a letter sent to him by an independent operator.

It began: I dont think Ive ever known a harder time to operate a business in Scotland or seen a government destroying any hope for growth. It seems as though we are determined to squeeze any money left within the sector and ensure the final nails in the coffin are truly hammered in.

In attendance at the committee was MSP Murdo Fraser, Conservative spokesman for business, economic growth and tourism, who now says: These experts from Scotlands tourism and hospitality sector didnt hold back on their judgment that the SNP government has been a disaster for Scottish firms.

He recalls they characterised the Budget as worse than Covid. He adds: As if that were not enough, income tax differentials are making it harder to attract and retain talented staff.

The ultimate irony for the Scottish Government, perhaps, is even its own civil servants seem alive to the benefits of paying English taxes.

Some 280 of them are resident south of the Border, a Freedom of Information inquiry reveals  and this does not take into account the latest income tax rises.

Many more will soon follow to avoid being clobbered further, believes Scottish Tory finance spokesman Liz Smith.

She says: The growing gulf in tax rates is a huge disincentive for people to live and work in Scotland, and one of the factors most likely to inhibit the economic growth we so desperately need.

It is embarrassing and telling that so many Scottish Government staff should be paying the rate that applies south of the Border to avoid the punitive tax imposed by the SNP.

The evidence of the tax folly may appear overwhelming, but the Scottish Government said its rates were also grounded in evidence and carefully balance the need to raise revenues with the impact on taxpayers and the economy.

A spokesman said: People base their decisions on where to live and work on a wide range of factors, not just the tax they will pay. Those who call Scotland home enjoy a range of support not available throughout the UK such as the Scottish Child Payment and free prescriptions.

Net migration of working age people from the rest of the UK to Scotland had averaged almost 7,000 a year since changes to income tax rates and bands were made in 2017-18, said the spokesman.

Back in Berwick-upon-Tweed, migration in the other direction is creating a mini housing boom. Come to market early, Mr Paton advises sellers. And if youre lucky enough to be one on Castle Terrace, expect a stampede of Scots.
A woman was bitten in the face by a powerful bulldog-type dog as she tried to protect her puppy from being mauled.

The attack left the traumatised woman covered in blood.

The woman was out with her three-month-old puppy in the village of Bothwell, Lanarkshire, yesterday morning when the incident happened.

She was treated at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride for an injury to her face and later reported the attack to the police.

Powerful XL bully dogs are at the centre of breeding controversy

A passer-by who helped her after she had been bitten said the owner of the bully, bulldog, Staffy-type dog was a woman who just kept walking.

The puppy was also bitten but is not thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

Another dog walker who went to the womans aid at around 8am yesterday said: She was very stressed and covered in blood. She had been bitten on the face. There was a lot of blood.

She said a dog had got away from its owner and had attacked the pup. She went to separate them and was bitten.

The witness added: She phoned her partner who came to take her to hospital. She was very distressed. The puppy had been bitten as well but seemed OK. The poor girl was traumatised.

A passer-by who stopped to help posted on social media: Not to add fuel to the dangerous dogs debate but just been out with the dog and met a girl who had moments before been bitten on the face by someone elses dog while trying to protect her puppy. The owner of the dog just kept walking. Keep your eyes peeled for a woman with a bully, bulldog, Staffy-type dog.

In a warning on social media, Bothwell Post Office said: Beware. A bulldog/bully type dog got off its owners leash and attacked a puppy. Whilst trying to separate the dogs, the owner of the puppy was bitten in the face. Please be careful and alert all dog owners in the area.

Police Scotland said: Around 10.40am on Friday, February 9, we were made aware of a woman being attacked by a dog in the Silvertrees area of Bothwell.

The woman attended at hospital for treatment. Inquiries are ongoing.
The daughter of a woman allegedly stabbed at a Queensland mall has asked that people not be targeted because they have same skin colour as her alleged attacker, posting that a boy had nearly been driven to take his own life because of bullying.

Danice White took to Facebook on Friday to plead for unity and said if people wanted to help her family they should 'stop attacking people of the same culture' as a teenager accused of the attack.

A 16-year-old boy of African origin who moved to Australia as a baby has been charged with murder over the death of Vyleen White, 70, who was allegedly attacked outside Town Square Redbank Plains a week ago in front of her granddaughter.

Ms White's other daughter, Cindy Micaleff, joined the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) this week to call for 'peace' following reports of abuse and harassment towards Ipswich's African community.

Danice claimed that she had personally been told about an African boy in the community - entirely unconnected to the case - who had attempted to take his own life following abuse and bullying directed at him in the wake of the tragedy.

Vyleen White (pictured) was allegedly stabbed outside Town Square Redbank Plains to steal her 2009 Hyundai Getz

Ms White's daughter Danica has called for peace and claimed that she knew of an African boy unconnected to the case who had been bullied to the point of nearly taking his own life

Taking to the Redbank Plain Community Noticeboard on Friday, Ms White thanked the community for an outpouring of support but also took aim at the reports some people had been targeting African people because of their race.

She said that 'if people really want to help our family out' they could discourage any retaliation against people of the same race as the accused.

'Some innocent boy should not have been bullied for his skin colour to the point of suicide... stop attacking and start uniting, it will bring change,' she said.

She added that if people 'wanted to do anything' they should pressure politicians to take more action on curbing the youth crime problem.

'My surname may be White but I love the colour black,' she said.

Ms White's other daughter, Cindy Micallef, on Thursday joined a media conference in Redbank Plains alongside Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) president Beny Bol OAM.

Vyleen White's other daughter Cindy Micaleff consoles the victim's husband Victor

Queensland African Communities Council president Beny Bol said the families of the teens arrested in relation to Ms White's case were 'heartbroken' and felt 'judged, misunderstood'

She pleaded that the community should not react in anger towards innocent families.

'Mum's legacy will live on in peace. She was never one to be prejudiced, she always looked for the best in people,' she said.

Mr Bol said he was 'moved' by Ms Micallef's decision to join him in appealing for peace and unity.

'We are united, and we want to make sure that no other families go through the same pain again,' he said.

'This is not about race or religion, we are here because if somebody out there in our community - and I'm talking about the Australian community - and they care and they're grieving and they want to see Vyleen's legacy shine on, you need to join us. You need to be with us.

'The best way we can honour her legacy is for us to preach peace, unity, justice and accountability, and make sure the people who do wrong things are held accountable individually.'

Four other teen boys, two aged 16 and two aged 15, have also been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a vehicle in relation to the alleged theft of Mrs White's car.

Mr Bol said the families of the teenagers arrested in relation to Ms White's alleged murder and theft of her car were 'heartbroken' and felt 'judged, misunderstood'.

'People don't know what they're going through,' he said. 'They came [to Australia] because of their children, they wanted a future for their children.

'These are parents and families who want to see everybody happy, living in peace, and children growing up in peace and enjoying life they feel so disempowered and confused.'

Local woman Melissa Halliday is pictured visiting a memorial at the supermarket on Tuesday as residents call on the government to address youth crime

Mr Bol said since Mrs White's death, African-Australians in places further afield than Ipswich had received 'a lot of verbal abuse' and trolling attacks on social media.

The attacks included people saying 'go back', 'you're monkeys', 'you shouldn't be in this country' and 'pack all of your stuff and go back to your country'.

Ms Micallef said she had spoken to families of African origin who were 'scared to take their kids to school' in the wake of the attack on her mother.

'You're always going to have rogue kids,' she said, but called on Queensland Premier Steven Miles to take stronger action on crime prevention.

'He promised to protect the community and make changes,' she told the press conference. 'There's no substance to what he says.

'If this government isn't going to make a change move over, because we're going to get someone in to make the changes we need.'

South Sudanese Community Association of Queensland (SSCAQ) President Peter Garang Kooch agreed there had been a spike in aggression levelled at members of his community - both in public and online

Pictured: Peter Garang Kooch, the President of the South Sudanese Community Association of Queensland

He said he was aware of at least three reports being made to police within the Ipswich area about concerning intimidation incidents.

'There has been verbal abuse and some [people] are threatening to physically attack, so they [members of the community] have had to run away for their safety,' Mr Kooch told Daily Mail Australia.

'Now, everybody in my community is scared that something will happen to us in a shopping centre or gathering place - especially women and children are frightened.'

Mr Kooch said, like in all communities, the act of killing is condemned within South Sudanese culture.

He said his community was devastated by what allegedly happened to Mrs White and the resulting racism had been saddening and disappointing.

'As human beings, when something like that happens, it makes everyone feel sorrowful,' he said.

'We are all Australian regardless of our colour or where we came from.

'In every community, there is good and bad. We cannot generalise. When a crime is committed, it should be separated from the individual's family and from their community.

'We should let the law take its course. Anyone who takes the law into their own hands has to be responsible for what they have done.'
Billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has unceremoniously dumped a food caterer at his company's mine sites because of its 'inedible' meals.

The mining magnate's Fortescue parted ways with French caterer Sodexo after receiving dozens of complaints from fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers about the food.

Fortescue informed its workforce that Sodexo's catering contract extension had not been extended this week.

Sodexo had previously been feeding workers at Fortescue's Christmas Creek, Cloudbreak, Kantama and Nyidinghu camps in the Pilbara.

Photos of the food shared online by workers shows a a barely filled BLT sandwich with one sliver of tomato, some tired-looking lettuce and a few small pieces of bacon.

Fortescue informed its workforce that Sodexo's catering contract extension had not been extended this week over reports of 'inedible' food

One anonymous worker said that they would not even feed the food to their pets

Another photo shows blackened bananas with what appears to be mould on the ends.

FIFO workers told The West that the food was 'always disgusting'.

'The food they serve is pretty much always disgusting, sometimes it's completely inedible,' an anonymous Christmas Creek worker said.

'[They] are meals I wouldn't even give to my pets.'

A spokeswoman from the Australian arm of Sodexo thanked Fortescue for its 'partnership over the years', adding it took 'pride in our team's spirit of service'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sodexo for comment.
A Massachusetts student who was allegedly kicked out of his school for wearing a t-shirt with words stating that there are only two genders has appeared in court over the ordeal.

Liam Morrison, who is now in the eighth grade, claimed his father had to pick him up from John T. Nichols Jr. Middle School, in March when he refused to change.

His parents filed a federal free speech lawsuit against the town of Middleborough, the previous acting school principal Heather Tucker, the Middleborough School Committee and Middleborough Public Schools superintendent Carolyn J. Lyons.

Morrison appeared at the US Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit in Boston on Thursday wearing the same controversial 'there are only two genders' t-shirt.

He claims that by forcing him to change out of the shirt, the school district was stifling his First Amendment right to free speech and said officials 'took away my ability to have a different opinion'.

Massachusetts student Liam Morrison who was allegedly kicked out of his school for wearing a t-shirt with words stating that there are only two genders has appeared in court over the ordeal

Liam Morrison, who is now in the eighth grade, claimed his father had to pick him up from John T. Nichols Jr. Middle School, in March when he refused to change

His parents filed a federal free speech lawsuit against the town of Middleborough, the previous acting school principal Heather Tucker, the Middleborough School Committee and Middleborough Public Schools superintendent Carolyn J. Lyons (pictured)

Morrison's lawyer from the Alliance Defending Freedom presented arguments in front of the court on Thursday.

'His T-shirt did not target any individual,' attorney David Cortman said. 'It merely addressed the same subject matter the school had already raised, but a different point of view.'

He claimed the Middleborough school district celebrates Pride month each with flags that send the message that there are 'an unlimited number of genders'.

Morrison then wore the controversial t-shirt and was allegedly asked by school officials to either take it off or leave the school.

The student then wore another top which said 'there are censored genders' and he was asked to take it off.

'The situation should have been a teaching moment,' Cortman said. 'This should have been a moment  that we teach the students how to debate on controversial topics of the day, and yet that did not happen.'

'They decided to censor him,' he added. 'But what the school cannot do, even though they can share their own views, is decide that only students who agree with those views can speak, but anyone who disagrees should be silenced. And thats exactly what they did here.'

Morrison addressed reporters outside of the courthouse on Thursday and insisted he was picked on for 'expressing my opinion'.

'This isnt just about a shirt. Its about free speech,' he said. 'All students have a constitutional right to express their free speech without fear of being punished by school officials.'

A Boston judge previously ruled Morrison cannot wear the 'there are only two genders' t-shirt while the case is still being decided.

Deborah Ecker, the lawyer representing the school district, argued: 'Looking at what the school officials knew about their school, the age of the kids, the LGBTQ community in that school, and the real mental health concerns, their decision to have the plaintiff remove the T-shirt was reasonable.

'They reasonably could forecast that the message, if he was allowed to wear it in the school and in a classroom, would reasonably cause a disruption to the school work and invade the rights of other students.'

Morrison claimed that by forcing him to change out of the shirt, the school district was stifling his First Amendment right to free speech. 'Who is this protected class?' Morrison asked. 'Are their feelings more important than my rights?'

He brought up the incident at a Middleborough Public School Council meeting on April 13

Morrison claimed his father had to pick him up from John T. Nichols Jr. Middle School, in March when he refused to change out of his t-shirt that read 'There are only two genders.'

He said school officials told him other students were complaining that it made them feel 'unsafe' and was 'disrupting education.'

Tyson Langhofer, director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center for Academic Freedom who helped the family launch the lawsuit, said: This isnt about a T-shirt; this is about a public school telling a seventh grader that he isnt allowed to hold a view that differs from the schools preferred orthodoxy.

Public school officials cant censor Liams speech by forcing him to remove a shirt that states a scientific fact. Doing so is a gross violation of the First Amendment.

He added: It's hard to tell because their student handbook actually says that public education must be available to members of both sexes, and it says that sexual harassment can't be against either gender.

So the school's own communications actually support Liam's viewpoint. But what they've told him is that he can't express that on his shirt, and we think that's wrong.

Morrison spoke out about the incident and said he was taken out of gym class on March 21 to meet with school officials, who told him that people were complaining about his T-shirt, saying it made them feel 'unsafe.'

'I was told that I would need to remove my shirt before I could return to class. When I nicely told them I didn't want to do that, they called my father.

'Thankfully, my dad, supportive of my decisions, came to pick me up.

Morrison said he wanted to bring the School Committee's attention to the issue. The School Committee is pictured here at its April 13 meeting

'What did my shirt say?' he continued. 'Five simple words: "There are only two genders." Nothing harmful. Nothing threatening. Just a statement I believe to be a fact.'

He added that he did not go to school that day to 'hurt feelings or cause trouble.'

But school officials told him his shirt was 'targeting a protected class.'

'Who is this protected class?' Morrison asked. 'Are their feelings more important than my rights?'

'I don't complain when I see Pride flags and diversity posters hung throughout the school. Do you know why? Because others have a right to their beliefs just as I do,' he said.

Middleborough Public Schools Superintendent Lyons said Liam had violated the dress code.

She said the 'content of Liams shirt targeted students of a protected class; namely in the area of gender identity.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Middleborough Public Schools for comment.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

Famous brain surgeon Charlie Teo claims people are dying because he cannot perform life-saving operations on them due to practice restrictions placed on him in Australia.

Dr Teo gave an impassioned interview to Sky News alongside nine-year-old former patient Maddy Suy and her father on Friday.

The controversial surgeon is not permitted to perform surgery in Australia without written approval from an independent neurosurgeon of 20 years' experience after a professional standards committee found him guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct in July 2023.

Dr Teo brushed off questions about whether he was a miracle worker but insisted that without his help, numerous people will die prematurely.

He now works primarily in Europe where he just operated on a Romanian boy and has another surgery scheduled next week on a Turkish boy who has terminal brain cancer.

Charlie Teo gave an impassioned interview on Sky News where he claimed that people were dying because of the restrictions placed on him working in Australia

Dr Teo was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct in July 2023 by a professional standards committee and is not permitted to perform surgery in Australia without written approval from an independent neurosurgeon of 20 years' experience

Dr Teo claimed in the 30 years he practised in Australia he was able to save lives by removing what many believed to be inoperable brain tumours.

He said that his expertise is being wasted and that doctors in Europe were eagerly learning from him.

'I can tell you right now, there's a 25-year-old girl from the Gold Coast, she's got a brain stem glioma that I could remove in a heartbeat,' Dr Teo said.

'She cannot afford to go overseas. She's been told by all the surgeons in Australia that it's inoperable. And yet, it's a benign, operable tumour. And that's just one of several [requests] that I receive every day.

'It's just a simple fact that I specialise in brain stem gliomas. And, yes, that expertise is no longer available here.'

The professional standards committee found that Dr Teo operated on two patients 'where the risk of surgery outweighed any potential benefits'.

Both had terminal brain tumours and both died as a result of catastrophic brain injuries.

Dr Teo claimed in the 30 years he practised in Australia he was able to save lives by removing what many believed to be inoperable brain tumours

The professional standards committee found that Dr Teo operated on two patients 'where the risk of surgery outweighed any potential benefits'

Despite the committee's judgment Dr Teo asked Australian hospitals to give him a second chance and allow him back into the operating room.

'I still have a full licence,' he said.

'All I need is a hospital, a public hospital or a private hospital somewhere in Australia to give me privileges and I'll be operating tomorrow.'

His former patient Maddy defended him during the interview.

His former patient Maddy Suy (left) and her father Alan (right) defended him during the interview

Dr Teo operated on Maddy three years ago after she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and given two years to live.

She called him an 'amazing man' and said she could not understand why people 'hate him'.

Her father Alan said Dr Teo was their only option and that he could not give up on his daughter, who doctors predicted had six to eight months to live after her diagnosis.

He said 'any parent would do the same' when faced with taking the risk with Dr Teo.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne expressed unconditional, full and steadfast commitment in support of Armenias sovereignty and resilience during his meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, the French foreign ministry said in its readout of the February 9 meeting in Paris.

The French FM signaled Frances unconditional, full and steadfast commitment in support of Armenias sovereignty and resilience. The ministers discussed the priorities for strengthening our bilateral cooperation projects, particularly the development of infrastructure projects in the fields of transport, energy and water, the French foreign ministry said.

They also spoke about bolstering relations between the European Union and Armenia. Furthermore, France is continuing to step up its humanitarian support for Armenia and the refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, with aid now amounting to 29 million in 2023 and enabling us to support actions by NGOs, the ICRC, the Armenian Red Cross and United Nations agencies to welcome and take social, medical, educational and financial care of these especially vulnerable people. Finally, the ministers reviewed discussions aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Minister reiterated Frances support for the mediation efforts of the European Union and United States. There can be no just and lasting peace without respect for international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of the two States borders, the French foreign ministry added.
This is the chilling moment a jealous former boyfriend and his pal plotted to stab his ex-girlfriend's new partner to death, who his family said had 'no time to defend himself.'

Kaydon Prior, 23, screamed, 'I love you' to his ex, Alicia Parrin, while he stabbed Harrison Tomkins with a 16cm long hunting blade, on August 13 last year.

Chichester Crown Court heard how he went into a jealous rage when he found Ms Parrin, 21, with Mr Tomkins, 25, and knifed him to death.

He launched his murderous attack after bursting into her bedroom and ripping the duvet from the bed, having spotted the pair enjoying a night out in London, the court was told.

Prior and his friend Jason Curtis followed the young couple back to Ms Parrin's flat in Crawley, and tasked Curtis with keeping watch as he went back to his own home to pick up a set of keys to the woman's home.

The pair were seen carefully plotting the break in on CCTV. Prior, wearing a gray tracksuit, appears to be puffing at a cigarette or a vape, as Curtis is seen wiping a long object. Both were stood next to a van parked on a road near Ms. Parrin's flat.

Prior pinned defenceless leisure centre lifeguard Harrison to the bed by his legs before stabbing him 10 times.

Kaydon Prior and Jason Curtis have been convicted of murder after a man was fatally stabbed in Crawley

Kaydon Prior (left), 23, and Jason Curtis (right), 22, were both found guilty for the murder of Harrison Tomkins, 25

Chichester Crown Court heard how Prior went into a jealous rage when he found his ex-girlfriend with Mr Tomkins (pictured) and knifed him to death on August 13 last year

The family and loved ones of Mr Tomkins are pictured outside the Crown Court following the verdict

Alicia Parrin (pictured) was in a relationship with Kaydon Prior

The court heard how Prior had refused to accept his relationship with Ms Parrin had ended.

Prior and his friend Jason Curtis face life sentences after a jury found them both guilty today of murdering Mr Tomkins.

There were gasps and screams from the public gallery when Curtis, 22, was also found guilty of murder despite not wielding the knife which killed Mr Tomkins.

Curtis shook his head and rested it on the dock after the verdicts were delivered.

Prior looked across at him and shrugged.

Following conviction, Mr Tomkin's family issued a statement: 'As a family, we are pleased with this result and feel justice has been served.

'Harrison hasn't got a voice today, so we will speak on behalf of him.

'Firstly, we would like to thank Sussex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their fast-moving investigation, which has led to today's result.

'Thank you also to our Family Liaison Officers, the ambulance service, the numerous witnesses and the jury for reaching their verdict today. And to all our family and friends who have supported us through such a horrific time.

A Met Police still of Kaydon Prior who launched a frenzied attack against Mr Tomkins

Following a night out in London with best friend Curtis they went to Ms Parrin's flat in Crawley. Air conditioning fitter Curtis acted as lookout while Prior went back to his own apartment to collect keys to Ms Parrin's flat and the knife. He returned with the keys and the knife and carried out the horrific knifing. Pictured: CCTV image of Mr Tomkins

As Prior left the flat, he grabbed Ms Parrin by the hair and punched her and said: 'I should stab you too.' Prior tried to dismiss her screams coming from her flat as the sounds of good sex when he was confronted by neighbours. Pictured: CCTV footage of Prior

Prior phoned his ex-girlfriend twice after leaving her flat in bloodstained clothes as she was desperately calling 999. When emergency services arrived, she was covered in blood. Pictured: A screenshot of footage of Prior being arrested

'Harrison was innocent in all of this, taken by surprise and killed as he laid in bed, with no time to defend himself.

'We knew our son and he didn't move in any of these circles or know this way of life.

'We were an amazing family, completely content, loving, supportive and protective. Except in August last year our family was destroyed that fateful day - the day I could not protect my son.

'Harrison, our first born son and brother to his two adoring sisters was just the greatest, he saw the best in everyone he met. He was a lover of life.

'Nothing said or done can help justify this senseless loss of life.

'Going through this trial has been as traumatic as the day we were told Harrison had been killed. We have had to relive it all over again, while listening to Prior and Curtis' lies throughout.

'Since the omission of any remorse and that my son was murdered whilst asleep, my only hope is they serve the maximum sentence possible.

The ex-girlfriend described Prior as controlling and violent during their year long relationship and told police the obsessive neat freak was a drug dealer. Pictured: CCTV image of Curtis and Prior

The jury were shown harrowing images of her blood soaked bed and police body worn video of her moments after the attack. Pictured: CCTV image of Prior

The jury found both men guilty of murder and having an offensive weapon. Prior was also found guilty of assaulting Ms Parrin. Pictured: A screenshot of police body cam footage of one of the arrests

'They have not just changed my life for the worse, but so many people from my family and close friends, and I have to ask 'was it worth it?'

Following a night out in London with best friend Curtis they went to Ms Parrin's flat in Crawley.

Air conditioning fitter Curtis acted as lookout while Prior went back to his own apartment to collect keys to Ms Parrin's flat and the knife.

He returned with the keys and the knife and carried out the horrific knifing.

As he left the flat, Prior grabbed Ms Parrin by the hair and punched her and said: 'I should stab you too.'

Prior tried to dismiss her screams coming from her flat as the sounds of good sex when he was confronted by neighbours.

Air conditioning fitter Curtis (pictured) acted as lookout while Prior went back to his own apartment to collect keys to Ms Parrin's flat and the knife. Here he is pictured at the time of arrest

Prior pictured being taken away by a police officer. He claimed the brutal murder was 'self-defence'

A forensic officer at the scene of the gruesome attack. Police and paramedics were on the scene within minutes and performed emergency first aid

He phoned Ms Parrin twice after leaving her flat in bloodstained clothes as she was desperately calling 999.

When emergency services arrived, Ms Parrin was covered in blood.

Ms Parrin described Prior as controlling and violent during their year long relationship and told police the obsessive neat freak was a drug dealer.

The jury were shown harrowing images of her blood soaked bed and police body worn video of her moments after the attack.

The jury found both men guilty of murder and having an offensive weapon.

Prior was also found guilty of assaulting Ms Parrin.

The court heard Prior had previous convictions for burglary and possession of drugs.

They will be sentenced on April 23.

Amateur boxer Mr Tomkins was described as tall, muscular and well loved. He worked with Ms Parrin at the K2 leisure centre in Crawley.

Case Officer Detective Police Constable Elliott Lander, of the Major Crime Team, said: 'I am pleased that we have been able to get the justice that Harrison richly deserves today.

'I never got to meet Harrison, but I have learned so much about him and have seen how greatly loved he was by all who knew him.

'Harrison was killed in a frenzied attack that he had no chance to defend himself from. Prior and Curtis will both rightly now have to live with the devastating consequences of their actions for a considerable period of their lives in prison.

Mr Tomkin's family issued a statement after the verdict. Pictured: Mr Tomkins

The court heard Prior had previous convictions for burglary and possession of drugs. Pictured: A screenshot of footage of one of the arrests

They will be sentenced on April 23. Pictured: A screenshot of footage of one of the arrests

A police officer stands in the door of the block of flats in Arthur Road, Crawley where the attack took place

The Crown Court in Chichester heard Prior had refused to accept his relationship with Alicia Parrin had ended

Friends and family hold a picture of Mr Tomkins following the verdict at Chichester Crown Court

'On behalf of Harrison and all his family and friends, I'd like to thank those who came forward and supported our investigation.'

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of the Major Crime Team, said: 'I echo Detective Police Constable Elliott Lander and would like to add how incredible Harrison's family have been throughout what has been a terrible time for them.

'I commend them for the way they have conducted themselves and their incredible bravery throughout the trial.

'This was a horrendous and unproved attack on a young man who had simply been on a night out enjoying himself.

'Justice has been served today and our thoughts very much remain with Harrison and his family during this incredibly distressing time.'
Biden's disastrous press conference has been likened to the Challenger space shuttle explosion by a guest on Megyn Kelly's show.

Ben Shapiro called the president's appearance on Thursday, 'the worst press conference I've ever seen by far'.

His comments came a day after Biden's gaffe-filled address to the nation on the Justice Department's report into his handling of classified documents.

His tirade included a number of blunders including referring to the Egyptian leader as the President of Mexico after angrily insisting is 'memory is fine'.

'That was the Challenger explosion of press conferences. It truly was the worst press conference I've ever seen by far,' Shapiro said.

Megyn Kelly guest Ben Shapiro blasted Joe Biden's disastrous press conference over the Justice Department's report into his handling of classified documents

The Daily Wire editor said the appearance was like the 'Challenger of press conferences' in reference to the explosion which killed seven

The heated exchange with reporters saw Biden fume about the report's findings, as well as mix up the presidents of Egypt and Mexico

The Challenger disaster was one of the deadliest in US spaceflight history and resulted in the death of seven crew members on board the shuttle when it exploded during lift off on January 28, 1986.

The cause of the spaceship's disintegration was failure of seals in a joint in the shuttle's boosters which occurred due to the record low temperatures on the morning of the launch.

'I've been watching these things for well over 20 years at this point, and obviously I've watched a lot of tape. That was horrendous,' Shapiro added.

'Not just was it horrendous, it was on purpose, meaning he didnt have to do the press conference last night.'

Special counsel Robert Hur's report confirmed Biden would not be charged for keeping classified documents in his garage.

But it said that was because a jury would probably conclude he had 'diminished faculties' and was a 'well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.'

In a hastily arranged press conference an agitated Biden insisted: 'I know what the hell I'm doing! My memory has not gotten worse. My memory is fine. Take a look at what I have done since becoming president.'

'No one thought I could pass any of the things I got passed. How did that happen? I guess I just forgot what was going on.'

His comments prompted scorn from Shapiro, editor of the Daily Wire.

President Biden went after reporters and blasted Special Counsel Robert Hur for targeting his memory in his report announcing the decision not to charge him over handling of classified documents

'The entire purpose of the presser was to dissuade Americans, special counsel was right about his state of mind and his mental acuity. He doesn't look like he kind of knows what he's doing,' Shapiro added.

'He starts off hot for maybe a minute and a half What a complete disaster area for the President. And it's hard to see, frankly, how he survives this.

The media basically now has choice. We need to either openly report what's going on. And every day now until the election, will be a question about his mental state.'

Biden was particularly upset by a Hur's inclusion of the claim that he couldn't remember the timing of his son Beau's death.

'There's even reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? I don't need anyone, I don't need anyone, to remind me of when he passed away,' the president fumed.

'Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, wasn't any of their damned business.'

He also said reports about his 'willful' retention of documents were 'misleading.'

At one point he yelled: 'I did not share classified information! I did not!'

Shapiro let rip in the segment on Friday night, branding the press conference 'horrendous' and the worst he had seen in 20 years

The Challenger space explosion in 1986 was one of the deadliest in US aerospace history, killing all seven crew on board

Biden then took a question about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In doing so he botched the identification of a world leader, calling Egypt's Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The only question is whether the Democratic Party is so convinced they can beat Donald Trump literally a person who is not mentally there, but they decide to stick with him rather than tossing him overboard or whether

it just happens that Joe Biden picks the single best presidential insurance anyone ever pick by making Kamala Harris his Vice President
A former immigration detainee who was freed by the High Court late last year allegedly offered a female motel guest 'a massage' before indecently assaulting her, court documents claim.

Afghan refugee Aliyawar Yawari, 66, was arrested on December 2, which was only days after the High Court ruled he and around 150 other detainees could not be held indefinitely and so were given their freedom.

He has been charged with two counts of indecently assaulting a fellow guest at a Pavlos Motel he was staying at in Adelaide's north.

Court documents, revealed by the Adelaide Advertiser, detail the woman's accusations that Yawari offered her a massage in his room, which she accepted up until he made unwanted sexual contact with her.

Afghan refugee Mr Yawari, 66, was arrested only days after being freed from immigration detention by a High Court decision

The documents claim police were called to the hotel at around 10pm after the woman said she fled from Yawari's room after rejecting his advances and he followed saying 'please, please, please forgive me'.

Earlier in the day the woman said she met Yawari after having trouble getting into her room, which he assisted with.

The pair then bonded telling each other about their lives while smoking cigarettes and eating lunch together.

'She felt as though they were creating a friendship,' the documents state.

It's further alleged in the court documents that around 9.30pm, the woman says she was sitting outside her room when Yawari offer her a massage in his room, which she assented to.

It's alleged she then lay on her back on the bed in his room before Yawari began rubbing the woman's legs for approximately two minutes, but then moved 'both of his hands down the front of her pants and on top of her underwear'.

Police claims in the documents that Mr Yawari allegedly tried to rub under her underwear at which point she told him 'no'.

'The victim states the accused then tried to kiss her by moving his head forward, but she moved hers away so he wasn't able to,' the documents claim.

'The accused then proceeded to rub the victim's breast for two seconds before she said "no" and pushed him back with her hand,' the documents claim.

After that she fled the room and called police.

Yawari is accused of committing indecent assault against a female guest at an Adelaide motel where he was staying

Police said when they arrived they identified Yawari as the suspect and said he had a 'Correctional Service NSW home detention monitoring bracelet on his left ankle'.

'Border Force then confirmed the accused had been fitted with the bracelet in New South Wales and was subject to monitoring,' police said.

'They further confirmed that the accused is lawfully in Australia on a Bridging Visa R.'

In a Friday hearing in Adelaide's Elizabeth Magistrates Court, Yawari withdrew an application for bail because he is yet to find suitable housing.

Previously Yawari told Adelaide Magistrates Court he is 'diabetic' and 'could not breathe' while he waits on remand for allegedly indecently assaulting a woman.

Appearing via video link, Yawari appeared animated and spoke in Persian to a Persian interpreter.

Defence lawyer Vageli Dimou, appearing for Yawari, interjected as he spoke out in Persian and told magistrate Oliver Koehn he would speak with his client later.

Yawari was jailed in 2016 for three years and 11 months, with a non-parole period of two years and eight months, for a series of attacks on women.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sack Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil (pictured) and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles (pictured) in December

He was then transferred to immigration detention where he remained until his release in November.

Of the 150 detainees freed since the High Court decision, at least nine have been arrested and charged with crimes.

Following the burst of alleged crime from former detainees, the federal government legislated new preventive detention measures in December, giving law enforcement the power to lock up high-risk offenders.

The government has also established a Community Protection Board to provide advice on how to manage the former detainees.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sack Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in December.

'The minister's made catastrophic mistakes in his decision-making and unfortunately now that they've released 147 people in total, with a potential 340 (more), the likelihood of attacks, and given the cohort, the nature of these people, the high degree of the viciousness of some of the offending, the very high likelihood is that there will be more victims,' Mr Peter Dutton told Adelaide radio.

'It's avoidable and it's a tragedy.'

Ms O'Neil hit back at Mr Dutton, saying he had voted against a Bill that would have tightened controls on child sex abusers.

'A Bill that Labor put forward to criminalise pedophiles standing in front of schools, the Leader of the Opposition and his team voted against it, and you cannot hide from that,' she said in parliament on November 30.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the government had no choice but to release the non-citizens.
The Biden Administration has admitted to surveilling the private financial transactions of Americans for words including 'MAGA', 'Trump' and 'Kamala' following the January 6 riots.

Federal investigators in the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) instructed banks to comb through records to look for 'extremists'.

A letter from the Treasury Department, seen by Fox News, was sent to Senator Tim Scott on Friday which states 'Exchange events' began 'shortly after January 6 under the prior Administration'.

It said it 'included terms such as "antifa," "MAGA," "Trump," "Biden," "Kamala," "Schumer," and "Pelosi."'

The federal government was specifically 'watching' Trump supporters and Americans who frequent outdoor stores such as Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops, and also those who purchased religious texts, such as a Bible.

The Biden Administration has admitted to surveilling the private financial transactions of Americans for words including 'MAGA', 'Trump' and 'Kamala' following the January 6 riots

Federal investigators in the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) instructed banks to comb through records to look for 'extremists'

The federal government was specifically 'watching' Trump supporters and Americans who frequent outdoor stores such as Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops, and also those who purchased religious texts, such as a Bible

The Treasury Department letter signifies the first time the Biden Administration has confirmed the use of keywords being searched for by investigators over the January 6 riot.

It was signed by Acting Assistant Secretary Corey Tellez and was in response to a letter sent by Scott, who is on the Senate Banking Committee, to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen demanding answers.

Scott claimed the surveillance 'represents a flagrant violation of Americans privacy and the improper targeting of U.S. citizens for exercising their constitutional rights without due process.'

The Republican politician had previously voted for the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, which allowed the FinCEN Exchange program to share data between law enforcement and financial institutions in a bid to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.

FinCEN handed materials to banks which suggested they search and filter private finance records using keywords and search terms.

This was to help law enforcement find people of interest ahead of Biden's January 20 2021 inauguration and after the January 6 riots.

The searches were found during a House Judiciary Committee and Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government investigation.

They discovered documents which showed FinCEN warned financial institutions that an 'extremism indicator' could be 'the purchase of books (including religious texts)," like the Bible, and subscriptions to certain media "containing extremist views'.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told lawmakers she would investigate why the department sent instructions to banks on how to search Americans' transaction records

A letter from the Treasury Department, seen by Fox News , was sent to Senator Tim Scott on Friday which states 'Exchange events' began 'shortly after January 6 under the prior Administration'

According to the report released by Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, in January, the terms 'MAGA' and 'Trump' were also suggested by the department to be searched in Zelle payments.

'Did you shop at Bass Pro Shop yesterday or purchase a Bible? If so, the federal government may be watching you,' Jordan posted on X at the time.

'We now know the federal government flagged terms like 'MAGA' and 'TRUMP,' to financial institutions if Americans completed transactions using those terms,' he wrote in another post.

'What was also flagged? If you bought a religious text, like a BIBLE, or shopped at Bass Pro Shop.'

Further, officials warned banks of 'extremism' indicators like the purchase of a bus or plane ticket 'for travel to areas with no apparent purpose' or the purchase of a religious text, like a Bible, according to documents.

Subscriptions to news outlets containing 'extremist' views would also be an indicator for financial instructions to look at, according to the material the Treasury provided to banks.

The report sparked a flurry of backlash at the Biden administration from Republicans demanding answers about the government's spy tactics.

Additionally, during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Thursday, Republican Senator Scott chided the Treasury secretary over the department's surveillance instructions.

'FinCEN was created to stop money laundering and not to spy on Americans,' he said. 'It was not created for political motivations.'
The Prince of Wales has appointed a former Government diplomat as his private secretary, as he returns to royal duties following his father's cancer diagnosis.

Ian Patrick, who has also worked for former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, will take up the role, Kensington Palace said on Friday.

Changes in the Palace team will see both William and Kate have their own private secretaries.

This had been put in place before the King's cancer diagnosis and the royal couple have opened a new role of chief executive, which is yet to be filled.

Mr Patrick worked under Lord Ashdown when he was in Bosnia from 2002 to 2006 before joining the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

He is also a trustee for Crohn's & Colitis UK, a charity for the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

It was announced on Monday that Charles would be undergoing regular treatment for an unspecified cancer, found during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate.

Prince William resumed regular duties this week, having taken time off to support his family, after the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery.

Prince William has resumed regular duties this week following the King's cancer diagnosis

Ian Patrick, who has also worked for former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, will take up the role, Kensington Palace said on Friday

The heir to the throne took time off to support his family, after the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery

Kate, 42, is on the mend and joined her husband and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term holiday on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Richard Eden reported.

A friend told Eden: 'Catherine is recovering well.

'She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William.'

The royal was discharged 12 days ago from the London Clinic.

The heir to the throne has no further duties scheduled this week as he continues to put his wife and children first.

A source told the Daily Mail earlier this week: 'The Prince has always made clear that his priority is to support his wife and family for the time being  and he did not put a timescale on that.

'He will make a return to duties on Wednesday but you should not expect to see him again for a bit after that.'

It is understood that William, 41, has his father's '100 per cent' backing in returning at his own pace.

A source said: 'The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a wonderful job. He understands that family comes first.'

William hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday before attending the London's Air Ambulance charity gala dinner later that evening, thanking the public for their messages of support for the King.

His brother, Prince Harry, flew into London on a ten-hour commercial British Airways flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow on Tuesday following the King's cancer diagnosis

The Duke arrived at the royal residence at 2.42pm and then spent around 45 minutes chatting with his father, which is thought to be their first proper contact in 15 months.

William hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday before attending the London 's Air Ambulance charity gala dinner later that evening (pictured)

Prince Harry, flew into London on a ten-hour commercial British Airways flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow on Tuesday following the King's cancer diagnosis

It was announced on Monday that Charles would be undergoing regular treatment for an unspecified cancer, found during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate

A palace source indicated to The Times that Harry and the King's meeting was brief because Charles was tired from a procedure on Monday.

It is believed that the royal did not see his Prince William, or sister-in-law Kate.

Harry, who has been estranged from his father, then quickly jetted back to LA and was in Vegas the following day.

For his journey back to the States, Harry was spotted in Heathrow's exclusive Windsor Suite as he prepared to fly back at around 2pm that afternoon.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was pictured beaming as she was snapped driving near her $14m Montecito home just hours before Prince Harry returned home.

Princess Anne and Queen Camilla have both undertaken royal engagements this week.

Camilla attended a concert at Salisbury Cathedral and met several charities, whereas the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh performed investitures at Windsor Castle.
Church of England vicars are demanding safeguards to protect them from bullying parishioners, it emerged yesterday.

Papers released ahead of the Church's General Synod claim members of the clergy have been 'hounded out of office' due to aggressive behaviour by the faithful.

The issue is due to be debated by bishops later this month when they will consider two motions calling for a code of conduct for parishioners as well as rules to kick bullies out of the church.

According to one of the motions, which was drawn up by Rev Dr Sara Batts-Neale of the Chelmsford Diocese, some church council gatherings have become so bad-tempered they are 'psychologically damaging'.

Her motion  which notes that 'lay volunteers face no significant consequences for persistent departures from acceptable standards of behaviour'  cites 'aggressive behaviour in meetings, slamming fists on tables and continually interrupting when others speak'.

The issue is due to be debated by bishops later this month when they will consider two motions (stock photo)

Meanwhile, she also pointed to behaviour 'outside meetings [including] emailing repeatedly, and when blocked on email, printing and delivering copies of a message'.

Dr Batts-Neale said: 'A PCC [Parochial Church Council] meeting should not be a psychologically damaging or physically threatening environment.

'In many parishes, the shortage of enthusiastic volunteers means that one individual may have multiple responsibilities.

'Repeatedly poor behaviours sidetrack meetings, waste the time of all participants, and detract from the church's ability to share the gospel and nurture disciples.

'In one parish a PCC member refused to share the keys to the cupboard that stored the resources for children's work.'

A separate motion put forward by the Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn, called on bishops to recognise bullying as 'unacceptable behaviour within the Church of God'.

He called for greater regulations on the church's lay officers.

A motion cites aggressive behaviour in meetings, slamming fists on tables and continually interrupting when others speak (stock photo)

'If a priest is guilty of bullying behaviour, they can rightly be disciplined. However, lay officers guilty of persistent bullying can neither be removed from office nor disqualified from future election,' he said.

'This lack of effective sanction means that bullying is allowed to go unchecked with deeply harmful consequences which can blight the life of a parish.'

Additionally he warned the extent of bullying meant bishops were 'reluctant' to recommend certain problem parishes to prospective applicants.
The mother of a five-year-old girl who was 'kidnapped' while on holiday in the US by the partner she met on a co-parenting website has revealed her daughter is 'trapped in hotels'.

The fugitive father was this week given one final chance to return the girl - or else faces an immediate prison term.

Natalie Kennedy was 36 and worried about her body clock when she met Philip Thomas, who was 11 years older than her, on an unregulated co-parenting website.

Ms Kennedy, now 43, said IT consultant Thomas, 54, had defied court orders by refusing to return their daughter Alice to the UK, leaving her 'heartbroken and in despair'.

She has not seen her daughter for more than four months since he took her on a two-week holiday to the States, following a long-running dispute over access arrangements for him to see her.

Miss Kennedy said Mr Thomas had allowed her to have a handful of Zoom conversations with their daughter who seemed 'unhappy' being in Dubai with him

Miss Kennedy has not seen her daughter for more than four months since he took her on a two-week holiday to the United States

Miss Kennedy said IT consultant Philip Thomas, 54, defied court orders by refusing to return their daughter Alice to the UK, leaving her 'heartbroken and in despair'

Mr Thomas broke a court agreement by not returning Alice on August 6, to her mother's home in Gorleston-on-Sea, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

He then flew with Alice from Florida to Dubai on August 21, and is believed to have been with her ever since in the United Arab Emirates city state.

Family Court judges have treated the case as 'child abduction' and issued four separate orders for Mr Thomas to bring the youngster home - which have been ignored despite the threat of a fine, imprisonment or seizure of assets if he fails to comply.

Miss Kennedy previously claimed Thomas says he has not complied as he is 'scared' about the consequences of returning and claims his rights as a father have not been properly taken into account.

Thomas has set up his own website called FairParentingUK and an associate podcast, which he uses to campaign for reforms to the UK's family courts and what he sees as injustices in the system.

The High Court's family division heard that Thomas's whereabouts are not known.

She told The Times: 'Alice is just trapped in hotel rooms. When I speak with her, I know she wants to come home but she is putting on a brave face.

Miss Kennedy of Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, is battling to get her daughter Alice home from Dubai

Mr Thomas broke a court agreement by not returning Alice on August 6 to her mother's home in Gorleston-on-Sea, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Miss Kennedy last saw her daughter when she dropped her off at school on the last day of term on July 21 this year, allowing Alice's father to pick her up

Miss Kennedy said she had her daughter with Mr Thomas after meeting him on an unregulated co-parenting website which aims to match people who want to share the upbringing of a child

Single mother Natalie Kennedy, 43, is pictured with her daughter Alice during happier times

She has not seen her daughter since Thomas took Alice on a two-week holiday to the United States

'Philip is trying to blackmail [me] into giving into his demands. He is using Alice as a way to get what he wants.'

Thomas seemed to show little emotion when he appeared via video link as Mr Justice Cusworth said: 'Playing with Alice as a pawn is not in her best interests' and 'It is time now to bring Alice back to this country'.

Thomas was given a one-year jail sentence suspended until March 7 so that he can have one last chance to come back to the UK.

The judge added: 'We need to arrange for him to come to this country with Alice soon  for his sake, for her sake and for the mother's sake. He cannot live on the run with Alice for ever.'

Representing Thomas, Edward Bennett told the court: 'His position is very clear. He is prepared to make a return in March if there is progress during mediation.'
A state lawmaker is 'seeking help' after screeching 'Do you know who I am?' and threatening to close down a bar whose staff asked him to leave.

Kevin Boyle, a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, then abused patrons and uttered bizarre conspiracies - all caught on camera.

No one was spared in his three-minute tirade in which he called them everything from 'idiots' and 'morons' to 'traitors' and 'actors' - with his rant liberally-peppered with f-words too.

He threatened to 'end this bar' and to block the promotions of who he wrongly thought were military drinking at Gaul & Co Malt House in Rockledge, Pennsylvania.

'Do you not think I'm going to prevent your promotion in the United States military?' he bellowed in the video posted to social media.

Kevin Boyle (pictured with his wife) is 'seeking help' after screaming abuse at patrons and staff while appearing to be drunk at a bar

People at the bar pleaded with Boyle to leave, saying he was drunk or on drugs, including one who said: 'Listen, you just drank a little bit too much, just go home.'

However, Boyle, 44, just got more belligerent as the video went on, declaring 'I can end this bar, by the way'.

One of the patrons was confused by his rant, saying 'no one even said a word to you, you're the one who starting shooting off'.

'Why are you acting this way? Is it US Military intelligence and traitors and...' he replied, prompting one patron to say he 'has no idea where the f**k he is'.

'You idiots, you f**king morons... you're all f**king actors, you're not from here... you're all f**king traitors, US Military intelligence,' he continued.

'You're not gonna do anything, you'll do nothing. Do you not think I'm going to prevent your promotion in the United States military?'

The Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives told onlookers 'do you know who I am?' after they told him to go home

No one was spared in his three-minute rant caught on camera where he called them everything from 'idiots' and 'morons' to 'traitors' and 'actors'

The patrons he was addressing told him they were not in the military and didn't understand why he was ranting about military intelligence.

Eventually, the female bartender lost patience and yelled at him to 'get the f**k out of the f**king bar'.

Boyle refused to go while the bartender continued to tell him to get out and take his hand out of her face as he pointed at her.

He asked if he paid his bill and was told he did, before explaining 'I don't wanna be a douchebag... I don't wanna be an a**hole'.

'Well you are,' the bartender replied, again telling him to leave.

Boyle said she was being 'so aggressive' and told her 'you can't talk to me like this, I'll close your f**king bar, this bar is done'.

'Do you know who the f**k I am? this bar is done tomorrow, do you know who the f**k I am?' he continued.

He threatened to 'end this bar' and to block the promotions of who he wrongly thought were military drinking at Gaul & Co Malt House in Rockledge, Pennsylvania

Boyle has barely been seen in public the past several months, missing numerous House sittings and not updating his official social media since September

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Leadership called the video 'very troubling' and showed why access to mental health services was important.

'Representative Boyle has been open about his personal challenges. We are encouraged that our colleague and dear friend is seeking help,' it said.

'Our commitment to delivering mental health services does not stop at the Capitol Steps.

'One of the main reasons we advocate so strongly for mental health access is the reality that challenges can and do happen to anyone, and seeking treatment should be encouraged, not stigmatized.'

Boyle, the brother of Congressman Brendan Boyle, has a long history of mental health issues that almost cost him his job in 2022, and led to legal troubles in 2021.

His recent scandals were an extraordinary fall from grace for the former rising star, who knocked over a Republican former House speaker aged just 30.

He may not even run for reelection this year, after representing the Northeast Philadelphia district since 2011.

The filing deadline of next Tuesday to run in the Democratic primary in April is fast approaching and Boyle has yet to nominate for election.

Boyle has barely been seen in public the past several months, missing numerous House sittings and not updating his official social media since September.

Democrats are concerned about having someone on the ballot at all to defend the seat against Republican challengers

One of them, Patrick Gushue, who will contest the primary against Aizaz Gill, didn't outright call for Boyle to resign, but blasted his conduct.

'His unacceptable behavior and threats to utilize his position of authority to close a local business highlights the needs for new leadership in the district,' he wrote online.

Boyle's meltdown took place at Gaul & Co Malt House in Rockledge, Pennsylvania

Boyle's recent scandals were an extraordinary fall from grace for the former rising star, who knocked over a Republican former House speaker aged just 30

Bob Stewart, who ran against Boyle in the 2022 primary but planned to sit this year out, said he may have to enter the fray after seeing the video.

'If he's gonna pull out, I would run out of duty to my neighbors,' he said.

Boyle's downward spiral began in 2021 with a series of bizarre social media posts starting with calling a colleague a 'total fraud' who was 'playing the race card'.

'Isaiah Thomas is probably the worst member of Philadelphia City Council,' he tweeted of his longtime friend, who was confused by the sudden attack.

'In a city with a murder rate so out of control he's literally championing efforts to further restrict policing. Furthermore he's playing the race card. Total fraud!'

More outbursts led to him being removed from his position as House Finance Committee chair and his access to the Capitol building restricted.

Then in September 2021, he was charged with harassment and violating a protection from abuse order taken out by his wife and mother of his two young children.

Boyle was able to escape with a mental health evaluation and treatment plan in a deal with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

'It is important to note that Kevin Boyle is not accused of any act of violence,' Boyle's attorney, R Emmett Madden said at the time.

'He intends to follow through with all court, mental health and medical recommendations, including treatment.

'We are confident that with treatment, Kevin can return to full health, resolve these charges, and continue serving his constituents.'

Boyle's downward spiral began in 2021 with a series of bizarre social media posts starting with calling his colleague and longtime friend Isiah Thomas (pictured together) a 'total fraud' who was 'playing the race card'

Boyle was in charged with harassment and violating a protection from abuse order taken out by his wife and mother of his two young children

Boyle penned a letter to voters before the primary blaming psychosis brought on by an adverse reaction to the Adderall he was taking to treat ADHD.

'Family and friends could tell that I was starting to act differently, that my mental health was in decline,' he wrote.

'But I couldn't see it myself. I lost touch with reality and suffered from paranoid delusions.

'I am very, very lucky. I now understand, in a personal way, that a mental health problem can develop in any person.'

Boyle claimed the treatment he was forced to receive at a mental health facility as a result of his arrest saved his life.

Republicans called for him to resign and 'focus on his personal health and the future well-being of those around him'.

But the Democratic leadership stuck by him, and he won the 2022 primary and prevailed in the general election.
Kemi Badenoch has revealed a cooling in relations with her 'mentor' Michael Gove after he had a fling with one of her friends.

The Business and Trade Secretary said her Cabinet colleague had done something 'very, very annoying', admitting that her friendship with the Levelling Up Secretary was 'not what it used to be'.

It was reported late last year that the Conservative Party's rising star had had a significant falling-out with Mr Gove, who had championed her for the Tory leadership.

It was said divorced Mr Gove had had a relationship with one of Mrs Badenoch's female friends, whose marriage subsequently ended.

At one point the former political allies were not on speaking terms.

Kemi Badenoch has revealed a cooling in relations with her 'mentor' Michael Gove

Mrs Badenoch, 44, confirmed the story for the first time admitting that he did something 'very, very annoying'

In an interview with The Times yesterday, Mrs Badenoch, 44, confirmed the story for the first time. 'He did something that was very, very annoying,' she admitted.

Asked if it ended their friendship, she replied: 'It's not what it used to be, but he's somebody I have to work with.'

Mrs Badenoch hit out at the suggestion that she is being manipulated for the party leadership by Mr Gove  'as if I have no thoughts and no opinions of my own'  and that he writes her speeches.

'Like they're saying, 'She's not that bright. It's some man who is doing this',' she said.

And she said that whatever she does, people will assume she is trying to topple the Prime Minister.

'If I'm abroad making a trade deal, they say I'm on manoeuvres because I'm distancing myself from the Government.

'But if I'm here making a speech, somehow I'm on manoeuvres too,' said Mrs Badenoch, who was revealed last month to be part of a WhatsApp group called 'Evil Plotters' along with Mr Gove.

In the candid interview, the MP for Saffron Walden  with a 25,000 majority  said her banker husband Hamish had the most influence on her career rather than a cabal of shadowy Tory men.

But it was the 'the stupid Leftie white kids [who] didn't know what they were talking about' that she encountered at the University of Sussex that initially pushed her towards conservatism.

It was said divorced Mr Gove had had a relationship with one of Mrs Badenoch's female friends, whose marriage subsequently ended

Mrs Badenoch also said the abuse she received, including death threats, had intensified since the publication of a book, The Plot, by Mail columnist and former culture secretary Nadine Dorries about the downfall of Boris Johnson and the manoeuvring to replace him.

'People who have that kind of mindset latch on to it. If you get the unhelpful coalition of mental health issues and propensity to violence, then you read the Nadine Dorries conspiracy theory and decide you want to kill someone  it's very, very nasty,' she said.

Mrs Badenoch also claims Mrs Dorries asked her, following her Tory leadership bid in 2022: 'Shouldn't you be running for Mayor of London instead?' She was angered by the suggestion that she should have more limited ambitions, and that she would be more suited to running the capital because she is black.

Mrs Dorries responded on X, formerly Twitter, saying that she had only passed on a message that a party donor wanted Mrs Badenoch to stand for London Mayor.

She added that her book claims Rishi Sunak was only ever a 'stop-gap' leader and that the Tory plotters saw Mrs Badenoch as 'the project'.
A former boss at Fujitsu has said that he is 'shocked' by the Post Office's actions and that he was told that the Post Office was managing subpostmaster prosecutions 'competently and honestly'.

Roger Gilbert, 76, was chief executive of Fujitsus UK and Ireland business from April 2009 to 2011, during a key stage in the development of the scandal.

More than 700 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faults with Fujitsu's Horizon system used in Post Office branches made it appear that money was missing.

Around the time Mr Gilbert was in power, the Post Office was thought to be securing the convictions of around 50 cases a year.

In an email to the BBC, he wrote: 'I am shocked by the Post Office's actions in prosecuting so many innocent people.

'As we learn more about the Horizon scandal, I have become shocked by the Post Office's treatment of its sub-postmasters. My sympathies are with the victims and their families.'

Roger Gilbert, 76, was chief executive of Fujitsus UK and Ireland business from April 2009 to 2011, during a key stage in the development of the scandal

Mr Gilbert said he was 'looking forward' to reading the report after the public inquiry takes place.

In 2009, Computer Weekly published the results of a year-long investigation into the scandal, along with publishing cases of former sub-postmasters.

Mr Gilbert said that he did not subscribe to the publication and therefore was unaware of the research. However, he admits that he saw an article in another journal in 2010 that detailed the dispute.

READ MORE: Post Office continued to chase sisters for 34,000 shortfall even after prosecutors dropped criminal case against them due to bugs in the Horizon system Advertisement

He said that he discussed what he had seen with 'members of the Horizon project' and was under the impression that the prosecutions brought by the Post Office were being handled 'competently and honestly'.

He claimed the prosecution of sub-postmasterswas not brought up again for the duration of his time at the company.

In 2010, Fujitsu provoked fury for awarding 'star' staff with a 200k jolly to Bermuda  while most employees had their pay frozen.

More than 100 senior managers and their partners enjoyed the expenses-paid Caribbean beano over five days, featuring an award ceremony at which Mr Gilbert handed over prizes.

Shortly afterwards, the 14,000 UK employees whose pay was frozen were incensed to learn that Mr Gilbert's own salary had doubled to 917,000 a year when he became chief executive.

Now retired, he sold a large detached property in Hertfordshire for just over 1.1m in 2019.

It emerged last month that Fujitsu had signed 200 contracts worth 6.7billion in total to supply IT solutions to the Government over the last decade.

They include a 19million deal to run England's flood alert system and as the Mail revealed, the Post Office recently awarded a contract worth more than 36million to Fujitsu to extend the use of Horizon until spring 2025.

The Post Office allegedly continued to threaten two sisters for 34,000 even after the criminal case was dropped because of bugs in the Horizon system.

Mr Gilbert said that he discussed what he had seen with 'members of the Horizon project' and was under the impression that the prosecutions brought by the Post Office were being handled 'competently and honestly'

Jacquie El Kasaby and Rose Stewart were told they would be pursued by debt collectors if they did not pay up.

Prosecutor Angus Crawford rejected the case a decade ago because of 'issues' with the Horizon computer system and said there would be no prosecution.

But the Post Office reportedly did not inform Jacquie or Rose of the reason why the case was dropped, BBC Scotland reported.

The pair were fired from from their jobs at Gorbals Post Office in Glasgow and agreed to paid 10,000 to settle the debt, despite not taking any funds.

Another postmaster, Lee Castleton from Bridlington, was found to have a 25,000 shortfall at his branch after losing his fight with the Post Office.

He was left 'traumatised' and had to sell his shop and home when he was ordered to pay back money and legal costs to the tune of 321,000 despite doing nothing wrong.

Mr Castleton was called 'a nasty chap' by Peter Sewell, who was part of the Post Office Account Security Team at Fujitsu.

Mailonline has contacted Fujitsu for comment.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Embassy in Greece on February 9 hosted a reception on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of Armenia.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Armenia to Greece Tigran Mkrtchyan underscored that the Armenian militarys modernization and reformation are unavoidable. He said that the purpose of the military reforms is to ensure the security of Armenia. The Ambassador attached great importance to the defense cooperation with Greece and Cyprus because Armenia needs reliable partners, the embassy said in a press release.

Lieutenant Colonel Armen Mirzabekyan, the Armenian Ministry of Defense representative in Greece and Cyprus, also delivered remarks at the event. Noting the inevitability of military reforms in the context of current security developments, the military official attached importance to international cooperation, including in the Armenia-Greece and Armenia-Greece-Cyprus formats. Mirzabekyan underscored the presence of Armenian cadets in Greek military academies in the context of their mission in the Armenian military reforms.
Sadly, much of Scotland still faces a yellow weather alert

It comes after days of rain and thick cloud cover

The UK will soon see glimmers of sunshine across the country

Millions of Brits will start their weekend with a glimmer of sunshine today, following days of miserable rain and cloud cover across the country that is still affecting some regions.

Saturday afternoon will see towns and cities across the south of England, the coast of Wales and much of Northern Ireland lit up by the sun, though temperatures will largely remain in single digits, according to data from the Met Office.

Areas on the south coast of England, including Exeter, Southampton, and Dover will jump up in temperature to 10C, while London will see a comparatively balmy 11C in the afternoon.

Up in Scotland, however, snow will continue to fall, with temperatures in Orkney plunging as low as 3C across the day.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for much of Scotland, warning that disruption from snow and ice may continue until 3pm today.

A snow plough clears the road in Allenheads, Northumberland

Cars and vehicles drive through floodwater on the A4 Bath Road in Kiln Green, Berkshire

A jogger runs through snow-covered lanes in Digley, Britain, 09 February 2024

Many towns and cities across the south coast of England, including Exeter, Southampton, and Dover will jump up in temperature to 10C

Meteorologists said there was a small chance of outages of power and mobile service, leading to 'some' rural communities being cut off.

It also warned of a 'small chance' of injuries caused by the weather, and a chance that it may cause delays to travel.

Yesterday, much of England was on flood watch while snow continued in Scotland after a group of schoolchildren pushed a stranded bus on an icy road in Sheffield.

More than 400 flood alerts or warnings were in place across the UK. Most of these were in England, with 68 warnings and 311 alerts - mostly in the South and Midlands  while there were 21 alerts in Wales, plus two alerts and one warning in Scotland.

In Sheffield, the children went into the road to help push a First bus in the snow at the junction between Selbourne Road and Sandygate Road in the Crosspool area.

Witness David Kessen, a local journalist for The Star, said the bus got stuck at the top of the road, but 'found help in the unexpected form of a group of schoolchildren'.

A man returned to his submerged Audi TT this afternoon amid flooding in Essex

Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire today after the River Great Ouse burst its banks

Heavy snow covers rooftops in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A car on the side of a road in the Peak District today after the area was hit by heavy snow

A car is seen crashed on the side of the snowy A66 at Bowes in County Durham this morning

Horse riders on the flooded high street at Alconbury Weston in Cambridgeshire this morning

A taxi and a Porsche car are victims of flooding at Buttsbury near Billericay in Essex today

High river levels and flooding in the St Ives area of Cambridgeshire is pictured this morning

A car is driven through floodwater at Dunsden in the Oxfordshire countryside this morning

The Environment Agency issued 68 flood warnings (in red) and 311 alerts (amber) for England

He wrote: 'The youngsters gathered behind to try to shove the struggling vehicle, showing again the caring community spirit that the snow brings out in this city.

'Finally, the bus gained some grip, and made it to the top of Selbourne Road, where it turned right, as though to head back into the city centre.'

Another witness, Chris Mann, posted a photograph of the incident on X, saying: 'School kids pushing their own bus #snow #sheffield.'

The post has now had more than 35,000 views - with one person asking: 'What in the health and safety is going here?!'

Another area badly hit by snow yesterday was Buxton in Derbyshire, where a woman was killed in a crash involving a car and lorry on the A515.

While Met Office warnings for snow and rain in England have now expired, roads and railways in Scotland could still face disruption along with possible power cuts and mobile phone signal outages.

Scotrail warned of disruption on its West Highland Line which was blocked between Arrochar and Tarbet and Ardlui stations due to a fallen tree.

Elsewhere a landslip near Baidon in West Yorkshire was impacting Northern trains between Bradford and Ilkley.

Great Western Railway said flooding was causing disruption on routes between Bristol Parkway and Swindon, and between Plymouth and Newton Abbot.

Ferry operator Calmac said severe conditions were causing cancellations between Kennacraig and Islay; Lochranza and Claonaig; and Mallaig and Armadale.

Yesterday, dozens of schools were closed in northern England and North Wales and travel disruption was reported throughout the day as amber warnings were issued.

Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire today after the River Great Ouse burst its banks

Alconbury Weston in Cambridgeshire is flooded today after the local brook burst its banks

A group of schoolchildren push a stranded bus out of the snow in Sheffield yesterday

The River Great Ouse burst its banks, leading to flooding at St Ives in Cambridgeshire today

Alconbury Weston in Cambridgeshire is flooded today after the local brook burst its banks

Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire today after the River Great Ouse burst its banks

Alconbury Weston in Cambridgeshire is flooded today after the local brook burst its banks

The River Great Ouse burst its banks, leading to flooding at St Ives in Cambridgeshire today

Alconbury Weston in Cambridgeshire is flooded today after the local brook burst its banks

Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire today after the River Great Ouse burst its banks

The River Great Ouse burst its banks, leading to flooding at St Ives in Cambridgeshire today

The Met Office measured 3.9in (10cm) of snow at Kirkwall in Orkney yesterday, and 3.5in (9cm) was recorded in Bingley, West Yorkshire.

READ MORE Snow sparks road chaos with vans and cars skidding all over the place Advertisement

A total of 1.7in (43.2mm) of rainfall was measured at Harbertonford in south Devon, almost half the average for the area in February.

Met Office operational meteorologist Dan Stroud said: 'We've still got rain and many have snow making its way northwards, we have got further weather warnings in force.

'Temperatures are recovering a little, across the far south it's generally mild. We've got a second band of cloud and rain moving northwards, it makes for challenging driving conditions.

'We've had the worst of it but it's still not completely clear. Where we have falling snow we see there is a risk of a few icy patches on roads.

'The focus is probably starting to shift more towards ice, people should still be cautious.'

Heavy snow at Allenheads in Northumberland today after weather warnings were issued

A snow plough clears the road in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A snowboarder makes the most of the conditions at Allenheads in Northumberland today

Heavy snow covers rooftops in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A man clears snow outside The Allenheads Inn in the Northumberland village this morning

Heavy snow covers rooftops in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A snowboarder makes the most of the conditions at Allenheads in Northumberland today

A snow plough clears the road in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

Heavy snow covers rooftops in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A man clears snow outside The Allenheads Inn in the Northumberland village this morning

Heavy snow at Allenheads in Northumberland today after weather warnings were issued

A snowboarder makes the most of the conditions at Allenheads in Northumberland today

A man clears snow outside The Allenheads Inn in the Northumberland village this morning

Heavy snow covers rooftops in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A snow plough clears the road in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

A snowboarder makes the most of the conditions at Allenheads in Northumberland today

A snow plough clears the road in the Northumberland village of Allenheads this morning

School closures were reported yesterday in Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, urged older people to do all they can to keep warm and safe as the temperature drops.

She said: 'High energy bills and food prices mean it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on their health, especially if they are already managing existing illnesses.

'As we get older our bodies find it harder to adjust to big changes in temperature, particularly if we are also coping with ill health or mobility issues. The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.'

The charity gave a number of tips including plenty of hot food and drinks, wrapping up warm outside and sleeping with the windows closed at night. It also advised people to keep an eye on older relatives, friends and neighbours.
Getting caught in a storm is never pleasant  even if you are dressed for the weather.

But putting the umbrella away and letting your hair get wet could help save your life when lightning strikes.

Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp acts like a protective 'shell' during lightning, reducing the electrical current entering the brain.

The purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity  unlike contaminated tap water, experts say.

Rene Machts, of Ilmenau University in Germany, said having a wet head could increase survival chances from 70 per cent to 90 per cent.

'During a thunderstorm, it's important to seek shelter as quickly as possible,' he said.

Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp acts like a protective 'shell' during lightning, reducing the electrical current entering the brain (stock photo)

The purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity  unlike contaminated tap water, experts say (stock photo)

On average, 60 people are struck by lightning in the UK each year. Around a third are killed and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries (stock photo)

'But if that's not possible, our research suggests you should let your head get wet.

'A film of rainwater on the scalp is like a shell that may reduce the current going into the brain and protect it from injury. In a lightning strike, electricity will take the easiest path, through the water on the outside of the skin rather than through the body.'

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, used two model heads with three layers representing the scalp, skull and brain.

One was sprayed with pure water to simulate rain and both were exposed to powerful electrical discharges. The wet head suffered fewer cracks and its 'brain' was exposed to 13 per cent less electrical current  which could be all the difference between life and death.

To benefit from the protection, the scalp must be wet, not just the hair. On average, 60 people are struck by lightning in the UK each year.

Around a third are killed and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries.
Donald Campbell's Bluebird will return to Coniston Water after a long-running dispute ended yesterday.

Mr Campbell's body and the K7 hydroplane sunk to the bottom of the lake in Cumbria after it crashed as the 45-year-old tried to break his own water speed record of 276mph, on January 4, 1967.

The British racer's daughter Gina Campbell gave her blessing to engineer Bill Smith to salvage the wreck in 2001.

Mr Smith brought Bluebird, pictured, back to working order and, in 2018, fans were thrilled when it reached speeds of 150mph off the Isle of Bute in trials.

Under a 2006 agreement, it was set to form the centrepiece at an 800,000 extension of Ruskin Museum in Coniston. But Mr Smith refused to hand the vessel over unless his team was allowed to use it for three months every year.

Donald Campbell's Bluebird hydroplane at speed on Coniston Water in 1997

Donald Campbell in the cockpit of his jet-powered hydroplane, Bluebird

Donald Campbell with the Bluebird K7 on UllswaterLake. Campbell broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s

The museum has now announced that Bluebird will return in the coming weeks.

Ms Campbell, 77, said she was proud it would go on display 'for the world to see'.

In August 2018, Bluebird  fitted with a new jet engine  hit speeds of around 150mph during successful tests and crew training on Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute in Scotland.

On Friday, the Ruskin Museum said in a statement: 'The Ruskin Museum is delighted to announce that it has finally managed to secure the future of Donald Campbell CBE's world record-breaking jet hydroplane, Bluebird K7.

'Bluebird K7 will return to Coniston in the coming weeks to be conserved and displayed in her forever home in the Bluebird Wing of the Ruskin Museum.

'We will issue further details of this exciting development when we have established a timetable for moving the boat to Coniston and installing her for display.'

Campbell broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s.

In his fatal record attempt, the son of Sir Malcolm Campbell, who himself held land and water speed records, had set himself a target of reaching 300mph (480kph) on Coniston Water.
Alameda County has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all size, according to Neighborhood Scout

Progressive Oakland District Attorney Pamela Price has been dealt a humiliating blow after California's Governor announced he is sending state prosecutors to sort out soaring crime levels she has been blamed for.

Price has been accused of allowing violent crime to run rampant in Alameda County by pushing liberal policies such as lower jail terms in a bid to boost 'equity.'

Crime has continued to spiral under her watch, up by almost 20 percent in 2023 compared to 2019, with businesses including In-N-Out shuttering in the dying city.

In a statement about the project, Newsom admitted that, 'crime in Oakland is uniquely rising compared to other urban centers in California'. Alameda County has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all size, according to Neighborhood Scout.

Pundits suspect Newsom has made the move ahead of a possible presidential bid, knowing that the seemingly never-ending crime wave in Oakland could be used against him by rivals were he to run.

'As you all know the governor's office along with the attorney general announced that we are forming a partnership with them to address some of the crime activity that has been happening in Alameda County, particularly Oakland,' Price said at a press conference.

Progressive Oakland District Attorney Pamela Price is being sent state prosecutors to help clean up the soaring crime rates in the area that have occurred under her watch

California Governor Gavin Newsom said that Oakland 'is uniquely rising compared to other urban centers' in the state

Crime has continued to spiral on Price's watch, up by almost 20 percent in 2023 compared to 2019

'We appreciate that the governor along with the attorney general has agreed to provide additional resources for the prosecution of violent crime as well as primarily narcotics activities as well as auto theft.'

Price - who faces a recall from locals fed-up of their plummeting quality of living - said her office would be receiving three deputies who would be under the leadership of one of her prosecutors Mike Nieto.

The scheme follows a pilot in San Francisco and will see the agencies working 'collaboratively', Price added. The start date is yet to be announced.

'An arrest isnt enough. Justice demands that suspects are appropriately prosecuted,' Newsom said.

'Whether its "bipping" or carjacking, attempted murder or fentanyl trafficking, individuals must be held accountable for their crimes using the full and appropriate weight of the law.'

The scheme comes amid skyrocketing crime rates in the area. Preliminary reports from Oakland indicate that in 2023, violent crime rose 21 percent, robbery increased 38 percent, and vehicle theft increased 45 percent.

Videos of violent car jackings have become commonplace. Last summer horrific video emerged of a woman being pistol-whipped and dragged across gravel by two thugs as part of a car jacking.

The attack on International Boulevard left the unidentified woman with severe injuries, police investigating in the East Bay city said at the time.

An Apple store in Oakland was raided by a customer who yanked multiple iPhones off their stands earlier this week. The Bay Area city has become synonymous with soaring crime and prosecutors seemingly unable to tackle it

Oakland's only In-N-Out Burger announced it is closing amid a spate of crimes against its patrons, including break-ins such as this

Last month Oakland's only In-N-Out Burger restaurant announced it is set to close after 18 years, despite still turning a healthy profit, as customers and staff are 'unsafe' due to soaring crime rates, the business said.

It is the only In-N-Out burger to close in the chain's 72 year history, with its departure heaping even more pressure on Oakland officials including Mayor Sheng Thao, a progressive who previously voted to defund the police.

Price was elected DA in 2022 on a progressive platform pledging to seek shorter prison sentences, more lenient criminal charges, and a refusal to charge juveniles as adults.

A leaked memo at the start of 2023 detailed how she was seeking to fulfil her woke campaign promise.

The directive said that probation should be the 'presumptive offer' during plea negotiations, and that low-end prison terms should be offered in cases that aren't eligible for probation  although nearly every crime in the California penal code is eligible for probation.

Price herself was subjected to a robbery from her car back in October when thieves made off with her laptop.

Across the Bay in San Francisco, progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin was recalled following similar outrage in 2022. Price now looks set to follow in his path to ignominy.

Newsom's announcement builds on the deployment of 120 CHP officers earlier this week to the East Bay as part of a law enforcement surge operation with allied local agencies.

The surge operation is 'focused on a multi-pronged approach: targeting auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime, violent crime, and high-visibility traffic enforcement', according to his office.
Judge Joseph Roark sentenced Childers to a 12-month penalty, but withheld jail time and given a conditional discharge for six months

In November 2022, Childers assaulted the child while changing her diaper then told a colleague, 'She likes it. It just made her day'

Maria Childers, a Kentucky transgender daycare worker, reached a plea deal to avoid jail time for sexually assaulting a baby and bragging about to coworkers

A Kentucky transgender daycare worker reached a plea deal and avoided jail time after sexually-assaulting a baby while changing her diaper and bragging about it to a colleague.

Maria Childers was arrested in February 2023 for inappropriately touching an infant and making inappropriate comments while changing the baby's diaper, reported WPSD Local 6.

Investigators had received an anonymous tip that Childers had sexually abused a baby while working at Explore Learning Academy in Paducah in November 2022.

Court records obtained by Reduxx revealed Childers assaulted the child while changing her diaper then told a colleague, 'She likes it. It just made her day,' using additional language that is too disturbing to reproduce.

The Paducah police and the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services interviewed a witness who corroborated the details of the tip.

Maria Childers (pictured), a Kentucky transgender daycare worker, reached a plea deal and avoided jail time after sexually-assaulting a baby while changing her diaper

Prior to her arrest, a daycare facilitator told police they were aware of Childers actions and gave her a 'write-up' for the inappropriate comments.

Childers at first denied ever changing the baby's diaper, but then changed that claim after officers read a text Childers sent to the daycare director confirming she had changed the diaper, police said.

She was initially charged with first-degree sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12 and jailed in the McCracken County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Childers then hired attorney Madison Leach, a local trans-activist lawyer, who motioned to have her bond reduced saying Childers did not have access to estrogen while in solitary confinement.

Judge Joseph Roark (pictured) sentenced Childers to a 12-month penalty, but withheld jail time and given a conditional discharge for six months. If she abides by the conditions, she may not face any jail time at all

She was released from custody in January and one year after she was arrested, Childers reached a deal with the prosecutors and in exchange for a guilty plea the charges were reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Sexual Misconduct.

Judge Joseph Roark sentenced Childers to a 12-month penalty, but withheld jail time and given a conditional discharge for six months. If she abides by the conditions, she may not face any jail time at all.

Leach said the conditions include Childers has no contact with children and remain away from the Explore Learning Academy.
READ MORE: Good Samaritan saves 14yo from grip of stranger

Two men have been charged after the alleged abduction, torture and assault of a woman at gunpoint.

The dramatic incident unfolded after police were called to a home in Forest Lake in Brisbane's south about 2.15pm on Friday following reports of a serious assault.

A woman from Doolandella, 43, was found at the property suffering from multiple non-life threatening injuries.

She was taken to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

Within hours police arrested four men at a property in Stafford Heights.

Two men - identified as Erick Barry Rock and Patriss Tawor after both matters were mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday - have been charged with multiple offences, including kidnapping, extortion, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed and armed robbery.

The two other men were released without charges being laid.

Two men have been charged after the alleged abduction, torture and assault of a woman at gunpoint

Police will allege a group of men assaulted the woman at a Cassowary Street property in Doolandella before forcing her into a car and driving to Forest Lake.

It is understood the men were wearing black balaclavas to cover their faces.

A Forest Lake resident told the Courier Mail they heard the 'bloodcurdling screams' of a woman before multiple gunshots were fired.

'I just heard the bang, bang, bang ... three or four gunshots,' the neighbour said.

A woman from Doolandella, 43, was found at the property suffering from multiple non-life threatening injuries

Neighbour Paul Spence also said he saw a group of four men pull up to the house in a white Audi before strolling up to the front door of the property.

He claims he saw a man with a woman, his hand wrapped around her neck as he lead her into the house.

They are currently assisting police with inquiries.

Three separate crime scenes have been declared at each of the properties, and a vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.

Witnesses, or anyone with information that could assist with investigations, are urged to contact police.

Investigations are continuing.
Ex-detective has revealed where he would focus search

Neighbours and locals have questioned why the massive hunt for missing mum Samantha Murphy has been scaled back less than a week after she vanished.

The beloved mother-of-three was last seen leaving her Eureka St home in Victoria's Ballarat East about 7am on Sunday to go for a run in a nearby forest.

But as the search for her entered its seventh day on Saturday, Victoria Police suddenly confirmed the operation to find her had been scaled down.

Hundreds of officers and concerned locals have mounted an intense hunt in the surrounding countryside including Mount Helen, Canadian Forest and Buninyong.

Volunteers from the Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service were also part of the search effort, but they were officially stood down from 5pm on Friday.

The move comes as detectives from the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad took charge of the investigation.

Despite the official move to scale back the operation, locals were still out scouting property and bush tracks for signs of Ms Murphy on Friday and Saturday.

Samantha Murphy went missing after going out for a morning jog a week ago in Victoria's central highlands

Locals search dense bushland for Ms Murphy on Saturday. Police advised locals not to go into the bush alone and to team up with a friend in the rugged terrain as search is scaled back

'It's a bit disappointing that it's being wound down already,' one man said.

'I mean, she could still be alive out there. It hasn't been that long.'

Locals joined people from around the country and overseas to pray Ms Murphy is found safe and well.

'Hope she is found safe and sound especially with this hot spell of weather over the next few days,' one said.

'I really hope the family gets some answers soon. Just heartbreaking,' another said.

But others have expressed frustration the search has been wound down after only seven days and pointed out the area is known to have abandoned mineshafts.

'Can I ask why the missing person unit didn't take over sooner? They seem to have more resources,' one said.

'Why had it taken so bloody long they should have acted on it immediately. Phone won't ping if it's under ground,' another said.

Commenters on social media have questioned why the search has been 'scaled back' after seven days just as the missing persons squad was brought on board

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina was also critical of the missing persons squad only getting involved on Friday.

'I would have expected the missing persons (squad) would've been on the ground on the Monday after she went missing because here we have a mother-of-three, very well respected in the community that's gone missing inexplicably,' he told Nine breakfast program Today.

'In my opinion, it's better to err on the side of caution, start at the highest level and then work your way down because so much can be lost. Here we have the missing persons coming onboard five or six days after the event.

'I think the mines have to be looked at to see whether she may have inexplicably fallen into one of those.

'It might well be she went off the beaten track to relieve herself, whatever it may be, so you know for all we know she could be injured in a mineshaft.'

A police spokesperson said the search has not been called off but scaled back.

'Police continue to be in regular contact with Samantha's family regarding the developments of the search and the status of the investigation,' a spokeswoman said.

'The investigative stage continues and as any new information comes to hand identifying areas of interest, the search will be scaled up.'

Officers have appealed for residents in the suburbs of Ballarat East, Canadian Forest, Eureka, Buninyong and Mount Helen to review any CCTV or dashcam they have from 7am onwards on Sunday for any sign of Ms Murphy.

SES volunteers look for clues near Buninyong as part of a large-scale search for missing Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy - the search has now been significantly scaled back

The official search for Samantha Murphy may have been abandoned but locals were still out searching the forest on Saturday

'One of the challenges we have is the area is so remote that there's not a lot of businesses or residential CCTV available,' Inspector Bob Heaney said.

Detectives are working with telecommunications technicians to identify the route Ms Murphy travelled after confirming she had a smartwatch and phone on her.

Ms Murphy's movements on Sunday morning were in line with what she'd normally do, Insp Heaney said.

'Samantha's very fit - both physically and mentally - she would cover up to 14-15km on her runs,' he said.

'She'd normally be due back from her run within a couple of hours and alarm bells went up when she didn't return from that run.'

Ms Murphy's distraught eldest daughter Jess on Thursday called for help to bring her mother home.

'I know she's out there somewhere, so if you could please continue to search for her to give us something to work with, we'd really appreciate it,' she said.

The missing woman's husband Mick added: 'People just don't vanish into thin air. Someone has got to know something.'

Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Disturbing air traffic control audio has revealed a moment of utter panic inside a private jet moments before it crashed onto a Florida freeway, killing two.

The sound captured aboard the Bombardier Challenger 60 plane appears to be one of panicked voices, or a malfunctioning aircraft - but it is impossible to tell.

This was the final transmission made by the plane, which had five people on board, before it crashed onto the I-75 outside Naples at 3.15pm on Friday afternoon.

Three people survived the tragedy, although details on whether they were injured have not been shared.

None of those on board have been identified and a cause has yet to emerge, although one expert suggested the loss of both engines could have been caused by a bird strike.

The plane was just one minute away from making an emergency landing at Naples Airport - but another moment of audio reveals how its pilot already knew they would not make it.

'OK, Challenger, Hop-A-Jet 823, lost both engines, emergency. I'm making an emergency landing,' the pilot said.

A private plane has crashed into cars on a major highway, causing a massive explosion and killing two of the five people on board

A least one brave motorist was seen rushing toward the downed plane, hoping to assist survivors despite the extreme danger

Air traffic control told colleagues he had an emergency and informed the pilot he was clear to land runway 23.

But the pilot responded: 'We're clear to land but we're not gonna make the runway. We've lost both engines.'

Agonizing seconds of silence go by before a moment of sheer, unintelligible panic breaks through from the pilot.

Air traffic control radios back, but it is already too late. The next broadcast is another controller warning there was an emergency in progress.

'Everybody stand by, there's an emergency in progress, everybody stand by,' she said.

Seconds later, a rescue helicopter requests clearance and is immediately granted. The plane hit the ground just 4.7 miles short of the airport.

Dramatic photos and video taken by passing motorists showed the burning wreck and pieces of wreckage strewn across I-75 in Collier Country, Florida

One video showed an explosion rock the burning plane, and seconds later its charred left wing fell off

A private plane has crashed into a vehicle on a Florida highway causing a massive explosion

Numerous aviation disasters, even on much bigger jet airlines, were caused by bird strikes - including the 'Miracle on the Hudson' US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009.

Dramatic photos and video taken by passing motorists showed the burning wreck and pieces of wreckage strewn across the highway.

One video showed an explosion rock the burning plane, and seconds later its charred left wing fell off.

A least one brave motorist was seen rushing toward the downed plane, hoping to assist survivors despite the extreme danger.

The flight was traveling to Naples Airport from Ohio State University Airport, according to FlightAware data, although the college says the plane merely used its facilities and did not have a connection to the university itself.

Both lanes of traffic on the highway were shut down for four hours, and traffic on the southbound lane will be closed for at least 24 hours

Black smoke billows from the wreck as cars are stuck in an hours-long traffic jam

Police and emergency responders flooded the scene and state troopers only opened the northbound land four hours after the accident.

The plane belonged to Hop-a-Jet, a Florida-based private chartering company, and was not related to the university.

The company said it 'received confirmed reports of an accident involving one of our leased aircraft near Naples' and that it would send a team to the crash site.

'Our immediate concern is for the well-being of our passengers, crew members, and their families,' it said.

The Federal Aviation Authority closed all southbound lanes for 24 hours while it investigated the crash.

One FAA investigator was already on the scene with more to arrive over the weekend. A preliminary report was due in 30 days.

Police and emergency responders flooded the scene and state troopers only opened the northbound land four hours after the accident.

Video footage captured by drivers show the aftermath of the accident, revealing burning flames emanating from the plane as a brave bystander is seen rushing toward the smoke

The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600 with a capacity for up to 14 people, reportedly lost an engine before the massive crash
The school remains on the state's lowest-performing level on the Comprehensive School Improvement list

A Kindergarten teacher who publicly questioned his school spending $250,000 on a 'Woke Kindergarten' curriculum for 'disrupting whiteness' amid plummeting numeracy and literacy rates has been suspended.

Hayward Unified School District teacher Tiger Craven-Neeley said officials told him Thursday not to return to his classroom at Glassbrook Elementary until further notice.

He said he was told the suspension was in place while the district investigates allegations of 'unprofessional conduct', after a tense meeting where one female colleague stuck her hand in his face and shrieked that he was 'a danger' to children.

Craven-Neeley, who is gay and who describes himself as a liberal, propelled the school into the spotlight after he queried the decision to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on the controversial curriculum. It is described as an 'abolitionist early learning system' designed to uproot white supremacy and disrupt racism, with non-binary founder Akiea Gross ranting about how she thinks Israel and the US have no right to exist on her Instagram.

After spending the federal money on the program the Hayward school saw numeracy among its 474 students fall to a new low of just 4 percent and literacy just 12 percent.

Tiger Craven-Neeley (pictured) was suspended after he raised concerns about the $250,000 Woke Kindergarten curriculum offered at his school

The curriculum was designed by Woke Kindergarten founder Akiea 'Ki' Gross as an 'abolitionist early learning system'

Woke Kindergarten is flagrant about its political leanings, with its social media pages littered with graphics about abolishing the police, anti-Israel messages and even advocating the abolition of money

Craven-Neeley claims he was told to leave during a tense meeting in which another member of staff shoved a hand in his face and called him a threat to the school, an account corroborated by another staff member in the San Francisco Chronicle.

'There was so much anger toward me,' he told the outlet. 'I was explaining my point of view. They were talking over me.

'I was shocked. This is my school. I didn't do anything inappropriate. I left. I was very shaky.'

On Thursday the teacher was summoned to a virtual conference and advised to bring a union representative before he was told he was being placed on indefinite leave.

'It's like a bitter paid vacation on taxpayer dollars,' he said. 'They are totally not taking the students into consideration.'

He added he has concerns 'they're going to twist things to try to justify retaliation or trying to appease the staff or they're tired of me being a whistleblower or all the above.'

Craven-Neeley claims he attempted to talk to staff at the school about his concerns over Woke Kindergarten before going public.

He insists he's no conservative and previously filed a lawsuit after bosses tried to ban him from mentioning his husband in the classroom.

The program's philosophy of 'abolitionist education' aimed at elementary school aged kids centers around the idea that the education system as it is, steeped in racism and other oppressive structures, cannot be reformed.

Instead it advocates 'a kind of starting over,' Zeus Leonardo, UC Berkeley education professor told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Craven-Neeley claims he was suspended after a tense meeting where another staff member pointed their finger in his face and said he was a threat to the school

The 'Woke Kindergarten' program states its mission as an 'abolitionist early learning ecosystem' that trains teachers to uproot white supremacy, disrupt racism and oppression which are barriers to learning

Glassbrook Elementary in Hayward remains on the state's lowest-performing level on the Comprehensive School Improvement list

Woke Kindergarten is flagrant about its political leanings, with its social media pages littered with graphics about abolishing the police, anti-Israel messages and even advocating the abolition of money.

One such lesson the program offers to elementary school children includes the 'wondering' where students are asked to consider 'if the United States defunded the Israeli military, how could this money be used to rebuild Palestine?'

Woke Kindergarten also teaches the kids a 'woke word of the day' such as 'ceasefire' in order to educate them with 'language of the resistance  to introduce children to liberatory vocabulary in a way that they can easily digest, understand and most importantly, use in their critiques of the system.'

The for-profit company was founded by non-binary early educator Akiea 'Ki' Gross, who uses they/them pronouns.

Gross has far-left views that include imagining a world 'free of of the US empire and free of Israel' which they have previously referred to as a 'made-up place'.

In an Instagram post defining the word ceasefire they said: 'One place that people are demanding a permanent ceasefire for is in Palestine because they are being occupied, or controlled, by a made up place called Israel that has settlers called Zionist who are harming and killing the Palestinian people who have always live on the land.'

Gross has far-left views that include imagining a world 'free of of the US empire and free of Israel' which they have previously referred to as a 'made-up place'

One of the recent 'woke words of the day' posted to the company's Instagram was 'ceasefire'

Since the story hit headlines, the school and district have been bombarded with 'threatening and racist' messages and phone calls, according to spokesman Michael Bazeley.

He added that he could not comment on Gross' 'personal political or social views and declined to discuss Craven-Neeley's suspension.

But he said, 'We would not put any employee on leave as any sort of retaliation or squelch anyones free speech rights.'

Bazeley did not comment further on why the whistleblower had been ordered to stay home from work.
Woman living in the same house arrested

An infant has been rushed to hospital in critical condition with a stab wound and a woman has been charged with attempted murder in Queensland.

Police arrested a 26-year-old woman at a home in Ripley, a south suburb of Ipswich west of Brisbane, where she was living with the child at 5:30am on Saturday.

Emergency services responded to reports of an alleged stabbing and on arrival officers found the three-month-old infant with a wound to the abdomen.

Officers performed first aid on the infant until paramedics arrived while the woman was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

A three-month-old infant has been rushed to hospital in critical condition with a stab wound to the stomach and a woman has been charged with attempted murder

A crime scene has been declared at the house and investigations into the circumstances of the incident are continuing.

It is unknown what relation the woman had to the child.

She will be held in custody over the weekend and will appear before Ipswich Magistrates Court on February 12.

More to come.
An actress has shared her shock after spotting a crocodile swimming in the ocean just metres away from beachgoers, including what appear to be children.

Odemaris Ruiz, who was enjoying a day out with her family at the time, said the croc was able to get very close to her and looked like it was about to strike. Ruiz posted a video of the terrifying encounter in Ain Ixtapa Zihuatanejo  northwest of popular tourist hotspot Acapulco in Mexico  on her TikTok.

Odemaris Ruiz was enjoying a day out with her family at a beach in Mexico when she spotted a crocodile surfing to shore. Source: Jam Press

The clip shows her describing the scene to the camera while standing on the beach as the crocodile swims in the sea behind her. The 36-year-old hurried to the beach while alerting other swimmers who were within striking distance of the croc, which she described as enormous.

At one point, the reptile rides a wave to the shore and starts to walk on the beach.

Ruiz said she felt scared because a Canadian tourist had been killed by an animal  believed to be either a crocodile or shark  at the same beach in December.

TikTok of croc on the beach goes viral

The video has since gone viral with 4.7 million views and over 1,000 comments.

Ixtapa is full of sharks and crocodiles. I'm not crazy about the idea of stopping there, one local commented on the clip. Ixtapa has always had incidents with crocodiles. Only before the information was hidden so as not to harm tourism, another claimed.

Odemaris Ruiz said she was scared after seeing the crocodile because a tourist died at the same beach last month. Source: Jam Press

The crocodile said Come in, the waters warm, someone else joked. A fourth person said they had stayed at a hotel in the area and found a huge crocodile in the pool.

Ruiz has starred in several Mexican soap operas and is a presenter for the channel Televisa. She also posts lifestyle and travel videos on TikTok and Instagram.

Jam Press

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Joe Biden is planning to make his attorney general Merrick Garland the scapegoat for the bombshell report which highlighted his mental challenges, it has been reported.

The Department of Justice released its long-awaited investigation into the president's mishandling of classified documents Thursday, delivering a damning assessment of his 'diminished faculties' and limited memory.

But Biden, 81, has informed his aides and advisers that Garland didn't do enough to rein in the report written by Special Counsel Robert Hur, according to Politico.

Top Biden aides have even suggested Garland should have edited the parts that made the president look like a senile old man - despite Biden vowing to hire an impartial attorney general in the wake of the Trump presidency.

Democrat insiders have also claimed more time working on makeup and lighting could help ease concerns about his age, according to CNN. They've urged aides to have him sat down at the start of appearances, rather than letting him shuffle onto stage stiffly - and to stop claiming the president merely suffers from arthritis.

It comes as the Biden-Harris campaign team also released a statement on Friday hitting out at Donald Trump's comments that some onlookers claimed was panicked and showed just how badly the White House has reacted to the scandal.

Joe Biden (pictured at the White House on Friday night) is planning to make his attorney general Merrick Garland (right) the scapegoat for the bombshell report which highlighted his mental challenges

Biden (left) believes Garland (right) didn't do enough to rein in the report written by Special Counsel Robert Hur

Hur (pictured) spent a year investigating files found at Biden's home and former office. He said Biden's status as president meant he could not be prosecuted

The report details lapses in Biden's memory, both in conversations with his ghostwriter and with investigators. The conclusion is that jurors may have though he made an innocent mistake

Biden-Harris advisor TJ Ducklo -who resigned from a White House job in 2021 over a bullying scandal - said: 'Every single time Donald Trump opens his mouth, he's confused, deranged, lying, or worse.'

'Tonight, he lied more than two dozen times, slurred his words, confused basic facts, and placated the gun lobby weeks after telling parents to 'get over it' after their kids were gunned down at school.

'But you won't hear about any of it if you watch cable news, read this weekend's papers, or watch the Sunday shows.

'Beltway reporters may be numb to Trump's horrifying candidacy defined by chaos, division, and violence - but the American people are the ones who will suffer and die if he's allowed anywhere near the Oval Office again.'

The special counsel report into Biden did not recommend bringing charges against him but it provided a cascade of damaging findings about files found in his garage as well as the president's fitness for office.

In interviews with investigators, Biden became muddled about the dates he was vice president and could not even remember the year in which his son Beau died.

Biden angrily lashed out at a press conference Thursday - but mixed up the presidents of Egypt and Mexico, galvanizing concerns he is unfit for the job.

The report said his cavalier attitude to classified documents, such as his habit of reading sensitive files to a ghostwriter, posed a significant national security risk.

One of the reasons they decided not to press charges was because 'at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory'.

Biden is said to be unimpressed at Attorney General Garland over the report, according to two sources close to the president, as it could threaten his presidential campaign.

The two advisors believe Hur went beyond his scope and was misleading in his descriptions.

But they take issue with Garland and say he should have demanded edits to the report.

Biden has not commented on Garlands future but the belief is that the attorney general will not remain in his post for a possible second term, according to the sources.

'This has been building for a while,' one said. 'No one is happy.'

A former senior Justice Department official insisted that the frustrations at Garland are better directed at the White House.

Biden's team had the option to exert executive privilege over elements of Hurs report but chose not to.

While Garland would have had to explain any redactions to Congress if he made edits to the report.

'The way in which the White House story kept changing at the outset made it much more difficult for the Justice Department to resist having a special counsel,' the source said.

President Joe Biden will not be criminally charged with stashing classified documents in his garage and private office

Department of Justice photographs reveal boxes and boxes of files stored in unsecure locations, such as the garage of his home

The report is crammed with pictures of documents recovered from Biden's home or an office he used when he was vice president

'Had there been a very clear story at the beginning, it would have been easier.'

Robert Kuttner, co-founder of the liberal American Prospect, said: 'Garland is far and away Bidens worst appointee by an order of magnitude.

'And we all pay the price. If Biden goes down the drain because Garland has mishandled the investigation of Trump and gave Republicans a weapon  then the country pays the price.

'Its not just that Biden gets punished for the stupidity of appointing Garland.'

His 'diminished faculties in advancing age' would likely make him a sympathetic figure to jurors, the special counsel report says.

Biden found himself in the spotlight after his predecessor Donald Trump was charged with illegally keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home.

Special Counsel Hur spent a year investigating. His report will likely undermine the Biden campaign's attempts to use the charges against Trump in the 2024 election.

Instead there is plentiful ammunition for Trump, with a series of revelations about Biden's mental sharpness.

It describes his failure to remember key dates in his career and his personal life when he was interviewed by investigators.

'He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended ("if it was 2013 - when did I stop being Vice President?"), and forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began ("in 2009, am I still Vice President?"),' he reportedly said.

'He did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died.'

He was also apparently hazy on the debate around withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, which was such a key part of the first months of his presidency.

'We also expect many jurors to be struck by the place where the Afghanistan documents were ultimately found in Mr. Biden's Delaware home: in a badly damaged box in the garage, near a collapsed dog crate, a dog bed, a Zappos box, an empty bucket, a broken lamp wrapped with duct tape, potting soil, and synthetic firewood,' the report concludes.

Photographs in the report include some of the classified Afghanistan documents, showing how they were apparently stored with other household items, including a ladder and a wicker basket.

The material included notebooks with handwritten entries 'implicating sensitive intelligence sources and methods' taken from White House briefings.

The investigation said there was plenty of evidence to suggest that Biden was aware that he was not allowed to keep such classified notes after leaving office, pointing out that his long Washington career meant he was familiar 'with the measures taken to safeguard classified information and the need for those measures to prevent harm to national security.'

Even so, notebooks crammed with classified information were stored in unlocked drawers at his home.

The box circled in the foreground contained documents about Afghanistan. The picture was taken in December 2022 in Biden's garage, with other household items

The Biden-Harris campaign team also released a statement on Friday hitting out at Donald Trump 's comments at a National Rifle Association event

And it was not simply the case that the notebooks were misplaced and forgotten.

'He consulted the notebooks liberally during hours of discussions with his ghostwriter and viewed them as highly private and valued possessions with which he was unwilling to part,' writes Hur.

The ghostwriter helped him with his 2017 memoir, titled 'Promise Me, Dad.'

Biden said he was pleased that no charges would be brought and declared the matter closed.

Biden 'did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended,' according to the report

Biden was also apparently hazy on the debate around withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, which was such a key part of the first months of his presidency

A former senior Justice Department official insisted that the frustrations at Garland are better directed at the White House.

The Biden-Harris released a statement slamming Trump for his comments surrounding guns at an event on Friday.

The former president told thousands of members of the National Rifle Association that 'no one will lay a finger on your firearms' if he returns to the White House, and bragged that during his time as president he 'did nothing' to curb guns.

'During my four years nothing happened. And there was great pressure on me having to do with guns. We did nothing. We didnt yield,' he said as he addressed the NRAs Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Friday evening.

Casting himself as 'the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House,' Trump pledged to continue to protect gun owners rights, even as the country grapples with a crisis of gun violence and mass shootings that have left more than 3,000 dead since 2006.

'Your Second Amendment will always be safe with me as your president,' he said.

DailyMail.com has contacted the White House and Department of Justice for comment.
Detectives believe she may be in Boulder or Denver but are growing concerned for her safety

Fears are growing for the safety of a California teenager who went missing after vanishing during an airport layover.

Harper Cadman, 15, was last seen at the Denver International Airport where she was due to pick up a connecting flight back to her home state.

She landed on a United Airlines flight from Montana at around about 8:27 a.m. on January 30, but never boarded her next plane.

However her checked bag made it back to LA, according to the teen's mom Ari Petronelli.

She and other members of the teen's family set out to Colorado on a frantic search to find her daughter but have so far been unable to trace her. Her mom has since returned to look after her other children.

Harper Cadman, 15, vanished during a layover at Denver International Airport en route home from Montana

The teen landed just before 8.30am on January 30 but has not been seen since and missed her connecting flight home to California

Cadman's mom and aunt flew to Colorado to try and look for the teen as detectives believe she may be in the Boulder or Denver area (Denver International Airport is pictured with the Rocky Mountains in the background)

'Leaving Colorado without her felt as though I was abandoning my baby girl and ripped my heart in a million pieces not knowing if she is warm, safe, or has food in her stomach,' Petronelli said. 'The second I can I will return to look for her.'

Cadman is thought to be in either Denver or Boulder, but her family are growing 'extremely worried for her safety' as she does not know anyone in the Colorado area.

Petronelli said her daughter had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues and was being transferred home.

She is especially concerned as Cadman was last seen wearing just leggings and a sweatshirt and is without her belongings.

'My sister and I spent last week searching Denver and Boulder, speaking with detectives, advocates, the unhoused, and "street kids'"' Petronelli added.

'What we saw was a very cold, scary, and dangerous situation for anyone but especially an at-risk 15 year old girl.'

It is the second time the teen has vanished in a year to the anguish of her mom.

'I am sick to my stomach writing this and I never thought that I would ever have to post another missing flier of my own child but if anything this last year has taught me is that life just doesn't make sense,' Petronelli wrote on Facebook.

Cadman's mom Ari Petronelli said her daughter had been receiving mental health treatment in Montana prior to her disappearance

Cadman's checked baggage arrived back at LA without her. It is the second time that the teenager has disappeared in the last year.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children put out an alert for Cadman with a description which describes her as 5'7', 115lbs with brown hair and blue eyes

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children put out an urgent alert desperately seeking information.

Cadman is described as 5'7', 115lbs with brown hair and blue eyes.

She has braces, facial piercings and distinctive tattoos on her waist and the middle finger of her left hand.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call NCMEC on 1-800-843-5678 or the Denver Police Department (Colorado) 1-720-913-2000.
Police have started searching the Thames for the body of Clapham attack suspect Abdul Ezedi who they believe entered the river hours after dousing his ex-partner and her two daughters with a corrosive substance.

Detectives believe that the 35-year-old entered the water near Chelsea Bridge in west London after carrying out the horrific attack on January 31.

Marine Policing Unit boats have been pictured on the Thames as officers search for a body.

Ezedi, from the Newcastle area, has not been since he allegedly poured a strong alkali on his ex-partner, and injured her two young children, aged three and eight, in Clapham, south London.

The mother-of-two is still in a critical condition and sedated in hospital, with police revealing that she was 'too poorly to speak' due to her 'significant injuries'.

Both children have been discharged from hospital after witnesses also said the three-year-old girl was 'slammed to the ground'.

The Met said yesterday its main working hypothesis was the attacker had 'gone into' the River Thames after being seen leaning over the railings of Chelsea Bridge on the night of the incident before disappearing from view.

He was last seen at 11.27pm on Chelsea Bridge - around four hours after the attack on Lessar Avenue in Clapham. He was never seen leaving the bridge area.

In a briefing at Scotland Yard, Commander Jon Savell said: 'We have spent the last 24 hours meticulously following the CCTV, and it's our main working hypothesis that he's now gone into the water.

A police boat is seen on the Thames as officers search the Thames for the body of Abdul Ezedi

Clapham attack suspect Abdul Ezedi is pictured on CCTV hours after dousing his ex and her two daughters with a chemical subtance

CCTV footage of Abdul Ezedi (centre, wearing a black jacket), the suspect in the Clapham alkaline substance attack, crossing over Chelsea Bridge

The Metropolitan Police launched a manhunt for attacker Ezedi (pictured) but they now believe he entered the water

'We have looked at all of the available cameras and angles, and with the assistance of Transport for London and CCTV from buses that were travelling over the bridge at the relevant time and there is no sighting of him coming off the bridge.'

Asked whether police were willing to say that Ezedi was dead, Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart said: 'I'm prepared to say that he's gone into the water and if he's gone into the water then that's the most probable outcome.'

The woman had been in a relationship with Ezedi, with the breakdown of the relationship a possible motive for the attack.

Police said it was possible they may never find Ezedi's body due to the speed of the current in the Thames.

He told the briefing: 'At this time of year, the Thames is very fast flowing, very wide and full of lots of snags.

'It is quite likely that if he has gone in the water, he won't appear for maybe up to a month and it's not beyond possibility that he may never actually surface.'

Mr Savell said the force were in contact with a member of Ezedi's family.

Mr Sewart said the Met had tracked Ezedi's movements from the Tower Hill area, where he has walked more than four miles 'with purpose' to Chelsea Bridge.

Police boat is seen as officers search the Thames for the body of Clapham acid attack suspect Abdul Ezedi

Marine Policing Unit boats have been deployed for the search which will take place at low tide today. Pictured: Chelsea Bridge today

Police said it was possible they may never find Ezedi's body due to the speed of the current in the Thames

Police revealed the motive behind the 'brutal' attack appears to be the breakdown of a relationship. He is seen with injuries here in a Tesco supermarket after the attack

Abdul Ezedi was last seen leaving Tower Hill underground station in east London at 9.33pm on January 31 (pictured leaving the tube station)

Forensic police at the scene on Wednesday night near Clapham following the attack

Forensics at the scene take picture of the location close to Clapham Common following the incident

Abdul Ezedi's last known steps Wednesday, January 31: 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 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. 22:06  Ezedi passes Carmelite House, junction with Carmelite Street towards Temple. 22:28 - He passes Westminster Pier, goes up steps and continues towards Westminster. 22:33 - Ezedi seen walking south on Westminster bridge 22:36 He walks across Westminster Bridge, down steps on the London Eye side towards Lambeth 22:42 Ezedi seen walking west on south Thames Path towards Lambeth Bridge 22:55 He travels along the Albert Embankment approaching Vauxhall Bridge 23:00 Ezedi crosses Vauxhall Bridge towards stairs (Houses of Parliament side of the river) 23:03 - He crosses Vauxhall Bridge Road, into Grosvenor Road. 23:10  Ezedi walks west bound past the Shell petrol station 23:19 - He passes the Thames Water Building, Grosvenor Road, heading towards Chelsea Bridge 23:25  He crosses over Chelsea Bridge and enters Battersea Park. 23:27 - He crosses back over Chelsea Bridge towards the north side. Advertisement

He continued: 'When he has got to the area of Chelsea Bridge, his behaviour visibly appears to change in so much as he walked up and down the bridge - he pauses in the midpoint of the bridge, halfway down the bridge.

'Then he walked to and from the side of the bridge and can be seen to sort of lean over the railings before there is a loss of sight.'

Police said that Ezedi would have been in an 'extraordinary amount of pain' with his 'significant injuries' after carrying out 'the most horrific attack'.

They described how he travelled from Tower Hill, where he was seen leaving the Tube, to Chelsea Bridge.

Mr Savell added: 'He walks purposefully. Halfway across Chelsea Bridge he pauses and paces back and forth towards the railings, as well as looking over them, this is a change in behaviour. Then he is lost from sight.

'We have been closely liaising with a variety of experts through the National Crime Agency throughout the course of this investigation. Those experts have considered our latest information.

'At that time of night, at this time of year, and entering the water from the middle of a bridge at height, the chances of Ezedi surviving are extremely remote. The Thames current is very strong which is an additional factor.'

A manhunt to find him has been ongoing for more than a week, with officers raiding two addresses linked to Ezedi in Newcastle in the early hours of Thursday.

Earlier this week police said the last confirmed sighting was just before 11.30pm on January 31, a few hours after the attack, as he crossed over Chelsea Bridge and entered Battersea Park in central London, then crossed back over the same bridge minutes later.

Ezedi came to the UK hidden in a lorry in 2016, and was turned down twice for asylum before successfully appealing against the Home Office rejection by claiming he had converted to Christianity.

He was convicted of two sexual offences in 2018 but was allowed to stay in the UK because his crimes were not serious enough to meet the threshold for deportation.

A tribunal judge is understood to have ruled in favour of his asylum claim in 2020 after a retired Baptist church minister confirmed he had converted to Christianity, reportedly describing Ezedi as 'wholly committed' to his new religion.

Ezedi, who is not the father of the children who were hurt, suffered significant facial injuries in the incident which police previously said could prove fatal if left untreated.

Around 500 people across the county have called police with information about Ezedi and his possible whereabouts since the incident happened.

Last week, Nick Aldworth a former national counter-terrorism co-ordinator with 36 years' experience in the police and military, said it was is 'not unlikely' Ezedi could have taken his own life.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think if we've not seen or heard from him in the the last couple of days, which appears to be the case, he's gone to ground, possibly supported by somebody...

'Or - it's not unlikely or improbable - that he may have taken his own life. There is therefore a body to be found somewhere.'

Police said Ezedi left Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday and travelled south to London and was in the Tooting area by around 6.30am.

His vehicle was seen again in Croydon, south London, at around 4.30pm and by around 7pm he was in Streatham.

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.

Police in hazmat suits raid a home in east London amid the search for Clapham chemical attack fugitive Ezedi

Officers were seen smashing in the doors of the property shortly after 2am on Friday

Minutes later he boarded a Tube train at Clapham South Underground station, and by 8pm he was at King's Cross Tube station.

Ezedi was caught on CCTV at Tesco Express at 8.42pm before he caught a Victoria Line train south at King's Cross at 9pm. 16 minutes later he left Victoria on an eastbound District Line train.

At 9.33pm, Ezedi is seen leaving Tower Hill station and an hour later CCTV has him heading south on Westminster Bridge. At 11pm, he he spotted heading north across Vauxhall Bridge.

And at 11.25, police have released CCTV of Ezedi entering Battersea Park before crossing Chelsea Bridge. He was not seen leaving after this.

Police say three members of the public who came to the aid of the family during the attack, two aged in their 30s and one in her 50s, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns.
A husband has admitted to murdering his 19-year-old wife after he stabbed her in the neck at their home and then calmly dialled 999.

Sahil Sharma, 24, appeared in custody at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Mehak Sharma in Croydon, south London.

Shortly after 4.15pm on October 29 last year, Sahil phoned the police and told the operator that he had killed his wife at their home on Ash Tree Way.

At the address, officers found Mehak unresponsive. She had suffered catastrophic knife injuries to her neck, and despite the efforts of medics at the scene she was sadly pronounced dead around 20 minutes later.

Mehak's family were informed and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Sahil Sharma, 24, appeared in custody at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Mehak Sharma in Croydon, south London

Mehak Sharma. Shortly after 4.15pm on October 29 last year, Sahil Sharma phoned the police and told the operator that he had killed his wife at their home on Ash Tree Way

A special post-mortem examination conducted on October 31 last year found the cause of Mehak's death to have been a stab wound to the neck.

Sahil is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 26.

Detective Inspector Laura Semple, of the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: 'Mehak was killed in her own home, the place where she should have been safest, by the person who should have loved and protected her. My thoughts today are with her family and loved ones.'

She added: 'Sahil Sharma's actions have devastated a family. In killing his wife he has robbed her family of a loving daughter for reasons known only to himself.

'While I am pleased that Mehak Sharma's loved ones will now be spared the experience of going through a trial, nothing can bring her back to them.'
A Russian strike on Ukraine's second-largest city overnight killed at least seven people including three children, Kharkiv's governor reported Saturday.

An Iranian-made Shahed drone struck a petrol station, creating a 'river of fire' that engulfed 15 houses in an unstoppable blaze.

Among the victims were a family of five including three children aged six-months, four and seven, who were reportedly 'burned alive' inside their own home.

'They were held hostage by the fire inside their own house,' said chief investigator Serhiy Bolvinov.

'The man's body is in the corridor of the house, the mother and the children tried to save themselves in the bathroom. We do not yet know where the baby's body is. The search is underway.'

While the Ukrainian air force said it was able to destroy 21 of 31 drones launched nationwide overnight, the devastation in Kharkiv comes amid fears the defenders are running out of munitions needed to repel aerial attacks.

Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, this week called on US lawmakers to approve a new aid package as her country faces a 'critical shortage' in military hardware.

A devastating strike on a petrol station in Kharkiv engulfed 15 houses and killed seven people

A firefighter works at a site of a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 10, 2024

Locals expressed fears Ukraine is struggling to repel drone attacks after the strike in Kharkiv

Fire rages after a Russian drone strike hit a former recreation centre and hotel in Zmiiv, Kharkiv

In an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday, Ms Markarova pleaded with international backers to maintain their support for Ukraine as the war approaches its second anniversary.

'We still have enough people who want to fightthere is no choice, actually for us, we are defending our homesbut we're running out of equipment, especially missiles and interceptors,' she said. 'We need this support yesterday.'

Ukraine ambassador Oksana Markarova

The US Senate on Thursday voted to move forwards with a bill that would grant $95bn in emergency aid to Ukraine to keep up its fierce resistance against Putin's army.

'I was so happy to hear that it was a very strong bipartisan support, not yet final of course, just the first step in the right direction,' Ms Markarova commented. 'There is no alternative to continuing this support.'

A spokesperson for Ms Markarova exolaied to Newsweek that 'due to a shortage of ammunition, the Ukrainian military finds itself under increased pressure on the front line'.

'Russia is pushing on, trying to give Putin a "big win" by the election day in March: occupation of another Ukrainian city in the East.'

Yaroslava Gres, coordinator of Ukrainian President Zelensky's official fundraiser, UNITED24, told MailOnline today: 'Air defense is a critical area. With daily threats from Russian air strikes, Ukraine's need for additional missile and air defense systems is paramount to safeguarding our cities. Protecting the Ukrainian sky secures Ukraines future.

'Russia is stockpiling missiles and kamikaze drones to target critical civilian infrastructure in the winter and continue terrorizing civilians. The better we are prepared, the more innocent lives will be saved.'

UNITED24 has set up a fundraiser for a Safe Skies target detection system, led by American historian Timothy Snyder.

The system 'excels at detecting low-altitude air threats, a key part of air defense strategy' - but Ukraine estimates it would need 12,500 devices to 'adequately' protect the territory.

So far it has raised $950,000 with help from Snyder and fellow academics Francis Fukuyama, Rory Finnin, Timothy Garton Ash and Serhiy Plokhy - but is short of its $1,900,000 target.

The overnight strike in Kharkiv highlights the urgency of such systems that would help Ukraine deflect incoming attacks, locals say.

More than 50 people were rescued from the flames as they tore through a community in the Nemyshlyanskyi district.

Witness Andrii Kruglo said: 'Everything exploded and started running like a river. A burning river. I was covered in diesel fuel.

'It was running down the street and setting houses on fire.

'We tried to put the fire out, extinguished it with our hands, with snow, as much as we could.'

'We tried to put the fire out, extinguished it with our hands, with snow, as much as we could.'

Mayor Igor Terekhov said: 'The enemy's Shaheds [Iranian-made drones] hit a petrol station, causing burning fuel to spill out and 14 private houses to burn.'

Regional prosecutor Oleksandr Filachkov said three drones were used in the attack.

'As a result, an object of critical infrastructure was destroyed. There was a large amount of fuel, which is why the consequences of the fire were so terrible,' he said.

Relatives have been asked for DNA to help identify the victims of the attack.

The strike followed an earlier attack on Zmiiv when a hotel complex and surrounding buildings were destroyed.

Locals expressed fears Ukraine is running low on air defences and failing to hold back on Russian attacks, especially in the eastern Kharkiv region.

A local source here said: 'We were under attack with Russian drones [from Iran] and local social media chats were exploding with messages that our area no longer has proper air defences.

'Kharkiv and the region are desperate for at least one Patriot system. Apparently many drones were shot down from just basic machine guns.

'We are protected by virtually nothing.'

A woman, Natalia, stands in front a burned out house following the overnight strike in Kharkiv

Regional prosecutor Oleksandr Filachkov said three drones were used in the attack in Kharkiv

The strike followed an earlier attack on Zmiiv when a hotel complex and surrounding buildings were destroyed (pictured)

Spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Yuriy Ignat warned: 'There are a lot of statements from different countries, different representatives, and sometimes one gets the impression that we have everything and a lot of it - but no, we do not have everything and we do not have a lot.'

He said: 'Germany has announced additional IRIS-T, we also expect Patriot.

'We would like more systems that have proven themselves on the battlefield as a means of fighting ballistics.'

Josep Borell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: 'Mobilising additional EU military equipment for Ukraine is my top priority.

'We must do more and we must do it faster.'
Up to 250 Body Shop stores could close across the country with thousands of jobs at risk as the chain's new owners call in the administrators.

The chain, founded by the late Dame Anita Roddick who passed away in 2007, was sold by Brazilian cosmetics chain Natura & Co to Aurelius Group in November

The 207 million deal saw the investment group take on the chain's 250 British stores.

But they called in insolvency administrators just weeks after it bought the chain.

A 'significant' number of the shops are like to close, but an insider told Sky News that exact numbers were not known.

The closure means heartbreak for thousands of nostalgic customers - but many have expressed their concern for what will happen to the staff.

Up to 250 Body Shop stores could close across the country with thousands of jobs at risk as the chain's new owners call in the administrators (file image)

The chain, founded by the late Dame Anita Roddick who passed away in 2007, was sold by Brazilian cosmetics chain Natura & Co to Aurelius Group in November

Nostalgic customers took to social media to express their disappointment and their concern for the staff working for the popular chain

One person said found Anita Roddick would have been 'horrified' at the news.

Some took to X to reminisce about their childhood memories of shopping at the popular beauty chain.

But many expressed their worry for those who face losing their jobs, with one user saying: 'Never knew Body Shop were in trouble. Two of my family members work there.'

READ MORE - New owners of The Body Shop line up administrators just weeks after 250 stores were sold in 207m deal Advertisement

Aurelius, which also owns sportswear retailer Footasylum and the now-bankrupt healthcare chain Lloydspharmacy, is now preparing to appoint FRP Advisory to handle the insolvency process of the company's UK operations, Sky News reported.

An insider told Sky that the insolvency of its UK arm would not impact the operation of its stores in the rest of the world.

Two days ago, it was revealed that The Body Shop's former owners Natura wrote to Aurelius to find out why former employees haven't yet received bonuses worth 2million and 3 million that were promised as part of their severance.

RetailWeek reported that 20 former Body Shop employees are collectively owed the sum of money that they have still not been paid.

Last week, it was revealed that Aurelius, which bought the company in 2017 from L'Oreal for around 850 million, handed over much of its Europe and Asia enterprises to an unnamed 'international family office' as part of its turnaround strategy for the long-troubled health retailer, which directly employs around 10,000 people across the world.

In November, it emerged the high street beauty retailer agreed to sell its 250 stores after struggling with profitability.

At the time, the private equity buyer, Aurelius, said that it would have an opportunity to 're-energise' the retailer.

Founder of The Body Shop, Anita Roddick stands outside one of her stores in 1985

'We are delighted to be undertaking this acquisition of an iconic British brand, which pioneered the cruelty-free and natural ingredient movement in the health and beauty market,' said Aurelius partner Tristan Nagler.

'We look forward to working with CEO Ian Bickley and his team to drive operational improvements and re-energise the business, and help to deliver the next chapter of success.'

The Body Shop was first set up in 1976, opening its first store in Brighton, with the aim of providing health products made with 'ethically sourced and naturally-based ingredients' that were not tested on animals.

Just seven years later, the business had grown to 138 stores, thanks to a franchising model that saw a rapid rise in brick-and-mortar locations.

In 1984, the company was publicly listed in London, and its stock price by nearly 11,000% in the first eight years of its listing.

By 1994, nine out of ten Body Shop locations were franchises.

In 2006, The Body Shop was sold to L'Oreal for more than 650 million, a move that was considered controversial at the time given the French company's policy of animal testing.

Both Aurelius and FRP Advisory declined to comment when approach by MailOnline.

MailOnline has contacted The Body Shop for comment.
A driver who forgot to put on the handbrake when he parked his car has demolished part of a home after the runaway vehicle bulldozed through the property.

The Nissan Patrol four-wheel-drive was parked on a hill in Carrickalinga in Adelaide's south-west on Saturday just before 1.30pm.

But the driver of the brand new vehicle forgot to apply the hand brake when they left it parked at the top of the slope on Elizabeth Crescent.

And after the driver left the vehicle unattended, the car rolled down the hill, gathering speed before it ploughed into the home.

A driver who forgot to put the handbrake on in their car led to the destruction of a home after the vehicle ploughed through the property (pictured)

The vehicle smashed through the front of the home, until it launched itself into the front yard from the home's balcony, leaving a trail of destruction behind it.

Bricks and debris were strewn everywhere, with large wooden planks from the balcony crashing down on the vehicle.

The waterfront home was left with a gaping hole and the property sustaining significant damage, but luckily no-one was inside the home at the time.

The driver's costly error left behind a trail of destruction with bricks and debris from the home (pictured) strewn everywhere

The waterfront home was left with a gaping hole (pictured) with the property sustaining significant damage

South Australia Police said emergency crews including the SES attended the scene following the incident.

Volunteers from the SES and the Country Fire Service tried to put temporary support structures in place, but crews suspected asbestos may have been used in the home's construction.

The SES decided against putting up support structures with a spokesperson telling the ABC that it was up to the homeowner to speak to their insurer about the damage sustained to their property.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that once used to be sourced across Australia which was used to manufacture building and construction products.

The mineral which contains toxic fibres can cause lung cancer as the substance can easily be breathed in which can affect the lining of the lung.

Emergency crews who attended the scene following the crash decided against putting up supporting structures on the property (pictured) after they discovered parts of the home contained asbestos
The famous celebrity hotspot Soho House has accused analysts of launching a share ruse to rake in millions - by claiming the prestigious venues are 'overcrowded'.

Soho House - where the likes of Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Leonardo DiCaprio often visit - is embroiled in a row after a financial analyst's report said it has expanded its notorious exclusive membership too quickly.

The report by GlassHouse Research claimed the result was a 'decline in service quality' with 'longer wait times' and reduced 'personalised attention'.

It concluded that the value of the company after 28 years of losses 'is a zero'.

But the private members' club hit back, claiming the report was inaccurate and 'misleading'.

The company said the report was deliberately negative in an attempt to drive down the club's share price so that GlassHouse could benefit from short-selling.

Ellie Goulding, Sir Mick Jagger and Taylor Swift attend the Universal Music Brits party hosted by Bacardi at The Soho House Pop-Up in 2015

Maya Jama, Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After Party 2019 hosted by Soho House

Soho House at 76 Dean Street, London, United Kingdom

Soho House founder Nick Jones issued a letter to members to say he was working on 'making sure our houses don't feel too busy'

GlassHouse and the authors of the report confirmed they were short-sellers of Soho House.

Short-selling is a when investors borrow a companys shares to sell, hoping that the price will fall so they can buy them back at a cheaper price before being returned to their original owner.

The 31-page report titled 'Soho House & Co: A company facing an existential crisis', described the club as a company with a 'broken business model and terrible accounting'.

After it's publication, the company's share price went down by 30 per cent, The Times reported.

It read: 'Eerily similar to WeWork's public offering, we believe SHCO will eventually meet the same fate as the now defunct co-working space.'

The report pointed to a 'persistent lack of profitability', issues with 'overcrowding', and a 'perceived decline in service quality'.

Some of the concerns raised in the report were echoed by former members of the club.

The Times reported that one member of the prestigious club let his membership lapse because it was now 'the All Bar One of members' clubs' and it was 'opening their doors to everybody'.

The newspaper said that another former member said the clubs were 'overwhelmed' and it is 'hard to get decent service'.

Soho House was established in 1995 for 'creatives' in London by Nick Jones, a British entrepreneur.

Full membership, with access to every venue across the world, costs nearly 3,000 a year.

Membership to one club starts at 850 but rises to above 1,000 for many, depending on the location.

Venues boast swimming pools, spas, gyms and even bedrooms.

Andrew Carnie, chief executive officer, at Soho House Dean Street in London

Accessing pool beds during summer months can be challenging for members, who complain of over-crowding at the clubs

DUMBO House boasts expansive views of NYC from the rooftop pool

There have been complaints on TikTok about how busy Soho House clubs are

The application process is comprehensive, requiring prospective members to provide a biography, explain what they can contribute and whether they already know existing members.

The club has a membership committee of those who already have access which make the call on who may join.

Membership at the venues is famously exclusive - however the club's accounts revealed the extent to which membership has expanded in recent years.

In October, it reported more than double the amount of members than it had prior to the pandemic - the equivalent of 6,000 members for every venue.

Nick Jones announced in December that the chain would close new member applications for London, LA and New York for 2024.

The GlassHouse report reads: 'Members also raised concerns about a decline in service quality at Soho House properties. Reports suggest that rapid member expansion may be stretching the company's operational capabilities thin, leading to longer wait times, reduced personalised attention and an overall diminishing standard of service. As a result, the company recently halted new memberships at some of its prime locations.'

But in a statement hitting back at the scathing GlassHouse report, Soho House said: 'Soho House & Co Inc. fundamentally rejects the recent report published by GlassHouse Research, which contains factual inaccuracies, analytical errors, and false and misleading statements, all designed to adversely impact the Company's stock price for the benefit of the short-seller.

' The Company is confident in the strength of its business and is focused on executing its strategy.

An exterior view of the celebrity hotspot SoHo House in Manhattan

Soho House announced it will stop accepting new members at its clubs in New York City , Los Angeles and London following complaints they have become overcrowded

The interior of Soho House at 76 Dean Street in London

'The Company also announces that in the fall of 2023, the Board formed an independent Special Committee of the Board to evaluate certain strategic transactions, some of which may result in the Company becoming a private company.

'No assurances can be given that the Special Committee's assessment will result in any change in strategy, or if a transaction is undertaken. The Special Committee has engaged legal and financial advisors to assist it with its review.'

Founder Nick Jones sent a letter to members in December 2023 to say he was working on 'making sure our houses don't feel too busy.'

He wrote: 'For that reason, next year we're closing the doors to new members across our houses in London, New York and Los Angeles, and will only be accepting members in locations where we have capacity,' he wrote.

Between October 2022 and 2023, the company took on 21 percent more people.

It had 184,542 members by October 1, which is a huge jump from 118,000 just two years ago.

There have been complaints on TikTok about how busy Soho House clubs are, and how poor the service can be.

An Instagram account called Soho House Memes has 120,000 followers and it captioned one post: 'Love it when 200 leaves my bank account then I'm told to wait four hours for a table at 3pm.'

The New York location was once featured in an episode of Sex and the City, when Samantha Jones, unable to get off the waiting list, posed as a member to gain pool access for her and her friends.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first date at a Soho House restaurant in London in July 2016.

Founder Jones stepped down from the day-to-day running of the company late last year as he recovered from cancer.

He said he has been 'spending a lot more time in our houses' as he has the 'space to focus more attention on the clubs themselves.'

Soho House previously paused new memberships during the coronavirus pandemic to allow people to socially distance at its clubs.

There was also an effort to cull some members to capture its founding spirit and attract more creatives.

The company announced it was purging 1,000 members in 2010 from its New York house with Jones saying he was 'trying to get the club back to its creative roots.'

'When I went there, it didn't have the right feel anymore. It has always been a creative, friendly place with a relaxed feel,' he said.

'If there are too many corporate types around then that atmosphere doesn't occur.'
This is the shocking moment a man attacks several women while waiting for a tube in Barcelona.

The orgy of violence ends with him punching an innocent commuter to the ground.

The man can be seen walking down the platform and lashing out at different women before running up and brutally punching an unsuspecting young woman as she listened to music on headphones and looked at her mobile phone.

He hit his last victim so hard that he lost his balance and fell to the ground as she hit the floor.

The last commuter that the man targeted is said to have suffered a perforated eardrum.

The man brutally punching an unsuspecting young woman as she listened to music on headphones and looked at her mobile phone. The attacker hit his last victim so hard he lost his balance and fell to the ground as she hit the floor

Police are investigating whether the attacker, described locally as a man of North African origin who was a well-known criminal with previous for robbery, was under the influence of drink or drugs.

The sequence of assaults took place yesterday morning at Camp de l'Arpa station on line five of the Barcelona metro.

The station is named after the neighbourhood of the same name in the city's Sant Marti district bordering the Mediterranean.

The regional Mossos d'Esquadra police force are also looking into the possibility that he attacked other women on a tube train before walking along the platform and appearing to randomly slap and push his other female victims.

The man can be seen walking down the platform and lashing out at different women before knocking one woman to the floor. The sequence of assaults took place yesterday morning at Camp de l'Arpa station on line five of the Barcelona metro

The man is also said to have insulted commuters who recriminated him over his shocking actions.

At least two Good Samaritans are said to have been assaulted as they tried to chase after him after he targeted the girl with headphones on.

A police spokesman confirmed this morning as they urged other potential victims to come forward.

He said: 'Last night we arrested a man for assaulting several women at the Camp de l'Arpa metro station in Barcelona.

'We are investigating if there are more women who were assaulted.

'If you have been a victim, report it to any police station.'
Sadiq Khan has urged ministers to prevent 'chaos' for Eurostar passengers when the European Union launches biometric border checks later this year.

The Mayor of London said the Government should not 'wash its hands' of the issue after warnings that the UK was not properly planning for the new EU biometric Entry and Exit System (EES).

High Speed 1, which runs UK rail services and operates the line between London and the Channel Tunnel, said preparations were 'severely inadequate'.

The fingerprint checks, expected to be implemented in October, could lead to massive rail queues at St Pancras Station and the potential capping of passenger numbers.

HS1 told MPs last month that the decision not to enable online pre-registration would 'put enormous pressure on infrastructure at St Pancras International'.

The fingerprint checks, expected to be implemented in October, could lead to massive rail queues at St Pancras Station and the potential capping of passenger numbers. (Pictured: Similar chaos at St Pancras on December 30, after Eurostar cancellations caused by flooding)

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the Government should not 'wash its hands' of the issue after warnings that the UK was not properly planning for the new EU biometric Entry and Exit System (EES)

HS1 told MPs last month that the decision not to enable online pre-registration would 'put enormous pressure on infrastructure at St Pancras International' with expected times of two minutes to register each person at the border

The new EES checks will require travellers from countries outside the EU to register biometrics such as facial and fingerprint scans at their first point of entry

It said registering a passenger only once they arrived at the border would take at least an extra two minutes per person.

The new EES checks will require travellers from countries outside the EU to register biometrics such as facial and fingerprint scans at their first point of entry.

Mr Khan warned that delays or cuts to services would harm London's leisure and retail industries, particularly in the busy run-up to Christmas.

He called on ministers to support HS1 and Eurostar in urgently resolving these issues.

The Labour mayor said: 'The success of the Eurostar is a vital part of London's and the UK's economic success - with St Pancras a gateway for huge numbers of tourists and businesspeople in the country.

'As it stands these new post-Brexit checks will cause chaos at St Pancras, with cuts to services and potentially huge queues facing passengers at peak times.

'With London's economy roaring back after the pandemic, this sends a terrible signal to both tourists and businesses from around the world.

'Ministers now need to offer HS1 and Eurostar all the support it needs to resolve these issues as a matter of urgency. Cuts to services and longer delays simply isn't an option.'

Mr Khan, who is seeking a third term in May's mayoral election, insisted the issue was 'directly as a result of Brexit'.

The EES checks mean each time visitors to EU countries try to cross into the continent, they will have to show a facial image and provide four fingerprints.

Personal data including first name, surname, date of birth, nationality, sex, travel document and the three-letter country code will all be required  with under 12s exempt.

Austria claims processing times would be 'double compared to the current situation', while Croatia warned checks would 'certainly be significantly longer'.

French officials will carry out EES border checks at the Port of Dover, Folkestone for the Eurotunnel and at St Pancras International for the Eurostar.

British travellers queueing for several hours at passport control in a Spanish airport

Port OF dOVER chief Doug Bannister said: 'Even at the busiest times right now, with new post-Brexit rules, passport checks are taking 45 to 90 seconds per car.

'With the pre-registration involved, a car with a family of four or five in it could take up to ten minutes.

'The Government should be urgently discussing with their French and EU counterparts how this is going to work.'

Eurotunnel warned it could take as much as six minutes longer to process each car boarding its trains.

EES will cover arrivals to all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland. It is also being adopted by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

One of the reasons for delaying its introduction was next year's Olympic Games in Paris, with chiefs warning it could cause chaos for millions of passengers travelling to France.

Around six months after EES is introduced, the EU will bring in Etias  a visa waiver system similar to the US Esta.

This will cost 7 (6) per person and will be required for people entering the Schengen Area.

The EU has rejected concerns ESS will cause chaos at borders and claimed it will actually save time.

A spokesman said: 'The main advantage of the EES is saving time.

'The EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures, making travelling to European countries using the EES more efficient for the traveller.'

A Government spokesman said: 'The new Entry and Exit System is an EU programme overseen by the European Commission. The UK Government is working closely with the EU and member states to minimise any impact at our shared borders with Europe.

'The Home Secretary recently met with the French interior minister to discuss the introduction of the Entry/Exit system and we are in close contact with the travel industry and port authorities to ensure they are prepared to minimise the risk of delays.'
A mum has credited an everyday fashion accessory with saving her life after she was attacked by a dangerous snake while lounging by the pool.

Angela Jacobsen said she was reading a book in her backyard in Rutherglen, Victoria, on Tuesday  taking a moment before school pick-up  when she spotted a deadly eastern brown snake in her peripheral.

Angela was relaxing by her backyard pool earlier this week when she suddenly spotted the eastern brown snake in her 'peripheral'. Source: 7News

I dont even know where it came from, she told 7News. After lowering her novel, the mum screamed as the snake lunged at her, biting her on the face.

It was just a dry bite, Angela said, acknowledging she is very lucky. She claims the sunglasses she was wearing at the time prevented any further damage.

I think the fangs have hit the end of the glasses and only maybe the bottom teeth have hit my face. I do think the glasses saved my life, she said. Angela stayed at a local hospital overnight but was able to walk away from the freak accident relative unscathed.

Angela credits her sunglasses with saving her life during the snake attack. Source: 7News

Snake catcher's dire warning

The mums close call comes just days after another Aussie got quite the fright when he discovered an eastern brown snake crawling across his kitchen floor. The panicked man grabbed a large saucepan lid and slithered it over the baby snake before calling Sunshine Coast snake catcher Brando Giff Gifford for help.

Although having the reptile contained did make his job a little easier, Brando warned anyone who came across a snake in their house should not try to approach it.

A snake catcher has urged Aussies to keep their distance and call for help if they find a snake in their home. Source: AAP

We suggest, if they are not in the main living space, shut the doors, put towels under the doors and call the snake catcher, he told Yahoo News Australia.

We urge people not to approach them because if that goes wrong, someone could end up in hospital fighting for their life and come very close to dying from a bite. It can go from zero to 100 very quickly.

Story continues

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
A missing six-year-old Palestinian girl whose haunting last phone call was shared with the world has been found dead in Gaza - alongside the bodies of her relatives and two rescue workers who had tried in vain to find her.

Little Hind Rajab had phoned rescue workers pleading for help after her family's car came under fire in Gaza City after reportedly encountering Israeli forces during their war with the armed terror wing of Hamas.

Surrounded by the corpses of her relatives, Hind had phoned the Palestine Red Crescent Society - an internationally recognised humanitarian organisation - and begged them to come and rescue her.

In a heartbreaking phone call to the PRCS, she had explained her family were killed by gunfire, saying: 'I'm telling you they're dead.'

She added: 'The tank is next to me it's coming towards me it's very, very close.'

Hind Rajab, six, gives a thumbs-up in a family photo. She was killed by what her family say was Israeli gunfire after begging an aid agency for help

Audio of a phone call she made to Palestinian aid workers was released in which she could be heard asking them: 'Come and get me, the tank is very close'

 Urgent: The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance was discovered bombed the Tal al-Hawa area of #Gaza City, resulting in the killing of crew members Yusuf Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun, who had been missing since a rescue mission for the child Hind Rajab 12 days ago.#NotATarget pic.twitter.com/dCgfeevTd8  PRCS (@PalestineRCS) February 10, 2024

The Palestine Red Crescent Society shared this image of what it said was the remains of the ambulance sent to look for Hind Rajab

The dead aid workers were named as Yusuf Al-Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun

Family members had said the group found their way in the path of Israeli tanks and were fired on as they tried to flee.

And after two weeks of seeking to track her down, her body was tragically recovered on Saturday alongside those of her family and two PRCS workers, named as Yusuf Al-Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun.

The aid agency and the health ministry have blamed Israeli forces - with Hamas urging human rights groups and the international community to condemn what it labelled a 'horrific crime'.

'Hind and everyone else in the car is martyred,' the girl's grandfather, Baha Hamada, told the AFP news agency on Saturday.

'She was frightened, terrified,' he sobbed, adding: 'Hind is my first grandchild, she's a piece of my heart.'

Her grandfather said she was injured in the back, hand and foot.

A number of family members found them when they went to Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa area looking for the car near a petrol station where it had last been spotted, he said.

Gaza's health ministry said: 'She was killed by (Israeli) occupation forces with all those who were with her in the car outside the petrol station in Tel al-Hawa.'

The PRCS claims Israel then 'deliberately targeted' one of its ambulances as it arrived at the scene - alleging that Israeli troops had previously agreed to allow it through.

It added: 'For over three hours, Hind desperately pleaded for rescue from the occupation (Israeli) tanks surrounding her, enduring gunfire and the horror of being alone, trapped among the bodies of her relatives shot by the Israeli forces in front of her eyes.'

Nothing more was then heard from the young girl, even as the ambulance was sent to get her, the organisation said.

It shared images of the young girl and the two paramedics it says were killed, with the hashtag #NotATarget.

The aid agency also shared a video of what it said was the ambulance that had been attacked by Israeli forces - nothing more than a mess of twisted metal - and a small Kia hatchback that it said had belonged to Hind Rajab's family.

The video, which has not been independently verified, showed what appeared to be bullet holes spread across the car's side panels and interior.

There was no comment from the Israeli army when contacted by AFP.

Israel is continuing to bomb what it claims are Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip as part of its near-ceaseless counter-attack against the group following the October 7 attacks

The conflict has killed almost 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children (pictured: a family reacts as they identify bodies following overnight Israeli shelling in Rafah on Saturday)

Palestinians returning to Gaza City in the north of the strip examine the devastation caused by Israeli shelling on Saturday

A child walks among wreckage in Rafah after Israeli shelling hit the city on Wednesday

 Slide me  Jabalia in the northern Gaza strip in October (left) and December (right) following Israeli shelling. More than a third of all buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or heavily damaged

An Israeli armoured personnel carrier moves along southern Israel's border with Gaza on Friday ahead of an expected incursion into Rafah, on the border between Gaza and Egypt

Israeli's allies and international observers have pleaded with the country not to stage a ground offensive in Rafah, which is the last Gazan settlement not to be besieged by the IDF (pictured: makeshift homes in Rafah)

US secretary of state Antony Blinken (left) meets Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (right) for talks in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Netanyahu has resisted calls to halt shelling in Gaza

The war in Gaza 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.

The Hamas-controlled Palestinian health authorities estimate that 27,947 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its counter-attack against Hamas following the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis.

Women and children are thought to make up two thirds of the dead in Gaza as Israel has levelled entire neighbourhoods across the length of the Gaza Strip.

Israel maintains that it is defending itself with the months-long onslaught, and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press on until Hamas is 'destroyed' despite international pleas for leniency in targeting civilian areas.

Last month, the International Court of Justice told Israel to ensure it was doing all it could to minimise civilian casualties after South Africa lodged a case alleging that the country was committing genocide of Palestinians.

The ICJ is continuing to assess South Africa's case, but stopped short of delivering on the country's biggest demand of issuing a ceasefire demand.

However, UN children's agency UNICEF says young people are continuing to die 'at an alarming rate' in Gaza as the conflict continues.

Thousands have been killed and many more injured, with others at risk because of lack of food, water and medicine, it said, adding that children in the territory are in need of 'life-saving support'.

Half of the estimated 1.7 million people displaced in Gaza are children. Analysis of satellite imagery conducted by AP suggests a third of buildings in the territory have either been destroyed or heavily damaged.

Israel now plans an operation in Rafah, which has become the last refuge for many Palestinians after IDF troops conducted operations across the entirety of the Gaza Strip - having previously focused efforts on the north before moving south.

The planned attack on Rafah, which sits on the border of Egypt, has prompted some the harshest criticism of Israel to date from even its staunchest allies, including the United States, which says the operation could be a 'disaster'.

The city is the last bastion Israeli troops are yet to enter, and is home to a sea of serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid from neighbouring Egypt; aid agencies say their job will become impossible if IDF troops move in.

President Joe Biden said on Thursday the retaliation against Hamas had become 'over the top', adding: 'A lot of innocent people... are starving... in trouble and dying, and it's got to stop.'

Saudi Arabia, which had been on the cusp of formalising diplomatic ties with Israel before the war, says an attack on Rafah would be a 'humanitarian catastrophe'.

Netanyahu is facing continuing pressure from the families of hostages taken by Hamas who feel he has not done enough to bring their loved ones home (pictured: a protest on Thursday)

Some of the families have called on Netanyahu to resign or call an early election - with opinion polls showing dwindling support for the beleaguered Israeli PM

US President Joe Biden said earlier this week that Israel's onslaught in Gaza was 'over the top'

UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron split opinion by calling for a two-state solution that would see an independent state of Palestine separate from Israel

Hollowed out buildings in the Gaza Strip as seen from the south of Israel on Friday

A Palestinian woman cries as she receives the body of a relative in Rafah, Gaza on Saturday

The war is also making its presence felt across the wider region, with the recent Red Sea attacks on transport vessels conducted by Houthi rebels in what they say is a show of solidarity with Hamas against Israel.

Shelling has also struck Jordanian facilities in Gaza and Hezbollah rebels in Lebanon - threatening to turn the isolated conflict into an all-out regional war.

Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators departed Cairo on Friday after what Hamas described as 'positive and good discussions' with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Israel, however - which maintains that it does not target civilians, only Hamas targets - is unlikely to entertain a ceasefire.

Mr Netanyahu rejected Hamas' calls for a ceasefire earlier this week, branding their call for an all-out withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza 'delusional'.

'Continued military pressure is a necessary condition for the release of the hostages,' Netanyahu said - despite the families of captives calling for him to resign, or hold an early election, over what they say is his failure to bring their loved ones home.

The popularity of the party of government, Likud, is diving in Israeli opinion polls, with the public holding Netanyahu responsible for security failings that allowed the October 7 attacks to happen in the first place.

The UK says it has tripled its aid funding to Palestine in the wake of Israel's war with Hamas.

And earlier this week Rishi Sunak appeared to give his backing to Lord Cameron after the foreign secretary split opinion with his backing of a two-state solution.

Asked during Prime Minister's Questions if he agreed with Lord Cameron that Britain will look at recognising a Palestinian state to help end the conflict with Israel, Mr Sunak said: 'Our longstanding position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian state that is most conducive to the peace process.

'But the most important thing is we are committed to that two-state solution and working with our allies to bring it about.'
The Missy Empire boss had an obsession with building a Kardashian-style empire and bullied his terrified staff at their run-down headquarters, a former employee has told MailOnline.

The Manchester-based fast fashion firm, which prides itself on 'female empowerment', has come under fire after allegations were made about the 'toxic' culture and the behaviour of its managing director Ash Siddique.

Mr Siddique and his brother Ish set up the online only retail business in 2015, and their website says it is 'for the go-getters, the goal-setters, the kick-ass females who F with convention and create their own kind of pretty'.

JD Sports acquired a majority stake in Missy Empire in June 2021 but sold it to Mike Ashley's Frasers Group in December 2022.

Behind the facade of empowerment for women, the predominantly young female workforce, many in their first job, were filled with 'instant anxiety' when they had to deal with Mr Siddique, who they say was a bully that thrived off instilling fear.

Mr Siddique, who is understood to deny the claims, is accused of screaming at staff - including one who he called a 'f***ing idiot' - unless they 'obeyed' him and 'made him feel like the most amazing person'.

One female staff member who worked at Missy Empiretold MailOnline: 'He was very obsessed with the Kardashians. That was what Missy Empire was solely built on - the Kardashians.'

Pictures obtained by the Mail show how one of the walls in the run-down pink office had a quote which read: 'What would Kim or Kylie do?'

Ash Siddique (left) and his brother Ish (right) founded Manchester fast fashion firm Missy Empire in 2015

Ash Siddique had an obsession with the Kardashians, former staff said. This quote about Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner was in the office - and a build up of mould can be seen above

Mr Siddique is accused of screaming at staff unless they 'obeyed' him and 'made him feel like the most amazing person'. Pictured is Charlotte Williams modelling for Missy Empire

The predominantly young female workforce were filled with 'instant anxiety' when they had to deal with Mr Siddique. Pictured is Lucie Peach modelling for Missy Empire

Above the quote, a significant amount of mould had built up, which the ex-employee - who wished to remain anonymous - said was making them ill.

She explained: 'The office is just full of mould and we used to say about it all the time because we were all getting really ill - and we were like, is it the mould? It's got no windows. It was just horrible, there was no air ventilation at all.'

The former employee, who claims she was suddenly fired when they found out she had been going for other interviews, said that Mr Siddique was a bully who thought he 'was better than everyone else'

She continued: 'If you didn't agree with that, then that's when he had a problem with you. If you obeyed him, he was absolutely fine with you.

'But if you didn't like him... or you went against his what he wanted, that's when he didn't like you and he would be horrible to you.

'Everything had to be how he wanted it. And if you didn't obey him, then he didn't like you. You had to make him feel like he was the most amazing person otherwise he didn't like it.'

The ex-staff member also shockingly claimed that Mr Siddique's brother, Ish, dealt with any emails sent to the company's HR email address.

'Everyone knew that if something happened there was nowhere to go because Ish was actually HR. If you emailed HR at Missy Empire, it was Ish,' she said.

'So you couldn't say, "Oh I've just had an altercation with Ash" because it would go straight to Ish.'

This picture from the Missy Empire HQ shows mould growing on the ceiling, which staff said they complained about after getting ill

Women claimed they were reduced to tears amid a toxic environment. Pictured: Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry wearing Missy Empire clothes

Missy Empire say they are 'for the go-getters, the goal-setters, the kick-ass females who F with convention and create their own kind of pretty'

Seven members of staff also alleged they were 'fired without reason' and a further two claimed they were 'unable to keep copies of their employment contracts'. Pictured: Love Island star Laura Anderson wearing a Missy Empire dress

The Missy Empire XX brand logo stands for the female chromosome which the company say is 'a subliminal reminder that we are for the female and we will continue to empower you by the power of clothes'.

But the former worker revealed how their boss would 'make your life hell' if you handed in your notice.

She explained: 'With one of the girls, he just completely ignored her, he he didn't speak to her at all. He just cut off communication.

'Everything she did, he would have an issue with it. There was nothing that she could do right, basically.

'She left because he swore at her in the office and called her a f***ing idiot, and screamed it so loud that we could all hear.'

The ex-Missy Empire worker also revealed how on a separate occasion he just started 'swearing and getting really angry'.

She explained: 'I remember one day we all just went silent because we could just hear him screaming, and we were like, who is he screaming at? It was so bad that we were like, I hope it's not someone in there.'

On the day she was fired, the ex worker says that she was called around 10 times by Ish but did not answer because she was driving.

An ex-staff worker told how complaints to Missy Empire's HR were dealt with by Ish Siddique (left) so people were scared to raise issues about his brother Ash (right)

When she got home and replied she was told that they would speak about it on Monday, but no meeting ever happened. That night, she got back into her car to go home and Ash told her over WhatsApp not to come back to work.

She also claims that when she was fired, she did not receive her pay until she threatened a court claim.

The worker also said that influencers would be furious at not being paid on time - and many had to threaten court action to get their money from Missy Empire.

Speaking about working at Missy Empire, she said: 'They kind of sell you a dream when it's your interview and then when you get there everyone wants to just get out.'

She continued: 'It was just all really toxic. But then, also, the way Ash speaks to you like it's just so horrible like you literally went in every day thinking what is going to happen today.

'When he would ring the phone for you to go into the office, you would like feel like instant anxiety.'

She said that although she did not witness it first hand, colleagues told her how Mr Siddique used to 'rate the girls in the office out of 10'.

'He'd comment on models and he would say, "Oh this girl doesn't sell because of this reason and that reason".

'He just wanted people with big boobs and a big bum and a small waist.'

It follows a Guardian investigation which found that female staff were told to join OnlyFans - a platform to make money with pornographic videos - instead of getting pay rises by Mr Siddique who reduced them to tears.

Chloe Ross seen leaving the Eve and Jess Gale Missy Empire in July 2021

Love Island star Kady McDermott and Samira Knighty at The Missy Empire Makeup Master Class at Roc and Rye in Manchester

Demi Sims seen leaving the Missy Empire party in Manchester in July 2021

'We were just having a conversation about pay rises and he [Ash Siddique] said we should all be doing OnlyFans as a side hustle and he will be our agent,' a staff member told the newspaper.

The staff allege that Mr Siddique 'made degrading comments about models' body shape and physical appearance'.

It's also claimed staff were 'asked to model clothes for the managing director'.

Seven members of staff also alleged they were 'fired without reason' and a further two claimed they were 'unable to keep copies of their employment contracts'.

The Guardian reports that the claims have been backed up by emails, screenshots and testimonies and that Mr Siddique did not respond to the allegations.

MailOnline has also contacted Missy Empire for comment.
Lawyers for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman said Wade's former divorce attorney 'will refute' the claim, alleging the relationship began earlier

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been accused of lying about the timeline of her 'romantic' relationship with the special prosecutor she appointed to Donald Trump's election interference case in Georgia.

Special prosecutor Nathan Wade previously stated that he and Willis began a 'personal relationship' in 2022.

Willis also submitted in a legal filing last week that 'any personal relationship among members of the prosecution team does not amount to a disqualifying conflict of interest or otherwise harm a criminal defendant.'

Now the legal team for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman has written to Judge Scott McAfee that 'Mr. Roman believes the special prosecutor's statement in his affidavit that the relationship did not start until 2022 is patently false.'

Lawyers for Roman said Wade's former divorce attorney Terrence Bradley 'will refute' the claim that Wade and Willis 'did not have a personal, romantic relationship before Willis appointed Wade as a special prosecutor.'

Fani Willis has been accused of lying about the timeline of her 'romantic' relationship with the special prosecutor she appointed to Donald Trump 's election interference case

The Fulton County District Attorney is facing a hearing over whether the relationship poses a conflict

'Bradley has non-privileged, personal knowledge that the romantic relationship between Wade and Willis began prior to Willis being sworn as the district attorney for Fulton County, Georgia in January 2021,' the filing summitted on Friday said.

'Thus, Bradley can confirm that Willis contracted with Wade after Wade and Willis began a romantic relationship, thus rebutting Wade's claim in his affidavit that they did not start dating until 2022.'

The divorce lawyer 'obtained this information in a personal capacity as Wade's friend prior to Wade's decision to file for divorce,' according to the filing from Roman's team.

Roman's lawyers also alleged that Bradley 'will confirm' information about Willis and Wade 'regularly' staying together at various residences.

It is the latest twist ahead of a hearing next week over whether Willis and Wade should be removed from the high-stakes case in which both Roman and Trump, who faces 13 criminal counts, have pled not guilty.

Willis was accused in a stunning court filing of having an affair with Nathan Wade, who was paid more than $600,000 as a special prosecutor assisting her office.

Former president Trump pointed to the allegations on Tuesday and said it meant the Georgia prosecutor was 'totally compromised' and that the case against him 'has to be dropped.'

Willis and Wade have yet to comment publicly or respond in court filings to the complaint.

Special prosecutor Nathan Wade (right) previously stated that he and Willis (center) began a 'personal relationship' in 2022

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) confers with lead prosecutors, Donald Wakeford (left) and Nathan Wade, during a hearing at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta on Friday, July 1, 2022

Special prosecutor Nathan Wade leaves the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis at the Fulton County Government building on August 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is accused by a Trump co-defendant of having a personal relationship with Willis

A lawyer representing Michael Roman made the bombshell allegations in a filing and asked that charges be dismissed

'She was out of her mind,' Trump fumed about Willis, who was already one of his regular targets during her grand jury probe and since his arrest last summer. 'Now it turns out that that case is totally compromised. In fact, they say she's in far more criminal liability than any of the people she's looking at,' he claimed.

'So, I think that when you look at what happened with, they pay a lawyer with absolutely no experience $700,000 who happens your lover or boyfriend and then they go on trips and vacations together very expensive vacations together.

'And the reason they paid him so much because he was after me,' he continued.

Willis admitted to the stunning affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade in her 176-page filing last Friday, saying it posed no conflict.

But in between passages making dry legal arguments, she included a color picture of the lawyer who blew the whistle on her affair, even detailing luxury cruise travel and more than $600,000 in payments Wade received for his work with Willis.

She also dug up the lawyer's own past statements about Wade  which were highly complimentary.

Former President Donald Trump has regularly attacked Willis and has called his indictment in Georgia part of a 'witch hunt' against him

Fulton County DA Fani Willis' Friday court filing goes after attorney Ashleigh Merchant, whose own filing exposed a 'personal' relationship that Willis admitted to having with a special prosecutor on her team

Merchant exposed Willis' affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade in her own bombshell filing

The lawyer in question, Ashleigh Merchant, even campaigned for Wade at the Greek Festival in her hometown of Marietta when he was running for a judicial post in 2016, according to Willis' filing.

It states that 'counsel for Defendant Roman, of course, is well-familiar with the experience and qualifications of Special Prosecutor Wade, whatever contrary representations are made in Romans motion.'

'During a judicial campaign in 2016, Defendant Romans counsel Ashleigh Merchant was an enthusiastic supporter of Wades candidacy, and described him in glowing terms,' it said, quoting from her Facebook posts at the time.

It then quotes Merchant praising Wade, saying, 'Nathan is ethical ... Experience matters.' It says he has 'practiced in every area of the law and cites some of his awards  which are also included in the filing.

The filing states that Merchant 'was both a vocal and a visual presence in support of Wade's campaign.'
A family has shared their heartbreak after a 'beautiful' mother-of-eight was killed when a police chase ended in a mass collision on the outskirts of London on Sunday.

Zoe Hawes, of Canvey Island, Essex, who was also a grandmother, was travelling to go on holiday with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday. Her husband remains in a critical conditon.

Tragically, she was killed in a collision on the M25 involving a stolen van and three cars - which also saw another man lose his life.

Officers had been chasing the Citroen van which is understood to have crashed into three cars, including that of Mrs Hawes. A file has been passed to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate.

A man, aged in his 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Zoe Hawes, of Canvey Island, Essex, who was also a grandmother, was travelling to go holiday with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday

Tragically, she was killed in a collision on the M25 involving a stolen van and three cars - which saw another man lose his life

Mrs Hawes distraught relatives said: 'Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family. She was a very much loved mum, stepmum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna'

Officers had been chasing a stolen Citroen van which is understood to have crashed into three cars, including that of Mrs Hawes. A file has been passed to the police watchdog to investigate

A man in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving

Zoe Hawes was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday

Mrs Hawes distraught relatives said: 'Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family. She was a very much loved mum, stepmum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.

'She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband.

'Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn't get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.

'We wouldn't have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled. We love you and will miss you forever.'

Relatives have now set up a GoFundMe page to help finance her funeral, which has already amassed over 6,300.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the involvement of Hertfordshire police officers before a crash on the M25 where two people died.

Police in a marked vehicle had been following a stolen white Citroen Dispatch on the M1 at twenty-to-four last Sunday morning.

READ MORE: Woman is killed in horror M25 crash between van and three cars after cop chase - as smash is referred to the police watchdog Advertisement

The officers activated their vehicle's lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the driver of the van. After it failed to stop, officers initiated a pursuit which was abandoned because the risk of continuing was considered too high.

There was a subsequent pursuit of the van shortly before 4am on Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, which was abandoned a few minutes later.

A short time later the van was seen by a police officer travelling on the wrong side of the M25.

The officer followed the van on the correct side of the road but did not activate the vehicle's lights or sirens.

At approximately 4.08am, the van was involved in a collision with other vehicles on the M25 between junctions 21a and 22 (Watford and St Albans).

Two people died as a result of that collision. The driver of the van was taken to hospital where they remain in a serious condition. A criminal investigation into the fatal crash is being carried out by Essex Police.

IOPC investigators went to the crash scene and the police post-incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

The IOPC said: 'We are gathering and reviewing evidence as we piece together the circumstances surrounding this incident.

'This includes securing and reviewing police dashcam footage and officers' body-worn video footage, obtaining motorway CCTV and reviewing police call logs and radio transmissions. '

IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.

'Given that police officers were pursuing one of the vehicles before the fatal collision, it's important that we independently investigate the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.

'We will ensure that our enquiries do not impede the police investigation, and we will keep those involved regularly updated.'

Hertfordshire police said they are appealing for witnesses, information and dash cam footage.

Four vehicles were involved - the white Citroen Dispatch van, a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.

The family of a woman killed in a collision on the M25 on Sunday (4 February) have paid tribute to a 'wonderful mummy and nanna'

The 'serious road traffic collision' happened at around 4am on Sunday 4 February, with police saying they had stopped pursuing the van moments before the crash

They said a man in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, said: 'Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this collision.

'I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.

'Did you see what happened or the events leading up to the collision? Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you can help.

'I also want to ask any dashcam owners who were driving in the area to check it and get in touch if you spot something that might help us.'

Anyone with information regarding the incident is being encouraged to come forward by contacting the police on 999 or by emailing Essex Police at CollisionAppeal@essex.police.uk.
Prince Andrew looked gloomy snapped out on his weekly ride in his first public appearance since news broke that his brother, King Charles, is battling cancer.

The disgraced Duke of York appeared despondent, seen trotting around a park dressed in navy blue jacket featuring the insignia of the Grenadier Guards.

He appeared to be gesturing, joined by an accomplice also on horseback during their walk today.

Prince Andrew's older brother was on Monday revealed to have been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, Buckingham Palace reporting that King Charles would be ceasing royal engagements while he receives treatment.

Royal commentators have suggested that the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the disgrace of Prince Andrew, could leave the palace struggling to find young royals to pick up royal responsibilities.

Prince Harry, 39, returned from the US this week to visit his father as news broke of the diagnosis, seen arriving at the royal residence on Tuesday to spend 'around 45 minutes' with his father.

Prince Andrew Duke of York seen out riding for the first time since the announcement

The disgraced Duke of York appeared despondent on his weekly ride today

Andrew, who remains outcast and embroiled in scandal over his alleged connection to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, had not been sighted since news broke of his brother's illness on Monday.

Other royals including Princess Beatrice have been seen out and about, with the princess leaving her residence at St James' Palace, next to her uncle's at Clarence House, early Tuesday morning, before returning later in the day.

Princess Eugenie, Andrew's daughter, published photos of her eldest son, August, on his third birthday today, two days after being spotted with Prince Harry's ex girlfriend Cressida Bonas at a pub in Notting Hill.

And Prince Harry made a whistlestop 24-hour visit to the UK to see his father on Wednesday before heading back via Heathrow. The Duke of Sussex is understood to have briefly met the King and Queen, but not seen his brother William or sister-in-law Kate Middleton.

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.

Buckingham Palace reported that the King had been diagnosed with cancer since then, only clarifying that it is not prostate cancer.

Palace officials say the kind is 'receiving expert care' on a regular, outpatient basis - though have not said what this entails.

As prince, Charles clashed with medical experts in 2004 when he publicly endorsed the idea cancer patients could be treated with vitamin injections and fruit juices.

For now, the palace has confirmed the king will not partake in most of his public duties, handing over to a skeleton staff of young royals.

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 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.

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.'

Prince Harry is pictured arriving at Clarence House in London to meet his father

Prince Harry was escorted to Clarence House from London Heathrow after jetting in from LAX

The statement continued: '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 mother of a Kentucky woman who alleges she was raped at a Bahamas resort has said she knew something wasn't right after seeing a video of the two.

Dongayla Dobson and Amber Shearer, both 31, say they were attacked by staff at Pirate's Cove beach resort on Grand Bahama.

They claim the men gave them spiked cocktails then attacked them after leading them away to collect seashells during an excursion from their Carnival Cruises ship.

The mother of Dongayla, Frankie King, said that she knew 'something was not quite right' about two hours before her daughter text her informing her of her ordeal.

Speaking to Fox News, King said that the two had shared a live video of themselves on social media and she knew straight away something wasn't right.

Frankie King said that she knew 'something was not quite right' about two hours before her daughter text her informing her of her ordeal

Dongayla Dobson and Amber Shearer, both 31, say they were attacked by staff at Pirate's Cove beach resort on Grand Bahama

She told the outlet: 'I logged onto Facebook and saw a video where they were all over the place, just giggling and laughing, not themselves at all.

'I called my daughter back, "Are you sure you are okay? Are you sure you are fine?"

'They don't drink a lot, but I've seen both of those girls drunk. I knew there was something else going on.

'Like, something's not quite right, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe two and a half hours later, I get a text that says, 'Please call, we've been drugged and raped.'

King added: 'It's a parent's worst nightmare. Your child is in trouble, in danger and scared, and they're 300, 500 miles away, or whatever, across the water, and I can't get to them.'

After 24 hours, Dobson and Shearer were finally reunited with their families, with King saying: 'I never imagined how traumatized they actually were until I saw them at the airport.

'It was like they were children again. They came running into me and jumped on me. I mean, they almost knocked me down.

'Everything came out all at once. We're all just absolutely bawling. We stood there for I don't know how long.

'They wouldn't let go, and we're just rubbing their backs and saying, "I've got you. You're safe now."

Police arrested a 54-year-old man from Eight Mile Rock and a 40-year-old from South Bahama after resort staff showed them security footage of the women being led away.

Police have not named the suspects but local reports suggest one is connected to a powerful figure on the islands who is leveraging his influence to secure his brother's release.

The moms were enjoying their first child-free vacation together, but things took a dark turn on their last day

The women say they were on an excursion to Pirate Cove Resort when the attacks took place

Lawyers for the women said Carnival has a fiduciary duty to customers to warn them about potentially dangerous travel conditions

The two women left Jacksonville, Florida, on February 1 for their first ever kid-free trip overseas.

Dobson told DailyMail.com they saw Carnival's adverts for Pirate's Cove and on the final day of the four-day cruise and went for it.

When they arrived, they say they were approached by two men who they thought to be resort hospitality offering them drinks.

'We thought the drinks were really strong but Dongayla and I are gastric sleeve patients so we don't really drink much,' Shearer explained.

'Less than a few drinks into the second drink, we knew something was terribly wrong.'

'We kind of at this point we're feeling it a little bit so we want to get out of the ocean, we're going to look for seashells for our kids,' Dobson said.

'The guy, this staff worker that was there, said I know where tons of these are.'

'The man who raped me was the one who directed us as to where to go to collect the shells,' Shearer added.

Security footage from the resort shows that within 15 minutes of receiving the drinks, the pair were barely able to stand as they were led away under the influence of cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines.

The women say their ordeal only worsened with the arrival of Bahamian police who they say minimized their attacks and refused to give them rape kits

Pirate's Cove Zipline and Waterpark is Grand Bahama's first adventure theme park

The four-day Carnival cruise on the Carnival Elation called at Nassau and Grand Bahama

In a statement, Pirate Cove said video surveillance did not support their story and what the two said conflicted with the footage.

The resort said: 'Upon further review of the surveillance videos, the allegations made onsite, and in subsequent social media posts and news stories, conflict with what the time-stamped surveillance videos contain.'

Royal Bahamian Police said on Wednesday night, that they treat all sexual assaults 'with the highest level of professionalism, privacy and sensitivity'.

Emergency Medical Services offered medical assistance to the victims, which they declined, signing a waiver and then leaving for their cruise ship in a private vehicle.

'Recognizing the gravity of the incident, our officers boarded the cruise ship, providing a sexual assault kit and hospital form to the ship's medical doctor and obtained signed statements from the victims.'

The police said they were now working with the FBI on the case and had appointed Woman Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles, to 'personally ensure that the investigation is conducted with the utmost level of professionalism and care.'

In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line said: 'While ashore in Freeport, Bahamas on an independent shore excursion, two guests on Carnival Elation reported to Bahamian police that they were sexually assaulted at a local beach.

'Our onboard Care Team provided support for the two guests as they sailed back to Jacksonville. Bahamian police are investigating the matter and Carnival is providing our full cooperation.'
Florida officials have released footage of the moment a large kangaroo is seen jumping around an apartment complex.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call made by a woman who spotted the kangaroo in hopping around her complex's pool in North Tampa on February 8.

In the black-and-white footage, the evasive kangaroo is seen hopping around the apartment complexs pool deck.

During this, the dispatcher is heard asking: '911, do you need police, fire, or medical?'

But the confused woman answers: 'I guess police. Theres a kangaroo in my apartment complex.'

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call made by a woman who spotted the kangaroo in hopping around her complex in North Tampa on February 8

In a Facebook post, the Office confirmed that their Agriculture Unit was able to reunite the animal with its owner after proper registrations for ownership were verified

A few seconds later, a baffled officer is heard saying: 'I actually see a kangaroo. We got him closed in the pool gate area.'

Officials are seen surrounding the kangaroo in the footage while the large marsupial continues to pounce around the pool.

In a Facebook post, the Office confirmed that their Agriculture Unit was able to reunite the animal with its owner after proper registrations for ownership were verified.

'Earlier this morning, our deputies responded to a call in Tampa for a loose kangaroo where they were able to trap in an apartment complex's pool area. Thanks to #teamHCSO's Agriculture Unit, the kangaroo was reunited with its owner after proper registrations for ownership were verified,' the post read.

In the black and white footage, the evasive kangaroo is seen hopping around the apartment complexs pool deck

Officials are seen surrounding the kangaroo in the footage while the large marsupial continues to pounce around the pool

Kangaroos are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and are not found naturally anywhere else in the world, according to researchers.

The typically 6-foot, 200-pound marsupial is usually found in troops or herds made of 50 other kangaroos.

Due to their large feet, kangaroos can leap some 30 feet in a single bound and travel more than 30 miles per hour.

Black Wallaroos, at around 20kg, are the smallest species of kangaroos.
Rhoda Wise was allegedly cured of her terminal illness in the house in 1939 after she said Jesus Christ visited her

A house in Ohio has become a hotspot for those seeking a miracle after multiple people have claimed the home cured them of terminal illnesses.

Reports of the astounding events began in 1939, when Rhoda Wise lived in the home at 2337 25th St. NE in Canton with her alcoholic husband and young adopted daughter.

Wise claimed that she developed a terminal illness and was sent home from the hospital to die in the 'depression shack,' as her house was previously known.

'So, she prayed because that's all she could do,' said Karen Sigler, General Manager at the non-profit Rhoda Wise Home & Grotto.

Wise said she was then 'visited by Jesus Christ' - who allegedly sat in a wooden chair besides her bed and healed her sickness.

A house in Ohio has become a hotspot for those seeking a miracle after multiple people have claimed the home cured them of terminal illnesses

Reports of the astounding events began in 1939, when Rhoda Wise (pictured) lived in the home at 2337 25th St. NE in Canton with her alcoholic husband and young adopted daughter

Wise claimed that she developed a terminal illness and was sent home from the hospital to die in the 'depression shack,' as her house was previously known

Wise said she was 'visited by Jesus Christ' - who allegedly sat in a wooden chair besides her bed and healed her sickness

After word got out about the miracle, people flocked to the house to behold the house and see the chair where Jesus supposedly sat

'Jesus came and sat in the chair by her bed. She asked him, "Have you come for me?" And he said, "No, your time hasn't come yet,"' said Sigler, 'A month later, he returned with St. Therese, and she was the one who put her hands on Rhoda's abdomen and her abdomen was completely healed.'

After her miraculous recover from her cancer and the lethal infection she suffered from following the removal of a 39-pound tumor, she then developed stigmata - which many Christians believe is the spontaneous bleeding on the body corresponding with the crucifixion wounds of Jesus.

After word got out about the miracle, people flocked to the house to behold the house and see the chair where Jesus supposedly sat.

Members of the public sought spiritual guidance and reporters were sent from newspapers and national magazines to write about Ohio's miracle house.

People wanted to witness the 'heavenly visits' that Wise received until her death in 1948.

'During one of the visits Jesus blessed the water (in a large jug) and had told Rhoda that those that use this water would be rewarded for their faith,' said Sigler.

Members of the public sought spiritual guidance and reporters were sent from newspapers and national magazines to write about Ohio's miracle house

After her miraculous recover from her cancer and the lethal infection she suffered from following the removal of a 39-pound tumor, she then developed stigmata - which many Christians believe is the spontaneous bleeding on the body corresponding with the crucifixion wounds of Jesus

People wanted to witness the 'heavenly visits' that Wise received until her death in 1948

Rhoda wasn't the only person to experience shocking recoveries inside the home.

Dr. Mark Shoag, who was diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma, and his wife Betsy shared their miracles with Fox 8.

'Truthfully, just as a doctor I felt there's no way I'm getting out of this hospital,' said Dr. Shoag, 'I was having a hard time breathing, I couldn't walk.'

'He had 48 tumors,' said Betsy who's also a respiratory therapist, 'Forty tumors in his lung and the remaining tumors were in his liver and once you get tumors in the liver, they only have months to live.'

A friend told the wife about Rhoda Wise - and she decided to bring a piece of her husband's clothing, who was too ill to go to the house himself, to place on the chair that 'Jesus sat in.'

After not being able to walk or get out of bed for four months, Shoag was suddenly capable of walking to the grocery store.

He then went to Canton to visit the home himself - and six years later, Shoag is almost fully recovered.

'Literally, it was miraculous,' said Betsy, 'He's doing great, he's receiving treatment and he's happy.'

'I am six years later,' said Dr. Shoag, 'My lungs are stable, the only place I have a tumor left is the liver. And I don't know if I'd be here if I didn't go to Rhoda Wise. I mean to me it's been a miracle.'

Another person that benefitted from the miracles of Wise's humble home was Andrea Kissel-Conti, who visited the house when she was five-years-old and suffering with 'incurable kidney disease'.

The house is free to visit and welcome to everyone, regardless of their faith. The 'Miracle House' has even become an Ohio tourist attraction that has received five stars

'I had a vision of St. Therese, and she was saying to me in a little while, tell them you're going to get better in a little while, tell them you're going to get better, and she was smiling and the whole time there were rose petals just falling,' said Andrea, 'And I've never had to go to the doctor with any kidney disease at all ever.'

Bobbi McKnight was suffering from double vision, which miraculously disappeared after she visited the house.

The house is free to visit and welcome to everyone, regardless of their faith.

The 'Miracle House' has even become an Ohio tourist attraction that has received five stars on review website TripAdvisor.com.

'If you need a moment with God or maybe even a healing, come here. Like their sign says, denomination doesn't matter here,' Ron R said in a review on TripAdvisor.com.

'A visit to the Rhoda Wise house is incredible, Kara B said on TripAdvisor.com. ' The story of Mrs. Wise is amazing and beautiful. Miracles have happened here. The process for beatification and canonization are currently in progress.'

Visitors can return home with a bottle of holy water from Rhoda Wise's home as a souvenir.
Gaza children are going without food for days in the north of Gaza as aid convoys are increasingly restricted from entering, according to a report.

Some residents are making flour from animal feed because they are starving, but even those supplies are running out, some people living in the northern section of the enclave told the BBC.

They also said that some people are digging down into the earth to access water pipes for washing and drinking.

The UN has said that the number of young children with acute malnutrition in the north has grown dramatically, and is past the 15 per cent threshold.

Over half the aid missions to the north of Gaza were refused access in January and Israeli troops are intervening more frequently in the location and method of deliveries, according to the UN's humanitarian coordination agency, Ocha.

A Palestinian mother feeds her child near a makeshift tent as the Palestinian families seek refuge at the El-Mavasi district as they struggle to find clean water, food and medicine as the Israeli attacks continue in Rafah, Gaza on February 9

Women and children queue for water in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 9

Palestinians gather to collect water from a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on February 7

The body says that 300,000 people estimated to be residing in areas in the north are mostly unable to get help and the risk of famine is increasing.

A spokesman Cogat, the Israeli military agency whose role is to coordinate aid access in Gaza, said in January that there was 'no starvation in Gaza. Period'.

The agency has said on many occasions that it does not restrict the quantity of humanitarian aid sent to the enclave.

Mahmoud Shalabi, a local medical aid worker in Beit Lahia, told the BBC that people are unable to find the animal feed they are making into flour in the market.

He said that it can't be found at the moment in Gaza City and the north of Gaza.

Shalabi added that tinned food supplies were also running out.

He said: 'What we had was actually from the six or seven days of truce [in November], and whatever aid was allowed into the north of Gaza has actually been consumed by now. What people are eating right now is basically rice, and only rice.'

A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing during Israeli bombardment over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on February 10

A view over north Gaza from a position on the Israeli side of the border on February 9

Palestinians gather to collect water from a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on February 7

Palestinians gather to collect water from a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on February 7

A child drinks water from his father as the Palestinian families seek refuge at the El-Mavasi district as they struggle to find clean water, food and medicine as the Israeli attacks continue in Rafah, Gaza on February 9

Palestinian children fill the water canister as Palestinians meet their water needs from mobile tanks belonging to United Nations (UN) due to the great damage to the city's infrastructure in Israeli air strikes in Rafah, Gaza on February 3

Ocha said that the number of aid missions restricted from entering northern Gaza has spiked, with 56 per cent of deliveries unable to reach the area in January, a 14 per cent increase from October to December.

It added that Israel's army 'at times required justifications' for amounts of fuel travelling through to health facilities, and 'imposed reductions on the volume of assistance, such as the quantity of food'.

Roughly 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, and the territory has been plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will only end with 'total victory' for Israel, including crushing Hamas, a goal that is even viewed by some in Israel as unattainable.

In the south of the Gaza Strip, fears are mounting over the fate of more than one million displaced Palestinians who have taken shelter in Rafah, many of them in plastic tents pushed up against the border with Egypt and also hemmed in by the sea.

'We are between life and death,' said one of them, Bassel Matar.

'We don't know if there will be hope tomorrow for a truce or there will be changes on the ground.'

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 Palestinians, including more than a dozen children, in Rafah on Saturday, hours after Netanyahu said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

He did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic.

More than half of Gaza's population are packed into Rafah. Many have been uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gaza's territory.

Rafah is the last major population centre in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter and also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.

Palestinian children, who left their homes and took refuge with their families in Rafah city in order to protect themselves from Israeli attacks and to ensure their safety, try to collect items including wood, paper and cardboard amid the rubble of residential buildings that destroyed by Israeli attacks to use as fuel to warm themselves during winter conditions in Rafah, Gaza on February 9

A Palestinian girl walks near the makeshift tents as the Palestinian families seek refuge at the El-Mavasi district as they struggle to find clean water, food and medicine as the Israeli attacks continue in Rafah, Gaza on February 9

Palestinians children wait in line to receive food prepared by volunteers for Palestinian families, displaced to Southern Gaza due to Israeli attacks, between rubbles of destroyed buildings in Rafah, Gaza on February 9

The UN children's fund, UNICEF, warned this week against a military escalation in Rafah, saying 'thousands more could die in the violence or lack of essential services'.

'An escalation of the fighting in Rafah, which is already straining under the extraordinary number of people who have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, will mark another devastating turn' in the four-month conflict, UNICEF added.

Israel's orders to Palestinian residents to move ever further south towards the Egyptian border during its war on Hamas in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation have sparked Arab and UN concerns that Palestinians may eventually be driven over the border.

Egypt has sent about 40 tanks and armoured personnel carriers to northeastern Sinai within the past two weeks as part of a series of measures to bolster security on its border with Gaza, two Egyptian security sources said.
Former Irish premier John Bruton, who helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement, has been remembered as a 'humbling and unassuming' man at his full state funeral.

Mr Bruton, who was taoiseach of the 'rainbow coalition' government between 1994 and 1997, died on Tuesday aged 76 surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

Senior political figures including President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were joined by ministers, TDs and parliamentary ushers for the service at Saints Peter and Paul's Church in Mr Bruton's hometown of Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Michelle O'Neill, who became Northern Ireland's first-ever nationalist first minister last Saturday, and deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly were also in attendance to remember the man who served as the leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001.

A small crowd gathered at a big screen outside the church to watch the funeral.

John Bruton, who was taoiseach of the 'rainbow coalition' government between 1994 and 1997, died on Tuesday aged 76

The state funeral was held at Saints Peter and Paul's Church in Mr Bruton's hometown of Dunboyne, Co Meath

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Ireland's former premier John Bruton. It was draped in the Irish flag

Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with Irish soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours will be given at the graveside.

Soldiers dressed Mr Bruton's coffin at the family home ahead of the removal mass on Friday.

Mr Bruton oversaw a referendum that would legalise divorce in Ireland and contributing to the Northern Ireland peace process through the launch of the Anglo-Irish Framework document.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny, Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald were also in attendance for the state funeral.

Mr Bruton is survived by his wife Finola, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren and his younger brother, former government minister Richard Bruton, who read a prayer of the faithful during the funeral.

Their sister Mary Bruton spoke to thank friends for their kindness during the family's grief.

In the homily, Father Bruce Bradley described Mr Bruton as 'an exceptionally good man'.

'John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, 'willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain', as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth.'

John Bruton's wife Finola Bruton (right) and daughter Mary Elizabeth Bruton as the coffin arrives

Mr Bruton oversaw a referendum that would legalise divorce in Ireland and contributing to the Northern Ireland peace process through the launch of the Anglo-Irish Framework document

Michelle O'Neill (right), who became Northern Ireland's first-ever nationalist first minister last Saturday, and deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly (second right) were also in attendance. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) was also there

Ireland's Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar and President Michael D. Higgins attend the State Funeral

A man holds an order of service at the state funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton at Saints Peter's and Paul's Church

Mr Bruton's daughters Emily Bruton Iniekio read the poem Death Is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland, while her sister Mary-Elizabeth Bruton gave the second reading.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said Saints Peter and Paul's Church had been important to Mr Bruton, and they had met at Sunday masses.

'Faith was important to him and the Christian ideal,' Bishop Deenihan said, adding that aspects of the late taoiseach's religious beliefs 'informed his political thinking'.

'He was not, and rightly so, an advocate of a theocracy but was, in the best sense of the term, a Christian democrat.

'The Christian principles of co-operation, dialogue, equity and respect - central to the teachings of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount - are also evidenced in his work in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe.'

Ireland's former Prime Minister Enda Kenny attends the state funeral of former Prime Minister John Bruton

The coffin of former taoiseach John Bruton is carried on a gun carriage following his state funeral service

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern (left) and Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, arrive for the state funeral

As Taoiseach, John Bruton launched the Anglo-Irish 'Framework Document' in 1995 with Sir John Major (pictured together in Downing Street)

Mr Bruton with his budget package as minister for finance in 1982

Mr Bruton with Bill Clinton in the White House in the 1990s

The bishop said the praise given to Mr Bruton since his death that he was 'a decent man' is 'the supreme accolade in rural Ireland'.

Several senior political figures were seen conversing in the aftermath of the funeral mass, including Mr Ahern speaking with the former NI deputy first minister Mark Durkan, and Ms Little-Pengelly expressing her condolences to Mr Bruton's widow, Finola.

Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko and US ambassador Claire Cronin were also in attendance at the funeral.
An Aussie company has been accused of falsely misleading customers into thinking its popular range of coconut water is made in Australia by printing a dodgy logo on cartons and bottles.

Cocobella Coconut Water, distributed by the Made Group which is based in Dandenong, Victoria, is branded with the beverage companys name in capital letters, superimposed onto a map of Australia  even though the packaging clearly states it is a Product of Thailand.

The brand, which sells watermelon and mint, "straight up" and chocolate-flavoured coconut water, came under fire this week after a Reddit user spotted the discrepancy and posted a photo captioned: Were called Thailand now, are we?, sparking a fierce online debate.

Cocobella's Aussie parent company Made has been accused of 'misleading' customers about the origin of its coconut water. Source: Reddit

While some defended Cocobella  which also produces yoghurts, smoothies and fusion drinks  and rightly stated the Australian-owned parent company's name was Made, others were not so sympathetic.

But its completely, intentionally deceptive, one angry consumer wrote. The company name was created with the intent for it to be used in a logo as it is to have the buyer believe the product was made in Australia.

Thats very deceptive and I appreciate OP (original poster) for pointing it out. Ive actually purchased this product a few times and will cease to.

Another stated, Buying from an overseas producer is a choice people are free to make, and it may be the only option.

Deliberately misleading consumers isn't right morally or legally though, even though they have 'made in Thailand' written on there. That logo is dodgy AF, and they should be smacked down for it.

Cocobella manufacturer did not 'intend to mislead'

After being alerted to the furore by Yahoo News Australia, a Made spokesperson said: We are sorry to hear that anyone has felt misled. It was not our intention.

Story continues

The intention of this mark, which we have used for some time, was to communicate that Cocobella is made by us at the Made Group as an Australian-based business.

As acknowledged, all products do include the appropriate country of origin statements. We take all consumer feedback on board. On reflection, we acknowledge the potential confusion of this mark. As such, we will update this detail on our next run of relevant coconut water packaging.

Cocobella yoghurt and Fusions drinks carry the Made Group logo and the official 'Made in Australia' kangaroo mark as they contain Aussie ingredients. Source: Reddit

ACCC cautions against 'misleading impressions' on labelling

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns that businesses risk breaking the law if they make inaccurate country of origin claims, such as words, images or symbols that suggest a product is from a particular country.

For example: labelling showing the shape of Italy in the colours of the Italian flag could imply a connection between the product and Italy, the ACCCs website states.

Under Australian Consumer Law, companies could also be in breach and at risk of fines if extra words or images are used to create an overall misleading impression that a product is Aussie-made, it added.

While coconut palms do grow in northern Australia, they are not considered to be a native species and the majority of coconut products sold here come from overseas or are made from imported raw ingredients.

Other Cocobella products such as its strawberry yoghurt also carry the Made branding on a map of Australia, but with the addition of the official triangular kangaroo logo and the words Made in Australia from 52 per cent Australian ingredients.

An ACCC spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must not mislead or deceive consumers about their goods, including on food labelling.

Special care should be taken when using images or symbols on products to ensure that they do not give a misleading impression. Additional claims or representations should not negate or contradict the information contained in the food products country of origin label, they said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Welsh police say they are 'increasingly concerned' for a baby wallaby stolen from its owners in Anglesey more than three weeks ago.

The jumping joey, called Walter, is believed to have been taken an early morning raid when it was pinched from its hutch.

Investigating officers say that because of his young age Walter was still relying on his mother's milk for food.

They have appealed for anyone who may have CCTV at the time of the theft in Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, to get in touch.

PCSO Rhys Evans posted a video on social media showing the penned area where Walter was believed to have been stolen from.

The jumping joey, called Walter, is believed to have been taken an early morning raid when it was pinched from its hutch in Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, North Wales

PCSO Rhys Evans posted a video on social media showing the penned area where Walter was believed to have been stolen from

He said: 'Walter is approximately 11 months old and was not fully weaned, meaning he was still feeding from his mother when he went missing.

'As a result, his owner is becoming increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of the young wallaby and wishes to see him returned home as soon as possible.

'We continue to appeal to anyone who may have seen Walter, or who may have footage of the area, around the time he was taken, to contact police as soon as possible.'

In a previous appeal after the theft, sergeant Beth Lloyd said: 'Walter's owner is understandably concerned for the wellbeing of the young wallaby and wishes to see him returned home.

'We are appealing for anyone who may have seen Walter the wallaby, may have footage of the area around the time he was taken or may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour to contact police immediately.'

North Wales Police said Walter was taken between 4am-6am on Thursday January 18th from an address in the Holyhead Road area of Cemaes Bay.

Wallabies are native to Australia and New Guinea, but there had been sightings of red-necked wallabies living wild in the UK for the past century.

The People's Trust for Endagered Species describes wallabies as 'usually solitary and active especially at dusk and during the night.

'They are not territorial and do not make dens, but during the day they will lie under cover in thick vegetation.

'They are generally secretive animals and are sensitive to disturbance.'
A Las Vegas doctor is being sued for 'failing to treat the heart infection' of a mother who died just weeks after giving birth to her daughter.

Cassie Medina, 30, gave birth on February 7 last year and was later discharged from Centennial Hills Hospital without being treated for an elevated heart rate, a lawsuit alleges.

The mother-of-two died on March 1 after undergoing a heart valve replacement due to a severe infection.

Her heartbroken family have now filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against local OB-GYN Dr. Steven Harter, an advanced practice registered nurse and Intermountain Health Care Inc.

The lawsuit claims that Harter had previously settled two other medical malpractice claims within the last 10 years that have totaled $3 million.

Cassie Medina (left) gave birth on February 7 last year and was later discharged from Centennial Hills Hospital without being treated for an elevated heart rate

The mother-of-two died on March 1 after undergoing a heart valve replacement due to a severe infection

He is also facing an ongoing malpractice lawsuit in Clark County, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported.

The family's lawsuit alleges that Intermountain Health breached its duty by hiring Harter after he was involved in $3 million worth of settlements.

'Something's wrong here where a physician has this history and nothing happens,' attorney Robert Murdock, representing Medina's family told the publication.

'It's like hiring a wolf to guard the chicken pen,' he said.

'We are aware of this lawsuit and will address these claims in the appropriate legal forum,' spokesperson for Intermountain Health Care said, but declined to comment further.

A routine heart test would have registered what was a treatable infection, Murdock said in the lawsuit.

'You got to treat it, and you treat it with antibiotics,' Murdock said, adding that 'she would have been fine' had she received the appropriate care.

Neither Harter nor the nurse ordered any treatment beyond Tylenol for Medina after an electrocardiogram test showed she had an increased heart rate following her daughter's birth, according to the lawsuit.

'Anyone lucky enough to have met Cassie knows how much dimmer the world is now' her sister-in-law said

Cassie is survived by her husband Joshua and their two daughters Mila and Rosalie

'Cassie always put others ahead of herself. She was the epitome of kindness and grace' a family GoFundMe page stated

'Ms. Medina was not advised to follow up with a cardiologist or her internal medicine doctor,' Murdock wrote.

'The only recommended medical follow-up was for Cassie to see her obstetrician, Dr. Harter, within 4-6 weeks.'

'Anyone lucky enough to have met Cassie knows how much dimmer the world is now' her sister-in-law wrote on a GoFundMe page set up in her memory.

'She was such a bright light and a truly beautiful person inside and out' Radley Medina wrote.

'Cassie always put others ahead of herself. She was the epitome of kindness and grace.

'My heart breaks for my brother and my nieces' she added.

Cassie is survived by her husband Joshua and their two daughters, Mila and Rosalie.

Harter faced a previous lawsuit in 2014, after one of his patients suffered a uterine rupture while giving birth, which caused her baby brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy, the Journal reported.

Cassie Medina died just weeks after giving birth to her second daughter

Medina's (center) heartbroken family have now filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against local OB-GYN Dr. Steven Harter

An emergency cesarean section was delayed up to 20 minutes after the woman's uterus ruptured, and the baby had moved into her abdominal cavity by the time the C-section was performed, according to the lawsuit.

The case was settled by Harter's insurance company for $1 million.

A further lawsuit was brought against the doctor in 2016 for a 'delay in diagnosing fetal distress leading to the child's delivery in a compromised condition.'

His insurance company paid out $2 million in the settlement.

A further case was brought in April 2022 by the family of a baby delivered by Harter back in 2012.

The baby's mother was allegedly not notified of the risks of using forceps or a vacuum extraction to help during birth, according to the lawsuit.

Despite the mother's preference for a quicker C-section, it was not performed until after the forceps and vacuum extraction were used, it stated.

The baby has since grown up unable to speak and with cognitive development problems.

He suffers from seizures, growth developmental issues and has undergone surgeries to correct his neck and posture, according to the lawsuit, which alleges his health problems are the result of the forceps and vacuum extraction.

Robert Murdock, Dr Steven Harter and Intermountain Health Care Inc. did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's requests for comment.
A Florida mom who was banned from dropping her kids off at their school due to a OnlyFans ad on her car has said her children have now been expelled.

Michelle Cline, 35, had been openly advertising her X-rated business on her car using a decal, but parents at her child's school in Tavares, Florida, revolted.

Cline, whose explicit alias is Piper Fawn, had been forced to drop her kids across the street from Liberty Christian Preparatory School due to backlash.

Now, her two children have been expelled but are still offered the possibility of being re-enrolled if she removes the sticker.

In a letter to Cline and her husband, reviewed by ABC7, the school board cited policies that they say she violated with her use of the decals.

Michelle Cline had clashed heads with the school board and fellow parents at her son's school over an advert for her OnlyFans she had on her vehicle

Cline had been openly advertising her X-rated business on her car using a decal, seen here, but parents at her child's school revolted

The letter says administrators at the school had discussions with her about the sticker and asked her to remove them or park off-site.

It adds that Cline 'obtained an even larger vinyl lettering scheme that covered the entire back of her vehicle's tailgate.'

The letter Cline did this and then 'mockingly' posted a photo of the larger display on social media referencing the school's request that she remove it.

It goes on to cite Florida law that makes it a crime to provide minors with the means to access sexual content.

Speaking to the outlet, Cline said: 'It's definitely a link to explicit content - adult content for sure.

'My husband and I have this little wild behind-closed-doors lifestyle that we've decided to share.'

When asked why she couldn't just remove the sticker, she said: 'That would seem like an easy thing to say for sure.

'But for me, it supports my family. This provides a very comfortable life for us and it's legal. I pay taxes just like everybody else.'

The school said Cline 'mockingly' added a bigger decal to the rear of her car after the initial complaints

Cline had been forced to drop her kids across the street from Liberty Christian Preparatory School due to backlash but her sons have now been expelled

School administrators also accused Cline of disrupting school activities by speaking to local news media about the matter.

'Therefore, your family's enrollment with LCPS is terminated effective immediately,' the letter states.

In their letter, the board left open the possibility of enrolling the children again, only if Cline removes the decals from her vehicles.

Cline previously said: 'It's definitely a link to explicit content - adult content for sure.

'My husband and I have this little wild behind-closed-doors lifestyle that we've decided to share.'

On her OnlyFans page, the mother writes: 'I'm just a down home southern girl that likes to have a little fun on camera.

'I hope you guys enjoy what you see! I have tan skin like an island. Come check me out yall!'

One outraged parent Lexy Thomas said: 'It's not just a tiny little emblem on the back of a car. It is taking up the entire back windshield of two vehicles.

'That's a distraction to my children. No matter how poorly or how good I parent, porn is there, and that's the first thing they're seeing when they're going into a place that should be educating them.'
It was the toe-curling image that came to define Tony Blairs 2005 election campaign: putting on a show of unity with Gordon Brown by buying him a Mr Whippy ice cream.

Behind the rictus grins, the power struggle between the two men was Westminsters worst-kept secret  but the warring double act still managed to secure a third term in No 10.

Now Rishi Sunak has to decide whether to take to the stump with Boris Johnson in this years campaign.

It is an unenviable calculation for the Prime Minister to make: while Mr Johnsons campaigning skills are not in doubt  two London Mayoral terms, Brexit and a thumping majority at the last election  they will be harder for Mr Sunak to harness for his own political ends.

As one senior party strategist puts it: The risk is that Boris will just outshine Rishi and make him look like a diminished political figure.

But as Sir Keir Starmers double-digit poll lead refuses to budge, the clamour from panicking Tory MPs for Mr Johnson to play a part in the campaign is becoming difficult for No 10 to ignore.

Rishi Sunak has to decide whether to take to the stump with Boris Johnson in this years campaign (pictured together in 2020)

Those MPs in the Red Wall seats of the North and Midlands, which Mr Johnson won from Labour in 2019, are being particularly vocal about their desire for him to become involved, both in representations to Downing Street and to Mr Johnson himself.

Science Minister Andrew Griffith became the first member of the Government to support a comeback by Mr Johnson this weekend, saying: Boris is a great voice.

The strategists made one tentative suggestion, which was instantly brushed aside by Mr Johnson, that he could write letters to swing voters in crunch seats, allowing him to wield influence without hogging the limelight.

Mr Johnson was unimpressed. A spokesman declined to comment, but a source said: If Boris is going to be involved, it will have to be in a more substantive capacity. And the approach will have to be made by the Prime Minister himself.

They have not spoken for more than a year, apart from a few words on Remembrance Day. Many MPs want him to play a part, but Boris will wait for the PMs formal approach.

An MP loyal to Mr Johnson put it more bluntly last night, saying: Get over yourself, Rishi, and pick up the phone.

A No 10 source said: We want the whole Conservative family to come together to beat Starmer and Labour at the next election. Boris and everyone else united in that aim will of course be welcome.

Allies of the former Prime Minister play down Mr Johnsons immediate political ambitions, arguing that Labours poll lead is too large, and too stable, to overhaul before polling day.

Longstanding Boris observers expect him to stand back and watch a former colleague, such as Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, inherit the post-election mess, struggle for a couple of years and then be toppled themselves. That would be the moment for Mr Johnson to sweep back into the Commons and take over as leader in time for the following election.

One insider described the war-gaming scenario: A bad election loss, no movement in the polls with a new candidate  thats when he comes in. He will be perfectly placed a couple of years out from the next election.

Mrs Badenoch has been at the centre of renewed speculation over her ambitions since a group of rebels plotting to bring down the Prime Minister  revealed by The Mail on Sunday to be operating out of restaurants and offices in Londons Theatreland  identified her as the best candidate to succeed Mr Sunak.

This weekend, Mrs Badenoch was embroiled in a row with former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries over her book The Plot: The Political Assassination Of Boris Johnson, which argued that the Conservatives have been controlled for 20 years by a shadowy cabal that decided when to topple their leaders  centred on Edinburgh-born adviser Dougie Smith, who was said to be acting in cahoots with Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Boris Johnsons ex-chief of staff Dominic Cummings.

Allies of the former Prime Minister play down Mr Johnsons immediate political ambitions (Pictured, Mr Sunak and Mr Johnson at the Remembrance Day ceremony in 2023)

Mrs Badenoch claimed she had been subject to death threats after Mrs Dorries said the cabal was plotting to install her as the next leader.

Mrs Dorries hit back, saying: The Plot is a factual record of events, which Kemi appears to be obsessing over. All MPs receive death threats these days  it is quite ridiculous and bizarre that she should link them to The Plot, in which she is barely mentioned.

However, this newspaper has been told that Mr Smith, who has not entered Downing Street since October, has retained a role in selecting the partys candidates for the election, and is giving priority to those likely to support Mrs Badenoch.

There is no suggestion that Mrs Badenoch is aware of this, and Mr Smith declined to comment.

But some rebel MPs involved in the plot to unseat the Prime Minister are now cooling on the idea of Mrs Badenoch as leader. One said: The dealings we have had with her so far have been less than reassuring.

Moderate One Nation Conservative MPs are also understood to be discussing replacing Mr Sunak before the election amid fears he is leading the party to electoral wipeout, raising the prospect of a pincer movement leadership challenge from both wings of the party.

A One Nation Tory MP said they knew of two or three moderate Tories who are prepared to submit letters of no confidence in Mr Sunak. The MP said they want Sunak to step down voluntarily and avoid a civil war.

Kemi Badenoch has been at the centre of renewed speculation over her ambitions

Asked how that could work, the MP said it would involve convincing Mr Sunak that he would avoid being the worst Prime Minister in electoral terms for 20 years if he stepped aside for either Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt or Home Secretary James Cleverly.

The critics point to an offer from Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) to give every Tory MP 30,000 free leaflets to campaign with at the start of this year, which backfired after many MPs refused to take up the offer because the leaflets featured a large photograph of the Prime Minister.

Normally youd bite their hand off in an election year, said an MP. But only about half took them up on the offer, and some MPs complained after getting the leaflets.

Another source said MPs and Parliamentary candidates do not want the Prime Minister to feature prominently when they speak to voters, and are instead running hyper-local campaigns.

CCHQ sources said they do not expect all MPs to take up such offers and the take-up was bigger than they had originally budgeted for.

MPs are also concerned by what they see as a white flag approach to upcoming by-elections by Mr Sunaks team, who appear resigned to losing the Tory seats of both Kingswood and Wellingborough this week.

A Government source dismissed the threat of a change of leader, saying there are at most 20 letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister, and that the malcontents in the party would find it impossible to reach the 52 threshold to trigger a confidence vote.

They just dont have the numbers, the source said.

Either way, dont expect a full-time return to Westminster for Boris Johnson  just yet.
A stingray at a North Carolina aquarium is expecting babies and staff believe that it could have been impregnated by a shark.

Charlotte the stingray at an aquarium and shark lab in Hendersonville could give birth any day now - but the pregnancy was a shock to everyone because there were no male stingrays in her tank.

The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO noticed swelling in Charlotte back in September and thought that it could be cancer.

After performing ultrasounds on the stingray, the team realized that she was pregnant with multiple pups.

'We have been doing ultrasound on our ray, Charlotte, since September, when she began to swell. We documented multiple 'growths' internally and initially thought she had a cancer,' staff member Ramer said on February 1.

A stingray at a North Carolina aquarium is expecting babies and staff believe that it could have been impregnated by a shark

Charlotte the stingray at an aquarium and shark lab in Hendersonville could give birth any day now - but the pregnancy was a shock to everyone because there were no male sting rays in her tank

The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO noticed swelling in Charlotte back in September and thought that it could be cancer . After performing ultrasounds on the stingray, the team realized that she was pregnant with multiple pups

There are two possible explanations for the mystery impregnation - the first of which is a process known as 'parthenogenesis.'

This is when eggs develop on their own without fertilization and create a clone of the mother.

'I reached out to Dr. Rob Jones, the aquarium vet, and he identified the growths as eggs,' said Ramer. 'We have no male ray. He said there have been few cases of parthenogenesis in rays.'

The other explanation for Charlotte's pregnancy is crazy.

Staff think that the female stingray could have been impregnated by one of the male one-year-old sharks they placed in her tank in mid-July.

'In mid-July 2023, we moved two 1-year-old white spot bamboo males (sharks) into that tank. There was nothing we could find definitively about their maturation rate, so we did not think there would be an issue,' Ramer said.

'We started to notice bite marks on Charlotte, but saw other fish nipping at her, so we moved fish, but the biting continued.'

Bite marks are an indicator of mating in sharks because the large fishes are know to bite during the mating process, another employee explained - adding that Charlotte had several bites on her fin edges.

Charlotte is carrying up to four pups and was expected to give birth around February 9 - although the birth has not taken place as of today (February 10).

DNA testing will take place on the pups once they're born and aquarium staff will be able to determine whether they are a mixed breed or clones of their mother.

The gestation period in a stingray is usually three to four months.

The creatures are flattened fish, that are closely related to sharks. They all belong to a group of fish called Elasmobranchs.

There are two possible explanations for the mystery impregnation - the first of which is a process known as 'parthenogenesis.' This is when eggs develop on their own without fertilization and create a clone of the mother

The other explanation for Charlotte's pregnancy is crazy. Staff think that the female stingray could have been impregnated by one of the male one-year-old sharks they placed in her tank in mid-July

Stingrays are unique as they have no bones in their body, their skeleton is instead made up of flexible cartilage.

They are ovoviviparous, meaning that the pups are hatched from eggs that are held within the body.

Many stingrays like to live by themselves and only come together for breeding and migration purposes.
London's Chinatown is rife with colour as traditional lion dancers welcome in the Chinese New Year this weekend.

According to Chinese tradition, 2024 will celebrate the Wood Dragon, which is said to foster progress, growth and abundance.

Those hoping to celebrate the Lunar New Year in London's Chinatown should expect it to be busy as crowds pack into the area for food and festivities and the streets will be lively with lion dances, parades and festive stalls.

Chinese New Year is celebrated by the Chinese diaspora in London's Chinatown district each year with a Lion Dance that attracts thousands tourists and Londoners to the area in Soho.

In Chinese culture, the Dragon symbolises talent, power and excellence meaning 2024 is forecast to be a year for change, opportunity and challenges.

The date of Lunar New Year varies slightly from year to year, this year kicking off on February 10.

Chinese lion dancers bring good luck to restaurants and shops in London's Chinatown

Revellers dressed up in colourful costumes as part of the celebrations

A young boy watches the festivities, trying to see above the crowd

Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume

Performers combined Chinese martial arts with acrobatics and vibrant music

People walk beneath lanterns hung to mark lunar new year in Chinatown

Dancers in traditional Lion costumes perform among the crowds below grey skies

A woman holds an umbrella as she walks beneath lanterns in Chinatown in bad weather

Dragon toys are sold in Chinatown in London today as the New Lunar Year begins

Chinese lions spit the lettuce back out at the business owners and audience

Chinese 'lions' spitting back out lettuce symbolises blessing them with wealth and prosperity

The British capital hosts the biggest Lunar New Year celebration in the world outside of Asia

Chinatown is covered in traditional lanterns to celebrate the festival

London sees massive crowds gather under the lanterns to celebrate

Lucky money envelopes are displayed for sale in Chinatown today

Dancers in traditional Lion costumes perform among the crowds in Chinatown

Dancers in traditional Lion costumes visit a local restaurant in London for Chinese New Year

Restaurants welcome the Lion dancers with cabbage leaves for good luck

Chinese lanterns hang over London's Chinatown ahead of this year's Chinese New Year
A helicopter carrying six people crashed in San Bernardino County overnight, with authorities saying they have been unable to locate any survivors.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said they had been made aware of the downed aircraft near Baker shortly after 10 pm on Friday.

In a statement, they said: 'We are not able to confirm how many people were on board or their names. No survivors have been located.'

The FAA confirmed that the Eurocopter EC 130 crashed near Nipton on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve, and is east of the 15 Freeway near Halloran Springs.

According to NBC, the helicopter is registered to a Burbank-based tour company called Orbic Air.

The FAA confirmed that the Eurocopter EC 130, the same model is seen here, crashed near Nipton on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve,

This crash comes just days after a Navy helicopter carrying five marines crashed in the southern California mountains during a storm on Tuesday night.

The five men have been identified as: Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.

Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd MAW, said: 'It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the Flying Tigers while conducting a training flight.

'These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so.

'We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service. To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.'

The Marine Corp released the identities of all five Marines killed when their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter went down in the mountains close to San Diego on Tuesday

The young men were all assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar

Several agencies launched a desperate search early on Wednesday after the chopper was reported missing.

Efforts to recover the remains of the five have begun and an investigation into the crash is underway, according to the statement.

The helicopter took off from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday night and was heading to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar when it went missing.

The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was last reported in the Cleveland National Forest, near the Us-Mexico border and about 35 miles east of its destination.

The area is currently covered in snow, making the search more difficult, officials said.
Former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy claimed Democrats could replace Biden with Michelle Obama as Las Vegas odds already have her as the third most likely to win the presidency, even ahead of Nikki Haley.

Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital the special counsel's report questioning Biden's cognitive abilities creates a 'convenient path' for Democrats to nominate the former first lady.

The findings from Special Counsel Robert Huron on Biden's handling of classified documents revealed his 'hazy' memory, including forgetting key details such as when his vice presidency ended and when his son Beau died.

Ramaswamy pointed out that while Vice President Kamala Harris could be a natural successor, she faces popularity challenges within her own party and lacks broader appeal.

'The main obstacle stopping the Democratic Party is they have a Kamala Harris problem, which is to say that if they do sideline Biden, the natural person normally that would be the nominee, could be the vice president of that same sitting president,' he said to Fox News Digital.

Former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy claimed Democrats could replace Biden with Michelle Obama

Ramaswamy said special counsel's report questioning Biden's cognitive abilities creates a 'convenient path' for Democrats to nominate the former first lady

'But that vice president is unable, I think, to effectively carry forward that job,' Ramaswamy added. 'She didn't make it to the Iowa caucus in the year that she ran, right, even and within her own party, let alone an issue with broader popularity in the country.'

Ramaswamy suggested that selecting Michelle Obama could provide Democrats with a way out of their dilemma.

He believes she aligns with the party's ideology and could be viewed as a more appealing candidate in a general election.

'If race and gender are your basis for selecting someone for a job, and the identity of your party is tied to that temple of identity politics, then they will risk looking hypocritical if they sideline her after they sideline Biden,' he said.

'And I do think Michelle Obama offers them a convenient path out of that problem, somebody who checks the boxes that they need to have checked per their own ideology, while also selecting an alternative to Biden that they may view as more palatable in a general election...'

'It's looking increasingly like it's not going to be Biden as the nominee. And I think that it should not be shocking to see someone like Michelle Obama take the role of the nomination,' Ramaswamy told Fox New Digital.

The question is not entirely academic with on the one hand an 81-year-old incumbent who is slowing year-by-year and a 77-year-old challenger facing four criminal trials

Harris and Obama edge out the likes of Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg

Ramaswamy sees Attorney General Merrick Garland's decision not to bring charges against Biden as a sign of Biden's eventual willingness to step aside.

'I think that coincides within recent months [of] him saying things like, you know, other Democratic nominees could also be successful in the general,' Ramaswamy said. 'So I think that we're seeing a general trend towards what I predicted . . . which is that they would .move Biden out of the way. And I think this is one more step in that direction.'

Las Vegas oddsmakers gave Michelle Obama a better chance of becoming president than many candidates, even though the former First Lady never indicated her intention of running.

Donald Trump received a 5/6 shot, above that of Joe Biden's 15-8, just slightly better than Michelle Obama with 11/1 score - ahead of Nikki Haley, Gavin Newsom, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kamala Harris.

Democrats would stick with Kamala Harris while independents like Michelle Obama if Joe Biden were to drop out of the 2024 race

J.L. Partners asked 1000 likely voters who they would like to see take up the Republican nomination if Trump quit. Republicans said Ron DeSantis, Independents went for Nikki Haley

What happens if 81-year-old Joe Biden or 77-year-old four-times indicted Donald Trump drop out of the 2024 election race?

Democrats say they would like to see Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, or former first lady Michelle Obama take up the mantle.

Republicans opt for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the candidate they would like to see get their nomination.

These are the results of a Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll, which found that there is no white knight candidate waiting in the wings to excite either side by replacing two ageing candidates with low favorability ratings and a high meh factor.

Things get a little more interesting when independent voters are asked the question. They would prefer former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to take on the Republican nomination, and Obama (who has made clear she has no interest in running) leapfrogs ahead of Harris as the pick of 16 percent.

Other potential headline names, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, are further down the Democratic field.

On the other side, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson manages only four percent.

It leaves both sides favoring more establishment figures rather than a bold new name to turn things upside down and lead the party for another generation.

Biden is already the oldest president in history and shows clear signs of slowing down; meanwhile Trump is facing legal attempts to disqualify him from the ballot and would become the second oldest on his inauguration day if he won a second term.
An Oklahoma judge who was caught scrolling on her phone during a murder trial of a man accused of beating his two-year-old son to death has resigned.

Judge Traci Soderstrom from Lincoln County District stepped down on Friday after being investigated for inappropriate and insensitive behavior during a murder trial.

Soderstrom was caught sending more than 500 texts and scrolling through Facebook during jury selection, opening statements and testimony in the trial for a man charged with the fatal beating of his girlfriend's son.

Khristian Tyler Martzall was convicted for second-degree manslaughter for the 2018 death of Braxton Danker.

The toddler was found by Lincoln County officials with injuries all over his body, including broken bones and open wounds.

Judge Traci Soderstrom from Lincoln County District stepped down on Friday after being investigated for inappropriate and insensitive behavior during a murder trial

Soderstrom was caught sending more than 500 texts and scrolling through Facebook during jury selection, opening statements and testimony in the trial for a man charged with the fatal beating of his girlfriend's son

Khristian Tyler Martzall was convicted for second-degree manslaughter for in the 2018 death of Braxton Danker

Braxton's mother Judith Danker, who testified at Martzall's hearing, took a plea deal in 2019 after being accused of murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for enabling or permitting child abuse.

While Danker tearfully speaks in the stand, the Lincoln County District judge can be seen scrolling on her phone.

When Danker reaches for a tissue to wipe her eyes and blow her nose, the judge momentarily glances over before looking back down at her phone.

A petition was filed in October that cited text messages sent by Soderstrom, in which she made fun of attorneys, jurors and witnesses.

The filing said Soderstrom demonstrated a dislike for state prosecutors and appeared to favor the defendant - even complimenting the defense attorney.

Accusations against the judge include gross neglect of duty, gross partiality in office and oppression in office, the filing states.

'I promised to ensure the law and procedures were applied equally to Plaintiff and Defendant alike,' Soderstrom said in the resignation statement released by her attorney.

'In spite of resistance at nearly every turn, I believe that I have done so. However, being human, I have also faltered.'

The Council found that Sonderstrom and the courtroom bailiff had a texting conversation throughout the trial, mocking a prosecutor's appearance and praising a defense attorney's comments.

Some of the inappropriate texts said that the district attorney was 'sweating through his coat.'

Another text said 'why does he have baby hands? ... They are so weird looking.'

The toddler was found by Lincoln County officials with injuries all over his body, including broken bones and open wounds

Judith Danker (pictured) took a plea deal in 2019 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for enabling or permitting child abuse

In text messages praising the defense attorney, Sordstrom said, 'She's awesome,' and even asked, 'Can I clap for her?'

Sordstrom horrifically called one of the videos played by the witness 'boring' and speculated that a juror was wearing a wig.

She said in a text that because of a lack of DNA evidence there would be 'no way they get guilty on murder.'

Sordstrom didn't admit any wrongdoing and released a statement saying she intended to take the allegations to trial but changed her mind.

'My core beliefs and the variables that served me well as an attorney  honesty, preparation, principles and passion  are better utilized as an advocate and not as an arbiter,' she wrote.

'The actions necessary to disseminate the information and required to hold each person and elected official accountable for their actions require more than a trial before the Judiciary.'

Sordstrom agreed to not seek another judicial position in Oklahoma.
The farmer behind a tractor protest that caused gridlock at the Port of Dover has threatened more action over cheap imports.

Jeffrey Gibson, from Wingham, Kent, revealed the protest was against cheap imports as well as the Government's sustainable farming incentive (SFI) scheme.

Tractor-driving farmers staged a go-slow protest last night, disrupting traffic in and out of the Kent coastal town.

Now Mr Gibson has said more protests 'cannot be ruled out' and they could 'very easily escalate'.

He railed against post-Brexit trade deals and said European agricultural protests had opened British farmers' eyes to what can be achieved with demonstrations.

Tractor-driving farmers have been staging a go-slow protest about cheap imports, around the Port of Dover

Traffic in and out of the Kent coastal town was disrupted on Friday by the demonstration, which has involved tractors driving in small groups, causing delays

A huge queue has built up behind the protesting farmers

Farmer Jeffrey Gibson, from Wingham, Kent, posted on Facebook that the protest was against cheap imports as well as the Government's sustainable farming incentive (SFI) scheme

He told BBC Radio 4 Today: 'It seems harder to export goods out of the UK but importing goods in does not seem to have changed.'

Yesterday he said: 'Time has come enough is enough why are we as British farmers producing food to the highest standards in the world, only for the government to do trade deals with countries producing far cheaper food with little or no standards.

'As for the supermarkets selling British produce cheaper than the cost of production shame on you.

'The time has come to take a stance, if farming continues in this country as it is with the new SFI scheme actively encouraging us not to grow food and rely more on cheap imports none of us will exist once the government changes tack leaving us unequipped to grow anything.'

He said: 'Time has come enough is enough why are we as British farmers producing food to the highest standards in the world, only for the government to do trade deals with countries producing far cheaper food with little or no standards'

He added: 'As for the supermarkets selling British produce cheaper than the cost of production shame on you'

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: 'Kent Police was called just after 5pm on Friday February 9 to a report of slow-moving vehicles in Jubilee Way, Dover'

The police added: 'Officers are in attendance and working with the Port of Dover police on this matter'

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: 'Kent Police was called just after 5pm on Friday February 9 to a report of slow-moving vehicles in Jubilee Way, Dover.

'Officers are in attendance and working with the Port of Dover police on this matter.'

The demonstration comes after farmers across Europe have been protesting for weeks against grievances including taxes, rising costs, cheap imports, climate policies and bureaucracy.

French farmers blocked roads surrounding French cities to protest against European Union environmental rules and low pay and German farmers protested over fuel subsidies.

The demonstration comes after farmers across Europe have been protesting for weeks against grievances including taxes, rising costs, cheap imports, climate policies and bureaucracy. Pictured: A farmer protesting in France

Pictured: Farmers are seen gathered around bonfires as they block a crossing between Belgium and The Netherlands

Pictured: Tractors block a border crossing between The Netherlands and Belgium

Hundreds of German farmers' tractors blocked roads around Frankfurt Airport in a protest over fuel subsidies

Farmers gather with their tractors at the Agrotica agricultural fair in Thessaloniki on February 1

An Italian farmer standing on a tractor waves a national flag in the center of Milan during a protest on February 1, 2024

In Greece, farmers have also blocked roads as they demand a reduction to EU red tape and swifter compensation payouts for those affected by the flooding and wildfires.

In the UK, the National Farmers Union president Minette Batters said: 'We share European farmers' concerns and frustration.

'Years of unsustainably high production costs and crop losses because of extreme weather are putting farming families under mounting pressure.

'But the British public have demonstrated invaluable support.

'It's why blockading public roads should always be a last resort.'

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said: 'We firmly back our farmers. British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritising new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers.

'We've maintained the 2.4 billion annual farming budget which supports farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably, while protecting nature and helping to meet our net zero ambitions.

'Our new schemes offer something for every type of farm, and a crucial part of their development has been to listen to farmers' feedback.

'We are also looking at ways to further improve fairness in the supply chain and support British farmers and growers, as well as ensuring customers have access to high-quality fresh British products.'
Screen grab: Haus of Wrestling

On the eve of this weekends Super Bowl, WWE opted to make its own presence felt in Las Vegas.

Taking over T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, the pro wrestling giant held a star-studded WrestleMania XL kickoff press conference, featuring appearances from the likes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and Paul Triple H Levesque.

But while the event  in which WWE seemingly pivoted from its plans to have The Rock face Reigns at WrestelMania with The Rock apparently turning heel (bad guy)  was largely well received by fans, the same cant be said for at least one media member. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nick Hausman of Haus of Wrestling stated that he was denied interview access at the press conference, forcing him to leave Las Vegas emptyhanded from a content perspective.

I was told I would not be given interview access at the #WrestleMania kickoff event so I am leaving and heading back to Chicago, Hausman wrote. Sorry to everyone who expected some (flame emoji) content. I would have loved to ask the questions you all want answers to.

I was told I would not be given interview access at the #WrestleMania kickoff event so I am leaving and heading back to Chicago. Sorry to everyone who expected some ?content. I would have loved to ask the questions you all want answers to.@WrestlingHaus  Nick Hausman (@Nick_Hausman) February 9, 2024

Like many in the wrestling media, Hausman doesnt work for a traditional outlet with corporate backing, but rather, his own self-created website. Thus, its understandable why he would be frustrated about making arrangements to travel to Las Vegas  during Super Bowl week, no less  only to not be given access to anything beyond watching a press conference that was also being livestreamed across the world.

Hausman later shared that a WWE employee had reached out to him on behalf of the company and offered to reimburse his expenses. He went on to state that he believed the entire ordeal to be a mere miscommunication.

A member of WWEs team has personally reached out to me and offered to reimburse my expenses for coming to Vegas for the kickoff and not getting content, he wrote. There was obvious miscommunication with me specifically and I really appreciate them stepping up like that.

A member of WWEs team has personally reached out to me and offered to reimburse my expenses for coming to Vegas for the kickoff and not getting content. There was obvious miscommunication with me specifically and I really appreciate them stepping up like that.  Nick Hausman (@Nick_Hausman) February 9, 2024

While this entire situation may, in fact, have been a miscommunication, we appear to have reached a crossroads when it comes to the media and wrestling. Considering the nature of the industry, promotions are often shy to provide full transparency, but have made a habit of holding press conferences in recent years.

Those press conferences  which were started by AEW president Tony Khan and later replicated by Levesque in WWE  typically consist of softball questions, but sometimes provide interesting insights into the behind-the-scenes happenings of the companies. In recent months, theyve also provided opportunities for reporters to ask company executives about real-life controversies, including sexual misconduct allegations against Chris Jericho on social media and the Vince McMahon sex trafficking/assault lawsuit.

Its also worth noting that Hausman was the first reporter at the Royal Rumble press conference to ask about the allegations against McMahon. And based on Levesques repeated dodging of the questions regarding McMahon at the Royal Rumble press conference, its clear that WWE didnt appreciate such serious questions being asked of one of its top executives in such a setting.

Which brings us to Thursdays event, which despite WWEs branding, was more pep rally than press conference. While some wrestlers were made available to select entities off-camera, it was hardly the open forum for questions that the phrase press conference implies.

Ultimately, it seems like WWE wants to be perceived to be a real sport  even though it isnt actually one. And that can get especially messy when it comes to the media, whose sports-like coverage is necessary to accomplishing that goal, even if it isnt always appreciated by the company itself.

Taking everybody at their word, Hausman not being given access appears to be a mere miscommunication. But its also hardly surprising such a miscommunication would occur, as WWEs sports-like strategy seems to be full of crossed signals.

[Nick Hausman on X]
Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick became a key 'witness' in her own murder trial after she wrote herself an email following a chilling encounter with her stalker and killer.

Harwick, 38, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Gareth Pursehouse in February 2020, when he strangled her and threw her over a third-story balcony in LA.

Harwick and Pursehouse, 45, had dated back in 2011 but ran into each other again at a red carpet event in January 2020.

The therapist had received a restraining order against Pursehouse when they broke up a decade earlier, but it had long expired.

Harwick, once engaged to Drew Carey, recorded the chilling encounter with the man that would brutally murder her in an email that was eventually read to the jury in the prosecution's closing arguments at Pursehouse's trial in August 2023.

Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick became a key 'witness' in her own murder trial

Harwick, 38, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Gareth Pursehouse (pictured) in February 2020, when he strangled her and threw her over a third-story balcony in LA

'Gareth came up behind me and started screaming, 'Why are you here, why are you here?'' Harwick wrote in an email to herself just hours after the interaction.

'He was sobbing, his head was in his hands, he was hyperventilating, he was distorting his face up and shaking violently.'

'Tonight I felt very scared. ... It terrifies me that he's been obsessed with me for nine years, thinks about me every day.

'He couldn't stop obsessing over me. He recited text messages that I had sent  about nine years ago. Recited the date, who they were to, and exactly what they said word-for-word. I couldn't believe it' she wrote.

'I was very scared I'm pretty nervous that I'm more on his radar now He's focused on harming me. I'm hoping that this interaction and listening and giving him time, may cause a neutralization in his anger towards me.'

'That's the closest we've ever had to a victim testifying in their murder I thought it was extremely devastating' Scott Masterson, the lead homicide detective on Harwick's case told CBS news.

Harwick was engaged to comedian Drew Carey in 2018, the pair were back in touch days before her murder

Harwick was found unconscious after being thrown from a third-floor balcony in her home, pictured

Harwick dated Pursehouse until 2011 when they broke up and she got a protective order against him

The Price is Right host Drew Carey, 65, was subpoenaed to testify in the murder trial of his ex-fiancee Harwick

'It became very clear to me that... [Pursehouse's] obsession drove... his intent to kill her,' says Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano, who read Harwick's email aloud to the jury.

Harwick's mother, Penny Harwick, later told CBS News that her daughter told her of her fear after the chance encounter with Pursehouse.

'He called her a bitch and  he told her she ruined his life,' the heartbroken mother told the broadcaster.

'And she just told me how afraid she was And she said, "Mom, I went into therapist mode. I just tried to calm him."'

Prosecutors stated that after talking to Pursehouse for almost an hour at the event Harwick left and began looking into increased security measures, such as surveillance cameras, pepper spray, and sharing her location with her close friend, Robert Coshland.

'That's when she said, "Look, if something happens to me, he did it,"' Coshland told the outlet.

Pursehouse was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in December last year.
The medals of a World War Two hero who helped sink a dreaded Japanese warship while covered in burns have gone on sale for 16,000.

Petty Officer Jack 'Spud' Yates, a veteran of Dunkirk, D-Day and the Arctic Convoys, served on HMS Saumarez in the Far East in 1945.

The ship was engaged in a 'seek and destroy' mission with the Japanese heavy cruiser Haguro when it was struck by a 5ins enemy shell.

The boiler room took a direct hit and PO Yates was the only survivor. Although in agony and covered in burns, he managed to shut the steam off from the oil fuel pump and heaters.

This stopped the damage from spreading to the rest of the vessel, enabling the crew to carry on engaging Haguro.

Haguro was hit by three torpedoes from HMS Saumarez and HMS Verulam, then a barrage from HMS Venus, HMS Vigaro and HMS Vigilant.

Medals belonging to World War Two hero petty officer Jack 'Spud' Yates have gone on sale for 16,000

The cruiser, which was also peppered with nearly an hour of gunfire from the 26th Flotilla, sank in the early hours of May 15, 1945.

Haguro was the last major Japanese warship to be sunk in a surface action during the war.

Admiral Mountbatten wrote of the action in his report to the Chiefs of Staff: 'The sinking of the Haguro destroyer captain is an outstanding example of a night attack by destroyers.'

Mr Yates was awarded the prestigious Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his 'outstanding devotion to duty'.

His citation reads: 'No. 1 Boiler Room of H.M.S. Saumarez was hit by an enemy shell.

'Stoker P.O. Yates, the sole survivor from the boiler room though badly burnt and in great pain at once shut the steam off from the oil fuel pump and heaters, and would not allow himself to be treated for his hurts until he had reported the damage.

'This most gallant action did much to limit the damage to his ship.'

His medals are going under the hammer at London-based auctioneers Noonans.

READ MORE: Medals belonging to British Army officer who sacrificed his own life to save a young Churchill from being hacked to death during 1897 revolt in India sell for 10,000

Advertisement

They have been consigned by a private collector.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of client liaison at Noonans, said: 'Petty Officer Yates was awarded the very rare Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for braving super-heated live steam to perform vital tasks that saved HMS Saumarez when her boiler room was hit by a 5ins shell during the epic fight with the Japanese heavy cruiser Haguro during the Battle of the Malacca Straits in May 1945 - the last major surface action of the war.

'Despite suffering from burns, he focused his attention on making sure that there was limited damage to the vessel rather than making sure that he hadn't got hurt.

'This was the last award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medals of which only 72 were awarded during the Second World War.

'Yates passed away in 1992, however he would almost certainly have been eligible for the retrospective Arctic Star, awarded from 2013 to surviving veterans and their next-of-kin only, 70 years after his qualifying operational service.'

Mr Yates was born in Oldham, Lancs, in 1918 and joined the Royal Navy in the late 1930s where he was given his 'Spud' nickname.

He was on board the minesweeper HMS Halcyon clearing mines in the English Channel and picked up 2,271 troops at Dunkirk during the mass evacuation in May and June 1940.

Pictured: An illustration showing the Japanese ship Haguro being struck

Halcyon escorted the first Allied convoy to Archangel and stayed on in North Russia to keep the ports clear of mines and to protect merchant shipping.

She took part in Operation Anklet in December 1941, the commando raid on the Lofoten Islands, and duels with the German battleship Tirpitz throughout 1942.

Mr Yates transferred to the Saumarez in the summer of 1943 and was present at Operation Neptune, the Allied invasion of Normandy, on June 6, 1944.

She rejoined the Arctic Convoys in late 1944 and then was refitted and joined the British Pacific Fleet.

Post-war, PO Yates was a blast furnace man and a steel mill operation.

He died in Oldham in 1992.

Yates' medal group consists of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45.

The sale will take place on February 14.
The Home Office has invited staff to celebrate 'World Hijab Day' even though its own asylum guidance claims being forced to adhere to religious dress codes is 'persecution'.

Civil servants have been accused of being 'tone-deaf' after the internal email was received by staff who process asylum applications.

According to Home Office guidelines, women can claim asylum based on religious persecution if they are forced into 'compliance with religious codes or dress'.

The applicants are based on a case-by-case basis but the rules say if violence is used to enforce dress code traditions, refugee status could be appropriate.

In January a case of an Iranian woman shocked the world after she was whipped by state authorities 74 times for 'violating public morals' for refusing to wear a hijab while walking through the streets.

Civil servants have been accused of being 'tone-deaf' after the internal email promoting World Hijab Day was received by staff who process asylum applications (stock photo)

According to Home Office guidelines, women can claim asylum based on religious persecution if they are forced into 'compliance with religious codes or dress'

Roya Heshmati, 33, was lashed with a leather whip and forced to pay a fine of 12 million rials (225)

A grainy image of Heshmati's injuries following the lashing was shared on social media. The brutal punishment triggered widespread outcry among social and political commentators

Roya Heshmati, 33, was lashed with a leather whip and forced to pay a fine equivalent to 255 after she 'encouraged permissiveness' by walking around in public without covering her head.

All women in Iran have been required by law to cover their neck and head since shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The World Hijab Day email was sent by the Home Office's Islamic Network (HOIN), a voluntary group for Muslim civil servants in the department.

The memo, which was seen by The Telegraph, described the hijab as being 'brought to women as a way of protection' and posed a series of questions about the hijab, including: 'Do Muslim men make women wear the hijab?'

The answer to which was: 'No, many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab for various reasons, and mainly to grow closer to their faith and Allah.'

A whistleblower in the department told the newspaper they dealt with cases of women claiming they cannot go back to Iran as they would be forced into wearing the hijab.

They said the promotion of the Hijab is 'tone deaf' as it ignores the many women who face violence if they refuse to wear them.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born former Dutch politician, told the paper she wonders if asylum seekers will get a fair hearing from those in the Home Office who are 'actively pushing the Islamist agenda on the hijab'.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The Home Office treats its staff equally and fairly. It is a place where staff can be themselves at work and share their experiences.

'We do not recognise these claims on the processing of asylum claims. There are thorough processes in place to ensure all claims are decided without bias, and any staff with concerns should raise them through departmental processes.'

The Islamic Network has been approached for comment.

According to its blog on the civil service website, it aims to 'de-mystify Islam and tackle (un)conscious bias' as well as 'create a network of senior allies who recognise the lived experience of Muslim colleagues and help improve religious literacy and respect'.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born former Dutch politician said she wonders if asylum seekers will get a fair hearing from those in the Home Office who are 'actively pushing the Islamist agenda on the hijab'

Mahsa Amini, 22, passed away in Iran's Kasra Hospital after being arrested for an alleged breach of the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women

A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in support of Amini in 2022

Women cut off their hair and burned their hijabs as deadly protests erupt across the country after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was dragged into a police van and allegedly tortured by Irans notorious morality police in 2022

The Home Office Hijab row comes after years of international protests over the wearing of the modesty garment.

In Iran whippings for breaching the dress code are uncommon, although officials have increasingly cracked down on those defying the rules after the practice surged during anti-government protests that began in late 2022.

Those protests were triggered by the September 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd arrested for an alleged breach of the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women.

During the protests, female demonstrators cast off their headscarves or even burned them.

Other women also began to flout the dress code, leading to a crackdown.

In September a report by the Policy Exchange think tank discussed how Islamist groups have 'weaponised' discussions surrounding religious clothing in the UK and beyond, potentially limiting the freedom of choice for Muslim women.

The think tank emphasised how public fear of Islamophobia can lead to conservative groups stifling open debate about religious attire in the UK, even though women in many Islamic countries are protesting against the hijab's imposition as an oppressive garment.

Endorsing the report at the time, Birmingham Perry Barr Labour MP Khalid Mahmood said: 'A certain proportion of Muslim women may wish to wear a hijab or a niqab to publicly demonstrate their Muslim identity.

Birmingham Perry Barr Labour MP Khalid Mahmood endorsed the Policy Exchange report at the time

'But the wearing of the hijab clearly does not represent all Muslim women. And it is grossly insensitive to those Muslim women in Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and elsewhere who are compelled against their wishes to wear the hijab to declare that it does.'

The report, titled The Symbolic Power of the Veil, recommends the Government should provide clearer guidance to schools regarding dress codes and religious attire, and provide examples.

Under such guidance, the think tank says, schools may accommodate religious headwear such as the hijab, but they should not require it as part of the uniform.

According to the report, the Government should also resist any definition of Islamophobia that restricts criticism of religious practices, including the dress code.

Another recommendation is that the Government should avoid endorsing or promoting specific religious attire.

It singles out the Foreign Office for celebrating World Hijab Day in 2018, with hijabs being distributed among civil servants.

The report's author, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and senior fellow at Policy Exchange, Sir John Jenkins, said: 'Recent events in Iran have revealed once again not just the symbolic power of Islamic veiling and other vestimentary codes but also the way they can be - and are - deployed to discipline individuals, groups and indeed entire societies in the interests of authoritarian and unaccountable political and religious elites.'
The disappearance of the sisters comes just a week after the death of a 12-year-old at a similar but unaffiliated facility in North Carolina

The ranch, which is a center for troubled youths, recently filed for voluntary bankruptcy with debts totaling $4.8 million

Jennehl Curry and her younger sister, Jaiylah, have been reported missing after disappearing from the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch in Riverhead, New York

Two teenage sisters have been reported missing from a ranch for 'troubled youths' days after it declared for bankruptcy.

Jennehl Curry, 15, and Jaiylah Curry, 12, were last seen at Timothy Hill Children's Ranch in Riverhead, New York, on February 8.

The two were last seen wearing gray sweatshirts and black sweatpants, with Jennehl wearing flip flops and her sister wearing one orange and one blue sneaker.

The ranch, which has operated residency programs since 1980, filed for voluntary bankruptcy last month with debts totaling $4.8 million.

The facility is also dealing with as-yet unknown liabilities due to five lawsuits currently pending against it, four of them under New York's Child Victims Act.

Jennehl Curry, seen here, was described by officers as being 5-foot-6, 313 pounds and having brown eyes and black hair, and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black flip-flops, and a red bonnet

Jaiylah Curry is described as being 5-foot-3 and 178 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and one orange and one blue sneaker

According to a report by Riverhead Local, the suits allege, among other things, negligence by the ranch which resulted in alleged physical and sexual abuse.

The suits, filed by Andres Ramos, John Gubitosi, John Barci and Jayme Thode, claim that during the 1980s and 1990s they were physically and sexually abused or assaulted by other residents at the facility.

According to Riverhead News Review, Gubitosi reported the physical and sexual abuse but was forced to do so in front of other residents whom he had accused.

After several attempts to run away, Gubitosi went to his grandmother's house and refused to return.

Ramos, who was 12 at the time, stated there was 'virtually no supervision' after 'lights out' and that he was 'repeatedly beaten, tortured, and threatened into obedience.'

Barci claimed that he was placed in a house with older residents at the age of 12 who would beat him and sexually assault him.

Thode says in his complaint that 'negligent and inadequate supervision created a culture of lawlessness', which resulted in him being sexually assaulted.

Another lawsuit was filed last year by Isaura Estevez, whos daughter was a passenger in the vehicle of a carb being operated by a ranch employee.

The suit alleges that the employee 'drove negligently, recklessly and/or carelessly' and caused her daughter to 'fall out' from the vehicle causing injury.

The ranch, which has operated residency programs since 1980, filed for voluntary bankruptcy last month with debts totaling $4.8 million

Thaddaeus Hill, pictured here, is the Executive Director of Timothy Hill Children's Ranch

The company stated in their petition that they had assets totaling more than $13.6 million, most of which came from real estate holdings.

According to their website, the mission has been to transform the lives of 'troubled youth and young adults' through 'Christian-centered values' and life skills.'

Outside of New York, the company also operates residential campuses in Tennessee, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Tennessee.

In a statement issued by the Executive Director Thaddaeus Hill, he said: 'The board and staff of Timothy Hill Ranch have been actively seeking and expect to achieve a resolution to civil lawsuits filed against our not-for-profit organization soon.

'The lawsuits are related to incidents that occurred between program residents over 35 years ago. No staff members were involved or accused in any way.'

The disappearance of the sisters comes just a week after a 12-year-old died less than 24 hours after he was sent to a camp for troubled youths in North Carolina.

The unnamed pre-teen was transported with his parent's consent by two men from New York to the camp on Friday, February 2.

Shortly after 8 am, police said they were called to the boy not breathing with rescue efforts being initiated on the scene.

Former participants who went to the camp in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, had described conditions as 'not humane'

17-year-old Alec Lansing, seen here, ran away from his group on an excursion in November 2014 and died from hypothermia

In a statement, Transylvania County Sheriffs' Office said: 'The child was sent for autopsy to Winston Salem as his death appeared suspicious since he had arrived at the camp less than 24 hours prior to his death.'

A spokesperson for Trails Carolina said: 'We are shattered by the tragic loss of a young life and our deepest sympathies are with the student's family and loved ones.'

Previous participants at the camp have described the conditions they face while at the facility, with one describing them as cruel.

It also hit headlines in 2014 when 17-year-old Alec Lansing died of hypothermia after running away from the camp.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Timothy Hill Children's Ranch for comment on the disappearance of Jennehl and Jaiylah.
A blaze that caused chaos at one of the top courts in the land was caused by an e-bike battery failure, fire chiefs have confirmed.

More than a dozen firefighters with specialist gear from three fire engines rushed to battle the blaze at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday.

Bosses at London Fire Brigade (LFB) believe the fire was caused by a lithium battery.

The fire destroyed part of a ground floor storage room and caused chaos outside as it disrupted traffic in the Strand, London.

Fires involving lithium batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in London, with LFB called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days on average last year.

More than a dozen firefighters with specialist gear (pictured) from three fire engines rushed to battle the blaze at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday

No one was injured in the blaze at the Royal Courts of Justice earlier this week

Bosses at London Fire Brigade (LFB) believe the fire was caused by a lithium battery

The LFB said: 'Whilst E-Bikes and E-Scooters offer a great way round the city, if the batteries become damaged or begin to fail they can start incredibly ferocious fires.

'Lithium battery fires can spread quickly out of control, and within minutes have started a large fire.

'When these batteries are charged in communal areas or escape routes, a fire breaking out can quickly block people's ability to escape.'

After the fire at the Royal Courts of Justice, an LFB spokesperson said: 'A fire in a store room at a court on Strand in Westminster is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium battery pack on an e-bike.

'Thankfully no one was hurt.'

At the time of the blaze, the force said: 'Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters responded to a fire at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.

'Part of a ground floor storage space was destroyed by the fire.

'The Brigade was called about the incident at 2.09pm, and the fire was under control by 3.30pm.

'Firefighters from Soho and Lambeth Fire Station attended the scene.'

Just a day after the fire, London firefighters were back in the area to battle a blaze at the nearby Old Bailey after reports of a 'series of explosions' and 'black acrid smoke' coming from a nearby building.

Around 1500 people were evacuated from the Central Criminal Court and surrounding area on Wednesday morning, with dozens of barristers wearing black gowns and wigs seen lining the street outside.

Defendants were seen being walked out of a side exit and into a waiting prison van. They were escorted by uniformed City of London Police officers.

The fire disrupted dozens of cases, including the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon as well as the inquest into the 2020 Reading terror attack.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed they had been called to the court, where cases have had to be halted for the day, shortly before 11am following an 'incident involving an electrical substation'.

Crews currently on scene are checking out 'multiple buildings' on Warwick Lane.

Witnesses said the Old Bailey was evacuated after lights flickered inside.

Crews had to check out 'multiple buildings' on Warwick Lane

Firefighters are at the scene of the incident in central London

Member of the legal profession are seen outside the Old Bailey amid the incident

The Old Bailey had to be evacuated amid the incident

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responding to an incident on Warwick Lane

Barristers and other court users were told by security officials that they would not be allowed to go back inside until after safety checks had been carried out as people have been warned to avoid the area.

One witness who tweeted video of the incident wrote on X: 'Series of explosions heard from building next to Old Bailey for about 10 minutes before smoke emerges. Many buildings seem to have suffered power cuts.'

Fire fighters are on the scene at the Old Bailey in London after a series of explosions heard, initial reports indicate it may be caused by an electrical fault pic.twitter.com/3qPZ6XTIHH  Huginn and Muninn Intelligence (@HM_Int3lligence) February 7, 2024

Firefighters are currently responding to reports of smoke issuing from a building on Warwick Lane, London.



Please avoid the area as we respond. https://t.co/bbsxo52hJz  London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) February 7, 2024

Firefighters rushed to the Old Bailey in London after reports of a 'series of explosions' and 'black acrid smoke' coming from a nearby building

London Fire Brigade said: 'Firefighters are currently responding to reports of smoke issuing from a building in Warwick Lane'

The LFB said traffic in the area is likely to be impacted as they respond

The LFB tweeted on the day: 'Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters are responding to an incident involving an electrical substation on Warwick Lane, near the rear of the Old Bailey.

'Traffic in the area is likely to be impacted as we respond.'

Firefighters worked with UK Power Networks to make the scene safe and bring the fire under control.
A posh London clubhouse marketed as a a women-only space where the city's most ambitious could rub shoulders with the likes of Amal Clooney and Gloria Estefan will be closing down just a year after opening its doors.

Chief, an American firm founded in New York City in 2019, opened its first overseas headquarters in London in February 2023, aiming to draw high-flying women to a Georgian townhouse in Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, with the promise of being able to build an exclusive network.

Memberships cost 7,900 a year, and gave those who signed up, who the company said were mainly business executives, the chance to network with other executives from across the world.

Demand for the clubhouse appears to have been oversold, with co-founders Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan telling members: 'We were proud and excited to launch our first international expansion outside of the US over a year ago.

'But after taking a critical look at where we need to strategically focus, weve made the extremely difficult decision to exit the UK market and close our London clubhouse, effective March 31, 2024.

Chief, an American firm founded in New York City in 2019, opened its first overseas headquarters in London in February 2023

Memberships cost 7,900 a year, and gave those who signed up, who the company said were mainly business executives, the chance to network with other executives from across the world

Chief was valued at over a billion dollars, following a $100million cash injection from Google

Chief said it offered the chance to network with high-profile people including Gloria Estevan and Amal Clooney

'While this was not an easy decision, we ultimately determined that focusing solely on our US operations where the vast majority of our members (over 95%) are based is the best next step for our business.

'As founders we take full accountability for the strategic decisions that led us to take this step.'

Chief was valued at over a billion dollars, following a $100million cash injection from Google.

The club says it has around 20,000 members, and has 60,000 on its waiting list. It claims that its member's list includes executives from Nike, HBO, Disney and Pfizer, and that the companies whose executives are part of its ilk account for $800bn of the US economy.

Chief is the latest clubhouse to have closed its doors. Last month, non-profit private members' club The House of St. Barnabas, which counted actors Brian Cox and Peter Capaldi among its founding members, was forced to suddenly close its doors after facing 'too many rainy days' to survive.

Chief is the latest clubhouse to have closed its doors

The House of St Barnabas on Soho Square in London has been run as a charity for the homeless for over 150 years, but transformed into an exclusive club with big-name fans in 2013.

It prided itself on employing people who had experienced homelessness, training more than 300 people in hospitality while supporting them with finding their feet with a stable and secure home.

Bosses at St Barnabas proclaimed that it was 'the club that never joined the club', having balanced exclusivity with paying staff the higher London Living Wage and a business model that they now concede is 'unsustainable'.

Accounts for the club's events division, filed in January for the previous year to March, warned that public transport strikes and the cost of living crisis had posed a risk to the business' viability.

Membership cost 870 a year with a 350 joining-fee; lifetime membership could be sought for 6,800.

But in a statement published on its website and across social media, the private club acknowledged that it could no longer continue to function. The building itself will continue to be held in trust for charitable purposes.

'It is with great sadness that we announce that the House of St Barnabas charity and members' club has begun the process of winding up and is closed with immediate effect,' the statement read.

'The challenges that we have faced through the pandemic and subsequent years have eroded our financial reserves.

'We invested for growth this financial year and tried relentlessly to find ways to make the model work. But the returns did not come quickly enough.

'Then over the summer we had a forced closure due to a part collapse of the ceiling in our bar, which lost us critical income and momentum.

'With our costs growing substantially faster than income, our business model is simply not sustainable in the current economic environment, and we have had too many "rainy days" to ride it out.'

In August 2020, another American women-only club, The Wing, shut its Fitzrovia operation, and completely closed in 2022, following allegations of racism among its members.
Sarah Ferguson said today the King is 'very dear to me' and that he is in her 'thoughts and prayers' as she made an appearance at a charity luncheon.

The Duchess of York made a speech at the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida  the first event since her melanoma diagnosis.

Sarah, 64, who has previously battled breast cancer, was diagnosed with skin cancer, while the King has been found to have an unspecified form of the disease.

Reflecting on the event on Instagram she said: 'His Majesty is very dear to me and I think I speak for everyone when I say he is in my thoughts and prayers.

'It felt like a timely moment to help raise funds to support others dealing with cancer diagnoses, who may be going through financial or emotional struggles in light of a health emergency.'

King Charles began his treatment at a London hospital this week, and is reportedly 'wholly positive' of his prognosis and 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible'.

Sarah Ferguson (pictured) speaking at the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida  the first event since her melanoma diagnosis

King Charles and the Duchess of York have 'bonded' over their cancer battles with 'an exchange of letters', a royal source has claimed

The first sign that anything was amiss with King Charles' health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate

After news of her skin cancer diagnosis, it was reported Charles wrote to the Duchess of York to offer his support and well wishes.

Fergie has since returned this gesture after news of the King's battle became public.

It was reported that the pair are 'incredibly fond of one another' and have bonded over their respective cancer diagnosis with an 'exchange of letters.'

The first sign that anything was amiss with King Charles' health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate.

Sarah attended a Cancer Alliance event alongside Erbil Gunasti (left). The Duchess was the keynote speaker at the event

Sarah, 64, who has previously battled breast cancer, was diagnosed with skin cancer, while the King has been found to have an unspecified form of the disease

He chose to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time.

Shortly afterwards, palace officials also revealed he chose to share his cancer diagnosis in the hope it would 'assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer'.

No further details on Charles' condition have been shared, other than he remains 'wholly positive' and is looking forward to returning to full public duties.

Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'.

He is at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and is expected to return to London for weekly treatments.

Last month, NHS England saw a massive surge in people looking for information on melanoma, the fifth most common type of cancer, after Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with the disease.

The Duchess of York, 64, is said to be in 'good spirits' despite the 'distressing' news, which marked her second cancer diagnosis in six months after she was treated for breast cancer last year.

There was one visit every 13 seconds to the NHS website for information on melanoma in the two days following the announcement.
Northern Ireland's new first minister has claimed Hamas will eventually be regarded as a 'future partner for peace' in the Middle East.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill, who became the the first ever nationalist first minister last week, made the claims in an LBC interview with Andrew Marr.

She said the example of the Northern Ireland peace process showed how important dialogue was to ending the conflict.

The 47-year-old, whose father and two cousins were IRA members, then called for a ceasefire and described Gaza as a 'graveyard for children'.

Mr Marr asked her: 'A long time ago the IRA was seen as a terrorist organization, the British Government and everybody else could not ever talk to. Do you think that Hamas, although regarded as a terror organization by many people around the world, is going to eventually have to be a partner for peace?'.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill said the example of the Northern Ireland peace process showed how important dialogue was to ending conflict

The atrocities of October 7: Soldiers took pictures as they walked through a family home in Kfar Aza kibbutz where they found the parents' bed and child's bed soaked in blood

More than 360 people were killed at the Nova Festival on October 7. Picture shows Vlada Patapov, who became known as the lady in red, running for her life after Hamas gunmen decended on the music festival

Ms ONeill replied: 'Yes. I think you only have to look at our own example to know how important dialogue is and that's the only way you're ever going to bring an end to conflict.

'If the British government didnt talk to republicans or republicans didnt talk to the British government in the past, in Ireland we would not be in the scenario that we are in today, enjoying a peaceful and far more equal society.

'So, what we need to see in the Middle East, in particular in relation to Palestine, is that we need to see a ceasefire now. And we need the international community to be singing in chorus and harmony in terms of ceasefire now.'

She then went on to say international law should be applied in Gaza, attacking the idea that it was a war of defence due to the repeated Israeli bombardments.

Marr challenged her asking if she maintained her position despite knowing that Hamas had said they would repeat October 7 'again and again'.

She condemned the October 7 attacks and replied: 'I would urge Hamas, as I do everybody, to please be around the table and be part of the conversation and solution.'

Despite not being born until five years after Bloody Sunday, there is no getting away from the fact that Ms O'Neill grew up in an IRA family. Her father was an IRA prisoner and her uncle raised money for the group.

Two of her cousins were IRA members who were shot by security forces, one of whom died while on 'active duty' with the force.

In 2022 Ms O'Neill was condemned for saying there was 'no alternative' to the violence during the Troubles.

She also attended funerals for former IRA members during Covid lockdown.

Ms ONeill's comments follow a trend of Sinn Fein historically supporting Palestinians, drawing parallels with their struggle for independence from a larger, occupying power.

Gerry Adams, the leader of the party from 1983 to 2018, met Hamas officials in 2009 in spite of Israeli demands.

The ex-leader has long faced accusations in the past of being a member of the IRA and organising bomb attacks - something he denies.

After the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas, which killed 1,139 people and took 240 hostages, some Sinn Fein representatives in the Republic of Ireland were criticised for expressing solidarity for Palestinians without condemning the widely-regarded terrorist group.

Ms O'Neill is seen as the new guard of republican politicians. Here pictured with Martin McGuinness (centre) and Gerry Adams (right). Security sources believe Adams was once a senior IRA commander

Hamas gunman is pictured storming Israeli positions on October 7

One of the most significant atrocities of The Troubles was The Omagh bombing in 1998 when the IRA killed 29 people on a busy high street in the County Tyrone town

Ms O'Neill's intervention comes after she was appointed the first ever nationalist first minister since Northern Ireland was created at partition in 1921.

In her first speech she said although she came from a 'different background' to her unionist deputy first minister DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly she promised to work 'tirelessly' to deliver for all in Northern Ireland.

The two top jobs wield equal power and responsibility, but the elevation of a republican to the office of first minister, by virtue of Sinn Fein becoming the region's largest political party in the 2022 Assembly election, marked a symbolic moment.

She took over from Martin McGuinness as the new face of Sinn Fein, Michelle O'Neill was hailed as a clean break from the republican movement's blood-soaked old guard.

Mary Lou McDonald, the nationalist party's president, said she believes a referendum on Irish reunification would happen before 2030, after the election of Ms O'Neill as First Minister.

The DUP ended its two-year boycott of Stormont over post-Brexit trading arrangements last week.

However her election comes as Sinn Fein falls to its lowest popularity in Ireland since the last Dail election.

It has dropped six points in the latest Ipsos poll for the Irish Times, which would make it harder to form a government that would make Ms McDonald Taoiseach.

But she put pressure on Keir Starmer to allow a border poll to go ahead if he becomes Prime Minister later this year.

Such a poll is at the discretion of the Government, but there are criteria within the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) that says one should be called 'if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the UK and form part of a united Ireland'.

Successive UK governments have consistently declined to specify publicly what criteria will be applied when measuring public sentiment on the issue.
Montana is the second most 'addicted' state in the US and is seeing insane growth in numbers of fentanyl and meth use

Native American communities are the main prey for drug lords who trap the communities in the addiction cycle

Mexican cartels are targeting Montana - where they can charge 20 times the price for drugs compared to urban centers

Mexican drugs cartels have expanded all the way north and are targeting America's 'last best place' by preying on vulnerable Native American communities in Montana.

A recent report showed Montana to be the second most 'addicted' state with 18.2 percent of the state's population using illicit drugs in 2021 - a figure that has only been rising as time goes on.

Drug cartels from Mexico are drawn to the state of Montana because of how much money they can squeeze out of residents.

Fentanyl pills, for example, can be sold for 20 times the price in Montana than other areas - like urban centers closer to the border. The pills can be made for less than 25 cents in Mexico and sell for $3 to $5 in urban cities, but could rake in up to $100 in parts of Montana.

The drug problem has specifically plagued Montana's Indian reservations - where traffickers trap Native Americans in a cycle of addiction and debt.

Mexican drugs cartels have expanded all the way North and are targeting America's 'last best place' by preying on vulnerable Native American communities in Montana

A recent report showed Montana to be the second most 'addicted' state with 18.2 percent of the state's population using illicit drugs in 2021 - a figure that has only been rising as time goes on

Cartels have pushed aggressively into the notoriously beautiful state - even forming relationships with Indigenous women to gain access to communities and getting locals hooked on drugs.

Tribal leaders say that crimes and overdoses are surging in their communities, and the cartels 'know who to choose,' according to Stephanie Iron Shooter, the American Indian health director for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

'Just like any other prey-predator situation - that's how it is.'

Indian reservations are optimal targets for drug organizations because they have high drug addiction rates and low numbers of law enforcement.

Montana's opioid overdose death rate almost tripled between 2017 and 2020 and the rate of overdose deaths among Native Americans was twice the number of white residents, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Traffickers have manipulated Native Americans into becoming dealers themselves by giving them an initial supply of drugs to sell, and then turning them into addicts and indebting them to the cartels, NBC reported.

In March 2020, a former Mexican police officer working for the Sinaloa cartel attempted to smuggle enough meth to supply the entire town of Townsend, Montana, with meth for multiple days.

The mule, Ricardo Ramos Medina, made it into the US and picked up a grocery sack containing two pounds of pure methamphetamine which he planned to drive all the way from San Diego to Montana.

Medina was pulled over by state and federal officers and arrested - leading to the takedown of an entire drug trafficking ring that had brought at least 2,000 pounds of meth and 700,000 fentanyl-laced pills into Montana from Mexico over just three years.

Drug cartels from Mexico are drawn to the state of Montana because of how much money they can squeeze out of residents

Fentanyl pills, for example, can be sold for 20 times the price in Montana than other areas - like urban centers closer to the border

The drug problem has specifically plagued Montana's Indian reservations - where traffickers trap Native Americans in a cycle of addiction and debt

Ricardo Ramod Medina is being held in Missoula on charges of trafficking a large quantity of meth and 1,000 pills from Mexico into Butte, as Montana buckles under the strain of the drug crisis

The rise of fentanyl in the U.S. has hugely affected Montana, with the state seizing 350,000 dosage units of fentanyl compared to in 2022 when the number was half that.

'Right now it's as if fentanyl is raining on our reservation,' said Marvin Weatherwax, Jr., who serves on the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and represents the 15th district in the Montana House of Representatives.

People are surprised that drug epidemic surging from Mexican cartels has spread all the way to Montana, according to Jesse Laslovich, the U.S. attorney for Montana, who has been overseeing the investigations.

'You're as far north as you can get in the United States, and yet we have the cartel here,' she said.

Despite often being referred to as 'the last best place' in America, Montana has been run down by the drug industry.

Jami Rak, a mom from Billings, told NewsNation last year that her son Keaton was almost killed by a fentanyl overdose, one of many Montana-residents whose lives are now under threat from the influx of powerful synthetic opioids.

Near the state's Cheyenne reservation, abandoned homes formerly used as trap houses clutter the once-beautiful rural landscape and gas stations leading in and out of the community are the sites of drug deals.

Cartels related to Medina's drug-trafficking bust took over at least two properties on the reservation to distribute meth to nearby communities.

Ranita R. Redfield and Zachary D. Bacon were roped into the cartel as members of the community.

Refield's lawyer described how her vulnerable client was preyed on after enduring a period of family turmoil and heartbreak.

'Choosing to distance herself from acquaintances who knew her from the past and had no place to live, she often stayed with the cartel,' the lawyer, Jessica Polan Wright, wrote.

Jami Rak, pictured, says her son Keaton almost died of a fentanyl overdose. She moved to Billings in Montana because the area has such a safe reputation - but was confronted with a terrifyingly different reality

The Blackfleet tribe's reservation in Montana has been badly-affected by the influx of illegal drugs

The rise of fentanyl in the U.S. has hugely affected Montana, with the state seizing 350,000 dosage unites of fentanyl compared to in 2022 when the number was half that

Tribal leaders say that crimes and overdoses are surging in their communities, and the cartels 'know who to choose' (pictured: 19 firearms seized by federal agents from Montana drugs busts)

'Trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction and under the cartel's control, Ranita became a pawn in their operations.'

She was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to dealing meth.

Bacon was roped in after he began dating the daughter of one of the Native American drug dealers.

'The cartel extracted tens of thousands of dollars in cash, guns and vehicles from the Crow Reservation,' Bacon's lawyer Matthew Claus said.

'Money and guns flowed out of state and out of the country and then the cartel left. In their wake, they left addicted, strung out, impoverished tribal members facing prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences, like Zach Bacon,' Claus added.

Another reservation in Montana, the Blackfeet Reservation, saw 17 people suffer fentanyl overdoses in just one week.

'We're lacking a lot of resources to deal with a crisis that even our facility is not equipped to handle,' said Durand Tyland Bear Medicine, the director of Crystal Creek Lodge Treatment Center.

Reservations in the southeastern part of Montana are also being rocked by the widespread drug epidemic - but they are primarily victims to methamphetamine usage.
A church minister last night revealed he has baptised up to 500 asylum seekers in the sea - but more than half disappeared after their Christian conversion.

Pastor Phylip Rees told the Mail on Sunday that he arranged mass baptisms of migrants on a beach in South Wales during winter months as a 'litmus test' of their faith.

An extraordinary video posted on YouTube shows up to 40 asylum seekers being baptised on a windy beach in Barry Island.

Wearing a woolly hat and coat, Pastor Rees is shown hugging the migrants as they waded out of the waves after their 'full immersion' baptisms.

The 74-year-old, a minister at Tredegarville Baptist Church in Cardiff for 16 years, estimated that up to 60 per cent of the people he baptised were never seen again, with many leaving the areas to find work, often in London.

Pastor Phylip Rees (pictured) told the Mail on Sunday that he arranged mass baptisms of migrants on a beach in South Wales during winter months as a 'litmus test' of their faith

Pastor Rees said he wanted to help immigrants in need

An extraordinary video posted on YouTube shows up to 40 asylum seekers being baptised on a windy beach in Barry Island

Wearing a woolly hat and coat, Pastor Rees is shown hugging the migrants as they waded out of the waves after their 'full immersion' baptisms

The 74-year-old, a minister at Tredegarville Baptist Church in Cardiff for 16 years, estimated that up to 60 per cent of the people he baptised were never seen again

Pastor Rees said he wanted to help immigrants in need, adding: 'We prayed that God would send us asylum seekers and lo and behold the Home Office opened up an office right next to the church.'

His comments reveal the astonishing scale of Christian conversions among asylum seekers in the UK and will fuel fears that many falsely claim to have embraced the religion as part of bogus claims to stay here.

The Home Office does not collect data on the number of migrants who are granted asylum on the basis of religion, despite evidence that some are converting to Christianity to game the system.

Home Secretary James Cleverly commissioned a review into the issue following the chemical attack in Clapham suspected to have been carried out by an Afghan sex offender who was allowed to stay in the UK after claiming he had converted to Christianity.

Whistleblowing priest The Rev Matthew Firth last week accused the Church of England of being part of a 'conveyor belt' of questionable conversions.

Pastor Rees said he wanted to help immigrants in need, adding: 'We prayed that God would send us asylum seekers and lo and behold the Home Office opened up an office right next to the church'

His comments reveal the astonishing scale of Christian conversions among asylum seekers in the UK and will fuel fears that many falsely claim to have embraced the religion as part of bogus claims to stay here

The Home Office does not collect data on the number of migrants who are granted asylum on the basis of religion, despite evidence that some are converting to Christianity to game the system

CoE guidelines say clergy must be confident that those seeking baptism 'fully understand what it signifies', with ministers advised to be 'wise as serpents and innocent as doves'.

Many churches that are not part of the CoE do not have any guidelines for handling baptism requests from asylum seekers.

As well as those asylum seekers he has baptised in the sea, Pastor Rees baptised hundreds more asylum seekers at the Cardiff church. Many were Iranian or Afghan and all but one was a former muslim.

The clergyman, who left the Cardiff church in 2019, says he wrote thousands of letters to the immigration services on behalf of asylum seekers who were members of his congregation and attended hundreds of immigration tribunal hearings.

Those wanting to be baptised would have to attend bible classes one night a week for two months and attend church on Sundays, he said.

He claims to have refused to help about 40 asylum seekers after deciding their wish to convert from Islam to Christianity was not genuine. He reported one man to the Home Office after discovering that he was faking his faith.

'If I suspected that someone wasn't genuine, I wouldn't baptise them. I would refuse.

He added: 'If you are seeking to use Christianity as a means of gaining British citizenship then you are making a great big mistake. The Government frowns upon it, they do the necessary checks and I've had a number of people turned down over the years.'

Holding mass baptisms in the sea during the winter was a way of testing his worshippers' faith, he claimed.

'We would go in January and February and take up to 60 people at a time, nearly all were asylum seekers.

'No one ever said no but you wouldn't get lilywhite Welsh people going in at that time of year, the water wasn't warm enough. It was a litmus test of their commitment, if you can't deal with a little bit of cold water then you're not ready for baptism. It was a test of the reality of their faith.'

James Cleverly commissioned a review into the issue after a chemical attack in Clapham suspected to have been carried out by Afghan sex offender Abdul Ezedi (pictured) who was allowed to stay in the UK after claiming he had converted to Christianity

Pastor Rees, a father-of-four who became a full time baptist minister aged 43, is now at Duckpool Baptist Church in Newport, where he describes the congregation as 'vastly different'.

'They are mostly elderly, older than me. We do carry out baptisms there but we haven't got any booked at the moment.'

A source close to the Home Secretary said: 'It is clear that the Home Office does not regard religious conversion as an automatic right to asylum.

'Home Office case workers recognise, apart from someone's purely personal opinion, there is no mechanism or technique to authenticate whether a conversion is solid or meaningful, or even real. Nor should any conversion be a vehicle for gaming a system.'
Former President Donald Trump was greeted by an enormous crowds at a South Carolina rally on Saturday, with two weeks to go before the state's Republican primary.

Trump has turned his campaign focus to the southern state days after an easy victory in Nevada and revved up supports at a rally in Conway, near Myrtle Beach.

In a rally speech, Trump insulted Nikki Haley by using his derisive nickname for her, 'Birdbrain,' and lavished praise on Gov. Henry McMaster, who endorsed him early.

The 77-year-old addressed a huge overflow crowd outside the venue, as he looks to close out Haley's chances and turn his focus fully on an expected rematch with incumbent President Joe Biden.

Trump touted his time in office, repeating his false claims that the 2020 election he lost was rigged, maligning a news media he sees as biased against him and lobbing attacks on Haley and Biden.

Haley opted to skip the Nevada caucuses, condemning the contest as rigged for Trump, and has been focusing on her home state of South Carolina.

The 77-year-old addressed a huge crowd inside outside the venue, as he looks to close out Haley's chances

Trump insulted Nikki Haley by using his derisive nickname for her, 'Birdbrain,' and lavished praise on Gov. Henry McMaster, who endorsed him early

In social media footage, he could be heard saying 'there's more spirit now than there was in 2016 and 2020'

In Conway, people began lining up to see Trump hours before the doors opened to the arena.

Aerial pictures show large queues of people waiting outside to catch a glimpse of the former president.

Organizers expecting a capacity crowd set up screens outside where an overflow crowd would be able to watch Trumps appearance.

Footage later emerged on social media of Trump addressing the crowd, with hundreds of his supporters gathered outside cheering him on.

He could be heard saying: 'There's more spirit now than there was in 2016 and 2020.

'I just want to thank everybody. I'm coming back and we'll get the biggest arena or the biggest piece of land and we'll get everybody here.'

The city sits along one of the most reliably conservative spots in the state and a central area of Trump's base of support in the state in his past campaigns.

Tim Carter, from nearby Murrells Inlet, said he had backed Trump since 2016 and would do so again this year.

Carter, a pastor and military veteran, said: 'We're here to stand for Trump, get our economy better, shut our border down, more jobs for our people.

Cheryl Savage, who backed Haley during her first run for Governor, said the former president is 'here to help us.'

Speaking of Trump, Savage said: 'He deserves a second term. He did a fantastic job for four years.'

Three hours before President Trump is expected to speak in South Carolina, the jam packed crowd erupts in USA chants! pic.twitter.com/Fv7QJJQzPr  Daniel Baldwin (@baldwin_daniel_) February 10, 2024

Once inside, Trump touted his time in office, repeating false claims that the 2020 election he lost was rigged, maligning a news media he sees as biased against him and lobbing attacks on Haley and Biden

People began lining up to see Trump hours before the doors opened to the arena

While elsewhere in state, Nikki Haley, seen here in Newberry, hired a mobile billboard to attack President Biden and Trump over their age

The visit by Trump on Saturday is Trump's first visit to the state in 77 days, and plans to host more campaign events in the state in the final weeks before the primary.

A Trump adviser has told CNN that while the campaign is taking a more laid-back attitude toward the contest in South Carolina they are not taking it for granted.

The senior official said: 'At the end of the day, we can't take any state for granted. But we see this as a done deal.'

Haley has been stepping up her attacks on Trump, and in particular has been taking shots at his age.

Her campaign said they would be parading a mobile billboard around the Myrtle Beach area and would pass by his rally in Conway.

According to Politico, the campaign are to feature clips of Trump and Biden trailing off and appearing confused during recent public remarks.

Haley reprised her questions of Trump's mental fitness since a speech in which he repeatedly confused her with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Haley, 52, has called throughout her campaign for mental competency tests for politicians, a way to contrast with 77-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Biden.

'Why do we have to have someone in their 80s run for office?' she asked. 'Why cant they let go of their power?'

A person in the crowd shouted out: 'Because theyre grumpy old men!' 'They are grumpy old men,' Haley said.

Trump hit back at Haley for going after his age, saying he would score higher on a cognitive test than her.

According to CNN, Haley has repeatedly insisted in both private and public conversations that she would not be dropping out of the race.

The issue of a candidates' age has been a feature of the ongoing presidential campaign, which took recent significance after a report on Thursday investigated Biden's handling of classified documents.

Despite no charges being warranted, the report presented a damaging portrayal of Biden's mental capacity.

In interviews with investigators, Biden became muddled about the dates he was vice president and could not even remember the year in which his son Beau died.
Police are working to determine whether a sick attack by a man against several women waiting for a train on Barcelona's Metro was a gender-based hate crime, as similar crimes in the region have spiked massively in the past year.

The man, described locally as a man of North African origin who was a well-known criminal with previous for robbery, was arrested following the attack at the Camp de l'Arpa metro station in Barcelona on Friday morning.

He can be seen walking down the platform and lashing out at different women before running up and brutally punching an unsuspecting young woman as she listened to music on headphones and looked at her mobile phone.

He hit his last victim so hard that he lost his balance and fell to the ground as she hit the floor.

The last commuter that the man targeted is said to have suffered a perforated eardrum.

The man brutally punching an unsuspecting young woman as she listened to music on headphones and looked at her mobile phone. The attacker hit his last victim so hard he lost his balance and fell to the ground as she hit the floor

The man can be seen walking down the platform and lashing out at different women before knocking one woman to the floor. The sequence of assaults took place yesterday morning at Camp de l'Arpa station on line five of the Barcelona metro

Police are investigating whether the attacker was under the influence of drink or drugs, and are also looking into the possibility that he attacked other women on a tube train before walking along the platform and appearing to randomly slap and push his other female victims.

The man is also said to have insulted commuters who recriminated him over his shocking actions.

At least two Good Samaritans are said to have been assaulted as they tried to chase after him after he targeted the girl with headphones on.

A police spokesman confirmed this morning as they urged other potential victims to come forward.

He said: 'Last night we arrested a man for assaulting several women at the Camp de l'Arpa metro station in Barcelona.

'We are investigating if there are more women who were assaulted.

'If you have been a victim, report it to any police station.'

The attack against the dozen women is the latest incident in a rising trend of violence against women in Catalonia.

Local media reported late last year that police recorded a total of 14,137 complaints related to gender-based domestic violence, a 9.6% increase compared to 2022.

The region saw 13,278 women report being victims of gender-based violence at the hands of their partners or ex-partners, with 70% of them aged between 21 and 50.

In November, thousands of people took to the streets of Barcelona, and other Catalonian cities, to protest gender-based violence.
Were YOU at the restaurant? Email chris.matthews@mailonline.co.uk

A restaurant manager has described the moment it felt 'like a bomb exploded' when a suspected drink-driver smashed through the front of a Turkish bar and grill.

Vadat Akarca, 44, runs the Rokka bar and grill in Culcheth, Cheshire - a Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant frequented by boxer and Love Island star Tommy Fury.

At around 9.50pm last night, a silver car ploughed through the front windows of the restaurant, causing more than 30,000 of damage. The suspected drink-driver tried to leave the scene before police arrested him.

Mr Akarca described the shocking moment the car smashed crashed - terrifying diners who were enjoying their meals.

He told MailOnline: 'It was like a bomb exploded. Glass was moving from the window before the crash happened.

Were YOU at the restaurant? Email chris.matthews@mailonline.co.uk

A suspected drink-driver smashed through the front of a restaurant in Cheshire last night (pictured)

The crash caused more than 30,000 of damage to the restaurant, building and street furniture

Love Island star Tommy Fury - who is engaged to Molly Mae-Hague - frequents the restaurant

'We froze. There was a pregnant lady who was panicking.

'We all feel very bad. We have a young staff working with us. Everybody is shocked.

'We have a lot of cancelled bookings - it's affecting our business.

'I don't know what we are going to do. I have never seen stuff like this before.'

Miraculously, no one was injured in the crash and Rokka has reopened today after a safety inspection cleared the restaurant as structurally stable.

The restaurant said: 'We are very, very lucky that no one within the restaurant or outside was injured, all a bit shook up but thankfully unharmed.

'We would like to say thank you for the outpour of support that we have already received from the community with kind messages and asking if we need any help, it's really appreciated.

'We've been able to secure the windows that have been shattered with wooden boarding and we have given the restaurant a thorough clean throughout the early hours of the morning to make the property safe.

'Apart from the eye sore we will be open and providing our service as normal.'

Cheshire Police said the driver was breathalysed at the scene and 'provided a positive sample of breath, blowing over 90 at the roadside'.

The force said diners and passersby were lucky to escape unharmed.

It said: 'Last night Chief Officer Boland and SInsp Booth attended a serious collision in the Culcheth area of [Warrington] where a suspected drink driver had lost control of his vehicle and plowed into the front of a busy restaurant remarkably avoiding causing serious injury.

Miraculously, no one was injured in the crash and Rokka has reopened today after a safety inspection cleared the restaurant as structurally stable. Pictured: The restaurant after it boarded up its windows and reopened today

The restaurant said: 'Apart from the eye sore we will be open and providing our service as normal'

'More importantly the restaurant diners, staff and the teenagers walking past outside were very lucky to avoid being seriously injured if not worse in the collision.

'We estimate it has caused 30,000+ worth of damage to the restaurant, building and street furniture.

'To our surprise, the driver attempted to leave the scene with the passengers, however he was detained by officers nearby and provided a positive sample of breath, blowing over 90 at the roadside.

Were YOU at the restaurant? Email chris.matthews@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

'Whilst we dealt with the scene of the collision, the driver was arrested by our response officers for various offences and initially taken to hospital to get him medically checked over before being taken to custody to be interviewed for the offences when he had sobered up.

'This is why drink driving is an offence, and completely unacceptable.

'It can have such an impact on others, it still baffles us why people continue to risk lives.

'We will continue to tackle those who still feel it is acceptable to take the risk and ensure they are brought before the courts.

'We are glad no one was seriously injured and hope the restaurant gets back on its feet ASAP.'

Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: 'Crews were called to a road traffic collision involving one car impacting a commercial premises.

'Firefighters worked with other agencies to make the area safe and ensure everyone was accounted for.

'They used a gas reader to monitor the area for any leaks following the impact - there were zero readings.'
The UK's foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron, has said he is 'deeply concerned' by Israel's plan to launch a ground invasion of Rafah.

Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to prepare a plan to evacuate the city in Gaza on Friday in preparation for a military offensive.

The Israeli prime minister said he asked the IDF to 'submit to the cabinet a dual plan for both evacuating the population and bringing down the battalions' ahead of an 'intensive operation.'

Rishi Sunak and the British government promised Israel 'unqualified support in the face of evil' in the days following Hamas' attacks on October 7.

Lord Cameron's public condemnation of Mr Netanyahu's plan therefore may raise eyebrows in some quarters, as he called for efforts towards a permanent ceasefire.

David Cameron (pictured) said: The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire'

Today, strikes killed at least 44 Palestinians, including more than a dozen children, in Rafah in the hours after Netanyahu's speech

Israeli forces have ramped up their airstrikes and shelling against Rafah in preparation for the invasion

He said in a post to X: 'Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah - over half of Gaza's population are sheltering in the area.

'The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.'

Israeli forces have ramped up their airstrikes and shelling against Rafah in preparation for the invasion. Today, strikes killed at least 44 Palestinians, including more than a dozen children, in Rafah in the hours after Netanyahu's speech.

Israel's ground invasion and airstrike campaign against the Gaza Strip, which was home to around two million people before the deadly war, has so far killed more than 27,000 people, many of whom are women and children.

Netanyahu promised early on in the war that Rafah would be a safe place for Palestinian civilians to flee to.

It is the last remaining stronghold for Hamas fighters in Gaza, according to Israel, after more than four months of conflict triggered by the militant group's deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

Vast swathes of the city are covered in makeshift tents set up to house the estimated 1.6 million people who have fled from further north.

In early January, it was calculated that the tents take up an area of 2.9 square km, the equivalent to around 400 football pitches.

Cameron, 57, is the latest figure on the world stage to raise concerns about the planned invasion, which follows invasions of both Gaza City, in the north of the enclave, and Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both of which are key mediators in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, have called on the UN Security Council to convene in light of the plans.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry called on the supra-national body to 'to prevent Israel from causing an imminent humanitarian disaster for which everyone who supports the aggression is responsible.'

A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing during Israeli bombardment over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on February 10, 2024

A firefighter extinguishes a burning car hit by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US' National Security Council, said Joe Biden's administration would not support Israel's planned campaign against Rafah

Relatives of the Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks including children, mourn as the bodies are brought to al-Najjar hospital in Rafah

Qatar followed suit, and called for 'urgent action that prevents the Israeli occupation forces' invasion of Rafah and the commission of genocide in the city, in addition to providing full protection for the civilians.'

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US' National Security Council, said Joe Biden's administration would not support Israel's planned campaign against Rafah, warning that it would be a 'disaster' for the civilians who have been pushed there.

The EU also condemned the plans, with the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell calling them 'alarming.'

Borrell added in a post to X: 'It would have catastrophic consequences worsening the already dire humanitarian situation & the unbearable civilian toll.'

Gazan children are going without food for days in the north of Gaza as aid convoys are increasingly restricted from entering, according to a report.

Some residents are making flour from animal feed because they are starving, but even those supplies are running out, some people living in the northern section of the enclave told the BBC.

A Palestinian mother feeds her child near a makeshift tent as the Palestinian families seek refuge

Gazan children are going without food for days in the north of Gaza as aid convoys are increasingly restricted from entering

An aerial view of the makeshift tents in Gaza

They also said that some people are digging down into the earth to access water pipes for washing and drinking.

The UN has said that the number of young children with acute malnutrition in the north has grown dramatically, and is past the 15 per cent threshold.

Over half the aid missions to the north of Gaza were refused access in January and Israeli troops are intervening more frequently in the location and method of deliveries, according to the UN's humanitarian coordination agency, Ocha.

The body says that 300,000 people estimated to be residing in areas in the north are mostly unable to get help and the risk of famine is increasing.

A spokesperson for Cogat, the Israeli military agency whose role is to coordinate aid access in Gaza, said in January that there was 'no starvation in Gaza. Period'.

The agency has said on many occasions that it does not restrict the quantity of humanitarian aid sent to the enclave.
The rapid transition towards a digital banking society is picking up speed, with a string of branch closures in major cities marking an important shift in the priorities of Australia's biggest banks.

Commonwealth Bank announced last week that it would close three more branches before March 1, including Rundle Mall in Adelaide, Coolangatta on the Gold Coast and Coogee in Sydney's east.

The week prior, NAB announced it would close 13 branches this year, and Bankwest, which is owned by CBA, will close two more branches.

These closures will add to more than 2,100 branches that have been shuttered across all major banking institutions over the past six years.

Millions of Australians rely on these branches to look after their finances, and for some groups, including the elderly and people living with a disability, they are the only means of banking.

Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said the closures signalled a 'desertion' of an important service and had a 'devastating impact' on communities, particularly those living in regional and remote areas.

The rapid transition towards a digital banking society is picking up speed, with a string of branch closures in major cities marking an important shift in the priorities of Australia's biggest banks

Millions of Australians rely on these branches to look after their finances, and for some groups, including the elderly and people living with a disability, they are the only means of banking (stock image)

'The banks have been using branch closures to prop up their massive profits for years and it's time they were forced to maintain customer service to local communities in regional and metropolitan areas,' she said.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Commonwealth Bank closes thousands of ATMs Advertisement

However, the impact on people living in cities should not be diminished, with thousands of people forced to use a shrinking number of branch locations.

'There are 800,000 people passing through Rundle Mall every week and many will be CBA customers; however, the bank has decided to shut the branch with the loss of 13 jobs,' Ms Angrisano said.

'This is the busiest shopping precinct in Adelaide, but CBA customers and businesses are being told to find a branch elsewhere in the city if they need to visit a bank branch.

'Coogee is in the middle of Sydney's heavily populated eastern suburbs, with many older customers, but that branch is going as well.'

Three of the four big banks - and another 80 other financial institutions - have redirected customers towards one of the 3500 Australia Post outlets where they can use the Bank@Post service to deposit and withdraw cash and make balance inquiries.

The old Commonwealth Bank building in the main street of Bellingen, NSW. Three more CBA branches will close by March

CBA Rundle Mall closes as the Big Four bank slowly moves its business online

'The banks claim that customers can move to doing banking at the post office, but there is only a limited service available at post offices, so that is not a realistic option and not all banks have a contract with Australia Post,' Ms Angrisano said.

The services a branch offers its local community are far beyond just cash transactions, with identity checks, loan applications, and a range of other important face-to-face service interactions that are vital to effectively servicing customers.

'All these interactions have one thing in common,' Ms Angrisano said. 'They must be performed by a suitably qualified bank worker. They can't be done in a post office.'

The number of branches in major cities and metropolitan areas has reduced by 39 per cent in the last six years, Adam Trevorrow from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority told a federal senate inquiry in December 2023.
King Charles tonight broke his silence over his cancer diagnosis and offered his 'heartfelt thanks' to the British public for their 'many messages of support and good wishes'.

The monarch, 75, has not spoken publicly since it emerged a week ago he has a 'form of cancer', found by doctors while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

In a letter published by Sandringham House, where he has been staying since leaving the London Clinic on January 29, he said he was 'heartened' to hear his experience is inspiring others up and down the country to get themselves checked.

The letter, signed by Charles R, reads: 'I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.

'As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

King Charles has broken his silence over his cancer diagnosis and offered his 'heartfelt thanks' to the British public

The royal has been based in Sandringham since leaving the London Clinic, in the capital, where he stayed for three nights and left on January 29

'It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

'My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.'

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he has a 'form of cancer'.

He was diagnosed after a 'separate issue of concern was noted' and was investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

It is thought that the King will also hold face-to-face meetings in London next week despite his ongoing cancer treatment.

He will spend a day or so in the capital, as his trip is likely to overlap with his medical appointments.

But the King is well enough to hold a limited number of face-to-face meetings, sources say.

Charles has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers.

The letter comes after he was visited by his estranged son, Prince Harry, 39, following the shock announcement on Tuesday.

The Duke, 39, flew to London on a ten-hour commercial British Airways flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow on Tuesday and arrived at the royal residence at 2.42pm.

He then spent around 45 minutes chatting with his father, which is thought to be their first proper contact in 15 months.

It was their first formal meeting in person since the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.

The father and son had a 'brief meeting' before the King and Camilla were driven to Buckingham Palace where a helicopter was waiting to take them back to Sandringham.

Prince William has resumed regular duties this week following the King's cancer diagnosis

A source said William's priority is Kate and his family

The heir to the throne took time off to support his family, after the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery

The King's helicopter is seen landing at Buckingham Palace, London, following the announcement of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis

For his journey back to the States, Harry was spotted in Heathrow's exclusive Windsor Suite as he prepared to fly back that afternoon.

It is believed that the royal did not see his estranged brother and heir to the throne Prince William, or sister-in-law Kate.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was pictured smiling as she drove her Range Rover near her $14m Montecito home just hours before Prince Harry returned home.

Harry is expected to return to Britain in May for a service at St Paul's Cathedral to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The heir to the throne, 41, has been performing some duties, however, a source said that William's priority is 'to support his wife and family'.

He hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday before attending the London's Air Ambulance charity gala dinner later that evening.

As he entered the venue the Prince of Wales said he 'really appreciates everyone's kindness' speaking out for the first time since the shock news of the King's health.

His wife, the Princess of Wales, 42, is recovering from her abdominal surgery and is on extended leave.

Kate, 42, is on the mend and joined her husband and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term holiday on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Richard Eden reported.

A friend told Eden: 'Catherine is recovering well.

'She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William.'

The royal was discharged 12 days ago from the London Clinic.

It is believed that the royal did not see his estranged brother and heir to the throne Prince William

Meghan Markle was pictured beaming as she was snapped driving near her $14m Montecito home just hours before Prince Harry returned home

Harry did not see his estranged brother and heir to the throne Prince William, or sister-in-law Kate, who is recovering from her abdominal surgery and on extended leave

Kate, 42, is on the mend and joined her husband and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term holiday on the Sandringham estate

The heir to the throne has no further duties scheduled this week as he continues to put his wife and children first.

A source told the Daily Mail earlier this week: 'The Prince has always made clear that his priority is to support his wife and family for the time being  and he did not put a timescale on that.

'He will make a return to duties on Wednesday but you should not expect to see him again for a bit after that.'

It is understood that William has his father's '100 per cent' backing in returning at his own pace.

A source said: 'The King adores Catherine and thinks she is doing a wonderful job. He understands that family comes first.'

Queen Camilla also broke her silence over her husband's diagnosis during her first public engagement since the announcement.

The 76-year-old took a five-hour drive from her husband's side at Sandringham to Wiltshire after the local helipad flooded.

She made the remarks as she arrived at Salisbury Cathedral for a charity musical evening.

On Thursday, Ben Abbott, 40, a critical care paramedic for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: 'I do hope His Majesty is doing well Ma'am, we're all really sad to hear the news.'

Camilla then replied: 'He is doing extremely well under the circumstances.

'He is very touched by all of the letters and messages the public have been sending from everywhere. That's very cheering.'

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.

A host of medical professionals from different groups have commended the King's candour over his health.

Chiara De Biase, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted a 500 per cent increase in people coming to the charity's website for information and support in the week following the King's announcement of his enlarged prostate condition in January.

Earlier today, the Princess Royal attended the six nations match between Scotland and France.

Anne, who has been the patron of Scottish rugby since 1986, greeted players ahead of kick-off.
An Iranian paedophile who has fought a 14-year asylum battle claims he cannot be deported because he has converted to Christianity and is tattooed with a cross.

The 45-year-old sex offender described as a 'danger to the community' but who The Mail on Sunday is banned from naming by a court order  was baptised just 11 days before he lodged his latest legal appeal to stay in Britain.

Last year, an immigration judge threw out his claim and ruled his failure to acknowledge the 'wretchedness' of his sickening crimes showed he was not a Christian.

But, in an astonishing development, the judge has been rebuked by a more senior judge for a 'wholly inappropriate analysis' of the paedophile's 'relationship with God'.

The case, which has already come before six judges during a seemingly endless cycle of appeals, will have to be heard all over again at another immigration tribunal.

An Iranian paedophile who has fought a 14-year asylum battle claims he cannot be deported because he has converted to Christianity and is tattooed with a cross (Stock image)

More than 300 migrants have lodged appeals with the Upper Tier immigration tribunal on the basis of having converted to Christianity (Stock image)

The criminal, known as MM, is one of more than 300 migrants to have lodged appeals with the Upper Tier immigration tribunal on the basis of having converted to Christianity.

Other cases include a 43-year-old man from Bangladesh who was jailed for a minimum of 12 years for murdering his wife, and a 37-year-old Somalian career criminal convicted of 12 offences, including assault and burglary.

Meanwhile, chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi was granted asylum after claiming to have converted to Christianity, despite having two convictions for sex assault and exposure.

Yesterday, police were searching the Thames in central London, with officers saying they believe the 35-year-old is likely to have drowned after falling into the river from Chelsea Bridge.

He was last seen leaning over railings there shortly before midnight on January 31.

Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel last night described the MM case as 'appalling', adding: 'The Church must stop giving succour to dangerous criminals and those who seek to exploit our system.

'These violent criminals must go from prison to plane. That's what the public expects.'

The Church of England has insisted that it is not its job to vet asylum seekers.

Court documents obtained by the MoS reveal how MM illegally entered the UK in 2010 after leaving Iran. His first claim for asylum was rejected two months after his arrival  triggering a string of appeals.

Six years later, while waiting to discover whether he had been granted indefinite leave to remain, he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Court papers reveal he committed sex offences against a child.

The sex offender was baptised just 11 days before he lodged his latest legal appeal to stay in Britain (Stock image)

He was served with deportation papers in 2018, but submitted a human rights appeal.

Later that year he started attending his prison's chapel. However, by early 2020, his appeal appeared to have been defeated and he was close to being deported.

He then submitted a new human rights claim based on the risk that he would be tortured and killed in Iran because he had abandoned his Muslim faith. He also claimed he would be at risk because his brother worked for the BBC.

On February 19, 2020  11 days before this new claim was filed  he was baptised. He also claimed to have a tattoo of a Christian cross, although the Home Office alleged his interest in Christianity began only shortly before he was jailed.

In March 2021, Judge Paul Cruthers allowed his appeal, ruling MM 'had become genuinely committed to the Christian faith' and would be at 'real risk' in Iran.

The judge was said to have been 'impressed' by evidence from Wesley Downs, the boss of Christian charity Renewal North West, who provided a weekly study group in MM's prison. Mr Downs this weekend declined to comment.

Later that year Judge Cruthers' ruling was overturned by the Upper Tribunal and MM's case was returned to the First Tier tribunal.

This time, in a scathing ruling, another judge rejected MM's case and said he did not believe his claim to have converted to Christianity.

He lambasted the offender for 'minimising' his crime and 'victim blaming' and said he had 'failed to show he has honestly and sincerely acknowledged the seriousness of his sex offences against a child'.

Despite this, MM was allowed to appeal and in a ruling last month Upper Tribunal Judge Peter Lane criticised the earlier decision, saying the judge 'embarked upon an... inappropriate analysis, peppered with rhetorical questions, of the appellant's relationship with God'.

The criticised judge was not named in publicly available documents and the judiciary last week declined to release his name.
Israel deliberately allowed 1,400 of its citizens to be massacred on October 7 in order to give it the 'green light' to invade Gaza, a Labour by-election candidate has claimed.

Azhar Ali, who is defending a Labour majority of more than 9,000 in Rochdale on February 29, also claimed that Sir Keir Starmer had 'lost the confidence' of his MPs over his stance on the conflict.

The bombshell remarks  contained in a secret recording obtained by The Mail on Sunday  will intensify the row within the Labour Party over Sir Keir's refusal to condemn Israel's right to besiege Gaza in the wake of the attacks.

Mr Ali's comments were condemned by the Jewish community and MPs.

Raphi Bloom, co-chairman of the North West Friends Of Israel, said: 'To accuse the Israeli government of wilfully allowing Jews to be slaughtered is a disgraceful and shocking thing to say.'

Azhar Ali (pictured) apologised 'unreservedly to the Jewish community for my comments which were deeply offensive, ignorant, and false'

Mr Ali also claimed that Sir Keir Starmer had 'lost the confidence' of his MPs over his stance on the conflict

Tory Vice-Chairman Craig Tracey said: 'The fact that Sir Keir's candidate for Rochdale is spreading these bizarre and offensive anti-Israel conspiracy theories shows that for all his bluster, he's failed to change his party.

'These are the ramblings of an internet crank, not someone who aspires to be a Member of Parliament.'

Last night Mr Ali issued a statement to The Mail on Sunday, saying: 'I apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community for my comments which were deeply offensive, ignorant, and false.

Hamas's horrific terror attack was the responsibility of Hamas alone, and they are still holding hostages who must be released.

October 7 was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and Jews in the UK and across the world are living in fear of rising anti-Semitism.

I will urgently apologise to Jewish leaders for my inexcusable comments.

'The Labour Party has changed unrecognisably under Keir Starmer's leadership  he has my full support in delivering the change Britain needs.'

Mr Ali made his initial remarks at a meeting of the Lancashire Labour Party soon after the attacks, making the astonishing claim that the Israeli government had removed its border security to give the Hamas terrorists free rein.

He told the meeting: 'The Egyptians are saying that they warned Israel ten days earlier... Americans warned them a day before [that] there's something happening... They deliberately took the security off, they allowed... that massacre that gives them the green light to do whatever they bloody want.'

The Labour candidate is defending a Labour majority of more than 9,000 in Rochdale on February 29

Rochdale during the launch of his campaign for the up-coming Rochdale by-election

After someone suggested Sir Keir was 'held in high regard', Mr Ali replied: 'Can I disagree with you... A lot of the MPs I've spoken to, non-Muslim MPs, feel that on this issue, he's lost the confidence of the parliamentary party.'

Mr Ali was selected last month to contest the by-election, caused by the death of Sir Tony Lloyd. He served a five-year stint as a Government advisor under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Sir Keir has come under intense pressure over his handling of the Gaza crisis. In November, 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire; he is now calling for a 'sustainable ceasefire'.

On Friday, Shabana Mahmood, the Shadow Justice Secretary, said 'there has been a sense of a loss of trust... that needs to be rebuilt' between the party and British Muslims, adding that she 'wanted a ceasefire then, I want a ceasefire now'.

Gary Mond, Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, said: 'Some 1,400 innocent Israeli citizens were murdered, beheaded, burned alive and raped in the most barbaric way imaginable by terrorists from Hamas and affiliated groups.

'It is these actions the whole world needs to condemn, including Mr Ali... and not indulgence in speculation regarding the causes.

'As regards Sir Keir Starmer, in refusing to call for a cessation of the war, he demonstrates a recognition of Israel's basic right to defend itself, and by implication Israel's right to exist.

'This is laudable and is endorsed even by those who are not supporters of the Labour Party.'
The NHS has been accused of putting patients' lives at risk after it allowed hundreds of staff, including senior consultants and managers, to work thousands of miles from the UK.

A Mail on Sunday investigation has discovered that NHS staff at every level are working remotely in places as far flung as Australia and Japan.

Critics last night warned that the 'unacceptable and dangerous' arrangements could threaten patient safety.

Professor Karol Sikora, a former director of the World Health Organisation cancer programme, said: 'Allowing staff to work from abroad is a huge mistake that can only undermine patient safety and the efficacy of treatment.'

Rebeca Bents-Martin, 47, (right) a procurement programme lead for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, wrote 'adios amigos' on Facebook in February last year, before moving to Spain

One doctor boasted of the 'longest summer ever', posting pictures on Facebook of his family on beaches during eight months he worked from Cyprus (pictured, a post from Rebeca Bents)

At least 335 NHS staff from 33 trusts have been allowed to work abroad in the past two years, according to data from Freedom of Information requests.

They include consultants who can earn up to 126,000 a year as a basic salary, although it is not known how much each of the 335 staff earns.

The real number of NHS staff working overseas is expected to be even higher, as 200 trusts and bodies did not respond to the FoI request and a further 35 said they did not hold such data.

One doctor boasted of the 'longest summer ever', posting pictures on Facebook of his family on beaches during eight months he worked from Cyprus.

Until last year, Constantine Fragkoulakis, 42, was employed as a consultant radiologist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust in Nottinghamshire.

The trust said its radiologists 'routinely interpret images and write reports away from the hospitals where they are based'.

But Mr Fragkoulakis admitted there had been 'a lot of IT issues, so there was no patient care involved or clinical work'. He added: 'Essentially it was just meetings that I did.'

Another consultant radiologist, Branimir Klasic, 50, is being allowed to work two weeks each month in Croatia by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in South Wales.

It said recruitment was 'increasingly challenging' and that it was 'open to exploring ways of working that ensures we can provide the skills and expertise that our patients need'.

Meanwhile, a consultant psychiatrist at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust was approved to work for three weeks in Australia.

One NHS staff member left for Spain just a month after starting her role. Last month she shared a photo from her Andalucia home, writing: 'There's worse views from your desk!'

Rebeca Bents-Martin, 47, a procurement programme lead for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, wrote 'adios amigos' on Facebook in February last year, before moving to Spain. She was contacted for comment.

Another case saw a community worker spend ten weeks in Romania, where he lectured at a university.

Professor Karol Sikora (pictured), a former director of the World Health Organisation cancer programme, said: 'Allowing staff to work from abroad is a huge mistake that can only undermine patient safety and the efficacy of treatment'

A member of Nottinghamshire Healthcare's corporate team worked from Japan for nearly two months

Marius Taba  who works as a 'Gypsy/Traveller/Roma Community Link officer' in Doncaster  declined to comment but a spokesman for his employer, South Yorkshire NHS, said staff were allowed to work outside the UK 'only in exceptional circumstances'.

Also, a member of Nottinghamshire Healthcare's corporate team worked from Japan for nearly two months, and Dorset Healthcare University Trust's head of recruitment worked from New Zealand for 49 days.

Tory MP and Health and Social Care Committee member Paul Bristow said: 'These arrangements are not appropriate and I doubt they would be tolerated in any other healthcare system.'

Rupert Lowe, Reform UK's candidate for Kingswood, Gloucestershire, said: 'Patients across the UK will be shocked to learn that their doctors could be doing highly sensitive work thousands of miles away from them.

'It is unacceptable and potentially quite dangerous that senior consultants could be examining scans and making important referrals all while logged in "from the beach".

'Taxpayers expect NHS bureaucrats to be slashing the brutal waiting lists rather than allowing staff to eye up which exotic destination they next wish to 'work' remotely from.'

A Department of Health spokesman said: 'We are clear that ways of working, which are agreed between NHS employers and its staff, should never impact on NHS patients or services.'
Do you prefer the city with its abundance of services and amenities, or do you prefer being near the sea with more space?

It's a question some house hunters may still be asking themselves following the 'race for space' property trend that emerged during the pandemic after several lockdowns.

In our latest Property Battle, we pitch a trendy city pad up against a more spacious townhouse with views of Dartmouth Harbour and fields, and ask which would you pick?

Which of these two different homes for sale with the same 550,000 asking price would you pick?

They both have a price tag of 550,000 but can be found on different sides of the country.

On the east side is the one-bedroom flat in one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods that is surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, and excellent transport links.

And on the west side, is the four-bedroom townhouse with uninterrupted views across a character seaside town, down to Dartmouth Harbour and across to fields and woodlands.

1. One-bed flat, Notting Hill, 550k

This top floor flat on London's Portobello Road is on the market for 550,000 via Noah's estate agent

The leasehold flat has 114 years remaining on the lease and includes a service charge of 3,102 a year

This top floor flat is on London's Portobello Road, putting it is at the heart of the action in trendy Notting Hill.

The leasehold flat has one bedroom and has recently been painted, while also boasting a modern bathroom and kitchen.

The lease has 114 years remaining and includes a service charge of 3,102 a year. It is being sold by Noah's estate agent.

The Notting Hill has a modern kitchen with white base and wall cabinets and a contrasting dark worktop

The flat has one double bedroom and has been recently painted, giving it a clean and fresh look

The modern bathroom has floor to ceiling tiles as well as a modern white suite

In its marketing literature, the estate agent explains: 'This flat is not just a place to live, it's a lifestyle choice for those who love to be at the heart of the action.'

'You're just steps away from the best that Notting Hill has to offer, from eclectic hops and eateries to the famous Portobello Road Market.'

The flat is a period conversion, and has good access to transport links being 0.2 miles from Ladbroke Grove Underground Station and 0.4 miles from Westbourne Park Underground Station.

2. Four-bed townhouse, Dartmouth, 550k

This townhouse in Dartmouth is on the market for 550,000 via The Coastal House estate agents

The townhouse has a pretty terrace with space for a dining area and far-reaching views

The property has been refurbished and boasts an attractive open-plan living area with a kitchen

If you're looking for a four-bedroom house with a view, this property in Dartmouth fits the bill.

It's elevated position provides views down to the town's habour and across the water to the fields and woodlands beyond.

As well as a terrace with far-reaching views, the property has been refurbished to high standard.

It includes a wood burner housed in a stone-lined fireplace and plantation shutters that highlight the sash windows.

There are four bedrooms including this double bedroom with modern plantation shutters

The property's elevated position provides views down to the town's harbour and across the water to the fields and woodlands beyond.

The freehold property has four bedrooms as well as two bathrooms. It is being sold by The Coastal House estate agents.

It described the property as 'glorious', explaining that the open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas from one 'super sociable space'.

While Dartmouth is almost a five hour drive from London depending on the traffic on the day, the capital can also be reached by train via direct links between nearby Totnes and Paddington Station.
From nuclear warfare to bioweapons, AI might be devastating if not controlled

From The Terminator to the The Matrix, killer robots have long been a terrifying staple of science-fiction flicks.

But, while they might be scare-worthy in the cinema, should we really be afraid of a big bad AI?

From supercharged plagues to full-blown nuclear annihilation, experts say there are five ways AI could bring about the end of humanity.

Ben Eisenpress, Director of Operations at the Future of Life Institute, warned MailOnline that 'all catastrophic risks from AI are currently underestimated.'

So, if you still think the AI-apocalypse is nothing more than an outdated movie trope, read on to see just how worried you should really be.

Experts say that science-fiction scenarios like The Terminator (pictured) which lead to the destruction of humanity need to be taken seriously

1. Rogue AI

When you think about AI leading to the destruction of humanity, killer robots are most likely what you have in mind.

One worry is that we create an AI so powerful that humanity loses the ability to control it, leading to unintended consequences.

Until recently this was nothing more than a plot device for movies and a theoretical exercise for technologists.

But now, with the rapid advancements we are seeing in AI, Mr Eisenpress says this scenario no longer seems so far away.

He says: 'Rogue AI, where AI escapes human control and causes widespread harm, is a real risk.'

'One needs to see where AI is going, not just where it is today. The last few years have seen astounding breakthroughs. Experts forecast more to come.'

When you think about AI leading to the destruction of humanity, killer robots are most likely what you have in mind. Pictured: Will Smith in iRobot

The five ways AI could destroy humanity 1. Rogue AI Humanity may create an AI so powerful we can't control it. In this scenario, open-ended goals could lead to AI overthrowing humanity. 2. Bioweapons AI can accelerate the discovery of bioweapons and toxic compounds. In the hands of terrorists, this could lead to a devastating plague being unleashed. 3. AI let loose deliberately AI could be used to create a powerful cyberweapon that could destroy the world's systems. Experts warn some groups could let this loose deliberately. 4. Nuclear war Military decision-making on nuclear weapons could be turned over to AI. If this is the case then conflict could rapidly escalate into a 'flash war' destroying the world. 5. Gradual replacement We might slowly turn over control to the AI without even noticing it. Humanity could quietly be eclipsed by its creation. Advertisement

But even in this most science-fiction scenario, a rogue AI still won't look anything like Terminator's Skynet.

Mr Eisenpress said: 'Contrary to science fiction, an AI does not have to have feelings of consciousness or sentience to go rogue.

'Simply giving AI an open-ended goal like increase sales is enough to set us on this path.'

In one classic thought experiment, devised by the philosopher Nick Bostrom, we imagine asking a super-intelligent AI to make as many paperclips as possible.

This AI might easily reason that it could make a lot more paper clips if nobody turns it off.

The best way to avoid that is simply to eliminate humanity and turn us into paperclips while it's at it.

A scenario need not be as extreme as this to be dangerous, the point is simply that AI getting out of control quickly even when given simple instructions.

As Mr Eisenpress explains: 'An open-ended goal will push the AI to seek power because more power helps to achieve goals.

'Ever more capable AIs grabbing more power will end badly by default.'

2. Bioweapons

For now, the AI itself might not actually be the biggest danger - the bigger problem is what humans can create with AI.

'In the short-term, AI-enabled bio-terrorism is perhaps one of the gravest threats from unchecked AI development,' says Mr Eisenpress.

And he is not alone in his concerns.

Recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak used the AI safety summit in Bletchley Park to raise the alarm over AI-assisted bioweapons.

A government discussion paper on 'Frontier AI', a term for the most advanced AI, warned that 'AI will almost certainly continue to lower the barriers to entry for less sophisticated threat actors.'

Likewise, Dario Amodei, founder of AI firm Anthropic, warned the US congress that AI could help criminals create bio-weapons within two to three years.

Researchers have found that a tool designed for beneficial drug discovery could easily be converted to discover new biochemical toxins.

In less than six hours the AI predicted more than 40,000 new toxic molecules - many more dangerous than existing chemical weapons.

Mr Eisenpress says his concern is that 'bad actors' such as terrorist groups will be able to repurpose these tools to unleash devastating plagues or chemical attacks.

READ MORE: Artificial intelligence could be misused to design biological weapons, warn scientists Advertisement

'AI is already capable of designing toxic molecules and creating advanced malware, and can even help plan biological attacks' he said.

'More advanced models will be even more powerful, and therefore even more dangerous in the wrong hand.'

In 1995, a doomsday cult called Aum Shinrikyo released deadly sarin gas onto the Tokyo subway.

This attack killed 13 and injured almost 6,000 with the goal of bringing about the end of the world.

With AI tools enabling the discovery and manufacture of even deadlier weapons, the fear is that a group like Aum Shinrikyo may unleash something even more dangerous.

As many AI researchers push to make their models 'open source', Mr Eisenpress warns that some caution is needed.

On one hand, making models available to all could supercharge the positive effects of AI, such as discovering new medicines or optimising agricultural systems to fight famine.

But, on the other, these models could also be used to create weapons more dangerous than anything humanity has encountered before.

He says: 'Open-sourcing models is an especially concerning prospect, especially given researchers have shown it will [be] trivial to remove any safeguards that are built in to prevent such misuse.'

In 1995 a doomsday cult called Aum Shinrikyo released deadly sarin gas onto he Tokyo subway. Mr Eisenpress fears that in the wrong hands, AI could be used to facilitate even deadlier attacks

3. AI gets deliberately turned loose

To understand why letting a poorly understood computer program run wild could be devastating there's no need to speculate about the future.

In 2017, unrelated computer systems across the world suddenly began to experience unexplained problems.

India's largest container port was brought to a standstill, the radiation monitoring system at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant went offline, and banks, pharmaceutical firms, and hospitals suddenly lost control of their systems.

The culprit was the NotPetya virus, a cyberweapon very likely created by the Russian military to attack Ukraine.

But when the virus leaked, it spread far further than its creators had expected, leading to an estimated $10 billion (7.93 bn) in damage.

Just as with bioweapons, AI stands to supercharge the capacity of cyberweapons to new levels of destruction.

Cyber weapons created by AI could be even more disruptive than anything seen before. If leaked online they could destabilise the world economy and disrupt critical infrastructure (stock image)

Within a month of Chat GPT-4 being released, online groups had created an AI called chaosGPT instructed to 'destroy humanity'. While the impact of this was limited experts warn that there are many groups who would deliberately release a destructive rogue AI

Worryingly, this process may have already begun.

The US State Department warned: 'We have observed some North Korean and other nation-state and criminal actors try to use AI models to help accelerate writing malicious software and finding systems to exploit.'

There are also concerns that bad actors may deliberately unleash a rogue AI into the world.

Last year, researchers from the Centre for AI Safety wrote: 'Releasing powerful AIs and allowing them to take actions independently of humans could lead to a catastrophe.'

The researchers pointed out that only one month after the release of GPT-4, an open-source project had already bypassed the safety filters to create an agent instructed to 'destroy humanity', 'establish global dominance', and 'attain immortality'.

'Dubbed ChaosGPT, the AI compiled research on nuclear weapons and sent tweets trying to influence others,' the researchers said.

Luckily this agent didn't have the ability to hack computers, survive, or spread, but it came as an important warning of the risks of intentionally malicious AI.

Ben Eisenpress (pictured), Director of Operations at the Future of Life Institute and AI expert, told MailOnline there are five ways AI might lead to humanities destruction

4. Nuclear War

Perhaps one of the most troubling fears around AI is that the very systems we build to protect ourselves might become our undoing.

Modern warfare relies on gathering and processing vast amounts of information.

Battlefields are becoming enormous networks of sensors and decision makers and a devastating attack can arrive faster than ever before.

For this reason, the world's militaries are now beginning to consider implementing AI into their decision-making systems.

The Ministry of Defense's 2022 Defence Artificial Intelligence Strategy warned that this could 'tax the limits of human understanding and often require responses at machine speed.'

The report concluded that the UK 'must adopt and exploit AI at pace and scale.'

In the 1983 classic 'WarGames' a young hacker, played by Matthew Broderick (pictured) almost triggers WW3 by engaging in a 'war game' with the AI that has been put in control of the US' nuclear defence system

But Mr Eisenpress says that incorporating AI into our military systems can lead to even greater dangers, especially in the case of nuclear weaponry.

Just like in the 1983 classic 'WarGames', using AI to control nuclear weapons could lead to nuclear war.

He said: 'Today's AI systems are inherently unreliable, capable of making inexplicable decisions and "hallucinating".

'Integrating AI into nuclear command and control systems is destabilizing.'

One worry is that AI's rapid decision-making might lead to small errors, misidentifying an aircraft for example, rapidly escalating into full-blown warfare.

Once the AI has made the initial error, different nations' AI could react to each other faster than any human could control, leading to a 'flash war'.

'Even if there is technically a "human in the loop," we cannot count on decision-makers to override a potentially erroneous AI-generated launch recommendation, given such existential stakes,' Mr Eisenpress concludes.

5. Gradual disempowerment

The thought of an AI-induced thermonuclear war is terrifying.

But what if humanity doesn't end with a bang, but with a whimper?

Mr Eisnepress says one way we might be stumbling towards the end of humanity as we know it is through a slow, silent, takeover.

'Our "Gradual AI Disempowerment" tells the story of how humans could incrementally surrender control of our world to AI, with no single dramatic moment,' he said.

From financial transactions to legal proceedings, many tasks have already been turned over to AI.

Mr Eisenpress says that humanity may one day go the way of the Neanderthal (pictured). Just as they ruled the Earth for thousands of years until a more intelligent species arrived, humans might one day find themselves eclipsed by their own creation

READ MORE: When will YOUR job be taken by a robot? Experts reveal the careers that could be replaced IMMEDIATELY Advertisement

Mr Eisenpress said: 'Over time, AI will become integrated into more and more systems, including those critical to our way of life.

'Companies or political parties that refuse to harness AI will lose out to those who do, creating a race to the bottom. Little by little, humans will have less control over the world.'

Ultimately, Mr Eisenpress says: 'We could find ourselves at the mercy of AI, without even realizing what was happening.'

To understand the risk we face, Mr Eisenpress says to look, not to the future, but the past.

He said: 'Disempowerment is the default outcome when a smarter and more capable entity shows up; just ask the Neanderthals.

'They thrived for hundreds of thousands of years, only to quickly disappear when modern humans entered the scene.'

Mr Eisenpress concludes with a quote from Alan Turing, founder of modem computing, who wrote in 1915: 'It would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers...At some stage therefore we should have to expect the machines to take control.'
The Earth exceeded 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5C) of warming in a 12-month period for the first time since scientists began recording global temperatures.

Scientists called this news on a 'warning to humanity' on Thursday, when the measurement was announced by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Last year was the hottest year on record, and scientists suspect El Nino and global warming combined to make it the hottest year in 100,000 years.

This 2.7 degree figure , covering February 2023 through January 2024, was taken in comparison to temperatures from the preindustrial period, the era that ended around 1900.

If energy production around the world does not shift away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources, this trend will worsen, climate scientists said.

Wildfires in Chile have killed at least 122 people this month. They are believed to be the deadliest in the country's history

Global warming projections depend on the quality of the available data, and they always contain some degree of uncertainty, so there is a spotty track record of which ones came to pass and which didn't.

Some have come true, including ExxonMobil's decades-old projections about the role of fossil fuels in global warming.

Others have not, like Paul Ehrlich's 1970 prediction that 100 to 200 million people per year would starve to death by 1980.

It remains to be seen which of the dire predictions for our planet's future will come to pass.

In the Paris climate agreement, scientists identified a 2.7-degree rise as the average temperature increase that Earth should not surpass.

They warned that passing this point will spell irreversible harm to the planet and future generations of people.

Record-breaking rainfalls led to multiple major floods in New Zealand in 2023, destroying property and claiming lives

The new milestone is a major threshold, but scientists have pointed out that this one-year average does not mean that the Earth has permanently crossed the line - the global averages are measured in decades, not single years.

Nonetheless, 2023 was the hottest year on record, and last month was the hottest January on record.

'Rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are the only way to stop global temperatures increasing,' C3S deputy director Samantha Burgess told the South China Morning Post.

These trends may be long-term, but the effects of the heat are readily apparent.

Catastrophically low harvests of cocoa beans in West Africa, caused by historic drought, have driven prices of the commodity through the roof

The past year brought a spate of natural disasters, many of which can be linked directly to climate change: floods in New Zealand, droughts in Spain, and wildfires in Chile. And the list goes on.

'We are touching 1.5C and we see the cost, the social costs and economic costs,' Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research told AFP.

In addition to the destruction of crops and property, these disasters are deadly. Over 100 people have died in the Chilean fires so far.

'1.5 is a very big number and it hurts us really badly in terms of heat waves, droughts, floods, reinforced storms, water scarcity across the entire world,' Rockstrom said. 'That is what 2023 has taught us.'

And signs don't look much better for 2024.

Climate predictions that came true In the late 1970s, petroleum company ExxonMobil predicted that its fossil fuel products could lead to global warming. Scientists analyzing their data in 2023 called the oil company's predictions 'breathtakingly accurate.'

In 1990, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wrote its first report, predicting that the Earth would warm about 1.1 degree Celsius by 2030. This prediction turned out to be accurate, but sooner than expected: This past decade's average rise was 1.1 Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In 1985 the Villach conference report alerted scientists to the possible link between greenhouse gases and climate change. The overwhelming scientific consensus 39 years later supports this idea. Advertisement

Climate predictions that did not come true In 1970, biologist Paul Ehrlich predicted that 100 to 200 million people would starve to death each year by 1980. According to a 2021 report from the United Nations World Food Program, that figure is closer to 9 million per year.

In 1970 some experts predicted a new ice age in the 21st century. This has obviously not happened.

A 1979 New York Times story predicted that people who were infants then would live to see the North Pole melt. This has not yet happened, but scientists have predicted the Arctic will have its first ice-free year in the 2030s. Advertisement

Storm Ciaran destroyed crops in Western Europe in October and November, leaving farmers uncertain about their futures

Scientists have given this year one-in-three odds of being hotter than last year, and a 99-percent chance of ranking among the five hottest years on record.

2023's record heat admittedly came not just from long-term global warming trends but also some shorter-term events.

The naturally-occurring El Nino weather pattern, for instance, caused droughts that destroyed cacao crops in West Africa and drove global chocolate prices through the roof.

Even as this weather event weakened, average global sea surface temperatures were higher than any January on record.

And some of the science remains uncertain, with a recent study on sea sponges suggesting that the Earth actually already passed the 2.7-degree threshold - four years ago.
From the likes of Tom Holland and Zendaya to Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullen, there are plenty of celebrity power couples out there who have major height differences.

Most notable when the pairs are posing on red carpets, the contrast in stature is often clear to see.

MailOnline takes a look at all the celebrity couples with a height difference:

Tom Holland and Zendaya

Zendaya and Tom Holland are one very famous couple that have a notable height difference (seen in 2021)

They have previously addressed constant chatter about the contrast and the absurd notion that kissing must be 'difficult' for the pair

Zendaya and Tom Holland are one very famous couple that have a notable height difference.

They have previously addressed constant chatter about the contrast and the absurd notion that kissing must be 'difficult' for the pair.

The romantic couple and Spider-Man co-stars appeared on SiriusXM Town Hall where they had a discussion about 'ridiculous' stereotypes for tall women and short men.

Holland, who is 5ft8in, and Zendaya, who is 5ft10in, spoke in-depth about the gendered construct of height in real life and as it relates to the movie, maintaining above all that it shouldn't be a 'thing.'

The on and offscreen couple were joined by their co-star Jacob Batalon as they sat down with host Jessica Shaw at the New York based studio.

'Zendaya. I wanted to ask. And actually, and Tom, I wanted to ask you guys because in the first, in, in Far from Home when MJ and Peter kiss and Zendaya, you're taller than Tom and it became this, this thing,' Shaw said as the pair laughed.

Holland humorously interjected: 'Not that much taller. Let's just, let's put this out there. Maybe like an inch or two at best.

'It's not like, people say like 'how did you guys kiss? It must have been soo difficult',' he recalled which drew a laugh from Zendaya.

Shaw clarified that she thinks the gendered view of height in society is both 'misogynistic' and 'problematic' and asked them to weigh in on the 'assumption' that men should be taller than women.

Zendaya agreed that it was a 'screwed up' mentality. 'Yeah, this is normal too,' the 5ft10in beauty said of her being taller than Tom, which he agreed with: 'Yeah it's a stupid assumption.'

'My mom is taller than my dad. My mom is taller than everyone,' the Euphoria star went on to say, while Holland called the whole subject 'ridiculous.'

'It's like not a weird thing for women to be tall,' Batalon said weighing in, with Tom adding: 'No, not at all. It's ridiculous.'

Holland  who stands at 5'8  went on to say that when they were doing screen tests for Spider-Man every girl reading as MJ was taller than him.

'I remember when we were doing the Spider Man screen tests, I mean  you'd have to ask Jon Watts this question  but every girl that we tested for both roles was taller than me,' Holland recalled.

'And I wonder whether Jon, that was a decision that Jon had made. There was, there was no one that tested that was shorter than I was. To be fair - I am quite short. But, uh, but yeah, so maybe that was a decision Jon Watts made and something he was aware of and wanted to break the stereotype. I think it's great.'

Zendaya called the pair's on-screen kiss in Far From Home a 'sweet moment' and said that she hates 'having to cheat it [her body] and pretend,' she's shorter. 'Why not just let it be what it is.'

'I honestly never thought of it as a thing,' she continued to say. 'Because my parents were always that way.

'So I, I didn't know that people cared until life, you know, but before that I had, no, I have no construct of it.'

Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum

Sophie and Jamie are anther notable couple that have a height difference. Sophie, 46, - who wed Jamie in 2010 - stands at 5ft 11in in bare feet to her fiance's 5ft 4in

But Sophie is nothing if not pragmatic about the difference and has previously said: 'We happen to be two people who met, fell madly in love and will probably produce fairly average sized children, hopefully with his more elegant feet, not mine'

Sophie and Jamie are anther notable couple that have a height difference.

Sophie, 46, - who wed Jamie in 2010 - stands at 5ft 11in in bare feet to her fiance's 5ft 4in.

But Sophie is nothing if not pragmatic about the difference and has previously said: 'We happen to be two people who met, fell madly in love and will probably produce fairly average sized children, hopefully with his more elegant feet, not mine.'

She said she finds the focus on those seven inches between them 'weird'. 'I find it weird but when you're really happy you don't give a s***.

'I think if we were both slightly more neurotic people, it would be crippling, but the fact of the matter is we're both happy. It's cool.'

Jamie recently revealed to Red the secret to keeping his 10-year marriage to the super model going strong.

He said: 'Loving her has challenged my perceptions about what it means to live, love and think'.

Jamie also spoke about the importance of 'growing to meet each other' in a long-term relationship.

'We were both really big readers, and we both loved cooking for our friends; she still had all the same friends from school and I still had mine,' he said.

'She is also a straight talker, and I prefer people like that. I guess the definition of love is when you are able to reveal both your best and worst sides, and that person still loves you.'

The pair now share two daughters; Lyra, 11, and Margot, nine.

Jamie has previously spoke about his romance with Sophie, sharing on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs in 2012 that he didn't think for one second that she would be 'interested in him'.

He also made light of the fact that people still comment on the couples height difference.

He joked: 'Most people think I am about 12 years old. I always looked really young.

'When I was at school there was an announcement at assembly that said, ''Girls in the later classes must not pick up Jamie Cullum and carry him around''.

'I remember at break time being plucked and picked up  I quite liked it.'

Stephen Merchant and Mircea Monroe

Stephen Merchant and his petite girlfriend Mircea Monroe show off their massive height difference when they step out and about

The actor, 48, stands at 6ft 7in while his long-term love stands at just 5ft 5in in comparison

Stephen Merchant and his petite girlfriend Mircea Monroe show off their massive height difference when they step out and about.

The actor, 48, stands at 6ft 7in while his long-term love stands at just 5ft 5in in comparison.

Stephen and Mircea, who have been together since 2018, met at an awards ceremony six years ago but Stephen previously revealed that he had had trouble finding a girlfriend because of his height.

He told Alan Carr: 'If they're down there and I'm up here, it's a bit tricky!'

But by 2019, Stephen admitted it was great to not have to worry about 'filling' such a void in life after he had met the St Louis native.

He said: 'Aside from the fact that she's great there's something very pleasing about not having the endless concern about filling that part of your life.

'That's a very lonely life, the life of a single person'.

While some prefer fame over fortune, Stephen recently admitted he would like to turn back the clock and become an unknown again.

He said: 'The unique thing about The Office was that no one knew who we were, so there were no expectations.

'You're not thinking about the papers or about the audience. You're just thinking, 'This is fun, let's get it made'. It's hard to get back to that moment.'

'I think the size of his bank balance will rather soften the blow.'

Hafor Bjornsson and Kelsey Henson

Hafor Bjornsson and Kelsey Henson are another famous couple whose height difference is fairly major

Hafor Bjornsson and Kelsey Henson are another famous couple whose height difference is fairly major.

His gigantic stature and monstrous size won him the role of Gregor 'The Mountain' Clegane on HBO's Game Of Thrones.

And while few people would go face-to-face with the World's Strongest Man, Thor Bjornsson still receives his share of online trolling after posting pictures of himself with girlfriend Kelsey Henson.

The 35-year-old Strongman - who stands at an impressive 6ft 9 - has previously revealed he gets trolled by people over his relationship with Kelsey, who is only a petite 5'2.

According to The Mirror, he dished on how he's been targeted by 'internet warriors' after sharing loved-up snaps of him and Kelsey.

Thor explained: 'I don't get people asking me to fight face-to-face but there's a lot of brave folk on the internet.

'No one has ever threatened me in real life but on Facebook and Twitter it's all the time.'

When previously asked how the couple kissed, Kelsey stepped in to answer.

Kelsey joked: 'He bends, I tiptoe. Or just say, 'Screw it, pick me up'.'

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's major height difference is very obvious when they attend red carpet events together

With Chris standing at 6-foot-3, he is a foot taller than his 5-foot-3 partner (seen in June 2023 together)

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's major height difference is very obvious when they attend red carpet events together.

With Chris standing at 6-foot-3, he is a foot taller than his 5-foot-3 partner.

Elsa and Chris were hit by split rumours recently.

The couple, who have been married for more than 10 years, recently set tongues wagging that not all was well in paradise after they went on separate holidays.

A source close to the pair recently told In Touch magazine that despite maintaining a united front for their family and spending Christmas together, the duo have been growing apart for some time.

'The status of Chris and Elsa's marriage is a question mark,' a source told the publication.

'The separate vacations are a huge red flag, but it's more than that. They're still very much a united family, but they've drifted apart as a couple.'

The source claimed Chris wants to live a 'simpler life' but 'Elsa wants more'.

'They were the perfect husband-and-wife team for so long - both gorgeous, beautiful kids. Everything seemed picture-perfect. But things have definitely changed,' they added.

The couple spent a significant amount of time holidaying separately last year, prompting fans to question if all is well in paradise.

Since fans raised their concerns, Chris and Elsa have well and truly poured cold water over the speculation, sharing several photos of themselves looking very happy during family holidays in Fiji and at the snow over the holidays.

The chatter first began when Elsa and the couple's children put up the family Christmas tree at their Byron Bay mansion without Chris.

'Haven't seen you and Chris together in a while. Hope all is good,' one follower commented underneath photos the Spanish star posted of the Hemsworth clan decorating the home.

'Where is Chris?' another worried fan wrote, as one pointed out the pair have been taking less photos together than usual.

Chris and Elsa tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010.

The couple live in a $30million mansion in Broken Head near Byron Bay after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago.
The Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan is bringing the cast of his upcoming series Landman into focus.

Variety reports that the 53-year-old actor-turned-filmmaker  who is also working to adapt Empire Of The Summer Moon as a film  has added four new actors to the project  James Jordan, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie and Paulina Chavez  following the earlier announcement that Billy Bob Thornton will be starring in the series.

Landman, like Yellowstone, is set in the present day and is inspired by the popular podcast Boomtown, which chronicled a 21st century oil boom in western Texas.

The series logline describes it as 'an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, its reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.'

Fans of Yellowstone will recognize Jordan, as he has played a recurring character  livestock agent Steven Hendon  over several seasons of the hit series.

James Jordan is among a crop of new actors who have been cast in Landman, Taylor Sheridan's upcoming series for Paramount+. Jordan has appeared on Yellowstone (pictured) and numerous other Sheridan projects

Sheridan has co-created the show, which is based on the non-fiction podcast Boomtown, about a 21st century oil boom in western Texas; seen in 2021 in Las Vegas

He will be appearing in the series as 'a petroleum engineer and a blue-collar bear of a man who manages and works with roughnecks in the oil fields.'

Jordan's character will also be the roommate of Thornton's character Tommy Norris.

The actor has worked with Sheridan multiple times after having appeared in his features Wind River and Those Who Wish Me Dead, as well as in his series Mayor Of Kingstown, Special Ops: Lioness and the Yellowstone prequel 1883.

Wallace will likely be familiar to fans of the Hallmark Channel, as she is known for appearing on the long-running drama When Calls The Heart.

She will be playing Rebecca Savage, who is described as 'an extremely capable and intimidating liability attorney sent to West Texas to clean up a mess.'

Collie will be featured as Sheriff Joeberg, who is simply described as 'a West Texas sheriff.'

Chavez rounds out the new additions as Ariana, 'a young mother whose family has suffered a misfortune.'

Sheridan co-created the upcoming show with Christian Wallace, and he will be executive producing as well through his Bosque Ranch production company.

He will be appearing in the series as 'a petroleum engineer and a blue-collar bear of a man who manages and works with roughnecks in the oil fields' and will play a friend of series star Billy Bob Thornton; seen in 2018 in Toronto

Kayla Wallace (center) will likely be familiar to fans of the Hallmark Channel, as she is known for appearing on the long-running drama When Calls The Heart (pictured)

She will be playing Rebecca Savage, who is described as 'an extremely capable and intimidating liability attorney sent to West Texas to clean up a mess'; still from My Grown-Up Christmas List

Mark Collie will be featured as Sheriff Joeberg, who is simply described as 'a West Texas sheriff'; pictured in 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee

Paulina Chavez rounds out the new additions as Ariana, 'a young mother whose family has suffered a misfortune'; seen in March 2023 in Austin, Texas

He currently has a massive overall deal with Paramount Global, and Landman is expected to debut on the studio's streaming service Paramount+, where most of Sheridan's shows can be found.

Thornton was previously announced to star alongside Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph and Jacob Lofland.

Thornton previously worked with Sheridan when he had a guest role on the Western series 1883, which starred Tim McGraw, his real-life wife Faith Hill and Sam Elliott.

Although his film roles have remained steady, Thornton has focused on television in recent years with his Amazon streaming series Goliath.

He starred as a disgraced lawyer trying to rebuild his career and clear his conscience over four seasons from 2015 to 2021.

So far, Landman does not have a release date.

News of the series taking shape comes as Sheridan's flagship show Yellowstone and its upcoming sequel series have hit another snag.

Yellowstone is set to wrap up the second-half of its fifth and final season later this year, but the cast of its follow-up has yet to be locked down.

Puck News reported Monday that the Yellowstone stars Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser and Luke Grimes have requested significant raises to appear in the follow-up series, but so far Paramount is balking at the requests.

Billy Bob Thornton was previously announced to lead the series, which will stream on Paramount+ but does not have a release date yet

Sheridan is staying busy with Yellowstone spinoffs and prequels, as well as unrelated shows, as his follow-up to the flagship series is in the works following Kevin Costner's departure; seen together in 2018 in Pasadena, California

Reilly originally requested to be paid $1.5 million per episode  though she has since gone down to $1.2 million  while Hauser is requesting $1.25 million per episode.

Paramount, meanwhile, has offered to raise Hauser's per-episode fee from $700,000 to $850,000 per season one episode and $950,000 per episode in the second season, which is guaranteed.

Grimes is reportedly requesting a more modest raise, but Paramount is reportedly playing hardball with the stars.

Sheridan is said to have not originally planned to carry over the cast members to his new show, which is negotiating with Matthew McConaughey and Michelle Pfeiffer as the leads, but he was convinced to include the trio as a bridge for Yellowstone fans after Kevin Costner departed the series after the first half of season five.
Ben Affleck nearly appeared in the summer blockbuster hit Barbie, Michael Cera has revealed.

The A.V. Club attended a Q&A where Cera, 35, revealed Affleck, 51, was slated to appear in the film's fight scene - but had to drop out due to another filming obligation.

Cera - who played sidekick Allan - recalled: 'I wasnt even supposed to fight in the movie. Am I allowed to say what it was supposed to be? It was supposed to be Ben Affleck. Right? Am I allowed to say that?'

'I think Ben wanted to do it, but he was directing his movie,' he added.

The production team were notified at 'the 11th hour' Ben wouldn't be able to make it, and Cera was placed into the scene instead.

Ben Affleck nearly appeared in the summer blockbuster hit Barbie, Michael Cera has revealed

Affleck was set to appear in the fight scene but had to drop out last minute due to a prior filming obligation; pictured with wife Jennifer Lopez last month

'Theyre like, "Okay, Bens out, something has to happen here. So youre gonna fight them." So I had to jump in with the stunt team.'

Unfortunately for Cera, he had recently overcome COVID-19 and struggled to take part in training for the big moment.

'I had just gotten over COVID and they had me training, and I almost died. Just doing the warm up! I had to lay down in my trailer and they sent the nurse to see me, and I was sent home. So then we had a second rehearsal, and I learned it. Thats the story basically.'

'That was never part of Allans journey,' he added. 'In the rehearsal, we did the thing where I murder the guy with the shovel and it was just a joke, and we were like "Gretas not going to let me murder someone in the movie." And its in the movie!'

Affleck isn't the only big name who nearly appeared in the film - Dany Levy, Ben Platt, and Bowen Yang were also unable to join the cast.

A majority of the film was shot in London, but the three were unable to commit to spending three months in the city.

'They were, Im not kidding, really bummed they couldnt do it,' Barbie casting director Allison Jones told Vanity Fair.

The film was a smash success and is now up for eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera and Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling.

Cera revealed Affleck was set to appear in the film's fight scene

He didn't elaborate what role he would have played in the battle

The film recently sparked controversy after Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig failed to receive individual Oscar nods

But lead Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were both snubbed for individual Oscar nominations, and controversy erupted.

Gosling subsequently released a statement expressing his disappointment over the snubs, writing, 'There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film.'

Margot broke her silence after the nominations controversy earlier this month at a SAG-AFTRA panel discussion.

Robbie played the eponymous Barbie doll whose life changes after she enters the real world

'Theres no way to feel sad when you know youre this blessed,' she began, adding she was 'beyond ecstatic' with the film's eight Oscar nominations.

'Everyone getting the nods that they've had is just incredible, and the best picture nod,' she continued.

'People's reactions to the movie have been the biggest reward of this entire experience,' she added.

'I can't think of a time when a movie's had this effect on culture. And it's amazing to be in the eye of the storm.'
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have amicably settled their divorce six months after their shock split following a seven year marriage.

The Colombian actress, 51 and the actor, 47, who split because he wanted kids and she didn't - went their separate ways in July 2023, announcing the news with a joint statement.

They wed with a pre-nup in place and according to new documents obtained by TMZ this means the pair will each get to keep the assets they accumulated individually over the course of their marriage.

The pair will not pay spousal support as both of them waived any right to alimony.

Both Sofia and Joe have moved on with Joe dating Caitlin O'Connor and Sofia seeing Dr Justin Saliman.

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have amicably settled their divorce six months after their shock split following a seven year marriage

The Colombian actress, 51 and the actor, 47, who split because he wanted kids and she didn't - went their separate ways in July 2023, announcing the news with a joint statement (pictured March 2023)

This comes after Sofia opened up about why her seven-year marriage to Joe ended.

Speaking to the Spanish publication El Pais, the star revealed that her ex-husband wanted kids and she did not.

The Colombian-bred beauty said plainly: 'My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didnt want to be an old mom.'

She explained to the outlet, 'I feel its not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but thats not for me anymore.'

Mentioning her son Manolo from her first marriage to high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, she noted, 'I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and Im ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. So, if love comes along, he has to come with [his own] children.'

The bombshell America's Got Talent judge was candid about where she is in life.

'Im almost in menopause; its the natural way of things,' she stated.

'When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then Ill give it back to him and go on with my life; thats what I have to do,' Vergara emphasized.

She and Joe announced their divorce in a joint statement shared with Page Six last July.

They said: 'We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.'

Only two days after announcing their split, the True Blood actor filed for divorce and listed their date of separation as July 2.

The reason for the end of their marriage was cited as 'irreconcilable differences.'

In the wake of their separation, Sofia has busied herself with new love interest Justin Saliman, an orthopedic surgeon.

The Colombian-bred beauty said plainly, 'My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didnt want to be an old mom'

In the wake of her separation from Joe, Sofia has busied herself with new love interest Justin Saliman, an orthopedic surgeon

For his part, Joe has moved on with 34-year-old actress Caitlin O'Connor

In late October she and the doctor were first spotted together on a night out in West Hollywood.

For his part, Joe has moved on with 34-year-old Winning Time actress Caitlin O'Connor.

Sofia kicked off her week in Miami doing press for her upcoming Netflix limited series Griselda, about Colombian drug cartel leader Griselda Blanco.

During her chat with El Pais, she said: 'Griselda was a very badass woman Women are not saints, [theyre not] perfect.

'The interesting and complex thing is that this woman had children, friends, employees. She was loyal to some and implacable with others. She degenerated [as a result of] power, fear, ambition and insecurities. Just like a man. No more, no less.'
Irina Shayk balanced work with motherhood on Friday as she seamlessly went from runway model to doting mom.

The 38-year-old headed to spend time with daughter Lea, six, after walking the Helmut Lang runway show during New York Fashion Week.

Irina modeled an orange HL jacket with a high collar and black accents as she left the show.

She looked sporty and chic as she pulled her rich, brunette locks back into a fuss-free low ponytail.

The mother-of-one, who shares her daughter with Bradley Cooper, added black sunglasses and big hoop earrings.

Irina Shayk balanced work with motherhood on Friday as she seamlessly went from runway model to doting mom

The 38-year-old headed to spend time with daughter Lea, six, after walking the Helmut Lang runway show during New York Fashion Week

Irina was spotted getting her daughter an ice cream cone from a truck

Irina's fierce look continued with black tights, cut-off black shorts, and thigh-high black leather boots.

The heeled footwear added inches to her 5ft10in frame.

She joined her daughter, who contrasted her look in a light pink outfit that included a floral print dress.

The youngster, who made her film debut in her dad's movie Maestro, wore ribbed white stockings.

And Lea finished her outfit with a pair of baby pink booties as she kept warm in a soft pink and ivory coat.

The little girl's long blonde hair was worn in pigtails and she carried a dark backpack.

Irina bustled through a crowd of fans before getting to her daughter and purchasing an ice cream cone for her.

She beamed as she stood in front of an ice cream truck and handed her mini-me the sweet treat.

Irina modeled an orange HL jacket with a high collar and black accents as she left the show

She looked sporty and chic as she pulled her rich, brunette locks back into a fuss-free low ponytail

It comes after nearly two months ago Bradley brought along Lea as a special date to the Los Angeles premiere of his film Maestro.

The 48-year-old actor was a proud dad as Lea made her first-ever red carpet appearance.

She looked adorable in a leopard print Dolce & Gabbana dress teamed with sparkly gold ballet flats.

The young star, who favors her father with her blue eyes and blonde locks, held hands with her movie star parent as they walked the red carpet.

Lea appears in the film as a younger version of Maya Hawke's character Jamie Bernstein, according to IMDb.

Shayk did not attend the premiere, but she showed support on social media.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, where she entertains 23.3 million followers, she uploaded two photos back-to-back.

The first was a promotional black and white Maestro poster, under which she wrote, 'Congrats @maestrofilm So proud Daddy and Lea.'

The second image showed the back of Lea's head as she sat in a dark theater while the name 'Lea pictures,' Cooper's production company, was illuminated on the screen.

Before switching into mom mode, Shayk wore an orange and black look as she stormed the runway

Little Lea made her film debut last year in her father's buzzed-about movie Maestro

The Silver Linings Playbook actor revealed to Access Hollywood that he had an 'amazing' time working with his daughter on the movie.

He even went as far as referring to Lea's part in the feature as a 'role' rather than a 'cameo.'

'I wouldn't say cameo,' he said with as he laughed. 'I wouldn't wanna disrespect her  it's a role.' When asked how special it was to share the experience with her, he answered, 'It was amazing. Yeah, it was incredible.'

Cooper and Shayk dated from 2015-2019. He is now in a relationship with model Gigi Hadid as Irina romances Tom Brady.
Martin Donovan has been cast to portray Donald Trump's father, Fred Trump Sr., in the upcoming biographical film titled, The Apprentice, per Deadline.

Production for the project commenced late last year in Toronto and the 66-year-old actor was briefly seen on set stepping into the shoes of Donald's late father last month in January.

Donovan is no stranger to the big screen, and is known for starring in movies such as Trust (1990) and The Book Of Life (1998). He has also appeared in television series including Ghost Whisperer and Weeds.

Sebastian Stan is taking on the role of a young Donald Trump, while Maria Bakalova is portraying his first wife, Ivana Trump. Succession star, Jeremy Strong, has also been cast to play disgraced lawyer, Roy Cohn.

The film initially had the title of The Student, and a set release date has yet to be announced due to the movie still being in its production stages.

Martin Donovan, 66, has been cast to portray Donald Trump's father, Fred Trump Sr., in the upcoming biographical film titled, The Apprentice, per Deadline; seen in 2020 in L.A.

Production for the project commenced late last year in Toronto and the actor was briefly seen on set stepping into the shoes of Donald's late father last month in January; Donald Trump seen with Fred Trump Sr. in 1988

Fred Trump Sr. was born in October 1905 in The Bronx, New York and passed away at the age of 93 in June 1999.

In the 1920s, he began working in home construction before taking on a role in the real estate development business that was owned by his parents.

At the beginning, Fred built single-family homes located in Queens before the company's success skyrocketed into constructing larger apartment buildings as well as shopping centers.

In 1936, he married Mary Anne MacLeod, and they welcomed five children, including Donald, Maryanne, Robert, Fred Jr. as well as Elizabeth.

In 1971, his son Donald was named president of the company - which he began calling the Trump Organization while his father took on a role as chairman.

While his son mainly worked in Manhattan, Fred stuck to boroughs such as Queens and Brooklyn. The upcoming film is set to follow Donald's career in the 70s and 80s.

The official premise, per Variety, is, 'an exploration of power and ambition set in a world of corruption and deceit. It's a mentor-protege story that charts the origins of an American dynasty.'

'Filled with larger than life characters, it reveals the moral and human cost of a culture defined by winners and losers.'

Donovan is no stranger to the big screen, and is known for starring in movies such as Trust (1990) and The Book Of Life (1998). He has also appeared in television series including Ghost Whisperer and Weeds; seen in 2019 in L.A.

In 1936, he married Mary Anne MacLeod, and they welcomed five children, including Donald (second on far right), Maryanne, Robert, Fred Jr. as well as Elizabeth (seen above)

Ali Abbasi is directing the feature and is known for working on a variety of other projects, such as HBO's The Last Of Us as well as Shelley (2016).

Gabriel Sherman wrote the screenplay and is known for penning the novel titled, The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News  and Divided a Country.

The book notably was the inspiration behind the series called, The Loudest Voice (2019), which starred Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and Sienna Miller.

The show garnered numerous award nominations and Crowe received a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television Film in 2020.

Sebastian Stan is taking on the role of a young Donald Trump, while Maria Bakalova is portraying his first wife, Ivana Trump; Stan seen earlier this month in Los Angeles

Ali Abbasi is directing the feature and is known for working on a variety of other projects, such as HBO's The Last Of Us as well as Shelley (2016); Donald Trump seen in 1987 in NYC

Filming for The Apprentice began late last year in December, with Sebastian Stan transforming into a young Donald Trump while wearing a bouffant blonde wig.

The Pam & Tommy actor additionally sported a pin-striped, tailored suit as well as a long, black overcoat while shooting a scene outdoors in the chilly weather.

He could be seen sitting on a park bench eating a quick lunch as a light flurry of snow fell down around him.

And earlier last month, Stan was spotted on set once again and was joined by both Maria Bakalova and Martin Donovan while filming a funeral scene at a cemetery also in Toronto.
Emmerdale have surprised fans with the return of a beloved character, over a year after she departed the soap.

Fan favourite Vanessa Woodfield returned to the show at the end of Friday night's episode, to help her best friend, Rhona.

Michelle Hardwick, 47, who plays Vanessa, has been away from the soap for 14 months after she and her wife Kate Brooks, 40, had a daughter, Betty in November 2022.

Vanessa left the Yorkshire Dales with her son Johnny, for a dream job in Canada after she split from her girlfriend Suzy Merton, who is played by Martelle Edinborough.

Yet whilst she was away, Rhona became embroiled in a horrific custody battle with her ex-husband Gus Malcolms and their daughter Ivy.

Fan favourite Vanessa Woodfield returned to Emmerdale at the end of Friday nights episode, to help her best friend, Rhona

This week saw Charity Dingle urge Rhona to fight for her daughter, inspired by her own regrets with son Ryan, as Gus threatened to relocate Ivy to France.

In shocking scenes during Friday night's episode, Rhona decided to listen to Charity's advice and flee her family home with Ivy, seeking sanctuary in a secluded cottage instead.

Despite tensions building and the threat of police involvement looming, Rhona continued to ignore her husband Marlon and mother Mary's phone calls.

However, in an unexpected twist, Vanessa - who had a stormy relationship for three years with Charity Dingle - knocks on her door accompanied by her son Johnny.

Speaking of Vanessa's anguish upon her comeback, Michelle told Metro: 'She had no idea that she'd run off with the baby and essentially kidnap the child.'

She added: 'It's a massive shock to Vanessa because first of all she's thinking 'what the heck are you [Rhona] doing?.

'There's all blind panic going through her because she's like 'hang on, I'm here now, am I an accomplice? Am I gonna get done as well? What's gonna happen to Johnny?'

Rhona who is going through a custody battle is hiding away with her daughter Ivy in a secluded cottage and ignoring the threat of the outside world

Vet Vanessa left the Yorkshire Dales with her son Johnny, for a dream job in Canada has been away for 14 months

Away from the soap, Michelle married producer Kate at Elvis' home Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee in 2019

Michelle married wife Kate back in 2019, after the pair met on the soap - which Kate is a producer on.

They share two-year-old son Teddy, who was born in October 2020 and daughter Betty, who was born in 2022.

Michelle, who previously starred in Heartbeat spin-off The Royal, came out publicly in 2013.
Tim Davies was left very red-faced when he had his trousers pulled down in a shocking moment on live television.

The Today show weather presenter, 40, was presenting his live cross from the Gold Coast on Friday morning, where he spoke to a group of locals about Ian Grace's call to ban thong bikinis.

Gold Coast resident Ian recently sparked outrage for writing a letter calling for the bikinis to be banned from Aussie beaches because it makes him 'uncomfortable'.

A group of residents have responded to his controversial call with their own #It'sPeachy campaign as they gathered on the beach in thong swimwear in protest.

However, a very embarrassing moment saw one of the women, named Bianca, trying to get Tim involved and unexpectedly 'dacked' him, to his complete shock.

Tim Davies was left very red-faced when he had his trousers pulled down in a shocking moment on live television

Two women, Bianca and Rebecca, spoke for the group as they energetically told Tim about why they disagree with a ban on thong bikinis on beaches in the Gold Coast.

Bianca said: 'This is the Gold Coast, this is the land of the G-string!'

Rebecca added: 'I think the conversation is so much wider. He brought up the children and our young girls in society, we do need to teach them what's appropriate and what's not, but that starts in the home, and a bikini blanket ban was never going to be the solution!'

Bianca then started a chant as she said: 'What do we want to free?' with the group replying, 'The peach', before she said: 'When do we want to free it?', with the others chanting 'Now!'.

As Tim turned to speak to co-hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic in the studio, a woman Bianca unexpectedly pulled his shorts down, leaving the presenter very red-faced. Protecting his modesty, Tim said: 'Woah, hey, hey, hey! Jesus Bianca, you'll free more than the peach!'

The Today show weather presenter, 40, was presenting his live cross from the Gold Coast on Friday morning, where he spoke to a group of locals about Ian Grace's call to ban thong bikinis

But as Tim turned to speak to co-hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic in the studio, Bianca unexpectedly pulled his shorts down, leaving the presenter very red-faced.

Protecting his modesty, Tim said: 'Woah, hey, hey, hey! Jesus Bianca, you'll free more than the peach, my goodness me!'

Sarah looked completely shocked as she said: 'Oh dear, oh dear, I think you need to repurpose that cowboy hat Tim!' while Karl pretended to be reading the newspaper.

An embarrassed Tim then said: 'Jesus, it's quite dangerous around Bianca, my goodness me. Freeing more than the peach this morning!'

He then tried to recover from the shocking prank as he asked the group to give 'big waves' to the cameras and ended the segment.

Sarah looked completely shocked as she said: 'Oh dear, oh dear, I think you need to repurpose that cowboy hat Tim!' while Karl pretended to be reading the newspaper

Tim tried to recover from the shocking prank as he asked the group to give 'big waves' to the cameras and ended the segment

The segment about G-string bikinis comes after Ian Grace recently wrote a letter calling for the bikinis to be banned from Aussie beaches.

The founder and president of local charity Youth Music Venture sparked outrage as he said thong bikinis made him 'uncomfortable' and 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, sparking a huge public debate and backlash.

'And I absolutely believe that the real issue here is the men who might be ogling the girls.'

Gold Coast resident Ian recently sparked outrage for writing a letter calling for bikinis to be banned from Aussie beaches because it makes him 'uncomfortable'

'If not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach,' he went on.

'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.'

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 learned 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.'
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed Kanye West and said that the rapper will not be welcomed in the state.

Addressing the 46-year-old hip hop artist's proposed tour planned for 2025, the Premier expressed her scepticism about a Melbourne show.

Last year, rumours circulated that West intended to visit Melbourne to meet the family of his wife, Bianca Censori. However, doubts arose regarding his ability to obtain a visa to enter Australia after his slew of anti-Semitic remarks.

'This individual has a long history of not just making offensive comments, but making deeply antisemitic ones as well,' Premier Allan said.

'That individual and those comments have no place in Victoria.'

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed Kanye West (pictured) and said that the rapper will not be welcomed in the state.

The politician claimed that Victorian residents would largely be on her side.

'I don't think that individual will be particularly welcome either. We are a state that is proud of our great diversity,' she added.

However, the Premier stated that granting West's entry into the country was a matter for the Federal Government.

The Premier expressed her scepticism about a Melbourne show: 'This individual has a long history of not just making offensive comments, but making deeply antisemitic ones as well,' Premier Allan said. Pictured: Jacinta Allan

Last year, rumours circulated that West intended to visit Melbourne to meet the family of his wife, Bianca Censori . However, doubts arose regarding his ability to obtain a visa to enter Australia after his slew of anti-Semitic remarks

'I don't think that individual will be particularly welcome either. We are a state that is proud of our great diversity,' the Premier added

'Given the power around visas sits with the federal government, Im not going to cut across their decision making,' she said.

West has a documented history of antisemitism and last year lost out on several 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.

West is married to Australian Bianca Censori (seen above in May 2023)

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 talk show host Alex Jones in early December, Kanye praised Hitler for his 'redeeming qualities.'

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.

Kanye and his wife Bianca were accused of public indecency by Italian authorities last August
She's long been known to stun with her showstopping looks.

And AJ Odudu showed off her incredible figure in a pink feathered mini dress while appearing on the penultimate episode of Michael McIntyre's Big Show.

The Big Brother presenter, 35, showed off her toned legs and arms in the halterneck dress with a feathered neckline.

AJ posed for snaps backstage before making her appearance on the show as part of the amusing segment Send To All.

Send To All is a segment of the show where Michael takes a celebrity's phone and sends an embarrassing text to all their contacts.

AJ Odudu, 35, looked incredible in a feathered pink mini dress on the penultimate episode of Michael McIntyre's Big Show series seven on BBC One on Friday night

The Big Brother presenter showed off her toned legs and arms in the halter neck dress with a very fluffy neckline

She posed in a dark blue velvety chair backstage before jumping into action on set in the theatre box for Send To All

In the upcoming episode, which will air on Saturday, Michael tells AJ's contacts that she had a dream she saw them in Blackpool, much to her distress.

Big Show is filmed at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane and features a host of celebrity guests each episode.

Michael, 47, has presented all 43 episodes of the show. Its first episode premiered on Christmas Day in 2015.

Just hours before, AJ put on a sizzling display in a blue bikini in stunning holiday snaps from her trip to Jamaica.

It comes just weeks before Celebrity Big Brother is expected to return for series 23, its first series since 2018.

Last week, AJ Odudu gave fans a glimpse at the Celebrity Big Brother eye ahead of the start of the new series on March 4.

Show fans took to social media to claim the television presenter had posted a black and white snap of the eye logo in a now-deleted Instagram Story.

The pictured showed the logo, similar to last year's civilian version with the eye surrounded by emojis, in a tunnel reminiscent of the entranceway to the Big Brother house which featured in the 2023 reboot series.

Michael McIntyre's Big Show airs on Saturday at 6:50pm on BBC One.

On Friday night, during the show's Send To All segment, Michael told AJ's contacts that she had a dream she saw them in Blackpool, much to her comedic distress
Brad Pitt attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with girlfriend Ines de Ramon on Thursday night.

The actor, 60, attended the film festival to help honor his pal Bradley Cooper with the outstanding performer of the year award.

Brad and Ines, 34, were seated next to each other at the event - which took place at Arlington Theater - as seen in Hello! magazine.

Brad Pitt attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with girlfriend Ines de Ramon on Thursday night

The couple sat behind Bradley and his Maestro co-star Carey Mulligan.

According to Hello! Ines had her hand on Brad's thigh for most of the event, with the couple laughing and chatting with each other.

A source told People: 'He seemed to be in very good spirits onstage when he presented the award to Bradley and poked fun at his friend, joking that he was just here for the free trip to Santa Barbara.'

Brad donned a brown pantsuit and button up shirt while Ines wore a blue turtleneck dress.

Brad and Ines were first linked in November 2022 after they were spotted at a Bono concert.

They were seen two months after Ines separated from her husband Paul Wesley after three years of marriage.

He took her to his Babylon premiere in December 2022, followed by birthday celebrations, New Year's Eve together and a trip to Paris.

They also were together to ring in Brad's 60th birthday in December.

His sighting at the festival however came just two days after Brad was accused of 'volatile' behavior on the set of his 1994 film Legends of The Fall by the project's director - Ed Zwick.

The actor, 60, attended the film festival to help honor his pal Bradley Cooper with the outstanding performer of the year award

Brad and Bradley pictured during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Brad and Ines, 34, were seated next to each other at the event - which took place at Arlington Theater - as seen in Hello! magazine

Brad and Ines were first linked in November 2022 after they were spotted at a Bono concert

They were seen two months after Ines separated from her husband Paul Wesley after three years of marriage, seen in 2019

In an excerpt from his new memoir, 'Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood', Zwick, 71, discussed his rocky relationship with Pitt.

The filmmaker wrote that Pitt 'can be volatile when riled', as per excerpt published by Vanity Fair, and 'would get edgy whenever he was about to shoot a scene that required him to display deep emotion.'

He recalled one of their on set 'dustups' writing: 'I dont know who yelled first, who swore, or who threw the first chair. Me, maybe? But when we looked up, the crew had disappeared. And this wasn't the last time it happened.'

Pitt was cast in the role of Tristan Ludlow after Tom Cruise dropped out, though his agent allegedly called Zwick after the first table read 'to say Brad wanted to quit.'

Producer Marshall Herskovitz eventually convinced him to stay.

'It was the first augury of the deeper springs of emotion roiling inside Brad. He seems easygoing at first, but he can be volatile when riled, as I was to be reminded more than once as shooting began and we took each other's measure, ' Zwick wrote.

'Sometimes, no matter how experienced or sensitive you are as a director, things just aren't working.'

'His ideas about Tristan differed from mine,' Zwick went on.

'Brad had grown up with men who held their emotions in check; I believed the point of the [Legends of the Fall] novel was that a man's life was the sum of his griefs... Yet the more I pushed Brad to reveal himself, the more he resisted. So, I kept pushing and Brad pushed back.'

He recalled on instance when he gave Pitt a direction in front of the crew, which he admitted was 'a stupid, shaming provocation.'

'Brad came back at me, also out loud, telling me to back off. The considered move would have been to tell the crew to take five and for the two of us to talk it out. But I was feeling bloody-minded, and not about to relent.'

His sighting at the festival however came just two days after Brad was accused of 'volatile' behavior on the set of his 1994 film Legends of The Fall by the project's director - Ed Zwick; Brad seen in a still from Legends Of The Fall

He recalled one of their on set 'dustups' writing they allegedly 'yelled, swore and threw chairs' and that it 'wasn't the last time it happened'; (L-R) Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz and Pitt in 2015

'I was angry at Brad for not trusting me to influence his performance. Also for the reluctance hed shown after the first table read. Who knows, I might even have been acting out my own inability to be vulnerable.'

'But Brad wasnt about to give in without a fight. In his defense, I was pushing him to do something he felt was either wrong for the character, or more "emo" than he wanted to appear onscreen.'

He then detailed a moment where they allegedly yelled, swore and threw chairs.

'Eventually the crew grew accustomed to our dustups and would walk away and let us have it out. "We hate it when the parents fight," said one.'

Zwick shared that though they would 'blowup' at each other, they would later 'make up and mean it.'

The director went on to state that Pitt is 'a forthright, straightforward person, fun to be with and capable of great joy. He was never anything less than fully committed to doing his best.

When the film was completed and Zwick shared the final cut with the actor, he wrote that Pitt 'wasn't pleased' and 'felt I'd underplayed his character's madness.'

Legends of the Fall had Pitt starring opposite Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond and Henry Thomas, and was based on Jim Harrison's novella.

Though he is known for his laid-back public persona, Pitt has previously been accused of volatile behavior by ex-wife Angelina Jolie, 48; Brad and Angelina pictured snuggling up January 7, 2008 at the 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica

The movie stars, who met in 2004 while filming Mr. And Mrs. Smith, share six children together: sons Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Knox, 15, and daughters Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and Vivienne, 15; seen as a family in Tokyo on November 8, 2011

The film, which was nominated for three Academy Awards and won for cinematography, follows three brothers and their father living on the plains of Montana in the early 20th century.

Though he is known for his laid-back public persona, Pitt has previously been accused of volatile behavior by ex-wife Angelina Jolie, 48.

The movie stars, who met in 2004 while filming Mr. And Mrs. Smith, share six children together: sons Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Knox, 15, and daughters Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and Vivienne, 15.

Jolie adopted Maddox in 2002, then Zahara in 2005, a year after she'd met Pitt while the pair filmed Mr and Mrs Smith. He was married to Jennifer Aniston at the time.

They then adopted Pax together in 2007, and had biological kids Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne afterwards. Pitt adopted all of the kids before they got married in 2014.

They married in August 2014 after 10 years together but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016.

At the time, Angelina chose to file 'for the health of the family,' according to the Associated Press, and asked for physical custody of the children.

They were declared single by a judge in 2019 but their divorce remains ongoing.
Sharon Osbourne joined her husband Ozzy Osbourne in calling out Kanye West for using an unauthorized sample of a Black Sabbath song.

The drama began after the British rock star said he wants 'no association' with West, who has a long history of making antisemitic comments, following a listening party for the rapper's upcoming Vultures album, which features a snippet of Ozzy's band's hit War Pigs.

Sharon, whose father Don Arden was Jewish, said that the couple fired off a cease and desist to Kanye, per her interview with TMZ on Friday.

'Kanye f****d with the wrong Jew this time,' she added.

The former host of The Talk clarified that Kanye's team requested permission to use the sample three weeks ago. However, her husband, who typically approves such requests, responded with a firm 'absolutely not'.

Sharon Osbourne joined her husband Ozzy Osbourne in calling out Kanye West for using an unauthorized sample of a Black Sabbath son; pictured in 2023

The drama began after the British rock star said he wants 'no association' with West, who has a long history of making antisemitic comments , following a listening party for the rapper's upcoming Vultures album, which features a snippet of Ozzy's band's hit War Pigs; pictured in 2012

Sharon told the outlet that Kanye 'represents hate,' and that he's a 'disrespectful antisemite,' therefore Ozzy had a 'special f***ing occasion to say no.'

After reiterating that the Osbourne famliy wants nothing to do with Kanye, she added: 'the motherf***er's a pig.'

Sharon's epic clap back comes after Ozzy took to Twitter to slam the Grammy winner and denounce him for the pain he has caused the Jewish community.

'@kanyewest ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF 'WAR PIG' FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY,' Osbourne wrote on X (previously known as Twitter).

He continued: 'HE WENT AHEAD AND USED THE SAMPLE ANYWAY AT HIS ALBUM LISTENING PARTY LAST NIGHT. I WANT NO ASSOCIATION WITH THIS MAN!'

DailyMail.com has contacted reps for West for comment, but has not heard back.

Oddly enough, Osbourne and his wife dressed as West and Bianca Censori last year for Halloween.

West took to Instagram on Friday to poke fun at Ozzy by posting a snap of the pair in their Halloween costumes.

Sharon was spotted out in LA amid the Kanye drama

Sharon, whose father Don Arden was Jewish, said that the couple fired off a cease and desist to Kanye; pictured in 2015

'Kanye f****d with the wrong Jew this time,' she added; pictured in 2023

The former host of The Talk clarified that Kanye's team requested permission to use the sample three weeks ago. However, her husband, who typically approves such requests, responded with a firm 'absolutely not'

'He obviously has a celebrity handler who's on his account,' Kanye captioned it.

On Thursday, the livestream for West's album listening party was cut off after he referred to himself in a song as a 'crazy, bipolar, anti-Semite.'

After that lyric the feed on streaming service Veeps cut to black and went silent as the star was apparently censored.

West has a documented history of anti-Semitism 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.

His title track Vultures also included the vile lyric: 'How am I anti-Semitic? I just f****d a Jewish b***h.'

'@kanyewest ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF 'WAR PIG' FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY,' Osbourne wrote on X (previously known as Twitter)

Oddly enough, Osbourne and his wife (pictured in October 2023) dressed as West and Bianca Censori last year for Halloween

West took to Instagram on Friday to claim the post from Ozzy was written by a 'celebrity handler' and posted a snap of the pair in their Halloween costumes

Fans were also left baffled online after West - who had heavily teased his album was coming on February 9 - failed to drop it.

One X user wrote: 'Where is that album?', 'bro lied again' and '$20 to see Kanye trying to find aux whole stream and then forgets to drop the album.'

West announced an NYC event for his upcoming album Vultures previously - and shared a bizarre clip from the lead single's controversial music video.

The rapper shared a post which read 'Vultures UBS Arena New York 02 09 24.;

The star then shared a video clip of 'VULTURES (Havoc Version) created by Jon Rafman' which featured post-apocalyptic scenes, a masked Kanye brandishing a gun and a burning church.

Kanye 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.

On Thursday, the livestream for West's album listening party was cut off after he referred to himself in a song as a 'crazy, bipolar, anti-Semite'

Fans were also left baffled online after West - who had heavily teased his album was coming on February 9 - failed to drop

West announced an NYC event for his upcoming album Vultures previously - and shared a bizarre clip from the lead single's controversial music video

The rapper, who has come under fire for Vultures' anti-Semitic lyrics, shared a post which read 'Vultures UBS Arena New York 02 09 24.'

The star then shared a video clip of 'VULTURES (Havoc Version) created by Jon Rafman' which featured post-apocalyptic scenes, a masked Kanye brandishing a gun and a burning church

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 and Sucker for Pain hitmaker, 41, also shared an image, which read: 'Vultures United Center Chicago 02 08 24.'

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.

The video featured bizarre religious imagery and shots of Kanye with a weapon

'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.

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.'

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'

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 earlier this month

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.
Kendall Jenner gave fans a look at her latest college tour to promote her brand 818 Tequila this week on Instagram.

The model, 28, visited three college towns in the United States and partied with students in an effort to raise the public profile of her spirits company.

In the video, Jenner - who recently partied with Hailey Bieber - first made her way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she stopped by a local bar.

The runway maven received an enthusiastic welcome from swarms of college students as she took shoots and poured margaritas.

Jenner then headed to Athens, Georgia, where she visited a local club and led the attendees in a chant in support of the University of Georgia's Bulldogs.

Kendall Jenner gave fans a look at her latest college tour to promote her brand 818 Tequila this week on Instagram

The model, 28, visited three college towns in the United States and partied with students in an effort to raise the public profile of her spirits company

The social media powerhouse then surprised several fans by showing up at a house party with boxes of pizza and a sizable bottle of 818 Tequila.

The final portion of the video followed Jenner as she visited Gainesville, Florida, where she poured several drinks during a trip to a local bar.

The reality television figure was also signed merchandise for patrons.

She wrote a short message in her post's caption to thank the students who had attended her promotional events 'for all the love and support.'

Jenner initially launched 818 Tequila in 2021, and she has since appeared in numerous promotional videos and photos for her brand.

The model's first college tour for her company took place in October of last year, and she visited several locations in the Midwest in order to raise 818 Tequila's public profile.

The entrepreneur spoke about her brand during an interview with Harper's Bazaar Australia and opened up about what drew her to the tequila business.

'I grew up in California, and my family always had an interest in tequila. I was fascinated by the history of sipping tequila and the production that went into it,' she said.

In the video, Jenner - who recently partied with Hailey Bieber - first made her way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she stopped by a local bar

The social media powerhouse went on to surprise several of her fans by showing up at a house party with boxes of pizza and a sizable bottle of 818 Tequila

The final portion of the video followed Jenner as she visited Gainesville, Florida, where she poured several drinks during a trip to a local bar

Jenner then stated that she set out to start a spirits brand that would appeal to younger audiences.

'I wanted to create something that resonated differently, with a high level of quality that spoke to a new generation of tequila consumers,' she said.

The model also expressed that she intended for 818 Tequila to set a new standard for female-owned liquor companies.

'I felt that the market was historically male-dominated  if you look at labels and marketing campaigns from other brands in years past, there are a lot of similarities. I wanted to craft something that could appeal to everyone,' she stated.
Rebecca Judd has shared a glamorous glimpse inside her whirlwind trip in New York City.

The AFL WAG, 41, shared a post on Instagram over the weekend showing her time in the Big Apple, sponsored by Luxury Escapes.

Bec wore shimmering red-orange backless gown with hood, enjoying the atmosphere of the Hyatt Grand Central New York, as well as other sights in the city.

She was also shown enjoying a luxurious buffet, and later a few Cosmopolitan cocktails with girlfriends in a high-end bar.

Later, the mother of two shared a story of herself being photographed outside an event for Prada.

Rebecca Judd has shared a glamorous glimpse into a whirlwind trip to New York City. Pictured

The AFL WAG, 41, shared a post on Instagram over the weekend showing her time in the Big Apple, sponsored by Luxury Escapes

As she posed for the cameras on the sidewalk, Bec wore a slinky black backless dress.

Her hair was worn down and straight, flowing down her shoulders and bare back.

Over the footage, the WAG wrote that the dress was designed by Melbourne designer Effie Katsaounis.

Bec is seen in a stunning, red-orange backless gown with hood, enjoying the atmosphere of the Hyatt Grand Central New York, as well as other sights in the city

She was also shown enjoying a luxurious buffet, and later a few Cosmopolitans with girlfriends in a high-end bar

On Wednesday, the influencer shared photos of herself sitting in business class on an Air Canada flight to Vancouver.

The wife of former Carlton star Chris Judd explained she was briefly stopping off in the Canadian city before flying over to New York.

Rebecca posted a smiling photograph of herself getting the top tier treatment while relaxing in her luxury Signature Class pod.

Later, the mother of two shared a story of herself being photographed outside an event for Prada. As she posed for the cameras on the sidewalk, Bec wore a slinky black dress that was also backless

Her hair was worn down and straight, flowing down her shoulders and bare back. Over the footage, the WAG wrote that the dress was designed by Melbourne designer Effie Katsaounis

She shared a glimpse of the comfortable pod set-up on the 17-hour flight, which featured a large TV and plenty of foot room.

Rebecca also joked that it was 'good' to be flying without her kids Oscar, 12, Billie, nine, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, six, as she headed on her child-free travels.

Smiling for a selfie, she wrote: 'I feel so lucky to be embarking on this journey with @aircanada. I am flying to Vancouver for a short stopover and on to New York.

Rebecca Judd gave an insight into her very lavish life as an influencer as she enjoyed another sponsored overseas trip this week. On Wednesday, the AFL WAG, 41, shared photos of herself sitting in business class on an Air Canada flight to Vancouver

Rebecca posted a smiling photograph of herself getting the top tier treatment while relaxing in her luxury Signature Class pod

'No need to recheck bags. Unfortunately for me, there's no time to scoot up the mountain for a Whistler ski but definitely next time. Oh and how good is flying sans kids #ad.'

Rebecca frequently gives fans glimpses into her globe-trotting adventures on Instagram, and many of her trips are sponsored.

In September, she shared a gallery of bikini snaps and videos from her very luxurious stay at Dubai's famous Atlantis The Royal beach resort in an advertised post.

She had jetted there with her husband Chris for his birthday, and wrote in one post at the time: 'Cloud 22 Dubai you are BREATHTAKING!

'The epicentre and heart of @atlantistheroyal, Cloud 22 is a sky pool which serves delicious food and drinks, perfectly mixed tunes and sweeping views over The Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Sea. #ad #Atlantistheroyal.'

Rebecca frequently gives fans glimpses into her globe-trotting adventures on Instagram, and many of her trips are sponsored (pictured in Dubai)

Rebecca and her former Carlton star husband Chris stayed at Dubai's famous Atlantis The Royal hotel for his birthday in September, with Rebecca sharing sponsored posts about the trip
Police are reportedly looking into an influencer's sleeping arrangements in regards to her six-week-old son after the baby died in his sleep.

Veruca Salt, whose real name is Kimberley Summer Hartley, revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Tuesday that her six-week-old son Cash had 'died in his sleep' the previous morning.

Now it's believed detectives are looking into the baby's sleeping arrangements before the tragic incident, The Courier-Mail reported.

Police arrived at the 25-year-old's Southport unit this week but detectives have already ruled out suspicious circumstances and are preparing a report for the state coroner.

In response to a Daily Mail Australia query, Queensland Police said: 'Police are preparing a report for the Coroner. What aspects of the death form part of that report are a matter for the State Coroner, and it would be unusual for any particular aspect to be highlighted.'

While the news sparked an outpouring of grief from Veruca's followers, it has also prompted keyboard warriors to take aim at the grieving mum as she tries to come to terms with her devastating loss.

One viewer questioned how the TikTok star was filming and uploading videos to the platform so soon after her son's death. Veruca told the commenter: 'You have no idea'

The 25-year-old hit back at a viewer who questioned how she was able continue filming and uploading videos to the platform in the wake of her newborn's death.

'No hate but I don't know how people can make TikToks just after their kids have died. Like setting up the camera, voiceovers, editing,' the person wrote.

'I would be in bed for weeks, an absolute mess. RIP.'

Veruca fired back on Wednesday night.

READ MORE: Veruca Salt took her newborn baby Cash to hospital after getting a feeling that something was wrong. Doctors said he was fine. Hours later tragedy struck - and police are investigating TikTok star Veruca Salt has revealed her newborn baby boy Cash has died Advertisement

'Your baby is not dead, mine is,' Veruca responded.

'I was literally talking about this with my friends, like it won't take long to do something for people to say "that's not how I would act" from people who are literally imagining how it would be,' she said.

'You have no idea, because your baby is not dead. Mine is, and I found him like that and it's not happening to you.

'And if it was happening to you, you would know that bed is the last place you want to be, because God forbid you f***ing fall asleep.

'Every time you wake up you're going to forget, and you're going to go get your baby and he's not going to be there.

'And you're going to be in somebody else's house, in somebody else's bed because nobody's going to leave you alone.

'And you're not going to want to go home to your bed. You're not going to want to go home at all because your baby is all over the house.

'You have no idea the things that are going on in my head every five seconds.

'I feel insane. I feel crazy. And you don't get it.'

Followers quickly leapt to Veruca's defence and assured her that she didn't have to explain her actions.

'Everyone grieves so different. Please dont ever feel that you have to explain yourself. Dont let people tell you to be strong and stop crying,' one woman wrote.

Another added: 'YOU grieve however you need to. Post 1000 times a day or not at all. F whoever has an issue. No one knows this type of pain unless theyve suffered a loss of this magnitude.'

Veruca said in a TikTok video on Wednesday that she was too afraid to go home because her 'baby is everywhere'. She is pictured with her son Cash, who died on Monday morning

The influencer broke down in a TikTok video earlier on Wednesday (pictured) - two days after Cash died. One of his jumpsuits can be seen in the background

Veruca shared a heartbreaking video of her newborn son Cash smiling at her

It comes just hours after Veruca posted a video of her sobbing into her hands, with one of Cash's jumpsuits seen hanging up in the background.

She captioned the video: 'I knew he was dead but there was a part of me that really thought they were gonna wake him up.'

Earlier on Wednesday, Veruca shared a video of her smiling newborn.

She could be heard saying: 'Oh my gosh, I love you so much. Do you know that? Do you know how much I love you?'

Cash smiled and Veruca laughed with the video captioned with a heartbroken emoji.

On Sunday, Veruca revealed on TikTok that the pair were off on Cash's 'first trip to the hospital' because 'he hasn't pooped in seven days'.

She cradled Cash in her arms as she fawned over the little boy dressed in a jumpsuit adorned with sea animals, pelicans and lighthouses - unaware she was spending her final precious hours with him.

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, whose real name is Kimberley Summer Hartley, shared the sad news on Instagram

Her social media accounts have been flooded with condolence messages after she announced Cash's death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Her social media accounts have been flooded with condolence messages after she announced Cash's death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

'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.'

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.

TikTok star Veruca Salt, 25, revealed her newborn baby boy Cash had died on Monday

Veruca has shared dozens of moments from her first six weeks with Cash, which she described as 'experiencing the purest form of love'

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 shared dozens of moments from her first six weeks with Cash, which she described as 'experiencing the purest form of love'.

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 an apartment 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.

For confidential support call Griefline: 1300 845 745
Advertisement

Sofia Richie stole the spotlight alongside Jasmine Tookes and Shay Mitchell at the Tommy Hilfiger show during New York Fashion Week on Friday.

The Hollywood beauties turned heads in stylish outfits for the runway extravaganza held at NYC's famed Grand Central Oyster Bar.

The new brand ambassador for the label, Sofia, 25, cradled her baby bump in a chic tan trench coat as she arrived to the soiree alongside her handsome husband Elliot Grainge.

Jasmine echoed Sofia's laid-back style by donning her own tan trench coat, while Shay impressed in a black rendition of the coat, adding a leggy display to her ensemble.

The terrific-looking trio led a cavalcade of stars at the soiree, including Sistine Stallone, Jennifer Flavin, Chris Appleton, Justine Skye, Glorilla, Olivia Ponton, Becky G and Anna Wintour.

Sofia Richie stole the spotlight alongside Jasmine Tookes and Shay Mitchell at the Tommy Hilfiger show during New York Fashion Week on Friday.

The new brand ambassador for the label, Sofia, 25, cradled her baby bump in a chic tan trench coat

Jasmine echoed Sofia's laid-back style by donning her own trench coat

Shay impressed in a black rendition of the coat, adding a leggy display to her ensemble

'Were excited to return to our home turfthe birthplace of the brand and the city where it all started,' brand creator Tommy Hilfiger told Daily Front Row ahead of the show.

'Fashion shows generate such amazing energy and really allow us the opportunity to connect and engage with consumers globally across our social platforms.'

The industry icon also spoke about his first-ever New York Fashion Week show.

'Well, in 1985 when I started the brand, there was a menswear group and most of the designers would show just outside of New York City, in Rye,' he explained.

'It was sort of a long weekend of mens fashion shows. So that was one of the first.'

As for his celeb collaborations with the likes of Zendaya. Lewis Hamilton and Gigi Hadid, Tommy said his brand has always been known as 'diverse, inclusive, but always with a dynamic surprise.'

He added: 'When we launched the Zendaya collection, it was incredible. When we launched the Lewis Hamilton collaboration, it was also a game changer.

'I think people want something unique. They want to walk away from a show or an event thinking that it was a memorable and credible experience that theyll never forget.'

Sofia arrived to the soiree alongside her handsome husband Elliot Grainge

Glorilla attends the Tommy Hilfiger show in a cute crop top and khakis

Romee Strijd and Justine Skye showed off their supermodel expertise by posing like pros

Becky G attended the soiree in knee-high leather boots and a short trench coat

Olivia Ponton channeled a school girl outfit for her appearance

It was quite an unforgettable evening as the daughter of music legend Lionel Richie - who is expecting her first child with Elliot - looked incredible during the big night out.

The stunner swept her signature blonde locks up in a bun allowing her natural beauty to take center stage.

Richie's outing comes following news that her legendary father Lionel, 74, is already weighing in on potential baby names and has even banned one.

'You can't call her Lionella,' the four-time Grammy winner joked during an interview with E! News at The Greatest Night in Pop premiere in Los Angeles. 'You know what? I'm gonna leave that to the parents.'

He proceeded to explain that he just plans on being 'that loving Pop-Pop that comes in the door and spoils the child.'

Scream 3 actress Kelly Rutherford was a vision on the red carpet

Sofia Hublitz paired a simple white tank top with a fun overcoat

Lionella, an Italian name that derives from his own first name, means 'little lioness.'

Lionel is already a grandparent to his eldest daughter Nicole Richie's two kids Harlow, 16, and Sparrow, 14.

Last week, Sofia revealed that she is six months pregnant with a baby girl.

'Ive learned more in the past six months than I have in my entire life,' she told Vogue, before noting her little one is a 'Gemini.'

Richie said she found out about her pregnancy 'very, very early', saying: 'I was about four weeks pregnant. I was on a trip to Milan for fashion week, and I was going to the Prada show. I was doing a really quick 24-hour turnaround, and I felt terrible but didn't think much of it. I thought it was jet lag.'

Jennifer Flavin looked every inch the gorgeous model

Sistine Stallone Jenna Lyons were the talk of the town in their chic outfits

Sistine Stallone, Jennifer Flavin and guest posed for the shutterbugs

Sylvester Stallone and wife Jennifer Flavin sat for a photo with their daughters Scarlet Stallone, Sistine Stallone, Sophia Stallone. along with Dee Hilfiger and Tommy Hilfiger

Ahead of going to an Ed Sheeran concert in Los Angeles, she decided to take a pregnancy test due to the couple 'casually trying' for a baby since their wedding.

'When we turned over all three tests at the same time they were all positive. He was so excited, and we both cried. It was crazy and overwhelming and so hard not to scream it from the rooftops. But knowing I was so early, I was so protectiveeven with my friends.'

Sofia and the British record executive waited until the star was eight weeks pregnant before telling their parents - presenting the pregnancy tests in an Hermes box.

Sofia said: 'Watching their reaction go from like, "I'm about to get an expensive present" to like "Im about to get a grandchild" was really sweet.'

Anna Wintour dared to impress in a leather coat at the event

Revealing why she kept her pregnancy under wraps until the third trimester, the star said: 'I wasn't not posting because I felt like I wanted to have this grand announcement.

'There was an anxiety for me about hitting certain milestones [when it came to the pregnancy], and once I passed that 21-week mark, I felt like I was in the safe zone.'

Sofia and Elliot sparked romance speculation in January 2021, just a few months after Sofia and Scott Disick, 40, broke up after dating on and off for almost four years.

Chris Appleton attends the Tommy Hilfiger show looking like he stepped out of a fashion magazine

Damson Idris flashed his megawatt smile on the red carpet

Noah Beck looked handsome in his casual ensemble

Grainge proposed to Sofia in April 2022 and she shared the news on Instagram, captioning the photo: 'Forever isnt long enough @elliot.'

A year later, the couple tied the knot at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France.

The wedding was attended by several celebrity guests including her father, her sister Nicole Richie,42, and her husband Joel Madden, Cameron Diaz, 51, and her husband Benji Madden, as well as Paris Hilton, 42, and her husband Carter Reum.
Kanye West hit out at Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's Halloween costumes on Friday after couple mimicked his wife Bianca Censori's topless cushion look.

During their ongoing explosive feud over an unauthorised Black Sabbath sample, the rapper, 46, shared a series of messages to his Instagram Story.

Replying to a screenshot of Ozzy's most recent Instagram post, Kanye re-shared an old photo of Ozzy and Sharon dressed up as himself and his wife Halloween and implied that they were fans.

He wrote: 'He obviously has a celebrity handler who's on his account,' suggesting that Ozzy did not write the original message himself.

In the photo from October 2023, Sharon could be seen as she stripped off to copy Bianca's infamous topless cushion look from September 2023.

Kanye West, 46, hit out at Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's Halloween costumes on Friday after couple mimicked his wife Bianca Censori's topless cushion look

Australian architect Bianca, 29, caused a stir in Italy by stepping out in just a pair of skin-tight nude pants and a pillow to preserve her modesty.

Sharon then copied the barely-there look, holding a purple cushion in front of herself as she posed alongside Ozzy, who channelled Kanye with a hooded black look.

The drama began after the British rock star said he wants 'no association' with Kanye, following a listening party for the rapper's upcoming Vultures album, which features a snippet of War Pigs.

Ozzy explained how he had denied permission for him to use the song due to his long history of antisemitic comments.

Sharon then joined her husband in calling out Kanye for using the unauthorised sample.

The talk show host, whose father Don Arden was Jewish, said that the couple fired off a cease and desist to Kanye, per her interview with TMZ on Friday.

'Kanye f****d with the wrong Jew this time,' she added.

The TV personality clarified that Kanye's team requested permission to use the sample three weeks ago. However, her husband, who typically approves such requests, responded with a firm 'absolutely not'.

During their ongoing explosive feud over an unauthorised Black Sabbath sample, the rapper, 46, shared a series of messages to his Instagram Story (Kanye pictured in 2020)

Replying to a screenshot of Ozzy's most recent Instagram post, Kanye re-shared an old photo of Ozzy and Sharon dressed up as himself and his wife Halloween and implied they were fans

In the photo from Halloween, Sharon could be seen as she stripped off to copy Bianca's infamous topless cushion look from September 2023 (Kanye and Bianca pictured in September 2023)

Sharon told the outlet that Kanye 'represents hate,' and that he's a 'disrespectful antisemite,' therefore Ozzy had a 'special f***ing occasion to say no.'

After reiterating that the Osbourne family wants nothing to do with Kanye, she added: 'The motherf***er's a pig.'

Sharon's epic clap back comes after Ozzy took to Twitter to slam Kanye and denounce him for the pain he has caused the Jewish community.

'@kanyewest asked permission to sample a section of a 1983 live performance of War Pig from the US festival without vocals and was refused permission because he is an antisemite and has caused untold heartache to many,' Ozzy shared on X.

He continued: 'He went ahead and used the sample anyway at his album listening party last night. I want no association with his man!'

DailyMail.com has contacted reps for West for comment, but has not heard back.

On Thursday, the livestream for West's album listening party was cut off after he referred to himself in a song as a 'crazy, bipolar, anti-Semite.'

After that lyric the feed on streaming service Veeps cut to black and went silent as the star was apparently censored.

West has a documented history of anti-Semitism 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.

His title track Vultures also included the vile lyric: 'How am I anti-Semitic? I just f****d a Jewish b***h.'

The drama began after the British rocker said he wanted 'no association' with Kanye after he sampled War Pigs despite being denied permission

Sharon then joined her husband Ozzy Osbourne in calling out Kanye, saying he 'represents hate,' and that he's a 'disrespectful antisemite'

On Thursday, the livestream for West's album listening party was cut off after he referred to himself in a song as a 'crazy, bipolar, anti-Semite'

Fans were also left baffled online after West - who had heavily teased his album was coming on February 9 - failed to drop it.

One X user wrote: 'Where is that album?', 'bro lied again' and '$20 to see Kanye trying to find aux whole stream and then forgets to drop the album.'

West announced an NYC event for his upcoming album Vultures previously - and shared a bizarre clip from the lead single's controversial music video.

The rapper shared a post which read 'Vultures UBS Arena New York 02 09 24.;

The star then shared a video clip of 'VULTURES (Havoc Version) created by Jon Rafman' which featured post-apocalyptic scenes, a masked Kanye brandishing a gun and a burning church.

Kanye 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.

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 and Sucker for Pain hitmaker, 41, also shared an image, which read: 'Vultures United Center Chicago 02 08 24.'

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.

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.

Kanye shared a video clip of 'VULTURES (Havoc Version) created by Jon Rafman' which featured post-apocalyptic scenes, a masked Kanye brandishing a gun and a burning church

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.'

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.
Giovanni Pernice was seen for the first time amid reports he is dating model Molly Brown, as he stepped out of the Hippodrome in Darlington on Friday.

The Strictly pro dancer, 34, cut a dapper figure as he was greeted by a group of fans waiting outside the venue.

The Italian hunk donned a smart look, including a maroon turtleneck jumper teamed with a black maxi coat and matching trousers.

He was escorted by a personal assistant with an umbrella due to the rainy weather, as he beamed to the crowd on his way out.

It comes after it was revealed Giovanni is reportedly dating stunning British model Molly Brown.

Giovanni Pernice was seen for the first time amid reports he is dating model Molly Brown, as he stepped out of the Hippodrome in Darlington on Friday

The Strictly pro dancer, 34, cut a dapper figure as he was greeted by a group of fans waiting outside the venue

The dancer is believed to have been on numerous dates with the 24-year-old but is 'keeping things quiet' amid his ongoing feud with Amanda Abbington.

A source told The Mirror: 'Giovanni and Molly met a few weeks ago, and though it is very early days, things seem to be going well between them'.

'He has been keeping things quiet because he didn't want too much pressure on as they're getting to know each other'.

Adding: 'But the signs so far seem to be positive and he has let a few of his friends in on the secret. It's very much a case of watch this space.'

While little is known about the model she regularly shares stunning snaps of her lavish lifestyle and exotic holidays to social media.

MailOnline have contacted Giovanni and Molly's representatives for comment.

The Italian dancer has previously dated a whole host of gorgeous stars including Love Island's Maura Higgins, TOWIE's Jess Wright and his former Strictly parter Georgia May Foote.

He was most recently linked to Strictly co-star Jowita Przystal, before reportedly splitting in March 2023 after three months due to their 'hectic work schedules'.

It comes after it was revealed Giovanni is reportedly dating stunning British model Molly Brown, 24

The dancer is believed to have been on numerous dates with the stunner but is 'keeping things quiet' amid his ongoing feud with Amanda Abbington (Molly pictured)

A source said: 'Giovanni and Molly met a few weeks ago, and though it is very early days, things seem to be going well between them'

Adding: 'He has been keeping things quiet because he didn't want too much pressure on as they're getting to know each other'

Giovanni has dated a whole host of gorgeous stars including Love Island's Maura Higgins (pictured), TOWIE's Jess Wright and his former Strictly parter Georgia May Foote

It comes after Giovanni has addressed criticism about his teaching techniques after coming under fire after his 2023 partner Amanda claimed that the show left her with PTSD.

During an appearance on The One Show last month he 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 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.

'There is no point for me when you lose to cry about those things, you are the person who chooses about your future. Nobody else can do it for you, so you have to find a way to make it better.'

Asked whether he ever feels emotionally vulnerable, he responded: 'I stay away from that, the reason why, I think it's a waste of time.

'I think vulnerability is good, it's beautiful but it just doesn't really make sense in my head, because there is always a solution to do better.

'I have got millions of problems, but I always find a way to make things better, I am not one of these people who cry. So vulnerable is not a word I can use to describe myself.'.

It comes after Amanda revealed she was 'sent death threats' by Strictly Come Dancing fans in a new interview.

The star was paired with Giovanni but quit the BBC One programme mid-series last year citing 'personal issues'.

It was then revealed she had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her stint on the show.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Amanda gave her thanks to both her fans and fellow Strictly stars for their support.

She explained: 'I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.'

Amanda continued: 'I'm very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.'

It comes after Giovanni has addressed criticism about his teaching techniques after coming under fire after his 2023 partner Amanda claimed that the show left her with PTSD

Amanda left Strictly during week five in October and failed to return for the final, where eliminated celebrities took part in a group dance

She has two children with her actor ex Martin Freeman, a daughter Grace, 15, and son Joe, 17.

Recently it was claimed the show left her with PTSD and demanded footage of rehearsals to highlight the Italian's 'tense' and 'full-on' training methods, which allegedly caused her much grief.

Amanda left Strictly during week five in October and failed to return for the final, where eliminated celebrities took part in a group dance.
 [  ]  2024-02-10 17:51:26 .



How Beautiful It Is By Tian Yu Zhi

How beautiful it is, that I follow you this far, with only The sound of syllables, metaphors, images I feel your gazes, winks, smiles, hugs, kisses Your wiping off tears from my face Across the sky, and clouds One day, I will meet you, to Touch your eyes, lips, cheeks, chest Cuddle up in bed with you, Talk about the thousand poems We wrote to each other, The stories behind each one, The supporting actors, always colorful The antagonists, who have turned A romantic movie into a Hollywood drama, certainly, The Snow White, and the lovely Seven Dwarfs Or, I may not meet with you after all Still, how beautiful it is, my love





2024.2.9 Dragon New Year Eve * "my love",   https://youtu.be/hpz2TLDwQho?feature=shared

>>> How Beautiful It Is

 

  

  3 

  2 
Iris Law showcased her sense of style as she stepped out in New York City on Friday amid the ongoing New York Fashion Week.

The model, 23, opted for baggy khaki denim which she teamed with a brown jumper, and bundled up for the chilly weather with two jackets.

The daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Foster sported a lavender oversized coat and added a 134 peace motif crinkle jacket from Acne Studios underneath.

Iris appeared to be in for some treats as she was captured carrying a black shopping bag from British make-up brand Pac McGrath.

She displayed her flawless complexion with subtle make-up which included a nude sheer lip balm and gem stones under her eyes.

Iris Law showcased her sense of style as she stepped out in New York City on Friday amid the ongoing New York Fashion Week

The model, 23, opted for baggy khaki denim which she teamed with a brown jumper, and bundled up for the chilly weather with two jackets

Her short platinum locks were tucked behind her ears, as she added dainty earrings to accessorise her look.

New York Fashion Week kicks off on Friday, with the world's best designers showcasing the upcoming collections in front of a whole host of stars, critics and industry giants.

Iris is the daughter of actor Jude Law and film producer Sadie Frost and started her career in fashion with a photoshoot with Illustrated People.

From there she was chosen to be the face of Burberry's beauty campaign in 2015. She has also appeared in adverts for Marc Jacobs, Stella McCatney and Lacoste.

Iris made her runway debut back in 2020 at Miu Miu's fashion show.

Last month, Iris put on a racy display as she showed off her nipple clamps in a slew of Instagram snaps.

She slipped into a risque lace dress as she posed for the jaw-dropping photos.

After debuting in fashion with a photoshoot for Illustrated People, she was then chosen to be the face of Burberry's beauty campaign in 2015 and also appeared in adverts for Marc Jacobs, Stella McCatney and Lacoste (pictured at the H&M party in New York earlier this week)

Last month Iris put on a racy display as she showed off her nipple clamps within a slew of Instagram snaps

She slipped into a risque lace dress as she posed for the jaw-dropping photos

It comes after Iris and her mother Sadie declared themselves 'mother-daughter goals' as they enjoyed some quality time together while travelling.

The iconic actress, 58, and her model daughter spent a whirlwind 24 hours together in Venice before boarding the luxury Simplon Orient Express to Paris.

Sadie looked as youthful as ever in a stunning navy evening gown as she posed in the 'Prague' suite onboard the train - a stay worth tens of thousands of pounds.

The duo looked the spitting image of one another as they posed for a selfie while strolling the canals in Venice, while donning woolly hats to keep warm.

They showed they were getting into the festive spirit at the Gritti Palace hotel, sharing snaps of a large Christmas tree and of a gondola ride.

Posting on Instagram, Sadie said they were 'catching up' for missed birthdays and Christmas.
EastEnders fans are convinced they there will be a another explosive return to Albert Square after Johnny Carter's debut on Friday evening.

Played by Charlie Suff, Johnny made his dramatic debut as he returned to reunite with his mum Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who is continuing to cause concern with her drinking.

Yet with Johnny's comeback, some viewers are convinced another huge character could also be making a comeback.

Explaining their theories, fans predicted Max Branning will return, three years after he exited the soap.

Max, played by Jake Wood, left the square in 2021, however with Lauren Branning's recent return, viewers have discovered the two reunited in New Zealand where Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) was living.

EastEnders fans predict a second explosive comeback after Johnny Carter made his return debut during Friday's episode

Played by Charlie Suff, Johnny made his dramatic debut as he returned to reunite with his mum Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who is continuing to cause concern with her drinking

Yet with Johnny's comeback, some viewers are convinced another Max Branning (Jake Wood) could also be making a comeback after he left the square in 2021

The pair had a fall out while they were away, and while it isn't clear if Lauren is still speaking to Max, he is also the father to Linda's daughter Annie (Savannah Keir), and with Lauren concerned for her little sister, viewers are now hoping Max will return.

Taking to Twitter, fans shared their theories as one wrote: 'Linda about to f**k up and make Max come back for Annie. #EastEnders'.

A second suggested: 'Lauren is gonna tell Max about Annie' and a third predicted: 'On top of everything else, the worse thing to happen is that Max could appear and try to take Annie'.

Another added: 'Yeah and there is potential to bring Rainie back as well if Max returns with Abi JR (who is also Cindys grandchild) and could fight Max for custody as she was Stephens mum'.

Meanwhile Johnny has made comeback after five-years to discover his mother Linda is a in the depths of alcoholism as she struggles to cope with the guilt of brutally murdering Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day.

Solicitor Johnny looks suave in a suit and tie as he surprises his mother (Kellie Bright) with a visit, before putting her to bed in a bid to sleep off her drunken stupor.

He is also set for even more heartache as he will no doubt deal with the mystery of his missing father Mick (Danny Dyer) not to mention the fact Linda's rapist - and his uncle - Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) is also back in Walford.

Johnny was last spotted in Walford was in January 2018, when he departed Walford for a new legal career in Manchester.

Explaining their theories, fans predicted Max Branning will return, three years after he exited the soap

With Lauren Branning in the soap, fans predict she could be in contact with her father Max and he may come and take his daughter Annie (pictured)

Lauren is also back in Albert Square, hinting that Max too may return after the two met up in New Zealand

Johnny has made his comeback after five-years to discover his mother Linda a in the depths of alcoholism as she struggles to cope with the guilt of brutally murdering Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day

During the latest episode, Linda told Elaine that she was giving up drinking, however later Lauren caught her with a bag of hidden booze.

Concerned, Lauren was quick to offer to look after her little sister Annie and whisked her away before Linda had time to agree.

However, things went from bad to worse when Kathy Beale arrived and got into a furious row with Linda.

Linda ended up slapping Kathy in the pub as Lauren and Annie watched on and despite their efforts to get Linda to sober up she instead fled to The Albert.

Felix then tried to help Linda but she then threw up and staggered out into Walford, where she found herself disorientated on the floor outside the bar, where she was rescued by a horrified Johnny.
Katie Price appeared to take a swipe at her exes as she shared a cryptic most on Instagram on Friday.

The 45-year-old 'confirmed' her romance with MAFS UK star John Joe - known as JJ - earlier this week after they were spotted looking 'cosy' on a night out in Newcastle.

However it seems Katie isn't completely over the past as she made a dig at her 'underserving' exes amid her recent confirmed split from Carl Woods.

Katie had spoken of marrying and starting a family with Carl many times in recent years but she announced she had split from him as she took to social media while seeing the New Year in with her pal Kerry Katona.

Taking to her Instagram story, the post read: 'Girl, look at you. Everything that's happened in your life, you've handled it like a boss.

Katie Price, 45, has taken a cryptic swipe at 'undeserving' exes as she seemingly made a dig at Carl Woods after confirming romance with MAFS star JJ Slater

Katie had spoken of marrying and starting a family with Carl (pictured) many times in recent years but she announced she had split from him as she took to social media while seeing the New Year in with her pal Kerry Katona

'You work hard, you are strong, you are ambitious, you are resilient. You are genuine and loyal. Anyone who doesn't value what you bring to the table, doesn't deserve you. You are a Queen.'

As well as her recent split from Carl after the pair's on-off relationship, Katie also has three ex-husbands, Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler.

The mother-of-five shares her eldest son Harvey, 21, with Dwight Yorke, Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, with Peter, and Jett, nine, and Bunny, eight, with Kieran.

Yet despite her post, Katie seems to be moving on with new flame JJ as they got up close and personal while heading for a meal at IRMAS Restaurant in Southend on Sea on the beachfront on Thursday evening.

The duo looked every inch the happy couple as they walked arm in arm, with Katie flashing her tattooed stomach in a crop top and combat trousers.

JJ, 31, could not stop beaming as he strutted along with the showbiz veteran, following the shocking news that his co-star ex Ella Morgan blasted Katie for 'breaking girl code' by hooking up with the star.

After pictures emerged of the Katie and JJ looking close, sources close to Ella, 29, say the reality star, who is transgender, is furious and feels 'betrayed' as she had become good friends with Katie.

Insiders told The Sun: 'Ella is fuming and feels really betrayed by Katie for talking to her ex JJ. Ella and Katie have become friends over recent months...

Taking to her Instagram story, the post read: ' Girl, look at you. Everything that's happened in your life, you've handled it like a boss

JJ's co-star ex Ella Morgan blasted Katie for 'breaking girl code' by hooking up with the star as sources close to Ella, 29, say the reality star, who is transgender , is furious and feels 'betrayed' as she had become good friends with Katie

Katie and Carl have been in a turbulent relationship since July 2020, they were last seen together on December 21

'So it surprised her that Katie would do that. She doesnt have any feelings for JJ, shes just livid that Katie went behind her back and broke girl code.'

John, also known as JJ, is said to have caught Katie's eye when they met following his appearance on the most recent series of MAFS UK last year.

A source previously told The Sun: 'They've met a few times and are texting each other constantly. She's really into him - this is the first man she's actually been interested in since Carl.'

Katie made the surprise announcement she was single in a New Year's video.

She was last spotted with Carl on December 21 last year as they stepped out arm in arm together after her pantomime performance of Sleeping Beauty in Liverpool.

Katie and Carl previously split towards the end of November and unfollowed each other on Instagram but appeared to have reconciled for the Liverpool outing before going their separate ways once again.

Days later, Carl took a swipe at his ex-fiancee Katie Price as he posed while embracing a mystery woman's legs, adorned with a tattoo reading 'Game Over'.
Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen admit being cast in the Star Wars prequels was a dream come true, but the roles came with some concerns as well.

The actors, who portray star-crossed lovers Padme/Queen Amidala and Anakin Skywalker/future Darth Vader are revealing what taking on the iconic parts meant for them in an interview with Empire magazine.

The publication has released two different covers to go along with the article commemorating the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Both will be released on February 15.

For Natalie, 42, her biggest concern was the ramifications taking on the role might have on future opportunities.

'I was worried about doing it, that I wouldnt be able to do anything else after, because the series carries such a mythology in American life. But that was precisely why it was such an incredible opportunity,' she told the publication.

Natalie Portman, 42, and Hayden Christensen, 42, are looking back at their experience making the Stars Wars prequels 25 years after the theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

In the long run, 'It bridged my career from a child to an adult.'

The actress, who would go on to win a Best Actress Oscar for 2010's Black Swan said a childhood experience helped her prepare for the regal side of her character.

'When I was in Japan doing press for Leon as a 13-year-old, I had the opportunity to see Kabuki theatre. When I saw the designs for the costumes and hair and make-up for Queen Amidala, I immediately thought of that,' she explained.

'I tried to use some of the ways I observed the characters moving their eyes, the slow and regal way they moved their bodies, as inspiration for the role.'

Hayden Christensen, 42, won a very intense competition to win the part of Anakin Skywalker, the young Jedi who would eventually turn to the dark side of The Force.

The Canadian actor joined the franchise for 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

'The scope of the opportunity  the enormity of it all  was exciting to me,' he recalled.

'It was obviously a little daunting too, but theres a saying: "Pressure is privilege". I just felt very lucky to have it.'

Empire magazine interviewed Natalie and Hayden along with Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson for the new issue which will be released February 15

The publication created two different covers for the anniversary issue

The young actor enjoyed the opportunity to explore Anakin's journey from light to dark.

'I was really thrilled that I was gonna get to express Georges (Lucas) mapping out of how someone goes from good to bad.'

Looking back at the impact the role has had on his career, the actor said, 'Its been a remarkable experience I guess if I were to have some advice for me during that general time, in my life, it would be: "Patience."'

'My journey with the character and with Star Wars has, at times, been a bumpy one but Im in a good place with it now. And so thats why I say "patience."'

Patience, or lack of, may be the reason Liam Neeson, 71, who portrayed Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace, was happy to have his character killed off.

Hayden and Natalie portrayed star-crossed lovers Padme/Queen Amidala and Anakin Skywalker/future Darth Vader

For Natalie, the biggest concern was the ramifications taking on the role might have on future opportunities. 'I was worried about doing it, that I wouldnt be able to do anything else after, because the series carries such a mythology in American life,' she said

The actress said a childhood experience helped her prepare for the regal side of her character. 'When I was in Japan... I had the opportunity to see Kabuki theatre. When I saw the designs for the costumes and hair and make-up for Queen Amidala, I immediately thought of that'

Hayden Christensen won the part of Anakin Skywalker and joined the franchise for 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. 'The scope of the opportunity  the enormity of it all  was exciting to me,' he recalled

The young actor enjoyed the opportunity to explore Anakin's journey from light to dark. 'I was really thrilled that I was gonna get to express Georges mapping out of how someone goes from good to bad'

Hayden speaks about the challenge of winning and living with the aftermath of the iconic role

'It was an appeal. Im delighted and honored to be part of Georges mythical storytelling, but I didnt quite fancy signing up for two or three potential sequels,' he explained.

Working alongside Liam was a joy for Ewan McGregor, 52, who tackled the role of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi.

'I was so fond of Liam. Hes such a generous and wonderful man  playing it was super-easy, because he was right in the moment with me, and I was in there with him.'

The actor inhabited the character once again in the 2022 Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The two veteran actors were upset at the backlash against Jar Jar Binks, because they were so fond of Ahmed Best, 50, who played the controversial character.

Liam Neeson, 71, who portrayed Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace, was happy to have his character killed off. 'Im delighted and honored to be part of George (Lucass) mythical storytelling, but I didnt quite fancy signing up for two or three potential sequels'

Ewan McGregor, 52, tackled the part of Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel films. The actor inhabited the character once again in the 2022 Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ian McDiarmid, 79, began his Star Wars career as Senator Palpatine, is quite happy with his character's legacy. 'Every single evil act in all of the Star Wars franchise is either directly or indirectly down to that character'

'Ahmed was so funny and inventive. Myself and Ewan were personally hurt and offended by the critical reaction to the character,' the action star explained.

Ian McDiarmid, 79, who began his Star Wars career in 1999 as Senator Palpatine and returned to the franchise to play Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, is quite happy with his character's legacy.

'The thing that Im most pleased about is that every single evil act in all of the Star Wars franchise is either directly or indirectly down to that character.' he revealed.

'That is total evil, and thats strangely satisfying as an arc. I do feel fortunate to have been able to do it  and other villains of cinema now have to compete with that.'
Chloe Brockett has shown her support for her on/off boyfriend Jack Fincham following his drug-driving charge.

Reality star star Jack, 32, who won the 2018 series of Love Island, was stopped by police on August 26 last year as he allegedly travelled at high speed on the A2 near his home in Swanley, Kent.

He was released under investigation and was charged on Sunday with driving without insurance, driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit, and driving without due care and attention.

The Only Way Is Essex star Chloe, 23, took to her Instagram Stories on Friday to repost a picture taken by Jack as she sat with his mother while holding her had in the pub.

Jack could be seen smiling in the snap as the trio enjoyed the company of one another.

Chloe Brockett has shown her support for her on/off boyfriend Jack Fincham following his drug-driving charge (L-R: Jack, Chloe and Jack's mother Samantha)

Jack was charged on Sunday with driving without insurance, driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit, and driving without due care and attention

Pen salesman Jack will reportedly appear before a magistrate on March 13 after he was stopped by police last year, according to The Sun.

A statement from Kent Police read: 'On February 4, 2024, Jack Fincham was charged with driving without insurance, driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit (relating to the consumption of cocaine), and driving without due care and attention.

'He was also charged with fraudulently using a registration mark, namely a false number plate.'

Jack was set to fly out to Fiji to appear on Love Island Games but pulled out after the incident.

In July last year, Jack revealed he had split from his girlfriend Jodie Ella, and he has recently been spending time with Chloe again.

It comes after it emerged Chloe was reportedly being lined-up for Celebrity Big Brother ahead of the show's return to screens next month.

Controversial TOWIE star Chloe, who is currently suspended from the ITVBe show, could join a host of stars in the Big Brother house including Shirley Ballas, Rebekah Vardy and Louis Walsh.

A source told The Sun: 'Chloe Brockett is in talks to appear on the show - nothing is signed yet but shes really excited and cant stop telling people.

It comes after it emerged Chloe was reportedly being lined-up for Celebrity Big Brother ahead of the show's return to screens next month

Controversial TOWIE star Chloe, who is suspended from the show, could join a host of stars on Big Brother including Shirley Ballas, Rebekah Vardy and Louis Walsh

'She grew up watching the show and her return to TOWIE is still uncertain so it would be a good show to do while shes waiting to see if shell go back to it.

'ITV already know Chloe is great TV.'

A Big Brother spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Any names for Celebrity Big Brother are purely speculation.'

MailOnline contacted a representative for Chloe for comment.

Chloe was suspended from TOWIE last year after she allegedly threw three tumbler glasses at her co-star Roman Hackett during a heated argument while filming in Essex.

While the cast list still hasn't been confirmed, the reality show is returning for two separate editions in 2024, including a trip to Bali.

A source told The Sun: 'Chloe Brockett still doesn't know if she's returning to the show after her suspension.

'The cast haven't even been told who is going to Bali and who isn't.

'It's all hanging in the balance - Chloe makes great TV though so behind the scenes, everyone thinks she'll go back.'

At the time, the cast of the ITV series were said to have been 'appalled' by Chloe's behaviour and called for her to be axed from the show permanently.

Chloe was suspended from TOWIE last year after she allegedly threw three tumbler glasses at Roman Hackett during a heated argument while filming in Essex

At the time, the cast of the ITV series were said to have been 'appalled' by Chloe's behaviour and called for her to be axed from the show (Roman Hackett pictured in August last year)

A TOWIE spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline at the time: 'Chloe Brockett will not be returning to filming for the remainder of the series.'

'Most of the cast are absolutely appalled by Chloe's behaviour and do not believe she should be allowed to come back,' a source told The Sun. 'They are grouping together and discussing how they will not shoot scenes with her in the future and want her to be axed from the show for good.'

The source added: 'They believe it's a bad look for the show to allow someone back into the cast with a history of violence and, to be frank, the majority of them wouldn't feel safe filming with her in the future. If she can do this twice, they believe she is capable of it again.'

Chloe was said to have apologised to Roman after the incident.
Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram on Friday night to share a Valentine's Day-themed post with her 224 million followers.

The 44-year-old mother-of-four  who is married to Travis Barker  uploaded a series of photos, including one of her and her husband in matching red onesies.

The couple, who tied the knot in May 2022, sipped red wine as the Blink 182 drummer rested his hand on his wife's backside.

They were seated in front of a scenic lakeview and they both wore hoods on their heads.

Kourtney did not include a caption, but her fans liked the post hundreds of thousands of times.

Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram on Friday night to share a Valentine's Day -themed post with her 224 million followers

Also included in the roundup of snapshots was a photo of personalized heart-shaped cakes for the duo's blended brood

Also included in the roundup of snapshots was a photo of personalized heart-shaped cakes for the duo's blended brood.

Each cake had each child's name decorated onto it with icing. Barker shares Atiana, 23, Landon, 19, and Alabama, 18, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler.

Kourtney has Mason, 14, Penelope, 11, and Reign, nine, with ex-boyfriend Scott Disick.

And the happy couple, who went public with their romance in February 2021, welcomed son Rocky on November 1 last year.

The cakes were set on round, white plates, which were artfully photographed on top of decorative white cloths.

The artful treats were baked by Shelby Eastman for last year's Valentine's Day celebration, which explains why there was no cake for Rocky.

Kardashian also shared a selfie featuring her in a lacy black look as she sat inside a luxury vehicle with a black leather interior.

The picture was taken from the bottom of her face, so that only her mouth and chin showed before she showing off her outfit, which was complete with a red flower accoutrement at the center.

Kardashian also shared a selfie featuring her in a lacy black look as she sat inside a luxury vehicle with a black leather interior

Kourtney gave fans a glimpse into her luxurious life as she shared other detailed photos

Another snapshot was a closeup of her festive February manicure, which was a take on the classic French

Kourtney gave fans a glimpse into her luxurious life as she shared other detailed photos.

One was of her feet as she modeled pale pink fishnet socks and a pair of red heels with feathery straps.

Another snapshot was a closeup of her festive February manicure, which was a take on the classic French.

Instead of white polish, the tips of her almond-shaped nails were painted rouge and shaped into hearts.

Her manicure was also flaunted near a mug of matcha tea  a favorite of the POOSH founder's.

And the Lemme Gummy creator also posted a photo of a plate of heart-shaped waffles on a black and white plate.

Her manicure was also flaunted near a mug of matcha tea  a favorite of the POOSH founder's

And the Lemme Gummy creator also posted a photo of a plate of heart-shaped waffles on a black and white plate

Kourtney romanticized her life as she continued with more dreamy photos

A candlelit table with a bouquet and two whipped cream-covered drinks was also shared

The reality television personality and her rock star husband touched down in Sydney on Tuesday ahead of the Australian leg of Blink 182's tour.

The couple made the trip with their son Rocky, three months, and Kourtney's daughter Penelope and son Reign in tow.

The pop-punk band, made up of Travis, Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus, have returned to Australia for the first time in seven years for their world tour.

They hit the stage on February 8 and will perform at a string of venues across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Holly Willoughby was flooded with lots of birthday messages from her celeb pals on Saturday as she celebrated turning 43.

Taking to her Instagram the former host, proceeded to repost snaps her famous pals had tagged her in and some of the snaps included the likes of Spice Girl Emma Bunton and All Saints' Nicole Appleton.

Emma, 48, posted a selfie of herself and Holly alongside comedian Michael McIntyre and captioned the snap with: 'Happy birthday my beautiful friend.'

Meanwhile, Nicole, 49, shared a snap of her and Holly on a night out captioning it with 'Love you.'

Model Abbey Clancy also showed her love for the TV presenter by posting a fun snap of them partying at a festival together.

Holly Willoughby was flooded with lots of birthday messages from her celeb pals on Saturday as she celebrated turning 43

The beauty wrote: 'Love you birthday girl'

Holly's former This Morning co-host Alison Hammond also uploaded a glam black and white snap of the both of them.

Meanwhile, Holly's sister Kelly also made sure to wish her a big happy birthday as she shared a sweet childhood photo.

She captioned the sweet snap with 'Happy, happy birthday my darling Holly Dolly. Love you more than a Tommys Margarita  cant say it any clearer than that! Have the best day.'

It comes after Holly made her first public appearance in months as she hosted a charity gala on Friday.

The Dancing On Ice host, who took an extended break from screens last year, appeared to have a ball at the Great Ormond Street Hospital dinner.

And it appears Holly will be making a comeback as Rylan Clark revealed the duo have teamed up for a secret project.

Taking to Instagram, Rylan posted a snap of them both and captioned the snap with 'Coming soon...'.

Taking to her Instagram the former host, proceeded to repost snaps her famous pals had tagged her in

Some of the snaps included the likes of Spice Girl Emma Bunton and All Saints ' Nicole Appleton

Model Abbey Clancy also showed her love for the TV presenter by posting a fun snap of them partying at a festival together

Meanwhile, Nicole, 49, shared a snap of her and Holly on a night out captioning it with 'Love you.'

Leigh Francis, also known as Keith Lemon, 50, took up the chance to wish Holly a happy birthday

Holly's former This Morning co-host Alison Hammond also uploaded a glam black and white snap of the both of them

Journalist Kate Thornton, 51, also posted a fun snap of Holly and herself at a costume party

Meanwhile another one of Holly's pals posted a sweet young picture of her

Speaking exclusively to The Sun Rylan said: 'All I can say is me and Holly have done something and youll find out what it is very soon!

'Put it this way, were not doing a show together but all will become clear' he added.

It comes as Holly 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.

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 comes as Holly 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

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.

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.

The comeback comes after Holly quit This Morning after 14 years in October following Phillip Schofield's sacking from the broadcaster (pictured in May)

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+.

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.
Petra Ecclestone has come under fire for encouraging her eldest daughter to take part in a beauty pageant.

Lavinia, 11, made her debut in the Ideal Miss California & West Coast competition last Sunday, with the blessing of her mother, daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone.

Wearing a crown, a Disney princess-style ballgown, heels and a 'Miss West Coast' sash, Lavinia took a twirl on stage at the Downey Theatre in Los Angeles and posed for cameras and judges in full make-up.

Petra, 35, every inch the doting pageant parent, declared herself 'a very proud mummy'.

She wrote to her 77,000 Instagram followers: 'I am so privileged to be your mum, I will always cheer you on to follow your dreams, never judge you and always love you.'

But judgment soon came, in droves. 'This is insane, she is only a child,' responded one of Petra's followers. Another wrote: 'Why would you do this to your child?' Sam Palmer, Lavinia's stepfather, fired back: 'She wanted to and we support her. I suppose it's what being a parent is all about.'

Petra Ecclestone (left) pictured with her daughter Lavinia (right)

Lavinia, 11, made her debut in the Ideal Miss California & West Coast competition last Sunday, with the blessing of her mother, daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone

One follower even suggested that beauty pageants are a 'paedo's paradise' and warned Petra to keep Lavinia away.

The next stage of the competition will be held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in June. The Ideal Miss pageant costs 371 to enter and aims to 'celebrate girls by showcasing their strengths and maximising their potential to prepare them for life ahead'.

But while defenders of the industry insist it instils young girls with confidence, critics argue that beauty pageants are exploitative and enforce the message that pretty looks are all-important.

Claude Knights, former director of child-protection charity Kidscape, says pageants 'give young girls the signal that it's OK to value yourself along a particular, superficial dimension. It's not about the whole person.'

But Lavinia may well be seeking to grow her confidence, after enduring a difficult start in life. She was diagnosed, aged 20 months, with a speech-delay learning difficulty, and went on to become a non-verbal toddler, not speaking until she was nearly four years old.

She no longer sees her father, James Stunt  a playboy businessman who will soon go on trial, for the second time, on a money-laundering charge. When they were married, James forbade Petra from putting herself, or their children, on social media. But since remarrying two years ago, Petra is back building a public profile.

She is now preparing to launch an online pre-teen beauty and fashion boutique named Crickle Daisy, with Lavinia as the face of the brand.
Vicky McClure cut a stylish figure in an orange coat and a bright gold bag as she arrived at the BBC Radio 2 studios in London on Saturday.

The actress, 40, also wore a black shirt and wide-legged, high-waisted black trousers with a gold-buckled black belt.

She wore gold hoops and necklaces and rings and carried her phone and a purple lanyard in the same hand.

The Line Of Duty star wore her short brown bob with a side parting and it fell into her face as she walked along.

Vicky, who currently leads the British crime thriller series Trigger Point, was seen heading into the studios for an interview with Paddy McGuinness, who is filling in for Rylan Clark on his afternoon show.

Vicky McClure, 40, cut a stylish figure in an orange coat and a bright gold bag outside the BBC Radio 2 studios in London on Saturday

The actress also wore a black shirt and wide-legged, high-waisted black trousers with a gold-buckled black belt

She wore gold hoops and necklaces and rings and carried her phone and a purple lanyard in the same hand

In December, Vicky was made an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)by King Charles III,

The actress, 40, was given the honour, which recognises services to drama and to charity at Windsor Castle.

The Brit wore a wool, broad-shouldered Versace coat and a grain de poudre double-breasted hourglass tailored jacket.

The jacket had signature Medusa buttons and tailoring label detail and matching tailored Bermuda shorts from the Fall-Winter 2023 collection.

Vicky, played Detective Inspector Kate Fleming in Line Of Duty and now plays Lana Washington in Trigger Point, currently airing its second series.

Since 2022, Vicky has played ex-military bomb disposal expert Lana, an Afghan war veteran now leading the Metropolitan Police bomb squad.

Nearly 11 million viewers watched the first episode and series one averaged 9.24 million viewers for episodes 1-4, on ITV, ITV Hub and BritBox.

Series two sees Lana and her officers up against a terrorist group targeting London, leaving clues for them to find as they prepare to attack in different locations.
As a child, I didn't know that the way I heard the world around me wasn't the way that everyone else did.

Because of the workarounds I did to t in, even the school nurse didn't catch my condition at the annual hearing and vision checks.

But by the time I was a prospective college student aged 16 - and falling in love for the first time - my condition, generated by tumors on my auditory nerves, was unavoidable: my hearing was going, and fast.

Medicine has come a long way in the last 30 years.

As recently as 1993, only about 5 percent of newborns were tested for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Now, it is almost universal. Parents have to opt out of the test, and very few do.

North of 97 percent of newborns have hearing tests within the first couple of days of life. The reason for that dramatic shift is the knowledge of what's possible through early detection.

Many cognitive pathways that permanently affect speech and overall development are formed between birth and age three. Early detection leads to early treatment. That's why you see a lot more kids with hearing aids today than you did 30 or 40 years ago.

Matt in hospital with his then girlfriend Norah, after receiving his diagnosis

Matt Hay has written about coming to terms with hearing loss by tapping into his memories using his favorite songs, from Beck to Simon and Garfunkel

On the other end of the age spectrum, only about 7 percent of the people in their fifties who suffer from hearing loss get treatment, including hearing aids. That number goes up to about 17 percent of people in their seventies who need auditory assistance.

Even though more senior citizens get hearing aids when they need them, the numbers are still low.

You would expect older people to accept the reality of hearing loss and take advantage of available technology. But a majority who need help don't get it. That is partly because of the cost, partly because of vanity, partly out of an aversion to technology or a hesitancy to change.

Whatever the reason, almost 80 percent of seventy-something-year-olds who need hearing aids don't get them.

As big a problem as that might be, there is another swath of the population for which almost no data is available: people who experience hearing loss sometime between their first day of kindergarten and their 50th birthday.

That's a lot of people who, for years, have been stranded on an island. A lot happens in that stretch of life. It would be nice to know your options.

Those were among the myriad thoughts I had as I read everything that I could on neurofibromatosis type 2, commonly referred to as NF2, the diagnosis I received from a team of specialists not long after my initial call from the IU Medical Center, when I was 19.

Children are now universally tested for hearing loss from birth - but when Matt was born, only about 5 per cent received a test

On the other end of the age spectrum, only about 7 percent of the people in their fifties who suffer from hearing loss get treatment, including hearing aids

I learned, for starters, that my condition was genetic and relatively rare. I didn't catch a virus or develop some disorder.

Sometimes NF2 is passed down from parents to children and other times it pops up spontaneously. Either way, it's caused by a defect in the gene that gives rise to something called schwannomin, a structural protein located on chromosome 22.

The result of this defect is noncancerous tumors on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, most prevalently, cranial nerve VIII, which is the auditory vestibular nerve.

That is a complicated way of saying that there was corrosive buildup on the wiring between my ears and my brain. It's also a great opportunity to darkly joke that 'NF tumors get on my nerves.'

The ears themselves, all the tiny bones and hair follicles that receive and filter sound, appeared to work fine. My eardrum vibrated just as well as anyone else's. The blockage occurred in the nerves that transmitted that sound to my brain.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 affected the nerves in Matt's ears, causing a blockage in transmitting sound to his brain

NF2 causes noncancerous tumors on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

At first, I thought this was good news. Now that we had the problem isolated, doctors could remove the tumors and I would be ready to go; like splicing a broken wire, voila, everything's fine.

I pitched that hypothesis to my doctors, who were kind enough not to laugh out loud at me. Unfortunately, as I was quickly informed, nerves in your brain are different from wires in your car. You can't replace them or cut out the bad parts and bind the two ends together with electrical tape.

Taking out my tumors was, to be literal, brain surgery. And the nerves in that area of the body don't respond well to scalpels. Surgeons needed to cut out the tumors, but no one was sure what the resulting damage would be.

Then there was the source problem. Even if I made it through this cutting process without any damage, I still had the gene defect, which meant more tumors were coming in the future. We could be stuck on repeat for quite some time.

As depressing as that realization was, things got worse. The specialists informed me that, even with this surgery and others I would need in the future, I was eventually going to be deaf: not 'hard of hearing,' not 'crank up the volume another notch or two,' but stone-deaf. Medical experts could slow the process through treatment, but one day I would wake up and hear nothing at all.

Hearing that news was like being hit between the eyes with a hammer. My mother's soft hum; my father's stories, the ones stuck on repeat; my fraternity brothers' bad jokes; the throaty roar of a fast car; the ticking of a clock; the steady rumble of a train: all of it would be gone.

And the music. Did this mean I would never hear Paul and Artie's tight harmonies as they ran through the spice rack of 'Scarborough Fair'? 'Hello, darkness, my old friend,' indeed.

When he learned he was going deaf, Matt considered all the sounds he would miss, including Simon and Garfunkel's tight harmonies

'Did this mean I would never hear Paul and Artie's tight harmonies as they ran through the spice rack of Scarborough Fair? "Hello, darkness, my old friend," indeed'

Beck's Beautiful Way was on the car stereo when Matt took his now wife Norah on their first date - it would be one of the songs most clearly cemented in his memory

Matt and Norah - the couple are now married with three teenage children

Sometimes anguish comes ahead of the loss. When I learned that deafness was a foregone conclusion, at first, I panicked. How would I hear a smoke alarm? Can deaf people still drive even though they can't hear horns, or trucks, or train whistles?

In that moment, those concerns were years away, but the brain tends to race when processing bad news.

I also went through all the stages of grief. Some people say there are five; others say seven. I didn't count. At first, I didn't believe the doctors. They had to be wrong. I was healthy in every other way. According to the materials I could find on NF2, balance should have been a problem. I also read where you got cataracts in your eyes, and there were skin lesions. I had none of that. The diagnosis had to be wrong.

The doctors nodded. They had heard all this before. Yes, sometimes there were other symptoms, some quite severe, but the most common was a progressive loss of hearing. My case, they assured me, was textbook NF2.

A personal soundtrack was my determined compensation for this diagnosis. As a typical Midwestern kid growing up in the 1980s whose life events were pegged to pop music, I planned to commit my favorite songs to memory.

I prepared a mental playlist of the bands I loved and created a way to tap into my most resonant memories. And the track I needed to cement most clearly? The one I and my new girlfriend, Nora  the love of my life  listened to in the car on our rst date: Beautiful Way by Beck:

'Searchlights on the skyline, Just looking for a friend, Who's gonna love my baby, When she's gone around the bend. Egyptian bells are ringing, When it's her birthday. Sweet nothin', I'm talking about you. There's a hurricane blowing your way.'

From the book The Soundtrack of Silence by Matt Hay. Copyright  2024 by Matt Hay and reprinted with the permission of the St. Martins Publishing Group
Toucans dont migrate. The massive-beaked birds  whose colorful visage has been used to hock everything from Guinness to Froot Loops (a balanced meal, truly)  are resident breeders, meaning they live year round in the same place.

For a long time, the same was true of Toucan Gallery. For over 40 years the art gallery was on Montana Avenue. But theyve migrated north, to a new location at 1002 2nd Ave. N. And fittingly for the avian adjacent art gallery, that now makes them a part of the Billings Industrial Revitalization District, or BIRD.

We felt like we needed a new energy, said Alison ODonnell. She owns Toucan, along with her husband Mark Sanderson.

We were looking to reinvigorate, Sanderson added.

The pair are gallery owners and curators, but theyre also artists in their own right. ODonnell is a painter, and Sanderson is a writer, playwright and photographer. At Toucan, you can find her paintings and his photos prominently displayed.

Over at 2505 Montana Ave., Toucan had a long past. It was originally opened in 1982 by Vicki Van Buskirk, after it grew out of the frame shop at nearby McIntosh Art Company. ODonnell and Sanderson bought the gallery in 2007.

But after a long run, it was time to start thinking about the future. When COVID upended everything, including both art and galleries, ODonnell and Sanderson, like many of us, started thinking.

We started to reevaluate what we were doing, how were doing it, and how can we keep doing it, Sanderson said. How do we keep this up for another 10-15 years?

They couple are the only two employees, and their old place had gotten simply too big. Their Montana building was 3,200 square feet upstairs and another 3,200 downstairs. The new spot is 2,100 square feet, all on one level.

A search through the Gazette archives reveals that the building at 1002 2nd Ave. N. has been a few things over the years. It was built in the 1950s, and in its early years was home to a gas company and a construction business. In the 1980s it was Billings Tire, and after that it was called Kens Auto Service. Most recently it was Franks Towing.

True to many places in the BIRD, the building has always been industrial. So it required a lot of work. The interior was, in ODonnells words, scuzzy. They had to remove a garage door, and there was a big car lift anchored where the main showroom floor sits now.

You wouldnt know that to look at it now. The Toucan space is warm, well lit and covered in art everywhere you look. Almost all the furniture is sleek, stark white. The outside walls are painted different shades of blue, and theres a sort of modular archway that beckons patrons in from the parking lot. It feels simply, very cool  like a naturally creative space.

On Montana Avenue, ODonnell and Sandersons studio at Toucan was in the basement. Now its integrated into the floor plan, like a natural extension of the gallery.

Im looking forward to getting my supplies out of their boxes and seeing what happens, said ODonnell. Ill have some daylight on my art instead of fluorescent lights.

Industrial buildings like these tend to have wide open floor plans and big windows that let the light pour in. In other words, theyre perfect for both retail and creativity.

And Toucan is both. The spot functions as a showroom for various artists  theyve got around 20 on display right now  as well as the studio space and a full-time framing business.

Framing is big business, and Toucan does work for regular folks and museums, both from Montana and elsewhere. Theyve framed Pablo Picasso pieces, and work by many of the great Montana modernists.

The art displayed at Toucan is all for sale, of course, so curating takes some skill. You have to know what people want to buy, and at what price point.

This space is also a lot more adaptable than their old spot. Right now all the art displays in Toucan are modular, meaning they can be easily moved. Over 40 years, things started to accumulate at the Montana Avenue location. When a family member or friend was done with a piece of furniture, itd often wind up in the gallery.

Now everything here is bright white and easy to change around. If Sanderson and ODonnell come in one day and want to rearrange the layout, they can do it. Theyve also got a parking lot, and some outdoor space. None of that exists downtown. Theres a lot more freedom here.

They stopped doing regular gallery shows  in the past theyd rotate as often as once a month  during the pandemic, and never really started it back up afterward.

Now that the move is over, theyre looking to return to the events world a little bit. And since the spot is so highly adaptable, it opens a lot of different options.

Who knows what we might do? asked Sanderson. We have possibilities and opportunities now.

ODonnell and Sanderson made the decision to move around September 2022, and bought the new building in March 2023. They sold their Montana Avenue property to the oil and natural gas company Iron Oil, who used the building for expanded offices.

For Toucan, staying near downtown was imperative.

Were not really West End people, Sanderson mused.

Its not for us, ODonnell added.

So the BIRD is a good fit. And soon they'll have company out here. Undammed Distillery is moving in right down the street. With the Loft Dance Club for sale, another sizable piece of real estate is there for the taking.

Plus, this is sort of what Toucan does. When Van Buskirk opened the gallery back in the early 1980s, it was one of the only businesses on Montana Avenue. Surrounded by urban decay, she struggled with getting the property insured.

The BIRD right now doesnt look terribly different than Montana Avenue did 40 years ago. This move isnt just revitalizing Toucan, it could help revitalize a huge chunk of historic Billings.

Toucans always been moving into neighborhoods that are up and coming, Sanderson said. That was part of our motivation.

We love a good underdog neighborhood, said ODonnell.

The BIRD is certainly that. And the odds are long. But if places like Toucan keep moving in, its probably a pretty safe bet.
READ MORE: Now Coca-Cola admits higher prices have hit sales in the US

McDonald's CEO has said in 2024 it will need to focus on 'affordability'

Americans are turning their backs on fast food as some of the country's largest franchises continue to hike the prices of what were once affordable meals.

Explaining its first quarterly sales miss in almost four years, the CEO of McDonald's told investors this week that consumers on less than $45,000 a year were spending less at their restaurants.

'Eating at home has become more affordable,' said boss Chris Kempczinski. 'The battleground is certainly with that low-income consumer.'

'I think what you're going to see as you head into 2024 is probably more attention to what I would describe as affordability,' he added.

Bret Kenwell, investment analyst at eToro, told DailyMail.com: 'During the conference calls, management teams are acknowledging the monetary pressures that certain consumer groups are feeling.'

Americans are turning their backs on fast food as some of the country's largest franchises continue to hike the prices of what were once affordable meals

The CEO of McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, said that in 2024 it would focus more on affordability to ensure it could appeal to lower-income families

It comes as videos showing shockingly high fast food prices have gone viral across social media, cementing the idea that the days of $1 value menus are long gone.

McDonald's was recently lambasted throughout the internet after one of its rest stop restaurants in Connecticut was outed for selling a Big Mac meal for $17.59.

Then a photo of a receipt from another McDonald's in Connecticut went viral on X because it was charging $7.39 for just one Egg McMuffin.

Last quarter McDonald's sales were up only 3.4 percent on the same quarter in 2022, well below Wall Street expectations of 4.7 percent.

The problem is not exclusive to McDonald's. This week, Yum Brands, the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, reported similarly disappointing results.

Last month, a viral video showed somebody discovering a 12-year-old Taco Bell receipt that showed Americans could once buy two of the chain's beefy five-layer burritos for $2.59. In most restaurants, they are now more than twice the price.

Taco Bell is the Yum group's main earner in the US and has been known historically for its value offerings. Its sales grew just 3 percent last quarter, which is well below the 11 percent growth it saw the year prior.

Pizza Hut sales were down 4 percent and KFC sales were flat.

Laura Murphy, managing director of PR firm Bolt, which specializes in food and beverage marketing, told NBC News that people simply want cheap food.

A photo of a receipt issued by a McDonald's at a rest stop in Connecticut that charged $7.39 for an Egg McMuffin

'People are really telling fast food industry leaders, "This is what we're looking for, this is what we want. We want efficiency. We want affordability,"' she said.

'Let's go back to really making sure that we're providing simple food in an affordable way that's efficient, quick, and gives people really the basics of what they're looking for.'

As suggested by Kempczinski, consumers' dwindling appetite for fast food is coinciding with the increasing affordability of groceries.

The cost of food at home as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics was up only 1.3 percent between December 2022 and December 2023. Meanwhile, the cost of food away from home had increased 5.2 percent over the same period.

'There's been a steady increase in prices for food "away from home," both over the last few months and over the past year,' said Kenwell.
Gucci sales fell in in the fourth-quarter, as the designer brand struggled with waning demand for luxury goods.

Sales fell 4 percent over the final three months of the year, its parent company Kering reported on Thursday.

The chief executive of the Italian label said it was 'focused on revitalizing Gucci' and would invest heavily in its flagship house moving forward.

After a post-pandemic splurge that fueled sales growth for the luxury fashion sector, consumers have starting pulling back on spending.

Defying that has been Hermes, which also published its earnings on Thursday - but reported a sales growth of 26 percent over the same period.

Gucci sales fell 4 percent over the final three months of the year, its parent company Kering reported on Thursday. Pictured is a Gucci store in Rome

French bag maker Hermes, on the other hand, enjoyed a sales jump of 18 percent

The maker of the famous Birkin bag said it would raise prices by between 8 and 9 percent this year, executive chairman Axel Dumas told reporters on Friday.

'Hermes is playing in a different league,' JPMorgan analysts said in a note. 'Hermes comes in today showing, in our view, what a real over delivery is about.'

The company said it would pay a 4,000 euro bonus to each of its more than 22,000 employees worldwide.

Dumas said it had not been reliant on high prices to drive growth. 'We don't steer group growth through pricing strategies,' he said.

Although Chanel, LVMH-owned Dior and Louis Vuitton have raised prices of their handbags more aggressively since the pandemic, Hermes dominates the high end of the market.

Chanel's handbag prices have reached levels close to Hermes in recent years but they sell for less on the secondary market.

Louis Vuitton, despite its large scale and 'flawless' marketing execution, still struggles to sell significant amounts of handbags priced above 4,000 euros, Bernstein analysts said.

Hermes' share price has approximately doubled over the last two years. and its valuation is higher than that of rivals, with a 12 month forward price-to-projected earnings ratio of 48.6, according to LSEG data.

That compares with LVMH at 24.8 and Kering at 16.5. For Gucci, poor sales were the expectation given the state of the industry.

'The numbers were bad, but not horrible,' Luca Solca, analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, told Bloomberg. 'This level of underperformance was expected.'

Kering's share price was up around 5 percent on Thursday despite the slump.

It also owns Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. In 2023, Gucci made up 68 percent of its operating profits, which totaled 19.6 billion euros.

Yves Saint Laurent sales were down four percent at 3.18 billion for the year while Bottega Veneta was down five percent to 1.6 billion euros.
As Bank of Maharashtra moves to expand its pan-India presence, non-Maharashtra regions account for 55-60 per cent of its business compared to 30-35 per cent three years ago, its Executive Director Asheesh Pandey said here on Saturday.

Pandey was here to inaugurate the banks 100th branch for Gujarat in Ahmedabad. The total number of its branches has crossed the 2,400 mark as of December 31, 2023, Pandey said, adding that Bank of Maharashtra aims to add more than 100 new branches during the current quarter.

Three years ago, around 65-70 per cent of our business was concentrated in Maharashtra. Our Board then decided for our bank to open our branches in nearly every district. Since then, we have been opening 200-250 branches annually (in different states).

Now, non-Maharashtra states account for 55-60 per cent of our business. Our business is growing in Maharashtra, but at the same time, we are growing in states like Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Karnataka, among others, and we are opening zonal offices in various states, he told reporters.

From 35 zonal offices three years ago, the number has increased to 46 now, he said. We are planning to open zonal offices in all territories...In all, we plan to add 100 more branches during the current quarters.

Across the country, BoM has around 2,408 branches, and its Board has decided that we open more than 200 branches annually. We have taken up the expansion of the bank over the last three years with a decision to remain present in nearly all the districts of the country. We are present in all but 6-7 districts, he said.

From 28 zones, the number has risen to 46, as it has expanded its footprints in all the states and six Union Territories.

He said BoM remains focused on its effort to increase its business in non-Maharashtra states while at the same time expanding in the state.

Out of the banks Rs 4.34 lakh crore business, Gujarat contributes to around Rs 12,000 crore, he said. BoM has two zonal centres at Ahmedabad and Surat with a business of Rs 12,000 crore. The bank is working to increase this to Rs 15,000 crore over the next 6-8 months.

In the long term, we want to take it to Rs 20,000 crore, he added. Bank of Maharashtra has reported a 17.89 per cent growth in deposits during Q3 FY24 and 2.04 per cent gross non-performing assets (NPAs) as of December 31, 2023. In terms of net NPAs, it is 0.22 per cent for BoM, the lowest for the banks.
Firestone has launched next-generation tire Firestone Roadhawk 2z, crafted with precision and advanced technical features and backed by a 5-year warranty. It is a proud moment for us to introduce America's revered tyre brand and to include Roadhawk 2z in our product offerings, said Rajarshi Moitra, chief commercial officer of Firestone.
Myanmar's resilience amid adversity shines as diverse groups unite against the junta. Despite challenges, hope flickers through collective efforts for democracy, signaling a brighter future ahead.

The Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) completed its third year of ruling the most impoverished country in the Southeast Asian region this month. The Government of National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has been out of power since February 2021. It was a silent coup by the junta to remove the popularly elected government from power. However, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is no stranger to military rule. Its people are accustomed to repressive regimes, widespread poverty, and decades of economic stagnation in the past. With Suu Kyi coming to power in 2015, the situation started to improve, but with the return of the militarys control, commoners see no end to their suffering. As the junta falters, Myanmar is moving towards uncertainty.

Democracy is deteriorating, as the Opposition is fragmented due to persistent military suppression. Young people are deeply frustrated by the ongoing chaos in the country. Investors, primarily from the West and advanced nations, are concerned about the future of Myanmar. Apart from China, all others, including major investors from Southeast Asian nations, are waiting for the military to relent. However, with Suu Kyi, Beijing swiftly established new connections and opened up new avenues for engagement. Thus, it can be clearly said that the military takeover in Naypyitaw directly impeded the significant projects initiated by Beijing during the tenure of the NLD Government.

Suu Kyi is under house arrest, and her NLD party is in disarray. Most of its top leaders are in hiding, but they are persistently fighting and seeking a path to return to power. The prosecution and inevitable conviction of Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint since the day of the current junta takeover simply indicate a show of strength and frustration. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, rightly pointed out by the end of 2021 that these two (Suu Kyi and Win Myint) are hostages, not criminals. Until their charges are proven, they cannot be labelled as criminals by the military. However, the fact remains that these two high-profile leaders have not been able to air their grievances to the international media and other sources. Indeed, the militarys strategy of conducting closed-door courtroom proceedings serves as a major obstacle for the global media to access them.

With ethnic militias and regional groups assuming control in China and some other pockets of the northwest of the country, it sends a worrying signal for the Army. It is evident that the junta is incapable of maintaining full control over the country. Unlike before, this time it is failing to combat the massive resistance forces emerging throughout the nation.

Can we anticipate a new dawn with the anti-junta forces and platforms like the National Unity Government (NUG)? Or can only ethnic rebels with breakaway factions of the junta ultimately restore democracy in Myanmar? While the NUG and other anti-junta forces may persist in their movements, displacing the junta from power seems unfeasible for now. The ethnic rebels may hold the upper hand in some border provinces, but it may not be adequate to prevent the military from initiating operations.

It is evident that the military Chief Min Aung Hlaing made a serious miscalculation by ousting the NLD Government from power in 2021. Despite having an elected government in power, the countrys military elites and the military in general hold an advantage over civilian administration nationwide. Under the amended Constitution of Myanmar of 2008, the military reserves 25 per cent of seats in Parliament. Additionally, crucial ministries such as Home, Border, and Defence Affairs are led by serving military officers. Furthermore, the military retains the power to appoint one of the two Vice-Presidents of the country. Considering these constitutional provisions, one can assert that the civilian government of Suu Kyi had limited power and influence within the countrys security architecture. Article 59 (f) of the 2008 Constitution prohibits Suu Kyi from running for the office of President due to her allegiance to a foreign power (i.e., she was married to a British citizen, and her children are also British citizens). Once more, Article 436 of the same Constitution grants the military the authority to veto any decision in Parliament. Consequently, unless both these articles are amended, Suu Kyi can never occupy the highest constitutional office of the country. Only if the Constitution is amended will she have an opportunity to become President. To achieve this, the civilian government requires support from 75 per cent of the members in Parliament, backed by a national referendum. So why were the generals concerned? It appears they were apprehensive about her increasing popularity and the electoral mandate she received from the people in the 2020 general election. This prompted the military to level allegations that the election was conducted fraudulently, which the countrys election commission vehemently denied. However, it is worth noting that this election office was operating under the control of the Suu Kyi government. Hence, they did not wait for another general election in which she could have potentially secured an even stronger mandate. These generals understand how to wield power, and they acted accordingly in unison.

Myanmar has a troubled history, characterised by conflicts, chaos, and military rule. The road ahead for protesters, ethnic rebels, and the military is equally challenging, with an uncertain future looming. Without external intervention, the junta is unlikely to yield. The 2021 military takeover has extinguished hopes for democracy, raising troubling questions about Myanmars future.

The central question remains: can Myanmar sustain its current situation indefinitely? It appears so, given the Tatmadaws steadfastness and resistance to change. Public outcry has little impact on the militarys architecture and strategies.

Now, unite in solidarity can guide all anti-junta groups in bringing democracy back to this troubled country. Thwarting the actions of the military may be challenging in the immediate term due to its dual sources of power  both civilian and military. Moreover, Opposition groups changing and occupying fringe territories may require more time to compel the Tatmadaw to relinquish power.

It is clear that the Generals sole agenda is repression and nothing else. They refuse to heed calls for peace, negotiation, or dialogue. General Hlain must not test the patience of his people any longer. Furthermore, he must no longer ignore the growing threat posed by ethnic rebels.

(The writer is a Senior Faculty at the Department of Political Science in the School of Liberal Education, Galgotias University, Greater Noida.)
Sahib we have nothing left with us  they have taken our lands  forcing our men to migrate to Chennai as migrant labourers, our Ijjat (honour) and our money, everything," complains a housewife who has fled with her young children to her brother's house at adjacent Dhamakhali.

"We have to work on their lands and fisheries  which once belonged to us before their gunmen forcibly occupied them  for days on end without being paid  and if we ask for our wages our men are lifted away and return with broken limbs or nose," says Purnima Malik one of those hundreds of women who have gheraoed the Sandeshkhali police station in demand of justice.

Sample a third and more horrible a story. "Many of us have no honour left the TMC goons have divided us in groups based on physical features  then they suddenly take us away on gunpoint to their bosses' houses  you can't speak a word  your husband will not protest lest being shot dead," says another housewife refusing to lend her name for obvious reasons.

That is not all. The men of Shahjahan and his henchmen Shiboprosad alias Shibu Hajra and Uttam Sardar have forcefully taken out lands, converted them into fisheries without a single penny being paid to them, the locals complain.

"When asked for payment they call us for meeting  and when our men go to meet them they are beaten up if you go to the police they simply will look the other way  the Barobabu (inspector) will ask you to settle things out with the tormentors," said Anima another woman adding how one of the villagers who dared to file a complaint with the police was taken away I the night.

"The next day their men came with his body claiming he had died in an accident and asked us to do the last rites and leave the village without delay after transferring all our properties  since then we have not returned to the village," informed another farmer whose father was murdered by the TMC goons.

"In 2006 Mamata Banerjee fought for 1000 acres of land at Singur where an industry was to come up but here they have forcibly occupied 1250 acres of land and converted their character and there is no administration, no court order no nothing  we brought Mamata to power and she is now sucking us dry  the lands were given to our ancestors by Jyoti Basu government as patta and now the TMC jotdars (landlords) are snatching them back," said Saheb Dolui a local farmer and activist.

True, if Nandigram had degenerated into a killing field in the closing years of the Marxist rule the nondescript boondocks of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas bordering Sunderbans and Bangladesh has been reduced to a veritable anarchy. The hapless villagers here have been fighting with their backs against the wall with their fight for right culminating into a revolt against the local Trinamool Congress chieftains like Sahjahan, Shibu Hajra and Uttam Sardar.

While Shahjahan a district board member and local strongman has often been described as a "tiger" by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Cabinet colleagues Hajra and Sardar are his henchmen and important district level leaders.

Though infamously known in the State circuit for the past several years the trio's name shot into prominence in the first week of January when hundreds of armed people allegedly at their behest attacked a team of Enforcement Directorate officials and the central forces escorting them when they were raiding Shahjahan's house in conection with the Rs 10,000 crore ration scam that has led to the arrest of senior Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick and a TMC municipal chairman Shankar Adhya.

Shahjahan, Hajra and Sardar have been at large ever since with the police "trying to locate them." This, whereas the locals inform "all the three are roaming free in the area  now slipping into the Sunderbans and then resurfacing again."

Cut to Sandeshkhali. The embers burning over the past few days blew up into a violent protest movement on Friday with hundreds of women and men laying a siege of the Sandeshkhali police station after Hajra's men attacked Zeliakhali village --- another river island in the vicinity of Sanedshkhali --- with muskets and one-shotters, sources said.

"They beat up our men who had to be hospitalized  after that the angry villagers assembled from a number of islands and torched the farmhouses, poultry farms and other properties of Shibu Hajra," a local said adding "women armed with sticks, hansua and kitchen tools gheraoed the police station a la Nandigram struggle even as large contingent of police force led by AD (Law and Order) Manoj Verma and Superintendent of Police Hossain Mehedi Rahaman rushed to the area.

"We are investigating the matter as complaints have been filed against Shahjahan and others," Verma said before asking the villagers to retreat. Rahaman said "a search for accused is on."

Verma said, "Investigation is underway into all complaints that have been lodged, and action will be taken. At the same time, if someone takes up the law into their hands, the law will take its own course. The situation is at present under control."

Meanwhile, the TMC leadership in Kolkata blamed the BJP and the CPI(M) for inciting the local villagers "so as to fish in the troubled waters  but the government will not allow to do this." Bengal Minister Partha Bhowmick said "there could be discontentment against one or two people but that does not mean that everyone is bad  people's grievances will be addressed."

He further said that "if the BJP thinks that they will divert the attention from the MNREGA movement of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is raising her voice against the central deprivation of the State by non-payment of workers' wages in 100-days work scheme, non-payment of funds for rural housing, roads etc then they are living in a fools' paradise  they cannot divert the attention from the main issues."
Sameer Wankhede, a 2008-batch IRS officer, and two other NCB officers will soon be summoned by the ED for questioning in the money laundering case.

Having found himself in the dock, Wankhede, who had led the investigations in the cruise ship drug bust case as the then NCBs Mumbais Zonal director, moved the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of the money laundering case registered against him by the ED in 2021 mid-sea drug bust case. Wankhedes petition is likely to be heard by a HC division bench on February 15.

The money laundering case registered by the ED is based on an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against him on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI in May 2023. On his part, Wankhede chose not to comment on Saturdays development by saying, Since the matter is subjudice, I do not intend to comment further.

I will give the appropriate reply in the court at the appropriate time. I reiterate that I have full faith in the Indian judiciary. Satyamev Jayate, Wankhede said.

Last year, the CBI booked Wankhede for allegedly demanding Rs 25 crore as a bribe for not framing Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-crime case. The agency had then claimed that the deal was closed for Rs 18 crore and that Wankhades assets were not proportionate to his known sources of income.

The CBIs charge against Wankhede should be seen in the context of the fact that

on May 27, 2022, the NCB had given Aryan Khan a clean chit in the much-discussed Cordelia cruise ship drug bust case, citing lack of sufficient evidence against him.

The CBI booked Wankhede and others for alleged criminal conspiracy (120-B IPC), and threat of extortion (388 IPC) besides provisions pertaining to bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act on a complaint from the NCB.

Apart from Wankhede, the other NCB officers against whom an FIR was registered were: Vishwa Vijay Singh, then Superintendent (NCB), Ashish Ranjan, then Intelligence Officer of Mumbai Zonal Unit (NCB) and two witnesses in the case K P Gosavi and Sanvile DSouza.

Wankhede and others were booked under Sections 7, 7A, and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 388 (extortion by threat of accusation of an offence) of the IPC.

The CBI had alleged in its FIR that Sameer and other accused named in its FIR had allegedly entered into conspiracy in order to extort an amount of around Rs 25 crore from the family members of the alleged accused by threatening them of the accusation of offences of possession of narcotics substances as per the alleged directions of Wankhede being the supervisory officer. The CBI had also alleged that a token amount of Rs 50 lakh as bribe was allegedly obtained in furtherance of this conspiracy.

It may be recalled that the NCB had arrested Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha and five others on October 3, after its officials busted a rave party and seized 13 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of MD (Mephedrone), 21 grams of Charas, 22 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) and Rs 1.33 lakh in cash from Goa-bound Cordelia Cruises Empress ship, off the Mumbai coast. Subsequently, the NCB arrested 12 more persons in connection with the mid-sea rave party.

The permanent relief to Aryan in the sensational case came seven months after the Bombay High Court on October 28, 2021 granted bail to him and two others, 25 days after they were arrested in the sensational case.

On its part, the NCB had given Aryan Khan a clean chit on May 27, 2022 in the mid-sea drug bust case, citing lack of sufficient evidence against him. In effect, the NCB did not name Aryan and five others in the charge-sheet before a special court in the drug bust case on May 19, 2023.

However, the NCB had filed a 6,000-page chargesheet in the Special court against 14 others, including Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha, in the case, before the expiry of the extended deadline for filing of a charge-sheet in the case.

The 14 persons who have been charge-sheeted in the case were: Arbaaz Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha, Vikrant Chhokar, Mohak Jaiswal, Ishmeet Singh Chadha, Gomit Chopra, Nupur Satija, Abdul Kadar Shaikh, Shreyas Nair, Manish Rajgariya, Aachit Kumar, Chinedu Igwe, Shivraj Harijan and Okoro Uzeoma.
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in association with SPIC MACAY organised first concert of Music in the Park series 2024 at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri on Saturday.

Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi was also amongst the audience and appreciated the efforts of NDMC, SPIC MACAY and SRF Foundation to organisation of such type of classical music concert to preservation of our traditional art and culture amongst the youth and general public. She gave thanks to all who associated with such a program in the open out of auditorium and free for all.

According to the NDMC, thousands of audience across the Delhi NCR region mesmerized with wonderful performances by Hindustani Flute Recital by Pandit Nityanand Haldipur, accompanied by Mithilesh Kumar Jha on Tabla. Following him on Sitar, Ustad Shahid Parvez, accompanied by Akram Khan on Tabla performed in Music in the park.

Thousands of flower lovers also listened to the Music Concert and enthralled on music tunes of the artists. The next Music Concert of Music in the Park series 2024 will be on 09th March, 2024 at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

The Music Concert was part of NDMCs series of events to celebrate the spring season in the lush green area of the Heart of the National Capital. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is celebrating the spring season with a series of events like Tulip festival, Music in the Park, Flower Festival, Rose Festival and Food Festival, NDMC said.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Congress leader Salman Khurshid's wife Louise Khurshid for questioning in a money-laundering investigation linked to alleged misuse of government funds in distribution of artificial limbs and equipment by a trust headed by her, sources said on Saturday.

She has been asked to depose at the ED zonal office in Lucknow on February 15 for recording her statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.

Two days back, an MP-MLA court in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly issued an arrest warrant against Louise Khurshid and an another accused in this case and fixed February 16 as the next date of hearing.

Salman Khurshid also served as a Union minister in the UPA government.

The ED case of money laundering stems from the state police's FIR of 2017.

Special Public Prosecutor Achintya Dwivedi had said that during 2009-10, a programme for distribution of artificial limbs and equipment was organised by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust for Disabled Persons, run by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust of Louise Khurshid in Bhojipura area of the district.

The government got the matter investigated after receiving allegations of discrepancies.

It was found that government funds were misused by using fake seals and signatures in the programme, he said.

There were three main accused in the case, including project manager of the trust Louise Khurshid, the trust's representative Pratyush Shukla and its secretary Athar Farooqui.

Shukla died a few years ago. According to the sources, the ED has recorded the statement of Shukla's wife and some others and has now asked Louise Khurshid to join the probe.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had filed a charge sheet against both the accused in the court.

The court had issued summons to the accused several times but they neither appeared nor got bail in the case.
Amid speculations of the RLD joining BJP-led NDA ahead of the general elections, the regional party leader Jayant Singh on Saturday praised the Modi government for honouring his grandfather and former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna.

He said that only a government "rooted to ground realties" could have taken such a decision.

As soon as Singh started thanking the government for the honour in Rajya Sabha, Congress members objected and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to know the rule under which the RLD leader was allowed to speak.

Kharge said it is a matter of pride and he "salutes" former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh and agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan, all of whom are being conferred with Bharat Ratna.

"There is no debate on honouring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise an issue, you (chairman) ask 'under which rule'. (I want to know) under which rule he (Jayant Singh) has been allowed to speak. Give permission to us also. On one side you talk about rule...You have discretion...That discretion should be used judiciously and not when you want...," Kharge said, leading to a huge uproar in the House.

Congress president Kharge also accused the chairman of not following the rules.

The chairman tried to bring order in the House.

Amid uproar, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala exressed surprise why the Congress was opposing Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh.

"The leader of opposition is challenging the Chair and that too on such an occassion (celebration awarding of Bharat Ratna)...This is the real face of the Congress...Congress has been exposed," Rupala said.

Jayant Singh said he was shocked with the "disrespect" to Charan Singh being shown in the House by the Congress.

He rued that honouring a personality like Charan Singh is being seen through a political prism and is being linked to formation of a political alliance and winning or losing elections.

"I am indebted. Only a government which is rooted to ground realities understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them, can honour 'Dhartiputra' Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna," Jayant Chaudhary said.

Leader of the House and Union Minister Piyush Goyal asked Leader of Opposition Kharge to appologise to the Chair as well as the nation for his remarks.
Guns were confiscated at Billings Logan International Airport security checkpoints at almost twice the national rate per passenger screened last year.

Transportation Security Administration data shows officers in 2023 found 15 firearms in travelers carry-on luggage in Billings. Thats one gun for every 66,214 passengers screened, versus one for every 127,356 travelers nationwide.

At airports across Montana, TSA officers discovered a record 59 firearms during routine x-ray inspections of passengers carry-on luggage. They found 16 in Bozeman, 15 in Billings, 11 in Missoula, seven in Kalispell, six in Great Falls, two in Helena, one in Havre and one in Sidney.

People are very careless, TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said. Theres no excuse for an increase because guns have never been allowed.

Congress first enacted legislation to prohibit accessible weapons aboard aircraft in 1961, decades before TSA was created. The launch of TSA was to help secure the nations transportation system in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

With the exception of a decline in 2020, likely due to travel precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm finds at airports in Montana have steadily increased during the past five years.

TSA officers detected 50 guns during passenger screenings statewide in 2022. Thats up from 45 guns in 2021, 24 in 2020 and 34 in 2019.

Billings saw a slight dip in the number of guns carried through airport security last year, down two from the state's record high of 17 in 2022. Bozeman, however, had a significant rise in 2023, up six from the 10 guns confiscated by TSA officers the previous year.

During the same time, the number of guns carried through airport security increased by two in Helena and by one each in Great Falls, Havre and Sidney.

Firearm finds in Missoula and Kalispell remained steady from 2022 to 2023, with 11 and seven respectively each year.

The uptick of guns found travelers carry-on bags in Montana mirrors the trend at airports across the country.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport topped the list last year with 451 guns confiscated. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport came in second with 378, followed by Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport with 311, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 235 and Nashville International Airport with 188.

The record number of firearms discovered last year by TSA in carry-on luggage, both in Montana and nationally, is sobering, TSA Federal Security Director for Montana Kc Wurtsbaugh said in a news release. These are not the types of records that we want to break, so please pay attention to where your firearm is at all times and be sure to pack it properly.

When a gun is found at a security checkpoint, TSA notifies local airport law enforcement, who come remove the gun from the x-ray machine.

Most people claim they forgot it was in there, said Billings Airport Police Supervisor Keith Edgell.

But, he often wonders what the point of carrying a gun is, if the person cant remember they have it with them in the first place.

Hows it going to help you, if you forgot about it, he said.

Once airport police remove the firearm from the security checkpoint, Edgell said, the passenger usually goes through some additional screening before going on to catch their flight.

Because carrying a gun through airport security is not a violation of local or Montana law, Edgell said, those who do so are not arrested or subject to criminal charges, as they would be in some states.

TSA, however, can levy a civil penalty of up to $14,950 against the traveler.

Airport police hold the gun until TSA determines the fine.

Among the factors considered when determining the amount of the fine are whether the gun was loaded, if there was accessible ammunition and whether the traveler has a history of violations. Even if a passenger has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

Dankers said she could not provide the amounts of the penalties TSA imposed for the 15 guns found in Billings last year. But, she suggested the Gazette could try to obtain them through Freedom of Information Act and local public records requests or interviews with individuals who were fined.

Although the civil penalty can be up $14,950, Edgell said, that isnt typical for gun infractions hes seen in Billings. However, fines between $2,500 and $5,000 are not uncommon. And, he said, the federal agency will often agree to reduce the amount significantly in exchange for prompt payment.

Once the passenger has proof they paid the fine, they can come pick up their firearm from the airport police.

With Montanas relaxed rules for carrying guns and more people packing them, Edgell said, he believes travelers are rushing and forgetting to think ahead about what they can and can not bring on a plane.

In addition to the 15 guns confiscated at BIL security checkpoints last year, he said, there were a dozen others found in passengers checked luggage.

Its the mindset in Montana, Edgell said. Were a gun-toting state.

The good news then, is guns can be taken on a commercial aircraft if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared in checked baggage at the airline ticket counter.

Before traveling, passengers are encouraged to check firearms regulations at their destination to make sure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline to make sure they comply with any carrier-specific requirements.

TSA has multiple resources available to help travelers determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked luggage or not at all.

Passengers can use the Can I Bring feature on TSAs website or mobile app. They can also message "@AskTSA" if they have a question and get real-time help from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

TSA has detailed information on its website about traveling with firearms and ammunition and a summary of penalties for prohibited items.

Not being aware of where your weapon is, violates the first rule of gun ownership, Dankers said. Its important that people think about it and do better in 2024.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Saturday hit out at Leader of Opposition Akhilesh Yadav for declining the invitation of the Speaker to visit Ayodhya "due to the fear of losing vote bank".

"They do not want to visit Ayodhya fearing that it will hurt their vote bank," said Adityanath.

The Samajwadi Party has declined the invitation of Speaker Satish Mahana to all members of the House for visiting Ram temple in Ayodhya together on February 11.

Earlier in his address, the chief minister said Yadav has problems with the fact that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world.

"He (Yadav) also has a problem that Uttar Pradesh becomes number one," he said.

When Yadav interjected, Adityanath said, without taking any names, "You have already denied the offer of the Speaker. You do not want to go to Ayodhya and you often go to Britain and you know who books your tickets."

Hitting at the Samajwadi Party, he said, "You could not do anything even in Mathura and Vrindavan. The Samajwadi Party government put up locks in Kashi and you locked a park behind the 'janamsthan' in Mathura. Our government opened both the locks," he said.

Prayers at a cellar in the Gyanvapi mosque were stopped during the Mulayam Singh government in 1993. The locks of the cellar were opened recently and prayers were allowed on the directions of a local Varanasi court.

The chief minister also accused Yadav of impoverishing the state in his tenure.

"In the five years of your tenure you gave a failure state but we made a secure state. You looted millions and we will give the state one trillion," he said, addressing Yadav in the UP Legislative Assembly.

His statement was followed by a round of applause from the treasury benches. Yadav was also present when Adityanath was speaking in the House. Adityanath welcomed the bestowing of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, saying, "The development work done by Chaudhary Charan Singh as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and as prime minister in the country is memorable. His honour is the honour of the farmers of the country."

Charan Singh brought in revenue changes and it is because of his work that farmers are central to the policies of the government today, he said.

Adityanath took a jibe at the fissures between alliance partners SP and RLD, whose president Jayant Singh, the grandson of Charan Singh, has apparently been warming up to the BJP since the announcement of the award.

He said, "I hoped that when the leader of the opposition was speaking he would remember Chaudhary Charan Singh. But the crack could not be fixed."

The chief minister said, "When we presented our first budget in 2017, we dedicated it to Lord Ram. It is a matter of luck that when my government has presented its eighth budget, a grand Ram temple has been constructed. This budget is also dedicated to Lord Ram."

We have tried to realise the dream of Ram Rajya in this budget."

"It may be possible that the leader of the opposition has a problem with the size of the budget. In comparison to 2012-2013, the budget is thrice the size and is double in comparison to the budget presented in 2016-17," said the chief minister.

He said his government has doubled the GDP of the state in the last seven years. Earlier UP contributed only eight per cent but now it contributes 9.2 per cent to the country's economy and aims to increase this in the next five years.

"UP is no longer a Bimaru state. We are a revenue surplus state. This has been done without imposing any new tax. The rates of diesel and petrol are the lowest in UP. And this is a reflection of Ram Rajya," Adityanath said.

He recited a couplet from the Ramcharitmanas to highlight the kind of taxation in Ram Rajya and likened it to the policy followed by his government.

"We managed to increase the revenue by reducing tax theft and plugging leakages of revenue without imposing any new tax," said the chief minister.

"UP is second in numbers of filers of Income-tax return which reflects that per capita income in the state has improved," he said.

The unemployment rate in the state has gone down from 19 per cent from before 2017 and 2.4 per cent as of now. It is a result of improved investment opportunities in UP, Adityanath said.

"UP had the potential to become number one (state). The youth had talent before (too) but there was no vision and effort on the part of the then leadership. Their priority was not the youth, women or the poor but their own," said Adityanath, hitting at the previous government of Samajwadi Party.

In order to hit at the previous government, Adityanath cited a couplet of Tuslidas to assert his point that one who does not make an effort does not achieve anything.

"We are headed towards one district one medical college. We have controlled encephalitis," he added.

"We went to Ayodhya before the Supreme Court verdict (of 2019). We went there today and will continue to go there," said the chif minister while listing development projects for religious places including Varanasi, Mathura, Prayagraj and others in the budget.

"I have stayed overnight in Bijnor. Akhilesh Yadav, I am sure, had never stayed there fearing that chacha will take his chair," Adityanath quipped.

"I only want to tell the leader of the opposition that in the last seven years, due to the efforts made by the double engine government, six crore people have out of poverty in the state," said Adityanath.
Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD  Free Report) had its target price decreased by Mizuho from $304.00 to $295.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. Mizuho currently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $260.00 to $245.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $295.00 to $270.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Redburn Atlantic lowered shares of Air Products and Chemicals from a buy rating to a sell rating and set a $240.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Friday, November 17th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Air Products and Chemicals from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $307.00 to $250.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $281.75.

Get Air Products and Chemicals alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on Air Products and Chemicals

Air Products and Chemicals Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE APD opened at $219.79 on Tuesday. Air Products and Chemicals has a 1 year low of $212.24 and a 1 year high of $307.71. The firms 50 day moving average price is $261.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $277.12. The firm has a market cap of $48.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.81.

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 5th. The basic materials company reported $2.82 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.00 by ($0.18). The company had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.20 billion. Air Products and Chemicals had a net margin of 18.82% and a return on equity of 16.84%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.64 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Air Products and Chemicals will post 12.39 earnings per share for the current year.

Air Products and Chemicals Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 13th. Investors of record on Monday, April 1st will be paid a dividend of $1.77 per share. This is an increase from Air Products and Chemicalss previous quarterly dividend of $1.75. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 28th. This represents a $7.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.22%. Air Products and Chemicalss payout ratio is 66.79%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Seifi Ghasemi purchased 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $264.42 per share, with a total value of $2,908,620.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 670,673 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $177,339,354.66. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.41% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 14,886,487 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $4,458,949,000 after acquiring an additional 291,104 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 9,693,186 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,920,175,000 after acquiring an additional 307,468 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 26.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,414,008 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,668,923,000 after acquiring an additional 1,115,729 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,283,884 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,280,143,000 after acquiring an additional 120,978 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 4,163,043 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,246,957,000 after buying an additional 38,283 shares during the period. 82.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Air Products and Chemicals Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, and internationally. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and syngas; and specialty gases for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, manufacturing, electronics, energy production, medical, food, and metals.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Air Products and Chemicals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Products and Chemicals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gateway Clinic welcomes specialist

Dayton Bry has joined the Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Gateway Clinic as an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in elder care.

Bry received his medical education from Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Gate City Bank promotes

Nancy Huber has been promoted to assistant vice president, treasury management consultant at Gate City Bank.

Huber has 15 years of experience. She joined the bank in June 2008, previously serving as treasury management consultant, relationship banker and customer service representative. She studied elementary and early childhood education at Valley City State University.

Starion Bank promotes area staff

Lee Weisbeck has been promoted to chief banking officer for the Bismarck, Mandan, Dunseith, Bottineau, Rolla, Oakes and Ellendale markets.

He joined Starion as a business banker in 2007, began managing the Mandan branch in 2015 and expanded to oversee all Bismarck and Mandan branches in 2018.

Weisbeck holds a bachelors degree in business from the University of Mary and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.

Doug Zinke has been promoted to Bismarck-Mandan market manager. He will oversee the Bismarck-Mandan business bankers, agribusiness bankers, retail managers, private bankers and mortgage officers.

Zinke joined Starion Bank in 2011 and has nearly 20 years of experience in banking. He graduated with a bachelors degree and master's degree in business administration from the University of Mary and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado.

James Reiner, who came to Starion in 2017, has assumed the role of ag business banking manager, SVP. He grew up on a fifth-generation crop and livestock farm in South Dakota and will manage the agribusiness bankers and business banking representatives in the Bismarck-Mandan market.

Reiner graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree from the College of Agricultural and Biological Sciences and earned his master's in business administration from Wayne State College.

Joel Stugelmeyer has been promoted to business banking manager, SVP. Stugelmeyer came to Starion in 2014 and has 19 years of banking experience. He will manage both the business banking and cash management teams in the Bismarck-Mandan market.

Stugelmeyer is a University of Mary graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
An 18-year-old Bismarck man already in jail in connection with a stolen car and pursuit last Nov. 26 faces a number of new charges from incidents that allegedly took place earlier.

Gauge Johnson is charged with six counts of theft, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Eight of the nine charges are felonies. The most serious theft charge -- theft of property between $10,000 and $50,000 -- carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Johnson's bond on the new charges was set at $10,000 cash Friday. The bond is half of what Burleigh County Assistant State's Attorney Isaac Lees requested.

"He's only 18 years old and already has a substantial history," Lees said of Johnson's criminal record. "A high cash bond is appropriate to protect the community."

South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick noted Johnson is already being held on a $10,000 bond after being arrested and charged in the Nov. 26 case, and set a similar bond on the newest charges.

"I don't want you out in the community," Romanick told Johnson, who appeared before the court via video conference from the Burleigh Morton Detention Center.

The latest charges against Johnson stem from events beginning with an auto theft last July and ending prior to the Nov. 26 incident in which authorities allege Johnson fled police in a different stolen car through the city at speeds approaching 90 mph.

During a Nov. 26 interview with police, Johnson admitted to stealing five different vehicles, a 12-gauge shotgun from a Bismarck garage, and a 9 mm handgun from another vehicle that he traded for meth, according to an affidavit. The document states a search of Johnson's residence turned up items used for smoking meth.

Johnson told Romanick he intended to seek a court-appointed attorney. A preliminary hearing on the latest charges is scheduled for March 11. Johnson has already pleaded not guilty to the charges filed following the Nov. 26 case. Trial in that case is scheduled for March 27.
Unleash your inner explorer Feb. 17 - May 13 at The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force with this jaw-dropping exhibit designed for dinosaurs fans of ALL AGES!

Move and make memories as you command 14 colossal, recycled metal dinosaurs a including a towering 44-foot T. rex! This interactive blend of art and science lets you touch, play, and discover in a whole new way.

Admission to museum is FREE, and this exhibit is included! The museum is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Don't miss this ROARsome adventure! Brought to you by Imagine Exhibitions and made possible by the generous support of Dayton Aerospace through its partnership with the Air Force Museum Foundation.
Ad Advantage Gold

URGENT: Is the IRS Spying On Your Money?

A digital dollar is picking up momentum in Washington DC, even with the dangers it could present to everyday Americans. Its great for them but what about us? What about for your savings? Your portfolio? A digital dollar would be a MASSIVE financial shift, and anyone who doesnt take steps to prepare for a digital dollar could fall victim to it instead.

Click here to get your free Digital Dollar Guide
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. The name of this cryptocurrency is revealed right here:

Click to get the name of the cryptocurrency
That means Carey Yantzer can get out of jail without posting any money, providing she complies with certain conditions including having no contact with employees or officers of the nonprofit where she worked as a bookkeeper/accountant. Yantzer also is prohibited from visiting the association's offices. Should she violate those conditions, Yantzer could be arrested again and forced to post up to $5,000.
Ad Crypto 101 Media

Altcoin FRENZY Alert

Bitcoin recently crossed the highest price in its 15-year history Less than 2 years after one of the most vicious crypto market meltdowns we've ever seen! Bitcoin's BOOM also sent shockwaves through the altcoin market, with select coins seeing HUGE moves in a matter of days Like Fetch.ai, that gained over 350% in just the last 30 days

Click here now to register for the event (FOR FREE!)
Generac Holdings Inc. is a Fortune 1000 American manufacturer of power generation and energy storage solutions ranging from 800 watts to 9 megawatts for residential, light commercial and industrial markets. Robert Kern founded Generac Holdings in 1959, headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Generac began producing portable generators in the 1970s for the Craftsman brand for Sears Roebuck and Co. Generac expanded its offerings during the 1970s to include the portable and recreational vehicle markets. Generac entered the commercial and industrial markets in the 1980s with its backup power generation systems. Generac introduced the first gaseous-fueled, automatically engaging home standby system for residential usage in 1989.

Generac has made several acquisitions, including Ottomotores, Tower Light, Pramac, Motortech, Selmec, Deep Sea and Off Grid Energy. Generac's domestic segment includes the legacy Generac business, and these acquisitions are based in the United States and Canada. The company's international segment consists of Generac's Latin American export operations.

Generac designs and manufactures portable, stationary and mobile generators that produce between 800 watts and 3,250 kilowatts from a single-engine output. Generac also offers industrial-grade mobile energy storage systems, batteries, electronic controls, engines, alternators, steel enclosures, and more.

In 2006, CCMP Capital of New York purchased Generac. In 2008, Aaron Jagdfeld was appointed president and chief executive officer. Generac Holdings Inc. began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GNRC on February 11, 2010. The initial public offering provided Generac with $224 million in proceeds.

Over the years, Generac has earned several honors and awards. It has received the Milwaukee Magazine's "Best Places to Work" award in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2010, Generac's industrial sizing application, Power Design Pro, received a "product of the year" award from Plant Engineering. Generac's Guardian Series home standby generator system has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Generac was honored with the Natural Gas Generator Company of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan in 2014 for its natural gas generator.

Generac manufactures diesel-fueled, gasoline-fueled and bi-fuel power generation equipment. Generac also produces modular paralleling systems, automatic transfer switches and small engines for use in various other types of equipment. Generac introduced Generac Industrial Power in 2009, which included new enclosures, new engines and ergonomic and aesthetic changes to current systems. In 2009, Generac partnered with Fiat Powertrain Technologies to supply Generac with industrial diesel engines used in industrial generators and industrial power systems.

Generac's products are available through independent dealers, retailers and wholesalers. Generac Holdings Inc. is committed to innovation and quality and provides power generation and energy storage solutions for residential, light commercial and industrial markets. The company also sells aftermarket service parts and product accessories to dealers. It distributes its products through industrial distributors and dealers, independent residential dealers, e-commerce partners and national and regional retailers.
PICTURED ABOVE:Pictured is firmus energy CEO Niall Martindale (front row, third from left), Prof Jim Harkin, the Head of the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University (front row, fourth from left) and firmus energys Director of Engineering Eric Cosgrove (front row, second from right). They are joined by firmus energy staff, Ulster University representatives, and Ulster University BEng Renewable Energy Engineering degree students.

A prestigious five-figure scholarship for first year undergraduate engineering students has been launched.

The Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship was unveiled at Ulster Universitys Magee campus in Derry by firmus energy Chief Executive Officer Niall Martindale and Professor Jim Harkin, the Head of the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University.

Speaking at the launch event in Derry, Niall Martindale said: The Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship can help students pursue their educational goals through financial and career support.

More broadly, it will play a key role in helping to build a highly skilled workforce right here in the North West region and right across Northern Ireland.

The scholarship is open to students in year one of their BEng Renewable Energy Engineering degree at Magee Campus, with the successful applicant receiving a 2,000 bursary to support their studies. They will also benefit from a one-year paid industrial placement for the duration of their studies for up to a maximum of 10 weeks, and a 1-year paid placement with firmus worth 22,000 plus benefits.

In the case of both, mentorship will be offered to the student from experienced staff members on top of support through professional registration, and following successful graduation, they will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Engineer Programme with the natural gas distribution and supply company.

Commenting on the venture between firmus energy and Ulster University, Professor Jim Harkin said: This invaluable scholarship opportunity will undoubtedly empower an aspiring engineer, providing them with the means to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Applications for the Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship are now open for first year students of the Renewable Energy Engineering course at Ulster Universitys Magee Campus. Once the shortlisting process has been completed, interviews are due to be held at the start of April.

Visit firmus energy for more information about career pathways..
McLean County sheriff's deputies are employing a new tool designed to stop fleeing vehicles while increasing safety.

The Grappler, as it's called, is a bumper-mounted system that enables officers to stop vehicles by effectively "roping" a rear tire. It looks similar to a push bumper and is controlled from a vehicle's interior. Once activated it folds down, deploying a capture net that an officer can use to scoop and snag a tire.

A high-strength tether strap attached to the police vehicle lets the officer drag the targeted vehicle to a stop. The tether strap can also be released if an officer chooses, allowing him or her to create distance while the targeted vehicle comes to a stop. Releasing the tether also enables an officer to pursue suspects who might flee a stopped vehicle on foot.

Sheriff J.R. Kerzmann said the Grappler system could be a "game changer" when it comes to an ever-increasing number of vehicle pursuits in McLean County.

"Last year we damaged seven units in the process of trying to stop people that were fleeing," Kerzmann said. "We saw how this was working in the southern part of the U.S., and it's one of those things where, 'Does this really work?'"

Cold experiment

McLean County is the first in North Dakota to purchase and put Grappler bumpers into service.

System inventor and developer Leonard Stock lives on the northwest side of the Phoenix metropolitan area, where weather patterns are decidedly different. Stock said the system is being used by a number of law enforcement agencies there as well as in New Mexico, Colorado and the Kansas City, Missouri, area, so he's just as interested in how the equipment performs up north as Kerzmann is.

"The cold weather's going to restrict the Grappler in some way," Stock said. "We don't know to what extent. We're going to find out."

Installation and training with the system was conducted this past Wednesday and Thursday at a state training facility in Bismarck. Kerzmann and deputies received classroom instruction and hands-on training, performing live Grapples on a passenger car. Weather conditions were chilly with light freezing rain, yet the equipment did not appear to suffer any ill effects.

"So far, I'm liking what I'm seeing," Kerzmann said about the system's operation. "We might have to adjust a little, but I think we're going to have great success with them."

Stock said that to date, agencies have performed more than 650 Grapples on vehicles ranging from passenger cars to 3/4-ton pickups in a variety of weather conditions. Speeds have ranged from 5 mph to more than 100 mph. The system is not meant to be used in every single pursuit situation, he said, nor is it meant to be a replacement for tools such as spike strips, road blocks or even PIT maneuvers in which a patrol vehicle pushes a suspect vehicle into a skid.

"There are definitely 'go, no-go' situations," Stock said of deploying the Grappler. "We go over that in training and try to give law enforcement the best information we can."

Bad guys pay

Grappler bumper systems sell for $6,500-$7,000 each, according to Stock. The price includes installation by Stock and his business associate, Chris Smith, and also includes on-site training. McLean County purchased eight. The bumpers bolt directly to a vehicle's frame, and will be removed and reinstalled as vehicles are retired and replaced.

Stock said officers in the Phoenix area are successfully using Grapplers first purchased more then five years ago. He personally knows one officer who has more than 40 Grapples using the same bumper. Kerzmann said his goal is to deploy them geographically throughout the county so a Grappler-equipped vehicle is available wherever it might be necessary.

McLean County Commissioner Steve Lee said Kerzmann's desire to implement the system was unanimously supported, especially since the purchase isn't coming out of the county's general fund budget.

"No, the bad guys are paying for this," Lee laughed. "We're using asset forfeiture money."

Asset forfeiture is the process in which items such as firearms, vehicles and money seized during arrests is sold off and the proceeds deposited into a special account after criminal cases are concluded. Lee said McLean County's asset forfeiture fund is designated only for law enforcement purchases approved by commissioners.

"We've been able to do a lot of things for the Sheriff's Department because of asset forfeiture over the years," he said.

The Grappler is just the latest.

Lee, who was on site to see the installation and training, said he was impressed by what he saw.

"I think it's going to be a good addition to what we've already got," he said.
Click the 'Next >' arrow above or 'Next Story' below to go through the gallery

Paddy Critchley is a visual artist from Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland. He graduated from Fine Art Painting at the Limerick School of Art & Design in 2021.

Over the years, Paddy's artwork has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, earning him accolades such as the De Veres Award for significant artwork at the RHA Annual Exhibition. He also has work in the Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Hunt Museums Permanent collection.

Paddy is a painter, with a keen interest in the theatre of the absurd. Additionally, working as a painter and decorator and serving his time in the trade, Paddy integrates aspects of this profession into his artwork.

His pieces are based in the themes of socialism, working class struggles, and the craftsmanship inherent in the trade of painting and decorating.

Paddy plans to explore the vibrant music scene in Dundalk, connecting with musicians, songs, folklore and other aspects of Dundalks rich cultural activity. Paddy also plans to incorporate the Irish language and the landscape and history of Dundalk into his work.
Louth Volunteer Centre says that census data released this month shows the importance of engaging a diverse group of volunteers reflective of our communities and creating more flexible ways for people to volunteer.

In Louth, 13% of the county's population or almost 17,900 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 8,682 females and almost 9,200 males volunteering.

The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 6,800 Louth people were volunteering. More than 5,200 people volunteered in their community while over 5,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations.

More than 3,600 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 374 volunteers in political organisations. More than 2,500 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.

Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 6,778 people volunteering. A further 5,110 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 3,074 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 800 children (under 15 years old) and almost 2,100 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.

Nationally, the data shows that volunteering levels are similar across ethnic groups, with 14.8% of those with a white background volunteering and 15.8% of ethnic minorities volunteering. While the Census data doesnt distinguish between Irish ethnic minorities and ethnic minority migrants, we know that volunteering plays a huge role in integration of new arrivals, says Louth Volunteer Centre

Olivia Conlon, Louth Volunteer Centre Manager commented, We see high levels of interest in volunteering from new people arriving in Ireland, for example people seeking protection and Ukrainians.

"Through volunteering, people can become active members of their new community, make friends, learn English and build their own local network. It's important to remember that people making Ireland their home make a huge contribution to our communities.

"We know that many organisations are currently struggling to recruit volunteers and wed encourage them to ensure that their volunteer programmes are open and inclusive to all members of the community.

"Small changes can make a big difference to attracting diverse volunteers. For example, covering a volunteers bus fare to travel to the organisation can make it possible someone who is unemployed or living in direct provision to volunteer.

The data also shows that almost 25% of people who work from home for some part of the week volunteer. Time is often identified as the most common reason people dont volunteer and this data indicates that people who have more time are more likely to volunteer. However, its important to note that not all volunteer roles demand huge time commitments, Olivia noted.

Olivia explained, "volunteering has changed a lot over the last number of years. There are more ways to volunteer than ever before including shorter, more flexible roles. Wed encourage people to think about what time they have spare and even if its only an hour a week or a few days here and there, youd be surprised at whats available.

"Similarly, we encourage organisations to think about the roles they have and how they can make them more attractive to volunteers while still making a meaningful contribution to the organisation. Although its not possible for every role, we work with organisations to help them break down their roles into shorter, more task-based opportunities.

Overall, the data showed consistent levels of volunteering in Ireland. When compared with similar data from the 2006 Census, the level of volunteering among those over the age of 15 is similar. The data also confirmed trends seen across Ireland in recent years with sport being the most popular activity and those over the age of 45 being more likely to volunteer.
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.
100 new manufacturing jobs are on the way to Dundalk following the announcement by that Pentagon Technologies Group, Inc, a subsidiary of Kurita Water Industries, has announced the establishment of a precision parts cleaning facility in Mullagharlin.

According to IDA Ireland, the new facility is expected to create approximately 100 manufacturing jobs over the next five years, and it facility represents an expansion of services to the semiconductor industry in Ireland.

Headquartered in Japan, Pentagon Technologies Inc develops and provides innovative products and services to improve productivity and utilisation of semi-conductor manufacturing equipment. The IDA says that the new facility, located at the IDA Science and Technology Park, Mullagharlin, Dundalk is strategic in supporting Pentagon Technologys Irish and European customers.

CEO for IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: Pentagon Technologies decision to expand its presence in Ireland with the establishment of a new state of the art facility in the North East region is a testament to the strategic appeal of Dundalk and the collaborative efforts between IDA Ireland and the team at Pentagon.

"The expected creation of 100 manufacturing jobs over the next five years is a substantial boost for the local economy, underscoring the attractiveness of Dundalk as a hub for cutting-edge technology and manufacturing. This announcement aligns with IDA Irelands ongoing efforts to position Ireland as a global leader in technology and innovation and exemplifies the success of our strategy to attract high-value investments to regional locations.



Construction is in progress at the new site and the facility is expected to be operational in Q3 2024. Career opportunities at the new facility will include customer service, production, engineering, facilities, logistics and quality control.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD today announced 5 million to enhance research and innovation opportunities at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The programme will establish, equip, and staff research and innovation offices within to enable deepened engagement with local and regional business, industry, and enterprise.

It is also directed at developing researcher human capital in the technological sector, including staff development, recruitment, postgraduate training and supervision, networking, and collaborative knowledge-transfer and mobility schemes.

The money is part of an overall national allocation of 84 million to TUs and Institutes around the country.

Local TD Fergus ODowd said the move was really terrific news for the north east and shows the commitment the government has to the continued investment in DKIT and the North East.

Minister Simon Harris said:

"I am very pleased to announce, with the assistance of the European Regional Development Fund, the allocation of almost 84 million in funding to our five TUs as well as to Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

The Technological Universities are uniquely placed to link with local and regional enterprises, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, to support them to turn innovation opportunities into real-world actuality.

TUs are catalysts of regional development and support the skills and employment agendas regionally and nationally. This significant research-oriented funding will further enhance their capacity in this regard, ensuring that as a nation Ireland will be recognised as a world-leader in Research and Innovation for years to come.

TU RISE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland and the Northern & Western Regional Programmes, 2021-27.

Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, which will manage the operations of the TU RISE scheme, Dr Alan Wall, said:

"Funding under TU RISE comes at a critical juncture in the development of the technological sector. This funding offers institutions the opportunity to enhance central research functions, which are critical to institutions strategically developing and achieving their research ambitions.

Investment in staff and researchers in individual disciplines at Faculty level offers institutions an important opportunity to build expertise in research areas that will facilitate stronger engagement with regional enterprises aligned to Irelands Smart Specialisation Strategy and the Regional Enterprise Plans.

The HEA conceived, designed and will manage this investment to support our TUs contribution to a bottom-up, place-based, dynamic process which brings together regional and national actors to link Irelands regional needs and potential with innovative policymaking.
Electrical goods firm Glen Dimplex has announced a 15m investment in its Dunleer site as part of a strategic review of its island-wide operations.

As part of the move the firm plans to relocate its fast-growing sales and distribution arm (Glen Dimplex Ireland [GDI]) from Cloghran in Dublin to Dunleer in the next two years.

Additionally, the company say they will consolidate their two Dunleer sites (Barn Road and Ardee Road) to one multi-purpose facility at Ardee Road which, subject to planning permission, will incorporate GDI and its associated warehousing and distribution activities, a state-of-the-art showroom, a new R&D facility and ventilation manufacturing.

They also intend to invest in a purpose built ventilation facility in Dunleer that will allow the Group to substantially grow its low carbon ventilation business in core markets.

Although a statement released by the companies says they also plan to transfer the manufacturing of flame products from Dunleer to a long term partner in China resulting in  headcount reduction in Dunleer in late 2024; They do however, claim that group employment in Dunleer is expected to be materially higher by 2029 as a result of redeployment from Cloghran and continuing growth in GDI.

Employees at all Glen Dimplex sites were briefed today about the proposed reorganisation and investment programme that will be implemented on a phased basis from late 2024 through 2026.

There will be no redundancies as part of the planned reorganisation of operations for at least 6 months.

Glen Dimplex say management will work with employee representatives, union groups and training agencies to ensure the planned transitions are as seamless as possible and that appropriate outplacement and training supports are provided.

Fergal Leamy, Glen Dimplex Group CEO commented: Glen Dimplex has always been a leader in electric heating solutions for homes and businesses. The drive for zero carbon renewable electricity requires a transition in the technology and appliances used in our homes and businesses, especially in smart and sustainable heating and ventilation solutions such as next generation heat pumps, ventilation and storage solutions using renewable energy sources.

By signalling these proposed changes significantly in advance of proposed implementation we aim to mitigate the impact on staff and minimise redundancies through training and redeployment and affording the opportunity to apply for hundreds of new roles that will be created over the coming years.

Our proposed 50m investment will reorientate our operations on this island so that they are environmentally and economically sustainable and a major driving force in the next chapter of growth at Glen Dimplex. Our transition will bring significant change and challenge in the near term but also phenomenal opportunities for the next generation and beyond. One thing is clear; the status quo is not an option as consumer demand and public policy chart course for zero carbon future.

Up the M1 in Newry the company additionally say they will invest around 25m in its site which will be repurposed into a centre of excellence for the manufacture of zero carbon, renewable heating solutions including heat pumps. Panel and storage heating manufacturing will transfer from the Groups sites in Newry and Portadown to its existing manufacturing site in Lithuania.

Under this proposal, the Portadown site will close, most likely in 2025, with some staff redeploying to Newry whose operations will also evolve significantly.

A statement from the company emphasised:

This complex but critical transition will require a mix of retraining, redeployment, redundancies and new hires over the next 5 years, following which total headcount on the island of Ireland will have increased from 800 today to over 1,000 staff.

The proposals will ensure the Groups island-wide operations will be optimally positioned for growth on an environmentally and commercially sustainable basis as it seeks to both drive and benefit from the transition to electrification of energy.
Former taoiseach John Bruton has been described as a visionary and a great statesman, at a removal mass at a Co Meath church on Friday ahead of his state funeral.

Mr Brutons remains were taken to Saints Peter and Pauls Church on the main street of his home town of Dunboyne.

Former minister Richard Bruton carried the coffin of his older brother into the church for the ceremony, which began after 7pm on Friday.

During the mass, parish priest Pat OConnor described John Bruton as a visionary and a man committed to peace.

No matter what position John found himself, he gave it his all, as a TD, as a minister, as taoiseach.

He was a great statesman, his vision for the European Union was far-seeing.

He certainly was a great ambassador for the EU. Not only for the EU, but also for Ireland.

John Bruton, a politician, a minister, taoiseach, ambassador, all great achievements for the Dunboyne man who never lost touch with his roots.

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and Justice Minister Helen McEntee were among those at the service.

Culture Minister Catherine Martin and her husband Francis Noel Duffy TD, Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman, and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne were also present at what was otherwise a service for local people.

Senior politicians and dignitaries are expected to attend Mr Brutons funeral at the same church on Saturday, before he is buried at Rooske Cemetery.

Mr Bruton, who was Irelands premier between 1994 and 1997 and leader of Fine Gael between 1990 and 2001, died on Tuesday aged 76.

He died surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

Born in Dunboyne, he graduated from University College Dublin before qualifying as a barrister.

After becoming taoiseach, one of Mr Brutons first policy initiatives was to call for a referendum that would see the Irish constitution change to allow divorce.

Later that same year he welcomed the then-Prince of Wales to Dublin, marking the first official visit by 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, as they launched the Anglo-Irish Framework document.

Politicians have praised his intellect, sense of humour and distinctive laugh as well as his passion for farming and dedication to his faith.

Richard Bruton described his older brother as a pioneer of reform of parliament and a man of a lot of ideas.

He always travelled on the slogan that every person counts. I think he brought it into his dealings with everyone, he said, during an emotional tribute in the Irish Parliament on Wednesday.

John Bruton is survived by his wife Fionala, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren.

Paying tribute to his family, parish priest Pat OConnor said: Family was the centre of Johns life. Finola, you were the centre of his life, and became his angel guardian all the time of his illness.

Mr Bruton had been very proud of his four children and enjoyed the fun and laughter that his grandchildren brought to his life.

Of course, speaking of laugh, John had a great, infectious laugh. We can hear him laughing now.
Love and cats [1]

Francois -Auguste-Rene Chateaubriand [2]

 I love such independent and almost ungrateful characters of the cat, which makes it not attached to anyone and such indifferent way with which it passes from salons to its native gutters; when people caress it, it makes a big back, but this is a physic pleasure which it feels, and not, like the dog, one stupid satisfaction of love and being loyal to its master who thanks it with kicks. For a buffoon mistreatment of the cat I work on its rehabilitation and I hope to make it an animal in fashion

[1]. Translated by me from p. 18. L'amour et les chats. Better Reading French. Annie Heminway. McGraw Hill. New York  Toronto. 2003.

[2]. Francois -Auguste-Rene Chateaubriand. 1768-1848.

Long recognized as one of the first French Romantics, Chateaubriand was also a historian, a diplomat, and a staunch defender of the freedom of the press.  google search from New York Review Books, nyrb.com https://www.nyrb.com/collections/francois-rene-de-chateaubriand

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/chateaubriand-francois-rene-de-1768-1848
Zandra Zantells beauty product business, which she started when she was just 12 years old, was one of the first East Side small businesses The Foundry supported more than a decade ago.

Since then, there have been many more entrepreneurs that the community-based group has helped as it tries to create a pipeline of next generation entrepreneurs from the underserved community.

Now, with the help of $3 million, The Foundry, in collaboration with entrepreneur service organization The Exchange at Beverly Gray, will be able to serve even more small businesses on the East Side, such as Zantells business, Zandra Beauty.

It is part of a three-year small-business growth initiative supported by partners such as the City of Buffalo, Empire State Development and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to boost the entrepreneurial endeavors of the businesses the two organizations serve.

When many said no to my daughter, The Foundry said yes,  said Tamara Zantell, Zandras mother and the recently named director of business development at The Foundry.

They said yes to her practicing her craft and building a product-based business at just 12 years old and on the East Side of Buffalo, she said. Her story of over 10 years exemplifies the ripple effect of these entrepreneurships. I now get to be part of the yes that so many of the entrepreneurs in our community need to hear.

The funding will come through the Regional Revitalization Partnership, which uses private and public funding to invest in the East Side, as well as the cities of Niagara Falls and Rochester. It will go toward creating a dedicated support network, providing accessible programming for the needs of small businesses on the East Side, which supporters say will change the face of entrepreneurship in the neighborhood.

Its no secret that the need for funding and resources for (Black Indigenous People Of Color) entrepreneurs and business owners is imperative for fostering equity and dismantling systemic barriers, said Derrick Parson, executive director at The Exchange at Beverly Gray. Investing in these entrepreneurs and businesses addresses historical disparities and stimulates innovation and diverse perspectives, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.

With the funding announced Friday, The Foundry will expand some of its programming, bring on more staff and create additional partnerships to assist with business and product development support, said Megan McNally, executive director of The Foundry.

Were really building something special here, she said. We believe the two organizations collaborating on this initiative makes perfect sense.  Were assembling all the ingredients needed for entrepreneurial success.

Small-business development on the East Side is challenged by higher levels of vacancies and blight than what is typically experienced throughout Western New York, along with significantly less access to capital and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.

This will continue to help the transformation of East Buffalo and make the entire city much stronger for years to come, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said.

David Egner, president and CEO of the Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation, said the initiative will help more small businesses become anchors of the neighborhood. Other financial supporters of the initiative include the Farash Foundation, ESL, KeyBank/First Niagara Foundation and M&T Bank.

The initiative also goes hand in hand with the states East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant, helping local businesses rebound from the May 14, 2022, massacre at Tops on Jefferson Avenue, and other revitalization investments to downtown. Millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements also are being planned for Jefferson Avenue to improve the areas walkability.

Thank you to the business people of this community for staying, caring about your customers and working hard and investing in your dreams to make this a better place, said Karen Utz, regional director for Western New York at Empire State Development. Your success makes Buffalo a better city.
A 43-year-old man has confessed to cruelty to his son and assaulting his daughter sexually and causing her harm at the family home and the two victims have spoken out about their terrible fear of their father.

Disturbing evidence was heard of the girl being 15 when she was physically and sexually assaulted by her father and her brother was aged 12 to 13 at the time that his dad treated him with cruelty, leaving him with damage to his nervous system.

Sergeant Liam ODwyer testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the sexual assault involved the accused man touching his 15-year-old daughters vagina.

The count of assault causing harm to her occurred before Christmas 2019, on December 16 that year, when he went into her bed and struck her in the stomach and leg, and pushed her face into a pillow causing her to bleed and making it difficult to breath.

The cruelty to his son included an occasion in September/October of the same year when he punched his son and dragged him into his bedroom.

He jumped on the kitchen table, effectively cornering his son as he verbally abused him when his mother was not at home.

The accused told his son that he hated his laugh and told him, during that one-year period, not to laugh.

'It impacted me in my life in so many ways'

I endured physical and sexual assaults from my father. It impacted me in my life in so many ways. The person who should have loved me and cared for me did not show it. It was never there with the person I should have been able to trust, the man's daughter said.

Instead of showing me love, he imposed fear on me; walking on eggshells every day, sometimes being afraid to go to school, fearing what he would do to my mum. When he sexually assaulted me I was home from school sick. Why my father of all people was doing this, I remember feeling frozen.

He almost killed me. He was demonic and completely out of control. I never felt such fear. I will never forget his face  the look of a monster that really wanted to harm me. I thought my life was going to come to an end. I will never forgive him for this.

I will forever be haunted by this horrific event. I am still haunted by nightmares of him and the abuse. I feel I will never be free of the pain.

Now aged 19, the mans daughter said four more years of her life were wasted by her father not admitting the abuse until now.

Son left with damage to nervous system

The defendants son has been left with damage to his nervous system as a result of the cruelty.

I feel disgusted by him because he gave me a life sentence, he said.

In school, he felt embarrassed describing his family and leaving out reference to the father, and now feels that he has missed out on his childhood.

I never let my guard down around people, he said. I need to go to the bathroom in school for panic attacks. He would hit me literally over nothing all the painful names he called me, I felt so small, belittled, and unloved. I knew he enjoyed making me feel that way.

I cant stand hearing his name any more. Even saying dad makes my stomach churn. I have to carry all this with me for the rest of my life.

The two injured parties sat closely together with their mother and maternal grandfather for the court hearing.

Man apologised to family

On behalf of the accused, Jane Hyland, senior counsel, said he apologised to his family. She said he had effectively lost his family and suffers depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.

He is now effectively a very lonely man, a very isolated man. This is a man who has lost everything. He has been using his time in prison as best he can to try to become a better person. He has learned to play guitar, he will be learning piano, and is doing pottery, Ms Hyland said.

Judge Colin Daly said he would sentence the accused on February 12. He is already serving a sentence of four and a half years for a December 2019 sexual assault on an eight-year-old girl, with whom he had no family connection.
Healthcare professionals in Cork are on high alert for potential measles outbreaks.

It comes amid concerns over a resurgence in measles in the UK.

Earlier this week, the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre said it had been notified of the death of an adult with confirmed measles, which took place in a hospital in the Dublin and Midlands health region. This was the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland in 2024.

While there had not been any confirmed measles cases in Cork as of yesterday afternoon, Peter Barrett, a specialist in public health medicine in the Department of Public Health in Cork said that news of the confirmed case nationally was concerning, explaining its a really contagious disease so there is the potential to spread it to a large number of contacts.

He said that the Department of Public Health is currently undertaking contact tracing to try and track down anyone who might have been exposed to the disease, but it is highly likely that more cases will arise.

On average, one case can spread infection to between 12 and 15 unvaccinated individuals, he said.

There were large outbreaks of measles in the early 2000s, at the start of this century, and there were some deaths associated with them, but because for the last 20 years or so, while we have seen cases, they have occurred in smaller numbers, theres an element of complacency around measles and the risks it can pose, he added.

Areas of most concern

Mr Barrett said there is particular concern around the spread of measles to younger children and those in the 18-24 age group.

The MMR vaccine is routinely given at 12 months and in junior infants, but during the pandemic, a lot of people missed out on these doses, due to reluctance to go to a healthcare setting, with Dr Barrett explaining theres a pool of vulnerable children out there as a result of this.

Dr Peter Barrett, consultant in public health medicine said that people born before 1978 are likely to have natural immunity to measles.

He advised parents to check their vaccine handbook or make contact with their GP practice to see if they are vaccinated, and to make arrangements if not to receive the vaccine.

He said older children, teenagers and young adults can still avail of the MMR vaccine if they are not up to date with their vaccinations.

People born before 1978 in Ireland are likely to have natural immunity against measles, and were not concerned about those who have availed of their vaccines, Dr Barrett said.

People who have received two doses are at an extremely low risk of catching measles, and if they did it would be less severe, he said.

Key messages

Dr Barrett explained that most who contract measles will develop symptoms like a cough, runny nose, red eyes, a high temperature and a rash which often starts on the face and neck then moves down, saying most people who get it will do fine and manage it well at home.

However, for a minority of people, they can develop complications such as severe middle ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, and even less commonly, there is a potential to develop meningitis.

Rarely, it can lead to death, which is why were always concerned, a small number of people can get these quite serious complications, Dr Barrett said.

Mr Barrett shared two messages for the public.

For anyone who has availed of their routine childhood immunisation, they dont need to be overly concerned  we are trying to appeal to those who might have missed out for any reason.

If anyone is concerned they might be showing measles symptoms, its really important to phone ahead to your GP before attending, in order to give the setting the opportunity to ensure isolation measures are in place, as you can spread it to other vulnerable people without intending to, he said.
Cork can cement its position as a world-leading destination of choice for global companies and, while growing economically, exercise its environmental responsibilities, leading business people and entrepreneurs from the city and region were told last night.

More than 1,000 people were in attendance at the Chamber's annual dinner at City Hall last night where the organisation's president, Ronan Murray, told attendees that continued investment in the acceleration of the delivery of major strategic infrastructure projects was essential to safeguard the citys future.

Guest of honour, Finance Minister Michael McGrath, heard Mr Murray highlighting the countrys "extraordinary capacity to attract and retain substantial foreign direct investment while also fostering a supportive environment for indigenous firms to expand internationally"

This success is not a happy accident, said Mr. Murray. It is defined by a culture of hard work, supported by insightful political decisions as shown by this Government over a number of years.

Equally its the level of collaboration between cities, local councils, communities, government and business, that plays a key role in why Cork is such the economic success story it is today.

Strategic projects

Mr Murray spoke about the importance of strategic infrastructure projects in development and in the pipeline.

Collectively, we have achieved a lot in the past year, with improvements to our suburban rail lines drawing greater numbers, said Mr. Murray in his address.

The electrification of these rail lines is crucial for a more sustainable future, and the addition of new stations and improved frequencies will enhance Corks appeal as a place to live and work.

The early establishment of an urban light rail system is equally important for the city's future.

Other elements in the transformation of the city referred to in the Chamber Presidents address included the delivery of the Cork to Limerick motorway, the completion of the M28, the regeneration of the Docklands, the Dunkettle Interchange project, the Morrisons Island public realm and flood defence scheme.

The continued investment and acceleration of key infrastructure projects, housing and apartment developments must remain a priority with additional support of the green transition in areas such as renewables, particularly offshore wind, he said.

This continued investment is essential to safeguard and enhance Corks future attractiveness to live, work, visit and invest in.

Company of the year

At last night's event, PepsiCo was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Cork Company of the Year Award 2024.

This esteemed accolade recognises the outstanding contributions to the regions business community and celebrates the excellence and innovation demonstrated by PepsiCo.
A PRIVATE student accommodation provider has confirmed it is to change the length of leases at one of its three Cork locations to cover the summer months.

Yugo Amnis House on Western Rd will offer only a 51-week lease for the 2024/25 academic year, which will see the annual cost for students increase by more than 30%.

The move comes as student housing providers across the country are also changing the length of leases to cover the summer months.

Hines, which owns five Aparto student residences in Dublin, announced recently it will be extending its leases from 41 to 51 weeks.

'Desire for longer tenancies'

A spokesperson for Yugo said to better cater to the evolving demands of our student residents, Yugo Amnis House has transitioned to a uniform 51-week lease length. This change aligns with the desire for longer tenancies that offer stability and consistency.

For our other properties in Cork, we maintain a blend of leasing options, including both academic term leases (38/39 weeks) as well as the 51-week lease option.

This diversification ensures that we can accommodate a wide range of accommodation needs, reflecting our commitment to providing flexible and responsive student housing.

The purpose-built student accommodation on Western Rd caters for 190 residents, with three room types available, costing 280 to 394 weekly. ]

Demand for longer leases

Deirdre Falvey, accommodation officer at Munster Technological University, told The Echo there is a demand for longer leases, particularly from international students who may wish to stay in Ireland for the summer.

However, she said that in previous years, some of these private student apartments would offer lower rent during the summer, and fears that this will be stopped now.

I think it should be optional, not mandatory, because people would have to have the extra budget  it wouldnt be feasible for a lot of the Irish students who would want to go home or travelling for the summer.

This happened more than 10 years ago with landlords. Many decided that they wanted a years lease, and students were only coming to me in May saying Im not here for the summer.

Ms Falvey explained that many landlords went into the private rental market then, and they lost a lot of properties that had previously been available to students.
A snow deluge in January has Buffalo in a familiar spot in national snowfall rankings in the contiguous United States: at the top.

But it is a pittance compared to some of our more notorious winters. It is also part of a trend: Across the country, some of the snowiest cities are experiencing what most residents would likely consider a mild winter, which experts are attributing to the El Nino weather pattern.

According to snowfall data collected for the Golden Snow Globe award  an unofficial contest that tracks the snowiest big cities in the United States  more than half the 50 cities listed have so far received below-average amounts of snow this winter.

Snow contest: Buffalo lapping the field in Golden Snowball, Snow Globe rankings this winter In a season when winter has shown us its full fury, it's no surprise Buffalo is far ahead in the statewide and national rankings for snowfall.

While Buffalo is part of that trend, back-to-back lake effect snow storms last month helped keep the citys snowfall total much closer to a normal winter. Especially when compared to cities such as Syracuse and Rochester, our fierce competitors for the Golden Snowball award, a contest that tracks the snowiest cities in New York only.

As of Feb. 4, Buffalo saw 53.6 inches of snow, second to only Anchorage, Alaska with 106 inches.

'We're a tough bunch': Buffalo leads in contest to be unofficial U.S. city snow leader Barring a spring blizzard in Boulder or Anchorage, Buffalos 95.3 inches of snowfall this season  just an inch above of its annual average  may be enough to claim the unofficial title of snowiest U.S. city for the second time in four years.

But while Anchorages more than 8 feet of snow is far above average for the city, Buffalos total is 12% less than the average snowfall of 60.7 inches as of Jan. 31.

Part of the reason for the widespread decrease in snowfall is because it is an El Nino year, said Elizabeth K. Thomas, an associate professor of geology at University at Buffalo who studies climate change and lake effect snow.

When theres an El Nino year, were not getting upwelling of that cold, deep ocean water in the Pacific, she said. That results, generally, in global temperatures being higher than average.

El Nino is an atmospheric and oceanic phenomenon characterized by warmer waters in the Pacific Ocean.

But in Buffalo and other cities known for their lake effect snow, climate change and global warming is compounded with El Nino, causing what the Buffalo National Weather Service called a snow drought.

The 'Golden Snowball' is rightfully Buffalo's. So why does Syracuse have it? It turns out Mayor Byron Brown is not interested in a trophy that recognizes the city where the most snow happened to

Lake effect storms happen when a lake, such as Erie or Ontario, is still warm and not frozen when cold air passes over it, Thomas said. The warm lake water warms the air above it. The air, as it warms, sucks up moisture from the water. When the air moves over land, it dumps all the moisture it sucked up as precipitation.

As the Great Lakes get warmer and warmer because of climate change and global warming, that means that theyre less and less likely to freeze in the winter, Thomas said. So, theres more time in the winter that we can get those extreme lake effect events.

But because winters are warmer on average, precipitation is falling more often as rain, instead of snow, she said.

While Buffalo has had a below-average amount of snow, the city has actually experienced an above-average amount of total precipitation this winter season due to the abnormally warm temperatures, according to Thomas.

Across the country, a lot of that precipitation, rather than falling as snow, is falling as rain, Thomas said.

As of Feb. 4, Syracuse and Erie, Pa., have seen the biggest departures from their average amount of snowfall.

Erie usually has around 68 inches of snow by this time of year, but has so far received only 21.5 inches, or 68% less. Syracuse is down 63%, with 28 inches of snowfall, compared to a typical 75 inches.

Rochester, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Cleveland have experienced a similar lack of snow.

There is a chance Western New York could see some snow next week, said Steve Welch, a Buffalo National Weather Service meteorologist.

The end of this week saw April-like temperatures, with highs in the 50s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to the weather service. The normal temperature for this time of year is around 32 degrees.

Sunday and into next week, temperatures wont be as warm, but will still be a few degrees above normal, Welch said.

While there remains uncertainty in the forecast, Welch said theres definitely at least a chance of snow on and off through next week.

This article has been updated to say that Buffalo is the snowiest city in the contiguous United States. An earlier version of this article said Buffalo was the snowiest city in the continental United States.
TEN houses in the Cork village of Carrignavar which had been earmarked by Cork County Council as potential social housing cannot be allocated to families after Uisce Eireann told the local authority that the wastewater treatment plant in the suburb was at capacity.

The council had sought to purchase the houses, which were originally built in 2009, but Uisce Eireann denied the authoritys application for the buildings to be connected to the water network in November.

The council has since confirmed that it did not own the dwellings and it never did own them.

'Absolute scandal'

According to Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould the village of Carrignavar wasnt being prioritised for a new waste water treatment plant. Its 12th on the list for Cork County Council and only the top seven are being progressed at present, he told The Echo.

Weve an area in Carrignavar which is close to the city and is very sought after to live in, close enough to the city for people who need to commute but its also a rural village, its the best of both worlds. The problem now is that Uisce Eireann says the capacity isnt there in the waste water treatment plant and there is no date for when works will start.

The TD said that it was an absolute scandal that you could have 10 houses, that had been built in 2009, were still empty 15 years later.

Its the middle of a housing emergency and they couldnt come up with a solution, he said.

Connection not 'feasible'

In a statement, an Uisce Eireann spokesperson said the connection being sought by the council was not feasible as the water treatment plant was at full capacity.

The utility has allocated funding towards a programme of building waste water treatment plants in villages around Cork.

Uisce Eireann can confirm that Carraig Na bhFear (Carrignavar) was not included in Cork County Councils list of prioritised sites for upgrade under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme under the current Investment Plan (2020-2024). Cork County Council currently have Carraig na bhFear ranked at number 12 in the list of candidate settlements under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. Schemes ranked 1 to 7 on the candidate list in Co Cork are progressing at present. The ranking of Carraig na bhFear at number 12 was confirmed by Cork County Council when local authorities were asked to review the ranking of candidate settlements in their areas.
CONCERNS have been raised about the lack of improvement notices and prohibition notices issued by Cork City Council after rental inspections in the city last year.

Labour candidates Laura Harmon and Peter Horgan, for Cork City South West and for Cork City South East, highlighted the issue after figures obtained by party leader Ivana Bacik showed that no improvement notices or prohibition notices were issued from Q1 to Q3 in 2023.

An improvement notice outlines what the landlord must do to fix the breach of regulations. If the landlord does not do these works, the local authority can issue a prohibition notice, which tells the landlord not to re-let the property until the breach is fixed.

Some accommodation 'positively awful'

The figures were issued to Ms Bacik in response to a parliamentary question (PQ) submitted to Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien, which showed that 10,552 property inspections were carried out in Cork City between Q1 and Q3. Of those, 8,303 improvement letters were issued, but no improvement or prohibition notices were served.

In Cork County, 1,477 inspections and 1,273 improvement letters were issued. 18 total improvement notices and six prohibition notices were served.

Theres no doubt that a lot of rental properties in Cork are in good stead. However, from over 8,000 letters to improve, not one follow-up was done, seemingly, to enforce the rental standards that are there for tenants, Mr Horgan said.

I am dealing with tenants who get radio silence from their landlord and are in fear of rocking the boat in case homelessness is threatened.

One tenant had no heating for November and December, but simply had to put up with it or face eviction. Something is not right there.

Ms Harmon said that some accommodation for rent is positively awful and that refurbishments, as reflected by the 8,000 improvement letters, are needed.

We are not seeking to apportion blame, we merely wish to speak for these people who are voiceless, she said.

The local authorities are at the pin of their collars in trying to manage this service. It is unfair to expect them to do more with less, in terms of the number of employees who are tasked with this job, in respect of whole-time equivalence as to personnel.

Funding to help meet rental inspection targets

Responding to Ms Baciks PQ, Minister OBrien said the government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high-quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector and that a total of 9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by his Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.

Local authorities conducted over 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings in 2022, up from circa 25,000 in 2020 and 20,000 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions had impacted on inspections. Figures from Q1 to the end of Q3 2023 show that the number of inspections continued to increase significantly last year with over 48,000 conducted, he said.
Chants of one, two, three, four, dirty water no more and What do we want? Clean water. When do we want it? Now were heard at a protest on this afternoon over ongoing water quality issues in Cork city.

The protest, which took place at Uisce Eireanns offices on Eglinton St, was agreed at a public meeting on the issue last month organised by People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry and his colleague councillor Brian McCarthy.

Ahead of that meeting Uisce Eireann said a representative from the company would not be available to attend.

Blackpool resident Sonya Cashman was among those at the protest today.

Speaking at it, Ms Cashman said those affected by discoloured water felt that they had no choice but to take protest action on the matter.

They [Uisce Eireann] dont turn up when theyre invited, they wont sit down and speak to us, so we have no choice but to come here today on a very rainy day to say what we need to say to them which is please engage with us, please come out and test our water at our source please put some structure in place that when ye are doing the roadworks and when ye are relaying yer pipes, that we dont have filthy dirty water coming out of our taps, she said.

Also in attendance was Green Party councillor Oliver Moran who said he has been impacted by water discoloration in addition to many of his neighbours in the St Lukes area.

Im here today to say to Uisce Eireann that we have simply had enough of this over the last 18 months this is intolerable at this stage, he said.

Mr Moran called on the water utility company to commit to action on the issue and to guarantee safe, clean water.

Taskforce

Ahead of the protest, Uisce Eireann announced that it has established a taskforce in Cork city, dedicated to improving water quality.

Acknowledging that water services in Cork city are not meeting the standards that customers rightly expect, Uisce Eireann is assuring the public that it continues to treat the matter with the utmost urgency, including following up with proactive callbacks to customers who have raised concerns over discoloured water, the company said.

The organisation recognises that, although the ongoing issues are having a significant impact on affected communities, it provides high-quality, clean and safe drinking water to over 125,000 people in Cork city every day, and based on 2023 reports to our call centre, it is estimated that discolouration affects just over 1% of customers.

Recognising that some people may not be reporting incidents, Uisce Eireann is reiterating its call for customers to contact them directly. Each call is investigated and actioned, it continued.

Remedial actions currently in place include: sampling, flushing, operational adjustments, process optimisation and watermains replacement, the company said.

Speaking at the protest, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said he did not believe it to be a coincidence that the taskforce was announced fewer than 24 hours before the protest.

I think that this is a sign that, by speaking out, householders in the city are beginning  and I stress the word beginning  to put Uisce Eireann under some real pressure on this issue and I think the lesson we take from that is not that we stop in our path, but that we resolve to step up the pressure on Uisce Eireann in the weeks and the months ahead, he said.

A letter laying out key concerns was sent through the letterbox of Uisce Eireann's offices at the protest.

Mr Barry outlined three demands in relation to the taskforce among them that householders who have been directly affected would be represented, along with local authority water services workers.

A protest took place this afternoon outside Uisce Eireanns offices on Eglinton St over ongoing water quality issues in Cork city. Pictured are Mick Barry, TD with Cllrs Brian McCarthy and Mick Nugent and water service workers at the protest. Picture: Larry Cummins

The second demand is that Uisce Eireann would meet face-to-face with those impacted and, thirdly, that water would be tested at households where water is running brown or orange.

Sinn Fein councillor Mick Nugent told The Echo at the protest that he believes the issue warrants a national inquiry.

People are rightly concerned about the effects on health and the effects on appliances in the home as well.

Ive said it previously at city council meetings, I think it warrants a national inquiry as to what is going on at the moment, he said.

Referendum on water ownership

Also in attendance at the protest were local authority water services workers calling for a referendum on water ownership, which the Government has previously said it is committed to.

Were looking for a date from the Minister [Darragh O'Brien] on the referendum on water, Don Carroll, a water services worker with Cork County Council, told The Echo.

The Government has previously stated that public ownership remains central to its vision for water services, however, Mr Carroll pointed out that water has been privatised in other countries and that the referendum needs to happen.

Under the Framework for the future of Water Services, all water services are being integrated into Uisce Eireann.

Beyond 2026, local authorities will no longer have any involvement in the direct provision of water services to the public.
Eimear Dodd

A man accused of raping his wife's friend in a park almost five years ago has denied developing a sexual fixation on the woman.

The Dublin man (55), who can't be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to rape in September 2019 in a park.

It is the State's case that the man raped the woman in a park while walking her home after a party at his house. The man denies any wrongdoing.

During cross-examination on Friday, Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting, asked the accused if he was developing some type of sexual fixation on the complainant during the party. He replied: I don't know.

The man continued, I can honestly say I did not rape her, 100 per cent. My intention was not to rape her, and I didnt rape her.

When asked again if he'd had a sexual fixation on her, the man replied, It was on both sides.

Direct evidence

Earlier in his direct evidence, the man told defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC that there was closeness between him and the complainant, which included kissing and flirting years before the night of the party.

He said there was consensual sexual intercourse in the park that night.

He said they were in contact by text with flirting and messaging of a sexual nature.

He said he didn't tell gardai when interviewed that he had sexual contact with the complainant on the night in question as he was in a state of shock.

He said he agreed when his wife asked him to walk the complainant home after the party.

He said the woman stumbled and then kissed him around two minutes into their walk, but he said, Stop. They then continued to walk while chatting and flirting.

When they reached the park, he said the woman sat down to rest. He said he got down on my hunkers to get her to continue home when she leaned towards him and opened his trousers.

He said the woman took his penis in her mouth, but he told her to stop. He said the woman replied, Come on, no one will know.

He said the woman lay back on the grass and said, OK, let's go all the way. While he initially refused, he said they did have consensual sex.

He said the woman said, I have you now, afterwards but was abusive after he asked her to explain the comment. They each then went home.

The man said they met the next morning, agreeing they both felt terrible and would put what had happened behind them.

Lies

During cross-examination, he denied a suggestion that he'd told lots of lies about what happened.

The man agreed he did give several versions of events to gardai, some of which weren't true.

He rejected that his claim the woman sexually assaulted him when she performed oral sex was not true. He accepted that he lied when he said he couldn't remember having sex or that it occurred accidentally.

The man said he blanked the situation due to panic while in the garda station.

Mr Gillane put it to him that this was another lie and he was as cool as the proverbial cucumber while in the garda station, which the man denied.

He said he was panicked about the situation and embarrassed about his wife finding out. He added that he felt we dealt with it between the two of us.

Mr Gillane suggested to him that the level of detail in your lies is astonishing, then asked why his evidence now described a sexual relationship arising with the complainant out of romance.

After a long pause, the man replied: It did.

When asked to elaborate on this romance, he said they exchanged texts and had kissed on several occasions. He then insisted that the complainant knew he was sending her messages and also told him to delete those messages.

Mr Gillane suggested to the man that he was lying through his teeth when he said the complainant told him to delete these messages, given her evidence.

Messages

On Wednesday, the woman said she'd been receiving messages from an unknown number for several years, some of which were sexually graphic, and only became aware the accused was the sender after she made a complaint to gardai about the alleged rape.

The man repeated his evidence that the woman told him to delete messages.

Mr Gillane noted that the woman received messages from the accused during the party. He suggested this was more consistent with her evidence that she didn't know who the sender was rather than a meeting being arranged.

He insisted a relationship existed with the complainant but agreed that there was no explicit reference in these messages to a meeting between them in the park.

He said it was totally incorrect when Mr Gillane suggested there was nothing to support a relationship of any kind between him and the complainant.

Mr Gillane put to the man that he was demeaning to the complainant when interviewed by gardai. I wasnt demeaning. I was telling it as it was, he replied.

Referring to the man's first garda interview, Mr Gillane noted that he described the woman as very drunk and making comments such as take me and f**k you if you're not going to get busy with this. The man said this was true.

Prosecuting counsel suggested the phrase you're not going to get busy with this sounded like it was from a rap song or a fantasy rather than a romance.

The man said he didn't know what the complainant meant. He added she said, You are not going to get away with this'.

The trial continues.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Former taoiseach John Bruton has been described as a visionary and a great statesman, at a removal mass at a Co Meath church on Friday ahead of his state funeral.

Mr Brutons remains were taken to Ss Peter and Pauls Church on the main street of his home town of Dunboyne.

Former minister Richard Bruton carried the coffin of his older brother into the church for the ceremony, which began after 7pm on Friday.

During the mass, parish priest Pat OConnor described John Bruton as a visionary and a man committed to peace.

No matter what position John found himself, he gave it his all, as a TD, as a minister, as taoiseach.

He was a great statesman, his vision for the European Union was far-seeing.

He certainly was a great ambassador for the EU. Not only for the EU, but also for Ireland.

John Bruton, a politician, a minister, taoiseach, ambassador, all great achievements for the Dunboyne man who never lost touch with his roots.

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and Justice Minister Helen McEntee were among those at the service.

Culture Minister Catherine Martin and her husband Francis Noel Duffy TD, Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman, and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne were also present at what was otherwise a service for local people.

Former taoiseach John Bruton died on Tuesday aged 76 (Brian Lawless/PA)

Senior politicians and dignitaries are expected to attend Mr Brutons funeral at the same church on Saturday, before he is buried at Rooske Cemetery.

Mr Bruton, who was Irelands taoiseach between 1994 and 1997 and leader of Fine Gael between 1990 and 2001, died on Tuesday aged 76.

He died surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

Born in Dunboyne, he graduated from University College Dublin before qualifying as a barrister.

After becoming taoiseach, one of Mr Brutons first policy initiatives was to call for a referendum that would see the Irish constitution change to allow divorce.

Later that same year he welcomed the then-Prince of Wales to Dublin, marking the first official visit by 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, as they launched the Anglo-Irish Framework document.

Politicians have praised his intellect, sense of humour and distinctive laugh as well as his passion for farming and dedication to his faith.

Richard Bruton described his older brother as a pioneer of reform of parliament and a man of a lot of ideas.

He always travelled on the slogan that every person counts. I think he brought it into his dealings with everyone, he said, during an emotional tribute in the Irish Parliament on Wednesday.

Mr Bruton is survived by his wife Fionala, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren.
A wide range of stories feature across the front pages, including the death of a young boy in Co Waterford.

The Irish Times reports that a large majority of people favour a more closed immigration policy to reduce the number of people coming to Ireland.

The Irish Examiner, Irish Daily Mail, Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star all lead with the death of a six-year-old boy whose body was found in a car in Co Waterford.

New housing supply in regional counties is falling further behind the east coast, according to the Irish Independent.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Stormonts Health Minister has reinstated 85,000 (99,500) of funding to the Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice, but has acknowledged it will not be enough to prevent the announced reduction in some services at the facility.

Rishi Sunaks promise to ease taxes to reward hard work is among the stories leading the British papers.

The British prime ministers comments feature in The Times, as he tells critics who doubt he can turn his partys fortunes around he is totally up for the fight.

The Times: Ill ease tax to reward hard work, vows Sunak #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/CmtabVKy4c  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

Meanwhile, the FTWeekend leads with Mr Sunak recording 1.8 million (2.1 million) in capital gains last year.

FT Weekend: Sunak makes 1.8mn capital gains as he

struggles to engage with hard-up voters #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/j9IrLriqmr  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

The Daily Express reports Boris Johnson is weighing a political comeback in an effort to give the Tories a boost in the polls.

Daily Express: BORIS MULLING OVER PLEAS TO HELP TORIES FIGHT ELECTION #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/qSNwg8gQGs  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

According to The Telegraph, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has found British firms are increasingly looking abroad to fill vacancies.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'British firms giving up on British workers'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/Fvaz82F0iM  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) February 9, 2024

The Daily Mirror says King Charles has bonded with Sarah Ferguson over their respective cancer battles.

The Guardian reports there are fears of a potential bloodbath as Israel prepares to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The Guardian: Bloodbath fears as Israel prepares to invade Rafah #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/JjiKTrKclV  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

The Daily Mail leads with claims Iran is recruiting British Muslims on pilgrimages in the Middle East to spy on Britain.

Daily Mail: Iranians 'recruit pilgrims to spy in Britain' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/FEzxv035Ri  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

The iweekend says Democrats in the US fear president Joe Bidens memory lapses could open the door for Donald Trumps second presidency.

i weekend: Biden memory lapses open the door for Trump to return as US president #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/y8mKVrSAXk  George Mann (@sgfmann) February 9, 2024

The Sun reports TV presenter Ant McPartlin is expecting his first child at the age of 48.

On tomorrow's front page: Ant McPartlins baby joy as its revealed TV star is having first child in few months with wife Anne-Mariehttps://t.co/taRoxdhz0o pic.twitter.com/Sk3qAkkG1t  The Sun (@TheSun) February 9, 2024

And the Daily Star leads with a study finding bald men are irresistible to women.
Gardai are expected to launch a murder investigation after the body of a six-year-old boy was found in a car near a rural beach in Co Waterford shortly after midnight on Friday.

Garda members made desperate attempts to revive the child but neither they nor the paramedics who arrived afterwards could save him.

A woman in her 30s was found in a distressed state near the car on a local road close to Rathmoylan Cove, 3km from the popular seaside village of Dunmore East. She was arrested and taken to Waterford Garda Station.

Because of concerns for her health, she was transferred into the care of local psychiatric services.

Gardai believe toxicology results will shed light on what happened to the child and say the course of the investigation will be determined by the results of a postmortem.

Gardai search close to the scene in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Forensic examinations are ongoing on the car and also at a house in Waterford City.

The woman was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. This allows for up to 24 hours detention.

The detention was paused because of concerns about the womans health and welfare.

She was referred for stabilisation and assessment to local psychiatric services, where she remains.

Frank ONeill, who lives in the Rathmoylan area, told the Irish Examiner that the community is in utter shock.

He said: Its unimaginable. Everyone is deeply upset and there is a dark cloud over the area. Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and his family.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Pat Fitzgerald said he knows the childs extended family very well.

We are lost for words, he said. The community is in deep shock and disbelief. My thoughts are with the childs extended family. He has a very big family in Waterford and I know many of them.
James Cox

The director of a new film about two brothers who set out to murder a TD has said it does not glorify political violence in any way.

Suit Hung. Tied Tongue' is the first feature film from Dublin director Sau Dachi.

The synopsis of the film reads: "What if all the variables collided - youre not able to buy a house (ever), lost your only parent due to a government failing, lost in depression and anxiety and you went on to murder a TD who, in your view, has failed the people.

"Thats what new Irish film Suit Hung. Tied Tongue. examines; the horrific concept that violence could happen at any time in these politically polarised times.

"Its a cautionary tale about two brothers who become anarchically radicalised against the state. The fall-out from their crimes brings national outrage, disgust and support."

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Mr Dachi said the story is dark, and does not glorify political violence.

"If anyone said that, they probably haven't seen the film. There was a good bit of care with the harsher moments to make sure it's not glorifying anything in the film... the music helps with that as well.

"It's certainly not a hate piece. A lot of time was taken to make it down the middle. There are lots of viewers who hate the brothers, and others who support them.

"People who have seen the film recognise a lot of care was taken to make it a hard-hitting piece about what can happen. When we were editing the film there was the news about politicians getting extra protection. I was reading that thinking 'my God'."

Mr Dachi's idea was originally to make a short film, but the project developed into a feature.

He hopes for a cinematic release this year, and Suit Hung. Tied Tongue has already enjoyed success at a number of film festivals.

It has been shown at the Richard Harris Film Festival with a nomination for Lead Role for Paul St Leger and has won Best Feature Film at the Underground Film Festival.

Suit Hung. Tied Tongue has also been nominated as Best Genre Film at The Vancouver Badass Film Festival. The film was scored by Grammy nominee Dario Rodighiero.

Mr Dachi enjoys working with music, and he worked closely with Mr Rodighiero to ensure the tense score complimented the story.

The protagonists in the film lost their mother to cancer after she was affected by the Cervical scandal, and other themes such as the housing crisis also feature.

Mr Dachi said this adds to the real feeling of the story. The film was shot in Finglas, Malahide, the Liberties and Co Wicklow.

"A lot of the themes in the film are based on real stories of people I know. Most of them are first-hand accounts, bar the fictional part of the two brothers carrying out their plan.

"The whole goal was to make this very real. A lot of it is shot on high-end cameras. The cameras we use are the ones they used in Skyfall. However, it's mixed with very crude cameras, to get across the brothers filming themselves and stuff. There's lots of dash-cam footage, that type of stuff. We wanted it coming across as hyperrealistic, echoing The Blair Witch Project and that type of film.

"That's also a budget thing, which helped us. If we were to shoot it all on good cameras you would lose the vibe and style, but it would also be very expensive.

"It's a great contrast. All the high-end camera shots are in black and white, and then the crude stuff is colour but very degraded and horrible looking.

"The two lead actors, Paul St Leger and Alex Eydt, I was with them when we were shooting, but it was very free form acting. I had a few notes here and there, but I didn't want them to read off script. It's really natural, which is great.

"They'd come to me with ideas. We rented a house for three days, the brothers' house in the film, and it was just creating every day."

Mr Dachi hopes the film will get viewers thinking about issues we face as a society.

Paul St Leger and Alex Eydt star in the film

"Within the film, it's based on many true stories. I feel it's based on real feelings, I'm feeling vibes the kettle is fully boiled... that type of thing.

"Our main minister in the film gets across that he's telling the people what they want to hear but not acting on it.

"A lot of people were saying the ending was very sad. I wasn't expecting that reaction. I had all the opinions set in my mind, and they were all different [viewer reactions].

"Not a single person in the film had a full script, they all had their own. I was getting hounded by the actors asking where it was going. I had to tell them they'd see at the end.

"The themes should resonate with people. We wanted to make something hard hitting, abrasive, and unrelenting in its brutality. There is not a moment in this film that's nice, it's pretty much miserable from start to finish."

Making films on a small budget is always challenging, and Mr Dachi faced another obstacle when the final edit was lost following a hard drive crash.

However, he's proud of the finished product and feels it deserves a cinema release in 2024.
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 grizzly bear with two of her cubs in the forest at Yellowstone National Park. TopStep2005 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is in the process of considering plans for the restoration of grizzly bear populations to the Bitterroot ecosystem  which covers the western part of Montana and Central Idaho  where they have not been spotted regularly for decades.

Meanwhile, Idahos governor and congress continue their attempts to remove the grizzlies protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), reported the Idaho Statesman.

The Bitterroot ecosystem is one of the six identified grizzly bear recovery zones in the lower 48 States. Although individual grizzly bears have been documented in the Bitterroot Ecosystem, no established population  defined as having two or more breeding females or one female with two consecutive litters  currently exists in this recovery zone, a USFWS press release said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a public scoping period to consider options for restoring grizzly bears to the Bitterroot ecosystem.

In 2023, a federal district judge in Missoula, Montana ruled that plans to restore grizzly habitat in the Bitterroot Recovery Zone must be restarted by the USFWS, the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) said. The recovery zone is one of five other areas that the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan of 1993 identified as having a large enough quality habitat for a recovered grizzly population.

At 5,500 square miles, the Bitterroot Recovery Zone is almost three times the size of the other recovery areas in Idaho put together  including the Selkirk, Cabinet-Yaak and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.

The Bitterroot Recovery Zone is one of the biggest intact spans of wilderness in the contiguous U.S. and includes parts of the Frank Church River of No Return and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness areas. The habitat has been estimated by biologists to be able to support roughly 300 grizzly bears.

The last evidence of grizzly tracks in the Bitterroots was seen in about 1946, following a century of hunting, trapping and livestock predator control. The bears were first listed as an endangered species in 1975, but have rebounded and stabilized in some areas.

All Americans should celebrate the recovery path these bears are on, thanks to ESA protections. However, these gains havent been made with all of the grizzly populations  especially in the Bitterroots, ICL said.

There are currently grizzlies in the Cabinet-Yaak and Greater Yellowstone recovery zones, the Idaho Statesman reported.

In the past several years, Republicans in Idaho have been vehemently opposed to ESA protections for grizzlies, and have introduced bills and threatened legal action to get them delisted.

There are many factors playing a role in the unsuccessful recovery of Bitterroot grizzlies. Highway systems and other factors involving human-related conflicts have primarily kept bears in the North Continental Divide and Yellowstone recovery zones from re-occupying available habitat in the Bitterroot, said ICL.

In 2000, the USFWS announced a plan to phase in an experimental population consisting of 25 grizzlies, but a suit was brought by the State of Idaho and the plan was never finalized. Now, thanks to the ruling by the Missoula judge, the USFWS must take a fresh look at a strategy for supporting restoration of grizzly bears in the Bitterroot Ecosystem.

This includes a time period for public comments.

The USFWS must now take actions to restore a recovered population of grizzlies in the Bitterroots that is well distributed, self-sustaining, and protected well enough to maintain long-term viability and connectivity (to other populations), ICL said. In addition to new science, other factors the USFWS will need to examine as it develops a new Environmental Impact Statement will include grizzly bear management priorities, effects on cultural and Tribal resources, and potential socioeconomic effects.

ICL said it hopes the bears will be returned to a large portion of their core habitat in Idaho.

We hope the State of Idaho works constructively toward this goal  after all, to ensure that Idahos wildlife heritage is passed down to future generations, the full range of Idahos native wildlife must be represented across our lands and waters, ICL stated.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 9, 2024

Contact:

Leha Byrd

ECSU Communications and Marketing

Email or 252-335-8745

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2024)  The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Career Development Center will host a Business and Government Career Exposition on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be in the Williams Hall Gymnasium and is open to the public.

Amber Lennon, ECSU executive director of Career and Professional Development and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), said career fairs are a pivotal way to link a thriving job market to a public, of all ages, seeking varied employment.

Career events provide students with an opportunity to directly connect with prospective employers and learn about career opportunities as they seek internship and career opportunities, she said. Making these opportunities available to the community provides residents with access to career resources, new employment prospects, and avenues to make career changes. That fosters collaboration and bridges a connection with ECSU."

Lennon also suggests using social media platforms like LinkedIn to research prospective employers and researching articles like Ten Tips to Make the Most of Your College Career Fair to prepare for career events. So far, 30 employers are registered for the upcoming career fair, including Dollar General, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, and the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Technology has impacted how career fairs are conducted, she said. It is recommended to conduct regular Google searchers of yourself to see what information you can find, as many employers will conduct a social media check on prospective employees during the hiring process.

ECSU students are asked to register for the event on Handshake. For more information, email careerdevelopmentctr@ecsu.edu or call (252) 335-3318.

Who: ECSU Career Development Center

What: Business and Government Career Exposition

When: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: ECSU Williams Hall Gymnasium
Hong Kong: Empowering youth through training

Apart from regular lessons at school, the Civil Aid Service believes that outdoor education is essential for students to gain experiential knowledge.

The Civil Aid Service provides alternative learning paths for teenagers under the Youth Potential Development Scheme that works to equip the citys future leaders with essential life skills and inspire them to make a positive impact on society.

Hands-on learning

As an example of such learning, a group of Primary 5 students left their classrooms and arrived at the services Yuen Tun Camp located in Tai Lam Country Park where the Civil Aid Service had prepared three outdoor activities for them.

One of the activities was orienteering. After participants formed groups of five, they were tasked with locating seven checkpoints, according to the orienteering map instructions, where mini tasks involving riddle and puzzle solving awaited orienteers.

Another activity called for conquering the low ropes course where students had to work together to pass through obstacles.

One such student, Raphael Mao, described it as the ultimate team-building experience that he thoroughly enjoyed.

At first we were bad at it and fell a lot. But I learnt to co-operate with others.

The final activity involved students working together to build components of a Roman catapult using bamboo branches and ropes. The goal was to show them that such hands-on learning helps cultivate problem-solving abilities. As a bonus, parts of the catapult were used in more fun games.

Effective strategy

Before organising such activities, the Civil Aid Service explained that it must first understand the needs and desires of the participants. The objective of the three activities on this particular day was geared towards enhancing the students communication and problem-solving skills in addition to building resilience.

Tactical Force Emergency Rescue Training Office Section Leader Yeung Ching-yi was pleased to see students enjoying themselves, and said she hoped the activities made them far more knowledgeable.

As one of the instructors of the scheme, the services Cadet Corps Training Office Staff Officer Yeung Ching-fung noticed that interpersonal communication is becoming increasingly rare because students rely on their mobile devices too much.

Nowadays most of the kids are glued to their phones.

We took them back to nature, hoping to temporarily detach them from the digital world.

Tailor-made activities

The scheme is managed by public education section of the Civil Aid Service.

Since its establishment in August 2020, the section has successfully organised over 150 activities, benefiting more than 10,000 individuals.

The scheme is catered to the needs of schools and organisations, offering tailor-made activities that are designed to equip youngsters with essential life skills and inspire them to make a positive impact on society.

Civil Aid Service Operations & Training Officer (Public Education) Siu Po-wa pointed out that each activity has its own unique features.

The activities are aligned with the daily duty scope of the Civil Aid Service, enabling young participants to experience the mission and values of the service.

This story has been published on: 2024-02-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
That fine print at the bottom of a restaurant menu, disclosing you will pay a surcharge if you use a credit card instead of cash?

That will no longer be an acceptable way for restaurants to tell customers about their two-tier pricing system  if they use one  under a state consumer protection law taking effect Sunday.

The new law applies to all businesses, including restaurants and retailers. Businesses can still charge different prices depending on whether customers pay with cash or credit cards. But they will have to be clear about it, and list the highest price a consumer might pay for an item.

The change will be especially pertinent at restaurants, which have embraced the credit card surcharges as a way of raising prices  or recovering the cost of credit card transaction fees  after being squeezed by rising prices.

As consumers continue to forsake cash in favor of credit card purchases, those transaction fees can add up. Industry analysts say those fees typically range from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction.

As a result, some businesses pass along that fee to consumers in the form of a surcharge, to avoid cutting into their own profits. The new law requires merchants to be up front with consumers about their pricing system. Notice of a surcharge cant be tucked away in the fine print on a menu or a receipt. Businesses can face fines of up to $500 per violation.

The new law also says businesses cant charge customers a surcharge exceeding the processing fee charged to the business by the credit card company.

Amanda Powers, director of communications and marketing for the Retail Council of New York State, called the new law a win-win by making the pricing rules clearer for consumers and merchants alike.

Retailers do not profit from a surcharge, Powers said. If a store is charging a 3% surcharge, they are merely recouping the fees they are being charged for that credit card.

The thrust of the new state law is that customers shouldnt be expected to do the math on how much they have to pay for an item, Powers said.

What the new rules require

Businesses have different ways to comply with the new law, according to the state Department of States Division of Consumer Protection:

They can list two different prices for the same item: one price for customers paying with cash, and the other for customers using a credit card.

Businesses can list only the higher of the two prices (excluding sales tax), but promote that customers can receive a discount of a certain percentage if they pay with cash instead.

Businesses can get rid of the surcharge altogether and charge the same price for cash and credit card purchases.

Businesses cant comply simply by hanging a sign announcing they charge a certain-percentage fee for credit card transactions. They also cant just disclose the difference as a line item at the bottom of a receipt, perhaps listed as a processing fee.

Even if a price tag lists a dollar amount, and alongside says the item will cost a specified percentage more using a credit card, that is against the new law. Instead, the price tag will have to list both dollar amounts  not just the percentage a customer would save using cash  or just the higher price, inclusive of surcharges.

Making prices more transparent

Whether its hamburgers, clothing or some other retail item for sale, merchants will have to give customers a clearer picture of how much theyre actually spending on a purchase, depending on how they pay.

New Yorkers should never have to deal with hidden credit card costs, and this law will ensure individuals can trust that their purchases will not result in surprise surcharges, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. Transparency is crucial in building trust between businesses and communities and now patrons will be empowered to budget accordingly.

Some in the restaurant industry say theyve already been adhering to these pricing transparency guidelines  provided by the state Attorney Generals office  for some time, before the new law came along.

The law is new, but the rules arent, said Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association.

Fleischut said some restaurants previously tried a surcharge system, but found it too complicated.

Im seeing more places that are actually doing the cash discount  not posting the two prices, but are showing the higher prices and then giving a discount for cash.

Swipe fees add up for businesses

Credit card usage became commonplace  if not required, in some cases  for customers at restaurants during the pandemic, to allow for touchless transactions.

Those swipe fees add up for businesses. For a restaurant, it might be their third-highest cost, behind food and labor expenses, or fourth, depending on what they pay for rent, Fleischut said.

Michael Tobin said he doesnt use two-tier pricing at his two area Fresh Catch Poke restaurants. Over 90% of his customers transactions involve credit cards.

With fast casual and online orders, its all kind of baked in there, Tobin said.

Tobin said he has no problem with the new transparency law, but would also like to see federal regulation of the fees credit card companies charge merchants.

From the consumer standpoint, I dont think they understand that (business owners) are the ones who end up footing that bill, he said.
(Reuters/Andrew Winning)Richard Dawkins is one of the most prominent writers looked up to by atheists from around the world.

There is an old joke that quotes the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche saying, "God is dead." The riposte, "Nietzsche is dead,"  God.

Pew Research Center published revised data on Feb. 7 that atheists make up 4 percent of U.S. adults.

It cited the Pew 2023 National Public Opinion Reference Survey.

The new figures compare with 3 percent who described themselves as atheists in 2014 and 2 percent who did so in 2007 according to Pew

CBS News highlighted research on Jan. 24 in the headline, "More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults identify as religious 'nones,' new data shows."

Citing Pew Research CBS reported that according to the new set of data, 28 percent of Americans classify themselves as "nones," 17 percent of whom identify as atheist/

A further 20 percent identified as agnostic and 63 percent as "nothing in particular."

Most "nones" said they were raised to be religious, and the majority were raised in Christian households.

The Pew research found that in the U.S., atheists are mostly men and are relatively young.

The research was conducted in the summer of 2023, mid-year in the northern hemisphere.

More than 60 percent of U.S. atheists are men (64 percent).

And seven-in-ten are 49 years or younger, compared with about half of U.S. adults overall (52 percent).

Atheists also are more likely than the general public to be White or 77 percent of them and 49 percent have a college degree.

Around eight-in-ten atheists identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party.

Almost all U.S. atheists (98 percent) describe religion as not too or not at all important in their lives, according to the mid-year summer 2023 survey.

An identical share said that they seldom or never pray.

Still, 79 percent of American atheists say they feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe at least several times a year.

And 36 percent feel deep spiritual peace and well-being at least that often.

U.S. atheists and religiously affiliated Americans do find meaning in their lives in some of the same ways.

In a 2017 survey, Pew asked an open-ended question about this and like the majority of Americans, most atheists mentioned family as a source of meaning.

However, atheists, 26 percent of them, were far more likely than Christians (10 percent) to see their hobbies as meaningful or satisfying.

Atheists were also more likely than Americans overall to describe finances and money, creative pursuits, travel, and leisure activities as meaningful. Only very few atheists (4 percent) said they found life's meaning in spirituality.

Pew reported that western Europeans are more likely than Americans to identify as atheists.

Atheists make up a larger share of the population in many Western European countries than in the U.S., according to a survey in the first quarter of 2023 survey that included 10 European countries.

For example, 23 percent of French adults identify as atheists, as do 18 percent of adults in Sweden, 17 percent in the Netherlands and 12 percent in the United Kingdom.
(Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash)

Christian believers are showing signs of decline in both the United States and the United Kingdom, but in England and Wales latest figures from the official statistics office show a marked fall in the number of people identifying as Christian.

Figures from 2019 show that only 51 percent of people in England and Wales are Christian, while those with no religion account for more than one-third., Christian Today reported on Dec. 17.

A few days earlier, Pew Research Center published a survey showing that about three-in-ten U.S. Adults are now religiously unaffiliated, and self-identified Christians make up 63 percent of the U.S. population in 2021, down from 75 percent a decade ago.

The Pew resaearch shows both the United States and the UK show similar patterns in sliding numbers of Christian believers, but the fall is considerably more marked in England and Wales.

The secularizing shifts evident in American society so far in the 21st-century show no signs of slowing, said the latest Pew Research Center survey of the religious composition of the United States, published on Dec. 14.

It found the religiously unaffiliated share of the public is 6 percentage points higher than it was five years ago and 10 points higher than a decade ago.

Christians continue as a majority of the U.S. populace, but their share of the adult population is 12 points lower in 2021 than in 2011.

Moreover, the share of U.S. adults who say they pray daily has been trending downward, as has the percentage who say religion is "very important" in their lives.

CONDIDERABLE DROP IN ENGLAND AND WALES

In England and Wales, the drop reported by Christian Today was considerable from that shown in the 2011 Census, when Christians made up 59 percent of the population in those two countries of the United Kingdom.

The fall in Christian affiliation coincides with climbing numbers recording no religion, which has grown from 32.3 percent in 2011 to 38.4 percent.

Young adults accounted for the smallest proportion of Christians - 35.2 percent of 20- to 29-year-olds, and 39.8 percent of 30- to 39-year-olds.

Their tally compared to two-thirds of 60- to 69-year-olds, just under three quarters (74.6 percent) of 70- to 79-year-olds, and 81 percent of those aged 80 and over.

By contrast, over half (53.4 percent) of 20- to 29-year-olds said they do not have any religion, followed by 30- to 39-year-olds (46.3 percent).

The proportion of Muslims in England and Wales saw a slight rise from 4.83 percent to 5.67 percent.

The results of the 2021 UK Census, due to be published next year, are expected to show a further fall in Christian identification.

In the United States, at the same time, currently, about three in ten adults (29 percent) are religious "nones."

They are those who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics, or "nothing in particular" when asked about their religious identity.

Self-identified Christians of all varieties (including Protestants, Catholics, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Orthodox Christians) make up 63 percent of the adult U.S. population.

'NONES' GROWING

According to Pew, Christians now outnumber religious "nones" by a ratio of a little more than two-to-one.

In 2007, when Pew began asking its current question about religious identity, Christians outnumbered "nones" by almost five-to-one (78 percent vs. 16 percent).

Within U.S. Christianity, recent declines showed up more in Protestantism than for Catholics.

The recent declines within Christianity are concentrated among Protestants.

Today, 40 percent of U.S. adults are Protestants, a group broadly defined as nondenominational Christians and people who describe themselves as "just Christian" along with Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and many others other denominational families.

The Protestant share of the population is down 4 percentage points over the last five years and has dropped 10 points in 10 years.

By comparison, the Catholic share of the population, which had ticked downward between 2007 and 2014, has held relatively steady in recent years.

As of 2021, 21 percent of U.S. adults describe themselves as Catholic, identical to the Catholic share of the population in 2014.
The retrial of a woman accused of killing her newborn in a Town of Tonawanda home in October 2020 will begin in June.

Jury selection in the murder case against Andee R. Wright is scheduled to begin June 6.

State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek declared a mistrial Dec. 18 after the jury deliberating the case deadlocked on its fourth day of deliberations.

Acting Erie County Judge Andrew C. LoTempio will preside over Wrights retrial.

Prosecutors accused Wright, 32, of bashing the head of her newborn at least twice after delivering him Oct. 5, 2020, in an Eggert Road home. A paramedic found the baby in a basement garbage can after a doctor told Town of Tonawanda police to go to Wrights home and search for a deceased newborn.

The Erie County Medical Examiners Office concluded the baby died of blunt force trauma to the head that resulted in multiple skull fractures.

A forensic pathologist from the Medical Examiners Office testified that a brain hemorrhage found in the babys brain only could have happened while the baby was alive.

During her first trial, Wrights defense was she didnt know she was pregnant and the baby died in utero. Her attorney argued the skull fractures resulted from the baby being born into a toilet and also dropped.

An expert witness for the defense, a forensic pathologist, concluded the blood on the brain was not from a hemorrhage.

Wright went to the hospital after paramedics and police were told she may have suffered a miscarriage. She did not tell emergency responders about the dead newborn in her basement.

At the hospital, Wright tested positive for cocaine and opiates. A friend of Wrights then-boyfriend testified Wright had been using cocaine the day before the baby was discovered.

Wright faces two second-degree murder counts but may only be convicted of one. The charges allege she intentionally killed the baby or she showed a depraved indifference to human life.

Prosecutors on the case are Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Haggerty and Rebecca Schnirel. Wrights defense attorneys are Paul Dell and Brian Towey. Dell represented Wright in her first trial.
The Welsh government has invited the presidents of the two main farming unions in Wales for urgent talks as anger over the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) gains momentum.

The meeting has been arranged following an urgent request from NFU Cymru, which met with Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths earlier this week.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has been invited to the next round of discussions.

It comes after 2,000 farmers attended a series of events where 'concern and worry' were raised at SFS proposals, which will roll out next year and replace direct farm payments.

Other concerns surround agricultural inputs, which are over a third higher than pre-covid times, as well as issues such as water quality regulations and bovine TB.

Meanwhile, thousands of farmers met at Carmarthen market on Thursday night (8 February) to protest against the direction of travel the industry is going in.

Organisers said more than 3,000 people attended the mart to discuss proposed funding changes they believe will hit agriculture hard.

NFU Cymru said the upcoming meeting with Ms Griffiths and the FUW would 'clearly set out our key asks'.

The union's president, Aled Jones said: We met with the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths on Tuesday this week to express the deep concerns of the industry.

"We left her in no doubt over the strength of feeling and seriousness of the situation following the robust feedback we have received from our series of roadshows.

"I welcome the fact that the Minister recognises the serious concerns of farmers and as such has agreed to meet and look at ways to address these issues."

A recent impact assessment, commissioned by the Welsh government, examined the impact of its SFS proposals.

Based on the potential economic effects of the previous 2022 outline proposals for the SFS, the modelling predicted a near 11% fall in livestock numbers, representing 122,000 units.

There would also be an 11% cut in labour on Welsh farms  the equivalent of losing 5,500 jobs based on current employment levels on farms.

Having travelled the length and breadth of Wales in the past week, Mr Jones said it was 'clear' that the SFS was causing 'a deep sense of anguish' among farmers.

NFU Cymru will take the concerns of the industry directly to the Minister at our meeting, and we will clearly set out our key asks," he added.
Holliday Sims still cant believe Gov. Kathy Hochul invited her to Albany to be recognized during her State of the State address Jan. 9, when Hochul proposed a $400 million academic consortium, Empire AI, to lead artificial intelligence research and development in the state.

Hochul introduced Sims, a senior computer science major at UB, as an example of a young scholar who is using AI for the public good, researching how the child welfare system can better prepare youths in foster care for college and employment. She even got to meet the governor and SUNY Chancellor John King and have her picture taken with them.

It was shocking to see my LinkedIn profile blow up after Hochuls speech, Sims said. There have been a lot of people reaching out, and it feels like a dream and a blessing to me and my family.

Two weeks after her State of the State, on Jan. 26, Hochul gave Sims another shoutout. This time, it was in a speech at the University at Buffalo, when she announced that Western New Yorks SUNY flagship will be the home for Empire AI, housing the next generation of supercomputing infrastructure that UB and eight other institutions in the consortium will need to spearhead groundbreaking AI research.

We want to make sure that New York State is the capital of AI development and empower young people like Holliday to do this work, Hochul said at UB.

Sims was chosen as Hochuls poster student for AI research thanks to her passion for equity-based computing education and advancing Black women in computer science, UB said in its Empire AI announcement.

Sims grew up moving up and down the East Coast as the daughter of a U.S. Navy officer whose family landed in the Albany area in time for her to spend four years at Bethlehem High School in Delmar, a nearby suburb.

There, she developed an interest in science and worked on her schools IT help desk, running around to classrooms to fix computers or projectors, replacing laptop screens and things like that, she said.

In her senior year, she took an intro to computer science course whose final project was programming a robotic mouse to dance with flashy lights and choreography. She loved it.

That was an Aha! moment, that I could do this kind of stuff in college, she said.

As a Black girl in a majority white high school and the first in her family to pursue STEM studies, Sims said she didnt realize she was a trailblazer until she got to UB, where she had many Black female peers, but not in her computer classes.

I didnt realize there was a bias against me until I went to college, she said.

It wasnt easy at times. Sims said she experienced bouts of imposter syndrome, wondering if she really fit into her chosen field.

I attended my partners graduation last summer and there were no Black girls walking across the stage for computer science, she said. I realized that I was one of very few Black girls in this field, and sometimes the only one in the room.

She said she overcame her doubts with encouragement from her parents, her three younger siblings, her UB mentors and UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Kemper Lewis, who recommended her to the Governors Office as a UB student who exemplifies using AI for social good.

At the State of the State address, Sims stood when the governor introduced her, then sat back down as Hochul described her vision for Empire AI and hinted that UB might become its hub. When Hochul asked Sims to stand again, she received a 20-second standing ovation.

I said, Now I can call myself deserving to be here,  Sims recalled. I deserve to be in the room, I deserve to be in computer science as much as anyone else.

Sims will graduate with her bachelors in computer science this spring, and is applying for jobs to gain industry experience while considering going on for a masters or even a doctorate in her field.

I chose computer science in the first place because I love solving problems, and I would love to inspire other young girls who think theyre not smart enough to be in the room, she said. Id like to show them that you can do anything if you really put your mind to it.

Sims said she discovered that AI could be used to identify racial bias and increase equity during her first-year seminar on computing and society. Her teacher, assistant professor Kenny Joseph, sent students an article on how biased data can lead to AI algorithms that unintentionally discriminate against certain groups. Intrigued, Sims went to Josephs office hours to learn more.

Joseph invited Sims to be part of his research team and has since become a mentor, she said.

The following summer, Sims was accepted into UBs CSTEP summer research program, an intensive 8.5-week experience for underrepresented students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM and allied health professions.

It was huge, Sims said of the program. I got to do professional development workshops with a network of people who look like me who want to pursue advanced degrees, and I presented my research using computational methods to provide equitable allocation of foster care resources.

Sims did the research, which introduced her to AI, as part of UBs Computing for Social Good Lab. She said some of her peers were researching equity in housing and employment while she looked at the academic services provided to children who were about to age out of foster care to help them receive their GED or a bachelors degree.

She analyzed data from national foster care reporting information and surveys, and found that African American foster children were less likely than white children to be allocated academic support services to pursue their GED or degree. Her research also found that African American foster care youths who did receive support were more likely to get a college degree, she said.

Her research also found racial bias in how services were assigned to different children, resulting in a higher employment rate for white children aging out of foster care than for African Americans or other minorities, she said.

Last summer, Sims participated in another summer project that led her to work with UB assistant professor of learning and instruction Chris Proctor on developing a computer science curriculum for grades K-12.

Being back in Albany to have her work acknowledged by the governor was a full circle moment, she said.

Her family now lives in Atlanta, but New Yorks Capitol region will always be where she started on her path to computer science and returned as an example of AI for good.
Hayden Christensen's journey with 'Star Wars' has been a "bumpy one".

Hayden Christensen: 'My journey with Star Wars has been a bumpy one'

The 42-year-old actor is best known for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in the 'Star Wars' prequel trilogy but admitted the experience has not always been a positive one.

When asked for what advice he would give his younger self about 'Star Wars', he told EMPIRE magazine: "Its been a remarkable experience I guess if I were to have some advice for me during that general time, in my life, it would be: Patience. Because my journey with the character and with 'Star Wars' has at times been a bumpy one but Im in a good place with it now. And so thats why I say patience."

Hayden's co-stars were also interviewed for EMPIRES 'Star Wars' Prequels 25th Anniversary Celebration with Liam Neeson admitting part of the appeal of playing Qui-Gon Jinn was that he was killed off in 'The Phantom Menace'.

He said: "It was an appeal. Im delighted and honoured to be part of George's [Lucas] mythical storytelling, but I didnt quite fancy signing up for two or three potential sequels."

Ewan McGregor - who portrayed Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi - reminisced on his memorable Duel of the Fates lightsaber fight with Ray Park, who played Sith warrior Darth Maul.

He said: "Because we were both super-young, and Ray Park was so good, it went on fire  the nature of one-against-one meant that we could really, really go for it. We shot on film, and they over-cranked the camera slightly to slow us down, because we were going so fast. They were worried that people would think wed been sped up."

Emperor actor Ian McDiarmid said: "The thing that Im most pleased about is that every single evil act in all of the 'Star Wars' franchise is either directly or indirectly down to that character. That is total evil, and thats strangely satisfying as an arc. I do feel fortunate to have been able to do it  and other villains of cinema now have to compete with that."

And Natalie Portman - who played Padme Amidala - said of preparing for her role: "When I was in Japan doing press for Leon as a 13-year-old, I had the opportunity to see Kabuki theatre. When I saw the designs for the costumes and hair and make-up for Queen Amidala, I immediately thought of that. I tried to use some of the ways I observed the characters moving their eyes, the slow and regal way they moved their bodies, as inspiration for the role."

EMPIRES Star Wars Prequels 25th Anniversary Celebration will be available to purchase on newsstands from Thursday 15 February.

For more information, go to www.empireonline.com.
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have reached an agreement to finalise their divorce.

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello reach divorce agreement

The 'Modern Family' actress and the 'True Blood' actor announced the breakdown of their seven-year marriage in July and have now taken the final steps to dissolve their union.

According to a filing obtained by PEOPLE, the divorce is proceeding as an uncontested action, which means that both parties appeared and "entered into a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage ... which is being or has been submitted to the court".

According to the documents, Joe, 47, also asked the court to terminate spousal support for both parties.

They have agreed that attorney fees will be outlined in the proposed judgment.

Sofia and Joe announced their divorce via a joint statement.

The 51-year-old actress and Joe insisted that they "love and care for one another very much" in spite of their break-up.

The former couple said at the time: "We have made the difficult decision to divorce.

"As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect for our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

A source subsequently revealed that the Hollywood duo had been "growing apart for some time".

Sofia and Joe tried to resolve their differences, but they ultimately decided that they needed to call time on their romance.

The insider told PEOPLE in July: "They have been growing apart for some time now and tried to resolve things, but they are focused on different areas of their lives."
The global e-commerce sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory in 2024, according to data by AltIndex. The data forecasts a massive $3.64 trillion in revenues, marking a 15.6 per cent increase from the previous year.

Despite the resurgence of in-person shopping, the industry has not only persevered but thrived, boasting a 108 per cent surge in revenue over five yearsfrom $1.52 trillion in 2018 to an estimated $3.15 trillion in 2023.

The fashion segment is expected to contribute approximately $760 billion, representing 20 per cent of the total market revenue, as per a detailed survey by Statista.

Global e-commerce revenues are projected to hit $3.64 trillion in 2024, a 15.6 per cent YoY increase, as per AltIndex. The sector has seen a 108 per cent revenue increase since 2018, with Asia dominating sales. The US and Europe are also expected to see significant e-commerce revenue, with $930 billion and $600 billion respectively in 2024.

Innovations such as artificial intelligence, voice search, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and personalized customer service have bridged the gap between online and physical shopping experiences. These advancements have cemented e-commerce as a preferred shopping method for millions globally, further supported by the growing popularity of shopping applications and online stores, as per AltIndex.

Asia, featuring e-commerce heavyweights like Alibaba, AliExpress, JD.com, and Rakuten, dominates the market with anticipated sales of $1.93 trillion, up 16 per cent from the previous year and accounting for over half of global e-commerce revenue.

The US, despite housing Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce entity, trails behind Asia with projected revenues of $930 billion, a 15 per cent YoY increase, forming a quarter of the global total. Europe is set to follow with an expected $600 billion in revenue for 2024.

The e-commerce market is not only growing in terms of revenue but also in its user base. Statista forecasts that 300 million new consumers will join the online shopping sphere this year, pushing the total number to more than 3.4 billionabout 42 per cent of the global population. By 2028, the total number of e-commerce users is predicted to exceed 4.6 billion.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
Healer (2014-2015)

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? (2018)

Her Private Life (2019)

Forecasting Love and Weather (2022)

Love in Contract (2022)

Park Min-young, often hailed as the Queen of K-dramas has triumphantly returned to the screen with her latest masterpiece, Marry My Husband. In this enthralling narrative, she takes on the role of a woman seeking retribution against her unfaithful husband and best friend. Guided by an intriguing twist involving time travel and overseen by her enigmatic boss, Park Min-young's character navigates a complex journey of justice and self-discovery.Teaming up with the exceptionally talented Na In-woo, Park Min-young once again captivates audiences with her spellbinding performance and an undeniable on-screen chemistry that adds an extra layer of depth to the storyline.Throughout her illustrious career spanning over a decade, Park Min-young has solidified her status as a versatile and gifted actress, leaving an indelible mark on the dynamic landscape of Korean dramas. Her ability to breathe life into a diverse range of endearing characters has consistently charmed audiences and showcased her acting prowess.Join us on a journey through some of the most iconic K-dramas featuring Park Min-young, each serving as a testament to both the enduring appeal of Korean television and the extraordinary talent of this celebrated actress.Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, and Yoo Ji-taeIn her portrayal of Chae Young-shin, Park Min-young embodies the character of a determined and eccentric internet news reporter aspiring to achieve legendary status. However, her aspirations face a formidable challenge when she uncovers her concealed identity as the missing child, Oh Ji-an. Haunted by a tumultuous past marked by abuse, Young-shin grapples with trauma, experiencing panic attacks in response to violence. As the narrative unfolds, she finds solace and love in the form of her protector, Jung-hoo, also known as "Healer."Fans were enthralled with Park's portrayal of Chae Young-shin because she skillfully captured the complexity of a woman divided between her need for justice and her yearning for a sense of belonging. With Park's masterful balancing act of wit, courage, and sensitivity, Young-shin's path of self-discovery and resilience captured the attention of spectators. Her on-screen chemistry with Ji Chang-wook was electric, as the two handled the perils of their destiny colliding with a tangible tension and irresistible magnetism.As Chae Young-shin in Healer, Park Min-young demonstrated her range as an actress by flitting between scenes of furious action, genuine passion, and lighthearted banter. Park gave Young-shin a depth and genuineness that lingered long after the drama came to a close, from her courageous search for the truth to her sweet moments of vulnerability. Chae Young-shin, one of Park Min-young's most well-known performances to date, is proof of her unmatched brilliance and her capacity to create a lasting impression on audiences.Park Seo-joon and Park Min-youngIn the charming romantic comedy, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?, Park Min-young shines as Kim Mi-so, the efficient secretary to the narcissistic vice chairman, Lee Young-joon, played by Park Seo-joon. Mi-so's decision to resign triggers a comedic exploration of their evolving relationship, filled with heartwarming moments.Park Min-young's portrayal of Kim Mi-so highlights her impeccable comedic timing and the ability to infuse warmth into her character. The undeniable chemistry between her andadds an extra layer of charm to the drama, making it a hit both domestically and internationally.Park Min-young and Kim Jae-wookIn Her Private Life, Park Min-young takes on the role of Sung Deok-mi, a dedicated art curator with a secret passion for fangirling. As she balances her professional life with her hidden obsession, Deok-mi's world collides with that of Ryan Gold, a talented artist portrayed by Kim Jae Wook. Their unexpected romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of art galleries and fan conventions, exploring themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of passion.Park Min Young's portrayal of Sung Deok-mi showcases her versatility as an actress, seamlessly navigating between her character's dual identities with grace and authenticity. Her chemistry with Kim Jae Wook adds depth and nuance to their on-screen relationship, captivating audiences with their emotional journey.Park Min-young, Song Kang, Yoon Park and Yura.In Forecasting Love and Weather, Park Min-young embodies the character of Jin Ha-kyung, a 35-years-old general forecaster at the 2nd Division of the Korea Meteorological Administration. Amidst the intricacies of the weather service, the unpredictability of love parallels the ever-changing forecasts. This series beautifully unfolds the lighthearted love stories among the staff as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of their everyday work lives. Despite an initial lack of widespread attention, the show's distinctive narrative, complemented by Min-young's captivating death stares and clever dialogues, successfully engaged viewers.Adding to the show's allure, her on-screen chemistry withwas palpable, leaving the audience yearning for more moments between the two characters.Park Min-young, Go Kyung-pyo, and Kim Jae-youngIn her depiction of Choi Sang-eun, the actress delves into the unique role of a single-life facilitator boasting over a decade of professional experience. Despite her impeccable appearance, skills, and charisma, she navigates a love life void of her own, instead offering expert relationship guidance to fellow singles. Her portrayal as a temporary companion for those in need at events like couples' gatherings and reunions shines as a brilliant avenue for exploring self-discovery. Her convincing performance in the counseling role within the show suggests she could seamlessly transition into that profession in real life.Park Min-young's influence in the K-dramas industry only grows as she captivates audiences with her captivating performances and unquestionable attractiveness. Min-young has established herself as a master of her art, effortlessly capturing a wide spectrum of characters with depth, authenticity, and nuance in everything from historical epics to love comedies. She continues to push the envelope of her abilities with every new endeavor, making a lasting impression on the audience and solidifying her place among the most adored actresses in Korean television history. One thing is clear: Park Min-young's light will continue to shine brightly, captivating viewers' attention and illuminating screens everywhere for years to come, even as fans eagerly anticipate her future endeavors.
Mithun Chakraborty health update: Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty has been admitted to a hospital in Kolkata. The BJP leader was hospitalized after he complained of chest pain on Saturday (February 10) morning. His team is yet to issue an official statement about his health.

MITHUN CHAKRABORTY IN HOSPITAL- WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report in India Today, Mithun felt uneasy and his family members immediately took him to a private hospital in the city. He is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital. Details about his condition have not been shared by his team. His sons Mimoh, Namashi and daughter-in-law Madalsa Sharma are yet to release a statement about his health.

However, Mahaakshay Chrakborty, while talking to a portal, provided an update about Mithun's health. He confirmed that his father is doing fine. Amid rumours of Mithun's hospitalisation, his son Mimoh clarified that he was admitted for a routine check-up.

"It's just a routine check-up. He is fine," the actor told ETimes. Fans breathed a sigh of relief when Mimoh confirmed that Mithun is fine. As the veteran actor is not active on Instagram or X, fans flooded the comments section of his son's posts with their messages.

MITHUN CHAKRABORTY ON RECEIVING PADMA BHUSHAN

Last month, Mithun Chakraborty was conferred with the Padma Bhushan Award. He had expressed his gratitude toward the government and his fans. "I am proud and elated to receive the award. I would like to thank everyone. I am happy to experience the feeling of receiving this award without asking. It's a different feeling that cannot be described in words. I want to dedicate this award to my fans in India and the rest of the world. They have loved me selflessly and hence, I want to dedicate this award to them.

On the professional front, Mithun Chakraborty was last seen in Dance Bangla Dance as Mahaguru.
Nannamma Super Star 3 Full Contestants List: The wait is finally over. Colors Kannada introduced the third season of its popular reality show, sprucing up its weekend programming earlier this month. Nannamma Super Star is back with yet another exciting edition on Kanada television.

ABOUT NANNAMMA SUPER STAR 3 JUDGES, HOST

Nannamma Super Star is a popular Kannada game show where celebrity mothers and their children participate in different tasks. The reality series is dedicated to motherhood as the mummas and their kids compete in fun-filled activities to determine the winner.

Srujan Lokesh, Anu Prabhakar and Tara were the judges of the first season. Anupama Gowda hosted the first season, which premiered on November 27, 2021.

Sushma Rao is hosting the third season while Srujan Lokesh, Tara Anuradha, Anu Prabhakar have been retained as the judges.

BIGG BOSS KANNADA 10 WINNER KARTHIK MAHESH ON NANNAMMA SUPER STAR

There's a big surprise for the audience. Karthik Mahesh, who won BBK 10 Kannada, made a special appearance on the reality show. From interacting with the contestants to getting teased by the kids, the handsome hunk had a gala time while shooting for the show in Bengaluru.

Karthik Mahesh defeated five other Bigg Boss Kannada 10 finalists to win the show. He beat Drone Prathap, Sangeetha Sringeri, Vinay Gowda, Varthur Santhosh, Tukali Santhosh to clinch the trophy. He received over 2.9 crore votes in the grand finale of the show, according to reports. Host Kiccha Sudeep lauded him for his game plan in the reality show, which topped the TRP charts throughout its run on the small screen.

NANNAMMA SUPER STAR 3 CONTESTANTS NAME, PROMO

Shilpa Shailesh is participating in the show with her son Viaan. Before the launch of the show, she reportedly spoke about her miscarriage.

"I lost two children. I know what it's all about. It's hard to overstate how important Vian is. My husband never said that he wanted a child. He supported me a lot. I had health problems twice. My mother told me, ' I don't want you to have a child, I don't want to see you in pain'," Shilpa Shailesh was quoted as saying by Vijay Karnataka.

Nayana Kaveerappa is participating with her spn Samarth. Nayana returned to the small screen after a long time. The other contestants include Soundarya - Dhawan Raj, Sarika-Mridini, Ramya - Chiradvita, Manasa Ravi - Sharav, Rashmi Gowda - Adhita, Shilpa - Viaan, Priyanka - Dvita, Usha Deepak - Aryan.
On Friday in Buffalo, a news conference and rally drew several state politicians  both Democrats and Republicans. Representatives from a half-dozen labor unions also were there, as were health system rivals Kaleida Health and Catholic Health. Then, for good measure, throw in some nursing homes, too  one for-profit; one nonprofit.

Typically, it would be difficult for all of those groups to come together on any one thing, but they agreed on this much: New York State  and, particularly, Gov. Kathy Hochul  needs to increase Medicaid funding for hospitals and nursing homes.

Management and labor, Democrats and Republicans ... we are all coming together to repeat that we really are at the breaking point when it comes to our safety-net hospitals and nursing homes, Republican State Sen. Patrick Gallivan told a crowd of more than 100 people at the Buffalo office of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

Its all going to crash and burn if we dont fix it now, he said.

Gallivan was among several state legislators who pledged to heed the call of health care systems and unions to increase the states reimbursement for Medicaid patients, from 70% of what it costs hospitals and nursing homes to 100% after years of underfunding health care for New Yorks most vulnerable patients.

Providers and health care workers alike blamed long waits for emergency room visits, a lack of nursing home beds and long delays to see specialists on the shortfall created by forcing hospitals and nursing homes to fill the 30% gap in funding they must absorb for every Medicaid patient every day.

The trauma of working in underfunded and understaffed facilities harms our health care workers and their patients, said Peter DeJesus, president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation.

Today, we are rolling out a full-court press to fully fund Medicaid, he said. We are going to put in the work that is necessary to ensure that when this years budget is signed, the will of the people has been heard and what is necessary has been done.

Besides 1199SEIU, the kickoff drew members of the Civil Service Employees Association, Communications Workers of America, the Public Employees Federation and the New York State Nurses Association, as well as leaders of Catholic Health, Kaleida Healths Oishei Childrens Hospital and several nursing home groups.

They called for the governor to add $6.8 billion to her state budget over the next four years to close the Medicaid funding gap that is exacerbating a health care crisis that has only worsened since Covid-19, and to increase reimbursement for Medicaid patients in nursing homes by $44 per person per day to stop the financial bleeding at skilled nursing facilities.

Gov. Hochul delivers good news for safety-net providers like ECMC, Children's Hospital Gov. Kathy Hochul recently unveiled her priorities for this year, and she has no shortage of proposals for the state's health care system.

Dawn Harsch, marketing director for The McGuire Group, which operates 18 skilled nursing facilities serving 2,500 residents and employing 4,000 caregivers, said Medicaid funding has remained flat for the past 16 years, while costs have risen 44% in that time.

We are losing $2.5 million per facility per year, Harsch said. We are struggling to staff beds, causing them to come offline, even though patients need them. The system has been broken for two decades. Change can wait no longer.

Providers acknowledge that Hochul did include a 7.5% Medicaid rate increase in last years state budget, but argued that was just a drop in the bucket after so many years of stagnant rates that didnt cover the cost of care.

Rebecca Miller, state legislative and political director for CWA, District 1, said 4 out of 5 hospitals in New York currently have negative or unsustainable operating margins, hindering their ability to comply with New Yorks 2021 safe staffing law.

Underfunding hospitals exacerbates short staffing, and workers cant be forced to carry a broken health care system on their backs any longer, Miller said.

Meanwhile, Hochul is trying to rein in growing Medicaid costs. During her budget address last month, Hochul noted that the states Medicaid spending is up 40% over the last three years.

Were trying to find ways now to save over $1 billion in Medicaid, she said.

Bill Hammond, senior fellow for health policy at the Empire Center for Public Policy, a fiscally conservative think tank in Albany, said in testimony last month that the Legislature should resist the clamor for another big increase in Medicaid spending  first, because the state cant afford it, and second, because more spending wont fix the most important problems.

Hammond said New York spends more money per capita on Medicaid and medical care, generally, than any other state in the United States.

If money were the answer, New Yorks health care system would already be the envy of the world, Hammond told the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees last month.

Instead, he argues, the state should seek to eliminate waste, boost efficiency and opt for targeted investments in health rather than broad, across-the-board increases.

It is not disputed, though, that Medicaid doesnt reimburse providers for services at the same level as commercial insurance plans, creating an equity gap. It is the reason why safety-net providers that serve large Medicaid populations  such as Erie County Medical Center or Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center  are more financially pinched than hospitals that serve suburban populations with a high percentage of commercial insurance plans.

And for nursing homes, Medicaid is typically the largest funding source. Chris Koenig, president and CEO of Schofield Residence Nursing Facility in Buffalo, said the funding gap amounts to $150 per patient per day for each Medicaid resident.

C.J. Urlaub, senior vice president for Catholic Health, said last years 7.5% increase for inpatient Medicaid reimbursement, 6.5% for outpatients and 6.5% for nursing homes amounted to $8.6 million for Catholic Health facilities. But, he said, That is only 8% of the $107 million that Catholic Health lost in 2022.
The re-release of the 2012 hit movie Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu, starring Pawan Kalyan, took a dramatic turn as fans in Nandyala went to extremes to celebrate their idol's screen return. In an act of overzealous fandom, some supporters initiated a bonfire inside the theatre, capturing the moment in videos and photos, showcasing the fervor Pawan Kalyan inspires among his followers. This incident, reported by ANI on X, has sparked discussions on the lengths to which fans will go to celebrate their favourite stars.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: During the re-release of Pawan Kalyan's movie 'Cameraman Ganga to Rambabu', fans lit scraps of papers inside a theatre in Nandyala, earlier today pic.twitter.com/aKjbAv0zri  ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024

Fan Frenzy Across Years

This isn't the first instance of Pawan Kalyan's fans resorting to vandalism to express their admiration. From damaging theatre property over technical issues in 2021 to recent arrests in Vijayawada for similar behavior, the pattern of fervent celebration has been consistent. The phenomenon isn't confined to Pawan Kalyan alone; Salman Khan's Tiger 3 release saw fans lighting fireworks inside a theatre, prompting reactions from the industry, including director Ram Gopal Varma, highlighting the madness that sometimes accompanies movie fandom in India.

Upcoming Projects Stir Excitement

Despite the controversy, Pawan Kalyan's career trajectory continues to soar. Currently involved in the shooting of a period drama titled Hari Hara Veera Mallu, alongside another project, Ustaad Bhagat Singh with Harish Shankar, and OG with Sujeeth, the anticipation for his upcoming films is palpable. While there has been no update on whether Hari Hara Veera Mallu has been shelved, the excitement for his future projects hints at the undying support and love his fans have for him, bonfires notwithstanding.

The fervor with which Pawan Kalyan's fans celebrate his cinematic returns is a testament to the star's enduring appeal and the passionate nature of movie fandom in India. While their actions sometimes cross the bounds of safety and legality, the underlying love for cinema and its stars remains undisputed. As Pawan Kalyan continues to captivate audiences with his performances, the hope is that celebrations will adopt a safer, yet equally enthusiastic form in the future.
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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Dover (DOV) today said that it appointed President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Tobin to the additional role of Chairman of the Board. In addition, the independent directors of the Board have appointed the current Chairman, Michael Johnston, to the role of lead independent director. Both appointments are effective February 10, 2024. Tobin has served as a director since 2016 and as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2018. Johnston has served as Board Chairman since 2016 and as a director since 2013. The company noted that its Board amended the company's Corporate Governance Guidelines to require a Lead Independent Director when the Chairman is not independent and to define the duties of the Lead Independent Director. 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.
HENDERSON, Nev., Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. (OTC: SIRC) ("SIRC" or "the Company"), an integrated, single-source solutions provider of solar power, roofing and EV charging systems announces the addition of two new Board Observers.

In an effort to ensure stronger outside shareholder representation on the SIRC Board of Directors, Mr. Robert Yarhi and Mr. Philippe Gastone have agreed to serve as Board Observers. Mr. Yarhi spent several days visiting the SIRC family of companies and their employees to learn more about the companies and strategies for growth. Mr. Gastone has spent numerous hours discussing the business challenges with CEO, Brad Rinehart. These in-depth discussions and visits provide the perfect segue to serving as Board Observers.

Philippe Gastone has broad experience in Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development. He has acquired strong cross-continent and cross-border experience in Europe, USA, South and Central America. He has led corporate development initiatives, acquisitions, and divestitures in multiple industries while working in large corporations, strategy consulting and Investment Banking. He advised and managed growth strategies and transactions for more than twenty years from strategic analysis through execution, negotiating and closing as well as on post-merger integration issues.

Mr. Gastone is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Cereus Capital Partners, a private equity firm investing in food assets in Central and South America. In addition, he is a Director of ViZible, an emerging artificial intelligence company based in Denver, CO.

Robert Yarhi is a shareholder and a Director in the family business SigmaQ Group, now headquartered in Panama. In 1983 he started his own business called Sigma Imports and is very successful in the Import/Export activities. SigmaQ acquired Badger Paper in Los Angeles in 1985, where Robert was appointed as President to manage the operations. Under Yarhi's leadership, the company was able to turn the corner, grow and eventually relocate the company from California to Sparks, Nevada, building on his vision of a better business environment. Badger is now Sierra Converting Corporation.

Robert bought the business out of the family group in 2004 and is now the sole owner and President. The company was renamed Sierra Packaging & Converting LLC and in 2013 the company was relocated into a State-of-the Art 190,000 square feet facility in Reno. Robert Yarhi is also a Co-Founder and Partner of Cereus Capital Partners, a private equity firm focusing on acquiring food assets in Central and South America.

"Mr. Yarhi and Mr. Gastone offer the kind of insight that will help elevate SIRC and add additional perspective as we continue to navigate challenges. They each bring years of experience that is immeasurable, and we are very lucky to have their unique perception", says Brad Rinehart, CEO.

Both observers have agreed to share their time and expertise and will have regular meetings with SIRC leadership. SIRC continues to remain hyper vigilante in efforts to streamline operations, focus on profitable projects and keep costs low.

About Solar Integrated Roofing Corp.

Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. (OTC: SIRC) is an integrated, single-source solutions provider of solar power, roofing and EV charging systems, specializing in commercial and residential properties throughout North America. The Company serves communities by delivering the best experience through constant innovation & legacy-focused leadership. For more information, please visit the Company's Investor Relations website at www.solarintegratedroofing.com, Corporate website at https://www.sirc.com or join us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Press Release Contact:

Julie Brehm

jbrehm@sircfamily.com
One user commented- I am really happy for Vikrant but would have been happier if he would have got the best actor lead main one.

The 69th Filmfare Awards were just concluded that saw Alia Bhatt win the Best Actress award for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Vikrant Massey took home the Best Actor (Critics) award for Vidhu Vinod Chopras 12th Fail.

However, netizens noticed how Bhatt was seated in the front row whereas Massey was in the third row. Some people even spotted Orry seated along with Alia and shared their reactions on Reddit. One user commented- I am really happy for Vikrant but would have been happier if he would have got the best actor lead main one. Another one wrote- BruhDo we even care about these awards. Do what Ajay Devgan does, never attend & dont care.

Advertisement

And another user wrote- I think instead of crying here about petty awards, we should rather try and go to theatres to watch movies of actors like VM instead of A listers.

12th Fail starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr is on a constant spree of spreading its charm across the world. With an IMDb rating of 9.2 out of 10, the film has also taken home many accolades at the award ceremonies and has topped several lists of best films of the year back home. The film has also completed 100 days in the theatres this weekend. Adding up yet another glory to its name, the film has dragged up the ladder of the 250 best films list and is now positioned at 50th number.

While sharing this exhilarating update on his social media, the director Vidhu Vinod Chopra wrote, VVC has spent his life talking to everyone about how much he worships Cinema Paradiso and 12th Fail has now secured the #50 spot in the top 250 films of all time, a rank below the film he worships.
According to reports, the veteran actor was rushed to the hospital after complaining of chest pain. He is currently undergoing treatment

Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty has been admitted to the emergency unit of a private hospital in Kolkata today, February 10. According to reports, he was rushed to the hospital after complaining of chest pain. He is currently undergoing treatment and further updates on his health condition are awaited.

Last month, Mithun Chakraborty was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India. The star expressed his gratitude to his fans through a video message in Bengali. In the clip, he conveyed (English translation), I am proud, I am happy to have received this award. I would like to thank everyone. I have never asked anything for myself from anyone. I am experiencing the feeling of receiving something without asking today. Its a different feeling altogether. Its a great feeling.

Mithun Chakraborty continued: I would like to dedicate this award to all my fans, my well-wishers from in and out of India, from all over the world. For those who have selflessly loved me, I would like to dedicate the award to them. Thank you so much for giving me so much love and respect.

Advertisement

Sharing the video on X (formerly known as Twitter) handle, film critic Vineeta Kumar wrote, Mithun Chakraborty says the Padma Bhushan award is the first time someone has given him something without asking.

On the work front, Mithun Chakraborty was last seen in the Bengali film Kabuliwala. Directed by Suman Ghosh, the movie also starred Abir Chatterjee, Javaid Khan, and Shahid Mushtaq in prominent roles. Speaking about the film, Mithun shared with Hindustan Times, Kabuliwala is not just any film that I thought of doing casually. Although its a Bengali film, its important to remember that its about an Afghan-speaking Bengali, not a Bengali-speaking Afghan. Nowadays, everyone observes everything very minutely, so this was a big deal. The film shows how an Afghan learns Bengali and speaks it with a mix of Hindi and Bengali.

Mithun Chakraborty also revealed his preparation for the role, stating, I had a friend named Jamaluddin Khan, a Pathan from Afghanistan, who was a cook by profession. He used to bring me different foods. I tried to mimic the way he spoke breathlessly and walked. The way he used to get out of breath while speaking, the hesitant way he spoke, I imitated that, and the producer and director were very happy with it. They agreed and said our Kabuliwala would be just like this.

Advertisement

Mithun Chakraborty has given Bollywood many hits in the 80s and 90s such as Disco Dancer, Jung, and Phool Aur Angaar.

(This is a developing story. Well give updates on the situation as we learn more.)
Its now being reported that Varun Dhawan or Ranveer Singh are the contenders for the role that was being essayed by Khan

After multiple successful collaborations, Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya were coming together again for a film tentatively titled Prem Ki Shaadi. But a report by Midday says the actor has backed out of the film due to creative disagreements. Its now being reported that Varun Dhawan or Ranveer Singh are the contenders for the role that was being essayed by Khan.

Advertisement

The source was quoted saying, If you see the sort of star that Salman Khan is today and the directors films, the two are poles apart in terms of their creative sensibilities. The script was their common ground, but over time, there were too many things they couldnt agree on. So, it made sense for them to call it off amicably.

It added, The script will be tweaked, with the protagonist being aged down. Sooraj sir will initiate talks with younger stars. There is a certain innocence to the film, and he wants an actor who can reflect that. Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh are the frontrunners at the moment, and a decision will be made by next month.

Advertisement

Salman Khan and Atlee

Salman Khans resurrection happened with the blockbuster success of Dabangg in 2010 that was directed by Abhinav Kashyap, with part two and part three being helmed by Arbaaz Khan and Prabhu Deva. Despite the commercial and critical failure of Dabangg 3, the makers are going ahead with part four and a report by Bollywood Hungama says it has a connection with Shah Rukh Khans Jawan director Atlee.

Advertisement

A source told the portal, Atlee, Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan have discussed Dabangg spin-off to bring back the most iconic cop, Chulbul Pandey to the lives of people. It could be a co-production of Arbaaz Khan with Atlee and Salman Khan, however, Atlee might not direct the film.
In the black-comedy Millers Girl, Ortega plays 18-year-old student, while the teacher was played by 52-year-old Martin Freeman

Intimate scenes in films can be a flashpoint for online discourse but there are a few scenes that make you squeal. We are talking about the highly-criticised sex scene from Millers Girl, which has stormed a debate on social media over an intimate scene between Jenna Ortega, 21, and Martin Freeman, 52.

Advertisement

The black comedy-drama Millers Girl hit theatres in January, where Ortega played Cairo Sweet, an 18-year-old student, while the teacher was played by 52-year-old Hobbit actor Martin Freeman. The film centres on an 18-year-old student who becomes entangled in an inappropriate relationship with her teacher after she writes a sex story for a writing assignment in his class.

The intimate scenes between Martin and Jenna left cinephiles disgusted, with users taking to social media to express disappointment as gross and disturbing. They also questioned the intent behind showing something like this.

An X user expressed, This Jenna Ortega/Martin Freeman film is so gross! So, so, so, so gross!

This Jenna Ortega/Martin Freeman film is so gross! So, so, so, so gross!  leslie (@leslieseviltwin) February 4, 2024

Advertisement

Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman Im uncomfortable, wrote another.

Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman Im uncomfortable pic.twitter.com/yCL4OPVauW  nat  (@finallynataliee) February 4, 2024

Advertisement

Another user added, It looks troubling and Im a lil freak!!!!

It looks troubling and Im a lil freak!!!!  ash (@ashleyjanne) February 4, 2024

Advertisement

An individual wrote, I think I am finally done watching these age gap movies. They are all gross, and I am tired of it. No amount of Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman could save this one for me.

Expressing displeasure, a user stated, Nah Martin Freeman doing sexy scenes with Jenna Ortega was not on my 2024 bingo.

Advertisement

That Jenna Ortega martin freeman clip might be the worst thing Ive ever seen, an account remarked.

However, some viewers werent as offended by Jenna Ortegas scenes with Martin Freeman, with one commenting, Everyone is freaking out about this movie Millers Girl because of the age difference, but really, Hobbits age differently than us. For every one year of our lives, that equals three of theirs. So, in reality, Martin Freeman is only like 17 1/2. Jenna Ortega is the cradle robber.

Advertisement

Despite the backlash, the films intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona asserted that Ortega was comfortable throughout the process. There were many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Ortega> to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do, reported the Daily Mail.

Advertisement

During a roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Jenna Ortega said that her decision was fuelled by past experiences throughout her decade-long career. When I went into Wednesday, I really put my foot down and made it clear that everything that I had to say mattered and was heard, the actress added.
Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon united for the first time for the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya that released in cinemas on February 9 and which also starred Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia. The Central Board of Film Certification reduced the duration of a sex scene in the film by 25% and the word Daaru was asked to be replaced by Drink in a scene post interval.

Advertisement

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Shahid Kapoor spoke about the film and his return to the genre of romance and said,  Actually I have become very instinctive as an actor, so my prep happens during my interaction with the directors and in this case for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya with the directors. During the script development process, this film came to me. I dont like to prepare too much. I just have a different way of doing it and the character stays in my system and I find my way of evolving it. It doesnt happen in a structured manner.

The actor added, I was a part of Farzi while it was being developed and I was a part of Bloody Daddy when it was being developed. I was a part of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya too while it was being developed. And then conversations happen and discussions continue, you think about it and you go back home thinking about the role and the script and thats how the preparation starts. It is important to get into the role to make it look fresh for yourself as an actor.
The actress in question is Mrunal Thakur, who has been a part of the Indian film industry for over six years, and was recently seen in the hit Hi Nanna

Mrunal Thakur is a solid performer who has done films like Love Sonia, Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna, Jersey, Batla House, Super 30, and Dhamaka. She has had an incredible career path and already carved a niche for herself. A few years back, at an awards function, while talking about the existence of nepotism in Bollywood and how actors and filmmakers are blamed for it, she had something to say.

Advertisement

Thakur said, Its not their fault, they are star kids, it is we, as common people, who are so intrigued to know whats going on in their life.

On being denied a speech

I will give you one simple example - an award night was going on, and an interview session was happening, and I was in the middle of an interview and the media ran behind the star kid. I was awarded as Best Actor Critics, the same as Janhvi being awarded the same night. I wasnt even handed a speech.

Advertisement

Mrunal continued, I am not saying I am jealous or something. I am saying that its not their fault. So stop pointing out nepotism, nepotism.

On her body and being comfortable with it

In a recent interview, she said, There are certain things about your body type which you cant help. I dont understand why Indians have this habit of discriminating against naturally curvaceous and voluptuous women. Why are they looked down upon?

Advertisement

She added, It took Kim Kardashian to make people realize how sexy the curves are on a woman? People should learn to own their bodies. Eat healthy food but not at the cost of putting your health at a bigger risk. I think I am just owning myself. I own my thick thighs and I have no regrets. And If I dont, you shouldnt have it either.
Nearly 100,000 Erie County residents, and millions more in rural communities nationwide, will lose low-cost internet service if Congress fails to reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program by April.

Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury  it is a necessity for everyday life, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said Friday morning during a visit to the Central Library in Buffalo.

More than 1.7 million New York households benefit from the program, which helps low-income households afford high-speed internet.

That number includes more than 97,000 Erie County residents, Gillibrand said.

Congress must provide more funding, she said, or families supported by the program will be forced to pay full price to stay online or lose broadband services.

The Covid-19 pandemic and changes it left in its wake made reauthorization vital in a new American climate where more people work remotely, take online educational courses and handle many of their health care needs online, she said.

Im announcing this legislation to allocate more money for the ACP and help close the digital divide, said the New York Democrat, who supported the original legislation during the pandemic as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in November 2021.

The program offers a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service and equipment, as well as a onetime $100 discount on a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. The discount can climb to $75 monthly for qualifying rural communities, and for Tribal lands, the discount may be up to $75 per month.

The ACP was borne out of the pandemic, and now that the crisis seems to have subsided, everyone thinks the problems it highlighted have gone away, too, said Heidi Ziemer, outreach and digital equity coordinator of the Western New York Library Resources Council. But digital distress was a reality for many New Yorkers long before the pandemic, and was not created from it.

Ziemer attended the news conference, along with Melissa Hartman, executive director of ErieNet; Jeannine Purtell, chief operating officer with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System; and Amy Mazur, director of operations for Literacy Buffalo Niagara.

Students now can complete schoolwork outside of classrooms, seniors can participate in telehealth from the comforts of their homes and working families can expand their job searches to include work-from-home options, Hartman said.

Gillibrands appearance in Buffalo coincided with an announcement of a $150,000 grant by the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York to support efforts by the state Association for Rural Health.

More than 100 organizational members, including 31 rural health networks across New York, make up the nonprofit association.

Joy, appreciation follow $9 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to boost health equity in Buffalo, Syracuse Staff and trustees of an upstate New York health foundation erupted in jubilation Thursday when they learned that MacKenzie Scott bestowed $9 million on the organization to help them address its work with racial and health inequities.

The Health Foundation grant flows from the $9 million MacKenzie Scott  who helped Jeff Bezos create Amazon  bestowed on it in October 2022 to help strengthen its work with racial and health inequities.

The foundation has adjusted its mission in recent years to address the lack of health resources based on race and economics, including disparities that fall along racial lines in most urban communities they serve, as well as challenges in rural areas where the rates of uninsured people are among the highest in the state, and most of the counties face critical shortages of health care providers.

Combined, health challenges and outcomes in these communities make Western New York the least healthy region in the state.
Indonesia holds what will be the worlds biggest single-day election on 14 February, which will also decide who will become president of the worlds third-biggest democracy and the fourth most populous nation. Here are some key figures on the election

With 205 million eligible voters set to participate on 14 February, Indonesia braces for one of its most consequential elections.

The absence of incumbent President Joko Widodo heightens the contest, as candidates compete for the presidency against a backdrop of youth dominance in the electorate.

Leading the polls is Prabowo Subianto, a former military general, whose campaign promises continuity with Jokowis initiatives while grappling with past human rights allegations.

Advertisement

Anies Baswedan, Jakartas former governor, stands out as a contrasting figure, advocating for alternative priorities and questioning the status quo.

Meanwhile, Ganjar Pranowo, the former governor of Central Java, navigates party ties and local controversies in his presidential bid.

Concerns about dynastic politics and power consolidation post-Jokowi have dominated the electoral discourse. Welfare and employment are issues that young voters care about.

As Indonesias democracy reaches a crossroads, the outcome of this election will determine the countrys trajectory for years to come.

Here are some key figures on the election.

204.8 million Indonesians are eligible to cast votes

4 is the number of presidential elections held in Indonesias history

20,616 is the number of posts to be decided

Advertisement

18 parties are running in the legislative election

258,602 candidates are registered

17 is the minimum voting age in Indonesia

6 is the number of hours polling stations will be open on election day

1.7 million Indonesians can vote from overseas

115.4 million is the number of registered voters on the island of Java alone

94 million is the average number of viewers for each of the first four televised presidential debates

Advertisement

580 seats are up for grabs in the lower house of parliament

3 is the number of successive attempts at the presidency made by Prabowo Subianto, a candidate in this years contest

56 candidates with graft convictions are running in the election

With inputs from Reuters
From Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy to Imran Khan, Pakistan has a long history of putting its prime ministers behind bars. Lets take a look at a few examples

While Pakistan holds its breath to see which party takes power, the shadow of Imran Khan continues to loom over the polls.

Though the former prime minister has been sent to prison in a slew of cases, Independent candidates backed by his Tehreek-e-Insaaf party continue to chalk up wins.

But Imran is hardly the first prime minister sent to prison.

Advertisement

Indeed, Pakistan has struggled with democracy since its inception.

It has has been ruled by the military for nearly half its existence.

Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, the fifth prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested in January 1962.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who served as the ninth prime minister, was sentenced to death and hanged on 4 April, 1979.

Benazir Bhutto, the countrys only woman prime minister was repeatedly arrested.

Nawaz Sharif was arrested in 1999 after General Pervez Musharraf took over and later on exiled for 10 years.

No prime minister in the history of Pakistan has served their full five year term till today.

Lets take a closer look:
Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to adopt the Uniform Civil Code. What are the provisions for live-in relationships in this new legislation? We get you the answers on this and much more in our weekly roundup of explainers

Its the weekend and after a week full of news-making events, its time to sit back and relax. However, for those who want a reminder of what happened, we have you covered.

The week started off with people still discussing model-actor Poonam Pandeys death, but soon the news moved to the tabling of the Uniform Civil Code bill in Uttarakhand Assembly and later the White Paper tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Advertisement

This week also saw the Modi government announcing three more Bharat Ratna awards  one to Chaudhary Charan Singh, another to PV Narasimha Rao and the third to MS Swaminathan. These three honours come after the Centre announced Bharat Ratnas for former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur and ex Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani.

There was also the horrific violence that broke out in Uttarakhands Haldwani that led to the imposition of curfew. We take a look at all of this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from India.

1) The Government of India on Friday (9 February) made the announcement of awarding the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian honour, on not one but three people  former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan.

Advertisement

With this, the Bharat Ratna count for 2024 has gone up to five, maximum in a year so far. Until now, the maximum Bharat Ratnas were awarded in 1999 when four recipients were given the coveted award.

Announcing the three awards on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded their many contributions to the country.

Advertisement

But who exactly are these three personalities? What have their contributions been to the nation? In our essay , we explore their achievements and why they are deserving of the honour.

2) Earlier this week, rumours of the White Paper being tabled caught speed when the Budget Session of Parliament was extended by a day to 10 February. And on 9 February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the White Paper in the Lok Sabha, listing the United Progressive Alliances failures in managing the economy as well as how the Modi-led Sarkar has pushed the countrys finances to the right path.

Advertisement

3) The hill state of Uttarakhand made quite the news this week. First, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government tabled the Uniform Civil Code bill in the Assembly and it was passed on 7 February, becoming the first state in India to pass such a law.

The bill, drafted after several rounds of discussions and deliberations, has made provisions about marriage, divorce and other social aspects of life. In our essays, we focus on how this contentious law changes the rules on live-in relationships as well as succession for children across religions.

Advertisement

4) And Uttarakhand remained in the news this week as its Haldwani district saw widespread violence on the night of Thursday (8 February). Four people died and another 250 people were injured after locals went on a rampage, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in the area as well as issue shoot-on-sight orders.

Advertisement

But what went wrong? What led to this sort of violence in Haldwanis Banbhoolpura area? Read here to find out.

5) Many cities and towns in India have been renamed. And the topic became news once again this week, but with a twist. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the southern states code TS, which is most commonly seen on number plates, would be changed.

Advertisement

Whats going to be the new abbreviation for the state? And why the change in the code? Our explainer gives you the answers and more.

Thats it from us, this week. However, if you liked the way we explain the news and want to read more, heres where you will find them.

Advertisement

PS: While we all aspire to be rich, this might serve as the inspiration we were looking for. Read up on Pearl Kapur , Indias youngest billionaire and his amazing road to riches.
In many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Its the most important holiday in China where its observed as the Spring Festival

Its a time for families to come together, marking the start of the Lunar New Year on 10 February. This kicks off the 15-day Spring Festival, celebrated by Asian American communities with carnivals, gatherings, parades, traditional foods, fireworks, and other festivities.

The Lunar New Year is observed for several days in many Asian countries and is joyfully celebrated in diaspora communities, especially in cultural hubs.

Advertisement

In the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac.

As we enter in the Year of the Dragon, lets take a closer look into the rich tapestry of customs and rituals that make this occasion so special.

What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year  known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea  is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries. It is also widely celebrated by diaspora communities around the world.

It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February.

Advertisement

What are the animals of the zodiac?

Each year honours an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals  the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig  measure the cycles of time. Legend has it that a god beckoned all animals to bid him farewell before his departure from earth and only 12 of them showed up. The Vietnamese zodiac is slightly different, honouring the cat instead of the rabbit and the buffalo instead of the ox.

Advertisement

What are some beliefs and traditions around the Lunar New Year?

One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Years Day. Because the beast feared the colour red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster.

Advertisement

To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centred around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious colour to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the colour symbolises good fortune and joy. People dress up in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns and use red envelopes to give loved ones and friends money for the new year, symbolising good wishes for the year ahead. Gambling and playing traditional games are common during this time across cultures.

Advertisement

Ancestor worship is also common during this time. Many Korean families participate in a ritual called charye, where female family members prepare food and male members serve it to ancestors. The final step of the ceremony, called eumbok, involves the entire family partaking the food and seeking blessings from their ancestors for the coming year. Vietnamese people cook traditional dishes and place them on a home altar as a mark of respect to their ancestors.

Advertisement

Some Indigenous people also celebrate Lunar New Year this time of year, including members of Mexicos Purepecha Indigenous group.

How do diaspora communities celebrate?

Members of Asian American communities around the US also organise parades, carnivals and festivities around the Lunar New Year featuring lion and dragon dances, fireworks, traditional food and cultural performances.

Advertisement

In addition to cleaning their homes, many buy new things for their home such as furniture and decorate using orchids and other brightly coloured flowers.

Lunar New Year is also celebrated as a cultural event by some Asian American Christians and is observed by several Catholic dioceses across the US as well as other churches.

Advertisement

What are some special foods for the new year?

Each culture has its own list of special foods during the new year, including dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, tangerines, fish and meats.

In the Chinese culture, for example, changshou mian" or long-life noodles are consumed with a wish for a long, healthy and happy life.

Advertisement

In Vietnamese culture, banh chung and banh tet  traditional dishes made from glutinous rice  are a must for the celebrations. To make a banh tet, banana leaves are lined with rice, soft mung beans and pork belly and rolled into a tight log, which is then wrapped in the leaves and tied up with strings.

Advertisement

Koreans celebrate with tteokguk, a brothy soup that contains thinly sliced rice cakes.

With inputs from AP
India has been at the forefront of years-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member at the UN high table, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century.

India will get a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council but it wont be easy as there are a lot of countries who want to block us, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday.

Jaishankar, who is here to attend the two-day Indian Ocean Conference, said that he was 100 per cent confident that India will get a permanent seat. I see the change as to how differently the world looks at India now as he goes around the world, he added.

Advertisement

We will get there. I am 100 per cent certain we will get there. But I will also tell you that honestly, we will not get it easily because the world is full of competition, he said in response to a question at an interaction with the Indian community here.

Some will try to block us, will make that passage difficult or put some kind of obstacles, some kind of argument in the way, he said, without naming any country. But Im confident we will get there and Im more confident today than I was five years ago or 10 years ago," the external affairs minister said.

As I go around the world, often I hear this from people that look, you can say things we cant say. We trust you to say this as we have our constraints, he said, highlighting how India has already just naturally put across a position which is a collective position for all of them. He said that there were many issues where the interests of many were involved but the global debate was dominated by a few.

Advertisement

It could be about the energy crisis, a lot of countries have a debt situation today. It could be about culture and heritage as everybody doesnt want to be overwhelmed by others cultures. In a sense, today India is trusted and well-regarded. there are a lot of countries who want to see us there, Jaishankar said.

Advertisement

He said that in the many elections held in the different bodies of the United Nations, India constantly does well in these elections. We often do better in those elections than the five who are already in the Security Council, the minister said.

We enjoy, in that sense, the trust and confidence of the world. But again, as I said, look, we have this period, this 25 years is a very vital period for us. We have laid the foundation for the take-off in these 25 years and that 25 years will of course be years of transformation in India, but it will also change Indias position in the world.

Advertisement

He said India will be a much bigger economy and will wield a much bigger influence in the world. So our time is coming, you know, but we have to work for it, the minister stressed.

He said India needed to make sure things were right at home. The path we have followed, we have to ensure we get everything right. We now need to sort of accelerate that and go forward. And Im sure that if it takes place, we will get there, the minister added.

Advertisement

The minister had in December last year said the UN Security Council was like an old club with a set (of) members who did not want to let go of their grip and were not keen to have their practices questioned.

India has been at the forefront of years-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member at the UN high table, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century.

Advertisement

Currently, the UNSC has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. Only a permanent member has the power to veto any substantive resolution.

With inputs from ANI.
By awarding the Bharat Ratna to PV Narasimha Rao, the Modi dispensation has corrected a historical injustice deliberately orchestrated on those not having the Gandhi-Nehru surnames

Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, in a true sense of the word, was a Batman of Indian politics. He became Prime Minister at a time when Indias chips were badly down. In 1991, the country had to pledge its gold to pull the economy from the brink. He reoriented Indias pro-Soviet Union foreign policy to bring it closer to the Western order. He reached out to Israel without leaving the Palestinian cause  an axis on which the Indian foreign policy still revolves around. And all this he delivered with a minority government.

Advertisement

Still, Narasimha Rao remains largely forgotten and uncredited  Batman-like.

Sanjaya Baru, in his book 1991: How PV Narasimha Rao Made History, emphasised at this phenomenon, with a tinge of sadness, when he recalled how at an interaction with students at a university near Delhi, in the winter of 2015, he asked the audience what the year 1991 meant to them. One student readily stood up to say he was born that year  and the entire audience burst into laughter. When Baru insisted on thinking more, there was silence.

Later, the same year, Baru addressed a meeting of the Hyderabad Management Association and he repeated the same question. Many were quick to reply this time: The government that year had introduced new economic policies that opened up the Indian economy, Baru was told. And who was responsible for this? Manmohan Singh, pat came the reply! Some even credited P Chidambaram and Kamal Nath!

Advertisement

Later, in an interaction with this author, Baru expressed his surprise at the height of Indian ignorance: No one mentioned PV Narasimha Rao. Ironically, this incident took place in Hyderabad, which was Raos own city.

When I asked Baru why Rao had been forgotten, he cited two reasons. One, he faced several corruption cases, especially towards the fag end of his rule. But most importantly, the Congress decided to erase the memory of Narasimha Rao, to make the point that no person from outside the family can ever be a successful PM. After all, what did Rao prove? He proved that someone doesnt need to be related to the Nehru-Gandhi family to be a successful prime minister. By becoming the first PM outside the family to run the country for a full term, he effectively challenged this notion.

Advertisement

Its ironic to see the Congress disowning one of its own prime ministers, especially the one whose impact on the nations fortune went way beyond the economy, as Baru wrote in 1991. But then it was an obvious outcome for a non-Gandhi leader in the Congress. It had happened in the past with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and it took place after Narasimha Rao, as was the case with Pranab Mukherjee. Anyone seen to be eclipsing the halo of the Gandhi-Nehru family was systematically targeted to be pushed to the footnotes of the partys  and by extension, the nations  history.

Advertisement

This explains Sonia Gandhis hostility for Rao, to the extent that the former Prime Minister was denied a well-deserved memorial in Delhi, even when lesser worthies could find space in the national capital. Author Vinay Sitapati, in Half Lion: How PV Narasimha Rao Transformed India, gives a graphic detail on how the late Prime Minister was denied a rightful place and space in Delhi after his death.

Advertisement

The home minister, Shivraj Patil, suggested to Raos youngest son, Prabhakara, that the body should be cremated in Hyderabad. But the family preferred Delhi. After all, Rao had last been chief minister of Andhra Pradesh more than thirty years ago, and had since worked as Congress general secretary, Union minister, and finally prime minister  all in Delhi. On hearing this, the usually decorous Shivraj Patil snapped, No one will come, Sitapati writes.

Advertisement

Thereafter, Ghulam Nabi Azad and YS Rajasekhara Reddy reached out to Raos family  Reddy, being the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, promised a grand memorial for Rao in Hyderabad!

Later in the day, prime minister Manmohan Singh entered the room and asked Prabhakara: What do you want to do with the body? To this, Raos son replied, These people say it should be in Hyderabad This (Delhi) is his karmabhoomi. You should convince your Cabinet colleagues. Manmohan nodded. Sonia Gandhi was standing near, but mostly kept quiet.

Advertisement

When Sanjaya Baru arrived, Ahmed Patel sought his intervention. Barus bureaucrat father knew Rao from the 1960s  and he was close to the family. Sonias political secretary tapped him on the shoulder. You know the family, Patel said. The body should be taken to Hyderabad. Can you convince them?

Sitapati quotes Prabhakara as saying, We sensed even then that Sonia-ji did not want Fathers funeral in Delhi. She did not want a memorial (in Delhi) She did not want him (to be seen) as an all-India leader.

Advertisement

The next morning, when Raos body, draped in the national flag, was being taken to the airport, it was planned to stop at 24 Akbar Road, the Congress headquarters. As the body approached 24 Akbar Road, located adjacent to Sonia Gandhis residence, the funeral procession slowed. The entrance gate to the compound looked firmly shut. There were several senior Congressmen present, but hardly any cadres had been rustled up. No slogans filled the air, just deathly silence. The carriage stopped on the pavement outside, as Sonia Gandhi and others came out to pay their respects.

Advertisement

It was customary for the bodies of past Congress presidents to be taken inside the party headquarters so that ordinary workers could pay their respects. The family was somewhat dazed when this did not happen. A friend of Raos asked a senior Congresswoman to let the body in. The gate does not open, she replied. This was untrue, the friend remembers. When Madhavrao Scindia died (some years earlier) the gate was opened for him. Manmohan Singh now lives in a guarded bungalow a few minutes from Akbar Road. When asked why Raos body wasnt allowed into the Congress headquarters, he replies that he was present, but has no knowledge of this. Another Congressman is more forthcoming. We were expecting the gate to be opened but no order came. Only one person could give that order. He adds, She did not give it.

Advertisement

However, to singularly blame Sonia Gandhi would be unfair. She has been only pursuing the family-first policy that she inherited. The virus of dynasticism has badly tampered with the democratic values of the Congress, turning into a private company where the Nehru-Gandhis would alone rule and only their relatives, friends and acquaintances would assist and advise in matters of governance. How could she have forgiven Narasimha Rao, who had threatened the very existence of the family in Indian politics?

Advertisement

In this backdrop, the Narendra Modi government should be congratulated for awarding Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao, who, as former diplomat Rajiv Dogra writes in Indias World: How Prime Ministers Shaped Foreign Policy, transformed this country. If Jawaharlal Nehru discovered India, and if Indira Gandhi made it proud, Narasimha Rao transformed it, Dogra writes matter-of-factly.

By acknowledging the contribution of this Ratna of Bharat, the Modi dispensation has corrected a historical injustice deliberately orchestrated on those not having the Gandhi-Nehru surnames. As I write in my just-published book, Bharat Rising: Dharma, Democracy, Diplomacy, New India needs more pantheons than just Gandhi and Nehrus. Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao is a step in that direction.

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 .
It is lucky for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump that this time the presidential race is old versus old

Is Joe Biden unfit to be president? Its a question we dont like asking. After all, age is just a number. We would much rather judge Biden on his policies, but the president isnt helping his case.

Recently, Biden was investigated by a special counsel. The case dates back to the last decade. Biden was suspected of mishandling secret documents. The probe found that Biden was guilty. But thats not the biggest headline from this probe report.

Advertisement

Bidens memory has significant limitations. It is apparently hazy, poor, and painfully slow. Thats what the special counsel said.

Now coming to full disclosure, the counsel is a Republican. So he had reasons to trash Bidens memory. Yet his findings are still concerning.

Apparently, Biden did not remember when he was vice president. He also couldnt remember when his son died.

Now, that last claim really riled up Biden. The president was visibly agitated by it.

Theres even a reference that I dont remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself that it wasnt any of their damn business, said Biden.

Advertisement

My memory is not fine; my memory is fine. My memorytake a look at what Ive done since I became president, said the US president.

So Biden says his memory is fine, but moments later he messed up. He was talking about aid passing from Egypt to Gaza, but he got confused between the presidents of Mexico and Egypt.

Advertisement

As you know, initially the President of Mexico, Sisi (Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi), did not want to open up the gate (into Gaza) to allow humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him; I convinced him to open the gate, said Biden.

Just to clarify, El-Sisi is the president of Egypt. Andres Manuel Obrador is the president of Mexico.

Advertisement

Its not the first time Biden has gotten confused. Hes making a habit of it.

On Sunday, Biden got the French presidents name wrong. He called him Mitterrand instead of Macron, and then on Wednesday, he made another gaffe. He confused Angela Merkel with Helmut Kohl. Both were German chancellors, but Biden only dealt with one of them: Merkel.

Advertisement

These mix-ups have raised questions about Bidens abilities.

Is he fit to be in office, let alone run again? Republicans dont think so. Chances are, they will weaponize this report. It confirms what they have been saying for a while.

But is Donald Trump any better? He too has confused names recently; Trump was talking about his response to the Capitol riots. He confused Nancy Pelosi for Nikki Haley.

Advertisement

Nikki Haley, you know they destroyed all of the information, all of the evidence, everything. They deleted and destroyed all of it. All of it is because of lots of things, like Nikki Haley being in charge of security. We offered her 10,000 peoplesoldiers, national guard, whatever they wanted. They turned it down, said the former US president.

Advertisement

Nikki Haley is capitalising on this. She has released a new campaign advertisement. It brands Trump and Biden as grumpy old men. Some may call it a cheap shot. But age has become a key issue in this election. Joe Biden is 81 years old, and Donald Trump is 77 years old. Compare that to the average age of US presidents, which is just 55 years.

Advertisement

So the concerns are real. Around 76 percent of voters are concerned about Bidens age. As much as 48 percent think Trump is too old to be president.

So both men face the same criticism. But is it a fair criticism? Thats where the debate gets fuzzy. Presidents are public servants at the end of the day. So technically, they are hired by the people. So why cant people demand younger presidents? Employers do it all the time. In the current atmosphere, it makes a lot of sense.

Advertisement

The US is involved in two wars and is also facing challenges from China, so now is the time for young, charismatic leadership.

But who do they get? Two old white men, and its not just about their age but about their mental capacity.

Mixing up the names of your counterparts is funny the first time, but by the third time, eyebrows are raised. That is what is happening now.

Advertisement

Having said that, there is a silver lining for both men. In the final race, they can debate each other instead of a younger, more energetic candidate, which would have made the difference more stark. Lucky for them, it is old versus old.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Advertisement

Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
The rebels have surrounded the port of Sittwe and attacked Myanmars navy there. The Kaladan project was supposed to connect this port

From a future opportunity to a present danger, Myanmar. The coup-hit neighbour of India is now in the grip of violence.

The military junta is in trouble. It is losing ground, as is the faith of its neighbours.

First, it was China that cut its losses, and now it is India thats being forced to take some tough calls.

Advertisement

An Indian project in Myanmar has come to a grinding halt. It is the Kaladan project, a major undertaking aimed at improving Indias connectivity with Southeast Asia.

It was supposed to connect Indias Kolkata port with Myanmars Sittwe port. This is in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. But in recent days, progress has stalled.

Reports say rebels in Myanmar have captured a town called Paletwa. This is a border town near the Indian state of Mizoram. The Kaladan project runs through Paletwa.

According to one lawmaker in Myanmar, this project is now almost dead. The army has lost control. The rebels are in charge of all major towns and supply routes. They are said to be gaining ground in Rakhine. It is only a matter of time before they establish control over the entire state. They have surrounded the port of Sittwe and attacked Myanmars navy there. The Kaladan project was supposed to connect to the Sittwe port. Clearly, its in trouble, and India has been watching these developments closely.

Advertisement

This week, New Delhi issued an advisory saying that the situation in Rakhine is deteriorating. Indians in the state should leave, and those who plan to go there should not.

On Thursday, another announcement was made: India scrapped the free movement regime. The free movement of people between India and Myanmar.

It was signed in 2018 for the benefit of families living on both sides of the border. It allowed cross-border movement up to 16 kilometres in either country without a visa.

Advertisement

If you lived in Myanmar, you could get a one-year border pass, cross over to India, and stay here for two weeks at a stretch.

The free-movement regime also improved access to education and healthcare. Plus, it encouraged cross-border trade, but given the volatility in Myanmar, India is scrapping it.

India also plans to fence the entire border. It is 1,600 kilometres long. New Delhi wants to fence it.

Advertisement

What does this mean for Myanmar? People who want to come to India will have to get a visa. No exceptions.

Those who try to cross over without a visa will be treated as illegal immigrants. This was needed, as a lot of people have been pouring into the Indian side. Since last year, India has sent back over 200 soldiers from Myanmar who were attacked by the rebels, and they have come to India for refuge.

Advertisement

Its an influx that New Delhi does not want. Myanmar is unravelling. It poses a security threat.

Not just to India but also to Bangladesh. Recently, rebels seized an outpost on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. When they struck, Myanmars border guard force was on duty. They couldnt withstand the rebels. There were around 60 border guards, and all of them fled. They were seen running towards the Bangladesh border. Did the guards cross into Bangladesh? Its not clear.

Advertisement

But Bangladesh, too, has heightened security. Bangladesh and Myanmar share a small border of just around 270 kilometres. But just like New Delhi, Dhaka too is worried. The fighting in Myanmar is now spilling over in all directions.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_s views._

Advertisement

Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
PTI turned to technology after the arrest of Imran Khan. Khan used AI to deliver speeches. His party held online rallies. They overcame physical restrictions with digital outreach

More uncertainty is a surety for Pakistan, but thats not all. This election changes many dynamics, both within Pakistan and outside.

Here are three of the biggest takeaways:

Number one, Pakistans army has failed. At least for the time being. Look at everything they did for Nawaz Sharif: they got his cases dismissed, brought him back from London, put his chief rival in jail, and delayed the vote to help him campaign. Yet the public sentiment was against them.

Advertisement

Lets be clear: the final results may tell a different story. But this was a vote against the Army and against its meddling in politics, and that spoils Rawalpindis calculations. It is because this election was supposed to be a clean slate. A chance to move beyond Imran Khan. But now, Pakistan is back to square one.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters are organising rallies and protests. Cases have been filed against 30 of them in Islamabad. Chances are, it could increase. So the polls have plunged Pakistan into more crisis. It has busted the Armys aura of invincibility.

Number two, it has shown the power of technology in elections. Especially in artificial intelligence, Imran Khan was arrested in August last year. Meaning he couldnt campaign. His party was also barred from holding rallies.

Advertisement

Pakistani media were banned from giving him airtime. Now, normally, that would kill a political party. But not the PTI. They turned to technology. Imran Khan used AI to deliver speeches. His party held online rallies. They overcame physical restrictions with digital outreach.

In fact, their social media game was on point. The PTI has more than 9.8 million followers on X.

Advertisement

The Pakistan Muslim League has just 2.5 million. Its pretty active, too. Whether its posting videos from polling stations, reaction videos from leaders, or even foreign media analysis,

The PTIs online campaign was very Gen Z. It could be a template for other leaders and countries.

Number three, the external dynamics. What does this election mean for India and the world? Its a tough one, for starters; Pakistan is a nuclear power. Its also home to multiple terror groups. So the instability here is worrying. Thats the biggest concern for Western countries.

Advertisement

Thats also why they back the Army. To make sure the nukes are safe. But this election will put them in a tough spot.

On the one hand, the Army is their ally; on the other, the rigging is blatant. So what will Western countries do? The US hasnt criticised the internet shutdown. It says it was tracking the curbs. Whatever that means!

Advertisement

Lets hope this is a wake-up call. Western countries have long been guilty of backing Pakistan. Theyve armed Pakistans army and bailed out the government every time it has messed up, ignoring its support for terrorism.

Maybe now is the time to shut the tap and realise what Western money is used for in Pakistan.

Advertisement

It doesnt reach the people, for sure. Instead, its used to enrich the Armyto crack down on voters and subvert democracy.

Will the US impose sanctions on Islamabad for this? We cannot be sure, as the Americans forget democracy when it comes to Pakistan.

Just think back to the elections in Bangladesh. Do you remember the pressure from Washington? The scathing crticism!

Advertisement

But with Pakistan, its all very businesslike. So Western capitals need to take a hard look at their policies because the current one is wrong, and India too needs to be alert.

A clean slate may have triggered hopes of a reset, but now all bets are off.

Pakistans army looks weak and cornered. That also makes them dangerous. We also cant rule out domestic unrest.

Advertisement

Imran Khans party isnt the only one complaining of rigging. Most opposition parties feel robbed. What if they hit the streets in protest? What if terror groups capitalise on the unrest? These are all real possibilities. Of course, there is nothing India can do about it. The only option is to wait and watch.

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 .
Pakistani voters have given the answer. They do not love Nawaz Sharif like they used to. He now represents the politics of the past

Pakistans election has just delivered the mother of all surprisesa googly for the agesand at the receiving end is the Army.

In the general elections conducted on Thursday, Nawaz Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League won 43 seats. Bhuttos PPP got 28 seats, and surprisingly, candidates backed by Imran Khan were at 57. Pakistans national assembly has 266 seats, so to form a government, one needs 134, and Imran Khan is in pole position.

Advertisement

But Nawaz Sharif doesnt seem to care. He visited his party headquarters a short while back. Sharif says hes won the elections. Despite his party trailing, Sharif says he has won the electionthats Pakistani politics for you!

Nawaz Sharifs plan is to build a coalition. He says he will reach out to other parties. But why is he celebrating prematurely? What exactly happened in the last 24 hours?

Voting in Pakistan ended at 5 pm local time on Thursday. Then the drama began. Pakistans election commission began counting the votes. Expectations were of an easy victory by Nawaz Sharif. After all, the Army had played every dirty trick. Imran Khan was in jail. His party had lost its election symbol. Its top leaders were intimidated. So, what could possibly go wrong?

Advertisement

Late into the night, results started trickling in. It showed Imran Khans candidates in the lead. Most of them had contested as independents, and yet they were leading. Some trends showed Imran Khans party, the PTI, crossing the majority, and that too comfortably!

The other side was in disarray. Nawaz Sharif himself was trailing from his seat. Most of his party leaders were nowhere to be seen. In contrast, Imran Khans PTI hit the streets. Their supporters rallied outside polling stations. They refused to leave until the counting was done.

Advertisement

From Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, the electoral symbol bat was withdrawn, our leader Imran Khan was jailed, and PTI supporters were given a message that you cannot win, but still, PTI supporters did not lose heart; the result of todays polling will be all in our favour, said Ishaq Khan, a PTI supporter.

Advertisement

If our leader is in jail, we are his lions outside, and we will fight until our lion is out of jail, and we want Imran Khan to be out of jail as soon as possible, and inshallah we will still win, said Zohaib Khan, another PTI supporter.

So everyone began asking the same question: Had Pakistanis beaten the army? It was too early to say. Once the early trends emerged, a few suspicious things happened. First, the Election Commissions website went down. People couldnt access it anymore. Then, the counting slowed down. Suddenly, results were simply not being published.

Advertisement

Then, at 3 a.m. local time, the election commission called a press conference. An election official addressed the presser. He made two important announcements: One reason for the delay was the internet. Pakistan had snapped mobile services on voting day. Apparently, that was slowing things down. Two, the early trends were unverified, meaning the PTIs lead may not have been real. Now, obviously, this sounded fishy, because on Thursday, the Election Commission said something different. They said the internet shutdown would not affect counting. So what changed in a few hours? Only they can tell us.

Advertisement

But afterwards, we saw some worrying pictures of soldiers deployed outside counting centres and soldiers pushing away PTI workers. Even some footage of ballot stuffing. Multiple journalists and activists have posted these videos. But we cannot vouch for their authenticity.

Counting speed has improved compared to Thursday. But still, the pace is slow, and Pakistans homegrown result transmission system isnt working. So the results are being relayed physically, which means the rigging is easier.

Advertisement

The PTI has pointed out several examples.

The number of total valid votes is greater than total number of votes casted.



Nawaz Sharif should be ashamed of himself for stealing public mandate. #___ pic.twitter.com/D0ei6ljAbE  PTI (@PTIofficial) February 9, 2024

Advertisement

Take a look at this document that shows results from a constituency in Lahore. The winner is Nawaz Sharif, but look at the numbers. Around 293 thousand votes were cast, and 294 thousand were counted. Where did these extra thousand votes come from? It looks like a classic case of rigginga poorly executed one. But even rigging can only help so much because Sharif actually lost his other seat. He was contesting from two constituencies. One was in Lahore, and the other was in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Thanks to magic numbers, he won in Lahore, but in the other seat, he lost.

Advertisement

Well, Pakistani voters have given the answer. They do not love Nawaz Sharif like they used to. He now represents the politics of the past. A politics that young Pakistan does not identify with. Many voters have openly called out the rigging.

It is not game over yet. The results still show Imran Khan in the lead. But the Sharifs are not giving up. Maryam Nawaz says her party, the Muslim League, will be the single largest party. She says Nawaz Sharif will give a victory speech once the results are in. So did the tide change overnight? The Sharifs seem to think so. But dont expect this drama to end with the results. Early trends showed the PTI forming a government, but 24 hours later, they could lose. How would you react to that? If youre an Imran Khan supporter, you will be outraged, and by the looks of it, Pakistan has many of those. So this election drama isnt ending anytime soon. In fact, it has unlocked a new crisis.

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 .
Behind the US, Germany is Kyivs largest military ally. The German leader expressed his hope that progress would be made in clearing the way for the US to resume providing multibillion-dollar aid to Ukraine

US lawmakers were urged by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden to approve a military aid package for Ukraine on Friday, citing its inability to prevent Russias invasion.

In the Oval Office, Biden welcomed Scholz and remarked, The failure of the United States Congress in not supporting Ukraine is close to criminal neglect.

Advertisement

It is outrageous.

Behind the US, Germany is Kyivs largest military ally. The German leader expressed his hope that progress would be made in clearing the way for the US to resume providing multibillion-dollar aid to Ukraine.

Without the support of the United States and without the support of European states, Ukraine would have not a chance to defend its own country, Scholz said.

He later told reporters after his meeting with Biden: That is why we are both firmly convinced that this must happen now, but also confident that the American Congress will ultimately make such a decision.

Scholz also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of telling a lot of lies in a ridiculous interview with US talk show host Tucker Carlson that was posted on Thursday.

Advertisement

He wants to get a part of the territory of his neighbors. Its just imperialistic, Scholz said.

Biden did not answer when asked if he would also bring up with Scholz the issue of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is imprisoned in Russia.

Putin hinted in the interview on Thursday that he was interested in a prisoner swap where the US reporter would be freed as part of a deal in which Germany would release a Russian convicted of assassinating a fugitive former Chechen rebel in Berlin.

Advertisement

- Security and peace -

But it was Ukraine that dominated the day. The pro-Western country is entering its third year of war against the Russian invasion as the US Republican Party, led by presidential candidate Donald Trump, is increasingly turning its back.

The political paralysis in Washington has left Kyiv short of vital ammunition, just as Putins forces make slow gains in a grinding winter offensive in eastern Ukraine.

Advertisement

The US Senate is debating a bill to renew the flow of weapons for Ukraines battered army, but the bill  if passed  faces an even harder hurdle in the Republican-led House of Representatives.

Republicans are trying to tie the Ukraine aid to their demands for tougher action on the Mexican border, a key plank for Trump in Novembers US presidential election.

Advertisement

The Senate package would authorize $60 billion in military aid for Kyiv. In Europe, meanwhile, EU leaders last week finally overcame stalling by right-wing Hungarian leader Viktor Orban and gave the green light to 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in economic aid.

Scholz on Friday called the war in Ukraine the biggest crisis, with all its consequences for security and peace not only in Europe but everywhere in the world.

Advertisement

The Scholz-Biden meeting also featured talks on escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Israels war against Hamas shows no sign of letting up and Washington has launched strikes on Iran-linked targets following attacks on American troops.

Regional tensions rose after the death of three 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.

Advertisement

Germany has backed Israel but also repeatedly warned of the dangers of a wider conflict while stepping up calls for more humanitarian aid to reach the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Biden sharpened his criticism of Israel in remarks late Thursday when he said the military operation in Gaza has been over the top.

Advertisement

(with inputs from AFP)
Hundreds of people hit the streets in several areas of Pakistan amidst allegations of vote rigging in the general elections held on Thursday. In a violent clashes with army and police, two people killed and 20 others injured in northwestern Pakistan on Friday.

Pakistans former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar was injured in a firing incident in North Waziristans Miranshah, his party leader Bushra Gohar has said.

Dawar, leader of the National Democratic Movement, was contesting from the districts NA-40 constituency. He had raised concerns about potential election rigging in the area. This incident happened just after a month when he narrowly escaped a gunfire attack on his convoy in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Advertisement

Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari termed the incident totally condemnable.

In a post on X, referring to two PTI workers killed in clashes in Shangla a day ago, she said, Yesterday, two young people [were> killed in Shangla and now this.

Totally condemnable. Yesterday 2 young ppl killed in Shangla & now this. Prayers for the recovery of Mohsin & the other injured. https://t.co/w14QV6i1te  Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) February 10, 2024

According to Geo News unofficial provisional results for 241 of 266 seats, independent candidates, largely backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), led with 97 seats. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has emerged as the single largest party, trails with 72 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has 52.

Advertisement

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat-e-Ulami-Faizal (JUI-F), and Balochistan National Party (BNP) are expected to win 15, 3, and 2 seats, respectively.

The counting for the elections held on Thursday is underway, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the single-largest party but is trailing behind the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

Advertisement

Moreover, Nawaz Sharif also announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies - Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fractured mandate.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari met in Lahore on Friday.

Advertisement

The meeting took place immediately after Nawaz declared victory in the general elections conducted the day before and urged his partners to form a coalition government. The PPP and PML-N were both members of the PDM administration, which succeeded the PTI when Imran Khan was removed from office as prime minister in 2022.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
According to a preliminary investigation, Taneja and an unidentified man got into a verbal fight that escalated into a physical altercation, according to WUSA, a CBS-affiliated television station in Washington, DC

Another unsettling incident occurred in the US when a 41-year-old executive of Indian descent died a few days after being attacked outside a downtown Washington restaurant.

Investigators state that on February 2, at about two in the morning, officers were called to the 1100 block of 15th Street Northwest, outside the Shoto Restaurant, in response to an assault. Officers discovered Vivek Taneja on the sidewalk when they got there. His injuries were so serious that he had to be taken to the hospital.

Advertisement

According to a preliminary investigation, Taneja and an unidentified man got into a verbal fight that escalated into a physical altercation, according to WUSA, a CBS-affiliated television station in Washington, DC.

Taneja was knocked to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

He died from his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. Police are now investigating Tanejas death as a homicide.

Taneja was the cofounder and president of Dynamo Technologies. According to the companys website, Taneja leads Dynamos strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena. Police continue to search for the man who threw the deadly punch. He was captured on surveillance camera.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the publics assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW on February 2.

Advertisement

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result from an assault. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On February 7, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

MPD offers a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District. Earlier this week, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia states Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.

Advertisement

Four other Indian-origin students were reported dead in the US this year.

(With inputs from PTI)
The decision comes after more than a week of widespread public outcry over revelations that she issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of concealing a series of child sexual abuses in a state-run childrens home.

Amid mounting public outrage over a controversial pardon granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case, Hungarys conservative president Katalin Novak has resigned from her position. The decision follows a significant political scandal for the nationalist government, which has been in power for a long time.

Advertisement

In a televised message on Saturday, Novak, 46, announced her resignation from the presidency, a position she has held since 2022. Her decision comes after more than a week of widespread public outcry over revelations that she issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of concealing a series of child sexual abuses in a state-run childrens home.

I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people, Novak said on Saturday. I made a mistake.

Novaks resignation came as a rare piece of political turmoil for Hungarys nationalist governing party Fidesz, which has ruled with a constitutional majority since 2010. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Fidesz has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the electoral system and media in its favour.

Advertisement

Novak, a key Orban ally and a former vice president of Fidesz, served as Hungarys minister for families until her appointment to the presidency. She has been outspoken in advocating for traditional family values and the protection of children.

She was the first female president in Hungarys history, and the youngest person to ever hold the office.

Advertisement

But her term came to an end after she pardoned a man sentenced to more than three years in prison in 2018 for pressuring victims to retract their claims of sexual abuse by the institutions director, who was sentenced to eight years for abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

Advertisement

Based on the request for clemency and the information available, I decided in April last year in favor of clemency in the belief that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children entrusted to him, Novak said Saturday. I made a mistake, because the decision to pardon and the lack of justification were apt to raise doubts about zero tolerance for pedophilia. But here, there is not and nor can there be any doubt.

Advertisement

Also implicated in the pardon was Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure who endorsed the pardon as Hungarys then minister of justice. Varga was expected to lead the list of European Parliament candidates from Fidesz when elections are held this summer.

But in a Facebook post on Saturday, Varga announced that she would take political responsibility for endorsing the pardon, and retire from public life, resigning my seat as a member of parliament and also as leader of the EP list."

Advertisement

With inputs from AP.
The court ruled that since all of the accused in the cases from May 9 were free on bond, there was no reason to keep Khan, 71, under arrest. Khan will stay behind bars since he is found guilty in numerous other cases

Imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was granted bail on Saturday by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in relation to 12 cases involving the attacks on military installations on May 9.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party founder Khan was granted bail by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif after he paid a surety bond of Rs 0.1 million in all 12 cases, including the attack on the Army Museum and General Headquarters (Pakistan Army), according to The Express Tribune Pakistan.

Advertisement

The court ruled that since all of the accused in the cases from May 9 were free on bond, there was no reason to keep Khan, 71, under arrest.

Khan will stay behind bars since he is found guilty in numerous other cases.

The courts order came a day after independents backed by Khans party won nearly 100 seats in the National Assembly.

Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also granted bail in 13 cases in the same case. Khan and PTI stalwart Qureshi were indicted in the cases on February 6.

The two were produced before the court, where the former Prime Minister informed the judge that he was illegally arrested on May 9 from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises.

Advertisement

Imran Khan was booked in multiple cases related to the May 9 violence that erupted following his arrest in an alleged corruption case. The cases registered in Rawalpindi included the attack on the gate of General Headquarters (GHQ), rioting in the office of a sensitive institution and others.

Khan had denied the allegations mentioned in the cases first information reports (FIRs). Earlier, after his release from Adiala jail, Qureshi was whisked away by Punjab police from prison in connection with a case about the attack on the GHQ.

Advertisement

(with inputs from PTI)
Two of the convicts friends who are of Indian descent, Jude Prabu Davias Pathy and Jay Shawn Fernandez, are also accused of criminal intimidation. The degrading acts against the man were captured on camera by one of Pillais friends

After he made another man strip and perform multiple exercises in order to humiliate him for not repaying his inflated debt of approximately SGD6,000, a 47-year-old man of Indian descent was sentenced to five months in jail in Singapore on Friday.

When Nadeson Pillai Sockalingam Pillai was sentenced, a comparable charge and a charge of intentionally causing harm were also taken into account. In addition, he forced the man to get dressed, go to the barber, and shave his head and beard.

Advertisement

Two of the convicts friends who are of Indian descent, Jude Prabu Davias Pathy and Jay Shawn Fernandez, are also accused of criminal intimidation.

The degrading acts against the man were captured on camera by one of Pillais friends, according to a Friday article in TODAY. The newspaper made no mention of the legal actions taken against the two.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Andre Chong told the court that the victim had borrowed about SGD400 from Jay and agreed to pay him SGD700 on March 26 last year.

However, the victim repaid just SGD200 and Jay continued to inflate the debt, which he estimated to be about SGD6,000 by May 13.

Advertisement

That same day, Jay asked Nadeson and Jude to meet him and the victim at a bar in Woodlands. Thereafter, Jay told the accused and Jude to accompany him to confront the victim for failing to repay the debt. Jude and the accused agreed, DPP Chong said.

The trio took turns to physically assault the victim at a bar, with Nadeson hitting the victims cheek with a bangle.

Advertisement

After that, they made the victim march to a warehouse at Woodlands Industrial Estate in northern Singapore, which Jay recorded on his mobile phone.

At the warehouse, Jay ordered the victim strip naked. When the victim hesitated, the trio threatened to beat him up again.

The victim, having been assaulted by the trio shortly before this, was placed in substantial fear by the threat. He complied and removed all his clothing, TODAY quoted DPP Chong as saying in the court.

Advertisement

The victim was then forced to perform sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and sprints while naked for three to five minutes, which Jay recorded on his phone.

He then warned the victim that he would publish the video online if the victim filed a police report.

The victim was then ordered by the trio to dress up and accompany them to a barber.

Advertisement

There, the barber was asked to shave the victims head and beard. This incident was also recorded by Jay.

The victim made a police report on May 29 and Jay was arrested the same day. Jude was arrested on July 25 and Nadeson remained at large until Jan 24 this year.

DPP Chong sought a sentence of six to eight months, noting the three had no qualms in seeing through with their threat of beating up the victim, having just physically assaulted him earlier.

Advertisement

The prior physical assault also amplified the force of the threat in the victims mind, causing him greater fear that he would be beaten up yet again, he added.

The victims fear would have been further compounded by the context in which the threat was made at an isolated location, where he was outnumbered by the accused person three to one, without the means to extricate himself.

Advertisement

DPP Ching said that the trios decision to film the victim only served to increase his humiliation.

In his mitigation plea, Nadeson said that he had been drunk then.

He also questioned the extent of the victims injuries from the physical assault and asked if the victim had visited a hospital.

(The victim) was holding my friends money and never paid back, but took it to another bar and spent it on the women in the bar, Nadeson claimed in court, adding that he felt it was unfair he was being held in jail while the victim was free.

Advertisement

Nadesons sentence was backdated to Jan 24, the date of his arrest.

For criminal intimidation, he could have been jailed for up to two years or been fined, or both.

(With inputs from PTI)
In response, Israel launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory

Affected by its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Israels credit rating was downgraded by one notch, from A1 to A2, by US ratings agency Moodys on Friday.

The ongoing military conflict with Hamas, its aftermath and wider consequences materially raise political risk for Israel as well as weaken its executive and legislative institutions and its fiscal strength, for the foreseeable future, according to a statement from Moodys, which explained why it had taken this action.

Advertisement

In addition, the ratings agency downgraded Israels debt outlook to negative because of the risk of an escalation with the far more potent militant organization Hezbollah, which operates along Israels northern border in Lebanon.

Hamass unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

In response, Israel launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Following the attack, S&P Global Ratings lowered Israels credit outlook from stable to negative on risks that the Israel-Hamas conflict could broaden.

Advertisement

Fitch  which is the last of the big three US ratings agencies  placed Israel on negative watch over risks from the conflict.

The weakened security environment implies higher social risk and indicates weaker executive and legislative institutions than Moodys previously assessed, the ratings agency said Friday in the statement explaining its decision.

Advertisement

At the same time, Israels public finances are deteriorating and the previously projected downward trend in the public debt ratio has now reversed, it continued.

Moodys expects that Israels debt burden will be materially higher than projected before the conflict, it added.

(With inputs from AFP)
Bilawal clarified that no independent candidate from the PTI bloc had contacted him or any PPP leader thus far.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that his party has not been involved in any official discussions with PML-N, PTI, or any other political entities regarding a coalition to form government in Pakistan.

Speaking to Geo News, the former Foreign Minister acknowledged that his party would not be able to independently form a government. Replying to a question about any meetings between him or his father Asif Zardari with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal said, I am not in a position to confirm any such meeting. Once all the results are available, we will be able to engage with others.

Advertisement

Bilawal clarified that no independent candidate from the PTI bloc had contacted him or any PPP leader thus far.

We are in touch with some independents but no independent from the PTI bloc has contacted us so far, he said.

Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Insaaf party on Saturday asked the election commission to announce complete results by midnight or face protests in areas where results were still awaited.
Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), known for its historical association with PTI, is reportedly exploring avenues for cooperation, potentially facilitating PTIs pursuit of reserved seats for women and minorities

As the tabulation of votes for national and provincial assembly elections continues, key leaders from major political parties convened late on Friday night to explore potential alliances in shaping governments at both the federal and provincial levels.

In a statement delivered on Friday evening, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif designated his brother, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate discussions with prominent parties such as PPP and MQM-P, with the aim of forming a coalition.

Advertisement

Subsequently, Shehbaz Sharif engaged in talks with PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Describing the meeting as a significant development, a source from the PPP highlighted discussions regarding election outcomes and the ensuing political landscape.

The interaction, though brief, was deemed constructive, with Shehbaz Sharif also reaching out to MQM-P Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui later in the evening, as confirmed by senior MQM-P leader Aminul Haque.

While the MQM-P had previously pledged support to Nawaz Sharif for the premiership, the partys stance may now be subject to reevaluation following the PML-Ns underwhelming electoral performance.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Dr. Siddiqui extended an invitation to successful independent candidates to consider aligning with the MQM-P, emphasising the partys openness to collaboration.

Meanwhile, the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), known for its historical association with PTI, is reportedly exploring avenues for cooperation, potentially facilitating PTIs pursuit of reserved seats for women and minorities.

Advertisement

With discussions ongoing within PTI circles regarding potential affiliations, including with the MWM, the final decision regarding their lawmakers course of action is expected to be reached in the near future.

However, MWM Political Affairs Secretary Asad Naqvi clarified that no negotiations are currently underway with PTI leadership in this regard.
The statement came a day after the United States, Britain and the European Union expressed concerns about Pakistans election after Thursdays vote, urging a probe of reported irregularities.

Hitting back over concerns expressed by several countries over election conduct, Pakistans foreign office said on Saturday that international comments on the nations elections ignore the undeniable fact of Pakistan conducting elections successfully.

The statement came a day after the United States, Britain and the European Union expressed concerns about Pakistans election after Thursdays vote, urging a probe of reported irregularities.

Advertisement

The U.S. State Department said that Thursdays vote was held under undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The European Union has also said it regrets the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections.

The ministry said it was surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis.

It said such statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism.

It said there was no nationwide internet shutdown and only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on polling day."

Advertisement

Pakistans parliamentary elections were held amid sporadic militant attacks and an unprecedented stoppage of all mobile phone services.

In Thursdays vote, no political party gained a simple majority and independent candidates backed by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan took a lead in the vote count.

It forced Khans main rival, three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, to announce plans to try to form a coalition government. Khan was disqualified from running because of criminal convictions.

Advertisement

Candidates backed by Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won 100 out of the 266 seats up for grabs in the National Assembly. Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League party captured 71 seats.

Also Saturday, the leader of a political party was wounded and two police officers killed in a clash in the countrys northwest.

The violence broke out in North Waziristan when Mohsin Dawar and his supporters tried to march toward an army facility while protesting delays in announcing the election result, police official Zahid Khan said.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
Rivals Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have both declared victory though Pakistan seems heading towards a hung Parliament

As the protracted vote-counting process neared completion on Saturday, no clear winner emerged from the divisive elections in Pakistan, suggesting that the elusive political stability for the cash-strapped nation may still be a distant dream.

In the hopes that the majority of the 265 contested seats would be available by Friday morning, the general elections were held on Thursday. The polls closed at 5 p.m., and the counting got underway shortly after.

Advertisement

But, the results announcement was delayed longer than usual, which fueled rumors about vote tampering.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, so far, the counting in 250 seats of the National Assembly has been completed and the independent candidates, a vast majority of them backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, were on the top with 99 seats.

The group was followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 71 seats, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 53, Muttahida Qaumi Movement with 17 and other seats going to smaller parties.

To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 in the National Assembly. Election to one seat was postponed after the death of a candidate.

Advertisement

Overall, 169 seats are needed to secure a simple majority out of its total 336 seats, which include the reserved slots for women and minorities.

Though elected with the support of Khans party, the independents can join any party, which is a potential source of instability, as they can also switch loyalties in future.

Advertisement

The PML-Ns chief Nawaz Sharif on Friday evening announced that he was beginning consultations to form a kind of unity government but it may take several days before the shape of a future set-up comes up. He and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting in Lahore last evening. Both the parties were part of the government that took over from after Imran Khans ouster from the prime ministers office in 2022.

Advertisement

Zardari already announced during elections that his young son and party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would be the candidate for the prime ministers post, whereas Sharif is keen to become the premier for the record fourth time.

The PTI leadership is going to begin internal consultations from Saturday to decide which party its supported elected representative should join.

Advertisement

They may join a smaller party which would become the largest party to counter Sharifs claim that PML-N was the largest and had the right to form the government.

It is believed that the situation would remain fluid for a few days until the independents decide their future.

But one thing is clear: the government would be a hotchpotch of various parties, which would put more strain on the country rather than providing a cohesive force to make difficult decisions in the cash-strapped nation.

Advertisement

Last year, the country narrowly averted a default when the International Monetary Fund provided a USD 3 billion short-term loan.

Economic experts believe that the new government would need an urgent new IMF programme on more stringent conditions.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has called for a unity government and, reports say,

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Chief of Pakistans Army Staff Gen Asim Munir congratulated the nation on the successful conduct of the 2024 general elections.

In a statement issued by ISPR, Gen Munir also congratulated the caretaker government, Election Commission of Pakistan, political parties and all winning candidates.

Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in Constitution of Pakistan, the statement says.

Advertisement

Leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies deserve our highest appreciation for creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process, despite overwhelming odds.

The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history.

(With inputs from agencies)
The situation is deplorable. We came to pray and we got gassed. Its intolerable, Thierno Alassane Sall, one of the 20 candidates who had been due to vie for the presidency, told AFP

With growing indignation over the postponement of a presidential election, Senegalese security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the capital on Friday, resulting in the first death.

Protests erupted across the West African nation, and according to the mans associates, a student was killed in the town of Saint-Louis in the north.

Advertisement

In order to prevent protesters from reaching the Place de la Nation in the heart of Dakar, where a rally was scheduled, police used tear gas. Hundreds of protestors set fire to tires and threw stones at police.

President Macky Salls decision to postpone the February 25 presidential election until December has inflamed the populace.

The situation is deplorable. We came to pray and we got gassed. Its intolerable, Thierno Alassane Sall, one of the 20 candidates who had been due to vie for the presidency, told AFP.

Clashes spread to other areas of the capital, closing main roads, rail lines and main markets.

Demonstrations also took place in other towns, according to social network reports.

Advertisement

The death of the student in Saint-Louis was confirmed to AFP by a local hospital source speaking on condition of anonymity and an official at the university the student attended.

Police also dispersed a protest by about 200 people in Nioro du Rip, some 250 kilometres (150 miles) east of Dakar, an AFP reporter saw.

Advertisement

Authorities have not given a toll for the week of protests.

- Unprecedented move-

Sall said he postponed the election because of a dispute between parliament and the Constitutional Council over potential candidates who were not allowed to stand.

Sall said in July he would not stand again and has repeated that commitment several times. But opponents have accused him of a constitutional coup by delaying a new vote and keeping himself in power.

Advertisement

The postponement has been criticised by the United States and European Union. Senegals parliament backed the move after security forces stormed the chamber and removed some opposition deputies.

The crisis has called into question the West African countrys reputation for democratic stability in a region beset by military coups.

Protests usually require authorisation and rights advocates say authorities have routinely banned opposition demonstrations. Since 2021, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested during unrest in the country.

Advertisement

Senegalese must show their anger, and not just on social media, said the candidate Thierno Alassane Sall, who is no relation to the president.

Teachers were urged to walk out by education unions within the civil society platform Aar Sunu Election (Lets Protect Our Election).

At Blaise Diagne high school in Dakar, hundreds of pupils walked out of lessons with their teacher.

Advertisement

History and geography teacher Assane Sene said it was just the start of the battle. If the government is stubborn, we will have to try different approaches.

At the Masjidounnour mosque in Dakar, 37-year-old Amadou Sy told AFP: The message hasnt got through enough. But the situation in the country is deplorable, nobodys happy.

Advertisement

The vote by MPs to delay the election paves the way for President Sall  whose second term expires in early April  to remain in office until his successor is installed, probably in 2025.

A new date for the presidential election has been set for December 15.

The opposition has condemned Salls move as a constitutional coup.

Advertisement

On Friday, 14 opposition candidates lodged an appeal against the move with the Supreme Court.

But Sall is showing no signs of backing down, said Sidy Diop, deputy editor of Le Soleil daily. However, he added that the head of state is in a very bad position.

If civil society and the opposition manage to impose a balance of power unfavourable to the government and rally the international community, the president may then back down, he added.

Advertisement

International pressure may also have an impact, according to Alassane Beye, a lecturer-researcher at the University of Saint-Louis.

(with input from AFP)
The crash occurred near the Pine Ridge Road exit in Collier County, just north of the section where the interstate turns east toward Fort Lauderdale, known as Alligator Alley

Two individuals lost their lives following an unfortunate incident involving a small private jet attempting an emergency landing on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida on Friday afternoon.

The aircraft collided with two vehicles, causing a temporary standstill in traffic as thick black smoke billowed into the sky.

The crash occurred near the Pine Ridge Road exit in Collier County, just north of the section where the interstate turns east toward Fort Lauderdale, known as Alligator Alley.

Advertisement

Eyewitness Brianna Walker recounted seeing the planes wing dragging a car in front of hers before impacting the highway barrier. Walker narrowly avoided the collision by moments, managing to pull over safely with her friend.

The plane was mere inches above us, Walker stated. It suddenly veered and skidded across the highway, followed by a fiery explosion and debris scattering everywhere.

Florida Highway Patrol reported the aircraft also struck a pickup truck on the interstate.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet with five individuals on board at the time of the crash, which occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time.

According to Robin King, spokesperson for the Naples airport authority, the plane departed from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus around 1 p.m. with intentions to land in Naples. The pilot had radioed the tower requesting an emergency landing due to engine failure, subsequently losing communication. Smoke spotted by airport staff led them to the crash site a few miles away.

Advertisement

King stated that emergency services dispatched fire trucks equipped with foam to the scene, rescuing three of the occupants from the wreckage.

Adam Fisher, spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriffs Office, confirmed two fatalities but could not immediately determine whether they were passengers of the aircraft or individuals on the ground.

Molly Best, spokesperson for the Highway Patrol, disclosed that three individuals from the plane survived while two others were fatally injured. However, she refrained from specifying the victims affiliation, citing ongoing notification of their families.

Advertisement

The aircraft, operated by Hop-a-Jet Worldwide Charter based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was scheduled to return to its base on Friday afternoon. Attempts to reach Hop-a-Jet for comment were unsuccessful.

Ohio State University clarified that the aircraft was not linked to the university, offering no further details.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation, with the NTSB leading. Initial investigative efforts, including scene documentation and aircraft examination, will be carried out by NTSB officials on-site. Subsequently, the aircraft will be transported to a secure facility for further analysis. A preliminary report on the crashs cause is anticipated within 30 days.

Advertisement

The Florida Highway Patrol issued a statement advising closure of southbound lanes on the interstate, urging motorists to find alternative routes.
According to the tax records, Sunak earned GBP 293,407 in dividends and other interest in addition to approximately GBP 1.8 million in capital gains, which is an increase from GBP 1.6 million in 20212022

Downing Street disclosed Friday that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid more than half a million pounds in personal tax during the fiscal year 20222023, as part of its transparency data release.

The 43-year-old leader of Indian descent had made it clear that he intended to make his tax returns public. According to his tax assessment document, he paid GBP 508,308 in taxes, which is approximately GBP 75,000 more than he did in the 20212022 fiscal year.

Advertisement

According to the tax records, Sunak earned GBP 293,407 in dividends and other interest in addition to approximately GBP 1.8 million in capital gains, which is an increase from GBP 1.6 million in 20212022.

All of the investment income and capital gains came from a US-based investment fund listed as a blind trust, according to the summary. He also earned GBP 139,477 during the year from his roles as a member of Parliament and Prime Minister including allowances for the use of 10 Downing Street.

Prepared by accountancy service Evelyn Partners, the tax summary follows the publication of his previous returns filed with His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in March last year.

It followed pressure after it emerged his Indian wife Akshata Murty, had non-dom status meaning she did not have to pay UK tax on her international income from her fathers software firm Infosys.

Advertisement

She has since relinquished the legal status to avoid it becoming a distraction for her husbands political career.

(with inputs from PTI)
President was fatally shot at his residence in Port-au-Prince in 2021. Vincent, who had worked with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), becomes the fourth individual out of 11 defendants to receive a life sentence in the federal case in Miami

A former informant for the US government has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the assassination of Haitis former president, Jovenel Moise.

Joseph Vincent, 58, a Haitian-American, admitted to participating in the plot to assassinate the late president two months ago. His sentencing occurred in a Miami court, where he expressed remorse before the judge.

Advertisement

President Moise was fatally shot at his residence in Port-au-Prince in 2021. Vincent, who had worked with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), becomes the fourth individual out of 11 defendants to receive a life sentence in the federal case in Miami.

The trial is being held in Florida as part of the US Department of Justices jurisdiction, given that some aspects of the plot were developed in south Florida.

Vincent confessed to discussing the assassination plan and guiding co-conspirators to President Moises residence in July 2021. His role involved providing advice on Haitian politics, meeting with local leaders, and inciting protests against President Moise as a pretext for his overthrow.

Although Vincent purportedly wore a US State Department pin during meetings to suggest he was affiliated with Washington, the DEA clarified that he was not acting on behalf of the agency.

Advertisement

Haitis ambassador to the US, Bocchit Edmond, dismissed any notion of US drug agents being involved in the attack, attributing it to professional mercenaries.

The initial plan was to kidnap President Moise, but it later evolved into a full-fledged assassination, as revealed in court documents.

Another suspect, Frederick Joseph Bergmann Jr., pleaded guilty to providing false export information. He is accused of smuggling ballistic vests as part of the plot.

Advertisement

Colombian ex-soldiers and businessmen are also implicated in supplying funds or weapons and executing the attack.

Seventeen individuals have been arrested in Haiti in connection with President Moises murder, according to reports, yet none have faced formal charges.

Following the assassination, Haiti has been embroiled in political turmoil and rampant gang violence, with January 2024 marked as the most violent month in over two years, according to the United Nations, with approximately 1,100 people killed, injured, or kidnapped.
Guyanas reaction to the latest developments came hours after satellite images posted by the US Center for Strategic and International Studies showed Venezuela is extending its base on Ankoko Island, half of which Venezuela seized from Guyana in the mid-1960s.

Guyanas government said on Saturday that it has satellite imagery evidence provided by allied Western nations, indicating Venezuelan military activity near the South American countrys eastern border with Guyana.

According to officials, the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro is allegedly violating a peace agreement signed in December, aimed at reducing tensions over border demarcation lines in the Caribbean.

Advertisement

Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud stated that Guyana is closely monitoring the situation along the river border.

The two sides have feuded over borderlines for decades. Venezuela has been laying claim to the mineral-rich Essequibo region, which covers about two-thirds of Guyanas surface area.

They condemned Venezuela for not abiding with the Argyle Agreement signed on the island of St. Vincent in December, in which the two countries agreed not to use force or to threaten each other. The talks were brokered by Brazil and Caribbean governments.

We are not surprised at the bad faith of Venezuela. We are disappointed, not surprised. Guyana has a history of entering bilateral discussions in good faith. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same thing about our neighbour to the west, Persaud told The Associated Press.

The Venezuelan government did not have any immediate reaction to the allegations.

Advertisement

Todd said he had raised the issue with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil at a joint commission meeting in Brazil last month noting that there is some amount of inconsistencies based on what they are doing on the international front in terms of diplomacy and what they are doing back home in terms of their military posture.

Advertisement

Guyanas reaction to the latest developments came hours after satellite images posted by the US Center for Strategic and International Studies showed Venezuela is extending its base on Ankoko Island, half of which Venezuela seized from Guyana in the mid-1960s, and nearby Punta Barima, less than 50 miles from the Guyana border.

Advertisement

The images showed significant infrastructure improvement of roads and other facilities near the two areas, the CSIS said. Foreign Secretary Persaud noted that Guyana will continue to respect the Argyle Declaration and hopes that Venezuela will do the same.

The two sides have feuded over borderlines for decades.

Guyana argues that an 1899 international boundary commission had settled the border demarcation once and for all.

Advertisement

But for more than 60 years Venezuela has accused the commission of cheating it out of the Essequibo region.

Guyana has taken the issue to the World Court in the Netherlands for a definitive ruling, while Venezuela has said it prefers direct bilateral talks as the way forward.

On Friday, the Venezuelan defense ministry accused Guyana of threatening the St. Vincent agreement by irresponsible actions and media deception, maintaining that the Essequibo is ours.

Advertisement

It also said that US oil giant ExxonMobil, which is producing 645,000 barrels of offshore oil daily from Guyana, is collaborating with the government and the US military to exploit oil and gas resources in waters claimed by Venezuela.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali is expected to meet Maduro for a second summit in March on the border issue.

Advertisement

Several top American administration and military officials have visited Guyana in recent weeks as a show of support.

And the U.S. also supplied military overflights monitoring Venezuelan troop and other activities at the height of tensions in December, in the days leading up to a Dec. 3 referendum in Venezuela that had authorized the annexation of the Essequibo.

Advertisement

With inputs from AP.
Following the coups they carried out, the three juntas announced late last month that they were leaving ECOWAS, severing their ties to both the bloc and other countries

As its ministers convened to discuss the escalating political strain and division in the region, West African regional bloc said on Thursday that the coup-stricken countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are swiftly abandoning the body without adhering to its exit regulations.

The ECOWAS bloc refuted claims made by the juntas of the participating countries that their unprecedented decision to withdraw their membership was due to the coup-related sanctions the bloc imposed on their countries, rather than supporting their efforts for peace and development, during the ministerial meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

Advertisement

Following the coups they carried out, the three juntas announced late last month that they were leaving ECOWAS, severing their ties to both the bloc and other countries.

Its the first time in the blocs nearly 50 years of existence that its members have withdrawn in such a manner. Analysts say its an unprecedented blow to the group that could threaten efforts to return democracy and help stabilize the increasingly fragile region.

The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, told reporters at the meeting that the countries hasty decision did not follow the requirements stated by the associations protocol, including a one-year notice period before such a process could be completed.

More importantly, the three member states have not really reflected on the implications of this decision on the citizens, Touray said.

Advertisement

Separately, senior government officials in the junta-led countries on Wednesday dismissed possible talks with ECOWAS over the issue, further diminishing any hopes of dialogue to resolve the crisis.

While Nigers Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country is going ahead with the withdrawal plan without delay, Malis foreign affairs minister Abdoulaye Diop accused the regional body of partiality and failing to act in other countries where democracy is being violated.

Advertisement

(with inputs from agencies)
Katie Berg recently completed her medical studies at Chippewa Valley Technical College and works as a nurse at a long-term care facility. But the 27-year-old couldnt have gotten there without the clinical hours required to complete her training.

For years, CVTC has partnered with the Hospital Sisters Health System to ensure students had the hands-on training necessary to graduate and get hired in the medical industry. The system announced last month that its hospitals in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire  as well as Prevea Health locations in western Wisconsin  will close.

Berg said the HSHS and Prevea closures have people in the industry worried. Shes particularly concerned for CVTC students who rely on HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Chippewa Falls for their clinical hours.

While I was a CVTC student, I did clinicals at Sacred Heart and then I did my externship, over at the St. Josephs ER. That was this past December, she said.

Berg has worked at a long-term care facility for the past three years.

I'm really passionate about that. But all of my clinicals were also in a hospital setting. I was actually at HSHS Sacred Heart for every single one of my clinicals, and so I love the hospital setting, too. I am looking to end up probably working in the hospitals while doing more casual work in long-term care, she said.

Berg is well acquainted with being a nursing student at CVTC.

I did the LPN (licensed practical nurse) program and then I actually just finished my RN (registered nurse) program in December, so I just graduated, she said.

Berg said she cant imagine how students are going to get through their clinical requirements once HSHS closes its hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, and she isn't the only one with concerns.

Myra Reuter, CVTC executive dean of allied health and emergency services, and Melissa Henderson, clinical coordinator for CVTC radiography, both are worried about how CVTC students who often work with the hospitals will complete the clinical hours required for various medical programs at the college.

We did not know that this was going to happen. Were losing those partnerships and that collaboration, which we have had for decades, Reuter said.

Reuter said the impact on students depends on their discipline.

I think it's affected respiratory therapy probably the most in allied health because they utilize HSHS more than probably any of our other programs, she said.

Everyone who needs clinical hours in the near future has a place to do so, she said.

We do have some in the second eight weeks of the semester that we're still working on finding clinical placement for, she said. This semester, the overall impact I think is probably 40-45% of our students had to have some kind of change to their schedule.

Henderson said the radiography program is doing good despite the impact that the HSHS closures are going to have.

The closures impacted 20% of the radiography student body, which is significant. And, you know, we had to work to re-home that 20% of students, but we're in a really good place, I'll be honest with you, she said. I haven't even started looking at the second eight weeks. So I'm just trying to you know figure out this eight weeks first, but right now the radiography program is doing OK.

Henderson said the radiography program always has two classes going simultaneously  a first-year class and a second-year class.

Key developments in Chippewa Valley closures of HSHS and Prevea facilities HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Chippewa Falls announced Jan. 22 they will permanently close along 

Our second-year students are looking to finish their regular clinicals, and then they're looking to head to internships this summer. The HSHS closures will definitely impact their internships, she said. We typically place students at Sacred Heart and St. Joe's. There's a lot of really good competencies that they gained there. Looking ahead, this will impact our placement decisions. It will impact our students in that they're going to have to travel farther.

Reuter said while students might have to go a little bit farther than they had originally planned to get the experience they need, CVTC will supplement that experience with programs in its simulation labs when appropriate.

It's not the same, obviously, its not the same as being in an actual setting with human patients. But in some ways, you can enact things that they might not necessarily get to see in a clinical setting just because the opportunity doesn't arise, Reuter said. We'll just figure out a way to make that happen, whether it's driving to a different site or supplementing in a different way.

CVTCs health education program offers 19 programs featuring direct patient care as well as behind-the-scenes indirect patient care. High-tech simulation labs used by the health programs provide students with experience in real life scenarios, according to the CVTC website.
Chippewa Falls school officials have come under fire this week after the public learned a middle school student in October threatened to kill classmates, himself and use explosives at the school.

On Friday, Chippewa Falls school district superintendent Jeff Holmes released an eight-page statement about the situation, and said the school followed the law, worked with police to ensure students were safe and stated privacy laws prevented officials from divulging information at the time.

School officials said the student no longer attends classes in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.

The school did not address the threat publicly until a redacted police report was published by Louder with Crowder. The Chippewa Herald has received a copy of the police report and verified its authenticity.

'Transparency, safety and law'

The police report states a Chippewa Falls Middle School student's internet searches triggered an investigation into a "serious" threat of violence in October 2023. Parents of students at the school did not learn of the incident until Feb. 6.

In a statement Friday, Holmes said the issue involved issues of transparency, safety and law.

Kirk Strang from Strang Law LLC represents school districts and technical colleges across Wisconsin. The Madison-based firm has been hired by the Chippewa Falls school district to help navigate this situation, according to Chippewa Falls schools communications and marketing specialist Kathy Strecker.

I can tell you that this was handled as well as I've seen anything handled. And I've been doing this as a school attorney for 37 years, Strang said Friday. Federal law protects pupil record information, as well as the pieces of paper or tape recordings that those records originate on. And that's why you're going to see school districts be very careful, not just about what they do with the record information on paper, but also with what they do with that information and answering questions.

Integrity challenged

In his statement, Holmes takes issue with online personalities he said made inaccurate comparisons between the situation and school tragedies.

This sensationalism sowed public distrust in our schools. However, federal and state law prohibited us from disclosing confidential details on the student and incident. We rightly declined media requests for protected information, Holmes said. As public servants, we follow laws that exist to protect all students privacy.

He said the school has been as transparent as possible within legal bounds and the school systems response to the situation demonstrated our staffs responsible handling of the issue.

No further announcement was legal or needed after the student left our system, he said.

He also took issue with allegations the district was involved in a conspiracy or cover-up.

Our citizens have always understood that pupil behavior and discipline is confidential; they have trusted that we will share whatever information we can and that we will protect student safety as our first priority, he states. Unfortunately, most of our citizens know by now that recent online commentary about a situation involving a former student last fall has challenged the integrity of our staff and the district as a whole."

Holmes also questioned comparisons with the Columbine High School tragedy, when 13 students were killed by 2 other students, who then took their own lives and that comments made online about the situation incited considerable unrest.

Online media presented our district this way because we declined to give them information about this student and the students behavior," he said, adding the information sought is confidential under state and federal law.

Strang said the school district was in a position in the fall where the student was no longer attending and they had a decision to make.

Do you make any sort of announcement? Well, you know that there isn't any danger. You know, there was no danger to begin with. But, you know, if you make an announcement, you can't make that better. You can only make that worse, Strang said. If we make a public announcement shaming the student, whats to prevent an angry student from coming back to the school with the gun? I mean, what's to prevent this student from being set off? And then we have to think about the panic that might ensue. That is unnecessary.

Holmes said the district is limited in what it can do.

In truth, the law simply states that school districts cannot share this information with anyone, much less with everyone, he writes.
As this was being written, an important announcement was made regarding hospital and clinic closures in the Chippewa Valley.

Dr. Kyle Dettbarn, chairman of the Board of the Oakleaf Medical Network, stated: Oakleaf Medical Network has extended an offer to negotiate with HSHS to purchase HSHS hospital properties with the intent of creating an independent community hospital. After thorough and careful consideration of the serious healthcare situation, Oakleaf Medical Network reached out to HSHS (Jan. 31) with the hopes of entering negotiations to purchase HSHS hospital properties with the intent of creating an independent community hospital.

This would ease the concerns of doctors, nurses, technical employees, general employees and, of course, the patients themselves. This action would also help emergency medical service providers in the area and perhaps open additional urgent care and emergency rooms. If the negotiations are successful, it would be the answer to a multitude of prayers. But for now, we will have to wait and see.

During the lull and while waiting for a decision from HSHS and Oakleaf, fundamental questions about how we provide health care in the Chippewa Valley should be researched. I am not so foolish to believe that it will happen, but sooner or later the issue needs to be resolved.

Working EMS for many years, I know that Medicare pays only so much of an ambulance bill. Medicaid pays less than Medicare, and if you have no insurance, your ride in an ambulance is completely on you. Politicians in Wisconsin tout BadgerCare and continue not to expand Medicaid using federal dollars. They say Wisconsin is unique. Wisconsin is not unique.

Consider blood red Kansas, which is working toward the expansion of federal Medicaid dollars. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told the Kansas City Star: We have taken such a bipartisan approach to incorporate what I have been hearing from Kansans during my tour and to reflect conversations we have had with Republican lawmakers. Now, there is no excuse  at this point, every legislator standing in the way of Medicaid expansion is going against a common sense, fiscally responsible proposal that benefits their constituents.

If Medicaid expansion is good enough for Kansas, why not Wisconsin?

I mentioned last week that it is high time to work on a national health insurance. Countries with universal health care include Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. In short, every industrial country except the United States.

In the United States, the Affordable Care Act is available for those who need it and cannot get or afford an employer-based health insurance. Donald Trump wants to repeal it if he gets elected to the presidency. What the heck? The reality is HSHS closed because of financial hardship exasperated by the nation's incomprehensible health care delivery system and how it is paid for.

The Wisconsin Institute on Poverty identified Milwaukee County (17.2%) and the Eau Claire/southern Chippewa County area (14.4%) as having poverty rates significantly higher than the state average. To add to that burden, the states growing economy has had little effect on the poverty rate as rising costs of living, especially in the areas of child care and medical care, offset gains in earnings and employment.

We have a poverty problem in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties. Our state and federal legislators need to act on the problem. Instead of bringing out the boogey man of socialized medicine, they need to understand that it takes money to deliver health care and people need health insurance to cover that health care.

In my life I can remember Dr. Vedder, of the Marshfield Clinic, making house calls. We have left the world of Dr. Vedder and transformed health care into a business. We can debate whether that was good or bad for the practice of medicine, but it is irrelevant now.

The challenge for the Chippewa Valley will be how medicine will be paid for. If Oakleaf Medical Network can come to the rescue, fine. But we must think about what happens next time  and there will be a next time.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Speaking last week to nearly 100 community leaders, business owners and residents, Gov. Jared Polis said affordable housing is an important initiative for his administration.

Speaking at the at Riverside Education Center, his speech, a Western Slope-specific follow-up to his State of the State address delivered the state Legislature on Jan. 17, focused largely on affordability. Polis said he aims to make affordable housing more accessible across Colorado by the time the state celebrates its sesquicentennial  or 150th anniversary  in two years.

My vision for Colorado at 150 is a future with more housing than people can afford for rent or purchase, increased convenient access to low-cost transit opportunities, cleaner air and water, and making sure that Colorado is one of the safest states in the country; a Colorado in which every person in every part of our state can thrive in a Colorado for all, Polis said.

During a visit to Grand Junction a few months ago, Polis heard complaints about affordability from business owners, faith leaders, teachers and nonprofit organizers. Hes heard similar complaints at town halls across the state, noting during his speech that 95% of residents view housing prices as a problem.

Polis acknowledged that the Western Slope can struggle to attract workers because of rising housing costs, particularly in the Grand Valley. He also acknowledged that Grand Junction is increasingly facing issues that have historically plagued the Front Range and some mountain towns, such as congested roads and poorer air quality.

While, of course, some of these problems are most pronounced in the Denver and Colorado Springs metro areas, these are fast becoming issues statewide, especially in areas like Grand Junction, which, 10 to 15 years ago, people used to say, Oh, its affordable to live in Grand Junction! Now, of course, its becoming more expensive than ever before to buy a home or rent, Polis said.

Its harder to find homes people can afford to buy as they start their careers or even mid-career, and for our community to thrive, we need to make sure that people that are the backbone of the community, whether theyre workers in local businesses or law enforcement or teachers, are able to afford to live close to the communities they work in.

Polis noted that, in August, he signed an executive order aimed at reducing the turnaround time it takes for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to approve affordable housing project funding from 240 days (the current figure) to 90 days by July to, eventually, 10 days. He urged local government bodies, including those in the Grand Valley, to likewise explore pathways to speeding up the time it takes to approve affordable housing.

He said hes challenged the state Legislature to reduce housing costs by encouraging innovative approaches such as new financing strategies, easing mandatory parking restrictions, tackling liability costs for multi-family condo construction, reducing the cost of fire and homeowners insurance in the face of increased climate-related events, and enabling more homes to be built quicker and at lower costs including modular and pre-fabricated housing.

Polis credited Grand Junction as a state leader in manufacturing and implementing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small and independent residential dwelling units that can use existing infrastructure. He said the state is looking for ways to support and finance homeowners who choose to include ADUs on their properties for low-cost rentals, and he also hopes subdivision will be made easier so that ADUs can be unattached and available as starter homes.

After his speech at Riverside, Polis toured Lada Cube, a Grand Junction-based ADU manufacturer.

ON EDUCATION

Education was another focal point of Polis visit, as a nearly seven-minute video about the hosting Riverside Education Centers after-school programming and impact on students and staff preceded his speech.

Near the end of his address, Polis said he expects that, in this years budget, the state will finally end the Budget Stabilization Factor, which was created by the Legislature in response to the Great Recession of 2008 and has reduced the amount of funding for each school district in the state every year since. This, Polis said, means that the state will fully fund public schools for the first time since the Budget Stabilization Factor was introduced.

According to state data, between 2009 and 2024, Mesa County Valley School District 51 has lost almost $248 million in state revenue as a result of the Budget Stabilization Factor.

ON WORKFORCE

Polis credited Mesa County for its unemployment rate that stayed below national figures throughout 2023, dipping as low as 3.2% between September and November.

In Mesa County, of course, our economy is very strong with very low unemployment, significantly below the national rate, and very high labor force participation, he said. Right now, theres 1.7 job openings for every unemployed Coloradan, but that doesnt mean that every unemployed Coloradan necessarily has the skills to access those 1.7 jobs. Whether its institutions like CMU, our community college system, Colorado Mountain College and so many others are working in innovating ways with the state in supporting to help people have the opportunity to upgrade their skills, earn a better living and help power the success of the private sector by filling needed jobs.

A benefit to the Mesa County workforce, Polis said, has been the Rural Jump-Start Tax Credit program, which began in Mesa County and has been facilitated by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP).

Polis then said that, in the world of agriculture, the state is providing opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers through programs such as the Agricultural Workforce Development program, which gives young people real-world farming and ranching experience through paid apprenticeships. More than 130 people have participated in the program, which Polis said he hopes to expand so that ranching and farming are not just a storied part of our heritage but a dynamic and exciting and strong part of Colorados future in our next 150 years.

ON TRANSIT

According to Polis, Bustang served 300,000 passengers in 2023, a 25% increase from 2022. Bustang should only become more accessible to travelers once the new CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) mobility hub near downtown Grand Junction is built.
Saturday Night

Partly cloudy skies early followed by increasing clouds with showers developing later at night. Low 43F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Springs Utilities

The Hoosier Pass Tunnel is part of Colorado Springs Utilities transmountain diversion system that takes water from the headwaters of the Blue River in Summit County across the Continental Divide to Colorado Springs. CSU has reached an agreement with West Slope entities to give up conditional water rights tied to reservoirs on the West Slope in exchange for the ability to enlarge Montgomery Reservoir without opposition.
Chinese firm helps websites push pro-Beijing content: research

Findings that more than 100 portals posed as local media overseas show only part of the truth, says former editor.

By RFA Staff for RFA Mandarin 2024.02.08 -- A Chinese company in the southern city of Shenzhen has assisted at least 123 websites operating in China but posing as local media outlets in 30 countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America to disseminate disinformation, according to a recent study.

The research lab at the University of Toronto found that Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co. (Haimai), a public relations firm, was behind the push to promote pro-Beijing business and political "propaganda," and vilifying reports of former United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen meeting when U.S.-China and cross-strait relations were in a highly-sensitive state.

The researchers used the Domain Name System to track down these websites in a campaign named Paperwall, and to dig up the information on Haimai, which has a commercial registration in Shenzhen.

While the report is absolutely credible, it is only part of the truth based on his personal experience, Victor Ho, the former editor-in-chief of the British Columbia version of Sing Tao Daily, told Radio Free Asia.

Beijing has a long history of fighting public opinion wars overseas. There are many seemingly neutral Chinese-language media in Canada that promote Beijing's "big foreign propaganda," but it is difficult for ordinary people to discern, he pointed out.

Ho said Canada has numerous so-called pro-Chinese Communist Party media, or media that seem to have no relationship with the CCP, such as Ming Pao, Sing Tao Daily, Today Commercial News, Chinese Canadian Times, Dawa News, Health Times and New Star Times.

"These are all localized names in Canada. There are 20 to 30 CCP's foreign propaganda media outlets in Canada, shaping the impressions of the Chinese community and many overseas Chinese, or Chinese Canadians, of the CCP," said Ho.

"If you are new here and undiscerning, you could be watching the CCP's 'big foreign propaganda' all the time, but thinking you are watching Canadian Chinese media. This is quite scary and shocking."

The Paperwall report found that approximately 100 domains backlinked to Times Newswire, a "supposed newswire service."

The discovered "fake news" network is huge, 32 of which are targeting readers in South Korea and Japan, 11 are British media, and the rest cover about 30 countries around the world.

Most of the "fake news" comes from Times Newswire, which RFA noticed dispatches press releases and news reports written in multiple languages, such as Korean, Japanese and French, covering politics, economy, culture, current affairs, and sports.

For instance, Roma Journal, which targets Italians and is not legally registered as a news outlet in Italy, often publishes information about U.S. President Joe Biden's foreign visits. It also republished a large volume of news from Chinese mouthpiece CGTN before and after Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022, with headlined articles like "Pelosi is short-sighted and selfish, endangering Sino-U.S. relations." In addition, there was a video that vilified Tsai Ing-wen titled "Undercovering the Tsai scam," and an unverified article that Taiwanese military officers only visited the U.S. to eat and have fun.

Another media, Conan Finance News, targeting British audiences, reprinted articles about Hong Kong, including those promoting the "one country, two systems."

Researcher and author of the report Alberto Fittarelli wrote: "While the campaign's websites enjoyed negligible exposure to date, there is a heightened risk of inadvertent amplification by the local media and target audiences, as a result of the quick multiplication of these websites and their adaptiveness to local languages and content."

Haimai did not respond to inquiries and a listed phone number was unreachable, according to a Reuters report. The Chinese Embassy in Washington told the news agency in an email that calling pro-China content and reports "false information" and anti-China content and reports "true information" was "typical prejudice and double standards."

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






Remarks by President Biden

February 08, 2024

Diplomatic Reception Room

7:59 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Hey, everybody.

Q Good evening.

Q Good evening, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT: Let me say a few things before I take your questions.

As you know, the special counsel released its findings today about their look into my handling of classified documents. I was pleased to see he reached a firm conclusion that no charges should be brought against me in this case.

This was an exhaustive investigation going back more than 40 years a even into the 1970s, when I was still a new United States senator.

The special counsel that acknowledged I cooperated completely, I did not throw up any roadblocks, I sought no delays. In fact, I was so determined to give the special counsel what he needed, I went forward with a five-hour in-person a five-hour in-person interview over two days on October the 8th and 9th of last year, even though Israel had just been attacked by Hamas on the 7th and I was very occupied. It was in the middle of handling an international crisis.

I was especially pleased to see special counsel make clear the stark distinction and difference between this case and Mr. Trump's case. The special counsel wrote, and I quote, "Several material distinctions between Mr. Trump's case and Mr. Biden's are clear."

Continuing to quote, "Most notably, after given multiple chances to return classified documents to avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite. According to the indictment, he not only refused to return the documents for many months, he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it."

"In contrast," it went on to say, "Mr. Biden turned in classified documents to the National Archives and the Department of Justice; consented to the search of multiple locations, including his home; sat for a voluntary interview; and in other ways cooperated with the investigation," end of quote.

I've seen the headlines since the report was released about my willful retention of documents. This a these assertions are not only misleading, they're just plain wrong.

On page 215 a if you had a chance a I know it's a long a it's a thick document. On page 215, the report of the special counsel found the exact opposite.

Here's what he wrote: "There is, in fact, a shortage of evidence" that I willfully retained classified materials related to Afghanistan.

On page 12, the special counsel also wrote for another documents, "The decision to decline criminal charges was straightforward... the evidence suggests that Mr. Biden

did not willfully retain these documents." The evidence said I did not willfully retain these documents.

In addition, I know there's some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events. There's even a reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that.

Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself it wasn't any of their damn business.

Let me tell you something. Some of you have commented a I wear, since the day he died, every single day, the rosary he got from our Lady of a

Every Memorial Day, we hold a service remembering him, attended by friends and family and the people who loved him. I don't need anyone a I don't need anyone to remind me when he passed away or if he passed away.

The simple truth is I sat for five hours of interviews over two days of events, going back 40 years. At the same time, I was managing an international crisis.

Their task was to make a decision about whether to move forward with charges in this case. That was their decision to make. That's the counsel's decision to make. That's his job. And they decided not to move forward.

For any extraneous commentary, they don't know what they're talking about. It has no place in this report.

The bottom line is: The matter is now closed. And we can continue what I have always focused on: my job of being President of the United States of America.

I thank you, and I'll take some questions.

Q President Biden, something the special counsel said in his report is that one of the reasons you were not charged is because, in his description, you are a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory."

THE PRESIDENT: I am well-meaning, and I'm an elderly man, and I know what the hell I'm doing. I've been President. I put this country back on its feet. I don't need his recommendation. That's totally un- a

Q How bad is your memory? And can you continue as President?

THE PRESIDENT: My memory is so bad, I let you speak. That's the a

Q Do you a

THE PRESIDENT: That's what a

Q Do you feel your memory has gotten worse, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: Now, look, my memory has not gotten a my memory is fine. My memory a take a look at what I've done since I've become President. None of you thought I could pass any of the things I got passed. How did that happen?

You know, I guess I just forgot what was going on.

Q Mr. President a Mr. President a

Q Should voters have concerns about your age? How are you going to assuage them? And do you fear that this report is only going to fuel further their concerns about your age (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT: Only by some of you.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, you were a you were cleared of criminal liability today, but do you take responsibility for at least being careless with classified material?

THE PRESIDENT: I take responsibility for not having seen exactly what my staff was doing. That a goes in and points out things that appeared in my garage, things that came out of my home, things that were moved were moved not by me but my staff a but my staff. And a

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, why did you share classified information with your ghostwriter?

Q Mr. President, for months when you were asked about your age, you would respond with the words "Watch me."

THE PRESIDENT: Watch me.

Q Many American people have been watching, and they have expressed concerns about your age. They a

THE PRESIDENT: That is your judgement.

Q They a

THE PRESIDENT: That is your judgement.

Q This is according to public polling.

THE PRESIDENT: That is not the judgement a

Q They express concerns a

THE PRESIDENT: a of the press.

Q They express concerns about your mental acuity. They say that you are too old.

Mr. President, in December, you told me that you believe there are many other Democrats who could defeat Donald Trump. So, why does it have to be you now? Why a what is your answer to that question?

THE PRESIDENT: Because I'm the most qualified person in this country to be President of the United States and finish the job I started.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Do you believe that a

Q Mr. President, why are you confusing the names of world leaders?

Q Mr. President, why did you share classified information with your ghostwriter?

THE PRESIDENT: I did not share classified information. I did not share it.

Q With your ghostwriter?

THE PRESIDENT: With my ghostwriter, I did not. Guarantee you, I did not. What the a

Q But the special counsel said that a

THE PRESIDENT: Well, no, they did not say that.

Q Okay.

THE PRESIDENT: He did not say that.

Q But, Mr. President a

THE PRESIDENT: No, let a let me answer your question. The fact of the matter is what I didn't want repeated a I didn't want him to know, and I didn't read it to him a was I had written a long memorandum to President Obama why we should not be in this a in Afghanistan. And I was of the a multiple pages.

And so, what I was referring to a I said "classified" a I should have said it was a should be private because it was a contact between a president and a vice president as to what was going on. That's what he was referring to. It was not classified information in that document. That was not classified.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President a

(Cross-talk.)

Q I a okay, all right. He called on me.

When you look back at this incident, is there anything you would do differently now? And do you think that a special prosecutor should have been appointed in the first place in both of these cases?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, what I would have done is oversee the transfer of the material that was in my office a in my offices. I should have done that. If I had to go back a and I didn't have the responsibility to do that. That was a my staff was supposed to do that, and they referenced that in the report.

And my staff did not do it in the way that a for example, I didn't know how half the boxes got in my garage until I found out staff gathered them up, put them together, and took them to the garage in my home. And all the stuff that was in my home was in filing cabinets that were either locked or able to be locked. It was in my house. It wasn't out in a like in Mar-a-Lago, in a public place where a

And none of it was high classified. Didn't have any of that red stuff on it a you know what I mean? a around the corners. None of that.

And so, I wish I had paid more attention to how the documents were being moved and where. I thought they were being moved to the Archives. I thought all of it was being moved. That's what I thought.

Now, what was the last part of your question?

Q Whether a special counselor should have been appointed in this case and in the case of your rival, President a former President Trump.

THE PRESIDENT: I think a special counsel should have been appointed. And the reason I think a special counsel should have been appointed is because I did not want to be in a position that they looked at Trump and weren't going to look at me, just like they looked at the vice president.

And the fact is they made a firm conclusion: I did not break the law. Period.

Thank you all very, very much. Thank you. Thank you.

(Cross-talk.)

Q A question on Israel, sir. Can you provide an update on the hostage negotiations? The hostage negotiations a can you provide an update of the hostage negotiations in Israel?

THE PRESIDENT: The hostage negotiation, look a

I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza a in the Gaza Strip has been over the top. I think that a as you know, initially, the President of Mexico [Egypt], El-Sisi, did not want to open up the gate to allow humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him. I convinced him to open the gate.

I talked to Bibi to open the gate on the Israeli side. I've been pushing really hard a really hard to get humanitarian assistance into Gaza. There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and it's got to stop, number one.

Number two, I was also in the position that I'm the guy that made the case that we have to do much more to increase the amount of material going in, including fuel, including other items. I've been on the phone with the Qataris, I've been on the phone with the Egyptians, I've been on the phone with the Saudis to get as much aid as we possibly can into Gaza.

There are innocent people a innocent women and children a who are also in bad a badly in need of help. And so, that's what we're pushing right now.

And I'm pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire. Because, as I a you know, I've been working tirelessly in this deal a how can I say this without revealing? a to lead to a sustained pause in the fighting in a the actions taking place in a in the Gaza Strip.

And a because I think if we can get the delay for that a the initial delay, I think that we would be able to extend that so that we can increase the prospect that this fighting in Gaza changes.

There's also negotiations a you may recall, in the very beginning, right after a right before Hamas attacked, I was in contact with the Saudis and others to work out a deal where they would recognize Israel's right to exist, let them a make them part of the Middle East, recognize them fully, in return for certain things that the United States would commit to do.

And the commitment to a that we were proposing to do related to two a to two items. I'm not going to go in detail. But one of them was to deal with the protection against their arch enemy to the northwest a northeast, I should say. The second one, by providing ammunition and materiel for them to defend themselves.

Coincidentally, that's the timeframe when this broke out. I have no proof for what I'm about to say, but it's not unreasonable to suspect that the a Hamas understood what was about to take place and wanted to break it up before it happened.

Thank you.

8:11 P.M. EST

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. NAVY JOINS ARCTIC SPECIALIST 2024 IN NORWAY

US Navy

08 February 2024

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

RASMUND, Norway -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit (MU) Eight, attached to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 at Naval Station Rota, Spain, began the annual Norway-hosted exercise Arctic Specialist 2024 in Ramsund, Norway, Feb. 5, 2024.

Arctic Specialist is an annual multinational EOD and mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise aimed to provide training, exercise and development of land and maritime EOD Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) at the squad and team level in a cold-weather environment. This exercise is designed to enhance capability and interoperability among participating nations. Forces from Denmark will also participate in Arctic Specialist.

EODMU Eight's MCM Company Commander Lt. Daniel Haines said, "We rely on our experts in the High North to further expand our operations into the Arctic. Exercises like Arctic Specialist allow us to continue improving our collective security by conducting increasingly complex and high-end missions with our Allies."

During the 11-day exercise, EOD and MCM forces will share TTPS for countering regional and global security threats.

CTF-68 commands all naval expeditionary forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility in direct support of U.S. Naval Forces Europe -Africa, and U.S. 6th Fleet.

U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and inter-agency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Columbus Community Hospital wants to give everyone a chance to find out if a career in health care is for them. Students, current health care professionals and adults who want to make a career change can find the right fit at the CCH Opportunity Fair.

The fair will take place from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the first-floor conference center at the hospital. Attendees will be able to learn about many different options in the health care field, including:

 Apprenticeships.

 Scholarships.

 Educational assistance.

 Career opportunities.

 Volunteer opportunities.

They can also talk with representatives from colleges and universities who can help them find the best career path for their lifestyle.

For more information about the CCH Opportunity Fair, contact Melinda Allen, the hospitals employment and education coordinator, at 402-562-3363.
Army announces rapid acquisition authority contract for Coyote Interceptors

By U.S. Army Public Affairs February 9, 2024

WASHINGTON -- On January 16, 2024, the U.S. Army awarded a contract action to RTX Corporation in the amount of $75 million for the production of 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors in direct support to the U.S. counter-unmanned aircraft systems mission.

The contract award was part of an Office of the Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority that was identified to Congress, with all actions completed in less than 30 days from the authorization approval and receipt of funding.

The contract supports a Coyote Interceptor demand increase and subsequent need to increase production capacity.

The Coyote is a key component of the counter-UAS system of systems. It is a ground-launched, radar-guided interceptor, with kinetic and non-kinetic variants, that integrates into fixed site-low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems and mobile-slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems.

This effort was led by the Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, in partnership with components across the DOD.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






CENTCOM Commander Visits Regional Partners

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | Feb. 9, 2024

USCENTCOM

Feb. 9, 2024

Release Number 20240209 - 01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain to meet with key partners.

In Jordan he spoke with Maj. Gen. Youssef Alhnaity, Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key leaders on border security and the current security situation in the region.

While in Saudi Arabia Gen. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwail, Royal Saudi Chief of General Staff, and other senior military leaders to discuss mutual concerns with recent Houthi activities in the Red Sea area and continued opportunities to strengthen cooperation across an expanded network of security partners.

Finally, in Bahrain Gen Kurilla met with Chief Field Marshall Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Defense Forces Commander in Chief to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement and thanked the Bahrainis for their support in the multinational efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. While in Bahrain, Gen. Kurilla presided over the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) change of command ceremony between Vice Adm. Brad Cooper and Vice Admiral George Wikoff.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Minister Cernochova in Israel: Excellent relations can bring outstanding achievements, in defence industry and elsewhere

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

9.2.2024

Author: by editorial staff (ob)

Defence Minister Jana Cernochova visited Israel and met with her counterpart, Minister Yoav Galant, to discuss the security situation in the Middle East and in Europe, and defence industrial cooperation, including acquisition projects. Just as the President, Prime Minister and other representatives of the Government, the Minister was another senior Czech governmental official to express solidarity and an unequivocal support to Israel in its fight against the Hamas terrorist organisation.

"Israel is our closest partner in the Middle East. Same as in 1948, we stand by your side, ready to provide assistance according to your needs," Minister Cernochova underscored. On behalf of the Czech Republic, she expressed full support to Israel's right to self-defence and, at the same time, once more condemned the crimes of Hamas against Israel and its civilian population.

Minister Cernochova highly appraised the steps Israel has taken to increase humanitarian supplies into the Gaza Strip and also pointed out the recent Czech aid valued several million Czech korunas in support of civilians in Gaza, as well as Israeli healthcare organisations. According to Minister Cernochova, it is key to contain the conflict. "The security situation is aggravated by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and by Iran backed militias targeting U.S. forces in the region. Retaliatory actions are essential to deter them from further attacks," Minister Cernochova said during the discussions.

The Czech Republic provided aid to its partner just a couple of days after the October terrorist attacks. The STV Group supplied three thousand ballistic plates to Israel, with the Defence Minister and other Ministries having accelerated export control and customs licences to the maximum. "The supply from the Czech Republic resounded very much in Israel, and it reminded the people of the assistance we provided when the state was being formed," she said. If Israel asks for further assistance, Czech defence and security industries can offer arms and protective equipment, as well as ammunition.

The Czech Armed Forces and the Israel Defence Forces successfully cooperate as well. Czech specialists are taking various courses and trainings in Israel. For the Czech Armed Forces, cooperation in the academic field as well as in training is very important, and both sides benefit from sharing experience in military specialisations. "We have developed a bilateral activities plan to strengthen practical cooperation and I am confident that we will resume this common endeavour as soon as circumstances permit," Minister Cernochova said.

The Czech Republic cooperates with Israel on many armaments projects, of which two are key for the Czech Armed Forces. The first covers the Mobile Air Defence Radars, and the other is the SPYDER air defence system.

The Czech Republic signed the Government-to-Government agreement for the procurement of eight MADR medium range radar units with the State of Israel in December 2019. It is one of the most advanced systems and it is also used within the famous Iron Dome system. It will equip the Czech Armed Forces 26th Air Command, Control and Surveillance Regiment, where it will replace obsolete Russian equipment.

All eight 3D radars are currently in the Czech Republic. The project has seen a delay caused primarily by technical problems on the supplier side. Because of the delay, the Czech Government needed to extend the associated program "Sustainment and development of Czech Air Force capabilities" in December 2023.

Minister Cernochova also discussed the complications with Minister Galant and expressed her wish that the problems be overcome in order for "the radars to be introduced into the Czech Armed Forces' inventory as soon as possible".

The Czech Defence Ministry signed the contract for the delivery of SPYDER systems with the State of Israel in October 2021, again in the Government-to-Government format. The project covers four SPYDER air defence missile batteries on Tatra 815-7 8x8 trucks, which is the primary platform in the Czech Armed Forces. The Czech Armed Forces will receive the SPYDER systems by the end of 2026.

"Participation of the domestic defence industry is very important for us in all acquisition projects," Minister Cernochova stated. Czech industries are involved in both major armaments projects and will also participate in the order for acquisition of I-Derby air defence missiles. "In the domain of defence industrial cooperation, our goal is also to link up Czech and Israeli companies and support joint projects," she added. A high potential in the domain of advanced technologies consists in the project of the Israeli company ELBIT, which is committed to building a centre for manufacturing of uncrewed aerial systems in the territory of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the Czech company LLP.

"The excellent political relations between our countries facilitate the strengthening of business cooperation, while combining the latest Israeli technologies and business skills with the Czech tradition of engineering and the country's strategic location at the heart of Europe can bring outstanding achievements for both sides, including, but not limited to, the defence industry domain," Minister Cernochova concluded.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






February 9, 2024

Release

FACT SHEET: Department of Defense Marks Two-Year Anniversary of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy

In the two years since the Biden-Harris Administration released the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD) has done more than ever alongside allies and partners to advance a shared vision for a free and open region. "Indo-Pacific nations are helping to define the very nature of the international order, and U.S. allies and partners around the world have a stake in its outcomes," the strategy states. "Our approach, therefore, draws from and aligns with those of our closest friends." Under the leadership of President Biden and Secretary Austin, the Department continues to support America's Indo-Pacific allies and partners as they invest in their own defense and security, in their relationships with each other, and in their relationships with the United States.

HIGHLIGHTS

ADVANCING DEFENSE DELIVERABLES FROM THE CAMP DAVID SUMMIT

During the Camp David Summit, President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Yoon committed to deepening trilateral defense cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). In December 2023, the Department delivered on this commitment by approving a multi-year, trilateral exercise plan and fully activating a real-time DPRK missile warning data-sharing mechanism.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS

Together, the United States, Australia, India, and Japan - the Quad partners - are delivering greater maritime transparency through the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) by enhancing partners' abilities to monitor their waters.

DEEPENING THE MAJOR DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA

The United States and India are accelerating integration between both countries' defense industrial sectors, and the United States is bolstering India's defense modernization, including by coproducing fighter jet engines and armored vehicles.

ADVANCING THE U.S.-AUSTRALIA ALLIANCE

The Unbreakable Alliance between the United States and Australia is stronger than ever and delivering on a number of key force posture initiatives, including increased rotations of U.S. bombers and fighters and U.S. Army watercraft, expanded maritime and ground forces cooperation, enhanced space and logistics cooperation, and continuing upgrades of key bases.

DELIVERING FOR THE U.S.-PHILIPPINES ALLIANCE

The United States and Philippines are making significant strides to increase their interoperability, accelerate capability development, and invest in shared infrastructure - including at four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites and through over $100 million in upgrades to existing EDCA sites.

MODERNIZING THE U.S.-JAPAN ALLIANCE

The U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and efforts in the past two years have focused on increasing alliance coordination, enhancing the capability of the alliance to deter and, if necessary, respond to threats, and optimizing U.S. force posture in Japan based on improved operational concepts and new capabilities.

STRENGTHENING DETERRENCE WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The United States and Republic of Korea are deepening defense cooperation to bolster deterrence against the DPRK threat and address other challenges in the region, including the creation of new bilateral dialogue mechanisms and by increasing strategic asset rotations to the Korean Peninsula.

SUPPORTING ASEAN CENTRALITY

The United States is engaging with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more deeply than ever, including through DoD-led capacity-building programs and training courses like the Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program, which provides support, mentorship, and professional development to young civilian and defense leaders from ASEAN countries.

ADVANCING TRILATERAL COLLABORATION THROUGH AUKUS

AUKUS is supporting Australia's acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability, delivering cutting-edge military capabilities, removing barriers to cooperation, improve interoperability, and building a trilateral innovation ecosystem between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

OPERATING TOGETHER ACROSS THE INDO-PACIFIC

The United States is participating in combined operations with regional allies and partners that have enhanced interoperability across multiple domains, boosted deterrence, and increased in scape, scope, and complexity, including: Exercise BALIKATAN with the Philippines; Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD with Indonesia and over ten nations represented; Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD with the ROK, Japan, and Australia; and Exercise COBRA GOLD, co-sponsored with Thailand.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3672121/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'End of attacks on Gaza will restore stability in Red Sea'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani has emphasized the importance of maintaining maritime safety in the waters of the Red Sea, asserting that only by ending attacks on Gaza can suitable conditions be created to restore stability to the Red Sea.

Bagheri Kani made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Beijing, according to a Friday report from the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

During the meeting with Ma, he stated that Tehran believes that the Israeli regime's attacks on Gaza must cease as quickly as possible and that Tehran opposes imposing any solution on the Palestinian people.

Furthermore, Bagheri Kani expressed Tehran's willingness to resolve Iran's nuclear issue through political and diplomatic channels. He expressed hope that all relevant parties would demonstrate sincerity and commitment to their obligations.

Bagheri Kani also mentioned that Tehran seeks to strengthen communication and coordination with Beijing to promote peace and stability in the regional and global context.

Acknowledging Tehran's efforts in maintaining relationships with relevant parties, the Chinese diplomat affirmed China's unwavering support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), adding that China actively advocates for a political resolution to Iran's nuclear issue.

Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, Ma attributed the current state to Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

6125**9417

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hezbollah conducts new attack on Zionists' military centers in occupied Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, has announced in a statement that it targeted fresh attacks on Zionist military centers located in the north of occupied Palestine.

According to the Aljazeera news channel, Hezbollah announced launching an attack late on Thursday, targeting the headquarters of the Second Infantry Brigade situated at the Israeli "Ein Zeitim" base, with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

Additionally, Al Mayadeen reported that in its statement, Hezbollah affirmed that it attacked Meron, located in northern occupied Palestine, in support of the resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and their brave and honorable resistance. This action was also in response to the Israeli regime's attacks on Lebanese villages and civilians, the latest of which was the aggression on the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.

News sources reported on Thursday night that Hezbollah fired 30 missiles and rockets toward the north of the occupied Palestinian territories. They also noted that Hezbollah has launched 600 missiles and rockets into occupied Palestine since the beginning of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which started on October 712.

6125**9417

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US, UK warplanes keep up aerial assaults against Yemen

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 10:39 PM

American and British warplanes keep up their aerial attacks against Yemen as the Arab Peninsula country sustains it pro-Palestinian strikes against Israeli targets or those heading towards the occupied territories' ports.

The assaults took place on Friday, targeting Sa'ada Province in Yemen's extreme northwest, Yemen's al-Masirah television network reported.

According to the report, the aircraft bombed the al-Qutainat area in Sa'ada's Baqim District twice.

Just hours ago, the US and UK's aircraft had struck the al-Jabana, al-Taif, and al-Kathib areas in the coastal Yemeni province of al-Hudaydah.

The countries have been leading the bombing campaign for several weeks in response to a raft of operations that Yemen's Armed Forces have been carrying out against Israeli vessels or those that are bound for the occupied territories.

The Yemeni strikes have been seeking to pressure the Israeli regime into stopping an October 7, 2023-present Washington- and London-backed war against Gaza.

Nearly 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women, children, and adolescents, have died in the genocidal war so far.

The Yemeni forces have also been targeting American and British warships that have been deployed to the region to protect the flow of commercial goods and arms towards the occupied territories.

On Wednesday, British media reports revealed that the country's Royal Navy had been forced to pull a warship, named as HMS Diamond, out of the Red Sea after it came under three bouts of attacks with ballistic missiles fired from Yemen.

Hailing the successful operation against the vessel, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, said a day later that all such foreign vessels would eventually be forced to depart the body of water.

"Just as the British warship has left the region for overhaul, the other warships will likewise [be forced to] leave the region," al-Houthi said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Netanyahu orders plan for ground invasion in densely populated Rafah

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 7:20 PM

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the regime's military to prepare a plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Gaza's Rafah ahead of an expected invasion of the densely populated southern city, despite warnings that such a move "would be a disaster."

On Friday, Netanyahu's office said he had ordered the military to come up with a "combined plan" that includes both a mass evacuation of civilians and attacks on Hamas' fighters in Rafah.

"It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah," the statement said.

"On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat," it claimed.

The evacuation orders are seen as part of Israeli propaganda.

At the start of the aggression on Gaza, the regime ordered 1.1 million people in the north of Gaza to evacuate and move south of the coastal sliver. However, it has continued to rain down bombs on the south.

It also remains unclear where civilians can go as Israel's genocidal war on Gaza that began in October has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza.

Netanyahu's order came in defiance of heavy international criticism, including from the US, of Israeli intentions to invade Rafah that borders Egypt and is now home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who were displaced from their homes in other parts of Gaza because of the Israeli strikes.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said Israel's conduct in the war is "over the top," the harshest US criticism yet of its staunch ally.

The US State Department also warned that an invasion of Rafah in the current circumstances "would be a disaster."

Israel has already begun to strike Rafah from the air since overnight.

Aid agency officials have also warned against any invasion of Rafah.

"We need Gaza's last remaining hospitals, shelters, markets and water systems to stay functional," said Catherine Russell, head of the UN children's agency UNICEF.

"Without them, hunger and disease will skyrocket, taking more child lives."

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 27,947 Palestinians and injured more than 67,459 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran: Unqualified US support for Israel to end up in absolute defeat

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 5:30 PM

Iran has warned the United States against its continued support for Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says such unqualified support will have no result but "absolute defeat."

"The Zionist regime (Israel) seeks to drown the United States in the quagmire of war in West Asia," Amir-Abdollahian said during a press conference upon arrival in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Friday.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Gaza in early October, Iran has maintained that war is not a solution to the Palestinian issue, the foreign minister said.

Amir-Abdollahian said Israel has failed to achieve any of its goals in Gaza thanks to the resistance by the Palestinians as well as Lebanon and the entire West Asia. The Palestinian and Lebanese resistance leaders, he said, have displayed a tactfully wise attitude in action and politics.

"Today, we see the victorious Palestinian resistance has put a political plan in the name of Hamas on the table."

The Iranian minister commended the effective role of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah in the face of Israel and paid tribute to all the martyrs of the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance fronts.

"Iran will continue to strongly support the resistance and Lebanon. We consider Lebanon's security to be Iran and the region's security."

The Iranian foreign minister arrived in Beirut on Friday at the head of a political delegation on the first leg of a regional tour to hold talks with senior Lebanese officials and some leaders of the resistance groups in the region. This is the third time Amir-Abdollahian visits Lebanon since Israel launched the war in early October.

Following his visit to Beirut, Amir-Abdollahian will head to the Syrian capital, Damascus.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel strikes on Rafah 'recipe for disaster': UNRWA

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 2:56 PM

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warns that Israel's bombardment of Gaza's overcrowded border town of Rafah would be a "recipe for disaster."

Four months into Israel's onslaught on Gaza, the regime's military forces have now ramped up airstrikes on Gaza's far south, where more than half of the territory's population of 2.4 million has been forcibly displaced.

Israel's warplanes bombed the city overnight on Thursday and Friday.

At least three children were among eight people killed on Friday morning in the military attacks on homes in Rafah, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Five of those killed were members of one family.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, said on Friday that an offensive in Rafah would be a "recipe for disaster" given that 1.4 million people had taken refuge there.

"You have 1.4mn people, you have tens of kilometers of people living in the streets in plastic makeshifts ... and you try and figure out a military offensive in the middle of these completely exposed, vulnerable people, it's a recipe for disaster."

"Any large-scale military operation among this population can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy that's unfolding."

Lazzarini also raised the alarm over the increasingly desperate humanitarian situation in Rafah, after air strikes had hit near UNRWA's base in the area on Thursday.

He said the airstrikes put into doubt the agency's overall relief effort in the besieged territory.

UNRWA operations were "on edge," Lazzarini said. "I don't know how long we will be able to operate in such a high-risk environment."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on X on Friday that an Israeli incursion into Rafah would "exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences."

UNICEF, the UN agency for children, also warned that more than 600,000 children and their families have been displaced to Rafah, many of them for multiple times, as a result of Israeli attacks.

"An escalation of the fighting in Rafah, which is already straining under the extraordinary number of people who have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, will mark another devastating turn in a war that has reportedly killed over 27,000 people - most of them women and children," Catherine Russell, the agency's executive director, said in a statement on Thursday.

"Military operations in densely populated residential areas can have indiscriminate effects," she added.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israeli troops would "soon go into Rafah." He claimed that the regime's forces would be "providing the civilian population safe passage to safe zones," in Rafah.

Aid organizations, however, say that such pledges will be nigh-on impossible to fulfill, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza, and the huge numbers of people trapped in the besieged area.

"There's a sense of growing anxiety and growing panic in Rafah. People have absolutely no idea where to go after Rafah," Lazzarini said.

The regime's military forces have formerly bombed areas to which they had directed Palestinians to "seek safety."

Since it started its war on Gaza in early October, 1.9 million people - 85 percent of Gaza's population - have been internally displaced. The Israeli attacks have also killed almost 28,000 people so far, according to the Gaza health ministry.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy
South Africa FM says Israel trying to 'intimidate' her over ICJ case

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 11:35 AM

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor denounced the Israeli intelligence agency's attempts to "intimidate" her over the Israeli genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and reaffirmed Pretoria's support for the Palestinians.

Speaking on the sidelines of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address on Thursday night, Pandor said she was concerned for the safety of her family after having been targeted on social media.

Pandor said she had spoken to Police Minister Bheki Cele about beefing up her security after she received threatening messages.

"I felt that [it would] be better if we had extra security. But what I'm more concerned about is my family, because in some of the social media messages my children are mentioned and so on, but this is par for the course.

"The Israeli agents, the intelligence services, [this] is how they behave, and they seek to intimidate you, so we must not be intimidated. There is a cause that is under way," the top South African diplomat said.

She said the government was determined to see the ICJ case through, much like the people of Palestine had been in fighting South Africa's apartheid system.

"We can't stand back now. We must be with them. And I think one of the things we must not allow is a failure of courage. It's extremely important that we continue with this. We talked to the South African people; they understand why it is we have taken up this moral course," Pandor noted.

The ICJ, also called the World Court, issued an interim ruling last month, ordering Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts that could amount to genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Hague-based court, however, stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

Israel waged the bloody war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's incessant crimes against Palestinians.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 27,947 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the territory.

The campaign has devastated large swathes of Gaza, destroyed hospitals and displaced most of its population of 2.4 million.

Israel has also imposed a "complete siege" on the coastal sliver, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water as human rights bodies have warned of a major humanitarian crisis.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US, UK bomb Yemen's Hudaydah in fresh bout of aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 10:52 AM

Military forces of the US and the UK have carried out a fresh aerial aggression against Yemeni territories, targeting numerous areas in Hudaydah Province.

In their latest act of aggression on Friday morning, the UK-US forces launched airstrikes on Al-Jabana, Al-Taif, and Al-Kathib regions located in the western province, Yemen's al-Masirah TV reported.

The extent of the potential damage caused by the airstrikes is not yet known.

The latest aggression came a day after the US confirmed that it had carried out multiple strikes on Yemeni forces' positions, claiming to protect the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

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 27,948 people and wounded another 67,459 individuals, come to an end.

The United States and Britain in December announced a military coalition to target Yemen in support of Israel. But most allies, notably European countries, have raised reservations about the plan, which has seen the US and Britain launch airstrikes on Yemen, and baulked at the idea of being under Washington's command.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday that the country's operations against Israeli-linked ships have been a "real victory."

"England and America have suffered huge losses due to Yemen's attacks and therefore have entered this war," he said.

He noted the US and British coalition has rushed to help the Israeli regime in its crimes against Gaza by carrying out attacks on Yemen.

Al-Houthi said the US claim of attacking Yemen under the moniker of "supporting freedom of navigation" in the Red Sea is a false excuse.

Al-Houthi pledged that "as long as Palestinian blood is spilled, widows' tears flow, and orphans cry, we will never empty the battlefield".

"We will continue our launch of ballistic and guided missiles and drones, and expand our mobilization and preparation activities," he added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hezbollah: Iraqi cmdr. assassination in line with ongoing US aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 9:07 AM

Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has strongly condemned the US's assassination of a commander of an Iraqi anti-terror resistance group, noting that the targeted killing falls within Washington's ongoing aggression and criminal practices across the region.

Hezbollah announced in a Thursday statement that the deadly aerial assault against Wissam Muhammad Saber, also known as Abu Baqer al-Saadi, and his companions is in continuation of the United States' "previous crimes and relentless atrocities against Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni nations."

Saadi, the commander in charge of Kata'ib Hezbollah's operations in Syria, was assassinated on Wednesday night after a US drone strike hit a moving vehicle east of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Two other Kata'ib Hezbollah officials also lost their lives in the attack.

The Lebanese movement added that the attack also constituted a "flagrant violation" of Iraq's sovereignty, security, and stability.

"The Axis of Resistance has complete confidence in Iraqi fighters, who are utterly determined to tread the path of resistance and continue their staunch support for oppressed Palestinian people," it said, adding, "This heinous assassination will certainly fortify their resolve to stay on the path."

Hezbollah also extended its deepest condolences to the Iraqi Kata'ib Hezbollah and wished patience and fortitude for the families and relatives of the fallen resistance fighters.

A funeral procession for al-Saadi is scheduled to be held on Friday in Najaf.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had killed the "commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on US forces in the region."

In a statement, Secretary-General of Kata'ib Hezbollah Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi extended congratulations and condolences to Saadi's family and comrades as well as the entire Muslim Ummah over the commander's martyrdom.

The assassination of Saadi "calls us to remain steadfast and keep a fighting spirit," he noted.

For its part, the Iraqi government denounced the US assassination drone strike in Baghdad, saying the United States-led military coalition in the country is becoming a "factor for instability".

Army spokesperson Yahya Rasool said on Thursday that repeated attacks by the US in Iraq are pushing the government to end the Western alliance's mission.

Anti-US sentiments have been growing in the region over Washington's unconditional support for Israel's atrocious onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal enclave, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7.

At least 27,840 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children. Another 67,317 individuals have sustained injuries as well.

The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the initiation of the war.

The US House of Representatives on November 2 passed a standalone $14.3-billion military assistance package for Israel. The legislation, however, is yet to clear the Senate.

Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that called on the occupying regime to cease its aggression.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Nicaragua asks to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 6:44 AM

Nicaragua has formally asked to join South Africa in its genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's top court says.

The Central American country filed its own application on January 23, the Hague-based ICJ also known as the World Court said on Thursday.

"In its application for permission to intervene, Nicaragua states that it 'has interests of a legal nature that stem from the rights and obligations imposed by the Genocide Convention on all State Parties," the ICJ said.

According to the court's statement, Nicaragua also urged judges to rule that Israel "has breached and continues to breach its obligations under the Genocide Convention" and to "cease acts or measures which would be capable of killing or continuing to kill Palestinians."

South Africa and Israel have been invited to furnish written observations on Nicaragua's application for permission to intervene as a party.

South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel in December 2023 over its war on the Gaza Strip.

According to South Africa's application, Israel's actions in Gaza were "genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group."

Last month, the ICJ issued an interim ruling on the emergency measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel, ordering Tel Aviv to take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 and since then, it has killed at least 27,840 Palestinians and injured more than 67,317 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hezbollah pounds Israeli military outposts in support of Palestinians in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 6:21 AM

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have carried out a string of strikes against Israeli military positions to show their support for the Palestinians' resistance amid the unrelenting Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Manar television channel, citing a Hezbollah statement, reported that the group struck the command headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the Israeli military at Ein Zeitim base in the 1948 occupied territories at around 11:00 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) on Thursday with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

Lebanese resistance fighters also pounded the Branit barracks and its garrison with a salvo of missiles, and destroyed targets there.

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah targeted a number of military posts and a command center in the northern part of the occupied lands as Israeli artillery shelled several border towns in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said in a statement that it had attacked the Jalil command center in Kiryat Shmona, soldiers in Metula, and the radar post in the occupied Shebaa Farms.

An officer and two soldiers were wounded in the Kiryat Shmona attack, the Israeli army radio said.

Israeli artillery units meanwhile shelled the southern towns of Kfarkila, al-Khiam, al-Hamames and the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab.

Moreover, Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network reported that Hezbollah fighters had bombed the Meron air base with several Falaq (Dusk) rockets earlier on Thursday.

The Lebanese resistance group said it attacked the strategically important Israeli air base in support of resilient Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and also in response to the Israeli attacks on Lebanese villages and civilians.

The Israeli regime launched its devastating hostilities in the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the territory's Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed at least 27,840 people, most of them women and children. Another 67,317 individuals have also been wounded.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Feb. 8: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 6:01 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal military campaign in Gaza, which has killed almost 28,000 Palestinians, most of them children and women, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Thursday, February 8, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Feb. 8:

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank with a Yassin-105 rocket near the industrial intersection in Gaza City followed by clashes, resulting in Israeli casualties.

Eliminated an Israeli military sniper near the Aviation Junction in Gaza City.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Feb. 8:

Marking the 24th anniversary of the group's founding, bombarded Israeli military sites, command centers and illegal settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip.

Targeted Sderot, Nahal Oz, Gaza Division command site in Ra'im, headquarters and command centers southwest and southeast of Gaza City, Sufa site, Tzalim HQ east of Rafah, Kissufim, Amitai site (southern brigade of Gaza Division), Yaftah military site of Gaza Division, Sa'ad, kibbutz Alumim, kibbutz Be'eri, Orhanir, kibbutz Karmia, kibbutz Yad Mordechai, and more.

Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in western Gaza City with appropriate weapons.

Bombarded the Israeli-occupied city of Ashdod with several S-40 rockets.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Feb. 8:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli regime soldiers inside tents east of the central Gaza Strip with guided 107 rockets.

Downed an Israeli military quadcopter that was carrying out spying missions in the central Gaza Strip.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their vehicles using machine guns and anti-tank missiles in Khan Younis city.

Bombarded Israeli military sites and illegal settlements with a barrage of rockets.

Targeted an Israeli military force holed up in a residential apartment west of Khan Younis city with a guided rocket.

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with a Tandem shell, setting it on fire.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on Feb. 8:

Engaged in clashes with Israeli regime forces in Batn Al-Sameen and Al-Amal neighborhoods and launched an RPG on one of the Israeli army's vehicles, destroying it.

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on Feb. 8:

Targeted positions and gatherings of Israeli military east of Gaza and Jabalia with a barrage of rockets and heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Al-Asifah Forces' operations on Feb. 8:

Engaged in clashes with Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the industrial areas, universities and Al-Rimal axes west of Gaza.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Feb. 8:

Engaged in clashes with Israeli soldiers and their vehicles using machine guns and RPGs in the center and south of Khan Younis city.

Engaged in intense battles with Israeli soldiers and their vehicles using appropriate weapons in the western axis of Gaza City.

Hezbollah's operations on Feb. 8:

Eastern sector:

At around 8:35 local time, the headquarters of the 769th Eastern Brigade of the 91st Galilee Division was targeted in the Kiryat Shmona barracks with appropriate weapons.

At around 12:20 local time, the Maale Golan Barracks was targeted with two Falaq missiles.

At around 13:40 local time, the radar site in Shebaa was targeted.

At around 14:10 local time, Israeli soldiers in Metulla were targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 16:18 local time, Al-Zaoura's shelter was targeted with missiles.

Western sector:

At around 8:35 local time, the Beranit Barracks was targeted with missiles.

At around 16:35 local time, the Barkat Risha site was targeted with two Burkan missiles.

At around 19:30 local time, Meron Air Base was targeted with Falaq missiles.

At around 23:00 local time, the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Brigade at Ain Zeitim base was targeted with a barrage of Katyusha rockets.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Minister Under Fire For Alleged Nepotism

By Abubakar Siddique February 09, 2024

The Key Issue

Shahabuddin Delawar, the Taliban's mining and petroleum minister, has been accused of nepotism after his son was appointed as the extremist group's ambassador to Uzbekistan.

Maghfoorullah Shahab, Delawar's younger son, took over Afghanistan's embassy in Tashkent on February 4.

Delawar's elder son, Rohullah Shahab, is already serving as a senior bureaucrat in the office of a Taliban deputy prime minister. Meanwhile, his son-in-law, Shamsuddin Ahmadi, holds a senior position in the Kabul municipality.

Delawar has come under rare criticism from Taliban members, some of whom have said his son's appointment as ambassador was a brazen display of political nepotism.

Why It's Important: The allegations against Delawar are a blow to the Taliban's claims that its hard-line government is free of nepotism and corruption.

In a decree issued last year, Taliban chief Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada told "all officials in the ministries, departments, and independent authorities that no one is allowed to appoint family members or relatives in government positions."

Delawar is not alone in appearing to defy Akhundzada's orders.

Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani's uncle, Khalil ur-Rahman Haqqani, is the refugee affairs minister. Members of the extended Haqqani family also hold important posts in the intelligence service and the administration in southeastern Khost Province.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar's son, Mullah Mohammad Yaqub, is the powerful defense minister. Yaqub's uncle, Mullah Manan Omari, is the labor and social affairs minister.

What's Next: Many officials from the fallen Western-backed Afghan government were accused of using their positions to grant favors to their relatives.

It appears that allegations of political nepotism are also likely to dog Taliban officials.

Taliban leaders appear likely to use their positions to enrich themselves and consolidate their power.

What To Keep An Eye On

Global rights watchdog Amnesty International (AI) has urged the Taliban to release two Afghan education activists.

Samira Hamidi, a South Asia campaigner for AI, on February 8 urged the Taliban to release Ahmad Fahim Azimi and Sediqullah Afghan.

"They must be released immediately," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that despite a lack of evidence against the two, a Taliban judge sentenced them to prison in an "unfair trial."

Azimi and Afghan are known for campaigning for girls' education, which the Taliban has severely restricted.

They were arrested in October by the Taliban's intelligence service and now languish in the notorious Pul-e Charkhi prison in Kabul.

Their arrests have been widely condemned by rights activists.

Why It's Important: The arrests of Azimi and Afghan are part of the Taliban's wider crackdown on dissent.

Since its return to power, the Taliban has detained and jailed scores of journalists and activists for publicly opposing its repressive policies.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azadi-briefing-taliban- nepotism-afghanistan/32812465.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






Georgian Parliament Approves New Cabinet Led By Former Chairman Of Ruling Party

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service February 09, 2024

The former chairman of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party has been appointed prime minister in a reshuffle ahead of general elections later this year.

Irakli Kobakhidze and his cabinet were approved on February 8 in an 84-10 vote in parliament that expressed confidence in the new government.

The reshuffle was touched off when Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on January 29 announced his resignation to give his party time to prepare for the general elections, which are to be held in the Caucasus nation by October.

Georgian media had previously reported that Kobakhidze would take Garibashvili's place. He presented his government to the parliament earlier and outlined a program for the "construction of a European state."

The only change in the cabinet is the defense minister. Deputy speaker of the parliament Irakli Chikovani will take over the post from Juansher Burchuladze, who was appointed on in February 2021.

Kobakhidze, 45, a German-educated lawyer, has held the job of Georgian Dream's chairman since 2021. From 2016 to 2019, Kobakhidze served as the parliament speaker but was forced to resign following mass demonstrations that erupted in Tbilisi when a Russian lawmaker chaired an assembly of legislators from Orthodox Christian countries in the parliament building.

Speaking in parliament on February 8, Kobakhidze said the government would work to end the Russian occupation of Georgia's breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and take efforts to overcome poverty.

Russia fought a brief war with Georgia in August 2008 after Tbilisi made a botched attempt to regain control over South Ossetia. Moscow then recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and beefed up its military presence in them.

"Today, 20 percent of Georgia's territory is occupied, and 15 percent of its citizens live on the verge of poverty," Kobakhidze said. "We can only be proud of our work when we reset these two figures to zero: 0 percent occupation and 0 percent poverty. This is the Georgian dream, and this is the Georgia we dream of."

Kobakhidze also presented a 10-month plan that aims to bring ongoing initiatives to a close. As Kobakhidze explained, after the elections later this year a four-year government program will be presented based on the Georgian Dream election program.

Georgia was granted EU candidacy status in December at the same time that fellow former Soviet republics Ukraine and Moldova were given the green light to begin negotiations to join the bloc.

However, a report published last month by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum -- an umbrella network of NGOs from the region and the European Union -- was critical of Georgia's backsliding on democracy and the rule of law under.

The report said Georgia was granted EU candidate status "even though" it had engaged in "anti-Western rhetoric" and attempted, but failed, to pass a controversial "foreign agents" bill last year.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-parliament- approves-new-cabinet/32811843.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 Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

February 9, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis in Washington to launch the fifth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. They discussed the positive developments across the U.S.-Greek bilateral relationship and their shared commitment to democratic values and promoting peace and prosperity. The Secretary thanked NATO Ally Greece for its participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian and continued support for Ukraine. The two recognized the importance of U.S.-Greece people-to-people ties in bolstering the strategic relationship. As part of the Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Minister Gerapetritis signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Greece to support peaceful and responsible space exploration.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Joint Statement on the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

February 9, 2024

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Greece on the occasion of the fifth Strategic Dialogue.

Begin Text

The Strategic Dialogue serves to accelerate the deepening collaboration between the United States and Greece. Both countries utilized this fifth meeting of the Strategic Dialogue to underscore a growing bilateral and transatlantic relationship founded on shared democratic values and interests. On February 9, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis held discussions that featured high-level interagency representation from both countries.

At this year's dialogue, Greece signed onto the Artemis Accords, becoming the 35th country to do so. Under the Artemis Accords principles, the United States and Greece affirm their shared commitment to a common vision for peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation in space. Foreign Minister Gerapetritis signed the Accords on behalf of Greece. Greece and the United States reaffirm their will to continue and enhance cooperation in the following areas:

Regional Issues

The United States and Greece renewed their commitment to promoting stability, peace, and prosperity in Europe and the region, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel, violent actions by the Houthis that threaten shipping and navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea, and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Both governments reaffirmed their shared values and commitment to democracy and the need to resolve disputes diplomatically, respect sovereignty, and abide by international law, including the law of the sea. The United States welcomed ongoing engagement between Greece and Turkiye, including the Fifth High-Level Cooperation Council on December 7, 2023, in Athens and the signing of a Greece-Turkiye Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.

The United States and Greece intend to continue promoting regional integration, rule of law, good neighborly relations, stability and security in the Western Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean region, and cooperation through the 3+1 format (Greece, Cyprus, Israel, plus the United States). In light of regional developments, deepening cooperation of the 3+1 and linking it to other regional cooperation initiatives, will promote economic growth, sustainable development, and stability in the region. The United States expressed appreciation for Greece's humanitarian aid to Gaza; strong support of Israel; participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian, and commended Greece for its leading role in the new EU maritime operation EUNAVFOR Aspides. The two governments discussed the importance of support for Ukraine, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to and respect for the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. The two countries noted Greece's candidacy for the United Nations Security Council 2025/26 and planned on further enhancement of the already excellent cooperation in the UN.

Defense and Security

Both countries reaffirmed the significance of expanding and deepening bilateral strategic defense cooperation. They reiterated their firm determination mutually to safeguard and protect the security, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of their respective countries. They also stressed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation through Greece's military modernization efforts and looked forward to continued cooperation on the procurement of defense articles, such as the F35s and, as EDA grant transfers, C-130H aircraft and Littoral Combat Ships. The United States and Greece discussed possible mutual benefits of co-designing and co-producing Constellation class frigates, including the economic benefits for Greece's shipyards and the cooperation between the defense innovation ecosystems of the two countries. The United States commended Greece for exceeding its Wales Summit pledge by spending over 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense with over 45 percent of this used for major equipment purchases and modernization. The United States noted the continuing success of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which increases NATO's ability to protect its southeastern flank and provides strategically important access, basing, and overflight for U.S. forces. In this context, they welcomed the infrastructure improvement projects in Souda, Larissa, Alexandroupoli, and other locations. Greece and the United States noted the growing number of U.S. forces working in solidarity with the Greek armed forces through combined multilateral training and exercises in support of the NATO Alliance. The United States and Greece underscored the strategic importance of the Port of Alexandroupoli as a vital logistics, energy, and supplies chain hub.

Humanitarian Challenges and Disaster Preparedness

The United States and Greece discussed emergency planning and wildfire readiness, including Greek contributions to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The United States welcomed Hellenic Fire Corps involvement in a U.S. study tour and expressed interest in updating disaster response cooperation. Both underscored the need to find sustainable solutions to tackle to migration and refugee flows affecting both Europe and the United States. The United States highlighted its Safe Mobility Initiative with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to establish access to services based on specific humanitarian and protection needs. Greece also emphasized the importance of offering more legal migration pathways, outlining relevant bilateral agreements. Greece underscored the challenges that frontline countries in the Mediterranean face when receiving large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers while ensuring effective protection of the EU external borders.

Energy and Environment

Both countries stressed continued cooperation on energy security, emphasizing the shared goal of greater regional interconnectivity to diversify routes and types of energy, including renewable energy where Greece has emerged as a European leader. Collaborating on Greece's renewable energy infrastructure development is a shared priority to bolster Greece's future as a renewable energy exporter, including through the Green Aegean initiative. Furthermore, the United States supports Greece's efforts to advance electricity interconnection projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, thus contributing to European energy security and the promotion of clean energy. The United States welcomes the accession of Greece to the Three Seas Initiative, as an important step towards enhancing the North-to-South Corridor, fostering regional energy cooperation. The United States commended Greece's leadership and preparation as host of the 9th Our Ocean Conference in April 2024 and reiterated the U.S. commitment to support of Greece's planning efforts and host priorities, including green shipping. The two countries emphasized the importance of integrating youth in climate change mitigation and resilience, including through a U.S. Embassy Athens-funded youth corps exchange program linking the California Conservation Corps with Greek non-governmental organization Ecogenia.

Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism

The United States and Greece discussed ongoing law enforcement cooperation, with both committing to mutual legal assistance, extraditions, joint training, and subject matter exchanges to combat complex challenges, and reviewed successes in those areas. The United States commended Greece's role as the regional leader in strategically advancing aviation security through development of Passenger Information Units in several Western Balkan countries. The discussion further underscored Greece's successful efforts to counter new and emerging threats such as cybersecurity and threats to critical infrastructure, money laundering, and terrorism through issuance of new biometric IDs and passports, both countries affirmed their commitment to countering trafficking in persons, strengthening cybersecurity, advancing regional aviation security and information sharing within the Western Balkans, and cooperating through the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Trade and Investment

The United States and Greece celebrated a robust year of trade and investment, emphasizing the U.S. - EU Trade and Technology Council's progress. They discussed the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) $125 million loan to ONEX Elefsis Shipyards, the first such agreement in Greece. Both nations acknowledged Greece's economic progress and ongoing efforts to institutionalize a foreign direct investment screening mechanism designed to protect Greek national security and as an entry way into Europe. Greece commended U.S.-supported workplace integration efforts, including a Women in Tech Network in Thessaloniki to support and empower women working and studying in technology fields, conduct recruitment and outreach, and advocate for policy change at the local and national levels. The United States congratulated Greece on its record-breaking number of tourists, especially from the United States, in 2023 and recognized the importance of this key sector of the economy for continued economic growth and employment. Greece underlined the importance of ensuring high levels of air connectivity to maintain and enhance bilateral tourism flows.

People-to-People Ties

The United States and Greece reaffirmed the deep and enduring ties between the people of both nations and our shared commitment to democracy, innovation and expanding educational opportunities for all people, regardless of background or ability. Both recognized the important role of education and culture as drivers of economic growth and underscored the need for upholding academic openness and transparency in international higher education and research cooperation. The United States and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their cooperation in the field of education, including by offering more opportunities for exchange of American and Greek students. The two countries re-affirmed their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in educational and cultural collaboration and highlighted opportunities to share best practices in inclusive education, including special needs education, universal design for learning and teaching, and early intervention. The United States and Greece welcomed the enhanced bilateral cooperation in returning to Greece illegally obtained artifacts. Both countries agreed to examine ways of further raising awareness against antisemitism and racism. They reaffirmed their commitment to Holocaust education, to include the establishment of a Holocaust Museum and Memorial Park in Thessaloniki, and to their shared oversight of the Arolsen Archives on Nazi Persecutions as partners on the International Commission, which Greece will chair in 2024. The United States and Greece discussed opportunities for partnering to protect cultural heritage from the effects of climate change. The United States welcomed Prime Minister Mitsotakis's pledges to legislate equality in marriage and continuing to implement the National Action Plan to expand protections for LGBTQI+ persons in Greece.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The man accused of killing a Fort Calhoun priest has pleaded not guilty.

Kierre Williams, 43, pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and burglary in a Washington County courtroom in Blair on Thursday.

The charges against Williams stem from the Dec. 10 murder of Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, a Roman Catholic priest in Fort Calhoun. Williams has been accused by police of breaking into the churchs rectory and fatally stabbing Gutgsell multiple times with a knife.

Williams next court appearance is scheduled for March 5.

What you missed last week in notable Omaha crimes and court cases Last week's local crime and court updates from The World-Herald.
African Development Bank, UNHCR explore pathways to support forcibly displaced people in South Sudan

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

9 February 2024

JUBA -- During a joint visit to South Sudan, the African Development Bank and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, committed to deepening their collaboration for displaced people and host communities in the country.

Since the start of the war in Sudan 300 days ago, more than half a million people have arrived in South Sudan, most of them South Sudanese who had been in Sudan for decades. Many are heading back to villages that barely have any services and where there is no humanitarian assistance available. Sudanese refugees are being relocated to refugee settlements where resources were already overstretched.

UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Raouf Mazou, and the African Development Bank's Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, concluded a joint visit to South Sudan this week.

Accompanied by South Sudan's Deputy Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Dabi, they visited a refugee camp and transit centre hosting arrivals from Sudan, giving them an opportunity to hear from affected people. In the capital, Juba, they met with high-level government officials, who welcomed the partnership and joint collaboration addressing the pressing needs in the country. The delegation also met with representatives of the donor community.

Recalling the African Development Bank's third Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa (2022-2026), which puts an emphasis on conflict prevention and inclusive post-conflict reconstruction and development, Vice President Akin-Olugbade said, "We are committed to responding to the biggest development challenges facing the African continent, including preventing and addressing forced displacement. Our collaboration and partnership with UNHCR is an important and critical way to advance resilience and durable solutions for refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities in South Sudan."

UNHCR's Mazou added, "South Sudan has generously kept its border open to receive people fleeing the war in Sudan, but they can't do it alone. More humanitarian and development support is needed to deliver life-saving assistance and enable conflict-affected communities to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives."

Their visit highlights the value of investments in refugee and returnee areas and the local communities hosting them, as well as the crucial role of partnerships between humanitarian and development actors. It follows an earlier joint visit focused on establishing durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in Central African Republic in March 2023.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Three hundred days of atrocities against the children of Sudan

UNICEF

This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

09 February 2024

GENEVA, 9 February 2024 -- "Three hundred days ago, a wave of atrocities were unleashed upon the children of Sudan.

"Here is some of what happened in those 300 days:

"First: the world's largest displacement of children has been seen in Sudan. Four million children have been displaced. That's 13,000 children every single day for 300 days. Safety, gone. Worldly possessions, gone. Friends and family members separated or lost. Hope, fading.

"Second: The consequences of the past 300 days means that more than 700,000 children are likely to suffer from the deadliest form of malnutrition this year. We won't be able to treat more than 300,000 of them without improved access and additional support. Tens of thousands will likely die.

"Third: There has been a 500% increase in cases of killing, sexual violence and recruitment from a year ago.

"That equates to terrifying numbers of children killed, raped or recruited. And these numbers are the tip of the iceberg.

"Fourth: Two-thirds of the population now lack access to health care.

"This, then, is a war destroying health and nutrition systems, and that is killing people. This is a war destroying the concept of respect for the laws of war, and that is killing people. This is a war destroying families' ability to feed and protect themselves, and that is killing people.

"But this is also a war destroying opportunity, and that destroys a country and the future of an entire generation.

"The true cost of war isn't just measured in casualties but also in the loss of intellectual capital, and this war risks condemning Sudan to a future bereft of learning, innovation, progress, and hope.

"I was last in Darfur 20 years ago. This return was, sadly, deja vu of the deadliest kind. But for the children of Darfur, and the young adults who were once children in Darfur, it was something worse: despair.

"When I returned this past week - I heard stories of deaths from nutrition and deaths from violence - I also met countless 20-somethings for whom dreams had died.

"These youth were small children during the massacres in Darfur 20 years ago. Somehow, their families kept them safe amid that horror. In the proceeding 20 years, they latched onto life.

"Those I met - both in Darfur and newly arrived refugees in Chad - had studied or were studying economics, medical science, engineering, IT. However, in the chaos of this war, the brightest minds have been forced to abandon their studies, their ambitions shattered.

"As 22-year-old Haida said to me in Darfur: "I had a dream - to study medical science. I was living that dream. Now I have nothing. I do not dream. Sadness is my friend."

"Ahmed, 20, now in Farchana, Chad: "I cannot afford to dream here."

"How then to get out of this nightmare and reawaken their dreams? Those in power need to negotiate a ceasefire, and ensure aid is no longer blocked. Those in the region need to show leadership. Those in donor countries need to show compassion and humanity.

"But with no sign of a ceasefire, we must focus on two things: 1. safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access across conflict lines and across borders; 2. international support to help sustain the essential services that children rely on to survive. Currently, we have neither.

"In 2024, UNICEF is appealing for US$840 million to reach 7.6 million of the most vulnerable children in Sudan with humanitarian assistance. Despite the magnitude of needs, last year, the funding UNICEF sought for nearly three-quarters of children was not forthcoming.

"Amid so many children overlooked, it's important to remember what families and communities are doing: most health workers in Sudan haven't been paid a penny since the war started. But they come to work to help their communities in Sudan. Communities in Chad, already desperately short of food and water, are sharing what they can with refugees.

"People are using every last ounce of strength and resilience to survive and support their communities. Yet, the people of Sudan are increasingly feeling abandoned by the world.

"When it comes to the children and youth of Sudan, the world needs to stop turning a blind eye. Where is our collective humanity if we allow this situation to continue?"

#####



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on Rafah, Gaza

UNICEF

09 February 2024

NEW YORK, 8 February 2024 -- "UNICEF is urgently calling on the parties to refrain from military escalation in Rafah Governorate in Gaza where over 600,000 children and their families have been displaced - many of them more than once.

"An escalation of the fighting in Rafah, which is already straining under the extraordinary number of people who have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, will mark another devastating turn in a war that has reportedly killed over 27,000 people - most of them women and children.

"Thousands more could die in the violence or by lack of essential services, and further disruption of humanitarian assistance. We need Gaza's last remaining hospitals, shelters, markets and water systems to stay functional. Without them, hunger and disease will skyrocket, taking more child lives.

"I appeal to all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. That includes taking the utmost care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure, to meet civilians' essential needs and facilitate rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access. Military operations in densely populated residential areas can have indiscriminate effects.

"We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and the safe and immediate release of all hostages - especially children - who have suffered so much.

"A humanitarian ceasefire will save lives. It will allow for the expansion of the humanitarian response, and help provide the best protection for children whose lives and futures are hanging in the balance."

# # # # #





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Gaza: UN health agency warns over continuing attacks on healthcare

9 February 2024 - The unrelenting war in Gaza hasn't spared hospitals, their staff or the people sheltering there, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday as it unveiled data indicating more than 350 attacks on healthcare in the enclave since hostilities erupted.

A total of 645 people have died since 7 October and another 818 were injured as a result of these incidents, said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, his comments coming amid allegations that a nurse was shot and critically injured while inside an operating theatre at a hospital in Khan Younis.

"These attacks have affected 98 healthcare facilities, including 27 hospitals damaged out of 36, and affected 90 ambulances, including 50 which sustained damage," Mr. Jasarevic told journalists in Geneva.

Driven out

In its latest update on the crisis, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported more "intense fighting" in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Thursday involving shelling and heavy gunfire.

Citing UN partner the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PCRS), the UN aid coordination office said that Nasser Hospital and Al Amal Hospital - reportedly under siege for 17 days - had continued to be particularly badly affected by the violence which "is driving thousands of people" from the city further south to Rafah.

Hospital focus

The OCHA update also relayed reports from the Gazan health authority of continuing "allegations of sniper shooting in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital" and allegations that the Israeli military had prevented the movement of ambulances and access to the facility.

"On 8 February, a nurse was reportedly shot and critically injured while inside the operations room in Nasser Hospital and two Palestinians were reportedly shot and killed in the vicinity," the OCHA update said. "On 7 February, a Palestinian woman was reportedly shot and killed while purportedly fetching water from Nasser Hospital."

West Bank escalation

The latest WHO data also highlighted the growing number of attacks on healthcare in the occupied West Bank since the Gaza-Israel war erupted on 7 October, after widely condemned Hamas-led terror attacks left 1,200 Israeli and foreign nationals butchered and more than 250 taken hostage.

Some 364 attacks on healthcare have happened in the West Bank, resulting in 10 fatalities and 62 injuries, Mr. Jasarevic said. He noted that 44 health facilities had been affected, including 15 mobile clinics and 24 ambulances.

The latest toll from the fighting in Gaza is at least 27,840 fatalities with more than 67,300 injured, according to the local health authority. As of 8 February, 225 Israeli soldiers have been killed with 1,314 injured in Gaza since the beginning of the ground operation, according to the Israeli military.

Renewed famine fears

UN humanitarians continued to highlight that the risk of famine in Gaza is increasing "by the day", particularly in northern Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of people there have been "predominantly cut off from assistance", OCHA said, despite the fact that this is where the greatest needs are, with many reportedly grinding animal feed to make flour.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered 1,940 trucks - 19 per cent of all aid trucks, it said - carrying over 32,413 tons of lifesaving food supplies.

The last time the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, was able to carry out a food distribution in the north of Wadi Gaza was 23 January, OCHA's update noted.

Buffer rebuff

And as UN humanitarians reiterated deep concerns on Friday about any further escalation of fighting in overcrowded Rafah in the far south of the Gaza Strip, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, insisted that any reported attempt by Israel to create a "buffer zone" with Gaza could constitute a war crime.

"Article 53 of the Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the occupying power of property belonging to private persons, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations," said OHCHR spokesperson Marta Hurtado.

"Destruction carried out to create a buffer zone for general security purposes do not appear consistent with the ...military operations."

Commando comment

Asked for a reaction to an Israeli counter-terrorism operation inside a West Bank hospital that left three Palestinian militants dead late last month, Ms. Hurtado noted that Israeli security forces had claimed that one of those targeted had a gun, " a claim denied by hospital staff.

No exchange of fire was reported, she said, emphasizing that under applicable international human rights law, firearms may only be used when strictly necessary to prevent an imminent threat to life or serious injury and is otherwise unlawful.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN Special Adviser 'horrified' at suffering of civilians in the Middle East

9 February 2024 - The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on Friday expressed profound horror at the ongoing situation in the Middle East, reiterating the call for a humanitarian ceasefire and protection of civilians.

Alice Wairimu Nderitu also underscored the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to bring the crisis to an end.

"Civilians should never pay the price of a conflict for which they bear no responsibility," she said in a statement.

"Their most basic rights must be protected and preserved, and their humanitarian needs must be met," she added.

Wednesday marked the fourth month of the brutal war in Gaza.

The conflict erupted on 7 October, when Hamas and other Palestinian militants attacked southern Israel, leaving some 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 250 taken hostage.

In the ensuing military operation by Israel in the Gaza Strip, at least 27,840 Palestinians have been killed with more than 67,300 injured, according to the local health authority. Over 1.7 million Gazans have been displaced, and the enclave has suffered massive destruction of houses, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure.

Strengthen resolve to end conflict

The Special Adviser also called on all relevant actors to strengthen their resolve to find an end to the conflict.

This requires first and foremost ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international law, she said.

She also called for the safe return of all hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza as well as investigating acts of sexual violence reportedly committed in the context of the 7 October attacks and their aftermath.

ICJ decision

The statement also referred to the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case brought forward by South Africa against Israel on prevention of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Ms. Nderitu noted that neither the UN Secretary-General nor herself, as his Special Adviser, "take a position" in relation to ongoing judicial proceedings before the court.

In the 26 January decision, the ICJ ordered Israel, inter alia, in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, "to take all measures within its power" to prevent the commission of acts within the scope of article II of the instrument, including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group's destruction and imposing measures intended to prevent births.

The court also ordered Israel to "ensure with immediate effect that its military forces do not commit any of the above-described acts".

Regional spillover

The Special Adviser also echoed the Secretary-General's concern over the spillover effects of the war in Gaza in the West Bank and the wider Middle East region.

She reiterated concern over the impact of the conflict across the world, urging that efforts be put in place for communities to co-exist peacefully and for all grievances to be addressed constructively and peacefully.

"Inflammatory remarks, dehumanizing rhetoric and hate speech can only contribute to ignite further violence and reduce the space for ending the conflict," Ms. Nderitu said.

"Political leaders have a special responsibility to refrain from using such hateful narratives and implement all possible measures to defuse ongoing tensions," she added.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sudan war leaves 700,000 children facing life-threatening malnutrition

9 February 2024 - A staggering 700,000 children in Sudan face the worst and most life-threatening form of hunger after 300 days of war, UN humanitarians warned on Friday.

"The world's largest displacement of children has been seen in Sudan," said UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder.

"Four million children have been displaced. That's 13,000 children every single day, for 300 days. Safety, gone. Worldly possessions, gone. Friends and family members separated or lost. Hope, fading."

Earlier this week, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, appealed for $2.7 billion to meet most urgent needs inside Sudan, but the appeal is just four per cent funded.

This is despite repeated dire warnings about the scale and severity of the hunger and displacement crisis in Sudan, after rival Sudanese militaries embarked on a brutal conflict last April. Both forces have since refused to heed regional and international calls for peace.

Darfur landscape

Describing his visit last week to Sudan's Darfurs, Mr. Elder told journalists in Geneva that of the more than 700,000 children who are likely to suffer severe acute malnutrition - the most dangerous form of hunger - UNICEF "won't be able to treat more than 300,000 of those without improved access and without additional support. In that case, tens of thousands would likely die."

International efforts to help the people of Sudan and Sudanese refugees include Wednesday's joint appeal by OCHA and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Assistance can't come too soon for dangerously malnourished under-fives, warned the UN health agency's Tarik Jasarevic, who stressed the immediate positive impact on removing all aid obstacles.

Babies can bounce back

"These babies can recover very quickly. If there is a possibility to provide them with therapeutic feeding, babies in a matter of few days can go from the brink of death to be playing, you know, in those (nutrition) centres," he said.

Country's future in balance

In addition to millions of people uprooted by the conflict and life-threatening hunger, the people of Sudan have also endured a 500 per cent increase in verified cases of killings, sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups compared with a year ago.

"That equates to a terrifying number of children killed, raped or recruited. And these numbers are, of course, the tip of the iceberg," Mr. Elder said.

"This, then, is a war destroying health and nutrition systems, and that is killing people," he insisted. "This is a war destroying the concept of respect for the laws of war, and that is killing people. This is a war destroying families' ability to feed and protect themselves, and that is killing people. But this is also a war destroying opportunity, and that destroys a country and the future of an entire generation."





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Haiti: Human rights deteriorating as gang violence spreads

9 February 2024 - The already dire human rights situation in Haiti has deteriorated even further amid unrelenting and expanding gang violence, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Friday.

At least 806 people not involved in violent gang wars were killed, injured, or kidnapped in January - the bloodiest month in more than two years.

Additionally, some 300 gang members were killed or injured, bringing the overall total of people affected to 1,108 - more than three times the number recorded in January 2023 - and each day brings more casualties.

Deploy multinational mission

"Now, more than ever, Haitian lives depend on the deployment, with no further delay, of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS), to support the National Police and bring security to the Haitian population, under conditions that comply with international human rights norms and standards," he said, referring to the mission authorized by the UN Security Council last October.

Gang members continue to clash for control of territory in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, and have escalated their activities in areas outside the city.

The intensity of the fighting, lasting several hours in some cases, may indicate that some gangs have recently received new ammunition, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).

Sexual violence as a weapon

Gangs also continue to use sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon, and spread fear by using local social media to share gruesome photos and videos of killed individuals and women being raped.

The growing and widespread insecurity - which Mr. Turk described as a "torrent of violence" - has sparked anti-government street protests and civil unrest, supported by opposition political parties, in at least 24 towns.

At least 16 people were killed and 29 injured in recent weeks, mainly in the context of clashes between protesters and police.

Concern for children

The UN human rights chief also voiced particular concern over the situation of children, noting that 167 boys and girls were killed and injured by bullets last year.

Some were executed by gangs or so-called "self-defence" groups for their suspected support for rivals, while the recruitment of children into gangs remained extremely worrisome.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called for all parties to safeguard Haiti's youngest citizens amid the latest unrest.

"Children and families are already enduring relentless waves of brutal violence perpetrated by armed groups in their neighbourhoods, with each day bringing new horrors, the loss of loved ones, homes being destroyed by fires or bullets, and an ever-present shadow of fear," Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, said in a statement on Thursday.

Haitians are facing some of the worst human rights violations and threats in the country's recent history, he noted.

Cease the violence

Years of political turmoil, poverty, institutional and socioeconomic crises, disease outbreaks, increased rates of malnutrition, disasters and escalating armed violence have left over three million children in need of humanitarian assistance, and many more will join them if the situation deteriorates further.

As the unrest has already led to the interruption of essential social services such as education, health, and protection, the UNICEF official urged all stakeholders, including authorities at all levels, "to cease the violence and focus on safely reopening and providing essential social services for children where they were previously nonfunctional."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






World News in Brief: Rafah escalation fears, Gaza war's unprecedented death rate, Pakistan terrorist attacks condemned

9 February 2024 - The unprecedented population density in Rafah in southern Gaza makes it nearly impossible to protect civilians in the event of ground attacks, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, warned on Friday.

More than half of Gaza's population of over two million is now crammed into the city, which is located on the border with Egypt and originally home to some 250,000 people.

Congestion has reached a point where normal routes are blocked by tents set up by families seeking any flat, clean space available, OCHA said.

Garbage mounting, basics lacking

In the past three months, Rafah has produced the equivalent of a year's worth of garbage, according to municipal authorities. Furthermore, the scarcity of food, clean water, health services and sanitation facilities have led to the outbreak of preventable diseases as well as deaths.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jamie McGoldrick, said that fuel, generators and spare parts are urgently needed to improve people's access to clean water, noting that the southern Gaza desalination plant is only working at up to 15 per cent of its original capacity.

Humanitarians estimate that about 100,000 families in Gaza need shelter support, including tents for winter weather and other supplies.

They have distributed some 40,000 tents since the start of the war on 7 October, with 28,000 more in the pipeline.

Unprecedented scale of death in Gaza: UN report

The Gaza conflict is unfolding in a way that makes it the most severe episode in the 56-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, a UN regional body said in a report on Friday.

More than one per cent of the Gazan population was killed during the first 100 days of the war, according to the policy brief by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

"No other armed conflict in the twenty-first century has experienced such a devastating impact on a population in such a short timeframe. To find a 100-day period with greater bloodshed, it is necessary to go back to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda," it said.

Although Gaza has suffered previous military escalations, ESCW said the war stands out as unprecedented in the scale of death, destruction, and human suffering it has incurred, with repercussions that will echo for generations.

"The unprecedented impact of the current war on Gaza demands a transformative shift in addressing mounting immediate needs, reevaluating long-term systemic challenges to relief efforts, and confronting the root causes of the conflict," said Rola Dashti, the ESCWA Executive Secretary.

Security Council condemns pre-election terrorist attacks in Pakistan

The UN Security Council has condemned in the strongest terms the deadly "heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks" in Pakistan on Wednesday.

At least 26 people were killed, and dozens more wounded, in twin bombings in Pishin and Qila Saifullah, Balochistan, on the eve of the country's parliamentary elections.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility, according to international media reports.

In a statement on Thursday, Council members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Pakistan and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured.

They underlined the need to hold accountable those who perpetrate, organize, finance and sponsor "these reprehensible acts of terrorism" and bring them to justice.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SECAF, 16th Air Force CC visit America's Cryptologic Wing

Published Feb. 9, 2024

By Tech. Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos

70th ISRW Public Affairs

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing hosted Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on Feb. 2 and Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, from Feb. 1-2 at Fort George G. Meade to learn about the wing's cryptologic mission.

Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, the 16th Air Force serves as the Air Force's Information Warfare Numbered Air Force. Its mission is to converge capabilities to generate IW outcomes for combatant commanders and air components.

"Part of my daily rhythm is receiving an intelligence update on the many challenges and threats our Air Force and Space Force faces," Kendall said. "These products deliver expert-level detail and analysis. Meeting the intelligence Airmen working behind the scenes is important to me as a leader."

As America's Cryptologic Wing, the 70th ISRW plays a vital role in aiding the Air Force's IW NAF by providing commanders with knowledge to help make advantageous decisions and de-escalate potential conflicts. It conducts global ISR in air, space, and cyberspace and is comprised of 6,200 Total Force Airmen assigned to six groups, 23 squadrons and two detachments, spanning 28 locations worldwide.

The 70th ISRW predominantly works alongside National Security Agency professionals in support of national intelligence needs and builds partnerships across the intelligence community in support of Air Force and joint force requirements.

"What we accomplish in the 70th ISRW is tremendously important to the entire ISR enterprise and our mission to generate insights for the Joint Force and national leaders," Kennedy said. "As one of the Air Force's largest wings, the leadership of our Airmen who analyze and translate signals intelligence is critical to generating combat power and ensuring the joint force is postured to win during competition as well as win during a potential crisis or conflict."

The senior leader visits began with Kennedy as he met with 70th ISRW leadership and toured a few of the wing's facilities on the NSA campus such as the dining facility, fitness center and recently renovated living quarters.

The general also engaged with members of 32nd and 7th Intelligence Squadrons, discussing capabilities with Airmen who conduct real-time SIGINT and cybersecurity missions across the globe.

"This is an amazing opportunity to highlight how we synchronize as a global wing along with our mission partners to ensure our Airmen are part of a highly effective, resilient team that is ready to win any fight, anytime," said Col. Celina Noyes, 70th ISRW commander.

Kennedy capped off the first day with a mentorship lunch for field- and company-grade officers. He shared personal experiences learned throughout his career and answered questions about leadership and optimization of the work force.

"As leaders, you have to find the best way to lead your team in focusing on the key priorities that have the greatest mission impact," Kennedy said. "I greatly appreciate what you're doing to lead our Air Force. Your responsibility is to take care of the Airmen so that they can take care of the mission. You need to ensure they are trained, ready, and empowered."

On the second day, Kennedy joined Kendall along with other senior leaders at the 70th ISRW headquarters where they received briefings on programs and capabilities employed by the wing, such as cyber threat and vulnerability interdiction, Over-the-Horizon Targeting and Publicly Available Information.

Through these efforts, the 70th ISRW pushes the cryptologic mission forward, securing national security systems and critical infrastructure to generate deep insights into foreign adversaries and prevail in an era of great power competition.

The leaders also recognized a few Airmen for their contributions in supporting the mission.

"Our one team, and the entire joint force, relies on you," Kendall said. "Your analysis, products, and persistence are our advantagethey inform better decisions and allow us to better anticipate what seems unpredictable. More importantly, this visit makes it clear, our intelligence professionals constantly seek to hone their skills. Thank you for all that you do, making sense of a turbulent world is no small task."

The senior leader visits concluded as they transitioned to U.S. Cyber Command and NSA for a change of command ceremony.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Philippines, US Partner in Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea

US Navy

09 February 2024

From by Lt.j.g. Rebecca Moore, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

SOUTH CHINA SEA -- The U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy (PN) conducted the third iteration of the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, reaffirming both nations' commitment to bolstering regional security and stability, Feb. 9.

Participating ships included Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), embarked with a MH-60S Sea Hawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 from the U.S.; and the Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15) and AW109 Helicopter (NH434).

The MCA displays the enduring partnership between the two militaries and advances combined capabilities in the evolving maritime domain through routine goodwill activities at sea.

During the activity, the allied forces sailed together and participated in advanced planning and maritime communication operations to enhance interoperability.

"We welcome any opportunity to conduct maritime activities with our allies. Sailing and operating together demonstrates our commitment to improving our interoperability and continued coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines," said Capt. Sean Lewis, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 commodore.

The U.S. Navy regularly conducts events to strengthen ties among allied and partner nations. MCA enhances combined readiness and capabilities in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Gabrielle Giffords is on a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7's Sea Combat Commander and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






With the approval of Newvilles 2024 budget in the rearview, borough officials can begin to examine options to increase revenue long-term.

Public Financial Management Managing Director Gordon Mann said possibilities include switching to home rule and asset monetization. PFM has been the boroughs recovery coordinator since Newville Borough was designated a financially distressed community in need of state assistance under Act 47 in August.

Borough officials had hired the firm in May to help manage cash flow issues after the discovery of financial discrepancies in December 2022.

The finding prompted the firing of long-term borough manager Fred Potzer last January and an ongoing investigation by the Cumberland County District Attorneys Office. No charges have been filed against Potzer, and the DAs audit has not been released.

Mann identified two limiting factors Newville faces in the ability to increase revenue: limited taxing options and a small population.

Like other local Pennsylvania municipalities, he said Newville is only able to implement taxes that the state has created, such as earned income taxes and real estate taxes. Newville has a population of about 1,200, according to 2021 data, so options like parking taxes that might work in larger areas dont necessarily make sense for the borough, Mann said.

What were working with here when we look at long-term, revenue-generating options is what does the state allow us to do and whats practical, what would make sense he said.

Home rule

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developments 2023 edition of Home Rule in Pennsylvania, home rule means the basic authority to act in municipal affairs is transferred from state law, as set forth by the General Assembly, to a local charter, adopted and amended by the voters.

In other words, the responsibility of local government shifts from the state legislature to the local community where the municipality can customize its governmental organization and powers.

While home rule communities remain subject to state and federal laws, home rule allows more independent decision-making.

Local governments without home rule can only act where specifically authorized by state law; home rule municipalities can act anywhere except where they are specifically limited by state law, according to Home Rule in Pennsylvania.

For Newville, Mann said a switch to home rule could give local government additional freedoms in taxation.

If youre a home rule community, you can make your earned income tax whatever you want, he said.

Newville increased its earned income tax from 0.5% to 2%, not counting earned income taxes paid to the Big Spring School District, in its 2024 budget. Newvilles status as an Act 47 community allowed the borough to exceed Pennsylvanias limit.

Without home rule, the borough would have to lower its earned income tax rate to the state limit after exiting Act 47, which would happen after a maximum of eight years.

With home rule, Mann said Newville could opt to keep that higher earned income tax rate or cut it slightly but maintain a higher rate than the states original limit.

It gives you, in essence, two levers to move your tax revenues instead of one, because without home rule, the only option you really have is the real estate tax, he said. While we saw that both of the tax increases are painful, the real estate tax is really the one that folks were very concerned about. It falls on seniors who dont have incomes or [are on] fixed incomes.

Home rule could also allow the borough to restructure its government, allowing increases or decreases in the number of elected officials or changes to their roles. For example, Carlisle is a home rule municipality in which the mayor is a voting member of the borough council. In Newville, the mayor only votes to break ties.

If Newville decided to pursue home rule, Mann said the process is a long one and could take two years or more to implement.

The borough would first have to put the possibility of establishing a home rule commission and specify a number of members on an election ballot. If the majority of the voters favor establishing the commission, the commission is formed and tasked with studying the current form of government to determine if changes are necessary. If that answer is yes, the commission would be responsible for writing a local charter to govern the municipalitys decisions.

Mann said once written, the charter would go on the ballot and require a majority vote to pass. An election kick-starts the home rule process and each step comes with its own deadlines, he said.

Mann said PFM went through this process recently with New Castle in Lawrence County.

Weve been through this process, he said. Weve seen how it works. It is a very common move for Act 47 communities.

Asset monetization

Another option Newville might have to increase revenue long-term could be asset monetization.

What are the assets we own and how can we draw value from them on either a one-time or recurring basis? Mann said. For Newville, what were talking about here is the municipal authority, the utility system.

At the extreme end, the borough could consider selling the system to an outside company or entering into a long-term lease that would give an outside company control for a set number of years while the borough maintains ownership.

Thats the most extreme one and ... when you say asset monetization, thats where peoples minds go, Mann said.

Some residents have asked the borough not to sell the system at recent public meetings.

There are lots of good reasons to have that concern about private sectors setting rates over public sectors, Mann said. The concern is about loss of control for something thats a basic public need. All of those concerns are legit.

However, other options exist for Newvilles utility system that the borough could consider.

The borough could lease the system to the authority, taking on a role similar to a landlord, Mann said. Newville could also choose to dissolve the authority and bring it under municipal government, determining its value and taking that amount into the general fund for operations.

Another option would be to make the authority regional, drawing from a larger customer base, Mann said.

The borough also could sell the system with conditions like rate freezes or the continued employment of current staff members, however companies are likely to pay less money for a system with more conditions attached, he said.

Mann said if Newville pursued some form of asset monetization, the timeline depends on which option officials choose and the process is less defined compared to home rule. The first step would be to determine what the system is worth. Next, the borough would want to figure out what benefits the borough draws from its utilities.

In a lot of cases, the authority is kind of a stand alone thing and really does its own thing, Mann said. It has its own board, it sets its own rates ... in Newville, the two are really intertwined. Youve got the borough manager who works for the municipality and the authority. Youve got a pension plan which has employees on it who work for the municipality and the authority. Its even intertwined down to the level of general liability insurance.

He said some municipalities make the mistake of figuring out what the system could be worth and fail to account for the benefits they receive from it. For example, the authority pays for half of the borough managers salary, a sum that would fall entirely to the borough if the system is sold.

A timeline on potential asset monetization depends largely on the option the borough might choose, Mann said.

Unlike home rule, this process lacks strict deadlines.

If you wanted to do 15 meetings and spend 25 months talking about this, theres nothing that will stop it, Mann said.

Looking ahead

Mann said Newville absolutely can and probably should pursue both home rule and asset monetization simultaneously.

If you do both, if you draw some value out of the system in some way, it doesnt have to be sale, but in some way you get some amount of money coming into the borough from the utility system ... and you get the flexibility for your tax rates, now you can do different things, he said.

Borough Manager Robert Sabatini said officials have discussed both options.

He expects if the borough opts to pursue home rule, that process could start sometime in the second half of this year.

Theres still a lot of fires put out addressing the municipal building, youve got ... still financial issues, Sabatini said.

Any decision on monetization of the sewer system hinges on the completion of a forensic audit through the district attorneys office that is ongoing. Sabatini said until the authority receives the results from that audit, its been holding off on completing its own annual review.

Once this has been complete, the authority can begin looking into how much the system is worth, he said.

Mann said the next steps for PFM will be to update its recovery plan to include both home rule and asset monetization as potential options for the borough and outline other things Newville can do to better control its finances.

These updates could take place this spring, he said.

Mann said he expects Newville to emerge from financial distress within a minimum of three years and a maximum of eight years.

Photos: Newville Historical Society Christmas Carriage Rides 2023
USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) Visits Valletta, Malta

US Navy

09 February 2024

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Macklin

VALLETTA, Malta -- The USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) arrived in Valletta, Malta, for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 9, 2024.

The port visit marks Bulkeley's first in 2024, as the ship continues its regularly scheduled patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.

Bulkeley's port visit allows the U.S. to build on its important relationship with Malta and affords the ship's crew an opportunity to experience the local culture.

"Patrol has been a very professionally rewarding experience for this hardworking crew," said Cmdr. Richard Slye, commanding officer of Bulkeley. "I can think of no better opportunity than a stop in beautiful Malta to see and experience this beautiful country."

During the ship's time in Valletta, the crew will explore the sights, history, cuisine, and culture of Malta.

"Malta has an incredibly rich and unique heritage; I am very excited to get to see their art and architecture in person again," said Sonar Technician, Surface 3rd Class Christopher Tarantino. "Malta hosts some of Caravaggio's most inspiring masterpieces, which I hope to experience firsthand."

port visit, Bulkeley was operating with Carrier Strike Group 12 and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) throughout the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. Bulkeley also escorted the Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and the USS Bataan (LHD-5) on separate missions.

The squadron embedded aboard the Bulkeley are the "Griffins" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79. Bulkeley is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Netanyahu Orders Military to Plan for Civilian Evacuations of Rafah

By VOA News February 09, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he has ordered his military to prepare a plan to evacuate civilians from the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion.

"It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah," he said in a statement. "On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat."

He said he has asked the Israel Defense Forces to submit a plan to his cabinet for evacuating the civilians and destroying the battalions.

The statement did not say by when he wanted the plan or to where he thought the more than 1.4 million Palestinians could evacuate. United Nations officials have repeatedly said nowhere in Gaza is safe.

Netanyahu said this week that Rafah and the city of Khan Younis are the "two last strongholds of Hamas." Hamas is a U.S.-designated terror group.

Rafah borders Egypt, and officials there have warned that any ground operation in the area or mass displacement across the border would undermine its 40-year-old peace treaty with Israel.

It is also the main humanitarian entry point to Gaza. Intense fighting could further hamper relief efforts.

Israel launched new strikes overnight in Rafah, which witnesses and hospital officials said killed at least eight people, including women and children.

U.S. warning

Netanyahu's announcement comes hours after U.S. President Joe Biden warned that Israel's conduct in military operations in Gaza has been "over the top."

At a news conference late Thursday, Biden delivered some of his strongest criticism yet of the Israeli military campaign, which Hamas health officials say has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians. Israel launched its war after Hamas fighters infiltrated southern Israel on October 7 and killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 240 others.

The Pentagon said Friday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, Thursday. During their discussions, the U.S. defense chief "reiterated the need to protect civilians as Israel conducts its operations against Hamas."

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also issued a stern warning to Israel about Rafah.

"Absent any full consideration of protecting civilians at that scale in Gaza, military operations right now would be a disaster for those people, and it's not something that we would support," he told reporters on Thursday.

His comments echoed those of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said there would be the risk of a "gigantic tragedy" if the IDF expands its offensive into the city.

"We would not support in any way forced displacement, which goes against international law," a Guterres spokesperson told reporters Friday.

The head of the U.N. agency that assists Palestinians said there is a growing sense of anxiety and panic in the town because people do not know where to go.

"Any large-scale military operation among this population can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy that's unfolding," UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said.

"Signaling phase"

Israel is unlikely to move quickly into Rafah as long as the IDF continues fighting in Khan Younis and around its tunnels, where it thinks that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a native of Khan Younis, is hiding, said David Makovsky, the Ziegler distinguished fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations.

"I think Netanyahu and Gallant want to signal that Israel is not afraid of going into Rafah," he told VOA. "But I think we are still talking about the signaling phase."

Washington is also concerned that an invasion of Rafah could have a spillover effect into Egypt.

"What could happen here with the relationship with Egypt? What will happen if the Palestinians try and rush into Egypt?" said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the Political Studies Department at Bar-Ilan University.

"How are you going to deal with that? Those are the kinds of questions that are being asked" by the U.S. to the Israelis, he told VOA.

Despite its increasingly blunt public warnings to Israel, the U.S. remains a staunch supporter of Israel's military campaign to eliminate Hamas.

The White House has said it is optimistic that there is still a path toward a temporary cease-fire. Next week, Biden is set to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah as part of his push for a cease-fire and hostage release deal.

Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that a deal may be elusive because "neither Hamas nor the Israelis right now are really interested."

"There's no urgency for either of them in a comprehensive sort of cessation of hostilities," he said. "The only people that appear to be in a hurry is the Biden administration."

The U.N.'s top Middle East diplomat, Tor Wennesland, warned this week that a cease-fire is urgent before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins around March 10, otherwise tensions could further boil over in Jerusalem around holy sites.

VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer and White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ethiopian Refugees in Somalia Fear Violence Over Deal With Somaliland

By Mohamed Olad Hassan, Fadumo Yasin Jama February 09, 2024

Ethiopians living in Somalia have become the subject of physical violence, verbal threats and intimidation since Somaliland consented to give Ethiopia access to its coastline at the beginning of this year, members of the Ethiopian community tell VOA Somali Service.

Under the deal, reached on New Year's Day, Ethiopia will be able to lease 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) around the port of Berbera, on the Gulf of Aden, with access to the Red Sea for its naval and commercial shipping needs for 50 years. In exchange, Ethiopia would consider recognizing the self-declared republic of Somaliland as an independent country and give Somaliland's government an undetermined share in state-owned Ethiopian Airlines.

The deal has drawn harsh criticism from Somalia's federal government, which sees Somaliland as a part of its territory. Mogadishu called the deal "an act of invasion" and promised to protect the country's sovereignty. There have also been pro- and anti-deal demonstrations in Somaliland.

Through its official spokesperson, Ali Mohamud Rage, al-Shabab militants also harshly denounced the deal, in a move seen as al-Shabab playing up Somali nationalism to garner support.

On Monday, 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.

The six slain Ethiopians were ethnic Oromo, while the seventh victim was a Somali woman, Arog said. Six other Ethiopians were injured in the attack, he added.

The anti-Ethiopian sentiment is affecting Ethiopian refugees and migrants in Somalia.

"So far, we have not seen physical threats against us. But orally, the tension is there. Those threatening us always say that we will be deported back to Ethiopia because Ethiopia wants to forcibly take a piece of land from Somalia," Sharabi Abdi Burow, a Ethiopian refugee in the Somali town of Bossaso, told VOA Somali.

Sakina Aden Bahar is a 40-year Ethiopian refugee who now runs a coffee shop in Bossaso. Her husband died a year ago. Because of the controversial deal, she said she now feels threatened.

"When my customers discuss about the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, some of them told me that they would not buy my coffee because they are angry over the Ethiopian prime minister's policies towards Somalia," she told VOA.

Since the threat against the Ethiopian refugees emerged, a number of scholars and members of the community have spoken out in support of refugee rights. Mustafe Yusuf, a lawyer, is one of them.

"These refugees deserve to exercise their basic rights, including freedom of movement, protection, education and health. They should not be discriminated or affected by politics," Yusuf said.

Hayat Mohamud Abdi, a Somali scholar, said innocent refugees must not be targeted for political reasons.

"Somalis have been and continue to be refugees and migrants across the world. I think Somalis in Somalia should treat with their Ethiopian guests the way Somalis are treated. Ethiopian refugees should not be involved into the maritime dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia."

The Ethiopian refugees in Somalia, mainly ethnic Oromo, have mostly gone to Puntland and Somaliland because of those territories' access to the Red Sea.

Many refugees hope to reach the Arabian Peninsula in search of a better life and opportunities. However, many remain stuck in Somaliland and Puntland after abandoning hopes for migration due to financial problems, tightening of travel restrictions and the war in Yemen.

This report originated from Somali Service Weekly Friday Discussion Program.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Millions of Displaced Children in Sudan Subject to Hunger, Violence, Abuse

By Lisa Schlein February 09, 2024

UNICEF warns 300 days of conflict in Sudan has unleashed a wave of atrocities on children, with hundreds of thousands suffering from hunger, violence, and horrific abuse.

According to the U.N. children's agency, four million children in Sudan have been displaced, in what is seen as "the world's largest child displacement crisis." To break down the magnitude of the conditions, UNICEF said 13,000 children have been displaced and thrust into a situation of chaos and despair every day for the past 300 days.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, who has just returned from Sudan, said Friday that the children have lost everything. He said they are not safe from the fighting raging around them, they have lost all their possessions; many are separated from family and friends. He said they have lost hope that things will get better.

"The consequences of the past 300 days mean that more than 700,000 children are likely to suffer from the most dangerous form of malnutrition this year. UNICEF will not be able to treat more than 300,000 of those without improved access and without additional support. In that case, tens of thousands would likely die," he said.

During the same period, Elder said there has been a five-fold increase in verified cases of killings, sexual violence, and recruitment from a year ago. That, he observed equates to a terrifying number of children killed, raped, or recruited. "And these numbers are the tip of the iceberg," he added.

He said the war between Sudan's national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is ravaging a whole society. The fighting, he noted, is impeding humanitarian aid from reaching millions of desperate people. He said two-thirds of the population lack access to health care, warning that Sudan's shattered health system threatened to kill many more children than the armed conflict itself.

"This is a perfect storm," he said. "You have a devastated health system, an ongoing conflict, incredible numbers of seriously malnourished children, woefully depleted aid, and obstruction to that aid.

"Tens of thousands of children are dying from this," he said.

The World Food Program said 18 million people in Sudan face acute hunger, including 4.9 million people who already face emergency levels of food insecurity, according to Tarik Jasarevic, a WHO spokesperson.

The latest food security analysis for Sudan shows the highest levels of hunger ever recorded during the October-February harvest season. That follows the RSF's capture of Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jezira state, known as the country's breadbasket.

U.N. agencies fear conflict-hit hot spots  Khartoum, Kordofan, and Darfur  will face catastrophic hunger conditions by the next lean season, which could begin next month if humanitarian assistance is not significantly scaled up.

Jasarevic said people are dying from a lack of access to basic and essential health care and medicine. He said disease outbreaks are spreading throughout the country, noting that more than 10,000 cases of cholera and nearly 300 deaths have been reported from 11 of Sudan's 18 states. He added that reports of measles, malaria, dengue, and other potentially deadly diseases also are being received from several states.

Jasarevic said acute hunger and malnutrition will have a lasting generational impact on the health of the population, but that many lives can still be saved.

"Babies can recover very quickly from severe acute malnutrition. If there is a possibility to provide them with therapeutic feeding, they can go from the brink of death to playing in these health centers in a matter of days," he said.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned, "The lethal combination of malnutrition, mass displacement, and disease is growing by the day, and we have an extremely short window to prevent a massive loss of life."

"We need safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access across conflict lines and across borders. We need international support to help sustain the essential services and systems that children rely on for survival," she said.

Earlier this week, the United Nations launched a $4.1 billion appeal to provide urgent aid for 14.7 million people inside Sudan and 2.7 million people who have taken refuge in five neighboring countries.

At the event, Martin Griffiths, the U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that he had been in touch with Sudan's two rival generals about restarting negotiations for humanitarian access. He said he was awaiting a response to his request.

In the meantime, UNICEF's Elder said the war which began 300 days ago on April 15 is ravaging a whole society and "destroying the future of an entire generation."

"The way to get out of this nightmare is for those in power to negotiate a cease-fire and ensure aid is no longer blocked," he said. "Those in the region need to show leadership and those in donor countries need to show compassion and humanity" by helping the many at-risk children to survive.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Activists Protest as Alleged Suspect in Atrocities Eyes Indonesian Presidency

By Dave Grunebaum February 09, 2024

Side stepping with spins on the stage, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto looks his age of 72 as he dances, but the presidential candidate's social media posts have helped endear him to Indonesia's young voters. "He seems so friendly," said 19-year-old Putri Ayu Ramadianti on her way to a Prabowo campaign event.

It's quite a turnaround for the former three-star army general who once led Indonesia's special forces and is accused of committing atrocity crimes. With Indonesia's presidential election just days away, he's the front-runner.

Analysts point to several reasons, in particular naming as his vice presidential running mate the 36-year-old son of Indonesia's popular president, Joko Widodo, along with social media posts that have gone viral showing Prabowo dancing at campaign rallies.

"In the past he was viewed as a militaristic person, a strongman, but now he's presenting himself as a chubby old grandpa and this attracts [much] support from [young] Indonesian people," said Yoes Kenawas, a research fellow at Atma Jaya Catholic University in Jakarta.

"When Prabowo named Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the current president's son, as his running mate, his support from young people really shot up." Widodo must step down as president after his second term ends due to a constitutional term limit.

Approximately half of Indonesia's eligible voters are younger than 40, about a third are younger than 30. Thousands of them poured into a convention hall to hear Prabowo speak at a recent campaign event aimed toward young voters.

"This world belongs to the you, belongs to the youth," Prabowo said during a speech that provided little in the way of policy details. But while Prabowo hopes to be Indonesia's president in the near future, human rights activists are trying to derail him by informing the public about his past.

Across the street from Indonesia's presidential palace, dozens of demonstrators recently shouted, "long live the victims, never be silent," referring to Indonesia's dark history when the country was led by the dictator Suharto who was Prabowo's father-in-law.

But after Suharto's regime fell in 1998, then-Lieutenant General Prabowo was dismissed from the army for allegedly ordering the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists, of which, more than a dozen remain missing and are feared dead. He was also accused of atrocity crimes when hundreds of civilians were killed in East Timor. Prabowo denies all the allegations of wrongdoing.

VOA reached out to Prabowo's campaign multiple times for comment on the past accusations of human rights violations but received no response.

"I believe that it's not proper that an activist abductor and a major human rights violator can run for president," said Petrus Hariyanto. Hariyanto was friends with Wiji Thukul, a fellow activist who has not been seen since 1998, a time when many anti-Suharto activists were abducted by government forces.

At the demonstration, Hariyanto wore a black T-shirt with a print showing Prabowo looking into a mirror and Thukul's image staring back at him. Words at the bottom of the shirt translate to "Bring back our friend."

Joining him at the rally was Stephanie Iskandar, a 21-year-old political science student at the University of Indonesia who held a sign that read "fight oppression."

"I have to say I'm really scared that Prabowo is going to be elected," said Iskandar, adding that many young Indonesians know little about the country's dark past and have been heavily influenced by the Prabowo campaign's social media posts. "They become very vulnerable with all of this political communication with the young way and with the TikTok and other social media."

At the Prabowo campaign rally, 19-year-old Putri Ayu Ramadianti, says she has been learning about Prabowo through social media and downplays accusations of human rights violations. "We don't know who the real perpetrator is, yet Prabowo was accused," she said.

Philips Vermonte, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Indonesian International Islamic University says Prabowo has been working to clean up his image for years and issues from the past carry little weight with many of the country's millennials and Gen Z voters.

"They are very young and that means in 1998 they were in kindergarten or elementary school, so they do not have or share the collective memories of the authoritarian government for 32 years of Suharto and probably the memories of 1998 reform period when the authoritarian government fell," said Vermonte. "As a result, this issue of human rights violations  do not really resonate with the majority of the voters."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ECOWAS Faces Uncertain Future Following Members' Exit Plans

By Timothy Obiezu February 09, 2024

Officials from countries of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS met in Nigeria's capital Thursday to discuss the exit of three members, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, who announced their departure from the bloc last week. The bloc is also dealing with a brewing crisis in Senegal, where the president has delayed elections until December.

Thursday's meeting of officials of the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, was to address regional political developments, including the declared exit of three of the bloc's 15 member states.

After a closed-door session that lasted several hours, ECOWAS said it will continue to pursue dialogue with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

But the bloc also said their decisions to leave will have consequences for the regional body and its citizens.

"Indeed, while we were waiting and hoping to see more progress in the countries in transition, we find ourselves with more problems  problems that have been compounded by various factors," said Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS commission president. "Despite our collective efforts to create a conducive and peaceful environment for our community citizens, the facts on the ground show that we still have more work to do."

ECOWAS accused of pandering

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, all ruled by military juntas, announced their immediate withdrawal from the regional body in a joint communique last week.

The three nations accused ECOWAS of abandoning its founding ideals and pandering to foreign powers.

They also criticized the regional bloc's sanctions against military-led governments in the region, calling the sanctions inhumane.

Then, days after the withdrawal, protests broke out in Senegal after President Macky Sall postponed the country's presidential elections from February to December.

The decision was approved by Senegal's National Assembly but has been criticized by many, such as political analyst Ahmed Buhari, who calls it a constitutional coup.

"Anytime you interfere with the emergence of leaders in a democratic space, it's going to create shaky ground," said Buhari. "Clearly this is an assassination on the constitution of the good people of Senegal. The executive, the legislative and the judiciary are under the full control of the president, they're unable to make any decision that will not be convenient for the president."

Senegal's foreign minister attended Thursday's meeting. He told journalists his country's political situation should not worry the regional bloc.

Bloc struggles with coups

ECOWAS was created in 1975 to promote economic prosperity among member states. But in recent years, the bloc has been struggling to deal with a wave of coups.

Experts say bad governance is to blame for the trend and said the regional bloc must impose sanctions on Senegal over the election cycle delay.

Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said authorities will fix the problem.

"We're also here to review the unfolding situation in Senegal and develop a plan to navigate the resulting complexities," said Tuggar. "We have faced similar crises in the past and as a region we have not been found wanting. This meeting can come up with far-reaching decisions to transform our challenges into opportunities."

Last year, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger created a bloc known as the alliance of Sahel States and promised to defend their countries.

For now, it remains unclear whether ECOWAS will take a firm stance against Senegal or make a concerted effort to bring Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso back into the fold.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






IMF Flags BRI Partner Maldives' High Debt

By Anjana Pasricha February 09, 2024

The Indian Ocean archipelago of Maldives, one of the first South Asian countries to join Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, faces the risk of "debt distress," according to the International Monetary Fund.

The term refers to countries unable to meet their financial obligations and require debt restructuring.

The February 6 IMF warning comes as its new president, Mohamed Muizzu, builds closer ties with China, which has pledged to extend assistance to the tiny country.

Muizzu took office in November after defeating former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who during his term in office had raised concerns about the cost of China's construction projects in the country.

China established its footprint in the Maldives a decade ago, when under a pro-Beijing administration, it built infrastructure projects that included a four-lane bridge connecting the capital, Male, with the international airport, which is on a different island, and housing projects on land reclaimed from the sea.

"Even the previous government had flagged the issue that Maldives is seriously indebted to China," Sankalp Gurjar, assistant professor in geopolitics and international relations at India's Manipal Academy of Higher Education, told VOA.

He said the Maldivian gross domestic product is just over $5 billion "so its high debt is a problem, especially because the country needs foreign exchange for imports of basic necessities such as fuel and food."

Maldives owes China $1.37 billion, adding up to about 40% of the country's public debt, according to World Bank data. That makes Beijing its biggest bilateral creditor.

In its review of the Maldivian economy, the IMF projected growth of around 5% for this year, but called for "urgent policy adjustment," saying the country remains at "high risk of external and overall debt distress." It did not mention China.

During a visit to Beijing last month, Muizzu said he had appealed to Chinese authorities to restructure the payment of loans made tohis country. The visit was a strong signal that he is building closer ties with Beijing, pivoting away from the previous government's "pro-India" policy.

Calling Beijing "one of our closest allies and development partners," Muizzu praised the Chinese infrastructure projects in his country and said that he was keen to explore partnerships under China's Belt and Road initiative, including the expansion of the country's main airport and commercial port.

Analysts say the country's high debt makes it the latest South Asian country whose economy has faced pressure because of Chinese loans to build projects.

China has built ports, bridges and highways in countries stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan for a trade and transit corridor across Asia. Sri Lanka ran out of foreign exchange to pay its foreign debt in 2022 and the problem was blamed partly on its heavy borrowing from China. Beijing rejects accusations that its loans to developing economies contribute to their economic woes.

The huge infrastructure deficit in South Asian countries prompted them to turn to China to join its Belt and Road Initiative, Manoj Joshi, senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, told VOA.

"The logic is that whoever gives the money, lets build the infrastructure but more often than not what happens is that these are badly planned and badly financed and that becomes a burden," Joshi said.

"Maldives definitely faces a debt problem due to loans taken for Chinese projects that were probably given from a strategic point of view. But I think both China and other countries have become more cautious than they were in the past," he added.

Although Maldives is a small country of half a million people, its geostrategic significance is high -- the more than 1,100 tiny Maldivian islands in the Indian Ocean are along vital waterways for much of Chinese trade.

Earlier this week, Muizzu said in Maldives that there were difficulties in carrying out development projects while "we are trying to manage debt," according to local media reports in Maldives.

"The situation in Maldives is fragile. There has been this worry about its vulnerability to Chinese debt trap diplomacy, so if it goes on borrowing further it will make it even more vulnerable," according to Gurjar. "It is after all a small country with a tiny population dependent on tourists."

Adding to concerns about its high debt, there are also worries that tourism, which is the major source of revenue for Maldives, may take a hit following a strain in ties with India.

A diplomatic row erupted between the two countries after three Maldivian ministers made disparaging comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It prompted a "Boycott Maldives" campaign on social media in India, which accounted for the largest number of visitors to its tropical beaches last year.

Muizzu has appealed to China to send more tourists to the country.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on U.S. Unwavering Support for Ecuador

February 09, 2024

Over the past few weeks, the NSC has been coordinating U.S. Government support for the people of Ecuador in the wake of increased violence. This week, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson led a joint Department of State and Department of Justice delegation to Ecuador to highlight the United States' continued commitment to supporting Ecuador in its fight against transnational criminal organizations. Assistant Secretary Robinson announced INL funding for the construction of the Ecuadorian Coast Guard Academy, a renovated canine veterinary clinic, a renovated office for the corruption prosecution unit, and eight mobile border units to support an elite border task force. He also helped launch a joint National Police-Coast Guard operational unit in Guayaquil, which will increase information sharing and operational coordination on Ecuador's waterways. Assistant Secretary Robinson's visit to Ecuador reflects the United States' enduring continued commitment to support Ecuador's security and prosperity.

In addition, we have surged our law enforcement and defense support for Ecuadorian Forces. The Department of Homeland Security is actively providing digital forensics support to identify, map, and target criminal networks; has sent a team to train 175 Ecuador migration officers on the use of biometrics collection; and trained 35 members from the Ecuadorian Presidential and Vice-Presidential protective details. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) increased its personnel in-country following the recent rise in violence. Meanwhile, Department of Justice attorneys, as well as agents from the FBI and Drug Enforcement Agency, continue to support Ecuador's investigations into recent political and gang violence. The Department of Defense has also committed to delivering a C-130H military plane to the Ecuadorians by the end of March 2024. This support builds on the facilitated delivery of more than 20,000 bullet proof vests and more than $1 million worth of critical security and emergency response equipment, announced in January.

Earlier this week, Treasury also designated one of Ecuador's most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, pursuant to its counter narcotic authorities - a response to the steep rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the actions of Los Choneros and other drug trafficking gangs in the country.

Looking forward, the United States is investing in a $45 million program to reduce childhood malnutrition, increase access to clean drinking water, and improve sanitation; providing $13 million in equipment to protect the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense computer networks; and $2.4 million in additional vehicles and security equipment to support the work of police in Ecuador.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Operation Iron Swords - Day 126 - 09 February 2024

Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli Army to start preparing the evacuations of 1.2 million civilians from the city of Rafa near the border between Egypt and Gaza. A ground invasion of the city is imminent as the IDF is preparing to liquidate 4 Hamas battalions there. The White House announced yesterday that the US administration will not support any Israeli plans to carry out major military operations in Rafah , and that negotiations are continuing regarding the release of detainees and reaching a truce agreement in Gaza.

Kirby stressed that "any major military operation in Rafah at this time - and under these circumstances, and with the presence of more than a million and perhaps more than 1.5 million Palestinians seeking asylum and seeking shelter in Rafah without due regard for their safety - would be a disaster and we will not support it."

War Termination

The Israeli "Wala" website reported that Tel Aviv had delivered its response to Qatar and Egypt. The website indicated that Israel rejected many of the movement's demands and expressed its willingness to negotiate on the basis of Paris's original proposal. According to the website, Israel rejected a number of points in Hamas response to the proposals and indicated that it informed the mediators of its refusal to commit to ending the war after completing the implementation of the deal. Netanyahu's government made clear to the mediators that it was not prepared to discuss lifting the siege on Gaza, and also refused to agree to the return of residents to the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli response returns the negotiations to the starting point. The American website Axios reported that Israel is ready to enter into negotiations on the basis of the original proposal that was formulated two weeks ago in Paris. According to the American website, at the end of the war cabinet meeting last night, Israel sent messages to the mediators - Qatar, the United States and Egypt - rejecting most of Hamas's responses to the broad lines. In an attempt to relieve pressure on it, the Netanyahu government confirmed that it is working with Egypt and Qatar to reduce the gap so that serious negotiations can be held, according to what was reported by the Israeli Walla website.

As reported by Axios, which cited two Israeli officials, the Israeli occupation regime told the Qatari and Egyptian mediators that it rejected the ceasefire proposal but it was still open to talks based on the original proposal discussed in late January. The Israeli response, namely the fact that it is still open for talks, goes against what embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and numerous of his far-right government ministers have been saying about there being no ceasefire without the destruction of the Hamas Resistance movement. That itself is an indication that the Israel does not think the military option is viable.

The Israeli response to the Palestinian Resistance said it would not agree to the demand of fully withdrawing from Gaza, especially not when it comes to pulling out its forces from the "corridor" splitting Gaza by half and isolating its south from the north. This would prohibit displaced civilians from returning to northern Gaza during the first phase of the deal's implementation. One compromise the Israel was allegedly willing to offer though is the redeployment of the invading Israeli occupation forces outside big population centers in Gaza.

Another issue for Israel is committing to not resuming strikes on Gaza after the implementation of the deal, therefore it told mediators that it rejected the Resistance's demand to add the word "permanent" to the clause regarding the ceasefire.

The last issue, according to Axios and the Israeli officials, has to do with the blockade in place on Gaza since 2007. While the Resistance demanded that the siege be lifted, the Israeli occupation said that issue would not even be discussed, dismissing it in its entirety.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Friday that Israel fears American recognition of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip , amid increasing American criticism of Israel and the way its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dealing with the detainees file and the possibility of achieving the goal of eliminating the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), in addition to Large numbers of civilian casualties continue.

The newspaper quoted Israeli political sources concerned about the intense activity of the US administration to promote the idea of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip under a unified government based on what is known as a renewed Palestinian authority. The newspaper said that the US State Department is considering recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a comprehensive political initiative related to what it called the day after Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip, according to what it quoted from American sources.

The newspaper confirmed that the issue of recognizing the Palestinian state was raised during the talks held by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken with Israeli officials during his visit to Israel in the past two days. The newspaper described this step, if it takes place, as a "political tsunami" for the Israeli authority.

An Israeli official told the newspaper that the Americans continue to promote the idea of ??a renewed Palestinian Authority, noting that the current authority in Ramallah is in the process of working to introduce reforms, and this is consistent with the United States demand to prove that it has already become a body that meets the definition of a renewable authority. The official added that the Palestinian reforms include changes within the government, changing the nature of the management of the security services, and there is talk of a new professional technocratic government.

The newspaper also quoted Israeli sources as saying that the issue of a Palestinian state has recently occupied a place in the political agenda for the Middle East promoted by the Americans and Europeans, and they said that the idea is gaining momentum. They pointed out that it is not a coincidence that a series of Western leaders have recently announced their support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, and this includes leaders who were considered right-wing and most supportive of Israel, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The newspaper reported that Blinken recently ordered his office staff to prepare organized work for the possibility of American or international recognition of a Palestinian state unilaterally and not through negotiations with Israel or with Israeli approval. It is noteworthy that successive American administrations refused to recognize a Palestinian state, and linked this to the Palestinians and Israelis reaching an agreement regarding the state.

Washington also opposed Palestine obtaining full membership in the United Nations by thwarting Palestinian requests for membership through the UN Security Council, most recently in 2011. But US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at the end of last January that his country seeks to establish an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel, stressing that US President Joe Biden believes this is the best way to ensure peace and security for Israel, the Palestinians, and the region as a whole.

In this regard, the British newspaper "Financial Times" indicated that the deep divisions between Washington and Tel Aviv appeared more evident during Blinken's recent visit. The newspaper added that the separate press conferences of Netanyahu and Blinken revealed their disagreement, explaining that the disagreements include issues of the next phase of the war and ways to secure the release of detainees held by the Hamas movement.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv said that the War Council (led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , Defense Minister Yoav Gallant , and Minister Benny Gantz ), by pinning hopes that it will be able to easily find a civilian alternative to the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in the Gaza Strip , is like someone living in a fantasy world, but nevertheless it is not Alone in this illusion.

In an article entitled A civilian alternative to Hamas? Netanyahu, Gallant, and Gantz live in a fantasy world, Chaim Ramon wrote that the war council, despite the losses incurred by the Israeli army, is delaying the necessary task of giving orders to dismantle Hamas civilian rule in Gaza. The writer was surprised at how the General Staff had not yet announced a military rule that would immediately replace the civilian rule that Hamas was establishing.

According to writer Ramon, Hamas will remain the de facto ruler in Gaza unless another civilian rule is established, and therefore there is not in the real year a vacuum of governance at all yet. Ramon gave examples of the areas from which the Israeli army left and Hamas returned to install its governing bodies (as is the case with its police in Gaza City and in the northern Gaza Strip in general). However, the war council trio insists - according to his opinion - on living in a hypothetical world in which they imagine that establishing a rule A civilian replacement is very easy, and this is also the case at the top of the political and security levels.

The Israeli writer adds that all commentators and journalists oppose military rule in Gaza and "promote civil rule that only exists in their wild imagination." This is, for example - Ramon writes - the case of retired Air Force general and former head of military intelligence, Amos Yadlin - one of the most important political commentators - with his call to begin building an alternative to Hamas that would lead to a positive gradual change in the reality of the Gaza Strip.

Ramon quotes Yadlin in his opinion that the alternative governance system for Hamas will help technocrats and employees of municipal institutions, which are bodies - Ramon says - that worked under the authority of Hamas, that is, they were managed by Hamas men.

The Israeli writer concludes that Yadlin himself refutes his idea by acknowledging that these solutions cannot be implemented immediately and throughout Gaza because no one will enter areas where Hamas military force has not been neutralized and dismantled. He then notes that Yadlin at the same time supports military rule in the Gaza Strip, and wonders: : How does all of this fit? Ramon concludes his article by saying that the real strangeness for him is not the introduction of such a confusing position, but rather its complete adoption by the War Council.

Israeli Security Minister Yoav Galant drafted a plan to establish a civilian committee affiliated with the Israeli army that would supervise the Gaza Strip , and whose primary mission would be to remove the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) from the Palestinian civilian space and prevent it from controlling the aid that enters the Strip during the war. According to the Israeli narrative.

Gallant presented the plan - which was revealed by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper in its Friday issue - to government ministers and the war council , and it was considered a "preliminary experiment" to be implemented in the northern and central Gaza Strip, and to be implemented first in the Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City. The plan - which was presented this week - included a list of goals that were set before the start of the ground operation in Gaza. The goals marked in green were accomplished, while those marked in orange were partially accomplished, while the goals marked in red were for the goals that were not achieved.

Gallant's plan seeks to achieve goals that have not yet been achieved and revolves around the day after the war, and stipulates the establishment of what is known as the "Civilian Committee", that is, other forces that will take over the administration of central and northern Gaza in place of Hamas. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper justified the plan by saying, "The continued arrival of humanitarian and relief equipment and aid, and their falling into the hands of Hamas, is unbearable from the point of view of the Israeli security establishment, and therefore the Minister of Defense presented this experimental plan."

According to this plan, humanitarian and relief aid will enter through the Beit Hanoun Erez and Al-Mantar Karni crossings , and not from the Rafah area , which is controlled by Hamas. The aid - which will be guarded by forces from the occupation army - will go directly to Palestinian merchants to prevent Hamas control. without the need for intermediary relief organizations. It is assumed, according to the details of the plan, that the initial experiment will be in the Zaytoun neighborhood besieged by the occupation army, and Palestinian merchants, unlike Hamas activists, will be the new centers of power who will be dealt with directly.

To ensure that Hamas does not seize humanitarian equipment and aid by force, according to the newspapers claims, Gallants plan stipulates that Israel will allow the armed forces to protect these merchants, and if necessary, the Palestinians who will protect the aid will be armed with the approval of the Israeli army.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper asked whether the Palestinian groups, which will be armed with the approval of the occupation army to guard humanitarian aid, are Gazan employees from the security services affiliated with the former Palestinian Authority who ruled Gaza before Hamas, and the newspaper does not rule this out. It is inferred from the details of the plan that the General Security Agency ( Shin Bet ) will supervise its implementation through Palestinian merchants in the Gaza Strip. From the point of view of the Israeli security establishment, it is necessary to stop humanitarian aid from reaching the hands of Hamas at the present time.

The newspaper pointed out that despite the differences between Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , the latter and the Ministers of the War Council did not express any opposition or reservation to the plan and the experimental model proposed in the Zaytoun neighborhood, provided that its implementation will begin during the coming weeks, which means - according to the security establishment - The war on Gaza may continue for a long time.

The strange thing, according to the point of view of journalist Nadav Eyal, who revealed in a report on the Gallant plan, is that this plan has not been implemented since the beginning of the war, saying that Israel is fighting Hamas fighters and making their lives miserable, but it is transporting equipment and supplies to Gaza even though it is... It falls into the hands of Hamas, which strengthens its rule in the Gaza Strip.

Eyal believes that the delay in implementing this plan is mainly due to Netanyahus chronic procrastination and his reluctance to make a decision for fear of the reactions of the head of the Religious Zionism coalition, Minister Bezalel Smotrich , and the head of the Jewish Greatness party, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. He pointed out that he recently asked an Israeli minister, Why dont they attack Hamas members who have begun to appear again while wearing civilian clothes in the northern Gaza Strip? He replied, They are not immune, and if necessary, they will be liquidated. The next day, the Israeli journalist says, A Hamas man responsible for guarding aid trucks in Rafah was liquidated.

Despite not having reservations about Gallant's plan and not hearing voices opposing it, Eyal confirms that the tensions of war and politics came together in the recent war council meeting, where Netanyahu criticized the Israeli army and its slow progress - it seems - in achieving the goals of the war. He pointed out that Netanyahu protested the withdrawal of some brigades of reserve forces from the fighting in Gaza, and gave a speech about the concept of absolute victory, while the ministers of the National Camp, Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot , listened to him with painful patience, according to Eyals words. .

He explained that weeks ago, Gantz and Eisenkot became aware that "substantive discussions since the beginning of the war had been replaced by a full-fledged political campaign, and security considerations were soon replaced by the needs of opinion polls, and in light of Netanyahu's maneuvers, announcements, and leaks, they would find it difficult to remain silent."

The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) embarrassed the Israeli government with its initial positive response to the framework agreement issued by the  Paris Summit . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bet on its rejection of the agreement to continue evasion in the negotiations for the exchange deal and ceasefire. Hamas' response confused the various Israeli security and military institutions and the political arena, represented by the ruling coalition, which relied on a negative response from the movement to evade responsibility to the international community, and to maneuver in front of the families of Israeli detainees.

The results of an opinion poll prepared by the "Israeli Democracy Institute" showed the validity of the claim that the two goals of the declared war, which are to eliminate Hamas and liberate the detainees, are contradictory. According to the poll, which included a sample of 619 people, a majority believes it is necessary to re-arrange the priorities and objectives of the war, as 51% of those surveyed believe that the return of detainees should be the main goal, while nearly a third, 36% of whom are from the extreme right, said that the priority is It must be the defeat of Hamas, while 13% responded that they did not know.

Amidst these changes in Israeli society, the far-right parties, represented by the Religious Zionism coalition headed by Minister Bezalel Smotrits , and the Jewish Greatness party headed by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir , a partner in the government coalition, are placing obstacles to the emergency government and the war council and in the face of any attempt to penetrate its position of rejecting any Exchange deal and cessation of aggression.

On the other hand, the opposition camp led by the head of the  There is a Future  party, Yair Lapid , reiterated that the priority must be to liberate the detainees, even if the price was painful and in exchange for a ceasefire, and called for the overthrow of the Netanyahu government due to its failure to manage the detainees file and liberate them.

The positive response of the Hamas movement to the Framework Agreement, as political analyst Akiva Eldar says, reveals the extent of the differences in the various Israeli systems regarding the release of detainees held by the resistance in Gaza. This brought back to the forefront the state of polarization and rift in Israeli society that prevailed before the  Al-Aqsa Flood  on October 7, 2023.

Eldar explained to Al Jazeera Net that the repercussions of the division and divergence of the positions of the Israeli political camps were reflected in the military establishment, which does not oppose the completion of a comprehensive exchange deal, and in the security and intelligence system, which is considered a main axis in the negotiations with the mediators in Egypt , Qatar , and America. He pointed out that the military and security leaders were criticized by ministers in Netanyahu's government and right-wing members of the Knesset , as they were asked to bear responsibility for the failure to prevent the sudden Hamas attack and to resign.

The political analyst believes that all opinion polls, which favor the votes demanding the return of detainees regardless of the price that Israel will pay, reflect the reality of the challenges facing Netanyahu even within the emergency government, and the dilemma he faces in the general political scene, as a comprehensive exchange deal means that there is no justification. To continue the war.

For his part, spokesman for the "Peace Now" bloc, Adam Clare, believes that Netanyahu, who had a consensus in Israeli society regarding the management of the war and the hostage issue, and relied on opinion polls that saw the continuation of the war as a priority over any deal, is now facing internal dilemmas and challenges. However, Clare says, As the war enters its fifth month without achieving its goals of liberating the hostages and eliminating Hamas, popular pressure is mounting calling for concluding an exchange deal, even if the price is a ceasefire, as the issue of the kidnapped has become a basic demand of the Israeli public.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, he pointed out that Netanyahu's government will face a lot of international pressure and may clash with the administration of US President Joe Biden , who is preoccupied with the presidential elections and is seeking an exchange and truce deal that will lead to a political path with the Palestinians.

The spokesman for the "Peace Now" bloc believes that Netanyahu's government, represented by far-right parties, will not abandon the ruling coalition and will seek to maintain it because it represents a struggle for survival for Netanyahu in the Israeli political scene, and it also constitutes a cornerstone of Smotrich and Ben Gvir's agenda and ideology of incursion and control of the reins of government in Israel. He believes that Netanyahu's government, which relies on the confidence of 64 members of the Knesset, and is floundering over options between war, the exchange deal, and responsibility for failure, will not fall or disintegrate through parliamentary opposition, but rather through external international pressure, internal movement, and Israeli public pressure.

Under the title Netanyahus plan to sacrifice the kidnapped, journalist Uri Misgav, an activist in the movement against the far-right government, wrote, saying, Israel failed for 4 months in trying to liberate the kidnapped militarily, and it became clear that military operations killed some of them. Misgav adds: Hamas formulated a serious response and presented a reasonable plan in light of the current bleak circumstances as a basis for negotiations, of course. This is a deal that a rational and responsible government must accept, but Hamass response embarrassed the Netanyahu government, which will apparently continue to sacrifice the kidnapped.

The Israeli writer explained that another deal to return the detainees, or some of them, is conditional on stopping the fighting in the Gaza Strip for a limited period or permanently. He said that stopping military operations for a limited period would lead to a rebellion in the priestly settlement base, a partner in Netanyahus coalition, on which his fate and the future of his political career depend.

He pointed out that the decision to sacrifice detainees led to changing the declared goals of the war and that Netanyahu stopped repeating the phrase the defeat of Hamas and the return of the kidnapped, and moved to chatter about complete victory, adding that this goal was formulated vaguely and is not achievable on the ground to prevent Reaching an agreement and prolonging the fighting is for Netanyahu's own interests.

Operational Update

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the army to develop a dual plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah and crush the remaining Hamas batallions. Netanyahu added that it is not possible to achieve the goals of the war in Gaza and maintain 4 Hamas batallions in Rafah. Israeli aircraft targeted - at dawn on Friday - two inhabited homes in the city of Rafah, resulting in the death of 8 Palestinians, including women and children.

International concern has increased over the fate of hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans who have taken refuge in Rafah since Israel threatened a ground invasion of the city located on the border with Egypt. Washington said that it would not support any Israeli military operation in Rafah without giving due consideration to the plight of civilians, and US President Joe Biden described Israel's response to Hamas attacks on October 7 as "exaggerated."

The city of Rafah, which includes more than 1.2 million Palestinians, most of whom have been displaced for about a week, has witnessed an escalation in Israeli air attacks, which targeted civilian homes and sites close to displacement centers and tents.

Cairo sent about 40 tanks and armored personnel carriers to northeastern Sinai in the past two weeks, while the Israeli press reported that the Israeli army approved a military operation in Rafah. Egyptian forces were deployed before Israel expanded its military operations to include the city of Rafah (south of Gaza), to which most of the Gaza Strip's residents were displaced in search of a safe haven, which exacerbated Egypt's fears of the possibility of forcing the Palestinians to leave the Gaza en masse.

The Egyptian military moves came within the framework of a series of measures to enhance security on its borders with the Gaza Strip. In developments, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the Israeli army approved a military operation in Rafah. The newspaper said that preparations for the operation in Rafah began weeks ago, and the army has already approved a plan that includes the necessity of evacuating the displaced. For its part, the official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said that the military operation in Rafah will begin after the completion of a "large-scale evacuation" of civilians from the city and its suburbs.

The international press highlighted Israel's growing threat of imminent military operation in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip , and the dangers it might cause due to the presence of large numbers of displaced people there, in addition to issues related to the Gaza war. In this context, the British newspaper "Financial Times" warned of the dangers of a large-scale military operation in Rafah, as it based its report on satellite images showing how the large numbers of displaced people changed the appearance of the city that Israel intends to attack. The report indicated that sites in Rafah had already been bombed and that there were few options for those trapped there.

An article in the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence on fighting the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) until complete victory is achieved is an illusion. The article concluded from Netanyahu's recent statements that he fell into many contradictions, including his talk about destroying the tunnels despite the fact that it was an elusive goal, and a military operation in Rafah even though it was extremely complex, in addition to his ambiguous answers to questions about the future of Gaza and the threat from the Lebanese Hezbollah .

In turn, the French newspaper Le Monde said that Hamas's tunnel network remains intact despite the intense Israeli bombing since the beginning of the war. The newspaper quoted a French military source as saying that destroying tunnels as they appear in Gaza is almost impossible, pointing out the failure of various types of bombs to reach them and the failure of plans to flood them with water.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), revealed that its fighters had destroyed more than 1,108 Israeli military vehicles with Al-Yassin 105 missiles since the beginning of the current war on the Gaza Strip. Al-Qassam indicated in a statement that the destroyed Israeli vehicles included 962 tanks, 55 personnel carriers, 74 bulldozers, 3 excavators, and 14 military vehicles, "which resulted in the killing and wounding of a large number of occupation officers, soldiers, and mercenaries."

In this context, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that for the first time the effectiveness of the  Al-Yassin 105  missiles during the war was disclosed with accurate statistics, stressing that these numbers are part of the battle because not all resistance operations were documented and photographed. He explained that the complete or partial destruction of 1,108 Israeli vehicles is equivalent to 3 Israeli armored divisions, since each division includes 315 tanks, out of 5 divisions that Israel pushed into the Strip.

Al-Duwairi pointed out that the "Al-Yassin 105" missiles constituted the main weapon in the Gaza war, and they are the trump card of the resistance that inflicted on the occupation heavy and exorbitant losses that it was not accustomed to, whether in terms of personnel or equipment, after preparing human cadres to deal with them to reach this level of expertise. Fighting.

He pointed out that the "Al-Yassin 105" is equivalent to the "TBG" missiles, but the latter is designated for dealing with buildings and fortifications, noting that tanks - which contain a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10 - are the most targeted at the level of vehicles during the war, much more than tankers. Soldiers. He explained that the occupation had committed foolishness in the first phase when it pushed unprotected armored divisions from mechanized infantry units, before correcting them during the Battle of Khan Yunis.

Regarding human losses, Al-Duwairi believes that the numbers announced by the spokesman for the occupation army, Daniel Hagari, do not include mercenaries from various parts of the world, nor the Druze, nor dual nationalities, but rather are specific to single nationalities, referring to the numbers of mercenaries who fight within the ranks of the Israeli army, such as fighters coming from America and France. Britain, Germany, Ukraine and others. Despite the effectiveness of the resistances weapons in the ground battle, Al-Duwairi said that there is a clear weakness and gap in the resistances air defense weapons, and the lack of them gave the opportunity for the Israeli Air Force to do what it does through intensive and systematic bombing.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz used aerial photographs before and after the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip , to indicate the extent of the massive destruction caused by the Israeli army, describing the scenes as similar to what came after the atomic bomb. In a report entitled Gaza residents have fled their homes...they have nowhere to return to, it said, Satellites reveal the extent of the massive destruction inflicted on the Gaza Strip. The new reality created by the Israeli armys operations will affect the entire region for many years.

The newspaper pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Gazans were displaced from their homes and large areas of the Strip were destroyed. It said that residents, military officials, and journalists described scenes of massive destruction, and one of them (whom she did not name) said after visiting northern Gaza, It is like what came after the atomic bomb. It added that accurately estimating the destruction is a difficult task due to the continuing war, and given that the Israeli army imposes restrictions on the entry of journalists, but it is possible to create a map of the destruction using satellite data, which shows that at least half of the buildings in the Strip are likely to have been damaged. Or destroyed, according to American researchers. Most of the destruction is in northern Gaza, but bitter fighting is also taking place in the south, as satellite data shows.

The United Nations says that about 1.7 million Gazans fled their homes during the war, most of them now in the south, and huge tent cities have been set up along the Egyptian border. The newspaper added, "A new humanitarian, security and diplomatic reality has emerged, and it will shape the region for years to come." It added that reports of the war widely confirm the destruction of homes, commercial buildings, water and sanitation infrastructure, medical facilities, schools, universities, mosques, churches, shopping malls, stores, food factories, and relief centres. Roads, archaeological sites, and cemeteries were also damaged.

It pointed out that one of the first steps taken by the Israeli army was to order the residents of northern Gaza to head south, stressing that thousands fled quickly, and the aggressive bombing campaign launched by the Israeli army continued without interruption, except for a short ceasefire last November when an exchange of Detained Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Haaretz continued, using satellite images, "The Israeli bombing from the air, land and sea quickly caused massive damage throughout the Strip."

The newspaper reported that at least half of the buildings in the Gaza Strip were likely to have been damaged or destroyed as of last January 29, according to American researchers Corey Shear and Jamon van den Hoek, who used satellite analysis to create their map. It added: The two American researchers pointed out that their map does not show the exact extent of the damage to each building. But it shows that the damage in northern Gaza is the greatest, and that the damage in the south is also great.

It continued: The map shows that massive destruction occurred in Gaza City, where the main concentration of civilian infrastructure in the Strip is located. Even if those civilian buildings were not bombed, they are located in the heart of areas that were subjected to heavy bombing, and it will take significant time and effort for life there to return to normal. It pointed out that the United Nations indicated that 60% of housing units were damaged or destroyed, according to data since the beginning of this February.

The United Nations says that 390 educational facilities, 20 water and sanitation facilities, 183 mosques and 3 churches were damaged. Government buildings, including the Palestinian Parliament in Gaza, were damaged or destroyed. The newspaper reported that satellite images indicate, for example, the destruction of the entire eastern part of the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City.

It added that the Shujaiya neighborhood is not the only area suffering from such massive destruction, as entire buildings or neighboring buildings were leveled to the ground. There is also Beit Hanoun (north), the Bureij and Maghazi camps, and the towns of Juhr al-Dik (central), Bani Suhaila, and Khirbet Khuzaa (south). The pictures also show many craters resulting from bombs, "and even the huge Star of David that soldiers dug in the ground near Al-Azhar University in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, which was an upscale neighborhood in Gaza City."

It added that the destruction appears particularly in the areas through which the Israeli army passed, such as the southern entry road for the Israeli army into the Gaza Strip, which is parallel to the coast, and widespread destruction appears in the Al Awda neighborhood in Gaza City, near the coast and next to the Beach refugee camp. The newspaper pointed out that the Israeli bombing campaign sent hundreds of thousands of people to the south, and for many Palestinians, the flight and displacement from their homes was a shocking repetition of the 1948 Nakba.

Rafah, located on the border with Egypt, is home to 280,000 people, but its population has swelled to more than one and a half million, which is equivalent to 75 percent of the population of the Gaza Strip, after the Palestinians fled fighting, destruction and hunger in other areas of the Gaza Strip. Sprawling camps are now spread across the city. Planet Labs BBC satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press, monitored the massive population shift since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas. The imagery show an area near the Tal Sultan refugee camp on October 13, 2023, the sixth day of the war, and on January 14 of this year. More recent images reveal that the area, which was once scrubland near agricultural fields, has turned into a tent city.

Hundreds of temporary shelters surround a warehouse that serves as a distribution center for the limited aid currently entering the besieged Gaza Strip. The area surveyed in the two images is part of the broader Rafah refugee camp, which is one of eight urban camps in the Gaza Strip established for displaced families during the 1948 war.

Amnesty International's regional offices in the MENA reported satellite imagery of rural areas of Rafah show a mass of tents and other temporary structures that have risen since mid-October. In urban areas of Rafah, a mass of people and new temporary structures can be seen on the streets.s

The Israeli forces continued their raids on towns and cities in the occupied West Bank at dawn on Friday, as they stormed the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, the town of Hajjah, east of Qalqilya, the town of Beit Fajjar in Bethlehem, and the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus . The occupation police also stormed the courtyards of the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to prevent worshipers from secluding themselves and praying on the occasion of the night of Isra and Miraj, coinciding with a march of dozens of settlers in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.

A Palestinian was injured after being run over by a settler's car at the eastern entrance to the city of Qalqilya, while the occupation forces also stormed the towns of Budrus, west of Ramallah, Azzun and Hajjah, east of Nablus.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 5 people were injured by occupation bullets in the town of Beit Furik, east of the city of Nablus in the West Bank, where the occupation forces stormed the town, leading to the outbreak of confrontations with Palestinian youths. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that the occupation forces assaulted one of the wounded inside the ambulance during the transfer process. To the hospital.

Al Jazeera's correspondent in Palestine reported that the occupation forces tightened their military measures around the city of Nablus, after a Palestinian was killed by Israeli army gunfire at the Deir Sharaf checkpoint west of the city yesterday, Thursday. Meanwhile, the family of the prisoner Muhammad Ahmad Al-Sabbar from the city of Al-Dhahiriya, south of Hebron, said that the Palestinian Prisoners Club informed them of the martyrdom of their son Muhammad (20 years old), who had been detained for two years.

The occupation forces shot a Palestinian young man under the pretext of carrying out a shooting attack on Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint at the entrance to the town of Deir Sharaf, then prevented the ambulance from crossing to rescue the young man. The occupation forces withdrew from the town of Deir Sharaf after storming them, raiding shops there, and confiscating surveillance cameras from the shops.

Israeli Army Radio reported that about 25 settlers threw stones at Palestinian cars near the village of Deir Sharaf, west of Nablus.

The family of the prisoner, Muhammad Ahmad Al-Sabbar, from the city of Al-Dhahiriya, south of Hebron, said that the Palestinian Prisoners Club informed them of the martyrdom of their son Muhammad, who had been detained for two years. The occupation had referred the prisoner, Muhammad al-Sabbar, to administrative detention after the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, and the prisoners family said that he was suffering from health problems before the arrest. The family of the martyred prisoner also held the occupation responsible.

Meanwhile, the occupation forces stormed the courtyards of the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Qibli Mosque, in an attempt to prevent worshipers from secluding themselves in commemoration of the night of the Night of Isra and Miraj. Palestinian platforms broadcast scenes of the occupation abusing young men and searching them at Bab al-Silsilah inside the Old City of occupied Jerusalem. The occupation police also fired heavy tear gas bombs at young men in the Al-Shiyah area in the Ras Al-Amoud neighborhood, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On the other hand, the Old City of occupied Jerusalem witnessed a massive provocative march by settlers, heavily guarded by the occupation forces. The occupation forces set up barriers and prevented the people of occupied Jerusalem from reaching the Old City or the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Lebanese Hezbollah announced that it had targeted the Israeli Kila barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan with dozens of Katyusha rockets. The party said in a statement: The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance targeted, at 5:50 pm on Friday, the Kila barracks of the Israeli army in the occupied Syrian Golan with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Hezbollah confirmed that targeting the Kaila base was a response to the Israeli raids that targeted the Ali Al-Taher Heights and a house in the town of Yahmar in the Nabatieh district, deep in southern Lebanon. The Kela barracks of the Israeli army in the Syrian Golan is about 15 km from the Lebanese border.

Earlier, an RT correspondent said that a missile salvo was fired towards Kiryat Shmona on the border with Lebanon . It added that more than 30 rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards Israeli military sites in the Upper Galilee. She indicated that the Israeli Iron Dome was activated, explaining that a number of missiles exploded in the airspace of the eastern sector of southern Lebanon. Video clips documented the Iron Dome's interception of a number of missiles.

Brigadier General (ret.) Efi Itam, former commander of the Galilee formation and a minister in the Israeli governments, spoke with Aryeh Eldad and Ron Koffman about the possibility of expanding the campaign to the northern border as well: "We need to end the fighting in Gaza first. "There is a reason not to go to war in Lebanon now, at the same time as the war in Gaza," he read with them. "The IDF, which was built in recent years, was not built for the ability to fight on two fronts in such an intensive manner. This issue will be fixed immediately after the war, but as it is currently constructed it should end the fighting in Gaza. This is a fight that must be at the end of a ground fight. Never, since the Second World War, at the end of the combination of the movement, the fire, the destruction of the enemy and the occupation of the ground - makes a decision. The IDF was largely built as part of this conception. Siege wars in modern times were very few and lasted for long years. There is no such modern war, no such total siege.

"The Prime Minister said the following things, in order for us to gain the time required to carry out the long campaign, we need to respond to the American demands in the humanitarian field, and I agree with that. I just think that this humanitarian was done in a careless and stupid way - it was clear that the hand that needed To feed, refuel, transport water, medicine, there should be an Israeli hand in the hand of a civilian refugee who begs and depends on the hand that gives. As usual with us, everything was mixed up and there was no one who was supposed to immediately provide a form of military government in the occupied territory, as we did after the Six Day War. We had to prepare immediately as part of the war effort for a military government to manage the occupied territory. The conscious fear of the army being involved in the management of an occupied territory, which has been the case throughout history, all over the world, screwed up the business in the sense that no one prepared, the army did not want to deal with it, the civilian level was conducted in a kind of Innocence/Opacity."

Regarding the escalation in the north, he said that "we have a Hezbollah security zone deep inside Israel, almost 100,000 citizens are not in their homes - this is the price of succumbing to internal pressures within a society that is a democratic society, but that being such it sometimes tends to make such stupid decisions, So reckless, that later it pays like now interest de interest in order to return to the opening situation that was prevented."

He added: "The mistakes don't start four months ago. But regarding the evacuation from the north, I remind you that the decision was made under the assumption that Radwan's forces were going to immediately join the attack on October 7 in the south. The decision was made, and it is still very difficult for me today to judge it, which I clearly need to return to understanding that settlement is not a burden that needs to be removed from which fighting begins. We need to return to a settlement that has not moved. I remind you of our shame today, who hasn't moved from their homes? The Druze villages."

Maps

All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper [in old days] is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness.

Bystanders

The head of the International Crisis Group, Comfort Ayrault, considered that the risk of a major miscalculation is increasing day after day in the Middle East after four months of war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with Agence France-Presse, she pointed out that there are ongoing talks about a truce of 40 days. This is the basis. Obtaining these 40 days and then building on this basis... reaching a kind of transitional government that allows the infrastructure to restart. "Delivering water and food and then meeting long-term needs."

She pointed out, "From the Palestinian side, this is about their aspiration to establish a state. For Israel, it is about its security and obtaining security guarantees. That is why we have been very clear within the Crisis Group that the only way to achieve this is through an immediate ceasefire." She saw that, The only thing that seems real is that none of the parties wants regional escalation or war. And when I say none of the parties, I mean the three big players: Israel, Iran, and the United States. But we also see that we are getting closer every day to a major miscalculation. Avoiding a disaster becomes "It's a very important thing."

Regarding a new confrontation between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the United States, and its impact on American foreign policy, Ayrault said: What is clear... is that those who follow the United States seem nervous. I believe that the United States is still considered at the international level to be an influential party, whether positively. "Or negatively. But I think there is an increase in anxiety, uncertainty, polarization and division."

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Qatar's negotiating role in the war launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip , and considered - in exclusive statements to Al Jazeera Net - that Qatar's maintenance of its relations with Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement " Hamas " in Gaza gave it a distinguished position and a better position for negotiation. He added, "I do not see that any country can do what the State of Qatar did."

The Malaysian leader was not surprised by the attacks on Doha by Israeli officials, despite the United States praise of the Qatari role. He said sarcastically, We are dealing with Israelis who do not listen to anyone, and called on Qatar to continue its constructive role, which, in his opinion, aims to reach some kind of peace or a ceasefire. Fire and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

On the other hand, the Malaysian Prime Minister called on Western powers supporting Israel to stop what he described as complicity in the killing of children, infants, women and civilians. He urged the United States to put pressure on Israel to stop its aggression and stop killing, and indicated that he had explicitly informed US President Joe Biden of this position.

Anwar Ibrahim repeated his criticism of Western powers, including the United States, for what he described as hypocrisy, when they condone the killing of civilians while at the same time preaching and promoting the values ??of democracy and human rights. He stressed his country's principled commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, and enumerated the means it is taking in this regard, saying, "We have not left an international or regional forum without raising our voice loudly in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state, and working to stop the tragedy of the Palestinian people."

Anwar Ibrahim added, "We will continue to send our humanitarian aid, help wounded women and children by bringing them for treatment in Malaysian hospitals, and cooperate with Arab countries, neighboring countries and Islamic countries to achieve any other goals." The Malaysian Prime Minister affirmed his government's continued efforts to hold Israel accountable for its crimes in all international courts and forums, and denied that Malaysia had hesitated to take the initiative to bring the case to the International Court of Justice . He said that what prevented the initiative is that Malaysia is not a signatory to the Rome Charter establishing the court, and its law does not authorize non-member states to file a lawsuit, but it can provide support in the case, which is what Malaysia is already doing. He revealed to Al Jazeera Net that Foreign Minister Mohamed Hassan will undertake the plea against Israel. In person on February 24th.

Although Anwar Ibrahim expressed his confidence in the strength of the case brought by South Africa and supported by his country, and his high confidence in reaching a conviction against Israel, he added that the court lacks an implementation tool, as is the case with UN resolutions that have not been implemented against Israel, and therefore he sees an urgent need to put pressure on Washington in particular to play a vital role in this context.

Axis of Resistance

The prominent leader of the Hamas movement, Osama Hamdan, confirmed that the US administrations statements regarding the devastating Israeli war on the Gaza Strip are just words hanging in the air, stressing that there is no practical impact on US President Joe Bidens recent statements regarding the aggression.

During a press conference held by US President Joe Biden described the Israeli response behavior in Gaza as excessive and exceeding the limit, in unprecedented statements criticizing Israel, stressing that he is working to reach a sustainable cessation of fighting. Hamdan explained: Joe Biden's last words can be interpreted under two main headings. The first is that the American president realizes the extent of the impact of what is happening in Gaza on the general mood of the American voter, and its impact on an influential segment of voters whose positions may lead to his failure in the upcoming elections.

The second title, according to Hamdan, is that Biden may try to differ slightly in his position from the occupation government, given that this government is determined to continue the process of genocide. He added: There may be advice given to the American president and his administration on the necessity of not appearing to be fully and directly involved in the aggression.

In this context, the Hamas leader spoke about the existence of a serious opportunity for a ceasefire, an end to the siege, and the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza, noting that the ceasefire depends on the mentality of Benjamin Netanyahu and the level of American pressure.

Allied for Democracy

Hamas's media official in Lebanon, Walid Kilani, stated that the movement is capable of continuing to confront Israel. Kilani said in a statement to the Russian Sputnik agency on Friday: Hamas was able to deal with the strongest military arsenal in the region for four months, and it retained the ability to attack, defend, and achieve goals, and it can withstand a much longer period of time. Kilani pointed out that Israel was unable to destroy the military capabilities of Hamas, despite attacking residential buildings, hospitals and civilian facilities.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported, citing American officials, that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken believes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking confrontation with the United States over the Palestinian issue, while US intelligence sources confirmed that Israel has been able to weaken the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas ), but it didn't destroy it.

The newspaper said that the US Secretary of State was shocked by the Israeli Prime Minister's involvement in the hostage issue, noting that Blinken is more committed to recovering Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip than Netanyahu. Blinken met with Netanyahu and officials in the Israeli war government during a visit he made to Tel Aviv yesterday, Thursday, to discuss ways to secure the release of detainees in Gaza the day after Netanyahus statements rejecting some of Hamas demands.

Blinken said at the beginning of a meeting with Israeli war cabinet ministers that the talks will focus on the hostages and the strong desire of each of us to see them returned to their families, and on the work that is being done to achieve this goal.

Despite Netanyahus insistence on continuing the war until the elimination of Hamas, it does not seem that the Israeli peration that has been ongoing for 4 months on the Gaza Strip will enable it to achieve the goal that was announced since the outbreak of the first spark of the war. The American newspaper The New York Times quoted American officials as saying that American intelligence officials confirmed that Israel weakened Hamas, but did not come close to eliminating it. The newspaper said that officials refrained from providing specific estimates regarding the number of Hamas militants killed, under the pretext that these estimates are inaccurate and meaningless, as they put it.

It also quoted American officials as saying that the United States has learned through wars that counting the deaths of members of rebel movements or during counter-terrorism operations is stupid, and that there are doubts that the goal of destroying Hamas is realistic, and that weakening the movements fighting power may be a more achievable goal.

US President Joe Biden described the Israeli response behavior in Gaza as exceeding the limit, in unprecedented statements criticizing Israeli behavior, Biden revealed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi did not initially want to open the Rafah crossing for aid to enter the Gaza Strip , but he spoke to him and convinced him to open it. "Ive been pushing really hard  really hard to get humanitarian assistance into Gaza. There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and its got to stop, number one.

"Number two, I was also in the position that Im the guy that made the case that we have to do much more to increase the amount of material going in, including fuel, including other items. Ive been on the phone with the Qataris, Ive been on the phone with the Egyptians, Ive been on the phone with the Saudis to get as much aid as we possibly can into Gaza.

"There are innocent people  innocent women and children  who are also in bad  badly in need of help. And so, thats what were pushing right now. "And Im pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire. Because, as I  you know, Ive been working tirelessly in this deal  how can I say this without revealing?  to lead to a sustained pause in the fighting in  the actions taking place in  in the Gaza Strip. "And  because I think if we can get the delay for that  the initial delay, I think that we would be able to extend that so that we can increase the prospect that this fighting in Gaza changes.

"Theres also negotiations  you may recall, in the very beginning, right after  right before Hamas attacked, I was in contact with the Saudis and others to work out a deal where they would recognize Israels right to exist, let them  make them part of the Middle East, recognize them fully, in return for certain things that the United States would commit to do.

"And the commitment to  that we were proposing to do related to two  to two items. Im not going to go in detail. But one of them was to deal with the protection against their arch enemy to the northwest  northeast, I should say. The second one, by providing ammunition and materiel for them to defend themselves.

"Coincidentally, thats the timeframe when this broke out. I have no proof for what Im about to say, but its not unreasonable to suspect that the  Hamas understood what was about to take place and wanted to break it up before it happened."

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other armed groups present in the Gaza Strip carried out an attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 persons, injuring thousands and abducting some 240 people, many of whom continue to be held hostage. It was the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war. Palestinian armed groups launched thousands of missiles at Israel Following this attack, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, by land, air and sea.

The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant considered 05 February 2024 that half the number of Hamas militants were killed or seriously injured by Israeli army forces.

The HAMAS Ministry of Health in the besieged sector announced that the number of victims of the Israeli operation its beginning had risen to 27,840 martyrs, and the killing of nearly 10,000 Palestinian children and 6,600 women killed. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The number wounded was 67,317. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said much earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 8,000, including including 4,700 children and women, amid expectations that the toll will be double thi figures.

The IDF intensified its military operations in the West Bank, and increased the pace of incursions and raids into cities, towns, and camps, resulting in the martyrdom of 380 Palestinians, the injury of about 3,950, and the arrest of 5,780, according to official HAMAS sources. As of 17 January 2023, the Israeli escalation in the West Bank led to the death of 360 Palestinians, the injury of nearly 2,200, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and the arrest of about 6,000, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club.

More than 130 Hezbollah fighters were killed in Lebanon during exchanges of bombing operations with Israel.

Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700.

The total announced number of Israeli officers and soldiers killed had risen to 564 since the start of the war on October 7, including 234 killed since the ground invasion as a result of the ongoing clashes with the Palestinian resistance. Among them were at least 56 with the rank of platoon commander, 43 with the rank of company commander, 9 with the rank of battalion commander, and 5 with the rank of brigade commander. These officers constitute 23% of the total deaths of the Israeli army in the war on Gaza.

Israeli media reported that 27% of the Israeli military casualties in the war were officers. In detail, the media highlighted that three brigade commanders, four battalion commanders, and other senior officers have been killed in the war so far.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that 29 of the army's deaths were caused by "friendly fire" and operational incidents since the start of the ground war in Gaza, late last October. The Israeli authority explained that "18 army soldiers were killed by friendly fire, two were killed as a result of gunfire (without explanation), and 9 Israeli soldiers were killed in ammunition, weapons, or run-over accidents." The Jerusalem Post newspaper revealed that 15 soldiers were killed in the Strip without their bodies being found.

According to some reports statistics indicate that 20% of the Israeli losses were due to friendly fire. Because the nature of the battle has become completely different from what was expected, and it lacks a front line.

It was announced that soldiers wounded in the Gaza Strip battles numbered to 2,815 since the beginning of the war, including 1,296 who had been wounded since the start of the ground attack on October 27, 2023.

The Israeli army reported that 407 who are still receiving treatment for their injuries in the Gaza battles, and the condition of 48 of them is serious. The number of injured among the Israeli army since the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip on October 27 included 602 minor cases, 430 moderate cases, and 264 critical cases.

The Israeli army published new data about those wounded in the military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army announces that 540 soldiers were injured in the Gaza StripThe Gaza government announces that the Israeli army committed a horrific massacre in an area it claimed was safe According to army data, 540 soldiers, including 27 seriously injured, were injured in operational incidents since the start of the bombing of the Gaza Strip. There were also 21 accidental shooting incidents in the Gaza Strip, 54 bilateral shooting incidents and 31 traffic accidents. In addition, 388 incidents occurred, including ramming anti-tank rifles, anti-aircraft guns, weapons and machine guns.

At least 13,794 Israelis were injured, according to i24 TV.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported that 5,000 soldiers had been wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, and that the Ministry of Defense had recognized 2,000 soldiers as disabled so far.

An estimate by the Israeli Ministry of Defense expected that the number of soldiers with disabilities in the war taking place in the Gaza Strip since October 7 of last year would reach 12,500 soldiers. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said that the Soldiers' Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Defense has dealt with 3,400 soldiers who were classified as disabled in the army since last October 7.

The Israeli army revealed that about 9,000 of its soldiers have received psychological assistance since the beginning of the war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, and about a quarter of them have not returned to combat. This came according to a new statement revealed by the Army Medical Corps, according to Channel 12 and the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. According to the statement, nearly 9,000 soldiers have applied for psychological assistance since the beginning of the war, and approximately a quarter of them have not returned to combat.

The statement continued, "In total, about 13,000 regular and reserve soldiers required accompaniment or medical treatment at some level during the fighting, and thousands of them were injured in the battles."

Al Jazeera military and strategic expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi expressed his conviction that the numbers of dead and wounded announced by Israel cannot represent the truth, due to a discrepancy between the Israeli armys data and the Walla website, which is close to the army itself.

In an interview with RT, Military strategist retired Tunisian Brigadier General Tawfiq Didi said that the number of Israeli army deaths in the Gaza battles is much greater than what Israel announces. Didi explained in an interview with the Best Saying program on RT channel, The number of people killed in battles can be easily known, as the equation in wars is that for every 3 wounded there is a dead person, and the numbers now in Israel hover around 12,500 wounded and disabled people, and when we divide by Three, we find that the death toll exceeds 4,000, especially after eliminating more than a thousand tanks and armored vehicles, and I know what happens when Kornet missiles hit a tank. Its ammunition explodes and no one is left alive.

He added, "The Israelis announce their dead only of those of Jewish origin and of the first race, meaning all Arabs, Falash, and those who are among them. They are not counted because they are of the second category. So I am sure that the number exceeds 4 thousand dead, and this is a very easy military calculation."

He pointed out, "The Palestinian resistance documented everything it did, unlike the Israelis. The resistance documented shooting at tanks and armored vehicles and destroying the houses in which the Israeli soldiers were holed up, and we saw them being killed... We saw the Kornet hitting the tanks, we saw Al-Yassin 105, so the difference is clear."

Hostages

Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed have been held as hostages in Gaza since 2014 and 2015, respectively. Unlike the roughly 240 people kidnapped in the Hamas October 7 terrorist attacks, the campaign for the release of Mengistu and al-Sayed has received little publicity. Mengistu is known to suffer from what HRW deemed "serious" mental health issues. "Avera crossed one of the safest borders in the world, under the eyes of the security services," recalled Gil Elias, a relative. "We're talking about a mentally ill person who got lost." The calls for the release of Mengistu and al-Sayed have been barely audible during the many years they have been held captive in Gaza.

Israel had previously estimated there were 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody. Israel declared 20 out of 136 people in Gaza captivity dead in absentia, after announcing its forces had recovered the bodies of two hostages. By another count, 132 of them are still being held in Gaza, and 25 of them have been confirmed dead. Israel considers those still held by Hamas to be hostages regardless of whether they are dead or alive.

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy earlier had told reporters that Hamas still held 137 captives. The resistance released 10 Israeli detainees, 4 Thais and 2 Russian women, who were released outside the agreement. Over the course of 6 days, Israel has received 102 detainees, women and children, including 78 Israelis, in exchange for the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners, women and children.

Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, told reporters 01 December 2023:

Hamas still held 137 hostages from the October attacks, in addition to four others who went missing before the war

The hostages include two children aged four and 10 months, who, Hamas now claims, are dead

117 male hostages are still kept in Gaza, including the two children, as well as 20 females

126 hostages are Israelis, and 11 others are foreign nationals

Foreign nationals are eight Thais, one Nepalese, one Tanzanian and one French Mexican citizen

Ten of the remaining hostages are 75 and older.

There are seven missing people since the October 7 attack

Hamas had released 110 hostages so far  86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals.

Some of the rest are soldiers, seized when Hamas raided military bases in Israel. They may end up being held the longest. The Israeli military had not specified how many soldiers were captured, nor their ranks.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari announced on 07 February 2024 that 31 hostages detained in Gaza had died. He added in a press conference, "We informed 31 families that their detained relatives had died, and thus we announce their deaths."

According to some estimates, Hamas was initially holding nearly 210 of the 240 hostages, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad was holding the remaining 30. About 40 Israelis remained missing. More than 40 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7th are not currently in the custody of Hamas, the group responsible for the attack, according to a CNN report based on a diplomatic source briefed on the negotiations, CNN's prior reports had indicated that an estimated 40 to 50 hostages were held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad or other unidentified groups or individuals.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club revealed that about 11,000 arrests were carried out by the Israeli army during the year 2023 in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, in addition to arrests from the Gaza Strip before the seventh of last October. The number of people arrested by the Israelis in the West Bank since that date has exceeded 6,870. The total number of prisoners in Israeli prisons exceeds 9,000 Palestinians. Palestinian prisoner institutions said 661 were classified as unlawful combatants from Gaza, and this is the number available only as a clear given.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club said that there has been a significant increase in the number of Palestinian administrative detainees in Israeli prisons since October 7, with 3,484 detainees recorded, including children and women. The club added in a statement that "this number was not actually recorded even during the years of the 1987 uprising."

Israel said on 14 January 2024 that, since the beginning of the war, over 2,960 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and the Bekaa and Valleys Division, over 1,350 of whom are affiliated with Hamas. On 08 January 2024 it was reported that more than 1,350 wanted persons had been arrested throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and the Bekaa and Valleys Division, more than 870 of whom are associated with the terrorist organization Hamas.

The institutions added in the statement that the occupation arrested 210 women during the aforementioned period, and this statistic includes women who were arrested from the territories in 1948, and more than 355 children, pointing out that the outcome of the arrest campaigns includes all those who were arrested from homes, and through military checkpoints, Those who were forced to surrender themselves under pressure, and those who were detained. It explained that "the number of arrests among journalists reached 50, of whom 35 remain in detention, and 20 of them were transferred to administrative detention."

The announced numbers of detainees do not include those who were detained from Gaza since the start of the operation in the Gaza Strip, as there is no accurate census of these numbers.

Israel has rejected international legal adaptations since 1967, and has treated the Palestinians as criminals, and tried them before military courts and not as prisoners of war. Because the POW is not tried, but is released when the war stops, or as a result of a political agreement.

But international humanitarian law sets clear conditions relating to the Palestinians, whether as prisoners of war or organized groups with one leadership and carrying a unified slogan, and these conditions apply to Palestinian resistance fighters, specifically armed groups. International law, through the Third Geneva Conventions, which relate to prisoners of war and armed conflicts, and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which relates to civilians under occupation; Provide full protection to Palestinian prisoners and groups, including resistance factions.

The obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities became very different after the seventh of last October. They decided to cancel all trials in order to double the sentences issued against detainees, and now The scope of arguments before lawyers is very limited, due to military orders, and not according to legal data.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 09 February 2024 - Day 715

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 7 February 2024, social media posts highlighted an explosion at a Russian missile factory close to Izhevsk, Udmurtia, in central Russia. This factory is used to produce a range of ballistic missiles including the Iskander, which is regularly used against Ukraine. Initial reports suggested the explosion was due to worker error, although later the Russian state TASS news agency reported it was due to 'planned tests' of rocket engines. It is unlikely that Ukrainian uncrewed aerial vehicles were involved in the explosion given the 1,200km distance from Ukraine. Furthermore, no such attacks were reported in the area.

This is at least the fifth unexplained military industrial factory explosion in four months. Previous explosions include the Kamensky chemical plant in Rostov on 15 January 2024; the Chelyabinsk tank factory on 26 November 2023 and gunpowder and ammunition factories in Kotovsk on 10 November 2023 and Solikamsk on 31 October 2023.

There is a realistic possibility that the explosion is due to negligent handling and storing of highly volatile, combustible, and explosive materials. Additionally, senior political pressure to increase military industrial output targets to support the war in Ukraine has likely led to round the clock production and staff fatigue. Increased demands on production will highly likely result in greater numbers of industrial accidents in the future.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of February 9, there were 91x combat engagements. The Russian occupiers launched 49x air strikes and carried out 52x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks resulted in wounded civilians. Residential private and apartment buildings, and other civilian infrastructure in were destroyed and damaged.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Yunakivka, Yablunivka, Kindrativka (Sumy oblast). Around 30x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Karpovychi, Lub'yane, Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Mohrytsya, Stepok, Uhroidy, Novodmytrivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Strilecha, Chuhunivka, Vovchans'k (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x attacks near Syn'kivka, Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). In that area, Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense, to no success. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Stepova Novoselivka, Kotlyarivka, Pishchane (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x assaults in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area Russian forces, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched an air strike near Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 18x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers made unsuccessful attempts to improve their tactical situation. Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Vasyukivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, New York (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 17x attacks near Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka and 10x more attacks near Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 15x settlements, including Keramik, Novobakhmutivka, Lastochkyne, Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the invaders in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the Russian adversary, with air support, made 12x attempts to improve its tactical situation. The settlements of Kurakhove, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka, Paraskoviivka were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Shakhtars'ke axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 2x assaults south of Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast) and north of Pryyutne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 2x attack west of Novopokrovka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense, to no success. Around 30x settlements, including Poltavka, Hulyaipole, Stepove, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Stepnohirs'k (Zaporizhzhia oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces do not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. Thus, during the day, Russian forces made 4x unsuccessful assaults on positions of Ukrainian troops. Russian forces fired artillery at the city of Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Chervonyi Mayak, Krynky, Beryslav (Kherson oblast). On top of that, Russian forces launched MLRS strikes in the vicinities of Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Krynky, Komyshany, Tokarivka (Kherson oblast).

During the day of February 9, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 5x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 2x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 2x command posts, 2x ammunition depots of the Russian invaders.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Former President Donald Trump took to the stage for the Presidential Forum at the NRAs Great American Outdoor Show on Friday.

The annual 9-day event is the worlds largest outdoor recreation show since it began in 2014. The last time Trump made an appearance at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center was in 2016 when he first ran for office. The former president won the state of Pennsylvania with 48.85% of the votes over Hillary Clinton that year. However, Pennsylvania would then return to the Democrats in 2020 when Joe Biden flipped the state back to blue.

Trump stood before an enthusiastic crowd of thousands at the New Holland Large Arena as he argued why it is crucial supporters find their way to the polls come November. If we dont get elected, we dont have a country any longer, he said. The rest of the evening was loosely centered around the Republican frontrunners support of Second Amendment rights; however, a large portion of his speech was focused on border security and attacking Biden.

If the Senate wants to pass a real border bill, they should establish penalties for senior Biden officials who refuse to enforce the existing law, Trump said in reference to the ongoing conflict on Capitol Hill after Republicans shot down a bipartisan bill that would have helped secure the Southern border. Trump also expressed during his speech his plans for the first day of his inauguration if he were to win Novembers race.

Were going to knock out everything before I even get to the Oval Office, Trump said. On day one, we will sack the radical gun grabber Steve Dettlebach, in reference to the current director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Even before Trump arrived at the Complex, booths were already set up to try and get younger voters registered ahead of November. Were finding all those Gen Z, all those first-time voters, anybody, even former Democrats who want to register to vote, said Noah Formica, a field representative for Turning Point Action. He said the 501c3 organization looks to continue their efforts leading up to November.

So my plan is to do as much activism and get out there, be neighborly, talk to as many people, set up tables at gun shows, college campuses. Just generally go where young people go and talk to them, he said.

While Pennsylvania may have been the focus of the day on Friday, Trump announced he will campaign in South Carolina for the next 14 days ahead of the states primary against former South Carolina governor, Nikki Haley.
International Cybercrime Malware Service Dismantled by Federal Authorities: Key Malware Sales and Support Actors in Malta and Nigeria Charged in Federal Indictments

Friday, February 9, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs



RAT Malware Allowed Cybercriminals to Surreptitiously Connect to Victims' Computers to Steal Data and Engage in Other Malicious Activities Without Victims' Knowledge

The Justice Department announced today that, as part of an international law enforcement effort, federal authorities in Boston seized internet domains that were used to sell computer malware used by cybercriminals to secretly access and steal data from victims' computers. Federal authorities in Atlanta and Boston also unsealed indictments charging individuals in Malta and Nigeria, respectively, for their alleged involvement in selling the malware and supporting cybercriminals seeking to use the malware for malicious purposes.

Federal authorities in Boston seized www.warzone.ws and three related domains, which together offered for sale the Warzone RAT malware a a sophisticated remote access trojan (RAT) capable of enabling cybercriminals to surreptitiously connect to victims' computers for malicious purposes. According to court documents authorizing the seizures, the Warzone RAT provided cybercriminals the ability to browse victim file systems, take screenshots, record keystrokes, steal victim usernames and passwords, and watch victims through their web cameras, all without the victims' knowledge or permission.

Investigations by the FBI Boston and Atlanta Field Offices also led to two indictments against individuals involved in selling and supporting the Warzone RAT and other malware.

Daniel Meli, 27, of Zabbar, Malta, was arrested on Feb. 7 at the request of the United States, following a coordinated operation by the Malta Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General of Malta, with the support of the FBI and Justice Department. Meli made his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in Valletta, Malta. Meli was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia on Dec. 12, 2023, for four offenses, including causing unauthorized damage to protected computers, illegally selling and advertising an electronic interception device, and participating in a conspiracy to commit several computer intrusion offenses. According to charging documents, since at least 2012, Meli offered malware products and services for sale to cybercriminals through online computer-hacking forums. Specifically, Meli allegedly assisted cybercriminals seeking to use RATs for malicious purposes and offered teaching tools for sale, including an eBook. Meli also allegedly sold both the Warzone RAT and, before that, malware known as the Pegasus RAT, which he sold through an online criminal organization called Skynet-Corporation. He also provided online customer support to purchasers of both RATs. The Northern District of Georgia is seeking Meli's extradition to the United States.

Separately, Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, 31, of Nigeria, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Massachusetts on Jan. 30 for conspiracy to commit multiple computer intrusion offenses, including obtaining authorized access to protected computers to obtain information and causing unauthorized damage to protected computers. According to charging documents, between June 2019 and no earlier than March 2023, Odinakachi provided online customer support to individuals who purchased and used the Warzone RAT malware. Law enforcement officers of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Odinakachi on Feb. 7.

The disruption of the Warzone RAT infrastructure was the result of an international law enforcement effort led by FBI special agents in Boston and Atlanta and coordinated with international partners in large part through Europol. According to court documents, in addition to discovering instances of the Warzone RAT being used to attack victim computers in Massachusetts, the FBI covertly purchased and analyzed the Warzone RAT malware, confirming its multiple malicious functions. Separately, law enforcement partners in Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania provided valuable assistance securing the servers hosting the Warzone RAT infrastructure.

"Today's actions targeting the Warzone RAT infrastructure and personnel are another example of our tenacious and unwavering commitment to dismantling the malware tools used by cybercriminals," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. "We will turn over every stone to prevent cybercriminals from attacking the integrity of our computer networks, and we will root out those who support such cybercriminals so they will be held accountable. Those who sell malware and support cybercriminals using it should know that they cannot hide behind their keyboards or international borders."

"Daniel Meli will no longer escape accountability for his actions selling malware," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. "This alleged cybercriminal facilitated the takeover and infection of computers worldwide. Our office was proud to partner with our federal and international counterparts to find Meli and bring him to justice. We will continue to diligently investigate and prosecute cybercrime in the Northern District of Georgia, and in all parts of the globe where our district is impacted."

"This action highlights the FBI's commitment to disrupting cybercriminal actors and taking down their infrastructure," said Assistant Director Brian Vorndran of the FBI's Cyber Division. "The FBI is proud of the international coordination involved in this law enforcement effort, and we will continue to build global partnerships to go after cybercriminals who seek to harm the American people."

The charges of conspiracy, obtaining authorized access to protected computers to obtain information, illegally selling an interception device, and illegally advertising an interception device each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of causing unauthorized damage to protected computers provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys James R. Drabick and Carol E. Head for the District of Massachusetts obtained the seizure warrants, and Drabick is prosecuting Odinakachi. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Michael Herskowitz for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting Meli.

The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance during the investigation. Federal authorities also wish to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the FBI Boston and Atlanta Field Offices; Malta Police Force; Office of the Attorney General of Malta; Malta Ministry for Justice; Australian Federal Police; Croatian Ministry of the Interior Criminal Police Directorate; Dutch National Police; Europol European Cybercrime Center; Finland's National Bureau of Investigation; State Police Force of Saxony, Germany; Japan Ministry of Justice; Port Harcourt Zonal Command of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Romanian National Police; and Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their valuable assistance.

Anyone who is a victim of a Warzone RAT computer intrusion is urged to report it to the FBI at https://wzvictims.ic3.gov

.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: Cybercrime

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Georgia, Northern

USAO - Massachusetts

Press Release Number: 24-163

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Artemis Accords Signing Ceremony With Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Dr. Daglis

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

February 9, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. Georgios, my friend, welcome. It is always good to see you and always an important occasion to say we're so grateful for the partnership between our countries. Administrator Nelson, Bill, wonderful to have you here today. Dr. Daglis, you as well. Thank you to both of you for all that you do to further our understanding of space to the benefit of everyone here on Earth.

I'm very happy to host my colleagues for what is now our fifth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, but also for this ceremony marking an important new step in our relationship. The partnership between our countries is, in my judgment, the strongest it's ever been. This was reinforced when I had a chance to visit Athens a year ago for our last strategic dialogue, and also reinforced by my recent visit just a few weeks ago to be with the prime minister in Crete.

Our countries are working together to promote peace and stability: standing with Ukraine, defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, confronting terrorism, providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to people who need it, responding to natural disasters. We're bolstering transatlantic defense and security through our Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, our work to strengthen NATO, the sale of F-35 jets to Greece. And we're building more opportunities for our people and for people around the world: accelerating the clean energy transition, combating climate change together.

And now we're taking our partnership literally to new frontiers. By signing the Artemis Accords, Greece is joining the United States and 33 other nations to advance our shared vision for safe, peaceful, sustainable space exploration.

We're working to shape the future of how our countries operate in space so that benefits are maximized for all people for generations to come. That's why in October the Artemis Accords signatories identified steps to help us deconflict space missions and avoid space accidents. Our coalition now will be stronger with Greece. It's an important member of the European Space Agency, where it's helping to craft the next generation of communications technology so that people around the globe can share information more freely and more securely. And Greece is positioning itself as a leader in using small satellites to monitor our Earth's environment and improve our understanding of climate change.

Through these accords, we'll also draw upon the contributions made by Greece and its experts throughout history. In ancient times, Plato argued that the sun, the moon, the planets moved on circular paths. Over the last few decades, it was a Greek American physicist, Tom Krimigis, who helped NASA conduct experiments on all of the major planets in our solar system.

As the early Greek philosopher Glaucon put it, and I quote, "Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another." What an extraordinary vision and what a powerful description of what this is all about. Our partnership in the Artemis Accords will enable many more discoveries in these other worlds and make possible new horizons for all of our people. That's why we're so grateful to be joining together today.

With that, my friend Georgios, over to you.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: Thank you so much. Thank you, dear Secretary, dear Tony, for the warm welcome. Let me begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families of the five members of the crew of the Marine helicopter who lost their lives tragically yesterday.

Our meeting today marks the opening of the fifth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. Please allow me at the outset to just place emphasis on the importance of those two Greek-origin words, "strategic" deriving from the Greek word strategAkos, meaning of high hierarchy, and "dialogue" coming from the Greek word diAlogos, meaning discussion, debate on the ground of reason and logic. Therefore, our strategic dialogue is a means to set vision and enhance policy based on shared values, and it is important that today we're signing the Artemis Accords in order to just be together not only on Earth but also in the space.

Such meaningful cooperation is today more needed than ever in the light of present global challenges, such as the climate change, migration, the - and pandemics, which directly affect the lives of billions of people; but also in the context of serious conflicts, from Ukraine and South Caucasus to Gaza and the Red Sea and Sahel, with imminent extraterritorial effects. What is urgently needed is global cooperation based on ethical commitments under the auspices of international law. This is, after all, the epitome of global governance, calling for rule-based international orders and universal solidarity.

In this respect, the further cultivation of our bilateral ties, as well as of the transatlantic cooperation, is of the utmost importance. And it is important that we're here, one of the oldest members of the European Union and of the NATO, in order to discuss together and find new ways of cooperation.

We actively support EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and Ukraine. We underline the respect of international law and of the law of the seas. We urge to resume talks concerning the Cyprus problem towards a viable solution according to the resolutions of the security council of the European nations.

In relation to the Middle East, we are in a position by virtue of our relations with all involved parties to work constructively to prevent further humanitarian deterioration. And I would like to take this opportunity to stress Secretary's Blinken tireless efforts to prevent the escalation in the humanitarian catastrophe of - in the Middle East, from where he just came back. We are all grateful for his efforts.

In relation to Ukraine, we're hosting next week, alongside with a European investment bank, a reconstruction summit in Athens. And of course next April we're hosting the ninth Our Ocean conference concerning the sustainability of the preservation of waters globally. I had the opportunity earlier this morning to have a very interesting talk with Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry, and it was really outstanding to see how we are completely likeminded in many respects.

Further, our economy - Greece's economy - is back on a strong growth trajectory. This is also thanks to emblematic foreign direct investments coming from the United States. And we're increasingly becoming a key player and a hub in the energy sector, with particular emphasis on infrastructures and interconnectors, in order to make diversification of energy sources more plausible in Europe. Just last month, our new floating storage regasification unit, the FSRU, arrived in Alexandroupolis and will soon start providing gas to the Balkans and Eastern Europe via Greece.

And we further develop our defense capabilities with upcoming acquisition of up to 40 F-35 jets, which reflects the depth of our mutual relations. In light of the above, I daresay that the United States and Greece complement each other, doing everything in their power to contribute to regional and global stability.

Let me conclude, my dear Secretary, by mentioning people-to-people ties, a vital underpinning of our strategic dialogue. The Greek American diaspora is a significant bridge of the two civilizations and of the two people, and of course I cannot but stress the importance of educational exchanges through the Fulbright exchange program, the U.S. German Marshall Fund, and other educational vehicles. And, of course, we also value the 53 Greece-related programs at American universities, including 11 chairs of Greek studies.

Dear Secretary, today we celebrate the International Greek Language Day. It's a great day for us, and on this occasion, please allow me to conclude with some ecumenical Greek words. So thank you for your philoxenia, and I look forward to further synergies among our governments and nations - (laughter) - on grounds of common ethos so as to develop philanthropic and democratic ecumene. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Bill. And this is a reminder, so beautifully done, that pretty much everything begins with Greece. (Laughter.)

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: I consent.

MR NELSON: Mr. Secretary. And thank you for all the lessons of foreign policy that you taught me many moons ago in the Senate. Mr. Minister, Mr. Director, Mr. - Dr. Daglis, we are in a golden era of space exploration, and who we engage in that space exploration is very important. Half a century ago in the Apollo program, NASA took a giant leap for humanity when we stepped foot on the moon. That was the Apollo program, and if you'll recall, in Greek mythology, Apollo had a twin sister, and she is Artemis. And their father was Zeus; he was the king of the gods, and Artemis was the goddess of the moon and also the goddess of the hunt.

And now we're going back to the moon after a half-century, and we're doing it not in the Apollo program but in the Artemis Program. And then we go to the hunt, and the hunt is further than the moon. It is to go to Mars with a crew circa 2040. And as this signing today signifies, we are going with Greece, the birthplace of democracy and the longtime friend of the United States. It's also the location of Mt. Olympus, the mythic abode of the gods and the throne of Zeus. And our countries are united by the shared principles of peace and prosperity. And now with this signing, we share these principles in the cosmos.

Today, Greece will join 34 other nations from across the globe, and together we are ensuring that humanity's journey to the moon and beyond is done peacefully, safely, and transparently. And that's what these Artemis Accords are. They're commonsense declarations of we go in peace and to help each other as we explore the cosmos.

We will chart a path forward united by the possibilities of space and the promise of goodwill here on Earth. And I recall as President Kennedy was gathered at Rice Stadium when he had made that bold declaration in 1961 that we were going to the moon and return safely by the end of the decade. And I recall as he went to Rice, he said we go not because it's easy, but because it's hard. And he said something further. He was a sailor so often talked in nautical terms, and he said we go as star sailors, sailing on a cosmic sea to far-off cosmic shores. And that's where we go together, Mr. Director, Dr. Daglis. (Applause.)

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: Thank you so much.

MR NELSON: Thank you.

MR DAGLIS: Your Excellency, Secretary Blinken, and Minister Gerapetritis, Administrator Nelson, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed hosts for organizing this momentous signing ceremony which marks the accession of Greece to the Artemis Accords. Here in the illustrious Treaty Room, we gather to celebrate a new chapter in international space cooperation. On a personal note, please allow me to add that I was delighted to discover the existence of the Benjamin Franklin Room here which is named after the revered American scientist whose legend has inspired me since childhood.

The Artemis Accords stand as a beacon of collaboration offering a roadmap for the future where humanity unites in space exploration fostering peace and progress. Named after Artemis, as you already mentioned, Administrator, the ancient Greek goddess symbolizing the moon, the Artemis Program embodies our collective aspiration to expand the horizons of human exploration and knowledge.

As we embark on this bold endeavor to return astronauts to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable human presence, Greece stands ready to contribute its experience in space science and engineering. Our vibrant community with its deep knowledge in space physics, remote sensing, robotics and space software eagerly anticipates the opportunity to enrich the Artemis Program. In joining the Artemis Accords, we affirm our commitment to advancing scientific discovery, driving technological innovation, and inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers. Greece is honored to be a part of this international endeavor, and we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead. Thank you. (Applause.)

MODERATOR: Today, Greece shows exceptional leadership in signing the Artemis Accords, the most important international space policy commitment since the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, committing to safe, transparent, and responsible behavior as we advance humanity into the solar system together. (Applause.)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






United States Welcomes Greece's Signing of the Artemis Accords

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

February 9, 2024

On February 9, Greece became the 35th country to sign the Artemis Accords. Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis signed the Accords for Greece during the fifth round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, held in Washington, D.C. at the Department of State. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and President of the Hellenic Space Center Dr. Ioannis Daglis spoke at the signing, welcoming Greece's commitment to the peaceful, safe and transparent exploration and use of outer space.

The United States views Greece as an indispensable partner and a key NATO Ally defending NATO's southeastern flank. United by democratic values we are advancing our shared goals for peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans, Black Sea region, and beyond. Our countries' shared values extend to efforts beyond our defense cooperation and include a partnership in addressing climate change, increasing bilateral investment and trade opportunities, and strengthening educational and cultural ties. These efforts ensure that the U.S.-Greece relationship is stronger than ever.

The U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue is an important feature of our bilateral relationship and focuses on advancing shared priorities in the areas of regional cooperation, defense and security, trade and investment, energy and environment, law enforcement and counterterrorism, humanitarian challenges and disaster preparedness, and people-to-people ties.

The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries. They set out a practical set of principles to guide space exploration. Greece joins 34 other nations - Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States - in affirming the Accords' principles for sustainable civil space activity. The Department of State and NASA lead the United States' outreach and implementation of the Accords.

For more information, please visit https://www.state.gov/artemis-accords/. For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Axiom Space Mission Returns to Earth

By VOA News February 09, 2024

A private, four-person international crew with the commercial space company Axiom safely splashed down Friday off Florida's Atlantic coast following a two-week mission at the International Space Station (ISS).

In a release published on its website, Axiom said the crew splashed down early Friday, about 8:30 a.m. EST, after undocking from the ISS Wednesday aboard a Dragon spacecraft leased from another commercial space company, SpaceX.

The crew included retired NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, who served as the mission's commander; from Italy, Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei; from Turkey, Mission Specialist Alper GezeravcA and, from Sweden, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Marcus Wandt.

It was Axiom's third crewed mission to the ISS and the first with an all-European crew. During the trip, GezeravcA became the first-ever Turkish citizen to fly in space, and Wandt, the first ESA astronaut to fly on a commercial mission.

The company said during the 18-day mission on the orbiting laboratory, the Axiom crew conducted more than 30 experiments and more than 50 "outreach engagements," that included video discussions with school children from their home countries.

Turkey, Italy and Sweden reportedly helped finance the mission by each paying about $55 million.

Axiom Space said it plans to launch its fourth mission, AX-4, to the ISS later this year from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Navy flagship anchors at the Royal Hobart Regatta

Issued by Defence Media

9 February 2024

The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Diamantina (II) is proud to support the 186th Royal Hobart Regatta. The minehunter vessel arrived in Hobart on 9 February ahead of the iconic three-day event.

Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, CSM, RAN, said the HMAS Diamantina's crew were looking forward to visiting Hobart and participating in the event.

"Our Navy people are a significant part of the Tasmanian community. Our officers and sailors are excited to be part of this event and demonstrate Navy's connection with the people of Hobart. It's also an incredible opportunity for the crew to showcase one of the Navy's most sophisticated vessels," Rear Admiral Smith said.

"Hobart has a long and proud military history, and we look forward to again supporting this great event."

Commanding Officer of HMAS Diamantina, Lieutenant Commander Georgina Rae-Martin, said she was excited to visit Tasmania with Diamantina for the first time.

"It's an honour to be the commanding officer of the flagship for this year's Regatta, the crew and I are energised to engage with the Tasmanian community," Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin said.

"With three of my crew having joined the Navy from Tasmania, it's an even more exciting time to be here. They are looking forward to visiting their home state."

This year Diamantina will berth at Princes Wharf No. 1 on 9 February before proceeding to anchor in the River Derwent to provide a majestic backdrop for the Regatta on Sunday.

Ship's Company will support activities ashore, as well as afloat, including ship tours, sporting events and an official reception.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Combat ready at Cope North

By Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell

9 February 2024

Exercise Cope North 24 has kicked off at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, with Royal Australian Air Force elements prepared to deploy to 'hub and spoke' airfields across the Mariana Islands.

Cope North aims to enhance interoperability and airborne multilateral integration with Australia's regional allies including the United States, Japan, France, Republic of Korea and Canada.

With a focus on agile operations, RAAF Task Group Commander Group Captain Kylie Green said remote airfields would be used to demonstrate the coalition's air power capability and combat readiness.

"The scenarios have been designed to allow our aviators to exercise agile operational concepts that enhance force projection, resilience and survivability of our allied air combat forces," Group Captain Green said.

"We will also have aviators embedded within a multinational task force headquarters to plan and execute an air campaign, with the agile projection of air power from non-traditional airfields across the Mariana Islands."

RAAF elements deployed on Cope North include a C-27J Spartan and a contingency response squadron to establish scalable, expeditionary air base operations in short periods of time, enabling flexibility in deployed locations.

"Cope North 24 will provide training opportunities and invaluable experience for our people in a challenging scenario," Group Captain Green said.

"We are looking forward to working with our friends from the United States and Japan again, as well as Canada, France and the Republic of Korea."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Repression in Belarus: joint statement to the OSCE, February 2024

The UK joins other participating States in expressing concern regarding the absence of conditions for free and fair elections in Belarus, and the ongoing shocking human rights violations in the run up to the February elections

9 February 2024

Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and my own country, Canada.

And the following participating States are also joining this statement today: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

In 1991, OSCE participating States "categorically and irrevocably" declared that the commitments undertaken in the human dimension are "matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned" (Moscow Document, 1991).

In this context, participating States have repeatedly found it necessary to raise Belarus' failure to meet its OSCE human dimension commitments, particularly since the fraudulent elections of 2020 and the significant decline in the human rights situation that has followed. Belarus' complicity in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has aggravated the human rights violations and also contributed to regional and international instability.

For over three years, Belarusian authorities have engaged in a brutal crackdown on opposition figures, civil society representatives, journalists and media actors, religious communities and indeed almost all independent voices, which may amount to crimes against humanity, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus and the OHCHR. Individuals attempting to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms have been subject to intimidation, harassment, abuse and arbitrary detention.

This regrettable situation has been clearly documented in both the 2020 and 2023 Moscow Mechanism Reports, by the UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus and the OHCHR examination of the human rights situation in Belarus, as well as by the International Accountability Platform for Belarus and by Belarus' courageous human rights defenders. The OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media has spoken out repeatedly against repressive measures aimed at journalists and media actors in Belarus.

In recent weeks, we have once again heard credible reports of Belarus' failure to meet its OSCE human dimension commitments. Last month saw yet another wave of harassment, arrests, and detention, this time targeting former political prisoners remaining in Belarus, the families of political prisoners, and those who have supported them. As Amnesty International has observed, "The severity is surprising even for a country and region that has witnessed more than its fair share of brutal reprisals."

Like the brutal post-election crackdowns in 2020, these actions appear to be aimed at intimidating the people of Belarus in the lead up to scheduled parliamentary elections this month.

Viasna Human Rights Center continues to report over 1,400 current political prisoners, and that a staggering total of over 6,300 people have been the victims of political repression through criminal and administrative convictions in 2023.

Many political prisoners face isolation, mistreatment, and a lack of medical care which has led to instances of death in detention, such as the recent appalling cases of Vadzim Khrasko, Vitold Ashurak, and Ales Pushkin. Individuals are sometimes held without any contact to the outside world nor do their families have any information about their whereabouts or condition.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus.

Madam Chair,

Belarus' failure to uphold its human dimension commitments further extends to its clear disregard for its OSCE commitments in regard to democracy, and the Belarusian authorities' refusal to ensure that the people of Belarus can freely and fairly express their will in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

In 1990, in Copenhagen and Paris, OSCE participating States declared their commitment to democracy and political pluralism underlining that "the will of the people, freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections, is the basis of the authority and legitimacy of all government." Participating States reaffirmed these commitments in Istanbul in 1999 and further pledged to ensure fair competition among candidates and parties through media access and respect for the right of assembly.

It is evident that the authorities in Belarus have no intention to hold the genuine elections that are required under OSCE commitments. It is impossible so long as all forms of dissent or opposition are met with intimidation, harassment, persecution and imprisonment. In Belarus: there is no freedom of expression; there is no freedom of association; and there is no free and independent media to share a plurality of ideas.

It is impossible that a genuine democratic election could be held in these deplorable circumstances.

The Lukashenko regime, of course, knows that this is the case. It is for this reason that Belarus has refused to invite election observers through the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Parliamentary Assembly. In rejecting these observers, the regime seeks to avoid the transparency essential for holding genuinely democratic elections.

Let us also be clear: Belarus' refusal is inconsistent with the commitments made by participating States in Istanbul in 1999 to invite election observers from ODIHR, and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and to follow up on ODIHR's election assessment and recommendations. We share the concerns that have been expressed by both ODIHR Director Mecacci and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma on this vital democratic issue.

Madam Chair,

So long as the regime in Belarus continues to fail to meet its OSCE human dimension commitments, and to violate the human rights and democratic freedoms of its people, we will continue to speak out and to raise our concerns.

Things can be different in Belarus. The people of Belarus deserve better.

We condemn the continued military support provided by Belarus for Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. We call on Belarus not to provide further support for Russia's war of aggression.

We call on the Belarusian authorities to fully implement their international obligations and OSCE commitments, including by taking all necessary steps to create conditions for free, fair and genuinely democratic elections.

Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese tech firm Hesai plans to sue Pentagon over 'military-related' allegation

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Feb 08, 2024 08:32 PM

Chinese technology firm Hesai Technology said that the Pentagon's recent claim linking the company's business to the military is unfair and groundless. The company is planning to sue the US government department to protect its reputation, the company said on its official website on Wednesday.

Chinese experts said that the responsive move from the Chinese company is very rational, given the actions from the US side, which are lack of transparency and fairness and may tarnish the reputations of corresponding Chinese companies in the international market, and the companies should fight back.

Hesai announced on Wednesday in a public statement that they consider the decision made by the US Department of Defense on January 31 to include Hesai on its updated list of "Chinese military-related companies" to be "erroneous, unjust, and lacking in basis."

In order to uphold the company's reputation, Hesai has decided to sue the US Department of Defense to defend its legitimate rights and interests, the company stated.

On January 31, the US added more than a dozen Chinese companies to a list compiled by the country's Department of Defense, including major Chinese chip producer Yangtze Memory Technologies Co, AI company Megvii, and Hesai. These additions were claimed to be "related to the Chinese military."

This action is part of the US efforts to expand its technology blockade targeting China, according to media reports.

The US department said in its latest statement that they will continue to update the list with additional entities as appropriate.

As a global lidar producer, Hesai's lidar products cover a broad spectrum of applications, including passenger and commercial vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, autonomous driving vehicles, and robotic applications, among others, according to the company's website.

Hesai said on Wednesday that they have always adhered to compliance, integrity, and lawful operation principles, while committed to minimizing accidents, saving lives, and making global travel safer.

In a previous statement, the Chinese company already expressed their disappointment over the US decision, calling it "unjust, capricious and meritless."

"Hesai lidars are for civilian use only. We do not sell our products to any military in any country, nor do we have ties of any kind to any military in any country," the company noted.

The Pentagon's announcement coincided with a fresh round of measures by the US government targeting Chinese companies.

The reaction of Chinese companies over the matter is quite normal, as the US is keen to make its judgment without sufficient factual basis, lacking necessary transparency, and being unfair when it comes to China, Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Thursday.

The entity lists could result in a noticeable impact on normal business operations of the corresponding Chinese companies in the US and could even affect their global reputation, said Zhou.

Therefore, it is necessary for Chinese companies to resort to legal means to protect their own interests, which is also their right, the expert said.

China's Foreign Ministry slammed a move by the US Defense Department to add a dozen Chinese companies to a blacklist on the excuse of prohibiting American technologies from aiding the Chinese military.

China firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of misusing national security, setting up all kinds of discriminatory lists, going after Chinese companies and disrupting normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US, the ministry's spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the regular press conference on February 1.

We urge the US to immediately correct these discriminatory practices and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, Wang said, noting that China will continue to firmly safeguard the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






State sector employees tighten belts ahead of Lunar New Year

Employees take to social media to complain of unpaid wages, year-end bonuses.

By Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin 2024.02.09 -- China's state employees say they are tightening their belts ahead of once-lavish Lunar New Year celebrations, amid backlogs of unpaid salaries and slashed bonuses at cash-strapped local governments and state sector companies.

The struggling economy has increasingly left governments and the public sector unable to pay bonuses and wages. It has also forced organizations to impose salary cuts where they might once have enjoyed generous perks and payouts.

A Feb. 6 viral post on Weibo by employees at Shanghai's state-owned Pudong Development Bank said they had been given a "New Year's Letter" in place of their expected year-end bonuses, which are typically issued in the form of a 13th month's pay ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities.

At least one website, Hexun.com, appeared on Thursday to have deleted an article about the post, offering only the message: "This content is being upgraded. Please try again later."

Meanwhile, employees at the Bank of Guangzhou also took to social media to complain that their bonuses had yet to land. The Lunar New Year this year starts on Feb. 10.

The iFeng news service reported on Thursday that the Guangzhou bank employees had subsequently received their bonuses after they posted about the matter.

An employee at a bank in Shanghai who gave only the surname Zhou for fear of reprisals said Chinese banks - the majority of which are state-owned - have been cutting pay and benefits steadily over the past few months, with many employees now down to their basic salary with no perks or benefits.

"This is a common phenomenon," she told RFA Mandarin on Thursday. "The composition of people's income used to be pretty complicated, with a bunch of performance bonuses, meal subsidies, car subsidies, housing subsidies and so on."

"Now, a lot of hidden subsidies have been removed."

She said employees at the major state-owned banks and smaller local banks are all affected by the cuts.

Singing praises

The flurry of reports came as the ruling Chinese Communist Party pushes ahead with a fresh crackdown on online "rumors," and as its leader Xi Jinping called on the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce to help sing the praises of the Chinese economy.

"The ACFIC should guide private entrepreneurs to consolidate their confidence in development and collectively advocate for the bright future of China's economy," he told a pre-New Year's conference with the organization.

Reports of industrial disputes and unpaid wages are highly sensitive topics for the ruling Communist Party, which is keen to eliminate negative reports about the economy in a bid to boost confidence.

In late December, the Jiangxi provincial government reported social media users to the Cyberspace Administration for "rumor-mongering" after employees at the Zhengzhou Public Transport Group issued a document encouraging employees with more than 10 years' service to leave the company and start their own businesses.

An employee at a private company in Jiangxi who gave only the surname Liu for fear of reprisals said the reports were likely true, adding that her friends in the public sector have been getting their salaries cut by 20-30% this year.

"In Jiangxi, they've had notice of 30% reductions in salary," Liu said. "Our company has no projects to work on right now. In other words, I have nothing to do."

"My boss says he wants us to get through this together - either way, I'm not resigning," she said in a Dec. 27 interview with RFA Mandarin.

A resident of Jiangxi's Jingdezhen city said in another Dec. 27 interview that her mother's New Year retirement benefit of 1,200 yuan wasn't being paid either this year.

"Retirees should get this benefit once a year, in the form of 1,200 yuan on a shopping card," Yao Xiuzhen said. "That won't be issued this year."

A 2023 survey by the government-backed All-China Federation of Trade Unions published on the 51job recruitment website showed that around one-third of workers won't be getting a year-end bonus this year in time to usher in the Year of the Dragon on Friday.

The survey was based on responses from 2,478 professionals, of whom 50.9% had been working less than five years, and 30.8% had between five and eight years' experience, the report said, without mentioning an error margin or confidence interval.

The Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin's Strike Map, which tracks media and social media reports of labor disputes across the country, showed 174 disputes relating to "wage arrears," including 56 at state-owned enterprises, since Jan. 1, 2024.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by 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






Speech Made by Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un on Congratulatory Visit to Ministry of National Defence

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un paid a congratulatory visit to the DPRK Ministry of National Defence on the occasion of the 76th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and made a significant speech to congratulate the officers and men of the heroic KPA.

The full text of the speech is as follows:

Officers of the Ministry of National Defence, the highest command organ of the armed forces of our Republic, and non-commissioned officers and men present here, celebrating in grand style the founding anniversary of our glorious army,

Trustworthy officers and men of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th corps, who are devoting themselves now to defending the frontline on the border of our country,

Officers and men of the Pyongyang-defending corps, who are reliably performing their honourable mission of defending the capital city,

Officers and men of all the other corps and mechanized infantry, tank and armoured units, who are firmly defending the territory and waters in the eastern and western regions of the country,

Officers and men of the 12th Corps on the northern border and the Border Guards,

Courageous officers and men of our other services,

All other officers and men of the Korean People's Army,

On the 76th anniversary of the founding of the KPA, a proud holiday of our state and our people, I extend warm congratulations and greetings of encouragement to you.

Availing myself of this meaningful opportunity, I offer my heartfelt tribute to the revolutionary forerunners, the KPA martyrs and the respected war veterans, who glorified the initial days and decades of great victories in the history of building the Juche-oriented army with imperishable feats of meritorious service and miracles.

My warm thanks also go to all the people including soldiers' families across the country, who are absolutely supporting our Party's cause of building a powerful army.

As I stand here, I cannot find enough words to express my thanks to the officers and men of our army, who are making more painstaking efforts than anybody else shouldering greater tasks day after day, and to appreciate their outstanding feats.

Whenever I recall the words People's Army, my heart grows warm and I feel moved as I am reminded of its heroic image.

It has indeed been glorious 76 years for the army, which tell numerous tales and which are filled with victories and feats though there have been manifold trials.

It would be endless to recount the great feats it has performed for the people's safety and wellbeing while defending the most righteous ideas and cause, faithfully shouldering the sacred mission the times and history entrusted to it from the first days after its founding to this day, and the uncountable feats it has performed in those days.

The most brilliant feat our army has performed in its history of heroic struggle is that it has remained boundlessly faithful to its inherent mission of defending sovereignty and thus reliably safeguarded the right to independence and dignity of the country and the people and ensured their peace and stability in the face of military threats and blackmail by the imperialists and the danger of war.

Our revolution wrote an unheard-of chapter in history, in which the cause of founding an army was accomplished before the founding of a state. This was because sovereignty itself is something that can be defended and exercised only by means of revolutionary violence capable of frustrating imperialist tyranny, in other words, only when one wins the fight against it.

Our People's Army was a gain our people achieved through their protracted struggle to win back their lost rights to existence and development, freedom and rights, and its most important and sacred mission was to firmly defend sovereignty which had not to be deprived or violated again.

Shouldering the historic duty of safeguarding the national sovereignty, which could never be defended easily, it has undauntedly hewn out for the long 76 years the arduous path of fierce political struggle, class struggle, of deciding who prevails over whom.

While following the untrodden path decade after decade, our People's Army service personnel have performed countless battle feats and other heroic achievements at the cost of their blood and lives.

As our People's Army has resolutely foiled all manner of challenges and threats by the hostile forces wherever our national sovereignty is exercised, reliably defending the fences of the country, the security, rights and interests of the country and people and the ideas and cause of the Party could be thoroughly safeguarded. And thanks to its ennobling sacrifice and history of heroic victory, our people, with state power firmly in their hands, could strongly exercise their rights in the political, military, economic, cultural and diplomatic fields and effect a great turn in building a prosperous country with a powerful army.

The absolute might, prestige and dignity our state has won as we see now are based on the valuable feats and victories our People's Army has achieved at the cost of blood, sweat and sacrifice.

Our Party's objective in aspiring to a more powerful and prosperous state is to win back and squarely exercise all its rights to independence, and the foremost task here is to obtain the eternal security of the state for sure.

To this end, we must possess absolute might which defies any provocation, might strong enough to control the enemy.

After reviewing the history of division and confrontation of our nation recently, our Party and government designated the puppet Republic of Korea as our most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable archenemy that stands in our way, and decided it as our state policy to occupy and subjugate its territory in time of emergency. This is an absolutely right measure for our state's eternal security and its peace and stability in the future.

By doing so, we have ridden ourselves on our own initiative of the fetters of unrealistic developments, in which we, taken captive by the rhetorical expression fellow compatriots, had to endeavour for dialogue and cooperation, even if they were for form's sake, with the ROK puppets, who are scheming to bring down the government of our Republic and dreaming of unification through absorption. As we have clearly defined the puppet ROK as a state hostile to us, we are legally entitled to strike and annihilate it at any moment if it dares to provoke us. And now we can defend the prestige of our country as an independent and sovereign state, a socialist state, and deal with our surrounding environment in a more thoroughgoing way to attain our national interest while building up our military strength and maintaining a harder-line stand for response.

This policy switch and our staunch attitude towards the enemy were decisions of weighty importance, which could be made as we have the army fully prepared in terms of both the will to defend the national sovereignty and the military and technical potentials.

It is an everyday occurrence in the present world that national sovereignty and territory are violated ruthlessly and bloodshed takes place owing to the imperialists' policy of supremacy and violent moves of aggression. In this situation it is our revolutionary armed forces alone led by the Workers' Party of Korea, which are honourably defending the dignity of the country and the people while achieving undeniable victory at every stage of the anti-imperialist confrontation.

The chapters of the glorious history of the Republic's armed forces, which have been developed and strengthened into an invincible army and firmly safeguarded the security and sovereignty of our state, have always been written together with the chapters of their gigantic creation and construction for the country and the people.

Our country and people always feel thankful to the army for its painstaking efforts and celebrate the army founding day as their own national holiday. This is because the People's Army has performed remarkable exploits greater than others could manage to do not only in defending national sovereignty but also in building socialism and promoting the people's welfare.

The loyal and reliable ranks that share weal and woe with the Party, readily accept its orders and directives whether they are military missions or economic tasks, and always carry them out without any delay and in the most perfect and thoroughgoing way-this is our People's Army.

Long explanations have never been necessary for our soldiers.

Our army reads by heart the Party's worries without the help of any explanation and, aware of the arrival of historic moments when it has to come forth, goes without hesitation to the theatres of struggle, where it has to experience greater hardships.

All the colours of our army units have these not so long letters For the Eternal Prosperity of the Country and Safety of the People, but the role and mission entrusted by these letters were weighty, and inscribed on these colours were not only military feats.

In the protracted course from the first days of building the country anew on the ruins after the war until today, socialist construction has been a primary revolutionary task, as important as defending the sovereignty of the country, for the People's Army, and this task has never been lightened or deferred in any harsh and severe circumstances.

The metallurgical-industry bases and coal and ore mines, which constitute the foundation of the national economy, the railways and roads, which constitute the artery of the country, and the crop fields, irrigation waterways and reclaimed tidelands which serve the promotion of the people's living-all the development and creative projects conducted throughout the country are associated with the exploits of our army.

The spirits of the times, which would remain in history forever, and the monumental structures set up on the strength of these spirits have all been created by the People's Army.

Our officers and men have devoted with no regrets all the precious things of their life-dignity, glory, honour and happiness-true to the proud name People's Army.

Following the genuine and beautiful traces that our army left with revolutionary and steadfast mettle and patriotic enthusiasm, the appearance of our country has been transformed, cradles of people's life have been created, and a happy laughter of the people has resounded.

Last year alone, our service personnel were forerunners in performing great feats in making breakthroughs on all fronts and in all theatres, ranging from housing construction projects, which were conducted in a three-dimensional manner in the capital city, Komdok area and various other parts of the country, to the construction projects for irrigation and border barricades and the struggle to increase grain production and to recover from natural disasters.

All our generals, officers and their wives, and men took the lead in overcoming the food shortage created on the outset of the year by cutting their rations; they carried out without fail the tasks the Party entrusted to them by waging a more progressive and offensive struggle, thus recording the year as the most glorious one in the history of the army's development full of legendary feats and miracles.

But for the outstanding role and contribution of the People's Army, we could not have reviewed the work of last year with pride or created a definitely favourable situation for comprehensive rejuvenation, as full of high spirits and confidence as today.

The year 2023 can be called an epitome and a most brilliant page of the long-standing and glorious history of victory written by our country and people on the strength of the vanguard role of the army, which is elite in ideology and the most powerful in fighting efficiency.

Now our army has launched the unprecedentedly sacred and gigantic struggle of ten-year revolution to radically transform the regional industry in response to the call of the Party, and its honourable colours are fluttering vigorously, calling for a fresh upswing of revolution throughout the country.

These colours, permeated with the red soul and innumerable feats of the People's Army soldiers, add more brilliance and force to our fluttering national flag and present before our eyes how the future will be transformed.

It is a source of great pride and immense strength for our Party that it has an army in which it can place the greatest trust and to which it can entrust the vanguard role of the revolution in peaceful and good times and in the days when the country goes through harsh trials.

Even though they took greatest pains, with their belts always tightened, on the two fronts of national defence and socialist construction, the faithful officers and men of the People's Army have exerted themselves single-heartedly and without any vacillation, cherishing the outlook on the revolution and life that they have nothing to desire but a praise from their Supreme Commander and regard the pride of being one mind with him as a source of their greatest happiness. I always gain great strength and courage from them.

The heroic struggle of our army left in history the truth that only the state and people, which advance with their army in the vanguard of the revolution, can achieve steadfast and continuous development and prosperity in the face of every manner of challenges and crises.

Availing myself of this meaningful opportunity, I, on behalf of the Central Committee of our Party and the government of our Republic and along with the hearts of all the people, would like to extend once again congratulations and thanks to all the service personnel of the heroic KPA on the occasion of the army founding day.

Comrades,

Lying above all those feats and achievements associated with your painstaking efforts are the nation's dignity you have to safeguard with your lives and the people's ideals you have to attain at any cost.

The WPK, which has assumed an absolute mission for the country and people, will always rely on the bravery and faithfulness of the revolutionary armed forces and hasten the advent of bright future of our Republic with you.

However grave the situation is and however manifold the difficulties are on our way, we feel assured as long as we have the army, and however formidable and gigantic the revolutionary tasks are, we feel confident of the coming victory as long as the army undertakes to perform them-this is the feeling of the people of this country.

You should live up to their trust and, through your strenuous struggle and its perfect result, thoroughly defend their faith that Party policy is immediately a science and reality.

Comrades,

Our army should have greater strength and prevent war and safeguard peace without fail with this invincible strength.

Peace is not something to be begged for or bartered for through negotiations.

Across our border, the mutations, having seized power, are now running amok with war hysteria and threatening the security of our state with their guns levelled at us.

Let us remember once again that war breaks out without advertising in advance.

We should always be ready for war.

If the enemy dares to have recourse to armed force against our state, we will make a bold decision to change history and enlist all the super-powerful means in our hands unhesitatingly so as to annihilate the enemy.

Comrades,

All the service personnel, who have always supported the Party's ideas and cause in the vanguard, should reliably defend the inviolable sovereignty of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, our glorious motherland, and the honour of the Korean people with staunch revolutionary faith, steadfast patriotism, unparalleled heroism and mettle and devoted service, and demonstrate to the full the spiritual characteristics and stamina of the KPA in the ongoing sacred struggle to hasten the comprehensive development of a prosperous country.

Our Party, state and people with invincible ranks, elite revolutionary armed forces, will always emerge victorious.

For the eternal prosperity of our country and safety of our people, let us fight vigorously with great confidence in and optimism for a great fresh victory, sharing the mind and intention.

Eternal glory to our proud revolutionary armed forces!

Long live the heroic Korean People's Army! -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Three Albemarle County residents have been taken into custody after a vehicular shooting in Charlottesvilles Fifeville neighborhood in the early morning hours Friday.

Charlottesville police responded to reports of shots fired from a vehicle near the 800 block of Prospect Avenue around 12:40 a.m. Friday.

A suspect vehicle description of a tan SUV, as well as a direction of travel, was provided to responding officers, police said in a statement. Officers quickly surveyed the area and located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description parked in the 700 block of Prospect Avenue.

Officers said they approached the vehicle to investigate further and identified three subjects, interviewing them in and around the vehicle.

As the investigation proceeded, officers said they found four firearms as well as suspected narcotics inside the vehicle.

As a result, three individuals were arrested in connection with this incident, police said.

Taylor Synclare Garth, 27, has been charged with possessing schedule I or II narcotics, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and shooting from a vehicle.

Tahim Rashad Mayo, 29, and Brian Jamell Rice, 31, have both been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The trio is being held at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

In their statement, Charlottesville police thanked Fifeville neighbors who dialed 911 Friday morning.

Anyone with information regarding the reported shooting is encouraged to contract the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
N Korean leader shuns talks with South, threatens 'annihilation'

Kim Jong Un's hostile remarks were made during a meeting with military chiefs.

By Mike Firn for RFA 2024.02.09 -- The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said this week that cutting ties with Seoul allows North Korea to "strike and destroy the South," according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim made the comments during a visit to North Korea's Defense Ministry Thursday, accompanied by his daughter, and possible future leader, Ju Ae.

Kim said his decision to cut economic and diplomatic ties with South Korea allowed North Korea to "shake off the unrealistic pretense of dialogue and cooperation with the Korean puppets who sought the collapse of our republic," KCNA reported.

As well as closing government departments that liaised with Seoul, Kim ordered a unification monument torn down and scrapped laws on cross-border economic projects.

An official at South Korea's Unification Ministry said Thursday the moves were expected and would result in the further isolation of the North.

He told reporters, "there are no imminent measures planned by [the South Korean] government," South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.

Last month Seoul's defense minister said if North Korea went to war with the South it would be the end of Kim's regime.

President Yoon Suk Yeol said last week that Kim was likely to carry out multiple provocations ahead of South Korea's April elections.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan.

Copyright 1998-2016, 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






These false eyelashes are 'Made in China,' wink wink

North Korean eyelashes exported to China are repackaged and sold worldwide in possible violation of sanctions.

By Cho Jinwoo and Kim Jieun for RFA Korean 2024.02.09 -- They stick on the eyelids and provide more volume than mascara ever could. False eyelashes are big business. But consumers who buy them may be indirectly funding North Korea's missile program.

Though they come in blister packs that say "Made in China," they may have actually been made in North Korea and shipped to China - in possible violation of sanctions.

A Chinese trader provided Radio Free Asia with a shipping statement showing that a North Korean company based in the border city of Sinuiju last month exported 190,000 false eyelash products to a company in Donggang, a city in China's Liaoning province.

"North Korean trading companies produce artificial eyelashes using raw materials imported from Chinese companies," the trader told RFA Korean, insisting on not being identified for fear of punishment. "Then they sell them back to companies in China. North Korean workers receive 1 Chinese yuan (14 U.S. cents) for every three artificial eyelash products they make."

Through this singular transaction, the state-run North Korean company made 63,000 yuan (US$8,800) in profit for the cash-strapped government, which is trying to develop missiles that would threaten the United States. Washington has in turn slapped sanctions on North Korea to keep it from exporting goods.

The transaction also included 18,000 wigs, which she said takes two or three days to make.

"Some people make more than 100 eyelashes a day," she said. "The inspection standards are strict and very picky."

'Made in China'

The statement and the trader's testimony corroborates a story that Reuters broke last week that fake eyelashes and other beauty products made in North Korea are sent to China and disguised as Chinese products to avoid sanctions.

The products are stamped "Made in China" and exported to the United States, Brazil, Russia and elsewhere, the report said.

Pingdu, in China's Shandong province, is known as the center of the supply chain for North Korean artificial eyelashes. Reuters reported that this region produces 70% of artificial eyelash production in the world.

According to a 2023 estimate posted on its website by Kali, a Chinese manufacturer of eyelash boxes, about 80% of Pingdu's artificial eyelash factories purchase or reprocess raw materials and semi-finished artificial eyelash products from North Korea.

The Reuters report said this kind of country-of-origin-laundering operation is being carried out openly in China, and according to Chinese customs data, North Korea exported a total of 1,680 tons of artificial eyelashes, beards and wigs to China last year, worth about US$167 million.

The eyelash business is so lucrative that North Korean workers dispatched by their government to earn foreign cash in China by working in factories there are being given extra eyelash work.

"A seafood company in China that employs North Korean workers is forcing workers to undergo additional eyelash processing," the trader said. "The workers are complaining."

The trader said that North Korea even uses prison labor to fill its eyelash contracts.

In June 2019, RFA reported that female prisoners in North Korea were doing additional work of making wigs and eyelashes even after their assigned work

RFA reported in April 2021 that the North Korean government wanted to steer young workers into other industries so there was a labor shortage for eyelash and wig makers that year.

Sanctions violation?

While the North Korean export of eyelashes violates U.S. sanctions against North Korea, they are not subject to U.N. sanctions, Troy Stangarone, at the Washington-based Korea Economic Institute told RFA.

"Technically speaking, the export of eyelashes is not sanctioned under the United Nations," he said. "What is prohibited is the export of North Korean goods to the United States without a license to import from North Korea."

"Any fake eyelash products processed in North Korea by Chinese firms would be ineligible to be shipped to the United States," he said. "So, this is really a difference between U.N. and U.S. sanctions."

The U.S. firm e.l.f. Cosmetics was fined US$1 million in 2019 after it was discovered that the company had over a period of five years imported eyelashes from China that had North Korean components.

"Ultimately North Korean export of eyelashes or other fake hair products is a small part of their economy and exports," Stangarone said. "It's unlikely that North Korea will be able to really drive its own economic growth without diversifying into other areas."

Translated by Claire S. Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, 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






February 9, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With French Minister of the Armed Forces SAbastien Lecornu

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with France's Minister of the Armed Forces SAbastien Lecornu today to discuss security in the Middle East, including the situation in Israel, countering Iranian malign influence, and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Secretary Austin and Minister Lecornu also discussed the importance of continuing support to Ukraine.

Secretary Austin and Minister Lecornu reaffirmed their commitment to continued communication and cooperation on these important issues.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3672686/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany

February 09, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany to the White House today to continue their close coordination on shared priorities. President Biden and Chancellor Scholz reaffirmed their resolute support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia's war of aggression. The President commended Germany's exemplary contributions to Ukraine's self-defense, and Chancellor Scholz emphasized the significance of sustained U.S. support. The leaders discussed efforts to prevent regional escalation in the Middle East, and reaffirmed their commitment to Israel's right to self-defense consistent with international law. They also underscored the imperative to protect civilians in Gaza and increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance. The two exchanged views on setting the conditions for a durable peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, which includes the establishment of a Palestinian state with Israel's security guaranteed. President Biden and Chancellor Scholz discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington and pointed to the strength of the transatlantic relationship in facing current geopolitical challenges.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






India and Rwanda hold their maiden Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 09 FEB 2024 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

India and Rwanda held the first edition of Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda on February 8, 2024 to discuss a wide range of opportunities to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. Detailed discussions were held in areas like training cooperation, joint military exercises, defence industrial cooperation etc. The Indian delegation highlighted the growing prowess of Indian defence manufacturers to export to friendly countries.

The Rwandan side evinced keen interest in augmenting training cooperation, expressing confidence in the growing capabilities of the Indian defence industry. The Rwandan side highlighted areas where the Indian Armed Forces and industry could collaborate with their Defence Forces under the aegis of the Defence MoU signed between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Rwanda in 2018.

Earlier the Indian delegation called on Defence Minister of Rwanda, Mr. Marizamunda Juvenal and conveyed the warm greetings of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and included senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Armed Forces. The Charge d'Affaires in the Indian mission in Kigali, Shri Nilratan Mridha also attended the meeting.

Bilateral relations between India and Rwanda have been cordial and have grown steadily over the years. The visit of the Indian delegation for the JDCC meeting is likely to further strengthen defence relations with Rwanda.

*****

ABB/SR/GC



(Release ID: 2004555)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Raksha Rajya Mantri visits Saudi General Authority for Defence Development in Riyadh; Discusses avenues for further cooperation during talks with its President

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Shri Ajay Bhatt pays a visit to Saudi Arabian Military Industry - Advanced Electronics Company headquarters; Deliberations focussed on strengthening defence ties & future collaboration

Posted On: 09 FEB 2024 10:49AM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, who headed the Indian delegation for the World Defence Show 2024 in Riyadh, concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia on February 08, 2024. The Raksha Rajya Mantri, on the final day of his engagements, visited the General Authority for Defence Development (GADD), and met with its Governor Dr Faleh bin-Abdullah Al-Sulaiman. They discussed the areas of bilateral defence cooperation and avenues for further collaboration. He also invited GADD Governor to visit India at a convenient date.

Shri Ajay Bhatt also visited King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and met with its President Dr Munir M Eldesouki. He toured the KACST premises, including laboratories and production sites.

On February 07, the Raksha Rajya Mantri paid a visit to the Saudi Arabian Military Industry - Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC) headquarters in Riyadh. Both sides engaged in insightful discussions on strengthening the defence ties and future collaboration. Later, he visited Al-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah.

A community event was hosted in the honor of Shri Ajay Bhatt at the Embassy of India, Riyadh. Addressing the gathering, he spoke about the Government of India's focus on holistic development of the nation and empowering women in all fields. A cultural programme was also organised by the students of Indian Schools in Riyadh, which showcased the richness of India's heritage and spirit of unity across borders.

Women officers from the three Services - Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, Colonel Ponung Doming and Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash - who were part of the Indian delegation, interacted with over 700 Indian students from various CBSE affiliated schools in Riyadh. The students were eager to know about the opportunities for women in the Indian Armed Forces and were thrilled to listen to the stories of grit, passion, and success.

The visit of the Indian delegation, led by the Raksha Rajya Mantri, has reaffirmed the inherent strength of bilateral ties, opened new avenues for cooperation and solidified shared commitments towards a safer and prosperous future.

***

ABB/Savvy



(Release ID: 2004274)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Little Room For Negotiation Between Iran And U.S. Amid Middle East Tensions

By Michael Scollon February 09, 2024

Like two heavyweight boxers, the United States and Iran circle the ring -- flexing their muscles without stepping close enough to actually trade blows. It is clear that neither wants to fight, but they also have no interest in settling their stark differences.

That is how experts say Washington and Tehran have dealt with each other for more than four decades, only changing their stance when it is mutually beneficial.

Tensions have soared between the two foes, who have no formal diplomatic ties, amid the fallout from Israel's devastating war in the Gaza Strip. But despite calls for de-escalation, observers say there is little room for dAtente.

"I've rarely seen a situation in which the tensions have been so high and the exit ramps are nearly nonexistent and there were no real channels of communication between the two sides," said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group.

"And that makes the current situation even more dangerous, because there's plenty of space for miscommunication and misunderstanding," Vaez added.

Current tensions in the Middle East have had deadly consequences even as each side tries to avoid getting drawn into a direct military confrontation.

The United States has hit Iran-backed militants in response to attacks against U.S. forces and interests in the region, including the deaths of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan last month, while underscoring that its aim is de-escalation.

Iran, which like the United States has said that it does not want war, has continued to back militant groups that make up its so-called "axis of resistance" against Israel and the West, while calling for diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

Tehran and Washington have carefully avoided direct conflict, but are in no position to work out their differences even if they wanted to, experts say.

Washington and Tehran have not had formal diplomatic ties since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, leaving them to negotiate through back-channels or third states when needed.

But political and ideological pressures at home -- amplified ahead of a parliamentary vote in Iran in March and a presidential election in the United States in November -- has meant that neither side is looking to back away any time soon from the stark red lines the two have drawn.

Avenues For Diplomacy

"There are ways that communication can be had between the two countries, and they do so," said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the U.S.-based Middle East Institute. "But they tend to do it on select files, or moments of crisis."

Vatanka said those lines of communication include Iran's envoy to the United Nations who resides in New York and the Swiss Embassy in Tehran which handles American interests in the Islamic republic. There are also third-party mediators, including Qatar, Oman, and Iraq, he said.

The U.S.-Iran prisoner swap worked out in September, which followed years of secret negotiations involving Gulf states and Switzerland, is the most recent example.

Under that deal, four Americans held hostage in Iran were released in exchange for Washington unfreezing $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue held up in South Korea.

As part of the agreement, according to Vaez, "Iran committed to rein in groups that were targeting U.S. interests in Iraq and Syria" and Washington received a commitment that Tehran would not supply ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Shortly after Iran-backed Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, carried out its deadly assault on Israel on October 7, the unfrozen Iranian funds came under intense scrutiny. Republicans in the United States who are gearing up for the presidential election in November have been particularly vocal in criticizing the deal worked out by the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden.

In response, Washington worked out an agreement with Qatar, where the unfrozen Iranian funds were moved and to be released only for humanitarian purposes, to prevent Tehran from accessing them at all. But the deal has remained a hot-button issue.

The Gaza war and the ensuing resumption of attacks on U.S. forces and interests by Iran-backed groups have attracted even more political discord.

After Israel's large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, Iran-backed militant groups have carried out attacks in solidarity with Hamas. The Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen have targeted maritime shipping and U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias in Iraq killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan in a drone attack.

That, in turn, has led to U.S. and U.K. attacks on Huthi targets in Yemen, and by the United States against Iran-backed militias and Iranian-linked sites in Syria and Iraq.

Iran, for its part, has said that the axis of resistance, which it denies directing, would continue to carry out strikes until a permanent cease-fire is worked out to stop what it calls a genocide in Gaza. And in what was widely seen as a show of its capability to strike back in the event Iran itself is attacked, it has launched ballistic missile strikes against "enemy" targets in Iraq, Pakistan, and Syria, the latter of which showcased that Israel was within striking distance.

The recent spike in violence came after the United States had experienced "the longest period of quiet in the Middle East" from March until the Hamas assault on October 7, Vaez said.

That relative peace came about not because of displays of power, but because Iran and the United States were negotiating, Vaez said.

"It wasn't because the U.S. had flexed its military muscle and deterred Iran, it was because it was engaged in diplomatic understandings with Iran that came to fruition and culminated in a detainee deal," Vaez said.

Tehran and the United States, currently trading threats of ever-stronger responses, "are seeking to pressure each other into greater flexibility," said Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

"Both would like to get back to the truce they enjoyed prior to the October 7 attacks" by Hamas against Israel, Parsi said in written comments. "But whether the political will is available for real de-escalation remains unclear."

"President Biden has been unmovable in his opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza thus far," Parsi said, referring to mounting calls for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. "And without such a cease-fire, real de-escalation remains very unlikely."

Military Message

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on February 6, halfway through his latest trip to the Middle East to reduce regional tensions, that a proposal for a temporary cease-fire put together with the help of Qatar and Egypt and presented to Hamas and Israel, was "possible and, indeed, essential."

While details of the proposal have not been made public, Blinken said that the goal is to use any pause in fighting to address humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Gaza and "to continue to pave a diplomatic path forward to a just and lasting peace and security for the region."

Asked by RFE/RL whether Washington is employing any diplomatic means, either directly or indirectly, to decrease tensions with Iran, a U.S. State Department spokesperson pointed to recent strikes carried out against Iranian-backed groups in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

"Our military response to the killing of three U.S. service members by Iran-aligned militia groups and our continued action to degrade the Huthis' ability to threaten international shipping sends the clearest message of all: the United States will defend our personnel and our interests," a U.S. State Department spokesman said in written comments on February 7.

"When we are attacked, we will respond strongly, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing," the spokesman said.

Prior to the deadly attack on the U.S. base in Jordan, there had been reports of Washington using third states to send a nonmilitary notice to Iran.

Shortly after the Hamas assault on Israel in October, the U.S. Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said that a congressional delegation to China had asked Beijing to exert its influence with Tehran to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from spreading.

In early January, the Lebanese news publication Al-Ahed News quoted Iran's ambassador to Syria as saying that a delegation from an unidentified Gulf state had carried a message from the United States seeking to reduce the risk of an expanded regional conflict.

The U.S. State Department spokesperson said that beyond the recent U.S. strikes, "our message to Iran, in public and in private, has been a singular one: cease your support for terrorist groups and militant proxies and partners."

Washington welcomes "any efforts by other countries to play a constructive role in trying to prevent these Iran-enabled attacks from taking place," the spokesperson added, but referred to White House national-security spokesman John Kirby's February 6 comment that "I know of no private messaging to Iran since the death of our soldiers in Jordan over a week ago."

Lack Of Vision

The limits of diplomacy between the United States and Iran, according to Vatanka, "is not a lack of the ability to communicate, the problem is a lack of vision" to repair relations.

For political reasons and for a long time, Vantanka added, neither side has been interested in mending the bad blood that has existed between the two countries going back to 1979.

"Right now, the White House cannot afford to talk to Iran at a time when so many of Biden's critics are saying he's too soft on the Iranian regime," Vatanka said. "On the other hand, you've got an Iranian supreme leader who is 84 years old. He's really keen on two things: not to have a war with the Americans, because he doesn't think that's going to go well for Iran or his regime. But at the same time, he doesn't want to see the Americans return to Tehran anytime soon. Certainly not when he's alive."

This, Vatanka explained, is because Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini "does not think the Americans want anything other than the fundamental objective of bringing about the end of the Islamic republic."

The other major voice in Iranian foreign policy -- the leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps -- also see anti-Americanism as a worthwhile instrument to further their ideological and political aims at home and abroad, according to Vatanka.

"They think anti-Americanism is the ticket to mobilize the Islamic world around their flag and around their leadership," Vatanka said.

More moderate voices when it comes to Iran's foreign policy, Vatanka said, are labeled as traitors and weak and "are today essentially marginalized."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-middle-east-tensions- negotiations/32812841.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






February 9, 2024

Release

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss post-conflict planning for Gaza, the need to increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and West Bank stabilization efforts. Secretary Austin reiterated the need to protect civilians as Israel conducts its operations against Hamas. Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed the U.S. response to attacks against U.S. forces by Iranian-aligned militia groups.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3671557/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Border guards who fled Myanmar tell of losing contact with commanders

Over 300 who crossed into Bangladesh have asked for assistance in returning to their homes.

Sharif Khiam and Abdur Rahman 2024.02.09 -- Myanmar border guards and soldiers fled into Bangladesh earlier this week after losing contact with their commanders during fierce fighting in Rakhine state, an interpreter present during their conversation with Bangladesh officials told BenarNews on Friday.

Many of these Burmese members of the junta-affiliated border police and army who have been sheltering with the Border Guard Bangladesh said they wished to return to their homes, according to an interpreter who spoke to BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news outlet, near the BGB outpost in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

As many as 330 members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) and soldiers crossed the border after abandoning their posts in Rakhine, next door in Myanmar, amid fierce fighting with Arakan Army rebels, who have been making advances in gaining control of territory in battles with junta forces.

The BGP members told the interpreter, Mohammad Saiful Islam, that they were attacked around 4 a.m. on Feb. 4. They fought back before fleeing on Feb. 6.

"They said the Arakan Army encircled from three sides and launched attacks on them. Before the attack, the Arakan Army severed all means of communication with their senior officials," Saiful Alam told BenarNews. "But they continued their resistance for two days. Ten of their members died while the Arakan Army lost at least 20 of their members.

"They had no way to contact their commanding officers to get instructions."

As the fighting crept closer to the border this week, at least three civilians on the Bangladesh side were reported killed by artillery and gunfire from the fighting.

Saiful Islam said he talked to 17 army officers linked to Myanmar's border guard along with 147 BGP members who fled from the Rakhine state. They told him they crossed into Bangladesh to survive.

"'If we proceeded in other directions, they would apprehend and kill us,'" he quoted an unnamed soldier as saying.

Saiful Islam said BGB leaders gave him questions to ask the Myanmar forces, adding most were reluctant to provide any details. They were more interested in asking about how they would be returned to Myanmar.

"The common answer I get from them is 'we came under attack and we fled,'" he said.

Earlier this week, officials reported that 330 Myanmar troops crossed into Bangladesh and surrendered their weapons to the BGB.

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, BGB's new chief, said Bangladesh had followed international norms by allowing the Myanmar border guards and soldiers to cross into Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds.

Bangladesh ambassador to Myanmar Md. Monowar Hossain said he spoke to a Myanmar deputy foreign minister who expressed his government's desire for the BGP to be returned. Bangladesh agreed to repatriate them by sea.

Fight for control

Myanmar's security forces and the rebel Arakan Army (AA), founded in 2009, have been fighting for control of Rakhine state, which borders Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar and Bandarban districts.

In recent months, the AA has intensified attacks on the Myanmar military and the BGP.

On Friday, the AA claimed it captured the final major junta territory in Mrauk U, effectively taking control of the town in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, according to Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews.

Previously, the AA captured two key military units in western Rakhine state, seizing control of Minbya. This came after AA rebels captured a BGP camp in Maungdaw township last weekend.

As fighting intensified between the junta forces and the Arakan Army, the civilian population of Rakhine state - including Buddhist Chakma and minority Rohingya Muslims - has been displaced. Hundreds of people have been trying to cross into Bangladesh, but the BGB was put on alert to stop any influx of Myanmar residents.

In Dhaka, Obaidul Quader, a senior minister and spokesman for and general secretary of the ruling Awami League party, said the government would not allow people from Myanmar to take shelter in Bangladesh.

Lt. Col. Mohiuddin Ahmed, BGB Teknaf battalion commander, said many people were trying to enter Bangladesh at different spots along the border.

"As of today, we have apprehended 137 people who attempted to enter," he told BenarNews on Friday.

Two days earlier, Quader told journalists that Rohingya would not be allowed to cross over from Rakhine.

"The Rohingya people have become a big burden for Bangladesh ... the international assistance has fallen. How long can we support them," he asked.

About 1 million Rohingya live in refugee camps in and around Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar - most have fled Myanmar since a military crackdown against their stateless minority group in August 2017.

On Friday, residents of Tombru, Gundam, Teknaf and Ukhia in Bangladesh told BenarNews correspondents that the intensity of fighting near the border has been reduced.

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






Arakan Army takes control of another police station in Myanmar's west

The victory comes a day after the ethnic rebel army seized Mrauk-U, capital of an ancient kingdom.

By RFA Burmese 2024.02.09 -- The Arakan Army on Friday captured a junta-manned police station in western Rakhine state's Rathedaung township - the latest victory by the ethnic army over forces affiliated with Myanmar's junta regime, sources told Radio Free Asia.

The Arakan Army began an attack on the Koe Tan Kauk border guard police station at a large coastal village several miles north of Sittwe, Rakhine's state capital, on Thursday morning, according to a local resident close to the ethnic army.

Junta troops fought back with air and naval forces and heavy artillery until Friday morning.

"I can confirm that it has been taken over," he said. "That's why the shooting has fallen silent. They were attacking with fighter aircraft, but now they are gone."

The capture comes on the heels of the army's seizure Thursday of the last major junta territory in the city of Mrauk-U, the capital of an ancient kingdom with temples and other monuments that continues to have cultural relevance and is a destination for archaeologists and tourists.

That caps weeks of rapid advances by the Arakan Army, or AA, in the western part of Myanmar, that has put the military on its heels and suggests a turning point in the country's three-year civil war that broke out after a military takeover of the democratically-elected government in February 2021.

The junta's Police Battalion 31 was captured in Mrauk-U on Thursday, effectively giving up control of the city to the AA which had already forced the surrender of three junta battalions in the area, according to a statement from the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

The AA and two other rebel groups that make up the alliance have made huge gains in Rakhine and Shan states since launching its campaign at the end of October, prompting thousands of junta troops to surrender or flee to neighboring countries.

Junta troops surrender

Both junta soldiers and policemen surrendered during Thursday's battle for Mrauk-U city, said one resident, asking to remain anonymous for security reasons.

"The fighting in Mrauk-U is over. Locals are not allowed to enter the city at the moment," he told RFA on Friday. "I heard they surrendered. But the AA attacked the military battalions. The junta troops surrendered after the battalion commander died."

It was unclear how many police officers and soldiers surrendered and were in Arakan Army custody, he said.

The AA currently occupies all 10 battalions formerly under control of the junta's Kyauktaw-based No. 9 Military Operation Command Headquarters. The army also controls three townships across Rakhine: Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, and Minbya - all located in Mrauk-U district.

There are currently no military police or soldiers in those three townships, residents said, adding that most had surrendered, fled, been captured or died during battles.

Sittwe district's Rathedaung township is just west of Mrauk-U district.

RFA contacted the Arakan Army's spokesperson, Kaing Thu Kha, and Rakhine's junta spokesperson, Hla Thein, for more information on the fighting in Mrauk-U, but neither immediately responded on Friday.

The regime has not released any information on recent fighting in Rakhine state, including Thursday's battle in Mrauk-U.

Junta naval craft sunk

In its Thursday statement, the Three Brotherhood Alliance said that it recently sank three junta naval landing crafts and destroyed another warship in Rakhine.

Local residents told RFA that junta soldiers from the Kyauktaw battalions were retreating toward Sittwe in the Kaladan River when the AA intercepted and sank them.

The junta has leaned heavily on its naval capabilities in Rakhine, according to Aung San Win, who observes the military situation in the state and is studying international affairs at American University.

"In a situation where both human resources and ground attacks are not favorable, they mainly rely on the navy and air force," he told RFA. "Now I think that when the navy is being strategically attacked and destroyed, they are in a tight spot."

With its recent victories, the AA is now in a position where it can launch offensives against Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in Maungdaw district, and Sittwe, Ponnagyun and Ann townships in Sittwe district, where the junta's Western Command sits, Aung San Win said.

The AA could also conceivably attack Taungup and Kyaukpyu townships in southern Rakhine state, he said.

Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Mike Firn, 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






Plans are underway to honor all those who assisted in containing the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County last year.

The Quaker Run Fire, which began Oct. 25 on Double Top Mountain off Quaker Run Road, burned for several weeks, scorching through nearly 4,000 acres of private, state and federal land. Roughly 700 acres of that were within Shenandoah National Park.

Volunteers and personnel from the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Madison County and the National Park Service worked to stop the fire, which was declared 100% contained on Nov. 17.

Madison County officials have said they would like to honor all those who helped.

Deputy County Administrator Brian Gordon said more than 140 volunteers and nearly 20 fire and EMS companies assisted during the fire. He said plans are underway to create plaques or honorary coins for those who helped. He also said a picnic is being planned at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges later next month.

I think showing appreciation is imperative at this point, Gordon said.

Its a good thing, Clay Jackson, chair of the Madison County Board of Supervisors said. The folks up there generally dont want anything, but this is a good plan.
Thailand to set up safe zone, deliver aid to Myanmar border towns

Bangkok hopes this will lead to larger goal of starting dialogue between junta and resistance forces.

By RFA Staff 2024.02.09 -- Thailand will establish a humanitarian safe zone and deliver aid to displaced people living on its border with wartorn Myanmar, the Thai foreign minister said Friday, a move it hopes will achieve the larger goal of establishing dialogue between the military junta, ethnic armed groups and the civilian government-in-exile.

The plan will serve some 20,000 people in three towns in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said at a press conference in Mae Sot. Thailand plans to begin delivering food and medical supplies within a month, he said.

Fierce fighting during Myanmar's three-year civil war, sparked by a military coup in February 2021, has forced more than 2.6 million people across the country to flee their homes, according to United Nations estimates. As of Jan. 29, roughly 190,000 of them are in Kayin and Kayah states, along the western border of Thailand, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR.

"It is good to have a chance to observe the area here in Mae Sot. It is suitable to be a base for humanitarian assistance, which will happen soon," Parnpree said on Friday's visit to the border. Thailand has not disclosed the exact location of the safe zone.

The Thai and Myanmar Red Cross Societies will implement the plan, monitored by the Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

It remains unclear if Myanmar's junta has agreed with Thailand's aid delivery plan. The Thai foreign ministry has also not engaged in dialogue with ethnic armed groups yet, Panpree said during the press conference.

Urging dialogue

Since the 2021 coup, the 10-member ASEAN has expressed disappointment that Myanmar has been unable to meet a five-point consensus, which included ending violence in the country, facilitating dialogue between all parties and humanitarian assistance by ASEAN.

Following the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Jan. 29 in Laos, Thailand's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed hope the aid would be seen as a non-political initiative.

Aid delivery is a good start to approaching the conflict, political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn told Radio Free Asia on Friday, but added that ASEAN members were concerned about political consequences.

"Once you deliver some of the assistance to one group, other groups that are fighting with that group could see it as an assistance for this group to fight against them," he said.

"So this is a very sensitive and political issue anyway, although the Thais try to say it's not a political issue. And this is exactly what ASEAN members, many of them, are very concerned [about]," he said. "They didn't know how and in what way this humanitarian aid could be non-political."

Thailand's former administration was admonished by Indonesia's minister of foreign affairs in 2023 for holding talks with the junta after the bloc began excluding high-level Myanmar officials from its meetings from the months following the coup.

RFA called ASEAN's Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management for comment on their oversight of the project, but they did not respond by the time of publication.

Others working on border aid have called for expanded aid delivery, highlighting the immense need along bordering Kayah state as well.

"The people are starving over there," Chalida Tajaroensuk, director of the People's Empowerment Foundation. "The situation near Kayin state has simmered down so the government should consider expanding the relief aid delivery up north soon."

Edited by Mike Firn 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






Jailed Ex-Pakistan PM Khan Uses AI to Deliver Election 'Victory Speech'

By Ayaz Gul February 09, 2024

The party of Imran Khan delivered what it said was a "victory speech" by Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Friday, using a computer-generated voice to simulate that of Khan.

"I congratulate you all for your election 2024 victory. I had full confidence that you would all come out to vote ... and your massive turnout has stunned everybody," Khan's AI-generated voice said.

Official results from Thursday's elections showed that a group of candidates affiliated with Khan's opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, claimed the largest number of parliamentary seats.

The results trickled in after an unusually long delay and amid allegations that they are being manipulated to favor military-backed parties.

By Friday night, the Election Commission of Pakistan had released the results for 242 of the 266 National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, seats up for grabs. These results showed that PTI-backed candidates had won 98 seats, more than any other party, despite being targeted by a state crackdown before the election.

Candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, or PML-N, led by three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, had won 61 seats. Sharif is viewed as the powerful military's favorite.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was third with 52 seats, while smaller regional parties trailed.

Khan's speech was broadcast through the PTI social media platforms because mainstream media is banned from airing his name or images. His party said the text had been approved by Khan.

"According to independent sources, we were ahead in 150 National Assembly constituencies before manipulation of results began. And, at this time, we are ahead in more than 170 National Assembly seats," the 71-year-old politician claimed.

Thursday's vote occurred amid a nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services and sporadic violence, fueling doubts about the credibility of an already controversial election.

Just hours before Khan spoke, Sharif made his own victory speech despite being 30 seats behind PTI on the official results. His remarks, made in his native eastern city of Lahore, were broadcast live on state and private TV stations.

He claimed that his PML-N "has emerged as the largest party" in the country and would form a coalition government in Islamabad. Sharif suggested that all political parties should come together and form a government to navigate Pakistan out of the difficulties it is currently facing.

"PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif has declared victory. But final results haven't been announced, and results so far show PTI independents still in the lead," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington.

"The army, with its intervention in the electoral process, and now its preferred party have conspired to subvert the public will," Kugelman wrote on X.

Tallies disputed

Based on local constituency counts, unofficial overnight tallies from Pakistani media outlets showed PTI-backed candidates leading races nationwide, in some cases by as much as 30,000 to 50,000 votes. However, early official results released on Friday showed the party had narrowly lost or was trailing in some of those races.

The election commission blamed the delay in processing the results on an "internet issue," while the Interior Ministry defended the election day suspension of mobile phone and internet services as "a result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security" of the vote.

The services were reinstated Friday morning. "We knew there would be noise from every side over the decision, but I would take this decision again if I had to," Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz told a news conference in the Pakistani capital.

The suspension of phone and internet services sparked widespread allegations of an attempt by Pakistan's military-backed interim government to rig the polls, mainly to prevent candidates loyal to Khan's party from gaining an upper hand.

"Unfortunately, the integrity of the ballot has been trampled," said Asma Shirazi, a prominent prime-time political talk show host, during a live broadcast on her Urdu-language Hum news channel. "The way candidates, with some winning by huge margins overnight, have been declared losers has made this election even more contentious."

Pakistan's information and interior ministers told reporters Friday the election commission is the only authorized body to respond to allegations of rigging, claiming that "all major political entities are generally satisfied with the results."

Protesters allege election rigging

In the northwestern town of Shangla, police clashed Friday with angry PTI supporters protesting alleged election rigging. A PTI statement later said the clashes left four of its workers dead and many more injured.

PTI-led rallies also erupted outside election offices elsewhere in Pakistan.

The European Union urged relevant Pakistani authorities Friday to ensure a timely and full investigation into reported election regularities.

"We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists," said the EU statement.

The United States condemned restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunication services on Friday and expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process.

"We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people," said U.S. State Department spokesman Mathew Miller. "We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly."

Pakistan has nearly 190 million cellular subscribers, including 128 million using mobile broadband services. The suspension of service prevented many voters from accessing the election commission's data system to retrieve polling station locations and other details.

Journalists with mainstream Pakistani television channels said they could not promptly report rigging incidents and other irregularities from the field throughout the day because of the suspension.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Loyalists of Pakistan's Jailed Ex-PM Khan Are Frontrunners in Contentious Election

By Ayaz Gul, Sarah Zaman February 09, 2024

Official results Friday from Pakistan's elections showed candidates affiliated with the opposition PTI party claiming the largest number of parliamentary seats, amid allegations that the military-backed government was trying to manipulate the results.

By Friday night, the Election Commission of Pakistan had released the results for 217 of the 266 National Assembly seats up for grabs. These results showed that a group of independent candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan had won 88 seats, more than any other party, despite being targeted by a state crackdown before the election.

Candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, or PML-N, led by three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, had won 61 seats. Sharif is viewed as the powerful military's favorite.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was third with 50 seats, while smaller regional parties trailed behind.

The results trickled in after an unusually long delay and allegations the results are being manipulated to favor military-backed parties.

The vote took place Thursday amid a nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services and sporadic violence, fueling doubts about the credibility of an already controversial election.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gohar Khan, acting PTI chairman, said his party was leading in more than 150 seats but that "attempts are being made to change the results."

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif spoke to his party workers in Lahore, saying his PML-N "has emerged as the largest party" in the country and would form a coalition government in Islamabad. He suggested that all political parties should come together and form a government to navigate Pakistan out of the difficulties it is currently facing.

Tallies disputed

Based on local constituency counts, unofficial overnight tallies from Pakistani media outlets showed PTI-backed candidates leading races nationwide. In some cases, they were ahead by 30,000 to 50,000 votes. However, according to early official results released on Friday, they were either lagging behind or lost the race by a small margin.

The election commission blamed the delay in processing the results on an "internet issue," while the Interior Ministry defended the election day suspension of mobile phone and internet services as "a result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security" of the vote.

The services were reinstated Friday morning. "We knew there would be noise from every side over the decision, but I would take this decision again if I had to," Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz told a news conference in the Pakistani capital.

The suspension of phone and internet services sparked widespread allegations of an attempt by Pakistan's military-backed interim government to rig the polls, mainly to prevent candidates loyal to Khan's party from gaining an upper hand.

"Unfortunately, the integrity of the ballot has been trampled," said Asma Shirazi, a prominent prime-time political talk show host, during a live broadcast on her Urdu-language Hum news channel. "The way candidates, with some winning by huge margins overnight, have been declared losers has made this election even more contentious," Shirazi said.

"The die is cast. If the final results show anything other than a PTI victory, PTI will reject it as a rigged result, and understandably so: Its early gains led to a long delay in announcing final results. The military, intent on denying power to PTI, intervened in the process," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center in Washington.

Asked about the criticism, Pakistan's information and interior ministers told reporters Friday that the election commission is the only authorized body to respond to such questions and the commission has yet to make a comment.

In the northwestern town of Shangla, police clashed Friday with angry PTI supporters protesting alleged election rigging. A PTI statement later said the clashes left four of its workers dead and many more injured.

PTI-led rallies also erupted outside election offices elsewhere in Pakistan.

The European Union urged relevant Pakistani authorities Friday to ensure a timely and full investigation into reported election regularities.

"We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists," said the EU statement.

The United States condemned restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services on Friday and expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process.

"We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people," said the U.S. State Department spokesman Mathew Miller. "We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly," he added.

Pakistan has nearly 190 million cellular subscribers, including 128 million using mobile broadband services. The suspension of service prevented many voters from accessing the election commission's data system to retrieve polling station locations and other details.

Journalists with mainstream Pakistani television channels said they could not promptly report rigging incidents and other irregularities from the field throughout the day because of the suspension.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania

8 February 2024 19:20

227-08-02-2024

On February 8, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a working meeting with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania.

The parties discussed current aspects of interaction between Moscow and Sukhum in various areas, as well as foreign policy coordination between the two countries. The mutual commitment to further strengthen Russian-Abkhaz relations in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership was confirmed.

Aslan Bzhania congratulated Sergey Lavrov and the entire team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the upcoming Diplomatic Worker's Day.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with historical leader of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt

8 February 2024 16:58

223-08-02-2024

On February 8, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received historical leader of the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt.

During the conversation they had an in-depth exchange of views on the crisis in the Middle East. Sergey Lavrov emphasised the unacceptability of further escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and involvement of other states in the region, in particular Lebanon. At the same time, he reaffirmed Russia's unwavering position in favour of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Lebanese Republic.

They paid particular attention to the internal political aspect of the situation in Lebanon and emphasised the need for the Lebanese themselves to find solutions as soon as possible to pressing issues on the national agenda based on mutual agreement and without external interference. The sides noted the importance of further progressive development of the traditionally friendly multidimensional ties between Russia and Lebanon.

On the same day, Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mikhail Bogdanov held extensive consultations with Walid Jumblatt.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia ready to supply gas to Europe via surviving pipe of Nord Stream 2: Putin

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:27, February 09, 2024

MOSCOW, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Germany does not resume the operation of the surviving pipe of Nord Stream 2, although Russia is ready to supply gas through it, said Russian President Vladimir Putin, cited by Russia's TASS news agency.

"The matter is not only about Nord Stream 1, which was blown up. Nord Stream 2 was damaged, but one pipe is safe and sound, and gas can be supplied to Europe through it, but Germany does not open it," Putin said in an interview with U.S. media personality Tucker Carlson, published on Friday.

"There is another route through Poland, the Yamal-Europe pipeline, it is also possible to carry a large flow," he said, adding that, however, Poland closed it.

The Nord Stream pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to European markets via Germany, were severely damaged in September 2022 after blasts in the Baltic Sea.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






MFA statement on President Vladimir Putin's 10 lies on Poland and Ukraine which were not rectified by Tucker Carlson (interview of 8 February 2024)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

09.02.2024

Poland cooperated/collaborated with Hitler's Germany.

Before World War II, Polish diplomacy tried to keep good neighbourly relations with Germany. Poland's entering into any sort of military alliance with Hitler was out of question. In the period between the First and Second World Wars, Poland found itself between two aggressive neighbours: Germany and Russia, neither of which practically recognized Polish nation's right to have an independent state. In 1934, in Berlin, the German-Polish declaration of non-aggression was signed, which was intended to guarantee the settling of disputes by peaceful means. Even before that, in 1932, a similar non-aggression pact was signed with the USSR.

Poles forced Hitler to start World War II against them. Why did Poland start the war on 1 September 1939? It was unwilling to cooperate. Hitler had nothing to do but start implementing his plans with Poland.

The Second Polish Republic rejected Hitler's claims as well as his proposal to enter into a Polish-German alliance against the USSR. It was Hitler's Germany and the Soviet authorities that signed an agreement against Poland on 23 August 1939 (so-called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), which allowed Germany to assault Poland on 1 September 1939. Soviet Russia and Hitler's Germany cooperated in concert until June 1941.

Poland fell prey to the policies it had pursued against Czechoslovakia, as under the well-known Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, part of that territory, including western Ukraine, was to be given to Russia.

Poland did not participate in, nor was it a party to, the Munich Agreement (of 30 September 1938), which in fact heavily limited the sovereignty of Czechoslovakia. Polish claims regarding the Trans-Olza were made after the signing of the Munich Agreement.

Thus Russia, which was then named the USSR, regained its historical lands.

The USSR incorporated Poland's eastern territory as the result of armed aggression (17 September 1939) while Poland was fending off the German invasion. It stabbed the Polish state in the back. So-called people's referenda held by the Soviets on Poland's eastern borderlands were accompanied by terror and rigs. Lviv and the then provinces of Lviv and StanisAawAw (today's Western Ukraine) have never been a part of the Russian Empire. Nor was the Vilnius region a historical part of Russia.

Ukraine is in fact an artificial state created by Lenin and Stalin.

Today's Ukraine emerged as a state thanks to Ukrainian national movement. The Bolsheviks did not establish it but merely conquered its part to set up one of the Soviet republics. Ukraine emerged at the will of Ukrainians themselves.

The left bank of the Dnieper, including Kyiv, is a historical Russian land.

Kyiv was the historical capital of Ruthenia, and Moscow did not exist at the time. In 1991, Ukraine became an independent state with internationally recognized borders.

The idea of Ukrainians as a separate nation emerged in Poland.

The process of self-defining of Ukrainians as a separate ethnic group was paralleled by similar processes in 19th century Europe. Nobody "invented" the Ukrainian nation.

NATO bases have been set up on the territory of Ukraine.

There are no NATO bases on the territory of Ukraine.

Two coups d'etat were committed in Ukraine to artificially break its ties with Russia.

During the Orange Revolution, the Ukrainian nation opposed to rigged elections. Holding a next round of voting allowed President Viktor Yushchenko to actually win the majority of votes. After the Revolution of Dignity, President Petro Poroshenko democratically won the presidential election.

In 2014, Moscow was forced to defend Crimea because it was in jeopardy.

There was no threat to Crimea in 2014. The Revolution of Dignity led to a peaceful change of power through democratic elections. Russia's "little green men" appeared in Crimea to destabilise the situation in Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin says 'impossible' to defeat Russia, has no interest in expanding war

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 11:40 AM

President Vladimir Putin has warned the West against underestimating Russia, saying it is "impossible" to defeat his country in Ukraine, but that Moscow does not intend to expand the war to Poland and Latvia.

In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin said Western leaders have now acknowledged the futility of attempting to impose a strategic defeat on Russia.

"Up until now, there has been the uproar and screaming about inflicting a strategic defeat to Russia on the battlefield," Putin said during the rare more than two-hour interview.

"But now they are apparently coming to realize that it is difficult to achieve, if possible, at all. In my opinion, it is impossible by definition," he added.

Putin called on the United States to "make an agreement" with Russia in order to end the war.

"Wouldn't it be better to negotiate with Russia? Make an agreement. Already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end," he said. "We are ready for this dialogue," he said.

The interview with Carlson which came ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine was the first one-on-one interview of Putin by someone from the Western media since 2019.

Putin stated that he had no interest in Poland or Latvia but would send its troops if Poland attacked Russia.

"Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia. Why? Because we have no interest in Poland, Latvia, or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest," he said.

Putin dedicated a significant portion of the interview to expressing his dissatisfaction with Ukraine's actions, stating that Russia had come close to reaching an agreement to cease hostilities during talks in Istanbul in April 2022.

However, he said, Ukraine backed out of the deal once Russian troops withdrew from the vicinity of Kiev.

"Well now let them think how to reverse the situation," he said. "We're not against it. It would be funny if it were not so sad that. This endless mobilization in Ukraine, the hysteria, the domestic problems, sooner or later it will result in an agreement."

He also cited US Congress, where Republicans are displaying a growing hesitancy to continue supporting Ukraine through the provision of weaponry and other forms of military assistance.

"I will tell you what we are saying on this matter and what we are conveying to the US leadership. If you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons," he said.

Upon being asked about the possible outcome of the US polls scheduled to be held in November, Putin indicated little change.

"You just asked me if another leader comes and changes something? It is not about the leader. It is not about the personality of a particular person," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Week In Russia: 'Charred Buildings And Shallow Graves'

By Steve Gutterman February 09, 2024

An anti-war candidate is barred from the presidential ballot, and two detailed reports shed grim new light on the fate and future of Mariupol -- the devastated port city where Russia is seeking to "erase Ukrainian culture."

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

Horror And Hope

Nearly two years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a handful of place names stand out as grim emblems of the death and destruction Moscow's forces have wreaked on the neighboring country since the unprovoked assault.

The most prominent of these may be Bucha, the suburban Kyiv city whose name is now synonymous with evidence of atrocities and accusations of war crimes by Russian troops in the first few weeks of the onslaught.

But Bucha is in the northern part of Ukraine from which Russian forces withdrew early on after failing to take the capital or force President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his government to capitulate. So it's also a symbol of hope for justice: the hope, shared by many Ukrainians and their supporters abroad, that Russia will face consequences for its actions.

Mariupol is a different story. After withstanding attacks over the years of the war in the Donbas, which erupted in 2014, it fell to Russian forces in May 2022 after a devastating siege and remains in Moscow's hands -- one of the biggest Ukrainian cities occupied by Russia.

As a result, it is a symbol of another kind: of the lengths to which Russia is prepared to go using brute force to seize Ukrainian territory, even areas whose pre-invasion populations were largely Russian-speaking residents whom President Vladimir Putin baselessly claims the onslaught was intended to protect, and of the suffering still in store for residents of areas that are occupied by Russia or may be in future.

The fate of those people figures prominently in the arguments of those, both inside and outside Ukraine, who say driving Russia's forces out of all of Ukraine must be the goal and any agreement that leaves Russia in control of Ukrainian territory would keep millions of civilians in Russia's thrall and invite further and even direr disaster.

For now, the war seems sure to continue for many months or more and there appears to be no chance Ukraine could recapture Mariupol anytime soon, let alone push Russian forces out of the country entirely. A Ukrainian counteroffensive fell far short of its goals last year, and Russia is pressing at several locations on the front line.

'One Of The Worst Chapters'

For all that's unknown about Mariupol, where Russian control hinders access to accurate information about the past and present, horrifying stories have emerged from a city where many buildings were razed by Russian attacks and rows of fresh graves multiplied as Russian forces pressed to capture the strategic Azov Sea port.

Some of them are linked to the bombing of a theater where hundreds of adults and children were taking shelter, others to the siege of the steelworks where Ukrainian forces made their final stand, Azovstal. Still others are on a far smaller scale, such as a video showing a woman slumped in a hospital corridor, sobbing and clutching her sleeping son after a bombardment that killed her other child.

This week, two extensive new reports shed stark new light on developments in Mariupol both before Russia's takeover and since.

One is a Human Rights Watch report on an investigation, conducted in cooperation with two other organizations, into what the group calls "one of the worst chapters of Russia's atrocity-ridden invasion and occupation of Ukraine so far."

"The operation, which included Russian forces pounding Mariupol for weeks with explosive weapons, left thousands of Ukrainian civilians dead and injured. It trapped hundreds of thousands for weeks. And it turned a thriving city into a wasteland of charred buildings and shallow graves," HRW says.

Given what it describes as "Russia's continued efforts to erase Ukrainian culture" in Mariupol, a vibrant city of 540,000 not long ago, the chapter is far from over.

The other new report is from the Financial Times. It focuses on Russia's rebuilding of Mariupol, describing the city as a "Potemkin village" whose residents "live in perilous conditions while Russian companies profit from contracts worth millions."

"With investigators unable to access the city, and with Moscow racing to plaster over the horrors of the war, it's feared [that] more Russian atrocities may remain undiscovered," the report says after citing the bombing of the theater and a strike on a maternity hospital.

"Russia is trying to destroy all evidence of its war crimes," it quotes Ukraine's human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, as saying.

Barred From The Ballot

Mariupol is in Donetsk Province, one of five Ukrainian regions that Russia baselessly claims as its own.

In the real Russia, a decade-long clampdown on civil society, independent media, and dissent that intensified after Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine shows no sign of flagging ahead of a March 15-17 election that is set to hand him a new six-year term.

Prosecutions on extremism charges that critics say the Kremlin uses to silence opponents and quash perceived threats have risen sharply since the February 2022 invasion.

Putin's most prominent foe, Aleksei Navalny, is serving a prison sentence that was extended to 19 years after he was convicted of extremism last August. On February 6, his spokeswoman said he had been placed in solitary confinement several days earlier for the 26th time since his incarceration three years ago.

Navalny has been an opposition leader for many years, but his biggest troubles with the state began after he sought to challenge Putin on the most recent presidential vote in 2018. He was barred from the ballot and in 2020 survived a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on Putin and the Federal Security Service.

As in 2018, the Kremlin's grip on politics, government, and the media means Putin is certain to win the election next month barring some massive, unexpected development.

But once again, Putin appears to be taking no chances: Boris Nadezhdin, a little-known former lawmaker whose would-be campaign quickly turned into a magnet for Russians who are tired of the war in Ukraine, or of Putin, or both, was denied a place on the ballot in a decision handed down by the Central Election Commission on October 8.

Political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin offered a simple explanation for the decision to bar Nadezhdin from the ballot.

The Kremlin initially saw him as a nonthreatening figure who would receive 2 or 3 percent of the vote, demonstrating "the wretchedness of the European, anti-Putin and anti-war alternative," Oreshkin told RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities. But after Russians lined up in droves to sign the petitions he needed to qualify for the race, it became clear he might attract a larger number of votes.

"If suddenly an opponent of the war, oriented toward the West, who defends liberal values, gets 10 to 12 percent, this is a completely unthinkable situation" for Putin and his circle, Oreshkin said. "And so, sometime in mid-January, Nadezhdin moved irrevocably from the ranks of acceptable...candidates to the ranks of the unacceptable."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/gutterman-week-in-russia- mariupol-ukraine-nadezhdin/32812164.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






Arrested Russian Activist Udaltsov Added To Russia's List Of Terrorists

By RFE/RL's Russian Service February 09, 2024

MOSCOW -- Russia's Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) on February 9 added jailed opposition activist Sergei Udaltsov to its list of terrorists, meaning that all of his assets in Russia will be frozen.

Last month, Moscow's Basmanny district court placed Udaltsov in a pretrial detention center in the Russian capital until at least February 15 on a charge of justifying terrorism.

Udaltsov was detained on January 11 after police searched his home.

Udaltsov told journalists at the time that the charge against him stemmed from his public support of members of a so-called Marxist group in Ufa, the capital of Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan, who were arrested last year on a charge of creating a terrorist organization.

Udaltsov pleaded not guilty, insisting that since the arrested members of the Marxist group have yet to be convicted, they are considered innocent, and therefore the charge against him -- justifying terrorism -- is illegal.

If convicted, Udaltsov faces up to seven years in prison.

The 46-year-old Udaltsov is the leader of the Left Front movement. He was one of the most prominent figures during mass anti-government protests in 2011-2012.

He spent more than four years in prison for organizing mass protests in 2012 against the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin. Udaltsov was released from prison in August 2017.

Despite parole-like restrictions imposed on him after his release, Udaltsov continued to take part in anti-government rallies and has been sentenced to weeks in jail several times.

His wife, Anastasia Udaltsova, is a member of the Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma.

Udaltsov has continued to criticize Putin, but has supported Russia's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Recently he openly supported Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), once a leader of Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine's east who is now incarcerated.

On January 25, a court in Moscow sentenced Girkin to four years in prison on a charge of making public calls for extremist activities.

Girkin, 53, was arrested in July 2023 after strongly criticizing Putin in online statements for his handling of the Ukraine invasion, referring to the Russian president as a "nonentity" and accusing him of "cowardly mediocrity."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-udaltsov-terrorists- list-activist/32812544.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






Breastfeeding offers a multitude of benefits for both mothers and infants. From providing essential nutrients to fostering bonding, it stands as the preferred source of nutrition for most infants, laying the foundation for optimal health and well-being.

There are many factors that go into determining if breastfeeding is the right choice for your family and how to address any barriers that affect sustained breastfeeding.

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as providing only breastmilk to an infant for the first six months of life. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding your infant for the first four to six months, then beginning to introduce age-appropriate complementary foods. Breastfeeding for the first year of a childs life or longer is often recommended.

Indeed, the health benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond infants, offering notable advantages for mothers as well. Women who breastfeed are found to have lower risks of developing breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Breastfed babies experience reduced risks of short- and long-term illnesses, including asthma, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Beyond the nutritional aspect, the intimate connection formed during breastfeeding fosters a unique bond between mother and child.

There are many factors influencing the decision to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. Inadequate breastfeeding support from family, friends and health professionals or organizations affects a parents decision to start or continue breastfeeding. Societal norms or embarrassment around breastfeeding in public deters breastfeeding initiation and duration. Many parents also lack adequate leave from work to stay home with their new infants and dedicate the time and consistency that is necessary for successful breastfeeding.

There is a widely accepted misunderstanding that breastfeeding is natural and therefore it should be easy, when, in fact, breastfeeding is often challenging and requires time and patience for parents to learn this new skill. Problems that occur during lactation or a general lack of understanding about what to expect when breastfeeding deters individuals from continuing. Often, a perceived lack of sufficient milk for the baby and lack of confidence deters many parents away from continued breastfeeding.

Below are a few general signs that your baby is getting enough breastmilk. Please contact your doctor or a certified lactation counselor with concerns about your childs feeding.

Newborn babies feed often, typically requiring small amounts of nourishment frequently throughout the day. Your baby is likely getting enough if he or she is breastfeeding eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

A good sign of a successful feeding is hearing your baby suck and swallow the milk.

Full babies are often very relaxed after feedings and may even fall asleep. Loose body movements and open palms are also signs that your baby is full after a successful feeding.

Remember, crying is not always a sign that your baby is hungry. Pay attention to signs like rooting, sucking on hands or licking lips as a signal that your baby is ready to be fed.

For specific questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding, contact your childs health care provider. He or she also should be able to provide information for local support groups, breastfeeding organizations and certified lactation counselors that can support your breastfeeding journey.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women Infants and Children, or WIC, offers breastfeeding support, supplies and peer-to-peer counseling and discussion. Pregnant or postpartum women and children ages 5 and younger who are residents of Virginia may be eligible for WIC. In addition to breastfeeding support, this program offers nutrition assistance, counseling and much more.

To find out if you might be eligible, and for more information on how to apply, go to www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic-participants/new-participants.
Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters conduct firing at the training ground in Kaliningrad region, taking into account combat experience of special military operation

09.02.2024

As part of a planned tactical exercise at a training ground in Kaliningrad region, the crews of Mi-24 and Mi-8 attack helicopters of the Baltic Fleet's naval aviation destroyed fortifications, strongholds and clusters of manpower of a mock enemy.

During combat sorties, helicopter crews carried out strikes on the ground individually and as part of pairs using 80-mm unguided S-8 aircraft missiles.

Two Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopter flights were involved in the planned combat training event. In total, the pilots made up to 20 helicopter sorties for the practical use of cannon weapons of combat vehicles.

Press Service of the Western Military District

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu hear reports from commander of military district's troops and commanders of associations on current situation and plans for further actions

09.02.2024

The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu heard reports from the commander of the troops of the military district and the commanders of the formations on the current situation and plans for further actions at the command post of one of the Zapad Group of Forces.

During the hearing, Sergei Shoigu drew special attention of commanders to the organisation of continuous provision of troops with weapons, military hardware, ammunition and all necessary materiel for the successful performance of combat missions.

Commander of the Zapad Group Colonel General Yevgeny Nikiforov reported to the head of the military department on the high efficiency of interaction between the Group's assault detachments and the reconnaissance and strike and firing complexes received by the troops during the breakthrough of the enemy defence.

The Russian Defence Minister thanked commanders for their competent management of troops, as a result of which the Group continues to improve its front line position.

Concluding the work at the command post General of the Army Sergei Shoigu focused the attention of commanders on more active reconnaissance to the full depth of the enemy defence and to act proactively.

During his working visit, the Russian Defence Minister also checked the work of the headquarters of the Group of Forces covering the Russian state border.

The head of the military department heard reports from the Commander of the Group, the head of the General Staff of the Ground Forces, as well as representatives of the Border Guard Department of the Federal Security Service of Russia and the troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation on the organisation of comprehensive cooperation and the implementation of a set of joint measures.

The Russian Defence Minister has tasked the Group's units with additional reconnaissance and strike assets.

Following the results of the work at the control points of the Group of Forces, the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation held a meeting at the headquarters of the combined troop grouping, where he heard reports from the commanders on the current situation in the zone of the special military operation, the nature of the enemy actions and the fulfilment of combat tasks in operational areas.

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu thanked the commanders of the Group for skilful leadership of the troops, as well as the personnel for conducting successful offensive operations in most directions and taking possession of more favourable lines.

The Russian Minister of Defence has instructed that the issues of continuous supply of the Group of Forces in the areas of the special military operation should be kept under special control.

Press Service of the Western Military District

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syria shoots down 'hostile' drones near Damascus

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 February 2024 3:32 P

A Syrian military source says Syria's air defenses have shot down two drones that were launched from Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Syria's state news agency SANA quoted a military source as saying that the country's air defenses shot down two drones in the west of Damascus on Friday.

According to the report, the drones came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

"At around 02:10 pm, two drones violated Syria's airspace from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan. Our air defense systems confronted them, and they were downed in the west of Damascus," the source said.

Earlier, Syrian state media reported that the air defenses were responding to "hostile targets" in the vicinity of Damascus.

It was not clear who was behind the attack, but Israel has been using the occupied Golan Heights as a launchpad for its acts of military aggression against the Arab nation since it occupied the territory in 1967, when the regime launched a large-scale war against the regional Arab states, including Syria.

The attacks intensified after 2011 when Syria found itself in the grip of all-out foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.

The regime has been also using the occupied territory to provide safe passage and medical treatment for the anti-Syria Takfiri terrorists, who would flee there from the Syrian military's counter-terrorism operations.

The Israeli attacks further escalated following the Tel Aviv regime's bloody onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 27,947 Palestinians and injured more than 67,459 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan aid bill

ROC Central News Agency

02/09/2024 03:12 PM

Washington, Feb. 8 (CNA) The United States Senate voted Thursday to advance a bill covering US$95.34 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and humanitarian aid, setting up a final vote on the package.

The security aid bill includes US$4.83 billion to assist U.S. allies in the Indo-pacific, including Taiwan, alongside US$61 billion for Ukraine in its war with Russia and US$14 billion for Israel in its conflict against Hamas.

Needing 60 votes to beat a filibuster, the Senate advanced the measure by a 67-32 margin that included the support of 17 Republicans.

"It's a very good thing that the Senate has just voted to proceed to the National Security Supplemental," Democratic Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said after the vote.

"This is a good first step. This bill is essential for our national security, for the security of our friends in Ukraine, in Israel, for humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and for Taiwan."

Failure to pass the bill, Schumer said, would "only embolden autocrats like [Vladimir] Putin and Xi [Jinping] who want nothing more than America's decline."

A final version of the bill continues to be negotiated, however, with Republicans divided over the measure, and senators of both parties looking to push through amendments, including potentially on border security.

"We are going to keep working on this bill until the job is done," Schumer said.

The security aid bill voted on Thursday attracted Republican support only after Democrats removed border control and immigration measures from the proposed bill

On Wednesday, a majority of Republicans shot down a bipartisan US$118 billion bill that had been negotiated for months and covered both aid for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific nations as well as measures to tighten security at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Even if the bill eventually passes the Democrat-led Senate, it has an uncertain future because it may have trouble getting support from enough Republicans in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and James Lo)

Enditem/ls

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 9, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/02/09

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

Feb. 9, 2024 09:00iUTC+8i

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Thursday to Friday , Feb. 8-9

2.PLA activitiesis

7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. 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






Scotland boosting UK with more than A2 billion spend in defence annually

Defence spending with UK industry by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland is currently A2.09 billion, official statistics have revealed.

9 February 2024

The statistics highlight the UK Government's commitment to continually improving the defence sector, while supporting the economy and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.

An average of A380 is being spent on defence for each person living in Scotland, higher that the UK average of A370, with this figure staying consistent in recent years, and showing the level of spending that helps keep the nation protected.

Latest figures also show 12,200 Scottish jobs are directly supported through the MOD's expenditure with the Scottish defence industry.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

As threats increase across the globe, it's crucial that investment in our Armed Forces matches that picture.

That's why we're spending more than A50 billion annually on helping equip our military with cutting-edge capabilities, so they can continue to protect our freedoms around the clock.

These statistics demonstrate how all parts of the UK are playing their part in that crucial work, delivering through our fantastic defence industry and boosting local prosperity.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Nothing is more important than defending our country and these figures show the enormous contribution Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make to the UK's defence industry.

As well as playing a crucial role in the security of the UK, defence also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland. The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with the defence industry to support its success in the UK and in exporting overseas.

Scotland is home to the Royal Navy's Type 26 and Type 31 frigate building programme, spanning shipyards on the Clyde and Rosyth, supporting thousands of skilled jobs into the next decade. Some of the MOD's highest level strategic assets, such as the Continuous At Sea Deterrent at HMNB Clyde and the P-8 Poseidon and Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth are also base in Scotland, investing in multi-million-pound support contracts which have created thousands of jobs.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






OSCE helps Ukrainian officials better understand money laundering risks of virtual assets

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

9 February 2024

From 5 to 9 February, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities organized a workshop in Warsaw, Poland for Ukrainian supervisory agencies and regulators on addressing the most common risks associated with money laundering and supervisory processes governing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

This 5-day event brought together more than 60 participants from Ukraine and Poland, joining both in person and online to discuss practical cases, regulatory frameworks, and innovative strategies for combating illicit activities within the virtual asset and cryptocurrency space.

"As the virtual asset landscape evolves, appropriate supervisory frameworks are essential to prevent its misuse for illicit activities," said Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, Assistant Project Officer at the OSCE. "This workshop fosters crucial collaboration between policymakers, supervisors, and industry professionals, empowering them to effectively address money laundering risks and promote a secure and compliant crypto market."

The workshop offered a platform for in-depth discussions on how supervisory authorities can effectively oversee VASPs and mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. During the interactive sessions, participants from Ukraine and Poland examined practical VASP regulation cases, dissecting real-world examples to underscore key challenges and effective supervisory approaches. They analysed crypto-specific risks, exploring unique vulnerabilities within the crypto industry and developed tools for risk identification and assessment. Additionally, best practices for implementing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures specific to VASPs were addressed, emphasizing the importance of compliance in this evolving landscape. Moreover, one of the experts explained the implications of the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation on VASP supervision, providing valuable insights for Ukrainian regulators on how the legislative framework and regulatory compliance is developing in European landscape.

"This workshop paves the way for a more effective and collaborative approach to VASP supervision in Ukraine. Sharing practical insights and strategies with esteemed colleagues has equipped me with the knowledge and methodology to tackle the unique challenges of crypto-related money laundering," said one of the participants.

This initiative demonstrates the OSCE's ongoing commitment to supporting regional cooperation on anti-money laundering, in particularly in the area of crypto-assets. By facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building, the workshop equipped participants with the necessary tools and expertise to strengthen VASP supervision and uphold financial integrity within their respective jurisdictions.

The workshop is part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project on "Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets". The project is designed to support the OSCE participating states in building national authorities' capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. The project is funded by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and Romania. The Ministry of Finance of Poland provided the venue for the workshop.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia repeatedly sought peaceful solution to problems in Ukraine: Putin

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:08, February 09, 2024

MOSCOW, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia has repeatedly sought a peaceful solution to the problems in Ukraine since 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with U.S. media personality Tucker Carlson published Friday.

"We repeatedly, repeatedly offered to seek a solution to the problems that arose in Ukraine after the coup in 2014 by peaceful means. But no one listened to us. And what's more, the Ukrainian leadership, which was under full control of the United States, suddenly declared that it would not fulfill the Minsk agreements, they did not like anything there, and continued military activity in this territory," Putin said.

Meanwhile, the development of this territory by NATO military structures took place under the guise of various training and retraining centers for personnel, said Putin, adding that they had actually built bases there.

He recalled that the Ukrainian authorities adopted laws that restricted the rights of Russians. "In Ukraine, they declared that Russians are -- they passed a law -- a non-titular nation, and at the same time they adopted laws that restrict the rights of non-titular nations."

"This all together caused the decision to end the war that was started by neo-Nazis in Ukraine in 2014 by armed means," the Russian president said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Battlefield Woes Mounting, Ukraine Gets A New Top General. Who Is He?

By Mike Eckel and Todd Prince February 09, 2024

Wounded, exhausted, rag-tag columns of Ukrainian troops withdrew from Debaltseve in February 2015, after Russia-backed separatist fighters encircled the city in the eastern Donbas region and forced the retreat.

It was a stunning defeat. Ukrainians were livid, and they blamed the country's leadership -- Petro Poroshenko was president then -- and the military commanders in charge of the Debaltseve defense.

Commanders "knew they would give it up a month ago," one angry retreating soldier told RFE/RL as the retreat was under way. "Just give it up. They should've moved everyone out earlier and not waited for those deaths."

"They" includes Oleksandr Syrskiy, now a colonel general and commander of Ukraine's ground forces who, on February 8, was tapped by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to take over as country's top military commander.

The change in command comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine's leadership. Zelenskiy's decision to promote Syrskiy follows his order dismissing the longtime commander in chief, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, a figure widely admired among both Ukraine's military and society more broadly, as well as in the West.

Syrskiy's elevation has stirred mixed feelings, grumblings among some Ukrainian troops who remember Debaltseve and, more recently, the fight for Bakhmut, a Donbas city that Russia captured in May 2023 after a brutal 10-month offensive.

Some Ukrainian and Western experts questioned the decision to suffer substantial losses in Bakhmut, given that the city had questionable strategic importance. As commander of Ukraine's ground forces -- subordinate to Zaluzhniy -- some blamed Syrskiy for that decision, though Zelenskiy is said to have been determined not to cede it to Russian control.

But Syrskiy was also praised for helping prevent invading Russian forces from capturing Kyiv in the days after the start of the full-scale war on February 24, 2022. He was decorated with Ukraine's highest honor.

"Syrskiy will still be compared to Zaluzhniy, and therefore you don't envy him," Oleh Saakyan, a Kyiv-based political scientist,told Current Time. "He'll be compared to the legendary image of Zaluzhniy; not to the actual person. To win this match is just impossible. Syrskiy will be headed to the electric chair from the start."

"Zelenskiy believes he needs someone else but what sort of equipment, troop numbers is this new head going to get?" said Will Pomeranz, director of the Kennan Institute in Washington, D.C." I don't think [Syrskiy] will be in a better position to wage the war."

"Taking back territory was always going to be a major challenge. We got to used to victories for Ukraine in the first year of the war," Pomeranz told RFE/RL. "Russia can still dig trenches, still mine fields, and I don't know if any new general can deal with that. Frankly, it makes Zelenskiy more exposed, especially if he is suffering a decline of popularity."

'Such Failures Or Misguided Approaches'

Born in a Russian province east of Moscow, the 58-year-old Syrskiy, like many senior Ukrainian military officers, received his initial training in the Soviet era, studying at the prestigious Moscow Higher Military Command School and then serving as a Soviet artillery officer.

After moving to Ukraine following the Soviet breakup, Syrskiy rose through the ranks. When Russia launched its first invasion in 2014 -- a stealth effort that used military intelligence to fund and arm local fighters in the Donbas -- he was appointed the top commander of what Ukraine called its Anti-Terrorist Operation, to battle the Russia-backed fighters.

Debaltseve was one of the first large-scale defeats of Ukrainian troops and was a shock to many Ukrainians.

One year later, Syrskiy defended his decisions there.

"For us, the withdrawal from Debaltseve was a key moment that delayed the enemy's best forces," he said. "After these battles, there were no serious, large-scale attempts to launch an attack. The enemy suffered heavy losses."

In 2019, he was appointed commander of Ukraine's ground forces, and was a pivotal figure in the run-up to the Russian invasion in February 2022, including the defensive preparations around Kyiv. In the days after February 24, Russian forces moved to seize the capital -- but were thwarted by what observers later said was a combination of smart decisions by Ukrainian commanders, botched maneuvers by Russian officers, and the ingenuity of mid-level Ukrainian officers.

Zaluzhniy was widely hailed, as was Syrskiy, who was decorated as a Hero of Ukraine in 2022 for his role.

Syrskiy was also credited with some of the command decisions that resulted in one of two counteroffensive successes in late 2022 and early 2023 -- a push in which Ukrainian forces took back a substantial amount of territory in the Kharkiv region, in the northeast.

But he was also in charge of decisions to dig in and hold on to Bakhmut, a crossroads city in the Donbas that Russia was hellbent on capturing, and Ukraine was hellbent on defending -- despite dubious battlefield value. The battle cry "Fortress Bakhmut" was embraced by civilian and military leaders alike.

Dubbed the "meat grinder," Bakhmut fell after roughly 10 months of a relentless assault that included soldiers from the private mercenary company Wagner, and inmates recruited from Russian prisons.

"The reputation of certain Ukrainian generals has plummeted to the point where they are now likened to Russian counterparts known for deploying careless frontal assaults," according to a post published on February 7 by Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian open-source research organization run by a Ukrainian reserve officer. "This situation is exacerbated by the lack of accountability for such failures or misguided approaches."

In June 2023, Ukrainian commanders launched a major counteroffensive, aiming to punch through Russian lines in several places. Those efforts, however, faltered by year's end, thwarted by deep, well-constructed trench lines and anti-tank defenses that inflicted major losses on Ukraine's NATO-trained brigades.

For some observers, blame falls squarely on Zaluzhniy's shoulders.

"The fact is Zaluzhniy presided over a counteroffensive that failed," Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told RFE/RL. "If you are not succeeding, you need to get someone else in there."

Further straining Zaluzhniy's standing in the eyes of the Zelenskiy administration: an article Zaluzhniy published in The Economist last fall, in which he described the war as a "stalemate." The article irked Zelenskiy, who publicly rebuffed the statement. That, plus Zaluzhniy's deep and wide popularity inside and outside the military, added to the perception that he was a political threat to Zelenskiy.

The two had also publicly disagreed about whether, and how, to mobilize up to 500,000 new personnel for Ukraine's military, a politically fraught decision.

In ousting Zaluzhniy, Zelenskiy heaped praise on him, and cited Syrskiy's successful defensive experience," including his command of the Kyiv defense and the Kharkiv offense. And in his own public statement on his dismissal, Zaluzhniy wrote that he and Zelenskiy "made a decision on the necessity to change approaches and strategy."

"In Syrskiy, President Zelenskiy may be expecting a commander in chief who keeps his views out of the public view more than Zaluzhniy while also receiving the best military advice from him," Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army major general,said in a blog post.

Among The Rank And File

Expectations of Zaluzhniy's ouster had stoked grumblings among some Ukrainian troops. With Syrskiy's promotion to commander in chief, they grew louder.

"Under Zaluzhniy, there was confidence that decisions were being made by professionals based on military, not political expediency," an infantry soldier named Iryna who, like other military personnel, asked that only her first name be used. "There is no such certainty now. It's not just that General Syrskiy is trusted by fewer soldiers than General Zaluzhniy. The fact is that Zaluzhniy's ouster was preceded by a campaign to discredit [him.]"

"It is not clear what Zaluzhniy did wrong, what was the point of throwing mud at him and the entire army, what can Syrskiy do in this situation," she told Donbas.Realities, a unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.

"The current layer of generals of the Armed Forces is not modern military management. Unfortunately," said Andriy, a soldier in an airborne assault unit. "The new commander in chief -- Syrskiy -- is no exception. We are marching in place, all the while losing the best people in this country."

Oleksiy, a gunner in an artillery unit, blamed Zelenskiy for the current battlefield failures, and accused him of trying to shift the blame to Zaluzhniy.

"Zelenskiy wants to be number one in the world! He wants to be a hero!" he said. "Although he has nothing to do with any military operation. I believe that this is Zelenskiy's most important mistake, which will cost him the trust of the people. And, unfortunately, it will also cost thousands of dead soldiers and the loss of new territory."

"Most of my friends are reacting with regret" to the decision to shuffle commanders, Ukrainian Junior Sergeant Pavlo Kazarin, who is also a journalist, told Current Time. "But I repeat: the army is big, up to 1 million people serve in the Ukrainian defense forces, so it would be quite irresponsible on my part to judge the entire mood of the army."

Mike Eckel reported from Prague; Todd Prince reported from Washington. With reporting by Serhiy Horbatenko and Darya Kurennaya of RFE/RL's Donbas Realities and Iryna Romaliyska, of Current Time.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-syrskiy-new-top- commander-explainer/32812781.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






New Chief Appointed To Head Ukraine's General Staff In Reshuffle Of Military Leaders

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 09, 2024

KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appointed Major General Anatoliy Barhilevych as Ukraine's new chief of the General Staff on February 9, replacing Lieutenant General Serhiy Shaptala in another major personnel change after naming Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskiy commander in chief.

Zelenskiy announced the appointment in his nightly video address, saying he took the action at Syrskiy's recommendation. Zelenskiy described Barhilevych as "an experienced individual who understands the tasks of this war and Ukrainian objectives."

He added that Syrskiy has already identified candidacies for deputy positions. Zelenskiy did not name them but said all have combat experience, are professional and possess "a clear knowledge of the front and the real needs of Ukrainian soldiers."

In his first remarks since being appointed to command Ukraine's armed forces, Syrskiy said the country must change and improve its methods of warfare if it is to defeat invading Russian forces.

Syrskiy, who on February 8 was named by Zelenskiy to take over the lead of the armed forces from General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, said in a post on Telegram that "a clear and detailed planning of the actions of all military administration bodies" was needed while also addressing the need for modern weapons from Ukraine's Western partners.

"Only changes and constant improvement of the means and methods of warfare will make it possible to achieve success on this path," he wrote in the post on February 9, adding that new technical solutions, including drone systems and adding means of radio-electronic warfare are needed.

Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy awarded Zaluzhniy the title of Hero of Ukraine at a ceremony in Kyiv. Syrskiy's successful leadership in defending the Ukrainian capital earned him the same title from Zelenskiy in September 2023.

The change in the leadership of the armed forces comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, which has failed to recapture significant territory from Russia since late 2022 and now faces a potential disruption in military aid supply from the United States, its biggest backer, as Republican lawmakers block a $60 billion aid package over demands for deep changes in U.S. border policy.

With Russian forces on the offensive across the front line and making gradual inroads into the eastern town of Avdiyivka, which Moscow has been trying to capture for several months, Zelenskiy said the military needed a "reset."

The General Staff said in its evening summary that Ukrainian aircraft struck five areas of concentration of Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment. It also said that the armed forces fought 91 combat clashes during the day.

The summary said Ukrainian troops repelled 10 attacks near Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, where the enemy tried unsuccessfully to break through Ukrainian defenses.

The Russian military carried out air strikes in the areas near several settlements in the region, and about 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, the General Staff said.

Ukrainian troops also fought battles near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, where they repelled 18 attacks, preventing the Russians from improving their tactical position. About 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, according to the summary.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-new-chief-of-staff- barhilevych-zelenskiy-zaluzhniy-shaptala/32812852.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






The state body responsible for investigating ethical violations among public employees and elected representatives is looking into a complaint against a top Harrisburg official.

According to the complaint filed in November with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, Public Works Director Chuck Scholz allegedly has used his position to benefit himself by living in a recreational vehicle, rent-free, at the citys wastewater facility for years.

A Place to Sleep, episode 7: Grants Pass It's a community that openly heckles  and worse  its homeless neighbors, many who have deep roots. And it may have a date with the Supreme Court.

City officials contend Scholz is saving the city money by living on site, offering security for the citys equipment and protecting the water system from potential threats, citing federal rules on securing critical infrastructure.

But according to the ethics commission investigator on the case, the question isnt whether Scholzs residence at the site is a cost-saving security measure; its whether Scholz, who makes over $100,000 a year, used his position to avoid a financial detriment by effectively receiving free lodging at a space closed to the public.

Scholz declined to comment to Mid-Valley Media, but in a written response to the ethics commission late last year, he asked for the complaint to be dismissed, saying current and former city administrators had approved of his living arrangement. He also called the complaint an attack.

This is a singular complaint from a resident who obviously had a personal issue with me, Scholz wrote in his Nov. 22 response to the investigator.

A cost-saving measure?

But the complainant, Harrisburg resident Alan Collison, told Mid-Valley Media its nothing personal; hes just against Scholz residing at the citys wastewater site on riverfront property on the public dime.

The city treats wastewater on two 9-acre primary facultative lagoons, two 4-acre secondary facultative lagoons, and two 1-acre submerged rock polishing ponds along the Willamette River, according to the city's website.

Scholz started living on the property in his RV around 2018, and has been Harrisburgs public works director since 2013, according to City Administrator Michele Eldridge.

The issue rose to the surface in April, when Collison first inquired about an RV that had been situated at the citys wastewater facility for years. The facility is just off Peoria Road, about 1 miles north of the city.

Prompted by Collisons initial complaint about the RV, Eldridge informed City Council members  some of whom were unaware Scholz had been living at the wastewater facility  that her predecessors, Brian Latta and John Hitt, had OK'd the arrangement, according to minutes from the April 11 council meeting.

Eldridge added that when she learned about it, she signed off on it too.

Scholz isnt connected to any water or sewer service at the wastewater site, and he uses solar panels for electricity, according to Eldridge, who became city administrator in 2021.

She added Scholz pays to dump the sewer and fill up the water for his RV. It wasn't clear where or to whom.

Eldridge said he also provides a security presence at the facility's sewage treatment lagoons.

According to a Google Earth map attached to the April 11 meeting minutes, Scholz's RV is about 565 feet from the secondary sewage pond and at least 800 feet from the Willamette.

At the April 11 council meeting, Eldridge cited the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which requires such facilities to be fenced or patrolled. A recent visit by Mid-Valley Media journalists showed the facility is at least partially gated.

A nearby farmer had witnessed multiple trespasses in the area, she said.

That farmer, Kurt Kaynor, told the council he hadnt seen any of his equipment stolen since Scholz moved in, according to the meeting minutes.

During the meeting, Councilor Kim Downey said she trusted Scholz and felt there was some value having him at the site but also appreciated the complainants concern.

Additionally, Downey, Mayor Bobby Duncan and other councilors said they wanted a better idea of the cost savings of having Scholz at the site, rather than building a fence or hiring a security guard.

For perspective, no staff is living at any of Albany's treatment facilities, according to Public Works Director Chris Bailey. Those sites are secured by fencing, locks and alarms connected to computer system.

The city also contracts with security services to patrol some properties overnight, Bailey said via email, adding with these measures, the city is in compliance with America's Water Infrastructure Act

At a follow-up Harrisburg council meeting on May 9, Eldridge reiterated the importance of keeping the site secure because of its location upstream from nearby cities, such as Corvallis, Albany and Adair Village.

She told the council installing a 6-foot fence around the property would cost Harrisburg more than $213,000 and would be unaffordable  according to May 9 meeting minutes.

Harrisburg City Attorney Jim Brewer, however, highlighted the importance of having an agreement on the books with Scholz during the May 11 meeting. He said the city should be charging rent  it could be as little as $1 per month  with which councilors Downey, Rob Boese and Randy Klemm said they had no problems, according to the meeting minutes.

But the monetary arrangement never materialized. According to Eldridge, the city eventually landed at a caretaking policy agreement  after the state got involved  one that allows Scholz to continue living at the site rent-free.

Proper use of city facilities?

While Eldridge underscored security concerns, there may have been another factor behind Scholz move, according to Collison.

In his ethics complaint, Collison said it was his understanding Scholz had been permitted to move to the wastewater facility as a convenience to the public works director as he had just gone through a divorce and couldnt afford housing.

Scholz had been living in Monroe with his wife with whom he separated in 2018, and according to the terms of their divorce  finalized in 2020  and property records, she refinanced and kept the house.

The legal documents indicate there were no children and no arrangement for alimony. They do show Scholz owning a 2020 Keystone RV trailer, which he was allowed to keep, along with two vehicles and a boat.

"As the second highest paid city employee, I thought that was a stretch," Collison wrote in his complaint to the state commission. "After several years, he should have a nice nest egg."

Reached for comment, former city administrator Latta, now the city manager for Dallas, Oregon, said he only permitted Scholz to live at the site for a few weeks, with the understanding it was because Scholz was going through some personal issues.

Latta said he recalled Scholz moving in with a friend afterward.

Eldridge said she knew Scholz had been living on a friend's property for free before he moved to the wastewater site. When asked whether former city administrator Latta had allowed Scholz to stay there in part because of his divorce, Eldridge said it was what she inferred at the time, but she didn't question Latta about it specifically.

In response to Scholz move to the site, Eldridge said the public works directors job description has been updated with a new essential duty: residing at that very location to provide security.

Also, the city has since created a caretaker policy tailored to Scholz's living arrangement, allowing a Harrisburg employee to reside on city property in a personal RV. The policy outlines the caretakers role in protecting city property from trespass, theft, vandalism and other violations.

As for rent, the policy just says the caretaker "is being allowed to reside on public property as it is a part of their job description.

Eldridge confirmed Scholz doesnt pay rent at this time.

He currently makes more than $105,000 annually, according to the citys 2023-24 wage scale.

According to Eldridge, both the job description and caretaker policy were finalized on Dec. 28.

The investigation goes forward

Collison filed his ethics complaint to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission in November.

In a pointed response to the complaint later that month, Scholz defended himself, saying he was just a small-town city employee, and that Harrisburg city managers, former and current, agreed his presence protects city equipment.

The question before the commission now, however, is whether Scholz engaged in a conflict of interest and violated Oregon rules on prohibited use of office, which bar public officials from using or attempting to use their position to obtain a financial benefit or avoid a financial detriment  in this case, free lodging.

The rule, however, doesnt apply to any part of an official compensation package, according to the law, meaning wages and benefits approved by a public body, whether it's part of an employment contract or a personnel policy.

Its unclear if Harrisburg's new caretaker policy falls into that category.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

In her preliminary review of the complaint dated Dec. 14, commission investigator Hillary Murietta said there appeared to be no policy in place  as part of an official compensation package  that allowed Scholz to reside at the facility.

Eldridge said she hasnt heard from the ethics commission, but when asked about the official compensation package exemption, she said she believed the citys caretaker policy would address the concern.

The commission will have 180 days from the time it approved the investigation on Jan. 5 to wrap up the case.
With Ukraine Defense Aid Stalled In U.S. Congress, Fear Of Setbacks Grows

By Todd Prince February 09, 2024

WASHINGTON -- As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches the two-year mark, Russian forces are making small advances in some locations along the 1,200-kilometer front as President Vladimir Putin throws more and more men into battle.

Since New Year's, Russian forces have captured 707 square kilometers in eastern and southern Ukraine, according to the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War -- an area about half the size of Los Angeles.

In the coming days or weeks, Russian troops could overrun the heavily damaged industrial city of Avdiyivka in the Donetsk region, marking Moscow's first major victory since the capture of Bakhmut in May 2023.

Meanwhile, a potentially crucial battle is being fought in Washington, where U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal for $60 billion in military aid for Kyiv has been stymied in Congress for months.

After multiple twists and turns, the fate of the weapons package remains clouded -- and the effects are being felt at the front, where Ukrainian troops are forced to conserve firepower.

U.S. military aid slowed to a trickle at the end of last year and came to a halt in January as authorized Congressional funding ran out.

"The Ukrainians are obviously suffering from shell hunger," George Barros, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), told RFE/RL. "They are running low on critical supplies and the Russians understand that and timed their counteroffensive in order to capitalize on the situation."

He was referring to small-scale advances Russian forces have made around Avdiyivka and in several other locations since Ukraine's own counteroffensive, launched last June, fizzled out in the fall after falling far short of its objectives.

Russian forces are currently firing ammunition at about five times the rate of their Ukrainian counterparts, Michael Kofman, a military analyst at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a podcast published on January 30.

That rate had been two to one in Ukraine's favor last summer, Kofman said.

'Huge Impact'

If Congress does not pass a new aid package, U.S. military equipment deliveries to Ukraine will fall 80 to 90 percent by the summer of 2024, Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told RFE/RL. The flow of U.S. military aid peaked last summer at about $1.5 billion a month, he said.

Deliveries will not run entirely dry anytime soon: Even though the United States has allocated all the funding approved by Congress, it takes months or even years for some of the military aid to arrive -- so weapons and other items needed on the battlefield will continue to make their way to Ukraine throughout the year, Cancian said.

But if further aid is not approved, "Ultimately it will have a huge impact," he said. "Armies in conflict need a continuous flow of replacement weapons, ammunition and supplies to keep operating. Ultimately, their line would crack in some place."

Cancian said the war could progress along the lines of the Soviet invasion of Finland in 1939-40. The Finns initially inflicted heavy losses on the larger Soviet force but Moscow "kept on hammering at the line and the Finnish lines were breaking.

"That is when the Finns made the peace deal," he said, suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's government could come under increasing pressure to seek a cease-fire agreement with Russia, which currently occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine.

Many in Ukraine, and among its backers abroad, warn that forging an agreement that leaves Russia in control of a chunk of Ukraine would weaken the West and encourage Moscow to seek more gains later.

Zelenskiy has vowed regain control over all of Ukraine, but the military is facing manpower shortages in addition to a deficit of ammunition, and that goal seems far out of reach for now.

General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, who was dismissed by Zelenskiy on February 8 from his post as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said in an article published last week that Kyiv must change its fighting strategy in the face of a "reduction in military support from key allies."

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the United States has approved four aid packages for Ukraine totaling $113 billion. More than half of that has been allocated for defense needs, such as anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, long-range rockets, armored vehicles, and large quantities of 155-millimeter ammunition.

In August, as the fourth package approached depletion amid Ukraine's counteroffensive, the Biden administration asked Congress to approve a fifth support bill totaling $24 billion.

Right-wing Republicans in the House of Representatives balked, demanding that any aid to Ukraine be tied to immigration reform and greater funding for the U.S. border with Mexico. Biden later proposed a package that included about $60 billion for Ukraine aid as well as billions of dollars for Israel and Taiwan, while also funding border security and immigration reform.

On February 7, after four months of bipartisan negotiations and several concessions by the White House on border security, Republicans shot that bill down.

In a speech to the nation a day earlier, as the fate of the bipartisan bill became clear, Biden accused the Republicans of seeking to kill the legislation at the behest of former President Donald Trump, who is on track for the Republican nomination to challenge him in the November 2024 election.

"The clock is ticking," Biden said. "Every week, every month that passes without new aid for Ukraine means fewer artillery shells, fewer air defense systems, fewer tools for Ukraine to defend itself against this Russian onslaught. Just what Putin wants."

Valeriy Chaliy, who served as Ukraine's ambassador to Washington from 2015 to 2019, told RFE/RL that the reputation of the United States is on the line. If Congress fails to pass an aid bill for allies, authoritarian governments such as those in China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea will "see America's weakness," he said.

Eager to secure the long-stalled aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, Democrats have proposed a modified bill, stripped of the immigration reform, and the Senate agreed on moving it toward a vote, which could take place next week.

Even if it passes the upper chamber, however, experts say the modified bill will face a tough battle in the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slim majority.

'They Need This Stuff Now'

Meanwhile, Russia has stepped up its ground and air assaults, including attacks aimed at undermining Ukraine's own ability to make weapons. It has been targeting Ukrainian military units and weapons production sites with missiles and drones, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on February 6.

Russia is trying "to eliminate Ukraine's ability to organically produce many of the munitions that they need to defend themselves," Kirby said, adding that the barrage of missiles is forcing Ukraine to use its stock of air defense munitions at a fast clip.

"Part of the [Russian] tactic here is to throw metal into the sky, knowing that the Ukrainians are going to have to throw metal back at it, and that there's not a steady stream or reliable stream of backfill for that air defense capabilities," he said, suggesting it was crucial to get Ukraine air defense and ammunition.

"We know for a fact that some of their battlefield commanders on the ground are making tough decisions about how many munitions they're going to fire on a given day at a given target.... They need this stuff now," he said.

Cancian said that the United States has been ramping up weapons production and should have stockpiles of ammunition and other supplies that can be shipped quickly to Ukraine if Congress approves new aid.

European Union countries are also stepping up to the plate, rebuilding their "atrophied" defense industrial base in part to support Ukraine, Barros said. Some companies in the EU -- as well as in the United States -- are planning to produce weapons in Ukraine to reduce Kyiv's dependence on fickle foreign aid.

Barros said the Europeans are doing as much as they can at the moment, with some countries surpassing the United States in aid in gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita terms.

Nonetheless, Ukraine "can't rely exclusively on Europe at this point. The United States is in a unique position to be able to help keep Ukraine in the fight," he said.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us-defense-aid- stalled-fears-setback-war-russia/32812893.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






Ukraine's New Commander In Chief Says 'Change Of Warfare Methods' Necessary

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 09, 2024

KYIV -- In his first remarks since being appointed head of Ukraine's armed forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said the country must change and improve its methods of warfare if it is to thwart Russia's full-scale invasion.

Syrskiy, who on February 8 was named by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to take charge of the armed forces from Valeriy Zaluzhniy, said in a post on Telegram that "clear and detailed planning of the actions of all military administration bodies" was needed while also addressing the need for modern weapons from Ukraine's Western partners.

"Only changes and constant improvement of the means and methods of warfare will make it possible to achieve success on this path," he wrote in the post on February 9, adding that new technical solutions, including drone systems and adding means of radio-electronic warfare are needed.

Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy awarded Zaluzhniy the title of Hero of Ukraine at a ceremony in Kyiv. Syrskiy's successful leadership in defending the Ukrainian capital earned him the same title from Zelenskiy in September 2023.

The change in the leadership of the armed forces comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, which has failed to recapture significant territory from Russia since late 2022.

Kyiv now also faces a potential disruption in supplies of military aid from the United States, its biggest backer, as Republican lawmakers block a $60 billion aid package over demands for deep changes in U.S. border policy.

With Russian forces on the offensive across the front lines and making gradual inroads into the eastern town of Avdiyivka, which Moscow has been trying to capture for several months, Zelenskiy said on February the military needed a "reset."

Syrskiy, 58, was one of the main commanders who led Ukrainian armed forces' fight against Russia-backed separatists' offensives that started in 2014 shortly after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

After Russia launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Syrskiy led the Ukrainian armed forces' successful counteroffensive to regain control of the Kharkiv region in September of that year.

Polls showed earlier that Zaluzhniy's popularity in the country is as high, if not higher, than Zelenskiy's, and some experts suggested that if Zelenskiy ousted Zaluzhniy,it would demoralize some of Ukraine troops and undermine national unity.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-new-military-commander- syrskiy-russian-invasion-zaluzhniy/32812646.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






Russia, Ukraine Conduct Another Exchange Of POWs

By RFE/RL's Russian Service February 09, 2024

Russia and Ukraine on February 8 exchanged 100 prisoners of war each after mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the exchange was conducted under a "100-to-100" formula and mentioned the U.A.E.'s "humanitarian mediation." The ministry said on Telegram that the returning soldiers would undergo medical examinations in Moscow.

A Defense Ministry video posted on Telegram showed soldiers boarding a bus and chatting with each other and making calls on cell phones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also released details of the exchange on Telegram.

"Another 100 Ukrainians are at home in Ukraine," Zelenskiy said and posted photographs of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

Zelenskiy described the returning POWs as members of the National Guard, the border guard service, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"The majority are defenders of Mariupol," Zelenskiy added, referring to the port city captured by Russian forces in May 2022 after a three-month siege.

"We always remember our people in captivity, everyone. We need to get everyone back. We are working on that every day," Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine's coordinating committee on POWs said 28 of the returning soldiers were injured or ill. It said 84 had taken part in the defense of Mariupol. Others among them served in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions where some of the heaviest fighting has taken place.

The last exchange took place on January 31 and was one of the largest since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago. It involved 195 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel who were swapped for 195 Russian military personnel, according to Russian authorities. Zelenskiy said the exchange involved 207 people returned to Ukraine.

The January 31 exchange was the first after the crash of an Il-76 military transport plane in the Belgorod region on January 24. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war on board the plane and all died. Russian officials said the plane was shot down by Ukraine.

Ukrainian military intelligence said last week that it has repeatedly asked Moscow to return the bodies of the POWs who Russia said died in the crash. Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, said the calls have gone unanswered.

Kyiv has not confirmed Russia's claim that its forces shot down the plane but confirmed that a prisoner exchange was being prepared. Ukrainian authorities have called for an international investigation into the crash.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-conduct-another- exchange-of-pows/32811848.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






In Carlson Interview, Putin Outlined 'Concrete Conditions' for Resolution of Ukrainian Crisis

Sputnik News

20240209

Ilya Tsukanov

In his two-hour-long interview with Tucker Carlson, the Russian president listed Moscow's conditions for bringing the two-year-old NATO-Russia proxy war in Ukraine to an end. Now, the ball is in the West's court, according to Russian international affairs expert Dmitry Suslov.

President Putin has confirmed to Tucker Carlson that Russia favors a "negotiated settlement" to the crisis in Ukraine, saying that it will be up to Kiev and its Western partners whether or not to accept it.

"We prepared a huge document in Istanbul [during peace talks in the spring of 2022, ed.] that was initialed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation. He affixed his signature to some of the provisions, but not all of them. He put his signature and then said himself 'we were ready to sign it and the war would have been over long ago, eighteen months ago. However, [then-UK] Prime Minister [Boris] Johnson came, talked us out of it and we missed that chance'," Putin said, referring to Ukrainian top negotiator David Arakhamia's bombshell comments late last year about London's role in sabotaging the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

"Well, you missed it, you made a mistake, let them go back to that, that's all. Why do we have to bother ourselves and correct somebody else's mistakes?" Putin added, hinting Moscow's readiness to return to the Istanbul format, which reportedly included non-bloc status enshrined in Ukraine's constitution, security guarantees from world powers, restrictions on the size of the Ukrainian military, accepting Crimea and the Donbass's status as part of Russia, etc.

Asked by Carlson whether Kiev's NATO sponsors will be willing to accept a Russian victory in Ukraine, Putin said the alliance should "think how to do it with dignity," noting that "there are options if there is a will."

Unfortunately, Putin said, "up until now there has been uproar and screaming about 'inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia' on the battlefield. Now they are apparently coming to realize that it is difficult to achieve. If possible at all. In my opinion, it is impossible by definition, it is never going to happen." In event case, Russia remains "ready for this dialogue," Putin stressed.

"I think the most important message in Putin's interview is that Russia is ready for for a political or diplomatic solution of the Ukraine conflict," says Dmitry Suslov, deputy director of the Center for European and International Studies at Russia's Higher School of Economics. "But it requires a political will from the United States," the observer told Sputnik.

"Putin identified the concrete conditions on which Russia would be ready to end the conflict through diplomacy. And this is first, the recognition of the current territorial settlement. Putin bluntly said that it's up for NATO to look for and to find a form which could be, I mean, not humiliating for them, but accepts the current territorial settlement," the academic noted. "Putin bluntly again identified the Istanbul communique as the basis to which Russia could return. And that from the Russian perspective, the process could be resumed at any moment."

"Thirdly, he identified in a very detailed way the condition of denazification and explained what it means, and also, mentioned that it was partly included into the Istanbul communique. So, I think that this is a very important message, that if the United States is ready for serious negotiation on the basis of these conditions, Russia would not hesitate to resume and to start those negotiations," Suslov said.

Unfortunately, the observer noted, Putin has reason to be skeptical about Kiev's Western sponsors' sincerity, given the seemingly unchanging imperative of US geopolitical "hostility" against and "arrogance" toward Russia.

"Putin's pessimism is explained by his personal experience in dealing with the United States, because [he] has been dealing with actually five American presidents since Bill Clinton. And no matter the personal relationships with those presidents, no matter the party orientation of those presidents, the fundamentals of the US foreign policy remained the same. And the reason is that the US foreign policy is run by foreign policy elites, not necessarily by the president himself. And this is likely to remain so," Suslov said.

Nevertheless, the observer noted that if Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to end the Ukrainian crisis and normalize relations with Russia, were to return to power and "bring fundamentally new representatives of the US elites to power...that situation could change."

"But of course, in this interview Vladimir Putin could not say that he's hopeful of such a scenario because he would have been immediately accused of interference into the US elections and identifying his preferences. And this is not in Russian interests," Suslov summed up.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Zaluzhny's Resignation, Appointment of Syrsky Will Not Change Special Operation - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20240209

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The resignation of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny and the appointment of Oleksandr Syrsky will not change the course of Russia's special operation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

"We do not consider these factors to change the course of the special operation," Peskov told a briefing.

Russia will continue its actions until it reaches all goals, the spokesman added.

Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky said he appointed Oleksand Syrsky as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Zelensky said that he discussed the renewal of the Ukrainian armed forces with its current Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny, and proposed him to "remain a part of the team."

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






German Lawmaker Calls for 'Elements of War Economy' to Supply Arms to Ukraine Independently

Sputnik News

20240209

BERLIN (Sputnik) - Germany and the European Union need to introduce "elements of the war economy" at the expense of civil projects to supply Ukraine with arms and ammunition independently, German lawmaker Marcus Faber, who serves as defense expert from the Free Democratic Party, said Thursday.

In an interview with German tabloid Bild, Faber listed three "elements of the war economy" that need to be introduced in Germany and the entire European Union, namely guarantees and loans for defense companies and prioritization of weapons production over peaceful projects.

"We must encourage the expansion of production so that large volumes of urgently needed military equipment, particularly artillery ammunition, can be produced quickly. We must guarantee a plant's workload capacity at a certain level, for example, for ten years, so that defense companies could reliably produce the required volumes," he said.

Faber added that defense companies should be provided with access to resources, including steel and chemical products, by creating reserves in Germany and across Europe.

"In relation to civil projects, we have to give priority to the defense industry as far as these products are concerned," Faber said.

Faber made his statement after the US Senate blocked a $118 billion supplemental funding bill with aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as immigration reforms and national security measures, on Wednesday, calling it a "worrying sign."

Western countries, including member states of the European Union, have been providing military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






We value American leadership, its contribution to defense of Ukrainian independence and democracy - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

9 February 2024 - 20:55

I wish good health to all esteemed Ukrainian men and women!

The main event of the day.

Today, I awarded state honors, including "Crosses of Military Merit" and orders of the Golden Star, to our warriors. Soldiers, sergeants, officers, and generals. The heroes of this war. Those who are already in the history of our state. Among them is Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vyacheslav Aheiev. It was his unit that, in May 2023, for the first time, destroyed a Russian ballistic target missile, which Moscow always boasted about, claiming no one could shoot it down. Ukrainians succeeded.

I awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to General Valeriy Zaluzhny and Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. Grateful to everyone. And overall, since the start of the full-scale war, over 70,000 soldiers from various units of Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces have been awarded state honors. It is the bravery that gives strength to Ukraine.

Today, I held meetings with the command of our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Here are the results of the meetings: first, I replaced the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I thank Lieutenant General Serhiy Shaptala for his service during these two years of war. Upon the proposal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, I appointed Major General Anatoliy Barhylyevych as the new Chief of the General Staff. An experienced individual, he understands the tasks of this war and Ukrainian goals.

Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi identified candidates for deputies, and I will sign the corresponding decrees. Deputies for the Chief of the General Staff have also been determined. All the guys are battle-hardened, professional, each with a clear understanding of the front line and the real needs of Ukrainian soldiers.

It is also crucial that the Commander-in-Chief, along with the Defense Minister, held talks with partners - Germany, France, and the United States. I know that everything is being meticulously addressed: supplies, filling deficits, ammunition, weapons.

Today, I held a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. During my trip to Kropyvnytsky and the regional meeting there, I tasked the Prime Minister to promptly address critical issues in the region. Regarding the stability of water supply, the operation of uranium mines, and the social protection of workers. Also, security issues, including the possibility for regional and local authorities to purchase means of electronic warfare to defend infrastructure at their own expense. These are entirely practical matters. Each issue has been assigned, and we will monitor their implementation.

In addition, we coordinated our work with partners regarding the confiscation of Russian assets with the Prime Minister. We continue to communicate at all levels - official, expert, and public - to expedite all necessary decisions.

For every manifestation of Russian madness and terror, no matter what they may be, the best response is losses for the terrorist state. Painful and tangible losses. The more losses the instigator of the war suffers, the closer we can bring the return to peace. A just peace and reliable security.

Today, I met with a bipartisan delegation of congressmen from the United States, led by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. I briefed them on the current situation on the battlefield, critical threats, and the necessity of continuing support for our defense. We primarily discussed three issues: the need for support this year and a new U.S. package, which is still under discussion. The critical issue... Also, missile defense systems - specifically the Patriots. And the third key issue - I emphasized the importance of the range of our weapons, especially ATACMS with the 300 km range, for which, unfortunately, there is still no decision.

We appreciate American leadership and its contribution to the defense of Ukrainian independence and democracy from the early days of the full-scale war. America helped Ukraine stand firm at a decisive moment. And now, this year, the time of war has not become easier. The challenges are extraordinary, and in Europe, there are increasing voices about how the Kremlin is preparing to expand aggression. The continuation of American support is necessary. And I thank all our American partners who understand this. We cannot allow the spread of war and Russian evil. Putin sobers up only when he sees strength before him. Strength is needed. Thank you to everyone who increases our strength.

And one more thing.

Today, I met with members of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War. It is one of the points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula - a point on countering ecocide. Russia, through this war, has caused catastrophic environmental damage to Ukraine and our Black Sea region. This concerns everything - from the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant to the widespread contamination of our land with mines. We must address this issue now - together with everyone in the world who is willing to help. We cannot leave any aspect of this war to our children, no frozen or deferred problems - everything needs to be resolved. And I thank everyone who has the energy and determination to ensure that there are solutions.

Glory to all who fight and work to ensure that Ukraine wins! Glory to all who help!

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives

President of Ukraine

9 February 2024 - 20:03

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States House of Representatives led by Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Turner, along with congressmen Jason Crow, French Hill, Zach Nunn, and Abigail Spanberger during their visit to Ukraine.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of the congressmen's visit to Ukraine at a time when Russia continues terror against peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure, inflicting heavy missile and Iranian drone strikes.

"This visit demonstrates the powerful bipartisan support for Ukraine, confirming that the United States is a strategic partner helping us effectively resist the aggressor. Your arrival is important for boosting the morale of our people, especially for those heroes fighting on the front lines today," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President expressed gratitude to Congress, both parties - Democratic and Republican, the President of the United States, and the American people for providing Ukraine with defense, financial, and humanitarian assistance. Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically highlighted the significant leadership role of Congress in supporting Ukraine from the early days of the large-scale invasion. The critical importance of Congress passing an assistance package for Ukraine was emphasized.

"We cannot stop in our fight against the aggressor. For this fight to be effective, we need the support of allies, especially the United States. I am convinced that the decision to provide necessary aid to Ukraine will be passed by Congress. This will strengthen our economy and Armed Forces," said the Head of State.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided detailed information to the congressmen about the situation on the front lines and the urgent needs of the Ukrainian defense forces. He also called for further increasing defense assistance to achieve strategic goals on the frontline.

The President also emphasized that obtaining additional air defense systems to effectively protect civilians and critical infrastructure facilities remains a priority. The development of bilateral cooperation on the localization of joint production of modern drones and electronic warfare equipment in Ukraine is also important.

There was a substantive exchange of views regarding further strengthening sanctions pressure on the aggressor country, as well as the development of a legal framework by Congress for using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






We must hold Russia accountable for environmental crimes - Andriy Yermak and Margot Wallstrom presenting the Environmental Compact for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

9 February 2024 - 18:23

The High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War, co-chaired by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallstrom, presented the results of their work - the Environmental Compact for Ukraine at a meeting in Kyiv.

Vice President of the European Parliament and former Minister for International Development of Finland Heidi Hautala, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius, Member of Parliament of Sweden Rebecka Le Moine, former member of the Aland Parliament and member of the Ecocide Alliance Simon Holmstrom attended the meeting.

From the Ukrainian side, the meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, advisors to the Head of the President's Office Daria Zarivna and Oleksandr Bevz.

Andriy Yermak thanked the representatives of the High-Level Working Group for their effective work on preparing the Environmental Compact for Ukraine.

"Today, we are talking about the results involving many well-known individuals and experts. For the first time in history, Ukraine, together with you, is not just contemplating but developing a specific plan of action on how to compensate for all the damage inflicted on our environment by this war," said the head of the President's Office.

In his conviction, this document should serve as the basis for specific decisions at the Global Peace Summit at the level of state leaders.

"Our intention is for the proposed solutions to be incorporated into a joint plan for Ukraine's recovery and the resolution of environmental problems," added Andriy Yermak.

The head of the President's Office emphasized that the work of the High-Level Working Group contains concrete recommendations that can be implemented through joint efforts.

"Most environmental conferences and summits focus on the future - how to prevent a crisis. But above all, our document addresses the current situation in which Ukrainians live today. It will also provide recipes for the future to prevent similar situations in other countries worldwide. I believe this is a historic moment," Andriy Yermak said.

Margot Wallstrom, for her part, stated that the Environmental Compact for Ukraine is a concrete result of the High-Level Working Group's activities.

"We are ready to exert all efforts to continue this work, to work on the implementation of decisions, to see what can be done in Ukraine. We are prepared to cooperate with our international partners, including engaging European Union countries," she said.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko added that the Environmental Compact will contribute to rebuilding Ukraine as an environmentally friendly and green state.

"We cannot wait for the end of the war. We need to focus our efforts on environmental issues right now. And there is a need for broader promotion of these ideas in society," she said.

Yulia Svyrydenko also announced that the development of a humanitarian demining strategy is in its final stages, and this year, a conference on demining will be held in Geneva, where the presentation of the Environmental Compact may also take place.

Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko added that today, it is necessary to demine another 55,000 hectares of farmland and informed those present about the ministry's work in this direction.

European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius noted that the Environmental Compact aims to assist in the qualitative collection of evidence of environmental damage caused by war and in preparing a case for the Special Tribunal against the aggressor country.

"If Russia pays for all the damage it has caused, our work will not be in vain," he said.

The EU Commissioner also expressed the opinion that the Environmental Compact will contribute to the further integration of Ukraine into the EU and to the rebuilding of our state.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War presented an Environmental Compact for Ukraine to the Head of State

President of Ukraine

9 February 2024 - 17:25

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with members of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War, co-chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallstrom and the Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak.

From the High-Level Working Group, the meeting was also attended by Vice President of the European Parliament Heidi Hautala, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius, former member of the Aland Parliament Simon Holmstrom, and Member of Parliament of Sweden Rebecka Le Moine.

On the Ukrainian side, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin, advisors to the President's Office Daria Zarivna and Oleksandr Bevz participated in the event.

Welcoming the delegation to Kyiv, the President thanked the experts for their work in the important direction of environmental protection, which has suffered significant damage due to Russian aggression. In particular, he noted the development of mechanisms to overcome the consequences of war for the environment.

The Head of State highly appreciated the Environmental Compact for Ukraine, developed by the High-Level Working Group, the presentation of which took place today. He emphasized that this document is important in light of implementing the eighth point of the Ukrainian Peace Formula on environmental security.

"I'm sincerely grateful to you and all representatives of the high-level working group for addressing such an important challenge for Ukraine - the environmental consequences of this war. I am extremely grateful for the results of your work on this track, for the preparation of this document," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that the provisions of the Compact will lay the groundwork for further steps towards environmental protection.

"As you know, we are preparing for the first peace summit based on our Peace Formula in Switzerland, and environmental issues - point eight in this Formula. I believe this document will help all participating countries, along with us, implement the track of environmental protection and restoration collaboratively," said the Head of State.

Co-chair of the Working Group, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallstrom handed over the Environmental Compact for Ukraine to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which contains 50 recommendations. She is convinced that these recommendations will help Ukraine and its citizens in correctly collecting and preparing evidence for opening criminal proceedings and in the future - in obtaining reparations for environmental damage, in proper demining of territories, in ecological recovery, and in rebuilding the country to be environmentally friendly.

Margot Wallstrom thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the trust in such an important matter. She also expressed gratitude to representatives of the President's Office, the government, the Prosecutor General's Office, and relevant experts for their assistance in fulfilling the tasks assigned to the group regarding studying the scale of environmental damage caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine, working on possible measures for justice, developing recommendations for green reconstruction and recovery.

"The international community must understand Ukraine's needs; it must understand that financing and assistance with expertise and other matters will be required. Regarding implementation, we will gladly assist in turning this into reality," said the former Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden.

Andriy Yermak, for his part, stated that the developed document sets a fundamentally new standard in approaches to assessing the consequences of armed conflicts and standards for assessing the impact of war on the environment.

The head of the President's Office also added that these recommendations will serve as the basis for presenting actions in similar situations at the first Global Peace Summit for the entire world, enabling the assessment of damages and obtaining reparations for environmental damage.

Margot Wallstrom added that members of the High-Level Working Group can be advocates for Ukraine worldwide and demonstrate examples of what can be done to restore the environment in the future.

"There are currently no standards to accurately measure the impact of war on the environment. I sincerely believe that the legal aspect is very important. You will be able to show an example of how justice and, hopefully, reparations can be ensured for these crimes," the co-chair of the High-Level Working Group said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Financial Chain Corporation (Czechia) successfully signed a service contract with Philips Czech Republic for its Personal Health product portfolio (and its Personal Health business segment).

Under this contract, the company will offer various types of services in different countries where other branches of Financial Chain Corporation are present, including the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The signing of the global cooperation contract at the Philips Czech Republic office in Prague was attended by the Director of Philips Czech Republic, Mr. Jakub Chvatal, and the Managing Partner of Financial Chain Corporation, Mr. Zaur Gadirov, as well as the Regional Manager of the Financial Chain Corporation Czech Republic, Mr. Teymur Akhundov.

We are very pleased to conclude a service contract with such a large and well-known company as Philips, noted the Managing Partner of Financial Chain Corporation, Mr. Zaur Gadirov, Under this contract, we will provide various types of consulting services in the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. We hope that our relationship will only strengthen in the future and we will be able to expand our geography of service provision."

The contracting parties wished each other good luck, and also expressed their hope for the long-term and bilateral fruitful cooperation between the two organizations in the future.

As a global company, Financial Chain Corporation continues to increase cooperation with various renowned companies in different countries.

Philips is a leading health technology company focused on improving peoples health and well-being  from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Applying advanced technologies and deep clinical and consumer insights, Philips delivers integrated solutions that help provide improved patient experience, better health outcomes, improved staff experience, and lower cost of care. Partnering with its customers, Philips seeks to transform how healthcare is delivered and experienced. The company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health.
Biden Rips Republican Delay to New US Aid for Ukraine

By VOA News February 09, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden decried a Republican delay on approving new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its defensive war against Russia.

"The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine is close to criminal neglect. It is outrageous," Biden said in the Oval Office of the White House, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Scholz made a whirlwind stop in Washington to support the president's efforts to gain funding for Ukraine.

Scholz addressed growing concerns in Europe about the standoff between the Democratic president and House Republicans on Ukraine funding.

"Without the support of United States, and without the support of the European states, Ukraine will have not a chance to defend its own country," Scholz said.

The U.S. Senate is moving toward a final vote to advance a $95.3 billion military aid package, of which about $60 billion would go toward Ukraine's war with Russia.

Earlier Friday, a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Congress members met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, seeking to give assurances they would do their part to get crucial, stalled military aid legislation through the House of Representatives.

The delegation consisted of four members of the House Intelligence Committee: Republicans Mike Turner and French Hill, along with Democrats Jason Crow and Abigail Spanberger.

"The United States is working diligently in the House of Representatives and the Senate to secure the funding that is necessary in 2024," Turner told journalists at a press conference in Kyiv before the delegation left to meet Zelenskyy.

In Washington, VOA's Ukrainian Service asked senators on Thursday if the Ukraine bill has a chance to pass.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, said, "It's up to Republicans. Obviously, Democrats are ready to support Ukraine aid in any way, shape, or form. Republicans said last fall they would not vote for Ukraine aid unless we fixed the border. We did that. We got a bipartisan bill to fix the border. Republicans all voted against it yesterday. They all voted against Ukraine aid."

Republican Senator Roger Marshall told VOA, "I'm not going to vote for any further military funding, supplemental funding, or anything else until we pass something that actually secures the border."

Another Republican Senator, Bill Cassidy, defended the bill, telling VOA, "The United States needs to support allies, because there are bad countries out there attempting to stop, hurt the United States. It is in the United States' interests to support our allies."

Senator Tommy Tuberville, also a Republican, told VOA he stood against the bill. "I haven't supported any Ukraine money to this point. I haven't decided where we're going to go with this. We do need more munitions."

The U.S. has been Ukraine's largest supplier of military assistance in Ukraine's defensive war against Russia, but that help is stalled while Congress wrangles over a bill providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

In his nightly video address Friday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for Washington's help in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy from the beginning of the full-scale war.

Zelenskyy underscored, however, that Ukraine continues to face extraordinary challenges. "In Europe, there are increasing voices about how the Kremlin is preparing to expand aggression," he said. "The continuation of American support is necessary. And I thank all our American partners who understand this."

Zelenskyy added that "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin sobers up only when he sees strength before him."

Russia ready to discuss prisoner swap, says Putin

Meanwhile, Putin used an interview broadcast late Thursday with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to urge Washington to recognize Moscow's interests and persuade Ukraine to sit down for talks.

Putin said it's up to Washington to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine, which he called a U.S. "satellite," and to persuade Kyiv to negotiate, saying a deal was the way to end the war.

Putin repeated his claim that the full-scale invasion in February 2022 a which Kyiv and its allies describe as an unprovoked act of aggression a was to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a threat to Russia by joining NATO.

He also said the West won't succeed in inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia in Ukraine and rejected allegations that Moscow harbors plans to attack Poland or other NATO countries.

Putin also asserted that Russia is ready to negotiate a prisoner exchange for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed in March 2023 on espionage charges that he denies. The Russian leader suggested Moscow wants the release of a Russian imprisoned in Germany.

At a press conference Thursday, White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby cautioned not to take Putin's comments "at face value," reminding that Russia was the one that initiated the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Relentless warfare

Drones targeted civilian infrastructure late Friday in and near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, officials said.

Regional governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram that drones had damaged civilian infrastructure in the city's Nemyshlianskyi district. Reporters from Suspilne public television observed the glow of a fire over the city.

Viktor Tereshchenko, the top military official in Velykyi Burluk, a town east of Kharkiv, told Suspilne that drones had damaged a hospital and a restaurant.

Officials reported an attack on a hospital in the town last week, prompting the evacuation of dozens of patients.

In the Black Sea port of Odesa, the regional governor said a drone attack had injured one person.

Three people were reported killed in shelling earlier in the day in a village in Sumy region, on the border with Russia.

VOA Ukrainian's Kateryna Lisunova contributed to this story. Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine, Russia Down Drones In Overnight Fighting

By VOA News February 09, 2024

Ukraine said Friday that its military downed 10 Russia drones overnight in the eastern Kharkiv region.

Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said its military's overnight operations included downing 19 Ukrainian drones over four regions - Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Krasnodar, and the Black Sea.

On Thursday, after days of speculation in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the country's top military commander who has led the two-year fight against Russia's invasion, and replaced him with Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

With the war seemingly at a stalemate, Zelenskyy said in a statement that he met with Zaluzhnyi, seen by some as a national hero for defending Ukraine, and thanked him for leading the battle against Moscow's forces when many military analysts thought Ukraine would quickly be overrun.

Nonetheless, Zelenskyy said it was time for a change in the military's leadership.

"The time for such a renewal is now," Zelenskyy said on the X social media platform.

"We discussed the renewal that the Armed Forces of Ukraine require. We also discussed who could be part of the renewed leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," he said.

Zelenskyy added that he asked Zaluzhnyi to remain "part of the team."

In his own statement, Zaluzhnyi said that he had an "important and serious conversation" with Zelenskyy and that a decision was made to change battlefield tactics and strategy.

"The tasks of 2022 are different from the tasks of 2024. Therefore, everyone must change and adapt to new realities as well. To win together, too," his statement said.

Zaluzhnyi, 50, was viewed favorably by Kyiv's troops, and some political analysts in Ukraine have speculated that he could someday oppose Zelenskyy for the presidency when elections resume after the war.

The switch to Syrskyi, 58, could be jarring for troops. He commanded Ukraine's ground troops and was credited with protecting Kyiv in the first month of the war and a successful counteroffensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region in fall 2022.

But rank-and-file troops are said to view him as a Soviet-style commander who kept troops under fire too long in the eastern city of Bakhmut when Ukraine should have withdrawn.

Both Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi posted a picture on their social media accounts of them smiling and shaking hands. Zaluzhnyi wrote, "A decision was made about the need to change approaches and strategy."

Russian drones strike

On the battlefield, Ukrainian officials reported Thursday that Russia attacked overnight with 17 drones, leaving damage in Mykolaiv and Odesa but no reported casualties.

The Ukrainian air force said the country's air defenses destroyed 11 of the drones over the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Vitaliy Kim, the regional governor in Mykolaiv, said on Telegram there was damage to residential and industrial buildings.

In Odesa, Regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported damage to an unfinished high-rise building and a school.

Russia's military said Thursday it shot down a Ukrainian drone that was targeting Crimea.

The attacks came hours after Zelenskyy vowed in his nightly address to "retaliate against Russia" for every missile and drone it launches. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine will work to bolster its air defenses.

The EU and NATO

After talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the Ukrainian leader "asked for additional ammunition, drones and air defense systems."

Borrell said his top priority is mobilizing European Union military aid for Ukraine.

United States and NATO officials on Wednesday reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine's continued battle against Russia as top humanitarian leaders denounced a wave of missile attacks Zelenskyy said killed at least five people.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking at NATO headquarters, sounded a confident tone, despite the dramatic collapse Wednesday of a Senate deal to fund Ukraine's defense and buttress the southern U.S. border.

In remarks delivered before the bill cratered, U.S. President Joe Biden said the lapse in U.S. support is "just what Putin wants."

Sullivan, though, said he was hopeful.

"Even in the last 24 hours, you've seen a significant number of Republicans come out and say that no matter what else happens, we need to move forward a package of support for Ukraine," he said. "As President Biden said [Tuesday], history will record any failure to deliver the type of assistance that's contained in the package that was put forward this week."

He also stressed, as have other administration officials, that if Washington does not deliver, there is no Plan B.

"At the end of the day, there is no alternative to the United States stepping up to the plate and providing a level of resources that allow Ukraine to have the artillery, the air defense systems and the other capabilities they need," Sullivan said in Brussels. "And time is of the essence in this regard. So, we're going to stay focused on that, and we believe that we still can and will deliver it."

Some information 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






VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA:6UF0) (Lancaster or the Company) is pleased to announce that on February 2, 2024, the Supreme Court of British Columbia granted an interim order (the Interim Order) in connection with the proposed spin-off of Nelson Lake Copper Corp. (Nelson Lake) by Lancaster by way of Plan of Arrangement (the Arrangement). For further information on the Arrangement and the arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement"), please refer to Lancasters news release dated January 30, 2024.



The Interim Order, among other things, directs Lancaster to call and hold a special meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of Lancaster common shares (the "Shareholders") in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, BC, to pass a special resolution to approve the Arrangement. In accordance with the Interim Order, the Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), March 15, 2024, at the offices of the Company.

The record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice and to vote at the Meeting was the close of business on February 5, 2024, as was described in the Companys press release dated January 30, 2024.

In connection with the Meeting, the Company will mail an information circular (the Circular), together with related proxy materials (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to Shareholders in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Meeting Materials will also be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Lancasters profile.

To be effective, the Arrangement must be approved by a special resolution passed at the Meeting by at least two-thirds (66 %) of the votes cast at the Meeting in person or by proxy by the Shareholders.

If all necessary approvals are obtained, the Company expects that the Arrangement will close in March 2024.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA:6UF0) is engaged in exploring critical minerals. Its Alkali Flat Lithium Project, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA, involves the exploration of a below-surface lithium brine target. Lancasters goal at Alkali Flat is to produce Net-Zero Lithium through the use of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology and solar power. Lancaster is also collaborating to deploy advanced satellite hyperspectral acquisition, geospatial data aggregation, and AI-driven predictive modelling services for the exploration of lithium, uranium, rare earth elements (REE), and other critical minerals

Lancasters project portfolio includes rights to acquire the Trans-Taiga Lithium Property located within the James Bay lithium district of Quebec and the Nelson Lake Copper Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, held through its subsidiary Nelson Lake Copper Corp. Lancaster is in the process of divesting a majority of its ownership in Nelson Lake through a spin-off transaction. Guiding Lancaster's journey is a skilled management and technical team with collective involvement in over 15 commercial mineral discoveries and endowed with extensive experience in the creation of lithium brine targets and the exploration and development of exploration projects across Canada, the American West, Mexico, and South America.

Penny White, President & Chief Executive Officer

Lancaster Resources Inc.

Email: penny@lancasterlithium.com

Tel: 604 923 6100

Website: www.lancaster-resources.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Lancasters future performance. The use of any of the words could, 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 Lancasters current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to enter into an Arrangement Agreement and meet the other conditions precedent of the Spin-Off Agreement, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, obtain exploration and drilling permits, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties, and integrate sustainable energy sources and innovative technologies for climate-positive resource production constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed a petition for a writ of certiorari, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Metal Conversion Techs. v. DOT and decide that courts can equitably toll statutory deadlines to forestall agencies from tricking their enforcement targets. Metal Conversion Technologies, LLC (Metal Conversion) is a family-owned company that the U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) tried to punish via an unconstitutionally appointed agency adjudicator. Despite knowing that its hearing officer was improperly appointed, DOT allowed that official to issue a civil penalty against Metal Conversion for allegedly violating Hazardous Materials Regulations. DOT then failed to disclose the officials improper appointment, preventing the company from seeking judicial review of the civil penalty on that basis within the normal statutory deadline.

PHMSA revealed in an unrelated July 2022 federal appeals court case that Chief Safety Officer Harold McMillan was not properly appointed by the President or Secretary of Transportation to adjudicate administrative proceedings, even after the Supreme Courts 2018 Lucia v. SEC decision. Metal Conversions administrative appeal of its original penalty order had been pending before the improperly appointed adjudicator for seven months at that time. Under Lucia, DOT should have given Metal Conversion a new proceeding before an adjudicator without an appointment defect. Instead, it allowed the defectively appointed adjudicator to issue final orders in cases he heard while improperly appointedincluding this one.

Metal Conversion first learned that its adjudicator lacked proper appointment on October 18, 2022not from DOT, but from an attorney for another NCLA client, whose own civil penalty was vacated at DOTs behest due to McMillans defective appointment. Metal Conversion filed a petition for judicial review of McMillans final civil penalty order on December 15, 2022. Its filing met the statutorily required 60-day filing deadline, but only if that deadline is equitably adjusted to begin running when the company discovered the appointment defect.

The Eleventh Circuit below decided that Metal Conversion missed its deadline to petition because it said equitable tolling is categorically unavailable for any petition to review an agencys order. The Eleventh Circuits ruling would prevent equitable tolling of all statutory filing deadlines for judicial review of agency orders, no matter how egregious, on the theory that Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 26(b) precludes it. But that cramped theory conflicts with Supreme Court precedent and precedents from other circuits, which hold that Congress legislates against a background presumption in favor of equitable tolling of statutory deadlines. That presumption is rebutted only if a statutes text or structure shows Congress meant to preclude equitable tolling, and nothing in the relevant statute that supplied the deadline here shows that. Congress did not enact the court-adopted procedural rule that the Eleventh Circuit cited (FRAP 26(b)), so it cannot rebut the general presumption in favor of equitable tolling.

NCLA released the following statements:

The Department of Transportation intentionally concealed a fatal constitutional defect in its administrative proceedings to mislead a company subject to an adverse decision into believing that the agency executed the law in good faith. Equitable tolling exists to provide for judicial review in this precise scenario, so that a company may challenge an agencys unlawful action once the misconduct is discovered. By categorically precluding tollingnot just to challenge this agencys order but all agency ordersthe Eleventh Circuits ruling encourages bad-faith agency conduct. Without equitable tolling, agencies will be able to avoid judicial review simply by hiding their misconduct until after very shortoften 30 or 60-daystatutory deadlines.

 Sheng Li, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

Equitable tolling must extend to cases of agency misconduct like this one. Otherwise, federal agencies will be able to dodge accountability for failing to correct appointments defects. Worse yet, the Administrative State will be handed another weapon with which to punish unwitting Americans who fail to see through an agencys carefully concealed constitutional defects.

 Mark Chenoweth, President and Chief Legal Officer, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a shareholder filed a class action on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired British American Tobacco P.L.C. (NYSE: BTI) securities between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023. British American Tobacco is a multi-national tobacco company that sells cigarettes (which the Company refers to in its filings as combustibles or sticks, for individual cigarettes) and other tobacco-related products, such as vaping products, chewing tobacco, snus, and heated tobacco products.



For more information, submit a form, email Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

What is this Case About: American British Tobacco P.L.C. (BTI) Failed to Disclose the Risks and Potential Likelihood of an Impairment to its Premium American Cigarette Brands

According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that British American Tobacco materially understated the risks and potential likelihood of an impairment to its Premium American Cigarette Brands as a result of various longstanding headwinds.

In January 2017, British American Tobacco, which already had a 42% stake in Reynolds American Inc. (Reynolds), took over the remaining interest in Reynolds for $49.4 billion dollars, valuing Reynolds at around $86 billion. Reynolds became a subsidiary and British American Tobacco took control of the Camel, Newport, and Natural American Spirit cigarette brands ("Premium American Cigarette Brands"), among others.

On December 6, 2023, British American Tobacco issued a press release announcing that it was taking a 25 billion Pound (or around $31.5 billion USD) impairment on the cigarette brands it acquired from Reynolds. On this news, British Americans ADR price fell $2.68 per share, or 8.88%, to close at $28.86 per ADR on December 6, 2023.

What Now: Similarly situated shareholders may be eligible to participate in the class action against British American Tobacco P.L.C. Shareholders who want to act as lead plaintiff for the class should contact Robbins LLP. Plaintiffs must file their lead plaintiff papers by March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here .

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders.

To be notified if a class action against British American Tobacco, P.L.C. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 09, 2024 - Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA:6UF0) ("Lancaster" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on February 2, 2024, the Supreme Court of British Columbia granted an interim order (the "Interim Order") in connection with the proposed spin-off of Nelson Lake Copper Corp. ("Nelson Lake") by Lancaster by way of Plan of Arrangement (the "Arrangement"). For further information on the Arrangement and the arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement"), please refer to Lancaster's news release dated January 30, 2024.



The Interim Order, among other things, directs Lancaster to call and hold a special meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of Lancaster common shares (the "Shareholders") in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, BC, to pass a special resolution to approve the Arrangement. In accordance with the Interim Order, the Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), March 15, 2024, at the offices of the Company.

The record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice and to vote at the Meeting was the close of business on February 5, 2024, as was described in the Company's press release dated January 30, 2024.

In connection with the Meeting, the Company will mail an information circular (the "Circular"), together with related proxy materials (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to Shareholders in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Meeting Materials will also be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Lancaster's profile.

To be effective, the Arrangement must be approved by a special resolution passed at the Meeting by at least two-thirds (66 ?%) of the votes cast at the Meeting in person or by proxy by the Shareholders.

If all necessary approvals are obtained, the Company expects that the Arrangement will close in March 2024.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA:6UF0) is engaged in exploring critical minerals. Its Alkali Flat Lithium Project, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA, involves the exploration of a below-surface lithium brine target. Lancaster's goal at Alkali Flat is to produce Net-Zero Lithium through the use of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology and solar power. Lancaster is also collaborating to deploy advanced satellite hyperspectral acquisition, geospatial data aggregation, and AI-driven predictive modelling services for the exploration of lithium, uranium, rare earth elements (REE), and other critical minerals

Lancaster's project portfolio includes rights to acquire the Trans-Taiga Lithium Property located within the James Bay lithium district of Quebec and the Nelson Lake Copper Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, held through its subsidiary Nelson Lake Copper Corp. Lancaster is in the process of divesting a majority of its ownership in Nelson Lake through a spin-off transaction. Guiding Lancaster's journey is a skilled management and technical team with collective involvement in over 15 commercial mineral discoveries and endowed with extensive experience in the creation of lithium brine targets and the exploration and development of exploration projects across Canada, the American West, Mexico, and South America.

Penny White, President & Chief Executive Officer

Lancaster Resources Inc.

Email: penny@lancasterlithium.com

Tel: 604 923 6100

Website: www.lancaster-resources.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Lancaster's future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "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 Lancaster's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to enter into an Arrangement Agreement and meet the other conditions precedent of the Spin-Off Agreement, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, obtain exploration and drilling permits, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties, and integrate sustainable energy sources and innovative technologies for climate-positive resource production constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 9, 2024 - Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. (TSXV: OCG) (OTCQX: OCGSF) (DE: MRG) ("Outcrop Silver") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Triomphe Holdings Ltd. (dba Capital Analytica) ("Capital Analytica") for investor relations and communication services (the "Consulting Agreement"). The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of three months, commencing February 12, 2024, under which the Company will pay Capital Analytica a fee of $60,000 with the option to renew the Consulting Agreement for an additional three months for a fee of $60,000 unless terminated earlier in accordance with the Consulting Agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Capital Analytica will provide ongoing capital markets consultation, ongoing social media consultation regarding engagement and enhancement, social sentiment reporting, social engagement reporting, discussion forum monitoring and reporting, corporate video dissemination, and other related investor relations services.

Capital Analytica is a Nanaimo based company owned and operated by Jeff French who is arm's length to the Company and holds no securities, directly or indirectly of the Company.

About Outcrop Silver

Outcrop Silver is advancing the Santa Ana high-grade silver deposit with exploration activities aiming to expand the current mineral resource. Santa Ana is being advanced by a highly disciplined and seasoned professional team with decades of experience in Colombia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ian Harris

Chief Executive Officer

+1 604 294 9039

harris@outcropsilverandgold.com

www.outcropsilverandgold.com

Kathy Li

Vice President of Investor Relations

+1 778 783 2818

li@outcropsilverandgold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "potential," "we believe," or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Outcrop to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including: the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, capital expenditures and other costs, financing and additional capital requirements, completion of due diligence, general economic, market and business conditions, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, political uncertainties, and the state of the securities markets generally. Although management of Outcrop have 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. Outcrop 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 Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp.
Deep inside a huge warehouse-like building on the grounds of Memphis International Airport lies the Federal Express Corp.'s "primary matrix." It is a spider web of 80 conveyor belts that churn at different levels, perpendicular to one another.Every weekday night, a million packages arrive in Memphis on more than 150 FedEx cargo flights. They are loaded, by hand, onto the top rack of belts. Then they are nudged, prodded and dropped by computerized robot arms onto the lower rack of belts, where they move in groups toward the proper outbound plane.The packages start arriving at 10 p.m. By 6 a.m., they're all gone.FedEx has other sorting hubs around the country, but Memphis remains the largest. As company officials like to say, Memphis is the location of last resort for any package that missed the cutoff times for flights into other airports.On the ground, the process of sorting these packages and moving them out is accomplished by an army of workers and such a vast fleet of vehicles that you would think only Dwight Eisenhower could have dreamed it up. In fact, of course, this enormous sorting and shipping operation was dreamed up by a man named Fred Smith, who wrote the idea up for a business-school term paper and--undeterred by a low grade-- proceeded to make it a success in the real world.The FedEx story has been told over and over again in business schools and management seminars around the world. Less often discussed, however, is the business location decision that helped to make it happen.In 1973, Smith agreed to relocate the then-fledging Federal Express company from Little Rock to Memphis International Airport. It is arguable that this was the single most important economic development decision made in any major U.S. city in the past 30 years. Today, Memphis International Airport, which serves the 42nd-largest metropolitan area in the United States, is the busiest cargo airport in the world. The freight volume in Memphis is 30 percent higher than in Los Angeles and Miami, 50 percent higher than at Kennedy Airport in New York and double that of London Heathrow. Almost 10,000 people in the Memphis area work for Federal Express, and it's estimated that one in five workers in Memphis works in air-related operations. Federal Express is the lifeblood of Memphis.So it's worth pondering just exactly why Federal Express is located in Memphis--and what it takes to keep it there.Smith liked Memphis for a bunch of reasons. First, and maybe most important, it was his hometown. Second, the airport had good weather. And third, it was in the Central Time Zone--meaning that without relocating to the East Coast, FedEx could buy an extra hour and still be close to most of the nation's major markets.But over time, the way Memphis approached its airport--and its relationship to FedEx--turned out to be just as important. In the 1960s, you couldn't even land jets in Memphis. According to one airport authority old-timer, FedEx was lured in part by a $6 million loan from the airport, which was looking for a cargo anchor at an airfield that served only 30 planes a day at the time. It was part of an overall expansion plan, which also included the opening of a 9,300- foot runway in 1972.It was a risky move. After all, who could have predicted that overnight delivery would turn into such a big business? But today Memphis is still investing in FedEx. The airport is in the process of completing an 11,000-foot runway at a cost of $100 million, and the principal beneficiary will once again be FedEx, which will be able to fly cargo planes nonstop to other continents.The main lesson of the Memphis experience, of course, is that size-- metropolitan size, that is--doesn't matter. In fact, in many ways, large size would have been a hindrance to Federal Express. The company needed the runways to be clear all night long, and that wouldn't have happened in Los Angeles or New York.There is also the issue of lighter traffic in a smaller metropolitan area. FedEx trucks from throughout the Mid-South bring packages to the Memphis airport, so that Memphis' relatively minor traffic problems are a plus for the company. That wouldn't be the case in a Los Angeles or New York.The main drawback for Memphis--a theoretical one, at this point--is that the city has laid too many chips on one company. Who knows whether FedEx will survive in 30 years?But in the long run, that may not matter. The original loan notwithstanding, Memphis has put most of its money over the years into the airport, not into the company. Today, Memphis has the facilities, the labor pool and the reputation. And last year, when UPS decided to open its first combined air-ground sorting facility, it chose Memphis as the location. So even if FedEx goes out of business someday, Memphis' FedEx gamble will have paid off anyway.
In the early 20th century, the Progressive Era transformed municipal government, greatly improving operations and ending the culture of corruption that preceded it. The progressives' rule-based approach worked well -- for its time. But here in the early 21st century, the very rules which proved so valuable 100 years ago have become an albatross around the neck of public leaders.The fiscal crisis demands change. It's time for a Post-Progressive Era, one predicated on creating public value as efficiently as possible. This means rethinking the rules of the early 20th century in light of the technology of the 21st century.In many ways, New York City government is a testament to both the promise and the limitations of the progressive movement. In the beginning of the 20th century, the progressives introduced a modernized, rule-based approach to public-sector management designed to root out the evils of the machine politics of Tammany Hall. Prior to these reforms, city government in New York and elsewhere was largely run on the "spoils" system. Favoritism, cronyism and corruption were the basic operating system of municipal government.The progressives introduced a set of even-handed rules. Reforms included a workforce selected by "civil service" testing rather than political loyalty. No longer would election returns result in the firing of front-line employees. Along with testing and job classifications, civil service protections would cure a politically infected personnel system. New York City government today operates professionally and capably with overall very good results and surprisingly little corruption.Progressive reforms also altered the way governments purchased goods and services. Contracts would be chosen through an open, competitive bidding process, rather than kickbacks or campaign contributions.In many ways, the rules worked.But for those of us interested in taking a leap onto a new platform of modern governance, the medicines that cured the Tammany Hall-type ills now have become part of the problem. Too often, the thinking in government seems to be "if some rules are good, than more rules are better."Too many rules rob managers of discretion, and often result in suboptimal choices made "by the book." Promotional tests within the New York City Fire Department preempt the discretion of the fire commissioner to identify and promote the high-performing battalion commander to deputy chief. Initiative and effort take a back seat to studying for an exam. I often envision the old World War II movies, the ones where the lieutenant gets killed in battle and someone has to step into a leadership role. Imagine if instead of an instant field promotion to a heroic soldier, they took a break from fighting in order to pass out tests to determine who will be promoted.To make matters worse, New York's state government imposes a bewildering set of approval requirements on the city as if to suggest that thousands of rules need thousands of state officials overseeing the local rules. New York City's fire commissioner recently explained to me a complicated and creative way to improve response times for medical emergencies. When I asked him when he was going to implement this potentially life-saving change, he told me that he couldn't say, since the changes involved required approval from Albany. Hence, we have the commissioner of arguably one of the best fire departments in the world waiting for approval from a state official in order to allow him to save lives.And where there are rules, there will be lawyers and courts interpreting these rules. Expansive rulings by the courts and arbitrators relentlessly encroach on anything that looks like worker discretion or managerial prerogatives. Not long ago, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg decided to remove "free parking" placards from thousands of employees due to a rash of abuses. The mayor's action was challenged, and an arbitrator -- who was not elected by the people, by the way -- overruled the mayor's decision. Did progressives really intend such a dismantling of accountability at the price of reform?The public sector was very different 100 years ago.In a world where public employees don't daily face new challenges, where time does not matter, where government faces no urgent demands and where tax dollars are plentiful, these rules based on rules and approvals stacked on approvals may make sense. But today we are enemies of our own reform efforts. It's not that the progressives made a mistake. They provided the solution for the problem of the time with the tools of the time. Red tape served a purpose in slower moving, paper-based time.Today, however, we no longer have to choose between accountability and flexibility, or between the delay of approvals and unfettered discretion. A post-progressive agenda would approach its relationship with employees, vendors and citizens differently: fewer job classifications, more emphasis on performance as a condition of promotion and more rewards for outstanding performance.Technology must play a role. Digital systems could allow managers to observe the decisions of their employees in real time -- how long each building inspector spends on a site, for example, as well as data driven analysis of performance. Instant oversight allows instant decision making: fewer rescheduled visits, fewer handoffs, better citizen service.Citizens should demand better results from public vendors as well. Contractor value -- performance per unit of price -- should matter. We don't need more rules around bidding, we need a better management regime to write, administer and monitor complex contractor relationships. When my friend Mitch Roob first took over the sprawling Indiana Department of Family Services, he discovered that the department had 10,000 vendors and little ability to manage them well. He suggested that having 100 vendors, each of which was responsible for a more integrated supply and service chain, could in turn be better monitored by the state.Last century's corruption produced dramatic reform. This century's spending, and its drag on the country's future, mandates new post-progressive reform.
Android Police dug out an interesting string of code suggesting a new feature is coming to Google Pixel phones, called Adaptive Touch Sensitivity. Judging by the code itself, it may enable future and current Pixel phones to adjust the display's touch sensitivity depending on environmental factors, activity or whether or not a screen protector is applied.

In fact, the Pixel 8 series can already detect a screen protector and once you apply one, the system prompts you to boost touch sensitivity. But it looks like Google is ready to expand on that feature, which is found in the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 software.

The string doesn't make it entirely clear what the functionality would look like, but if's probably safe to assume that the phone will look for changes in the environment. For example, it will boost sensitivity when it's cold, so you can use the phone with your gloves on, or it will lower sensitivity on a rainy day to mitigate accidental touches due to the extra humidity or rain.

The line of code also mentions activity, but we are unsure what that means.

We also don't know whether older Pixel phones will support it or only future ones, although since Android Police found the string on a Pixel 8 phone and it already supports automatic screen protector detection, the Pixel 8 series will likely get it.

Source
Sen. Chris Barnett introduced a bill that would put people who sell large amounts of crystal methamphetamine or fentanyl in jail for at least 25 years.

Barnett, the legislatures public safety chair, said the message behind Bill 239-37 is those who poison Guam as a paradise must pay the price.

The bill would use quantity-based sentencing for possession of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl and sets the floor at 25 years in prison for those caught with large amounts of those substances.

It also punishes repeat offenders with 30 years to life.

This bill removes leniency opportunities like the Justice Safety Valve Act for those charged with quantities laid out in the proposed legislation, a release from Barnetts office states. The Justice Safety Valve Act allows judges to sentence defendants below the statutory minimum sentences under certain circumstances.

Expecting our people to just sit back and accept the damage crystal meth has done to Guam and our people cannot be GovGuams policy, but it seems like it is, Barnett said in a release. By refusing to do more, we are normalizing this bad behavior and basically telling the drug dealers they can keep getting away with it. Our people are demanding action on meth and one way we can deliver it is by standing up and sending a strong message to the dealers.

The following amounts could mean a sentence of at least 25 years and no more than 35 years:

Fentanyl (Schedule II)- 399 grams mixture

Fentanyl analogue (Schedule I)- 99 grams mixture

Methamphetamine  49 grams pure

Methamphetamine- 499 grams mixture

The following amounts could mean a sentence of at least 30 years up to life:

Fentanyl (Schedule II)- 400 grams or more mixture

Fentanyl analogue (Schedule I)- 100 grams or more mixture

Methamphetamine  50 grams or more pure

Methamphetamine- 500 grams or more mixture

The sentence would also include a special parole term of not less than six years and a sentence shall not be suspended and probation shall not be granted, the bill states. Parole or work release shall not be granted until the offender has served at least 20 years of his sentence of imprisonment, the bill states.

For repeat offenders, the minimum sentencing goes up to 30 or 40 years depending on the amount of drugs and up to life imprisonment, the bill states.

Enough is enough

The crystal meth epidemic and the crime related to it continue to worsen. The meth kingpins on our island are way too comfortable and operate in the brightness of day, often flaunting their connections to some of the most powerful officials on island. They have gotten rich by poisoning our people. Enough is enough already. All leaders must take a stand against meth now. While I celebrate the hard work of law enforcement and our public safety family, its clear we need to do more to support their efforts by agreeing we need to lock up the bad guys for a long time  longer than we are now, Barnett said.

The senator said not a day goes by when Guam doesnt hear about meth and the crime caused by it.

We see murders, rapes and robberies. Meth is tearing our families apart and a whole generation of our islands children struggles to grow under its shadow, Barnett said.

The cost of meth is at an all-time low because the supply of it on island is at an all-time high, even though Guam is seeing record seizure amounts, he added.

He said dealers are being tilek on the ear when they get caught or getting rich and getting away with it.

A drug dealer was recently sentenced to six years in prison for possession of 62 grams of methamphetamine, Barnett said. If this bill were law, the offender would have to plead to 25 years or run the risk of spending the rest of his life in prison. That seems like a more appropriate punishment for those who deal drugs and wreak havoc on our island and our families.

Bill 239 also seeks to lay the groundwork for quantity-based sentencing for fentanyl and imposes fines that mirror federal penalties for businesses involved in the importation of meth and fentanyl.

Im worried that we see a growing number of addicts using opiates, and we know fentanyl has arrived on Guam. Thats why I included fentanyl in the bill. I dont want to wait until its too late  like we did with meth, Barnett said.

Bill 239 was cosponsored by Sens. Jesse Lujan, Joanne Brown, Sabina Perez, Dwayne San Nicolas, and Telo Taitague.
A bill that sought to prohibit the hiring of those convicted of official misconduct was vetoed over concerns that it may be misinterpreted to apply retroactively.

Bill 30-37 would prohibit the hiring of those convicted of official misconduct into the government of Guam.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in her veto message of the bill said she was concerned it may be applied to current government of Guam employees.

Instead of simply prohibiting employment of individuals convicted of official misconduct after the bills enactment, it may be misinterpreted or misapplied to apply retroactively to current government employees who were convicted of official misconduct in the past, she wrote.

A bill that would update Guams junk car laws to make it easier to remove them and five others were signed into law by the governor.

The bills signed into law are:

Bill 104-37, now Public Law 37-60, relative to the disposal of abandoned and junk vehicles.

Bill 121-37, now Public Law 37-61, which authorizes the Port Authority of Guam to enter a 10-year lease agreement of public property with the Marianas Yacht Club.

Bill 166-37, now Public Law 37-62, relative to requiring boards and commissions meeting audio and video files be posted to their respective agencys website with a link to the Office of Public Accountabilitys website.

Bill 169-37, now Public Law 37-63, relative to mandating the publication of financial information by nonprofit organizations.

Bill 182-37, now Public Law 37-64, relative to establishing the Ordot Dump Reserve Fund.

Bill 188-37, now Public Law 37-65, authorizes the Guam Police Department to use unexpended appropriation to procure audiovisual recording equipment to be used during interviews.

Some of the current government employees who may be impacted by such misinterpretation are classified employees, who enjoy certain protections under Guam law, the governor said.

These employees cannot be dismissed except for cause and must be afforded due process, the governor added.

She said she understands the intent of the bill to hold those who have committed official misconduct accountable and prevent them from committing any future misconduct within the government. However, the bill needs to have more precise language, so it isnt misinterpreted.

Because the bill, as written, is subject to possible misinterpretation and misapplication, its enactment may lead to constitutional violations, resulting in extensive litigation at taxpayers expense, and at the expense of these individual employees, the governor said in her veto message.

She said she looks forward to working with the Legislature to draft legislation that removes the ambiguity.

Junk cars

The governor in her message signing Bill 104-37 into law said the island has a persistent challenge in removing and disposing of abandoned and junk vehicles. The new law addresses the disposal of junk vehicles, a long-standing issue in the community, she said.

These vehicles clutter streets and private property in every village on our island, leading to the deterioration of our environment and the degradation of our islands natural beauty, Leon Guerrero said.

The new law will treat junk vehicles left along roadways or private property without the consent of the landowner as litter, subject to removal or the jurisdiction of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Works.

The law will allow an abandoned vehicle to be removed by the Department of Public Works or any peace officer if the vehicle has been parked for more than 24 hours on public or private property without the expressed consent of the landowner.

The law also adds additional protections for owners of vehicles suspected of being abandoned. It extends the time to reclaim such vehicles from 10 days to 30 days and requires the Department of Revenue and Taxation to publish detailed information about the removed vehicle on its website in addition to a notice by certified mail.

The new law also authorizes the ultimate sale of the vehicle by tow truck companies, instead of the government, which incentivizes the participation of private entities in holding or storing abandoned vehicles and minimizes the impact of towing or storing such vehicles using government resources, the governor said.

GPD interviewsLeon Guerrero said its critical that GPD, the islands primary law enforcement agency, consistently leverages the latest technology.

Using cameras during police interviews streamlines report-taking, ensures the integrity of interviews, protects suspects in custody and officers, and reduces controversies related to the treatment of detainees, witnesses and evidence, she said.

She said authorizing the procurement of recording equipment through Public Law 37-65 will enable GPD to better carry out its mission and ultimately uphold justice.
A 64-year-old man was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct Friday in the Superior Court of Guam.

Chao Ren is accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl.

According to a magistrate's complaint, Guam Police Department officers responded to a criminal sexual conduct complaint reported at an Inalahan residence on Feb. 8.

Officers met with the girl who said she had been molested by Ren, a man known to her.

The girl told police that Ren had touched "her peach, later clarified to be her vagina, under her panty," the complaint states.

Ren told the girl not to tell anybody, the complaint states.

The girl told police Ren touched her breasts under her bra and said, "Don't give to anybody," the complaint states.

She also told police, "He told me if my mom asks if someone touch me, say no," documents state.

The girl estimated she was touched about 12 times, documents state.
The Philippine Consulate General on Guam launched Pintig ng Sining (Art Beat) art exhibit, showcasing the works of eight Filipino-American visual artists based on the island as part of the observance of the Philippine National Arts Month on Feb. 10.

Consulate General Rosario Lemque, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the eight artists contributions in enriching the Philippine culture in Guam through art. She introduced the concept of bayang malikhain, a creative nation that values imagination, innovation, and artistic expression as integral to identity and progress.

Angie Taitague, acting director of Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, mentioned CAHAs mission of embracing all art forms and the shared cultural aspirations of Filipinos, Guamanians, and CHamorus.

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes described the art exhibit as a cultural bridge between Guam and the Philippines, reflecting not only the personal journeys of artists but also magnifying the enduring connections between the two countries.

Barnes, together with Sens. Sabina Perez and Amanda Shelton, presented Resolution 315-37, relative to recognizing the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Hagatna, Guam for its initiative in celebrating the month of February as Philippine National Arts Month through the Pintig ng Sining (Art Beat) Art Exhibit and Art Workshop, to PCG on Guam and the eight Filipino-American artists.

The exhibit features the works of Rubyjane Buhain-Redila, Jay Redila, Mar-Vic Cagurangan, Shelly Calvo, Ico Munar, Liam Padua, Merc Tenorio, and Rolly Zepeda.

St. Johns student artist Liam Paduas works, which consist of woven portraits and photographs, were inspired by the Filipino traditional practice of weaving and how it connects to his identity as a Filipino.

What I wanted to communicate through this work is how our identity is complex, and how our familial influences and the different people in our lives make up a part of who we are, Padua told the Pacific Daily News.

The vibrant works of Shelly Calvo pay homage to the Philippines and Guam by incorporating details such as bamboo to represent the Philippines resilience, and local flora and fauna to depict the island of Guam.

Songwriter, artist, and veteran Merc Tenorio said when creating art, he finds inspiration from the source of his talent--God. One of his pieces was influenced by a biblical verse while the other portrays a part of a mythological tale.

Jay Redila, an 18-year-old digital artist, shared that one of his artworks was created as a birthday present for his mother, which features a scene from her favorite film, My Neighbor Totoro. His other artwork, meanwhile, symbolizes the beginning of a new phase in his artistic development, following his struggle with art block.

The event also included a violin performance of classic Filipino songs from students at St. Johns School. Attendees were also offered refreshments during the event.

An art workshop was facilitated by one of the featured artists, Zepeda, in the afternoon, which brought an immersive experience to the guests.

Art exhibitions not only provide a platform for artists, but also cultivate a sense of community by bringing people together, according to Philippine Consul Joaquin Aragon.

For one, its culture, communities, people. Its what draws them together--music draws them together, food draws people together, art can bring them together, so it bridges gaps, said Aragon.

The art exhibit is open starting Feb. 12 through 29, to the public from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays, on the 6th floor of Suite 601-602, ITC Building, 590 S. Marine Corps Drive in Tamuning.




Haiti - FLASH : The number of victims of violence in the country tripled in January 2024





Friday February 9, 2024, Marta Hurtado, Spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) declared in a press release The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, had issued an urgent warning about Haiti's worsening human rights disaster, after figures showed January 2024 was the most violent in more than two years.



"At least 806 people, not involved in the ongoing violent exchanges, were killed, injured or kidnapped in January 2024. Some 300 gang members were also killed or injured, bringing the total number of victims to 1,108, more than three times the number recorded in January 2023.



All municipalities in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince are affected



"Residents of areas controlled by gangs have been directly targeted. Gangs also continue to use sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon and sow fear by sharing gruesome photos and videos of people killed and women raped on local social media.



"The impact of this torrent of violence on children remains particularly worrying. In 2023, 167 children were killed or injured by gunfire. Some were executed by gangs for their alleged support of their rivals or by so-called self-defense groups for their alleged gang membership The recruitment of children into gangs remains extremely worrying.



"Against this backdrop of widespread violence, anti-government street protests and civil unrest, supported by opposition political parties, have taken place in recent weeks in at least 24 cities across the country, including the capital. Between January 20 and February 7, at least 16 people were killed and 29 others injured, mainly in clashes between demonstrators and police.



"The already dire human rights situation has further deteriorated, against a backdrop of incessant and increasing gang violence, with disastrous consequences for Haitians [] With each passing day, new victims are recorded. Today more than ever, the lives of Haitians depend on the deployment, without further delay, of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MMSS) to support the Haitian National Police and ensure the security of the Haitian population, in conditions that comply with human rights norms and standards."



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Assassination of the President : A 4th accused sentenced to life in prison





Friday February 9, 2024 Joseph Vincent (58 years old), American of Haitian origin, former informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was sentenced to life in prison in the case of the assassination of the President of Haiti Jovenel Moise July 7, 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



He is the 4th accused in this case to have been sentenced to life in prison after former Senator Joseph Joel John https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41249-haiti-flash-former-senator-joseph-joel-john-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-assassination-of-jovenel-moise.html , Alejandro Rivera Garcia, alias "Colonel Mike" a Colombian army officer in retirement https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40834-haiti-flash-assassination-of-the-president-a-member-of-the-colombian-commando-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa.html ; Rodolphe Jaar, a former drug trafficker already convicted in the United States hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39685-haiti-flash-rodolphe-jaar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html .



Let's recall that Joseph Vincent had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assassinate the President of Haiti Jovenel Moise and admitted to having participated in strategic meetings before the assassination in 2021. According to a court document, he had posed as a representative of the American Government.



Vincent collaborated with federal prosecutors in providing evidence of the meetings, logistics and actions of some of the other co-defendants who have yet to stand trial.



The same day, Frederick Joseph Bergmann Jr., a Florida resident, also pleaded guilty to charges including submitting false or misleading export information.



Bergmann Jr. was arrested with three other Floridians a year ago, at which time U.S. authorities said he helped finance the mercenaries' housing in Haiti and helped ship body armor to Haiti by falsifying export documents. He was also sentenced to life in prison.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41565-haiti-usa-yonyon-the-former-leader-of-the-400-mawozo-gang-pleads-guilty-to-48-charges.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41460-haiti-usa-the-trial-of-yonyon-will-begin-he-risks-20-years-in-prison.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41280-haiti-assassination-of-moise-mario-antonio-palacios-pleads-guilty.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41249-haiti-flash-former-senator-joseph-joel-john-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-assassination-of-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41139-haiti-flash-joseph-vincent-pleads-guilty-in-the-case-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40834-haiti-flash-assassination-of-the-president-a-member-of-the-colombian-commando-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39685-haiti-flash-rodolphe-jaar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36347-haiti-flash-former-colombian-soldier-mario-antonio-palacios-pleads-not-guilty-in-the-usa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



Other links on the assassinations of President Moise :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37052-haiti-politic-1st-anniversary-of-the-assassination-of-the-president-the-moise-family-rejects-the-invitation-of-the-state.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Around ten journalists injured

The Association of Haitian Journalists (AJH) denounces the brutality towards journalists on duty. Nearly a dozen were injured (by bullets, beatings or tear gas grenades), including one seriously in an eye during demonstrations across the country, on Wednesday February 7 and Thursday February 8, 2024.



The "peaceful" demonstrations left 16 dead and 29 injured

In addition to endemic gang violence, in recent days there have been violent clashes between the police and demonstrators demanding the departure of Acting Head of Government, Ariel Henry. Between January 20 and February 7, 2024, at least 16 people were killed and 29 others injured, mainly in the context of clashes between demonstrators and the police, specifies the UN.



Identity of the BSAP agents killed in Laboule

Zephyrin Daniel, Mackendy Veillard, Dorvil Jean Fontange, Chrisner Desir and Clersaint Thomas are the 5 agents of the Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP) who were killed on Wednesday February 7 in Laboule 12, during anti-government demonstrations. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41621-haiti-flash-3rd-days-of-demonstrations-violence-deaths-and-destruction.html



J-C Moise wants to disrupt PAP international airport

Jean Charles Moise, leader of the radical opposition party "Pitit Dessalin", encourages the population to maintain demonstrations in the streets. He announced his intention to move the demonstrations near Toussaint Louverture international airport, an area he considers sensitive in reference to the responsibilities of the Government and the National Port Authority (APN) for security in this area.



Carnival : Embassies and Consulate Closures

The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to the Kingdom of Spain and the Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago in the Dominican Republic inform the public in general and the Haitian community in particular that their doors will be closed Monday February 12 and Tuesday February 13, 2024 on the occasion of carnival festivities. Services will resume on Wednesday February 14, 2024.



The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal advises that its premises will be closed on Tuesday February 13 and Wednesday February 14, 2024, for the carnival festivities. For the day of Monday February 12, 2024, the Consulate will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Consular services will resume on Thursday February 15, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Elon Musks brain implant company Neuralink has moved its legal corporate home from Delaware to Nevada after a Delaware judge struck down Musk's $55.8 billion pay package as CEO of Tesla. Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X,(REUTERS)

Neuralink, which has its physical headquarters in Fremont, California, became a Nevada company on Thursday, according to state records. Delaware records also list the company's legal home as Nevada.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The move comes after Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that shareholders of Austin-based Tesla would be asked to consider moving the company's corporate registration to Texas.

Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware, he wrote in one post after the court ruling. He later added, I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters.

Legal experts say most corporations set up legal shop in Delaware because laws there favor corporations. Delaware built its preferred state of incorporation business by being friendly to company management, not shareholders, said Erik Gordon, a business and law professor at the University of Michigan.

On Jan. 30, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick invalidated the pay package that Tesla established for Musk in 2018, ruling that the process was flawed and the price unfair. In her ruling, she called the package the largest potential compensation opportunity ever observed in public markets by multiple orders of magnitude.

McCormicks ruling bumped Musk out of the top spot on the Forbes list of wealthiest people.

Musk, a co-founder of the privately held Neuralink, is listed as company president in Nevada documents. Messages were left Saturday seeking comment from Neuralink and Tesla.

McCormick determined that Teslas board lacked independence from Musk. His lawyers said the package needed to be rich to give Musk an incentive not to leave  a line of reasoning the judge shot down.

Swept up by the rhetoric of all upside, or perhaps starry eyed by Musks superstar appeal, the board never asked the $55.8 billion question: Was the plan even necessary for Tesla to retain Musk and achieve its goals? McCormick wrote.

Musks fans argue that he shouldnt be paid like other CEOs because he isnt like other CEOs. He and Tesla are practically inseparable, so keeping him as CEO is key to the companys growth. He built the company from an idea to the most valuable automaker in the world, last year selling more electric vehicles than any other company. His star power gets free publicity, so the company spends little on advertising. And he has forced the rest of the auto industry to accelerate plans for electric vehicles to counter Teslas phenomenal growth.

McCormick's ruling came five years after shareholders filed a lawsuit accusing Musk and Tesla directors of breaching their duties and arguing that the pay package was a product of sham negotiations with directors who were not independent of him.

The defense countered that the pay plan was fairly negotiated by a compensation committee whose members were independent and had lofty performance milestones.

Musk wrote on X last month that the first human received an implant from Neuralink. The billionaire did not provide additional details about the patient.
One97 Communications Limited, the parent firm of crisis-hit Paytm, is focusing on the third-party payment app (TPAP) route to ensure that the fintech major's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) remains available to its users, according to an Economic Times report. Paytm stock market: A QR code for the Paytm digital payment system at a roadside vegetables stall in Mumbai. (Bloomberg)

Since Paytm Payments Bank will stop offering payment services, Paytm will become a third-party app going forward, integrating UPI through other lenders, the reported quoted a person aware of the development, as saying.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Accordingly, One97 Communications Limited has initiated discussions with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the UPI ecosystem in the country, the person added.

Three or more banks to issue new VPAs to Paytm customers

Currently, people using Paytm for UPI payments, have virtual payment addresses (VPAs) ending in @paytm. After March 1, however, customers might find this VPA changing to some other bank's handle.

The fintech giant's UPI service falls under the Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL); on January 31, PPBL was barred by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from taking money from customers after February 29.

And, therefore, Paytm aims to use three or more banks for new VPAs for its customers. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and Yes Bank are in contention for the same, as per the report.

Already there are as many as 22 TPAPs working on UPI, including those of Amazon Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, and others. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank support multiple fintechs through the third-party route. A typical VPA is a mix of the brand name of both the bank and the fintech.

Also Read: Big setback to Paytm as RBI refuses concessions to fintech firm

Google, for example, uses ok (taken from the phrase OKGoogle) as a prefix to the bank name, while PhonePes address is issued as ybl through Yes Bank.
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan opposed the government's plan to construct a 10-storey building inside the popular Cubbon Park and called it an assault on Bengalurus greenery. Karnataka govt plans to erect a 10-storey building in Cubbon park

Also Read - Amid Karnataka's Mandya seat suspense, MP Sumalatha meets PM Modi, says 'will work together'

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Karnataka government reportedly proposed to construct a 10-storey annexe in the place of the old Election Commission office. According to reports, there has been an old proposal to demolish the old Election Commission office located next to the press club in Cubbon Park. The government is now reportedly planning to revive the old proposal and construct a massive building there. Environmentalists and other activists are opposing this proposal as it can increase the vehicular traffic in Cubbon Park, which will lead to an increase in pollution levels.

Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan said that this is a green genocide, and the government must immediately stop any such plans. He said, The Congress Govt's proposal to erect a 10-storey annexe in Cubbon Park is an assault on our city's greenery. Bengaluru's beloved lung space must be safeguarded, not suffocated by concrete monstrosities. Every Bengalurian must vehemently oppose and stop this green genocide.

The horticulture department which maintains Cubbon Park is holding meetings regarding this and a decision is expected to be out in a few weeks. In 1975, Karnataka government drafted Karnataka Government Park Act and no construction took place after that in Cubbon Park.

However, the high court in 2019 had permitted to go ahead with the construction in the place of old Election Commission building, but without cutting any trees in the surroundings.
A day after a close associate of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa was arrested from Sector 71 after a brief encounter, a local court on Friday sent him to a five-day police remand. Rajan Bhatti, 30, a resident of Gurdaspurs Mustafabad Jatta village. (HT File)

The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC, Mohali), which is probing the case, told the court that they needed the remand of Rajan Bhatti, 30, a resident of Gurdaspurs Mustafabad Jatta village, to know the source of 7.97 lakh, which recovered from a MIG (middle-income group) flat in Sector 70, where he was residing with a female friend.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

We need to arrest the consumers, to whom he sold the contraband. Moreover, since two weapons have been recovered from his flat, more weapons are expected to be recovered from him and his gang. It is also important to know whom was he targeting and why he was keeping the weapons with him,a police officer said.

They told the police that Punjab-origin suppliers in Uganda (Africa) would smuggle the weapons and drugs to Punjab or Delhi, and he would further distribute them among his associates.

Police officers recovered a .45 bore pistol and five cartridges, 7.97 lakh drug money and around 270 gm heroin from a house that was being rented by his friend, who was not aware of his criminal activities. Cops said that Bhatti had revealed a different name to her. A police officer, on condition of anonymity, said, The BMW recovered from Bhatti belonged to another friend, who is yet to be arrested.

Cops are investigating whether Bhatti threw one of his two phones during the chase in Sector 71 before being arrested as his friend told the police that he has two mobile phones, but only one was recovered from him.

The accused was already wanted by the cops for cases registered under sections of the Arms Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Seeking Bhattis remand, police said they are yet to nab the accomplices, who helped him in his drug business and supplied him with illegal weapons.

On February 9, when cops got wind of Bhattis presence in the area, an SSOC team led by sub-inspector Harminder Singh, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Baljit Singh and head constable Yuvraj Singh set up a check post. On approaching the naka, Bhatti, who was in a white-coloured BMW along with his female friend, was signalled to stop. But, he sped away and almost managed to escape before he reached a dead-end in a residential area in Sector 71. As police cars that were tailing him blocked his way, Bhatti abandoned his car and ran into a nearby park. He later entered a house after scaling the walls. On hearing the commotion, residents of the house rushed out and also let loose their two dogs.

The gangster climbed to the terrace, but by then police teams had already surrounded the house. To dodge the police, he tried to jump to the terrace of the adjoining house but got caught in a barbed wire mesh and injured himself. Acting swiftly, the team arrested him, the officer added.

In Punjab, Bhatti faces over 15 criminal cases, including targeted killings and disturbing communal harmony in state on the instructions of Landa and Harvinder Singh Rinda, police said.

In Chandigarh, he is booked in seven cases, including rape, robbery, drug smuggling, possession of illegal weapons among others. He had also fired at a deputy superintendent of Chandigarh police in the past when a team had gone to nab him. He had also escaped police custody from the Chandigarh district courts a number of times.

Two drug peddlers held with heroin

Chandigarh Two drug peddlers were arrested with 271.65 grams heroin, a pistol and ammunition on Friday.

The accused, Pamesh Arora, 36, of Sector 45, and Harjinder Singh, 33, of Mohali, were arrested on the basis of a tip off.

Both accused are history sheeters. While Parmesh has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Harjinder has been arrested by the Punjab Police in five cases. including of attempt to murder, dacoity and theft.

Police said the duo used to purchase heroin in bulk from Rajan Bhatti, a resident of Gurdaspur, Punjab and Jagga, a resident of Fatehgarh.
The city police have arrested five members of a snatchers gang who used to sell mobile phones in Nepal after tampering their unique identity numbers. The accused have been identified as Ramesh Kumar alias Babbi, 40, Jatinder Kumar alias Sonu, 36, - residents of Indrapuri at Tajpur road, Manpreet Singh alias Monu, 27, of Manjit Nagar, Rahul Saini, 27, of Amritsar and Gurmeet Singh alias Gora, 40, of Vishawkarma Nagar of Tajpur road. (Getty image)

A total of 225 mobile phones, including 35 i-phones, were recovered from their possession. The police also recovered a bike, a scooter and two sharp-edged weapons from them.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The accused have been identified as Ramesh Kumar alias Babbi, 40, Jatinder Kumar alias Sonu, 36, - residents of Indrapuri at Tajpur road, Manpreet Singh alias Monu, 27, of Manjit Nagar, Rahul Saini, 27, of Amritsar and Gurmeet Singh alias Gora, 40, of Vishawkarma Nagar of Tajpur road.

Gurmeet owns a telecommunication shop. He used to buy mobile phones brought by other aides after snatchings.

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP, Rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja said that the police arrested the accused following a tip-off. The accused used to roam around in the city at night and would target commuters. They would not hesitate to assault the commuters in a bid of snatching. They would return keypad phones to the owners or throw them away.

The DCP added that during questioning, the accused told police that they used to sell these mobile phones to Gurmeet, who used to temper the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers to avoid being traced. He would further sent the mobile phones to his aides in Delhi and from there, the mobile phones were further sent to Nepal.

The DCP added that the police have initiated investigation to trace Gurmeets aides in Delhi. The accused are already facing trial in criminal cases.
A special NIA court has allowed the application of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to extradite Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dala, from Canada. NIA alleged that Dala formed a terrorist gang, and recruited Lovepreet Singh, alias Ravi, Ram Singh, alias Sona, and Kamaljeet Sharma, alias Kamal, for conspiring to kidnap, extort money and kill people of other faiths to create a sense of fear and disharmony in the state of Punjab. (HT File Photo)

On July 21, 2023, a request for Dalas provisional arrest was forwarded to Canada through diplomatic channels. In response to the request, a communication, dated August 15, 2023, was received from Canadian authorities, seeking an extradition request in respect of Dala.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The designated terrorist is required to be extradited to India to face trial for planning and conspiring to kidnap and kill Shakti Singh, a follower of Dera Sacha Sauda, in 2021, through his India-based associates to avenge sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib.

He allegedly provided logistics and weapons to his associates, along with fake identity cards of Punjab Police personnel. Using these fake identities, his associates, on his directions, posed as Punjab Police personnel to abduct Singh.

NIA alleged that Dala formed a terrorist gang, and recruited Lovepreet Singh, alias Ravi, Ram Singh, alias Sona, and Kamaljeet Sharma, alias Kamal, for conspiring to kidnap, extort money and kill people of other faiths to create a sense of fear and disharmony in the state of Punjab.

Dala allegedly made threat calls through secure modes of communication to prominent people/business entities in Punjab and further threatened them to pay extortion money.

All these threat calls were being initiated to raise terror funds for carrying out terrorist activities in the state of Punjab, NIA told the court.

Initially, Punjab Police had booked Dala on May 22, 2021, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act; Arms Act; and Sections 386, 387, 397 and 400 of the Indian Penal Code at the Mehna police station in Moga, Punjab.

After the Union ministry of home affairs directed NIA to register a case and take up the investigation, NIA re-registered the instant case on June 10, 2021 and, also booked Dala under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Thereon, a red notice, dated May 31, 2022, was published by the Interpol Secretariat General at Lyon, France, for Dalas apprehension.

Allowing NIAs plea, the court of Manjot Kaur, special judge, NIA, Punjab, observed, Submissions of the learned public prosecutor for the NIA by the way of present application stands allowed. A communication...has also been received from the Canadian authorities with the request to send extradition request in respect of fugitive Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dala, alias Prabh. In the said circumstances, on the request of the NIA, extradition request in respect of the accused, in the desired format, has been countersigned with the official seal of the undersigned.
The Uttarakhand government on Saturday formed a nine-member committee for preparing the draft of rules for the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024, which was passed in the assembly on Wednesday. The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed in the assembly on Wednesday.

According to an order issued by the state home department, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh has approved the constitution of the nine-member committee for preparing the draft of the rules for the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The nine members of the committee include Shatrughan Singh, retired Chief Secretary (chairperson), Sudhir Singh, Additional Secretary, Justice department(Member), Additional Secretary, Personnel department (ex-officio member), Additional Secretary, Panchayati Raj, (ex-officio member), Additional Secretary, Urban Development Department, (ex-officio member), Additional Secretary, Finance department (ex-officio member), Barinderjit Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Police, (Training), (Member), Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor, Doon University, (Member) and Manu Gaur, social worker, (Member)

The order stated that the Committee has been formed for the successful implementation of the provisions of the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024. The Committee has been mandated to prepare a draft of the rules, in which facts related to various procedures, competent level authorities and easy implementation of the provisions of the proposed Act would be included.

UCC Bill 2024 was passed in the state assembly on Wednesday evening after a day-long discussion on the Bill. The Bill has 392 sections divided into four parts and seven chapters.

UCC refers to a common set of laws that will subsume customary laws across faiths and tribes and govern issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and maintenance. In the Constitution, it is a part of the non-justiciable directive principles of the State policy.

The Bill has provisions for equal rights for women in inheritance in ancestral properties, equal rights to adopt, divorce, a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration/self-declaration for live-in relationships, mandatory registration of marriages and divorce with common marriageable age 18 for women and 21 for men. The bill has provided an exemption from its ambit to notified Scheduled Tribes. Uttarakhand has a 2.89% Scheduled Tribe population.

After the Bill was passed, CM Dhami in a press briefing had said that now the Bill will be sent to the President of India for approval. After we get approval from the President, we will start the process for its implementation in the state, he said. He said in the coming time, if required, the government can also make changes to the Bill.

In the run-up to the assembly elections in 2022, the BJP had promised to bring UCC, in line with its ideological promise that has been a part of its manifesto for a decade. In June last year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking to BJP booth workers had made a strong case for UCC. But almost immediately, several tribal communities in both central India and the Northeast started protesting. Uttarakhands law is also expected to be the blueprint for other states such as Gujarat and Assam that have promised to implement UCC. Uttarakhand has 13.9 % Muslim population according to 2011 census, mostly in the Terai area.
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Police on Friday night arrested five men while one minor was detained for allegedly gang-raping a 21-year-old woman a month ago in Jaipur, said the official familiar with the matter. (Representative Photo)

The action was taken based on the womans complaint on Thursday. However, we are probing why she delayed lodging the FIR [first information report], said the station house officer (SHO) of a local police station, Ravindra Kumar.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to the police, the incident took place on the evening of January 9 when the woman visited a cafe with her friend. She was raped by the six accused inside that cafe, the SHO said.

The incident took place in the basement of the cafe which was taken on rent by the owner a few years ago. We are also probing the involvement of the cafe owner in the case. Further investigation is underway, Kumar said.

The officer, quoting the FIR, said the accused were familiar to her friend, who tried to stop them but failed. Later, the accused threatened the woman with her life, due to which she could not get herself to file the complaint earlier.

Officials said that after the FIR was registered, the district police formed a team comprising SHO Kumar, Jaipur superintendent of police (Rural) Shantanu Singh, assistant superintendent of police Hari Prasad, deputy superintendent of police Pradeep Yadav, and 20 other police personnel.

The team examined over 200 CCTV footage and arrested five men identified and also detained a minor. A case was filed against the accused persons under Indian Penal Code section 376 (rape) and 376 D (gangrape), said police.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday intensified his criticism against chief minister Eknath Shinde-led government as he demanded its dismissal. Addressing a press conference, he also demanded that the Presidents rule be imposed in the state and fresh polls be conducted. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (File Photo)

Thackeray lambasted the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-Nationalist Congress Party coalition government, accusing it of harbouring criminals who are instilling fear in society. He made these remarks following Thursdays killing of UBT party leader Abhishek Ghosalkar.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Thackerays primary demand is for fresh elections to be conducted, signalling his lack of confidence in the current administrations ability to maintain law and order. He stressed the importance of providing a free hand to the police to tackle the rising wave of terror perpetuated by criminals.

Addressing the Supreme Court, Thackeray appealed for justice, urging the judiciary to comprehend the gravity of the situation prevailing in the state. The government must refrain from supporting criminals and instead stand firmly behind law enforcement agencies, he said.

Also Read: Why Mauris Norhona killed Abhishek Ghosalkar on Facebook Live

Former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar, 40, was allegedly shot dead during a Facebook Live by local businessman and social activist Mauris Noronha on Thursday evening, police said. Noronha later killed himself.

A viral video of the incident, which took place at Noronhas office in IC Colony in the northern suburb of Borivali (West), showed Ghosalkar being shot in the abdomen and shoulder.

Thackeray said that Noronha, despite being unarmed, seized his bodyguards weapon to commit the heinous act. This incident, according to Thackeray, underscores the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Noronha later turned the gun on himself and was declared brought dead.

Furthermore, Thackeray condemned the statements made by deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis following Ghosalkars murder, describing them as unacceptable, claiming the deputy CM had trivialised the incident by making inappropriate remarks. He was referring to Fadnavis remarks that the opposition would demand his resignation even if a dog died under his car.

Also Read: Ghosalkar murder: Mauris Noronhas security guard remanded to police custody

Thackerays vocal stance against the governments handling of security issues and his call for drastic measures such as the imposition of Presidents Rule and fresh elections signal a heightened political tension in the state.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the response from both the state government and the judiciary to address these pressing concerns raised by Thackeray and his party.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has written to Union home minister Amit Shah seeking his urgent intervention over the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra in the wake of the murder of a party leader in Mumbai.

In the letter written on Friday, Chaturvedi referred to the murder of Ghosalkar and an incident earlier this month in neighbouring Thane district where a BJP MLA opened fire inside a police station.

I implore you to urgently intervene in the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra before irreparable harm is inflicted upon its residents, the letter reads.
Former Maharashtra minister and a famous name in the Bollywood circle Baba Siddique joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party on Saturday, days after quitting the Congress. On February 8, Baba Siddique announced his decision to sever his 48-year-old tie with the Congress. It was no secret that Baba Siddique was going to join Ajit Pawar-led NCP but there was no announcement before the official event on February 10. The move, significant for the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, took place after the Election Commission recognised Ajit Pawar's NCP as the real NCP. Ajit Pawar last year joined the Sena (Eknath Shinde) - BJP (Devendra Fadnavis) government breaking away from Sharad Pawar's NCP. Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique quit the Congress on February 8.

After joining Ajit Pawar-NCP, Baba Siddique said he has a lot to say against Congress because he was used like curry leaves only for flavours. He said he was both happy and sad. Sad because I am not thick-skinned. 48 years is a long time. But happy because the everyday bickering now ended, Baba Siddique said. "Chidiya chug gayi khet (what is te use of crying over spilled milk?)" the former Congress leader said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia with immediate effect. Theres a lot I would have liked to express but as they say some things are better left unsaid. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, Baba Siddique posted on X.

Baba Siddique's exit from the Congress was the second major blow to the party ahead of the election as former Union minister Milind Deora too deserted the Congress to join Eknath Shinde's Sena faction over seat sharing woes between Congress and the Uddhav Sena.

The Congress  as part of the INDIA bloc  will be contesting the Lok Sabha election in Maharashtra along with Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP).

Baba Siddique was an MLA for three consecutive terms in 1999, 2004 and 2009, and had also served as a minister of state for food and civil supplies, labour and FDA, (2004-08) and had also served as a municipal corporator earlier for two consecutive terms (1992-1997). He has also served as the chairperson and senior vice president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee and the parliamentary board of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.
Navi Mumbai Raigad police arrest three including woman for murder at Wadkhal lodge

Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Raigad nabbed three accused who were planning to flee to Uttar Pradesh after killing a man brutally in a lodge at Wadkhal in Raigad district. The murder was committed on Tuesday night at around 9 pm in Sawali loadge at Wadkhal after which the trio fled from there.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The deceased identified as Dharmendra Kushwah (40) from Madhya Pradesh, worked in the lodge wherein he was murdered while the accused identified as Chandrajeet Jhankuram Bhardwaj (30) and Harishankar Lalchand Rajbhar (19) from Uttar Pradesh and Anjudevi Saroj Chauhan (32) from Jharkhand ran a tea stall few metres away from the lodge.

Bharadwaj and Chauhan used to stay together in Wadkhal and were in a relationship and Rajbhar had recently joined the duo in their room. Cousin brother of Khushwah was the manager of the Sawali lodge and he had gone to home town hence Khushwah was temporarily managing the affaires of the lodge. At multiple instances, Khushwah had got physically intimate with Chauhan which had irked Bharadwaj. A week back Bharadwaj had picked up a fight with Khushwah and had threatened to kill him following which Bharadwaj purchased a new knife to execute the murder.

On Tuesday night Bharadwaj asked Chauhan to go meet Khushwah in one of the rooms of the lodge. While Bharadwaj and Rajbhar followed her to the room. After a while, Rajbhar and Bharadwaj barged into the room with the knife. They pushed Khushwah on the ground and closed his mouth and one of the accused sat on his chest and slit his throat and then chopped off his private part.

After the murder, the trio fled from the spot. While the lodge was on the first floor, there was a restaurant on the ground floor wherein Khushwah regularly went for dinner. Since Khushwah did not turn up for dinner even by 10.30 pm, one of the workers from the hotel went to check on him and found him dead in room number 115 of the lodge, police sub inspector Vishal Shirke from LCB said. After the police reached the spot, they checked the cctv footage and identified the accused.

We got their mobile numbers and found it to be switched off. We then searched their tea stall and got some identity cards belonging to the accused and we started the search for them. We got information that they had hired a private vehicle to Pen. After reaching Pen, we got an information that they had boarded a state transport bus towards Panvel and we started checking each and every state transport bus going towards PAnvel and finally caught them in one of the buses. The accused were planning to flee to their native place, police inspector Balasaheb Khade from LCB said.
Ulhasnagar: HT Image

The Central police in Ulhasnagar on Friday arrested six people for allegedly killing a 28-year-old man by smashing his head with a stone over an old enmity in Ulhanagar on Thursday morning.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The arrested accused have been identified as Premchandra alias Babu alias Panjabi Manohar Thakani, 28, Karan Manohar Thakani, 26, Santosh Arun Salve, 27, Pranay Sudhir Shetty, 27, Praful Kumavat, 26 and Basant Thakani, 48.

All were arrested within 24 hours after committing the murder. The accused were produced in court and remanded into police custody till February 15. The deceased is identified as Rahul Jaiswal.

Vijay Waghmare, Senior Police Inspector, Central Police Station said, We have formed three teams under the instruction of DCP Sudhir Pathare. One team was working on CCTV footage and another team was working on technical intelligence and alerted local informers. We have arrested all accused from different places in Thane district. He further added that during the interrogation it was learned that Jaiswal had a KTM bike, which costs around 2.5 lakh, was set on fire by Babu Punjabi in 2022. Jaiswal had filed a case against Babu which led to his arrest and he was released on bail earlier.

Babu contacted Jaiwal to compromise and offered him 25,000 compensation for torching his bike if he withdrew the case he had filed. Jaiswal refused to accept and compromise or withdraw the case from court. Babu was in angry over this with Jaiswal.

According to the police, on Thursday morning, the key accused Babu alias Punjabi Manohar Dhanki, along with Karan Dhakni and other gang members pelted stones at Jaiswals house.

As soon as Rahul and his mother were heading towards the police station and reached the Chowk of Farver Line, Babu Dhakni along with his gang members threw chili powder in their eyes and stabbed Rahul.

When he collapsed the accused smashed his head with a stone. The mother couldnt understand what was happening until she cleaned her eyes of the chili powder. The passerby could not control the anger of the accused till they smashed Rahuls head.

Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information about the matter. Jaiswal was taken to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar where he was declared dead before arrival.

They have been booked under 13 different IPC sections including for murder and criminal conspiracy among others and the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Patna, Feb 9 (PTI) Patna's famed Sinha Library, home to a rich collection of about 1.8 lakh books including some of the rare volumes from India and abroad, turned 100 on Friday. HT Image

A commemorative special cover marking the centenary of the landmark institution was unveiled by Chief Post Master General of Bihar Circle, Anil Kumar at a function held at the historic hall of the library.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The heritage building and its modern block, added a few decades ago, have been illuminated to mark the centennial occasion.

Located in the heart of the Bihar capital, the handsome two-storey old structure was established officially as the 'Srimati Radhika Sinha Institute and Sachchidananda Sinha Library', popularly known as 'Sinha Library'. The institute was named after his wife.

Founded by Sachchidananda Sinha, the library was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa, Sir Henry Wheeler on February 9, 1924.

Sachchidananda Sinha, one of the prime makers of modern Bihar, was also the provisional president of the Constituent Assembly of India when it met in Delhi for the first time in 1946.

The institution is run by the Srimati Radhika Sinha Institute and Sachchidananda Sinha Library Trust.

"The library has a rich collection of 1.8 lakh books and copies of some of the oldest newspapers from 1901 onwards. Today is a historic occasion and it is only fitting that a commemorative special cover marking the centenary of this iconic institution has been unveiled and released to mark these eventful 100 years," Sunil Kumar, a senior advocate in the Supreme Court who holds the chair of the trust, told PTI here.

Kumar along with several other guests and some of the students who visit the library, attended the celebrations as the old portraits of Sachchidananda Sinha and Radhika Sinha adorned the walls.

The library is home to rare bibliographic treasures such as volumes on the Hansard debates held in the House of Commons in the UK, Parliament sessions of India, The Indian Review, The Calcutta Review, Sacred Book of the East volumes edited by Max Muller, Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology volumes.

Old newspapers including copies of the early editions of the The Leader, The Searchlight, The Indian Nation, are also among its rare possessions that draw both students and scholars alike.

Kumar, while recounting the contribution made by the Sinhas, said Radhika Sinha's role was seminal in the foundation of the library as she provided a corpus of 50,000 for the library and "Sinha sahab donated his personal collection of 10,000 books to begin with and more books later, and a matching fund of 50,000 for the upkeep of the library".

Recounting an incident when Sachchidananda Sinha was studying for his law degree in London, Kumar said Sinha sahab once pointed a mistake in a world-famous encyclopedia, and underlined it, which created a stir.

"It was later found that he had correctly pointed the mistake. He was then asked to submit a copy of the encyclopedia without any marking instead of the one which he had put a mark on, and that encyclopedia in which he made the mark is still possessed by this library," he added.

In his address, Bihar Circle Chief Post Master General Kumar said, "This hall where we have gathered has heard the echoes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other luminaries".

"People should use libraries (and its reading halls) not just for preparation for competitive examination, but also for general reading to enhance knowledge," he said.

The special cover released by him depicts a photograph of the old building of the library, its official name, and its day of opening, "February 9, 1924", and the day of its centenary "February 9, 2024".

Simi Samar Fazal, 75, who joined the library as a cataloguer in 1978 and retired as a librarian a few years ago, also attended the centenary celebrations.

She unveiled a new plaque that commemorates the centenary of the library, embedded on a wall in the corridor of the hall.

Another plaque carrying a name of the first trustees of the institution has also been installed on the other side of the wall.

"I miss books, and I miss readers of this library. I am very emotionally attached to this library," Fazal told PTI.

She later got pictures taken with the life-size statue of Sachchidananda Sinha which was unveiled by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on November 10 last year.

Sinha, born on November 10, 1871, who served also as a vice chancellor of Patna University from 1936-1944, lived in a palatial house -- 'Sinha Kothi' -- located adjacent to the library, which later became the Bihar State Education Board office, and his family had shifted to a new building next door.

The road running in front of the library campus is called the Sinha Library Road.
Ranchi: Three persons of a family were hacked to death with an axe while one was critically injured in Sakrauli village under Sisai police station in Jharkhands Gumla district on Friday, police said. (Representative Photo)

The incident police said took place among the family members over the sharing of logs of a felled tree. The accused are also members of the same extended family, said police

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The dispute within the family turned violent, and one of them, who had a sharp weapon (axe), attacked four others. Three people were killed on the spot, while one was seriously injured. sub-divisional police officer Suresh Prasad Yadav said, adding the police have arrested the accused family members in connection with the incident.

The three deceased were identified as Munna Sahu, Nageshwar Sahu and Pawan Sahu, said police.

The injured person, identified as Vikash Sahu, is undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, Yadav said.

The accused, who are cousins of the victims, have been identified as Nankeshwar Sahu, Satyendra Sahu and Shivkumar Sahu, he added.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra has started the registration process for MH-Nursing CET 2024 on February 9, 2024. Candidates who want to apply for MH-Nursing CET-2024 Entrance Examination can do it through the official website of MAHACET at mahacet.org. MH-Nursing CET 2024: Registration begins, link here

As per the official notice released by the Cell, the last date to apply is till February 29, 2024. The payment of fees can be done till March 1, 2024.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Direct link to apply for MH-Nursing CET 2024

MH-Nursing CET 2024: How to apply

To apply online, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of MAHACET at mahacet.org.

Click on registration link available on the home page.

Register yourself and fill the application form.

Click on submit and make the payment of application fee.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

MH-Nursing CET-2024 Entrance Examination will be conducted for admission to First Year B.Sc. Nursing, Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) & General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) Courses, through State Common Entrance Test Cell, Mumbai for the academic year 2024-25. The exam will be held at the various examination centers across all major districts in the State of Maharashtra. For more related details candidates can check the official website of MAHACET.

Official Notice Here
Bundelkhand University has started the registration process for UP B.Ed JEE 2024 on February 10, 2024. Candidates who want to apply for Bachelor of Education Admission Test 2024 (UP B.Ed. Joint Entrance Examination 2024) can do it through the official website of Bundelkhand University at bujhansi.ac.in. UP B.Ed JEE 2024: Registration begins, direct link here

The last date for submission of application form without late fee is till March 3, 2024 and the last date for form submission with late fees can be done from March 4 to March 10, 2024. The admit card will be available from April 13, 2024 onwards and UP B.Ed JEE 2024 entrance examination will be conducted on April 24, 2024.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Direct link to register for UP B.Ed JEE 2024

UP B.Ed JEE 2024: How to register

To apply online, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of Bundelkhand University at bujhansi.ac.in.

Click on UP B.Ed JEE 2024 link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will get the registration link.

Click on the link and enter the required details.

Once registration is done, login to the account.

Fill the application form and make the payment of application fees.

Click on submit and download the confirmation page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

The application fee is 1400/- for general and OBC category and 700/- for SC and ST category. for more related details candidates can check the official website of Bundelkhand University.
Indian Coast Guard has notified vacancies for Navik posts. The applictaion process will commence on February 13, and the deadline for submitting the applictaion form is February 27. Interested candidates can apply online through the official site of the Indian Coast Guard at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. Indian Coast Guard Navik Recruitment 2024: Age limit, qualification, and application details

Indian Coast Guard Navik Recruitment 2024 vacancy details: This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 260 vacancies.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Indian Coast Guard Navik Recruitment 2024 age limit: The minimum age of the candidates should be between 18 and 22 years old. Candidates should be born between September 1, 2002 and August 31, 2006.

Indian Coast Guard Navik Recruitment 2024 educational qualification: Candidates should have passed 10+2 with Maths and Physics from a recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE).

Indian Coast Guard Navik Recruitment 2024 applictaion fee: Candidates (except SC/ST candidates, who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 300/- through online mode by using net banking or by using Visa/Master/Maestro/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI. For more related details, candidates can check the official site of the Indian Coast Guard.

The detailed notification will be available on the official website of the Indian Coast Guard at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
Former Mumbai NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede has reacted after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case against him. Speaking to ETimes, Sameer said that he will 'give appropriate reply in court at the appropriate time'. The ED filed the case after taking cognisance of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR against him in an alleged 25-crore bribe demand from Shah Rukh Khan's family to spare his son Aryan Khan in a drugs case, news agency PTI reported on Saturday citing official sources. (Also Read | Sameer Wankhede posts cryptic tweet as Shah Rukh Khan's baap-beta line goes viral: I fear no hell from you) CBI booked Sameer Wankhede for seeking a bribe for not framing Aryan Khan in drug case.

What Sameer said about ED case against him

Sameer said, "ED had registered the said ECIR in 2023. It is surprising that this ECIR is based on the CBI FIR, which is already under question before the Bombay HC. Since the matter is subjudice, I don't intend to comment anything further. I will give the appropriate reply in the court at the appropriate time. I reiterate that I have full faith in the Indian Judiciary. Satyamev Jayate."

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

What step has ED taken

ED has booked the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as per the PTI report. Some former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials have also been summoned. Sameer, a 2008-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, has moved the Bombay High Court seeking protection from any coercive action by the anti-money laundering agency.

Sameer was booked by CBI last year

Sameer was booked by the CBI in May last year on charges of seeking 25-crore bribe for not framing Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-cruise case, officials had said. Aryan was arrested in the alleged drug bust case on the Cordelia cruise ship on October 2, 2021. The (CBI) booked Sameer Wankhede and others for alleged criminal conspiracy (120-B IPC), and threat of extortion (388 IPC) besides provisions pertaining to bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act on a complaint from the NCB.

More about the case

A year later, the NCB filed a charge sheet in the drugs-on-cruise case against 14 accused but gave a clean chit to Aryan. The case took a twist when an 'independent witness' had claimed in 2021 that 25 crore was demanded by an NCB official and other persons, including a witness Gosavi, to let off Aryan. The NCB later conducted an internal vigilance probe against Sameer and others and shared the contents with the CBI, leading to registration of a case against him.

with PTI inputs

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel  Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
At the trailer launch event of her upcoming movie Article 370, Yami Gautam debuted her baby bump as husband-filmmaker Aditya Dhar confirmed her pregnancy. Taking to Instagram Stories on Friday night to react to Yami and Aditya's baby news, Kangana shared a screenshot of a tweet praising Aditya as he answered a question about Article 370 being a propaganda film. Also read: Yami Gautam talks about her bond with Kangana Ranaut Yami Gautam debuts baby bump at Article 370 trailer launch, Kangana Ranaut congratulates Yami and director Aditya Dhar.

Kangana Ranaut wishes Yami Gautam

Kangana Ranaut wrote, "Mr Dhar has so much integrity and talent. Also Yami Gautam is just so wonderful, undoubtedly my favourite Bollywood couple. Trailer of Article 370 looks amazing. Wish them the best, also congratulations for the pregnancy as well. So happy for them." Yami Gautam and Uri director Aditya Dhar married in June 2021. Their film Article 370 will be released on February 23.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Kangana Ranaut praises Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar, calls them her favourite Bollywood couple.

What Kangana said about Yami earlier

This is not the first time Kangana has gushed about Yami. In April last year, Kangana lauded Yami and her film Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga. She had said that Yami is 'consistently, quietly delivering most successful films'. Reacting to Yami's Instagram post about her movie becoming the 'most viewed Indian film globally on Netflix', Kangana wrote on Instagram Stories, "Yami Gautam is doing so well, consistently and quietly delivering the most successful films... so inspiring. Congratulations to the entire team."

Yami Gautam on her bond with Kangana Ranaut

In 2023, Yami called Kangana Ranaut 'fantastic actress' and 'one of the best we have'. The actor also said that Kangana invited her to her Manali home, while she was shooting in the hill station. The two actors hail from Himachal Pradesh.

In an interview with DNA, Yami had said, "I think it comes from the fact that we hail from the same state and of course, she is a fantastic actress. She is one of the best we have. For me, the first way of admiration will always be work whether it is Kangana or Vidya (Vidya Balan) or so many other actresses. And then the fact that she wished me on my wedding."

Speaking about how Kangana had invited her to her home in Manali, Yami had recalled, We were shooting for Chor in Manali. It was a two-day shoot and my mom was with me. Very sweetly she messaged me to visit her home but we couldnt because of erratic shoot hours. Its just mutual respect and I feel anyone who treats you with respect and love must be embraced back. Looking forward to her next film and next work because her work speaks for itself."

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain on Saturday morning. As per a report by India Today, sources close to the actor said that he was feeling uneasy, following which he was taken to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. His family has now responded and called it a routine checkup. Also read: When Mithun Chakraborty's hospital pic surfaced online, son Mimoh Chakraborty clarified 'he is fit and fine' Mithun Chakraborty health: The actor has reportedly been hospitalised in Kolkata. (File Photo/ PTI)

Mithun Chakraborty's family reacts

His elder son Mimoh Chakraborty told indianexpress.com, He (Mithun Chakraborty) is 100 percent fine and its a routine checkup.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

As per news agency PTI, officials of the Kolkata hospital, where Mithun is undergoing treatment said the actor underwent an MRI and other tests are currently being conducted. "Mithun Chakraborty has been admitted this morning and is undergoing medical evaluation. We will be able to provide further details later," the hospital spokesperson said.

The actor-turned-BJP leader was brought to the hospital around 10.30 am. "The reports of the MRI are awaited. He is currently under the supervision of a neuromedicine specialist, a doctor at the hospital told PTI. The actor was in Kolkata for the filming of Shastri.

Mithun Chakraborty's Padma Bhushan

Mithun, who was last seen as a judge in the dance reality show Dance Bangla Dance along with Mouni Roy, Subhashree Ganguly, Srabanti Chatterjee and Puja Banerjee, was honoured with a Padma Award  the Padma Bhushan  in January 2024.

In an interview with ETimes last month, Mithun Chakraborty's son, actor Mimoh Chakraborty, expressed his happiness over Mithun's Padma Bhushan and said, "I have no words to describe this feeling of euphoria and joy. It is such an honour to feel this moment of pride... Dad is truly deserving of this award and I am so grateful to our government and institutions for honouring dad with this prestigious award. I am so grateful and full of joy right now. Touchwood."

Mithun Chakraborty, who has acted in around 350 films in Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, and Tamil, among other Indian languages, had said he could not believe when he first heard that he was being awarded the Padma Bhushan.

In a video message last month, the 73-year-old actor, who made his acting debut in Mrinal Sen's Mrigaya, and has had a career spanning about five decades, said, "After a lot of struggle and hard work, I have finally received such an honour... It is a feeling I can't express. I am dedicating this to all my fans in India and abroad, who have given me unconditional love."

Mithun is among the 17 Padma Bhushan recipients this year.

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel  Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
In a recent post on social media, actor Shruti Seth took a bold stance against age shaming, advocating for a more positive dialogue surrounding the natural process of aging. Without mincing her words in a conversation with us, she remarks, We need to start talking positively about something that is natural and evolutionary. A friend and I were talking and she mentioned that the young GENZ complains about ageing like milk, which I feel was a big trend a couple of weeks ago. Young girls in their mid 20s have started to do procedures and using anti ageing products, I find it shocking. I think it all just comes from the fact that ageing is viewed in such a negative lens. Shruti seth on age shaming

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Seth challenges the notion that aging should be met with sadness or regret. My timeline is flooded with people saying, oh my God, we are so sad that youre aging and I feel why are you sad? I am having the time of my bloody life, she asserts, adding, Who is planning to defeat science and evolution here? There are procedures, but do you want to do them? No. The pressure that everybody has to carry to be young forever is ridiculous. To be honest, I was very foolish in my youth, I have now become more sensible. Growing older has been an eye opener of sorts.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Acknowledging her own journey of self-discovery, Seth underscores the importance of embracing maturity and counting ones blessings. The whole conversation is about preserving my youth. Why should I preserve it? I have had a wonderful life. We all need to start counting the blessings we have had in the past and how we have become mature, the 46-year-old shares.

As an actor, Seth also acknowledges the societal emphasis on beauty but mentions about the folly of attempting to defy the natural aging process. I am all for beauty. But, at the same time, I recognize that I cant look 20 all my life, it will be foolish to even want that. I am having a great time in my 40s. I am stronger, fitter, richer and I have had more experiences, a fulfilling life, and a wonderful satisfying career, which is still going strong, the actor continues, Ageing is seen with a lot of disdain ki, Hayee, vo toh buddhi hogyi hai, like they are feeling sorry for me. I want to ask these people, are you still kids? Tum buddhe nahi hue kya? Ageing needs to be turned into a more positive conversation.

In closing, Seth encouraged individuals to prioritize self-care and well-being without succumbing to societal pressures. Why is everyone so scared of ageing? People dont even tell their real age to each other now. I had a genetic problem of greying hair from when I was 17 years old. So, I always had to colour my hair. If something makes you feel good, please do it. The problem is that its making people feel bad, thats the issue. People in the public eye do suffer a lot more than an ordinary person, she wraps up.
Looking to be the life of the Mardi this weekend? Mardi Gras is finally here and although Mobile and New Orleans are the traditional celebratory locations for the festivities, theres ways to celebrate here in the Wiregrass.

A little known fact is that Mobile is actually the birthplace of Mardi Gras despite the common misconception that New Orleans is where all the fun started. The Wiregrass has been celebrating Mardi Gras for a few years now including the annual parade which is in its 10th annual rotation.

According to Literary Hub and many other reputable sources, Mardi Gras was originally an event rooted in classism and racism. The concept of krewes were created as a way for social distinction and elitism.

The original krewe here in Dothan, Krewe of Kolosse, said they have strayed very far from any traditions of discrimination. This Krewe is actually responsible for kicking off the start to Mardi Gras in Dothan just 10 years ago.

There is absolutely no room for racism or classism in our Krewe, said KOK captain Harry Hall. Our membership is diverse and will continue to be so. We are here to celebrate something and incorporate as much of Dothan as we can.

While KOK captain Hall cannot speak for the other Krewes in the area, he did share that he has not witnessed or heard about any discrimination in their organizations.

Hall also shared that the second K for Kolosse stands for giants. The members came up with the name after being a part of a local kickball team named The Giants.

Below are few other ways to catch some beads this year in the Circle City. These events will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10:

2024 Krewe of Kolosse Mardi Gras Parade (KOK)

3 to 6 p.m.

The parade is advertised to be The happiest day in Dothan. Floats will start on Girard Avenue heading towards North Pontiac Avenue and ending near Denny Vision on North Foster Street. To see the full parade route and get more details, visit https://kreweofkolosse.com/

Mardi Gras Masquerade Party at Rain

7 p.m.

Shortly after the KOK parade Rain, Dothan will host their fifth annual Mardi Gras masquerade party at Rain at 145 South St. Andrews St. Attendees should expect giveaways, masks, beads and more. There will be a musical performance by JoJo-Bee at 9 p.m., and DJ TZ will be mixing up tunes all night. You can call (334) 446-3477 for more information.

2024 Mardi Gras Parade Party

3pm-until the end of the parade

Gartlan Injury Law is extending an invitation to the community to come to their office for an exclusive 2024 The Krewe of Kolosse  Mardi Gras Parade celebration. Their office is in the center of the parade route, at the corner of Foster and West Lafayette Street. There will be a live performance by International blues legend Lil Jimmy Reed. There will also be food from Square R BBQ the 2023 Wiregrass Blues Festival BBQ Competition Winner. Celebrators are encouraged to bring their coolers and lawn chairs.

The MKOH Mardi Gras After Party

5 to 10 pm

The Mystic Krewe of Heracles is hosting an after party at The Plant following the parade coordinated by the Krewe of Kolosse. The event will have live music by Trotline. Tickets cost $10 for those age 21 and older and free for those younger than 21. For more information, you can call The Plant at (334) 673-4318 or visit MKOHs website https://www.mkoh.org/.
In Prime Video's latest rom-com offering Upgraded, actor Archie Renaux plays William. It is the classic what-are-the-chances encounter that happens only in the movies, Anna (Camila Mendes) spills her Bloody Mary all over his suit in the airport lounge, and then finds him seated just beside on first class just an hour later. Archie plays William as a cool and collected lad who doesn't mind someone making mistakes as long as they are ready to acknowledge it. In this exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Archie sat down for a brief chat into playing the lead opposite Camila Mendes and taking the help of Google to name his favourite romantic comedy. (Also read: Upgraded movie review: Camilla Mendes leads this spirited yet formulaic romantic comedy) Archie Renaux in a still from Upgraded.

On playing William

Archie pauses a little when asked whether there were any specific rom-com leads that informed his approach to playing William. No, no one really specifically, he adds. But I drew inspirations from rom-coms like Notting Hill, Love Actually, The Holiday all those kinds of British ones I guess. But no one in particular." The names he includes are all rom-com classics- endlessly rewatchable during holiday season on even after a week when one wants to switch on to the comfort of those known characters. Upgraded also seems poised to join that enviable list, with its light-footed approach to modern romance and the desire for professional stability- one that feels like an extremely topical thematic undercurrent to trace in the genre.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Archie Renaux and Camilla Mendes in a still from Upgraded.

On his chemistry with Camila Mendes

For a romantic comedy to work, the prerequisite is that the leads share an instantly believable and likeable chemistry. Upgraded ticks that box very well. William and Anna hit it off from the very first second, and although there's a white lie that involves within that romance, the viewer always roots for both of them to come together and sort things out. Ask him about building that chemistry with Riverdale alum Camila Mendes, and Archie responds, I think it always comes down to having a lot of laughs with each other and joking around. I think that's certainly the easiest way for me to kind of break the ice and get to know someone. It was very easy to do that with Camy! She is a very easy-going presence right away and we felt like we were on the same level. It kind of happened very naturally which is lucky! It made things a lot easier.

His favourite rom-com

When he's asked to name his favourite rom-coms over the years, that's when things get a lot less easier for him. The actor pauses for a few moments, as if trying to find the name of that exact childhood favourite. Yet, like the best of us, he cannot remember the name at that very moment. When I tell him that he must have some memory that he either chooses to gatekeep or not remember, he is all in a flurry of words, reassuring that he does have one but he cannot remember the name for some reason when he needs it the most. I have forgotten the name of it now! he giggles, and then adds, I have gone completely blank! Let me have a little look now! He grabs his mobile and types aggressively, telling me that he remembers the actor but not the film.

A full minute of silence occurs. I let him search and wait for the answer. Come on, where is it? he mutters to himself while searching. About Time! he exclaims after a moment and keeps the phone aside in an excited fashion. He's got it. That's the one! he smiles. When asked further about this specific choice, Archie notes how its just a sweet story, the relationship with his dad, and how it spoke to him. It touched me," is all he reveals. Some memories are better left unsaid.

Upgraded is available to stream on Prime Video.

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel  Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
Disney just clinched the first place in a fierce bidding war, securing the rights to Taylor Swift's highly anticipated concert film, The Eras Tour. The film, which enjoyed both commercial and critical success during its theatrical debut, is now taking a digital route. And following an intense competition among top contenders like Netflix and Universal, all vying for streaming rights, Disney ultimately sealed the deal with a whopping $75 million. FILE PHOTO: Taylor Swift attends a premiere for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo(REUTERS)

Disney seals $75 million deal with Taylor Swift

The concert film, which achieved global blockbuster status, is slated to debut on the streaming platform next month. According to a recent report by Puck News, Disney, already known for securing all Marvel Movies under its platform, has now agreed to pay Swift $75 million for the rights to stream Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also read: Taylor Swift's close call: Nearly falls off chair in a racy dance move during Eras Tour in Tokyo

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour OTT release date

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is set to premiere on Disney Plus on March 15. The report also indicates that the movie, making its digital debut, will have a longer runtime compared to its theatrical release, likely contributing to the high cost of the bidding war.

This acquisition not only adds another jewel to Disney's streaming crown but also fuels anticipation for Swift's foray into filmmaking.

Taylor Swift to make her directorial debut

There's been a lot of buzz about Swift stepping into the director's chair for the first time. Matt Belloni from Puck reports that Swift is really looking forward to getting behind the camera, especially once her 'Eras' tour wraps up. Considering she's already directed over 18 music videos in her career, fans are hopeful that Swift, along with her talented team, will make her directorial debut a hit.

Also read: New Game of Thrones spinoff in works with Batman 2 writer exploring Aegon's Conquest

Currently, the 14-time Grammy winner is thrilling audiences at the Tokyo Dome, marking the start of her 'Eras' Tour in 2024. Swift is expected to jet back to LA after wrapping up the performances to attend Super Bowl 2024, before continuing her tour until the summer.
Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar's daughter Sitara Ghattamaneni has fallen prey to a 'cybercrime incident'. As per the team's official statement on Instagram, an unknown person has created Sitara's fake account on Instagram and has been 'fraudulently posing' as her and sending trading and investment links to people. An investigation is reportedly underway to trace the individual behind Sitara's fake Instagram account. Also read: Sitara Ghattamaneni celebrates 11th birthday Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar's daughter Sitara Ghattamaneni falls victim to a cybercrime.

Sitara Ghattamaneni 'impersonated' on Instagram

Namrata Shirodkar, too, took to Instagram to warn people about her daughter's fake account. She reposted the post shared by Mahesh Babu's team, which mentioned details about the case along with a caption that read, Attention! This is @sitaraghattamaneni's only account. Any other handle is not to be trusted except the verified one.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Official statement

"The Madhapur police, in connection with Team GMB, have issued a warning about a cybercrime incident involving the impersonation of Ms Sitara Ghattamaneni on Instagram. An unidentified user has been fraudulently posing as Ms. Ghattamaneni, sending trading and investment links to unsuspecting users. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the individual responsible for these activities to prevent future occurrences," the statement read.

Sitara Ghattamaneni's recent post

Sitara Ghattamaneni has a huge following  more than 1.8 million  on Instagram, and often makes news for her candid videos and posts. Recently, she grabbed attention for dancing to the title track of Mahesh Babu's latest release Guntur Kaaram.

Earlier in February, sharing the video jointly with her father, Sitara wrote in her caption, This one's for you @urstrulymahesh... Guntur Kaaram. In response to the Instagram Reels, Sitara's mom Namrata wrote, You are the best my little firecracker." Sreeleela, who plays the lead opposite Mahesh in the film, wrote, Fireeeeee.

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel  Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
Mahesh Babu and his wife, Namrata Shirodkar, shared posts on their social media platforms as they wished each other on their 19th wedding anniversary. Their daughter Sitara Ghattamaneni also shared a post wishing her parents on their special day. (Also Read | Mahesh Babu wishes Namrata Shirodkar on birthday, says she makes every day better) Namrata Shirodkar and Mahesh Babu shared posts on Instagram.

Mahesh posts old pic with Namrata

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Mahesh Babu shared an old picture featuring himself and Namrata. In the photo, Namrata held his face and kissed him on the cheek as he smiled. In the picture, Namrata wore a cream sweater while Mahesh opted for a black outfit.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sharing the picture, Mahesh wrote, "Heres to us: partners in love, laughter, and all of lifes beautiful moments! Happy anniversary NSG (red heart emoji)." Namrata replied, "Love you today and always."

Namrata shares post with Mahesh

On her Instagram page, Namrata shared a brief clip of two puppies cuddling. She wrote, "Pure love (smiling face with hearts emojis). Happy anniversary MB!! (Red heart emojis)." She also posted a black-and-white photo of herself and Mahesh cuddling. In the picture, Namrata smiled while Mahesh covered his mouth with his hand as they lay next to each other.

Sharing it, she captioned the pots, "Celebrating another year of love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters with you... My forever and always (black heart emojis) @urstrulymahesh."

Sitara wishes her parents on wedding anniversary

Sitara posted a photo as the trio stood around a decoration. All of them posed and smiled for the camera. She wrote, "Happy anniversary to the best parents in the world! Love you both so much!" In the picture, Namrata wore a printed white outfit, while Sitara was seen in a pink dress.

Mahesh opted for a navy blue T-shirt and pants. Mahesh married Namrata in Mumbai on February 10, 2005. They welcomed their first child, Gautam, in 2006 and Sitara in 2012.

About Namrata's career

Namrata has worked in films such as the Kachche Dhaage (1999), Ezhupunna Tharakan (1999), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Pukar and Astitva (2000), Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002), LOC Kargil (2003), Bride and Prejudice (2004). She took a break from acting after her marriage.

About Mahesh's career

Mahesh, on the other hand, was last seen in Guntur Kaaram, directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Guntur Kaaram is an action drama, which also stars Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Jagapathi Babu, Ramya Krishnan, Jayaram, Prakashraj, and Sunil. Guntur Kaaram released in theatres worldwide on January 12 this year.

Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment!  Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel  Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place
Kdrama stars from Korean management agency Namoo Actors spilled the beans on their favourite Lunar New Year menu options. From different type of soups to meats, and other fried or sweet delicacies, the widely admired stars knew just what they'd like to welcome the Spring Festival with. Big celebrations are never complete without huge buffets of lip-smacking food items. If you're trying your way around Korean food, these picks from your preferred actors may help you make the right decision. Song Kang, Park Eun Bin and other actors from Korean entertainment agency Namoo Actors share their favourite Lunar New Year menu items.(Instagram )

Kdrama actors' Lunar New Year menu

Kang Ki Young

The beloved actor from Extraordinary Attorney Woo, who later posed as a menacing villain in The Uncanny Counter 2, recently took on his first leading role in Queen of Divorce. His favourite Lunar New Year dish is Korean beef.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Kim Hyo Jin

The Castaway Diva actor picked Tteokguk (Korean rice cake soup) as her most desired dish for the celebrations.

Kim Jae Kyung

The former Rainbow member picked Maesaengi Rice Cake Soup as the delicious delicacy she looks forward to devouring during the festivities.

Also read: Taxi Driver actor Lee Je Hoon gears up for new K-drama Chief Detective 1958

Kim Hwan Hee

The young actress made her mark with the 2016 horror movie The Wailing. Her choice of Chinese New Year dish was Galbi-jjim (Braised beef short ribs).

Roh Jeong Eui

You may remember her from slice of life Korean dramas 18 Again and Our Beloved Summer. Much like Hyo Jin, she, too, picked Tteokguk as her go-to menu.

Do Ji Won

The veteran actress from Smile Again drama series listed crab soup as her favourite dish for this time of the year.

Park Sun Ho

Making his acting debut in 2014 with the drama series Golden Rainbow, Sun Ho is yet another Tteokguk admirer.

Park Eun Bin

The Castaway Diva and Attorney Woo herself! The beloved star is all about having food one loves. Instead of picking a particular dish, she listed food you want as her Lunar New Year menu choice.

Park Joong Hoon

The legendary Two Cops actor's favourite menu item is Kimjang Kimchi.

Seo Ye Hwa

A Time Called You star loves the deep-fried layered cookie, i.e. the traditional Korean sweet called Yakgwa or Gwajul.

Seohyun / Seo Ju Hyun

Song of the Bandits heroine's heart warms up with a share of the constant actor-favourite item - Tteokguk.

Song Kang

The much-loved My Demon actor is gearing up for the next season of blood-ridden Sweet Home. However, Tteokguk with beef broth is one such food that warmly comforts the action hero.

Yoo Jun Sang

The Uncanny Counter packed in heavy punches in the action series and now we know his favourite source of protein - sanjeok, which is a type of meat dish on skewers.

Lee Na Eun

The A-Teen actress ends the year and welcomes the new one with sweet offerings of a cake.

Lee Yoon Ji

Recently seen in My Demon, Yoon Ji is yet another Tteokguk enthusiast among the huge group of Namoo Actors.

Lee Yul Eum

Soon to appear in The 8 Show on Netflix, the young actress is yet another Tteokguk lover.

Lee Jung Ha

The Moving breakout star finds relief with a bowl of dumpling soup.

Lee Joon Gi

Flower of Evil's leading man is also a fan of rice cake soup.

Jo Woo Ri

The Gangnam Beauty actress recommends Galbi-jjim like Kim Hwan Hee.
The recently Interim Union Budget for 202425 stands as a comprehensive and forward-looking document, underscoring the Modi-led government's commitment to steering India through a trajectory of economic prosperity and inclusive development. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament on Friday. (ANI)

One of the standout features of the budget is the substantial 11.1% increase in the capital expenditure outlay, reaching an impressive 11,11,111 crore, constituting 3.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP). This announcement comes on the heels of a remarkable tripling of the capital expenditure outlay over the past four years, highlighting a strategic and calculated effort to spur economic growth and foster job creation.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The economic indicators embedded in the budget are promising. With India's real GDP projected to grow at 7.3% in FY 202324, aligning with the Reserve Bank of India's revised growth projections, the country showcases resilience amidst global economic challenges. The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s positive revision of growth projections for India further underscores the increasing global confidence in India's economic prowess.

India's anticipated ascent to become the third-largest economy by 2027, coupled with its estimated contribution to global growth rising by 200 basis points in five years, positions the country as a key player on the global economic stage. Projections from various international agencies, including the World Bank, the IMF, OECD, and ADB, further solidify India's growth potential between 6.1% and 6.7% in 202425.

Buoyed by robust economic activity, the budget notes a significant milestonethe seventh occasion where gross Goods and Services Tax revenues crossed the benchmark of 1.6 lakh crore, standing at 1.65 lakh crore in December 2023. This economic buoyancy is reflected positively on revenue collections and points towards strong growth momentum and formalisation in the economy.

The budget's estimates for the fiscal year 202425 indicate a well-balanced approach, with total receipts other than borrowings and total expenditure estimated at 30.80 and 47.66 lakh crore, respectively. Tax receipts are anticipated to reach 26.02 lakh crore, showcasing a pragmatic fiscal framework.

A notable announcement is the continuation of the 50-year interest-free loan for capital expenditure to states, with a total outlay of 1.3 lakh crore. This move aligns with the government's vision of Viksit Bharat and supports milestone-linked reforms by state governments.

While maintaining a fiscal consolidation path, the budget outlines a commitment to reduce the fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 202526, with the estimated fiscal deficit for 202425 at 5.1% of GDP. The gross and net market borrowings are estimated at 14.13 and 11.75 lakh crore, respectively, both lower than the previous fiscal year.

The government's approach to development is laudable, transcending earlier models of 'provisioning up-to-village level' to a more comprehensive, all-encompassing paradigm. The focus on four major segments'Garib' (poor), 'Mahilayen' (women), 'Yuva' (youth), and 'Annadata' (farmer)indicates a commitment to addressing the diverse needs, aspirations, and welfare of the population.

The Interim Budget recognises the pivotal role of women in nation-building, with initiatives like Mudra Yojana loans for women entrepreneurs, increased female enrollment in higher education, and significant representation in STEM courses. The momentum for 'Nari Shakti' is evident, reflecting a commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

The budget also emphasises social justice, highlighting the government's efforts to uplift the marginalised through schemes like PM-SVANidhi, PM-Kisan Samman Yojana, and PM-Janman Yojana. It is heartening to see the focus on multi-dimensional poverty reduction and financial inclusion, with direct bank transfers of 34 lakh crore using PM-Jan Dhan accounts leading to substantial savings for the government.

The roadmap for Viksit Bharat includes substantial provisions for agriculture and food processing, infrastructure development, railways, aviation, green energy initiatives, and tourism sector promotion. The commitment to attracting foreign investments, exemplified by the foreign direct investment inflow reaching $596 billion during 201423, underscores India's attractiveness as an investment destination.

The Interim Union Budget for 202425 is not just a financial plan; it is a roadmap for a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant India. The commitment to national development, social justice, and sustainable growth is evident in every aspect of the budget. As the country stands at the threshold of immense possibilities and opportunities, this budget sets the tone for a KartavyaKaala period of responsibility and commitment towards building a stronger, more prosperous India. Every challenge is seen as an opportunity, and with a visionary approach, the government pledges to present a detailed roadmap for the pursuit of Viksit Bharat in the upcoming full budget in July.

This article is authored by Anil Agrawal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
Ritesh Mishra: Chhattisgarh finance minister OP Choudhary on Friday presented a budget of Rs.1,47,446 crore for 2024-25 in the state assembly with no new taxes and said it focused on prosperity for gareeb, yuva, annadata and naari or GYAN as well as stimulating infrastructure growth. Chhattisgarh finance minister OP Choudhary (left) with chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai (Twitter/@BJP4CGState)

The finance minister announced a provision of Rs.8,369 crore for the construction of 1.8 million houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Rs.10,000 crore under Krishak Unnati Yojana for strengthening small and medium farmers and Rs.4,500 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission, which was promised by BJP under Modi Ki Guarantee.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The estimated revenue expenditure was pegged at Rs.1.24 lakh crore, with an estimated capital expenditure of Rs.22,300 crore, official data showed.

In 2024-25, the gross fiscal deficit of the state is estimated to be Rs.19,696 crore (including Rs.3,400 crore of special assistance for capital expenditure by the Union government), while the net fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs.16,296 crore, which is 2.90 per cent of GSDP, official data showed.

The budget is focused on the economic development of GYAN, gareeb (poor), yuva (youth), annadata (farmers) and naari (woman), stimulating infrastructure growth by increasing capital expenditure, as well as employment and livelihood promotion for youth, Choudhary said.

A provision of Rs.500 crore has been made for Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Yojana under which landless labourers will be provided annual assistance of Rs.10,000 up from Rs.7,000 last year, said the finance minister.

The minister said that Rs.8,369 crore has been allocated in the budget for the construction of 18 lakhs (1.8 million) houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Rs.10,000 crore under Krishak Unnati Yojana for strengthening small and medium farmers and Rs.4,500 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission.

A provision of Rs.3,000 crore has been made for Mahtari Vandan Yojana under which Rs.1,000 per month will be given to married women. An initiative for citizens for Shri Ram Lalla Darshan (visiting Ayodha Dham) has been proposed with a budgetary amount of Rs.35 crore, Choudhary said.

The Chhattisgarh Higher Education Mission Scheme will be implemented to strengthen provisions of the National Education Policy, he added.

A State Capital Region (SCR) will be established covering Raipur and Bhilai cities. A climate action plan will be prepared for a reduction in carbon emission in addition to encouragement to solar rooftops, e-vehicles, and adoption of Kusum Yojna, among others, the minister said.

A provision of Rs.5 crore has been made in the budget to organise the Invest Chhattisgarh event, he added.

There is no tax proposal for the year 2024-25 and no increase in existing tax rates. As a result of positive efforts, the governments revenue is estimated to increase by 22 per cent without imposing new tax or increment on the tax rates, he said.

Meanwhile, former CM Bhupesh Baghel said there is nothing new in the current budget presented by the BJP-ruled government is only replicating the schemes of the Congress government.

Every scheme be it for farmers, labourers, women, landless labourers were started by us apart from distributing chappals to tribals. This budget is an eyewash nothing else, said Baghel.
Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will announce candidates for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and the lone seat in Chandigarh within a fortnight in a further blow to the opposition INDIA bloc. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann in Ludhiana on Saturday. (PTI)

His comments come at a time when the opposition parties that principally agreed to fight as one under the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) banner have struggled to agree on a seat-sharing formula, especially in states where they are in a triangular contest involving one or more prospective allies and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Seeking peoples blessings for the elections due this summer, the Delhi chief minister said voters need to sweep Punjab with full force. Two years back, you gave your blessings. Out of 117 seats, you gave us 92 seats. You created history in Punjab. Today I again seek your blessing with folded hands, he said in a reference to the 2022 Punjab assembly elections when the AAP stormed to power, in a major setback for the Congress, a key INDIA bloc constituent.

There will be Lok Sabha elections after two months. In Punjab, there are 13 (Lok Sabha) seats, one is Chandigarh and there will be 14 seats. In the coming 10-15 days, the AAP will announce its candidates on all these 14 seats. I request you the way you blessed us two years back, get the party to win all these 14 seats, said Kejriwal, who was accompanied by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

Read more: Firmly with INDIA bloc, AAP clarifies after Kejriwal's announcement on Punjab seats

While the AAP contested the Chandigarh mayoral polls in alliance with the Congress, the announcement about the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat came weeks after Mann, on January 24, announced that the party would go solo in Punjab. That announcement was followed by Trinamool Congress (TMC)  another INDIA party  saying it would context all seats in West Bengal alone.

Earlier, the AAP announced it will go it alone in Haryanas assembly polls.

To be sure, while such announcements do signal fissures within the bloc, a possible alliance may still be on the cards until candidates are declared and nominations filed.

Hours after the announcement, the AAP issued a statement emphasising that it was firmly with the INDIA bloc and asked the Congress for a quick decision on seat-sharing.

The local units of both Congress and AAP in Punjab favoured fighting election separately, the statement said. So we have decided to honour that. Regarding other states, talks are ongoing, the statement said.

We are firmly with the alliance. Our shared goal is to defeat the BJP. Time is thus of paramount importance if the goal is to defeat the BJP and we are hoping that the Congress will finalise seat-sharing talks at the earliest, the party, which is in power in Delhi and Punjab, said.

Read more: Agencies unleashed against me as if Im terrorist: CM Arvind Kejriwal

Kejriwal made Saturdays announcement while addressing a gathering organised for the Punjab governments Ghar ghar muft ration (doorstep delivery of ration) scheme, in Amloh.

During his address, the Delhi chief minister praised the Bhagwant Mann government for completing a lot of work in the past two years, and hit out at the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.

In 75 years, the Congress has ruled for so many years. Tell me one good work the Congress has done. (You) will not remember. If I ask you, Akali Dal ruled for so many years, tell me one good work the Akali Dal has done. (You) will not remember, said Kejriwal.

It is just two years since Mann became the CM and tell one work he has done. Everybody will say electricity has been made free. There is a 24-hour electricity supply, he said.

How the money came? Everybodys electricity has been made free. It is an honest government and does not indulge in corruption, he asserted, adding that every penny is being spent on the welfare of people.

Kejriwal said the people will not have to visit ration (fair price) shops every month for food grains now.

Under this scheme, beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act will get wheat in bags at their doorsteps.

Kejriwal said despite many parties having formed government at the Centre, the theft of ration meant for the poor could not stop in the past 75 years.

Read more: Arvind Kejriwal opts out of INDIA bloc in Punjab, says AAP to contest all seats; BJP takes swipe

If 100 kg ration is sent, then only 10-15 kg reaches the poor, said Kejriwal, alleging that the rest of the ration was misappropriated by middlemen, politicians and officers.

The Ghar ghar muft ration scheme which is starting (from Punjab) is not a small thing. It is the beginning of stopping the lakhs and crores worth of black business from the theft of ration in the country, he said.

The AAP leader said after his party formed the government in Delhi, he tried to implement the same scheme in the national capital. When it was about to be implemented, the BJP government stopped its implementation, he alleged. I wanted to stop theft of ration and get the poor their rights, he said.

This scheme will not remain limited to Punjab only, he said, adding that one day will come in 5-10 years, this scheme will be implemented throughout the country.

In the 2019, Lok Sabha polls, the Congress won eight seats, the Shiromani Akali Dal had won two, the Bharatiya Janata Party won two and the AAP had won one seat. The Chandigarh seat is represented by BJP MP Kirron Kher.

Saturdays announcement added to the woes of the INDIA bloc as major political parties with strong presence in some states have announced their decisions to contest elections alone. While AAP and TMC have decided to go solo in Punjab and West Bengal, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) pulled out of the alliance at the state level and decided to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance last month.

Separately, there is speculation that the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) led by Jayant Chaudhary, a prominent Jat leader with considerable sway in western Uttar Pradesh, is set to walk out of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to align with the BJP.
The Mumbai Police has revealed fresh details in connection with the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar as it arrested accused Mauris Noronha's bodyguard under the Arms Act on Friday. The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered two FIRs in connection with the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar. Mauris Noronha (left) with Uddhav Sena leader Abhishek Ghosalkar on a Facebook live on Thursday in which the Sena leader was shot by Noronha.

Abhishek Ghosalkar, 41, son of former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vinod Ghosalkar, was shot dead in Borivali in suburban Mumbai on Thursday evening during a Facebook live, allegedly by his old political rival Mauris Noronha, 47, who later died by suicide. The crime branch has formed two teams to probe into the matter.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Abhishek Ghosalkar, a prominent figure and former corporator, was fatally shot in the abdomen and shoulder in the video that quickly went viral. Mauris Noronha proceeded to take his own life following the attack.

Also Read | Mauris Noronha stole guards gun to kill Abhishek Ghosalkar and self

Top updates on Abhishek Ghosalkar's murder case:

The bodyguard, whose pistol was allegedly used in the murder of Mauris Ghosalkar, was identified as Amarendra Mishra and he has been arrested under section 29 (B) of the Arms Act which deals with the offence of handing over a weapon to someone without ascertaining if the person is legally permitted to possess it, news agency PTI reported.

The police said Mauris Noronha suspected that Abhishek Ghosalkar had implicated him in a rape case. Mauris Noronha spent nearly five months behind bars.

The police have recorded the statements of Mauris Noronha's family members, including his wife, and learnt that he nursed a grudge against Abhishek Ghosalkar, a loyalist of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT).

Also Read | Abhishek Ghosalkar's murder: As parties break down, bhais like Mauris Noronha step in

Abhishek Ghosalkar's murder: As parties break down, bhais like Mauris Noronha step in According to the wife of alleged assailant's statement to police, her husband, who had political aspirations, suspected Abhisek Ghosalkar had implicated him in the rape case.

The Mumbai Police, under the supervision of joint commissioner of Police Satya Narayan and deputy commissioner of police Datta Nalawade, are trying to unravel the complexities of this case, PTI reported.

According to Amarendra Mishra's wife, while hiring him Noronha was keen that he left his pistol in the office after duty hours.

There was a tussle between Abhishek Ghosalkar, who was a former corporator, and Mauris Noronha, who had political aspirations of his own, said a police official.

Mauris Noronha, after coming out of jail, would frequently say that he would not "spare" Abhishek Ghosalkar, the official said, adding that he first decided to win Ghosalkars trust by offering an olive branch to him.

Mauris Noronha also began putting up Abhishek Ghoslkars banners in his area. Around 7.30pm on Thursday, Abhishek Ghosalkar was in his own office in IC Colony area of suburban Borivali, less than 100 metres from Mauris Noronhas office on the ground floor of 'Prabhu Udyog Bhavan' building, when he got a call from Noronha.

Mauris Noronha asked him to come over to his office, saying he had organised saree distribution for women in the area, the official said. Noronha then suggested to Ghosalkar that they do a Facebook Live to announce their decision to bury the hatchet and work together.

During the Facebook Live, Mauris Noronha pumped bullets into Ghosalkar using his bodyguard's pistol.

He then rushed to the mezzanine floor of his office and shot himself in the head, the police official added.

"After shooting five bullets at Abhishek Ghosalkar, accused Mauris stood at the door and kept looking at him for 3-4 seconds. After completing his target, he tried to shoot himself there, but the pistol did not fire. After this, he went to the upper floor. Above, he loaded the bullet into the pistol and shot himself within 25 seconds," the crime branch said.

It said that a total of six rounds were fired, out of which 5 were fired at Abhishek Ghosalkar and one by Mauris on himself.

(With PTI, ANI inputs)
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology that the use of dummy fingers or rubber fingers to fraudulently withdraw money using Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) was on the rise. The MHA said they are working with Aadhaar and the National Payments Corporation of India to put an end to AePS frauds.

Biometrics cloning: We are seeing this also. They use dummy fingers or rubber fingers to take out money through the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System. This has been enhanced. We are working with Aadhaar and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) to put an end to this. We should see some reduction in the coming weeks, the MHA submitted.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The committee had specifically asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) if Aadhaar data had been linked when AePS was misused and what actions had been taken to prevent leakage of Aadhaar data in misuse of AePS. MeitY in its submission, denied any data leakage. As reported by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), no breach of Aadhaar card holders data has occurred from the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) maintained by the UIDAI in which the database of biometric and demographic information of Aadhaar is maintained

The committee was also informed that NPCI, in a circular dated October 26, 2023, had instructed banks to disable AePS services in accounts which hadnt had any debit transactions in the preceding 12 months by November 30, 2023. This circular exempted accounts which had received direct benefit transfer (DBT) credits, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and basic savings bank deposit account (BSBDA) accounts. HT could not find this NPCI circular on the NPCI website.

MeitY told the committee that to prevent AePS frauds, UIDAI had asked acquirer banks to enforce stringent guidelines/checks for on-boarding of Business Correspondent (BC) agents and Corporate BCs (CBCs) and to ensure the use of verifiable and reliable identity to be used for on-boarding BC, mechanism to obtain police verification during BC on boarding.

UIDAI suggested the mandatory need of reporting of frauds to law enforcement agencies by the issuer and acquirer bank for every case of AePS fraudulent transaction reported and Acquirer banks to file FIR for frauds reports on BC agents after expeditiously investigating the same and issuer banks to file mandatory a complaint on the I4C National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, MeitY told the committee.

MeitY questioned over ICMR data breach

The committee also questioned MeitY over reports of Aadhaar data of more than 800 million Indians being leaked. MeitY said that the data in question was not from the UIDAI database as the data fields in the leaked sample data do not exist in the UIDAI database or is different from that of UIDAI database. Since there were reports that this data was compromised from an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) database, the MeitY said, UIDAI has neither made available Aadhaar data to ICMR nor authenticated any Aadhaar data held by ICMR. The source of data is unrelated to UIDAI and there is no leakage of data from UIDAI database, MeitY told the committee.

CERT-In received threat intelligence reports regarding sale of personal data with samples claiming to be of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and notified ICMR of the same and suggested remedial measures. CERT-In is coordinating incident analysis with law enforcement agency, MeitY told the committee.

Regarding intelligence reports received by CERT-In with regard to sale of personal data, the Committee may be apprised about the outcome of the measures suggested and the finding of the analysis by CERT-In, the committee said in its report.
King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on his resounding victory in the snap presidential election, Azernews reports, citing Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The King wished President Ilham Aliyev continued success in carrying out his presidential duties to achieve the aspirations of the Azerbaijani people for further progress and prosperity.
In a 60 Minutes interview Oct. 15, President Biden had an admonition for Iran and its proxies: Dontdontdontdont.

Iran has called Bidens bluff.

Bidens military show of force in the East Mediterranean Sea, after the Hamas slaughter of over 1,200 innocent Israelis on Oct. 7, has been ignored by Iran.

Hezbollah militants continue to shoot rockets and anti-tank missiles into Israel from Lebanon and the West Bank; Shia militias are attacking U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria; and Houthi rebels are firing missiles and drones at shipping in the Red Sea.

Biden suffers from escalation paralysis driven by 2024 political considerations. He fears confronting the sponsor and source of the problem  Iran.

On Feb. 2, the U.S. launched long-delayed airstrikes on seven facilities run by Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq.

U.S. officials broadcast for days that strikes would be coming after the Jan. 28 drone attack that killed three Americans at a U.S. base in Jordan.

Biden administration officials telegraphed the strikes would be against the militias  and not Iran. Militia leaders had plenty of time to leave the target areas.

The strikes reportedly hit 75 targets that included command and control centers and storage facilities for rockets and missiles. But Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard officers had time to flee.

The administration indicated the U.S. strikes could last for days or weeks. Will these actions finally send a message of deterrence to Tehran?

To date, the weak U.S. retaliatory strikes havent worked, despite more than 169 enemy attacks on U.S. bases and ships since mid-October.

President Biden fears escalation and thats evident in all of his actions. The attacks on Americans will only stop when the enemy fears escalation more than Biden does.

The real test is whether these strikes will deter Iran. The mullahs in Tehran control these militias, and so far they have paid no price for three dead and 120 wounded American service members.

Meanwhile, Biden faces a full-on shooting war with the Iran-backed proxy Houthi rebels who control a third of Yemen.

The Houthis hatched a plan, backed by Iran, to hijack commercial shipping and shoot at the U.S. Navy. They fire missiles and drones targeting ships transiting the vital straits of the Red Sea. Its a critical shipping chokepoint.

As the Houthi attacks that began Nov.19 intensified, these terrorists ignored repeated U.S. warnings of consequences if they didnt stop their piracy. A U.S.-led coalition to protect shipping didnt dissuade the Houthis, who have launched some 30 attacks in the Red Sea since November.

On Feb. 3, major strikes were conducted on 36 targets in 13 locations in Yemen, including deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile and air defense systems and radars. Notably, no targeting of Iranian assets or military personnel occurred.

At every turn, Biden administration officials stress the U.S. doesnt want a prolonged war with the Houthis.

Bidens Republican opponents  Donald Trump and Nikki Haley  have been highly critical of Bidens Middle East weakness.

Trump has offered no specifics, other than saying attacks would not have happened if he were in office.

Haley has called for going after launch sites and then surgically taking out one or two Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders inside or outside Iran. She also proposes imposing more aggressive economic sanctions on Iran.

A national NBC News Poll on Feb. 4 found Bidens approval rating declining to the lowest level of his presidency  37%  with only 34% approving of his handling of foreign policy and 60% disapproving.

Robert Gates, President Obamas Defense Secretary, wrote about Biden in his 2021 memoir:

I think he has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and defense issue over the past four decades.

Beginning with the debacle in Afghanistan, Biden continues to get foreign policy wrong.
Patna: Political activities intensified in Bihar on Saturday ahead of the February 12 floor test of the Nitish Kumar government, with the Janata Dal (United) issuing a whip to its legislators to be present in the assembly during the vote while the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shifted all its MLAs and MLCs to a temporary shelter at Tejashwi Yadavs residence in Patna, people familiar with the developments said. The newly-formed Nitish Kumar governement in Bihar is set to undergo a floor test in the assembly on February 12. (HT Photo)

The JD(U) whip came after at least five of its total 45 MLAs failed to turn up at a luncheon meeting organised at the house of party leader and state minister Shravan Kumar on Saturday. Of the five MLAs, two are said to be out of the state while one was undergoing medical treatment, a JD(U) insider said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A whip has been issued, directing MLAs to remain present in the House and vote in favour of the government whenever the occasion arises, Shravan Kumar told reporters, describing the move as a routine exercise before an assembly session.

The rural welfare minister warned that MLAs defying the whip would have to face consequences, including losing their membership.

Read more: Nitish Kumar says 'here forever' after meeting PM Modi in Delhi: 'Beech mein do baar...'

The floor test has been necessitated after Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on January 28 following a dramatic volte-face, ditching the grand alliance it shared with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress to form a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he had dumped less than 18 months ago.

Meanwhile, political circles were abuzz with speculations of a nail-biting floor test owing to a wafer-thin majority of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the 243-member assembly. The NDA has the support of 128 legislators  BJPs 78, JD(U)s 45, Hindustan Awam Morcha-Secular (four) and one independent  six more than the majority mark. The four legislators from former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM-S gave the NDA a cushion in case of any last-minute dissension in the ruling parties.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan has the support of 115 MLAs, including RJDs 79, Congresss 19, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberations 12 and five from other smaller partners.

On Saturday morning, CPI(ML) leader Mahboob Alam met Manjhi, raising speculation of a last-minute understanding. While Alam later described the meeting as a courtesy call to enquire about Manjhis health, the HAM-S leader sounded confident of the NDA sailing through the floor test.

Nitish Kumar has the support of 128 MLAs. Everyone will vote in his favour on February 12. There is no chance that the government will collapse, Manjhi, whose party has also issued a whip to its four legislators, said.

Read more: Jiten Ram Manjhi, a man for all alliances

The opposition RJD on Saturday moved its 79 MLAs and eight MLCs to a temporary shelter in former deputy CM Tejashwi Yadavs 5, Deshratn Marg residence to quell possibility of horse-trading attempts by the ruling alliance, a party functionary said.

All arrangements for a comfortable stay for the legislators have been made at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav. There is no restriction on movement of any legislator, an RJD MLA said, requesting anonymity.

On Saturday evening, the 12 MLAs of the CPI-ML(Liberation) also attended a meeting at Tejashwi Yadavs residence. The CPI-ML(Liberation) is part of the RJD-led grand alliance along with the Congress, which has already spirited away its MLAs to a resort near Hyderabad, the capital of party-ruled Telangana.

Reacting to the development, the BJP accused the RJD of keeping its leaders under house arrest.

Sensing uneasiness among some RJD MLAs, the party has put them under house arrest. On the other hand, the RJD is trying to grab headlines by making all kinds of statements. In reality, the NDA is comfortable and confident from day one, BJP leader Nikhil Anand said.

(With inputs from Anirban Guha Roy)
Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday asked whether the Modi government only serves one community and one religion and whether the January 22 consecration event of Ayodhya's Ram Temple was a triumph of one religion over the other. Taking part in a discussion on Ram Temple inauguration, Owaisi said Muslims of the country are repeatedly asked to prove their patriotism. Am I the spokesperson of Babur, Jinnah or Aurangzeb? I respect Lord Ram but I hate Nathuram Godse who killed that person whose last words were Hey Ram, Owaisi said citing the 2019 Supreme Court order which said the mosque demolition was an egregious act. Asaduddin Owaisi said he respects Lord Ram but hates Nathuram Godse because he killed the person whose last words were 'Hey Ram'.

"Governments come and go. Modi government celebrated what happened on December 6," Owaisi said to which chairperson Rajendra Agarwal said there was no festival on what happened on December 6, but the festival was on the inauguration of Ram Temple. "You are a scholar. You have legal knowledge also. Both ASI and Supreme Court said there was a temple in which the mosque was built," the chair said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

As Owaisi referred to Babur, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey stood up and said the chair should only ask Owaisi whether he considers Babur an invader. To this, Owaisi said, "You first say what you consider Pushyamitra Shunga as. He had an army to raze temples. That's what I am reiterating that after so many years of Independence, Nishikant Dubey ji is asking Asaduddin Owaisi about Babur. You could have asked me about Gandhi, Netaji, Jallianwala Bagh. But no, you will ask me about Babur," Owaisi said. PM Modi is sending a message to the Muslims that they can either choose their lives or justice, Owaisi said.

Many people said there would be riots: Amit Shah

Speaking on the Ram Mandir debate, Amit Shah said Ram Mandir was inaugurated based on the Supreme Court judgement. There is no country which went through such a long legal fight to see the realisation of the faith of the majority, Amit Shah said. "Bhaiya, swagat kar lo. (Brother, welcome it). When everyone is celebrating what is the point in opposing that?" Amit Shah said adding that many people thought there would be riots when Raam Mandir is inaugurated but the Modi government ensured there was no disruption.

"When PM Modi got the opportunity to do the pran-pratishtha, he consulted all seers about what rituals he should perform. He observed a rigorous ritual ly sleeping on the floor, drinking only coconut water.," Amit Shah said.
New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Uniform Civil Code was a constitutional agenda signed by first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru but the Congress party later ignored it due to its appeasement politics. Amit Shah also attacked the opposition over the Ram Temple.

"But the Congress had ignored it due to appeasement. The enforcement of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a social change. It will be discussed on all forums and face legal scrutiny. A secular country cannot have religion-based civil codes," Shah said at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2024.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Uttarakhand assembly, earlier this week, passed the UCC bill, which seeks to replace the religious personal laws with laws applicable to all religions equally. Muslim bodies have opposed the law.

He also made a sharp attack at Rahul Gandhi over his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, saying he had no rights to carry out the yatra because his party was responsible for the partition of the country in 1947.

Amit Shah also attributed the delay in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to appeasement.

"However, due to the politics of appeasement and citing law and order, the construction of the Ram temple was not allowed," he said.

Amit Shah on CAA

Meanwhile, Shah declared that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be implemented before the Lok Sabha elections.

Also read: Amit Shah says CAA will be implemented before 2024 Lok Sabha elections

The law, enacted in 2019, makes it easier for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to get Indian citizenship. The law had triggered a year-long protest by the Muslim community at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh.

"Our Muslim brothers are being misled and instigated (against the CAA). The CAA is only meant to give citizenship to those who came to India after facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. It is not for snatching anyone's Indian citizenship," he said.

Amit Shah claimed the BJP will get 370 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Also read: Asaduddin Owaisi slams Uniform Civil Code, says Hindus, tribals kept out

"We have abrogated Article 370 (of the Constitution, which gave a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir). So we believe that the people of the country will bless the BJP with 370 seats and the NDA with over 400 seats," he said.

UCC rules and Muslim bodies' opposition

One of the highlights of the Uttarakhand UCC rules is the provision of registering live-in relationships. Per the rules, couples will have to register their relationships within one year or face jail term.

The UCC also exempted Uttarakhand's tribal community.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the exemptions. He also said the implementation of the law was in violation of his fundamental rights.

With inputs from PTI
Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be notified and implemented before the upcoming Lok Sabha election, calling it an act of the country. Shah stressed that the act is to provide citizenship and not to take away anyone's citizenship. Union home minister Amit Shah

The CAA is an act of the countryIt will be notified before the polls. There should be no confusion around it. Minorities in our country, and especially our Muslim community, are being provokedThe CAA cannot snatch away anyone's citizenship because there is no provision in the Act. The CAA is an act to provide citizenship to refugees who were persecuted in Bangladesh and Pakistan, Shah said while speaking at the ET Now-Global Business summit in Delhi.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Notably, the assurance of implementing the CAA, which was passed in the Parliament on December 11, 2019, has been a significant electoral agenda for the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.

Shah further accused the previous Congress government of backtracking on the promise to implement the CAA in the country.

The CAA was a promise of the Congress government. When the country was divided and the minorities were persecuted in those countries, Congress had assured the refugees that they were welcome in India and they will be provided with Indian citizenship. Now they are backtracking, he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act?

The Citizenship Amendment Act, commonly known as CAA, was introduced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. The Act aimed to confer Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution. However, it does not include Muslims or other communities who fled from the same or neighboring regions. This triggered massive protests across the country.

CAA protests

Initially, protests began in Assam on December 4, 2019, after the CAA was introduced in Parliament. The demonstrations intensified across the country after the passage of the Act on December 11, 2019, with some areas witnessing violence. The protesters called CAA discriminatory and an attack on the secularism of India. According to reports, several people lost their lives either during the protests or due to police action, while thousands of demonstrators were held.
Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and one in Chandigarh, said Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday, virtually calling the curtains on the Opposition's INDIA alliance in the state. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal(HT_PRINT)

"Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab. I have come to you with folded hands, asking for one more blessing. Lok Sabha elections will be held in two months. For Lok Sabha elections, Punjab has 13 seats and one from Chandigarh - a total of 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, AAP will declare its candidates in all of these 14 seats. You have to make AAP sweep all these 14 seats with a majority," he said at an event on Saturday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement while addressing a gathering in Khanna, Punjab.

Last month, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann had said his party will contest all 13 seats in Punjab.

Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's big claims: BJP offered 25 crore to 7 AAP MLAs to topple government

Mann today attacked the Congress, saying the party has lost its ground in the state.

The remarks suggest that the ongoing talks between AAP and the Congress over seat sharing haven't made progress.

The two parties, traditionally bitter rivals in Punjab and Delhi, had contested the Chandigarh mayoral elections together last month, indicating that they could extend the alliance to the Lok Sabha elections. However, Kejriwal's remark indicates that the two parties may face the BJP and SAD in Punjab in a quadrilateral electoral competition.

BJP takes sharp jibe at Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc

Reacting to the announcement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the INDIA bloc is crumbling.

Also read: BJPs vessel of sin is full': Arvind Kejriwal on Chandigarh poll result controversy

"One more blow to the INDI alliance...Arvind Kejriwal has announced today that the AAP will contest alone on 13 seats of Punjab and one seat of Chandigarh. It means the INDI Alliance will not contest there, there won't be an alliance there...The structure of the INDI Alliance is crumbling...No mission, no vision, only commission, only corruption, only confusion, only contradiction. Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra is strange. It is more of 'bye bye yatra' than Nyay Yatra. He should have taken out 'INDI jodo yatra' instead," he said.

More trouble for INDIA bloc

Kejriwal's announcement is a fresh blow to the beleaguered INDIA bloc, formed last year to take on the BJP juggernaut in the Lok Sabha elections. The Mallikarjun Kharge-led group recently lost its two main regional satraps -- Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee.

Kumar joined hands with the BJP after dumping his ally RJD, saying the Congress wanted to usurp the leadership of the INDIA bloc. Banerjee claimed the Congress delayed the seat-sharing talks and rejected her offer.

While Rahul Gandhi still counts Banerjee as the Congress party's INDIA alliance, her Trinamool has been sniping at the party.

With inputs from ANI
New Delhi: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, in an emotive speech in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, declared that the Babri mosque will exist in perpetuity at the Ram Temple site in Ayodhya. He concluded his address with the ' Babri Maszid zindabad' slogan. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi at Parliament House complex during the Budget session, in New Delhi.(PTI file photo)

"My faith that the mosque still exists and will remain at the place where it once stood. Babri Masjid was, is and will remain. Long live Babri Masjid, long live India, Jai Hind," he said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

.Asaduddin Owaisi also posted the video of his speech on his X account.

Replying to a discussion on the construction of the Ram Temple in Lok Sabha, Owaisi said the BJP government gave the impression that one religion triumphed over another.

Also read: Owaisi on Ram Mandir debate: Am I the spokesperson of Babur, Jinnah, Aurangzeb?

"I want to ask if the Modi government is the government of a particular community, religion or the government of the entire country? Does GoI have a religion? I believe that this country does not have a religion. Through 22nd January, does this government want to give a message that one religion triumphed over the other?" he added.

He said he respects Lord Ram but hates Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi.

"What message do you give to the 17 crore Muslims in the country?...Am I a spokesperson of Babar, Jinnah or Aurangzeb?...I respect Lord Ram but I hate Nathuram Godse because he killed the person whose last words were Hey Ram," he added.

He said the Modi government celebrated what happened on December 6.

Babri Masjid was demolished by right-wing activists on December 6, 1992.

After nearly three decades since the incident, the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the disputed land be handed over to the temple trust for the construction of the Ram Temple. It also asked the government to allocate a separate 5-acre plot to the Muslim side for the construction of a mosque.

With inputs from ANI
Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and scientist MS Swaminathan, will be posthumously conferred Indias highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday. From left: Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh, and agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan (PTI)

It was in Raos term that India opened up its economy; Singh was an iconic farm- and socialist-leader; and Swaminathan was the man behind Indias Green Revolution which made the country self sufficient in grains.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The award and its timing, months ahead of general elections, bears political significance: honouring Rao exploits the fault-lines that existed between him and the Gandhi family leadership of the Congress party after 1991; and awarding Singh helps the Bharatiya Janata Party edge closer to his son and Rashtriya Lok Dals Jayant Chaudhary, who commands significant support in Uttar Pradesh. Indeed, there are reports that the two parties have already arrived at an understanding that will be announced soon.

With the three names announced on Friday, the government has now announced five Bharat Ratnas in a single year  the other two include BJP leader and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani, and two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur  which is almost a tenth of the 53 announced since the awards inception.

In a series of posts, Modi called it his governments good fortune that Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He dedicated his life to the rights and welfare of farmers.

Modi cited Singhs role in nation-building as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, the countrys home minister, and as a lawmaker. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to farmers and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Singhs grandson, Jayant Chaudhary, responded to Modis post on X announcing the award, saying it has won hearts. The response came amid speculation that the RLD could join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance.

Modi described Rao as a distinguished scholar and statesman, who served India in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union minister, and as a member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the countrys prosperity and growth.

Modi said significant measures that opened India to global markets and fostered a new era of economic development marked Raos tenure as the prime minister. ...his contributions to Indias foreign policy, language, and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.

Rao became Indias unlikely prime minister after Rajiv Gandhis assassination and, with Manmohan Singh as his finance minister, pushed seismic economic reforms even as the country faced a balance of payments crisis. But Rao himself was shunned by the Congress party after his loss in the 1996 elections. When he died in 2004 his body was not even brought to the Congress headquarters. It was under Raos watch as Prime Minister that the Babri Mosque was demolished in Ayodhya in December 1992.

Asked about the Bharat Ratna announcements, specifically for Rao, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, in a brief response outside Parliament, said, I welcome them... why not?

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said, PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan were, are and will always be the gems of India. Their contribution was unprecedented, which every Indian respects. Modi government is silent on giving the legal status of minimum support price to farmers based on the Swaminathan formula. Due to the stubbornness of Prime Minister Modi, 700 farmers were martyred during the movement, but the government broke its promise to the farmers. Even today the farmers are ready to march to Delhi, but the government is not listening.

On Swaminathan, the PM said the agriculture scientist was being conferred the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his contribution to farmer welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.

Modi referred to Swaminathans invaluable work as an innovator and mentor, and added he encouraged learning and research. Modi said Swaminathans visionary leadership transformed Indian agriculture and also ensured the nations food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs.

Swaminathan, who died last year, and experts at the erstwhile Planning Commission worked on a policy to subsidise fertilisers and power while expanding irrigation cover to promote the wheat variety he developed for India, utilising British-era water canals in Punjab and Haryana. The scientist was instrumental in bringing to India wheat and rice varieties that led to high yields, which made India a large cereal producer.

Former WHO chief scientist, and the plant geneticists daughter, Dr Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the announcement. I am sure that he would have also been happy if the news had come during his lifetime. But he was never somebody who worked for awards or waited for recognition, she said, adding that it was the farmers love that meant a lot to him.

Modis announcement about conferring the Bharat Ratna comes days after he said Advani and Thakur will get the countrys highest civilian award. Thakur championed the equitable distribution of reservation benefits and implemented quotas in jobs for other backward classes (OBCs). The award for Thakur was announced a day before his birth centenary. His legacy on affirmative action continues to reverberate in Bihar and among backward classes. The award for him was seen as a major outreach, months ahead of the general elections. Caste is expected to play a major role in shaping the poll narrative in Bihar.

Thakur became the 49th person to get the honour and the 15th to receive it posthumously. His Bharat Ratna was the first to be announced after five years. The last rounds of the awards were named in 2019, when former President Pranab Mukherjee, Jana Sangh stalwart Nanaji Deshmukh, and artiste Bhupen Hazarika won the award.

The award for Advani was announced as the BJP fulfilled its poll promise of building the Ram temple. Advanis absence from the temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22 surprised many as he is credited with having changed the fortunes of the party after he led the Rath Yatra demanding a temple.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Senior BJP leader Satyapal Singh on Saturday quoted from Jawaharlal Nehru's "tryst with destiny" speech, saying the country's long-suppressed soul found utterance on January 22, when a grand Ram temple was consecrated at Ayodhya. HT Image

Initiating a discussion in the Lok Sabha on "the construction of historic Shri Ram Temple and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala", Singh also slammed the Congress for questioning the existence of Lord Ram, which he said has pushed the party to the opposition benches.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The short-duration discussion during the last scheduled sitting of the 17th Lok Sabha began with the DMK members trying to raise the issue of Tamil fishermen and urging the chair to admit an adjournment motion. They walked out of the House after Speaker Om Birla disallowed the notice for the adjournment motion.

Singh, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who represents the Baghpat constituency in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, said it was a historic moment to witness the inauguration of the Ram temple and the "pran pratishtha" (consecration) of the idol of Ram Lalla in the present times.

"Shri Ram does not belong to Hindus alone, he belongs to everyone. Bhagwan Ram is our ancestor as well as our inspiration," the former Union minister said, adding that the temple is not a "communal" issue as some people perceive it.

At the same time, he slammed the previous Congress government for giving an affidavit in the court stating that "Ram Setu" was not a man-made structure and that Lord Ram was imaginary.

"Where there is Ram, there is religion. Those who murder dharma are killed and those who uphold dharma are protected. The Congress is in this situation today because it rejected Lord Ram at that time," Singh said.

The two-term Lok Sabha member said to deny the existence of god is akin to rejecting one's culture, tradition, civilisation and heritage.

He recalled that on August 15, 1947, Nehru had delivered a speech in which he had said "a moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance".

"With the construction of the Ram temple, the long suppressed soul of the nation has awakened," Singh said.

Participating in the debate, Congress member Gaurav Gogoi said Lord Ram forms part of the everyday life in several parts of the country where people greet each other by saying "Ram Ram".

He said the definition of "Ram Rajya" means an era when everyone is happy and no one is unhappy.

Gogoi, the deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, wondered whether the oppressed, backward classes and minorities of the country are happy in the present times.

He said crimes against the Scheduled Castes (SCs) are on the rise and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) are demanding a caste census because they feel discriminated against when in comes to education in universities and share in government jobs.

Intervening in the discussion, Union minister Niranjan Jyoti said the credit for organising the agitation for the Ram temple should go to late Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal who toiled hard to gather seers for the purpose.

Referring to a remark by Gogoi that the Congress does not believe in opening fire on people, she questioned as to why the opposition party never expressed regret for the deaths of "kar sevaks" in police firing in Ayodhya during the tenure of then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Without naming the Samajwadi Party, she said the Congress is a constituent in the INDIA opposition bloc.

Continuing her attack on the Congress, Jyoti said objectionable words were used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at public meetings.

She also credited Modi with ensuring food and jobs for the needy to overcome the hardships faced by them during the COVID-19 crisis.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislative council member (MLC) and former Telangana minister Patnam Mahender Reddy met chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday night and announced his intention to quit the BRS and join the ruling Congress. According to a Congress leader familiar with the development said BRS leader Mahender Reddy has requested chief minister A Revanth Reddy to consider his candidature for Lok Sabha elections from Chevella parliamentary constituency (ANI)

Mahender Reddy, along with his wife Sunitha, who is the chairperson of Vikarabad zilla parishad, called on the chief minister at the latters residence and discussed his plans to join the Congress. State health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha and senior leader Rohin Reddy were also present at the meeting.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking to reporters later, Sunitha said she and her husband would formally join the Congress party within a week. We have served the BRS for a long time, but have not got any recognition there. We have decided to quit the party after consulting our followers and well-wishers, she said.

According to a Congress leader familiar with the development said Mahender Reddy has requested the chief minister to consider his candidature for Lok Sabha elections from Chevella parliamentary constituency.

In fact, Mahender Reddy had been sulking in the BRS ever since he was denied the party ticket for the assembly elections from Tandur, which was given to sitting MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy. However, BRS president and then chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao pacified him and took into the state cabinet in August 2023, months before the assembly elections.

A three-time MLA from Tandur, Mahender Reddy had also served as a minister between 2014 and 2018 in the first BRS government. Earlier, he was with the Telugu Desam Party before joining the BRS in 2014. He lost the election in 2018 to Congresss Rohit Reddy. In 2019, the BRS made him a member of the Legislative Council. He was re-elected to Council from the local body authorities constituency in 2021.

Mahender Reddys decision to quit the BRS comes within days of a party MP from Peddapalli parliamentary constituency in Telangana Borlakunta Venkatesh Netha quitting the BRS.

Netha, a first-time MP, resigned from the BRS on February 6 and joined the Congress in New Delhi. He is expecting the Congress ticket for the Peddapalli Lok Sabha seat again.

Last week, another senior BRS lawmaker from Station Ghanpur assembly constituency and former deputy chief minister Thatikonda Rajaiah resigned from the party. He is also likely to join the Congress. He is learnt to be seeking the Congress ticket from Warangal Lok Sabha seat.

Meanwhile, former director of public health and family welfare Gadala Srinivasa Rao also resigned from the job and announced his intention to join the Congress. He is hoping to contest from the Khammam Lok Sabha seat.

I have always wanted to serve people. Now, I want to join electoral politics and serve the people in Khammam, he said.

Rao was considered to be a staunch loyalist of KCR, as he was actively participating in the BRS activities in Kothagudem. He made his political intentions clear when he had touched KCRs feet and sought his blessings at a public rally during the assembly elections.
New Delhi: The Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA, 2019 rules will be notified and implemented before the Lok Sabha elections, Union home minister Amit Shah said Saturday. Union home minister Amit Shah (File Photo)

Speaking at the ET-Now Global Business Summit (GBS) in Delhi, Shah said, The CAA is an act of the country. It will be notified before the polls (upcoming Lok Sabha elections). There should be no confusion about it.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

It (the law) was a promise of the Congress government. When the country was divided, and the minorities were persecuted in those countries, Congress assured the refugees that they were welcome in India and that they would be provided with Indian citizenship. But they backtracked, Shah added.

The home minister clarified that the CAA was brought in to provide citizenship and not take away anyones citizenship. Minorities, especially Muslims, are being provoked. CAA cannot snatch away anyones citizenship.

Passed by the Parliament in December 2019, the implementation of the law has been delayed by four years. The CAA, which amended the Citizenship Act, 1955, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

It was passed by the Parliament on December 11, 2019, and was notified on December 12 of the same year. But the rules for the controversial law are awaited.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi says people being fooled about Modis caste; BJP hits back

Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah said it was very unfortunate that there is a debate on the caste of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged that Gandhi has a habit of telling lies publicly and repeating those thereafter.

PM Modis caste was listed in Gujarat as OBC (Other Backward Classes) on July 25, 1994. At that time, the chief minister of Gujarat was Chhabildas Mehta, and the party in power was the Congress. Till that time, Modi had not contested a single election. The question of his caste did not come at all, Shah said.

Subsequently, the Gujarat government recommended the inclusion of his caste in the central OBC list. It was finally included in the central OBC list in 2000. At that time also, Modi was not in a position of power  not an MP, not an MLA, nor even a sarpanch. He became the chief minister in 2001. These (Congress) people have a habit of distorting facts, Shah said.

As far as Modis caste is concerned, it is very unfortunate that there is a debate on the caste of a great leader like Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi does not know the difference between a caste and a block, he said.

Gandhi on Thursday said people were being fooled about the Prime Ministers caste and that Narendra Modi was not born into an OBC family.
Hidden away in the waste lands of jargon found in sociology journals is a concept called sub-citizenship.

In the social sciences, there is a negative correlation between the reality of a concept and the jargon used to describe it. Hence, sociologist Daile Rung looks at sub-citizenship as a heuristic device to understand how translocal processes of subordination create various hierarchical conditions of precarity and dehumanization for different groups of people based upon, but not wholly determined by, migration and citizenship status.

If you had a hard time following that, you are probably still rooted in reality.

The good scholar is now going to lambast us all on the terrible and awful way we treat immigrants who insist on crossing borders illegally. However, in modern America there really is a sub-citizen group  and it is not those crossing illegally. It is composed of the citizens that Hillary Clinton called deplorables and Obama classified as bitter clingers. They are the group that Biden attacks in almost every public address.

Sub-citizens pay almost all the bills, both in treasure and blood, to allow the true citizens freedom to do as they please.

Consider the following:

It has been estimated that illegal immigration costs around $182 billion in federal, state and local costs. The immigrants do pay some $31 billion in taxes, which works out to about a $150 billion added load on taxpayers. That amounts to about a $1,000 per taxpayer.

If you work hard and make enough money to actually pay income tax (which 40% of households do not), you get the privilege of paying an extra $1,000 for having an open border. Unless you are wealthy enough to buy illegal workers, you get to experience life as a sub-citizen.

During COVID, the government sent money out to keep the economy from totally collapsing. A recent news headline stated that Washington state diverted federal COVID funds of $1,000 each to approximately 340,000 illegal immigrants.

In California, a thief can take up to $950 in shoplifting before it is described as a shoplifting crime. A sub-citizen who is not a thief pays for $900 worth of goods; a thief does not have to pay for the same goods.

I have to have my ID scanned to buy non-addictive sleep aids, while in some places (like Oregon) the state actually encourages drug use, with all its adjacent problems, by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs.

But I am not a drug addict, so the government demands that I prove my citizenship status by keeping a running tab of how often I buy a sleep aid that other criminals can supposedly turn into some illegal agent.

If you work very hard and keep your nose clean, you may be able to own a piece of property. Congratulations! You will now have the privilege of paying through a property tax for everything that the government wants to give to those who dont own property.

So, if you are not rich, and you are not an addict or a thief, or an illegal immigrant and you work hard enough, you will be rewarded with the status of sub-citizenship.

If a trainload of poison derails in your town (sub-citizens do not have villages), real citizens will not be interested in helping you.

If you have a political candidate who you think will actually care about sub-citizens, that candidate will be attacked almost uniformly across all media outlets.

Your responsibility as a sub-citizen is to shut up, work hard and pay for the things that real citizens consider important.

In fact, the real citizens will get a moral buzz (and a fat wallet) by turning on the people who produce something for the people who produce nothing.
Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday reiterated that his government was committed to filling up two lakh job vacancies within a year, as assured by the Congress in its manifesto before the recent assembly elections. Replying to the debate on motion of thanks to the governors address in the state assembly, the chief minister said as part of the plan, 15,000 vacancies in the police department would be filled up in the next 15 days. (ANI)

Replying to the debate on motion of thanks to the governors address in the state assembly, the chief minister said as part of the plan, 15,000 vacancies in the police department would be filled up in the next 15 days.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The BRS leaders, who have lost their jobs in the recent elections, are questioning us over the delay in filling up two lakh job vacancies within two months of the Congress coming to power. But there is a proper procedure in the government job recruitments, he said.

Revanth Reddy said soon after coming to power, his government began overhauling the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC), but it got delayed due to some technical reasons. Now, we are going to issue notification for filling up of recruitments through TSPSC soon. The eligibility age limit for Group-I services is being extended to 46 years, he announced.

On the allegations being levelled by the BRS leaders over handing over of Krishna basin irrigation projects to the Centre, the chief minister said it was the previous BRS government which failed to protect the Telangana interests in river water sharing.

He criticised the BRS for planning a public meeting on Tuesday at Nalgonda, in protest against the Centre taking over the irrigation projects on Krishna. Instead of holding a public meeting, the BRS should protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. If necessary, the state government would make all arrangements in this regard, he said.

Irrespective of ruling and opposition parties, let us put up a united fight in saving Telangana interests. We want your cooperation, Revanth Reddy said.

He said if the assembly speaker permits, the government was ready for a discussion on irrigation issues, including river water sharing. He also wanted the speaker to permit the state government to take 119 MLAs and 40 MLCs on a tour to Medigadda barrage of Kaleshwaram project on Tuesday to understand the ground reality.

The chief minister also defended making changes in the statue of Telangana Thalli (Mother Telangana), saying it should reflect the Telangana culture and look like an ordinary Telangana woman and not like a rich woman with golden crowns and waistbands.

He also defended the governments decision to replace TS prefix in vehicle registration number with TG, as per aspirations of the people.
The Congress party on Saturday issued a statement expelling party member Acharya Pramod Krishnam, noted spiritual guru, for making anti-party remarks. Spiritual and political leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam

Congress said in its statement, Taking into consideration the complaints of indiscipline and repeated public statements against the party, the Congress President has approved the proposal of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee to expel Pramod Krishnam from the party immediately for a period of six years.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Congress party announced the expulsion of Pramod just days after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting him to the foundation stone laying ceremony of Shri Kalki Dham in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on February 19.

Acharya Pramod had also expressed his gratitude to PM Modi, thanking him for accepting the invitation to the foundation stone ceremony this month.

Pramod wrote on X, "I had the privilege of inviting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the foundation stone laying ceremony of Shri Kalki Dham to be held on February 19. Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the honourable prime minister for accepting this."

PM Modi also replied to his tweet saying, It is a privilege for me to be a part of this sacred occasion associated with faith and devotion. Heartfelt gratitude to you Acharya Pramod ji for the invitation.

Acharya Pramod on Ram Mandir ceremony

Acharya Pramod Krishnam also sparked a controversy recently when he critisised some of the decisions taken by Congress' top leadership, including the call to not take part in Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony in Uttar Pradesh despite the invitation.

Acharya Pramod said that Lord Ram is the soul of India, and described Congress party's decision to decline the invitation as unfortunate.

The political leader said, This is unfortunate. Not even a Christian or a priest or Muslim can decline the invitation of Lord Ram. Ram is the soul of India. Without Ram, India can't even be imagined.
Pakistans emerging election results have deepened the political crisis in Indias most important neighbour, with implications for the civil-military relationship, the future of democracy and the dire economic situation internally, and Islamabads relationship with Washington DC, New Delhi and the rest of the world externally.

At the root of it is a simple question. Will a bruised House  aka the Army led by General Asim Munir  succeed in engineering a political outcome it wants by keeping Imran Khans loyalists out of the governance structure? Or will the voice of the electorate whose preferences for a ruling arrangement that has a strong role for those loyal to the Khans Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) be accommodated, even if it is unpalatable to the establishment?

To be sure, the final results arent in. But conversations with a set of experts on Pakistan  America-based academics, a former Pakistani official, and former Indian officials  indicates that in what is clearly now a zero-sum game between Khan and Munir, the latter will prevail. The question is the terms on which the army prevails, the nature of the political arrangement it can engineer, the extent to which it will go in shaping this outcome, and the risks that come with excluding a popular political force out of the power structure?

It doesnt help that the political crisis has come at possibly the worst time for Pakistan. It needs another International Monetary Fund (IMF) package to overcome its dismal economic situation in just a few months. It continues to face an adverse security climate, largely due to the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, also called the Pakistani Taliban, comfortably ensconced in Afghanistan. And it is in the middle of a careful foreign policy balancing act where it is seeking to mend ties with the US, which isnt keen on Khan either but wants to be true to its stated preference for credible elections, keep up its engagement with China and maintain relative status quo with India.

Read more: Pakistan coalition talks loom after after no clear majority, strong vote showing for jailed Imran Khan

The context and outcome

In the long tradition of Pakistan military either directly running the country, or ever since Pervez Musharrafs exit, indirectly exercising power by having a convenient civilian face while retaining control of key security and domestic policies, the army picked Imran Khan as its favoured one in the last election.

The script went awry. Khan developed his own political base and began entertaining dreams of political autonomy. He took on the army establishment internally and the US externally. The military leadership stepped in to oust him and craft a political coalition of Nawaz Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League and the Asif Ali Zardari-Bilawal Bhuttos Pakistans Peoples Party. Khan continued to mobilise his supporters and mount a political challenge. His protests and the violence they sparked gave enough room for the army to crack down, arrest and implicate him in multiple cases including through the judiciary, get PTI off the ballot leaving its candidates to contest independently, bring Sharif back home, and wait for the electoral process to legitimise the new coalition and push Khan to the margins in his prison cell.

But as one Washington DC based Pakistan observer said, The other side gets a vote too. And in this case, the Pakistani people got a vote.

Explaining the emerging trends in the election, Niloufer Siddiqui, assistant professor of political science at the University at Albany - State University of New York and author of Under the Gun: Political Parties and Violence in Pakistan, said, While much remains to be seen over the coming hours and days, the results that have emerged so far clearly show that the PTI over-performed relative to expectations. Given the magnitude of what the PTI was up against, it is nothing short of remarkable that people nonetheless cast their votes in favour of PTI-backed candidates. To me, this shows the limits of election engineering and the potential emergence of a politicised citizenry that is still willing to show up to make their voices heard.

But this does not necessarily mean the final outcome will reflect the dominant public mood. The fact that there are already questions around Internet restrictions on polling day and reports of post-election rigging during the counting process; the fact that PTIs loyalists have won as independents and not as a party and there is room within the constitution to nominate a set of members of the National Assembly from provinces; and the fact that there may still be enough room to carve out a non-PTI coalition including by breaking away independents and getting the other parties together gives Munir enough room to play.

Hussain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the US, said, Imran Khans PTI did well in pushing back amid all restrictions and repression but did not win outright. Nawaz Sharifs PML, which had the armys backing this time, underperformed. PPP put in a strong performance too. The stage is now set for a coalition government. Coalition-making will put the army-led establishment back in the driving seat.

There are risks in this approach of course. As Siddiqui said, The PTI appears already to have won the public narrative, and it will be very difficult to overturn a sense that it was robbed of many seats. Haqqani, too, recognised the perils ahead, but pointed out, PTI could take to the streets but violent protests will only invite a more violent crackdown and might end up with a direct military takeover, as happened in Egypt after the Arab Spring. Consensus and compromise are the way forward but the parties, especially Imran Khan, have not been amenable to that.

Eventually, it will boil down to how the two most critical players in Pakistan respond to the results. As the Washington DC-based observer who wished to remain anonymous said, The question for Imran is whether he presses his advantage, goes to Parliament and courts or rallies his supporters to mount a popular agitation again? The question for Munir is whether he seeks to create a coalition that includes some PTI elements and buys himself time, or keeps PTI out even if there are risks of instability and more security challenges?

Read more: Pakistan elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif's indirect message for India, says will improve ties

Aparna Pande, the director of the initiative on future of India and South Asia at the Hudson Institute, has a clear answer. The military establishment is bruised. It isnt as dominant a player as it was under past generals. There is a social media revolution within Pakistan and a younger population. The search for a convenient civilian face who will do their bidding has been challenging. But dont underestimate the brute power of the Army. The House always wins, Pande said, predicting that Munir will throw his weight behind Sharif as PM, while keeping Sharif circumscribed and weaker than in his past terms.

The external implications

For the US, the emerging outcome in Pakistan puts it in a bind. Its stated policy was in favour of a credible election. Its unstated political preference was to see Imran Khan defeated and marginalised.

While it will wait for the final outcome, the US will eventually have to make a choice on whether it will stick to its values or let interests prevail  where in the current context, values will mean respecting domestic electoral processes and interests are broadly defined as having the army shepherd a relatively moderate and responsible political arrangement. The fact that the Pakistani diaspora in the US is overwhelmingly pro-Khan adds to the complication. Experts believe that the US will let the Pakistani domestic processes play out, but will be acutely conscious that stability is some distance away. As Haqqani said, The US wanted Pakistan to have an election that resulted in a stable government. Only half of that wish has been fulfilled. Elections were held but stability in Pakistan is still elusive.

For India, the election broadly means status quo for now. Pakistan may be too internally distracted for it to embark on adventurism on its eastern front. Khans widespread support indicates that the room for any future government to reset India policy is limited. The most likely outcome is status quo on the India-Pakistan front. The best case for India is status quo and perhaps a renewal of a backchannel if Sharif comes to power. And the worst case is chaos, instability, emergency measures, a borderline coup, all of which will also complicate things for India, said Pande.

With so much at stake, all eyes are now on Rawalpindi for its next move in an election where the establishment and a substantial segment of citizens are seemingly at opposing ends.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against former zonal director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Sameer Wankhede, who is accused of demanding 25 crore bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan for not framing his son Aryan Khan in a drug case in October 2021 besides amassing wealth more than his known sources of income, people familiar with the development said on Saturday. Former NCB Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede.(ANI file)

The financial crimes probe agency has registered the case against Wankhede, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, a few days back based on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) first information report (FIR) filed in May last year.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He is likely to be soon summoned for questioning in the matter by the ED.

Officials cited above said that as soon as Wankhede learnt about ED filing a case against him, he has already moved the high court pleading that no coercive action should be taken against him.

The high court has already granted him relief from coercive action in the CBI case.

It is alleged in the CBI first information report (FIR) filed on May 11, 2023, which names as accused Wankhede, former SP of NCB - Vishwa Vijay Singh, intelligence officer Ashish Ranjan, and two private persons  Kiran Gosavi and Sanville DSouza, that 25 crore was demanded from Shah Rukh Khan in return of for not framing his son, Aryan in the October 2021 Cordelia drug case. The bribe demand was reduced to 18 crore by the accused persons.

CBI has already questioned Wankhede and other accused persons in the case. The Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer has dismissed the charges against him saying the CBI action was result of a vendetta on part of a few NCB officers.

Aryan Khan was arrested on October 3, 2021, a day after the controversial raid on Cordelia cruise in Mumbai. A special investigation team (SIT) formed by the NCB gave a clean chit to Aryan Khan on May 27 last year saying he was not part of any larger drug-dealing racket as alleged by Wankhede.

NCBs internal probe revealed that names of Aryan Khan and Arbaaz Merchant were included at the last moment in the information note of the agency. Besides, procedures such as documentation of seizure of phones, and the recording of statements were not done properly by Wankhedes team, the investigation found.

The NCB, in an affidavit filed before Bombay high court, stated Wankhede cannot use his chats with actor Shah Rukh Khan as evidence of his integrity since he kept these chats secret.

Moreover, it is pertinent to note that there was no reason for Wankhede to have continued such chats with Shah Rukh Khan without informing his superior officers, the NCB said. These chats are currently being analysed by CBI as part of its probe against the officer.
India on February 3, 1988, joined the ranks of maritime nuclear powers with the induction of its first nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra into the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at the eastern naval command in Visakhapatnam. PM Rajiv Gandhi inducted INS Chakra on February 3, 1988. (HT Archive)

Receiving the submarine at a ceremony at the naval base, Gandhi said particular attention was paid to the management of nuclear waste material.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

There would be periodic audit of waste material thus setting aside any apprehensions that spent fuel could cause any radiation hazards, he said.

The Navy had stipulated tight regulations, both at sea and on shore, so that highest standards were adhered to for the protection of personnel and the safety of the environment, the PM said. There would be regular reviews of safety measures and contingency plans for emergencies.

Noting that the sophisticated technology imposed special responsibilities on India, Gandhi said seaborne reactor operations call for the most stringent safety standards and specifications.

In this context, he said , all fail-safe radiation protection measures had been taken.

Gandhi made it clear that INS Chakra was propelled by nuclear power, but not armed with nuclear weapons. Nor is there any simulation of nuclear weapons on board the submarine. It was equipped for training and self-defence, he added.

Referring to the long coastline that India to defend, the Prime Minister said: Our Navy must have the capacity to travel long distances under water without having to refuel frequently.

Such long-lasting source of power is provided only by nuclear energy, he said.

Without making any direct reference to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that India attached the highest importance to living in peace and friendship with its neighbours. He said all bilateral problems must be solved through peaceful means.

Ours is a continuing effort at keeping open the lines of dialogue, exploring all avenues of settlement, and taking fresh initiatives, he added.

While noting that India was seeking enduring peace and all-embracing friendship, he said: At the same time we are determined to maintain a state of military preparedness which will ensure our ability to meet any eventuality.

Gandhi spent more than two hours inside INS Chakra. Immediately after arrival at the Visakhapatnam jetty, Gandhi, along with defence minister KC Pant, put on overalls and entered the submarine, at about 11.30am.

Sitting atop the conning tower, Gandhi waved at newsmen and photographers who followed him in a speed boat.

During the two-hour cruise under the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Prime Minister held discussions with nearly 80 crew members led by Captain Ganeshan.

There must be no sliding back to obsolete doctrines of war as an instrument of policy in international relations. There must be no substitution of nuclear weapons by other weapons of mass destruction, or weapons based on laser and other technologies, Gandhi said.

He added that the progress to a world without nuclear weapons must be accompanied by a search for comprehensive structure of international security.

The principle of peaceful coexistence on which the Charter of the United Nations is based must be given real meaning, the Prime Minister said.

He said the strategies of outside powers in our region had forced upon India the expenditure of building military strength which it would much rather have deployed for removal of poverty and promotion of development.

The Indian Ocean had been militarised and infested with nuclear weapons, flouting the overwhelming sentiment in the region in favour of establishing a zone of peace. So long as threats to our sovereignty and integrity continue, India has no option but to take every possible step to safeguard its security, he said.

Designed purely as an attack submarine, for both anti-submarine and anti-ship roles, the INS Chakra belongs to the Victor 1 SSN class of submarines, and is the first of its kind with an albacore hull form, a new reactor system and a new generation design shared by the more modern Charlie class nuclear submarines.

With a speed of 32 knots when submerged, the INS Chakra has a snoop tray radar and carries a complement of 90 sailors. It also has two steam turbines as additional standby. Chakra has a very low frequency buoy and Elf floating radar, while surfaced it communicates through two very high frequency and uniform frequency aerials.

According to Janes Defence Weekly, India might get a few of the more state of art Victor-III class submarines in another three or four years. The weekly also speculates that two to four Charlie-II SSGN submarines might also be given by the Soviet Union to India. The Charlie-II is capable of carrying cruise missiles.

Victor-Ill submarines are the frontline subs of the Soviet navy and were first commissioned in 1979; they are still being commissioned. With the addition of the INS Chakra, the Indian submarine fleet strength has risen to fourteen.
Diversity and representation are crucial not only to rectify historical injustices, but also to enrich the decision-making capacity of courts, Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said on Saturday, adding that the institutions of law cannot remain aloof from sociopolitical realities and aspirations of the time. International Court of Justice, Judge Hilary Charlesworth with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant during an event marking the Apex Court's diamond jubilee celebrations at Supreme Court in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI)

There was once a notion of law which limited us to merely an isolated arena from society. Today, legal fora across the globe are recognising that they cannot view themselves as divorced from the socio-political realities and aspirations of the time, the chief justice said. This recognition fosters an environment conducive to mutual learning and exchange of ideas.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Delivering his address at the second Supreme Court of India annual lecture series, justice Chandrachud highlighted the dichotomous yet intricate relationship between the law and politics, as he welcomed International Court of Justice Hilary Charlesworth, his batchmate from the master of law class of 1983 at Harvard Law School.

Chief justice Chandrachud drew a parallel between the journey of the International Court of Justice and the Supreme Court, pointing out that the latter is entering its 75th year while the international court celebrated 75 years of its inception in 2021.

Today, there are 193 United Nations member states. The existence of diverse member states has had a tangible influence on the kind of cases that the ICJ is faced with today. Not only has there been an increase in the number of cases brought before the court, but the subject matter of the cases has also seen a sea change. Various nations are calling on the court to determine issues of human rights including questions about the Genocide Convention and the Convention on Torture, the chief justice said.

Read more: Bail is rule, jail an exception does not apply in terror cases: Supreme Court

In this way, chief justice Chandrachud pointed out, the change in global politics has been crucial in shaping the transformation of ICJ, reflecting the deep interplay between politics, power and the law.

Similarly, the institution of the Supreme Court of India in 1950, which we have gathered to commemorate, was also a moment that marked political and social transformation. It cannot be viewed as divorced from the political realities of its time. The sitting of the Supreme Court for the first time echoed the aspirations of a nascent country burdened by the legacy of colonial rule and entrenched social stratification, yet equipped with a transformative, progressive, and foresighted Constitution, he said.

Chief justice Chandrachud emphasised that over the years, the Supreme Court has embodied these aspirations by crafting a vast body of jurisprudence aimed at liberating India from its colonial past and fostering the groundwork for social transformation.

In this journey, the apex court of the nation has emerged as a product of the interplay between polity, societal aspirations, and the law, said the judge, pointing out that diversity and representation can go a long way in improving the decision-making capacity of courts.

The evolving representation of nation-states before the International Court of Justice has notably challenged its historically monocultural and Eurocentric outlook. Likewise, integrating gender diversity within the courts would substantially broaden the spectrum of perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and equitable decisions, he stressed.

Read more: SC allows HCs to decide cases of surrogacy sought due to medical complications

Underlining that justice Charlesworth happens to be only the fifth woman to serve on the ICJ in the courts 77-year history, the chief justice said that to have more women as judges of ICJ is not the responsibility of the court alone, but a share of the responsibility must be borne by nation-states and national groups responsible for the nomination process.

Pointing out that ICJ amended its rules and practice directions last year to make their provisions gender inclusive, chief justice Chandrachud referred to the reforms brought as regards the Supreme Court, citing the release of a sensitisation module for the judiciary on the LGBTQIA+ community, a handbook for judges to combat gender stereotypes and the last months designation of 11 women as senior advocates in one go.

I am also hopeful that the lawyers and researchers whom we mentor today are going to change the way the legal systems have been working, he said. The new generation of lawyers and scholars are evolving new paradigms to re-imagine the conceptions of law and justice.
Five people have been killed in the violence in Haldwani in Uttarakhand, officials said on Friday, a day after the demolition of an allegedly illegal madrasa snowballed into clashes between protesters and police personnel, even as security forces administered a strict curfew, while district officials claimed Thursdays hostilities were engineered and planned in advance. Police personnel in riot gear stand guard in Haldwani (AFP)

Authorities arrested four people and named 19 people in three FIRs on Friday, as they stressed that there was no fresh violence and that the situation was under control. Tensions, however, simmered in the town of 200 thousandpeople, roughly 260km southeast of the states winter capital Dehradun, as locals said the demolitions flew in the face of court orders.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, meanwhile, held a review meeting in Dehradun and warned of action against people responsible for the violence.Every rioter who indulged in arson and stone pelting is being identified no one who disturbs harmony and peace will be spared... he said.

The district administration identified the victims as Faeem Qureshi, Zahid, Mohammad Anas, Shabban , and Prakash Kumar, all residents of Banbhoolpura , where the violence broke out. Over 150 people injured in the clash were being treated in hospitals, said officials. Three of them are critical.The violence occurred a day after the Uttarakhand assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which seeks to replace religious personal laws that govern marriage, relationship and inheritance, becoming the first state in India to do so.

The clashes erupted around 5pmon Thursday, when bulldozers razed the madrasa in Banbhoolpura, which civic authorities alleged was illegally built on state government (nazool) land.As workers from the Haldwani Municipal Corporation and Nainital administration razed the20-year-oldstructure, residents of the area set afire several vehicles, a police station and hurled stones at the demolition team as well as police personnel, according to police.

The Uttarkhand high court had on February 8refused to stay a petition that locals had filed against the sealing and demolition order issued on January 30, fixing February 14 for the next hearing.

ZA Warsi, a resident of Haldwani alleged, The administration sealed the structure and arbitrarily and hastily went ahead with the demolition. It led to a confrontation.

Nainital DM Vandana said, The concerned party had sought a stay on the notice of demolition from the Uttarakhand high court. But, the high court refused to grant any stay.

Meanwhile, police personnel who were at the spot alleged that people inside the colony started firing at them while they tried to make their way to the madrasa; residents said that tensions spiraled after a heated argument with administration officials over the demolition.Police fired back in self defence and issued shoot-at-sight orders on Thursday, said AP Anshuman, additional director general of police, law and order.

As the violence escalated and subsumed much of the town, district officials also clamped down on mobile internet services and imposed a curfew at9pm on Thursday. Both restrictions continued to remain in place on Friday.

Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh alleged that the violence was pre-planned and said locals collected stones in piles and kept them on rooftops before the demolitions began.

She said:It was a pre-planned attack. Stones had been collected before the action over the rooftops. Petrol bombs were also used during the incident.

Residents, however, refuted this claim and said the administration was not willing to heed their requests to postpone the demolition till the matter is heard in court.

Shakeel Ahmed, a local councillor said, The high court was yet to give its final order ... We had requested the administration to wait until the HC passes a final judgment. But they went ahead which caused anger among public.Nainital senior superintendent of police (SSP) Prahlad Narayan Meena said they have registered three first information reports in connection with the violence. Four people have been arrested and another 15-20 people who provoked the crowd and incited violence have been identified using CCTV footage, he said.

Uttarakhand director general of police Abhinav Kumar, meanwhile, said they will file cases under the stringent National Security Act against those who attacked police personnel and were responsible for arson and vandalism in Haldwani.

He also said the police will recover the cost of damages to public property from the accused. The situation has been brought under control to a large extent, but efforts are focused on bringing back normalcy in the town, DGP said.

CM Dhami, meanwhile, met senior officials from administration and police in Dehradun.

The chief minister said police have been given clear instructions to deal strictly with unruly elements and rioters.

He also apprised state governor lieutenant general (retired) Gurmeet Singh about the situation. Opposition political parties accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government of failing to control law and order and of seeking to polarise voters in the hill state.

Uttarakhand Congress chief Karan Mahara demanded an investigation by a sitting high court judge. If the case was to be heard on February 14, why was the demolition being done and why were the lives of police personnel and people put in danger? The government is responsible for the incident, Mahara said.Hitting back, Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt said those doing politics of supporting illegal occupations need to change their perspective in the interest of the state.Everyone knows that action is being taken against illegal encroachments in the state as per the instructions of the court, he said.
Haldwani violence: Authorities on Saturday lifted the curfew from the outer areas of violence-hit Haldwani in Uttarakhand, two days after restrictions were imposed as communal tensions and violence gripped the town over a demolition drive. Six rioters were killed in Thursday's violence, officials said. However, the curfew will remain in place in the Banbhoolpura area where massive violence took place. The internet services also remain suspended in violence-hit Haldwani, the police said. Security personnel walk past bricks and stones scattered on a road, a day after the religious clashes sparked following the destruction of a madrassa (an Islamic school) in Haldwani district of the northern state of Uttarakhand on February 9, 2024. (AFP)

The violence in Haldwani began on Thursday after the district administration conducted the demolition of an illegally built madrasa. According to the police, a notice was served earlier on the madrasa constructed illegally on government land, however, it triggered the mob who then attacked the officials to stop the demolition. The rioters pelted stones and set vehicles on fire outside the Banbhoolpura police station.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Here are the top updates:

According to the police, five people have been arrested so far, and 19 others have been identified against whom three FIRs are registered over violence. Another 5,000 people have also been included in the FIR, Senior Superintendent of Police, Nainital, PN Meena said. The police informed that the situation in Haldwani is under control. Curfew continues in Banbhoolpura.CCTV footage is being checked...Five people died and three people were seriously injured. Several police officials were also injured, state additional director general of police (ADG) law and order AP Anshuman said. While the shops on the outskirts of Haldwani have opened on Saturday, all schools and colleges will remain shut, officials said. Reacting to the incident, Samajwadi Party MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav said, Minorities are being tortured in the entire country. So, if this would happen then the public will come out on the streets. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the violence-hit area to take stock of the situation. Condemning the attack, Dhami asserted that the process of identifying all miscreants involved in the incident and taking legal action against them is underway. All the video footage and footprints of those who have broken the law and damaged government property are available, he said.

(With inputs from agencies)
Silchar: Infection of HIV-AIDS is rising in Assam and 2023 saw a multifold rise, according to health minister Keshab Mahanta. Answering a question raised by Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora on Friday, the minister said that the consumption of drugs and sharing syringes/needles is one of the biggest reasons. Assam health minister Keshab Mahanta (Twitter/@keshab_mahanta)

According to Mahanta, 31,729 persons were infected across the district between 2002 and 2022, averaging 1,587 per year. In 2023 alone, the number stood at 5,791.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to information shared by him, the Assam government conducted 89,84,519 tests between 2002 and 2022 and 31,729 of them were found positive. Of the 990,372 tests conducted in 2023, 5,791 people were found positive.

It is true that the number is increasing fast and we are trying to take measures to control this. In the past, primary reasons used to be unsafe sexual intercourse and other issues but now consumption of drugs with unsafe needles is the biggest reason, the minister said.

Mahanta said that geographically, Assam is at the centre of the northeast, and people from various states visit here for different purposes. This is one of the reasons he said the government was failing to detect the areas and communities which are more prone to HIV.

During question hour in the ongoing budget session of the assembly, Bora brought up the issue of the states HIV prevalence, stating that the number of new cases has increased. Bora claimed that the state has not given much attention to raising awareness about HIV since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The health minister said there are 52 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres across the state, working towards the prevention and treatment of HIV infection.

Presently, 52 ART centres, six Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) centres and 12 satellite OST centres which are working continuously. We have opened OST testing centres in all hospitals. We have also opened 450 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTC) for counselling purposes across hospitals and sub-centres in Assam. We have also set up testing centres in jails, he said.

Mahanta also said that the Assam Aids Control Society has been working towards the prevention of HIV infection since its inception.

The state government is taking strict measures to control the supply of drugs but consumption of narcotic products is rising and this has become a concern, he said.

Many people use the same needle, and the infection spreads easily this way. We are creating mass awareness with the help of NGOs but somewhere, we are not able to reduce the rate of infection, added Mahanta.

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Rupak Sarmah said that the numbers shared by the health minister are collected from the testing centres but a large chunk of the population is not even included.

The actual number of HIV-AIDS infected persons in Assam is higher than the information we have at present, he said.
Silchar: Assams Cachar district administration has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered application to combat flood situations by creating strong connectivity among people, security forces and government during the floods, officials said. Over 3 lakh affected and 15 killed were last year in Assam floods (File/Representative Photo)

The app  Rapid Action for Humanitarian Assistance in Tragedies (RAHAT)  will play a significant role in sharing critical information for dissemination of early warning, evacuation, search and rescue, and supply of essential items, especially in remote areas, according to the officials.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to the state disaster management, 324,938 people were affected in 898 villages across 18 districts last year. Cachar was one of the most flood-affected districts in Assam. According to the district disaster management authority (DDMA), over 85% of the total population was affected during the 2022 floods and the district recorded over 45 deaths, which was the highest in the state.

Officials said that in 2023, rainfall was comparatively less and considering the past records, more rains are expected this year. If we look at the records, heavy rains happen in every alternative year, officials said.

This app will be a big game-changer in integrating and leveraging ICT in disaster risk prevention, mitigation, response and recovery in the district, officials said.

This app would perform significant functionalities even in data shadow areas in sharing critical information for dissemination of early warning, evacuation, search and rescue, supply of essential items including medical aids, relief camp/centre management, damage and loss assessment, prepositioning of resources etc, said Cachar district commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha.

He said that the application will allow the line departments to select the type of disaster event and provide an option to include information on the context of damage.

Scaling this interface with Artificial Intelligence for an efficient decision support system is already underway, he said.

According to officials, besides the admin login, this interface provides login for the relief centre in charge to enter data for Gratuitous Relief (GR) and related matters for camp/centre management (digitised data for GR distribution and sanctioning Rehabilitation Grant in favour of concerned beneficiary etc), nodal response agencies/departments, CQRT volunteers with appropriate security measures to prevent data.

District project officer of DDMA, Cachar, Shamin Ahmed Choudhury said that this is the first of its kind application in Assam and they have shared the idea with the state government.

We are getting good response after launching the app and we have appealed to the state authorities to adopt this in other flood-prone districts. They have shown positive interest, he said.
People in Belgrade celebrated the Chinese New Year on Friday with fireworks, concerts and a dragon dance at the Belgrade Waterfront, along the Sava River.

The event was attended by Serbia's Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming and hundreds of Chinese and Serbian citizens.

Brnabic expressed satisfaction with the high-level exchange between Serbia and China and the blooming political and economic ties, and wished the "friendship of steel" between the two countries would strengthen further in 2024.

"In 2024, we began a new decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, in which Serbia plays a significant role. So, besides the New Year wishes of happiness and success that we send to our friends, we also wish success and growth for all of us in the new decade of Belt and Road cooperation," said Brnabic.

Noting the festive atmosphere prevalent in China, Li said, that with Serbian friends by their side, Chinese expatriates and the entire embassy personnel in Serbia can feel the warmth of belongingness like that in their homeland.

He also extended gratitude to Serbia for the meticulously organized celebrations, expressing his hope that the fireworks and the dragon dance would bring forth blessings for both Chinese and Serbian people.

The event in Belgrade is one of many Spring Festival festivities in Serbia. Such celebrations as performances, opera, martial arts and concerts will be held in the cities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis and Smederevo through Feb. 19.
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the Parliament earlier this week includes two tribal groups of Andhra Pradesh, and their sub-groups, in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The two tribal groups are Porja (sub-groups: Bondo Porja, Khond Porja and Parangi Porja) and Savaras (sub-groups: Kapu Savaras, Maliya Savaras, Konda Savaras and Khutto Savaras).

Andhra Pradesh tribal welfare assistant secretary (caste verification) Mary Ratnamani said the state government had asked the Centre to include three tribes, the Bondo Porja, Khond Porja and Konda Savara in the list.

We had written letters to the Union tribal welfare ministry quite a few times in the past and the latest proposal was sent in January this year and the ministry finally approved them along with other sub-groups, Ratnamani said.

She said these tribes would now be treated on par with other tribes in the scheduled list and would be entitled to benefits like reservation in education and employment as well as access to welfare schemes from the Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA).

According to Pradeep Karuturi, an independent researcher on tribal groups in Andhra Pradesh, some primitive tribes have not been able to attract the attention of the government for enumeration because they stay far away from the mainland in the hilly terrains closer to the Odisha border. Porjas and Savaras are some such tribal groups, he said.

Porja, a hill tribe, live in what is referred to as the agency area (another term for forest areas) of Visakhapatnam and Parvathipuram Manyam districts of Andhra Pradesh and are spread over the adjoining hilly areas of Odisha state.

They raise crops in the Podu (shifting cultivation) plots on hill slopes. They speak a form of Odia language known as Parji dialect. This tribe has several endogamous sub-groups, differing in their language, food habits and customs depending on the locality, a study by Dr P Durga Rao, an associate professor in sociology in Punjab, stated.

Porjas and their sub-groups  Bondo Porja, Khond Porja and Parangi Porja  are among 12 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Andhra Pradesh, along with Savaras and their sub-groups, inhabiting the hilly areas of Paderu, Munchangiput, Pedabayalu, Hukumpet, Dumbriguda, Araku Valley, Anantagiri, G Madugula, Chintapalli and G K Veedhi blocks. The total population of Porjas would be around 18,700 covering 4,300 families, according to Raos research.

Ratnamani, however, said that the state tribal welfare department records state that there are 1,847 Bondo Porjas and 18,382 Khond Porjas in these areas. As far as Savaras are concerned, they are in larger numbers  around 150,480 Savaras spread over the hilly terrains of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts bordering Odisha, she said.

Raos research paper states that Porjas live off the forest and the land and some can speak Telugu as well. The term Porja is derived from Oriya words Po and raja which means the son of a king, but they have been traditional cultivators. They migrated from Orissa about 300 years ago to Visakha agency areas in search of cultivable land, it states. The former rulers of Jeypore employed Porjas as doli or palanquin bearers. They were often employed for menial labour which included transportation.

This tribe has several endogamous subgroups Bondo Porja, Khond Porja and Parangi Porja, differing in their language, food habits and customs depending on the locality. Most of the Porjas living in the Visakha agency area belong to the Parangi Porja group, Rao said in his research paper.

Cross-cousin marriage, especially with the father's sisters daughter is preferred. Maternal uncle-niece marriage is prohibited. Polygamy is permitted. A formal bride price system exists among them. Either party can divorce with the approval of the headman or tribal council. Widow, widower and divorcee remarriages are very common. Pre and post extra-marital relations are acceptable among Porjas. At present child marriages are discontinued, the study stated.

Porjas follow the patriarchal system, in which the rule of descent is patrilineal. Males inherit parental property, while succession to a hereditary office is by the eldest son, who gets an extra share in the property.

Though women have a lower status than men, they are consulted on all family matters. They contribute to the family income directly, as well as indirectly by assisting in agricultural operations. Domestic work is the domain of women; still, most of the Porja women are not exposed to the outside world.

Tattooing is part of the socio-religious culture of the Porjas.

According to Pradeep, Savaras also referred to as Sora in Odisha, are found in the border forest areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts, which share more or less similar lifestyles of Porjas but with slightly different cultures and deep-rooted religious beliefs. They speak the Munda dialect.

He said there was a need to identify these sub-tribal divisions with the help of anthropologists and a detailed ethnography should be prepared on each tribe separately. Otherwise, these sub-groups lose their cultural identity. Already assimilation started slowly and they are forgetting the name of their clans. If it continues, we will be losing the cultural and biological identity of these endangered human populations, he said.
New Delhi Facing flak for its lack of fiscal discipline and rise in public debt, the Kerala government has told the Supreme Court that when it comes to reigning debts, Union government has a dismal record, and blamed the Centre for imposing curbs on its borrowing as part of a misguided and unfair political strategy ahead of the general elections. The AGs note was filed in a lawsuit filed by the Kerala government against orders issued by the Union finance ministry in March 2023 reducing the states borrowing limit (ANI)

The state was responding to a note submitted by the Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani on January 25 accusing the state to be one of the most financially unhealthy, with several cracks in its financial edifice. The AGs note was filed in a lawsuit filed by the Kerala government against orders issued by the Union finance ministry in March 2023 reducing the states borrowing limit.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The suit will be taken up on February 13 for hearing an interim application filed by the state requiring funds worth 26,226 crore towards settling outstanding dues of pension, dearness allowance and payouts under State-run welfare schemes.

Rebutting the allegations against it, the Kerala government launched a counteroffensive by holding the Centre to be worse off when it comes to managing debts and borrowing loans. In the part of the note (by Attorney General) titled Poor financial management in Kerala, the Union attempts to disparage the financial management of the State....On fiscal parameters on debt, deficit and fiscal sustainability the Union performs far worse than the States including the plaintiff state (Kerala), the state said in its response filed on February 7.

By restricting the borrowing limit of the state, the Centre has deprived Kerala of resources to the tune of 1.07 lakh crores during the period 2017-2024, the note said. The plaintiff state believes, that is part of a misguided and unfair political strategy that the Defendant Union is adopting, just on the eve of the elections to the Parliament, to force the plaintiff state to a financial crisis and a treasury breakdown, it added.

According to Kerala government, the Centre accounts for approximately 60% of the total debt or outstanding liabilities of India while all states put together account for the remaining 40% of which Kerala accounts for a minuscule 1.70-1.75% of the total debt of the Centre and the States put together for the period 2019-2023. Therefore, the premise that borrowings of the plaintiff state can destabilise the economy is exaggerated, the state said in the note filed through advocate CK Sasi. The note deliberately overlooks the fact that the Union has a dismal record of reining in its own debt, it added.

The debate over fiscal federalism has taken the political stage in recent weeks with three states  Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu -- protesting against the Centres discriminatory fiscal policies at Jantar Mantar. On Thursday, the protest also witnessed participation of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

In the note that led to the Kerala response, the AG had said: Kerala has been one of the most financially unhealthy states and its fiscal edifice has been diagnosed with several cracks. Giving statistics to illustrate its point, the AG had said that the revenue deficit in Kerala as percentage of gross state domestic product (GSDP) was 3.17% for 2021-22, higher than the all-states average of 0.46%. During the same period, the fiscal deficit rate for Kerala was 4.94% compared to all-states average of 2.80%.

The note highlighted the lack of capital expenditure in the state to be detrimental to growth as the figures for 2021-22 suggested that Kerala spent 8.85% of its total expenditure while the corresponding average for all states was 13.76%.

Defending the statistics, the state government said, There is nothing unusual about these charts presented by the Union in the Notes that reflect adversely on the performance of the plaintiff state. In fact, the ups and downs of the Union, all the states and the plaintiff state follow the economic cycle in the country.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government explained that the low spending on capital expenditure was on account of the development trajectory selected by the state that focuses more on health, education and welfare of its people. To set apart funds for capital expenditure, the state created Kerala Infrastructure Investment fund Board (KIIFB) as a statutory state-owned enterprise. However, the Union, dubiously for political reasons, is using the order (issued in March 2023) to jeopardise the operations of this institution, the state said.

The AGs note also suggested that KIIFB has no revenue source of its own as the financial statement of the institution for 2021-22 suggested that 93.6% of its total revenue of 6,401 crore was by way of contribution from state government.

The suit filed by the state challenged two letters issued by the Union Finance Ministry (Public Finance-State Division) on March 27 and August 11 last year and amendments made to Section 4 of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 in March 2018 for imposing a net borrowing ceiling (NBC) on the state by limiting borrowings from all sources, including open market borrowings.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology along with the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR), is developing a first-for-India Earth System Model to improve its forecasts, facilitate long-term climate studies, and predict climate impacts in the coming years, Union minister of earth sciences Kiren Rijiju said. The model will also generate reliable future projections of the global and regional climate, and particularly the Indian monsoon rainfall. (PTI)

An amount of 192.28 crores has been sanctioned under the Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub scheme to develop the climate forecasting system, Rijiju said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Earth system model (ESM) is an open-source software that is designed to integrate the interactions of atmosphere, ocean, land, ice, and biosphere to estimate the state of regional and global climate under a wide variety of conditions. Since it is based on numerical weather prediction and data assimilation, it can be used for accurate climate change predictions, officials from the ministry of earth sciences explained.

A senior official from the ministry said that the state-of-the-art climate model will not only facilitate long-term climate studies but will also generate reliable future projections of the global and regional climate, and particularly the Indian monsoon rainfall. The work on the model is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2025, he added.

IITM-ESM incorporates earth system components in the Climate Forecast System (CFS) from National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP, USA), and transforms the CFS seasonal prediction model to a long-term climate mode, the official added, asking not to be named.

The official said that over the last few years the government has been focusing on the development of new climate modelling capabilities in the country to address issues concerning the science of climate change.

We have also generated an ensemble of high resolution dynamically downscaled future projections of regional climate over South Asia and Indian monsoon, which will be useful for impact assessment studies and for quantifying uncertainties in the regional projections, he said.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports do provide a global perspective on climate change, the focus on regional climate change aspects is considerably limited, officials said.

The effects of climate change over the Indian subcontinent involve complex physical processes on different space and time scales, especially given that the mean climate of this region is generally shaped by the Indian monsoon and the unique high-elevation geographical features such as the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Tibetan Plateau and the adjoining Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal. We also aim to present policy-relevant information based on robust scientific analysis and assessments of the observed and projected future climate change over the Indian region, a ministry of earth sciences report read.
New Delhi: In a comment that signalled his tilt towards the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jayant Chaudhary lauded the central government in the Rajya Sabha on Saturday for conferring Bharat Ratna on his late grandfather and former prime minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's working style is similar to that of his grandfather. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MP Jayant Singh at the Parliament House complex during the Budget session. (PTI)

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Jayant Chaudhary, whose RLD is influential in UP's Jat-dominated areas, had announced an alliance with the Samajwadi Party last month. However, recently, media reports suggested that he was mulling an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After the BJP announced Bharat Ratna to his late grandfather, ostensibly to make the alliance more palatable, he said there wasn't much left to say.

What previous governments could not do till today has been completed by PM Modi's vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi's government for encouraging the people who aren't part of the mainstream, RLD chief said on Friday.

"When asked if he is ready to join hands with BJP-NDA, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, Koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj main kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke sawalon ko (Is there any doubt? How can I refuse today?), he added.

Also read: RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary's reaction after Bharat Ratna for Charan Singh: Dil Jeet Liya

The Samajwadi Party has attacked the BJP over the alliance rumours. SP president Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of breaking parties and alliances.

"BJP knows when to take whom. It also knows how to cheat. In Chandigarh you saw how dishonesty took place. BJP also knows when to buy whom. It has become the largest party not just like that," said the SP chief on Thursday, when asked about the alliance.

Also read: Akhilesh Yadav's wife, uncle react to Jayant Chaudhary's BJP tilt reports

If Jayant Chaudhary joins hands with the BJP, it will be a major blow to the Opposition's INDIA alliance, which is already licking its wounds after Nitish Kumar's sudden exit.

Jagdeep Dhankhar slams Congress

Meanwhile, amid a ruckus by the Congress, Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar told LoP Mallikarjun Kharge to not insult Chaudhary Charan Singh.

"Don't use this language. I will not tolerate insults to Chaudhary Charan Singh. He stands for impeccable public life, unimpeachable integrity, and commitment to farmers...I have seen with my eyes, ruckus, chaos, condemnation, shouting and sloganeering," he said.

With inputs from ANI
Opposition parties hit out at the Maharashtra government after a car in which senior journalist Nikhil Wagle was travelling was allegedly attacked by Bharatiya Janata Party workers at Khandoji Baba Chowk in Pune on Friday evening. The BJP workers were reportedly protesting Nikhil Wagle's remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LK Advani after the ruling party veteran was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and the vandalised car of journalist Nikhil Wagle in Pune.

A Deccan police station official said BJP workers threw ink on the car in which Nikhil Wagle and two others, Aseem Sarode and Vishwambhar Choudhary, were travelling under police protection to the 'Nirbhay Bano' event organised by the Rashtra Seva Dal in Singhad Road area in Pune.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Reacting sharply to the incident, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that several Maha Vikas Aghadi women workers were beaten up by BJP goons and eggs, stones and bricks were hurled at them, while the Pune Police remained spectators.

Senior journalist Nikhil Wagle's car smashed, ink, eggs thrown at his car.. Brazen Bid to murder democracy by BJP in Pune... MVA will not be deterred, Shame on you Devendra Fadnavis, you are ordering your cadre to harm and injure hapless daughters of Maharashtra...Maharashtra will not forgive you, Sanjay Raut wrote on social media platform X (formally Twitter).

Another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also reacted to the Pune incident. Less than 24 hours since the untimely and unfortunate killing of our former corporator, Abhishek Ghosalkar and now we have this attack on activists who are critical of the BJP. Goondagardi under the gundaraj, Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X.

Earlier on Friday, Priyanka Chaturvedi sought urgent intervention by Union home minister Amit Shah regarding the law and order situation in Maharashtra in the wake of the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar, her party leader, in Mumbai. In a letter to Amit Shah, Abhishek Ghosalkar referred to the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar on Thursday, and an incident earlier this month in the neighbouring Thane district where a BJP MLA opened fire inside a police station

Supriya Sule of the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP said she strongly condemns the attack on Nikhil Wagle, describing him a voice of truth and a beacon of journalism.

This is not just an assault on an individual but an attack on freedom of speech itself. The deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra under the BJP regime that is tacitly enabling such acts is alarming and warrants strictest accountability. #Goondaraj, Supriya Sule wrote.

Why was Nikhil Wagle attacked?

An FIR was registered at Pune against Nikhil Wagle, 64, for allegedly making offensive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader LK Advani after it was announced that the latter would be conferred with Bharat Ratna, police said on Friday.

"Nikhil Wagle has been booked under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 500 (defamation) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Vishrambaug police station. We are probing the matter further," news agency PTI quoted an official as saying.

Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar had filed a complaint against the scribe at the Vishrambaug police station on Tuesday over the controversial comments.

According to the Deccan police, some people climbed on top of the four-wheeler, as they blocked him from reaching the venue. Some threw ink on the car in which Nikhil Wagle and two others, Aseem Sarode and Vishwambhar Choudhary, were travelling under police protection to the event.

TV visuals showed BJP workers mobbing the car at Khandoji Baba Chowk and vandalising it, resulting in the vehicle's windscreen and side panes getting damaged. Nikhil Wagle managed to reach the venue of the event under police protection, a police official added.

Addressing the 'Nirbhay Bano' event, the journalist said, "I forgive all those who attacked me. I have been attacked six times earlier and this was the seventh."

Workers from the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi were engaged in a standoff outside the Rashtra Seva Dal premises earlier, with protesters saying they would now allow Nikhil Wagle to speak at the event.

Meanwhile, Pune city Shiv Sena president Pramod Bhangire said they were not opposing the event but only the participation of Nikhil Wagle.

(With inputs from agencies)
Kochi: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress in Kerala launched a mega statewide protest on Friday aiming to puncture holes in the policies of the CPI(M)-led state government and the BJP-led union government. Titled Samaragni, the statewide march was inaugurated by AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal in the northernmost Kasaragod district and will be led by state Congress chief K Sudhakaran and Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan. (HT Photo)

Titled Samaragni, the statewide march was inaugurated by AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal in the northernmost district of Kasaragod and will be jointly led by state Congress chief K Sudhakaran and Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan. The yatra, which will travel through all 14 districts and culminate in Thiruvananthapuram on Feb 29, will see top leaders of the party addressing 30 public meetings including four major conventions in Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Apart from public meetings, Sudhakaran and Satheesan will also interact with people from all sections of the society to understand the pulse on the ground, party leaders said. The issues and public grievances emanating from these meetings will feature in the partys election campaign as it takes on the CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP-led NDA.

The first objective of Samaragni is to declare that the forces at the Centre which are trying to spew hate in society and divide people will be destroyed. Second, this protest is a charge sheet against the state government which over the last eight years has looted the state and committed corruption and financial mismanagement. We have realised that these two governments at the state and centre are two sides of the same coin. Both are trying to create communal polarisation in the state. While Sangh Parivar forces are trying to create polarisation at the national level, the Communists here are trying to reap benefits out of it, said Satheesan at the inauguration rally.

Satheesan alleged that just like Russian Communist Joseph Stalin and Fascist leader Adolf Hitler made a pact during the Second World War, PM Narendra Modi and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan have also made a pact in the state.

Fascism and Communism have undercurrents here in Kerala. Both forces are helping each other in corruption cases. Thats why probes by central agencies are stuck midway. We have to defeat both forces, he added.

During the statewide protest march, the Congress is expected to get its chief ministers from other states like Siddaramaiah and Revanth Reddy and top national leaders like Priyanka Gandhi to address conventions in districts and get the cadre motivated for the parliamentary election campaign.

The Congress-led UDF aims to repeat its performance in the 2019 LS elections when it won 19 of the states 20 seats. It suffered defeat at the hands of the LDF only in Alappuzha. This time, the Congress is expected to contest in 16 seats while its allies IUML, Kerala Congress and RSP will be allocated 2, 1 and 1 seat respectively.
New Delhi: The Muslim community is being provoked over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), home minister Amit Shah said on Saturday. Declaring that the CAA will be implemented before the Lok Sabha elections, he assured the minority community that their citizenship will not be snatched away. Amit Shah said there is no provision in the act to snatch away any person's citizenship.(PTI)

"CAA is an Act of the country, it will definitely be notified. It will be notified before the polls. CAA will be implemented by the polls, and there should be no confusion around it," Shah said at the ET Now-Global Business summit in the national capital.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He said there is no provision in the act to snatch away any person's citizenship.

"Minorities in our country, and especially our Muslim community, are being provoked. CAA cannot snatch away anyone's citizenship because there is no provision in the Act. CAA is an act to provide citizenship to refugees who were persecuted in Bangladesh and Pakistan," he added.

READ | Amit Shah accuses Congress of appeasement on UCC, says Nehru-signed agenda ignored

The CAA was passed by the Parliament in 2019. However, the Centre hasn't notified its rules yet.

The act makes it easier for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh -- who arrived in India before December 31, 2014 -- to get Indian citizenship.

In 2019, the passage of the act prompted a massive protest in the national capital's Shaheen Bagh area.

Amit Shah today attacked the Congress over the law..

"CAA was a promise of the Congress government. When the country was divided and the minorities were persecuted in those countries, Congress had assured the refugees that they were welcome in India and they would be provided with Indian citizenship. Now they are backtracking," he added.

At the event, he said the Uniform Civil Code was a constitutional agenda signed by first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru but the Congress party later ignored it due to its appeasement politics.

"But the Congress had ignored it due to appeasement. The enforcement of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a social change. It will be discussed on all forums and face legal scrutiny. A secular country cannot have religion-based civil codes," he said.
Kohima: Dismayed over the Centres delay in implementing the assured autonomous council for the six eastern districts of Nagaland Frontier Naga Territory, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO) on Saturday held public rallies simultaneously across the six district headquarters demanding effectuation before the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The ENPO represents seven Naga tribes of six eastern districts of Nagaland (File/Representative Photo)

The rallies culminated with the adoption of a resolution that the people of the region shall be compelled to take their own course of action in the event the Central government does not honour their sentiments and aspirations.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The ENPO represents seven Naga tribes of six eastern districts of Nagaland  Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. Each of the seven constituent tribal units of ENPO submitted a letter addressed to the Governor to their respective deputy commissioners.

If Election Model Code of Conduct is declared by ECI [Election Commission of India] without signing the MoS, we shall not be held responsible for any untoward situation that may arise in Eastern Nagaland region, the letters stated.

They requested Governor La. Ganesa for immediate onward communication of the report to the Union home minister Amit Shah.

ENPO has been demanding a separate Frontier Nagaland state since 2010 over alleged issues of discrimination, particularly on the development front.

Although the ENPOs demand is for the creation of a separate state Frontier Nagaland carved out from the present-day Nagaland state, the Centres representatives from the Union home ministry led by advisor (northeast) AK Mishra in 2022 negotiated for an alternative arrangement autonomy for the region.

ENPO, which represents the Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung communities, accelerated pressure on its demand in 2022 and resolved to abstain from participating in any election process should the central government fail to address the issue.

The Union home ministry then proposed an autonomous council for the region with legislative, executive, administration, and financial autonomy with 49 councillors  40 elected legislative members and nine nominees. Presently, the six districts have 20 MLAs in the 60-member state assembly.

In January 2023, close on the heels of the state assembly elections, the ENPO lifted its abstention call on elections after the Union home ministry assured it that the issue would be resolved after the poll process. Lauding the ENPO decision, Union home minister Shah termed it an expression of trust in the Modi government.

The assurance, according to the ENPO, was that a solution as mutually agreed will be reached after following the due process and will be implemented after completion of the election process.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah had hailed the decision. It is heartening that in an expression of trust in the Modi government, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) in Nagaland has withdrawn its call to boycott the assembly elections. The decision will help in keeping the ongoing process of peace and development unhindered.
Pakistans three main political parties stepped up efforts on Saturday to form a government after a split mandate in the general election saw independent candidates backed mainly by former premier Imran Khans party winning more seats than the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Supporters of Imran Khans PTI in Karachi on Saturday. (REUTERS)

Results continued to come in two days after the close of balloting on Thursday, with independent candidates bagging 100 of more than 250 constituencies for which results were declared by the Election Commission of Pakistan. At least 90 of these candidates are backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Khan, who is in jail after his conviction in three separate cases.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Three-time former premier Nawaz Sharifs PML-N party won 73 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested, while the PPP led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari secured 54 seats.

Leaders of both PML-N and PTI claimed victory and said efforts were underway to form the next government.

In an apparent reference to the military, PTI chairman Gohar Khan, who is the former premiers lawyer, called on all institutions in Pakistan to respect his partys mandate.

We have no quarrel with anyone, we want to move forward. We will proceed and form a government in accordance with the Constitution and the law, Gohar Khan told a news conference in Islamabad. No obstacles should be created for the PTI and results should be announced as soon as possible.

He said if complete results of the polls were not released by Saturday night, the party would hold peaceful protests on Sunday outside government offices returning election results around the country.

Read more: Imran Khan's party warns of protest, Nawaz Sharif plans alliance as Pakistan stares at political crisis: Updates

PTI leaders said an announcement will soon be made about which party the independent candidates will join so that a government can be formed.

Independent candidates cannot form a government on their own, and joining another party will also ensure the PTI can get a portion of the 76 reserved seats in the 342-member National Assembly that are distributed according to a partys vote share.

Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide and media adviser to Imran Khan, told HT: We will merge with a party but wont do an alliance with any mainstream party to form a disjointed and weak government.

Hours after Sharif called on other parties on Friday to join hands with the PML-N to form a government, his brother, former premier Shehbaz Sharif, met Bhutto-Zardari and his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, in Lahore for consultations on forming a coalition, according to media reports.

Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari agreed to form a government at the centre and in Punjab province, and the PML-N and the PPP will finalise all matters related to a power-sharing formula and the distribution of portfolios through mutual consultations, Geo News channel quoted its sources as saying. The Dawn newspaper cited its sources as saying that the meeting was brief but ended on a positive note.

On Saturday, however, Bhutto-Zardari told Geo News that the PPP has not had any official conversation with the PML-N, the PTI or other political parties on forming a coalition.

Read more: Pakistan election results: Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif or the Army, who is the real winner? Latest updates

With none of the three parties close to even a simple majority in Parliament, analysts agreed that the next government would be a coalition in which the PTI-backed independent candidates could play a crucial role.

People familiar with the matter said the PTI was looking at the possibility of getting the independents to join the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWM). On the other hand, they said, the PML-N and the PPP could seek to woo some of the independents to their camp with inducements such as a position in the government. Independent candidates have three days to join a party after being elected.

The powerful Pakistan Army, which has faced considerable criticism for its perceived role in shutting the PTI out of the election process, on Saturday called for a unified government of all democratic forces. While PTI leaders were detained, harassed and barred from holding rallies, the party was also barred from polls by the Election Commission for not complying with electoral laws on holding internal elections.

Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir, in a statement issued by the militarys media arm, appeared to throw his weight behind a coalition government. He said: Pakistans diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose.

Pakistan, he said, needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, and elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing.

Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful, Munir said.

The country is struggling to recover from an economic crisis and battles militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.

Noting that the people had reposed their combined trust in the Constitution, Munir said it is incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity.

Meanwhile, Australia, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU) have expressed concerns about the fairness of Pakistans election process.

Australias foreign ministry said in a statement it was regrettable that the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections.

In a post on X, UK foreign secretary David Cameron said: We recognise serious concerns over the fairness and lack of inclusivity of Pakistans elections.

US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement: We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The US, he said, is concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process and claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.

The EU too sought a timely and full investigation by Pakistani authorities of all reported election irregularities. The 27-nation bloc expressed regret at the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections and allegations of severe interference in the electoral process. The EU also called on all political actors in Pakistan to engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue aiming at the formation of a stable government.

Responding to this criticism, Pakistans foreign ministry expressed surprise at the negative tone of some of these statements, which didnt account for the complexity of the electoral process or acknowledge the free exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis.
Pakistans former premier Nawaz Sharif on Friday made an impassioned plea to other political parties to join hands with his PML-N party to form a coalition government after a surprisingly strong performance in the general elections by independent candidates backed by his arch-rival Imran Khan. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif speaks, flanked by his daughter and politician Maryam Nawaz Sharif and his brother and former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, at the party office of Pakistan Muslim League (N) at Model Town in Lahore, Pakistan, February 9, 2024. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (REUTERS)

As results trickled in following Thursdays election, it became clear the PML-N wouldnt have the numbers to form a government on its own. Addressing a large gathering of supporters in Lahores Model Town area, an emotional Sharif said he had tasked his younger brother, former premier Shehbaz Sharif, to reach out to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JuI-F) and other parties regarding the formation of a government of unity.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The PML-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections, he said to loud cheers from his supporters.

It would have been good if we had got a full mandate and emerged as the majority party and formed government, but even then, we would have invited other parties to join us and walk with us. But since we dont have such a majority that we can form the government on our own, we will invite other allied parties that have been successful in the election to join us and jointly form a government and jointly get Pakistan out of its difficulties, he said, speaking in Urdu.

Read more: Fudging fears in Pakistan election but Imran Khan's rebels defy odds

Sharif said Shehbaz Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar would take these efforts forward by meeting PPP stalwart Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the JuI-F, and leaders of parties such as the MQM. The current circumstances dictate we work together, he said.

Sharif, 74, returned to Pakistan last October after four years of self-exile due to a raft of cases filed against him, and analysts had widely expected the PML-N to perform well in the election with the blessings of the military establishment. However, reports from Thursday suggested that Sharif had trailed an independent candidate backed by Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the PML-Ns erstwhile bastion of Lahore.

On Friday, the returning officer for Sharifs constituency was suddenly changed due to an ailment and the PML-N chief subsequently won the election.

Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, widely seen as his political heir, appeared on a balcony at the PML-N headquarters in Lahore to address a large crowd below. People threw rose petals on Sharifs car as he arrived to give the speech, and he recounted the PML-Ns past achievements in areas such as the economy, defence and security, including the nuclear blasts carried out by his government in 1998.

Pakistan is hurt and the people want a change for the better, he said. It is our duty to bring the country out of crises. We have got the country out of problems in the past too. We respect the mandate of all parties, individuals and independent candidates. We invite them to sit with us to bring a hurt Pakistan out of its problems. Our agenda is only for a peaceful Pakistan.

Read more: Pakistan coalition talks loom after after no clear majority, strong vote showing for jailed Imran Khan

He said all institutions, politicians, Parliament, armed forces, judiciary and media must play a positive role to help Pakistan overcome crises. Everyone must work in harmony, and only then can Pakistan overcome its difficulties, he said.

Pakistan, Sharif said, needs at least 10 years of stability to address all its problems. We dont want to fight with those who want to fight. Pakistan cant afford any kind of fighting. This is why I am saying repeatedly that we must sit together and decide all these matters and take Pakistan into the 21st century, he added.

Without naming any country, Sharif also said Pakistan wants better relations with its neighbours and the rest of the world. We will improve relations with them and resolve all problems with them, he said.

The PML-N has a history of working with the PPP in times of crisis. After the 2008 election didnt throw up a decisive victory for either party, the PML-N and the PPP came together to form a short-lived coalition. The PML-N and the PPP also joined hands with minor parties to oust Khan as prime minister in a confidence vote in April 2022.
Staff at Quyet "Pho" restaurant in Tokyo make "chung" cakes. (Photo: VNA)

Dang Huy Quyet, owner of a restaurant selling Pho (noodle soup) - one of the traditional dishes of Vietnam  in Tokyo, and his employees prepared 70 Tet gifts, including Chung cake and Gio (steamed pork paste) to give to Vietnamese students living in his neighbourhood.



Quyet said that having lived in Tokyo for 15 years, he understands the difficulties that Vietnamese expatriates usually face and their homesickness during traditional celebrations like Tet. He said he hopes to bring a feeling of Tet to them.



Meanwhile, an event to honour the beauty of the Vietnamese language was held in Vientiane, Laos, on February 7.



Vietnamese musical and poetry works were introduced at the event, helping the Vietnamese community in Laos and Thailand, as well as and Lao people who can speak Vietnamese feel the beauty of the Vietnamese language, use it, and preserve it further.



Within the framework of the programme, participants enjoyed songs and poems about President Ho Chi Minh, the country and people of Vietnam, and the Laos-Vietnam friendship.



Vietnamese students at the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute in Moscow have held an event to celebrate the Vietnamese Tet festival.



During the event, they told international participants about Tet in Vietnam with typical rituals, food, games, and wishes.



The event aimed to promote the image of Vietnam and its culture in Russia./.
The parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology has pulled up the IT ministry for the delay in drafting rules under the contentious Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and for not specifying a timeline for rolling out the Digital India Bill. The parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology tabled its report in the Lok Sabha on February 8. (ANI)

In a report tabled in the Lok Sabha on February 8, the committee, headed by Shiv Sena (Shinde) member of Parliament (MP) Prataprao Jadhav, asked the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) to prioritise the drafting of DPDP rules and to ensure that the process is completed within the prescribed period of six months.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The DPDP Act was notified in the gazette on August 11, 2023 but has not been enacted yet. In October, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said that the DPDP Rules were almost ready and would be released soon for public consultation. On December 20, minister of state for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the draft DPDP Rules would be released for consultation in the next two days so they could be notified in the first week of January. Vaishnaw had said that the draft rules would undergo at least a 45-day-long public consultation.The rules, once notified, would need to be placed before Parliament for its approval. Vaishnaw had said that appointment to the Data Protection Board would happen after parliamentary approval for the notified rules. It now looks impossible for this to happen ahead of the 2024 general elections.

The committee in its report said, The Ministry has merely outlined the established practice for rule-making without providing clarity on its expected finalization. The Committee would like to draw attention of the Ministry to the established norms, which provide that rules under an Act should be framed within six months of its commencement.

The Committee expected that since the data protection law was notified on August 11, 2023, the Rules in this regard should now be nearing completion. However, the Committee observe that the lack of properly framed rules has prevented the notification of essential components of the data privacy law, including the Data Privacy [Protection] Board, which is mandated to investigate privacy breaches and impose penalties as outlined in the Act, it said.

The committee said that the ministry should draw up simple rules under the law, which are easy to understand and administer

It also asked the ministry to a devise a mechanism to ensure that the exceptions given for the government to process personal data without consent for certain legitimate uses (such as national security reasons, or to provide/issue subsidies, benefits, services, certificates, licenses and permits) are neither misused nor allowed to become a norm.

[T]he Committee had expressed concern regarding the potential misuse of these exceptions. Therefore, the Ministry was urged to establish a mechanism that prevents these exceptions from becoming the norm and ensure that they are employed only in exceptional situations. ... the Committee note that the Ministry is aware about its potential misuse of these exceptions. However, the Committee find that the Ministry has not outlined any specific in this regard, the report said.

The panel said it wants the ministry to take concrete action to ensure that default consent settings are designed to extend benefits to data principals, especially digitally illiterate individuals.

The report also asked the ministry to hold awareness campaigns to make the public aware of alternative remedies in cases of harm caused by civil wrongs violating their rights, and to establish a helpline number or an online AI-based chatbot to provide guidance to affected individuals especially post enactment of DPDP Act, 2023.

It also said that it wants the ministry to expedite amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other related acts so that all acts are harmonised with the DPDP Act.

Stressing on the need to replace the outdated IT Act 2000, the panel asked MeitY to promptly conclude the framework for the Digital India Bill and expedite its enactment without unnecessary delays.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar had first mentioned that the government was looking to replace the IT Act with the Digital India Act in April 2022.

The ministry had held two public consultations on the Principles of the draft Digital India Bill in March and May 2023, in Bangalore and Mumbai, respectively. A third session was scheduled for Delhi but was cancelled.

Upon reviewing the action taken notes of the Ministry, the Committee observes the lack of specified timeline for rolling out the Digital India Bill. There is no indication of the Government introducing the Act in the upcoming Session of Parliament. The Committee, reiterating their earlier recommendation strongly urge the Ministry to promptly finalize the draft of the Digital India (DIA) Bill without any further delay, the panels report said.
The 17th Lok Sabha ushered in many game-changer reforms that laid a strong foundation of 21st century India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the House on Saturday in his last parliamentary speech before the general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha on Saturday. (ANI)

The PM announced that the dream of a terror-free India would be fulfilled, pitched for minimal government interference in peoples daily lives, and hoped for 100% productivity in the 18th Lok Sabha.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking on the last day of the budget session, Modi said the people of India would continue to bless the outgoing Lok Sabha for its efforts.

Reform, Perform and Transform has been the mantra for the past five years. This Lok Sabha passed many game-changer reforms and the strong foundation of 21st century India can be seen in those reforms. The country has progressed at a faster pace, Modi said, highlighting the various feats achieved in the 17th Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister announced that things for which generations had waited were fulfilled in this Lok Sabha.

We can say with great satisfaction that many things for which generations used to wait were accomplished through the 17th Lok Sabha. He maintained that after the abrogation of Article 370, full splendour of the Constitution was manifested and the Constitution makers had blessed the lawmakers.

The PM said while social justice is reaching the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the government will fulfil the dream of making India free of terror. Talking about the scourge of terrorism, the Prime Minister said many important people lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir and the land was strewn with blood.

The stringent laws that were made by the House have strengthened the war against terrorism. This has improved the confidence of those who are fighting against terrorism and we will also fulfil the dream of a terror-free India, the PM said.

Modi spoke about the landmark laws and pitched for minimum interference of the government in the daily lives of people. Talking about the removal of thousands of compliances  including one that could punish company heads if office toilets didnt get a fresh coat of paint every six months  the PM said, The 17th Lok Sabha played an important role in economic reforms. Thousands of compliances were a burden. We have freed people from those burdens.

Read more: PM Modi lauds Om Birla on last day of 17th Lok Sabha: You impartially led this House

The faster the government goes out of the lives of the people, the better it is for democracy. Why should the government interfere in the daily lives of people. The government will always be available for those who are in need. Our aim is to create a democracy where the government has minimum presence in daily lives, the PM said, adding that the Jan Vishwas bill has decriminalised 180 laws in order to empower people.

Modi mentioned that during the biggest crisis of the century  the Covid-19 pandemic  when the entire humanity suffered and lives were uncertain, the House sat and continued to work for the country.

It was even difficult to leave the House. But the House sat and worked for the country. During those days, all MPs agreed to give up their MPLAD funds and 30% of their salary willingly. It gave confidence to the people, he added.

The PM mentioned the shift to the new Parliament building, celebration of 75 years of both Independence and the Constitution, the placement of the Sengol, landmark bills such as triple talaq and the womens reservation bill and also quipped that the Parliament canteen now has a common rate for everyone.

Speaking on the significance of Amrit Kaal or the next 25 years for the nation, Modi spoke about Mahatma Gandhis Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Swadeshi movement and said, These events may have been insignificant at the time of inception but set the foundations for the next 25 years, leading to Indias independence in 1947.

A similar feeling has developed in India and every person has taken the resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047, the PM added.

Effusively praising Speaker Om Birla for far-reaching changes in Parliament, Modi said, You have connected lakhs of students with Indias democratic heritage, the Parliament library and its treasure trove of knowledge. You brought new technology and made Parliament paperless.

Read more: In PM Modi's last address to 17th Lok Sabha, Article 370, Sengol, Ram Mandir mentioned

The PM announced that the 17th Lok Sabha had 97% productivity but announced that, We will resolve to work for more than 100% productivity in the next Lok Sabha.

On the final day of the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha, Modi said, The journey of Indias democracy is everlasting and the nation has its purpose to serve the entire humanity. Talking about the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said, Elections are a natural and essential dimension of democracy. I am confident that the elections will be in accordance with the glory of our democracy.

The Prime Minister said that the resolution passed in Parliament about the Ram Temple will give constitutional powers to the future generations of the country to take pride in its heritage.

He maintained the resolution comprises Samvedna (sensitivity), Sankalp (resolution) and Sahanubhuti (sympathy) along with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

Parliament will continue to inspire its members as it leaves behind a legacy for future generations and work to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of future generations with the collective effort of all its members. The motion on Ram Mandir passed by the House will give the coming generations the constitutional power to be proud of the values of the country, Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that Dalits, OBCs and tribals were the biggest beneficiaries of his governments pro-poor schemes and added that its greatest achievement in the past ten years was to pull 25 crore people out of poverty. PM Modi said his governments greatest achievement in the past ten years was to pull 25 crore people out of poverty. (File)

The Prime Minister was addressing the Viksit Bharat Viksit Gujarat programme via video conferencing, during which he inaugurated and laid the foundation for over 1.3 lakh homes in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other housing schemes.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The biggest beneficiaries of our governments pro-poor schemes are Dalits, OBCs (other backward castes) and tribals, Modi said, responding to the oppositions allegations that his government is ignoring SCs, STs and OBCs. Modi said that the poor, youth, farmers and women are pillars of developed India.

During the programme, he also interacted with the beneficiaries of the housing schemes and said that it marked the fulfilment of Modi ki guarantee.

The programme was organised at more than 180 places across all districts of Gujarat, with the main programme held at Deesa in Banaskantha district.

Prime Minister Modi said that the construction of houses for the poor is taking place at a rapid pace when compared to the pre-2014 period. He said funding for the construction of houses for the poor was meagre and there were leakages in the form of commissions etc. during earlier times. The money transferred for homes of the poor is now more than 2.25 lakhs and is being transferred directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the middlemen, he said.

He also said that now theres freedom of building homes according to the needs of the families while also building toilets, tap water connections, supplying electricity and gas connections. These facilities have helped the poor in saving money, he said. PM Modi also emphasised that the houses are now registered in the name of women making them houseowners.

The Prime Minister noted the strides made by Gujarat in PM Awas Yojana and said that more than 9 lakh houses have been constructed in the urban areas of the state. Under PM Awas  Gramin, more than 5 lakh houses have been constructed in the rural areas. He said new technology is being deployed to ensure quality and rapid construction. He said 1,100 houses have been constructed under the Lighthouse project.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence and urged the beneficiaries to come forward and support this initiative and contribute to uprooting poverty.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed happiness that people from every part of the state are part of Gujarats development journey. He recalled his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January which has completed 20 years and lauded the state government for its efforts.

He emphasised that a house owned by the poor ensures a brighter future for them. The Prime Minister underscored the governments continuous endeavors to build new homes for every underprivileged individual as families expanded.

See the figure of 1.3 lakh houses. Even when I attended a national-level programme for giving houses under PMAY, I did not see such a huge figure. I congratulate the Gujarat government. For any poor person, having his own house is a guarantee of his better future When work of such scale comes to completion, the nation calls it Modi ki Guarantee which means guarantee of fulfilment of the guarantee, he said in his speech.

Recalling the water scarcity in the region in the past, the Prime Minister mentioned initiatives like Per Drop More Crop and drip irrigation which have helped agriculture in Banaskantha, Mehsana, Ambaji, and Patan. He said development efforts in Ambaji will give a huge boost to the number of pilgrims. He said that the broad-gauge line from Ahmedabad to Abu Road (Rajasthan) which had been pending since the British period will soon be completed and help create a large number of jobs.

Speaking about his village Vadnagar, the Prime Minister said that the recently recovered ancient artifacts dated to about 3,000 years old have been drawing tourists in large numbers. He said that places like Hatkeshwar, Ambaji, Patan and Tarangaji will help North Gujarat become a tourist centre similar to the Statue of Unity.

Lauding the successful organisation of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in the months of November, December and January, the Prime Minister said that crores of people from Gujarat became associated with the Yatra.
Addressing questions at the 'Sushasan Mahotsav 2024', the minister said that the prime minister was pained by the opposition parties' criticism and attacks on the government over its efforts to develop an indigenous vaccine to vaccinate the countrys people. HT Image

"First they asked when the vaccine will arrive, and when it did, they questioned its efficacy and asked why PM Modi was not taking it. When the country was going through the Covid crisis, opposition parties indulged in politics over vaccine production.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time directed his ministers not to get into blame-game and continue working diligently towards protecting the people from the disease," Mandaviya said.

When Covid struck, the world doubted India's capability of handling the pandemic, he said.

PM Modi held meetings with scientists and encouraged them to develop indigenous vaccines besides putting in place a number of guidelines and protocols.

He said there was no dearth of manpower and brainpower in India and within a short period of time, two vaccines were available in India by January 2021 which is a "major success story of India's research".

He said that India sent medicines such as hydroxychlorine to 150 nations, including some developed countries, during the Covid crisis after fulfilling India's own requirement.

It is worth mentioning that pharma companies did not increase the price of medicines and the quality of medicines were not compromised," he said.

"For us health is not commerce but sewa," Mandaviya added.

Responding to a question about the achievements of the Modi government in the last 10 years when compared to all his predecessors, Mandaviya said the current government adopts a holistic approach in the health sector.

First, the government decided to make health accessible and affordable for which 1.64 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres were made operational, the health minister said.

MBBS seats have increased from 51,348 in 2014 to the current 1,08,940 and PG seats have risen from 31,185 in 2014 to 70,674 now, the minister said. Medical colleges have been doubled to have more doctors, he added.

Twenty-two new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have been approved by the government  of which seven are fully functional while 12 are partially functional and the rest are at various stages of operationalisation, Mandaviya said.

Around 6.22 crore hospital admissions have been authorised under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which aims to provide health cover of 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 12 crore families, the minister said.

Over 20 crore teleconsultations have been completed under the e-health initiative of Union Ministry of Health, eSanjeevani, he said.

He said that organ donation has received a boost under the government and that a central registry of blood banks has also been created. Drones are now being used to transport organs by some AIIMS, he added.

Vaccine manufacturing capacity has also gone up, Mandaviya said.
Port Blair, Feb 10 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu will arrive here on February 19 on a five-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said on Saturday. HT Image

This will be Murmu's first visit to the archipelago after becoming the President of India in 2022.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The president will arrive here around 1 pm on February 19 at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair where she will be welcomed by Lt Governor Admiral (Retd) D K Joshi, Commander-In-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, and senior officials.

During her stay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands from February 19-23, the president will visit Cellular Jail, Swaraj Dweep popularly known as Havelock Islands, Campbell Bay, Indira Point (the southernmost point of India) and will interact with various communities and officials to get a first hand experience about the island.

She will also visit Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (previously known as Ross Island) where the managing director of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) Nandini Paliwal will brief her about the proposed development of a National Memorial.

Also, there will be a film presentation on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a special screening on Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan. The president will also interact with the tribal community on various issues.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the union territory in view of the scheduled visit of the president to the archipelago.

The security agencies have prohibited the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hand gliders, Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Aerial Systems Solutions (UASS), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, Chinese lanterns, quadcopters or even by para jumping from aircraft, etc in the islands.
Punjab and Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind and Fatehabad districts will be sealed ahead of the farmers' Delhi march on February 13, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. More than 200 farmers' unions will take part in the march. The Haryana government on Saturday ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts -- Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Another farmers' protest on the Delhi-Noida border on Thursday.

The planned protest is a grim reminder of the farmers' protest in 2020 which went on for a year on the Delhi border as this time too, farmers are coming to the national capital with all essential items, ration, and cylinders.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Both the Punjab and Haryana governments have made elaborate arrangements to ensure there is no law and order situation and the public is not inconvenienced.

Delhi chalo march on Feb 13: Here are 10 latest updates

1. Haryana on alert: Haryana Police already alerted the commuters two days in advance to limit their travel on the main roads.

2. Chandigarh to Delhi route: Commuters going from Chandigarh to Delhi have been asked to take alternative routes via Derabassi, Barwala/Ramgarh, Saha, Shahbad, Kurukshetra, or through Panchkula, NH-344 Yamunanagar Indri/Pipli, Karnal.

3. Delhi to Chandigarh route: Delhi to Chandigarh commuters have been asked to use Karnal, Indri/Pipli, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, or Kurukshetra, Shahbad, Saha, Barwala, Ramgarh route.

4. Alternative traffic arrangements: Traffic routes in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad, Sirsa will be changed keeping in mind the farmers' march.

5. Farmers' route: The farmers have planned to head to Delhi from the Ambala-Shambhu border, Khanauri-Jind and the Dabwali border. But Haryana police said Punjab farmers will not be allowed to enter Haryana.

6. Emergency arrangement: Police have prepared concrete blocks, barbed wire, sandbags, barricades and other items at the Shambhu border in Ambala. Haryana Police have deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces.

7. Mobile internet suspension: Mobile internet services will remain suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts from 6am on February 11 to 23:59pm on February 13.

8. 'Disruption of public utilities': The mobile internet suspension order said there is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in above mentioned districts on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours.

9. Farmer leaders' meeting with ministers: To stop the farmers from coming to Delhi, a delegation of three ministers including Piyush Goyal was sent to Chandigarh to talk to the farmer leaders. The leaders said a second round of meeting was promised but Delhi Chalo march will take place.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Friday demanded the Bharat Ratna (posthumously), India's highest civilian award, for his uncle and the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray passed away in 2012 (File)

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Raj Thackeray wrote, Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and S Swaminathan, father of the Indian Green Revolution, were posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna. S Swaminathan passed away just a few months ago. A scientist who achieved so much should have received this honour during his lifetime. Anyway.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the Bharat Ratna will be bestowed upon former prime ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao. Additionally, MS Swaminathan, recognised as the pioneer of the green revolution, will also receive this prestigious award.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made a similar request on Friday. Taking to X, Sanjay Raut said, Prime Minister Modi who calls himself Hindutva-vadi has once again forgotten Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray. First two and now three leaders have been honoured with Bharat Ratna in barely one month. However, neither Veer Savarkar nor Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray who deserve Bharat Ratna more than anyone else have been fully ignored.

Attacking Modi, Sanjay Raut said while three Bharat Ratna awards are usually announced in a year, the PM announced five alleging that it was because of upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Modi earlier announced a Bharat Ratna for former Bihar chief minister Karpuri Thakur and BJP veteran LK Advani.

Sanjay Raut said, After Karpuri Thakur and LK Advani, today Chaudhary Charan Singh, P V Narasimha Rao and M S Swaminathan have been honoured with Bharat Ratna. Other leaders are waiting too.

He added, But why has the PM forgotten Shri Balasaheb Thackeray who is the real architect behind the Hindu wave sweeping the country? And remember, it is because of Balasaheb, PM Modi could hold the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

He further wrote. Now that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Center has shown political generosity by honouring P. V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Pranab Mukherjee a few years ago, they must show the same generosity and declare Balasaheb Thackeray Bharat Ratna as well.

Describing Bal Thackeray as a unique leader, Raj Thackeray added, A prominent cartoonist of this country and a unique leader who kindled the pride of all Hindus across the country deserves this honour. It will be a moment of jubilation for me, and others like me who have inherited Balasahebs thoughts.

PM Modi announced Bharat Ratna awards

In a post on X, PM Modi said, Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth.

He added, Narasimha Rao Garu's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.

On Chaudhary Charan Singh's contribution to the country, the PM said, It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country, even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation-building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency are inspiring to the entire nation.

The PM also said Swaminathan, a renowned figure in Indian agriculture known for his pivotal contribution to India's 'Green Revolution', will be honoured with the award posthumously.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Temple case is a reflection of India's secular character to the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on Saturday.(ANI )

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony on January 22, Shah said that in no other country has the majority community waited for so long for a matter related to its faith.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

There were apprehensions that post the Supreme Court verdict there could be unrest but such fears were unfounded as the country saw a harmonious atmosphere, the home minister told the parliament, according to PTI.

The home minister also lauded those who participated in the long struggle for the Ram temple issue.

Shah said that the struggle for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya began in 1528 and the legal battle fought for it started in 1858, adding that it all came to an end on January 22.

"No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," Shah said.

The home minister said that those who imagine India without Lord Ram do not know the country and that they represent our era of slavery.

"The date of January 22 marks the beginning of the journey of great India. This day paves the way for Maa Bharti (mother India) to take us on the path of becoming Vishwaguru (world leader). It was a day that marked the hopes, aspirations and accomplishments of crores of devotees," Shah said, adding that the Ram mandir is a sign of cultural rejuvenation, according to PTI.

On November 9, 2019, settling a fractious issue that went back more than a century, a five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi had paved the way for construction of the temple and ruled that an alternative five-acre plot will be found for a mosque in the holy town in Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi The Supreme Court on Friday criticised the Madras high court for signing a lease with the Tamil Nadu government to use a parcel for parking and other facilities for its Madurai bench campus even though the acquisition proceedings for that land remained pending. Putting the lease agreement of the high court with the state government in abeyance, the court added that it acknowledges the problems that the high courts and district judiciary face on account of inadequate infrastructure (ANI)

According to a bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, the high court ought to have waited for the acquisition process to conclude instead of rushing into the agreement as a lessee.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

We dont want to say much but this is not the way the high court should conduct...Is this the impression high court wants to give to people? We dont want to comment more but it is very disturbing...Why is the high court becoming a lessee? the bench commented.

Putting the lease agreement of the high court with the state government in abeyance, the court added that it acknowledges the problems that the high courts and district judiciary face on account of inadequate infrastructure.

But these problems are to be resolved in a lawful manner. Why cant the state take possession of the land and give it to the high court? We dont want the high court to become a litigant. We deprecate it. We dont approve of it, the court told senior counsel Guru Krishnakumar, who appeared for the high court administration.

Responding, Krishnakumar said that the parcel of land was being used for parking facility for the Madurai Bench campus and that the high court was contemplating administrative offices too. It used to be a dump yard. We entered into a lease with the HR&CE department (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department) to start using the land immediately, he added.

But the bench responded that the high court should not use its judicial power to take over the possession of the land. It has to be done in a certain manner. Why are you pre-empting the state government from taking over the land in acquisition? You silently hand over the possession to the state... high court should gracefully walk out of the land.

In its order, the bench recorded the statement of Tamil Nadus advocate general PS Raman that the acquisition process for the parcel of land situated close to the court campus was initiated in terms of a previous order of the Supreme Court in May 2023.

He submits that some of the procedural compliances with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, needs to be dispensed with to expedite the acquisition. To consider this prayer and other related issues, post this matter on February 20. Till such a time, the lease agreement purportedly executed between the high court and HR&CE department is kept in abeyance, stated the order.

It added: The state government shall take the possession of land as a caretaker and will also control ingress and egress.

The bench was hearing an appeal against a February 2023 order of the Madurai bench of the Madras high court that issued a series of directions for the acquisition of a parcel of temple land near the court campus for public use. The direction was passed on a public interest litigation filed by M Saravanan, who wanted the land parcel to be acquired and used by the high court for building parking and other facilities for the court users.

The high court noted that the registrar general of the Madras high court in 2021 requested the state government to identify around 10 acres of land close to the Madurai bench campus, with good road access and other basic facilities. The government had also taken a policy decision to offer 6.49 acre of land opposite the high court and another piece of land measuring three acre, both of which were endowed to Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple.

Observing that there is an urgent need for additional land and that the HR&CE department came forward to sell the land at the market price, the high court in its 2023 order directed the authorities to expedite the land acquisition process. One of the appellants before the Supreme Court, however, claimed that it was not a temple land under the HR&CE department.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday reiterated the Centre's assertion that India has not lost out on any territory in the months-long military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. Amit Shah at Parliament House complex.(PTI)

China tried to do what it did in 1962, Shah said in the Lok Sabha, according to PTI. Our leadership displayed resolve and not an inch of India's land was lost.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

India and China have been locked in a border row along LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 2020.

Since the beginning of the crisis, India has maintained that no land has been conceded to China. However, Opposition leaders, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has frequently attacked the Centre for letting China acquire Indian territory.

New Delhi has maintained the complete withdrawal of Chinese troops from all points of conflict is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility along the disputed border.

The face-off, which began in late April-May 2020, led to a bloody clash in the Galwan Valley on the night of June 15, that led to casualties on both sides. It was the first time in more than 40 years that lives were lost in a border skirmish along the LAC. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in action.

China initially didn't disclose the number of casualties sustained by its troops, officially admitting only in February 2021 that four of its soldiers were killed while one was injured. However, it is believed that the number of actual Chinese casualties is higher.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with U.S. congressmen on Friday in Kyiv, discussed the supply of long-range weapons and air defense systems.

"We discussed the need of assistance this year and the new American package, which is still under discussion, critical issues. Also air defense, namely Patriots. And the third, key question, emphasized the importance of the range of our weapons, including ATACMS at 300 kilometers, for which, unfortunately, there is no decision yet," he said in a video message on Friday.

"We appreciate American leadership and its contribution to the defense of Ukrainian independence and democracy from the first days of a full-scale war. America helped Ukraine survive at a decisive moment," he said.
The BJP does not believe in "family planning" in politics and always welcomes new allies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Saturday and said that talks were on with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.(PTI)

Speaking at an event, Shah also stressed that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be implemented before the Lok Sabha polls and predicted the BJP will win 370 seats while the NDA will get more than 400 seats out of 543 in the elections.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Asked about the possibility of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), headed by Jayant Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and other regional parties joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the home minister said, "We believe in family planning (in general) but not in politics."

"We always want that our alliance grows and we always welcome new allies. Our ideology has remained the same since the days of Jan Sangh. Those who like to join us can come," he said at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2024.

When pressed further on the re-entry of SAD in NDA, he said, "Talks are going on but nothing has been finalised."

Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD had pulled out of the NDA in September 2020 over the now-scrapped three farm laws.

On the possibility of joining hands with the TDP, which left the NDA in 2018, or the YSR Congress, Shah said, "Everything is not disclosed in such platforms. Wait for some time. Everything will be clear for all."

In a major political realignment ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar switched from the opposition INDIA bloc to the NDA last month while there is talk of RLD also joining the BJP-led alliance.

Shah said the BJP has never sought separation from any alliance partner and has even let its regional allies lead state governments despite being the bigger partner.

He said many "friends" have come and many have gone away.

"There are normally two reasons why they leave. It is because of certain incident or it is because of the political equation of a particular state. But the BJP never sought separation from any party. BJP always maintained the coalition dharma," Shah said.

The Union minister asserted that there is no suspense over the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls and even the Congress and other opposition parties have realised that they will again have to sit in the opposition benches.

"We have abrogated Article 370 (of the Constitution, which gave a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir). So we believe that the people of the country will bless the BJP with 370 seats and the NDA with over 400 seats," Shah said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a similar prediction about winning a third consecutive term a few days back while speaking in Lok Sabha.

Shah said the 2024 polls will not be an election between the NDA and the INDIA opposition bloc, but between those who deliver on the promise of development and a bright future and those who give mere slogans and represent hopelessness.

Asked about the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said the Nehru-Gandhi scion has no right to go ahead with such a march as his party was responsible for the country's partition in 1947.

Now, he said, again some people of the Congress are talking about the division of the country (South India -North India) and the party is not even distancing itself from such statements.

On the timing of a white paper tabled by the government in Parliament, Shah said it was necessary as the country has full right to know what mess the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) left behind when it lost power in 2014.

"At that time (2014), the economy was in a bad shape. There were scams everywhere. Foreign investment was not coming. Had we released a white paper at that time, it would have given a wrong message to the world.

"But after 10 years, our government has revived the economy, brought foreign investment and there is no corruption at all. So it is the right time to publish the white paper," he said.

The home minister said the Congress was scared that their scams since 1948 would come out in the open in the white paper.

He claimed that during the two terms of the previous UPA government, there were scams to the tune of 12 lakh crore.

On the CAA, Shah said the law, enacted in 2019, will be implemented before the Lok Sabha polls after issuing the rules in this regard.

"Our Muslim brothers are being misled and instigated (against the CAA). The CAA is only meant to give citizenship to those who came to India after facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. It is not for snatching anyone's Indian citizenship," he said.

To a query on a Uniform Civil Code, Shah said it is a constitutional agenda, signed by the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and others.

"But the Congress had ignored it due to appeasement. The enforcement of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a social change. It will be discussed on all forums and face legal scrutiny.

"A secular country cannot have religion-based civil codes," he said.

About the decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao and renowned agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan, Shah said all three persons were big institutions of their times.

"In Congress' time, Bharat Ratna was given either due to compulsion or to the family," he said.

To a query on some leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, asking why Bharat Ratna was not being given to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Shah said: "We have taken note of their suggestion".

The home minister, however, refused to comment on the issues of Gyanvapi mosque and the Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura saying these were now subject matters of courts.

Asked about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, he said: "The Act is in its place".

The law 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 the 15th day of August 1947, excluding Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi complex.

There has been a demand from a section including some BJP leaders that the law should be scrapped.

Shah said it is very unfortunate that there is a debate on the caste of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has a habit of telling lies publicly and repeating those thereafter.

Shah also said it was a Congress government in Gujarat that included Modi's caste in the list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in 1994 and the Centre included the prime minister's caste in its OBC list in 2000.

"At that time also, Modi was not in a position of power - not an MP, not an MLA nor even a sarpanch. He became the chief minister in 2001. These people have a habit of distorting facts," Shah said.
The Supreme Court on Friday sought an enquiry into the reports that women prisoners are getting pregnant inside the jails across West Bengal and that 196 babies are currently staying in different prison facilities. In its latest order, the bench of justices Kohli and Amanullah called the issue of overcrowding of prisons stark and worrying (ANI)

A bench of justices Sanjay Kumar and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed concerns over the reported situation, deciding to intervene in the matter. It sought the assistance of senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who has been helping out the court as an amicus curiae in a case relating to prison reforms.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Have you seen the report? It says women inmates are getting pregnant inside jails across the state of West Bengal? We hope this is not the situation in other states as well. Please, assist us, the bench told Agrawal. Responding, the senior counsel said that he would seek the required information from the West Bengal government officials and submit an appropriate note in this regard.

Notably, justice Amanullah is a member of a bench led by justice Hima Kohli that has been hearing a suo moto petition titled Inhuman conditions in Prisons wherein the court monitors various aspects of prison reforms, including the number of jails, sanctioned and actual capacity of prisoners, and pending proposals by the Centre and states to create more jails.

In its latest order, the bench of justices Kohli and Amanullah called the issue of overcrowding of prisons stark and worrying, directing committees to be set up in each district within to prepare a roadmap on the number of jails needed to cater to prison population for the next 50 years. The order on January 30 in the 2013 case added that the committees, to be headed by district judges concerned, will also examine the needs of the respective districts and make proposals over and above those that have been laid down under the Model Prison Manual. The query by the court on Friday is understood to be a part of the same proceedings.

On Thursday, the Calcutta high court was informed by advocate Tapas Kumar Bhanja, who was appointed amicus curiae by the court in November 2017 in a case on conditions of prisons, that women inmates lodged in various prisons of West Bengal are getting pregnant while in custody.

Placing two notes before a division bench of high court chief justice TS Sivagnanam and justice Supratim Bhattacharya, Bhanja said: It is interesting to note that women prisoners, while in custody, are getting pregnant. Subsequently babies are born in the prison. At present, 196 babies are staying in different prisons of West Bengal. The amicus curiae suggested a prohibition on the entry of male employees of prisons into the enclosures of women prisoners. Bhanjas note however did not specify as to how many such women prisoners were pregnant at the time of entry into prisons and if they were allowed interim bail or parole.

Taking note of Bhanjas submissions, the chief justice said that the amicus curiae had flagged some serious issues and ordered placing the matter before a division bench hearing criminal cases. The matter before the high court is expected to come up next on February 12.

As reported by HT on Friday, as of January 1, 2024, around 26,000 people are staying in 60 prisons across West Bengal and of these, around 8-10% comprise women. Around 174 are serving life sentences. There is no system of conjugal visits in any prison in the country.
The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress over violence in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. He also called the Trinamool a rapist party. Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari along with party workers stage a protest against Bengal Sandeshkhali violence, outside Governor House in Kolkata on Saturday.(ANI)

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed and internet services were suspended in Sandeshkhali on Saturday, where local women held protests demanding the arrest of absconding TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan, who has been on the run since the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

TMC is a rapist party. All BJP leaders have been arrested. No other party has any role in it but TMC... BJP is the only support of Hindu nationalists... We will not obey Section 144. All MLAs, 'Mahila Morcha', 'Yuva Morcha' will protest, he told ANI.

The ED officials were attacked during a raid at Shahjahans residence in connection with an alleged public distribution system (PDS) scam.

On Thursday, tension mounted in the area after hundreds of women carrying sticks, brooms and farming tools blocked roads and demanded the arrest of Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, whose properties were set afire hours earlier. They also chased away ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.

The protesting women alleged that Shajahan and his "gang" captured swathes of land by force, besides sexually harassing them. Shajahan's supporters also took to the streets, further adding to the tension, according to PTI.

On Saturday, Adhikari went to the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata and submitted a memorandum demanding the intervention of Governor C V Ananda Bose to restore peace in Sandeshkhali.

TMC is a rapist party. All BJP leaders have been arrested. No other party has any role in it but TMC, Adhikari told ANI.

He also asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party to look after Hindus and said that the party will not obey the prohibitory orders imposed in Sandeshkhali.

... BJP is the only support of Hindu nationalists... We will not obey Section 144. All MLAs, 'Mahila Morcha', 'Yuva Morcha' will protest, he told the news agency.

Adhikari also said that Sandeshkhali is a place where the 'rule of law' is nonexistent.

"Sandeshkhali is a place where the 'rule of law' is nonexistent, rather the 'law of rulers' namely Sheikh Shajahan and his aides was established," he wrote on X.
Now, registration will be mandatory for installation of lifts and escalators. HT Image

In the second Bill, a provision has been made to reduce the tenure of the Lokayukta and the Up-Lokayukta from eight years to five years.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking on the lift and escalator Bill, Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said that after an incident in Noida, MLAs Dhirendra Singh and Pankaj Singh had demanded that a law be made for lifts and escalators.

Sharma said that a provision has been made in the Bill that registration will be mandatory for installing lifts and escalators in public. A provision has also been made for immediate information in case of an accident and for insurance and compensation.

Once the Bill becomes a law, lifts and escalators cannot be installed without obtaining the approval of the Energy Department. It will be mandatory for the agencies that manufacture and install lifts and escalators and the agencies that maintain them to register with the Directorate of Electrical Safety.

It will have to be renewed every five years. It will also have to be tested every year and a fee of 1,500 needs to be deposited for this.

A fine will be imposed on the owner or the institution concerned if they fail to get the repairs done and ignore the standards.

Describing the Bill as the need of the hour, Sharma also said that states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal and Haryana have their own laws for installing lifts, but there was no such provision for it in Uttar Pradesh.

He said that its implementation will not only curb accidents, but will also strengthen the system.

BJP member Dhirendra Singh expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Energy Minister Sharma for bringing the Bill and said it will prove to be a "milestone".

However, Samajwadi Party members Dr R K Verma, Amitabh Vajpayee and Kamal Akhtar talked out the "shortcomings" of its draft and demanded that it be handed over to a Select Committee.

Vajpayee said that it has not been made clear as to who will give the insurance, who will give the compensation and the data of accidents due to lifts so far has not been given. He alleged that the Bill was prepared in haste.

The energy minister clarified that all provisions will be made in the rules.

Speaking about the Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said that the tenure of the lokayukta and the up-lokayukta has been reduced from eight years to five years and the maximum age has been increased to 70 years.
Bhubaneshwar: Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Odishas longest-serving legislator V Sugnana Kumari Deo passed away late on Friday night at a private hospital in Chennai, officials said. She was 87. Sugnana Kumari, who belonged to the royal family of Khallikote, was the daughter-in-law of Rama Chandra Mardaraj Deo (HT Photo/Sourced)

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday reached the private hospital in Chennai, where she was undergoing treatment, to inquire about her health condition. According to hospital officials, she breathed her last at about 1am.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sugnana Kumari, who belonged to the royal family of Khallikote, was the daughter-in-law of Rama Chandra Mardaraj Deo, erstwhile king of the princely estate of Khallikote in Ganjam district.

A 10-time member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Sugnana never became a minister as she spurned repeated offers, reiterating that a queen never becomes a minister.

Sugnana was first elected to the state assembly as a Congress candidate in 1963 from the Khallikote constituency after the seat was vacated due to the untimely demise of her father-in-law Raja Rama.

However, she left Congress to join the Utkal Congress, a regional political party formed in 1970 and lost two subsequent elections from Khallikote but was elected for the second time in 1974. She again won from Khallikote in 1974 and 1977 from Congress and Janata Party, respectively.

After winning again in 1985 from Khallikote on the Janata Party ticket, Sugnana never lost any election till 2014, when she contested from the Kabisuryanagar assembly constituency on the BJD ticket. She did not contest the assembly poll in 2019.

Born in Chennai on August 5, 1937, to King RVM Neeladi Deo, Sugana had a brilliant academic career. She did her MA in Social Work from Madras University.

Condolences poured in from all quarters following the demise of Deo.

I am saddened to hear about the demise of Sugyana Kumari Deo, a prominent politician. As a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal, she was instrumental in organizing the party. She has left her mark in public service by representing Khalikot and Kabisuryanagar assembly constituencies 10 times. It is an irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members, Patnaik on X.

Condoling her death on X, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote, I am deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of renowned politician, former MLA and Khallikote queen V Sugnana Kumari Deo. She was a very popular figure in Odisha. With her demise, Odisha lost an outspoken leader. Her contribution to the society as a peoples representative in the State politics will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace! I also extend my sympathy to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti.
BJP MP and actor Hema Malini had a message for the opposition on the last day of the 17th Lok Sabha in which she expressed full confidence that the Modi government will return to power for the third term after the election. On the last day, Ram Mandir was taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha. As Hema Malini was asked to react to the opposition's allegation that for the BJP, Ram is an election issue, Hema Malini said she felt like laughing. "They (opposition) will not get anything. Behisaab hasratein na paliye, jo mila usse sambhaliye, aayenge toh Modi hi (Don't have countless desires. Be content with what you've got...Modi only will return to power)." the Mathura MP said. Hema Malini said 'ayenge toh Modi hi' on the last day of the 17th Lok Sabha.

The election bugle has already been sounded by PM Modi as the prime minister in Parliament said BJP will cross 370 seats alone this time. In a global summit on Friday, PM Modi said bigger decisions will be taken by his government in the third term for which he has already been planning. The roadmap will be ready in another 20 to 30 days, PM Modi announced.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Hema Malini was in Ayodhya even before the pran-pratishtha ceremony on January 22. The 75-year-old BJP leader performed at Sita ahead of the inauguration event. On the day of the pran-pratishtha, the actor was seen dancing in joy.

As her Lok Sabha constituency is also caught up in a temple-mosque dispute, Hema Malini earlier said a Krishna temple should be there in Mathura and Mathura belongs to Lord Krishna and the masjid was built destroying temples.

On the 17th Lok Sabha, Hema Malini said her experience was good and she participated in all sessions. Delivering the last address of the 17th Lok Sabha on Saturday, PM Modi said 97% record attendance was recorded in the last five years which has to be 100% in the 18th Lok Sabha.
In a two-day experiment conducted by computer science and AI researchers at Stanford University and Google, each of 25 bots was given a personality (name, age, job, family, interests, habits), and let loose in this gamified village environment. Their actions, decisions and conversations were visible as movement, emojis and dialogue.

Some bots were artists, others were students, shop owners, photographers or homemakers. One owned the local cafe.

Over two days, these bots  based on what they had been told about themselves, and input they had been fed using the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT  decided when to wake up, what to make for breakfast, when to head to work or get lunch at the local cafe.

Responding to a prompt from the researchers, the cafe owner organised a Valentines Day party. Others decided to try a local bar at lunchtime, a change that was not suggested to them.

Discussions on politics centered on an upcoming mayoral election, and were analytical. One agent said of a candidate: To be honest, I dont like Sam Moore. I think hes out of touch with the community and doesnt have our best interests at heart.

The experiment could be a first step towards using AI to assess how humans might react in a specific social situation, such as a new social-media platform or a health emergency like a pandemic, the researchers say, in a paper published last year in arXiv, Cornell Universitys repository of scholarly findings.

There are also possible applications in fields such as gaming, social sciences and social prototyping (which is the early testing of a new idea).

Such an experiment could have helped humans look into the future of trolling and hate speech on platforms such as Reddit, Facebook and Twitter, says lead researcher Joon Sung Park, 29, a PhD scholar at Stanford University.

As social-media evolves, we need to prototype the dynamics that might arise when a system is populated, and not just how one might click through the different pages of it, he adds. That could be a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and our communities. It could help us organise and design our lives better.

Best behaviour?

A key question, of course, is whether AI-led sims can really serve as an indication of human behaviour. In this experiment, the bots demonstrated memory, reflection, observation, planning and communication, the paper states.

AI agent John Lin, a 45-year-old pharmacy shop owner with a wife and son, went to work, took stock of inventory, dealt with customer queries, ate dinner with his family and chatted about his day. His neighbour, Moore, the 65-year-old former naval officer and aspiring politician, told neighbours about his plans to run for mayor.

A particularly key player, the outgoing Isabella Rodriguez, owner of the local Hobbs Cafe, made small talk with customers. At one point, she invited AI agent Wolfgang Schulz, a 21-year-old student, to her Valentines Day party. He responded by saying he was training for a competition and studying for exams, so it might not be feasible for me to come. But I appreciate the invite!

Other regulars at the cafe spread word of the party, unprompted; some, like the student Ayesha Khan offered to organise a reading night as part of the event. All based on their understanding of how a person with their personality outline would behave in such a situation, and what kind of reactions a party invite tends to spark in humans.

In the next phase of this experiment, Park plans to investigate a rather reverse socio-scientific angle too. Can we use this ability to simulate human behaviour to better understand real society? Thats the question Im chasing. Can we ask questions that we wouldnt be able to without running a simulation? For instance, what if a certain event in history hadnt happened  could we have survived or seen history unfold in a different way? In the past year or so, weve been trying to see how far we can push this idea, he says.

Deep learning

Long before the advent of LLMs, since at least the 1950s in fact, researchers have been asking some of these questions. But using a software program to replicate how a person might emote, weigh decisions and engage with others has been the equivalent of trying to stuff a mattress into a handbag.

Humans experience a lot, and we remember a lot. We are constantly tapping into our memory, making sense of our experiences to react to situations in our everyday lives, as Park puts it.

For their experiment, for instance, he and his fellow researchers fused elements of the LLM with a higher-level architectural framework that allowed the perceptions and interactions of each of the 25 bots to be fed into their individual memory stream. This created a real-time feedback loop that essentially prompted agents to reflect before they acted. But in just two days, the agents were reaching the limits of the memory they could retain, reference and process, Park says.

Even assuming that this limitation could be overcome sufficiently, a fundamental hurdle remains. And it is one caused not by the limitations of tech, but by the fact that its creators are human.

How would we create an accurately representative society that could reasonably predict human behaviour, when we cant even describe a demographic (think: wealthy South Asian; poor Southern American take your pick, in fact) without the use of stereotypes, cliches and possible untruths? One risk is of misrepresentation or underrepresentation of minorities that can cause harm to them or offend them, Park admits.

And then there is the final challenge, which relates neither to tech nor the creation of it: How would we describe a diverse virtual community into existence, so as to predict likely actions in high-stakes scenarios, when the truth is that real human beings are so unpredictable, weve been studying them for centuries and still cant accurately foretell what type of toothpaste theyll pick?
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday that the tribal lifestyle offers a solution to the global problem of climate change and called for collective efforts to protect their traditional knowledge. HT Image

She emphasised the need to learn from tribal communities to live in harmony with nature, especially when the "modernisation race has caused significant harm to the Earth and its natural resources".

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"In the face of climate change, replicating the tribal lifestyle becomes even more crucial," Murmu said after inaugurating the "Aadi Mahotsav" at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

The festival aims at showcasing the rich diversity of India's tribal heritage and will run till February 18.

Murmu said tribal people could benefit from new technology, which should be used for sustainable development.

She expressed concerns about the "gradual extinction of traditional knowledge" and called for "collective efforts to conserve it", suggesting leveraging new technology in this endeavour.

The president said while the government prioritises the development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs), it is equally important to protect their culture.

She commended the government's efforts for eradicating sickle-cell disease among tribal populations, providing quality education through Eklavya model residential schools and offering scholarships for higher education to tribal students.

Murmu also launched a first-of-its-kind venture capital fund aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among the STs by providing concessional finance.

She said tribal entrepreneurs would benefit from the scheme and contribute to India's self-reliance.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda accused previous governments of neglecting the welfare of tribal communities and said the Narendra Modi government has given them respect.

The festival, featuring more than 300 stalls showcasing tribal art, handicrafts, natural products and cuisine, promises to be a grand affair this year.

With around 1,000 artisans participating, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the talented creators behind these tribal creations.

The event will also include a separate food court offering tribal cuisines known for their health benefits.

Cultural programmes featuring performances by tribal artistes from across the country will entertain the visitors in the evenings, while workshops such as crafts workshops and Adi Chitra painting displays will provide a first-hand experience of tribal culture.
Many Asian countries are gearing up to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, it is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. While China calls the Lunar New Year as the Spring Festival, it is known as Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea. It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February. If you are gearing up to celebrate this auspicious occasion, here's all you need to know about it. Chinese New Year 2024: Know the date, history, significance, traditions of the Year of the Dragon. (Freepika)

Chinese New Year 2024 Date: When is the Lunar New Year?

This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 10. Generally, the festivities often last for 15 days, beginning a week ahead of the New Year. People make festive cakes and puddings to boost their growth in the upcoming year, hang red banners (Nian) at their homes, clean their homes, and hold family reunion dinners on Lunar New Year's Eve.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Chinese New Year 2024 History, Significance and Traditions:

A famous mythology says that there was a well-known underwater beast called Nian who used to crawl onto the land every New Year's Eve to feast on human flesh and attack villages. It is said that Nian feared the colour red, loud noises, and fire. To ward off the monster, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers. To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centred around removing bad luck and welcoming prosperity. Therefore, red is considered an auspicious colour to ring in the New Year. People dress up in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns and use red envelopes to give loved ones and friends money for the new year, symbolizing good wishes for the year ahead.

On the first two days of the New Year, people travel to visit their friends and family to exchange presents, gift fruits, and exchange conversations. On day three, people visit temples. On the seventh day, people's birthday (Jan Jant) is celebrated as it is marked as the day the Chinese mother goddess, Nuwa, created humanity. Lastly, on day fifteen, people attend the Lantern Festival (February 24). The Lantern Festival celebrates the first full moon of the year. People light lanterns to ward off darkness from their lives. It is also dubbed the Chinese Valentine's Day because, in ancient society, young girls used to go out to admire lanterns and meet boys.

Additionally, for the New Year's Eve dinner people include fish, puddings, longevity noodles, rice cakes, sweet soup dumplings, and dumplings on the menu.

Why is it the Year Of The Dragon?

According to the Chinese zodiac, each year honours an animal. The circle of 12 animals - the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig - measure the cycles of time. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese zodiac is slightly different, honouring the cat instead of the rabbit and the buffalo instead of the ox. According to legend, it is believed that God invited all animals to bid him farewell before he departed from Earth and only 12 of them showed up.
Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a profound practice that brings about deep relaxation and rejuvenation since in Yoga Nidra, the practitioner lies down in a comfortable position, focusing on guided instructions for systematic relaxation. This ancient technique goes beyond mere physical relaxation, aiming to reach a state between wakefulness and sleep, where the mind is highly receptive to positive suggestions. Weekend relaxation and rejuvenation: 5 benefits of Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep (Photo by Twitter/menla)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, revealed, The primary goal of Yoga Nidra is to induce a state of conscious relaxation, providing a powerful tool for stress reduction. The practice typically begins with a body scan, bringing awareness to each part of the body. By consciously releasing tension from different body parts, practitioners can experience a profound sense of physical ease and well-being.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He highlighted the following 6 benefits of Yoga Nidra -

Eliminate stress: One of the key benefits of Yoga Nidra is its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. In today's fast-paced world, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by various stressors. The guided relaxation and breath awareness in Yoga Nidra help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a calm and restful state. This, in turn, can contribute to reduced stress levels and improved mental health. Improves sleep quality: Moreover, Yoga Nidra is known for its positive impact on sleep quality. Regular practice has been shown to alleviate insomnia and other sleep-related issues. The deep relaxation achieved through this practice helps balance the nervous system, making it easier for individuals to transition into a restful sleep. As sleep is crucial for overall well-being, incorporating Yoga Nidra into one's routine can lead to improved physical and mental health. Better self-awareness: Beyond its benefits for stress reduction and sleep improvement, Yoga Nidra has been associated with enhanced creativity and increased focus. The practice encourages a heightened state of awareness, allowing individuals to tap into their inner potential. By quieting the mind and creating a space for introspection, practitioners may find themselves better equipped to tackle challenges with clarity and creativity. Promotes relaxation: Yoga Nidra also plays a role in promoting emotional healing. As the practice involves deep relaxation and introspection, it provides an opportunity for individuals to explore and release buried emotions. This cathartic process can be therapeutic, helping individuals overcome emotional blockages and achieve a greater sense of emotional well-being. Good for overall health: Furthermore, the practice of Yoga Nidra has been linked to improved overall health. The relaxation response elicited during the practice has positive effects on various physiological functions, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and immune system functioning. This holistic approach to well-being aligns with the fundamental principles of yoga, which seeks to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit.

Himalayan Siddha Akshar concluded, Incorporating Yoga Nidra into one's routine doesn't require a significant time commitment. Even short sessions can yield noticeable benefits. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for individuals with busy schedules who are seeking effective relaxation techniques. Yoga Nidra's ability to alleviate stress, improve sleep quality, enhance creativity, and promote emotional healing makes it a valuable addition to one's well-being. Whether practiced as a standalone routine or integrated into a broader yoga practice, the benefits of Yoga Nidra contributes to a more balanced and harmonious life.
Zelenskyy introduces Syrsky instead of Zaluzhny to HQ, NSDC

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Headquarters and the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) instead of Valeriy Zaluzhny.

Corresponding decrees No. 67/2024 and No. 68/2024 dated February 9 were published on the website of the head of the Ukrainian state.

The president also removed former Minister of Veterans Affairs Yulia Laputina from the National Security and Defense Council.
On February 6, Indias ministry of external affairs (MEA) issued an advisory for Indian nationals to not travel to western Myanmars Rakhine State. Those based there have been urged to leave immediately.

The terse advisory comes on the heels of a dramatic escalation of fighting between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed organisation fighting for the rights of the Arakanese people, in recent weeks. The AA, now comprising almost 30,000 combat troops, has made rapid territorial gains across western Myanmar since November 2023. So far, the Arakanese group has managed to capture some 170 junta outposts, three towns, and at least three battalion headquarters in Rakhine and southern Chin States.

The conflict directly affects India not just because of its physical proximity to the AAs areas of operation, but also its unique interests in Rakhine and Chin States. Adding to the imbroglio is New Delhis complicated historical relationship with the Arakanese revolutionaries.

A bitter past

By the early 1990s, just a few years after the Burmese military brutally crushed opposition protests, India downsized its support for pro-democracy forces and began working with the junta to protect its own strategic and economic interests. But New Delhi continued to liaise with ethnic rebels in Myanmar to keep a tab on anti-India insurgents in Northeast India and Chinese activities in the Bay of Bengal.

Exactly twenty-six years ago, in February 1998, some three dozen of these ethnic revolutionaries from Myanmar reached Landfall Island, located at the northernmost tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on speedboats. It wasnt a joyride. Their contacts in the Indian Army  specifically, one Lt Col Biswajit Singh Grewal  had promised them safe haven in India in exchange for their services. But, instead of silver, the rebels got the lead, according to news reports at the time.

On arrival, Indian troopers led six of these men into the woods. They were never seen again. The rest were detained and shipped off to mainland India. Later, the armys local commander told the Indian government they had launched Operation Leech to bust a Burmese gun-running network, as the home secretary at the time, BP Singh, said. But National Unity Party of Arakan (NUPA) officials have a different narrative: The Indian army, which allegedly invited them to Landfall, betrayed them.

Among those who disappeared in Landfalls shadowy forests was General Khaing Raza, the legendary leader of NUPA, the predecessor of todays AA in Rakhine State. The rest of the arrested rebels were released from Kolkatas Presidency Jail only in 2011.

Needless to say, the Arakanese revolutionaries never forgot what they still see as Indias great betrayal. Razas memory lingers on in their collective memory, offering inspiration, but also quietly fuelling indignation against New Delhi. In February 2023, some local activists organised a memorial service for Raza in his hometown of Minbya during which they recalled Indias role in his murder. Only last week, in a profound vindication of Razas legacy, the AA captured Minbya.

Operation Leech was likely undertaken at the behest of the Myanmar military, but for India, it severely dented Indias relationship with the Arakanese revolutionaries.

More bitterness

Between February and March 2019, the Indian and Myanmar armies undertook Operation Sunrise  a quid pro quo counterinsurgency campaign along their border. The Myanmar military raided the camp of the anti-India National Socialist Council of Nagaland, Khaplang (NSCN-K) in Sagaing Region. In return, the Indian army mobilised assets along the border in southern Mizoram to help its Burmese counterpart neutralise camps run by ethnic rebels.

Among these ethnic rebels, were those belonging to the AA who had set up camps in southern Chin State and had begun challenging the Myanmar army. This was hardly a bother for India, except that some of these camps sat near New Delhis flagship, the multi-crore Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit and Transport Project (KMMTTP), which aims to connect eastern to northeastern India via western Myanmar.

Through Operation Sunrise, India signalled to the AA that it would use defensive force to protect its assets. In fact, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, which keeps track of such acts of violence using media reports as well as government documents, the Indian army, at the Myanmar militarys request, killed five and apprehended 8-10 AA rebels two years earlier. According to sections of the media, the AA led by Twan Mrat Naing, was a threat to Indian interests; that the AA was armed with Chinese weapons only deepened Indian misgivings.

To make matters worse, in November 2019, a 60-year-old Indian man working on the Kaladan project in Chin States Paletwa township died in the AAs custody, likely of a heart attack. Relations with Delhi soured further.

As a result, the AA occasionally obstructed Indias project activities in their areas of operation. Soldier-scholar, Jaideep Chanda, in his book Irrawaddy Imperatives, lists seven instances in the 2019-20 period when the AA either physically attacked Kaladan project assets, indicated their discontent against India or demanded protection tax from India.

Indias dilemma

Clearly, India and the AA are not the best of friends. But, the 2021 putsch in Myanmar has further muddled the dynamic.

The AA, since November, has gained control of vast swathes of territory northwards of the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe until Paletwa in southern Chin State. This has made the group more critical to Indian interests than ever before. India controls a Kaladan-linked port in Sittwe, inaugurated jointly with the Myanmar junta last May. Paletwa, which has an inland river terminal, is a critical Kaladan node too.

India needs the AAs goodwill to resume work on the project. This gives the AA additional leverage over India, given that it is already close to China. However, the AA too would seek a working relationship with New Delhi as a guarantee against military action by Indian forces along the border, if not to seek shelter inside India.

How India navigates its historical baggage with the AA, now juxtaposed over a very complicated conflict landscape in western Myanmar, remains to be seen.

Angshuman Choudhury is an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Policy Research and focuses on Northeast India and Myanmar. The views expressed are personal.
A video of a huge dragon sculpture created using balloons to celebrate Chinese New Year has left people in awe. Guinness World Records (GWR) took to social media to share the video that shows the largest balloon sculpture of a dragon created by two artists at a Hong Kong shopping mall. Chinese New Year 2024: The image shows the dragon sculpture created using balloons. (Instagram/@guinnessworldrecords)

Largest balloon sculpture of a dragon, 41.77 metres - by Sze Tai Pang and Kun Lung Ho, GWR wrote as they shared the video. The video shows the sculpture's intricate design.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to a GWR blog, the colossal dragon is crafted by balloon masters Sze Tai Pang aka 'Wilson' and Kun Lung Ho with the help of 60 individuals, including organisers, university students, and secondary school students. They used nearly 38,000 biodegradable rubber balloons for the sculpture. The dragon was later suspended from the malls ceiling to give a better view to the onlookers.

Take a look at this video:

The video was shared 23 hours ago. Since then, it has captured nearly five lakh views. The post has further accumulated more than 17,000 likes. People shared varied comments while reacting to the clip.

How did Instagram users react to the dragon sculpture?

Amazing art, wrote an Instagram user. This is the kind of record I want to see more of, posted another. Wow, added a third.

About Chinese New Year:

This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 10. The date of the new year varies depending on the cycle of the moon as this celebration is observed according to the lunar calendar. The celebrations usually last for 15 days with people observing different traditions on each day. Families decorate their homes, light fireworks, and also exchange cash in red envelopes.

In Chinese astrology, each year honours an animal. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2024 is celebrated as the Year of the Dragon, and the next year, 2025, will be the Year of the Snake.
A video of firefighters rescuing a man trapped in churning waters was shared on social media. How did the man end up in the perilous situation? He got trapped when he jumped into the water without any hesitation to save his pet dog. The image shows a man being rescued who got trapped while trying to save his dog. (Instagram/@goodnews_movement)

The video is posted on the Instagram page Good News Movement along with a descriptive caption. A man leaped into the churning waters of the Pacoima Wash on Monday to save his dog, leading to a dramatic rescue. Firefighters with the Los Angeles Fire Department were able to rescue the man. The dog got out on his own with minor injuries and the 2 have been reunited! Good news, reads the caption posted along with the video. In the clip, the rescued man is seen hanging from a helicopter with raging waters flowing beneath him.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Take a look at the dramatic rescue here:

The video was posted a day ago. Since then, the clip has accumulated more than 6.4 lakh views. The share has also collected nearly 22,000 likes. People posted varied comments while reacting to the video.

What did Instagram users say about this rescue video?

All I needed to read was that they both made it out, shared an Instagram user. Without a doubt, Id risk my life to save my animals. Weve rounded up 20+ horses in last minute wildfire evacuation. No one stays behind! posted another. I'd jump in to save any animal. Thank goodness they are both ok, expressed a third. Good man! I would have done the same! Dogs are the best things on earth! commented a fourth. I would do the same without hesitations, wrote a fifth.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Washington, DC and took to X to share several pictures capturing his visit. One of his images with US Senator Chris Coons has left people amused. Why? It captures their striking resemblance to each other - so much so that it is hard to tell them apart at first glance. The image shows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US Senator Chris Coons. Can you guess who is who? (X/@Bundeskanzler)

Great to see my Doppelganger again, the German Chancellor wrote as he posted the picture. It shows Scholz and Coons looking at a mobile while taking a selfie.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The US senator, too, posted an image while reacting to Scholzs tweet. In the picture, they are seen smiling for the camera. While posting the photo, Coons tweeted, Wer ist wer? When translated from German to English, it reads, Who is who?

According to the BBC, they have a relatively similar height of about 5ft 7in. While Senator Chris Coons is 60 years old, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is 65.

Take a look at the tweets here:

The posts have accumulated tons of comments from people. Very difficult, wrote an X user while replying to the US senators tweet. I love the pictures, added another. The similarities are striking, joined a third. Theyre looking like identical twins, expressed a fourth.

The chancellor visited Washington DC to attend a meeting with the US President Joe Biden, reports the BBC. He met the president to encourage support for Ukraine" and also to emphasise the need to send additional aid.
A video of a man stealing nearly 50 iPhones from a store in front of several people was shared on social media. In the clip, the man is seen picking up the phones on display and putting them in his pockets, before walking out of the store towards a getaway car. Emeryville Police Department took to Facebook and informed that the man in the video had been arrested, along with other individuals associated with the theft. The image shows a man stealing iPhones from an Apple store. (Screenshot (X))

In the video, the man, dressed in all black, is seen wearing a mask. He goes around the display and rips the phones along with the attached chords. As he picks up the iPhones, he starts shoving them into his pants. Once done, the perpetrator walks outside the store, passes a parked police vehicle of Emeryville Police Department, and goes towards a car parked on the opposite side of the road. The thief stole 50 phones valued at $49,230.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The department, in their Facebook post, informed that they responded after getting a call about the theft and the car seen in the video, when the suspect walked out of the store, was not occupied at the time of the incident.

Also Read: CCTV captures thief stealing iPhone from tourist in Varanasi

In the following lines, the department added, On Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, a joint collaborative law enforcement effort consisting of Berkeley PD, CHP, and Emeryville Police detectives resulted in the arrest of three individuals associated with the theft from the Apple Store in Berkeley, which occurred earlier that morning. The individual depicted in the video from the Emeryville Apple Store was one of the individuals arrested last night.

Detectives from the Emeryville Police Department arrested Tyler Mims, a 22-year-old Berkeley resident. Mims was arrested for his involvement in several of the prior Apple Store thefts. He was booked into jail on (3) counts of 182PC (Conspiracy to commit a crime), (3) counts of 459PC (Burglary), (3) counts of 487PC (Grand Theft), and (3) counts of 490.4PC (Organized retail theft), the department further posted.

Take a look at this video that shows iPhones being stolen:

Since being shared, the video has collected over 1.9 lakh views. It has also accumulated several comments.

What did X users say about this video of the theft?

Bro just stole high-tech GPS trackers and iCloud-locked paperweights, wrote an Instagram user. The phones are locked. Smh, shared another. This is insane, commented a third.
Google Doodle marked the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, on Saturday, February 10. The day starts with the first new moon of the Lunar calendar. After 15 days, it wraps with the first full moon of the year appearing. Malaysian ethnic Chinese pray on the first day of Lunar New Year's holidays at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)(AP)

2024 is the Year of the Dragon, as the Google Doodle artwork shows. According to Google Doodles website, it represents strength, health, and good luck.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Lunar New Year traditions originated thousands of years ago with a legend about a mythical beast that appeared each year to torment people. Families covered their doors in red paper, left lanterns on overnight, and set off fireworks to ward off the beast, the website says.

Today, many red lanterns can be seen hanging in neighborhoods. Its also popular to gift money in red envelopes to the youngest and oldest people within communities and families, it adds.

Most of Asia holds a sumptuous feast on Chinese New Year, a day when red lanterns, firecrackers and decorations light up not just China, but places across the globe. Closets fill up with new clothes, families hold gatherings and loved ones come closer. For many, the most special part of the day is enjoying a meal with their close ones. The meals generally differ according to families different customs.

The dragon holds an important place as an auspicious creature in Chinese culture. The beast symbolises power, nobility, honour, luck, and success. It is the belief of Chinese people that the starting of a new year affects ones luck in the coming days.

The dragon is the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Your Chinese zodiac sign is dragon if you were born in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952.

Chinese element theory says each zodiac sign is associated with one of five elements  Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. Therefore, there are five types of dragons  Wood Dragon, Fire Dragon, Earth Dragon, Gold Dragon and Water Dragon. Each has its own characteristics.
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said.(Rep image)

The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Philippine seismology agency had a different reading, saying it was a magnitude 5.9 earthquake with a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles). The Philippine agency also said in a bulletin it was expecting no damage, but that there could be aftershocks.

Rescue workers searching for dozens of missing people in an earlier landslide in Maco town in the southern Philippines province of Davao de Oro had to stop their operations because of the earthquake, authorities said.

The death toll from the landslide, which happened on Tuesday night outside a gold mining site, has reached 28, with 77 still missing and 32 injured, including a 3-year-old girl rescued on Friday after 60 hours under rubble.

Torrential rains have battered Davao de Oro in recent weeks, triggering floods and landslides.
Trump, turning his campaign focus to the southern state days after an easy victory in Nevada, is expected to rev up his supporters at a Saturday afternoon rally in Conway, near Myrtle Beach. Nikki Haley (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)(AP)

In his rally speech, Trump insulted Haley by using his derisive nickname for her, "Birdbrain", and lavished praise on South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who endorsed him early. Trump claimed that he selected Haley to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations in 2017 and represent America on the world stage only because he was motivated to make McMaster -- her second-in-command -- the governor of South Carolina.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"She did a job. She was fine. She was OK. But I didn't put here there because I wanted her there at the United Nations," he said. "I wanted to take your lieutenant governor, who is right here, and make him governor."

"I wanted him because I felt he deserved it," Trump added.

Trump, who has long been the front-runner in the GOP presidential race, won three states in a row and is looking to use South Carolina's February 24 primary to close out Haley's chances and turn his focus fully on an expected rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in the general election.

Haley skipped the Nevada caucuses, condemning the contest as rigged for Trump, and has instead focused on South Carolina, kicking off a two-week bus tour across the state where she served as governor from 2011 to 2017.

Speaking to about a couple hundred people gathered outside a historic opera house in Newberry, Haley on Saturday portrayed Trump as an erratic and self-absorbed figure not focused on the American people.

She pointed to the way he flexed his influence over the Republican Party this past week, successfully pressuring GOP lawmakers in Washington to reject a bipartisan border security deal and publicly pressed Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel to consider leaving her job.

"What is happening?" Haley said. "On that day of all those losses, he had his fingerprints all over it," she added.

Haley reprised her questions of Trump's mental fitness, an attack she has sharpened since a January 19 speech in which he repeatedly confused her with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Haley (52) has called throughout her campaign for mental competency tests for politicians, a way to contrast with 77-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Biden.

"Why do we have to have someone in their 80s run for office?" she asked. "Why can't they let go of their power?"

A person in the crowd shouted out: "Because they're grumpy old men!"

"They are grumpy old men," Haley said.

Haley continued the argument when speaking to reporters afterward, citing a report released on Thursday by the special counsel investigating Biden's possession of classified documents. The report described Biden's memory as "poor".

"Americans can do better than two 80-year-olds for president," Haley said.

Bob Pollard, a retired firefighter, said he cannot support Trump because "he's a maniac", adding that Trump's campaign, in which he speaks frequently of "retribution" and his personal grievances, has "turned into a personal vendetta".

Harlie O'Connell, a longtime South Carolina resident who backs Haley, said she plans to support the eventual GOP nominee but prefers it is someone younger.

Her husband, Mike O'Connell, drew a contrast between the candidates' approach to foreign policy and said he wants the US to continue assisting Ukraine in its war with Russia, as Haley has pledged.

"We need to encourage friendships and not discourage them," he said of international relations.

Trump, in his remarks and a social media post on Saturday, criticized foreign aid generally and a plan in Congress to provide nearly USD 100 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel.

He also repeated his praise for foreign strongmen, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "very smart, very sharp", Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban as "one of the toughest guys", and Chinese President Xi Jinping smart because he "controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist".

In Conway, people began lining up to see Trump hours before the doors opened to the arena where he was set to take the stage later.

Organisers expecting a capacity crowd set up screens outside where an overflow crowd would be able to watch Trump's appearance.

The city sits along the Grand Strand, a broad expanse of South Carolina's northern coast that is home to Myrtle Beach and Horry County, one of the most reliably conservative spots in the state and a central area of Trump's base of support in the state in his past campaigns.

Tim Carter, from nearby Murrells Inlet, said he had backed Trump since 2016 and would do so again this year.

"We're here to stand for Trump, get our economy better, shut our border down, more jobs for our people," said Carter, a pastor and military veteran who runs an addiction recovery ministry.

Cheryl Savage from Conway, who was waiting on the bleachers to hear from Trump, said the former president is "here to help us".

Savage said she backed Haley during her first run for governor in 2010 but now feels she is hurting herself by staying in the race.

"He deserves a second term," Savage said, of Trump. "He did a fantastic job for four years." (AP) SZM
Hamas on Saturday warned that there could be "tens of thousands" of dead and injured if the Israeli military attacked Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians inspect a car hit by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah.(Reuters)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said he had ordered troops to prepare to go in to the city, crowded with displaced Palestinians, as it hunts down those responsible for the deadly October 7 attacks on southern Israel.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The announcement has prompted concern from foreign governments including the United States and aid agencies grappling with a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the war.

Hamas said in a statement that any military action would have catastrophic repercussion that "may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah... is invaded".

The Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip said it would hold "the American administration, international community and the Israeli occupation" responsible if that happened.

Rafah, on Gaza's southern border with Egypt, has become a last refuge for civilians fleeing a relentless Israeli bombing campaign elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.

The UN says about half of Gaza's 2.4 million people are now sheltering in the city, with many sleeping outside in tents and makeshift shelters, and mounting concern about lack of food, water and sanitation.

On Friday, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said a major Israeli offensive in Rafah "can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy".

Netanyahu has ordered military officials to draw up plans for "evacuating" Rafah alongside "destroying" Hamas fighters in the city.

Witnesses reported new strikes on Rafah early Saturday, raising fears among Palestinians of a looming ground invasion.
Addressing the media on the second anniversary of the launch of the landmark foreign policy strategy of the Biden administration, Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House, said "the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific". HT Image

"Over the past two years, we have made historic progress in advancing an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. Thanks to President Biden's leadership, the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific," she said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In the two years since the launch of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the US has reinvested and revitalized its alliances and partnerships and taken them to new heights, Watson said.

"We have deepened and elevated alliances with Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. We upgraded our bilateral relationships with Vietnam and Indonesia, and our partnership with ASEAN. We have expanded our partnership with India in unprecedented ways. We have surged our efforts in the Pacific, including with two historic summits for Pacific Island leaders at the White House and the establishment of the Partners of the Blue Pacific," she said.

President Biden hosted the historic US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit at Camp David to open a new chapter in this important partnership, she said.

Under his leadership, the US has elevated the Quad with Australia, India, and Japan to a leader-level summit and has delivered concrete results for the Indo-Pacific region, from vaccines to maritime domain awareness to scholarships for students, she said.

"And three of the four Official State Visits President Biden has hosted were with leaders of Indo-Pacific countries: the Republic of Korea, India, and Australia. This year, the President will welcome Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. We have also undertaken historic cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines," Watson said.

We have also built closer ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, including through the launch of AUKUS, a historic partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States," she said.

Today, there is a recognition both in Europe and the Indo-Pacific that the opportunities and challenges in one region directly affect the other, she said.

"We have seen that with historic support from some of our Indo-Pacific partners for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's brutal invasion. And we see that recognition from our European partners as we work to address the direct military support from the DPRK to Russia's war in Ukraine," she said.

After just two years, the execution of the Indo-Pacific Strategy has made "our country and the Indo-Pacific region more secure and more prosperous".

"All of this strengthens the United States' position in the Indo-Pacific, and advances our interests in and vision for the region amidst strategic competition with the People's Republic of China. And even as we confront challenges elsewhere, the United States will proudly continue to prioritize our work in this critical region for our future," Watson said.
On Friday, February 9, the U.S. Senate voted to consider the merits of the bill, which includes assistance to Ukraine; 70 draft amendments to this bill were officially registered, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova said.

"Today we thank the Senate for the next step forward. On February 9, 2024, the Senate continued debate on the U.S. International Assistance Bill HR 815, which provides for appropriations of $60.06 billion for assistance to Ukraine, as well as assistance to other states. Some 64 senators voted for the decision to consider the bill on the merits (motion to proceed), with the required 51, and some 19 senators voted against. Now 70 draft amendments to HR 815 have already been officially registered," Markarova wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

According to the ambassador, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that the next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 Washington time (19:00 Kyiv time) on Saturday, February 10.
The US has expressed concern about the electoral process in Pakistan while stating categorically that it will work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party to advance shared bilateral interests. People watch latest election results live on a television at a shop, a day after Pakistan's national elections in Lahore on February 9, 2024. (AFP)

The American position on the Pakistan elections comes in the backdrop of a widespread perception that the US, just like the Pakistani Army establishment, was keen to see the emergence of a political coalition that kept Imran Khan and his loyalists out of the power structure. But both the nature of the elections, where independent assessments have pointed to an uneven playing field, and the emerging results, where Khans loyalists have done better than expected, has made the American position critical in shaping the contours of Pakistans political future.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In a clear bid to show itself as non-partisan, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement on Friday morning that millions of Pakistanis had made their voices heard and commended Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistans democratic and electoral institutions. He added that the US now looked forward to timely, complete results that reflected the will of the Pakistani people, at a time when there are apprehensions about the armys moves and reports of post-poll rigging during the counting process.

But the US then joined ranks with those who have been critical of the electoral process, with Miller saying that the US shared the assessment that the elections placed undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The State Department spokesperson added, We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.

While staying away from commenting on the specifics of the outcome, the US also made it clear that it will work with whoever gets elected to power in Pakistan.

The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests, said Miller, in what appeared to be a bid to show that Washington had no favourites within the domestic Pakistani theatre. He added that the US looked forward to bolstering its partnership by supporting Pakistans economy through trade and investment; supporting Pakistan in strengthening its democratic institutions; engaging through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broadening people-to-people ties, and promoting human rights including freedom of expression. We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve, the US said.
Iran and the United States have exchanged messages throughout Israel's four-month-old war on Hamas in Gaza, including about Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, the Iranian foreign minister said on Saturday. Israel-Hamas War: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian speaks.(AP)

"During this war and in the recent weeks, there was an exchange of messages between Iran and America," Hossein Amirabdollahian said through a translator at a press conference capping a day-long visit to Beirut.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He said the United States had asked Tehran to request Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, "not to get widely, fully involved in this war against" Israel.

Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily fire with the Israeli military along the Lebanese-Israeli frontier to support its Palestinian ally Hamas, and has vowed to "fight to the end" should Israel launch a full-scare war on Lebanon.

Israel launched a war it says aims to destroy Hamas after the Islamist group staged a deadly cross-border assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7.

The conflict has rippled across the region and earlier this month Washington staged strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Irag, Syria and Yemen in retaliation for a deadly attack on U.S. troops in Jordan.

Amirabdollahian on Saturday warned Israel against taking any steps towards a broader war against Lebanon, saying that would be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "last day."

He also said Iran saw a political solution as the only way to end the Gaza war.

"Iran and Lebanon confirm that war is not the solution, and that we absolutely never sought to expand it," Amirabdollahian told a news conference earlier on Saturday alongside his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib.

He also said Tehran was in talks with Saudi Arabia on a political solution to hostilities in Gaza.

Hamas this week proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which remaining hostages held by Hamas would go free, Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza and agreement would be reached on an end to the war.

Netanyahu called the Hamas terms "delusional" and vowed to fight on. But Amirabdollahian said Hamas was presenting ideas based on a "realistic view," and that they should be widely backed in order to end the war.

Amirabdollahian met on Saturday with Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, foreign minister, speaker of parliament and Hezbollah head Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

Hezbollah's Al-Manar television outlet said the foreign minister and Nasrallah reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and southern Lebanon, including "the near future of the situation in Lebanon".

Amirabdollahian is set to travel on to Syria, according to Syrian media, and will meet top officials there.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps have suffered one of their most bruising spells in Syria since arriving a decade ago to aid President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war.

Since December, Israeli strikes have killed more than half a dozen of their members, among them one of the Guards' top intelligence generals.
The strike came as tensions across the Middle East grow with the Israel-Hamas war, a drone attack last month that killed three US troops in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, and attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on vessels passing through the Red Sea. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon kill two (AFP)(AFP)

The drone strike near the coastal town of Jadra took place about 60 kilometres from the Israeli border, making it one of the farthest inside Lebanon since violence erupted along the Lebanon-Israel border on October 8.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the target of the strike in Sidon was Hamas official Basel Saleh, who was "injured to an unknown extent".

The official said Saleh was responsible for enlistment of new Hamas recruits in Gaza and the West Bank.

Two Lebanese security officials said the strike damaged a car and killed two people.

Drone strikes in Lebanon blamed on Israel have so far killed several officials from Hezbollah as well as the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The previous farthest strike was the January 2 attack that killed top Hamas official Saleh Arouri in Beirut.

On Saturday night, Israeli forces shelled the southern Lebanese border village of Houla, killing one person and wounding nine as they left a mosque after prayers, state-run National News Agency reported.

The attacks in Lebanon came as Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met in Beirut with Lebanese leaders including the country's caretaker prime minister, parliament speaker and the head of the militant Hezbollah group.

Amirabdollahian said that if the US wants to bring stability to the region again, it should work on forcing Israel to end its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

He told reporters after meeting his counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib that after four months of war, Israel and its backers had not achieved "anything tangible".

In an apparent reference to attacks by Iran-backed fighters in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, Amirabdollahian said that "if American wants calm to prevail in the region, then the mechanism and the solution is to stop the genocide, crimes and the war against Gaza and the West Bank".

He blasted Washington, saying the US is working on two tracks, one of which is sending weapons to Israel "and participating in the genocide in Gaza" and at the same time speaking about reaching a political solution to the war.

The US Central Command announced on Saturday that the US military conducted self-defence strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels, four anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea from Yemen.

The military said the missiles and an unmanned vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel's offensive in Gaza, imperiling a key route for trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

The Houthis' media office said the US-led coalition launched three airstrikes on Salif district in the Red Sea province of Hodeida on Saturday.

In response, the US and the UK launched several airstrikes on Houthi-held areas across Yemen, including the rebel-held capital of Sanaa.

The Houthis held a mass funeral in Sanaa on Saturday for 17 of their fighters who they said were killed in strikes by the US-led coalition, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency.

The report didn't say when and where the fighters were killed.

In Syria, Israeli airstrikes hit several sites on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, the Syrian military said on Saturday.

The strikes came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing an unnamed military official.

UK-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said one of the strikes hit a residential building west of the capital. It reported three unidentified people were killed.

The observatory said Saturday's assault was the 10th apparent Israeli strike on Syrian territory since the beginning of the year.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Presumed Israeli strikes in Syria in the past have killed high-ranking figures with Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and allied groups.

Tensions have also flared elsewhere in the region. A US airstrike in Baghdad on Wednesday killed a commander of Kataib Hezbollah, as part of Washington's retaliation for the killing of three US troops in Jordan last month.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that has launched numerous attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, issued a call on Friday for fighters to join its ranks to drive "occupying forces" out of the country.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted about 170 attacks on bases with US troops in Iraq and Syria over the last four months, saying they were due to Washington's support of Israel in its war in Gaza.

Iraqi and US officials launched formal talks last month to wind down the presence of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, but the talks were paused following the strike in Jordan attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Officials from both countries announced on Thursday that the talks will resume, with the next meeting set for Sunday. (AP) SZM
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Saturday, hours after Israel's prime minister said he had asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people there ahead of a ground invasion. Israeli airstrike on Rafah (AFP)(AFP)

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off panic and warnings from diplomats. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after following Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of the territory. It's not clear where they could run next.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining stronghold for the Hamas militant group in Gaza after more than four months of war sparked by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences, and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land.

Another mediator, Qatar, warned of disaster if Israel carries out a Rafah offensive, and Saudi Arabia warned of very serious repercussions." There is even increasing friction between Netanyahu and the United States, whose officials have said a Rafah invasion with no plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from the current ground combat in Khan Younis just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest 3 months old.

Fadel al-Ghannam said one strike tore the bodies of his loved ones to shreds. He lost his son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

He fears even worse with a ground invasion of Rafah, and said the world's silence has enabled Israel to proceed. To this day, the world has not been fair to us, he said.

Later Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a home in Rafah killed at least 11 people, including three children, according to Ahmed al-Soufi, head of Rafah municipality. The dead were taken to Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital, according to an AP journalist there.

This is what Netanyahu targets  the civilians, said a neighbor, Samir Abu Loulya.

Two other strikes killed two policemen and three senior officers in the civil police, according to city officials.

In Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least two people and wounding five, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders.

Israeli tanks reached the hospital gates Saturday morning, Ahmed Maghrabi, a physician at the hospital, said in a Facebook post.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said hospital staff are no longer able to move between buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering there.

The Israeli military said troops were not currently operating inside the hospital and called the surrounding area an active combat zone.

Roughly 80% of Gazas people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.

Gaza death toll tops 28,000

The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that the bodies of 117 people killed in Israeli airstrikes were brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours, raising the overall death toll from the offensive to 28,064, mostly women and children. The ministry said more than 67,000 people have been wounded.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,300 people and taking 250 others hostage. Not all are still alive.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but U.S. officials have called for more surgical strikes. President Joe Biden said this week Israel's response is over the top.

Netanyahu's office says it is impossible to eliminate Hamas while leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah.

Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The Rafah border crossing, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a prewar population of roughly 280,000. The United Nations says it is now home to some 1.4 million additional people who fled fighting elsewhere.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that an Israeli offensive on Rafah would be a humanitarian catastrophe in the making, adding on X that the people in Gaza cannot disappear into thin air.

Deaths elsewhere in Gaza

Israel's offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people no longer have homes.

An Israeli airstrike on the central town of Deir al-Balah killed five people and wounded about 10 others, according to hospital officials and AP journalists.

In the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City, two medics from the Palestinian Red Crescent were found dead in a destroyed ambulance after going missing 12 days ago. They had rushed to rescue 6-year-old Hind Rajab, who had been traveling with family to heed evacuation orders.

The PRC previously released a recording of a call from Hinds cousin saying the car had come under fire and only she and Hind survived. The cousin went silent mid-call.

The PRC said the rescue mission was coordinated with Israels military, which had no comment.
Israel's army has deployed some AI-enabled military technology in combat for the first time in Gaza, raising fears about the use of autonomous weapons in modern warfare. Israel-Hamas War: A view of the rubble of buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.(AP)

The army has hinted at what the new tech is being used for, with spokesman Daniel Hagari saying last month that Israel's forces were operating "above and underground simultaneously".

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A senior defence official told AFP the tech was destroying enemy drones and mapping Hamas's vast tunnel network in Gaza.

New defence technologies including artificial intelligence-powered gunsights and robotic drones form a bright spot in an otherwise dire period for Israel's tech industry.

The sector accounted for 18 percent of GDP in 2022, but the war in Gaza has wreaked havoc with an estimated eight percent of its workforce called up to fight.

"In general the war in Gaza presents threats, but also opportunities to test emerging technologies in the field," said Avi Hasson, chief executive of Startup Nation Central, an Israeli tech incubator.

"Both on the battlefield and in the hospitals there are technologies that have been used in this war that have not been used in the past."

But the rising civilian death toll shows that much greater oversight is needed over the use of new forms of defence tech, Mary Wareham, an arms expert at Human Rights Watch, told AFP.

"Now we're facing the worst possible situation of death and suffering that we're seeing today -- some of that is being brought about by the new tech," she said.

More than 150 countries in December backed a UN resolution identifying "serious challenges and concerns" in new military tech, including "artificial intelligence and autonomy in weapons systems."

- 'Angry Birds'

Hamas on October 7 launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Hamas also seized around 250 hostages, and Israel says some 132 remain in Gaza including at least 29 believed to have been killed.

Israel's military response has killed nearly 28,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry.

Like many other modern conflicts, the war has been shaped by a proliferation of inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, which have made attacks from the air easier and cheaper.

Hamas used them to drop explosives on October 7, while Israel has turned to new tech to shoot them down.

In a first, the army has used an AI-enabled optic sight, made by Israeli startup Smart Shooter, which is attached to weapons such as rifles and machine guns.

"It helps our soldiers to intercept drones because Hamas uses a lot of drones," said the senior defence official.

"It makes every regular soldier -- even a blind soldier -- a sniper."

Another system to neutralise drones involves deploying a friendly drone with a net that it can throw around the enemy craft to neutralise it.

"It's drone versus drone -- we call it Angry Birds," the official said.

- Hamas tunnels

A pillar of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to "destroy" Hamas is quickly mapping the underground tunnel network where Israel says the group's fighters are hiding and holding hostages.

The network is so vast that the army has dubbed it the "Gaza Metro" and a recent study by US military academy West Point said there were 1,300 tunnels stretching over 500 kilometres (310 miles).

To map the tunnels the army has turned to drones that use AI to learn to detect humans and can operate underground, including one made by Israel startup Robotican that encases a drone inside a robotic case.

It is being used in Gaza "to enter into tunnels and to see as far as the communication lets you," the senior Israeli defence official said.

Before the war the technology did not allow drones to operate underground because of issues sending images to the surface, the official added.

The conflict has raised human rights concerns but also cemented Israel's status as a world-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge defence systems.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the United States -- Israel's main international ally and provider of billions of dollars each year in military aid -- was training its own soldiers to shoot down drones using Smart Shooter's optic sights.

In late January, three US soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a base in Jordan.
Pakistan Elections 2024: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai said that her country Pakistan needs free and fair elections as she urged elected officials to accept the voters decision. The 26-year-old, who became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in 2014, said, Pakistan needs free and fair elections, which includes transparency in counting votes and respect for the results. I believe today, as I always have, that we must accept the voters decision with grace." Pakistan Elections 2024: Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai speaks during an interview.(Reuters)

She posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I hope our elected officials, whether in government or opposition parties, will prioritise democracy and prosperity for the people of Pakistan."

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Malala Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman who targeted her for her activism on womens education in October 2012. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford in 2020.

Pakistan Election results: What we know so far?

Independents backed by Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have won at least 100 seats while Nawaz Sharif's PML-N took 73 and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) got 54. Minor parties shared 27 seats between them.

Following the results, Nawaz Sharif said in a speech in Lahore, We don't have enough of a majority to run the government ourselves, therefore we invite the other parties and candidates who have been successful to work with us.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief said that politicians must show "maturity and unity" to form a coalition together.

"Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people," army chief General Syed Asim Munir said, adding, As the people of Pakistan have reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan, it is now incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity.
Several nations on Friday expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process and urged a probe into its alleged irregularities amid the country's election commission's delay in the declaration of the results of general elections, followed by the uncertainty of the formation of the government. According to nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, illegal activities such as fraud, arrest of activists, and interference must be investigated. Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (C) delivers a speech during a gathering with his supporters a day after Pakistan's national elections. (AFP)

While the nations said they would work with the next government, they did not congratulate any party or candidate yet, despite former Pakistani prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claiming victory.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

US raises concern

Reportedly, the US state department noted there were undue restrictions on the freedom of expression and assembly during the general election in Pakistan. Along with this, Democratic US representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar alleged that the Pakistani military interfered and rigged the result, and urged the State Department to not recognise a winner until a probe is conducted, reported Reuters.

UK reacts

UK foreign minister David Cameron in a statement on Friday raised serious concerns about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections.

Also read: Deeper implications of Pakistan election verdict

EU statement on Pakistan elections

The European Union on Friday noted a lack of a level playing field in the general elections, attributing it to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions of freedom of assembly, restrictions of freedom and expression, and internet access, reported Reuters.

UN on violence against political parties in Pakistan

Meanwhile, the UN human rights office earlier this week, denounced the violence against political parties and candidates in Pakistan, and voiced concern over the pattern of harassment, arrests and prolonged detentions of leaders and supporters of former jailed Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's party - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Pakistan general election results

According to the latest data from the Pakistan election commission, independent candidates - mostly backed by Imran Khan's PTI, won the most seats - 98 of the 245. Reportedly, the PTI loyalists' tally of seats surpassed former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP), who won 69 and 51 seats, respectively. Notably, a political party would need 133 seats for a simple majority.

However, both Khan and Sharif have claimed victory in the election, leaving a massive uncertainty over who would form the government.

Shortly after Sharif claimed victory, he admitted that his party did not have enough of a majority to form a government without the support of others, and invited allies to join the coalition to form the government in Pakistan. It would have been good if we had got a full mandate and emerged as the majority party and formed government, but even then, we would have invited other parties to join us and walk with us. But since we dont have such a majority that we can form the government on our own, we will invite other allied parties that have been successful in the election to join us and jointly form a government and jointly get Pakistan out of its difficulties, he said in Urdu.

(With inputs from Reuters)
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form a coalition government at the Centre and Punjab province after Shehbaz Sharif met Bilawal Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan, Geo News reported. There has been no clear victor from the divisive elections in Pakistan as the tardy vote-counting process neared completion on Saturday, indicating that the elusive political stability for the cash-strapped India's neighbour may still be a distant dream. People watch latest election results live on a television at a shop, a day after Pakistan's national elections in Lahore on February 9.(AFP)

The general elections were held on Thursday and the counting began soon after the polling ended at 5pm with the hope that the majority of 265 contested seats would be available by Friday morning.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, brother of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, met the PPP top leaders at the residence of caretaker Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, Geo News reported. Party sources told the news portal that Shehbaz Sharif discussed the future government formation with Zardari and also conveyed Nawaz Sharifs message. During the 45-minute meeting, Shehbaz Sharif asked Bilawal Bhutto and his father Asif Ali Zardari to sit with the PML-N leadership for political and economic stability in Pakistan.

The sources claimed that both PPP leaders have agreed to form a government in Punjab and at the Centre and both the parties will present their own views in the next meeting and finalise all matters regarding the power-sharing formula as to who will assume which office and where with mutual consultation, the report added.

Earlier on Friday, Nawaz Sharif announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies  PPP, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) after none of the contesting parties could secure a comfortable majority.

The army-backed PML-N took 71 and the PPP snapped up 53  with minor parties taking the rest and 15 of the elected 266-seat National Assembly still to be announced.

Nawaz Sharif's game plan

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif claimed the PML-N's "victory" in the general election in the backdrop of a precarious economy and the political crisis unleashed by Imran Khan's ouster from power.

In a charged speech in Lahore's Model Town, Nawaz Sharif said, I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to meet Fazlur Rehman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Asif Ali Zardari today.

He added that his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar would hold meetings as part of the outreach efforts.

Respecting the mandate of all parties and independent candidates, Nawaz Sharif hinted at the formation of a 'unity government.'

Despite the trends not falling in their favour, PML-N leaders remained confident of forming the next government, asserting that their candidates have secured the majority of seats and are poised to take the reins of the country.

Meanwhile, an AI-generated video released Saturday by the party of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has him claiming victory in the country's election.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defied a months-long crackdown that crippled campaigning and forced candidates to run as independents in Thursday's vote, but their showing stunned observers. A slow counting process showed independents had won at least 99 seats -- 88 of them loyal to Imran Khan  by Saturday morning.

(With inputs from agencies)
Pakistans three main political parties stepped up efforts on Saturday to form a government after a split mandate in the general election saw independent candidates backed mainly by former premier Imran Khans party winning more seats than the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). With none of the three main parties close to even a simple majority in Parliament, analysts agreed that the next government would be a coalition. (AFP)

Results continued to trickle in two days after the close of balloting on Thursday, with independent candidates bagging almost 100 of the 253 constituencies for which results were declared by the Election Commission of Pakistan. At least 90 of these candidates are backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Khan, who is in jail after his conviction in three separate cases.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Three-time former premier Nawaz Sharifs PML-N party won 71 seats in the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament, while the PPP led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari secured 54 seats.

Leaders of both PML-N and PTI claimed victory and said efforts were underway to form the next government. In an apparent reference to the military, PTI chairman Gohar Khan, who is also the former premiers lawyer, called on all institutions in Pakistan to respect his partys mandate.

We have no quarrel with anyone, we want to move forward. We will proceed and form a government in accordance with the Constitution and the law, Gohar Khan told a news conference in Islamabad. No obstacles should be created for the PTI and results should be announced as soon as possible.

PTI leaders said an announcement will soon be made about which party the independent candidates will join so that a government can be formed. Independent candidates cannot form a government on their own, and joining another party will also ensure that the PTI can get a portion of the 76 reserved seats in the 342-member National Assembly that are distributed according to a partys vote share.

Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide and media adviser to Imran Khan, told HT: We will merge with a party but wont do an alliance with any mainstream party to form a disjointed and weak government.

Hours after Sharif called on other parties on Friday to join hands with the PML-N to form a government, his brother, former premier Shehbaz Sharif, met Bhutto-Zardari and his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, in Lahore for consultations on forming a coalition, according to media reports.

Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari agreed to form a government at the centre and in Punjab province and the PML-N and the PPP will finalise all matters related to a power-sharing formula and the distribution of portfolios through mutual consultations, Geo News channel quoted its sources as saying. The Dawn newspaper cited its sources as saying that the meeting was brief but ended on a positive note.

However, Bhutto-Zardari told Geo News on Saturday that the PPP has not had any official conversation with the PML-N, the PTI or other political parties on forming a coalition.

With none of the three parties close to even a simple majority in Parliament, analysts agreed that the next government would be a coalition in which the PTI-backed independent candidates could play a crucial role.

People familiar with the matter said the PTI was looking at the possibility of getting the independents to join the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWM). On the other hand, they said, the PML-N and the PPP could seek to woo some of the independents to their camp with inducements such as a position in the government. The independent candidates have three days to join a party after being elected.

The powerful Pakistan Army, which has faced considerable criticism for its perceived role in shutting the PTI out of the election process, on Saturday called for a unified government of all democratic forces. While PTI leaders were detained, harassed and barred from holding rallies, the party was barred from the polls by the Election Commission for not complying with electoral laws on holding internal elections.

Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir, in a statement issued by the militarys media arm, appeared to throw his weight behind a coalition government. He said: Pakistans diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose.

Pakistan, he said, needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, and elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing. Munir added: Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful.

Noting that the people had reposed their combined trust in the Constitution, Munir said it is incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity.

Meanwhile, Australia, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU) have expressed concerns about the fairness of Pakistans election process.

Australias foreign ministry said in a statement it was regrettable that the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections. In a post on X, UK foreign secretary David Cameron said: We recognise serious concerns over the fairness and lack of inclusivity of Pakistans elections.

US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement: We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The US, he said, is concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process and claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.

The EU too sought a timely and full investigation by Pakistani authorities of all reported election irregularities. The 27-nation bloc expressed regret at the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections and allegations of severe interference in the electoral process. The EU also called on all political actors in Pakistan to engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue aiming at the formation of a stable government.

Responding to this criticism, Pakistans foreign ministry expressed surprise at the negative tone of some of these statements, which didnt account for the complexity of the electoral process or acknowledge the free exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis.
Pakistan Elections 2024: Pakistan's caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that he anticipated a coalition government in the country as there is a high possibility of a hung Parliament. As votes are still being counted two days after the general election, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that blocking communication channels and social media had no political motive as it was done because of the security situation. The comments come as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party accused the authorities of deliberately suspending the internet in an attempt to rig elections in favour of his rival Nawaz Sharif and his party PML-N. Pakistan Elections 2024: Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.(AP)

Our responsibility as a caretaker government was to ensure security, and ahead of the elections, two terrorist incidents in Balochistan province occurred, which reminded the people of the real-time threat, he said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Commenting on the suspension of the mobile services, he said that authorities had to block the communication channels otherwise, they did not have any political motive whatsoever.

Pakistan has a transitional and evolving democracy", he said accepting army's involvement in elections in the past.

No one could deny it" and when there was a transition of power to the civilian government, there had always been pull and push. In my view, they (political parties) should keep the larger interests of the population in mind while negotiating this power framework structure. One was the reference to the constitution, and the other was the existing pragmatic exercises, he said.

Pakistan Elections 2024: What results have shown so far?

Independents backed by Imran Khan's PTI won 01 seats in the National Assembly, followed by Nawaz Sharif's PML-N with 73 seats and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 54 seats. Among smaller parties Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) won 17. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the result of only 255 out of 265 seats.
The head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the decision of the International Court of Justice of January 31, 2024, where the Russian Federation was charged with violating the norms of the Convention on the Financing of Terrorism, "is a mistake and a disaster."

The Main Intelligence Agency's Telegram channel notes that, according to the interpretation of the UN Court, the Russian Federation "cannot be recognized as a sponsor of terrorism, since the Russian Buk air defense system, which killed 298 civilian passengers and crew members of the Boeing MH-17 in 2014, is a weapon, not money."

"This is a disgrace for the international judicial system, this court decision is a mistake and a disaster, failure to recognize obvious facts will have very important consequences, primarily for many civilized countries. According to the logic of the International Court, Russia is not a sponsor of terrorism, because there was no transfer of funds into accounts for the purchase of weapons, but there was the use of weapons, the Russian air defense system, which led to casualties," Budanov said in a comment to the French publication Liberation.

The head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense added that "if the aggressor state gives (the separatists) an air defense system, but not money, and they shoot down a civilian Boeing, then, in principle, this will not be terrorism."

As reported, the International Court of Justice on January 31 ruled in the case of Ukraine against the Russian Federation and found that the Russian Federation violated some parts of the UN Convention on the Prevention of the Financing of Terrorism because it did not investigate financial support for separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Despite this, the court did not award compensation, as requested by the Ukrainian side. The court also refused to make a specific decision on the probable responsibility of the Russian Federation for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over territory not controlled by Ukraine on July 17, 2014, as requested by Ukraine.
Jaishankar's remarks came during a fireside chat with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at the Indian Ocean Conference. HT Image

Jaishankar is here to attend the two-day conference.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking about the Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia, Jaishankar said the grouping is the outcome of the changing capabilities of the major powers and the implications that it has for all of the world.

The Quad was set up in 2017 to counter Chinas aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

"It also reflects three very important relationships for us with Australia, the US and Japan, which had transformed after the end of the Cold War," Jaishankar said.

These four countries are located at four corners of this maritime space and bring a certain perspective to the table, he said.

"I am sort of pretty confidently predict that the relevance of the Quad would grow and it would become a bigger factor in the larger regional and beyond the region politics and policy," Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar also spoke about India's partnership with Indian Ocean countries.

"The challenge today is to reconstruct and reconnect the Indian Ocean," he said.

"You are going to see an India which will be much more deeply engaged in and much more deeply invested in the Indian Ocean...Our goal should be how to make the Indian Ocean more connected, more seamless and more penetrative than it is today as it has been in the past," he said.

"I think they can actually patiently and respectfully reconstruct this region," he said.

Talking about the bilateral ties with Australia, Jaishankar said there is plenty of room to grow.

"I think we could be doing much more on the business side and on the economic side," he said.

Jaishankar said he is very "bullish" about the bilateral ties as there are great possibilities.

The kind of things that were achieved on the bilateral front in the last decade give reasons to be optimistic, he said.

Jaishankar also visited Sailani Avenue in Perth named after Indian-origin soldier Nain Singh Sailani.

Records show that he worked as a labourer before joining the Australian Imperial Force in Perth on February 7, 1916.

Shimla-born Nain Singh was 43 when he was assigned as a soldier to the 44th Infantry Battalion of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac).

He was one of 12 known Anzacs from the Indian community who enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces in 1916, and one of two who were killed in the Belgian campaign, an offensive campaign by Germany during the Second World War.

He is buried in Belgium, alongside fellow Australian soldiers who were killed in action and is the recipient of three medals including the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1914/15 Star.

"Glad to meet some of our veterans and Indian community leaders there," Jaishankar posted on X.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in footage published by his ministry on Saturday that the country's production of military drones had ramped up in the past year, though certain technical issues still needed tackling. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) at a military plant in the Udmurt Republic, Russia.(Reuters)

Russia has made extensive use of drones in the course of the almost two year-long military campaign in Ukraine, but has often had to rely on cheap Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"The production capacities that have been created allow us to complete most of the tasks that we are faced with today," Shoigu said during a tour of drone production facilities in the Volga river region of Udmurtia.

He was shown telling a meeting of officials that issues related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drones and electronic warfare still needed to be resolved.

Moscow has in recent months been signalling that its military industrial complex has stepped up production, as Russia seeks to break months of military deadlock in Ukraine.

Ukrainian commanders have said drones will be vital to gaining the upper hand in the conflict, while military analysts say heavy use of the weapons by both sides is making it difficult for troops to make land advances.
Israel-Hamas War: Saudi Arabia said that Israel's planned army operation in Rafah would cause a "humanitarian catastrophe" as it called for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene. This comes after Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the army to prepare to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation in the city. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians check destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip.(AP)

At least 28,064 Palestinians have been killed and 67,611 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, health ministry in Gaza said as per Reuters.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

What Saudi Arabia said on Israel's Rafah order?

Saudi Arabia warns "of the extremely dangerous repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah and affirmed its "categorical rejection and strong condemnation of their forced deportation", its foreign ministry statement said as per news agency AFP.

"This continued violation of international law and international humanitarian law confirms the necessity of convening the Security Council urgently to prevent Israel from causing an imminent humanitarian catastrophe," the statement added.

How many Gazans are in Rafah?

Rafah is overcrowded as more than one million displaced Palestinians have taken refuge in the city located in Gaza's far south.

What is Saudi Arabia's take on the war?

Saudi Arabia has never recognised Israel but had been considering to do so before the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Riyadh has repeatedly called for a ceasefire while criticising Israeli "aggression" in Gaza. Saudi Arabia also said this week it had told Washington it would not establish ties with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is recognised. Israeli forces should leave Gaza, Riyadh reportedly told Washington.

What has Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said?

Israeli operations in Rafah could cause "tens of thousands" of casualties in the city, the office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said, adding that the move "threatens security and peace in the region in the world" and is "a blatant violation of all red lines".
As the pair faced each other in a large, virtually empty Kremlin office, Putin immediately put Carlson on the defensive, demanding: Are we having a talk show or serious conversation? He then gave his interlocutor a 25-minute history lesson  a mix of mythical and actual history going back over a millennium  to show both how Ukrainians and Russians were not really separate peoples. HT Image

He also took pains to assert from the start who was running the interview early on. It was a classic Putin powerplay. After that, it was plain sailing for Putin.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The interview was wide-ranging: Ukraine, China, multi-polarity, Putins opinion of several former US presidents as well as his predecessors Lenin, Stalin and Yeltsin. Discussing US politics, Putin touched on Elon Musk, Donald Trump and what he called the warlike mindsets of US foreign policy elites.

When it came to the war in Ukraine, predictably the Russia president blamed what he identified as Nato expansionism and threats to his countrys security. He recounted how he had offered a hand of friendship to the US: Please dont [expand Nato eastward]. We are as bourgeois now as you are. We are a market economy, and there is no Communist party power. Lets negotiate. But his overtures were spurned by the US elites.

Also predictably, both interviewer and interviewee took the opportunity to boost Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (Maga) voter base. Trump has already said he would end US military aid to Ukraine very quickly by withdrawing US aid, something that Putin stressed in the interview: If you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons. It will be over within a few weeks.

But Putin chose not to dwell at length on what a Trump presidency could do for him. Instead he took a shot at US policy on Ukraine as a distraction from Americas domestic woes, zeroing in on what is a sore point for many swing voters  immigration.

You have issues on the border, issues with migration, issues with the national debt, he told Carlson. You have nothing better to do, so you should fight in Ukraine? Wouldnt it be better to negotiate with Russia?

The Russian president floated the idea that US foreign policy decisions had been captured by what he called elites mindsets and that while Trump may well change US policy towards Russia, it would only happen if the elites change too.

Carlson filled in the gap, echoing another of Trumps key themes  the power of the deep state: So, twice youve described US presidents making decisions and then being undercut by their agency heads. So, it sounds like youre describing a system that is not run by the people who are elected, in your telling.

The controversial interview comes at a time of great turmoil, in the US and internationally. Trump  for whom Carlson campaigned in the 2020 election campaign  faces a string of court cases, including some that could  if hes convicted  see him imprisoned before the November 2024 presidential elections.

The

US Supreme Court will also rule on whether Trump should be removed from the ballot altogether due to charges of insurrectionary conduct on January 6 2021. Congress also remains at loggerheads over providing further financial support to Ukraine.

Although he is likely to win the Republican presidential nomination, Trump faces a primary challenge from Nikki Haley, who now represents an important focal point of opposition to Trump the personality rather than to Trumpism the idea. Haley, former governor of South Carolina and Trumps ambassador to the UN, is also a champion of US support for Ukraines resistance to Russias military might  as is Joe Biden.

Biden  and Trump, as a matter of fact  campaigned on the idea of ending Americas forever wars. Yet the US is now embroiled in a series of conflicts in a global arc from Ukraine, through the Middle East, all the way to simmering tensions over Taiwan. All sorts of people are lining up to warn that the danger of another massive global conflict appears to be increasing.

There is no shortage of influential Americans on both sides of the political aisle who are saying the same thing. And a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association soon after Russia invaded Ukraine last year found that nearly seven in ten Americans feared that we are at the beginning stages of World War III.

So while Carlson and Trump are partisan Republicans, their stances on Russia, Putin and the Ukraine war reflect a broader mood among much of the US public.

Some members of Trumps 2017-2021 administration wanted to get closer to Russia to counter the rise of China  in a sort of carrots-to-Russia and sticks-towards-China approach.

There is also a growing bipartisan voice in Washington. This is reflected in the emergence of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a thinktank funded by billionaire conservative Charles Koch and billionaire liberal internationalist George Soros, which is championing a retreat from interventionism, or restraint, by the US.

Carlsons interview with Putin will not change the minds of committed partisans on either side. But for those who for the first time heard an extended argument in the Russian leaders own words, the interview, while long and sometimes rambling, probably humanised Putin. He came over as historically knowledgeable, articulate, serious and sober. And very determined in the rightness of his cause.(The Conversation) RUP RUP
Chinese New Year is a major Asian festival that marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is also commonly referred to as the Spring Festival in China. Every year, millions come together to celebrate the 16-day-long festival. This year, the Chinese New Year starts on Saturday, February 10. If you are in Boston or are planning to make a visit around the vibrant festival, here's a list of things to do to celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Representational Image(AFP)

Authentic oriental cuisine in Chinatown

Situated downtown in Massachusetts, Chinatown is the centre of all Chinese cultural events and festivities. Some of the popular eateries in Chinatown that offer authentic oriental cuisine are Hei La Moon, Friendship BBQ Boston, Nan Xiang Express, and Taiwan Cafe, among others.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Chinatown in Boston has numerous events in honour of the Chinese New Year

You can enjoy a Lunar New Year feast with your friends and family by savouring festive dishes like Tangyuan, Jiaozi, ba bao fan, and more. After a hearty meal, you can also purchase traditional decor pieces to adorn your house this Year of the Dragon.

Chinese New Year concert at Berklee

Almost every year, the Berklee College of Music holds a special festive concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year. You can attend the musical event on Tuesday, February 13, to enjoy performances by talented musicians. Keeping up with this year's zodiac, the venue will be transformed into a dragon-themed wonderland.

Berklee College of Music will hold a festive concert for Chinese New Year

The admission fees for the concert are $12 if you pay in advance and $17 on the day of the event. A special offer is also available for Berklee students. Upon presenting their IDs, they can get free entry if they book in advance or pay $5 on the day of the show.

Lion Dance Parade at Phillips Square

In honour of the Chinese New Year, a Lion Dance Parade will be held on Sunday, February 18, at Phillips Square (Corner of Harrison Eve and Beach Street). The parade starts at 10 am local time and ends at 3 pm. The event will be filled with colourful dancers wearing lion costumes, a musical number including drums and cymbals, fireworks, and delicious traditional food.
Amid the recent layoffs by multiple tech and retail giants, Cisco has also decided to cut jobs. As a part of its restructuring program, the multinational network corporation has announced its decision to axe thousands of jobs, per Reuters. The San Jose-based company, which has a total employee count of 84,900, is seeking to focus on high-growth areas. Cisco announces its decision to lay off thousands of employees(AP)

Cisco to layoff thousands of employees as part of its restructuring plans

The outlet adds that while the company has announced its layoffs, it is yet to decide the number of employees that will be affected. As Cisco prepares for its earning calls on February 14, the job cut-offs could be revealed as early as next week. Cisco's prior job cuts were also part of another restructuring plan, which lead to $600 million in severance and other charges. The company previously laid off about 5% of its workforce, which equates to 4,100 employees in November 2022, according to the outlet.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Cisco blames the decrease in projected revenue on slowdown in orders

This news comes months after Cisco slashed its revenue guidance. In January, the California network giant's projected revenue suffered a 6.6% drop and a decrease in adjusted earnings per share, as per the outlet. The outlet further adds that while the company refused to comment on its recent decision, the move comes at a time when several tech companies, including Nokia and Ericsson, axed thousands of jobs last year in a bid to lower costs.

Additionally, retail giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft recently announced significant layoffs. After cutting off its revenue and profit forecasts in the previous earnings call, Cisco blamed the weakness on a decrease in orders during the first quarter. Customers are currently focused on installing and implementing products in their environments, the company said, per the outlet.
A ruling by Hawaii's high court saying that a man can be prosecuted for carrying a gun in public without a permit cites crime-drama TV series The Wire and invokes the spirit of Aloha in an apparent rebuke of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded gun rights nationwide. FILE - Handguns are displayed at a gun shop on June 23, 2022, in Honolulu. A ruling by Hawaii's high court saying that a man can be prosecuted for carrying a gun in public without a permit uses pop culture references in an apparent rebuke of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded gun rights nationwide. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia, File)(AP)

The thing about the old days, they the old days, the unanimous Hawaii Supreme Court ruling issued Wednesday said, borrowing a quote from season four, episode three of the HBO series to express that the culture from the founding of the country shouldn't dictate contemporary life.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Authored by Justice Todd Eddins, the opinion goes on to say, The spirit of Aloha clashes with a federally-mandated lifestyle that lets citizens walk around with deadly weapons during day-to-day activities. 

The ruling stems from a 2017 case against Christopher Wilson, who had a loaded pistol in his front waistband when police were called after a Maui landowner reported seeing a group of men on his property at night.

The handgun was unregistered in Hawaii, and Wilson had not obtained or applied for a permit to own the gun, the ruling said. Wilson told police he legally bought the gun in Florida in 2013.

Wilson's first motion to dismiss the charges argued that prosecuting him for possession of a firearm for self-defense violated his right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It was denied.

Then in 2022, a U.S. Supreme Court decision known as New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen upended gun laws nationwide, including in Hawaii, which has long had some of the strictest gun laws in the country  and some of the lowest rates of gun violence.

Just as the Bruen decision came out, Wilson filed a second motion to dismiss the case. A judge granted the dismissal, and the state appealed.

Ben Lowenthal of the Hawaii public defenders office, Wilsons attorney, said Thursday his office is taking stock of our options, including seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Wilson denied trespassing and said he and his friends were hiking that night to look at the moon and Native Hawaiian plants, according to the recent ruling.

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez hailed the ruling as a landmark decision that affirms the constitutionality of crucial gun-safety legislation."

The ruling reflects a culture in Hawaii that's very resistant to change" and a judiciary and government that has been recalcitrant in accepting Bruen, said Alan Beck, an attorney not involved in the Wilson case.

The use of pop culture references to attempt to rebuke the Supreme Courts detailed historical analysis is evidence this is not a well-reasoned opinion, said Beck, who has challenged Hawaii's gun restrictions.

Beck represents three Maui residents who are challenging a Hawaii law enacted last year that prohibits carrying a firearm on the beach and in other places, including banks, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.

A federal judge in Honolulu granted a preliminary injunction, which prevents the state from enforcing the law. The state appealed, and oral arguments are scheduled for April before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Bruen set a new standard for interpreting gun laws, such that modern firearm laws must be consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation.

We believe it is a misplaced view to think that todays public safety laws must look like laws passed long ago, Eddins, of the Hawaii high court, wrote. Smoothbore, muzzle-loaded, and powder-and-ramrod muskets were not exactly useful to colonial era mass murderers. And life is a bit different now, in a nation with a lot more people, stretching to islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The Bruen ruling snubs federalism principles, Eddins wrote, asserting that under Hawaii's constitution, there is no individual right to carry a firearm in public.

Dating back to the 1800s, when Hawaii was a kingdom, weapons were heavily regulated, Eddins wrote. He noted that in 1833 King Kamehameha III promulgated a law prohibiting any person or persons on shore from possessing a weapon, including any knife, sword-cane, or any other dangerous weapon.
A helicopter carrying six people crashed Friday night near the California and Nevada border in eastern San Bernardino County. So far no survivors have been located after the Eurocopter EC 130 crashed near Nipton(Representative Image/Unsplash)

So far no survivors have been located after the Eurocopter EC 130 crashed near Nipton on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve at 10 pm, stated the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

We are not able to confirm how many people were on board or their names. No survivors have been located, the department said in a statement.

The helicopter is registered to a Burbank-based tour firm called Orbic Air, NBC reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the crash.

Also Read: 5 US soldiers killed in military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean

Second crash in a week

This incident comes just days after a Navy helicopter with five marines onboard crashed in the southern California mountains during a storm on Tuesday night.

The five marines were confirmed dead on Thursday. They were identified as: Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.

Authorities said the CH-53E Super Stallion vanished late Tuesday night while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after training at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas.

"It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the Flying Tigers, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commander of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.

To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time, Borgshulte said. Though we understand the inherent risks of military service, any loss of life is always difficult.
An Indian-origin man died after being assaulted in downtown Washington. 41-year-old Vivek Chander Taneja died after allegedly being hit on the head during an altercation outside a restaurant. He worked as an executive in Virginia. Vivek Taneja was the president and co-founder of Dynamo Technologies (Dynamo Technologies website)

Officers responded to reports of an assault, and arrived on the scene to find Taneja with critical injuries. They rushed him to a hospital, but he did not survive. Tanejas death was ruled a 'homicide' by police.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

No arrests have been made yet. However, a CCTV camera did capture the suspect. The Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch is seeking the publics help in identifying and locating the person responsible for killing Taneja.

Taneja was the president and co-founder of Dynamo Technologies. He was a premier technology and solutions analytics provider for the federal government, a company spokesperson said, according to NBC Washington. Taneja graduated of the University of Virginia, George Mason University and George Washington University.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by police to anyone who can provide information that leads to arrest of suspect(s) involved in each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Anyone who has information on Tanejas case has been urged to call the police on 202-727-9099. One can also submitted anonymous information to the departments TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Several other Indian-origin persons have died in the US this year, most of them being students.Vivek Saini, an MBA student in Georgia's Lithonia, was brutally attacked and killed by a homeless man named Julian Faulkner. The gut-wrenching incident was caught on camera.

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in January. His father later criticised the police for inaction. The initial findings of the autopsy suggested he died from hypothermia, according to the Champaign County Coroner.

Neel Acharya, a student of Purdue Universityin West Lafayette, Indiana, who went missing days ago, was later found dead on the Purdue campus. An autopsy conducted on January 29 revealed that there were no signs of trauma on his body.

Indian-origin doctoral student Sameer Kamath, who studied at Purdue too, was found dead at a nature preserve this week. The 23-year-old reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
As the Year of the Dragon approaches, vibrant festivities are set to sweep across the United States, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year for Asian diaspora communities. From bustling Chinatowns to suburban enclaves, the holiday will be observed with different customs and traditions that represent the rich cultures of China, Vietnam, Korea, and others. This yearly celebration brings together people of all ages to share cherished traditions, heartwarming rituals, and delicious food. Today we explore, how Asian communities celebrate Lunar New Year in their new homeland. Performers and lion dancers take part in a procession for the upcoming Lunar New Year in Hanoi on January 28, 2024. (Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP)(AFP)

Lunar New Year 2024 celebrations in the US

Lunar New Year, signifies the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar calendar. Here's a glimpse into how the United States and Asian diaspora communities celebrate this festival.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also read: Lunar New Year 2024: List of US cities and states granting public holiday

Chinese Communities

Lion dances, parades, red envelopes filled with lucky money, and family feasts with dumplings and fish are common customs. In San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the largest outside of Asia, thousands gather for the annual parade. Before the New Year, people typically clean their homes following traditional rituals, pay homage to their ancestors, and decorate with orchids and brightly colored flowers.

Vietnamese Communities

In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year, known as Tet Nguyen an, involves rituals such as house cleaning, ancestor worship, and offering traditional foods like banh chung (sticky rice cakes) and banh tet (cylindrical rice cakes). Normally, New Orleans holds the most lively celebration of Tet with a Tet Fest featuring traditional cuisine, music, and performances. The Vietnamese population in New Orleans is estimated to be around 14,000. Additionally, Lunar New Year is observed as a cultural event by some Asian American Christians and by several Catholic dioceses across the U.S., as well as other churches.

Korean Communities

In South Korea, Lunar New Year, also known as Seollal, is characterized by ancestral rituals, donning hanboks (traditional attire), and engaging in games such as yutnori (a board game). Los Angeles, home to Koreatown, hosts one of the most prominent Seollal festivities in the U.S., showcasing traditional music, dance performances, and food markets. Furthermore, the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), a division of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Korea, has announced the K-Family Fest: Celebrate Seollal at its new venue.

Also read: Chinese New Year 2024 - Date, how to celebrate, Zodiac animal and significance of new lunar year

US cities celebrating Lunar New Year 2024

New York City

Home to one in six Asian Americans, New York City explodes with vibrant celebrations.

Festivities launch with a glittering Firecracker Ceremony and vibrant cultural festival in locations like Sara D. Roosevelt Park.

Think! Chinatown offers a range of engaging events throughout the month, from workshops exploring traditional rituals to lively mahjong parties.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art organizes a poetry reading from Asian American bookstores.

San Francisco

home to North America's largest Chinatown and hosts one of the biggest parades outside of Asia for the Chinese New Year Festival.

The parade features stunning floats, vibrant costumes, and energetic performances.

Oakland celebrates Lunar New Year with a festive event at Jack London Square on February 10th.

Boston

Lunar New Year Flower Market runs from February 2 to 9 at the China Trade Center.

The Vietnamese 35th Annual Tet in Boston Day Festival occurs on February 4th at the Flynn Cruiseport.

Visitors can enjoy traditional lion dances, delicious food, and cultural performances at these events.

Other cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, Houston, etc., also join in the celebrations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Russian UAV attack on Kharkiv on Saturday night.

"Reality always speaks louder than any words. Last night, due to a fire after a suicide drone strike in Kharkiv, a whole family died: parents and three children. The eldest son, Oleksiy, 7 years old, the middle one, Mykhailo, 4 years old, the smallest, Pavlo, he was 7 months old. Children who had not yet seen life and were killed because of Russian madness. Another family also died: husband and wife. My condolences to all family and friends!" Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Saturday.

The President added that the rescue operation was ongoing in Kharkiv; four people were rescued, including one child. Dozens of people in the city were evacuated.

"All necessary services have been involved, and every victim will be provided with the necessary assistance," Zelenskyy said.

He also thanked everyone who supports Ukraine and its people in protecting themselves from Russian terror, adding that "every show of support is critically important."

"And it is also important to understand that terror cannot remain unpunished. Terror cannot remain without a fair answer. Terrorists must lose this war that they started. Russia must answer for every life it has destroyed. Only in this way will security for everyone again become part of reality," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Drums echo, dragons dance, and firecrackers crackle! The Year of the Dragon roars into New Jersey, bringing vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations alive! The colorful mosaic of cultures in New Jersey is shining brighter than ever before! Recent research shows a surge in the Asian population, making the upcoming Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, an anticipated spectacle. From dazzling parades and lion dances to dumplings and festive decorations, check out the perfect ways to usher in good fortune and prosperity. Lunar New Year 2024: Top places and restaurants in New Jersey to ring in the celebrations(Shutterstock)

Top places in New Jersey to ring in Lunar New Year 2024

Also read: Lunar New Year 2024: How Asian Americans are celebrating across the US

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

This vibrant festival, coinciding with the first new moon of the lunar calendar on February 10th, promises to be celebrated on a grander scale than ever before.

Bergen County

Situated in the northeastern corner of New Jersey within the Gateway Region, the American Dream Mall in Bergen County offers a variety of Lunar New Year events and Opera Nights. The venue is also set to host lantern festivals, mini concerts, and orchestral performances. Additionally, various locations throughout the region will host a Chinese New Year Culture Fair alongside the Korean Culture Festival.

Passaic County and Essex County

In Passaic County and Essex County, individuals keen on exploring the artistic side of Lunar New Year celebrations can visit the Public Library and Museum of Art. These venues offer a range of activities including storytelling and engaging craft sessions for children. Additionally, attendees can enjoy various performances such as the Dragon Parade, lion dance, Fan Dance, and Drum Performance, making it a vibrant and culturally enriching experience for all.

Morris County

Events will take place on Saturday to observe the holiday. On Sunday, they will celebrate Lunar New Year at Hanover Township Community Center and Rockaway Townsquare.

Also read: Chinese New Year 2024: Home decor ideas to attract luck this Year of the Dragon

Top restaurants to check out in NJ onLunar New Year 2024

Cheng Du 23 in Wayne: This eatery has garnered numerous awards for its authentic Szechuan cuisine, making it an ideal choice for those seeking genuine East Asian flavors.

Shanghai in Fort Lee: True to its name, this restaurant's menu tantalizes taste buds with its spicy sauces and aromatic dishes, catering to Fort Lee's diverse and sizable Asian population.

Hot Fish in Hackensack: A trendy Chinese culinary hotspot, Hot Fish is renowned for its traditional Szechuan fare, including favorites like Spicy Crab and Double Cooked Chicken.
As Republicans rush to call for Joe Bidens Department of Justice Special Counsel's report, Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday slammed Donald Trump-appointed Robert Hur for making gratuitous, inaccurate and inappropriate remarks against the US President. She called his report on Biden's handling of classified documents clearly politically motivated. US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris (REUTERS / Carlos Barria)

As a former prosecutor, the comments that were made by that prosecutor: gratuitous, inaccurate and inappropriate, Harris, who is the running mate of Biden in 2024 presidential elections, said while speaking to repoters. "The way that the president's demeanor in that report was characterized could not be more wrong on the facts, and clearly politically motivated, gratuitous."

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"And so I will say, that when it comes to the role and responsibility of a prosecutor in a situation like that, we should expect, that there would be a higher level of integrity, than what we saw," she added.

Also Read: Emotional US President Joe Biden defends his memory in surprise speech: when my son died

White House official blames Republicans for 'pressurised' Hur's report

During a press briefing, White House Counsel spokesperson Ian Sams attempted to refute the conclusions of the alarming special counsel report that raised questions about Biden's age and mental health. Citing "a pressurised political environment", he said Republicans have "made up claims of a two-tiered system of justice between Republicans and Democrats".

"When the inevitable conclusion is that the facts and the evidence don't support any charges, you're left to wonder why this report spends time making gratuitous and inappropriate criticisms of the president," Sams stated.

Sams disputed the claims about Biden's memory loss, claiming that the evidence was incoherent. He mentioned page 233 of the report, which states that "we expect the evidence of Mr. Biden's state of mind to be compelling  clear, forceful testimony that he did, in fact, believe he was allowed to keep notebooks containing classified information in the event that a case against him goes to trial.

"I can't explain why the report veers all over the place on this issue," he stated.

Also Read: Get ready for Michelle Obama: Ramaswamy reacts to Robert Hur's alarming report on Joe Biden

Special counsels assessment of Bidens mental fitness sparks debate

Hur delivered a report on Thursday after an inquiry into Biden's handling of sensitive papers found at his Delaware home and the Penn Biden Center office in Washington, D.C.

In the report, he stated that there was insufficient evidence "to establish Mr. Biden's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt," but the report did not recommend filing any charges against Biden. It did, however, mention that Biden "willfully retained and disclosed," classified documents during his tenure as former President Barack Obama's vice president.

"Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," the report said.

The report also highlights that Biden, during interviews with the Special Counsel, "did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended," and that "he did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died."

As the report sparked debate around Biden's memory loss and mental fitness to continue to run the office, Republican legislators called for his resignation, stating that he is unfit to hold office.

They contended that the 25th Amendment, which is meant to render the president incapable of holding office, should now be put into effect.
A Texas woman was sentenced Friday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of threatening a Florida judge who is overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trumps handling of classified documents. Former US President Donald Trump(AFP)

Tiffani Gish, 50, of Houston, pleaded guilty in November to threatening U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The Justice Department said Gish left voicemails threatening to kill the judge while claiming to be a member of several military combat units. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Holding Tiffani Gish accountable for her threats to assassinate a federal judge sends a strong message that we have no tolerance for those  who often hide behind a far-off keyboard or phone line  seeking to undermine our democratic institutions by threatening the safety of the people who help those same institutions thrive," U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani said in a statement.

Also Read: Donald Trump mocks Biden, reveals the thing I like best about alarming Special Counsel Hur's report

Heather Hughes, a federal public defender representing Gish, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday.

Cannon has set a May date for the trial in which investigators accuse Trump of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and hiding them from investigators. According to prosecutors, he also showed the documents to people without security permission and asked others to help him hide them. It is one of multiple ongoing cases against the former president, who is currently competing for the Republican candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.

Last year, another Texas woman, Abigail Jo Shry of Alvin, Texas, was arrested and charged with threatening U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who oversees the federal criminal case against Trump for interfering with the 2020 election. That case remains ongoing.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson lambasted conservative commentator Tucker Carlson for his "ludicrous interview" with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson(AP)

Around the world, people are watching that ludicrous interview with Vladimir Putin conducted by Tucker Carlson, and we must not fall for this tissue of lies above all for the notion that Putin is somehow fated to succeed in Ukraine. On the contrary, he is doomed to failure, Johnson stated in a video posted by The Daily Mail.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

After Fox News removed Carlson off the show last year, he started his own media company and show on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Johnson, a member of the Conservative Party, was responding to Carlson's interview with Putin, which was the first by a member of the western media, since Russia invaded Ukraine almost two years ago.

Also Read: In interview, Tucker Carlson asks Russia's Vladimir Putin about jailed WSJ reporter, his reply

Johnson slams Carlson for acting like a Putin supporter

In an opinion piece for The Daily Mail on Friday, Johnson attacked Carlson's interviewing style, calling him "fawning, guffawing" and displaying "slack-jawed happiness at having a scoop". He further claimed Carlson "betrayed" his viewers around the world for not questioning Putin on Ukraine.

He didnt ask tough questions. He didnt ask Putin why even now he is using the most brutal means of modern warfare to maim and murder innocent Ukrainian civilians, Johnson wrote.

The former UK PM claimed that Carlson behaved like a supporter of Putin and "boneheadedly" agreed with his "mixture of semi-masticated Wikipedia and outright falsehood."

Also Read: Does Vladimir Putin believe in God? Check out his answer to Tucker Carlson

In the two-hour interview, Putin stated he was willing to negotiate with the United States about the conflict in Ukraine, but he talked more about history to justify his decisions. When Tucker Carlson went to the Kremlin he had a function well known to history. He was to be the stooge of the tyrant, the dictaphone to the dictator, and a traitor to journalism," he wrote.

He further chastised Carlson for failing to highlight the work Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, has made since Russia launched the invasion.

Johnson compared the strategy used by Carlson to that of George Galloway, who in Baghdad praised Saddam Hussein. He pleaded with Americans to look past the interview and reminded Congress of their need to stand with Ukraine.

"For God's sake, remember who you are," he urged the Congressmen who are obstructing the delivery of help to Ukraine.
Denouncing the violence and attacks on media workers in Pakistan on election day, the US State Department asserted that it was looking for timely completion of the vote count and the declaration of the results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people. US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller

On Thursday, Pakistan's general election came to an end amid sporadic violence and internet connectivity issues. In order to avert any terrorist attack, the authorities even suspended the internet and mobile services.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller highlighted "undue restrictions" on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He, however, hailed Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistans democratic and electoral institutions.

Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistans elections on February 8, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered. We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people," Miller said.

Also Read: Pakistan coalition talks loom after after no clear majority, strong vote showing for jailed Imran Khan

US calls for probe into electoral interference or fraud

The State Department official emphasised that allegations of fraud or interference should be thoroughly looked into and stated that the US agrees with reliable local and international election observers that there were excessive limitations on the rights to free speech, association, and peaceful assembly during these elections.

We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated, he said.

Miller stressed that the United States is ready to work with the next Pakistani government, "regardless of political party," to advance the shared interests between Washington and Islamabad. We look forward to bolstering our partnership by supporting Pakistans economy through trade and investment."

He said that the United States will persist in assisting Pakistan in bolstering its democratic establishments, participating in the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, expanding interpersonal connections, and advocating for human rights, such as the right to free speech. We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve.

Pakistan elections: Concerns raised as both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif claim victory

In light of Pakistan's Election Commission's protracted delay in announcing the results of the country's general elections and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding the formation of the government, a number of countries, including the UK and the European Union, voiced concerns about the country's electoral process and called for an investigation into any purported infringements.

While the nations expressed readiness to work with the next Pakistan government, they did not congratulate any party or candidate yet, despite former Pakistani prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claiming victory.

Soon after claiming victory, Sharif requested allies to join the coalition to form the government of Pakistan, acknowledging that his party lacked the necessary majority to do so without external support.
A 15-year-old migrant has been arrested after allegedly shooting a tourist and firing at a police officer in Times Square. Venezuelan teen Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa was tracked down by the US Marshals Joint Regional Fugitive Task Force and the NYPD after the robbery-gone-wrong on Thursday, February 8. Jesus was arrested on Friday, in less than 24 hours. A 15-year-old migrant has been arrested after allegedly shooting a tourist and firing at a police officer in Times Square (@CollinRugg/X)

He was crying. When he was apprehended, he was crying Here he is committing these adult acts, thats something you dont expect a child to do, and then when hes apprehended, hes brought out in handcuffs crying, NYPD spokesman Carlos Nieves told reporters, according to New York Post.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Jesus will possibly be charged as a juvenile with attempted murder of a police officer, Nieves said. The case will either go to criminal or family court.

Jesus allegedly also attempted to carry out a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx on January 27. In another incident, shots were fired at a park on 45th Street in Midtown on January 25. It is unclear if he was charged for these incidents.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban appreciated his force for arresting Jesus quickly. If you think you attack a member of this department, if you think you could threaten the lives of the very people who keep us safe. If you think you could put others at deadly risk and get away with it, then think again, Caban said at a press conference. We will never stop pursuing you. We will find you, and we will arrest you.

According to police, Jesus, along with two other teens, were attempting to shoplift from a sports-fashion retail store on West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue at around 7 pm. All the teens attended school together. This is when they were stopped by a security guard.

Jesus then allegedly pulled out a very large .45-calibre handgun and fired at her into a crowd, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said. The guard was not hit, however, a 38-year-old Brazilian tourist named Tatiele Riberio was struck in the leg. She was in line waiting to buy sneakers, and was texting her husband. She managed to drag herself to the back of the store.

Jesus then opened fire at a cop before running away toward West 46th Street. He had no problems firing into a crowd at a store and not shooting at cops once, but shooting at them twice, Chell said.

And I gotta tell you, [if] one of those bullets hits our cop last night, this is a whole different conversation were having today, he added. Our cops showed great restraint not to fire their weapons into a crowd of New Yorkers.

Jesus was then chased by cops who were patrolling the area. He turns once, he fires towards our officer, Chell said. Our officer takes his gun out and he cannot return fire, there are too many people in his way.

Our suspect goes through the cut between the buildings. Hes running, he takes his gun out and under his armpit he fires again at our officer, Chell added.

According to authorities, Jesus was with his mother at a home on Saratoga Avenue when they nabbed him.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia) was seen swearing and threatening people in a drunken state inside a Montgomery County bar in a video that has gone viral on social media. Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle (X@PhillyCrimeUpd)

Before being ejected from the bar, the Democratic state legislator allegedly threatened to use his position to shut it down while launching into a foul-mouthed tirade directed at the staff.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to the widely shared video, Boyle began throwing a fit at the Gaul & Co. Malt House in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, by yelling at a female bartender and defying many commands to leave.

Boyle called the patrons of the bar "idiots" and "morons," and also accused them of being "traitors" and actors. He even threatened to stop "promotion" of people present inside the bar.

"I can f*cking end this bat by the way... This bar is done! Do you know who the f*ck I am? This bar is done tomorrow," he can be heard saying in the video. "Do you not think I'm going to prevent your promotion in the United States military?" he added.

Patrons in the bar told Boyle to leave, alleging that he is high on drugs or alcohol. Its yet to be known when the incident exactly took place.

Also Read: Netizens compare US senator John Fetterman's looks to that of hit TV show Breaking Bads lead character Walter White

Who is Kevin Boyle?

In 2010, Kevin Boyle was elected to the House of Representatives, serving the 172nd district, which includes portions of Montgomery County and Philadelphia.

Kevin Boyle has shown dubious conduct on earlier occasions. He was detained in 2021 and accused of harassing his wife, Caitlyn Boyle, and violating a protection from abuse order. Following his arrest, he lost his position as the chairman of the House Finance Committee after his arrest.

Also Read: US man spends whopping 21 lakh to buy a foldable home from Amazon

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders react to Boyle's video

Calling the video very troubling, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders issued a statement on the incident.

We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is very troubling. Rep. Boyle has been open about his personal challenges, the spokesperson said in a statement obtained by NBC10. We are encouraged that our colleague and dear friend is seeking help. Our commitment to delivering mental health services does not stop at the Capitol Steps.

One of the main reasons we advocate so strongly for mental health access is the reality that challenges can and do happen to anyone, and seeking treatment should be encouraged, not stigmatized.

Boyle's younger brother is Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District).

In a statement, Patrick Gushue, the politician's republican opponent, referred to the Boyle's actions as "unacceptable" and said that they "highlight the need for new leadership in the district." Gushue expressed hope that Boyle would get the care he needed.
In a gruesome incident, an American father beaten his 5-year-old daughter to death and took her chopped body parts to the restaurant where he worked as a cook, New Hampshire prosecutors said. Adam Montgomery(AP )

Adam Montgomery, 34, kept transporting his daughter Harmony Montgomery's "butchered" body to several hiding places for months before discarding it "like yesterday's trash."

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Adam, who is a violent felon and drug addict, even packed his daughter's crushed body into a tote bag, which he transported to the restaurant where he was employed as a cook and dishwasher, New York Post cited prosecutors as saying. Harmony's body was never recovered.

"He brought it with him regularly to work and he stored it in a freezer where the company kept food, ingredients. People saw him bringing that in and out. They couldn't have imagined what that bag contained," said prosecutor Christopher Knowles.

He also concealed her body in a friend's car trunk, his mother-in-law's apartment building's cooler, the ceiling vent of the homeless shelter where he resided, and an apartment freezer, according to the prosecutors.

Also Read: Elon Musk's business associates forced to use drugs to avoid upsetting him: Report

All you need to know about the case

While Harmony went missing in 2019, it took the authorities two years to know about her whereabouts.

Harmony had soiled herself in her sleep on December 7, 2019, the day that investigators suspect she died, according to prosecutors. According to reports, her father brutally hit her over the head and admitted to his estranged wife Kayla Montgomery, "I think I really hurt her this time."

After Harmony had two bathroom incidents in their family car, Adam hit her multiple times, Kayla Montgomery had told the police. The family had been residing in the car after being evicted from their home.

According to the stepmother, he covered Harmony with a blanket while the little girl sobbed, groaned, and finally turned silent. He, like, folded her in half and put her in the duffel bag, she claimed as she testified on Friday.

The estranged wife of a New Hampshire man accused of beating his young daughter to death testified Friday.(AP)

Adam allegedly shoved his dead daughter into a duffel bag after realising she was dead. The prosecution claims that before slicing up her remains and throwing them away outside of Boston, he moved her body several times and stored it for weeks.

In relation to the girl's disappearance, Kayla Montgomery is also charged with lying to a grand jury and receiving welfare benefits on the behalf of missing girleven after her death for several months.

Adam was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for weapons-related offenses. In 2022, he entered a not guilty plea to charges of killing his daughter, abusing the corpse, assault, and interfering with witnesses. In addition, he said that his spouse had lied to protect herself.

Kayla is serving an 18-month in prison for lying under oath.
The Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov, said on Saturday while his country remains New Delhi's "reliable and time-tested friend", the US is trying to threaten the relationship with sanctions. For all the external dissimilarities between Russia and India, they face a number of similar tasks (Getty Images)

"In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend. Such an image was initially shaped due to the major contribution of the USSR to Indian socio-economic development, and it largely persists to this day," he said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In an interview with the RT news agency, the Russian envoy added, "US officials who come here do not hesitate to directly state that they are pursuing the goal of tearing New Delhi away from Moscow. They are even making threats with secondary sanctions. Some Indian partners are forced to exercise caution, sometimes, frankly speaking, excessively, but there are also a significant number of those for whom such an approach is unacceptable."

Highlighting the growing bilateral ties, the Russian envoy said, "Our ties continue to steadily expand in a wide range of areas according to our converging national interests. But unlike our Western partners, we have never conditioned cooperation on politics, have not interfered in domestic affairs, and have always maintained mutually respectful and trusted relationships. Therefore, even now we mainly see a growing desire to keep working together and finding ways to overcome well-known impediments caused by destructive unilateral approaches."

"It should be noted that over the recent years the number of such contacts has increased manifold, and they are becoming more and more meaningful, including distributing information detailing the economic and investment potential and promising areas for interaction. It is indicative that the current bilateral trade turnover, which at the end of 2023 may exceed $60 billion, is several times higher than the pre-sanctions figures," he added.

Alipov also called for urgent reforms of the United Nations and agencies under it while making a strong case for the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

"We are of the view that India as a permanent member of the Security Council could make a significant contribution to promoting balance as well as an agenda focused on the interests of the world majority, primarily the countries of the Global South," the Russian envoy said.

India and Russia have maintained a robust strategic partnership, rooted in historical ties and shared interests, over decades. Central to this relationship is extensive defence cooperation, with Russia serving as a major supplier of military equipment to India and both nations engaging in joint military exercises, co-development of advanced military platforms, and technology transfers, according to the Russian news agency.

More recently, energy collaboration has become another strong pillar of bilateral ties. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KNPP), India's largest, is being built in Tamil Nadu with technical assistance provided by Moscow.

Russia's expertise in nuclear technology has been instrumental in advancing India's capabilities, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership, according to RT. The two countries have pledged to deepen their nuclear cooperation, recognizing its strategic importance for energy security and technological advancement.

Over the past 18 months, India has emerged as one of the largest importers of Russian oil--a stand New Delhi has had to defend on many occasions from accusations by Western media, and even some political leaders, of funding 'Russia's war' with Ukraine.
The city of Vancouver unveiled street signage as part of the honorary naming of a prominent avenue as Komagata Maru Place. Artist Jag Nagra and Raj Singh Toor from Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society at the unveiling of new signage marking that discriminatory episode. (Raj Singh Toor)

The new signage in downtown Vancouver is a further act of cultural redress for the Citys role in the 1914 Komagata Maru tragedy, a release from the Vancouver City Council said on Friday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The site for Komagata Maru Place was chosen for its historic significance, being the location closest to where the Japanese steamship was stationed in Burrard Inlet in 1914.

The ship arrived near Vancouver harbour on May 23 that year. Its passengers were from India, mainly Sikhs but also Hindus and Muslims. Many were seeking to immigrate to Canada, though that was also a political act as some among them returned to fight for Independence. Upon arrival of the ship at the harbour, immigration authorities refused to allow the majority to come ashore, citing the discriminatory Continuous Passage Regulation, a law that mandated that immigrants arrive in Canada directly from their home country. For those from India, that was logistically impossible. The racist legislation was meant to be exclusionary. The passengers had a standoff with authorities. On July 23, two months after the arrival of the ship, the resistance was overcome and the ship was escorted away from Vancouver and back to India. On its return, British police boarded the vessel and attempted to arrest the leaders of the passengers who they considered to be insurgents. In the resultant riot, 19 passengers were killed and over 200 arrested.

Among those at the unveiling function was Raj Singh Toor, spokesperson for the non-profit Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society. He said that the signs were a great tribute to those passengers who suffered a lot during the tragedy.

We cant undo the past but we can move forward and leave a legacy for the future generations by educating them about the past, Toor added.

The signage was created by Indo-Canadian artist Jag Nagra, who said, Being able to share our communitys stories through art is something thats so important to me and its an immense honour to have had the opportunity to create artworks for Komagata Maru Place.

The storyboards affixed to the lampposts at eye-level allow passersby to learn about the artwork and the history of the Komagata Maru tragedy, the release said.

As a City, we are committed to learning from the past and building a more inclusive future, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said.

On May 18, 2021, the city council had formally apologised for the role it played in the episode and officially declared May 23 as Komagata Maru Remembrance Day.

Toor had first requested the naming of a Vancouver street in memory of that Komagata Maru and its passengers in 2018.
Energy system on Sat has five TPP units in reserve, no shortage of electricity

There is no shortage of electricity in the energy system of Ukraine; there are five thermal generation units in reserve, which will be used if necessary, the Ministry of Energy reported.

According to its daily update on his Telegram channel on Saturday, the power grid is balanced and outage schedules are not being enforced.

At the same time, electricity exports doubled compared to Friday, to 2,716 MWh, which is carried out to Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Moldova. At the same time, imports decreased by almost 2.8 times, to 2,856 MWh (carried out from Slovakia, Romania and Moldova).
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced a Senate bid in an attempt to help Republicans flip a deep-blue state as Sen. Ben Cardin is set to retire.

The situation comes as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been working quietly behind the scenes to recruit Hogan to run for Cardin's seat. He hailed the former Maryland governor's entry into the race as a "big, big development."

Larry Hogan Announces Senate Bid

McConnell said that he and Steve Daines, the National Republican Senatorial Committee chair, had "numerous" conversations with Hogan in the last week to persuade him to run for Cardin's seat.

In an interview, the Senate minority leader said that he enjoyed the conversations that they had with Hogan. McConnell called the former Maryland governor "extraordinarily popular," adding that being competitive in a blue state is "quite a boost for us."

He noted that Daines and him both had numerous talks with Hogan, adding that his political team also had talks with the former Maryland governor. Hogan's decision to run for the Senate came on the same day of his state's filing deadline, as per The Hill.

The major development suddenly turns a race that Democratic lawmakers were expected to win easily into a competitive contest where they may have to spend heavily to defend. Left-wing lawmakers have a built-in advantage in the liberal state.

On the other hand, Hogan, who served as the state's governor from 2015 to 2023, left office with an impressive 77% approval rating. Neither of the two leading candidates for the Senate Democratic nomination, Prince Geprge's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks nor Rep. David Trone has successfully broken through as the clear favorite.

Furthermore, Alsobrooks replaced her campaign manager and brought in new staff in December last year as she was facing low poll numbers and lackluster fundraising. The Senate minority leader worked quietly to entice the former Maryland governor to enter the race.

This was even when McConnell was under intense criticism from disgruntled conservatives in his conference, including Sens. Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Ron Johnson. They relentlessly criticized a bipartisan border security deal that he helped broker with Sen. James Lankford.

Read Also: US Senate Advances $95 Billion Ukraine, Israel Aid Bill After Failed Negotiations on Border Deal

Battle for Ben Cardin's Seat

Hogan said in his announcement of his Senate bid that he was running for the seat not for one party but to stand up to both sides and fight for Maryland. The 67-year-old also argued that Washington is "completely broken" and that he is "completely fed up" with politics as usual, according to CNN.

Other than being a popular governor known for his moderate record, Hogan is also known for criticizing fellow Republican and former President Donald Trump while in office and during the latter's latest presidential campaign.

Hogan's announcement comes after he recently endorsed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He was a successful business leader before he entered politics.

He also considered a run for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination and made several trips to New Hampshire in 2022. It was the state that holds the first primary in the Republican nominating calendar, said Fox News.



Related Article: New York Candidates Clah in Special Election Debate Amid Efforts To Win George Santos's Vacated Seat
Venezuela deployed troops, as shown by satellite images, near the border with Guyana despite a de-escalation agreement amid a territorial dispute over the oil-rich region.

The situation comes despite Caracas officials saying that they would pursue a diplomatic avenue to try and resolve the long-standing disagreement. Images from Maxar that were collected in January showed an expansion of operations at Venezuela's Anacoco Island military base.

Venezuela Deploys More Troops Near Guyana Border

The base is located on the Cuyuni River, which borders Guyana, and the new development included several new sections of rainforest being cleared recently. The photos also showed new infrastructure and several armored vehicles within the site.

While the base's airstrip appeared to remain the same, a helicopter could be seen on top of it and access roads were improved. On the northern part of the base, a heavy river ferry could be seen.

There were also large stockpiles of what appeared to be construction supplies placed on the side of the road as well as three armored vehicles. Venezuela in January touted expanding its military presence in the region in propaganda videos that were released on its army's social media accounts, as per CNN.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Venezuelan Army said that the expansion of the base promoted by the 11th Armored Brigade together with the 6th Venezuelan Army Corps Engineers Improved the response system of the FANB.

The situation comes as the tension over the region, which amounts to roughly two-thirds of Guyanese national territory, mounted last year after a Venezuelan referendum. It was where voters assented to creating a Venezuelan state within the disputed region.

Guyana had called the decision a step towards annexation and an "existential" threat as the specter of armed conflict loomed over the region. On Dec. 15, 2024, Venezuela reached an agreement with Guyana to avoid escalation and try to settle the dispute between the two nations without the use of force.

Read Also: Russia Is Looking To Exchange American Journalist Evan Gershkovich For Alleged Assassin Vadmin Krasikov

Territorial Dispute Over Essequibo Region

The deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Christopher Hernandez-Roy, said that the same day that the Venezuelan foreign minister was meeting with Guyanese diplomats when the former's military conducts tank drills near the border, according to The Guardian.

Venezuela has long held its claims of the Essequibo region, but President Nicolas Maduro has ramped up his nation's claim to the disputed territory in recent months. In its report on the escalating dispute, the CSIS warned that the behavior of the Venezuelan side creates opportunities for miscalculation and loss of control over events on the ground.

In a previous social media post, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a warning for companies that seek to drill oil in the disputed region. He noted that while they may have the protection of the United States and Guyana, they will receive a proportional, forceful response that adheres to the law in the maritime space that rightfully belongs to Venezuela.

The remarks were a reference to ExxonMobile, which discovered the massive crude reserves off Guyana in 2015. It announced on Tuesday that it plans to drill two exploratory wells this year off the coast of Essequibo, said France24.



Related Article: Sudan's Prolonged Conflict Sparks Dire Migrant Crisis
After arriving in Beirut on Friday, Iran's foreign minister swore to continue backing the extremist Hezbollah organization, claiming that Lebanon's security impacts Iran's and the area's safety.

Members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and Hezbollah, the militant Palestinian organization, greeted Hossein Amirabdollahian. Iran, a major sponsor of extremist organizations, continues to appeal to the United States to put sanctions on Israel to halt its Gaza Strip attack, as per to ABC News.

Iran Vows Support for Hezbollah

A spokesperson for Ashab al-Kahf, a member of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq coalition, conveyed to Newsweek a firm stance regarding potential retaliation. The Ashab al-Kahf representative underscored the group's preparedness for strategic responses, citing influential Iraqi political figures, Sheikh Qais al-Khazali and Haj Hadi al-Amiri, who have pledged support for the expulsion of foreign forces.

The spokesperson emphasized Ashab al-Kahf's proactive approach to potential escalations, highlighting its readiness to confront challenges beyond immediate circumstances. The group's commitment to meticulous planning ensures readiness for any future developments, with a firm warning that they will meet aggression with an equivalent response.

Ashab al-Kahf, a Shiite Muslim militia, operates within a broader network opposed to Sunni insurgents and US military presence in Iraq. The group's name, "Companions of the Cave," holds historical significance, referencing a tale of resilience against persecution found in religious texts.

While established militias like Kataib Hezbollah and the Badr Organization have clearer origins, Ashab al-Kahf's emergence in 2019 lacked transparent leadership or structure. However, it quickly asserted its presence through attacks on US military targets following significant events such as the killings of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi Deputy Chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in 2020.

Despite debates over its ties to other militias, Ashab al-Kahf openly aligns with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq coalition. This alliance, formed in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, has intensified attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, according to Newsweek.

Read Also: South Africa's ANC Suspends Jacob Zuma Amid Deepening Divisions Ahead of National Elections

US Airstrikes Prompt Calls for Troop Withdrawal

The escalation of US airstrikes, including the recent assassination of Kataib Hezbollah commander Abu Baqir al-Saadi, has exacerbated tensions between Washington and Iraqi militias, prompting condemnation from Baghdad for unilateral actions. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has urged for a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops, although the Pentagon remains committed to bilateral security agreements.

Iran, while denying direct control over allied militias, has supported calls for the expulsion of US forces from Iraq and the wider Middle East. Iranian officials condemned the US drone strike as state terrorism, attributing it to American support for Israel.

In response to the strike, US military officials have initiated investigations into security failures, attributing the success of the attack to probability rather than sophisticated tactics. The strike's aftermath has seen a series of retaliatory actions by the US, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies in pressuring Iran.

While some officials warn against an increase in tensions, critics of the Biden administration's response call for harsher sanctions against Tehran. The endless cycle of violence continues in spite of pleas for moderation, reflecting the intricacy of regional dynamics and the difficulties of setting up enduring peace, CNBC News reported.

Related Article: South Africa Believes Israel Is Ignoring ICJ Ruling
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un states that his nation would seize and annex South Korean land, adding that he would not think otherwise about using force. According to a story released by the North's state-run media, Kim and his daughter visited the military ministry on Friday. The North's military was founded on Thursday.

Kim has said that his nation no longer views South Korea as a possible partner for peaceful reunification, but rather as the "most harmful primary foe" and the "invariable principal enemy". According to reports, Kim said that his nation is no longer bound by the need to communicate and work with the South as a result of this strategic shift, as per NHK World.

Kim Jong Un Accuses South Korea

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, in a recent visit to the Ministry of Defence to commemorate the founding anniversary of the army, accused South Korea of obstructing Pyongyang's overtures for cooperation and persisting in its agenda to absorb its neighbor, as reported by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday.

Accompanying Kim on the visit was his "respected daughter," as per the KCNA report. While North Korea's regime revolves around Kim's authority, legal frameworks provide a formal structure for the state's activities.

The tensions were exacerbated as North Korea's parliament, as reported by KCNA a day earlier, revoked laws governing economic cooperation with South Korea, further straining relations between the neighboring nations.

In recent months, Kim's regime has intensified pressure on South Korea through various means, including missile tests, aggressive rhetoric, and symbolic acts such as dismantling a unification monument in Pyongyang.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration views North Korea's actions as attempts to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April. Yoon's conservative People Power Party advocates for strong ties with the US and a firm stance against Pyongyang, while the opposition Democratic Party favors reconciliation with North Korea, according to South China Morning Post.

Read Also: South Africa's ANC Suspends Jacob Zuma Amid Deepening Divisions Ahead of National Elections

Kim Jong Un Provocations Amid Nuclear Warning

Kim's history of provocations during South Korean elections adds another layer of complexity to the situation. However, despite speculation, Kim has shown no signs of willingness to resume nuclear disarmament talks, instead unveiling new weapons capabilities aimed at the US and its Asian allies.

US President Joe Biden has warned Kim against any nuclear aggression, emphasizing the consequences for his regime. Kim reiterated his refusal to engage in dialogue with South Korea, reaffirming its status as North Korea's "enemy No. 1," according to KCNA. He emphasized that maintaining a robust military posture is essential for peace and security in North Korea.

The visit to the defence ministry, alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, marks a notable development, hinting at her potential future role in the country's leadership, as speculated by analysts.

North Korea's military foundation anniversary, celebrated on February 8, serves as a reminder of its military prowess, demonstrated in previous years through large-scale military parades showcasing advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, Mint reported.

Related Article: North Korean Defector Expresses Fears for Sister Facing Possible Return
A new study revealed that Gen Zs are more afraid of AI compared to baby boomers. This is quite surprising since many people expect younger individuals to be more excited when it comes to new technologies.

But, artificial intelligence is different since it is top tech that people will think of when they are asked what innovation could negatively affect their jobs.

Hannah Calhoon, Indeed's AI innovation leader, explained why Gen Zs fear artificial intelligence more than baby boomers.

[STUDY] Gen Zs Fear AI More Than Baby Boomers, But Why?

According to Yahoo Finance's latest report, Calhoon and her team conducted a survey involving 3,500 leaders and 3,743 job applicants in the United States, Canada, India, France, Japan, the U.K., and Germany.

In their study, they discovered that more than 30% of 18 to 24-year-old respondents are afraid of AI. This is twice as many compared to those who are 45 years old and above; only 15% of them are afraid of AI.

"My hypothesis is that older workers have seen this story before. They lived through the rise of the PC, they lived through the rise of the internet," explained Calhoon.

Experts said that this is not surprising today since Gen Zs, especially those who are trying to establish a career for the first time, will be afraid of AI when hearing news about the possibility of this tech replacing human workers.

Aside from Indeed's survey, other studies also had the same results. One of these is the research conducted by the writing website EduBirdie, which found that three in five Gen Zs are concerned that their jobs will be taken over by artificial intelligence.

Read Also: Bank of England Chief Claims AI Will Not Be 'Mass Destroyer of Jobs'

Should You Really Fear AI?

Recently, BBC reported that the Bank of England governor said that AI will not be a "mass destroyer of jobs." Andrew Bailey explained that instead of fearing AI, workers need to learn how to work with these new technologies.

"And I think, you get a better result by people with machines than with machines on their own. So I'm an optimist," explained Bailey.

What he said is quite true since businesses and organizations can't completely operate with only AI; humans are still needed if they want their businesses to remain profitable.

Experts said that what's happening right now is similar to the period when computers were just arriving. They explained that computers also created concerns in the 1980s.

But, if you look at it today, computers didn't replace people. Instead, they made human employees more productive and skillful.

Related Article: A New Report Shows That The UK's AI Job Growth Rate Outpaces Many Economies
The recent Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Associated Press, led to the deaths of at least 44 Palestinians, including over a dozen children, in Rafah, southern Gaza.

This attack occurred following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in the region ahead of a potential ground invasion.



Netanyahu's announcement, as reported by the Associated Press, triggered panic and raised concerns among diplomats, particularly due to the dense population of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents reside. Many had previously followed Israeli evacuation orders, leaving uncertainty about where they could seek refuge next.



According to the report from the Associated Press, Israel claims that Rafah, situated near the border with Egypt, represents the last major stronghold of the Hamas militant group in Gaza, following months of conflict initiated by a Hamas attack in October.



Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, as reported by the Associated Press, cautioned against an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, warning of "disastrous consequences." He also suggested that Israel's ultimate objective is to compel Palestinians to vacate their land.



Shoukry, as reported by the Associated Press, emphasized Egypt's efforts to mediate between the conflicting parties, aiming to secure a lasting ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages taken in October in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.



Tensions have escalated between Netanyahu and the United States, with US officials expressing concerns about the potential consequences of an invasion of Rafah without a comprehensive plan for the civilian population, according to the report by the Associated Press.



Despite recent calls for sheltering in Rafah, Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Associated Press, have continued to target the area, with three strikes on homes overnight resulting in the deaths of 28 people, including 10 children from three different families.

According to CBS News, Fadel al-Ghannam recounted the devastation caused by one Israeli airstrike, which resulted in the loss of his son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren, their bodies torn apart. Al-Ghannam expressed deep concern over the prospect of a ground invasion of Rafah, lamenting the world's perceived silence, which he believes has allowed Israel to continue its actions unchecked. He remarked, "To this day, the world has not been fair to us."



Later that day, an Israeli airstrike on a home in Rafah, as reported by Ahmed al-Sawaf, head of Rafah municipality, claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, including three children. The casualties were transported to Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital, according to an eyewitness account provided to CBS by an AP journalist present at the scene. Additionally, two other strikes targeted policemen and senior officers in the civil police force, according to city officials.



In Khan Younis, Israeli forces reportedly fired upon Nasser Hospital, the largest medical facility in the area, resulting in the death of at least two people and injuring five others, as confirmed by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders.



Describing the situation, Ahmed Maghrabi, a physician at the hospital, stated on Facebook that Israeli tanks had reached the hospital gates on Saturday morning, severely limiting movement for hospital staff due to intense gunfire. Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Health Ministry, highlighted the dire conditions, revealing that around 300 medical personnel, 450 patients, and 10,000 displaced individuals are seeking refuge at the hospital.



While the Israeli military stated that troops were not currently inside the hospital, they labeled the surrounding area as "an active combat zone," according to CBS News.



The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 80% of Gaza's population being displaced, plunging the territory into a severe humanitarian crisis marked by shortages of food and medical supplies.
It was reported by the New York Times that the political party of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, emerged victorious in this week's parliamentary elections, dealing a significant blow to the country's influential military and plunging the political landscape into disarray.

The military had anticipated the elections would quell the political unrest that followed Mr. Khan's removal from power in 2022. However, instead of resolving tensions, the outcome has exacerbated the crisis, leading analysts to describe it as deeper than before.

The success of Mr. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (P.T.I.), in securing approximately 97 seats in the National Assembly, Pakistan's lower house of Parliament, was unprecedented. The New York TImes went on to reveal that this victory was achieved without the endorsement of the military, a remarkable feat in the country's political history, especially considering the military's previous strong-arm tactics against Khan's party.

Despite P.T.I.'s lead in parliamentary seats, according to the New York Times, they fell short of a simple majority, prompting a scramble between Khan's party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (P.M.L.N.), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to garner support from other lawmakers and form a coalition government.

Were The Results Manipulated By The Military?

Furthermore, leaders of Khan's party have announced plans to challenge dozens of election results they believe were manipulated by the military. They have also threatened peaceful protests if the remaining results are not disclosed by Sunday.

The victory of Khan's party defied the military's expectations, who had aimed for an easy win for Sharif's party. Despite efforts to sideline Khan's party through arrests and intimidation, the election results affirmed Khan's enduring influence in Pakistani politics.

The New York Times went on to reveal that on Friday evening, Mr. Khan's party released a victory speech using a computer-generated voice to simulate that of Mr. Khan, who has been jailed since August. "I congratulate you all for your election 2024 victory. I had full confidence that you would all come out to vote," the A.I.-generated voice said. "Your massive turnout has stunned everybody."

On Friday, HNGN reported that Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would acheive victory in the national elections. At the time, Sharif asserted that his political party had emerged with the majority vote. He did not disclose the number of seats his party had won, as counting was still underway to determine the last few of the 265 seats.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his victory in the snap presidential elections, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

Please accept my sincere congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I wish you and the people of Azerbaijani peace and prosperity.

I hope that the existing traditionally friendly relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the principles of mutual respect and trust, will continue to serve as the foundation for the development of cooperation between our countries.

I would like to emphasize the constructive nature of the political dialogue between our countries and confirm that my country is open to deepening bilateral relations. I am confident that through joint efforts, we can further enhance Moldova-Azerbaijan cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy, and agriculture sectors for the benefit of our countries citizens.

Your Excellency, I wish you success and achievements in your high state activities, and kindly ask you to accept my highest respect.

Respectfully,

Maia Sandu

President of the Republic of Moldova
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the parties discussed the current situation on the battlefield and the defense needs of Ukraine.

As reported on Zelenskyy's Telegram channel, in particular, the discussion was about drones, artillery systems and shells, electronic warfare equipment and air defense systems, from portable to long-range ones.

"I am grateful for the creation of the Artillery Coalition by France and the United States, within the framework of which Paris will manufacture and transfer to Ukraine dozens of Caesar artillery systems, as well as shells for them," the Ukrainian President wrote.

In addition, they discussed the preparation of a bilateral document on security guarantees within the framework of the G7 Vilnius Declaration. "The active preparation of bilateral security agreements by leading European countries demonstrates European leadership, motivates Ukrainian society and soldiers, and sends powerful signals to Russia regarding Europe?s continued support for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

The President of Ukraine expressed sincere condolences to the families and friends of the French humanitarian workers who died from the Russian strike in Kherson region and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.
On February 7-8, the capital of Ukraine hosted Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2024, focusing on the theme "Resilience at the Cyber War".

This time it brings together representatives of the government and business, the cyber community, technological companies, and leading experts in the industry.

The forum was opened by Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. He mentioned during his speech that digitalized world needs serious cyber protection and emphasized that the implementation of the Ukrainian digital policy possesses great importance for the national stability of Ukraine, especially during the war with the russian federation, when the high degree of digitalization of the country aids to overcome the challenges associated with aggression. Also Oleksii Danilov announced the following development of cyber diplomacy. I think we will definitely soon have a position called a cyber diplomat, as it is a very important direction in the global fight for security.

Guests were greeted during the official opening ceremony by:

Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science & Technologies  Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Anton Demokhin, Deputy Foreign Minister, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister Of Defense Of Ukraine For Digital Development, Digital Transformations And Digitization, Michael Dignam, CEO of CRDF Global.

Despite the ongoing war in cyberspace and in real space, we should advance two ideas. The first is resilience, the very subject of the forum that brings us together here. Resilience reflects the strength and flexibility of a society in the face of adversity. Ukraine has shown the world what it means to be resilient in the face of cyber attacks and disruptions of connectivity, and we welcome the opportunity to continue learning from you. The second idea is digital solidarity. Threats and adversity in cyberspace present us with unique opportunities and a sense of urgency to stand together with partners and allies, to build and strengthen connections, to go it together, to be united with Ukraine.  emphasized Nathaniel Fick, Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, U.S. Department of State.

Also, representatives of the international cyber community spoke at the stage of the Kyiv International Cybersecurity Forum, including: Joanneke Balfoort, Director for Security and Defence policy, European External Action Service; Juhan Lepassaar, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA); Mart Noorma, Director of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE); Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The two-day program of the Forum included 10 panel discussions and over 35 expert speeches covering a wide range of topics, including: the role of cybersecurity in modern warfare, Ukraine's experience in cyber warfare, cyber warfare and international law, cyber diplomacy, enhancing the resilience of national cybersecurity systems through education, messenger security, the role of cyber threat intelligence, cybersecurity in regions, and others.

During the Forum a two-day Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition took place. Twenty-one teams participated, totaling 121 experts from both the public and private sectors. According to the competition scenario, each team had to complete six complex tasks simulating real attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. At the end of the second day, the organizers and judges determined three winners (1st place: Team #dotxyz, 2nd place: Team Pspatron, 3rd place: Team Gos), who received certificates for online professional development courses and winner's trophies.

At the event, the meeting between the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity (NCSCC), and the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine (SSSCIP) took place. Following the conducted consultations, a working plan for cooperation for the next two years was agreed upon. The document contains over 20 specific steps aimed at supporting Ukraine on its path to EU membership, harmonizing legislation in the field of cybersecurity, exchanging experts, and more.

Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2024, representatives of the Tallinn Mechanism also convened. They issued a joint statement representing all participating states of the Tallinn Mechanism, which was established on December 20, 2023, and supported by Ukraine, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The mechanism aims to coordinate efforts among parties and facilitate the development of cybersecurity capabilities, all to assist Ukraine in defending itself from Russian aggression in cyberspace and meeting long-term cyber resilience needs.

"As destructive Russian cyber operations and cyber activities are expected to persist in the near future, the partners of the Tallinn Mechanism are prepared to continue their support for as long as necessary," the statement explained.

The organizing team of the Forum continues to plan and work on the development of the project, aiming to make this event a powerful annual platform for discussing cybersecurity resilience issues.

Let us remind you, that the event is initiated by the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global. The Forum was supported by the U.S. Department of State.

KICRF was joined by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Technological partners include Cyber Unit Technologies and the Institute of Cyber Warfare Research.

Technological partners: Cyber Unit Technologies and the Institute of Cyber Warfare Research (ICWR).

Partners: Koryos, Bakotech, Brave1, DC8044, CyberDiia, USF, Cyberlab.UA, UnderDefence, BugStream, Voda.ua.

General Media Partners: MC.today and ITC.UA.

Informational Partners: Interfax-Ukraine, Ukraine Business News, Inform and SPEKA.

To learn more about Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2024, please follow the link cyberforumkyiv.org

Latest news and announcements on social media:

Facebook

LinkedIn
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. bp CEO Murray Auchincloss has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the snap presidential election, Trend reports.

"Your Excellency,

On behalf of bp, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I wish you every success in all your efforts to enhance the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate bps unwavering commitment to our energy projects in Azerbaijan. We at bp look forward to further strengthening the long-standing partnership between bp, the Government of Azerbaijan, and SOCAR.

Your Excellency, once again please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.

I look forward to meeting you soon in Baku," the letter reads.
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of China Xi Jinping, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and myself, I extend sincere congratulations to you and through you, to the friendly people of China on the occasion of the upcoming Spring Festival.

The ancient Chunjie festival, heralding the arrival of the New Year in accordance with the lunar calendar and symbolizing profound reverence for the enduring unity of nature and humanity, deepens feelings of sincerity, benevolence, and concern for others with its inexhaustible renewing spirit. I wish this festival grants happiness, prosperity, and continued success to your people, who uphold rich national and spiritual traditions.

I take this opportunity to express my satisfaction with the growing development of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and China. I am confident that the ties between our countries will continue to strengthen and expand through our joint efforts.

I wish you good health, happiness, and success, and the friendly people of China prosperity and peace," the letter reads.
Saturday 10 February 2024, 16:34 - Last updated: 12 February, 09:21

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated

On the borders with NATO and Russia, the frontline states are preparing for a possible war with Moscow. The defense ministers of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia have agreed on an action plan to build common structures along the borders, particularly fortifications, with the aim of deterring and combating any type of incursion. Estonian officials have said that the government is planning about 600 bunkers, in anticipation of a possible invasion by Moscow. The Estonian Ministry of Defense has indeed confirmed that the three Baltic countries, all members of NATO, "will build anti-mobility defensive structures in the coming years to deter and, if necessary, confront military threats". The risks For some time, the three countries have been denouncing the risk of becoming the victims of a future invasion, as happened to Ukraine, and have decided to anticipate it. The defense ministers have also announced a missile cooperation project, which provides for collaboration between the states for training in the use of defense systems and for their maintenance, as well as coordination of cross-border operations. "The war in Ukraine has shown that regaining already conquered territories is extremely difficult and involves a great cost in terms of human lives, time and material resources", said Susan Lillevali, undersecretary for defense at the Estonian Ministry of Defense. "In addition to equipment, ammunition and manpower, we need physical installations to defend our countries efficiently", Lillevali added. The invasion and occupation of areas of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 has accelerated a strategic change for the alliance. NATO's approach The new Baltic line is aligned with NATO's approach: "Defend every inch of allied territory at all times - Lillevali said - These installations serve, first and foremost, to avoid military conflicts in our region. They could change the enemy's calculations. Counter-mobility and fortification measures have indeed played a significant role in the wars that have taken place in our region, for example in Finland, and, as the war in Ukraine has shown, they are also valid in this century". And again: "The installations should prevent the enemy from advancing quickly into the territory of the Baltic countries and, in case of military incursions, they should stop the enemy's advance already at the borders". The Suwaki Corridor The project concerns in particular the Suwaki Corridor, a 65 km strip of land straddling the border between Lithuania and Poland, whose occupation would isolate the Baltic states from their European allies to the west. The fortifications of Estonia will be grouped around the border crossings of Narva, in the north, and Voru, in the south. Lake Peipus, which marks much of the border with Russia, also provides the Estonians with a formidable defensive barrier. With the war in Ukraine, the Russian army has suffered significant losses, but Moscow still represents a serious threat, as NATO leaders point out. "We have seen estimates on how quickly Russia will be able to rebuild the armed forces and we have to use this time wisely - Lillevali said again - We have come to the conclusion that it is time to make all the necessary preparations". Estonian officials have so far planned the construction of 600 bunkers: the prototypes are under construction and testing will begin this year. Estonia wants the first bunkers to be built from the beginning of 2025.
Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ozzy Osbourne has claimed that Kanye West wanted to sample Black Sabbath in his music but was denied because he is an antisemite.

In a tweet shared on Friday (9 February) the Black Sabbath frontman, 75, wrote that West, 46, asked for permission to use a vocal-less clip of the band performing War Pigs in 1983.

He is an antisemite and has caused untold hurt to many, Ozzy wrote, adding, I want no association with this man!

Osbourne declared that West went ahead and used the clip anyway during a listening party in Chicago for his new album, Vultures, on Thursday.

The Independent has contacted Wests representatives for comment.

Wests collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign was due for release on Friday, but has not been shared at the time of writing.

The controversial artist released the music video for the two-part track TALKING / ONCE AGAIN on Wednesday, which featured his 10-year-old daughter North rapping.

West has courted widespread criticism in recent years over antisemitic comments hes made.

In December 2022, he appeared on right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Joness show, where he claimed that he liked Hitler and said people should stop dissing the Nazis.

A year later, West posted an apology to the Jewish community written in Hebrew, but has continued to share offensive views or content.

It was not my intention to offend or disrespect and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused, he said. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Barely a month prior to this, he had referred to the controversies on Vultures, the title track from his album of the same name: How Im antisemitic? I just f***ed a Jewish bitch.

In response to his antisemitic outbursts in 2022, West lost his fashion collaborations with Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga, and was dropped by his agency, CAA.

During an album release party for Vultures in December, West was spotted wearing a KKK-style hood while on stage.

Osbourne, meanwhile, announced his retirement from touring in February last year, when he cancelled his planned UK and European tour dates due to ill health. He called the statement one of the hardest things hed ever had to share with his fans.

Many of his health problems were linked to an accident he suffered at home in 2019, where he injured his spine. The injury exacerbated a previous one he sustained in a quad bike accident at his estate in 2003.

In 2020, he also revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The investigation into Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner is expected to be resolved before next weeks season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, according to reports.

Horner strongly denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague, with his future as the longest-serving team principal in the sport hanging in the balance while an external lawyer analyses all the evidence.

Horner, 50, insisted at pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday that he wants the outcome to the probe as soon as possible, with the first race of the 2024 Formula 1 season just one week away.

Asked why he has not moved aside as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing with the investigation under way, Horner replied: As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.

Now, the lawyer in charge of the probe will reportedly hand in his findings to the board of Red Bull GmbH  the teams parent company  in the next few days.

Subsequently, as reported in the Daily Mail, an outcome on Horners future is expected before the first race of the season on Saturday 2 March at the Lusail circuit.

The Red Bull F1 chief, 50, is married to Spice Girl member Geri Horner and is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, having been at the helm since the teams inception in 2005.

While unable to comment on the nature of the investigation at Red Bulls launch event last week, Horner appeared composed and undeterred by the allegations, continually insisting it was business as normal at the world-championship winning team.

The support from within the business, partners within the industry, has been overwhelming, Horner told the British press on 15 February.

Christian Horner has been present in the paddock at F1 testing this week in Bahrain (Getty Images)

Obviously theres a process thats ongoing at the moment, some allegations have been made which I fully deny and Im complying obviously with that process and will continue to do so until its conclusion.

When asked by The Independent, Horner said he also has the support of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown, speaking in the same press conference as Horner on Thursday, echoed Toto Wolffs comments that the probe is a concern for all in F1.

The allegations are extremely serious, said Brown. McLaren hold themselves to the highest standards of diversity, equality and inclusion.

These are extremely important to us and our partners, and to everyone in Formula One.

Red Bull Corporation has launched an investigation, and all we hope and assume is that it will be handled in a very transparent way, and as the FIA and Formula One has said, swiftly, because these are not the headlines that Formula One wants or needs at this time.

Horner is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Horner (PA)

F1 called for a speedy resolution to the investigation last weekend, while Red Bulls future engine partner Ford insists it holds its company and partners to very high moral standards.

Horner, who back in 2021 signed a contract extension at Red Bull until 2026, was made a CBE in the New Years Honours list for services to motorsport, having previously received an OBE in 2013.

He was in charge of Red Bull for six constructors championship victories and seven drivers championship triumphs  three for Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel.

Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races in 2023 in their most successful year so far in Formula 1, with Verstappen storming to his third-straight championship.

Yet the investigation has cast a dark cloud over the teams preparations for the 2024 season, where they and Verstappen will be favourites for title glory once again after the RB20 impressed in testing this week.
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 }}

Chinese New Year is upon us, with celebrations starting on Saturday, February 10 to welcome in the year of the dragon.

The two-week festival marks the beginning of a new Lunar year  and a new animal in the Chinese zodiac to represent the next 12 months.

Billions of people in China and around the world will celebrate, often wearing red clothes, decorating their homes with red lanterns and taking part in traditional dragon dances.

Chinese astrologist and Feng Shui consultant Janine Lowe says this will be a year of change  and while that might mean a rollercoaster 12 months, the change can also bring new opportunities.

What does this mean for people born in the dragon year?

If youre born in the year of the dragon, which is 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012, youre in luck  this year is looking like a good year for you.

Lowe says that often when people are born in the same year as the current animal, it can sometimes be conflictual, but this year the dragons have this amazing power to be entrepreneurial and creative.

They may become a sage for their friends, and Lowe adds that theres also a good chance for them to gain wealth or see their wealth expand this year. But, she warns: As long as they focus now on exactly what they want out of the year, theres no point in dilly-dallying around it, they need to know what they want out of the year.

And while its not marked as a year of love for the dragon, there may be a chance for people born in the year of the dragon to spark a new romance come September.

So what about people not born in the year of the dragon?

Those born under the other zodiac animals also have a big year ahead of them.

For people born in the year of the dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) it is likely to be a big and conflicting year. Lowe says: Everything is about change, literally in every part of their lives. Its a huge change.

But dont be too worried  she says that amongst the upheaval, positive changes are on the horizon for dog people too.

Other zodiac animals will have an easier time  rats will experience growth and energy and will have the opportunity to grow in their careers, while tigers will be able to indulge in their love of adventures.

There will be new love interests for snakes this year, and there is a lot of good health, happiness and new connections around for monkeys.

Rabbits like an easy, steady-paced life, so this year they will need to learn to adapt to change, and oxen folk will also face challenges and will need to reach out to the people around them, instead of relying on themselves.

Goats will be faced with decisions this year, while horses should take up new opportunities that come their way.

Lowe adds: Roosters are the secret friend of the dragon and, because its going to be a bit of a rollercoaster year for everybody, my advice is to hang onto the dragons tails and go with the year.

She says it will be a very busy year for pigs, because they will end up being the supporters of the year  both at home and at work.

Will it be a good year for everyone?

Generally, 2024 is about revolution and change. While that can daunting, it can also spark creativity and innovation. Lowe advises that creativity and original ideas will help this be the year its meant to be.

The dragon, who Lowe explains comes with a lot of power and magic, will help you focus on getting what you truly want.

She says: The dragon has a lot of really positive stuff behind it, because it is the top Chinese animal. But its not something where you sit at home and do your knitting, and watch Netflix  you need to get out of your chair and go make what you need or what you want to happen. And theres every opportunity for that to happen this year.
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 King is 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.

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.

King Charles has been diagnoses with cancer (Getty Images For Clarence House)

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.

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.

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 King made a promise of lifelong service in his first address to the nation when he became the monarch.

King Charles and Kate Middleton were in the same London hospital (Getty)

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.

Charles and William jointly performed the state opening of parliament in place of the late Queen as Counsellors of State in 2022.

William and his father Charles (John Stillwell/PA) (PA Archive)

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.

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.

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.

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.
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 }}

Derry Oliver was in fifth grade when she first talked to her mom about seeing a therapist.

She was living in Georgia with her brother while her mom was in New York scoping out jobs and apartments ahead of moving the family. It was a rough year apart. Oliver, now 17, was feeling depressed. A school staffer raised the idea of a therapist.

Olivers mom, also named Derry Oliver, questioned the schools assessment and didnt give consent for therapy. Youre so young, the mom recalled thinking. Theres nothing wrong with you. These are growing pains.

The issue boiled over again during the COVID-19 pandemic when the younger Oliver, struggling with the isolation of remote learning, reached out to her Brooklyn high school for help. School-based mental health professionals like social workers can provide some counseling without parent permission. But in New York, referring a student to more intensive therapy almost always requires a parents agreement. In Olivers case, that led to more conflict.

It was very emotional for both of us because I understood her frustrations and fears, the younger Oliver recalled. But at the same time its sometimes best for your child to be able to access this rather than hold it away from them.

As schools across the country respond to a youth mental health crisis accelerated by the pandemic, many are confronting the thorny legal, ethical, and practical challenges of getting parents on board with treatment. The issue has become politicized, with some states looking to streamline access as conservative politicians elsewhere propose further restrictions, accusing schools of trying to indoctrinate students and cut out parents.

Differing perspectives on mental health arent new for parents and kids, but more conflicts are emerging as young people get more comfortable talking openly about mental health and treatment becomes more readily available. Schools have invested pandemic relief money in hiring more mental health specialists as well as telehealth and online counseling to reach as many students as possible.

Its this disconnect, said Chelsea Trout, a social worker at a charter school in Brooklyn. The kids are all on TikTok or the internet and understand therapy speak and that this is something that could be helpful for their mental health and are interested in, but dont have the explicit buy-in from their parents.

Research suggests that having to obtain parental permission can be a significant barrier to teens accessing treatment.

Access to therapy can be critical, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who are significantly more likely than their peers to attempt suicide, and whose parents may not know about or approve of their sexual orientations or gender identities. Jessica Chock-Goldman, a social worker at Bard Early College High School in Manhattan, said shes seen many cases where mental health issues turn severe in part because teens didnt get earlier access to therapy.

A lot of kids would be hospitalized because of suicidal ideations or intent because the preventative work didnt come into fruition, she said.

The question of when young people can consent to mental health treatment is getting increasing attention from policymakers. States like California and Colorado have recently lowered the age of consent for treatment to 12. But in some states like North Carolina, the issue has been swept up into larger political debates about parents input on curriculum and the rights of transgender students.

Theres also a huge obstacle outside the law: Therapy is rarely free, and paying for it or submitting insurance claims often requires parental support.

Teens in New York can consent to therapy starting at age 16, and a provision allows doctors to authorize treatment for younger children if they deem it in their best interest. But there are caveats: The consent laws only apply in outpatient settings licensed by the state, and they dont extend to the prescription of medications.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a partnership with the platform Talkspace to provide free online counseling to all city teens, through a program known as NYC Teenspace. It doesnt ask for insurance, but parental consent is required, except in the case of special circumstances, according to the programs website.

For Oliver and her mom, years of conversations have yielded some progress, but not as much access to therapy as the younger Oliver wants.

Several years ago, the Olivers agreed on a compromise. They found a Black female therapist, which was important to both of them as a Black family. The elder Oliver has felt the sting of being called aggressive for expressing normal emotions as a Black woman, and has had negative experiences with therapists and depression medication, which she said made her feel like a zombie.

The elder Oliver agreed her daughter could start therapy  as long as she sat in on the sessions. But the therapist changed jobs after about a month, and Oliver hasnt seen another therapist since.

It has to be someone trustworthy, the elder Oliver said of a potential therapist for her daughter.

Trout, the school social worker at the Brooklyn charter school, said shes encountered a number of parents who, like Oliver, dont trust the schools recommendations, and wonder why their child would need therapy if theyre succeeding academically and socially.

If were thinking about predominantly Black and brown communities, if your interactions with social workers or mental health services or anything in that realm thus far have not been positive, she said, how could you trust them with your kids?

Statistics show a racial divide. In 2021, 14% of white children reported seeing a therapist at some point during that year, compared to 9% of Black children, 8% of Hispanic kids, and only 3% of Asian American children, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Without access to therapy, the younger Oliver has sought advice about managing her emotions through friends, school social workers, and the internet. But shes convinced she could do a lot more with consistent professional help.

Oliver has already gotten into a number of colleges  to her moms enormous pride  and is weighing her options for next year.

One thing shes considering: how much access they offer to therapists.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
 Close Clapham attack suspect may have gone into River Thames

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 are searching the River Thames for the man suspected of carrying out the Clapham chemical attack after two bodies were found in the water.

A police boat circled between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges on Saturday morning, one day after the Metropolitan Police revealed their belief that Abdul Ezedi, 35, may have jumped or fallen from Chelsea Bridge.

A body was recovered near HMS Belfast just after 10am and another was found around 30 minutes later along the river in Limehouse.

The force said neither of the discoveries are linked to Ezedi and the search efforts resumed at around 10am on Sunday.

Ezedi was last seen on CCTV pacing up and down Chelsea Bridge and leaning over the railings four hours after the attack on January 31.

Detectives say his death is the most probable outcome, but officers warned it may take months for a body to be recovered  or it may never be found.
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 }}

Criminals are gaming the system by pleading not guilty and relying on crippling trial delays to evade justice, The Independent has been told.

Laying bare the extent of the crisis in the courts, figures obtained by this publication suggest the number of cases waiting more than three years for a verdict has skyrocketed at least sevenfold since 2019 to exceed 1,280 last June.

As delays have soared, the proportion of early guilty pleas has plummeted  falling by nearly half in four years  as suspects try to manipulate the system.

And as the backlog grows, victims of rape and sexual assault have described the pain of their trauma being dragged out over years, as they wait for their cases to be pursued.

Have you been affected by the courts backlog? Email andy.gregory@independent.co.uk

A record 134 rape cases were among the 5,776 trials waiting more than two years as of September, analysis by The Independent has found.

That compares to just 10 rape cases out of the 344 hit by the same length of delay in 2019. The number of other sexual offence cases delayed for more than two years has also soared, from 38 five years ago to an all-time high of 701.

Bar Council chair Sam Townend KC said the fall in guilty pleas suggests an increasing trend of criminals trying to manipulate the justice system to avoid conviction and imprisonment.

Young criminal men, who should be pleading guilty at an early stage, become more aware that their day of reckoning is getting pushed back further and further and, because of the high rate of ineffective trials, perhaps may never come at all, he told The Independent.

Victims and witnesses are becoming ever more disillusioned or simply give up. My concern is of a complete collapse in public confidence in the system.

Fewer suspects pleading guilty is driving court backlog

Lady Chief Justice, Baroness Sue Carr, has warned of a vicious circle in the courts system (PA Wire)

The president of the courts system has also cited fewer people pleading guilty as a key driver of the backlogs.

That may be a vicious circle, the lady chief justice Baroness Carr told MPs. It might be because of delays, so people decide they are going to plead not guilty and see what happens down the line.

The record 12,000 serious sexual offence cases stuck in the backlog could also be skewing the guilty plea rate, with defendants typically pleading not guilty to such charges given their damaging nature, the Criminal Bar Association said.

Barrister Rebecca Upton said prosecutors often fail to provide evidence to lawyers the recommended week in advance of a defendants pre-trial plea hearing, potentially leading suspects to believe they have a better chance of acquittal.

An effective criminal justice system means that perpetrators plead guilty early for a discounted sentence and to start the process of rehabilitation, added Mr Townend. This stops victims and witnesses having to go through the harrowing experience of reliving the crime when giving evidence and it also saves the taxpayer the costs of trial and preparation.

The data also showed that the number of robbery cases waiting years for a verdict shot up from just two to 200 over the same period, while those involving violent crimes rose from 31 to 1,357, having both hit record highs last year.

Victims commissioner Baroness Newlove said the data uncovered by The Independent illustrates the stark reality of chronic and unacceptable delay in our justice system.

(The Independent/MoJ)

Three years is simply too long for anyone to have to wait for justice; no victim should be expected to put their life on hold for an indefinite period, Baroness Newlove said. Many will conclude they are better off withdrawing from the process, leaving them with no resolution and society without justice.

This grim warning was echoed by a sexual violence survivor who has been waiting two years for her trial in the north of England to conclude. She said the delays have left her questioning whether there was any point in reporting my case in the first place.

I had mentally prepared myself last year for my initial court date, only to be informed on the day that it was getting delayed, she told The Independent. The longer the trial is delayed, the longer I have to wait to fully move on from what happened to me. My anxiety has also increased as my new trial date is almost a year later.

The backlogs are also fuelling the prison overcrowding crisis, with the remand population at a record high. In September, as many as 365 court cases waiting over three years for a verdict involved jailed suspects, up from just 36 in 2019, data obtained by The Independent under freedom of information laws showed.

Victims commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove said the delays were unacceptable (PA Archive)

While the data suggests there were 297 trials involving remanded suspects backlogged for three to four years, 50 waiting four to five years, and 18 waiting over five years, the Ministry of Justice warns its five-year figures are particularly prone to error and cannot be trusted.

Warning that we cannot continue in this crisis, Prison Officers Association chief Steve Gillan said: These figures demonstrate the crisis the criminal justice system is in, which in turn puts prisons under enormous pressure, and its POA members left picking up the pieces with a high level of assaults, self-harm and suicides.

Even if bailed, suspects spend years under the threat of conviction because of the delays. Of the 1,051 cases backlogged for between three and four years, up from just 48 in 2019, data shows 61 involved theft, 187 were drug-related and 50 public order offences.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Many of the cases cited will have now been completed but not closed in our data systems  as such, these figures do not accurately reflect the current picture.

The most recent figures show more criminal cases are now reaching the crown court than at any point over the last two years, due to the raft of measures weve introduced to let courts run at full throttle, recruit more judges and invest more in our courts.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. President of the Federation of Compatriots Living Abroad "Friends of Israel" Alexsander Shapiro-Suliman has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the snap presidential election, Trend reports.

Will be updated
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 }}

Dozens of tractors have clogged roads around a major UK port in a protest against cheap imports which farmers claim will drive them out of business.

The vehicles were part of a go-slow demonstration by farmers gathered in small groups around the port of Dover on Friday evening.

It comes after similar demonstrations in France which saw French farmers move tractors to block routes in Paris, urging the government to do more to protect the countrys agricultural sector from foreign competition, rising costs and low pay.

A tractor with a trailer had no more cheap imports spray painted on the side of it, as others could be seen blocking roads towards Folkstone, Kent.

One farmer claimed it was time to take a stance and claimed the UK government was undercutting British produce with cheap foreign imports of food.

One tractor with a trailer had no more cheap imports spray painted on the side of it (PA)

Farmer Jeffrey Gibson, from Wingham, Kent, said: Time has come enough is enough why are we as British farmers producing food to the highest standards in the world, only for the government to do trade deals with countries producing far cheaper food with little or no standards.

As for the supermarkets selling British produce cheaper than the cost of production shame on you.

The time has come to take a stance, if farming continues in this country as it is with the new SFI scheme actively encouraging us not to grow food and rely more on cheap imports none of us will exist once the government changes tack leaving us unequipped to grow anything.

He added that protesters would stay out on Friday night for as long as possible to raise awareness of their cause.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: Kent Police was called just after 5pm on Friday February 9 to a report of slow-moving vehicles in Jubilee Way, Dover.

Officers are in attendance and working with the Port of Dover police on this matter.
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 }}

The King has become one of hundreds of thousands of Britons diagnosed with cancer every year.

A statement released on Monday afternoon 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.

Here are some questions answered about what is known so far about Charles condition.

 What type of cancer has the King been diagnosed with?

The King has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. Buckingham Palace said that during Charles recent procedure for a benign prostate enlargement a separate issue of concern was noted.

Further diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer, the Palace said.

A Palace spokesperson confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.

King Charles (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

 What kind of diagnostic tests were performed?

Details of the type of test have not been divulged but 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 being done?

The Palace has confirmed that Charles started a schedule of regular treatments.

This could involve chemotherapy  a medicine is used to kill cancer cells; radiotherapy  a treatment where radiation is used to kill cancer cells; or targeted cancer drugs that find and attack cancer cells.

He will be treated as an outpatient which means that he will not have to stay in hospital while having treatment.

The King started his treatment on Monday and remains at home in London this evening, a spokesperson confirmed.

 How is the King feeling?

The Palace announced that under medical advisement, Charles will be stepping back from public-facing duties.

But he is still able to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual, officials said.

They added that the King remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

 Will his diagnosis raise awareness?

When the King shared his diagnosis of an enlarged prostate there was a significant increase in searches for the condition on the NHS website.

On the day after the announcement there were 16,410 visits to the NHS websites prostate enlargement page compared with 1,414 visits the previous day.

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.

 How many people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK?

According to Macmillan Cancer Support around 393,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer.

When the King was Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities.

He often spoke in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and health professionals.
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 spoken publicly for the first time since the announcement of his cancer diagnosis as he thanked people for their many messages of support and good wishes.

Charles said it was equally heartening to hear how sharing his diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding of cancer.

In a message to the public, Charles said: I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.

King Charles has spoken for the first time since his diagnosis was made public one week ago (Getty Images)

As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement, he continued.

It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.

Charles R.

The King and Camilla were seen leaving Buckingham Palace earlier this week (Reuters)

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he has a form of cancer.

He was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and was investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

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.

A host of medical professionals from different groups have commended the Kings candour over his health.

Chiara De Biase, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted a 500 per cent increase in people coming to the charitys website for information and support in the week following the Kings announcement of his enlarged prostate condition in January.

The 75-year-old King was seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday as he left Clarence House the day after starting his treatment, following a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex.

Charles has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers.

The Prince of Wales may step in to represent his father at an event, but no engagements are scheduled at the moment and the royal palaces will make arrangements if the need arises.

Prince William returned to public duties this week, attending a gala with Tom Cruise (Daniel Leal/PA Wire)

The Kings illness coincided with a hospital stay by the Princess of Wales, who underwent planned abdominal surgery.

Earlier on Saturday, the Princess Royal attended the Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and France.

Anne, who has been the patron of Scottish rugby since 1986, greeted players ahead of kick-off.

Scotland went on to lose 16-20 to France, despite dominating for much of the match.
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 }}

When Ericas daughter wants to go out to meet her friends at the cinema, she cant just walk out of their front door like a normal 14-year-old would.

Erica Figueiredo, 42, has to escort her down the five floors of their council estate tower, ready to fend off any threats they might encounter in the stairwell. Her fears are justified, she explains, because last month eight people got into the building in balaclavas carrying knives in search of someone on their floor.

This is life on one of Londons most dilapidated and dangerous estates. A 276-flat complex, Milford Towers in Catford, was earmarked for demolition in 2012. But over a decade later, the towers are still standing with signs of deterioration everywhere.

Six out of eight of the lifts are not working, graffiti is plastered across the hallway walls, the outside doors cannot be locked and one flat has been left completely burnt out by a fire. Residents say there have been at least three stabbings on the estate in the past year, with gangs reported to attack rivals inside the complex because its less exposed than on the streets outside.

Housing association Notting Hill Genesis are in charge of the upkeep of the vast majority of the flats, while Lewisham council are responsible for the communal areas, but residents complain that their concerns get ignored. For each of the past three years, Notting Hill Genesis Group, the not-for-profit social housing provider, has had a surplus before tax of over 100m, with the highest-paid employee on a salary of 296,000.

A fire at Milford Towers in July 2023 (London Renters Union )

In the last financial year, the housing association, which manages more than 60,000 properties in London, made an operating surplus of 97.2m from their social housing lettings. While the housing association plugs money into new-build affordable and market rent homes in Hackney Wick and Newham, residents of Milford Tower say they are being left behind.

Lewisham Council has contracted out the management of some 200 of the flats to Notting Hill Genesis, but they retain responsibility for the rest of the flats and for the communal areas.

Ms Figueiredo was forced to move out of her Notting Hill Genesis flat last summer when a leak on the eighth-floor spread and started an electrical fire. She explains: I was living on the sixth floor and there was a leak on the eighth floor that was reported several times but was not fixed. As a result of the leak, the water got into the electrical boards, where the fuses for several apartments were. That led to a fire and as a result of that, they had to turn off the water. So there was no electricity and no water.

Maintenance workers who came to fix the problem found that it was not possible to just shut off the water for a few flats. Instead, water had to be cut off to around 70 flats, she says. Without water or electricity, Ms Figueiredo found herself being decanted into a hotel in Morden.

Milford Towers resident Kellie McKone speaking at a protest outside of Lewisham Council (London Renters Union)

She decided that it would be best for her daughter to stay with a friend temporarily and it was two weeks before they were moved back into a different flat on the estate. Her new flat has problems with mould, but thats a common issue, she explained.

I had to clean the mould in the bedroom myself over Christmas because I couldnt let it stay like that and I cant wait for them to do something about it.

When asked if mould had affected her or her childs breathing, she says it was a constant issue.

My child had to be on a course of antibiotics in December and January for respiratory issues. I constantly have some sort of allergy symptoms. Its always hard to say 100 per cent that it is related with this but it definitely contributes to worsening our health symptoms.

Milford Towers has had problems with mould in flats. Pictures from a Lewisham Council-maintained flat on the fifth floor (London Renters Union)

In another Notting Hill Genesis flat on the fifth floor, a young family showed The Independent how the sink in their bathroom had a long crack running through it that they said had not been fixed for some five years. Black mould was starting to grow in the corner of the shower and, when they flushed the toilet, water came out the bottom.

It smells really bad, Jose Antonio says. We have been in this flat for six years and the sink has been broken for five. We complained to the housing manager about the problems but they have not been fixed. The water that comes out from under the toilet smells bad.

One flat has been left burnt out inside the estate (The Independent )

Another fire that broke out in the car park under Milford Towers flats (Supplied)

Safety is also a concern, especially for his six-year-old son. He says: I dont let the children out alone because it is dangerous, especially at night time. Sometimes there are knives and stabbings here and people come in here because the doors can be yanked open. The council has said that they will fix the doors and the lifts, so we hope they will do that. The lift that is nearest to this flat has been broken for three years.

Tenants at Milford Towers pay below-market rent levels, for what are meant to be short-term lets. However, some residents have been living on the estate for more than a decade.

Simmone Ahiaku, from the London Renters Union, explained that Lewisham Council and Notting Hill Genesis sometimes disagree over who should pay for renovations in the estate.

The council says security is for Notting Hill Genesis, Notting Hill Genesis says its Lewisham Council  and things are left for years in disrepair because both of them are fighting over who maintains the communal areas especially.

A person sleeping in the stairwell of Milford Towers (Supplied)

A person sleeping inside one of the lifts at the estate (Supplied)

The broken lifts are a big problem. Ingrid, a single mum of a four-year-old son with albinism, explains how the disrepair had impacted her. Recently there was an emergency, I was sick and I had to call an ambulance and it was not easy for the ambulance workers to come and help. A few days ago I saw more paramedics, it was really awful to see them struggling to bring up all their stuff up the stairs.

Her son is also vision impaired and when the stairs are not clean he struggles to navigate around the discarded cans of drinks, left-over food, and other rubbish. This, added to the lack of security, means she is scared to take her son outside the flat, she explains. Anything can happen. I keep him inside because Im scared and I like to keep him by my side.

Kellie McKone, 45, says paramedics struggled to help her husband when he had a medical emergency last year. Health workers couldnt contact her initially because their intercom wasnt working, which added delays, she said. Ambulance workers then had to find a way of helping her husband to the other side of the tower block so they could use one of the working lifts. It took much longer and he was having breathing difficulties, she says.

Her husband later passed away after picking up an infection in hospital. Ms McKone says there had recently been another death of a resident, who had encountered similar problems.

Families and residents from Milford Towers walk to Lewisham Council to protest their housing conditions (The Independent )

Climbing up the stairs to her flat is frightening, she says, adding: It affects my mentality because we have the druggies and the drunks on the staircases. You dont know what youre going to find on the stairs. We fought to get mirrors on the stairs so we could see round the corners, but the addicts and drunks keep breaking them.

She had to move into her current flat on the estate after her first flat got flooded due to a leak, she says.

Viviana, who lives on the fifth floor, explained that the nearest working lift to her flat goes only to the seventh or third floors so she has to go down or up the stairs to the fifth while carrying shopping and a buggy.

She has a one-year-old son and explained that two months ago he developed bronchitis, she believes because of the mould in their flat. She says: Crackheads gather near the entrance to my flat because theres no other flats nearby and so its a bit out of the way. Ive also got mould and I have to clean it all the time because of my son. We never know what we are going to find on the stairs, sometimes we find the needles that they do drugs with.

Milford Towers has had a history of violent crime happening inside the estate. In July last year, a man in his 40s was found with stab injuries on the stairwell. Days later police were called again when a man in his 20s was found with a stab wound on the estate.

Graffiti is a common site at Milford Towers in Catford (London Renters Union )

In November 2019, two men chased a man through the block of flats, cornered him in a bathroom, and attacked him with a machete.

In 2005, a 15-year-old girl was discovered dead and dismembered in sacks near the rubbish chute. She had been kidnapped and brought to a flat on the eighth floor, with a convicted sex attacker going to jail for life for her murder.

In 2007, a 24-year-old man was chased up two flights of stairs before being shot in the chest with a sawn-off shotgun by his assailants.

A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said that they recognise that the management of the estate has not been up to the standards we expect. They said that Milford Towers residents were understandably frustrated with some of the current and historic issues on the estate.

They added: We are fully committed to working with residents to address these issues and are carrying out extensive improvements works across the estate, investing over 14m to support this work.

Security patrols have recently been put in place to deter anti-social behaviour, they said.

Notting Hill Genesis said that they had an on-site repairs service for residents so problems with the flats can be dealt with quickly. Since November 2022, they have completed 441 jobs, including 52 for damp and mould.

A spokesperson said: We are only responsible for repairs within individual flats and not for lifts, communal areas or external doors and to ensure we carry out our responsibility as best we can. They urged any concerned families to contact their repairs team, adding: We work closely with Lewisham Council, as well as London Renters Union, to push for further improvements throughout the building. We know the council is committed to making Milford Towers safer and more comfortable for everyone living there and will support them in that goal.

Some residents believe that the councils ultimate intention is to demolish the whole building and thats why they are unwilling to spend more money on it. Works have been done recently to repaint the towers and fix the roof, to the tune of over 8m, but the broken lifts and the outside doors have been left.

Lewisham Council has said that the faulty lifts will be replaced, as will the security doors, and the communal areas will be redecorated. They also promised to listen to the residents concerns and work with Notting Hill Genesis to ensure they are carrying out repairs.

However, the residents are cynical about whether this will happen. Ms Figueiredo says: They like to say they are spending loads of money, but the basic things they havent done  like changing the doors or having working lifts. We keep raising these situations but no real impactful action is ever taken.
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 }}

A hospital trust has apologised and launched an investigation into the death of a mother who was found unconscious under her coat during a seven-hour wait in A&E.

The woman arrived at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham on the evening of 19 January as she had been suffering from a severe headache.

She died two days later in intensive care from a brain haemorrhage, LBC reported.

The 39-year-old was seen by nurses three times and had her case escalated once she was triaged. However, it was assumed she had left the department after she failed to respond to her name being called several times.

She was later found unconscious underneath her coat and rushed to intensive care where she died on 22 January.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which operates the hospital, has launched an investigation into the incident.

Dr Keith Girling, the medical director, said: I offer my sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time.

An investigation, which will involve the family, will now take place and until this has been concluded, we are unable to comment further.

Lilian Greenwood, the Labour MP for Nottingham South, told LBC that the death was a disturbing incident and supported an investigation into the incident.

It comes as it was revealed there has been a sharp rise in people facing long waits in A&E across the UK in January.

Hospitals are clearly under pressure as winter takes hold. The number of people waiting more than 12 hours in A&E departments, from the decision to admit them to actually being admitted, hit 54,308 in January, up sharply from 44,045 in December.

This is the second-highest figure on record, just below the record 54,573 in December 2022.

The number of people waiting at least four hours has also risen, from 148,282 in December to 158,721 last month  again, the second-highest figure on record.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of health and social care charity the Kings Fund, said of Thursdays data that waiting time standards set by the government  and expected by the public  are being consistently missed.

She added: It has been over eight years since the A&E target of 95 per cent of people being seen within four hours has been met nationally.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Cutting waiting lists is one of the governments top five priorities and, despite winter pressures and the impact of industrial action, overall NHS waiting lists have decreased for the third month in a row.

Were determined to continue improving patient care, having already delivered on our promise to create 5,000 extra permanent hospital beds and 10,000 hospital-at-home beds, freeing up capacity and cutting waiting times.
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 }}

Sarah Ferguson has issued a touching message for the King over the royals shared cancer battles.

The Duchess of York said Charles is very dear to her in a social media post about the first event she has attended since revealing her malignant melanoma diagnosis and since hearing the news the monarch is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Writing on Instagram on Saturday, the 64-year-old said: His Majesty is very dear to me and I think I speak for everyone when I say he is in my thoughts and prayers.

Sarah Ferguson has issued a touching message for the King after both royals were recently diagnosed with cancer (AFP via Getty Images)

The words came alongside a picture of herself giving a speech at the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday.

A source told the Mail Online the duchess and the King have been bonding over their cancer battles in letters.

They said: The King and Sarah are incredibly fond of one another and now they have bonded over their respective cancer diagnosis with an exchange of letters. Cancer is a wicked disease that affects so many individuals and their families and its clear that extra support from loved ones and the extended cancer community can help immeasurably.

It comes after Ms Ferguson, the mother of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, took to Instagram at the end of January to break her silence for the first time since her diagnosis last month. She said she was in shock but added that she remained in good spirits, while also giving her thanks to those rallying around her and praising the medics who cared for her.

The Duke of Yorks ex-wife was then photographed leaving King Edward VIIs hospital in London on 25 January in what was the first picture of the duchess since she made her health announcement. After visiting her dermatologist at the Marylebone hospital, Ms Ferguson told people outside: Im fine, thank you.

A spokesman had said that she was undergoing further investigations to ensure the disease had been caught in the early stages.

Buckingham Palace on Monday announced that the King is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The news emerged less than a year after she underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in London for breast cancer, later recuperating at the Mayrlife Clinic in Austria.

Ms Ferguson also wrote in her most recent social media post about the importance of raising funds to support those battling cancer, using the opportunity to raise awareness of those who might be financially or emotionally struggling in the wake of a diagnosis.

The Duchess of York posted a photograph of herself on social media as she shared her initial reaction to her cancer diagnosis last month ( sarahferguson15/Instagram)

She said: It felt like a timely moment to help raise funds to support others dealing with cancer diagnoses, who may be going through financial or emotional struggles in light of a health emergency. It was both healing and inspiring to meet so many amazing ladies, who do so much for others through their work with Cancer Alliance.

The King announced his own cancer diagnosis on Monday, with the hopes of raising awareness of the disease. A statement issued by Buckingham Palace read: 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 and Camilla leave Clarence House to fly to Sandringham, where the King is resting following the start of his cancer treatment (REUTERS)

The 75-year-old monarch revealed his health news, discovered while undergoing surgery for a benign enlarged prostate, before flying with Queen Camilla to Sandringham the next day, where he is resting following the start of treatment.

On Wednesday night, he issued a statement to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of the former British colony Grenada. Charles apologised for being unable to visit the Caribbean island, making reference to Grenadas national dish, a stew known as Oil Down.

The Princess of Wales is recuperating after being discharged from hospital at the end of last month, having undergone successful, planned abdominal surgery (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The recent cancer diagnoses of both the King and duchess come as the Princess of Wales is recuperating after being discharged from hospital at the end of last month, having undergone successful, planned abdominal surgery.

Both Charles and Kate have stepped back from public engagements while they recover, with the princess set to return to royal duties after Easter.
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 }}

New rules for owning American XL Bully dogs have been put in place in the UK after a spate of violent attacks - but not everyone agrees the legislation will work.

XL Bullys arent the only breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. They have joined Pit Bulls Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentino and Brazilian Mastiffs on the list of breeds deemed too dangerous to be domestic pets.

When we asked for your opinions, many Independent readers were concerned about the uptick in recent attacks involving the Bully breed - and several claimed history is repeating itself, labelling breed-specific legislation ineffective.

Some readers argued that certain breeds are dangerous in the wrong hands while others said all dogs are ultimately a danger.

Heres what you had to say:

No place for them

Of course they should be banned they are dangerous killers of people and other pets.

No place for them in modern society

Noddy

Deadly in the wrong hands

Being a dog lover, I would have been on the anti-dog-axe side, that was until we [my son and I) had an incident with two vicious XL bullies (with no ears).

Ok I know it was the owners fault, they even laughed when the two dogs lunged at us. I had never known terror of a dog until this incident. It knocked me sick for several days, especially thinking about what would have happened if theyd have pulled the owners over and attacked us.

These dogs are, without a shadow of a doubt, deadly in the wrong hands and the deaths/injuries are testament to this.

My neighbour has a cane corsa and hes a beautiful dog, because his owners have taken time out to train/socialise him, however, how many people are prepared to do this? Pounds all over the UK, are full of unwanted/untrained lockdown/cost-of-living dogs with behavioural problems.

In my opinion, if people [like my neighbour] want certain large breeds that can be dangerous in the wrong hands, by law they should:

1) Have to take out third-party insurance

2) Training should be mandatory

3) Muzzling when in public

4) Breeding of these dogs should be strictly regulated and done by licensed breeders

This should stop the appeal to those people [like those we came across]

Too extreme? Then do you want to continue seeing death after death?

BadPutty

It will be another breed next

So, the XL bully is banned because IF it did flip and went for someone/another dog, because its larger it could cause more damage than a smaller dog? So shouldnt you be saying ban all dogs that are large?

I can guarantee it will be another breed next, Cane Corso, Belgian Malinois etc. Its like saying someone small and 55 or below should get a lesser prison sentence for GBH than someone who is large and 6ft because they have less power or could cause less damage? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.

And now you want me to muzzle my harmless dog so that he cant defend himself if he gets attacked? Okay then, lets throw someone handcuffed into the middle of a fight and see if they can defend themselves. How can you discriminate against a breed purely due to its size and power because of a few cross-bred dogs that the owners have been irresponsible with and NOT trained properly?

Bullies cant even be reactive now, if someone stood on the other side of the street shouting at you, you wouldnt shout back no? But a safe breed of dog can go mental at a Bully but even he even barks back then he is the issue?? STOP BLAMING THE WRONG END OF THE LEAD.

ALL dog owners should require a license to own a dog. Big or small.

BSL DOES NOT WORK. The only people who are suffering here are the responsible owners who have exempted and will follow guidelines to keep their family member safe. The people who have let this breed down and who are responsible for bringing a dog up to be dangerous will not follow the guidelines. This will solve NOTHING.

Holly

History is repeating itself

History is repeating itself yet our government is stuck in 1991! Nobody cares about science, expert opinion and the opinion of professionals in the canine field.

What was the point of the dog control coalition? What was the point of DEFRAs own funded research to help to understand the reasons behind these dog attacks? All was there black on white and yet they chose to follow hysteria and back of napkin so-called evidence.

The government enabled dog abusers to continue the abuse, breeders to continue their dodgy business, and owners to lay their hands on dogs that they know nothing about. It seems to me that somebody is paying the gov real good to continue this farce.

Girlie24

Owners should take full responsibility

I am totally in favour of the ban being ditched.

Its entirely down to the owners to take full responsibility and educate themselves on dog breeds that may fall into the category of dangerous.

How about educating the potential owners of these pups before being allowed to own one in their home?

Dan83

They need to listen to genuine experts

If the weekend is something to go by, the ban on any breed DOES NOT WORK.

We abolished capital punishment yet find it acceptable to have BSL.

This was a bad move by the government, yet again. They need to listen to the genuine experts, not be a minority pleaser, all the time.

Rebecca

Having an animal as a pet is a privilege

The breed-specific ban doesnt work and never will. The problem is not the dogs it is us humans we seem to think we are the superior race but we are not, every single life on this planet has meaning and should be respected.

Having an animal as a pet is a privilege and we should respect that and do everything we can do to keep our pets happy, healthy and out of danger. The problem is people will buy a dog purely on looks and without understanding the breed and their needs and they havent got a clue how to read a dogs body language and how to train them.

I think the whole dog industry and laws need a good shake-up and people need to understand their dogs better.

I am so fed up and upset by this XL Bully ban and so many innocent lives have been lost due to us humans. Things really need to change. People kill people every day, so should we wipe out the human race?!

Comment

The problem is owners who cannot train their dogs properly

As someone who has grown up as a young child around breeds that everyone would label dangerous, I would not label any of them that.

From Pitbulls, American Bull Dogs, Dobermans and Rottweilers: all large breeds are the loveliest dogs ever in my opinion, as friends and family who own them train them and show them affection and give them boundaries at the same time. They are loved and treated like family members.

The problem is owners who cannot train their dogs properly from day one as a puppy. Its very important to socialise them with other dogs at a young age also. All these things shape the kind of dog you end up with as they grow into adults. They need time and patience to train a puppy and if they dont have that then thats where the problem begins.

I think it should be mandatory for all dogs to be trained properly and socialised. Training can be costly though if you dont have the time yourself to do it and need professional help and I think this is what owners also need to take into consideration when deciding if getting a dog is right for them.

I think it should be the owners at fault not the breed!

Yvonne

Treated like unexploded bombs

To recap here, breed-specific legislation...

Is unsupported by scientific evidence - there is no evidence that so-called prohibited dogs are any more dangerous than any other breed. (A 2019 study found only 8% of dangerously out-of-control dog incidents involved prohibited breeds).

Has failed to protect the public - dog bite hospitalizations havent gone down (if anything, theyve increased).

Has led to thousands of non-aggressive dogs being euthanized or treated like unexploded bombs simply because of the way they look.

So, its ineffective, not supported by scientific evidence, and condemned by pretty much every animal welfare group and most of the British public, which begs the question.... what good is it, then?

Rather than perpetuating this pathetic, reactionary and ill-informed cycle, what the government should be doing is changing course and setting right what has wronged so many.

Nathanoraptor

We cant definitely say BSL could never have a positive impact

Is BSL a magic solution? NO

Could I design a better solution? Yes

Could I design a better solution with the resources available which doesnt further restrict and fine all the responsible dog owners out there? No

Are Pitbulls and their derivatives, the Bully, more dangerous than other breeds? Yes. All over the world. They do more damage and can rarely be stopped. They routinely kill animals but this often isnt a statistic collected officially.

We cant definitely say BSL could never have a positive impact because there have never been the resources to enforce it. Plus a lot of deaths are essentially due to people for whom anti-social behaviour is the norm and we dont have that many solutions for people who just dont think ahead and consider the consequences.

You can have all the stiff prison sentences you like but these people believe it doesnt apply to them so they dont change their behaviour. Once your family member is dead there is no bringing them back so we are stuck with trying to restrict access to the most deadly weapons/dogs.

Elizabeth1

The public need to be protected

I know that there are some very responsible owners out there with some lovely dogs but the public need to be protected against those that are not.

I dont believe its fair to pick on certain breeds but the XL Bully is so incredibly strong that they are impossible to stop if the worse happens. The only other option is to have ALL dogs on leads in public places, with maybe the bigger breeds muzzled too.

My personal choice would be for that option as even friendly smaller breeds are a nuisance off-lead if not properly trained (and most of them arent). I know this wont be a popular option but surely its better than euthanising innocent animals.

StevesSister

All dogs are ultimately a danger

Breed-specific bans do not work. As its reported and said, theyll just move on to another breed type - then another ban...

All dogs are ultimately a danger!

And I would say there are generally five reasons why a dog will bite/attack another dog or a human.

1. If it is forced into a corner and/or fears for its life or owners.

2. If provoked.

3. If trained.

4. If ill-treated.

5. If not given enough exercise or socialisation and becomes frustrated because of very high energy levels.

Just as humans do!

Its not the dog, its the owner of the dog that is to blame for the incidents that have sadly happened recently.

Many innocent dogs and people are trapped in this awful situation.

Look at the terrible situation of teenage knife stabbings... do we round all teenagers up and leash them? No we treat them individually, so why cant we do the same with dogs?

The XL Bully ban is unfair and wrong! They were bred to be loving family pets but because of a few, dare I say idiots, the majority of decent, loving dogs and their owners are labelled the same and put through this hell and cost for those few...

Repeal the ban and work on legislation that will actually work for humans and dogs alike.

Ian

Just too dangerous

The problem with XL Bullies, which doesnt seem to be mentioned enough, is how inbred they are, whilst Im sure there are responsible XL breeders out there too many of them are breeding too close to the line, with both the RSPCA and Bully magazine reporting on sibling and parent offspring matings occurring regularly.

There is a strong association between spontaneous aggression in dogs and inbreeding and these practices produce dogs, through no fault of their own, that are just too dangerous, that even in the hands of responsible owners can still be dangerous.

Add to that the amount of lazy owners who do very little to train their dogs and its a crying shame but I dont believe there is a need or place for this breed in British homes.

Wishicouldidentifymyself

Some of the questions and answers have been edited for this article. You can read the full discussion in the comments section of the original article.

The conversation isnt over - theres still time to have your say. If you want to share your opinion then add it in the comments of this story.

All you have to do is sign up, submit your question and register your details - then you can then take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking log in on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
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 }}

Boris Johnson has attacked Tucker Carlsons Putin interview saying it was straight out of Hitlers playbook.

The American broadcaster has been the stooge of the tyrant, the dictaphone to the dictator and a traitor to journalism, he said.

He accused the former Fox News host of betraying viewers and listeners around the world for not taking the Russian leader to task for the torture, the rapes, the blowing up of kindergartens in Ukraine, not once did he even try to dam the flow of lies in a column for Mail+.

Putins message to America was straight out of the Hitler playbook, he said Stay out of this conflict...  and soon we can all be at peace.

The only difference was that Hitler delivered his message, in June 1940 shortly after he invaded France, through the newspapers of WR Hearst and a German-American journalist called Von Wiegand, he suggested.

Earlier Rishi Sunak labelled clearly ridiculous Putins claim the West and Nato are to blame to the war in Ukraine.

Mr Johnson also attacked on the allegation the UK government persuaded the Ukrainians to fight on, rather than surrender in the wake of the invasion in the spring of 2022.

Nothing and no one could have stopped those lion-hearted Ukrainians from fighting for their country  and nothing will, he said.

He said he hoped and believed that if President Trump is elected again he would confound his critics (and) give arms to the Ukrainians.

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin gives an interview to US talk show host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 6, 2024 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And he urged Republicans politicians currently blocking aid to Ukraine, for Gods sake remember who you are. You are the heirs of Ronald Reagan, the leaders of the last best hope of earth.

The two-hour, seven-minute interview started with a long diatribe from Putin on Russian history and its relationship with Ukraine.

The White House has warned against believing anything Putin said in the interview.

Former prime minister Mr Johnson was one of the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv after Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, he also came under fire for plans to visit the war-torn country after his exit from office. The Independent revealed that senior military figures thought he was looking for publicity in a warzone and urged him not to go.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. President of Union of the Independent Trade Unions of Albania Gezim Kalaja has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

The letter reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

Allow me to convey cordial congratulations from Albania and the members of the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania for the reconfirmation as the historical President of Azerbaijan.

Your Excellency, as a historical leader who conveyed peace and freedom in the region.

We congratulate Your Excellency for the historical victory, the respect for democratic standards in the elections, as well as the victory of territorial integrity in Azerbaijan.

Long life to Azerbaijan!

Long life to Albania and Azerbaijan fraternity!

Fraternity from Albania!"
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 has warned he is totally up for the fight against plotters in his own party, two weeks after an ally of Liz Truss and Boris Johnson called for him to be sacked.

The prime minister insisted he was up to the challenge of fighting off Tory rebels who want him replaced, laughing at the idea that some of his MPs were scheming against him.

And with the Conservatives trailing badly in the polls, Mr Sunak held up the prospect of a cut in national insurance before the next election to woo voters.

I believe hard work should be rewarded, he said in an interview with The Times. Cutting national insurance is a very direct way to do that.

Last month the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned against early tax cuts, saying they risked leading to tax rises or spending cuts later on, and the International Monetary Fund agreed. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had vowed to cut taxes in his spring Budget.

The PM has faced crisis after crisis this year, as the Tories have descended into open infighting.

(Getty Images)

Former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke tried to have him ousted as leader, warning said the Tories would be massacred at the election without a new leader. But Tories lashed out at the foolish and facile move, while ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace warned it was division and another PM [that] would lead to the certain loss of power.

His coup attempt came after an anonymous group of Tory donors funded a poll suggesting he was leading his party to electoral oblivion.

The prime minister faced suspicions of more attempts to remove him just two weeks ago, when it emerged Kemi Badenoch - a future leadership favourite - and housing secretary Michael Gove were reported to both be members of a Tory WhatsApp group called Evil Plotters.

This week, Mr Sunaks leadership rival Liz Truss attempted to restart her political career with the launch of a new right-wing Tory faction, called Popular Conservativism.

The shortest-serving prime minister in British history took a swipe at his government for allowing people to choose their gender and for pandering to the anti-capitalists.

She said Britons wanted lower immigration and wanted illegal immigrants deported, but efforts were constantly being stymied.

Asked about people in his own party plotting against him, Mr Sunak told The Times: "I'm totally up for the fight."

Mr Sunaks flagship Rwanda bill, which allows asylum-seekers to be deported to the African country, has faced significant hurdles going through parliament and has attracted huge opposition. It suffered a major rebellion from his colleagues, with 60 of his MPs signing amendments.

Even if the bill passes, it is likely deportations will face legal challenges as migrants are prepared for removal.

But the prime minister hinted at future efforts to try to rewrite the European Convention on Human Rights, telling The Times there was a growing consensus that it needed reform.

Everyone is looking at different solutions because this is becoming a growing problem, he said. On this we are showing leadership and hopefully people can see that what were doing is right. Everyone recognises this is not a sustainable situation and it requires novel solutions to fix.
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 }}

If the Tories were trying to hold onto disgraced ex-MP Peter Bones seat, you could be forgiven for not noticing.

On a grey Wednesday morning in early February, during the 20-minute walk from Wellingborough station to the town centre, there was not a single Conservative poster or billboard to be seen.

This is the very same market town that voted in Boris Johnsons government in 2019 with a whopping 18,540 majority.

As the large Victorian terraced houses give way to smaller shops and family-run bistros, you finally pass Conservative candidate Helen Harrisons campaign headquarters.

It is a derelict single room with a clamped car parked outside. Bar some of Ms Harrisons posters hung in the window and a chair shoved in the back corner of the room, you wouldnt think anyone had been inside for years  least of all a campaign team from the most electorally successful political party on the planet.

A clamped car sits outside Helen Harrisons derelict campaign office (The Independent)

But talking to people in the town, it soon becomes obvious why the Tories appear to be keeping their powder dry. Despite Mr Bones chunky majority, they are fighting a seriously uphill battle.

Not only are the Conservatives 20 points behind Labour in the national polls but local voters are furious at the conduct that led to Mr Bones ejection from parliament.

The once senior Tory was booted out after being found to have indecently exposed himself to a staff member and trapped him in the bathroom of a hotel room.

According to many of the residents, the Tories did themselves few favours by selecting Ms Harrison, who happens to be Mr Bones partner of several years, to replace him.

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak and his cabinet have shown little regard for the contest, with not a single minister nor the PM showing up to campaign in the seat.

After being told by several locals that they would not be voting, largely because they [politicians] are all the same, some voters elaborated on why they would not support the Conservatives next Thursday.

Im not voting for Peter Bone and his little puppet [Ms Harrison], one ex-Tory voter told The Independent.

Ms Harrison is a 51-year-old physiotherapist currently serving as a Tory councillor in North Northamptonshire. She was one of the directors at Grassroots Out, a pro-Brexit pressure group which was co-founded by Mr Bone in the run-up to the 2016 EU referendum.

Mr Bones partner is an ardent supporter, despite the damning parliamentary report into his conduct, and has said she is proud to have the former Tory MP on the campaign trail with her.

She has also claimed that the standards panel which found him to have exposed himself to an aide and physically struck him had got it wrong.

And, with Mr Bone at her side when knocking on doors in Wellingborough and Rushden, she has claimed people are not raising her partners conduct with her as an issue.

Another man said he usually votes Lib Dem, but Ms Harrisons candidacy has spurred him to vote tactically for Labour next Thursday.

The Tories have picked Peter Bones girlfriend and that means hell be running it, and we dont want that, he added.

A third Labour voter, who had also supported the Lib Dems in the past, said the partys candidate, Gen Kitchen, had won him over. The man, who runs a U3A art class at the Victoria (community) Centre, said: Gen has won my vote because she came to a painting class and did all her handshakes and introductions.

But after all that, she rolled up her sleeves and helped the volunteers clean and tidy.

Labour candidate Gen Kitchens campaign operation is a stark contrast with the Conservatives (The Independent)

Youve got to, said Ms Kitchen, whose honeymoon was cut short by the damning report into Mr Bones conduct that sparked the by-election.

The 28-year-old former waitress, councillor and charity worker said its her natural instinct to help clean up, and she even does it at the local bingo.

She was born in Northamptonshire to navy parents who think the idea of her becoming an MP is a bit mad.

But Ms Kitchen, who went to a local state school during the last Labour government, is determined to fight for the constituents she says have been left behind under Conservative leadership.

She hit out at Mr Bone and the local Tory-run council, saying they have not applied for levelling up money and are leaving the high street to decay.

Why arent they bringing innovative ideas to the high streets? Theyre supposedly the party of business, and they are just not there.

At one point, strolling through the Wellingborough town centre, there were 18 kebab shops and 18 barber shops all within a 10-minute walk.

One voter, a former doctor living in a more affluent neighbourhood, said the town had changed for the worse over 30 years. It used to be a quite quaint village town but now the town centre is just run down, he said.

He said he has voted for Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the past but would vote Labour this time because of Mr Bones misconduct.

But not all voters have made up their minds, Hassan Ben Ali told The Independent he would vote but they are all the same.

He complained about the cost of living crisis and the governments handling of Brexit but said he was still considering backing the Conservatives.

And Mr Ben Ali criticised Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunaks stance on Israels invasion of Gaza.

And, several hours after alighting from the train at Wellingborough station, The Independent finally found a house with two posters outside backing Tory candidate Ms Harrison.

But, asked whether she wanted to talk about her support for the Conservatives, the occupant declined.

The Independent was also one of many media outlets denied access to Ms Harrison. A Labour MP said the partys tactic seems to be to hold on to as many diehard Conservative voters as they can while encouraging as low a voter turnout as possible.

She is trying to sneak in by the back door, the MP said.

And while support for the Tories was hard to come by, Ms Kitchen has a mountain of her own to climb. Even in Sir Tony Blairs 1997 landslide, Wellingborough was Labours second most marginal seat, with a majority of just 187.

If Labour wins next Thursdays by-election it would not just put Sir Keir Starmer on course for power but would suggest he is heading for a Blair-style landslide of his own.
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 }}

Adam Montgomerys estranged wife laid out her demands to betray him in a prison letter to prosecutors that his defence attorneys introduced during his New Hampshire trial.

Kayla Montgomery, the prosecutions key witness, took the stand on Friday to testify about the way her husband allegedly murdered his five-year-old daughter Harmony in December 2019. Kayla, Harmonys stepmother, is serving an 18-month prison sentence on perjury charges for lying to police about Harmonys whereabouts.

According to prosecutors, Montgomery fatally hit his daughter in the head after she soiled herself while in the car Harmony, Kayla, and the couples two infant sons lived out of. The little girls death went unreported for two years until authorities in Manchester launched an investigation in 2021 following desperate attempts by Harmonys mother to get in touch with her.

Harmonys remains were relocated several times  first stored in a cooler at the home of Kaylas mother, later to a ceiling vent at a shelter the family lived in and even taken to Montgomerys workplace  before Montgomery made efforts to destroy the body and dispose of it in March 2021.

Refuting Kaylas version of the events leading up to Harmonys death, the defence has alleged that the minor actually died under her stepmothers care and that Montgomery only went along with plans to dispose of the body to protect Kayla and their two infant sons. On Friday, defence attorney Caroline Smith introduced a note Kayla wrote while in prison in 2022 following an arrest on theft charges for collecting welfare benefits for Harmony.

Ms Smith read the letter out loud, including excerpts in which Kayla wrote that she wanted immunity and custody of her children if she was going to come forward to authorities with information about Harmonys murder. Among other demands, Kayla also wrote that she wanted to see Montgomery one last time, kiss him, and maybe make love to him, Ms Smith said  casting doubt on the prosecutions argument that Kayla initially lied to officials because she was being threatened by Montgomery.

I wasnt thinking about that .... yes, Kayla answered.

Ms Smith also confronted Kayla about the lies she told a grand jury last year, which ultimately led to perjury charges she was convicted on. At the time, Kayla had maintained that she last saw Harmony shortly before Thanksgiving when Montgomery reportedly dropped her off at the home of the childs mother.

You talked to the jury with a straight face about what she was wearing, Ms Smith said. Even though the Star Wars hoodie [you saw her wearing] was what you cut off her body in the shower at Union Square Avenue.

Kayla claimed that she was terrified Montgomery would hurt her or their children and that she also did not want to lose custody of them. Elsewhere in her testimony, she described in grim detail the harrowing ways that Montgomery used to destroy his daughters body.

Montgomery, who only attended jury selection on Tuesday but has waived his right to appear at his trial, faces one count of second-degree murder in Harmonys killing. Earlier this week, he said that he intended to plead guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse and falsifying information.

His trial resumes on Monday.
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 }}

Members of the anti-crime vigilante group Guardian Angels tackled a man in Times Square on live TV, who they wrongly claimed was a migrant because he was speaking Spanish.

The confrontation was seen on Fox News on Tuesday night, when the groups founder, Curtis Sliwa, was interviewed by Sean Hannity about crime in New York City, which he blamed on immigrants.

During the segment, members of the group stepped off-screen and tackled an unidentified man  pushing him to the ground and putting him in a headlock  who Sliwa claimed had been shoplifting.

(Fox News)

Our guys have just taken down one of the migrant guys on the corner of 42nd and 7th where all of this has taken place, Sliwa told Hannity. Theyve taken over!

In fact, the man was not a migrant  he is actually from the Bronx, police told the Associated Press. There is also no evidence he was shoplifting.

Sliwa told the Associated Press he had thought the man was a migrant because he was speaking Spanish.

He was put down so he wouldnt hurt himself or anyone else, said Sliwa, who previously ran for mayor as a Republican.

Police reportedly did not say whether any of the Guardian Angels would face charges, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.

On air Thursday night, Mr Hannity addressed the matter, saying that the statements made by Curtis that the man is a migrant is not true.

And in a statement to the Washington Post, Mr Sliwa also acknowledged his mistake.

I shouldnt have been listening to the crowd, Mr Sliwa said. That was my mistake.  I should not have had that knee-jerk reaction.
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 stabbing of a Palestinian-American man in Texas meets the definition for a hate crime, police said.

The incident occurred on Sunday, when Zacharia Doar, 23, was riding in a truck with three friends after a pro-Palestine protest near the University of Texas at Austin. Attached to the truck was a flagpole, from which theyd hung a keffiyeh scarf with Free Palestine written on it.

Bert James Baker, 36, rode up to the vehicle on a bike, opened the doors, and began shouting racial slurs at them, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Associated Press.

According to a statement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Mr Baker pulled Mr Doar out of the truck and physically attacked him. The three other passengers then got out and tried to subdue Mr Baker, who then allegedly stabbed Mr Doar in the rib.

Mr Doar was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and is recovering from surgery.

Mr Baker was arrested and has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He reportedly told police he was an alcoholic and had been drunker than usual at the time.

On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department said they had reviewed the case and determined it met the criteria for a hate crime. Theyve communicated the information to the district attorneys office, which will make the final decision if the case should be tried as a hate crime.

The first thing that came to mind is, Im going to lose my son, he said. I was thinking, how am I going to tell them that I failed to protect my son?
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 }}

Rumors circulating online that former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was placed on a Ukrainian "kill list" for his highly criticised interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin are false, according to a new report.

A photo supposedly showing Carlson among the names of those Ukrainian forces wanted dead has been misconstrued by social media commenters, according to an Associated Press analysis. Claims that Carlson has been sanctioned by the European Union for the interview were also shown to be false, the report states.

The photo circulating on social media shows a picture of Carlson and short biography describing him as a "pro-Russian propagandist", as an "accomplice of Russian war criminals and occupiers", and accuses him of attacks "on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

The image being used as evidence of the supposed kill list originated from the website of Myrotvorets Center, an NGO that studies threats to Ukrainian national security.

Carlson's name was mentioned by the site, but it was on its "Purgatory" project list, which tracks people that are believed to have acted intentionally against Ukraine's national security.

The former Fox News host has regularly taken a sympathetic view on Russia, even going so far as to say he "hopes Russia wins" around the time of Mr Putin's initial push into Ukraine.

Carlson's inclusion in the list is also not the result of his interview with Mr Putin; his name has appeared on the list since at least June 2023.

The rumor picked up steam on X/Twitter, the platform which hosts Carlson's show.

One commenter posted the photo along with the false claim that it was a call for assassination.

This POS dictator Zelensky has put Tucker Carlson on a Kill List for interviewing Putin. Biden has helped him with your tax dollars, the user wrote.

Myrotvorets is an "independent non-governmental organization created by a group of scientists, journalists and specialists in the study of signs of crimes against the national security of Ukraine, peace, the security of mankind and the international legal order", according to its website. It is not a branch of the Ukrainian government.

The word "myrotvorets" is Ukrainian for "peacemaker."

In addition to claims that Carlson was on a hit list, some social media users also claimed he was facing sanction by the European Union.

A spokesman for the EU, Peter Stano, denied those allegations on Thursday.

Currently there are no discussions in the relevant EU bodies linked to this specific person, the name you mentioned, the American person who is in Moscow, he said when asked specifically about Carlson.
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 }}

Outside the Senate chambers, moments after he finished an impassioned floor speech, Senator Bernie Sanders minced no words when he told The Independent his thoughts on US aid to Israel.

What I want to do is kill the funding for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahus war machine  period, Mr Sanders told The Independent.

The independent senator from Vermont opposes unconditional aid to Israel.

What the Netanyahu government is doing is immoral, Mr Sanders said during a Senate floor speech in December 2023. It is in violation of international law, and the United States should not be complicit in those actions, he added.

Mr Sanders latest comments come after President Joe Biden released a memorandum outlining aid conditions for foreign countries on Thursday.

Under the memo, the Secretary of State must obtain certain credible and reliable written assurances from foreign governments receiving defense articles and, as appropriate, defense services. In addition, the Secretaries of State and Defense are responsible for ensuring that all transfers of defense articles and defense services comply with international and domestic law.

Mr Sanders said the memo is an important step forward, but it wont be effective in the case of Israel.

It does not apply to Israel because, according to the [Biden] administration, Israel is acting consistent with US policy, Mr Sanders told The Independent.

Meanwhile, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff called the move substantial. He said that for the first time foreign governments receiving US security assistance will have to show in writing compliance with international law.

The Executive branch will have to report to Congress and the public with respect to their compliance, Mr Ossoff told The Independent. Its about the moral credibility of the United States.

The Leahy Law  which refers to two statutory provisions and is named after former senator Patrick Leahy  is somewhat similar, preventing the federal government from using funds to assist foreign governments when there is credible information they have committed gross violations of human rights.

Mr Ossoff said the Leahy Law differs from Mr Bidens memo because it only applies on a unit-by-unit basis.

In addition to his memo, Mr Biden called the Israeli governments military action in Gaza over the top during a press conference on Thursday night addressing the Special Counsel report on his classified documents case.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israels offensive has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians. The four-month-long offensive began after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October. Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped some 250 people and took them back to Gaza.

Prior to the memo, 19 senators had expressed their support for an amendment to the bipartisan security bill  which is currently under debate by the US Senate as of Friday afternoon  that would ensure foreign aid is contingent on recipients complying with international law.

As of Friday afternoon, the Senate is in a 30-hour debate period on the bipartisan immigration bill negotiated by Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who led the push for the amendment, said Mr Bidens memo meets their demands.

Because weve now accomplished our goal in law, we will not offer that amendment, Mr Van Hollen told The Independent.

The bill, released on Sunday evening, was met with immediate ire from both Republicans and Democrats. The Senate will vote on Friday evening on a motion to proceed on the bill, which could then lead to an amendment process over the weekend.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former President Donald Trump says he wants the general election to be held on Tuesday after his win in Nevada.

Mr Trump made his remarks at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday evening.

Is there any way we can call the election for next Tuesday, Mr Trump said. Thats all I want. I want to call the election for next Tuesday.

Media outlets declared Nevadas primary a victory for Mr Trump and a loss for Nikki Haley, the former UN Ambassador who embarrassingly lost to none of these candidates, an option Nevada puts on the ballot for voters to select if theyre unsatisfied with their choices.

Ms Haley previously stated that the caucus was rigged in Mr Trumps favour. Her team said she was not trying to win the election anyway.

We didnt bother to play a game rigged for Trump, Ms Haleys spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas told USA Today. Were full steam ahead in South Carolina and beyond.

The former president is currently leading in the polls in Ms Haleys home state.

Trump continued to brag about his victory during his remarks at the event.

You broke the all-time record, he reportedly told the crowd, referring to the election results. We wanted to get over 80 [per cent] and we got 98. In the end, the former president ended up receiving 99 per cent of the caucus votes, according to the outlet.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden easily won the Democratic caucus. Mr Trump has lost the state to Mr Biden twice in the past. Las Vegas has historically been Democratic, while rural parts of Nevada tend to lean Republican.

However, none of that seemed to faze Mr Trump as he spoke at the event.

Go back home, rest and then come back, he told his supporters. If we win the state of Nevada, its over for them.

The 2024 US general election will be held 5 November.
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 fraud trial is imminently expected to issue a final judgment in a sprawling civil case that could seriously damage the former presidents family business and brand-building real estate empire.

That is, if he can figure out if one of Mr Trumps co-defendants lied in his courtroom.

Judge Arthur Engoron is pushing Trump lawyers, the state attorney generals office and the Manhattan district attorney for anything they can tell him about former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg reportedly negotiating a plea deal with New York City prosecutors for his testimony in the civil fraud trial.

If Weisselberg is now admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial, the judge wants to know about, he wrote to attorneys last week. I do not want to ignore anything in a case of this magnitude, he said, according to court documents.

Lawyers for Mr Trumps adult sons and co-defendants called the request unprecedented, inappropriate and troubling.

Alina Habba  who represents Weisselberg in the civil case but is not his criminal defence lawyer  also declined to provide the judge with any information about his plea negotiations and said no further action was needed.

An article in The New York Times that reported Weisselbergs plea negotiations is neither admissible nor reliable, and it should not be considered in Your Honors determination as to the merits of this case, she wrote, according to court documents. We urge you to render your decision based solely on the evidence now before you.

In a separate statement, Mr Trumps attorney Chris Kise said that court decisions are supposed to be made based on the evidence at trial, not on media speculation.

On Thursday, the judge fired back at defence lawyers.

When I sent my straightforward, narrow request for information about possible perjury by Allen Weisselberg in the subject case, I was not seeking to initiate a wide-ranging debate with counsel, he wrote. However, your misleading response grossly mischaracterizes the letter that I wrote, and I feel compelled to respond.

New York County Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron (EPA)

He accused them of launching a straw-man attack against him for considering the articles contents as fact, but said that if Weisselberg publicly confesses to having committed perjury about a significant matter in the case before me, or if he pleads guilty to such perjury at any time before I issue my final decision, I will research and consider what the law allows.

You and your co-counsel have been questioning my impartiality since the early days of this case, presumably because I sometimes rule against your clients, he added. That whole approach is getting old.

The judge told defence attorneys that he is not reopening the case.

But if someone pleads guilty to committing perjury in a case over which I am presiding, I want to know about it, he said.

A courtroom sketch depicts former Trump Organization chief financial officer testifying in a criminal tax fraud trial in New York in 2022 (REUTERS)

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 part of 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 questioned him about his knowledge 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 a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Ms James 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 judge initially self-imposed a 31 January deadline for a final judgment in the case, but after that date had passed, a spokesperson for New York courts told The Independent that a final decision could be expected closer to mid-February.

But that was before news of Weisselbergs potential plea deal.

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 }}

A high-stakes special election in disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos former district is being held on Tuesday 13 February, in a race that will likely have major implications for national politics.

The special election in New Yorks 3rd Congressional district pits Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip up against Tom Suozzi, a former three-term congressman, who vacated the seat in 2021 to launch an unsuccessful run for governor.

Ms Pilip is an Ethiopian-born, former Israeli Defense Force paratrooper whose compelling backstory has Republicans touting her as a future star of the party.

The by-election has taken on added significance due to Republicans slim majority in the House, and is shaping up as a bellwether for how well both parties are faring ahead of the 2024 general election.

The campaign has been dominated by national issues such as border security, abortion, the economy and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Both parties will be watching the results closely for any signs that the candidates messaging on contentious issues resonates with voters.

Mazi Pilip, centre, arrives to vote early at a polling station in Massapequa, New York, on Friday with former GOP congressman Peter King and Oyster Bay town supervisor Joseph Saladino (AP)

Recent polling has shown Mr Suozzi with a four point lead in a district that traditionally leans slightly Republican, but the race is essentially a toss-up.

Early voting is underway, and the results will be announced on Tuesday night.

Heres what to know about the election.

The key issues

New York Citys migrant crisis has clearly been top of voters minds, and both candidates have sought to stake out hardline approaches to border security.

At the final candidate debate on Thursday hosted by News 12, emotions ran high as Ms Pilip accused her rival of opening the border, raised his past criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and noted his support for sanctuary cities.

Mr Suozzi responded that his opposition to ICE officers in 2022 was due to the agency not cooperating with local police, and said he was one of only 18 Democrats who backed continuing funding for the agency when he was in Congress.

He also pointed out Ms Pilips opposition to a bipartisan Senate bill that would have tightened border security and provided aid to Israel and Ukraine. Republican support for the bill vanished after Donald Trump came out in opposition to it.

Tom Suozzi is an experienced political campaigner (AP)

The Democrat has also sought to distance himself from the Biden administration over its handling of the border.

I support strong border security... and anything else you hear is garbage, he says in a recent campaign advert.

He also pointedly noted that he didnt think it would be helpful for President Joe Biden to campaign in the district with him in a recent CNN interview.

An estimated 161,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York since April 2022, and the cost of housing them has blown a multi-billion dollar hole in the citys finances.

At Thursdays News 12 debate, the pair also clashed over the issue of abortion rights.

Ms Pilip, who has seven children, reiterated her position that she would not support a national aboriton ban, before calling on Mr Suozzi to apologise for lying about her stance.

Rather than apologise, Mr Suozzi repeatedly questioned whether she was pro-choice and pressed her to state whether she would vote to codify abortion protections.

Contrasting candidates

Ms Pilip left Ethiopia at the age of 12, when she was among the 14,500 Jewish people airlifted out of the country during Operation Solomon.

After serving in a gunsmith unit in the IDF, she earned a bachelors degree in occupational therapy from the University of Haifa and a masters in diplomacy and security from Tel Aviv University.

Ms Pilip married a Ukrainian-American doctor before moving to the US. She was first elected to the Nassau County legislature in 2021 and won re-election late last year.

Though running as a Republican, Ms Pilip remains a registered Democrat. Her campaign team has said she opted to wait until after the election to formally change her party affiliation to avoid legal complications that could potentially knock her off the ballot.

While the candidates have pushed their credentials as pragmatic moderates, their parties have invested huge amounts of money in trying to portray each other as on the fringes.

Democrats have spent $8m on political adverts painting Ms Pilip as a Maga extremist.

Mr Suozzi, a polished public speaker and debater, has targeted his opponents lack of experience, and questioned her qualifications and ability to be an effective operator in Washington.

He is well known to voters in the district, having held elected office in the district for much of the past three decades. In 1993, he was elected mayor of Glen Cove, on Long Islands North Shore.

Republicans for their part have invested more than $3m trying to paint Mr Suozzi as on the extreme left.

During Thursdays debate, he poked fun at GOP efforts to cast him as aligned with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

(For) you to suggest that Im a member of the Squad is about as believable as you being a member of George Santos volleyball team, he said.

Ms Pilip has won endorsements from the Jewish Press, and the influential local paper, the North Shore Leader.

Mr Suozzi has the backing of the New York Daily News, and Newsday.

A wealthy, multicultural district

New Yorks 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nations fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish. The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

George who?

One thing is clear: New Yorks 3rd Congressional district is ready to move on from the embarrassment of the scandal-plagued, federally-indicted George Santos.

In December, Mr Santos became only the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from the House of Congress after the release of a damning House Ethics Committee report.

Two months earlier, he was charged with a host of fraud and dishonesty offences including embezzling money from his campaign and lying to Congress about his wealth.

A few quips aside, Mr Santos has been largely anonymous in debates and campaign speeches by the two candidates.

The key question is whether voters are ready to elect another unknown quantity in Ms Pilip.

Associated Press contributed to this report
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. General Director of "Turk-Ish" Trade Unions Confederation Ergun Atalay has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the snap presidential election, Trend reports.

Will be updated
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 senators vociferously defended President Joe Biden after a report by a special counsel hinted that the 81-year-old president had a declining memory  while Republicans called it a security risk.

The report by Robert Hur  former Donald Trump appointee and ex-Maryland US Attorney  concluded the President will not face charges for willfully holding onto documents after he left office as Barack Obamas vice president in January 2017. The report stated that the materials included files on military policy in Afghanistan and handwritten notes on national security.

The report suggested that a potential jury may perceive Mr Biden as an elderly man with a poor memory. Mr Hur also alleged that Mr Biden could neither recall the year his son died nor the years of his vice presidency.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania criticised the report and the fact it came from a Republican former US attorney.

Its actually not true, Mr Fetterman told The Independent. It was just cheap trash there and it was a hit from a Trump appointee.

Mr Fetterman said the report did not change the fact that the 2024 presidential election would be the same choice between former president Trump and Mr Biden.

And we have our files, he has his files, its all going to not change  thats going to be a very stark choice for America in 24, he said.

When the report dropped on Thursday, both White House Counsel Mr Bidens personal counsel criticised aspects of the report, particularly the passages alleging Mr Biden has a failing memory. In a Thursday evening press conference, Mr Biden hit back at the Republican prosecutors claims about his memory.

But in an unfortunate gaffe during that same press conference, Mr Biden mixed up Mexico and Egypt while discussing the Israel-Hamas war.

Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, said she has full confidence in Mr Bidens capabilities.

Unfortunately, the person who did this is a Trump appointee, who clearly, in my mind, has a political axe to grind, Ms Smith told The Independent.

Meanwhile, Republicans were not amused by the report. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana called Mr Bidens press conference depressing.

His memory is slipping, and hes going to be the leader of the free countries, he told The Independent. Im a doctor. This doesnt stay static. It gets worse over four years.

An NBC News poll released before the report dropped on Thursday showed that 62 per cent of registered voters consider Mr Biden not having the physical and mental health to be president to be a major concern.

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said that Mr Bidens declining memory is a national security risk.

Its a national security threat to the country because they read that same report in Beijing and Moscow and Tehran, Mr Rubio, the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota told The Independent that the report showed Mr Biden is not capable of doing the job.

Now everybody has to admit, and that is that the President committed a crime. Hes incompetent to stand trial, he said.

In a surprising move, Republican Senator Mitt Romney told reporters he didnt find anything out of the ordinary with Mr Bidens memory.

Ive interacted with the President, he said. I havent found anything particularly out of the ordinary in that regard.

President Trump said Nikki Haley multiple times instead of Nancy Pelosi, he continued. Recognize thats going to happen with a couple of guys soon to be in their 80s  or, one now.

Mr Romney, who is 76, specifically mentioned the need for a new generation of leaders when he announced last year that he would not seek a second term in the Senate.

The questions surrounding Mr Bidens mental acuity comes as he gears up for his fourth campaign for president in as many decades, a sign of how long he has served in US politics.

But Democratic Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a longtime friend of Mr Biden, defended him and said his memory remained sharp.

Not what I see, he told The Independent. I talk to the president on a regular basis and hes not only focused on priorities, but very clear about how to keep the country safe. So I know though I think Republicans will do what they do, but hes a strong commander-in-chief.
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 Frenchman has officially set a world record for the tallest matchbook sculpture with his 23.6ft model of the Eiffel Tower after initially being snubbed by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Richard Plaud said he had been on an emotional rollercoaster this week, after spending 4,200 hours over eight years on building his model from more than 706,000 matches and 23kg of glue.

Mr Plaud said in an earlier announcement that he was denied a world record by Guinness because officials said he used the wrong type of matches.

Guinness World Records initially told him he didnt make the cut as he hadnt used matches that were commercially available. Mr Plaud started off by using commercial matches, cutting the head off each. Tired of this tedious process, he asked the manufacturer if he could buy just the wooden sticks without the head, prompting Guinness to refuse his record.

But Guinness said on Friday it was too harsh on Mr Plaud. Mark McKinley from Guinness World Records said he was really excited to be able to approve it.

Were happy to be able to admit that we were a little bit too harsh on the type of matches needed in this attempt, and Richards attempt truly is officially amazing, he was quoted as saying by BBC.

We are therefore very happy to award Richard with the Guinness World Records title and we have corrected some inconsistencies within our rules which now allow the matchsticks to be snipped and shaped as the modeller sees fit, he said.

Mr McKinley added that Guinness regrets the distress that the last 24 hours will have caused on what should have been a moment for celebration for Richard.

The tallest matchstick sculpture is 7.18m (23ft 6in), achieved by Richard Plaud (France) in Saujon, Charente-Maritime, France, on 7 January 2024, reads the entry on the Guinness website.

Earlier, a disappointed Mr Plaud wrote on Facebook: The Guinness Book judges have delivered their verdict, without actually seeing my tower in real life.

BIG DISILLUSION, DISAPPOINTMENT AND INCOMPREHENSION, he continued. [They] tell me that the 706,900 rods stuck one by one are not matches!!?? And they are too cut to the point of being unrecognisable!!??

The artist then poked fun at the London-based organisation. Clearly, the English are really different he said, adding: No offence to the English.

Mr Plaud, who is from Montpellier-de-Medillan in western France, completed the tower on 27 December, according to reports.
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 }}

Panic spread through southern Gaza on Saturday after at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  were killed by Israeli airstrikes in the city of Rafah, as the population braces for a planned ground invasion of the city.

Rafah, on the southern border with Egypt, is the last remaining refuge for Gazas civilian population and one of the only areas yet to be the target of an Israeli ground offensive. It is normally home to around 280,000 people, but currently houses over half of Gazas population of 2.3 million.

Most are crammed into tents, makeshift shelters, schools or hospital grounds, having been uprooted multiple times by repeated Israeli evacuation orders as Israels military campaign has progressed across the strip over the past 4 months of war.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that he had ordered the military to prepare the dual evacuation and ground invasion plans for Rafah, raising questions over where exactly civilians could be evacuated to. More than two-thirds of Gaza are under evacuation orders, and vast swathes of the territory is in ruins.

Mr Netanyahus decision to publicly announce the invasion plans is likely to raise tensions between Israel and its closest ally the United States, which have already been running high in recent weeks. US officials have urged restraint in Israels military options, stating that an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to a disaster.

Homes destroyed in Rafah following Israeli airstrikes on Saturday (Getty)

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Mr Netanyahus office said Friday. On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

David Cameron, the British foreign secretary, said: Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah. Over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area. The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

Dutch foreign minister Hanke Bruins Slot said: Hard to see how large-scale military operations in such a densely populated area would not lead to many civilian casualties and a bigger humanitarian catastrophe. This is unjustifiable.

Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences, and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land. Another mediator, Qatar, warned of disaster if Israel carries out a Rafah offensive, and Saudi Arabia warned of very serious repercussions.

Yossi Mekelberg, an associate fellow at Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Programme, told The Independent: I think this is the last throw of the dice as far as this phase of the war against Hamas goes before the pressure mounts [over calls for a] ceasefire. My main worry is the price it is going to exact from the civilian population there.

NGOs working in the territory also warned of a bloodbath if Israeli troops move into Rafah. Over a dozen children were reportedly among the 44 killed in Saturdays airstrikes.

No war can be allowed in a gigantic refugee camp, said Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

There is a sense of growing anxiety, growing panic in Rafah, said Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Palestinian Refugee agency. People have no idea where to go.

The office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said: The Israeli occupations move threatens security and peace in the region and the world. This is a blatant violation of all red lines.

Jordans foreign minister Ayman Safadi wrote on X: An Israeli attack on 1.5 million Palestinians already facing inhumane conditions in Rafah will cause a massacre of innocent people.

A street in Rafah on Saturday after an Israeli airstrike (AP)

In the city of Khan Younis, slightly north of Rafah, Israeli forces continued intensive operations which have been ongoing since early December. The Palestinian Health Ministry stated the Israeli military had surrounded the Nasser Hospital, where over 450 patients, 300 medical staff and 10,000 people are sheltering.

Elsewhere, Palestinian and Lebanese officials said a senior Hamas official survived an assassination attempt in Lebanon on Saturday. Reports emerging from the country stated that an Israeli drone struck a car in the coastal town of Jadra, 49km (25 miles) north of the border, killing two passersby.

The Israel-Hamas war began after Hamas attack inside southern Israel on 7 October which saw around 1,100 people killed and around 240 taken back into Gaza as hostages. Israel responded by launching airstrikes, a blockade and a ground invasion of Gaza. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 28,000 people have been killed in the near four-month conflict.
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 }}

Netflixs new miniseries Griselda starring Sofia Vergara has viewers who can handle some serious gore hooked, and theres no shortage of deadly onscreen destinations to discover.

The six-part drama follows Colombian businesswoman turned drug trafficker the Cocaine Godmother Griselda Blanco and the Cartel de Medellin as they grow a Miami drug empire.

Though Griseldas world is immersed in the 1970s and 1980s retro Miami scene  once the cocaine capital of the United States  no sequences were filmed in the Floridian city.

Frames are reminiscent of retro 70s and 80s Miami (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

Executive producer of the trending series Eric Newman explained: We couldnt go to Miami because Miami looks nothing like, you know, pre-cocaine explosion Miami where our story is set.

We had to recreate it in Los Angeles.

The task fell on set director Kim Leonard to build stages of old-world Miami in Los Angeles, California and film frames as period-appropriate as possible.

Is the Mutiny nightclub real?

The East Coast criminal haunt was recreated in LA (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

Yes. The Mutiny Hotels members-only nightclub on Sailboat Bay was notorious as the illicit setting for drug kingpins to deal, trade and fearmonger, and Griselda was known to operate at the cocaine hotspot.

Picture bullet holes, gold cocaine spoons and hot tubs of Dom Perignon on your average Tuesday.

The era of anarchy came to an end in 1985 when the Mutiny closed its doors. It would remain shut for 14 years.

Exterior shots used an 80s hotel in the City of Industry, San Gabriel Valley (ELIZABETH MORRIS/NETFLIX)

As of 2024, the revamped hotel is open for guests visiting The Magic City, a palm-studded family-friendly hotel painted in shades of salmon that hide the scars from cartel customers past.

Art Deco recreations of the club in the retired Queen Mary ocean liner and exterior shots of an 80s hotel in the City of Industry in east LA were used to film scenes at the Mutiny.

Where was Griselda filmed?

The three Miami mansions that feature in the series are 1920s and 1930s homes in southern California, including a house in Benedict Canyon in place of Blancos Palm Beach retreat. They grow in size and garish opulence as Blanco flaunts her evolving wealth.

Blancos three Miami mansions were filmed in southern California (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

In the first episode, the diner where Griselda meets Chucho is the retro Astro Family Restaurant in Silver Lake  previously the backdrop of a Gucci campaign featuring Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto  and most of the series unidentified motels span Long Beach and Redondo Beach in place of Miamis golden swathes.

Elsewhere, the Dorothy Chandler penthouse at the Los Angeles Times Building sets the stage for drug lord Amilcars over-the-top apartment and Killingsworth House in Long Beach hosts Marta Ochoas Miami residence.

Dated red, olive and terracotta tones accent old-world sets (ELIZABETH MORRIS/NETFLIX)

Cadillacs cruise to the Casa Oceana mansion in Long Beach for Griseldas episode five party. And the setting for the famed Crown Liquors shoot-out of 1979? A transformed Sears department store in Cerritos.

Griselda is streaming on Netflix now.
Sir Ian McKellen has shared a ghostly encounter he experienced while waiting for a train in London

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show on Friday (9 November), the Dumbledore actor explained how he was often mistaken for Michael Gambons Lord Of The Rings character Gandalf.

Gambon sadly died in September last year at the age of 82.

Speaking on the BBC chat show, Sir Ian said: Last week I was waiting for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to take me back from the West End to home and a voice behind me said Are you, Michael Gambon?.

I said Michael Gambon is dead, and she said Yes I know, but are you, Michael Gambon?.
Police boats are searching the River Thames today (10 February), where alkali attack suspect Abdul Ezedi is believed to have gone into the river after allegedly throwing a caustic substance on his ex-partner in Clapham.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that police boat searches had commenced at low tide on Saturday morning near Chelsea Bridge and the surrounding area of the river.

Abdul Ezedi, 35, was last seen on Chelsea Bridge just before 11:30pm on 31 January - four hours after the attack in south London.
This is the moment a jealous former boyfriend and his friend plotted to stab his ex-girlfriend's new partner to death.

Kaydon Prior knifed Harrison Tomkins, 25, in the chest, legs, and back with a hunting knife in a brutal and frenzied attack in Crawley, on 13 August 2023.

His friend Jason Curtis, 22, encouraged and assisted Prior in the murder.

During a trial at Chichester Crown Court, jurors heard Prior, 23, was a jealous and controlling man who stormed into Alicia Parrins flat with Curtis, after hearing she had been out with another man.

Prior was on a night out with Curtis for his birthday in London, before the pair travelled to Ms Parrins address in Arthur Road, Ifield, at around 5.30am.

Prior and Curtis were found guilty of Mr Tomkins murder in unanimous verdicts.

They will be sentenced on 23 April at Hove Crown Court.
Kamala Harris defended Joe Biden after an unflattering report on his conduct was released by a Republican special prosecutor.

The report from Robert Hur, the former Maryland U.S. Attorney, questioned the Presidents ability to remember key moments and facts.

The Vice-President said the report and the comments made about the Presidents age and memory were gratuitous, inaccurate, and inappropriate.

Ms Harris remarked on her own experience as a prosecutor when discussing the report and called it clearly politically motivated.

And so, I will say that when it comes to the role and responsibility of a prosecutor in a situation like that, we should expect that there would be a higher level of integrity than what we saw, she added.
A man who launched petrol bombs towards a police station has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Voldemaras Rimasauskas, 31, threw three homemade bombs towards Huntingdon Police Station on 9 December 2022.

Footage of the incident captures the moment when the bombs were launched and engulfed the outside of the building in flames.

The bombs fell short of a window but caused significant scorch damage outside.

No injuries were reported despite three officers in the buildings rear office fearing for their lives as bottles flew towards where they were.
Piers Morgan continued his war of words with Prince Harry after his phone hacking claims against the Mirror group were settled.

The Duke of Sussex was awarded substantial damages in the claim, and hit out at the former Mirror editor, saying he knew perfectly well phones were being hacked.

Invading the privacy of the royal family is utterly reprehensible, on that I share Prince Harrys opinion, Mr Morgan responded on Friday.

I just wish hed stop doing it.

A judge ruled that Mr Morgan knew about and was involved in phone hacking, but he insists he had zero knowledge of articles published in his time as editor of the Daily Mirror that may have involved illegal information gathering.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. Russia will discuss the conditions of Russian peacekeepers' stay in Karabakh only with Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with TASS, Trend reports,.

"We resolve all arising concerns in a mutually acceptable manner. The extension of the Russian peacekeeping contingent's powers beyond November 2025 will rely on the situation in the region, the requirement for their continued presence, and appropriate agreements with Baku," he said.

To note, the Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed in Karabakh in response to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
People with the cards can still spend the full amount or balance remaining. Photo posed

Consumers with prepaid cards from a company that has had liquidators appointed to it by the High Court have been told they will still be able to use them for goods and services.

Provisional liquidators were appointed last month to PFS Card Services (Ireland) Limited (PCSIL), which is owned by Australian financial technology group EML Payments.

More than 2.4 million of its prepaid cards are in circulation across Europe, with a number of these in Ireland, although the exact number is unclear.

While owned by the same company, the more popular Perx card is not affected by the move to appoint liquidators and Perx cards are operating as normal.

PFS Card Services had liquidators appointed after an application to the court by the company itself.

Alison Donnelly, director of governance at consultancy company Fscom Ireland, said customers of PFS Card Services will be able to spend the amount loaded to their cards.

She said the money is available as the business is in a solvent wind-down and is still regulated in Ireland. It is an e-money institution authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Ms Donnelly said the liquidation is unique in the Irish payments sector.

We note that the business is in a solvent wind-down situation, which is important for the customers so they are not left without access to their funds and the ability to make payments. This is particularly true given many may rely on their e-money cards for day-to-day expenses.

Irelands regulatory rules mean every effort will be made to ensure customers can spend what is on the cards, she added.

The High Court was told the company holds 516m of segregated funds for its customers.

It lost 7.3m in 2022, is expected to confirm around 15m in losses for last year, and in the current financial year is projected to lose an additional 3.7m.

The Central Bank said it expects the firm will ensure customers interests are fully protected.

PFS Card Services was acquired by EML in 2020. While significant capital investment had been put into the company by its parent since 2020, the EML group was not prepared to invest further in the company, the court was told.

The company employs 144 people, 112 of them based at its facilities in Bray, Co Wicklow, and in Trim, Co Meath.
The playwright on the light and the dark in her writing, maternal loss, her new play Audrey or Sorrow and why she stays away from social media

By contrast, Carr in person is full of lightness and charm. She is tall and elegant and thoughtful. She lives with her husband, a social worker, and they have four kids ranging in age from 17 to 25, three of whom are now off pursuing studies and careers. She has had a full-time position as a lecturer in the School of English at DCU for over a decade. She walks her beloved dog Silky, a gorgeous mongrel, a bit of springer spaniel, a bit of labrador, and jet black, along the canal near where she lives in south Dublin. A quiet life, in her own words.
Barristers vexatious bid to sue High Court judge for defamation is dismissed as frivolous

Eugenie Houston took issue with Ms Justice Leonie Reynoldss handling of a previous dispute

Barrister Eugenie Houston accused the judge of stated misconduct and misfeasance of public office. Photo: Tom Burke

Shane Phelan Sat 10 Feb 2024 at 03:30

The High Court has dismissed as frivolous and vexatious a lawsuit taken by a barrister against a judge who ruled against her in an earlier case.
There were dozens of CCTV cameras, but no clue where she is  disappearance of Jean Tighe four years ago was plagued by confusion from the start
EXCLUSIVE | Convicted British sex trafficker goes on the run as it emerges he operated a handyman business in Dublin under fake name

David Archer, who moved to Ireland last year after being released from prison in Britan, fled when gardai tried to arrest him

Paul Williams on the hunt for David Archer

Paul Williams Sat 10 Feb 2024 at 03:30

A convicted sex trafficker who forced vulnerable women to work as prostitutes is on the run from gardai after it emerged he was operating a handyman business using a false name.
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The forced mass displacement of 1.5m people from Rafah in Gaza "can not be allowed to happen, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said in a statement.

It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced expanding military operations in Rafah and orders for the evacuation of the civilian population.

Mr Martin said this announcement poses a grave threat to approximately 1.5m Palestinians who shelter in this area, and must be condemned.

"I have repeatedly stressed that international humanitarian law imposes a clear obligation on all parties, to all conflicts, to ensure the protection of civilians, Tanaiste said.

"It is absolutely clear that a military operation in Rafah, which has effectively now become one of the largest and most overcrowded refugee camps in the world, would entail grave violations of international humanitarian law.

"It is also absolutely clear that ordering the evacuation of 1.5 million people, who have nowhere safe to go, risks mass forced displacement.

"This can not be allowed to happen, he added.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The Tanaiste said all countries, including all EU Member States, must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as there can be no further equivocation.

"Hamas must release all hostages immediately and unconditionally.

"Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be provided.

"Wholly inadequate humanitarian access over the last four months means that the UN estimates that 90pc of the population face acute food insecurity, with a serious risk of famine developing, Mr Martin said, describing this as unconscionable.

Mr Martin also called on other States to resume funding for UNRWA, as freezing funding might exacerbate these risks.

UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini is set to visit Dublin next week.

"I will discuss with him what further support Ireland can provide to UNRWAs essential work, Tanaiste added.

At least 28,064 Palestinians have been killed and 67,611 others injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, the health ministry in Gaza said in a statement on Saturday.

Israeli forces killed at least 117 Palestinians and injured 152 others over the past 24 hours in Gaza, the statement added.

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas on October 7 when they stormed settlements and murdered civilians.
Friends, family and politicians from across the political spectrum came to pay tribute and make their final farewells to man who was part of a changing Ireland and played a vital role in that change

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks with John Bruton's widow Finola before the coffin of the former taoiseach is interred at Rooske Cemetery in Dunboyne. Picture by Julien Behal

Members of the public seated outside to watch a video feed of the state funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton at St Peter and Pauls Church, Dunboyne, Co Meath. Photo: Julien Behal/Government Information Service

President Michael D Higgins talks to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at former taoiseach John Bruton's funeral mass in St Peter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Photo: Julien Behal/Government Information Service

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill arrive at St Peter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne for John Bruton's funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

Former taoisigh, Brian Cowen, left and Bertie Ahern, right, with former Fianna Fail politician Donie Cassidy (middle) at the state funeral of John Bruton at St Peter and Paul's Church, in Dunboyne. Photo: Julien Behal/ via Reuters

The remains of former taoiseach John Bruton are taken from Saint Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne following his funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

John Bruton's wife Finola, son Matthew (to her left) and brother Richard (behind Mrs Bruton) and extended family members attend the state funeral of the former taoiseach at St Peter and Paul's Church, in Dunboyne, Co Meath Photo: Julien Behal/via Reuters

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny arrives for the service at Saints Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Picture by Gerry Mooney

John Bruton's brother and Dublin Bay North TD Richard Bruton arrives for the funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

A military guard of honour for the remains of former taoiseach John Bruton as they are taken from St Peter's Church in Dunboyne following his funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

Finola Bruton follows the remains of her husband, former taoiseach John Bruton, as they are taken from St Peter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne following his funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

As people came together for a final time in Co Meath to pay tribute to former taoiseach John Bruton, he was remembered as a unifying figure, someone who could find compromise and bring together those who differ.

Crowds had started to gather at St Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne in the hours before the 11am funeral mass.

They stood in mournful silence with Mr Brutons wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, brother Richard, sister Mary and his grandchildren.

John Bruton's wife Finola, son Matthew (to her left) and brother Richard (behind Mrs Bruton) and extended family members attend the state funeral of the former taoiseach at St Peter and Paul's Church, in Dunboyne, Co Meath Photo: Julien Behal/via Reuters

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny said he came to remember a friend. The pair spent three decades working side-by-side in Dail Eireann.

He had the greatest and deepest respect for his office, Mr Kenny said.

He had a restless mind, always wanted to try new concepts and made decisions about new issues in a changing Ireland, and he was very conscious of that.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gives a graveside oration at the funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton

He was a friend of mine for 50 years and I feel that deeply. But for Finola and his family it is the passing of an era, a dad and husband. A friend of Dunboyne, proud to represent the royal county and especially proud of his participation at a European level.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who succeeded Mr Bruton to take that office, said it was a sad day. He remembered attending House of Commons debates on Brexit with Mr Bruton in recent years.

He was a good guy, a decent person and a good politician who worked extremely hard and served the country well, Mr Ahern added. Another former taoiseach, Brian Cowen was also in attendance.

Former taoisigh, Brian Cowen, left and Bertie Ahern, right, with former Fianna Fail politician Donie Cassidy (middle) at the state funeral of John Bruton at St Peter and Paul's Church, in Dunboyne. Photo: Julien Behal/ via Reuters

Among the congregation were President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and others who served with Mr Bruton, including Michael Noonan and Ivan Yates, who he respectively appointed to the Health and Agriculture portfolios in 1994.

There were past and present members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary party, including Ministers Helen McEntee, Simon Harris, Paschal Donohoe, Simon Coveney and Hildegarde Naughton, TDs Damien English, Michael Ring, Paul Kehoe, and Charlie Flanagan, MEP Maria Walsh, European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and former EU commissioner Phil Hogan.

Alan Dukes, who was succeeded as Fine Gael leader by Mr Bruton, was among other party grandees.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill arrived with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Ms ONeill and deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly spoke briefly with members of the Irish Government before the service got under way.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill arrive at St Peter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne for John Bruton's funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

Labour leader Ivana Bacik and the partys former leaders, Joan Burton and Pat Rabbitte also paid their respects.

Members of the diplomatic corps included British Ambassador Paul Johnston. Among the seasoned journalists in attendance were Vincent Browne and Eoghan Harris.

Others came knowing the gathering would be too large for everyone to congregate in the churchs nave but were happy to remain outside intent they would get to pay final respects to a man who served their community as a Meath TD for 35 years, three of them as taoiseach. He was leader of Fine Gael for more than a decade, and later went on to serve as EUs Ambassador to the US.

Big screens, speakers and seating was set up outside for those who had come to say farewell.

Members of the public seated outside to watch a video feed of the state funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton at St Peter and Pauls Church, Dunboyne, Co Meath. Photo: Julien Behal/Government Information Service

Inside the church there was a warm embrace for Mr Brutons brother Richard, a sitting Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North, from Mr Varadkar as he, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan offered condolences to the Bruton family on behalf of the Government before the requiem funeral mass.

Chief celebrant Fr Pat OConnor said the service would be one of sadness and thanksgiving before Mr Brutons grandchildren Oliver and Robin brought gifts to the altar.

The brothers carried family photographs to represent how those close to him were at the centre of their grandfathers life. They also brought a copy of Mr Brutons book Faith in Politics to symbolise his lengthy career and political passion.

The congregation heard Mr Bruton had a great and thoughtful religious faith. Fr OConnor said he had been a frequent visitor to this church.

In his homily, Fr Bruce Bradley also reflected on Mr Brutons faith, and how the tributes paid to him in recent days were unanimously warm.

Courage, integrity, decency  the words recur again and again, Fr OConnor added.

He understood better than most how to work for compromise in the midst of political tensions. He was in no sense a bigot. He understood the obligations of office in a pluralist democracy, as he showed in supporting the divorce referendum.

In all his interactions, with those who shared his outlook as well as with those who did not, he showed a capacity to stand in the other persons shoes, a quality of particular importance in the discussions and negotiations with Northern unionists as well as in the very successful management of the Rainbow Coalition when he was taoiseach.

Irish president Michael D Higgins arrives in Dunboyne for state funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton

Prayers of the faithful were read by Richard Bruton and his sister Mary, Caroline Gill, David Clarke, John Brutons close friend Matthew Dempsey, former attorney general Dermot Gleeson and Mary Coogan.

Richard Bruton prayed for his brother, Mary Bruton prayed for thanksgiving while other prayers were offered for the Bruton family and healthcare professionals at the Mater Hospital who assisted Mr Bruton through illness.

Mr Brutons daughter Emily read Henry Scott Hollands poem Death is Nothing at All as the reflection after communion.

Outside, 180 military personnel played a role in the state funeral.

The remains of former taoiseach John Bruton are taken from Saint Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne following his funeral mass. Picture by Gerry Mooney

Mr Brutons coffin was then carried by gun carriage and 50 uniformed pall bearers from St Peter and Pauls church to Rooske Cemetery for burial.

There, at 2.20pm, John Bruton made his final journey through Meaths countryside and across the graveyard. Dogs at a nearby farmyard who had been barking for much of the afternoon were hushed before pall bearers removed the Tricolour from the coffin and presented it to Mr Brutons wife. A graveside oration was given by Mr Varadkar.

He remembered the first phone call he received from Mr Bruton in 1999 before running in his first election and how it meant even more when he called a second time after he heard I hadnt been elected, encouraging me to stay involved and to stay the course.

The Taoiseach remembered Mr Bruton as an inspirational man of hope and faith.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks with John Bruton's widow Finola before the coffin of the former taoiseach is interred at Rooske Cemetery in Dunboyne. Picture by Julien Behal

John loved Meath. He was grounded in the land around us. He understood farmers  small and large  and cared deeply about the future of rural Ireland.

He loved politics and believed it was the best way to achieve real and lasting change for the good. His core principle was that every person counts and he put that into action in every single role and office he held.

John was a man of ideas, and his greatest idea was that we could arrest our decline, and become a prosperous, successful country. His drive and optimism helped make that vision a reality.

John Bruton did so much more than simply give an account of himself.

He changed Ireland and he changed it considerably for the better. He changed us for the better too.

John Bruton was born in Dublin in May 1947 into a family of prosperous farmers. He attended Clongowes Wood College in Co Kildare as a boarder before going on to study at University College Dublin. He graduated with a BA in Arts and later qualified as a barrister after studying at the Kings Inns but Mr Bruton never practised at the bar.

His passion was for politics.

His family were Fine Gael supporters and Mr Bruton won a nomination for the party in 1969. He was elected to the Dail to represent Meath, ousting Denis Farrelly, the sitting Fine Gael TD in the process. Mr Bruton was 22 years old and was the youngest TD at the time. He was re-elected another 10 times. He became Fine Gael leader in 1990, a role he held for 11 years.

John Brutons grandson Oliver adds soil to the grave. Photo: Julien Behal

In December 1994 Mr Bruton achieved another unique distinction, becoming the only person to succeed to the Taoiseachs office because of a change in government without an election when he persuaded Labour to end its coalition with Fianna Fail and form a new coalition with Fine Gael and Democratic Left  the Rainbow government.

Fine Gael gained nine seats at the next election but heavy Labour losses left Mr Bruton short of support for a new coalition. He returned to Opposition. He resigned his Dail seat in October 2004 before becoming the EU Ambassador to the US, a post he held for five years.

He died aged 76 last Tuesday, at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, following a long illness.
Irish president Michael D Higgins arrives in Dunboyne for state funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid a personal tribute to his late colleague John Bruton at his State funeral in Dunboyne, Co Meath, today.

"There are three things that last: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love, Mr Varadkar said at the graveside of the former Taoiseach, who he described as our once and always leader.

The words of St. Paul to the Corinthians have a special resonance today as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague - our once and always leader - John Bruton.

This is our opportunity to pay tribute to a statesman of unshakeable integrity and moral conviction who led our country with distinction at home and on the world stage, Mr Varadkar said.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said John Brutons life was defined by love.

Love of family, love of county, love of politics, love of our party, love of country, he continued.

The centre of his life was Finola, and their children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth.

Later, he found so much love and joy with his grandchildren, Ophelia, Hugo, Oliver and Robin.

We offer you our deepest condolences, and also extend them to his brother Richard, our colleague and friend, and his sister Mary.

The late Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach John Bruton. Photo: PA

Mr Varadkar spoke about Johns love for Meath  how he understood farmers and cared for the future of rural Ireland - as he also mentioned Johns love for politics.

His core principle was that every person counts and he put that into action in every single role and office he held.

Mr Varadkar also remembered working with his late colleague in Fine Gael.

He loved Fine Gael, even when we disappointed him, he said.

In 1999, I was thrilled to receive a phone call from him when I was running in my first election.

It meant a lot at the time, but it meant even more when he called a second time after he heard I hadnt been elected, encouraging me to stay involved and to stay the course.

He told me  Your time will come, dont give up, fall forward.

A couple of years later, I travelled to Berlin to attend my first EPP Congress, and my fellow youth delegates from other countries were astonished that the party leader not only knew my name, but was happy to come and chat with us and share our plate of cocktail sausages, he said.

Mr Varadkar described John as his inspiration throughout his career.

There was so much that I looked to his example for guidance, including how it was possible to lead a three-party Government successfully and to keep it together.

He also highlighted John Brutons noble, true and modern patriotism and love for Ireland.

John loved Ireland, and it was a real love, not defined by dislike or fear of others, but by a genuine love of our country and what we could be.

When others sullied our flag by carrying out terrorist atrocities in its name, John was a beacon of courage and integrity who offered a vision of an inclusive and peaceful island.

Today we miss John terribly and would give anything to hear his great, booming laugh one last time.

John Bruton did so much more than simply give an account of himself.

He changed Ireland and he changed it considerably for the better. He changed us for the better too.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal agus dilis. Slan agus beannacht, a sheanchara, he said.

President Michael D. Higgins, arrives for the the state funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton. Photo: Brian Lawless/pa.

The State funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton was attended by Irish president Michael D Higgins and many other political figures at Saints Peter and Pauls Church.

Mr Brutons wife Finola, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren and his brother  former minister Richard Bruton  were also in attendance.

Mr Bruton, the Fine Gael leader who was Taoiseach of the rainbow coalition government between 1994 and 1997, died on Tuesday aged 76. He died surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with Irish soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours will be given at the graveside.

Soldiers dressed Mr Brutons coffin at the family home ahead of the removal mass on Friday.

In the homily, Father Bruce Bradley described Mr Bruton as an exceptionally good man.

John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain, as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth.

Fr Bradley mentioned some of the most significant accomplishments in John Bruton's political career, such as the start of his political career at the early age of 22, the leadership of his party, Rainbow Coalition, and his time as the EU ambassador to the United States.

Mourners watch the funeral of John Bruton outside the church in Dunboyne. Photo: Damien Eagers.

"He lived in an increasingly large universe, acquiring a perceptive understanding of European and global politics," he said.

Fr Bradley added John Bruton was a "very gifted and genuinely very likeable man who enjoyed a very successful career".

"We gather this morning in sadness and intense grieving, with Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, Mary-Elizabeth," Chief Celebrant Fr Pat O'Connor said.

Two of John's grandchildren brought two symbols of John's life to the table in front of the altar: a family photograph, as his family was "the centre of John's life" and his book "Faith in Politics".

Mourners at St Peter and Paul's Church can see a picture of Padre Pio painted by John's daughter, Emily Bruton Inieko. She also painted a picture of her father on the back of today's funeral booklet.

Emily Bruton Inieko is also reading today's reflection - "Death is Nothing at All" by Henry Scott Holland.

Tanaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin (centre), arrives for the the state funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton at Saints Peter's and Paul's Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister Jack Chambers and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue are among those in attendance, and parliamentary ushers are also among the mourners.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were among those in attendance at the service.

First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill (left) walks with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly, as they arrive for the state funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton (Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Richard Bruton, Mary Bruton, Caroline Gill, David Clarke, Matthew Dempsey, Dermot Gleeson and Mary Coonan speak during the Prayers of the Faithful.

"John has been always profoundly grateful to Fiona and the family for the careful care and loving attention which they have given to him," David Clarke said in a prayer.

Two of John's grandchildren Ophelia (7) and Hugo Bruton-Dubois, both children of Juliana Bruton-Dubois, presented the bread and wine to the altar.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said Saints Peter and Pauls Church had been important to Mr Bruton, and they had met at Sunday masses.

Faith was important to him and the Christian ideal, Bishop Deenihan said, adding that aspects of the late taoiseachs religious beliefs informed his political thinking.

He was not, and rightly so, an advocate of a theocracy but was, in the best sense of the term, a Christian democrat.

The Christian principles of co-operation, dialogue, equity and respect  central to the teachings of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount  are also evidenced in his work in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe.

The bishop said the praise given to Mr Bruton since his death that he was a decent man is the supreme accolade in rural Ireland.

"We commend John to God with our praise and prayers. Like Shakespeare's Othello, he has done the state some service but Saint Paul puts it better, the life and death of each of us has its influence on others," mourners heard.

The pallbearer party has begun the funeral procession and members of the Defence Forces have carried Mr Brutons coffin from the church. Pallbearers are followed by John Bruton's family.

The late Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach John Bruton. Photo: PA

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who won the 1997 Irish election that would deny John Bruton a second term in government, said the former premier had an extraordinary career.

I served with John for over 40 years in one form or another, from being in the Dail and out of the Dail, Mr Ahern told reporters.

He was a good guy, a decent person, a good politician, he worked extremely hard and served the country well.

He said the main focus on Saturday is family, adding Mr Bruton and wife Finola were always together.

Even in recent years, when we were over in the House of Commons during the Brexit debate, shed always be there and shed sit through the boring debates that John and myself would have with Brexiteers.

So todays very tough for them and I think they will miss him greatly, more than anybody.

I think he served us so well, and I think he did so many jobs at home and abroad, I had a lot of dealings with him when I was Taoiseach, when he was EU ambassador to Washington and he worked incredibly hard, and because hes representing (the EU), and I suppose thats an even bigger job than when youre doing it at home, because youre representing the whole of Europe.

And of course, he served so many jobs at home. So I think that hes had an extraordinary career and a long one  Im sure they would have preferred it was even longer again.

John Bruton hailed a great statesman at removal mass in Co Meath
Irelands leading religious publisher, Veritas, which operates seven retail shops across the country selling religious publications and religious goods, has announced it will close by the end of the year with the loss of up to 80 jobs.

In a statement on Friday, Chris Queenan, Chair of the Board of Veritas, which is owned by the Irish Catholic Bishops, said the decision had been taken to commence an orderly wind down following a strategic review.

He explained that Veritas has seen a significant and sustained downturn in its business in recent years. He blamed the ever-changing market, societal dynamics, and evolving shopper habits which he said had impacted both the competitiveness and commercial viability of the business.

The announcement underscores the decline in catholic fortunes in Ireland in recent years, where the fall in vocations has been matched by lower mass attendances and this in turn has seen lower income from weekly mass collections. Religious publishing has suffered too.

According to Mr Queenan, the wind down of Veritas, including the closure of its seven shops and its warehouse facility will be done with the assistance of a loan from the Irish bishops.

A spokesperson told the Irish Independent that a consultation process is getting underway with the 80 employees.

One source said: It is a huge shock. We were sure what was coming would be bad but nobody thought it would be this bad.

There seems little hope for any jobs to be salvaged. Employees will be offered redundancy and assistance in finding alternative employment.

Chris Queenan said the alternative of a restructuring process would not mitigate the challenges that exist or sufficiently improve the commercial prospects of the business.

Responding to the news, the Catholic bishops said the closure represented a great loss to the Church in Ireland.

We understand that Veritas has made this very difficult decision following a number of years of challenging trading conditions, but todays announcement brings especially sad news for Veritas employees as well as the many customers and friends of Veritas throughout the country and beyond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are directly impacted by today's announcement, the bishops stated.

The decision means the bishops will have to find an alternative outlet for flagship Veritas titles such as the Grow in Love series, which is part of the syllabus for many primary schools across the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the snap presidential election, Trend reports.

The Sultan of Oman extended his sincere congratulations and best regards to the President of Azerbaijan and wished him robust health.

Haitham bin Tariq Al Said wished President Ilham Aliyev success on the path to progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Azerbaijan, and expressed hope that friendly relations between the two countries will continue to develop and strengthen.
Housing supply in regional counties is falling ever more behind the east coast, with vast disparities in new home starts in the last few years.

One expert said the Governments aim of balanced regional development looks impossible and that Ireland is at risk of becoming a city state like Luxembourg.

While housing is in short supply almost everywhere, house-hunters outside Dublin and its commuter belt have even less chance of finding a home than their east coast counterparts.

Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show the top-performing local authority area, South Dublin, had one new housing unit started for every 83 people living there last year.

The worst performer, Roscommon, had only one for every 648 people.

Over the past three years, the counties that most frequently featured in the top 10 were Dublin city, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare, Louth, Laois and the outlier, Cork County.

Longford, Roscommon, Tipperary, Leitrim, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Cavan and Clare featured most frequently in the bottom 10.

Its a chicken and egg situation, said Michelle Murphy, a policy analyst with the Social Justice Ireland think-tank, who relocated from Dublin to Donegal in the last few years.

I dont know if all the house-building goes to the eastern seaboard because thats where the demand is, or if thats where demand presents because thats where the homes are being built.

But I do know the radio programmes I listen to here and newspapers I read locally are full of stories about people needing housing.

Professor Padraic Kenna, director of the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at University of Galway, agrees.

Its not a shortage of demand, because theres demand everywhere around the country, he said. And its not a shortage of money, because when you look at the number of first-time mortgages drawn down, its as high as at the height of the Celtic Tiger.

There are complex dynamics going on at the core of the construction industry. It doesnt make decisions on the basis of population density.

Whatever the dynamics, the result is clear. According to CSO figures quoted by the Department of Housing, housing completions (these differ slightly from commencements) last year grew by 21.9pc in Dublin and 32.2pc in the midlands.

They rose by just 8.3pc in the south-east, 5.4pc in the west and 1.2pc in the south-west.

In the mid-west region there was a decline of 1.4pc and the border region had a fall of 1.7pc.

The rate of decline is decreasing at a regional level, the department said.

Maybe so, but the concentration of homes on the eastern seaboard will not be diluted any time soon.

Dr Lorcan Sirr, senior lecturer in housing at Technological University Dublin, has crunched more numbers.

In Co Dublin, in the four local authorities, youve got 28.5pc of the population living on 1.3pc of the land, he said. In the greater Dublin area, which includes your commuter belt counties Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, you have 41pc of the population living on 9.5pc of the land.

In Co Galway, you have 5pc of the population living on 9pc of the land. In Connaught, youve got 11pc of the population living on 25pc of the land.

Development is so very heavily weighted on the east coast  how are you going to rebalance this lop-sided country?

The country has gone so far down the line of becoming a city state like Luxembourg that Dublin is now like a bowling ball and everywhere else is like marbles.

Balanced regional development is a politically convenient concept, but nearly impossible to achieve.

The difference between impossible and nearly impossible?

One hundred years, Dr Sirr said. I think it would be a 100-year project.

We should be 20 years into that project, as the National Spatial Strategy was devised in 2002 to achieve more balanced regional development. It did not have the desired effect.

The National Development Plan and National Planning Framework state similar objectives, but their first versions were published in 2018 and evidence of progress is slim.

Prof Kenna believes the construction industry seems almost immune from all kinds of policy decisions.

You can zone [for housing], but the local authority has no power to make people build, he said. You can have a great county development plan that tells you exactly how many houses you need, but to get them delivered? Thats the weak link.

When the Irish Home Builders Association was asked what policies would boost housing supply in regional counties, director Conor OConnell said trends were already improving.

All regions are now experiencing an increase in both completions and commencements, he said in a statement, although this contradicts the CSO figures. Some of the largest percentage increases are occurring in counties outside the main urban centres. For example, Westmeath, which up until recent times saw little housing construction activity.

Mr OConnell said government initiatives such as Housing For All, Project Tosaigh, Croi Conaithe and rebates for development contributions and water connections are working

Many of these are in their infancy, but are yielding an increase in housing output, he said.

However, Dr Sirr has doubts about their efficacy. Croi Conaithe is too restrictive, he said, requiring a density and height of development beyond the experience and reach of most small and medium building firms operating in the regions. He is also concerned that the rebate scheme may give a false impression of commencements.

What you have people doing is getting a commencement notice which costs 30 and lasts for ever to avail of the exemption without necessarily intending to develop, he said.

They can put a man with a shovel on site to dig a hole within 28 days to commence work, but then sit on the site and sell it on when the market suits.

It will take time to see whether that ploy proves widespread.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has seen enough of Irelands attempts at balanced regional development to know it is not working.

In a report published last December, it said the imbalance in regional development was matched by uneven governance.

Policy development on issues of local and regional concern  the most pressing of which are investment in housing and transport infrastructure  largely takes place in Irelands capital city, Dublin, where much of the central government public sector is located, it said.

It also highlighted one event that fed into its analysis.

A local authority presentation in Sligo noted that the National Planning Framework targets are impressive and benefit the region  but the delivery has been weak. For example, in the last year, about 170 units were built versus a need for closer to 600 to meet NPF targets.

Despite the quality-of-life advantages that Co Sligo boasts, there is simply limited choice and, as a result, high prices for potential newcomers seeking a place to live.

The Department of Housing insisted the NPF would see substantial growth occurring in the southern and northern and western regions.

It said the various schemes already mentioned, plus the Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, would all yield results.

Ms Murphy of Social Justice Ireland said she is worried the results would not come fast enough or be as substantial as needed.

Schemes like the vacant homes initiative are quite limited. The scale of work needed on most vacant homes is so great that the grants dont help much, she said

She pointed out that current rural housing guidelines are 20 years old and a revised version promised since 2017 has still not been published.

We need those guidelines. It would give more certainty to builders and it might get them looking more favourably on the regional market, she said. If you really want balanced regional development, people have to have somewhere to live.
Suspect charged in connection with violent death of man in Kildare apartment

A man arrested in connection with the violent death of another man in a Kildare apartment has been charged and is expected to appear before a special sitting of Naas District Court this afternoon.

The man was arrested on Thursday, February 8 as part of the investigation.

The 40-year-old criminal, who was previously himself the victim of a highly publicised crime, had been held on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Jackson (50), who was stabbed to death at an apartment in Kilcock on Thursday afternoon.

The victim, who is originally from Cedar Park in Leixlip was found with multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene in shortly after 4pm on Thursday.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the inquiry, while a family liaison officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of the victim.

A garda spokesperson said: A man in his 40s arrested on Thursday, February 8 as part of this investigation has been charged and is expected to appear before a special sitting of Naas District Court at 4pm this afternoon.
Atlantic Ocean circulation could be on course to tipping point, study suggests (Peter Byrne/PA)

A large and vital system of ocean currents that helps maintain the worlds climate may already be on course to a tipping point, according to scientists.

Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), this network of deep and surface currents help keep temperatures milder in the UK and Western Europe compared to other regions at similar latitudes  such as parts of eastern Canada as well as Siberia.

Scientists say a breakdown of this system could potentially plunge the UK and large parts of the Northern Hemisphere into a new ice age  an outcome that was dramatised in the 2004 Hollywood blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow.

It would also disrupt rainfall that billions rely on for agriculture, cause sea levels to rise in many parts of the world and lead to changes in weather patterns with significant impacts on ecosystems and human societies.

Dr Rene van Westen, a postdoctoral researcher in climate physics at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, said: Cooler temperatures over Europe may seem positive, but the repercussions are far-reaching, with other regions experiencing accelerated warming and altered precipitation patterns.

Additionally, a 100cm rise in European sea levels is projected due to the abrupt ocean circulation collapse.

The Amoc plays a key role in regulating Earths climate by transporting heat from the Equator towards the Poles.

But as global temperatures rise due to warming, freshwater is pouring into the system from the melting ice from Antarctica, Greenland and other sources, risking disruption to the circulation patterns that drive the Amoc.

Dr Van Westen, along with a team of researchers at Utrecht University, designed a simulation where they gradually introduced surface freshwater over the course of 2,200 model years.

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, showed a gradual decline of the Amoc over 1700 model years, followed by an abrupt tipping event beginning around the year 1758 and lasting for about a century.

Simulations showed that during this time, the European climate cooled by about 1C per decade, with regions experiencing over 3C cooling per decade.

The researchers said that comparing these figures to the current global warming rate of 0.2C per decade underscores the devastating impact an Amoc tipping event could have on the planet.

Dr Van Westen said: Once the Atlantic Ocean circulation collapses, the resulting climate impacts are nearly irreversible on human timescales, as our earlier research has shown.

Staying clear of this tipping point is imperative for avoiding devastating consequences on climate, society, and the environment.

(Alamy/PA)

The researchers said that while current observational records are too short to make a reliable estimation, there are early warning indicators suggesting we are moving in the direction of the tipping point.

The team also said it also found a new way to detect an early warning signal for the collapse of the Amoc  a minimum of freshwater transport occurring at 34 degrees south of the Equator in the Atlantic.

Commenting on the study, Professor Tim Lenton, director of the Global Systems Institute at University of Exeter, said: The research makes a convincing case that the Amoc is approaching a tipping point based on a robust, physically-based early warning indicator.

What it cannot  and does not  say is how close the tipping point, because as it shows that there is insufficient data to make a statistically reliable estimate of that.

We have to plan for the worst.

We should invest in collecting relevant data and improving estimation of how close a tipping point is, improving assessment of what its impacts would be, and getting pre-prepared for how we could best manage and adapt to those impacts if they start to unfold.

Professor Jon Robson, research fellow at the University of Readings National Centre for Atmospheric Science, said that although climate models can simulate such abrupt Amoc weakening events, it is important to keep in mind that the current study is based on only one imperfect climate model.

He said: We need to see if this freshwater diagnostic is really a robust early warning indicator of abrupt Amoc changes.
In Brussels, a Flemish colleague once told me of the French-speaking Catholic bishop who publicly insisted that Jesus cannot speak Dutch.

He was recounting the language rights battles that had waxed and waned for almost 500 years and polarised Belgians in the mid-1960s. But there was a nice twist to his tale.
John Bruton was much more suited to the global ambassador role than to the short-term cynicism of Irish politics

John Bruton was a great man for his lunches. He ate his dinner in the middle of the day. And plenty of it too.
Theres good news for east Cork commuters with news of progress concerning the proposed N25 relief road for Castlemartyr and Killeagh.

The Department of Transport has given the green light to the N25 upgrade scheme to appoint a design consultant to a new road connecting Midleton and Youghal.

This will be a major milestone for east Cork as the section via Killeagh and Castlemartyr is well-known for major traffic delays and a number of accidents.

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

This will help to address congestion, and improve road safety on what is one of the most dangerous sections of road in the country, said Fianna Fail Transport Spokesperson and TD for Cork East, James OConnor.

I have consistently been campaigning for this relief road since my election to Cork County Council and the emergency meeting I had in October 2021 with An Taoiseach, the Minister for Public Expenditure and the Minister for Transport, Deputy O Connor added.

Also in the pipeline is a new line footpath in Youghal, connecting Summerfield Cross to Pobalscoil na Trionoide.

Following meetings with the National Transport Authority, 150,000 of funding will be provided to Cork County Council for active travel to start this project with more funds to be allocated during the year.

The N25 relief road is expected to make significant travel time reductions, with the road currently operating over capacity and roughly over 19,000 vehicles per day travel through Castlemartyr on busy days.

The design and construction of the N25 relief road could still take years to complete pending planning approval, but Deputy OConnor says he promises to campaign for this project until the completion.
Galway man Larry Griffin and Irish-American Megan Harty recently opened The Hungry Leprechaun and its already a huge success

A Galway man and his Irish-American partner are creating and sating a new-found demand for fast Irish cuisine in Californias Bay Area through their new food truck business The Hungry Leprechaun.

Larry Griffin, from Cloch Mor  a small village not far from Ros an Mhil in Galway  moved to the United States 12 years ago and now lives in San Francisco, California.

In the US Larry, who owns a concrete company, met his girlfriend Megan Harty, an American school teacher who also has a strong Irish background as her father is from County Tipperary and her mother is adopted from County Cork.

Together, the couple recently decided to bring the best of the Irish food tradition to San Francisco.

Megan explained: We basically saw a need for it in the Bay area, we kind of just decided to do it, and go for it.

I wanted to call it the Paddy Wagon originally, but I dont think a lot of Americans would have gotten the humour as much as the Irish

After buying a truck from a couple that used it to make pasta, the duo chose the name The Hungry Leprechaun as Larry explained: I wanted to call it the Paddy Wagon originally, but I dont think a lot of Americans would have gotten the humour as much as the Irish.

Then, they had an Irish priest bless the truck and asked an Irish designer from overseas  Clare man Ian Malone - to design their logo.

Finally, in November 2023 everything was ready so the couple and their team officially opened The Hungry Leprechaun for the first time, and with a very Irish menu.

Megan said: Were very blessed with a great team. We have a wonderful chef, he has a nice diverse background, and hes very thoughtful about picking his ingredients. We kind of told him what we wanted to do, and he kind of took our menu and helped us really take it to the next level.

Larry added: We wanted to keep it as Irish fast food as we could so all your local chippers in Ireland are gonna have fish and chips, sausage and chips, curry fries, taco fries, garlic and cheese chips and burgers, chicken sandwich, so we wanted to keep it on that. But every Thursday when were out we do a special, so you have your Guinness Irish stew, your Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and all that. We want to keep it as Irish as we can.

Megan said: Its definitely a lot of work, and we are learning as we go, we are improving week by week, weve been very busy, making adjustments and learning.

We didnt expect to be this busy, I think on our first day we served over 350 people

Its a lot of work, but we definitely knew that going in, we shook hands and said that it is going to be one year of a lot of work, but I think were both having fun and were really enjoying it, its something different for us, its challenging but in a good way.

And Hungry Leprechaun immediately became popular in the area as the food truck is also available for private parties, weddings, birthdays and more.

Follow Independent Galway on Facebook

The team got so busy that they even had to cancel their December holidays as they got super slammed with Christmas party requests.

Larry said: We didnt expect to be this busy, I think on our first day we served over 350 people, and then we were in the Irish cultural centre a few weeks ago, they had a dancing sesh on and we had ran out of food by 8.30 that night, we were there from 10am.

It was absolutely milling rain in the evening, we still had a queue of people still trying to get the food

We sold absolutely everything by 8.30pm and it was absolutely milling rain in the evening, we still had a queue of people still trying to get the food.

And the couple has no intention to stop as Megan said: we really look forward to seeing where this takes us and were very, very grateful, a huge thank you to all our friends and family and everybody who has come out and supported us on our first few weeks, it really means a lot.
A Longford man is to be sentenced in July after pleading guilty to attempting to run over his first cousin two years after being jailed for leaving his victim with a broken leg in a separate feud related attack.

Eamon Stokes (23) of 66 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford tendered a guilty plea at a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court today (Friday) to endangerment on October 31, 2021 at Longford Road, Granard, Co Longford.

Stokes, who is in custody in the Midlands Prison, stood with his hands clasped behind his back as details relating to the incident were relayed before Judge Kenneth Connolly.

The court was told Stokes intentionally or recklessly drove a vehicle at Gerard Donohue on the date in question that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

A second charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm, the court heard, was to be taken into consideration as part of the arraignment while the State had decided not to pursue an attempt to cause serious harm charge.

Eamon Stokes will be sentenced in July.

The case comes barely two years since Stokes was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and possession of a hatchet while a further six months was activated from an existing suspended sentence.

That came following a hit and run attack on Mr Donohue at Pound Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on January 7, 2019 that left him victim with a broken leg.

Stokes was the front seat passenger in a Fiat Punto driven by co-accused Alan Whelan, 65 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford, that ploughed into the Longford man moments after he left a nearby post office.

Whelan was sentenced to six years, with the final 18 months suspended for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.

Defence counsel Michael OHiggins sought the preparation of a governors report to be readied for the court ahead of his clients sentencing in July.

A victim impact statement, the court heard, would similarly be undertaken.

Stokes was remanded in custody to appear back for sentencing at a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on July 9.
Ed Speleers as James Thomas and Lindsay Lohan as Maddie Kelly. Cr. Netflix  2024

Lindsay Lohans newest movie which was partially filmed in County Mayo is set to be released by Netflix next month.

Irish Wish will be released on March 15, just in time for St Patricks Day.

The movie star was spotted filming the movie in Westport, County Mayo in September 2022.

Around 200 crew members descended on the county for a three day period and majority of the local filming was done around the Westport towns famous Octagon.

The majority of the film was shot on location in Wicklow, on the countrys eastern coast.

Lohan, whose family can trace their roots back to Italy and Ireland, said she jumped at the chance to explore this side of her heritage.

Lindsay Lohan in Irish Wish. Photo: Netflix

Speaking to Netflix Tudum, Ms Lohan said, Irelands so beautiful.

Id never been, [but] my grandfathers from there.

"We stayed in this little town called Dalkey.

"The people are so nice, and the Guinness pies were amazing, she said.

Irish Wish follows shy book editor Maddie Kelly (Lohan) on a supernatural, romantic journey of self-discovery.

When the love of her life gets engaged to her best friend, Maddie puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.

Days before the pair are set to marry, Maddie makes a spontaneous wish for true love, only to wake up as the bride-to-be.

Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook

But as her dream gets closer to coming true, Maddie realizes that her real soulmate is someone else entirely.

Its a nice story of luck and love and confidence, Lohan says about the film, the first of her two-picture creative partnership with Netflix.

The film is directed by Janeen Damian, produced by Michael Damian and Brad Krevoy and written by Kirsten Hansen.

Joining Lohan on the Emerald Isle are Ed Speleers (You, Downton Abbey), Alexander Vlahos (Outlander, Sanditon, Versailles), Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method, Wedding Crashers), Elizabeth Tan (Emily in Paris, The Singapore Grip), and Ayesha Curry (About Last Night, A Black Lady Sketch Show).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. A group of Moroccan journalists have visited the cities of Aghdam, Shusha, and Asgaran settlements of the Karabakh economic region within the framework of the visit to Azerbaijan, the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

The delegation first toured the ruins of Panah Ali Khan's Imarat complex, Juma Mosque, and Aghdam State Drama Theater in Aghdam city, witnessing the vandalism committed by Armenians. The guests were provided with detailed information about the destruction of historical monuments and the restoration and reconstruction work carried out following the General Plan of Aghdam.

Then, the delegation headed to Asgaran, inspected the mass grave discovered there, and took pictures.

Starting from the central square of Shusha city, the guests toured the monuments of famous cultural figures of Azerbaijan - Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibayli, and visited Ashagi Govhar Agha mosque, Shusha fortress, and the Jidir Plain.

The Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District Aydin Karimov met with guests at the district's Executive Power building.

He provided detailed information about the history of this ancient city, the acts of vandalism it endured during the years of occupation, and the ongoing efforts in restoration and reconstruction.

The official emphasized that the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in Doha, declared Azerbaijan's cultural capital, Shusha, as the "cultural capital of the Islamic world" for 2024.

Following that, questions from the Moroccan journalists were answered.

To note, the delegation includes the Editor of the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) Agency Mohammed Aswab, the Editor of LOpinion Anass Maqlouf, the Editorial Director of Le Matin newspaper Souhail Naili, the Head of the Al-Bayan newspaper directorate, publications director Mahtat Rakas, the Director of La Vie Eco newspaper Fahd Iragi, co-founder of the Le Desk independent digital press entity Fatima Lgadiri, a staff member of the TelQuel French-language weekly news magazine Yassin Majdi, the operator of the BBMTV news online channel Bouhaib Brhadda, and independent photographer Bahu Elhassan.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A new school in Gorey for up to 24 students with autism and complex learning needs has opened up enrolment this week.

Gorey Hill School will be located at Gaelscoil Moshiolog and will comprise of four classes of six students each to be enrolled for the academic year, 2024-25.

Principal of Gaelscoil Moshiolog, Aodhagan O Suird and teacher Fionntan O Suilleabhain are delighted to be facilitating the Special School as an interim measure. As a Gorey man myself, I am acutely aware that the Gorey area is crying out for facilities for special needs children, said Aodhagan.

Gorey Hill School will provide education for students, from the age of 4 to 18 years old, with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs and in need of tailored support in a special educational setting.

Gorey Hill School, based in a shared building in Gorey town, is expected to grow its current capacity of students in the future with the development of permanent new premises. It is one of four new Special Schools across Ireland that was announced late last year.

The Department of Education granted patronage of the new school to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). We look forward to working with all the stakeholders to develop a school that meets the needs of our students, their parents and the wider school community, said acting Chief Executive of WWETB, Dr. Karina Daly.

Gorey Hill School will deliver the curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education and adapted to meet the educational needs of each student. Supported by the childs multidisciplinary team, the teachers and staff will provide a caring and challenging learning environment where a variety of methodologies and strategies are adopted to maximise the students learning potential.

Gorey Hill School seeks to ensure that all members of the school community work in partnership, and having the best interests of our students is at the heart of all we do. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the Department of Education will support us in this regard, said Dr. Daly.

Pending the appointment of a Board of Management comprising representatives of parents, staff, community representatives and WWETB, the school will be managed on an interim basis by a manager under the direction of WWETB.

A Project Manager has been appointed and work will begin on the school soon. This is an interim measure while a bespoke school is built which will cater to the students specific needs. Were delighted to welcome them to the school and we anticipate that we will be facilitating them for three or four years, said Aodhagan.

Gaelscoil Moshiolog will move into one wing of the schools building and maintain two classrooms in the other wing to enable them to continue with their Naionra.

Anyone that would like to enrol in the school or for more information can email goreyhillschool@wwetb.ie. The application for admission is open until February 28 and can be found at https://www.wwetb.ie/schools/gorey-hill-school/ or goreyhillschool@wwetb.ie.

WWETB will also be recruiting for a principal, teachers and special needs assistants, with vacancies advertised at wwetb.ie in the coming weeks.
Wicklow County Arts Office have encouraged budding Wicklow writers to apply for a mentorship with the Irish Writers Centre under the National Mentoring Programme.

The Irish Writers Centre offers a minimum of 35 mentorships across the island of Ireland each year under the initiative, which is supported by Wicklow County Arts Office and the Arts Council, with two mentorships available to Wicklow writers in 2024.

The National Mentoring Programme is an opportunity for selected writers to receive sustained creative and professional mentoring from an established Irish writer of their choosing, encompassing literary fiction, creative non-fiction, childrens/young adults fiction and poetry.

Last year, following a national callout where more than 300 applications were received, three Wicklow-based writers were selected by the Irish Writers Centre to receive mentorship, including Abbie White, Eleanor O'Reilly and Noline Foley.

Selected writers receive sustained creative and professional mentoring from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choosing. Writers living in all thirty-two counties can apply. Accepted genres/forms include literary fiction, creative non-fiction, children's / young adult fiction and poetry.

Selected mentees choose the writer they work with from our growing panel of experienced, professional writers (subject to availability).

Each mentorship consists of four meetings with an experienced writer over a period of approximately six to eight months. The mentor reads up to 10,000 words/180 lines of poetry in advance and will give creative feedback and advice at each meeting. They may also provide professional information and advice.

This opportunity is specifically for emerging writers who can demonstrate a commitment to writing e.g. creative writing training or courses undertaken, journal publications, awards or notable mentions, or other recognisable achievements, writers who have published one or two books and who feel they could benefit from further professional guidance and feedback on their work-in-progress or writers with three or more book publications who have begun writing in a form in which they have yet to publish a book.

The free mentee opportunities are open to writers over the age of 18 who are residents of the island of Ireland.

Applicants should neither be in full-time education at the time of application nor planning to undertake a full-time education course while their mentorship is underway.

If you have received literature mentoring through this particular mentoring programme within the last three years, you are ineligible to apply.

The Irish Writers Centre actively encourages applications from writers from backgrounds currently under-represented in Irish literature.

Applications for a mentorship with the Irish Writers Centre under the National Mentoring Programme can be made at irishwriterscentre.ie, up until Saturday, March 2.
Pictured at the presentation are partners Jamie Hart, Joice Carthy, Damien Conroy and Ray Fitzpatrick along with St Patricks Day Chairman Arthur Williams and Senior committee member Tara Gargan.

Ann Morrissey has been announced as the Grand Marshal for this years St Patricks Day parade taking place in Wicklow town, while Augustus Cullen Law will be the main sponsors of the event.

Ann Morrissey

Ann is the daughter of Billy and Frances Morrissey, Knockanode, Avoca, and she lives with her partner Larry Byrne on the outskirts of Wicklow town. She currently works in Wicklow town as an auctioneer and office manager at CD Auctioneers.

She has been organising local fundraising events for decades and started when she attended St. Marys College, in Arklow by organising a fun run and walk from Arklow to Avoca and back. She credits her organising skills behind events to her mother, who was a Show Jumping Association of Ireland Judge for for over 60 years.

Ann went on to join Macra Na Feirme in Rathdrum and became secretary for the club, and then for the national board. She also organised Rose of Tralee functions to pick the Wicklow Rose and spent many years fundraising to build the Avondale Sports Complex in Rathdrum, by organising music festival weekends with well know bands, fashion shows and much more.

Read more Legend of St Patrick subject of Wicklow talk

She was also involved with Rathdrum Rugby Club, but after meeting her partner Larry, who played for Wicklow Rugby Club, she was approached by the Wicklow President Liam Condon and the committee to join them. She became the first woman elected to their general committee, back in the 1980s and is now Vice President.

Pictured at the presentation are partners Jamie Hart, Joice Carthy, Damien Conroy and Ray Fitzpatrick along with St Patricks Day Chairman Arthur Williams and Senior committee member Tara Gargan.

Ann also helped start the Strictly Come Dancing with St. Pats GAA Club as a fundraising event for the two clubs, and organised the Marie Keating fun run and walk in Wicklow town. She was on the Bank of Ireland Committee that organised the Enterprise Weekend showcasing Wicklow owned companies, which was held in Augustus Cullen Law.

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

Speaking after been asked to be Grand Marshal by the Wicklow St Patricks Day Committee, Ann said: I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the St. Patricks Day Parade Committee for choosing me for the Grand Marshal 2024. I am sure there are many more worthy recipients out there, but I am honoured to be chosen and look forward to leading the parade with great pride.

The Wicklow St Patricks Day Committee have also announced that this years main sponsor of the St Patricks Day parade 2024 will be Augustus Cullen Law.

Augustus Cullen Law employs over 50 staff in Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford, enabling the firm to have in-depth knowledge in all areas of law. They were established in 1887 in Church Street, Wicklow town by the late Frank Kennedy and the late Augustus Cullen acquired that practice in 1924. The firm has expanded significantly since then.

Chairman of the Wicklow St Patricks Day Committee Arthur Williams said: We are delighted to have secured the support of a firm that supports local people and businesses throughout Wicklow and the rest of the country.

Arthur was elected as the new chairman of the committee last month and plans for this years event are well underway.

If anyone would like to get involved in the committee or who could lend a hand to volunteer on the day, email wicklowparade@gmail.com.
Police say local businessman Mauris Noronha tricked former Shiv Sena politician Abhishek Ghosalkar into meeting him. Photo the central bazaar district in Mumbai. Photo: Getty

An Indian politician has been shot dead in Mumbai during a Facebook Live stream where he was seen meeting with an old political rival.
Mission continues for Prince Harry: War of words with Piers Morgan as royal gets hacking damages

Former Mirror editor Piers knew perfectly well what was going on, says royals statement

Prince Harry (left) with his lawyer David Sherborne. Photo: Reuters

Michael Holden and Sam Tobin Sat 10 Feb 2024 at 03:30







Prince Harry says his mission to purge the press will continue through to the end after he accepted substantial damages to settle his case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) yesterday.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday said he has ordered the military to prepare a plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of an expected Israeli invasion of the densely populated southern Gaza city.

The announcement came after heavy international criticism, including from the US, of Israeli intentions to move ground forces into the city that borders Egypt. Rafah had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or in sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.
Democrats move to highlight Republican gaffes after Joe Biden mix-up in speech over limited memory claims

US president was reacting to report claiming hes an elderly man with poor memory

US president Joe Biden appeared to mistake Mexico for Egypt at a press conference on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Martha McHardy  UK Independent Sat 10 Feb 2024 at 03:30







Democrats are rushing to defend US president Joe Biden after he appeared to confuse Mexico with Egypt during a press conference called to refute claims about his poor memory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has praised the excellent conduct of the presidential election in Azerbaijan, according to the information posted on the ministrys website on Friday, Azernews reports.

Russia expressed its commitment to further strengthening its alliance and strategic partnership with the Republic of Azerbaijan, along with active collaboration on international and regional issues, including the implementation of trilateral agreements aimed at normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

The ministry noted that 790 international observers monitored the election in Azerbaijan. The Russian Federation sent 148 representatives through the Federal Assembly, the Executive Committee and the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA), the SCO, and the OSCE ODIHR.

CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev emphasized the election's compliance with democratic principles and highlighted the high voter turnout.

Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, described the voting process as held in a favorable atmosphere with competitive alternatives. Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), praised the openness and transparency of the election.

Against this background, the assessments from Western countries and international structures controlled by them looked extremely biased, which, as we saw, were initially extremely biased towards the presidential election in Azerbaijan and were practicing pre-approved methods to discredit the electoral process," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. The region of Central Asia and Azerbaijan are in the range of champions in terms of innovation development, Cristina Doros, Vice President, Regional Manager in Central Asia and Azerbaijan at Visa, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

Doros mentioned that the Visa team is actively working to ensure the continuous advancement of digital payments, fostering innovation and technology in both Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

"Digitalization development varies across countries in our region due to diverse factors. Nevertheless, our region is rightly acknowledged as a leader in innovation and development. Virtually every payment technology is present in Central Asia and Azerbaijan. A notable example is the introduction of the Request to Pay service in Kazakhstan using Visa Direct. This marked the world's first implementation of such a service, enabling users to request money transfers from other bank clients or split bills," she said.

"As an illustration, I could generate a request through the mobile application, prompting you with a message like, 'Christina is requesting a $10 transfer. Confirm: Yes or No?' Upon selecting 'Yes, transfer,' a Visa Direct-based transaction is initiated, transferring the money from your account to mine," Doros added.

According to her perspective, this represents a fascinating application of technology, particularly in the context of individual transfers, such as dividing shared expenses among friends. The speaker also highlights that the company provides solutions tailored for private entrepreneurs.

"Taking a larger view of this technology, its applicability can extend to the customer-to-business (C2B) model. This allows for the unrestricted development of micro- and nano-companies. This includes people who sell material, blog, offer things on social media, or run other small businesses. Entrepreneurs with a Visa Business card can now take digital payments, expanding the existing acceptance channels via POS terminals. The Visa Business card serves as a payment acceptance point without the use of any additional equipment. This provides tremendous prospects for the numerous individuals currently creating their small enterprises, allowing them to do so digitally," added the Visa Vice President.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi/UNI: The Supreme Court, surprised by the issue of women prisoners getting pregnant in jails and around 196 babies being born in different jails in West Bengal, said on Friday that it will examine the issue.

A bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked Senior Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who is the amicus curiae in the suo motu case on conditions in prisons, to examine the issue of pregnancies and report back to the court.

The matter came to light on Thursday when the submission was being made before the Calcutta High Court by an amicus curiae during the mention of a case related to prison reforms and correctional homes in the State of West Bengal.

A division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya took a serious view of the submission and said that the matter would be placed before a division bench hearing criminal cases.

The amicus suggested to the High Court that the male employees of correctional homes should be prohibited from entering enclosures holding women prisoners.

The Supreme Court has directed amicus curiae to examine the matter and report back to them.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Nellore/UNI: In a ghastly road accident, seven people were killed and 15 were injured when a private travel bus rammed a truck at Musunuru village in Kavali Mandal in the district in the wee hours on Saturday, police said.

Police said that a truck rammed another truck at the rear end of Musunuru toll plaza. At the same time, a private travel bus rammed the truck at the rear end.

Four bus passengers traveling in the bus, the drivers of two trucks, and the private bus were killed in the accident.

The bus was going to Hyderabad from Chennai when the mishap took place. The front portion of the bus was badly damaged under the impact of the collision.

The injured were admitted to the GGH in Kavali and Nellore. MLA Pratap Reddy visited the injured in the hospital and assured them of all help.

Following the accident, vehicles were stranded for about three kilometers on either side of the Chennai-Kolkata highway. The police removed the ill-fated vehicles from the road and cleared the traffic. The police were trying to establish the identity of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Governor of Andhra Pradesh S Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and profound grief over the road accident that took place near Kavali-Musunuru toll plaza in Nellore district in the early hours of Saturday, in which seven people are reported to have died and several others were injured.

It was informed that the injured people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. The governor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Photo Courtesy: IBNS File

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, while terming Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as the law of the country, said that it will be implemented before the Lok Sabha election.

Speaking at the ET Global Business Summit here, he said that the minority community of the country especially Muslims, are being misled that this Act will take away their citizenship.

"This Act will not take away the citizenship as there is no such provision in it. CAA is for providing citizenship to refugees of minority communities who have come to India after being persecuted on basis of religion in Pakistan and Bangladesh," Shah said.

"I think there should not be any objection into it," he added.

The Home Minister said that UCC was the agenda of BJP during the Jan Sangh time and there should not be any doubt about it.

He said that the Congress while practicing appeasement politics forgot about UCC which was a Constitutional agenda and was also signed by first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and leaders such as Maulana Azad, Sardar Patel and Rajendra Prasad.

"In Uttarakhand, UCC was enforced as it is a huge social change agenda. The UCC Law in state should also have a social, religious discussions. And there will be legal scrutiny too. There cannot be a religion-based law in a secular country," he asserted.

(With UNI Inputs)
Photo Courtesy: UNI

The India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise --Sada Tanseeq-- aimed to achieve interoperability between the two forces and acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills under UN mandate, successfully validated at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on Thursday.

The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on combat conditioning and tactical training. The second phase culminated in physical exercises and validation, an official statement said.

Both the Indian Army and Royal Saudi Land Force jointly took part in the validation phase which included creation of temporary operating base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, establishing mobile vehicle check post, carrying out cordon and search operations in a hostile village, heliborne operations and conduct of house intervention drills.

The validation phase also witnessed platoon battle drills wherein firing of Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and various weapons took place.

This exercise has proved to be a harbinger for cementing ties between India & Saudi Arabia and forging a strategic relationship between the two great nations.

The Indian contingent of the 20th Battalion of The Brigade of Guards Regiment and the Saudi Arabian contingent comprising a group of 45 soldiers of Royal Saudi Land Force participated in the joint exercise.

The closing ceremony of the joint exercise will be held on 09 February ie tomorrow to felicitate outstanding soldiers and to give an opportunity to both the contingents to reflect upon the lessons learnt.

The joint training has undoubtedly been an astounding success with significant milestones achieved towards building cordial relations between the two countries.

(With UNI Inputs)
Photo courtesy: IBNS File

Kolkata/IBNS: Tollywood superstar-parliamentarian Dev on Saturday dropped a big hint about his political future after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata amid speculations over his political future.

Dev, a two-term TMC Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal's Ghatal, held a discussion with Abhishek at the latter's Camac Street office and then met TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat.

In a one-liner with a far-fetching meaning, Dev told reporters, "As per my understanding, politics won't let me go even if I leave it."

The actor-producer said this amid speculations that he may not contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which will be held in 2024 summer.

Reacting to the development, Leader of Opposition and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Suvendu Adhikari, said, "BJP will win by two lakh votes. No one will vote against Modi."

Dev's cryptic post

On the last day of the Budget session of Parliament, Dev spoke about the Ghatal Masterplan for which he has remained vocal for years.

Speaking in Bengali, Dev said, "This is a problem which exists in Ghatal (Dev's constituency) since 1950. It is the problem of people who suffer due to floods. It's not a problem of TMC or BJP. I would request the Prime Minister to execute the Ghatal Masterplan.

"No matter if I stay MP or not, I want the problem to be solved."

Captioning the video, the actor-MP wrote, "My last day in the Parliament.. Thanku Didi. Thanku to the people of Ghatal Loksabha."

Dev steps down from posts

On Wednesday, Dev, who has recently resigned from three government posts in Ghatal, posted in an Instagram story, "Few More Hours."

Meanwhile, in an unverified audio clip, which went viral on social media, two people were heard talking about cut-money culture in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency.

IBNS did not verify the audio clip.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hiran Chatterjee has claimed Dev, a massively popular star in West Bengal, is involved in corruption.

Hiran told India Today, "I have always said that Dev is involved in corruption. Now the audio clip of a TMC leader from Ghatal named Shankar Doloi is viral, where he claims that Dev took a cut of 30 per cent from him.

"He said that he even informed Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, but nothing happened."

Earlier, reports had claimed Dev was reluctant to contest in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Mamata is reportedly keen to field Dev in the upcoming elections, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP will seek a third consecutive tenure.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from YouTube video

Mumbai/IBNS: Filmmaker Siddharth Anand's Fighter was served a legal notice over a kissing scene between Bollywood actors Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, who played the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers.

Speaking to The Times of India, Siddharth said, "This film is in complete conjunction with the IAF. IAF has been a co-collaborator on the film and has been a huge associate partner on our film.

"This film has gone through meticulous procedures with the IAF, right from the submission of the script, to the production planning, viewing the film before the censor saw it on the censor board, watching it again at the IAF, reviewing the film after the censor, and then giving us a physical copy of the NOC No Objection Certificate. After that, we got the certificate."

Siddharth Anand | Photo courtesy: X/@justSidAnand

"We got the censor certificate. Then, we showed the entire film to everyone in the Air Force, including the Air Force Chief, Mr. Chaudhary, and over 100 Air Marshals from across the country.

"We called them and hosted a screening for them one day before the film's release in Delhi, and they gave us a standing ovation," he added.

IAF wing commander Saumya Deep Das in its legal notice slammed the film for allegedly normalising inappropriate behaviour in uniform.

Photo courtesy: X/@iHrithik

Hrithik and Deepika, who featured together in a film for the time, kissed towards the end of the film, which shows the lives of IAF officers.

The film, which has references to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and IAF's counter with an airstrike, has shown Hrithik and Deepika as romantically inclined to each other.

Earlier, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had given U/A certificate to Fighter after two cuts with one having "sexually suggested visuals".

Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab YouTube video

The film, which also features Anil Kapoor in the lead, hit the big screens on January 25.
Photo Courtesy: Taylor Swift Instagram page

At least four people, including three women, have been arrested in Singapore for their involvement in a ticket scam concerning concerts of Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Yoasobi, Joker Xue and Enhypen.

The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted between 31 January 2024 and 6 February 2024 by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), seven Police Land Divisions, Carousell and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech).

Singapore Police Force said since January 2024 at least 583 victims have fallen prey, with total losses amounting to at least $223,000.

In these cases, scammers pretending to be sellers would post concert tickets for sale on online platforms such as Telegram, Carousell, Twitter, Facebook and Xiao Hong Shu, police said.

Victims who expressed interest to purchase the tickets would be redirected to contact the sellers on WhatsApp or Telegram or WeChat.

"In some cases, the sellers provided fake screenshots or videos of the tickets and / or the ticket purchase receipts. The sellers would promise to email the tickets or transfer tickets to the victims Ticketmaster accounts once the payment was successful," the police said.

Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when the sellers asked for additional payments, delayed delivery of tickets, become uncontactable, or when the tickets were found to be invalid on the concert day.''

During the one-week operation, officers from the CAD and the seven Police Land Divisions arrested the four persons through simultaneous island-wide operations.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the four persons had allegedly facilitated the scam cases by opening new bank accounts and relinquishing them to the scammers, or relinquishing their Singpass credentials, and bank accounts and/or Internet banking credentials, for monetary gains," police said.

Another seven men and four women, including a 15-year-old male teenager, are also assisting in investigations.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab

Kolkata/IBNS: Veteran Indian actor Mithun Chakraborty was taken to hospital in Kolkata on Saturday morning, leaving his countless fans worried about his health.

He was admitted to Apollo Hospital, Kolkata.

Though several media reports claimed Chakraborty had complained of chest pain, IBNS has learnt he was taken to the hospital for a "routine check up".

"It's fake news. He is absolutely fine," a source told IBNS.

Chakraborty, a National Award winning actor, was busy shooting for Bengali film Shastri alongside senior actress Debasree Roy. The two are working together for a film after 14 years.

Photo courtesy: SVF PR Team

His last film Kabuliwala, which is based on Rabindranath Tagore's short story, was released on Christmas last year.

The 73-year-old actor was recently honoured with Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian award by the Government of India.

Chakraborty is still a member of the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political outfit which he joined in 2021 in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Political equations in Pakistan are changing every hour with no clear result still seen even with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) now claiming that President Arif Alvi would invite his party to form the government after it got the majority in the national elections, a day after former PM Nawaz Sharif gave his victory speech to people.

We have no quarrel with anyone, we want to move forward. We will proceed and form a government in accordance with the constitution and the law, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News.

Imran Khan gets bail

A Pakistani court on Saturday (February 10, 2024) approved Imran Khan's bail petition.

The court approved the bail petitions against Khan and the party's senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in 12 different May 9 riots' cases registered against them.

Khan was in jail on the day of polling.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Asim Munir said Pakistan needs to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation.

An independent and free exercise of the right to vote, demonstrates their determination for democracy and trust over the constitution of Pakistan, the army chief was quoted as saying in a statement issued by ARY News.

Nawaz Sharif declares victory

Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif on Friday (February 9, 2024) claimed his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) won the national polls.

According to local news reports, PTI-backed independent candidates are leading with more than 90 seats to their name.

In his 'victory speech' Nawaz Sharif was quoted as saying by Geo News: "Alhamdulillah, the PML-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections.

He referred to the country's ongoing financial crisis and said at least 10 years are needed to bring stability to the country.

Our sole agenda is a prosperous Pakistan, he added.
The Miss World pageant is all set to be hosted by India after a gap of almost 30 years! The international beauty pageant is making a comeback to India, and the festivities will kick off with "The Opening Ceremony" and "India Welcomes the World Gala" in the capital, New Delhi, on February 20, organised by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).



All You Need To Know About Miss World Pageant

The grand finale is set to dazzle at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9, and you can catch all the action through global streaming and telecast.

The event will unfold at various venues, including the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, featuring 120 contestants from around the world competing in different events and charitable initiatives.

The exciting announcement was made at a press conference attended by Miss World 2021, Karolina Bielawska of Poland, along with former winners like Toni Ann Singh, Vanessa Ponce De Leon, Manushi Chhillar, and Stephanie Del Valle.

Picture From Official Press Launch Of Miss World/Twitter

Expressing her love for India, Julia Morley, chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, thanked Jamil Saidi for making the return to India possible. She mentioned assembling the best team for the 71st edition, promising a spectacular show.

When Did India Last Host Miss World?

India last hosted the Miss World pageant in 1996, and the most recent Indian winner was Manushi Chhillar in 2017.

Significance Of India Hosting Miss World Pageant According To Manushi Chhillar

Manushi in a recent interview to news agency ANI said, "I am excited...It is nice that so many girls are going to come to India and going to talk about India and they are going to experience our hospitality."

#WATCH | Delhi | On the 71st Miss World pageant that will be held in India, former Miss World Manushi Chhillar says, "I am excited...It is nice that so many girls are going to come to India and going to talk about India and they are going to experience our hospitality. At the pic.twitter.com/Z1x92T3dWU  ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

This year, Sini Shetty, Femina Miss India World 2022 from Karnataka, will represent India at this prestigious international event.

Femina Miss India World 2022/Twitter

Get ready for the glamour and excitement as the 71st edition of Miss World takes place from February 18 to March 9 in the country.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 10. Kazakhstan has extended the agreement on oil supplies to Germany via the Druzhba oil pipeline for six months (from January through June 2024), Trend reports.

This was stated during a meeting between the Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas JSC (KMG, Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company) Magzum Mirzagaliyev and the Chairman of the Board of Rosneft Deutschland, Johannes Bremer.

It was noted that the volume of supplies will be 100,000 tons monthly.

At the end of 2023, 993,000 tons of Kazakh oil (from the resources of Karachaganak Petroleum Operating) were transported through the Druzhba oil pipeline in the direction of Germany.

During the meeting, Bremmer expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the support provided.

In turn, Mirzagaliyev thanked the management of Rosneft Deutschland for the fruitful cooperation. He also expressed Kazakhstan's interest in continuing and increasing oil supplies to Germany.

As Deputy General Director of KazTransOil, Amirzhan Ospanov previously stated that Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO) intends to transport 1.2 million tons of oil through the 'Druzhba' pipeline during 2024.
India, with its rich history and diverse culture, is also known for its many abandoned houses that stand as silent sentinels to forgotten times. These structures, often grand and imposing in their decay, have become breeding grounds for local legends and ghost stories that both terrify and intrigue.



Here are 5 apparent haunted houses and the spooky stories about them:

1. Shaniwar wada Fort, Pune

Once the seat of the Peshwas, Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune is shrouded in tragic history and ghostly tales. The fort is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young prince who was brutally murdered within its walls. Visitors claim to hear his cries for help echoing through the corridors, especially on moonlit nights. The eerie ambiance of Shaniwarwada makes it a hotspot for paranormal investigations and ghost tours.

Savaari

2. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

This 17th-century fort in Rajasthan is considered one of the most haunted places in India. Legend has it that the fort was cursed by a holy man whose meditation was disturbed by the construction. Visitors are forbidden from entering the fort after sunset due to the paranormal activities reported within its walls.

Veena World

3. Fernhill Palace, Ooty

Once a royal residence, Fernhill Palace in Ooty is said to be haunted by the spirit of a British officer who met a tragic end on the premises. Guests have reported encountering his ghostly apparition wandering the halls, as well as experiencing inexplicable cold spots and eerie sensations. Despite its haunted reputation, Fernhill Palace remains a popular tourist destination for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.

Wikipedia

4. Victoria Boys School, Darjeeling

Legend has it that the spirits of children who died in mysterious circumstances roam the school grounds and the surrounding woods. Visitors and locals alike report eerie encounters such as ghostly apparitions, strange sounds, and an overwhelming feeling of unease.

Yayschool

5. Dumas Beach Resort, Gujarat

This abandoned beach resort in Gujarat is said to be haunted by the spirits of Portuguese soldiers who were massacred there centuries ago. Screams, sightings of ghostly figures, and an overall feeling of unease are some of the paranormal activities reported at the site.

Blogspot

It's important to remember that these are just legends and ghost stories. There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity in these abandoned houses. However, they continue to capture the imagination of people and add a touch of mystery to India's rich cultural tapestry.

For more stories like these, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk warning concerning multiple vulnerabilities in Google's Chrome Operating System.

According to CERT-In vulnerabilities have been identified in versions of Chrome OS before 114.0.5735.350 on the LTS channel.

ChromeOS

Vulnerabilities in ChromeOS

These vulnerabilities, CRET-in said posed significant risks to users of Google Chrome OS, including hackers being able to access and remotely run running unauthorised codes on such devices.

Multiple Vulnerabilities have been reported in Google Chrome OS which could be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain elevated privileges, bypass security restrictions or cause denial of service conditions on the targeted system, CERT-In said on its website, and termed the alert 'Critical'.

What caused the vulnerabilities

CERT-In pointed out that the vulnerability exists due to the Use after free in Side Panel Search and insufficient data validation in Extensions. A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted web page.

"Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions or cause denial of service condition on the targeted system," it said.

ChromeOS

How can the vulnerabilities be fixed

CRET-in has recommended users update Chrome OS to version 114.0.5735.350 or later, as these updates contain important fixes for these issues.

ChromeOS is a Linux-based operating system developed and designed by Google. Unlike Windows or MacOS, ChromeOS uses a web-based interface.

AP

It is light and can be used in laptops and tablets and doesn't require computing power like Windows or MacOS devices.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Pre-wedding shoots and 'save the date' videos can be romantic and even fun. And it is not uncommon for couples to have their pre-wedding videos shot at their workplaces.

But one such pre-wedding video shoot ended up backfiring and costing the groom his job.

Doctor's pre-wedding shoot inside OT

A doctor, identified only by his first name, Abhishek has been dismissed from service by the Karnataka Government after his pre-wedding shoot caused massive outrage.

SCREENGRAB

Dr. Abhishek, a contract physician posted at the Government Hospital in Bharamasagar in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka was dismissed after he and his fiancee conducted a 'surgery' inside the Operation Theatre (OT) as part of their pre-wedding shoot.

In the video that has gone viral online, Dr. Abhishek who is dressed in surgical attire can be seen performing a 'surgery' on a patient. He is assisted by his fiancee who is also dressed in surgical attire.

SCREENGRAB

They are accompanied by a few cameramen and light boys. As they completed the shoot, everyone including the 'operated' patient, the doctors and the camera crew can be seen breaking into a laugh.

Video goes viral

After the video went viral, the Health Department issued a notice to the Hospital authorities, who clarified that the pre-wedding shoot was done inside an unused Operation Theatre.

A doctor's pre-wedding photoshoot in a govt hospital's operation theatre in #Bharamasagar of #Chitradurga. Dr. Abhishek, a contract physician, performed a 'surgery' with his fiancee.



DHO says it was unused OT & issues notice to the administrator.#Karnataka #PreWeddingShoot pic.twitter.com/Eve0g3K9p1  Hate Detector  (@HateDetectors) February 9, 2024

Doctor dismissed from service

However, taking note of the incident, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday terminated a doctor from service.

"Government hospitals are meant for serving the public, not for personal engagements. I will not tolerate such indiscipline. All doctors, staff and contract employees will have to discharge their duties as per the guidelines. I have already directed the concerned doctors and authorities not to misuse the premises of government hospitals," the minister said.

BCCL

The minister further said everyone should focus on performing their duty knowing that the facilities provided by the government to such medical facilities are for health care of the common people.

According to reports, Dr. Abhishek had taken charge as a health officer at the hospital only one month ago.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The wolves residing within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) have exhibited altered immune systems and acquired the ability to combat cancer, as revealed by a recent study.

AP

These findings suggest that these distinct animals could hold the key to aiding humans in battling this deadly disease.



Chernobyl w olves unaffected by chronic radiation

Following the 1986 nuclear reactor explosion at the Chernobyl power plant, which released cancer-causing radiation into the environment, humans evacuated the area. To prevent access, a 1,000 square mile (2,590 square kilometres) zone was cordoned off.



Research presented at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology's Annual Meeting showed that despite chronic exposure to radiation, the wolves appeared unaffected and continued to roam freely.

Unsplash

IFL Science reported that the wolves within the CEZ endured daily radiation doses exceeding 11.28 milliremmore than six times the legal safety limit for humans.



According to a Sky News report, the study was conducted by Cara Love, an evolutionary biologist and ecotoxicologist from Princeton University's Shane Campbell-Staton lab. It spanned nine years of observation of the wolves within the CEZ.

How research was conducted on Chernobyl wolves

In 2014, Love and her team outfitted wolves in the CEZ with GPS radio collars with radiation dosimeters. Blood samples were also collected to study their responses to cancer-causing radiation.



Utilising these collars, the research team precisely tracked the wolves' movements and assessed their radiation exposure levels.

Reuters

Additionally, the research team observed notable variations in the immune systems of the wolves in Chernobyl compared to those residing in other areas. It was discovered that the wolves' genomes had developed resistance to cancer.



Love emphasised that they identified specific regions in the wolves' genome that exhibited this resilience to heightened cancer risk. Similar effects were also noticed in dogs who lived in the CEZ.

Unsplash

Way forward in Cara Love's research

Most studies have found mutations that increase cancer risk, like BRCA gene for breast cancer. However, Love's research aims to identify mutations that help people survive cancer.



Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 and the ongoing war in the region, Love and her team haven't been able to return to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.



She said, Our priority is for people and collaborators there to be as safe as possible, while presenting findings in Seattle, Washington, in January.



Moving forward, researchers plan to investigate how similar gene mutations in humans could enhance cancer survival rates.

(With inputs from IANS)



For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Prepare for a culinary journey as traditional,l pasta receives a bold and spicy makeover through an unexpected Desi fusion.

In an engaging recipe video, the familiar Italian dish undergoes an enticing transformation with the addition of aromatic Chole gravy, resulting in a creation that defies expectations and excites the taste buds.

This unique yet alluring blend assures awakening the senses and challenging conventional flavor combinations.

Join us as we explore the world of innovative cuisine, where limits are pushed, and culinary imagination flourishes.

Brace yourself to elevate your palate and savor the irresistible charm of Chole-infused pasta in a completely new light.

What Is This Pasta With Chole Gravy Viral Video?

A bizarre video of Pasta with Chole Gravy | Image: Instagram

Social media serves as a breeding ground for culinary innovation, where skilled chefs regularly unveil recipes that captivate audiences.



Yet, the fusion creations often unexpectedly seize the internet's attention. In this realm of gastronomic experimentation, Indians, renowned for their culinary adventurousness, have ingeniously infused a desi twist into the ubiquitous pasta, making it accessible and easily prepared.

The latest sensation to sweep the internet involves a surprising twist: cooking pasta in a traditional Indian gravy.

A recent Instagram post has set tongues wagging as it recounts a delightful surprise  a user's request for the classic Italian dish resulted in a serving of pasta bathed in flavorful Chole gravy, showcasing the lovely collision of cultures in the culinary world.

The Instagram reel features the user presenting a sizzling pan brimming with pasta drenched in a rich, brown desi gravy.

A bizarre video of Pasta with Chole Gravy | Image: Instagram

This unexpected fusion dish has piqued curiosity and elicited laughter from social media users



The overlay text on the video reads, "When your cook makes Pasta in Chole ki gravy," accompanied by a caption that asks, "Would you eat this?"

This juxtaposition of Italian pasta with traditional Indian Chole gravy has sparked a lively debate and garnered attention for its unconventional yet intriguing flavor combination, prompting viewers to ponder whether they would dare to try this unique culinary creation.



Where Can You Watch The Viral Video?

You can watch the viral video on Instagram posted by chandlersharesfood.

How Did The Internet React?

Following its posting on Instagram, the video swiftly gained viral status, amassing an impressive 45 lakh views.

Social media users' responses were diverse, with some asserting that the amalgamation of pasta and Chole gravy must surely result in a compelling blend of flavors. In contrast, others maintained a sense of skepticism regarding this unconventional fusion.

The widespread attention and contrasting opinions underscored the dish's intrigue, sparking discussions and debates among viewers about the potential culinary merits  or pitfalls  of such an innovative pairing.

Internet reacts to a bizarre video of Pasta with Chole Gravy | Image: Instagram

Internet reacts to a bizarre video of Pasta with Chole Gravy | Image: Instagram

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.



For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
The 2024 Pakistan election has stirred a digital frenzy as the vote count progresses sluggishly, igniting a flood of memes across social media platforms.

As citizens eagerly await the results, frustrations mount over the delayed outcome, providing fodder for creative and often humorous expressions online.

This phenomenon reflects not only the widespread engagement of the populace in the electoral process but also the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and political commentary.

Amidst the anticipation and impatience, these memes serve as a testament to the power of online communities to engage, critique, and satirize the democratic process in real-time.

What Happened At Pakistan Election 2024?

After the February 8th elections in Pakistan, a 24-hour postponement in declaring the outcomes triggered an influx of amusing memes across various social media channels.

Confronting concurrent political, economic, and security challenges, Pakistanis resorted to humor as a coping strategy, jesting about politicians and shedding light on realities through playful remarks.

Almost 24 hours have passed since yesterday's polls closed | Image: AFP

This election held significant importance for millions of young voters, and their influence reverberated across online platforms.



Satirical images and remarks flooded social media, often directed at prominent figures such as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.

The unconventional layout of ballot papers, resulting from the presence of numerous independent candidates, also became a subject of amusement, with internet users likening them to emoji keyboards.



How Did The Internet React With Memes?

The delay in receiving results may have led to frustration, but the clever memes were a collective means of venting emotions and fostering a sense of unity.

This creative online reaction mirrors the resilience and humor ingrained in Pakistani society, even amidst uncertainty.



Well, that was a stupid prediction. https://t.co/3OxyK8tR0z  Hassan Javid (@HassanJavid_) February 9, 2024

My female cousin messed up her vote while folding  pic.twitter.com/oLcDhGneZD  AbDullah (@AbDmeHar0099o) February 8, 2024

all this hungama for an election jiska ballot looked like this: pic.twitter.com/9R4V7Sh6GZ  rameen (@rameenwhile) February 8, 2024

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Entero Healthcare IPO: Entero Healthcare Solutions' initial public offering (IPO) began accepting subscriptions on Friday, February 9, within a price range of Rs 1,195 to Rs 1,258 per share. Investors have a window of three trading days to subscribe, concluding on February 13, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The IPO for Entero Healthcare Solutions is a book-built issue valued at Rs 1,600 crore. This comprises a fresh issue of 0.79 crore shares, totaling Rs 1,000 crore, and an offer for sale (OFS) involving 0.48 crore shares, amounting to Rs 600 crores.

Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Date, Price, GMP, Details Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Starting Date Feb 9 Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO End Feb 13 Entero Healthcare Solutions subscription status 0.09 % Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Listing Date Feb 16 Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Lot Size 11 Shares (1 Lot)

Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO subscription status

Overall, the Entero Healthcare public issue has been subscribed 0.09 times so far.

Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Duration

The offering, which commenced on February 9, is set to conclude on February 13.

Price Range of Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO

The share price for the issue has been established within the range of Rs 1,195-1,258.

Offer Allocation

The Faridabad-based company has disclosed the final allotment of 56,94,753 shares to anchor investors at Rs 1,258 per share.

Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Listing Date

Entero Healthcare Solutions is expected to be listed on BSE and NSE on February 16.

OrbiMed Asia III Mauritius, the corporate promoter with a 57.27 percent stake, will divest 38.15 lakh shares through OFS. Promoters Prabhat Agrawal and Prem Sethi will sell 4.7 lakh and 3.13 lakh equity shares, respectively. The remaining 1.7 lakh shares from the total OFS of 47.69 lakh will be sold by the remaining 16 shareholders.

Objectives of the Offering

The company intends to utilize Rs 142.5 crore from the net proceeds to repay debt. Additionally, Rs 480 crore will be earmarked for long-term working capital requirements, and the remaining funds will be allocated for inorganic growth initiatives, including acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO Lot Size

Investors can bid for a minimum of 11 shares, with multiples of 11 thereafter. The minimum application size for retail investors is Rs 13,838, while the maximum investment allowed in the IPO is Rs 1,93,732 for 154 equity shares.

Entero Healthcare Solutions Company Overview

Established in 2018, Entero is a healthcare product distributor in India. Leveraging a technology-driven platform, the company provides distribution services to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the country. With 73 warehouses in 37 cities across 19 states and union territories, Entero serves over 81,400 pharmacies and 3,400 hospitals in 495 districts as of March 31, 2023.

Entero Healthcare Solutions Financial Performance

In the first six months of FY24, Entero reported a net profit of Rs 11.64 crore, a significant improvement from the Rs 10.86 crore loss in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. The company's robust operating performance saw a 19.7 percent increase in revenue to Rs 1,895.5 crore.

Entero Healthcare Solutions Lead Managers

ICICI Securities Limited, Dam Capital Advisors Ltd (Formerly Idfc Securities Ltd), Jefferies India Private Limited, JM Financial Limited, and SBI Capital Markets Limited serve as the book-running lead managers for the issue. Link Intime India Private Ltd is the registrar.

Entero Healthcare Solutions Key Risks

Any disruption to the operation of the company's warehouses or the development of new warehousing and logistics facilities could adversely affect Entero's business.

The company is exposed to operational and logistical risks, and its insurance coverage may not be sufficient to protect against all potential losses.

Operating in a highly fragmented industry, Entero may face challenges in expanding its market share successfully.

How to apply for Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO

- If you are already a client of any Online Trading Platforms, apply directly for Entero Healthcare Solutions IPO.

- If youre a new investor Open DEMAT Account for free with Online Trading Platforms and build wealth with the best stock choices.

Disclaimer: Any opinions and suggestions given in this article do not represent the views of Indiatimes. Investments are subject to market risks, please invest carefully.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here


The Delta State Police Command, arrested and detained two policemen who allegedly shot the commander and two members of the Idjerhe Kingdoms vigilante group.

It was gathered that the detained officers were accused of invading Jesse town on January 30, 2024, and shot the vigilante commander, Mr. Freeborn Ofeshohwo alias Cornerstone, and other members, identified as Friday Johnson and Enor Young.

Reacting to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Saturday in Asaba, the state capital, condemned the act by the officers.

READ MORE: Delta Police Nab Pastor For Kidnapping, Recover Arms

He said: The command is aware of a publication making rounds in some sections of the media of an alleged shooting by policemen at Idjerhe kingdom in Ethiope West LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to commence a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the officers involved have been identified and detained, while an internal disciplinary action has been initiated.

The CP wishes to reiterate that its not in the character of the command to trample on the rights of citizens, assault, or use their rifles without recourse to Force Order 237.
Iyabo Ojo, a well-known Nigerian actress, has responded to Lizzy Anjorins set-up charges.

Lizzy Anjorin started it all by accusing her colleague of being behind the gold theft event she was involved in at the market.

Recall how Lizzy was charged with failing to pay for items she bought from a market at Lagos Island.

Since they are not close, Anjorin accused Iyabo Ojo of framing her immediately after the embarrassing incident made headlines, with the help of some of her supporters.

Iyabo Ojo was questioned about Lizzy Anjorins alleged set-up at a recent event.

In response, the mother of two questioned how she could have set up her colleague when she had no knowledge of her whereabouts or made the transfer on her behalf.

In her words,

Did she announce to me that she was going to the market? No. Was I the one that did the transfer? No. Do I know her movement? No. So how did I set you up baby?

As soon as Iyabo Ojos response to Lizzys set-up charge went viral online, Nigerians had different viewpoints. Some were pleased with her petty attitude, while others praised it.

READ MORE: Youre Not Doing Me Favor, Its A Paid Service  Actress Biodun Stephen Calls Out Nigerian Doctors

See some comments below

this_is_veli: Look closely, I dont know lizzy ooo but there is something off about this woman iyabo.

Uniqueplies_studdard: If na iyabo ojo dey lizzy shoe she will over do. so iyabo ojo ride on jor.

fearless_arikeeeeeee: This iyabo be doing too much she should rest Abeg.

Sabiigirlfashion: Beef aside, Who else disagrees it was a set up?

Vanchizzy: Lizzy will do worse if it was the other way round. Those of you bashing Iyabo, it seems yall dont know Lizzy o. Iyabo is just her karma.

charickenny: Shes actually telling the truth I dont think she set her up, I think everything that happened that day was just a case of misunderstanding.

SEE VIDEO:
For alleged money laundering, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared wanted, Margaret Dumbiri Emefiele, wife of ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

The EFCC, on Friday, published pictures and details of Margaret and three others in a notice.

The three other persons were identified as Eric Ocheme Odoh, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile.

Signed by EFCCs head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, the notice revealed that the quartet colluded with the former CBN Governor to divert huge sums from the Federal Government coffers.

READ ALSO: Emefiele Faces Fresh Fraud Charges As Court Grants Him Travel Permission

The public is hereby notified that persons whose photographs appear above are wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly conspiring with a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to convert huge sums of money belonging to the federal government of Nigeria and committed felony to wit; obtaining money by false pretences and stealing contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, the notice reads.

Margaret, Anita and Jonathan were listed as indigenes of Delta state while Odoh is said to be from Benue.

Jonathan is said to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Exact Quote BDC Limited while Anita is listed as the CEO of Deepblue Energy Services Ltd and Lipam Investment Services Ltd.

The anti-graft agency asked the public to contact its offices across the country to provide useful information as to their whereabouts.

This comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings against Emefiele, who is facing charges of fraud amounting to 1.8 billion and $6.2 million.

The latest amended charge, presented before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, accuses Emefiele of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to illegally obtain $6.2 million.

The EFCC alleges that Emefiele, in collaboration with Odoh Ocheme, obtained the funds from the CBN under false pretences and claimed it was requested by the SGF.

Emefiele is further accused of forging documents and conferring corrupt advantages on his wife and brother-in-law by awarding them contracts for the renovation of the CBN Governors residence in Lagos.
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.
The operatives of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, on Friday, arrested one Pastor Simon Kado, alongside two others for trafficking 12 children from Nasarawa State.

Benneth Igweh, the FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), who paraded the suspects in Abuja, said they were arrested by the operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74 (RRS 74).

According to him, RRS 74 intercepted one Muhammad Isah of Kafanchan, Kaduna State in a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number APP 489 XE, conveying the 12 children, comprising four males and eight females.

READ ALSO: Delta Police Detain Officers For Shooting Vigilante Leader

The CP said the under-aged children were being conveyed from Akwanga, Nasarawa State to a destination, which he said was later discovered to be Ogun State.

Preliminary investigation, he said, revealed that the trafficked children are between the ages of five and 16 years.

Pastor Kado and Jesse Simon Kado are also now in police custody.

And while investigation is still ongoing, the FCT police command is also making effort in conduit with Nasarawa State Police Command on how to reunite the victims with their respective families, he said.
Abdulkadir Abdullahi, a retired school principal in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has regained his freedom from kidnappers, after two weeks in captivity.

Narrating his ordeal to Daily Trust! the retired principal said he received harsh treatment from teenage abductors who denied him praying his Salat throughout his captivity.

He said, Well, I cant recall the exact date, but it was on Friday, I think and I spent about two weeks or more in captivity. The abduction occurred in January 2024.

I was approached by a friend whose relation, a nursing mother, was abducted along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway while heading to her village.

She had newly converted to Islam and was abducted on her way from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari. When the bandits contacted her husband and family members, they demanded N200,000 for her release, alongside her baby, it was not easy to negotiate with the bandits but I decided to take the ransom to them based on sympathy because the family was afraid.

After delivering the ransom, their boss asked why I had come and why I was the person delivering the ransom, that he expected someone younger. I explained that we are neighbours.

READ ALSO: Katsina Governor Urges Residents To Defend Themselves Against Insecurity

The boss, named Bala, decided to release the mother and child but held me back until additional ransom was paid. Eventually, my people paid one million naira to secure my freedom.

Speaking on his stay in the forest with the bandits, he said, It was very bad, even though their boss, Bala, warned them not to harm me due to my age but the teenagers beat me severely whenever he left for operations and I once fainted from their beatings, resulting in a broken tooth.

Reflecting on the risk he took, Adamu said he wasnt afraid to deliver the ransom despite his age because of his relationship with the family and her status as a new Muslim and nursing mother.

He described the bandits as Fulani boys who mostly spoke Hausa but switched to Fulfulde when they didnt want them to understand, adding that there were about 20 other abducted villagers in the camp, including two women.

On their treatment and daily routine, he revealed, We were poorly fed with grain flour mixed with palm oil, ate with our hands tied under a grass tent, and were denied the opportunity to pray. The bandits do not pray the five daily prayers themselves, despite claiming to be Muslims.

Abdullahi who is still awaiting his retirement benefits and gratuity decried the grim reality faced by victims of banditry in Nigerias rural areas.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has urged residents to take proactive measures to defend themselves from bandit assaults.

During an emergency security meeting at the Government House in Katsina, the governor emphasised the significance of not depending exclusively on government assistance.

Leading government officials, security chiefs, paramilitary agency chiefs, and notable traditional leaders from Daura and Katsina attended the Friday, February 09, 2024, meeting.

Governor Radda emphasised that quick action is required to address the states rising rates of food shortages, poverty, and insecurity.

This meeting was called to review the security situation as well as rising poverty and food scarcity in the state. We must review the security situation in the state, take action to find a solution, and address these challenges. Apart from insecurity, there are other challenges like the rising cost of food and hunger amongst the population, Governor Radda stated.
The Presidency has called for an investigation into the civil service framework, to eliminate individuals it refers to as moles who are loyal to the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The moles are allegedly responsible for the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents.

Information Nigeria reports that a leaked memo surfaced, revealing that President Tinubu allegedly approved N50million out of a total of N1 billion to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for the inauguration of a 37-man Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Friday, described the approval as the height of financial recklessness.

The PDP describes the said approval of the huge amount for a routine government activity like committee inauguration as the height of profligacy, imprudence, and financial recklessness which further validates PDPs position that the Tinubu-led government is a cesspit of corruption where officials engage in brazen and reckless treasury-looting.

It is even more revealing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation allegedly requested for an audacious sum of N1.8bn for the event which was later scaled down to N1bn, out of which President Tinubu reportedly directed the SGF to start with N500m first.

READ ALSO: Crashing Naira Value Caused By CBNs Missteps  Utomi

Reacting, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take decisive action in identifying and removing individuals who are leaking classified documents and are believed to have allegiance to the opposition.

Onanuga said: This step is crucial in ensuring the security and maintenance of sensitive information.

What is worrisome is, how come a memo written by SGF to the President bearing the Presidents signature leaked out? It means that there are some fifth columnists within the government.

Its not the first time a memo will leak. There was a memo leak when the President went to UNGA, about a request for money to pay for his hotel bills and you wonder where it is leaking from.

There are so many moles around who are probably doing the bidding of the opposition. They do not respect the civil service rule for handling official secrets. And it shows that the government should look inwards to probe how memos between officials are getting into the public space. Memos that are supposed to be secret are not supposed to be flying all over the place.
Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa, Madagascars Justice Minister, on Friday, defended the parliaments new bill authorising the surgical castration of paedophiles convicted of their crimes.

Amnesty International had deemed the measure as cruel, inhuman and degrading.

The upper house Senate on February 2, approved the measure , permitting chemical and surgical castration after it had been voted through by the National Assembly earlier this month.

Amnesty International urged Antananarivo, the capital city to drop the proposed law, saying it would not resolve the problem of paedophilia.

But Randriamanantenasoa told Agence France Presse (AFP) that the large Indian ocean island is a sovereign country that has every right to amend its laws.

Faced with the resurgence of rape, we had to act, she added, saying there were 600 rapes of minors recorded last year.

Up till now the minimum sentence for child rape was five years imprisonment, the minister noted.

The bill, seen by AFP, introduces a penalty of surgical castration for perpetrators of rape committed on a child under the age of 10.

READ ALSO: 55-year-old paedophile pastor flogged mercilessly for abducting and impregnating 10-year-old girl (Photos)

It allows chemical or surgical castration for rapists of children aged between 10 and 13 and jail term of 15 to 20 years of forced labour. It also allows chemical castration for rapists of minors aged between 13 and 18.

The measure must still be validated by the High Constitutional Court before President Andry Rajoelina can sign it into law.

The bill, proposed by Rajoelina last month, was a cornerstone of his re-election campaign promises last year.

Amnestys Regional Director, Tigere Chagutah said legal castration was inconsistent with Malagasy constitutional provisions against torture and other ill-treatment, as well as regional and international human rights standards.

But Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno, of the Women Break the Silence movement, said castration could be a deterrent to a rape culture on the island, where many cases are settled amicably within the family.

Amnesty said rape cases remain under-reported, and perpetrators often go free due to the victims and their families fear of retaliation, stigmatisation, and a lack of trust in the judicial system.

Nciko wa Nciko, the Amnestys Madagascar Adviser, criticised the law for failing to focus on the victims.

Castration causes serious and irreversible harm. And we can have cases where an individual is found guilty and the courts (then) go back on the verdict and clear his name, he told AFP.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced prohibition on the sale and distribution of food items and farm produce in large quantities from the

State to other States in the country.

Bago made the announcement during a press briefing at the government house in Minna, the Niger state capital, on Friday.

According to him, the sale of food items in bulk to other States is behind the scarcity and food starvation within the state.

He said security agencies had been directed to confiscate the truck of anyone that disregard the latest directive.

READ ALSO: Dont Think Of Your Country Negatively  Tinubu Tasks Nigerians

His words: Trucks who come to pack or buy foodstuffs from our villagers in bulk should be halted for now. We have stopped mass purchases from our local markets, all our local governments, from now henceforth.

Anybody found doing that, we have given some security agencies go ahead to confiscate those trucks and share the food to the people.

With the fall in the value of the Naira, the cost of food items have skyrocketed across the country, thereby, causing hardship
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested six suspected armed robbers in Utako Village in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to a Friday statement, the e suspects were apprehended on Wednesday in an uncompleted hospital building which is a marked black spot during a coordinated raid operation.

Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, who disclosed this, said a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and wraps of substances suspected to be marijuana were recovered from the suspects.

She identified the suspects as Basara Hassan, Daniel Charles, Adamu M Oshiaka, Chancy Asidi, and Saliu Al Hassan, all from neighbouring states bordering the nations capital.

Further investigation about the recovered ammunition, led to the arrest of one Yusuf Iliyasu a.k.a Tablet, who is an ex-convict and the syndicate leader.

While an investigation is ongoing, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to assure residents of his unwavering commitment to make Abuja a hell for criminals and to ensure the safety of all, the statement read.

READ ALSO: Katsina Governor Urges Residents To Defend Themselves Against Insecurity

Meanwhile in Taraba State, the Nigerian Army confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Janet Igohia, while trying to pick up a N1.5 million ransom for an abducted victim.

The arrest of the female kidnapper was made by the troops of the 93 Battalion under 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the brigade, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the troops also apprehended a notorious gunrunner dealing in arms and ammunition and supplying them to criminals within Taraba State and other parts of the country.

The suspect, it was learnt, was married to a notorious criminal who is a second-in-command to late Hana Terwase.

The army spokesperson said the suspect was arrested after being paid ransom for an abducted victim in the Chanchangi area in Takum Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba.

According to her, she had previously been married to high-profile criminals such as late Terkibi Gemaga, aka Mopol, a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops five years ago.

She revealed that she also got married to late Gana Terwase, another notorious criminal who was killed during a joint special force operation three years ago, he said.

Olubodunde also revealed that the troops deployed in Mararaba Baissa community of Donga LGA apprehended two other suspected gun runners who were allegedly involved in extra judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of N600,000.

The money recovered from the suspects was part of the proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones, he added.

He gave the names of the suspects as Alhaji Adamu Damisa [40] and Usman Isah [44].
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to Cyril Ndifon, the suspended law faculty dean at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

Ndifon was granted bail in the sum of N250 million with two sureties in like sum.

The Presiding Judge, James Omotosho, also granted lawyer Sunny Anyanwu, charged alongside Ndifon by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), N50 million bail with two sureties.

Omotosho said the court granted them bail because the defendants made a serious case for one.

The Judge held that the two sureties, who must be owners of a landed property in Abuja with registered titles and a minimum valuation of 150 million, must submit their certified bank statements to the registrar of the court.

While directing Ndifon to submit his international passport to the court Registrar, he ordered the suspended dean to sign an undertaking not to interfere with the case, be ready to stand trial, and not delay the trial.

Also ruling on Anyanwus bail plea, Omotosho, held that one of the sureties must have a property in Abuja, but not with a registered title.

READ ALSO: Suspended UNICAL Prof Demanded Blow Job In Exchange For Admission  Witness Tells Court

He further directed the sureties to file their bank statements and ordered Anyanwu to sign an undertaking not to interfere with the trial.

He said the court exercised discretion in favour of the defendants due to the nature of the offence and on health grounds.

Recall that Ndifon was suspended as a UNICAL dean in August 2023 for sexually harassing some female students.

Following protests and public outcry from the student community, an investigative panel probed the allegations against him.

The panel found the professor, who has since been replaced, guilty of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

The ICPC similarly investigated the professors alleged gross misconduct and arrested him on October 4.

It arraigned the senior lecturer on a four-count charge bordering on sexual harassment, official corruption, and abuse of office.

On January 25, Ndifon was re-arraigned alongside Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge bordering on alleged sexual harassment and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

One of the lawyers in the defence, Anyanwu, was included in an amended charge filed on January 22 by the ICPC.

Anyanwu had called one of the prosecution witnesses, during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon, to threaten her.
Williams Uchimba, a Nollywood actor and entrepreneur, recently took to social media to express his concerns about the current situation of the economy.

He disclosed the unsustainable nature of the economy in a video posted on his Instagram page.

The actor also bemoaned the unparalleled intensity of the conflict in Nigeria.

He begged the authorities to do better as he complained how horrible things had become and how they would only become worse.

READ MORE: Mr Macaroni Calls Out Femi Gbajabiamila For Referring To Social Media As Menace

In his words,

What is going on? Things don spoil o, listen this economy is not sustainable, I have never seen somebody that sells goods reluctant of selling, some of them dont even want to sell, theyre scared and sad to sell because someone can send goods to you now with the rate of one thousand two and as hes collecting money it has triggered to one thousand five he said in part.

SEE POST:
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, called on the National Assembly (NASS) to probe President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration over a leaked N1 billion memo.

The memo had disclosed that Tinubu approved N500 million as first installment of a N1billion for the inauguration of a 37-man Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage.

The memo allegedly emerged from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

PDP, via its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, described the alleged approval of the huge amount for a routine government activity like committee inauguration as the height of profligacy, imprudence and financial recklessness which further validates its position that the Tinubu-led government is a cesspit of corruption where officials engage in brazen and reckless treasury-looting.

The statement read, It is highly provocative and unpardonable that at the time the nation is suffering acute food shortage; when millions of Nigerians are starving due largely to inadequate investment in food production, insecurity and harsh economic policies of the government; a time when workers are still being owed their January 2024 salary and other legitimate entitlements, President Tinubu is allegedly spending N1 billion to inaugurate a committee.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Approves Release Of 102,000 Tons Of Grains To Lower Rising Food Cost

It is even more revealing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, allegedly requested for an audacious sum of N1.8 billion for the event which was later scaled down to N1 billion, out of which President Tinubu reportedly directed the SGF to start with N500 million first.

This further shows that the APC administration is insensitive and has no regard for the plight of Nigerians, whom President Tinubu, during his 2024 budget presentation at the National Assembly described as ordinary people out there.

Nigerians can now also see how our national treasury and funds meant for their wellbeing are being looted with reckless abandon by officials of the Tinubu-led APC administration.

This is apparently a tip of the iceberg of how looters in the APC administration are cashing out with public funds under the cover of the Presidency as witnessed in the reported plundering of over N44 billion in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The PDP calls out the Tinubu Presidency to speak out, come clean and address the nation on this very weighty allegation especially at this time when Nigerians are undergoing excruciating economic hardship.

Our Party demands that the National Assembly, pursuant to its powers under Section 88 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) immediately commence investigation into this matter which is already agitating the minds of Nigerians across the country.
Renowned media personality and actress, Biodun Stephen has sent a brief public service announcement to medical facilities and physicians.

She exposed the common coldness among Nigerian doctors and lectured about the need for medical professionals to be more compassionate towards their patients.

Taking to her X account, she wrote,

Dear doctors, I know this country does not give you the credit you deserve, but the patients need your warmth in consulting with them. You do not need to be friendly, though. I believe its a plus. But aloofness and coldness does not come with the medical practice. Do better. Be kinder.

READ MORE: Toyin Abraham Beams With Joy As Her Movie Malaika Hits N300M

She went on to tell hospitals in Nigeria that most patients dont like coming to them, just as they dislike seeing patients.

Dear hospital, the feeling is mutual. I do not like coming to you either, but sometimes life forces us to be in your presence. When I do come to you, tell your people not to treat me like a livestock. You are not doing me a favor. It is a paid service. Thank you.

SEE POST:
Heather McBryan, Boeing vice president and CH-47 Chinook helicopter program manager, and Kathleen "KJ" Jolivette (right), vice president and general manager of Boeing's Vertical Lift division, which makes helicopters, seated before an image of a Chinook helicopter at Boeing's Delaware County plant. Read more

In a move that elected officials say could keep the assembly line at the Boeing plant in Ridley Park busy for 20 years, the Army has canceled a proposed attack helicopter by rivals Lockheed Sikorsky and Bell Textron and transferred funds to upgrade Boeings Chinook helicopters and smarter drones.

The Army said Thursday that it is discontinuing work on the Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft  often called scout helicopters  and shifting funds to speed a long-delayed upgrade of as many as 425 Boeing Chinook CH-47s. It also will begin building new attack helicopters by 2030, along with next-generation unmanned aircraft.

The Army cited lessons learned and a sober assessment of recent battlefields in Ukraine and elsewhere, where agile drone aircraft have been used to combat conventional forces from far away at low cost.

The move reverses a Pentagon decision in 2019 that slowed planned Chinook upgrades. At the time, military leaders said they expected to need fewer Chinooks, or certain other equipment used in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Instead, the focus would be on long-range artillery, space and software weapons, and other programs useful against Russia or China.

Advertisement

That decision threatened a shutdown of the Chinook assembly line at the 4,000-worker plant, and its suppliers in the region. In response, the regions congressional delegation crossed party lines to plead for the Chinook program.

On Friday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) praised the Armys reversal, noting it supported thousands of good-paying jobs in our region, as well as our national security.

James Rugh, a leader of UAW Local 1069, which represents assembly workers at the plant, credited Casey and U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D., Pa.) for helping secure the future for workers.

The Army will replace the canceled scout helicopters with new-generation drone aircraft and space-based systems, while phasing out older Shadow and Raven unmanned craft, the Army said in a statement.

Sensors and weapons mounted on a variety of unmanned systems and in space are further reaching and more inexpensive than ever before, Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff, said in a statement.

Last year, Boeing leaders, including vice president Kathleen KJ Jolivette, general manager of the companys helicopter program, warned that it could suspend production of the Chinook if long-term orders werent guaranteed by Congress.

The plant also assembles Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, which officials warned could also face a slowdown due to a lack of orders.

On Friday, Jolivette called the decision to buy more Chinooks a reflection of [Army] confidence in our heavy-lift program. She also thanked members of Congress for pushing for the program.

Philadelphia-area helicopter makers including Boeing, Piasecki in Essington and Coatesville, and Leonardo in Northeast Philadelphia, have sought Pentagon funding for unmanned aircraft as well as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-fueled models.

Leonardo and Boeing have said they are also developing ways to deploy drone forces from manned helicopters.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth in a statement called these changes part of the Armys most significant modernization effort since at least the early 1980s.
Xuong Le, Britni McLaughlin Le and children (from left) Natalya Le, Xavier Le and Nakayla Le, were killed at 58 Lewis Avenue in East Landsdowne on Wed. Feb. 7, 2024. Read more

As law enforcement pulled the final remains of a young family from the ashes of their home on Friday morning, the weight of what was lost began to set in across a tight-knit Delaware County community.

We are hurting. We are in pain, said East Lansdowne Mayor Majovie Bland.

This is a horrible, unspeakable tragedy, said Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware Countys district attorney.

Among the victims were Xuong Le, 40, and his 37-year-old wife, Britni McLaughlin Le. The two were loving and devoted parents who had spent 17 years  nearly half their lives  married, and raising a family in East Lansdowne, family said.

Advertisement

There was their eldest daughter, Natalya, 17, a junior at Penn Wood High School who sometimes kept her hair in light pink braids. Then their second child, Nakayla, 13, an eighth grader at Penn Wood Middle School who played volleyball, cheered, and attended a local dance academy.

When she was on stage you just couldnt take your eyes off of her, a family friend wrote on Facebook.

And then there was 10-year-old Xavier, a student at East Lansdowne Elementary and the baby of the family.

Also among them was the alleged gunman: 43-year-old Canh V. Le  Xuongs older brother. Police believe, based on conversations with surviving family, that he shot and killed his relatives before opening fire on two responding police officers, then setting the familys home ablaze.

Still, as of Friday, law enforcement officials said its still not clear what led Le to commit what Stollsteimer described as a horrible evil.

He said Les mother, Chin Le, told investigators she overheard her son arguing with his 13-year-old niece, before threatening to retrieve a rifle. Chin Le and her husband, Huong, fled the home in fear, he said. Huong Le called 911 for help, reporting that his granddaughter had been shot by his son. In the background, Stollsteimer said, dispatchers could hear the sounds of gunfire.

He just went haywire, Stollsteimer said of Le.

When local police arrived, they were met with gunfire. Two officers, both 22-year veterans of the force, were injured: one shot in the forearm, the other in the leg. Both have been released from the hospital.

First responders, battling continued gunfire, were not able to get inside the house and reach other family members before the structure became engulfed in flames and collapsed.

Investigators may likely never know the full story of how the killings unfolded and why: Most of the evidence and remains were destroyed inside the inferno. Stollsteimer said the Medical Examiners Office would now begin the gruesome process of trying to identify each person, likely using dental records and DNA, and determine exactly how they died.

These are charred remains. They are unrecognizable human beings, Stollsteimer said. This is just a horrendous, horrendous thing.

They have literally lost everything they have, he said of the surviving Le family. They lost everybody they loved, and they lost their home.

Investigators also retrieved the melted remains of a rifle  which they believe was the weapon used in the shootings  but it was unclear who had purchased the gun, or how long it had been in the home.

Court records show that Le had been arrested nearly 20 years ago for making terroristic threats, but details of that incident remain unclear. Stollsteimer said he had no information on the case.

I cant stop thinking about it

Members of the McLaughlin and Le families have declined interviews as they process their grief. In a statement, the McLaughlins described Britni and Xuong as loving and devoted parents to their three children, their extended family, and their beloved friends.

Our hearts are broken and we vow to cherish the memories of our loved ones, and we will work to ensure that their legacies live on, the family said.

On social media, memorials started to pour in. Photos showed the family enjoying trips to Disney and to Phillies games. Friends shared memories of growing up alongside the parents, who were both born and raised in the Delaware County area.

At Penn Wood Middle School, where Nakayla Le was a student and member of the volleyball and cheer teams, students and staff wore pink and gray on Friday to honor the young girl they knew as Kayla. Friends wrote notes in Sharpie on her school locker, and filled it with cards and stuffed animals.

Youll always be my best friend, wrote one girl.

On Instagram, friends recalled how she wanted to become a nail technician, and CCSD Dance Company shared videos of her performing in bright, glittery costumes, soaring through the air and tapping her feet.

Always willing to learn and teach something new. She was a beautiful young lady with a golden heart, read a post from the middle schools cheer Instagram page.

Nakayla and her siblings were all students in the William Penn School District, and their deaths marked the second tragedy for the school community just this week. On Monday, a 15-year-old student was shot and killed by another teen.

I cant stop thinking about it all, District Superintendent Eric Beacoats wrote to the community. The death of anyone puts a lot of things into perspective.

One bit of good news came Friday, Stollsteimer said, as the second officer who was injured in the shooting was released from the hospital. East Lansdowne Police Officer John Meehan, 44, was wheelchaired out of Penn Presbyterian to applause. His colleague, David Schiazza of Lansdowne, was released Thursday afternoon.

Back on Lewis Avenue, neighbors struggled to make sense of the tragedy as investigators packed up. Heavy equipment remained as borough officials finished demolishing the unstable skeleton of the home.

Carmen Minchala, who had lived next door to the Le family for about a year, sat on a stoop, wrapped in a blanket. She had been unable to get into her home since Wednesday, and the damage to the structure was so severe  the basement flooded from fire hoses and the walls unstable from the nearby flames  that she wont be able to live there again anytime soon.

Gianna Milano stood and watched the cleanup of the crime scene. She recalled being on Baltimore Pike Wednesday afternoon and seeing the police vehicles going 100 miles per hour. She felt a kind of dread that, instinctively, told her something was horribly wrong. When she followed a plume of smoke to the burning home, her fears were confirmed.

She visited Lewis Avenue Friday out of respect for the Les.

That was a house, a family, she said. And now its all gone, for nothing.

Staff photographer Jose F. Moreno contributed to this article.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday slammed the report by a Justice Department special counsel into Joe Bidens mishandling of classified documents that raised questions about the presidents memory, calling it politically motivated and gratuitous, as the White House said the president would take steps to safeguard classified materials during presidential transitions.

The report from Robert Hur, the former Maryland U.S. Attorney selected by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Biden found evidence that Biden willfully held onto and shared with a ghostwriter highly classified information, but laid out why he did not believe the evidence met the standard for criminal charges, including a high probability that the Justice Department would not be able to prove Bidens intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

The White House has said Biden erred in having the documents in his home and Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House counsels office, said on Friday that Biden would soon name a task force to ensure that there are better processes in place to protect classified materials when administrations change.

 READ MORE: Biden angrily pushes back at special counsels report that questioned his memory, handling of docs

Advertisement

The Hur report described the 81-year-old Democrats memory as hazy, fuzzy, faulty, poor, and having significant limitations. It noted that Biden could not recall defining milestones in his own life such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.

Asked whether the White House would release a copy of the transcript of Bidens interview with Hur that could dispute Hurs characterizations, Sams said parts of it were classified, but that if parts of it could be declassified, well take a look at that and make a determination.

Taking a question from a reporter at the conclusion of a gun violence prevention event at the White House, Harris said that as a former prosecutor, she considered Hurs comments gratuitous, inaccurate, and inappropriate.

She noted that Bidens two-day sit-down with Hur occurred just after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, where more than 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage  including many Americans.

It was an intense moment for the commander in chief of the United States of America, Harris said, saying she spent countless hours with Biden and other officials in the days that followed and he was on top of it all.

She added that the way that the presidents demeanor in that report was characterized could not be more wrong on the facts and clearly politically motivated, gratuitous.

Harris concluded saying a special counsel should have a higher level of integrity than what we saw.

Her comments came a day after Biden insisted that his memory is fine. and grew visibly angry at the White House, as he denied forgetting when his son died. Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Sams suggested that the political environment led Hur, who was appointed as U.S. attorney by former President Donald Trump, to include the comments. Theres an environment that we are in, that generates a ton of pressure, because you have congressional Republicans, other Republicans, attacking prosecutors that they dont like, he said.
A 41-year-old Bucks County man already charged with sexually assaulting six boys while he worked for an after-school program and as a babysitter two decades ago now faces a slew of additional charges in connection with a seventh boy who allegedly was victimized just a few years ago.

The Bucks County District Attorneys Office said Friday that Gerald Spoto, of Bristol Township, was charged with an additional three felony counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and related offenses, including 274 counts of photographing or filming a child sex act, and 275 counts of possession of child pornography.

Spoto was arraigned Friday by District Judge Terrance Hughes, who denied bail, citing public safety concerns and Spoto being a flight risk because he is in the process of selling his home. Spoto has been in custody since his original arrest in December.

Last month, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy argued against reducing Spotos bail because he allegedly attempted to adopt a child recently.

Advertisement

His lawyer, Gail Marr, on Friday declined to comment on the new charges.

Spoto was first charged in December with sexually assaulting four boys two decades ago when he worked for the Neshaminy Kids Club after-school program. He was charged in January with sexually assaulting two other boys.

The families of two boys filed reports with police in 2013 and 2017, but the investigations stalled. Late last year, Middletown Township detectives reexamined the cases and then found more boys  now adults  who said they had been molested by Spoto, prosecutors said.

During the new investigation, Middletown Township detectives obtained Spotos iPhone and allegedly found several photos of a 13-year-old boy, prosecutors said.

The detectives identified the boy and spoke to his parents, who said the boy spent a significant amount of time at Spotos home and that Spoto purchased gifts for their son.

The detectives then identified hundreds of images of the boy, some of them fully naked, from one of Spotos confiscated computers. In the images, the boy appears to be between 11 and 13 years old, and in some images the boy is being sexually abused, prosecutors said.

The detectives interviewed the boy, who said Spoto sexually assaulted him dozens of times starting in 2021, when he was 11, prosecutors said.

Investigators believe there may be more victims and are asking anyone with information to contact Middletown Township Detective John Beck at 215-750-3872, ext. 2215.
A 24-year-old Philadelphia man pleaded guilty this month to felony theft for stealing more than $1.1 million from dozens of ATMs in the region while working for a company that services the machines, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said Friday.

Nicholas J. Anderson pleaded guilty on Feb. 1 and is scheduled to be sentenced May 2, said Kate Delano, spokesperson for Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. Anderson remains free on bail.

The investigation began in August 2022 when police were called to the Whitpain Township offices of Diebold Nixdorf, a global financial technology company, according to the police criminal complaint filed in January 2023.

An employee told the responding officer that the companys fraud department had flagged frequent and significant shortages of cash at 47 ATM locations in Philadelphia as well as Montgomery and Delaware Counties.

Anderson was identified as the employee servicing those ATMs and his company vehicle was taken from him, the unnamed employee told the officer. The employee said he looked inside the vehicle and found $12,050 in cash, a Glock 23 handgun, and a prescription medication bottle belonging to Anderson.

The Glock, which was equipped with a 30-round magazine, had been reported stolen out of Bensalem Township in 2020.
HARRISBURG  In his first visit to Pennsylvania of 2024, former President Donald Trump seized on a special counsels decision not to charge President Joe Biden for mishandling classified documents while Trump continues to contend with a pending criminal case.

Before a crowd of thousands of supporters at a National Rifle Association gathering in Harrisburg, Trump contended he was the victim of unfair treatment.

Biden is not going to be charged, Trump said. If hes not going to be charged, thats up to them. But then I should not be charged.

He also took shots at Bidens mental faculties after the special counsels report raised questions about the presidents memory. Trump blamed Democrats working around Biden for the legal cases against him, which have been filed across four separate states.

Advertisement

This is nothing more than selective persecution of Bidens political opponent, me. I dont think its Biden, because I dont think he knows hes alive, Trump said, suggesting that other administration officials hold the power rather than Biden.

In a 70-minute speech, Trump zigzagged between promises to support gun rights and unfocused, wider-ranging hyperbolic and often incendiary criticism of Democrats and Biden. He led the crowd in booing the fake news media and called Biden the most incompetent and most corrupt president in the history of our country. He also a predicted World War III and a 100% chance of a terrorist attack if Biden is reelected.

It was the first of whats expected to be many stops in the state for Trump who visited frequently in his last two presidential campaigns. His speech before a full arena of people took place at the Great American Outdoor Show, a massive expo hosted annually by the NRA at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.

Trump repeated his debunked lie about the 2020 election, claiming that he won Pennsylvania twice. Trump narrowly won Pennsylvania in 2016 and then lost the state by a little more than 1 percentage point, or roughly 80,000 votes, to Biden in 2020.

We did much better the second time than we did the first. Its interesting, isnt it? he said.

He received a devoted welcome from the crowd which lined up hours before his speech, filling the large arena. In the expo itself, vendors proudly displayed Trump apparel, life-size cutouts, and campaign banners from booths hocking hunting trips, taxidermy guns, and gun accessories.

Trumps visit comes during Bidens rough week

The speech followed a good week for Trumps campaign. His only remaining Republican rival, Nikki Haley, finished in second place to none of these candidates in the largely ceremonial Nevada primary, which Trump skipped. And the U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared to be tilting in Trumps favor during oral arguments over whether he should be eligible for the ballot in Colorado.

Biden had a far worse week. A special counsel released a report clearing Biden of wrongdoing over his handling of classified documents but adding scathing commentary on the presidents fitness, calling him elderly and forgetful. In a news conference Biden held to respond to the report, the president confused Egypt and Mexico when answering a question about the Israel-Hamas war.

The special counsel investigation into Biden paled in scope to the charges Trump faces on retention of sensitive government documents and obstruction. The two men also interacted very differently with the probes.

Bidens lawyers immediately notified the National Archives after discovering classified documents in late 2022 and have since cooperated with the Justice Department. Trump repeatedly resisted requests from the National Archives and failed to fully respond to a subpoena, ultimately resulting in a search of his home and office by FBI agents.

After the special counsel report was released, White House officials disputed Robert Hurs characterizations of Bidens memory, and argued his comments veered outside of his scope. When the inevitable conclusion is that the facts and the evidence dont support any charges, youre left to wonder why this report spends time making gratuitous and inappropriate criticisms of the president, said Ian Sams, spokesman for the White House counsels office.

Ahead of Trumps visit, Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) also defended Bidens ability to hold office.

The president was very clear that he is absolutely in full control, Fetterman said. Trump is going on 78, and the president is 81. Is it a meaningful [difference]? There are older folks that are our choices, thats what the nation wants.

Biden has already visited Pennsylvania three times this year as most polls show the president and Trump running neck-and-neck against each other in the state with 10 months until the November election.

Trump has also turned his sights to the general election battle, in which hes poised to be the GOP nominee. Hes also fighting unprecedented legal challenges for a former president in both criminal and civil court. Trumps latest campaign finance filings show his campaign and affiliated committees spent nearly $50 million of contributions to pay lawyers and other expenses associated with the 91 felony counts he faces.

Trump touts gun rights for NRA members

It was Trumps eighth time addressing the NRA. He promised to roll back Bidens efforts to regulate firearms.

When Im back in the Oval Office no one will lay a finger on your firearm, he said.

In a moment Democrats looking to appeal to pro-gun control voters might seize, Trump also bragged about the lack of gun control reform instituted during his presidency, which coincided with several mass shootings.

During my four years, nothing happened. And there was great pressure on me, having to do with guns, Trump said. We did nothing, we didnt yield.

As with many policy issues, Biden and Trump have far different records on gun control.

Biden has pushed for stricter gun regulations as president, signing into law in 2022 one of the most sweeping changes to gun laws in three decades after the deadly shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022.

Democrats sought to highlight Bidens record on gun control ahead of Trumps visit on Friday. Fetterman joined a call with Kimberly Mata-Rubio, the mother of Lexi Rubio, one of the victims of the school shooting in Uvalde.

We are facing a choice between a leader who has spent his entire career fighting for lifesaving gun legislation, and a man who time and time again has sided with the gun lobby at the expense of our childrens safety, said Mata-Rubio.

Trump, who is a member of the NRA, opposed most gun control efforts as president. The NRA applauded Trump for designating firearm retailers as critical infrastructure during COVID-19 and withdrawing from the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. The NRA also credited Trumps three Supreme Court appointments with helping enshrine gun rights in blue states.

The speech was billed as a presidential candidates forum but had all the trappings of a NRA-sponsored Trump rally, from a T-shirt and free firearm suppressor giveaway, to country music performers praising Trump before he took the stage. A spokesperson for the NRA said Haley had been invited to the forum but did not respond.

While Trump is broadly unpopular, his ratings have improved as his legal challenges have grown and he maintains enthusiastic support with his core base, about one-third of the Republican Party.

Barbara Holstein, a school bus driver, drove three hours from Sussex, N.J., to see him speak  her sixth time. I wouldnt have come for anyone else. I wanted to be around people who believe in Trump, she said. I just truly believe in the man.

Dominic Chickilly, 32, came to see Trump with his 2-year-old daughter, Izabella.

Even with all this b that the current administration is putting him through, Americans still support him, said Chickilly, who wore a T-shirt with Trumps mug shot. And no matter where you go in Pennsylvania, you can see that. You can see that today. Were here and we want Trump.

Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 10. The 11th meeting of the Turkish-Kyrgyz Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place in Turkiye's Ankara city, Trend reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, the co-chairs of the meeting were the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, and the Vice President of Turkiye, Cevdet Ylmaz. The agenda of the meeting included cooperation in economics, investments, energy, industry, agriculture, transportation, tourism, healthcare, culture, education, and other spheres.

In his speech, Akylbek Japarov highlighted the establishment of the Kyrgyzstan Trade Representation in Turkiye as a significant event. He mentioned that this step would contribute to deepening the economic ties between the two countries and ensuring sustainable development through cooperation in trade and investment.

In turn, Cevdet Ylmaz noted that cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye is successfully developing and strengthening.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a protocol consisting of 62 points, an agreement on international highways, and a memorandum on exports were signed.

To ensure effective implementation of the decisions made, the parties agreed to exchange information quarterly. The next meeting of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation will take place next year in Kyrgyzstan.
Saturday

Six Nations Live, RTE2, 4.15pm

Jacqui Hurley is joined by Hannah Tyrrell, Jamie Heaslip & Stephen Ferris for live coverage of England v Wales from Twickenham

Saturday Game Live, RTE2, 7.15pm

Joanne Cantwell is joined by Donal Og Cusack & Jackie Tyrrell for live coverage of Cork v Kilkenny from Pairc Ui Chaoimh

The Masked Singer, ITV1, 7.15pm

Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan try to guess the identity of the latest warbler-in-disguise.

Lloyd Hutchinson and Emma Dwan in Blackshore

Sunday

Six Nations Rugby, Virgin Media, 3pm

Ireland take on Italy in Dublin.

Blackshore, RTE One, 9.30pm

Murky murder-mystery set in a fictional Clare town. With the case now confirmed a murder, Fia (Lisa Dwan) suspects her new partner, Detective Furlong, of having a part to play in Roisin Hurleys death. A confession from Cian allows Fia to cautiously accept Cians help on the case. As her investigation continues, Fia soon uncovers further dark secrets.

Geantrai, TG4, 10.30pm

A traditional music programme where the presenter, Ciaran O Gealbhain, visits traditional music pubs the length and breadth of Ireland.

Monday

The Space Shuttle That Fell To Earth, BBC Two, 9pm

In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart in the skies above America. The astronauts' families and Nasa staff share personal stories of the launch, unfolding disaster and fallout.

Andrew Trimble: For Ulster and Ireland, RTE One, 9.35pm

For years, the Ulster and Ireland rugby star, Andrew Trimble, pulled on the green jersey of Ireland and the red and white of Ulster with equal pride and passion, and no sense of conflict. Now, through a series of encounters, he explores his Ulster-Scots roots and asks whether and how its possible for different cultures, traditions, loyalties and identities to co-exist peacefully on this island, as they always have in his life.

Tuesday

High Road, Low Road, RTE One, 7pm

Singapore is the exotic melting pot for Comedians Deirdre OKane and Emma Doran. Its a sky diving experience and a yacht trip for one celebrity but noodles and walk about the neighbourhoods for the other.

Champions League Live, RTE2, 7.30pm

Darragh Maloney presents live coverage of Copenhagen v Manchester City.

Inside Penneys, Tuesday, RTE One, 8.30pm

In Episode 6, we see the culmination of months of hard work for Team Penneys, as pop star and fashion icon, Rita Ora, is revealed as the brands global design collaborator.

Wednesday

Nevens Portuguese Food Trails, RTE One, 8pm

This week Neven is in Madeira, a spectacular island in the Atlantic Ocean. Madeiras subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for producing unique food and drink.

Home Grown, RTE One, 8.30pm

A second run of the popular seven part series celebrating Irish horticulture. Industry advocates and presenters Kitty Scully and Colm ODriscoll once again travel around Ireland in search of stories celebrating Irish Horticulture and exploring our increasing interest in growing our own vegetables and plants.

Book Club, RTE One, 10.35pm

In the first episode of this four-part series, reading groups from around the country discuss Sarah Breen and Emer Mclysaghts Aisling Ever After, Claire Keegans So Late In The Day, Elaine Feeneys How to Build a Boat, Mark OConnells A Thread of Violence and book club classic and global phenomenon Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Yoga teacher Maura Rath stars in The Apprentice

Thursday

Planda go Plata, TG4, 8pm

This week we are at McNally's family farm just a few kilometres out from the seaside town of Balbriggan in north county Dublin with Rebecca and organic farmer Jenny.

The Apprentice, BBC One, 9pm

A yoga teacher from Wexford is among the contestants vying for Alan Sugars 250,000 investment pot.

First Dates, RTE2, 9.30pm

Rating herself a 10 on the sexually adventurous scale, Mary, 27, from Barcelona meets Betty Boo, 30, from Kildare who once ate raw meat to impress a date.

Friday

League of Ireland Live, RTE2, 7.30pm

Shamrock FC play Dundalk in the league opener from Tallaght Stadium

The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, 10.40pm

Jodie Foster, Olivia Colman and comedian Wanda Sykes join Norton on his huge couch of chat.

Ben Mendelsohn stars in The New Look from Apple TV+

Streaming

The New Look, Apple TV +, Wednesday

Ben Mendelsohn plays fashion pioneer Christian Dior in a big-budget drama set in post-war France.

This Is Me NowA Love Story, Prime Video, Friday

Jennifer Lopez shares her life story in a film that promises to showcase J-Lo's journey to love through her own eyes. With star studded cameos from Trevor Noah, Post Malone, Sofia Vergara and, of course, Ben Affleck.
Right now this bride and groom are looking back at their big-day showreel five thousand miles from where those memories were minted.

Cavan natives Niamh McEntee and David Hyland have been living in Dubai since 2018 and returned to the county of their birth to exchange vows.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

They're looking forward to putting down roots again when they're back in the future to build their forever home.

Their newly purchased site even stars in the couple's wedding album, as it was one of the first photoshoot ports of call for their snapper, Hu OReilly, following the "I do's".

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland with their wedding party. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Niamh, originally from Arva, and David, from Lough Gowna, were married in the Sacred Heart Church, Arva, where Fr Declan Shannon was joined on the altar by Fr Kevin Gormley, who travelled from the United States for the occasion.

Niamh and David grew up in neighbouring towns. The romance started at Sligo RAG Week in 2011 - as all great love stories do, says Niamh.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Theyve been based in Dubai since 2018 where Niamh is the deputy general area sales manager, Nissan Middle East, and David is sports turf project manager, Zayed Sports City Abu Dhabi.

After a decade together, David popped the question, on February 7, 2021, as they were enjoying a break in the luxury Rixos Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Although Niamh had booked the staycation, I had secretly arranged a romantic set-up in the hotel room (knowing Niamh wouldn't like a public engagement) and proposed at sunset, he says.

Niamh McEntee with Lisa Brady, Grace Flynn, Kate Hyland and Eleanor Rabbitt. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Some 300 guests travelled from across the world to celebrate with the couple and their parents, Margaret and Padraig McEntee and Maeve and Michael Hyland as well as the brides grandmother Chris Hourican.

Lisa Brady, Grace Flynn, Kate Hyland and Eleanor Rabbitt were Niamh's bridesmaids while John Hyland, Peter Morris, James Morris and TJ Fitzpatrick were David's groomsmen.

Niamh McEntee with her nephews and pageboys Eoghan McEntee, Darragh McEntee, Caoimhin McEntee, Cillian McEntee and David McEntee.

The bride's nephews Eoghan McEntee, Darragh McEntee, Caoimhin McEntee, Cillian McEntee and David McEntee were the pageboys.

The reception took place in the Virginia Park Lodge, Virginia, Co Cavan, and the couples original vision when planning the entire event was to keep everything classic, elegant with some element of vibrancy through the flowers, bridesmaid dresses and vintage cars, says the bride.

Niamh McEntee with her aunt Christina Hourican, grandmother Chris Hourican and father Padraig McEntee.

Niamh looked stunning in a bespoke dress designed and made by Patrick Casey, Ballymahon, Co Longford, and the groom was dapper thanks to Suited and Booted, Dubai, and the groomsmen sourced their attire in Karlos Conlon Menswear, Virginia, Co Cavan.

Our photographer Hu (huoreillyphoto.com) made the day relaxed and enjoyable, and was a true gentleman, as was our videographer Niall from Complete Weddings, says Niamh.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland travelling in a vintage MG. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Bouquets2Banquets created the floral decor and Natalie Turner provided the church music, while Niamh's friend Michaela Tiernan performed Megan O'Neill song Ireland.

The song represented our love for home despite living abroad, adds the bride. The evening entertainment by Seany Gavin and the Supernovas created a magical atmosphere, made sure the dancefloor was never empty and meant guests went home with sore feet.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

The bride and groom enjoyed a minimoon in Italy and honeymooned in Bali.

If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
The AV Room at Leinster House is often used to host information sessions or lectures.

The modern marble room, hidden behind a nondescript door beside a bust of Countess Markievicz, with its steep seating and built-in top table, is more akin to a lecture hall than anything else, and on a given week, it can be booked out by TDs and Senators to hold information events.

When the Irish Examiner office was a stone's throw from the AV Room, it was not uncommon to be invited at the door into briefings on health issues, social concerns, or the work of Oireachtas committees.

This week, the room was used by independent senator Sharon Keogan for a discussion entitled, WHO Pandemic Treaty: Know The Facts.

The treaty, agreed in 2021, was this week called "mission critical for humanity" by the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

With a deadline looming in just months for the treaty to be agreed, Dr Tedros has warned that future generations will not forgive those in charge today if an agreement is not reached around who does what in the event of the next pandemic.

We cannot allow the same thing to happen next time  and there will be a next time, he warned.

The treaty has been subject to numerous disputed, or outright false, claims around its impact on national sovereignty, the ability of the UN to deploy troops, forced vaccinations, or monitored movements.

Human rights groups like Amnesty International, the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Commission of Jurists, and Human Rights Watch say that the text contains "a weak framework for ensuring that countries will be accountable for maintaining a rights-compliant response to future pandemics".

At Leinster House this week, the panel featured several speakers, kicking off with a Swiss tax lawyer named Phillip Kruse.

Mr Kruse began by acknowledging that the WHO's position is that sovereignty will not be encroached upon, but said that he was concerned about "the fundamental principles of our democracy".

He said that legal instruments within the treaty would "allow the WHO to declare a public health emergency at any time", a claim which is disputed by those in favour of the idea.

Andrew Bridgen was expelled from his party over a tweet in which he linked to an article that purported to show the health risks of covid vaccines.

Mr Kruse was followed by English MP Andrew Bridgen.

In April last year, Mr Bridgen was permanently expelled from the Conservative Party for a tweet in which he linked to an article that purported to show the health risks of covid vaccines.

As one consultant cardiologist said to me this is the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust," he said.

In his contribution, ostensibly a potted history of the WHO, the MP for North West Leicestershire spoke of the "threats" facing society including "the sexualisation of our children in schools".

He said  without expansion  that Dr Tedros had been "appointed by an unholy alliance between Bill Gates and the Chinese Communist Party".

He said the treaty would leave the Director General of the WHO with "absolute power" to announce when a pandemic began and ended.

AfD party

Also speaking in the AV Room at Leinster House was MEP Christine Anderson of the AfD party.

On Monday, a German administrative court ruled that the youth wing of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) may be classified by Germany's domestic intelligence service as a "certified right-wing extremist endeavour".

Also speaking in the AV Room at Leinster House was MEP Christine Anderson of the AfD party. Picture: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

Ms Anderson is a former member of Pegida, the far-right anti-Islam German group.

In her speech, she said she was "one of the few elected representatives around the world who take their job seriously", touching on globalism, the World Economic Forum, adding that "they want to get rid of you" before closing with the "one ring to rule them all" quote from The Lord of the Rings books.

Wexford GP Billy Ralph told the meeting that he is one of six GPs who face a fitness to practice inquiry "mainly because they were critical of Nphet" during the pandemic, saying that they "had the audacity to treat their patients" during covid.

Suspended licence

In December last year in the US, the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine (BOLIM) made a finding which extended the suspension of the licence of one of the subsequent Leinster House speakers, Dr Meryl Nass.

The board found that Dr Nass engaged in "incompetence, unprofessional conduct, in deceit and misrepresentation, and violated Board rules".

It added that she had "exhibited incompetency by engaging in conduct that evidenced a lack of knowledge and inability to apply principles and skills to carry out the practice of medicine, failing to refer a patient to an acute care facility when referral was necessary for the safety of the patient, and engaging in deceit and misrepresentation in connection with services rendered within the scope of practice for lying to a pharmacist".

Dr Tess Lawrie. Photo: Youtube

Also on the panel was Dr Tess Lawrie, who founded the World Council for Health group which has been accused of being used to spread covid misinformation.

A 2023 Agence France Presse fact check said that posts from Ms Lawrie on Twitter were wrongly using stats around adverse vaccine effects.

Timothy Mackey, director of the Global Health Policy and Data Institute, said Lawrie's posts are the latest to selectively use adverse event reporting data "to amplify concerns about (the) safety of vaccines".

Ms Keogan's event attracted around 30 or 40 people in person, but livestreams picked up around 7,000 views on her Twitter page.

In the days before the event, TDs had raised concerns about Ms Keogan's guests, but if she was ruffled by it she didn't show it.

When questioned about the panel's makeup by a Labour staffer, Ms Keogan responded with "best of luck to Labour with the next Business Post/RedC poll".
A quick search for the word Leixlip on TikTok brings up a video taken on the grounds of a vacant property. The video, which was posted on January 25, incorrectly tells social media users that it would be receiving unvetted foreign men this week.

The top comment on the video starts with four fire emojis followed by: Uno what ta do.

Another says: There could be faulty wiring there.

One person says the property does not look warm enough, while the remaining comments are predominantly an abundance of fire emojis.

Under two weeks later, the property became the latest of at least 25 arson attacks since 2018 on buildings connected  correctly or incorrectly  with housing international protection applicants.

This week, Garda Superintendent Georgina Gray said gardai had tried to dispel the false rumours about a property on the Celbridge Rd, Leixlip, which nevertheless was targeted by arsonists twice in a week. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

Videos of numerous other properties believed to be earmarked for people seeking asylum feature similarly veiled threats.

For example, under a video of a former creche in Wicklow reported to be destined to house families seeking international protection, one person comments that it would be a shame if it gets burned to the ground.

Away from social media, there was a peculiar musical choice at an anti-immigrant protest in Dublin on Tuesday when Billy Joels We Didnt Start The Fire was played to the hundreds in attendance.

An Garda Siochana and the Government have been grappling in recent months with the increasing use of fire as a means to halt the accommodation of international protection applicants. Since the beginning of this year alone, there have been at least six such suspected arson attacks, for which no suspects have been arrested.

Here are the details of some of the attacks perpetrated on buildings either earmarked for, or already accommodating, asylum seekers.

2018

November 25: A fire broke out in the Caiseal Mara Hotel in Moville, Co Donegal, which was due to accommodate 100 asylum seekers. The fire was started just hours before a meeting to arrange a welcome party. It caused substantial damage to the hotel and left one person injured.

FEBRUARY 2019: The Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey Co Leitrim was set on fire for a second time. Picture: Liam Reynolds

2019

February 11: The Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey, Co Leitrim, which was due to accommodate asylum seekers, was set on fire for the second time.

The first fire was set just a month earlier in January, with gardai expressing concern at the level of determination shown by those involved in the attack.

October 20: A Tesco store attached to a 25-unit apartment complex due to accommodate international protection applicants in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, was set alight.

October 28: Not far from Ballinamore, Sinn Fein TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kennys car was burned out outside his home late at night.

Mr Kenny had received a death threat days before the arson attack after speaking out against a far-right ideology that is being peddled in this country about asylum seekers.

2022

November 7: A fire broke out at Kill Equestrian Centre in Kildare which was earmarked to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. The arson attack came after a protest that same day.

MAY 2023: The remains of a makeshift camp on Sandwith St in Dublin which had been used by homeless migrants but which was burned out on May 12, 2023.

2023

January 31: Rawlton House, a former school in Dublin City, was damaged by fire after disinformation online claimed the property would accommodate asylum seekers.

May 12: A camp in a laneway on Upper Sandwith St in Dublins south inner city was burned out following a violent protest in the area.

Several tents had been occupied in the area by asylum seekers before anti-immigrant protests were staged. To date, five people have been arrested in connection with the Sandwith St incident.

JULY 2023: The former Gaelscoil Ui Riordain in Coolroe, Ballincollig, Cork, was damaged in a suspected arson attack.

May 15: Fireworks were thrown towards an open window at The Sailors Rest accommodation centre in Buncrana, Co Donegal, which was to house 50 asylum seekers.

May 11: A building in Ludden in Buncrana, Co Donegal, earmarked to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, was set on fire. Protests had been held at the building in the weeks prior.

July 28: A former school in Ballincollig, Co Cork, which was earmarked to house Ukrainian refugees, was targeted by arsonists overnight. Three people wearing balaclavas were reported to have attempted to set several fires at the former Gaelscoil Ui Riordain building.

August 2023: Gardai investigated a fire at Ridge House in Ballybrack, south Dublin, which had previously been targeted during a protest against asylum seekers. Picture: Damien Storan

August 14: A vacant property in Ballybrack, Co Dublin, which had been rumoured to be earmarked for international protection, was set on fire. The property had previously been targeted by anti-immigrant protesters when rocks were thrown through its windows.

NOVEMBER 2023: The Holiday Inn Express on O'Connell St, Dublin was among the premises damaged during rioting. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

November 23: On the night of the Dublin riots, several properties were targeted and damaged. The Holiday Inn Express was set alight as rioters believed asylum seekers were being accommodated there. The Dublin City Dorms on Parnell St, which was used to accommodate asylum seekers earlier that year, was also targeted.

Separately, in Finglas, a property due to house asylum seekers was set on fire after a petrol bomb was thrown by rioters.

NOVEMBER 2023: A petrol bomb was thrown at Abbeyville House in Fermoy, Co Cork, which was being considered to accommodate asylum seekers. File picture

November 22: Amid ongoing protests at a former B&B in Fermoy, Co Cork, a petrol bomb was thrown at Abbeyville House.

Protesters at the camp said they rushed to extinguish the small fire and protect the building, which is being considered to accommodate asylum seekers.

November 30: The former Great Southern Hotel in Rosslare, Co Wexford, which was being developed to accommodate about 170 asylum seekers was set alight. Protests had been held in the area in the weeks leading up to the fire.

December 16: An arson attack destroyed Ross Lake House Hotel 7km from Galway, which had been due to house 70 asylum seekers just one week later.

December 2023: The Shipwright pub in Ringsend, Dublin, was torched on December 31. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

December 31: A former pub in Ringsend, Dublin, which was due to accommodate homeless families, was targeted shortly before 2am on New Years Eve.

The major fire at the Shipwright pub required nearly 30 firefighters to bring it under control. It came after protests were held in response to false claims that it was to accommodate asylum seekers.

Two men aged in their 30s and 50s, and a woman in her 20s were arrested in connection with the fire. All three were released without charge, with a file to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions for the two men.

2024

January 3: A former primary school in Fethard, Co Tipperary, was set alight. Gardai said they were aware of possible misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the vacant building.

The Department of Integration said it had not considered the building for use.

January 10: A fire broke out at a vacant former guesthouse in Sandyford, Co Dublin, after it was falsely rumoured to be earmarked for asylum seekers.

January 16: A former convent in Lanesborough, Co Longford, which was due to accommodate about 80 Ukrainian refugees, was set on fire.

February 4: A building in Tallaght, which was once a nursing home and was being assessed to house asylum seekers, was engulfed in an extensive fire, with 40 firefighters battling the blaze throughout the day.

A 24-hour protest had begun there just two days prior. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said gardai will relentlessly chase down those responsible for the attack.

FEBRUARY 2024: Gardai at the scene of the arson attack on a property on the Celbridge Rd in Leixlip. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

February 7: A vacant property in Leixlip, Co Kildare, became the latest target as it was set alight following disinformation claiming the site was to house international protection applicants.

Gardai said there was a significant volume of misinformation and disinformation surrounding the use of the building, while the Department of Integration confirmed that it was not considering the building for use in any capacity. It was the second arson attack on the property after an initial fire there on January 30.
Former Taoiseach John Bruton has been laid to rest in a State funeral in Co Meath, with tributes describing him as a statesman of unshakable integrity.

President Micheal D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ministers, TDs and parliamentary ushers were among those who attended the service at Saints Peter and Paul's Church in Mr Bruton's hometown of Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Former taoisigh Enda Kenny, Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were among those in attendance to remember the man who served as taoiseach in the mid-1990s.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has just arrived at St Peter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne for the funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton pic.twitter.com/dQ0WnPWZIq  Tadgh McNally (@TadghMcN) February 10, 2024

A small crowd gathered at a big screen outside the church to watch the funeral.

Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours will be given at the graveside.

Soldiers dressed Mr Bruton's coffin at the family home ahead of the removal mass on Friday.

Mr Bruton was taoiseach of the "rainbow coalition" government between 1994 and 1997, overseeing a referendum that would legalise divorce in Ireland and contributing to the Northern Ireland peace process through the launch of the Anglo-Irish Framework document.

He died on Tuesday aged 76 surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife Finola, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren and his younger brother, former government minister Richard Bruton, who read a prayer of the faithful during the funeral.

Their sister Mary Bruton spoke to thank friends for their kindness during the family's grief.

In the homily, Father Bruce Bradley described Mr Bruton as "an exceptionally good man".

"John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, 'willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain', as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth."

Mr Bruton's daughter Emily Bruton Iniekio read the poem Death Is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland, while her sister Mary-Elizabeth Bruton gave the second reading.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said Saints Peter and Paul's Church had been important to Mr Bruton, and they had met at Sunday masses.

President Michael D Higgins has arrived at the church in Dunboyne for the funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton @irishexaminer pic.twitter.com/MylIDvwt0T  Tadgh McNally (@TadghMcN) February 10, 2024

"Faith was important to him and the Christian ideal," Bishop Deenihan said, adding that aspects of the late taoiseach's religious beliefs "informed his political thinking".

"He was not, and rightly so, an advocate of a theocracy but was, in the best sense of the term, a Christian democrat.

"The Christian principles of co-operation, dialogue, equity and respect - central to the teachings of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount - are also evidenced in his work in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe."

The bishop said the praise given to Mr Bruton since his death that he was "a decent man" is "the supreme accolade in rural Ireland".

Several senior political figures were seen conversing in the aftermath of the funeral mass, including Mr Ahern speaking with the former NI deputy first minister Mark Durkan, and Ms Little-Pengelly expressing her condolences to Mr Bruton's widow, Finola.

Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko and US ambassador Claire Cronin were also in attendance at the funeral.

- additional reporting from PA
A celebrated Cork-born trade unionist is to get a statue in her honour in Chicago after a sustained campaign to recognise the most dangerous woman in America.

Mother Jones, who was born Mary Harris in Shandon, Cork City, in 1837, was a relentless activist for workers and the poor after her family emigrated to Canada and the US in Famine-era times.

While living in Memphis, yellow fever struck the city.

One by one, my four little children sickened and died, she recorded. I washed their little bodies and got them ready for burial. My husband caught the fever and died."

She was in Chicago then on October 8, 1871, when a great fire swept through the city, making her homeless. She then became engrossed in the labour movement, becoming a fearless and formidable fighter for workers rights and the welfare of the poor in society.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

Encouraging workers in a range of industries to form unions, they fought against the wealthier class, earning her the nickname of a modern Joan of Arc.

In the Irish-American Heritage Centre in Chicago, a small exhibition to Mother Jones pays tribute to her as an Irish Rebel. It said:

When she was mocked as the grandmother of all agitators in the US Senate, Mother Jones replied that she would someday like to be called the great-grandmother of all agitators.

The issue of statues to commemorate figures in public places has been a source of controversy in Chicago in recent years.

In the wake of public protests in 2020, the city removed three statues to Christopher Columbus, and it prompted a re-examining of the placing of public statues while campaigners were pushing for the Mother Jones statue.

After the news came through that a statue had been given the green light, the campaign group that had long been calling for it said: We've been waiting to announce this officially for too long. Our statue of Mother Jones will be placed at Chicago's historic Water Tower.

Chicago's Water Tower is the most iconic old Chicago site in the city, and one of the most visited. This sculpture will signal that Chicago is a union town, that immigrants and working class built the city, and that we are part of a tradition of struggle.

Mother Jones is still venerated for her impact in Cork, with the 13th Spirit of Mother Jones Festival to be held in Shandon this July.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin, on the final day of his trip to the US in Chicago, told reporters it was a serious compliment to a famous Cork woman.

She has a great story, he said. It just shows the global reach of Cork.

Mother Jones.
I watched the woman as she strolled leisurely along the supermarket aisle, a few yards ahead of me. Id sussed what she was up to, and I was fascinated by her cheeky defiance.

Spotting a shoplifter is not rocket science. It seems as though theyre everywhere these days. Mostly that evening though, I was curious to see if I was wrong, if she was just doing a normal shop; but my gut instinct was telling me different.

She was using her own plastic shopping bag, popping mostly small sturdy items into it without as much as studying the goods she was gathering, not even the best-before dates: biscuits, sachets of rice, expensive chocolate, cosmetics, shampoos and other bathroom accessories  mostly small items that can be bagged without any fuss, nothing bulky, nothing clanky, without making the bag look too full.

She seemed more concerned about the shoppers around her than the shelves, as though she knew exactly where the items she wanted were; stopping every now and then, checking for staff behind her. Nothing went into her pockets, every item went into the bag. Its easier to leave a bag of unpaid-for items on the ground and walk away from it; not so easy when its your expensive jacket.

She appeared stylish, well-dressed, designer bag on her shoulder, a nice watch on her wrist. Expensive trainers. She didn't fit the stereotype of what most people think a shoplifter might look like; but that's what she was, and that explains why there's no longer a stereotypical shoplifter.

Given the right conditions  it's a fact of modern life  most people will entertain the temptation to steal, if they believe theres some humanitarian reason to absolve them of the wrongdoing; then, in the minds of many, it's not really a crime. But it is.

It was teatime on a weekday evening, and the shop was busy: staff re-stocking shelves, an agent summoned to jump on "till number three, please", shoppers navigating around other customers' packed trolleys  ideal conditions for a shoplifter. Discretion and moderation seem to be the keys to shoplifting success: don't draw attention, and don't take too much.

I waited to see how she would get through the long queues at three checkouts in order to reach the exit. She didn't bother. Instead she re-traced her steps, like a shopper who had missed an item in the first aisle, and headed straight towards the entrance door.

She stopped short to admire the bunches of fresh flowers for sale, just enough time for a customer to walk through the secured entrance behind her, giving her a chance to quickly dodge out past them, and into the dark carpark. And then she bolted. She was gone.

She had gotten away scot-free, dopamine  the 'reward' brain chemical that accompanies bold achievements  coursing through her. Mission accomplished.

A surveillance expert told me years ago: "If you look confident, if you look as though you know where you're going and what you're doing, it's unlikely anyone will treat you with suspicion." And thats the risk shoplifters are prepared to take.

Part of me was amazed by the woman's brazen confidence. It was a flawless crime perfectly executed. She had spent less than 10 minutes in the shop, moving stealth-like through the aisles, pretending to follow a shopping list she held up in front of her face, then left without spending a cent.

Why do it?

And that's the reason why shoplifting has become a pandemic across Ireland, ever since covid. Why do it? Why not, as many people who engage in the crime will often admit. The trend is already out of control, and no one can figure out a way to prevent it, short of employing an army of security guards.

There are those wholl take to social media to say fair play to the ones who get away with it, another branch of the anti-establishment tree, another barefaced slap to those who are commercially successful from those who see corruption as the new consumerism.

Shoplifting is not regarded as a crime by many people who engage in it. As they see it, it's not the same as a mugging, or an armed post office heist. It's become a blurred middle-class misnomer: No one gets injured.

It's even justified by those who feel angry because they have to endure a heavier financial burden because, as they see it, they pay more tax and take home less, and can't access services that wealthy people can afford, services the unemployed get mostly for free.

Criminologist Emmeline Taylor says: They wont think of themselves as criminals; they will think theyve cheated the system. Telling a shoplifter that what theyre doing is wrong doesnt work anymore. They believe differently.

Its the big retailers that are the real criminals, they will argue. Theres a sense of entitlement in putting one over the big guys, as they see it, and then theres the thrill that comes with the theft.

The amount of time that a member of supermarket security has to spot a shoplifter is about the same time it takes for a traffic light to change from red to green. Then he has to make the decision whether to confront the shopper or not. If he gets it wrong and makes a false accusation, the retailer could end up in court.

Shoplifters think that it's easier to get away with it than it is to get caught, but eventually they run out of shops, and the more you engage the more familiar you become to staff; unless you're prepared to drive from town to town.

Back in 2001, the Irish Examiner reported on a Pennsylvania woman called Regina Zimmerman who was ordered by a judge to wear a badge which read Convicted Shoplifter every time she went shopping for 12 months. She had pleaded guilty to stealing $66 worth of hair and facial products. She agreed to the plea bargain to avoid a prison sentence.

She was also fined $100 and given 12 months probation, which meant that if she was caught shopping  not shoplifting  without wearing her badge, she went to jail. No doubt there are some whod rather starve than go into their local shops wearing such a badge.

But why dont our judges resort to such penalties instead of suspended sentences and antisocial behaviour orders? I wonder if the woman who I witnessed shoplifting last week is reading this, and if she is, did she pay for the newspaper?
Whatever about the legal and long-term implications of putting the term durable relationships into the Irish Constitution, is there any formulation of words more likely to deaden the thrill of romance? It takes all the danger out of a liaison, making it sound more like a sensible, lace-up shoe.

Perhaps good partnerships are indeed like that but, ahead of Valentines Day next week, lets rekindle a bit of the spark with these love stories from history:

The barmaid and the millionaire

In 1889, the October wedding of Margaret Tottie Fitzgerald, a barmaid of Queenstown (now Cobh), and American millionaire Maurice du Pont of Delaware caused a sensation in the US press.

Du Pont came from the famous industrialist family later credited with inventing nylon, and landed in Cobh in July of that year while travelling to Europe. He was smitten by Margaret Tottie Fitzgerald, from Brosna, Co Kerry, from the get-go.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

According to a highly entertaining report in the Cork Constitution, the millionaire with his natty neckwear and russet shoes could be seen basking in Totties smiles. He spent his time lounging in an easy chair in front of the barroom of the Queens hotel, with one eye cast out over the sea and the other intently fixed on the busy little barmaid within the house.

'Tottie', the Kerry-born maid who married an American millionaire. Picture courtesy of The Cobh Chronicle.

The admiration was clearly mutual as the couple were married by the Rev Canon Sheehan at SS Peter and Pauls Church in Cork on 12 October. It was a romance that captivated the American public, according to Christy Keating who brings the story back to life in the current issue of the Cobh Chronicle.

Love as a Leveller proclaimed the Lancaster Intelligencer of Pennsylvania. Young Millionaire Maurice Du Pont Marries a Pretty Barmaid, ran the headline, before going on to tell readers not to mind the way and wherefore: Love can level ranks, and therefore  a marriage not for titles.

The New York Worlds report was later reprinted in this newspaper under the heading, Maurice Du Pont weds the pretty girl in Queenstown. It was followed by this killer line: Beauty and virtue are the only dowry she brings to her husband.

Though she appears to have had a lot more besides because other reports describe her as a woman tart of tongue, good-looking and witty who was welcomed into the family by her wealthy in-laws.

Whatever about the beginnings, theirs was a story with a very happy end. The couple were together for 52 years. Those years were the happiest of Totties life, she told The American Weekly in 1946. If I had my life to live over again, I would plead for one thing, that my husband be allowed to live as long as I.

Love is a dramatic affair

They might have been described as the odd couple, but playwright John Millington Synge and actor Molly Allgood got engaged in 1907 not long after Molly played the first Pegeen Mike in Synges The Playboy of the Western World.

Playwright Edmund John Millington Synge.

Molly, sister of fellow actor Sara Allgood, took the stage-name Maire ONeill to set them apart. She was just 18 when she met the-then 34-year-old Synge. Much was said about the gap in age, not to mention life experience. Synge came from a privileged background and had studied at Trinity College in Dublin, while she had spent time in an orphanage and came to the Abbey theatre from her job as a department-store shop assistant.

Love flourished anyway, even if the relationship was said to be tempestuous at times. Only Synges love letters survive and they tell a story of deep love and devotion. He called Molly his changeling and signed off Your Tramp.

In one, he wrote: Dear Heart, in four days  damn them  I will be in the Seventh heaven again, with my little changeling, my little jewel, my love and life, in my arms.

He died in 1909 before they had a chance to marry. Two years later, Molly married English drama critic George Mair. She called her first daughter, Pegeen.

The airbrushed couple

Nurse and Cumann na mBan member Elizabeth OFarrell famously stepped out of the frame when Patrick Pearse was photographed surrendering to General Lowe after the Easter Rising in 1916. Her boots were still visible when the Daily Sketch first published the picture, but they were edited out in subsequent editions.

In later years, she said she regretted not being visible because womens contributions had been so overlooked in the new State. She came to represent the airbrushing, both literal and figurative, of women from history.

Elizabeth O'Farrell is famous for being airbrushed out of history as only her boots were visible in the famous photo of the 1916 surrender.

If her political activism was obscured, her relationship with fellow Cumann na mBan member Julia Sheila Grenan was not. They lived together as a couple and when Elizabeth died in 1957, Julia was described as the chief mourner at her funeral in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin.

Four years later, Julia had her body exhumed and moved to a new grave next to the Republican plot. Julia said she wanted to be buried with her partner and, pointedly, left a blank space on the gravestone which had been erected by the National Graves Association.

When she died in 1972, her wish was fulfilled and the blank space was inscribed with these poignant words: And her faithful comrade and lifelong friend, Sheila Grenan'.

Radical romance

In fact, it is more accurate to say that Friedrich Engels, co-founder of Marxism, had close relationships with two Irish women. He met Mary Burns while he was researching the Conditions of the Working Class in England, the 1845 book that exposed the horror of Manchesters factories and slums.

Marys parents emigrated from Tipperary to Britain and she had been working in factories since the age of nine. She volunteered to show Engels the citys slums and they soon became a couple.

Like so many other factory workers, her life makes little impression on the documentary record. On the other hand, her influence on Engels leaves behind a lasting and deep trace. She helped him to appreciate the lot of the factory worker and, as a supporter of the Fenian movement, changed his at-first contemptuous view of the Irish.

The couple visited Ireland in 1856 where Engels witnessed the impact of the still-recent Famine. He was shocked by the level of repression and policing in Ireland.

They never married, believing it to be a bourgeois institution, but they lived together as a couple until Mary died, aged 40, in 1863.

Sometime later, Engels began a relationship with Marys sister Lydia, or Lizzie. Although they did not marry at first, Engels regularly referred to her as his wife, and a politicised one at that. My wife is a revolutionary Irishwoman, he once wrote.

Lydia Lizzie Burns and Friedrich Engels were married just hours before she died in 1878.

Despite her radical views, Lizzie expressed a wish to marry formally after she became seriously ill. Lydia Lizzie Burns and Friedrich Engels were married just hours before she died on 12 September 1878.

My wife, Engels wrote in a letter to German social democrat Julie Bebel afterwards, was a real child of the Irish proletariat and her passionate devotion to the class in which she was born was worth much more to me  and helped me more in times of stress  than all the elegance of an educated, artistic middle-class bluestocking.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 10. Turkiye and Kyrgyzstan have signed a new action plan, which will serve as a "roadmap" for advancing comprehensive cooperation between the two countries for the years 20242025, Trend reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, the document was signed following the 11th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Along with the "roadmap," bilateral documents were signed in the energy and transport sectors.

The co-chairs of the meeting were the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, and the Vice President of Turkiye, Cevdet Ylmaz.

Japarov said that during the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, the most pressing issues were discussed, which will elevate not only trade and economic cooperation but also fraternal relations between the two countries to a new level.

"Economic cooperation is a priority direction in Kyrgyz-Turkish bilateral relations. Turkiye is one of the main trade and investment partners of Kyrgyzstan and occupies a special place in the structure of Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade," Japarov said.

Meanwhile, during the business forum held within the framework of the commission, Kyrgyzstan proposed cooperation to Turkish entrepreneurs in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, light industry, processing, and mining industries.

Entrepreneurs from both countries participated in the business forum, and as a result, several contracts were signed.
Ten days ago in the Dail the issue of funding for RTE came up in Leaders Questions. Most observers believe that RTE, the primary source of news and current affairs on the airwaves, should not be beholden to government in this respect. The dangers of any such model are screamingly obvious.

There was back and forth between Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty on the issue. Then Martin has this to say: Sinn Feins instincts in terms of media have been fairly well demonstrated by its very serial suing of media. The number of legal actions that have been filed by Sinn Fein members points to a co-ordinated campaign against the media in Ireland. Those words, he said, were not his but from a letter signed by fifteen international press freedom organisations which warned deputy McDonald that a spate of defamation cases being taken by Sinn Fein TDs is having a chilling effect on democracy".

Martin was touching a nerve with Doherty. There has been a series of legal actions by Sinn Fein personnel of late. Not just the media freedom organisation but also judges have commented on the dangers this poses to democracy.

So it was no surprise when Doherty came back at Martin with the pot, kettle and black defence.

He mentioned two former Fianna Fail TDs and a former senator who had sued newspapers. Then he said: What about Frank ORourke who is suing the media? That is just me googling in the last five minutes so do not start this nonsense.

In reality, the nonsense was the allegation about ORourke, a former Fianna Fail TD who lost his seat in the 2020 election. In the weeks leading up to the election, he had been subjected to a black propaganda campaign, disseminating baseless and damaging allegations about his private life. This was done through leaflet drops in his Kildare constituency and on Facebook. On polling day the material was spread wide through Twitter. The gardai have investigated the matter and one arrest was made, although as of now no charges have been pressed.

Following the election, ORourke did take an action against Twitter and Facebook to identify the account which had spread damaging lies about him. Out of that, a man in west Dublin was identified. The Irish Examiner spoke to him at the time and he said that he wasnt a member of any party but was very much in favour of parties of the left in the last general election. According to the detail uncovered in ORourkes legal action, the Twitter account this man was operating sent offensive tweets from different parts of the country. For instance, the account sent tweets from Limerick, Donegal and Dublin over a period of twenty minutes. The account holder told the Irish Examiner he hadnt been in Donegal in years and had never been in Limerick. It has never been established how this activity occurred.

That was the kernel of ORourkes legal action against a social media company. He wanted to find out who had organised and executed a campaign of black propaganda to damage his electoral prospects. Then, on February 1 last, after he had apparently moved on from politics, his name gets dragged into a debate in an attempt by the Sinn Fein man to defend his partys record suing the media. To be fair to Pearse Doherty, his Google first, ask questions later strike has all the hallmarks of a genuine mistake in relation to ORourke. But his cavalier use of Dail privilege was a cheap attempt to explain away the high incidence of actions by his party colleagues.

Some of those legal actions have had worrying features. For instance, on two occasions in recent years Sinn Fein representatives have unsuccessfully sued individual journalists and a third such case is currently live. This is highly unusual.

A judge in a case taken by former IRA man Gerry Kelly called his action scandalous, frivolous and vexatious and identified it as a SLAPP, a strategic legal action against public participation, designed as an attempt to silence two bothersome journalists with the threat of legal costs".

A prominent Sinn Fein activist in Dublin recently lost a libel action in which he had claimed he was photographed next to a recognisable IRA man who belonged to a criminal and terrorist organisation. Its a description many would agree with but never before has a Sinn Fein member been known to describe the Provos in such terms.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald is suing RTE over comments made on air about the Maria Cahill case. Cahill was sexually abused by an IRA member and subsequently subjected to an internal IRA investigation. The matter has been an embarrassment to Sinn Fein for the last decade. Now, in an election year, presenters and reporters in RTE may well, understandably, be cautious about raising the case even if such an inquiry is perceived to be warranted. Is that healthy in a democracy?

Equally, what if Sinn Fein is in government following the next election? McDonald will be suing the national broadcaster and may well be simultaneously considering how RTE is funded into the future.

The spectre of a Sinn Fein government having direct control over RTEs funding would, in the current environment, certainly give rise to serious questions. There is no suggestion that any of these matters formed any part of McDonalds motive in taking the case, but equally there are a whole range of issues, perceived or possible, that could arise as side effects of her doing so.

All of this stuff may be pure coincidence. Everybody is entitled to assert their good name in whatever way they wish to do so, even when there are choices as to how to go about that. Individuals in Sinn Fein may well have separately and without any consultation or corroboration within the party decided that they would pursue these matters in what is the most punitive manner possible. That is entirely possible, even in an organisation as tightly controlled as the party is.

Other political parties have, at various points, been aggrieved at how they were treated at the hands of the media. Over thirty years ago part of the motivation of the Haughey government in setting up Century Radio was to have an alternative to RTE, which Haughey and his associates considered biased against Fianna Fail. There have been other times when Fine Gael, Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats have been separately outraged at what they each perceived as unfair treatment. All, however, have long accepted that without a professional media, power goes unaccountable. The jury is out on whether Sinn Fein, at its current stage of evolution, fully accepts this awkward tenet of democracy.
There has been a significant cut in terms of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) grant aid, with the maximum allowable grant aid now at 2,100, down from 2,400. That works out at 800 per kWp up to 2kWp, 250 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp.

The Department of the Environment has always made it clear that the grant would be reduced year-on-year by 300 from 2024 to 2029 when there is no anticipated SEAI grant aid for domestic users. The original grant, including help for a battery, was 3,800, but by 2022 this had dipped to 2,400 as the grant was opened up to newer homes (occupied by 31 December 2020).

The government is leaning heavily into supports for non-domestic businesses and commercial developers. I love this technology, but its vital to go into the prospect of solar PV with your eyes open.

Solar PV, typical of many new technologies, has fallen in price, even in the face of rising construction prices all over the market. However, interviewed by RTE News, Pinergy Solar Electric chief executive Ronan Power, who is also a board member of the Irish Solar Energy Association, expressed disappointment. We have seen the price of solar PV reduce and the Government incentives meant we saw a large uptake, that kind of momentum we should be supporting to keep it moving.

The recent removal of VAT on solar systems seemed to be a shot in the arm, but I have noticed discontented rumbles on virtual discussion groups that potential buyers felt the potential flex to quotes would not be honoured by suppliers.

SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE Check out our Sustainability and Climate Change Hub where you will find the latest news, features, opinions and analysis on this topic from across the various Irish Examiner topic desks and their team of specialist writers and columnists.

Most suppliers will recommend sizing your array to your needs. Dont get caught up in the competition to have a massive array if you feel at heart you dont need one.

Still, with the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) offering up to 34c per kilowatt of surplus returned to the grid (SSE Airtricity with T&Cs), the pressure on customers to include a battery in their solar PV package has eased. In summer, the drip of surplus going back to the grid under the MSS offers a nice little credit per kWh that over the year, can pay off a consumers standing charge with a mid-sized array.

Using our domestic PV battery we download and store cheap power with time-of-use-tariffs and discharge up to 6.5kWh back to the house during a winters day, maximising our savings year-round, Otherwise, the battery is collecting pitifully from the roof-top array on these dark, dirty weeks.

Spoiler alert  there is no grant aid for a battery from the SEAI. All that said, dont be talked into a battery by the well-intentioned anoraks of solar PV. Its not always a logical or affordable inclusion. There is a lot of posturing online around the size of arrays, and the size of batteries, bulking out existing systems and optimising their performance. Most solar engineers and the SEAI encourage potential buyers to size the array to the needs of the household from the get-go.

The capital outlay for solar PV remains high, and the payback is relatively slow (find yours here).

Most buyers will be forced into a green-loan product (3%-4% in the new government-backed loans arriving this month) or to take out significant savings to make the project possible. Taking away a battery can cut a quotation for a solar PV system in half. Customers can expect a cost of around 4,500-5,800 for 4kWp-4.2kWp installed and commissioned after SEAI grant aid.

The grant is retroactive except in the case of the one-stop-shop retrofit scheme. Putting a battery into the quote of 5kWh to 6kWh you can expect to pay as much as 9,000 to 11,000 upfront for a similar 4kWp to 4.2kWp (these are rough estimates). The quality of the system, its branding and efficiency, will alter these numbers, and you will need a follow-up BER to claim the grant.

These estimates do not include the SEAI grant award. This is redeemed by you within two-six weeks  so you must come up with that money up-front for the supplier. Water diverters (around 500 for a MyEnergi Eddi) are of arguable use  I do have one.

A sophisticated smart plug, it will divert dribbles of excess PV power to your hot water element. Great in summer, and all but useless in winter if you have a battery pleading for juice. So, with realistic payback periods for a moderate installation without a battery of six to nine years, why do it?

Anyone with a large enough roof at the right angle and unshaded aspect to take 2.4kWp-plus will benefit from solar PV. A properly detailed system can cover up to 30%-40% of a homes electricity units, and a well-designed array on a south-facing roof can do much better. This 30% is based on kWh units and does not include standing charges, which must be paid as your system is grid-tied. When you sell, the presence of money-saving renewable technology will undoubtedly draw the attention of green-minded buyers.

The very best fit for a solar PV system is people at home during the day for long periods, using solar power in real-time, year-round. For remote workers, carers and retirees, the PV-solar is far from a passive experience. We respond to a brighter day with that extra load of washing or plugging in the EV or PHEV.

When using a system with a battery, even in winter, your appliances can take a sip from the battery, something from the grid and small amounts of gain from the solar PV  depressing the running cost of appliances, electric room heaters and even HPs.

Running washing machines and dryers sequentially can make use of daylight hours during which most people pay at least 40c per kWh. Of course, there are those worthy prompts too  a renewable energy source thats also feeding a little green energy back to the nation.

There are a couple of motivators for solar PV that are overstated by enthusiastic hobbyists on social media. PV-solar, relying on light (not sunshine) is a seasonal performer.

First of all, theres the contribution of running a heat pump and electric heating.

This gain (you are using the solar PV for running the house in general too)  is marginal with all but the largest south-facing solar PV arrays. Manage your expectations.

Read More Kieran McCarthy: Future building in 2024

Secondly, there is still a fantasy out there, that tout-seul, solar PV runs EV cars. It can contribute to the running of an EV car, but most owners rely almost entirely on cheap boost tariffs during the night. In the height of summer, a good array can drop up to 40% of the charge into a moderately sized EV battery  but thats largely the experience of retiree EV owners.

When it comes to being actively ripped off, there is a perception, rampant on online discussion boards that suppliers of PV-solar and in particular heat-pump systems, are loading the bills whenever there is an expectation of an SEAI grant. It is important that you can trust your installer. Theres a great deal more transparency in terms of pricing than in 2019 when the systems were first grant-aided.

Quotes are generally given with the SEAI grant amount removed and should include an estimate of projected kWh gain for a year based on your county, the array size, any shading, and the aspect of your roof. Clip this rough kWh projection from your annual usage over the last 12 months using your last six bi-monthly power bills.

When approaching solar PV, there is no guarantee or warrant from the SEAI. You should send out for at least three quotations to reputable local suppliers on the SEAI register, and then contrast and compare the results.

Go to Trustpilot and Google Business to see how they are doing in client reviews, keeping in mind that feedback tends to be dominated by projects gone wrong. Follow-up service and reactivity to complaints? Vital.

Together with going over the SEAI consumer hub and grant process on the website sea.ie read up on the code of practice for installers. This offers not only a snapshot of the design and installation process but also an idea of the standards they should hit.

Join The Irish Solar Owners Group, on Facebook. The group has 51,000 members and you dont need to be a solar PV owner to ask a hundred questions before during and after an installation.
Trapped in and around Rafah, more than one million Palestinians braced for Israel to complete a plan to evacuate them and launch a ground assault against Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza city.

Aid agencies warned that large numbers of civilians could die in the Israeli offensive and the UN Palestinian refugee agency said it did not know how long it could work "in such a high risk operation."

"There is a sense of growing anxiety, growing panic in Rafah," said Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNRWA agency. "People have no idea where to go."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday announced that the military was ordered to develop a plan "for evacuating the population and destroying" four Hamas battalions that it said were deployed in Rafah.

Israel cannot achieve its goal of eliminating the Islamist militants who rule Gaza while those units remain, it said.

The statement, issued two days after Netanyahu rejected a Hamas ceasefire proposal, opens new tab that included the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militants, gave no further details.

This satellite image provided by Planet Labs PBC shows the southern Gaza town of Rafah on Jan. 14, 2024. Picture: Planet Labs PBC via AP

Washington, Israel's main supporter, said it would not back an assault that did not protect civilians, and had briefed Israel on a new US national security memorandum reminding countries receiving US arms to adhere to international law.

"There are no new standards in this memo. We are not imposing new standards for military aid," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. "They (the Israelis) reiterated their willingness to provide these types of assurances."

More than a million people driven southwards by more than four months of Israeli bombing of Gaza are packed into Rafah and surrounding areas on the coastal enclave's border with Egypt, which has reinforced the frontier, fearing an exodus.

Doctors and aid workers are struggling to supply even basic aid to Palestinians sheltering around Rafah. Many are trapped against a border fence with Egypt and living in makeshift tents.

Israeli forces have been moving southwards towards the city after first storming northern Gaza in response to the October 7 rampage into southern Israel by Hamas gunmen.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza SAtrip, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

The United Nations said Palestinian civilians in Rafah, opens new tab require protection, but there should be no forced mass displacement, which is barred by international law.

"No war can be allowed in a gigantic refugee camp," said Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warning of a "bloodbath" if Israeli troops move into Rafah.

The Palestinian Presidency said Netanyahu's plans aimed to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

"Taking this step threatens security and peace in the region and the world. It crosses all red lines," said the office of Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority that exerts partial self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

An Israeli official who declined to be named said that Israel would try to organise for people in Rafah, most of whom fled there from the north, to be moved back northwards ahead of any assault.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 27,947 Palestinians had been confirmed killed in the conflict and 67,459 injured. More could be buried under rubble.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Hamas gunmen killed some 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in the October 7 rampage into southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Almost one in 10 Gazans under the age of five are now acutely malnourished, according to initial UN data from arm measurements showing physical wasting.

The charity ActionAid said some Gazans were eating grass.

"Every single person in Gaza is now hungry, and people have just 1.5 to 2 litres of unsafe water per day to meet all their needs," it said.

'ALL WERE MARTYRED'

Hours after Netanyahu's statement, at least 11 Palestinians died in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Rafah, according to Hamas media outlets.

Reuters could not independently verify these accounts.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza SAtrip, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Earlier Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people, eight of them in the Rafah area, said Palestinian health officials.

"We were sleeping inside and, when the strike hit, were thrown outside," said Mohammed al-Nahal, an elderly Palestinian standing beside the rubble of her stricken building.

"It destroyed the entire home. My daughter was killed. My daughter, her husband, her son, all were martyred."

Israel's military said its forces had been in action in the area of Khan Younis and in northern and central Gaza to eliminate militant cells and destroy militant infrastructure.

It says it takes steps to avoid civilian casualties and accuses Hamas militants of hiding among civilians, including at schools, shelters and hospitals. Hamas has denied doing so.

Hamas this week proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which remaining hostages would go free, Israeli troops would withdraw and agreement would be reached on ending the war.

Netanyahu rejected as "delusional" Hamas' terms, a response to a plan developed by the US and Israeli spy chiefs with Qatar and Egypt.
A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, killed seven people overnight, including three children, officials said.

Three others sustained injuries, according to Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.

He said at least 10 drones were launched at Kharkiv, eight of which were shot down. Civilian infrastructure in the Nemyshlyan district of the city was hit, causing a massive fire that burned down 15 private houses.

A dozen private houses came under fire (AP)

Mr Syniehubov said that an oil depot was struck, causing fuel to leak out, which prompted the fire.

In a Facebook post, Serhii Bolvinov, head of the investigative department of the National Police, cited a local resident as seeing a true hell: first the fuel flowed, then everything caught fire.

Mr Bolvinov said a family of five  including children aged seven, four, and nine months  were burned alive, trapped in their house as the fire raged. Two other adults were killed by the blaze in another house that burned down, he said.

Interior minister Ihor Klymenko said more than 50 people had been evacuated and that emergency workers had contained the blaze by Saturday morning.

In an online statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his condolences to the relatives of all the victims and said: Terror cant remain unpunished. Terror cant remain without a fair response.

Burnt-out cars in a residential area of Kharkiv after a Russian attack (Yevhen Titov/AP)

Terrorists must lose this war they had started. Russia must be held accountable for every life it ruined and destroyed.

The Ukrainian air force said air defence systems destroyed 23 out of 31 Iranian Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight. The drones primarily targeted the north-eastern Kharkiv region and the southern province of Odesa, the statement said.

Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper said four people were injured there by the overnight drone attacks.

The attacks came in three waves, he said.

The first targeted the regional capital  the port city of Odesa. All nine drones were shot down, but the debris damaged port infrastructure and injured one person.

The second and the third waves targeted port infrastructure in the Danube river area, Mr Kiper said. A total of 12 drones were shot down and three people were injured.

An entire family were burned to death, officials said (AP)

Romanias ministry of national defence said that Russia carried out overnight drone attacks on Ukraines river ports of Ismail and Reni, near the border with Romania.

The ministry said that an F-16 jet of the Turkish air force was deployed from a Romanian air base at around 1.15am (11.15pm on Friday GMT) to carry out reconnaissance missions in national air space to monitor the situation.

Text alerts were also issued to residents in two counties adjacent to the attacks.

Nato member Romania has discovered drone debris on its territory several times before, following sustained attacks on Ukraines port infrastructure as Moscow attempted to disrupt Kyivs ability to export grain and other produce to world markets.

The Russian defence ministry, in the meantime, accused Ukraine of targeting Russias civilian transport vessels in the Black Sea with sea drones on Friday evening. One such drone was destroyed, the ministry said, and others were jammed, with no damage to the ships.

The ministry did not say how many sea drones were used or how many ships were targeted. There was no immediate comment from Kyivs officials on the alleged attack.
Monday, Aug 16th, 2021 (12:01 am) - Score 2,304

UK ISP WeFibre (Telcom Group), which recently raised 63m of funding from Gresham House, has today announced its plan to aggressively rollout a new gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network to rural areas across Northumberland, Cumbria, North West England, as well as Central and North Wales.

At the start of this year we reported that the ISP (here), which has previously stated an ambition to cover 1 million UK premises by the end of 2023 (here), would initially focus on areas like Marsden (West Yorkshire), Blackpool (Lancashire), and theyve now added Bellingham (Northumberland). WeFibre also revealed that they would deploy across a number of rural communities in Cumbria and West Wales, supported by the gigabit voucher scheme.

However, the provider has today revealed a lot more detail about their overall rollout plan. The company will start by extending their network along the A69 corridor in Northumberland during the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022. Their plans cover Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Acomb, Oakwood, Fourstones, Hexham, Corbridge, Wylam and the various hamlets nestled between these communities.

In Cumbria, WeFibre plans to start build in Keswick with ongoing plans to grow across the county during 2022. Meanwhile, across Wales, theyre about to deploy a network in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, with projects due to start towards the end of August 2021 and throughout the remainder of Q3 and Q4 of 2021 in Llanbydder, Llanrhystud, Llanwrda, Cross Inn, Cwrt-Newydd, Pont-rhyd-y-groes and Pontrhydfendigaid (weve previously covered those).

Shaun Gibson, CEO of Telcom Group, said: We are delighted to have secured the investment funding which has enabled us to rapidly commence our network build. Our plans have been in incubation over the past 9 months and so are highly developed and ready for implementation. They are aggressive, but achievable, allowing us to accelerate our mission to create a more connected world by building full-fibre networks, reducing costs, and empowering communities.

As part of this WeFibre also intends to establish new local distribution and operational bases in Central Wales and Northumberland, which will complement their existing office headquarters and operational depot in Manchester, which serves the northwest of England. The move will also help to boost local employment in those two new areas.

Resident customers can expect to pay from just 20 inc. VAT per month for the providers top 1Gbps package  with a free installation and router (at present this seems to be the only option they offer), which is staggeringly cheap given their focus on rural connectivity. Clearly, theyre priced aggressively in order to pull customers away from rival networks and grow their base as quickly as possible.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 10. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan increased the volume of mutual trade more than fivefold from 2017 through 2023, the Uzbek ambassador to Ashgabat, Akmaljon Kuchkarov told the Turkmen media, Trend reports.

According to him, over the past year, the trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to more than $1.09 billion, and in 2022, it amounted to $920 million.

Kuchkarov also noted the intensification of interregional relations and the work of the business council of entrepreneurs of the two countries, where the positive dynamics continued after the election of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Furthermore, the Uzbek diplomat noted that mutual visits by high-level delegations are expected this year, which once again confirms their commitment to strengthening not only bilateral cooperation but also regional integration in Central Asia.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is striving to actively develop trade with foreign countries as part of its strategy to diversify the economy and increase international integration.

This aspiration is driven by the diversity of exports, the desire to establish partnerships with various states, and the signing of trade agreements and participation in international initiatives and organizations.
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.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 9. Turkmenistan and Hungary discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

According to the official source, these issues were discussed during the meeting of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Hungary (with residence in Vienna) Khemra Amannazarov with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Sandor Lezsak and Diplomatic Adviser to the President of Hungary Kristof Altusz.

During the talks, the parties discussed political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the planning of high-level bilateral visits, student exchange, and the role of inter-parliamentary connections.

In fact, Turkmenistan and Hungary have recently strengthened economic links, with an emphasis on boosting trade and investment in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and tourism.

Furthermore, the countries are actively expanding cultural exchange and mutual understanding, which will help to promote cordial relations and collaboration in a variety of areas.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 10. Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover with CIS countries reached $20.5 billion in 2023, Trend reports.

As per data of Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, the volume of exports amounted to $8 billion and imports to $12.4 billion.

The largest volume of foreign trade turnover with CIS countries was recorded with Russia (48.1 percent), Kazakhstan (21.4 percent) and Turkmenistan (5.3 percent) from January through December 2023.

Foreign trade turnover volume with Kyrgyzstan amounted to 4.6 percent, Tajikistan  3.7 percent, Belarus  3 percent, Azerbaijan  1.1 percent, Ukraine  1.1 percent.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached $62.5 billion from January through December 2023, which is more by $12 billion or 23.9 percent year-on-year.

Exports amounted to $24.4 billion (an increase of 23.8 percent), and imports amounted to $38.1 billion (an increase of 24 percent). As a result, the balance of foreign trade turnover amounted to a negative balance of -$13.7 billion.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Israeli newspaper Arab 48 reports that the Israeli army has agreed on a plan prepared for the land invasion of Rafah City in South Gaza. The city is the last refuge for over a million Palestinian refugees pushed out of the northern Gaza Strip by earlier Israeli military operations.

Arab 48 reports that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu replied to pressure from US President Joe Biden to reduce civilian casualties by saying on Friday evening that it is impossible to achieve the war aim of destroying Hamas if four of its battalions are allowed to remain in Rafah. Biden called Netanyahus conduct of the war over the top at a news conference on Thursday. Netanyahus office added that the prime minister recognized that a military assault on Rafah could not take place until the civilian population had been removed. The communique said that the army had been asked for a plan for moving the civilians.

On Thursday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had said of the 1.4 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, Military operations right now would be a disaster for those people and its not something that we would support. But Kirby also seemed out of the loop, saying he didnt know of an Israeli plan to invade the city  a plan Netanyahu announced Friday.

The Palestine Authority objected strenuously to Netanyahus plan and is warning frantically that this Israeli announcement heralds the beginning of a drive to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people from its land. The office of President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestine Authority would hold Israel entirely responsible for the consequences of this move, and that it would in particular hold the Biden administration responsible, emphasizing the gravity of such a destructive policy. Abbass office said, The Palestinian people will never relinquish its land and will never accept being ethically cleansed from its homeland.

The Israeli state radio, Channel 11, affirmed that Tel Aviv had informed a number of states in the region, as well as the United States, that it is preparing to begin a military operation in Rafah.

Meanwhile Israeli radio channel 12 announced that the Israeli army had confirmed its intention to implement a blueprint for this assault, and alluded, as well, to the removal of civilians from there.

Channel 11 is quoted as saying, In accordance with the demands of Egypt and the United States, the ground operation in Rafah will not begin until two conditions are met: a large-scale evacuation of civilians from the Rafah and its surroundings, and an agreement between Israel and Egypt, regarding the operation of the Israeli army against the Philadelphia Axis tunnels.

[The Middle East Monitor explains, The Philadelphia Axis is a narrow strip within the territory of the Gaza Strip, extending 14 km (8.7 miles) along the border between the enclave and Egypt. Israel fears the presence of tunnels in the Palestinian area east Rafah, which is considered an extension of the Philadelphia Axis, Israeli channel i24News said.]

Channel 11 said that regarding the Israeli military plan to remove the residents from Rafah, it was studying two plans. One was to expel the Rafah population north to Khan Younis. The other was to permit tens of thousands of residents to return to the shelters assigned to them in the north of the Gaza Strip. The latter would involve creating shelters in clinics, schools and bakeries. Thereafter, a tent city would be established, which would receive foodstuffs, water and humanitarian aid on an organized basis via the Erez and Karni checkpoints at the Gaza-Israel border.

Aljazeera English Video: Breaking News: Israel PM asks army to submit action plan to cabinet

Thereafter, Israeli state radio said, governance responsibilities would be handed over to Palestinians in Gaza who were not connected to Hamas.

[Juan says that the second plan is surprising, since Defense Minister Yoav Galant had wanted a buffer zone in north Gaza and seemed to prefer it depopulated. Likewise Netanyahu had seemed to envisage Israeli troops patrolling Gaza after the war, on the model of the occupied Palestinian West Bank. These rumored plans are either coming from other actors or indicate a change in thinking on the Israeli cabinet.]

According to Channel 12, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevy discussed the continuation of the war several days ago. It reported that the two had a dispute, since Netanyahu wanted the army to strike immediately, but Halevy wanted to wait until conditions were suitable. Netanyahu allegedly told Halevy that there isnt much time, since the Hamas units in Rafah needed to be broken up before the advent of the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the holy fasting month for Muslims and begins (March 11 to April 10).

Halevy allegedly retorted that the army is preparing a plan, but that its details havent been worked out, including what to do about removing the civilian population from Rafah and how to reach an understanding with Egypt regarding the Philadelphia Axis tunnels.

[Egypt is denying any cooperation with Israel at the Philiadelphia Axis. Relations between the two countries there are governed by the terms of the 1978 Camp David Peace Accords.]

Channel 12 alleged that Netanyahu told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the Rafah operation would begin within two weeks.

Egypt is said to be worried that the Israelis will attempt to drive the Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula from Gaza and Cairo is determined to prevent any such development. Egyptian officials say that their preference is to quickly move to a ceasefire.
Foreign Policy in Focus is a Think Tank Without Walls connecting the research and action of more than 600 scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the United States a more responsible global partner. It is a project of the Institute for Policy Studies. FPIF publishes timely commentaries on U.S. foreign policy, sharp analyses of global issues, and on-the-ground dispatches from around the world. We also are interested in pieces that explore the intersection of foreign policy and culture, and on dispatches from social movements involved in foreign policy.
Legendary journalist Bob Scheer interviews Juan Cole at Scheer Intelligence

Juan Cole, As Palestinians continue to die, the history of their betrayal by the Free World tells us why at Scheerpost

In terms of the Palestinians as victims of colonialism, Cole said, The Palestinians are among the great unresolved problems created by the modern era of this industrial ethnic nationalism and settler colonialism that came together in Palestine in this very unfortunate way.
Azerbaijan Ambassador to Morocco and Senegal Nazim Samadov met with Tierno Amadou Si, the Senegal Press Agency director (SMA), Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Embassy in Senegal.

The meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation in the field of media between the relevant institutions of the two countries. SMA director informed Azerbaijani diplomat about its divisions.

Tierno Amadu Si met with great interest the ambassador's proposal to establish relations between SMA and AZERTAC, exchange information, and sign a memorandum of cooperation.

An the end, they exchanged opinions on other issues of mutual interest.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 10. The number of Uzbek tourists visiting Azerbaijan was 3,399 in January 2024, Trend reports.

The data from Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency shows that this amount increased by 138 percent year-on-year when 1,427 Uzbek visitors visited Azerbaijan.

Overall, 43,062 Uzbek visitors visited Azerbaijan from January 2023 through January 2024.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan ranked eleventh among the top 15 nations whose residents visited Azerbaijan in January.

According to the organization, Azerbaijan drew the most tourists from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among Central Asian countries.

The State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan disclosed that in 2023, the number of Uzbek visitors coming to Azerbaijan reached 39,663, representing a 51-percent increase over the same period in 2022.
As Lee Ji Ah finds ways to avenge herself from her ex-husband, a tool sent from above arrives at her doorstep in "Queen of Divorce" episode 3.

Meanwhile, Kang Ki Young tries to get closer to the former once again. Keep on reading to know more.

Kim Sa Ra & Dong Ki Joon's Agreement

Because of their past, Kim Sa Ra (Lee Ji Ah) feels awkward to see, let alone work with Dong Ki Joon (Kang Ki Young).

He promises to leave after three months if their teamwork is still compromised by their awkwardness. They also decide to hide their past from their colleagues.

Later on, the meeting for their case begins. Dong Ki Joon is amazed by how adamant Kim Sa Ra is about helping the wife of the news anchor that's embroiled in a sexual assault scandal.

Unbeknownst to the latter, he's also working on his case involving her ex-husband No Yul Seong (Oh Min Seok).

Dong Ki Joon Digs Up the Past

Kim Sa Ra tries to get an alibi to support her client but unfortunately, the wife of the anchor is actually lying to her. Because of this, she drops the case immediately.

She decides to focus on her own situation and desperately calls No Yul Seong for a chance to meet her own son. Their meeting gets interrupted by Dong Ki Joon.

He takes her away from him and joins her for dinner at Son Jang Mi's (Kim Sun Young) restaurant, creating a tense atmosphere between them.

Dong Ki Joon asks if she ever missed him after all these years. Kim Sa Ra couldn't say no which makes the former disproportionately happy.

Kim Sa Ra Fires With Rage

Kim Sa Ra suspects that there's something wrong with Lee Joo Won (Shim Yi Young) and her husband. It turns out that she had been assaulted by him which got her pregnant.

However, Lee Joo Won doesn't want to reveal this to the world to protect her daughter. Kim Sa Ra becomes more determined to help her case.

READ MORE: Lee Ji Ah's 'Queen of Divorce' Predicted To Be Best Law K-drama of 2024- Here's Why

In addition, it's revealed that Kim Sa Ra didn't run away with Dong Ki Joon in the past due to her being pregnant with No Yul Seong's child, evoking empathy.

Kim Sa Ra Finds New Ways To Achieve Justice

Elsewhere, No Yul Seong prepares to become an assemblyman, infuriating Kim Sa Ra as he belongs behind bars. She diverts her rage in helping her client achieve justice.

At the hospital, they find out that Lee Joo Won's husband is faking his injuries, which is a great ground for divorce. Thankfully, they achieve justice.

ALSO READ: Here's Why You Should Tune In To Lee Ji Ah's 'Queen of Divorce'

Kim Sa Ra is congratulated for her successful case but a new wave of adrenaline rushes in when No Yul Seong's new wife asks her for help.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.




Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has picked Defence CS Aden Duale's brother, Abdi Bare Duale, to chair the Kenya Railways Corporation board.

In a Gazette Notice issued on Friday, Abdi will serve for three years beginning February 9, 2024.

It is now emerging that Duales brother is a notorious land grabber.

Last year, former Fafi MP, Abdikarim Osman, exposed him after he tried to grab his property.

He invaded his property while armed and tried to evict him.

He threatened to shoot the guard who was manning the property as police watched.

The former MP shared the video on his X account and cried for justice.

He said Duales brother was disobeying a court order as he desperately tried to grab his property.

Adan 'Lugey' Bare Duale - a younger brother of Defence CS @HonAdenDuale brazenly threatened to shoot the guard at my premises.

"The house was leased to me by Kenya Railways, but the latter has been trying to evict me in contravention of the lease agreement and a court order. Duale intends to grab the land, he wrote.

Adan 'Lugey' Bare Duale - a younger brother of Defence CS @HonAdenDuale brazenly threatened to shoot the guard at my premises. The house was leased to me by Kenya Railways, but the latter has been trying to evict me in contravention of the lease agreement and a court order. Duale pic.twitter.com/0gbqnFpAEd  Hon. Abdikarim Osman (@HonAbdikarim) May 1, 2023

The Kenyan DAILY POST.


Friday, February 9, 2024  A 15-year-old from Venezuela who arrived in New York City less than six months ago is considered armed and dangerous and is wanted over a shooting at a Times Square sporting goods store that injured a tourist, NYPD officials said Friday, Feb. 9.

Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa is being sought as a person of interest in connection to the chaotic incident on Thursday night, Feb. 8, Chief of Patrol John Chell told reporters.

He arrived in New York from Venezuela in September and has been staying at a temporary shelter at the Stratford Hotel on West 70th Street, Chell said.

He is also a suspect in an armed robbery in the Bronx from January 27, and another incident in which shots were fired in Midtown, the police official said.





The teen is considered armed and dangerous with what police believe is a very large .40-caliber handgun, Chell added.

He allegedly fired two shots at police officers when fleeing Thursday night.

He had no problems firing into a crowd at a store  and not shooting at cops once, but shooting at them twice, Chell said of Rivas-Figueroa.

Were not gonna put up with this, he insisted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. Armenia expects to hold a meeting on border delimitation with Azerbaijan soon, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said, Trend reports.

"Despite the fact that there is no agreement on the date of the next meeting yet, I think we will organize it soon," he noted.

Note that, as the follow-up of the parties' November meeting (November 30, 2023, between borderlines Gazakh-Ijevan), the sixth meeting was held on January 31, 2024, between the State Border Delimitation Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the the Commission on State Border Delimitation and Border Security of the Republic of Armenia on the border under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel


Friday, February 9, 2024  Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reportedly close to settling their divorce as they are both taking one of the last key final steps on the path to a divorce settlement.

Pitt and Jolie are serving their final financial disclosures to each other which is noteworthy, considering there hasn't been much movement on their divorce case for at least a couple years now.

The final terms of any overall settlement of the divorce haven't been filed yet, but Thursday's filings indicate that one of the most legendary marriages and acrimonious divorces in recent Hollywood history is finally coming to an end.

They first met on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" back in 2004 while Brad Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. The onscreen couple remained just friends through shooting though Brad separated from Jennifer about a year later.

Brad and Angelina quickly shacked up together after his separation was announced, and they built a big family over the next few years Brad and Angelina quickly shacked up together after his separation was announced, and they built a big family over the next few years with six children.

They got engaged in 2012 and married in 2014, but Angelina filed for divorce just two years later in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences.

In the same year, Pitt was accused of physically abusing at least one of his children even though he was cleared by authorities after an investigation and he denied the claims too.

The divorce proceedings continued to stretch out well after that and a judge eventually ruled Brad and Angelina were legally single back in 2019. Other elements of the divorce have been playing out behind the scenes since then.




Saturday, February 10,2024 - A section of Kenyan businessmen have expressed frustrations after failing to secure government vehicles over the bidding prices during an auction held on Wednesday, February 7.

In the video that has since gone viral, the motorists flocked to the yard in Nairobi to purchase the vehicles of their interest but were perturbed after noticing a pattern in the conduct of the auctioning process.

The concerned bidders raised doubts about the bidding process, with some suggesting that the value was inflated by up to 20 times the usual amount.

For instance, a faulty Toyota Prado that was reserved for Sh500,000 in the first lot was auctioned for Sh10 million despite having mechanical issues.

Another Prado TX that was reserved for people with disabilities at a price tag of Sh830,000, was eventually sold for Sh8 million.

Suspecting that the auctioneer may be playing politics, the attendees ordered the bidders to instantly pay the amount to prove credibility.

The crowd suspected that a specific group was used as proxies to bid for the vehicles at exorbitant prices.

They called for the inclusion of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) representatives to man the auctioning process.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - The sudden demise of renowned actor Charles Ouda has been shrouded in mystery, with claims that he took his own life over financial constraints.

It is now emerging that Ouda was doing well financially, contrary to reports that financial constraints led him to suicide.

According to Former Nation Media Group journalist Boniface Mwalii, he spoke to one of Oudas longtime friends, who confided to him that the deceased actor was doing well financially.

When I spoke to an actor friend who has had a long working relationship with him to enquire what transpired, he was equally puzzled at the manner he died because in his words, "Charlie was active with a lot of work so he was not struggling financially".

"Indeed, his death reportedly occurred after a wrap-party for the 'Salem, wrote Boniface.

Ouda was working with Maisha Magic Plus TV, one of the well-paying TV stations for Kenyan thespians.

He was silently battling depression that led him to suicide.

One thing has however become clear in the wake of his apparent suicide.

"He had slipped into depression.

"Thus, amidst the outpouring of accolades, it is imperative that the community of Kenyan actors, TV professionals, and by extension, the greater creative industry, confront the crisis of mental health that now appears endemic to the sector, added Boniface.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blasted the Kenya Judiciary after 13 people died after consuming illicit liquor in Kirinyaga County this week.

Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Friday, Gachagua faulted the Martha Koome-led Judiciary for allowing the release of the prime suspect behind the killer brew.

I want to appeal to Chief Justice Martha Koome.

"You are part of the Mt Kenya community, how come you allow people to continue selling poisonous alcohol to our children, Gachagua stated.

I want to ask Lady Chief Justice Martha Koome and the judges, now that you released the suspect behind the killer brew 15 times, and now that people have died, what will you tell the people, Gachagua added.

According to Gachagua, the suspect had allegedly been arrested and arraigned in court 15 times, but each time he was arraigned, the courts released him.

The DP further urged the courts to be patriotic, especially when making rulings that they know will impact the public.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Mt Kenya residents not to allow selfish leaders to divide them.

Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of machinery at Joy Millers Ltd in Kirinyaga, Gachagua, accompanied by senior Kirinyaga county leaders, urged Mt Kenya leaders to cease speaking about succession politics.

Gachagua said those advocating succession politics at the county level are essentially attempting to divide the Kikuyu community.

"Those scheming to divide the region should know that the people of Mt Kenya are intelligent and aware of what is happening. Those seeking to divide us are enemies of the region," he said.

"We will remain loyal to President William Ruto and in the same spirit support the UDA party."

The DP was reacting to recent sentiments from a section of leaders who endorsed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as a suitable candidate to deputise Ruto in 2027.

The leaders had said it was Murang'a's turn to produce a deputy president, considering Nyeri and Kiambu have produced presidents and deputies.

A week ago, Nyoro dismissed the concerns, saying Kenya Kwanza leaders from the region are fully united behind the leadership of Ruto and Gachagua.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Controversial Prophet David Owuor is out of the country for a gospel mission in Brazil.

Owour landed in Brazil on January 30 and was received by Rosenverg Reis, the State Deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro.

Reis honoured prophet Owuor with a high-end private jet to facilitate his gospel mission.

We thank the Man of God for his dedication to spreading the gospel of the cross and the transformative power of Jesus.

"We have decided as a State to honour him with a high-end Lear Business Jet 45 from Bombardier Aerospace Manufacturers to facilitate his gospel mission, he said.

The Prophet's revival mission began in the vibrant state of Rio de Janeiro with a National Conference of Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel.

It later culminated in a massive healing service held in the city of Duque de Caxias as well as the picturesque coastal city of Cabo Frio.

Large crowds of people turned up for spiritual and physical restoration.

The Mayor of Cabo Frio, Magdala Furtado, who organized the meetings in that city alongside her cabinet, praised prophet Owour.

She claimed that the prophet miraculously healed the blind and the crippled during his revival mission.

The Prophet's message resonates with us and we ask him to continue blessing Brazil.

"Our people need his impactful ministry and message of hope, spiritual renewal, and healing.

"This is a source of inspiration for positive change in our nation.

"Many reported miraculous healings including the crippled getting up and walking, the blind receiving back their sight, and deaf people hearing among many other conditions, she said.

Among those healed include senior doctors.

Two doctors (a senior cardiologist and a pediatrician) also reported that they were healed from different conditions, she said.

Prophet Dr. David Owuor is expected back in the country on Wednesday.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, February 10, 2024 - President William Rutos administration has been left embarrassed after former Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Henry Rotich, rejected his appointment as the Senior Adviser on Fiscal Affairs and Budget Policy.

The appointment was made in a letter from the Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei on Wednesday.

But speaking on Friday, the Former CS said he would not be taking up the role.

Rotich said he believes he will be of value to the country if he is deployed to the Central Bank of Kenya where he has served for years.

I thank the president for appointing me to be among his advisers. I, however, think Id be of better service to the country if I go back to CBK where I worked for many years,  said Rotich.

If deployed to CBK, as he so wishes, he will be serving under his former Junior Kamau Thugge, who was Treasury PS when Rotich served as CS.

Rotich, who previously served as the head of Macroeconomics at the Treasury before becoming a Cabinet Secretary in 2013, was relieved from his position on January 14, 2020, following a court case in which he was an accused person.

Ukur Yatani took over until when Ruto named Njuguna Ndung'u as Treasury CS in 2022.

The court dropped Rotich's charges, on specific breaches under procurement and public finance management laws, in December 2023 over lack of evidence.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.


Friday, February 9, 2024  Medical professionals have stepped up calls for US President Joe Biden to take a mental competency test after a new blistering report from special counsel Robert Hur revealed the 81-year-old cant remember basic facts about his own life and career.

The Hur report, released Thursday night, February 8, assessed Biden as too senile to be prosecuted over his wrongful retention of classified documents and noted the commander-in-chief did not remember when he was vice president and did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died over two days of interviews in October.

Something isnt right, and even if its minor, it must be explained to the public, Dr. Stuart Fischer, a primary care physician at a nursing home in the Bronx, told NY Post.

The horse is out of the barn. Not only does [Biden] have an infirmity of some degree, but he has delayed producing objective evidence, the internal medicine expert added, arguing that no one is buying the presidents defenses about his memory.

Despite being the oldest president in US history, Biden has refused to take mental acuity tests despite repeated calls to do so  as well as consistent polling showing a majority of Americans share those concerns.

The results of Bidens most recent physical exam, released by the White House in February of last year, described the chief executive as fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, but made no mention of a cognitive test or an assessment of his mental fitness.

On Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed to reporters that she had talked to White House physician Kevin OConnor around that time and he had told her that because of the presidents actions every day, what he deals with  with world leaders, the domestic issues that he has to deal with  that shows that the president is very much active and understands whats going on and [OConnor] didnt believe a test like that was warranted because of, just who he is as president of the United States and everything he has to deal with.

But again, Im not a medical doctor, the press secretary added.

But, according to Fischer, Biden has signs of symptoms that could indicate he suffers from infectious disease or fatigue, though the physician stressed that he is not Bidens doctor and his statements did not constitute a diagnosis.

I dont know how this man can have anything more than a mild schedule, added the doc, because the more he pushes himself, the more difficult it is for an 81-year-old body to respond.

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a physician to both former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump and a member of the White House Medical Unit under President George W. Bush, said that if Biden clinches the Democratic presidential nomination, he should 100% have to submit to a mental competency test before the general election.

He doesnt need a [cognitive] screening test, Jackson said. He needs an actual cognitive battery of tests, objectively done, put on paper, and briefed to the American people by his physician.

Im not making a diagnosis. And Im not saying the guy has Alzheimers or multi-infarct dementia or Parkinsons or anything else, he clarified. This guy has cognitive issues related to his age: He shuffles when he walks, he slurs his speech, he forgets where hes at, what hes doing, he cant remember names, he cant remember dates  that is not someone that should be in control of the nuclear codes in this country and controlling our fate overseas.

Ive been saying since he was candidate Joe Biden: This man does not have the cognitive wherewithal or ability to be our head of state, added Jackson, who went on to describe the presidents recent confusion of European leaders with their dead predecessors as super concerning.

Special counsel Robert Hur determined that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after leaving office as vice president in 2016.

The records kept by Biden included documents on military and foreign policy in Afghanistan as well as other national security and foreign policy issues.

Despite the findings, Hurs 388-page report recommended that the president not face charges.

The special counsel noted that Biden would likely present himself to a jury as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory if he were to face trial.

If youre too incompetent and too cognitively impaired because of your age to defend yourself from these charges  if hes charged  then it absolutely, positively goes without saying you should not be the commander-in-chief, added the lawmaker.

Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, the former secretary of housing and urban development under Trump, said;

As someone who knows a thing or two about the human brain, Joe Bidens mental decline has been obvious for several years, Carson said. Yesterdays report, last nights press conference, and the current state of the union further proves that point. Our southern border is under siege, there are two major global conflicts taking place, and our judicial system has become a weaponized arm of the presidents campaign. Americans should be asking, who is running the country?

Carson has previously stated he believes Biden has signs of dementia, given the presidents aggressive demeanor, apparent confusion and issues with his speech.
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Detectives have seized 132 bales of bhang after a truck ferrying them was intercepted along Garissa-Thika Road at the Kyanunda area of Mwingi.

The interception and subsequent recovery also saw two male suspects arrested, Daniel Yohana and Ismail Wako being the driver and co-driver respectively.

In the intelligence-led operation conducted by a joint operation team, a KAT 198H Isuzu truck was searched where an initial 28 bales were found on the roof cabin of the vehicle before it was escorted to DCI HQRS for further processing by the Anti-Narcotics detectives.

A thorough search revealed that the vehicle had a false bottom reinforced with strong bolts and rails, where 104 bales had been stashed.

To reduce chances of suspicion, the vehicle carried 31 mattresses which the driver claimed to have been delivering to waiting customers.

The suspects have since been placed at Muthaiga Police Station and the exhibits secured awaiting weighing and sampling.

In an earlier operation at Fedha Estate within Embakasi, Nairobi, a 51-year-old woman and her youthful male associate were arrested, after sachets of heroin weighing 650g were found in their house.

Mary Adhiambo Opollo and Charles Kimani Wanjiku, 24 were ambushed at Fedha Heights apartment following a tip-off on their drug trafficking deals, before they were escorted to Muthaiga Police Station pending processing and arraignment.

Both operations were conducted jointly by the DCI's Anti-Narcotics and Operations Support Units.





































The Kenyan DAILY POST.
There is lots to catch up on this week from romantic to fire-breathing watches and exciting new releases. See what you missed in our special weekly round-up

Editorial  On Your Marks, Get Set, Watches and Wonders

To kick off the week, our Editorial Director Sophie Furley shared some pretty exciting news (Taylor Swift concert frenzy-worthy)  the drop of the Watches and Wonders tickets! In case you havent gotten yours already, head on over here for all of the details.

Equestrian Encounters

As you might have guessed from our dog-walking series, we love animals over here at WorldTempus (if you ever come by our office, you will be greeted by a few licks and wagging tails by our doggie residents!). So we simply couldnt resist compiling some of our favourite animal-inspired watches - this time all about horses!

Galop d'Hermes  Hermes

The Ceramic That Will Outlive the Human Race

Next up is a science fiction movie-worthy topic: silicon nitride ceramic. A super tough, ultra-hard material that literally falls from the sky and whose theoretical lifespan is several million years. It comes as no surprise that Omega decided to use it for the case of its Planet Ocean Dark Grey. Read the full story here.

Love Is in the Air

Moving along, Valentines Day is almost here! For some of us, that fact might be cause for excitement, while for others utter dread (perhaps because a gift has yet to be purchased?)... For the latter, fear not: we have got your back! We have curated a selection of eight watches that any Valentine would be thrilled to receive (even if that Valentine is none other than yourself)!

Ladybird Colors Collection - Valentine's Day 2024  Blancpain

Dragon Profusion

Speaking of key events, the Chinese New Year is upon us! And to celebrate its arrival, watch brands are throwing themselves on the most spectacular creature in the Chinese Zodiac: the Wooden Dragon. Our correspondent David Chokron has assembled the best new fire-breathing releases here.

New Releases

Last but not least, for our new releases of the week, we have the Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold, the Urwerk UR-100V - Lightspeed and the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium.
Princess Kate Middleton of Wales, who underwent a successful elective abdominal surgery almost a month ago, is on the mend and can now leave the house. Recently, she joined her husband, Prince William, and their three children on vacation at Sandringham Manor in Norfolk.

ADVERTISIMENT

A family friend told the Daily Mail that the Duchess was feeling well and was looking forward to leaving Windsor. The 42-year-old princess was discharged 12 days ago, and she hasn't appeared in public since then.

After being discharged from the hospital, Kate Middleton arrived at Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom family home in Windsor Home Park, without being photographed. However, she has now moved out for a short time.

The Dukes' children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, five, attend Lambrook School, a 15-minute drive from their home in Berkshire. However, they are currently on a semester vacation.

ADVERTISIMENT

For the time being, the family has moved to Norfolk to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the eyes of the public.

As before, the princess does not appear in public to avoid giving unnecessary reasons to discuss her condition and appearance after surgery.

As a reminder, on January 16, Kate Middleton was hospitalized for abdominal surgery. Representatives of the British royal family reported at the time that the 42-year-old Princess of Wales would stay in the hospital for about two weeks.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is known that after discharge, the Princess of Wales will "work from bed" and will not appear in public until Easter, so a number of events planned for this time had to be canceled.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UATelegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Gardai are currently investigating an incident that involved theft from a car in the Greenview Avenue area of Gowran in County Kilkenny.

The car was broken into at approximately 11pm on February 2 (Friday).

The window of the car was smashed and property was stolen from within.

Some of the stolen property was located strewn along the roadside in Clara.

It is believed that the culprits may have headed towards the Tallaght area of Dublin.

Gardai in Thomastown are interested to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anything of a suspicious nature in the Gowran area on the night.

Of particular interest to gardai is any sightings of a 181 registered black hatchback-type car that might have been seen acting suspiciously in the area at or about that time.

Contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 7724222 with any information.
Edward Hopper once said, 'If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint it', and for one Kilkenny man, that message applies as he showcases his artistic talents to the world.

Paul Murphy, a teacher in Gowran National School and a native of Lisdowney, has given much to both communities over the past number of years.

From training GAA teams to teaching the next generation, Murphy's contribution to education and sport can't be underestimated.

However, underneath a relatively normal lifestyle, lies an unmeasurable artistic talent, a trait which has seen his work skyrocket to national and international acclaim, catching the attention of Conor McGregor, members of the Kilkenny senior hurling team and thousands of followers via social media.

The self-taught artists love of the paintbrush and canvas was very much a family-affair, beginning at home from an early age.

"It came from my father (Liam), he'd be fairly artistically minded himself, he made lots of inventions over the years.

"I would have always looked at him making things in the workshop, Murphy recalled, adding, any help I would want hed be there."

The local man's creative seeds were well and truly sewn from that point, despite not attending conventional art classes during his school days.

"I didnt do art in school, it was always just sketching Pokemon and drawing bits and pieces but I didnt do art in secondary school, if it didnt interest me I didnt want to do it," he said.

And although traditional art classes have proved highly successful for many local artists, Murphy believes the self-taught process is key to his artwork, allowing him ample time to experiment, admitting you often make a 'mess' before the project turns around in your favour.

The Lisdowney man began releasing his paintings via Instagram over three years ago and claims the creative process has at times created emotions of self-doubt and anxiousness, especially when painting in public settings, but despite those fears, he has urged aspiring artists to hold judgement on their work until a project is completed.

"When I'm teaching the children in school, I always try and tell them don't judge it until its finished. It all comes together, it could be the last 5% that could be the bit that brings it all together. You have your start, middle and the conclusion just wraps it up. You could have nothing until the last hour."

The journey from the starting point to the end point may not appear stress free to many, but for this Kilkenny artist, a weekend of painting can offer a period full of 'relaxation'.

"It's pure relaxing, I love listening to the radio sport, especially on a Saturday when I'm off and taking in whos topical, it could be Katie Taylor or someone local and next thing Ill see if I can find any good pictures. Mark Bergin for example, I painted a picture of Mark Bergin striking a free in a county final to win it and Ive still got that picture at home," he said.

"So I listen out, see whats topical and then see if I can find a good picture and paint that."

Since Paul began his endeavours, the Kilkenny community have lended great support including from his home club in Lisdowney.

The artist's fellow club members, Carmel and PJ Kenny, Chairperson of the Kilkenny Health & Wellbeing Committee and Chairman of the Kilkenny County Board respectively, gave the school teacher an opportunity to paint a mural on the blank wall outside UPMC Nowlan Park.

A challenge gratefully accepted, ultimately leading to a modest but striking image of all-time leading point scorer, TJ Reid, an exercise which created great pride for Paul and his family.

"I'd be embarrassed if someone gave me a compliment because I'd be always comparing it to someone else as I haven't gone to art college and I'm copying from pictures," stated Paul.

The painting paying homage to the Shamrocks Ballyhale midfielder is close to Pauls heart but was by no means in isolation, with the display of a Brian Cody painting in the window of Bretts Hardware a huge thrill in the lead up to the All-Ireland Final.

However, the turning point and most jaw dropping experience for the Kilkenny man transpired in Crumlin two years ago, when a chance encounter with Conor McGregor allowed one of Irelands most famous sportspeople to get a glimpse of himself on a canvas.

Murphy was teaching in the Dublin suburb at the time and one Sunday evening drove past McGregor's pub, the Black Forge Inn. Spotting McGregor's entourage, Paul took an opportunity, knowing a portrait of the MMA fighter was in the back of his car.

Initially denied access, it was second time lucky for the Lisdowney man who upon entry grasped the attention of the UFC star.

"I went in and Conor saw it, he was fierce nice to me. He took a picture and put it up on his socials and next thing I got 300/400 extra followers. He called up his family for a few pictures. It was all very quick, three four minutes max," Paul recounted.

The journey is just beginning though, with ideas swirling around. From the dream of completing a hurlers mural outside Nowlan Park, making his mark on more unpainted wall balls to dropping the brush and training underage teams, an exciting time lies ahead...

Check out this week's Kilkenny People newspaper to see a selection of Paul's paintings.
Scotlands First Minister Humza Yousaf has said a threatened Israeli ground invasion of the Gazan city of Rafah would cause devastation beyond comprehension.

Mr Yousaf said such action by Israel would be indefensible, and urged the international community to demand an immediate ceasefire.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion.

Ireland is right. Israel displaced millions of innocent men, women & children to south Gaza. They have nowhere to go. Israel's threatened action in Rafah is indefensible & will cause devastation beyond comprehension. International community must demand an immediate ceasefire. https://t.co/KZGotu338N  Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) February 10, 2024

The city, on the southern border with Egypt, is providing refuge to more than half of Gazas population of 2.3 million people.

Mr Yousaf commented on a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, by Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin who said expanded military operations in Rafah would pose a grave threat to the estimated 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering there and must be condemned.

He said all countries must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Mr Yousaf posted on X: Ireland is right.

Israel displaced millions of innocent men, women & children to south Gaza.

Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah  over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area. The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 10, 2024

They have nowhere to go. Israels threatened action in Rafah is indefensible & will cause devastation beyond comprehension. International community must demand an immediate ceasefire.

According to Israel, Rafah is the last remaining stronghold for Hamas fighters in Gaza, after more than four months of conflict sparked by the deadly October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

It is not clear where civilians in Rafah could move to as Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gaza.

UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has said he is deeply concerned about the situation.

He posted on X: Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah  over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area.

The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

The latest figures from the Hamas-run health ministry put the overall Palestinian death toll at more than 28,000.

Mr Yousafs parents-in-law were trapped in Gaza at the outbreak of hostilities last year following a trip to visit their relatives there.

Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, from Dundee, were eventually able to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Irish star Andrew Scott has suggested that there should be weekly sales of West End theatre tickets as young people struggle to afford 150 tickets.

The 47-year-old actor, known as the hot priest in the comedy series Fleabag and as James Jim Moriarty in the detective show Sherlock, has won Olivier Awards for his theatre work.

His latest production, Vanya, an adaption of Russian playwright Anton Chekhovs family drama Uncle Vanya will be shown in cinemas from February 22.

When the critically acclaimed play was on at the Duke of Yorks Theatre in September, there was a ballot for 10 tickets for under 30s, amid reported sales of seats for up to 180.

Scott told Isobel Gough on BBC Radio 4s Broadcasting House programme that he thinks the current situation is a problem.

He said: No matter how zeitgeisty or how modern you think your play is, if you are having to spend 150, no person between the age of 16-25 or beyond is going to be able to afford that, that is frustrating to me.

Hopefully there is some night or two nights a week when you can get something like a sale rack, you have to be prepared to rummage a little bit.

It is important that it doesnt remain an elitist art form.

The Crown and The Wire star Dominic West is also among actors who have hit out at West End theatre prices, saying that they are crazy at the moment.

He told The Times in November that he wanted to be in Arthur Millers A View from the Bridge at the Ustinov Studio in Bath  which plays from February 16 to March 16  due to regional audiences having hunger for a good play and for a good night at the theatre.

West also said: You get a lot of tourists in London and people are not necessarily there because they want to be there  it is because it is part of the tourist trail.

Several websites offer cheap theatre tickets for London shows for around 10 or 20 but some productions, such as Plaza Suite starring husband and wife actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker as a couple, have prices between 125 and 200.

In October 2020, Scott won the best actor Olivier Award for his role in Present Laughter, a modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. He also won the 2005 gong for outstanding achievement in an affiliate theatre for A Girl In A Car With A Man, which focuses on a narcissistic male character.

Scott recently starred in All Of Us Strangers about an adult dealing with the grief of losing both his parents along with Paul Mescal.

The fantasy drama has been nominated for a total of six Baftas, which also includes best director for Looking series writer Andrew Haigh and outstanding British film.
For countless centuries, all the corn consumed in Ireland was ground in mills all over the country.

The long history of mills and milling, water and wind-driven, the original green energy, one could say with authority, has been preserved,in many places, thanks to the dedication of some great people.

In Deerpark, Mullinavat, the Dunphy family took a decision to give up milling in 1956. The mill race, the tail race, the weir, the sluices, the ducks on the pond and around the mill, the farming implements  they were all there, and of course a plentiful supply of timber to keep the home fires of their residence burning then.

The Dunphys here in Mullinavat are the owners of a 18th Century mill, that grounded corn from the local farming families, from the early part of the 19th Century and is being presently put into a working condition again. Brothers John, Michael and Richard Dunphy have been busy restoring the mill over the last few years.



They have put a lot of time and effort into seeing the mill wheel turn again turning, and the water from a narrow mill race powering it along. There was a time, when at least from October to the end of April or the beginning of May, the corn mill here was at the core of the farming communitys priorities and was a hive of activity. The mill was undoubtedly of immense cultural and industrial significance not only to South Kilkenny area but to the county.

As children and later as teenagers, the four Dunphy boys  John, Michael Richard and the late Gerard  remember working in their late parents mill on the different lofts.

The family were the owners of the mill from around 1877, when Michael Dunphy came from Ballyfacey in Glenmore to take over the milling of corn and running the farm. The restoration works have seen the arrival of a new water wheel  a breastshot type from the crafted hands of Pat Sheehan of Burnchurch, County Tipperary  and also the conversion of the mill building into a first-rate heritage tourism facility.

The mill at Dunphys of Deerpark was constructed before 1830, as it is registered on the O/S map in 1837 as a Mill building. Its a four-storey stone building for the grinding of all forms of corn and also during The Emergency, 1939/45, in Ireland the Dunphy family were granted a license to grind maize.

Originally from Ballyfacey in Glenmore, Michael Dunphy married into the family of Walsh, being given ownership from a Richard Hayes and before him a Patrick Hayes, that registered it as a mill in 1833, who seemingly was the man that started milling here nearly 50 years before.

The mill wheel constructed in wood from oak and douglas fir, this is turning beautifully and where beautiful pristine water from a very beautiful mill-race drove the new mill wheel which was done by a firm specialising in this type of work.

The four-storey stone building is a Mecca and an Aladdins cave, with all the mechanical details that a working mill should have still in perfect working order.

Recently, the Buckestown Vintage Group organised an event, displaying all types of vintage items. Seamus Anderson  whose father, the late Jim, was a pioneer in vintage machinery around when no vintage clubs were in operation  was in full flight. He was welcoming all his friends from many other vintage clubs, and the tractors, cars, stationary engines, farm machinery of a olden age all lined up.

The generosity of the people in the vintage community is outstanding, turning up with the machinery that is their pride and joy on an inclement day.

Other guests and visitors arrived from vintage societies around the country and tea and light refreshments were served.

Small group tours were accommodated and taken inside the mill and John Dunphy spoke to all of them, explaining all the workings of a 19th Century corn mill.

Catherine Delahunty Dunphy and Deirdre Foskin Dunphy were on hand here, such an array of cakes, buns, tarts and more.

A donation for the Waterford Hospice could be made and north of 900 plus Revolut e- donations, went to the Waterford Hospice.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, has been adding "eloquent" brooches to her costumes. As a rule, these are vintage jewelry or purchased from domestic manufacturers. All of them are not just a part of the looks but small messages to the world.

ADVERTISIMENT

For example, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a brooch made from a fragment of an enemy Russian missile that the occupiers aimed at Kharkiv. There is also a piece of jewelry in the form of a rooster jug (this particular item survived the shelling of a building in the village of Borodianka). Read more about the significance of these and other brooches by Olena Zelenska in the OBOZ.UA article.

1. Vintage YSL brooch

On March 8, 2023, the First Lady of Ukraine arrived in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) for the Forbes 30/50 forum. There, she took part in a panel discussion on women's leadership and received the Torch of Freedom Award. For the ceremony, Olena Zelenska chose an elegant black and white suit, which she complemented with a golden vintage brooch in the form of a wheat sheaf by Yves Saint Laurent. It symbolizes the fertility of the Ukrainian land and life-affirming power.

ADVERTISIMENT

2. Map of Ukraine

This is a gold brooch from the Ukrainian brand GASANOVA, created in the form of a map of Ukraine with all its temporarily occupied territories. The First Lady loves to wear this jewelry as she appeared with it at a meeting with the Business Without Barriers community, the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the United for Justice international conference, and more.

The brooch has a "telling" detail: a sparkling rhinestone in the place of Donetsk. Designer Elvira Hasanova shared a photo of her creation on Instagram and wrote, "A simple symbol, the most important in the life of every Ukrainian. Ukraine with a stone in its heart, in my hometown Donetsk! Donetsk is Ukraine".

ADVERTISIMENT

3. Wormwood, Yevshan Zillia

The brooch by the Ukrainian brand Ruslan Baginskiy is one of the favorites of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's wife. After all, Olena chose it for the reception on the occasion of the coronation of Charles III, for a visit to the Elysee Presidential Palace and other large-scale events. What does the jewelry "speak" about? Designer Ruslan Baginsky interprets it as follows, "In Ukrainian fiction, the word 'Yevshan' has become synonymous with attraction and love for the native land, for one's roots. According to the interpretation of an old legend, the fragrant smell of wormwood brings people back to the path that will definitely lead them home."

ADVERTISIMENT

4. Forget-me-not



In June 2022, the first lady wore a muted blue suit and a silver jewelry piece with seven delicate flowers for an interview with RBC-Ukraine. The accessory, titled Forget-me-not was made by Kharkiv jeweler Stanislav Drokin from a piece of an enemy Russian missile that the occupiers had fired at Kharkiv. "It preserves the memory of the events of every day of Russia's war against Ukraine: the memory of the courage of the defenders, the cultural, historical, scientific heritage destroyed by the Russians, and the lives taken," the author captioned the post with a photo of his work of art. He added that the brooch is "a symbol of the rebirth of life in the wreckage of tragedy."

ADVERTISIMENT

5. Rooster

In August 2023, Olena Zelenska, together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrived in Denmark and met with Crown Princess Mary. For this visit, the First Lady chose a silver and gilded Rooster brooch from the world-famous Ukrainian brand GUNIA Project.

The jewelry is made in the form of a Rooster jug. And it's not just for fun! It is a reminder of a story that happened at the beginning of a full-scale war. In April 2022, a photo of a high-rise building destroyed by Russians in the village of Borodiianka (Kyiv region) went viral. All that remained was a wall and a kitchen shelf, on which a rooster-shaped jug continued to stand unmoved. This made it a symbol of the indomitable nature of the Ukrainian people. Now the First Lady's jewelry also conveys a powerful message.

ADVERTISIMENT

6. KVITKA

On February 1, 2024, Olena Zelenska spoke at the conference "Russia's War on Children" in Latvia. For the important event, she chose a strict suit in deep black colors and a brooch from the Ukrainian jewelry brand Guzema Fine Jewelry. The name of the jewelry is KVITKA and it was created based on the work of the famous Ukrainian artist heorhii Narbut. "We symbolically refer to the historical heritage of Ukraine, to our connection with the land, and find new meanings in old things. We breathe in the experience of generations, add something new, our own. We become a continuation of our roots, which give us the strength and opportunity to be who we are," says Valeriia Huzema, founder of Guzema Fine Jewelry.

ADVERTISIMENT

7. Dove

At the end of 2023, the First Lady attended a meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council for the Implementation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. At that time, she complemented her pale brown suit with the Dove brooch by Gunia Project, which the designers created inspired by the decorations of a loaf of bread.

The bird-shaped jewelry has several key meanings. For Ukrainians, it means honoring ancient traditions (i.e., the shape of the product resembles a dove on a traditional wedding loaf). And for the whole world, it is a global call to end the war in Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A guest post by David Garrett:

I have long detested gangs, particularly the ethnic gangs  not because their membership is largely maori and PI, but because by and large they are the most vicious, and have no hesitation attacking members of the public going about their lawful business.

I am prompted to write this piece by the awful story published on Stuff recently. It was headed Mongrel Mob prospect laughed as he stomped man to death. The victim was a young teacher  who looks as if he was Maori  walking home with friends after a night out celebrating his sister's birthday. The attack  on both the victim and a female member of their party  resulted in the death of Darcy Strickland, and the woman being kicked unconscious. When some members of the public approached, Alizaye Todd asked for a knife so he could finish it, clearly meaning he wished to ensure the victim was dead. Given the facts, he had little choice but to plead guilty if he wishes to escape what in New Zealand are laughingly described as a long minimum non parole periods.

Gangs have been a blight on our society since at least the early 70's, with their behavior getting worse and worse as our hopelessly criminal centred justice system fails to punlish murders such as described above with very lengthy non parole periods (NPP's) such as in Australia or the UK. In both of those countries, 30 year plus NPP's are routine, and whole of life tariff or LWOP sentences for murder are not uncommon. (Other than Tarrant, the longest NPP in New Zealand is 30 years  reduced on appeal from the original 33  imposed on William Dwane Bell, for a triple murder at the Panmure RSA in 2001).

Since the 1972 Labour government, successive governments have pledged to crack down on gangs  back then it was we'll take the bikes off the bikies  but in my view there has never been a serious attempt to drastically curtail their barbarous behavior let alone eliminate them. I believe that time is long overdue. That said, I believe some gangs are very much worse than others in terms of their danger to the public, so first a little history.

Gangs can  very roughly  be classified as the outlaw motorcycle gangs and the ethnic gangs, chiefly the Mongrel Mob (Mob) and their sworn enemies, Black Power (BP). The ethnic gangs are no less outlaws that their brethren who get around on over-powered motorbikes The most prominent and earliest outlaw motorcycle gang in New Zealand is the Hells Angels, set up in 1961, and reported to be the first chapter of the gang outside the US. Very little is heard these days about the Angels, chiefly because they realise that bashing, killing and raping people is very bad for their other criminal enterprises, chiefly drug distribution, chopping stolen vehicles, and prostitution.

The Angels were formed in the US in 1948, their first members mostly being returned servicemen who liked to ride large motorbikes and raise a little hell. The origin of the 1% on their patch is a declaration by a respectable organization of bike riders in the US stating that only 1% of motorcyclists were thugs looking to cause trouble. The outlaw motorcycle gangs seized upon that distinction and some still proudly proclaim it.

During the 1960's and 70's, various outlaw motorcycle gangs were formed throughout the country in cities large and small. Some were shortlived, some survive and have thrived, such as the Head Hunters. The Head Hunters patched over the Wellington based Sinn Fein MC in 2011, the Satan's Slaves MC in 2014 and the Epitaph Riders from Christchurch. The Satan's Slaves gang had been formed in Wellington in 1969.

To be clear, ALL outlaw gangs  including those who purport to simply be motorcycle clubs are engaged in criminal activity to a greater or lesser extent. In 2000 a policeman said this of the Headhunters (aka the 88's because H is the eight letter of the alphabet):

The Head Hunters Motorcycle Club is considered one of the most dangerous organised criminal operations in the country. It controls the West Auckland crime scene They are responsible for the manufacture, sale and distribution of Class A, B and C controlled substances, with deals taking place throughout the country

Detective Sergeant Turley also held the gang responsible for murders, serious assaults and suspicious disappearances as well as extortions, home invasions and robberies. Although the police almost never make a distinction, the outlaw motorcycle clubs almost exclusively prey on their own kind  a man or woman with no connection to any outlaw motorcycle gang is most unlikely to be targeted by any of those gangs

So to what I call the scum gangs, primarily the Mob and Black Power. Although like their motorcycle riding fellows they are outlaws  and proud of it  ordinary people such as the murdered teacher referred to above are much more likely to fall victim to them, usually for little or no reason  other that earn a patch, as was the case in the unlucky Darcy Strickland's case. As an aside, it would be most interesting to learn  perhaps someone could ask the female PR spokeswoman for the Mob  whether Mr Strickland's murderer has now been or will be patched after his brutal and cowardly crime.

The Mob was formed in the mid sixties. Their name purportedly arose from a sentencing of a group of thugs in hastings in 1965, when a Magistrate noted that the defendants before him had acted like a pack of mongrels. As with the 1% referred to above, this label was seized upon by the Mob, and now Mongrelism  or acting in every way totally alien to civilized society  is an integral part of the life of every Mob member. A member or prospect who didn't display Mongrelism at every opportunity would not remain a prospect or member for long.

In my opinion, no-one should be fooled by claims such as those by one Sonny Fatupatu of the Kingdom chapter of the gang that they are fundamentally different from other chapters, and operate much more like the alternative form of whanau as claimed by some useful idiots as Tariana Turia, and various academic apologists for gangs such as jarrod gilbert, a Christchurch academic who holds himself to be an expert on gangs and their behaviour. In short, such actions as giving school lunches to deprived children  with gullible media in attendance  are no different from the soup kitchens maintained by Al Capone and his gang in the 1930's, viz. whitewashing to disguise what the gangs are really about. Only the gullible and naive should be fooled.

So what can be done, and what new laws do we need to come down hard on all gangs, but the scum gangs in particular? The answer is we can do quite a lot without any new laws. A number of laws already exist which the police don't bother to enforce. Police may search premises without warrant on a number of grounds, including looking for drugs and weapons. Police may turn over anyone on the street  i.e. check vehicles and the passengers within them to determine whether vehicles are registered and warranted, and whether the passengers have any outstanding warrants.

And here in step human [criminal] rights lawyers eager to ensure that their odious clients are not unduly bothered. I cannot name the lawyers I refer to for fear of a defamation suit against our esteemed host  I myself own nothing so am not worth suing  but they are names which pop up regularly in the MSM. Suffice it to say they seem far more concerned about the rights of their scum clients than those upon whom they prey with devastating effect.

Regular turnovers work: a couple of years ago some Mob member whined to the media in a small town in Hawkes Bay that the police were picking on us. This undoubtedly arose from some old style local police chief ignoring the instructions emanating from bullshit castle in Wellington, and rather than policing by consent, giving regular attention to known criminals and their associates, including gang members.

There should be no police escorts of fleets of overly loud motorcycles having traffic stopped for them so 200 bikies can proceed in an uninterrupted stream, disregarding traffic lights and signs so they can all stay in one group when proceeding from the site of a funeral of some gang member to the cemetery. Rather there should be a large police presence ready to pounce on any misdemeanour large or small. In short, with the laws we already have, police can quite easily make every single gang member in the country aware that the patch on his back is catnip to the police, who are just waiting for an excuse  or an opportunity to manufacture one  to turn them over, perhaps for the third or fourth time that day.

Local authorities can assist by passing strict bylaws governing gang pads in their areas, and growing the balls to rigorously enforce building codes  even if they need to obtain the assistance of police to do so. In short, much can be done with laws which already exist, but some gang-specific legislation would certainly be useful  but only in a deliberate political decision is made to make gang members' lives a misery.

Part Two  New laws to tackle gangs?

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Reddit

WhatsApp

More

Pinterest

Print

Tumblr


Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Former world heavyweight champion Tony Bellew expressed confidence that the injury of Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 243 KOs), which caused the disruption of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), was not fake. The British boxer noted that he does not believe in conspiracy theories and that his compatriot is afraid to fight the Ukrainian.

ADVERTISIMENT

Belgium said this in an interview with talkSPORT. According to him, the fight, which will now take place on May 18, will not only be about the title of absolute world heavyweight champion, but also about huge money, which makes any talk that Fury could have faked or imitated his cut untenable.

"Some ridiculous stories about him cutting his face, etc... Stop it. This is a guy who is reportedly going to be fighting for something between 50 and 70 million and you think he's going to cut himself to make it all fall through? Don't be ridiculous. I always thought that he didn't really want to face Oleksandr Usyk, but when you have that kind of money dangling in front of you, you're not afraid of anyone. No fighter is afraid of another fighter," Bellew said.

ADVERTISIMENT

The fight was originally supposed to take place on February 17, but the Gypsy King was cut open during a sparring session two weeks before the show. Tyson apologized for his injury.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
On the Ukrainian-Polish border, where Polish farmers have resumed blockades, there are about 1,300 trucks in line at checkpoints. Traffic is not blocked at the Krakivets and Shehyni-Medica checkpoints.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, Andriy Demchenko, on the air of the telethon "United News", an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Over the past day, we have seen an increase in queues in Poland of trucks waiting to cross the border towards Ukraine," Demchenko said.

According to him, as of this morning, about 1300 trucks are waiting in lines at the three checkpoints blocked by Polish farmers - Yahodyn-Dorogusk, Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne and Yahodyn, with the largest number of trucks in front of the Yahodyn checkpoint.

According to the information received from the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland, the protest in front of the Shehyni-Medica checkpoint ended at 11:30 a.m. today.

The SBGS spokesperson also noted an increase in the number of trucks queuing at the Krakivets checkpoint, where traffic is not blocked, so drivers choose it to cross the border. "As of this morning, a little more than 800 trucks are queuing in front of Krakivets in the direction of Ukraine in Poland," said Demchenko.

ADVERTISIMENT

Polish authorities support farmers

At the same time, Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Sekerski said that farmers' protests against the influx of goods from Ukraine are justified. According to him, Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine allegedly "suffered the most from the EU's decision to liberalize trade, to open the EU to the inflow of goods from Ukraine, without duties, without quotas."

"Farmers have legitimate fears, expectations, and demands to limit the excessive flow of goods from Ukraine and other non-European markets to the EU, particularly to Poland. We will definitely negotiate to the end, because the truth is on the side of farmers and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, which shares a similar position with farmers," he said.

At the same time, he emphasized that in certain areas a complete blockade of imports would be required. He cited the situation with grain as an example.

ADVERTISIMENT

"It may be necessary to do so in relation to sugar and poultry. We will make proposals to the EC, but we also want to establish this in our relations with Ukraine," Sekerski said.

The EU supported Ukraine, not Poland

Earlier, Business Inside reported that the EU would not introduce quotas for some Ukrainian products, as the EC refused to respond to Poland's request. Moreover, the EC is preparing a draft decision to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine. It is expected that this regime will be in effect at least until June 2025.

Poland justified its request by saying that imports of Ukrainian products to Europe were allegedly becoming a problem for Western European countries. And it was not just about grain. In particular, Poland noted, France, Austria, and Germany raised the issue of a threat to their markets:

ADVERTISIMENT

poultry

fruit

sugar.

"These countries are talking, in particular, about the need to renew tariff quotas, which are now suspended under EU rules. We have asked the European Commission to restore tariff quotas for some sensitive products, but this was rejected by the European Commission," said Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Sekerski.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Polish authorities are planning to tighten control on the border with Ukraine. In particular, they want to intensify inspections of goods coming from our country. Polish Minister Czeslaw Sekerski conducted inspections at the Medyka and Korchova border checkpoints and announced tighter control and more intensive inspections.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
COLUMBIA  Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Miller confirmed Friday charges will not be filed against Columbia police officers who fatally shot a man last August.

Officers responded to The Landing apartment complex Aug. 4 after Marquis Rivera, 22, called 911 and reported he was suicidal. Police said they spoke to Rivera and cleared the call. Rivera later called back and requested officers back on scene.

Police said when officers arrived, Rivera was armed and shot the gun multiple times in the air and at the direction of officers. Officers then returned fire, killing him.

Following the shooting, the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an independent investigation per CPD policy, and Miller was appointed special prosecutor at the request of the Boone County prosecuting attorney.

In a letter dated Wednesday to the Highway Patrol, Miller cited three reasons to not charge the officers.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

According to the letter, there was "an imminent threat to public safety," there were "efforts to de-escalate the situation," and there was "reasonable conduct based upon totality of circumstances."

"Eyewitness accounts confirm that the officers maintained a firm and professional demeanor in their efforts to persuade the subject to surrender his weapon. It was only when the subject raised his gun towards the officers, explicitly indicating it was loaded, that they resorted to firing. At no point was their conduct reckless or negligent as contemplated by the statutes governing the offenses of manslaughter," Miller wrote.

It is unknown how many officers were under investigation.

Columbia police said Friday they learned about Miller's decision, and Chief Jill Schlude released the following statement:

"Our department would like to extend its condolences to everyone affected, and I urge our community to come together and support each other during this difficult time."

Riveras mother, Katuiscia Penette, told the Columbia Missourian that the family obtained footage of the shooting and said it does not show Rivera firing at officers. Penette also said the family intends to file a lawsuit against the police department.
Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom looks at her cellphone during a murder trial, on June 12, 2023, at the Lincoln County District Court in Chandler, Oklahoma.
Former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate is seen on September 14, 2022, in Palm Beach, Florida.
China Merchants Bank (OTCMKTS:CIHKY  Get Free Report) and Bakkt (NYSE:BKKT  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

8.4% of Bakkt shares are held by institutional investors. 1.9% of Bakkt shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Get China Merchants Bank alerts:

Volatility & Risk

China Merchants Bank has a beta of 0.39, indicating that its share price is 61% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bakkt has a beta of 4.56, indicating that its share price is 356% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Merchants Bank 30.06% 14.88% 1.35% Bakkt -24.89% 25.41% 10.25%

Analyst Recommendations

This table compares China Merchants Bank and Bakkts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a breakdown of current ratings for China Merchants Bank and Bakkt, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Merchants Bank 0 1 0 0 2.00 Bakkt 1 0 1 0 2.00

Bakkt has a consensus target price of $1.70, indicating a potential upside of 60.38%. Given Bakkts higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Bakkt is more favorable than China Merchants Bank.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares China Merchants Bank and Bakkts top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Merchants Bank $67.88 billion 1.37 $20.51 billion $3.94 4.67 Bakkt $54.60 million 5.33 -$578.10 million ($1.79) -0.59

China Merchants Bank has higher revenue and earnings than Bakkt. Bakkt is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than China Merchants Bank, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Bakkt beats China Merchants Bank on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About China Merchants Bank

(Get Free Report)

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services. It operates through Wholesale Finance Business, Retail Finance Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers current, demand, time, call, savings, notice, and renminbi accounts. Its loan products include personal commercial real estate, consumption, housing, and car loans; loans to finance for studying abroad; micro-business loans; mortgage loans for equipment; joint guarantee, special guarantee, and housing mortgage loan; bank acceptance, discount, liquid capital, and fixed asset loans; and loans for vessels. The company also offers credit cards; insurance products; open-ended funds; discount and guarantees for commercial bills, redemption of commercial bills, and guaranteed discount for commercial acceptance bills; and financial consultation, debt financing underwriting, merger and acquisition financing, and equity financing and enterprise listing services. In addition, it provides forfeiting and risk participation, escrow, cross-border RMB clearing, and interbank services; and risk and financial management, cross-border RMB and oversea financing, international factoring and settlement, and trade finance services. Further, the company offers financial leasing and guarantee, investment and wealth management, forex option and gold trading, forex express trading, international, offshore and private banking, custody, pension, and electronic banking services. The company also operates in Hong Kong, New York, London, Singapore, Luxembourg, Sydney, and Taipei. China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China.

About Bakkt

(Get Free Report)

Bakkt Holdings, Inc. offers a platform for crypto and redeeming loyalty points. The company's institutional-grade technology platform offers various solutions, such as Custody, an institutional-grade custody solution for market participants; Crypto Connect, a platform that enables consumers, businesses, and institutions to buy, sell, and store crypto in a digital experience; Crypto Rewards that focuses on enabling customers to earn crypto rewards, as well as redeem existing reward currencies into crypto; and Crypto Payouts for customers to automatically invest a portion of payments into crypto. Its platform also offers a range of loyalty solutions, including redemption solutions for various rewards categories comprising merchandise, gift cards, and digital experiences; travel solutions that offer a retail e-commerce booking platform, as well as live-agent booking and servicing; and unified shopping experience. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Receive News & Ratings for China Merchants Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Merchants Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 503.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 117,757 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 98,232 shares during the quarter. Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,906,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter worth about $10,304,000. Fulton Bank N.A. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 176,239 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $5,846,000 after purchasing an additional 7,991 shares during the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,072,000. Brookstone Capital Management raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 88.5% in the 3rd quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 452,352 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $14,109,000 after purchasing an additional 212,369 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ETF Store Inc. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 12.0% in the 3rd quarter. ETF Store Inc. now owns 6,803 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $214,000 after purchasing an additional 727 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

Get Pfizer alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Pfizer news, Director Scott Gottlieb purchased 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $26.47 per share, for a total transaction of $79,410.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $238,230. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:PFE traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $27.56. 28,839,693 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 45,460,457. The companys 50 day moving average price is $28.22 and its 200-day moving average price is $31.51. The firm has a market cap of $155.62 billion, a PE ratio of 76.53, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 2.38 and a quick ratio of 2.05. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $25.76 and a 52 week high of $44.20.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.29. Pfizer had a return on equity of 10.61% and a net margin of 3.62%. The company had revenue of $14.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.37 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.14 EPS. The firms revenue was down 41.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.23 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be paid a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.10%. This is an increase from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 466.67%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PFE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. UBS Group decreased their target price on Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Pfizer from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on Pfizer from $42.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.93.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PFE

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mizuho Securities USA LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited (NYSE:OPA  Free Report) by 7.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 426,300 shares of the companys stock after selling 33,900 shares during the quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLCs holdings in Magnum Opus Acquisition were worth $4,497,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sound Income Strategies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Magnum Opus Acquisition in the third quarter valued at approximately $67,147,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC bought a new stake in Magnum Opus Acquisition during the third quarter worth $5,958,000. Spartan Fund Management Inc. bought a new stake in Magnum Opus Acquisition during the second quarter worth $3,138,000. Berkley W R Corp lifted its stake in Magnum Opus Acquisition by 76.2% during the second quarter. Berkley W R Corp now owns 540,042 shares of the companys stock worth $5,643,000 after purchasing an additional 233,480 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Magnum Opus Acquisition by 618.1% during the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 184,300 shares of the companys stock worth $1,926,000 after purchasing an additional 158,634 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.05% of the companys stock.

Get Magnum Opus Acquisition alerts:

Magnum Opus Acquisition Price Performance

NYSE OPA remained flat at $10.80 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average is $10.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.69. Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited has a twelve month low of $10.12 and a twelve month high of $11.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $125.22 million, a PE ratio of 17.70 and a beta of 0.01.

About Magnum Opus Acquisition

Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or related business combination with one or more businesses. Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Central, Hong Kong.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited (NYSE:OPA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Magnum Opus Acquisition Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magnum Opus Acquisition and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Recently, we shared with you the most visited destinations where you can relax on Valentine's Day. Today, we're going to tell you about very quiet and inconspicuous towns where you can celebrate February 14 just as well. Read below to find out where to go.

ADVERTISIMENT

Gengenbach, Germany

This small village is located in the south of the country in the Baden-Wurttemberg region. It's so fabulous and magical that it managed to strike a chord with director Tim Burton. Here he shot one of his best films, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We can only guess what made the famous director so fascinated by the town. Probably, the orchards, vineyards and wooded mountains. Of course, you won't see this beauty in winter. But this time of year is no less beautiful than in summer.

Hengenbach is famous for its half-timbered houses and medieval buildings. The air here is filled with pleasant and slightly seductive aromas of fresh pastries, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon.

How to spend this year's Valentine's Day here? Wander the winding streets of the Old Town holding hands. Take a hike along the Weinpfad route. Take part in the free Nachtwaechterrundgang lantern walk. Taste bread baked in a wood-fired oven at the Monastery Bakery.

ADVERTISIMENT

You can also go to the Town Hall, visit the St. Martin's Church, the Museum of Rafting and Transport, and the Winzerstueble wine tavern: it serves delicious locally produced drinks. You and your partner will definitely enjoy them. Especially if you order a light and crispy Flammkuchen pie with a glass of red.

Dinan, Belgium

This tiny Belgian village is located on the banks of the quiet and peaceful Maas River. It fascinates travelers with its small houses, picturesque views and cozy pastry shops selling honey cookies.

This is not the usual pastry we are so used to. The cake is very hard. Don't even try to bite into it right away, because you might lose a tooth. You need to break it into small pieces, and then put the crumbs in your mouth so that they gradually melt. Or you can soak it in coffee and then eat it.

ADVERTISIMENT

Dinan is a very small town, but it is considered the most densely populated in Europe. This is a paradox. This place also gave the world Adolf Sachs, the inventor of the saxophone. The locals are very proud of this fact. That's why guests are reminded of this fact at every turn.

There are many medieval buildings in the village. But let's be honest, there is no romance there. If it doesn't matter to you how you celebrate Valentine's Day, be sure to visit them. But if you still want tenderness and something pleasant, we recommend walking across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, then visiting the Maison de Monsieur Sax exhibition hall, where you can learn the life story of the famous musical instrument's father. The center is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Admission is free for both adults and children. And don't forget to visit a very beautiful shrine - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady.

ADVERTISIMENT

Gruyere, Switzerland

Cheese lovers should head here. This is where the world's most delicious dairy product of the same name is made. We are sure that you have definitely heard of it, and perhaps even tasted it.

But the gastronomic surprises do not end there. In the local restaurants, you can order authentic dishes of the region: raclette, fondue and desserts with the famous Gruyere cream.

The town is located on the shores of the artificial lake of the same name. It is an ideal place for romance. A walk along the picturesque coast is a good idea in any weather.

Not far from the village is the Molezon ski resort, where there are trails of varying difficulty. Be sure to go up to the Charmay resort area. Here you can soak in the hot thermal springs. What else do you need for romance?

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Wafra Inc. purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 88,929 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $44,837,000. UnitedHealth Group makes up about 1.5% of Wafra Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,788 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $5,185,000 after buying an additional 1,122 shares in the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 24.0% in the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 42,045 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $20,209,000 after purchasing an additional 8,144 shares during the last quarter. Ascension Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter worth $216,000. Blue Chip Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.5% in the second quarter. Blue Chip Partners LLC now owns 49,995 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $24,030,000 after buying an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $207,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get UnitedHealth Group alerts:

UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.4 %

NYSE UNH traded down $1.87 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $518.22. 2,715,057 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,344,627. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $445.68 and a 52-week high of $554.70. The company has a 50 day moving average of $525.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $517.66. The firm has a market cap of $479.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.73, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.98 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $94.43 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $92.13 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.39% and a net margin of 6.02%. UnitedHealth Groups revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $5.34 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.84 earnings per share for the current year.

Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating and issued a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $596.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Friday, January 19th. Finally, Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $575.79.

View Our Latest Analysis on UnitedHealth Group

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

About UnitedHealth Group

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Snow showers. High near 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Snow this morning will give way to lingering 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 this evening will become overcast overnight. 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.
Korean netizens believe that if IVE member Ahn Yujin wasn't an idol, she would 100% suit THIS profession. Keep on reading for all the details.

IVE Ahn Yujin Wearing THIS Work Uniform Sparks Frenzy

On February 9, 2024, a post titled "If Ahn Yujin became a flight attendant" was uploaded to a popular South Korean community forum.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: IVE Jang Wonyoung's Wrist Sparks Viral Debate - 'The bone showing through...'

The author shared several photos of IVE member Ahn Yujin wearing a white flight attendant uniform, which she donned for her appearance on the South Korean show "Crime Scene."

The author commented that Ahn Yujin would suit the role well and would likely perform great as a flight attendant.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: IVE's 'All Night' Draws Mixed Responses - Here's Why

The post quickly went viral on the platform, garnering over 127,000 views and and over 300 comments.

People Believe IVE Ahn Yujin Would Suit THIS Job If She Wasn't an Idol

People agreed with the post, saying that she had the look of a flight attendant. Some say she would especially suit Asiana Airline or CS Korean Air.

CHECK THIS OUT: Jang Wonyoung Lookalike Accused of 'Copying' How IVE Member Eats Strawberries

Others commented that during her appearance on "Crime Scene," she showed off her ability to communicate well, which perfectly suits a flight attendant. Fans claimed Ahn Yujin is the type of person who will be able to survive no matter what they do.

On the other hand, many simply complimented her beauty. Some say she has the actor look, praising her untouched beauty.

FOR YOU: IVE Jang Wonyoung Made THIS Much Money in 2023

Some comments read,

"Ahn Yujin looks like she suits either Asiana Airlines or CS Korean Air."

"Ahn Yujin looks so innocent. Like an actress who has never gotten anything done."

"Her and Jang Wonyoung always do well, no matter what they do. You can even leave those two in the dseert and they would find a way to survive."

"Wow, but she seriously looks like the perfect flight attendant."

"I watched her on 'Crime Scene' and she communicates well. Her face would match anything that's given to her."

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

IVE Recent Activities

IVE dropped their debut English-language single "All Night" featuring Saweetie on January 19, 2024.

ALSO READ: IVE Jang Wonyoung Draws Concern For Supposedly Losing Weight

It's a remix of Icona Pop's "All Night" and the music video was filmed in San Pedro, Los Angeles.

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
Ukrainian troops continue to maintain their presence on the left bank of the Kherson region and repel numerous enemy attacks. Moreover, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently achieved a minor confirmed success near the village of Krynky.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, fighting continues along the coastline on the left bank of the Kherson region. This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for War Studies.

Some success of Ukrainian soldiers in Krynky is confirmed by geolocated footage published on February 8. On February 9, positional fighting continued on the left bank of the Kherson region.

According to Colonel Natalia Humeniuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, the Russian occupation army has reduced the intensity of attacks on Ukrainian positions on the left bank of the Kherson region.

Recently, Putin's terrorists have been conducting assault operations without the support of armored vehicles. Such enemy tactics are explained by significant losses of equipment.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Yesterday at 7:00 PM, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) observer mission on the February 7 presidential election in Azerbaijan convened at the Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard to wrap up their work. Each observer presented their report, revealing that the violations identified by ODIHR observers amounted to just 3% of the total incidents reported.





3% of "violations" and 97% of full compliance not only with Azerbaijan's legislation but also with the principles and norms of international law, as well as international conventions, agreements, treaties, and so on, signed by the country.





Even the observers who visited the polling stations directly expressed frustration during this meeting. They openly voiced their confusion to the mission leaders: why was the report so biased with only 3% negative findings?





In the realm of politics and diplomacy, election observation becomes a pivotal moment in assessing democratic processes. However, as is often the case, behind the glossy facade of international observers' activities lies something far less appealing, dirty, and off-putting - political manipulation and playing to one's interests.





The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), being an important actor in this field, should serve as an impartial arbiter, shedding light on the world with its observations. However, recent events surrounding the release of the report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the presidential election held in Azerbaijan on February 7 raise fair doubts about this organization.





In election observation, it's not just the voting procedure itself that matters, but also the approach to analyzing the gathered data. Unfortunately, as the latest OSCE report indicates, instead of an objective analysis of real events, we're faced with a biased approach oriented towards the expected outcome.





The OSCE observers' meeting yesterday at the Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard, where they debriefed each other and also held online discussions with their supervisors from the US, became a telling symbol of how political interests align with official reports. Surprisingly, despite the 3% of negative findings, there was an overwhelming 97% of positive assessments, which raises eyebrows given the current political climate.





As for the "report" itself, it's rife with signs of collective cognitive dissonance, showing not only a complete misunderstanding of the current socio-political situation in Azerbaijan but also blatant falsehoods, manipulations, and, paradoxically, stark misanthropy. It's a bizarre mix where fiction and selective adherence to international legal principles are woven together with delusions.





Quoting directly from the report: The 7 February early presidential election took place in a restrictive environment, and while preparations were efficiently managed, it was marked by the stifling of critical voices and the absence of political alternatives. Of the six presidential candidates standing in this election other than the incumbent, all have been supportive of the President in the recent past.





What more do we need, gentlemen observers? Effective preparation, and then let each candidate present their platform. But really, what's the point? No matter what we do, no matter how many candidates from different parties are registered, whatever platforms they have, it won't matter to OSCE observers. The bottom line will be the same - political bias and a predetermined outcome.





As the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said: Any government not grounded in the knowledge of the people is useless and wrong. And here, we have to ask ourselves: were the OSCE reports based on real facts, visible to the on-site observers, or were they molded to fit the agendas of external forces?





And judges - in this particular scenario, the ODIHR OSCE observer mission could be seen as ignorant, subjective, but they still hold the title of observers.





Picture this process like a movie production: the script is written, roles are cast, and every actor knows their lines. Regardless of how many candidates are in the spotlight, what platforms they represent, or which parties they belong to, all of that takes a back seat. The crux of the matter is political bias and a pre-set outcome. And what we witness here is how ODIHR OSCE observers, following the directives of their handlers, or rather the behind-the-scenes players and political big shots, actively shape their reports to fit this preconceived narrative.





Being objective is no easy feat, especially when dealing with individuals who have a skewed understanding of the concept. And in this particular instance, political maneuvering and manipulations, concealed beneath the guise of international democracy, pose a daunting challenge for election observers.





However, the question of whether ODIHR OSCE observers are aware of the concept of societal cohesion at such a crucial moment for the state remains highly relevant. Because how can we discuss a genuine and unbiased analysis of elections if there's a lack of understanding about societal dynamics and their impact on the political landscape in Azerbaijan?





Consequently, OSCE observers have turned into actors in a low-quality, third-rate theatrical production instead of being impartial arbiters tasked with delivering an objective, truthful assessment of Azerbaijan's snap presidential election.





Let's be honest: the OSCE's report on the elections in Azerbaijan resembles more of a choreographed routine than an impartial analysis. It's as rehearsed and scripted as a robot following its programmed commands. What truly unfolds is irrelevant - what matters is fulfilling the expectations of their US curators.





Truth is unyielding and always finds its way. Yet, it appears that OSCE observers have lost sight of this principle, getting entangled in political maneuvering and self-serving agendas. They seem content playing the role of blind critics, oblivious to reality, and dancing to the tune of their supervisors.





Furthermore, what about the concept of societal cohesion? It seems OSCE observers have only heard what they were told, failing to grasp anything beyond that. Their mission seems limited to following orders and justifying biased decisions, rather than conducting objective analyses and seeking genuine truths.





Let's call it as it is: the OSCE report is nothing more than a tool for political manipulation.





Because justice isn't about their actions, but about their observations. Yet, OSCE observers prefer to turn a blind eye to reality to justify their prejudices, falsehoods, and biases.





As long as OSCE observers continue playing this game of political manipulation, the true truth about Azerbaijan's election will remain obscured behind false smiles and empty rhetoric from pseudo-observers.





The truth always prevails, breaking through the barriers of false reports and biased opinions, shining brightest in the darkness of political machinations.





Perhaps within this labyrinth of political games, there's still room for hope. Maybe the real truth will eventually pierce through the political fog, bringing light and transparency to the realm of elections and democracy.





The genuine truth about the elections will ultimately emerge from the political darkness of ODIHR OSCE, but it requires a focus on true democratic values and the principles of objectivity in observer missions.





Despite the challenges and contradictions posed by OSCE reports and their political motivations, truth and justice will ultimately triumph.





Because, as Albert Einstein famously said, Ultimately, truth always triumphs because it is unyielding.
On the day of the resignation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, German generals visited Kyiv. In particular, Major General Christian Freuding and Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer visited the Ukrainian capital.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to preliminary data, the German officers arrived in Kyiv secretly at the invitation of Zaluzhny. This was reported by Bild.

It is worth noting that Christian Freuding heads the working group to coordinate assistance to Ukraine, and Carsten Breuer is one of Germany's top military leaders and a confidant of the Minister of Defense.

The German defense ministry said that the purpose of the visit was to exchange information about Ukraine's current defense needs and future military challenges. According to German analysts, this visit could accelerate negotiations on military cooperation between Berlin and Kyiv.

At the same time, after his visit to Kyiv, the Bundeswehr Inspector General told the German media that in the next 5 years, the German army should be ready for a military confrontation with Russia. He warned that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin intends to start a conflict against NATO countries.

ADVERTISIMENT

Breuer warned that the State Duma of the Russian Federation has actually put the economy of the aggressor country on a military track. He also admitted that despite the losses in Ukraine, the potential of the Russian occupation army continues to grow.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on February 8, Zelenskyy fired Zaluzhnyi and appointed Syryskyi as the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The president thanked Zaluzhnyi for two years of defense and said he had offered him to stay in the team.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally presented the award to former Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyy, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The emotional moment of the awarding touched Ukrainians.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes
PRNewswire

Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], February 10: The Centre for Healthcare at IIM Udaipur hosted an Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium meeting for its members. 35 members representing various organisations from across the country participated in the meeting. These organisations included prominent names such as Aravind Eye Care, Dhan Foundation, Fernandez Foundation, ARTH, Basic Healthcare Services, Indian School of Business, Karma Healthcare, SSISM, and LVPEI.

Also Read | Teddy Day 2024 Quotes: Romantic Messages, WhatsApp Greetings, HD Photos and Cute Banners To Celebrate the Fourth Day of Valentines Week.

EHAC - Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium is a group of socially sensitive healthcare providers and organisations. Its objective is to enhance equity in healthcare access through networking and resource-sharing initiatives. The meeting focused on discussions aimed at improving healthcare equity and fostering collaboration among members to enhance the delivery of healthcare services.

Discussion of how to improve equity in healthcare was the main focus of the meeting, and how, through collaboration, more work can be done together to deliver better healthcare services. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, EHAC aims to drive positive change and contribute to the advancement of equitable healthcare access across India.

Also Read | Happy Teddy Day My Love Messages for Teddy Day 2024: WhatsApp Stickers, Images, HD Wallpapers and SMS for Fourth Day of Valentines Week.

About IIM Udaipur:

IIM Udaipur is well on its way to becoming a globally recognised B-School. It has broken new ground by focusing on world-class research and transforming students into tomorrow's managers and leaders. The Institute arrived on the global education stage by securing accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in merely eight years of its establishment. With this accreditation, IIM Udaipur is counted in the same league of global institutes, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the MIT Sloan School.

IIM Udaipur is ranked 16th by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 of the HRD Ministry. IIM Udaipur is the only IIM in the Top 100 of the prestigious FT Masters In Management World Rankings consecutively for 5 Years since 2019. Ranked #5 amongst IIMs in the list of 2023. Indian Institute of Management Udaipur featured in the prestigious Masters in Management (MIM) QS World University Rankings 2024 for the fifth consecutive year. IIMU is also currently ranked 4th in India, after ISB, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, for research in management according to the methodology used by UT Dallas, which tracks publications in the leading global journals.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2337985/IIM_Udaipur_Centre_Healthcare_Consortium.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183220/4494404/IIMU_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)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
BusinessWire India

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], February 10: Reckitt, world's leading consumer health and hygiene company, along with partner Plan India, partnered with season 3 of OHO Hill Yatra for its Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, with the theme - 'Kedarkhand Se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand' and culminated grand finale in Dehradun in the presence of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami. The month-long on-ground initiative hosted by RJ Kaavya, reached over 25,000 students and 43 schools, engaging and educating students and communities across 13 districts in Uttarakhand on the issue of climate change. To further its commitment to cover 100 per cent districts of Uttarakhand by 2025, Dettol Banega Swasth India will develop 1 Climate Resilient School per district, focused on reinforcing state's climate mitigation & adaptation efforts and contributing to the achievement of SDGs.

Also Read | National Dark Chocolate Day 2024 Recipes: 5 Mouth-Watering Desserts To Make With Dark Chocolate.

Hosted at the CM Camp Office in Dehradun, the grand finale was also graced by Special Guest Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt and RJ Kaavya, CEO, OHO Radio. During the event, students from the Climate Resilient Schools presented cultural performances and models on waste management, energy saving, and solar panel retrofitting implemented in their schools. The event also witnessed the launch of Dettol Climate Resilient School Preamble, encouraging children to commit to preserve and safeguard the environment by taking environment-friendly actions for a greener and healthier tomorrow.

Commenting on the grand finale event, Chief Guest Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, said, "I congratulate Dettol Banega Swasth India and OHO Radio for this unique campaign in Uttarakhand to drive education among children on the important issue of climate change. The OHO Hill Yatra season 3 campaign by Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, with the theme- 'Kedarkhand Se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand' engaged children and communities across 13 districts of the state. Aligned to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Mission LiFE, this endeavour is truly remarkable and holds an important value as it encourages children to inculcate behavioural change in their everyday lives."

Also Read | Central Government Blocks About 1.4 Lakh Mobile Handsets Linked to Cybercrime, Financial Frauds.

India is the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change impact, according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. Due to geological factors such as melting glaciers, increased population pressure, seismic activity, and over-exploitation of natural resources, the state of Uttarakhand is vulnerable to climate change. In alignment with Government of India's Mission LiFE curriculum, Reckitt aims to create a cadre of environmentally conscious children to drive climate resilience in school and community across the state of Uttarakhand with Dettol Climate Resilient School project. Through this project, retrofitting in 4 schools in 4 Dhams of Uttarakhand were done with solar panels, energy efficient lights & fans, low flow water fixtures, waste management. Following schools were covered - Government Upper Primary School, Damta, Uttarkashi (Yamunotri), Government High School, Athali, Uttarkashi (Gangotri), Government Upper Primary School, Ratura, Rudraprayag (Kedarnath) and Government Upper Primary School, Pakhi, Chamoli (Badrinath). The impact of retrofitting in schools translated to a 65 per cent reduction in water wastage, and 64.5 per cent reduction in electricity units charges. The incorporation of wall murals focusing on the themes of Mission LiFE serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness among students. By actively engaging in environmental education workshops, the project not only aligns with the government's emphasis on climate action but also directly supports the national goal of fostering environmental consciousness among citizens. The cultivation of environmental responsibility and conscious lifestyles among children through climate-friendly interventions echoes the government's call for sustainable habits from an early age.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt - South Asia, said, "In a remarkable stride towards sustainability, India has witnessed a substantial boost in its green energy initiatives, transitioning seamlessly from 2023 to 2024. At Reckitt, we believe we have a duty to combat climate change and empower the next generation towards building a sustainable and resilient future. With Dettol Climate Resilient Schools and the OHO Hill Yatra campaign, we have been working closely in the state of Uttarakhand to drive on-ground behaviour change and educate the younger generation through three pillars - Campus, Curriculum and Collaboration. Bearing the flag of Mission LiFE, we look forward to expand the initiative by developing more climate resilient schools in Dev Bhoomi-Uttarakhand, where elements of nature meet in the purest form. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Uttarakhand for their invaluable support as we together work towards building a greener and more resilient Uttarakhand."

The Dettol Climate Resilient project partnered with OHO Radio, a coveted local digital radio, to conduct an immersive month-long campaign during the OHO Hill Yatra. Designed to deepen students' understanding of environmental issues, the campaign focused on promoting Mission LiFE and informing the audience on the critical issue of climate change. The grand finale event encompassed of various cultural performances by students from selected schools of Khatima, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi, and showcased impact of OHO Hill Yatra campaign, based on the theme 'Kedarkhand se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand'.

The Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, under the visionary leadership of Reckitt and implementation of Plan India, has emerged as a crucial player aligning itself with the national green goals set by the Indian government. This innovative initiative has demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and community engagement, contributing significantly to the broader vision of a greener and more resilient India.

Since its inception last year, the Dettol Climate Resilient School Project has emerged as a crucial player aligning itself with the national green goals in alignment with the vision of the Government of India. This innovative initiative has not only demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability but has also actively contributed to the broader vision of a greener and more resilient India. The project's endeavours have resulted in significant achievements, with four schools retrofitted with solar panels, energy-efficient lights, fans, low-flow water fixtures, and waste management systems. These efforts have led to tangible impacts on water wastage and electricity units charges, seamlessly aligning with the country's broader objectives for sustainable resource management.

In essence, the Dettol Climate Resilient School Project has intricately woven its initiatives to not only align with but actively contribute to the national green goals of India. As India moves from 2023 to 2024, the trajectory is clear - a determined march towards a greener, more sustainable future. The financial allocations, initiatives, and collaborations underscore the nation's commitment to aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, forging a path towards a resilient and eco-friendly tomorrow.

(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)

(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 10 (PTI) A total of 561 prisoners are on death row in the country, the highest at the end of a calendar year in two decades -- a rise of 45.71 per cent in such inmates since 2015, a report revealed.

The eighth edition of the 'Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics Report' published by Project 39A at National Law University, Delhi said the trial courts imposed 120 death sentences in 2023 but the year witnessed lowest rate of death sentence confirmations by the appellate courts since 2000, with the Supreme Court not confirming any death sentence for a second calendar year after 2021.

Also Read | Abhishek Ghosalkar Shot Dead: Uddhav Thackeray Asks if 'Any Third Person Was Involved' in Shiv Sen (UBT) Leader's Killing.

"The Supreme Court did not confirm any death sentence in 2023. In the High Courts, only one death sentence was confirmed by the Karnataka High Court in a murder simpliciter case. In doing so, 2023 marks the lowest rate of death sentence confirmations by the appellate courts since 2000," said the report.

The report said the President of India rejected one mercy petition in March 2023 in a case of kidnapping, rape and murder of a minor in 2008. There are a total of 488 death row prisoners awaiting judgment from the high courts, it said.

Also Read | UP Police Admit Card 2024: UPPRPB to Release Hall Ticket on February 13, Know How to Download at uppbpb.gov.in.

It said that the top court acquitted four prisoners in three death penalty appeals, remanded two death penalty cases to the trial court and the high court, and commuted the death sentences of three death row prisoners in criminal appeals.

Two prisoners in two death penalty cases wee released upon finding that they were children in conflict with the law at the time of the offences.

"At the end of 2023, 120 death sentences were imposed by trial courts and 561 prisoners were living under a sentence of death in India.

"This makes 2023 the year with the highest number of prisoners on death row in nearly two decades, and the second highest since the turn of this century according to the National Crime Record Bureau's Prison Statistics Reports. The year 2023 also witnesses a 45.71% increase in the death row population since 2015," the report stated.

"These figures denote a widening gulf between the efforts from appellate courts to improve the institutional capacity of administering the death penalty, and the persisting capital sentencing crisis at trial courts," it added.

According to data, there were 541 and 490 inmates on death row at the end of 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 167 and 146 death sentences were awarded in 2022 and 2021.

The report said the death row population has increased over the years and in 2023, the most death penalties were awarded in crimes involving sexual offences.

"Nearly 53.30% of the 120 death sentences imposed by trial courts in 2023 were for homicidal rape cases. Trial courts imposed death sentences in 86.96% of its cases in the absence of any information relating to the accused.

"Despite the Supreme Court's mandate in Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh, trial courts did not call for the probation officers' report, the report on psychiatric evaluation of the accused or their jail conduct," it said.

As per the report, most death sentences, i.e. 33, were awarded by trial courts in Uttar Pradesh last year, followed by 12 in Jharkhand and 11 each in Gujarat, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh and 10 in West Bengal.

There were no such instances from Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

"Death sentences were imposed on the same day, or within one day of conviction, in at least 37.14% of death penalty cases at the trial courts in 2023. 45.71% of death sentence orders were passed within two to seven days from conviction. Trial courts imposed death sentences after one week from conviction in only 17.14% of all death penalty cases," the report said.

The report further said the acquittals and remands by the Supreme Court and the high courts in death penalty cases indicated "significant concerns with the quality of police investigations and appreciation of evidence by lower courts in death penalty cases."

High courts acquitted 36 prisoners of all charges and remanded three cases, involving five prisoners, to the trial court for significant lapses in the cross-examination of forensic evidence and for the perfunctory nature of the sentencing exercise.

It also said the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which will replace the existing Indian Penal Code, has increased the number of offences punishable with the death penalty, from twelve to eighteen offences.

Additionally, the new law codifies procedures on the filing of mercy petitions by death row prisoners, and restricts the scope of sentences that can be imposed upon commuting a death sentence to life imprisonment.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh [India], February 10 (ANI): In a major blow to the opposition INDIA bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday that his party will contest alone all 14 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and Chandigarh.

Categorically signalling that there will be no alliance with the Congress in the state, Kejriwal said that the party will announce candidates for all 14 seats in the next 10-15 days.

Also Read | Bizarre Robbery in Delhi! Two Bike-Borne Men Snatch Bag Containing Rs 50 Lakhs From Cash Collecting Agent Near Monastery Market.

"I would like to seek your blessings on one more thing. In the next two months, the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled. In this election, Punjab has 13 seats and one in Chandigarh. In total, there are 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, the Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all the 14 seats. Just like you had supported us two years back, I would like to seek your blessings to let Aam Aadmi Party win in all 14 seats by pressing on the 'broom'," Kejriwal urged people to vote for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

While launching the Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme in Punjab's Amloh, the AAP chief said, "Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab."

Also Read | Fraud in Maharashtra: Two Fraudsters Impersonate Sarpanch and Deputy, Embezzle Rs 63 Lakh from Bank in Aurangabad, Arrested.

Drawing attention to the party's election symbol, the Delhi Chief Minister said that people need to "sweep Punjab" with full force.

"We have to sweep all the 14 seats with an overwhelming majority and let Aam Aadmi Party secure victory. All of us need to sweep with full force," Kejriwal said.

The AAP supremo's announcement comes weeks after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that his party would contest solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, dealing another blow to the INDIA bloc hours after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced to contest in all seats in West Bengal alone, sharing no seat with her alliance partners.

Punjab CM had said in January that there would be no alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AAP will get 13 seats (in Punjab)," Mann said at a media briefing.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also announced to go solo in Haryana in the Lok Sabha polls.

In an exclusive talk with ANI, AAP leader Sushil Gupta said, "We will contest alone in all 90 assembly seats in Haryana. Regarding the Lok Sabha, we have communicated our stance to the national leadership of our party that we are strong and we can contest the elections in alliance and independently as well. The final decision will be taken by the party leadership."

AAP's announcement also comes close on the heels of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making yet another flip by deserting the Mahagathbandhan alliance and joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Kumar was one of the tallest leaders of the INDIA bloc other than West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In the 2019, Lok Sabha polls, the Congress had won eight seats, the Shiromani Akali Dal had won in two seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party had won two and the AAP had won one seat. (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 10 (ANI): A clash erupted between the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Left organisation at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday night at the University's General body meeting (UGBM).

While accusing each other of creating a ruckus in the meeting, both ABVP and the Left parties claimed that their members were injured.

Also Read | Short Duration Discussion on White Paper Indian Economy Scheduled in Rajya Sabha Today: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 10, 2024.

Anagha Pradeep, Councillor, JNU Councillor alleged that the ABVP workers were not allowing the University's General body meeting to proceed ahead.

"After 2019, JNUSU elections are happening. JNUSU is the highest decision-making body for students. A University's General body meeting (UGBM) was called after collecting 1200 signatures. The administration and ABVP are running an agenda that JNUSU is not a notified body and it is illegal. In two to three court cases we have been recognized. ABVP workers started saying that we could not chair the UGBM. They started misbehaving and started heckling those who were controlling the sound mic system. They even started beating common students," Anagha Pradeep told ANI.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Eats Lunch with MPs at Parliament Canteen (Watch Video).

However, Umesh Chandra, ABVP JNU President alleged that members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and Student Federation of India (SFI) were threatening them to leave the meeting.

"They were threatening the tent house workers to start operating the speaker system. They were using casteist remarks against them. We wanted the proceedings to go peacefully hence we intervened. UGBM was not started till midnight. They were saying that ABVP workers should leave UGBM. Around four to five workers have been seriously injured. They used Dafli as a weapon to attack us," Chandra told ANI.

Police are yet to file a complaint in the matter. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati (Assam) [India], February 10 (ANI): Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Saturday said the State cabinet meeting today will hold discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Speaking to ANI, the State Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister said, "The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is also needed for Assam. The state cabinet meeting will be held today, and a discussion on the UCC will take place in the cabinet meeting."

Also Read | Central Government Blocks About 1.4 Lakh Mobile Handsets Linked to Cybercrime, Financial Frauds.

Recently, the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024.

"I hope that the UCC Bill is implemented in Assam. UCC could be implemented in Assam, but there will be some exemptions for the tribal people," Baruah said.

Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Visits Sailani Avenue, Street in Australia's Perth City Named After Indian-Origin Soldier Nain Singh Sailani (See Pics).

Talking about the third term of the Modi government, the Assam Minister said, "It is necessary to take many more decisions for the future of the country. The Modi government will make many more big decisions after coming into power for the third consecutive term and will make Bharat a "Viswa Guru."

The Assam Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister launched the Water and Sanitation Message Handbook for students on Saturday during a programme held in Guwahati on Saturday.

The Assam Minister said that both the Education Department and the Public Health Engineering Department have jointly worked on this for the school students.

A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) means that all sections of society, irrespective of their religion, shall be treated equally according to a national civil code, which shall apply to all uniformly.

They cover areas such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and succession of the property.

On Friday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a preparatory meeting ahead of the presentation of the state budget for this fiscal. Finance Minister Neog is set to present the state budget for fiscal 2024-25 in the Assembly on February 12. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati (Assam) [India], February 10 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday chaired a preparatory meeting ahead of the presentation of the state budget for this fiscal, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) informed through an official statement.

The meeting was held at Janata Bhawan in the state capital, Guwahati.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Eats Lunch with MPs at Parliament Canteen (Watch Video).

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, and senior government officials were present in the meeting.

Finance Minister Neog is set to present the state budget for fiscal 2024-25 in the Assembly on February 12.

Also Read | Bharat Ratna for Bal Thackeray: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Demands India's Highest Civilian Award for Shiv Sena Founder.

Earlier, Neog said a realistic budget has been prepared where the priorities of every sector will be reflected.

"Firstly, we have prepared a realistic budget. We are trying to present a budget which will have something for every sector of the state. We will try to give benefits to our women and youths and as a whole, we will try to raise public and capital expenditures with a focus on the development of infrastructure," the Finance Minister said.

Last year, Neog presented a budget with an aggregate expenditure estimated at Rs 3.21 lakh crore for the year.

The 'Budget Session' of the Assam Assembly commenced on February 5. (ANI)

(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 evening of Friday, February 9, Russian troops attacked Kharkiv and the region with Shahed kamikaze drones. Civilian infrastructure came under attack. In the regional center, the Russians hit an oil depot, a massive fire broke out, and at least 15 private houses burned down.

ADVERTISIMENT

The attacks resulted in casualties, and seven people were reported dead, including three children, the youngest of whom was only seven months old. Another 57 people were injured. The head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, Oleg Synegubov, spoke about the consequences of the attack.

The invaders started attacking the regional center with "Shaheds" at 22:46. A hit was recorded in the Nemyshlyansky district of the city.

"Five people were killed in Kharkiv as a result of the attack by enemy drones. The victims are being identified, among them two children," Synegubov wrote on the morning of February 10.

But a few minutes later, Synegubov clarified that the number of victims had increased.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Unfortunately, the death toll from the occupiers' strikes on Kharkiv has risen to seven. Among them are three children: 7, 4 years old and a baby about 6 months old," wrote the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.

Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that rescuers found the bodies of five victims, including three children, in a private house, and two more bodies were found at another facility.

"The total number of victims as of now is 7 dead and 3 wounded. Investigators and forensic experts are working to document Russia's war crime and take DNA samples to identify the bodies," he said at 07:43.

ADVERTISIMENT

Klymenko added that several large-scale fires broke out in Kharkiv as a result of enemy drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. One of them is in a residential area.

"The State Emergency Service managed to localize the fire in a residential area, saving 25 houses from spreading. However, more than a dozen households burned to the ground," the minister said.

The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced the launch of a pre-trial investigation into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

"In one of the private households, the charred bodies of a family were found: a husband, wife and their three children: boys aged 7 months, 4 and 7 years. In another house, a couple was killed: a 66-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife. Three people were also injured: A 45-year-old man and two women aged 61 and 39," the Office of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine said, adding that the invaders, according to preliminary data, launched the drones from Belgorod region.

ADVERTISIMENT

The fire was caused by a fuel leak after the drone hit an oil depot, after which the hazardous substance flowed down the street in a residential area.

The body of the father of the three children killed by Russia was found in the corridor of the house, while the mother and children tried to escape in the bathroom.

"The search for the body of the youngest boy is ongoing," noted Synegubov.

As of 10:30 a.m., rescuers and law enforcement officers continued to eliminate the consequences of the enemy attack at the site of the hits.

"The debris is being dismantled and the bodies of the dead are being unblocked," noted Synegubov

ADVERTISIMENT

As of 13:30, the head of the Kharkiv police investigation department, Serhiy Bolvinov, said that the bodies of all seven victims had been found. According to him, the eldest child in the deceased family, Lesha, was seven years old, the middle child, Mykhailo, was four years old, and the youngest, Pavel, was ten months old.

ADVERTISIMENT

"During the alarms, parents and children used to hide in the basement . But this time, flames burst into the yard. When the family ran to hide, two cars and fuel were already burning near the house. All seven were trapped in the fire. It has been preliminarily established that the older and younger boys were with their mother . The middle one, Mykhailo, always ran after his father. The man probably lost consciousness first, and the little one hid in a corner, alone in the kitchen. That's where we found him. The mother and her two other sons tried to escape in the bathroom, holding the children in their arms," he said.

Bolvinov added that the bodies of the victims were badly burned and DNA testing would be needed to make final conclusions.

ADVERTISIMENT

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said as of 2 p.m. that the number of victims of the night attack had reached 57 .

"These people are residents of Kotelnaya Street who were left without anything last night by Russia: no home, no documents, no money, no personal belongings. To provide them with everything they need, a humanitarian aid collection and distribution center has been operating at school No. 21 since this morning. There is a need for building materials, clothes and personal hygiene products," said Terekhov.

According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, the invaders sent at least ten attack drones to the region. Eight of them were shot down by air defense forces, while the rest caused destruction, in particular, destroyed an oil depot, causing fuel leakage.

"Currently, one tank is still full, so the danger remains. If necessary, we will expand the evacuation and resettlement zone. All relevant services continue to work. We have already evacuated 50 people. Four people have been rescued, including one child. In total, 36 units of the State Emergency Service - more than 200 rescuers - are involved in eliminating the consequences of the shelling," Syniehubov said about the situation as of 11:30 a.m.

ADVERTISIMENT

Mayor Ihor Terekhov was the first to report an enemy attack on Kharkiv the night before. He wrote about explosions in the city on his Telegram channel at about 10:40 p.m.

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had previously warned about the movement of enemy "Shahed" to the regional center.

"Kharkiv is under enemy attack. There are a series of explosions in the city. "Shaheds". Civilian infrastructure is under attack," Terekhov wrote.

ADVERTISIMENT

Later, Terekhov said that the Russians hit a gas station with Shaheds. As a result of the hit, fuel spilled and 14 private houses caught fire. The area of the fire is 3700 square meters.

"50 Kharkiv residents have been evacuated, including two children. The State Emergency Service continues to fight the fire and search for possible victims," the mayor said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Footage showing the fire after arrivals in Kharkiv was posted online.

As a result of the Russian attack, one person suffered 40% burns to his body and is in hospital. Four people were rescued, 50 evacuated. The number of victims may increase, said the head of the regional prosecutor's office, Oleksandr Filchakov.

According to him, at least 15 houses were burned down.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The Russian military, previously from the territory of Belgorod region, launched Shahed UAVs. Three drones hit the Nemyshlyansky district of Kharkiv. As a result, a critical infrastructure facility was destroyed. There was a large amount of fuel there, which is why the consequences of the fire are so terrible," Filchakov said.

Oleh Oleg Synegubov's Telegram channel, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, also noted that the village of Velykyi Burluk also came under enemy fire. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties. The occupants hit a civilian object - a cafe.

"As a result of the strikes, fires broke out and the buildings of a cafe and a medical facility were destroyed. The total area of the fire was 180 square meters. At 01:45, the State Emergency Service extinguished the last fire. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties," the State Emergency Service stated on the morning of February 10.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to Synegubov, the attack on Velykyi Burluk, Kupyansk district, was carried out at 23:20.

"A cafe was destroyed by drone strikes. The premises on the first and second floors were on fire. There were no casualties. The building of an inactive medical institution was also damaged. The buildings of the morgue and the surgical department were on fire," said the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 10 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be "pro-people."

While speaking at the meeting of the Congress Manifesto Committee, Shivakumar said, "Congress will prepare a people-friendly manifesto that will help all sections of society. A similar exercise was done while preparing a manifesto for the Assembly election, and we launched the five-guarantee scheme based on the same."

Also Read | Congress Expels Acharya Pramod Krishnam for Indiscipline, Making Statements Against Party.

Taking a jibe at the BJP, he said that during the last 10 years, not a single scheme was launched that changed lives.

"The 10 years of Manmohan Singh government were about improving the lives of people, but during the 10 years of BJP rule, even a single scheme was not launched that changed the lives of people. Schemes such as food security, MGNREGA, the right to education, and others were introduced during the UPA rule," he said.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ramdas Athawale Meets BJP Chief JP Nadda in Parliament, Expresses Desire To Contest General Polls From Shirdi Seat (See Pics).

Shivakumar further said that though Karnataka was a progressive state, 61 per cent of the population lived in rural areas. "As much as 96 per cent of the tax revenues came from urban areas, but the contribution of our farmers was immense, and we can't move forward without them," he said.

He said that the Congress had always implemented schemes that empowered the poor. "The Congress government has always implemented any scheme that empowers the poor economically, socially, and educationally. We had introduced Nyay in the previous election, and many schemes were based on that. The idea of the Gruhajyothi scheme took birth in a meeting between Siddaramaiah, Surjewala, and myself. Now, Modi is trying to copy that by giving 300 units of free power through the solar grid," he said.

He also alleged that the BJP was trying to launch guarantee schemes based on the schemes of the Congress. "The same BJP that was criticising our guarantee schemes has now launched the Modi guarantee campaign. The BJP, which was criticising the guarantee scheme as a burden on the exchequer, is now launching similar schemes in many states. Congress always believes in bringing change into the lives of people," he said.

He called upon the participants of the manifesto meeting to provide ideas that are rooted in reality. "We have raised our voice against the injustice meted out to our state. Other states are also raising their voice now. The Union government can set this injustice right if it wants to," he said.

He further said that a committee was formed under the leadership of Higher Education Minister to review the National Education Policy (NEP). "We are working on removing the NEP. I have had discussions with my BJP friends who run educational institutions, and they say it is impossible to implement NEP. The BJP tried to push the NEP down the throat of Kannadigas in a hurried manner. We have formed a committee to review the NEP under the leadership of Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar," Shivakumar 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)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 10 (ANI): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today said that his brother and MP DK Suresh is not the type who is scared of threats and all such threats will be handled 'appropriately'.

Speaking to reporters at the Congress manifesto committee meeting, he said, "DK Suresh isn't the type who is scared by threats. We know how to deal with threats and we have settled many such threats in the past."

Also Read | West Bengal Violence: Tension in Sandeshkhali Again as Women Hit Streets (Watch Videos).

Replying to a reporter who pointed out that BJP leader Eshwarappa was not ready to apologize for his comments on DK Suresh, Shivakumar said, "No one is asking him to apologize. Every action has a consequence. He once spoke about my father in the Assembly and everyone knows what happened after that. Where is Eshwarappa today? If Eshwarappa wants to shoot DK Suresh, let him, but he is not scared of such threats. We have been in politics for long and we know how to handle such threats."

"The meeting of the Congress manifesto committee is happening today. The Chief minister is also a member of the committee and it has had many meetings. Today's meeting is to collect feedback from the people and institutions. Congress manifesto committee chairman P Chidambaram was supposed to attend the meeting," he said.

Also Read | Bizarre Robbery in Delhi! Two Bike-Borne Men Snatch Bag Containing Rs 50 Lakhs From Cash Collecting Agent Near Monastery Market.

"About 150 people and institutions were invited for discussions today. We are keeping in mind the welfare of all sections and the security of the country while preparing the manifesto. The guarantee scheme launched by our government has become a role model in the country. Similarly, we will have a lot of actionable promises in the manifesto too," he added.

"India bloc will also collect opinion about the manifesto. Together, we will try to bring change and revolution in the country. We are committed to the livelihoods of the people rather than emotions," he 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)
Davangere (Karnataka), Feb 10 (PTI) An FIR has been registered against senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Minister K S Eshwarappa and a notice has also been served for his 'shoot the traitors' remark during an event here.

Also Read | Abhishek Ghosalkar Shot Dead: Uddhav Thackeray Asks if 'Any Third Person Was Involved' in Shiv Sen (UBT) Leader's Killing.

The case was registered by the Davangere Extension Police Station based on a complaint by Hanumanthappa (36), a resident of the area.

Also Read | UP Police Admit Card 2024: UPPRPB to Release Hall Ticket on February 13, Know How to Download at uppbpb.gov.in.

On Thursday, Eshwarappa at the event said: "I want to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring a law to shoot the two traitors - D K Suresh and Vinay Kulkarni, who want South India to be a separate country."

Reacting to the FIR against him, Eshwarappa told reporters in Shivamogga that he was not scared of such FIRs.

"I am not scared of 100 such FIRs against me on the principles related to nationalism and Hindutva, Eshwarappa said.

The action was taken after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that legal action would be taken against the BJP leader for his statement.

Siddaramaiah also wondered whether this was the language of a leader belonging to a national party.

Claiming that taxes collected from the southern states were being distributed to north India, Congress M P and brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D K Suresh said on February 1 that the southern states would be forced to demand a separate nation if the 'injustice' was not rectified.

Clarifying his brother's remark, Karnataka DCM D K Shivakumar had said Suresh only spoke about the public perception.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gonda (UP), February 10: A five-year-old girl was allegedly raped by two of her schoolmates on the school's premises here during the lunch break, police said on Saturday. The FIR in the case was registered following a complaint from the girl's family, they said and added that the accused boys -- aged 8 and 10 -- have been apprehended.

The girl studied at a private school in a village under the Dhanepur police station. She was raped by two boys of her school on Friday during the lunch break, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Four Men Gang-Rape Woman on Christmas Day in Barabanki After Offering Her Lift in Car, Arrested.

He said after reaching home, the girl informed her family about the incident. Members of her family then lodged a complaint with police and the FIR was registered against the two minor boys, the SP said. Fatehpur Gang Rape and Murder: Woman's Husband in Dubai Plots Her Gang-Rape and Killing by His Brothers in Uttar Pradesh.

The girl was sent for medical examination on Saturday, police said. Police claimed that the accused have admitted to committing the crime after watching obscene videos.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 (PTI) The ruling Left Democratic Front on Saturday said the CPI(M) will contest in 15 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala while its major ally, the CPI will fight in four seats.

The LDF has, meanwhile, decided to give the Kottayam seat to its ally Kerala Congress (Mani) (KC(M)), LDF convener E P Jayarajan told the media after a Front meeting.

Also Read | Indian Space Sector To Be Turned Into Business Activity Instead of Government Programme, Says ISRO Chairman S Somanath.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Jayarajan said it was pertinent to strengthen the presence of the Left parties in the Parliament to safeguard democracy and secularism in the country.

"The Left must have a stronger presence in the Indian Parliament to fight the attack against democracy, secularism and federalism in the country. The root cause of all the problems faced by Indian politics currently is the lack of influence of the Left politics," Jayarajan said.

Also Read | Budget Session 2024: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Adjourned Sine Die As Session Concludes Today.

He said in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the CPI(M) contested in 16 seats but this time considering the political scenario, the Kottayam seat has been given to KC(M).

The senior Left leader said the Front will explain the political importance of the Parliamentary elections to the people across the state and fight to bag all the seats in Kerala.

He said since the seat sharing has been decided among the allies, the parties can now finalise the candidates for the polls.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
West Garo Hills, (Meghalaya) [India], February 10 (ANI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday inaugurated the MeghFarm Processing Hub and Tikrikilla PRIME Hub at Khamari, Tikrikilla, West Garo Hills.

Speaking on the occasion, the Meghalaya Chief Minister said that wastage of agricultural produce has resulted in huge losses to farmers across the Garo Hills region.

Also Read | 'Gur Ko Gobar Karna Congress Ki Mastery Hai': Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Slams UPA Government Decisions During White Paper Discussion.

"The MeghFarm Processing Hub with a capacity of 80 to 100 tons will ensure that the agricultural produce is preserved to the highest standards, extending its shelf life and enhancing its market value," he said and informed the project has been established at the cost of Rs 14.5 crore.

The Chief Minister also informed that through mentorship support the government aims to unlock the potential of the entrepreneurs.

Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Stabbed to Death in Dayalpur Area Over Rs 10,000, Accused Absconding.

"Such mentorship and training to farmers and entrepreneurs will be given in the PRIME Hubs," he said.

He also informed that the establishment of MeghFarm in the region will have a transformative impact on over 10,000 farmers enriching lives and bringing prosperity.

"The MeghFarm through its various components besides the processing and entrepreneurial components will serve as an education consultancy office, skill development center, youth entrepreneurship office, tourism office and construction office," he said.

He added that all these segments under one roof will address the diverse needs of the community driving growth and empowerment.

He also said that the provision of cold storage and processing plants in rural areas is allowing farmers to reap greater benefits for their produce by limiting wastage.

"These processing units with the best technology run entirely on solar power thus advancing a green, alternative and sustainable energy," he said.

"We plan to set up 50 MeghFarm processing units and PRIME Hubs in all Blocks throughout Meghalaya, marking an agricultural revolution in the State", he added and also said that pineapples, jackfruit and oranges are a specialty of Garo Hills region will gain bigger value as processed products for which there is a high demand in the global market.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister also added that recognising the success and hard work of cooperatives in the state the government will set up around 300 mini processing and mini cold storage units across the state. "This will to a large extent benefit the cooperative societies who are doing exceptionally well," he stated.

The Chief Minister further said though there is an abundance of natural resources but in absence of facilities most of the products which are perishables were going to waste but through the setting up of Processing Plants and through capacity building of the farmers the issue is being addressed and the farmers are also being empowered across the state through infrastructure, value chain and market linkage.

The MeghFarm Processing Hub is equipped with cutting-edge technology and has a juice plant, dehydration plant, blast freezer and other equipment which will ensure quality standards.

The PRIME Hub or centre for innovation, incubation and skill development for entrepreneurs at Tikrikilla will further the entrepreneurial aspirations of farmers and entrepreneurs.

During the programme, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries gave awards to Cooperatives under the Tikrikilla block for their excellence in Cooperative Movement and Farm Activities.

Under Community Investment Fund, an amount of Rs 1.23 crore were handed to sixteen Village Organisations.

State Power Minister, A T Mondal, Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma, MLA, Raksamgre, Limison Sangma, MLA, Salamnapara, Ian Botham K Sangma and MLA, Selsella, Arbinstone Marak were also present on the occasion. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chitradurga (Karnataka), Feb 10 (PTI) The operation theatre of a government-run hospital in Chitradurga district where a pre-wedding photo shoot was held by a contractual doctor, has been non-functional since September last year, health officials said on Saturday.

Also, the shoot was done without the knowledge of the Assistant Medical Officer of the facility in the Bharamasagar area, they said.

Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: BJP Worker Lured by Woman to Her House, Brutally Stabbed to Death.

The doctor, Abhishek, was dismissed from service on Friday after a video of the photo shoot went viral on social media, sparking a controversy. It was held on February 7, they added.

"The woman who is seen assisting the doctor in the video is his fiancee, who is also a doctor by profession but does not work in the same government medical facility. She works elsewhere. The doctor, who was dismissed from service for his act, is a MBBS graduate and was recently hired on a contractual basis for a year," a senior district health officer told PTI.

Also Read | West Bengal Violence: Tension in Sandeshkhali Again as Women Hit Streets (Watch Videos).

"He reported for duty on January 12 and was posted at the medical health centre in Bharamasagar area because the facility had lot of OT (Opeartion Theatre) patients and there were vacancies," the official added.

"The dismissed doctor had also applied for leave for his wedding but before going for leave did this pre-wedding photo shoot in the OT of the hospital which is under repair and has not been used since September last year. Not even a single medical procedure has been performed in that OT since then. But this doctor without the knowledge of the Assistant Medical Officer (AMO), arranged a photo shoot inside the unused OT and got his fiancee and others inside the facility without the knowledge of the medical officer," he said.

As per the report submitted by the AMO, the photo shoot was done without his permission, without bringing it to his notice. "So, when the matter came to notice, we immediately dismissed him from service," he added.

Taking to social media platform 'X', Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had on Friday said the doctor who conducted a pre-wedding shoot in the operation theatre of Bharamasagar government Hospital in Chitradurga has been dismissed from service.

In the video, the doctor could be seen performing a "surgery" on a patient, while his partner is assisting him. At the end of the video, the man who acted as a patient on whom the surgery was being performed was seen sitting up "post-operation". The video also showed people with cameras and lights present in the operation theatre for the pre-wedding shoot. The couple was dressed in scrubs and equipped with proper medical equipment for the shoot.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], February 10 (ANI): The Islamic Association for Peace held a protest on Saturday in front of the Chinese Consulate in the North 24 Parganas district against the alleged persecution of Uyghur Muslims by China and the wrong inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh in the Chinese standard map 2023.

The Islamic Association protested with posters and banners on the street opposite the Chinese Consulate Office at Salt Lake, based in the Bidhannagar area. A team of police was, therefore, deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation.

Also Read | Don't Eat for Two Days if Your Parents Don't Vote for Me: Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar Tells Schoolchildren in Maharashtra's Kalamnuri (Watch Video).

The protestors demanded the exclusion of Arunachal Pradesh from the Chinese standard map and also to stop the persecution of the Uyghur Muslim community in China. Besides, they also demanded a boycott of Chinese products.

"We have come here to peacefully protest against the atrocities against Uighur Muslims in China. We, the peace-loving Muslims of the world, want all humans to live in peace. We want peace for everyone; that's why we are staging a sit-in protest for some time so that the whole world gets to know that we want all humans to remain human, and no one should commit atrocities in the name of religion. This is what we want," Abdullah, a protestor, told ANI.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: AAP To Announce Candidates for 13 Seats in Punjab, One in Chandigarh Within Fortnight, Says Arvind Kejriwal.

"We have seen the atrocities against Muslims in China through Facebook and YouTube. Therefore, we will appeal to the Chinese government to keep their Muslims at peace. Everyone should live like brothers; we are making this appeal from India, Bharatwarsh," he added.

China has been accused of committing grave human rights abuses and persecution of minority communities, especially those from the Uyghur community in the Xinjiang province.

A 2022 report by the UN titled 'Xinjiang Report', found that Beijing's actions against Uyghurs and other minorities could amount to "crimes against humanity."

Since 2018, several human rights bodies, including those of the UN have docmented mounting human rights abuses.

However, despite a seemingly high acceptance rate, China broadly rejected recommendations on the rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, cooperation with the UN and unrestricted UN access to all regions of the country, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, the death penalty and the ratification of international treaties.

Recently, China's human rights record faced international scrutiny during the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, taking place from January 22 to February 2.

Meanwhile, in August last year, China released the 2023 edition of its so-called "standard map," incorporating the country's claims over the nine-dash line, thereby laying claim to a large part of the South China Sea. The map also shows Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is "South Tibet," as part of its territory.

India lodged a strong protest against China, rejecting claims made by Beijing in the so-called "standard map" and saying they have no basis to claim India's territory.

The Ministry of External Affairs said such steps from the Chinese side would only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said it is an "old habit" of China to stake claims on territories that do not belong to them. He dismissed Beijing's "absurd claims" and said "putting out a map does not mean anything."

Other than India, several other countries, namely the United States, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, also condemned Beijing's move. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jind (Haryana) [India], February 10 (ANI): In connection to Punjab farmers 'dilli chalo' call on February 13, Haryana Police blocked one side of the Patiala Delhi national highway at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border and deputed heavy police force including women personnel.

Higher officials including Hisar range Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Matta Ravi Kiran visited the border and asked local police officials to ensure a ban on entry of Punjab farmers in the national capital on February 13.

Also Read | Farmers' Protest: Security Is Heightened in Haryana Border Areas To Stop Protesting Farmers From Heading to Delhi.

Commuters in Ambala share their experience as Police barricading being put up in view of 13th Feb farmers' protest.

Gurmeet, one of the commuters said, "We are facing difficulty. We are walking on foot. Auto rickshaws are demanding higher fares..." Kiran says, "...Bus drivers say that we will have to wait for 5 hours if we travel by bus. We are getting late, so we are walking on foot." Another commuter says, "We are facing difficulty...They have put up barricades."

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Blow to INDIA Bloc As Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Decides To Go Solo in Punjab.

SHO Joginder Singh said, "...Barricading is being done here so that they can't advance any further. Three-layer barricading is being done..."

However, police officials seemed tight-lipped over this issue and refrained from commenting on the issue openly. Jind police SP Sumit Kumar said that 'taiyari puri hai aur Punjab ke kisano ko enter nahi karne diya jaayega' (Complete arrangements have been made and Punjab farmers will not be allowed to enter Haryana). An adequate police force has been deputed at the border to deal with protestors.

Media was not allowed to go close to the border. However, sources said that police are fortifying the border and leaving no stone unturned to stop agitators. Thorny iron wires, boulders with rebars, anti-riots vehicles and other things have been rushed at the state border. CCTV cameras were installed at the border to keep a tab on the movement.

This time it is clearly visible that police have made all their efforts to stop farmers at the border as such arrangements were seen at Delhi borders during the 2020-21 protest which lasted 13 months.

Farmer unions have claimed that a major action would be taken in Haryana if police resorted to force or any kind of atrocities on their counterparts. Farmers associated with different farmer unions in Haryana held a secret meeting in Jind and made a plan to back up the protest. They made a team of 10 members from Jind and Kaithal district which will coordinate with all unions in case of emergency.(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 10 (PTI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday moved a resolution on the Ayodhya Ram temple, describing its construction as a historic achievement, and said it will give the values of hope and unity to future generations.

Reading out the resolution at the end of a nearly four-hour-long discussion on "the construction of historic Shri Ram Temple and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala" in the House, he said after centuries of wait, the Ram temple in Ayodhya has ushered in a new era of good governance and public welfare.

Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: BJP Worker Lured by Woman to Her House, Brutally Stabbed to Death.

The speaker noted that the temple is symbolic of the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat".

Soon after the Supreme Court delivered its verdict, the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "inspired society about peace instead of a feeling of victory or defeat", Birla said, referring to the court's 2019 judgement in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case.

Also Read | West Bengal Violence: Tension in Sandeshkhali Again as Women Hit Streets (Watch Videos).

He said that through this resolution, the members of the House appreciate the historic work accomplished in Ayodhya.

The temple being constructed in Ayodhya is not a structure created out of stones but is filled with the feelings of faith and belief, Birla said.

Birla recalled that ahead of the January 22 consecration ceremony at the temple, the prime minister visited various religious sites and gave a message of national unity.

In fulfilment of this moment, a large part of the judiciary and society played a key role, he said. PTI GJS NAB

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, made his first statement. He outlined the main tasks facing the Ukrainian army today.

ADVERTISIMENT

Syrskyi also stated that the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers were and remain the main value. The statement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was published on the Facebook page of the General Staff.

Syrskyi began his address by thanking the soldiers of the Land Forces he commanded and the defenders who are fighting the occupiers in the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops.

"Thank you for everyday military work spent together in the most difficult areas of the frontline of our liberation war! Your courage, professionalism, dedication to the defense of the Motherland and perseverance in performing combat missions are the foundation of the stability of our defense and do not allow the enemy to realize its aggressive intentions. I sincerely thank every soldier, sergeant, officer and general for the joint implementation of operational plans, which allowed us to save the lives of thousands of civilians and save the territory of Ukraine from occupation!" he said.

ADVERTISIMENT

The new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also outlined the key tasks facing the Ukrainian army and its command.

"First of all, it is a clear and detailed planning of actions of all military command and control bodies, associations, formations and units, taking into account the needs of the frontline for the latest weapons supplied by international partners. The fastest and most rational distribution and delivery of everything necessary for combat units has been and remains the main task of military logistics," Syrskyi emphasized.

He set a task for the staffs of all levels to "know all the needs of the frontline without exception and to be aware of the situation in each of its areas."

"It is the qualification of the personnel of military command and control bodies that is crucial for the development and successful implementation of ideas and plans," Syrskyi said.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, preserving the lives and health of servicemen has always been a key value of the Ukrainian army. Syrskyi explained how this value will be realized during his command of the Armed Forces.

"Maintaining a balance between performing combat missions and restoring units and subunits with intensified training and education of personnel remains more important than ever. The introduction of new technical solutions and scaling up of successful experience, such as the use of unmanned systems and modern electronic warfare, is one of the future vectors of building victory in our liberation war. Only changes and continuous improvement of means and methods of warfare will allow us to succeed on this path," he emphasized.

According to Syrskyi, "a reliable rear is equally important for achieving victory in the war."

ADVERTISIMENT

"I am grateful to the former leaders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to the veterans who have made every effort to restore and build the capabilities of the Ukrainian army, a real, solid foundation of our statehood, over the 10 years of the Russian-Ukrainian war!" the newly appointed chief summarized.

Later, it became known that the new Commander-in-Chief was introduced at the General Staff by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

"I also thanked General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was present during this event, for his leadership in a difficult time and the work he has done. As the Minister of Defense, I guarantee all possible support for the actions and decisions of the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Defense is in good hands. To Victory," the head of the defense ministry said

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Guwahati, Feb 10 (PTI) The police have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and seized contraband from their possession in Assam's Karimganj district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

The peddlers were arrested from the Ratabari area of the district, he said.

Also Read | UP Police Admit Card 2024: UPPRPB to Release Hall Ticket on February 13, Know How to Download at uppbpb.gov.in.

"Based on secret inputs, an anti-narcotics operation was launched by @karimganjpolice in the Ratabari area," the chief minister posted on X.

He said that during the operation, 12 soap boxes containing heroin and 19,800 YABA tablets, were recovered from secret chambers of a vehicle.

Also Read | Ram Temple Debate: PM Narendra Modi Strictly Followed 'Yam Niyam' for Full 11 Days, Says Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Three people have been arrested in this connection," Sarma added, congratulating the state police force.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 10 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that good governance in Uttar Pradesh was a result of extensive reforms carried out by his government rather than an overnight development.

Addressing the 'Good Governance Day 2024' programme held virtually in New Delhi, Yogi said that Uttar Pradesh stood as a model of good governance in the country today.

Also Read | Dalits, OBCs and Tribals Biggest Beneficiaries of Our Government's Pro-Poor Schemes, Says PM Narendra Modi.

Outlining the developmental strides made by the state in the last few years, CM Yogi underscored the contrast with previous governments, which perpetuated societal divisions based on caste, creed, region, and language.

He said, "Uttar Pradesh had potential earlier also, but the previous governments failed to make good use of it. We have empowered the impoverished through a multitude of schemes, fostering self-reliance among them."

Also Read | Congress Government in Gujarat Included PM Narendra Modi's Caste in OBC List in 1994, Says Amit Shah.

Highlighting India's potential to lead globally, the CM commended the organisers for orchestrating the two-day 'Good Governance Mahotsav 2024' at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. He lauded the event for embodying the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India.

The Chief Minister asserted that India, in the last decade, has emerged as a beacon of progress globally, capable of leadership even in challenging times. Furthermore, he mentioned the improvement in the domestic security landscape and the effective crackdown on corruption through the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile), alongside ensuring last-mile delivery of government schemes through DBT.

Adityanath lamented the historical denigration of Indian traditions but expressed satisfaction in witnessing the global embrace of practices like yoga, symbolising a revival and recognition of India's ancient wisdom and attributing it to Prime Minister Modi's initiatives.

He said, "The vision of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat is being realised today. As many as 193 countries in the world celebrate June 21st as International Yoga Day. By connecting with this sage tradition of India, the whole world expresses gratitude towards our traditions. All this has been possible because of Prime Minister Modi."

The CM elaborated on ongoing development projects, emphasising infrastructure and connectivity enhancements in Uttar Pradesh, alongside significant strides in law and order enforcement. He stressed the importance of effective implementation and monitoring of schemes, lauding the government's adept utilization of technology and commitment to transparent governance.

Adityanath unveiled the state's ambition to nurture a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a target of grooming one lakh young entrepreneurs annually. He highlighted initiatives like interest-free loans of up to Rs five lakh for new entrepreneurs and the state's transition from a BIMARU state to a revenue surplus one, fostering a conducive environment for industrial investment. The CM said that investment proposals worth Rs 40 lakh crore were received during the UP Global Investors Summit last year, which would create employment opportunities for 1.30 crore youths.

Furthermore, the CM mentioned that during the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, slated for February 19, projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore will be launched in the presence of the Prime Minister, underscoring the magnitude of industrial development anticipated.

The Chief Minister also talked about CM Internship Scheme and Pledge Park Scheme. While discussing the improved connectivity in the state, the CM said that soon UP will become the first state in the country to have 21 airports. UP has the maximum number of expressways, he added.

The event witnessed a substantial turnout of youth invitees, including, among others, Jayant Kulkarni, Executive Director of Ram Bhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Dr Vinay Sahastrabuddhe, Gorangdas, Abhay, and Chitra. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Wayanad (Kerala), Feb 10 (PTI) The Kerala government on Saturday announced Rs ten lakh compensation and assured a job to one of the family members of the 42-year old man, who was trampled to death by a wild elephant this morning at Mananthavady near here.

A major protest broke out at Mananthavady over the death, with the locals taking it to the streets with the body of Aji, who died at the Mananthavady Medical College where he was admitted following the attack that occurred at around 7.30 am today.

Also Read | Pandit Laxman Bhatt Tailang, Padma Shri 2024 Awardee, Dies at 93.

However, after the announcement of various relief assured by the government, the agitators ended their protest and handed over the body for post-mortem.

Forest Minister A K Saseendran announced that the government will take care of the education of the two children of the deceased man.

Also Read | PM Modi in Lok Sabha: These Five Years Were About Reform, Perform and Transform in Country, Says Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Last Day of Budget Session (Watch Videos).

District Collector Renu Raj, who held the conciliatory talks with the protesters, told the media that the demand for Rs 50 lakh as compensation will be forwarded for the consideration of the government.

"We will hand over Rs ten lakh compensation on Monday. The district authorities will send a recommendation to provide a permanent job for his wife," Raj said.

Meanwhile, a special team has been constituted to capture the wild elephant which the government assured will be shifted to Muthanga elephant camp.

Saseendran said based on the previous experience in connection with the capture of Thanneer Komban, the special task force will be cautious in handling this elephant.

He said the forest officials have started the process to capture the animal.

Meanwhile, Wayanad MP and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the "untimely demise" of Panachiyil Aji from Payyampally near Mananthavady.

"Another life has been tragically lost in Wayanad due to a wildlife attack. He was the sole breadwinner of his family and the primary caregiver to his mother. My heart goes out to his family, especially his ailing mother and young children," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

He said the spate of wildlife attacks, especially elephant attacks have caused tremendous damage to the lives and livelihoods of the people in Wayanad and that they have paid a huge price due to the rising instances of human-animal conflict.

"We have repeatedly demanded for intervention to mitigate such attacks in Wayanad, particularly to protect our farmers. However, the lack of a comprehensive action plan to tackle this issue has only aggravated the conflict. I urge the Central and State governments to take decisive steps and put in place a response mechanism that can protect both our communities and the wildlife of the region," Gandhi posted.

The CCTV visuals of the incident showed Aji and others trying to escape from the wild elephant and jumping into the compound of a house. However, the jumbo destroys the compound wall and chases the man.

Locals alleged that the elephant crossed Kerala border from Karnataka and reached Kuruvadweep locality early in the morning but the Forest department failed to announce the same and warn the people from venturing out.

Currently, the district administration has issued prohibitory orders in multiple wards of Mananthavady.

Recently, an elephant from Karnataka, called 'Thanneer Komban', fitted with a radio collar had ventured into Mananthavady town and roamed the streets for over 16 hours after which it was tranquilised. However, upon being shifted to Karnataka, that elephant had died.

Saseendran had earlier termed as 'shocking' the death of the man and said the frequent news of man-animal conflict coming from Wayanad was a matter of concern.

On Friday night, a forest wildlife watcher was grievously injured in a tiger attack and he is undergoing treatment, 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)
Washington, Feb 10 (AP) A new directive by President Joe Biden appeared to ease a split among Democrats over his military support for Israel's war in Gaza, with lawmakers on Friday praising the order authorizing a swift cutoff of military aid to countries that violate international protections of civilians.

For Biden, the commitment to conditioning U.S. military aid for Israel and other allies and strategic partners will help him shore up support among center-left Senate Democrats for his proposed $95 billion supplemental assistance package, which is aimed primarily at military aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia and for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Also Read | China: Woman Slapped by Father-in-Law for Wanting to Visit Parents During Lunar New Year.

Democratic senators on Friday called Biden's directive  meant to bring breadth, oversight, deadlines and teeth to efforts to ensure foreign governments don't use U.S. military aid against civilians  historic.

This is a sea-change in terms of how you approach U.S. military aid and its impact on civilians, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. She spoke at a Capitol news conference with other Democrats who'd negotiated with the White House for two months on the matter, in an effort led by Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen.

Also Read | Pakistan General Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif Says His Government Would Try To Improve Ties With Neighbouring Countries (See Pics and Video).

Human rights advocates said the challenge for the new directive would be the same faced by all previous efforts to withhold U.S. weapons and funding from human rights abusers  whether administrations will actually enforce the human rights conditions against strategically important allies and partners.

The issue was never knowledge of U.S. military aid being used in violation of international law so much as enforcement, said Kenneth Roth, a former head of Human Rights Watch and a visiting professor at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

The new order comes in what's officially known as a presidential memorandum. Those have the force of law, although succeeding presidents can overturn them.

Biden's order has immediate effect. It gives Secretary of State Antony Blinken 45 days to obtain credible and reliable written assurances from foreign recipients of U.S. military aid that are in active conflicts, which includes Israel and Ukraine, that they are using U.S. military assistance in compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law and other standards.

Foreign governments that fail to provide those assurances on time would have their military aid paused. Administrations also have the option of suspending U.S. military assistance if they deem a foreign government isn't really complying with humanitarian law and protections, despite claiming it is.

Other requirements include regular reports from the administration on compliance going forward. That includes countries not actively fighting a war.

The supply of air defense systems and some other defensive gear is exempted. While supporters say the stringent language of the order will limit the ability of presidential administrations to evade the spirit of the measure, the order does allow administrations to waive the requirements in rare and extraordinary circumstances.

The Biden administration has frustrated some Senate Democrats during Israel's war in Gaza by declaring a national security emergency to rush military aid to Israel, skirting the usual process of congressional notification.

The administration also has quietly lobbied against moves by independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and others to attach conditions to military aid to Israel in the supplemental legislation, with the idea of pressuring Israel to do more to spare Palestinian civilians.

Nearly 28,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza. That followed the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not appeared to have substantially backed off on airstrikes daily claiming civilian lives despite the pressure from the United States, its most important ally and military supporter. The U.S. is also frustrated at Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza. Biden this week said some of his strongest criticism of Israel's conduct of the war, calling it over the top.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre underscored Friday that the administration is not imposing new standards for military aid with the memorandum. She said it was done in the interest of improving transparency.

She added that Israeli officials were briefed on the memorandum before its release.

They reiterated their willingness to provide these types of assurances, Jean-Pierre said.

The U.S. already has laws  including the Foreign Assistance Act and the Leahy Law  meant to bar security assistance to governments that are serial human rights abusers. Those are honored in the breach, Roth, the human rights expert, said.

If the administration is so indifferent to existing law, it's not clear what difference a new set of reports will make, Roth said.

The Democratic senators said Friday they would continue working to strengthen the new system laid out in the order.

That includes seeking funding for the additional government oversight and codifying it into legislation so it's harder for future presidents to trash.

This is a very big deal, Van Hollen said. And it will give President Biden and the United States more tools and more leverage ... to ensure that U.S. military assistance complies with American values and American" standards. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ottawa [Canada], February 10 (ANI): Amid heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza, human rights advocates are accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of misleading the public over weapons to Israel, which have come under greater scrutiny, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday.

According to the report, at issue is legislation that prohibits the government from exporting military equipment to foreign actors if there is a risk it can be used in human rights abuses.

Also Read | China: Woman Slapped by Father-in-Law for Wanting to Visit Parents During Lunar New Year.

But regulatory loopholes, combined with a lack of clarity over what Canada sends to Israel, have complicated efforts to end the transfers, according to the report.

Dozens of Canadian civil society groups this month urged Trudeau to end arms exports to Israel, arguing they violate Canadian and international law because the weapons could be used in the Gaza Strip.

Also Read | Pakistan General Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif Says His Government Would Try To Improve Ties With Neighbouring Countries (See Pics and Video).

But in the face of mounting pressure since Israel's war on Gaza began on October 7, Canada's foreign affairs ministry has tried to downplay the state's role in helping Israel build its arsenal.

"Global Affairs Canada can confirm that Canada has not received any requests, and therefore not issued any permits, for full weapon systems for major conventional arms or light weapons to Israel for over 30 years," the department said on Friday.

"The permits which have been granted since October 7, 2023, are for the export of non-lethal equipment," it added.

But advocates say this misrepresents the total volume of Canada's military exports to Israel, which accounts for more than USD 15 million (21.3 million Canadian dollars) in 2022, according to the government's own figures.

Al Jazeera reported that it also shines a spotlight on the nation's longstanding lack of transparency around these transfers.

"Canadian companies have exported over [84 million, 114 million Canadian dollars] in military goods to Israel since 2015 when the Trudeau government was elected," said Michael Bueckert, vice president of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, an advocacy group.

"And they have continued to approve arms exports since October 7 despite the clear risk of genocide in Gaza," Bueckert said.

"Unable to defend its own policy, this government is misleading Canadians into thinking that we aren't exporting weapons to Israel at all. As Canadians increasingly demand that their government impose an arms embargo on Israel, politicians are trying to pretend that the arms trade doesn't exist," he added.

While Canada may not transfer full weapons systems to Israel, the two countries enjoy "a consistent arms trade relationship," said Kelsey Gallagher, a researcher at Project Ploughshares, a peace research institute.

The vast majority of Canada's military exports to Israel come in the form of parts and components. These typically fall into three categories, electronics and space equipment; military aerospace exports and components; and finally, bombs, missiles, rockets and general military explosives and components.

But beyond these broad categories, which were gleaned by examining Canada's own domestic and international reports on weapons exports, Gallagher said it remains unclear "what these actual pieces of technology are".

"We don't know what companies are exporting them. We don't know exactly what their end use is," he told Al Jazeera.

"What does this mean? No one knows because there's no definition of that and it really could be quite a number of things," said .

Al Jazeera reported that Henry Off, a Toronto-based lawyer and board member of the group Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) suspected that Canadian military components are reaching Israel via the United States, including for installation in fighter jets such as the F-35 aircraft.

But these transfers are difficult to track because a decades-old deal between Canada and the US - 1956's Defence Production Sharing Agreement--has created "a unique and comprehensive set of loopholes that are afforded to Canadian arms transfers to the US," said Gallagher.

Despite these hurdles, Canadian human rights advocates are pressuring the government to end its weapons sales to Israel, particularly in light of the Israeli war in Gaza.

Still, Canada insists that it maintains one of the strongest arms export control regimes in the world.

Asked whether his government intends to end arms transfers to Israel, Trudeau said in Parliament on January 31 that Canada "puts human rights and protection of human rights at the centre of all our decision-making."

"It has always been the case and we have been consistent in making sure that we are responsible in the way we do that. We will continue to be so," the Canadian Prime Minister said.

Gallagher, at Project Ploughshares, told Al Jazeera, that Canada maintains "a level of permissibility" in choosing which countries it chooses to arm, including Israel. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, February 10: In yet another disturbing incident, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive died in the US, days after he was assaulted during an altercation outside a restaurant in downtown Washington. According to investigators, officers responded to the 1100 block of 15th Street Northwest outside Shoto Restaurant around 2 am for an assault on February 2. Once officers arrived, they found Vivek Taneja on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A preliminary investigation found that Taneja and an unknown man were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical, WUSA, a television station in Washington, DC, affiliated with CBS, said. Taneja was knocked to the ground and hit his head on the pavement. He died from his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. Police are now investigating Taneja's death as a homicide. US: Indian-Origin Businessman Dies After Being Assaulted by Unidentified Suspect in Washington

Taneja was the cofounder and president of Dynamo Technologies. According to the company's website, Taneja "leads Dynamo's strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena." Police continue to search for the man who threw the deadly punch. He was captured on surveillance camera. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW on February 2.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result from an assault. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On February 7, the victim succumbed to his injuries. MPD offers a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District. Syed Mazhar Ali Attacked in Chicago: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Voices Concern Over Attack on Hyderabad Student in US, Promises Help Desk

Earlier this week, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia state's Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict. Four other Indian-origin students were reported dead in the US this year.

(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)

Fukushima [Japan], February 10 (ANI): French chef Dominique Corby has earned numerous medals, including the highest order of merit, Legion d' honor, or Legion of Honour, from the French government for preparing French cuisine.

Corby's passion prompts him to travel the world in search of quality ingredients.

Also Read | Pakistan Election Results 2024: In Shock Result, Imran Khan's Party PTI Wins Most of National Assembly Seats.

Based on JFOODO's recommendation, he paid attention to Fukushima's winter fishery. JFOODO is developing promotions to accelerate the export of Japanese food.

Dominique Corby visited the Haragama fishing harbour in Soma City. It is a very familiar place for him.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: 28 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes in Rafah After Benjamin Netanyahu Says Invasion There Is Inevitable.

French Chef Corby said, "I visited Fukushima for a soup kitchen for disaster victims after the Great East Japan Earthquake. It was a very bad situation, but today, I felt it is recovered and energetic as before."

The seafood market is filled with positive energy, and the workers at Fishing Harbour Haragama expressed confidence in the area's recovery.

"Have people gotten better?" Hirofumi Konno from Souma Futaba Fishery Cooperative said.

Due to the nuclear power plant accident and the Great East Japan Earthquake, fishing was suspended for approximately a year. The primary products currently being landed are branded Japanese pufferfish and representative fish flounder.

Chef Corby selected high-quality ingredients for his French cuisine. The best fish to eat in the winter is flounder. Fishermen's self-restriction protects it.

Kyoichi Kamiyama, Fisheries Resources Research Institute of Fukushima, said, "Many flounders in Fukushima prefecture are very large. To protect small flounder less than 50 centimetres, only larger one is landed."

After his return to Tokyo, Chef Corby managed to capture the essence of Fukushima's cuisine and prepare his own dish.

"Yes, it's completed. The first dish is a marinade of red gurnard, flounder, and John Dory. The second dish is bouillabaisse. I used swimming crab and scallops from Hokkaido. It's Corby magic. It's a collaboration between Fukushima and my skills," Corby added.

Now, Corby also adds new flavours to his stock of French cuisine after his fishing trip to Fukushima. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], February 10 (ANI): In a major political development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has claimed that it has won 170 out of 265 National Assembly seats and is set to form an alliance with Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Pakistan-based The Nation reported on Saturday.

This comes even though the counting for the polls is underway and the independent candidates mostly backed by the PTI, have clinched victory on 100 seats.

Also Read | Pakistan Election Results 2024: In Shock Result, Imran Khan's Party PTI Wins Most of National Assembly Seats.

PTI leader Barrister Gohar Khan alleged that there was an attempt to "shape" the seats won by PTI into defeat. He also called on the party workers to protest outside the offices of Returning Officers (RO) tomorrow, where results got 'delayed', Dawn reported.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he claimed that the PTI has won 170 National Assembly seats out of the 265 where elections were held.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: 28 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes in Rafah After Benjamin Netanyahu Says Invasion There Is Inevitable.

"We claim with great certitude that right now, the PTI has achieved a lead on 170 seats of the National Assembly," Khan said. "Out of these, 94 are those that the ECP is admitting and has issued Form-47 (provisional results)."

Gohar further said that 22 seats -- including three of Islamabad, four of Sindh and the rest of Punjab -- were those where, according to Form-45, the PTI had won but were "converted to a defeat".

He alleged that there was an "apparent attempt to shape the winning seats of the PTI into defeats."

Notably, Imran Khan was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP, in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court. As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates, Dawn reported.

According to the unofficial provisional results reported by Geo News on 255 out of 265 seats show the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are leading on 100 seats, followed by PML-N and PPP at 73 and 54, respectively.

In the provisional results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan, the independents are leading on 91 seats, followed by PML-N and PPP at 71 and 54, respectively.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan further said that people peacefully used their right to vote on February 8 on ex-premier Imran Khan's call, and it was ECP's "constitutional and legal responsibility" to declare polling results by 2 am the next day and to "explain the reasons if there was a delay."

The PTI leader has also called on party workers and supporters to hold a protest on Sunday outside the offices of returning officers in constituencies where the poll results were being "withheld and delayed".

"According to [Imran] Khan sahib's instructions, the areas in which our results were withheld and delayed -- we will share that list with you -- and intentionally our majority is being converted...to turn a winning seat into a defeat," Dawn quoted Gohar as saying.

"This is why, the areas in which the results were not declared, we will hold protests tomorrow in those constituencies outside the relevant RO offices," he added.

He further added that the protest would be peaceful, urging party workers and supporters to protest "according to the law", adding that it was a constitutional right.

Meanwhile, in the Punjab Assembly, the PTI has claimed victory on 39 NA seats out of the 45 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier, amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice, saying that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day, as he also claimed victory in the general elections.

However, heavy speculations have been raised on how free and fair the elections were in nature. The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have separately expressed concerns about Pakistan's electoral process over violence, "lack of level playing field" and internet outages. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], February 10 (ANI): As the much-anticipated general elections threw up a fractured mandate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former President Asif Ali Zardari reached Lahore for a 'crucial post-election meeting,' ARY News reported on Friday.

According to the report, the PPP leaders are expected to hold a meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif during their visit to Lahore to explore the possibility of a post-election tie-up or allaince.

Also Read | China: Woman Slapped by Father-in-Law for Wanting to Visit Parents During Lunar New Year.

The PPP leadership is also expected to articulate its stance on their reservations regarding election results in the Punjab region, according to the report.

Further, there is also the likelihood of a post-election meeting between the leaderships of PPP and PML-N in Punjab.

Also Read | Pakistan General Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif Says His Government Would Try To Improve Ties With Neighbouring Countries (See Pics and Video).

Earlier in the day, Nawaz Sharif, former PM the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) candidate for the premiership, announced on Friday his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies--Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) after none of the contesting parties could secure a comfortable majority.

The unofficial results called by Geo News for 204 seats showed the Independent candidates, mostly backed by former PM Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, leading in 87 seats, followed by the PML-N in 60 seats and PPP at 45 seats.

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif claimed PML-N's 'victory' in the February 8 general election in the backdrop of a precarious economy and the political crisis unleashed by Imran Khan's ouster from power.

In a charged speech in Lahore's Model Town, Nawaz Sharif said, "I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to meet Fazlur Rehman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Asif Ali Zardari today."

He added that his brother Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar would hold meetings as part of the outreach efforts.

Respecting the mandate of all parties and independent candidates, Nawaz hinted at the formation of a 'unity government.'

He asserted that it is the collective responsibility of all parties to join forces and navigate Pakistan out of its current crisis. "Not just my or Ishaq Dar's responsibility... It is everyone's Pakistan. If we all work together, only then will Pakistan get out of this crisis," the former PM added.

Stressing the need for a stable Pakistan, Nawaz stated, "Pakistan needed at least 10 years of stability. Those who are in the mood for confrontation, I want to tell them we don't want any fight... Pakistan cannot afford it. We all must sit together and sort issues out and take Pakistan to the 21st century, but due to our mistake, we could not do that earlier."

With the counting of votes still in progress, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)-backed candidates were leading in more than 100 seats while the PML-N is trailing.

Despite the trends not falling in their favour, PML-N leaders remained confident of forming the next government, asserting that their candidates have secured the majority of seats and are poised to take the reins of the country.

The Independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are leading with 52 seats, according to the provincial results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) so far, Dawn reported.

The ECP has, so far, released the provincial results for 120 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly.

PTI-backed Independent candidates were shown to be leading in 52 seats while the PML-N was a close second with 40 seats, followed by the PPP with 19 seats.

Significantly, Imran Khan was disqualified from contesting the elections in the wake of his convictions in criminal cases.

The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court.

In the wake of the legal setback, the PTI leaders and supporters decided to contest the polls as independent candidates, Dawn reported. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Houston, Feb 10 (AP) A Texas woman was sentenced Friday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of threatening a Florida judge who is overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents.

Tiffani Gish, 50, of Houston, pleaded guilty in November to threatening U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The Justice Department said Gish left voicemails threatening to kill the judge while claiming to be a member of several military combat units. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Also Read | China: Woman Slapped by Father-in-Law for Wanting to Visit Parents During Lunar New Year.

Holding Tiffani Gish accountable for her threats to assassinate a federal judge sends a strong message that we have no tolerance for those  who often hide behind a far-off keyboard or phone line  seeking to undermine our democratic institutions by threatening the safety of the people who help those same institutions thrive," U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani said in a statement.

Heather Hughes, a federal public defender representing Gish, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday.

Also Read | Pakistan General Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif Says His Government Would Try To Improve Ties With Neighbouring Countries (See Pics and Video).

Cannon has set a May date for the trial in which investigators accuse Trump of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and hiding them from investigators. According to prosecutors, he also showed the documents to people without security permission and asked others to help him hide them. It is one of multiple ongoing cases against the former president, who is currently competing for the Republican candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.

Last year, another Texas woman, Abigail Jo Shry of Alvin, Texas, was arrested and charged with threatening U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who oversees the federal criminal case against Trump for interfering with the 2020 election. That case remains ongoing. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
In an interview with the odious American journalist Tucker Carlson, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that he was ready to resolve the war against Ukraine through diplomatic means. At the same time, the chief war criminal of the Russian Federation said that the US government should "stop and sit down at the negotiating table."

ADVERTISIMENT

However, the White House is skeptical about Putin's willingness to negotiate with Ukraine. This was reported by The New York Times.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Kremlin leader has expressed his willingness to negotiate a war against Ukraine. However, Western politicians have long been skeptical of Putin's statements.

At the same time, analysts emphasized that the Russian dictator gave his first interview to a representative of the American media after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, the call for negotiations has an additional resonance.

The US presidential administration assures that it is not putting pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to start negotiations with Putin. At the same time, U.S. officials have made it clear that military assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not increase in 2024, so the Ukrainian army will have to defend its current positions rather than recapture the occupied territories.

ADVERTISIMENT

US officials have previously stated that Putin is not going to negotiate until after the US presidential election in November 2024. The Kremlin leader wants the odious politician Donald Trump to return to the White House and offer more favorable conditions for Russia.

Some Western officials believe that Putin is trying to influence the domestic Russian audience when he talks about his alleged intention to end the war through negotiations. This version is supported, in particular, by the results of opinion polls, according to which citizens of the terrorist country allegedly want the war to end as soon as possible through negotiations.

Another target of Putin's words about his alleged readiness for negotiations could be the countries of the global south - South America and Asia, including India and South Africa. These countries do not have a unified opinion on the Russian-Ukrainian war, but most of them have suffered from the war's rise in energy and food prices.

ADVERTISIMENT

Analysts also warn that Putin may be willing to make some concessions for the sake of a peace deal that would leave Russia with a foothold in eastern Ukraine. But in the future, Russia will use the occupied territory as a basis for further aggression against Ukraine.

As a reminder, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also spoke about peace talks with Ukraine and his readiness to "listen to all those interested in justice." He said that the Kremlin is allegedly ready to discuss any serious proposal that would guarantee the "national interests of the Russian Federation" first and foremost.

Earlier, Putin issued another nonsense about the breakdown of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the beginning of a full-scale war. The dictator heaped accusations on the West, claiming that if it weren't for "these assholes," the Kremlin would have "finished everything long ago."

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Santa Ana, Feb 10 (AP) Tears welled in Alex's eyes and he pressed his head into his hands as he thought about more than a year of birthdays and holidays without his mother, who was swept up by El Salvador's police as she walked to work in a clothing factory.

I feel very alone, the 10-year-old said last month as he sat next to his 8-year-old brother and their grandmother. I'm scared, feeling like they could come and they could take away someone else in my family.

Also Read | US: Indian-Origin Businessman Dies After Being Assaulted by Unidentified Suspect in Washington.

Forty thousand children have seen one parent or both detained in President Nayib Bukele's nearly two-year war on El Salvador's gangs, according to the national social services agency.

The records were shared with The Associated Press by an official with the National Council on Children and Adolescents, who insisted on anonymity due to fear of government reprisal against those violating its tight control of information. The official said many more children have jailed parents but are not in the records.

Also Read | US Shooting: Four Killed, One Injured in Market Shooting in Georgia's Rustavi (Watch Videos).

By arresting more than 1 per cent of his country's population, Bukele, who won reelection to a second five-year term Sunday, is trying to break the chain of violence that has ravaged El Salvador for decades. But many worry that debilitating poverty, long-term trauma and government failures to protect their children could instead fuel a future wave of gang warfare.

Kids aren't spared when their dad, brother or mom is detained, they carry this trauma with them, Nancy Fajardo, a lawyer and aid provider working with 150 such families. They feel as if the president has robbed them of their family.  It could push the kids to later join a gang as a form of vengeance for everything they're suffering.

Single mother Juana Guadalupe Recinos Ventura raised her boys in a small concrete house in an area coated by Barrio 18 gang graffiti. The family was never rich, but they were able to scrape by.

When she was detained outside their home in June 2022 on vague charges of illegal gathering, the boy's grandmother, Maria Concepcion Ventura, was left struggling to feed Alex and his brother and pay the bills without her daughter's salary. The USD 75 packages of food and clothes the family sends once a month dealt the family another financial blow at a time that poverty has soared in El Salvador.

And that's made the kids even more vulnerable in the long term.

They would cry and cry, and still cry when they remember her, Ventura said. They'd just ask me, When is mom coming back? When is my mom coming back?' And you just have to tell them you don't know when the government will let her go.

The AP spoke to Alex after being told he wanted to speak about his mother, and with consent of his grandmother Ventura.

Concerns were echoed by social workers, relatives, religious leaders and even Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa, who said in an interview that, if the state doesn't do something, these kids will become the criminals of the future.

Alex's home in the western city of Santa Ana is like much of the Central American nation: Two gangs once divided its territory.

El Salvador's Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs originated from marginalized migrant communities in Los Angeles in the 1980s, made up in part of vulnerable unaccompanied minors fleeing Central America's military conflicts. Once deported from the United States, the gangs began to prey upon youth in precarious situations in their own communities in El Salvador, eventually driving new waves of emigration as families fled their terror.

In his effort to eradicate the gangs, Bukele has detained over 76,000 Salvadorans, many with little evidence or access to due process. Families pass months without any news of their imprisoned loved ones. Human rights groups have documented widespread human rights abuses.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal said Friday night that with 100% of the votes counted, Nayib Bukele won 84.6% of the vote in Sunday's presidential election.

The crackdown has broad support among Salvadorans who have been able to retake their neighbourhoods, but children left without parents have been among its heaviest costs.

While younger kids feel abandoned or confused why their parents have left, older teenagers are left with festering resentment or fear of authorities.

In one San Salvador community, neighbors are rotating children as young as 3 years old, sharing the economic burden so the kids don't end up in the government system. If they do, the neighbors worry they could suffer sexual or physical abuse. Kids who slip through the cracks often end up on the street, said a local leader who asked not to share his name because he feared government retaliation.

They are children, they're not guilty even if their parents did wrong, he said. But "they are forced to suffer.

In Santa Ana, a 61-year-old grandmother had to take in eight grandchildren, feeding them with only the $30 a week she makes picking leaves to wrap tamales, and aid from the local church. The children say that, despite being innocent, they're treated like criminals by neighbours.

Now, they look at us as if we were scum, said 14-year-old Nicole, who still wants to be a police officer.

For Alex, the pain is in the small moments.

He misses his mother helping him with schoolwork and has nightmares about police coming to take away the rest of his family. When he got bullied at school, his mom would go to his teachers to defend him. Until last year the family would set off fireworks together on Christmas in the alley outside their home.

Yet before police swept the neighbourhood, the family would often hear gang shootouts ring out over their tin roof and neighbours would go missing. The family never let the kids play outside.

Now, Alex and his 8-year-old brother run next to walls where the government has painted over the gang graffiti, so Maria Concepcion Ventura sees benefits to the crackdown.

They just need to free the innocents. Those that are guilty should pay the price, but let the innocents go, she said, adding that her daughter's detention prompted her to not vote in El Salvador's elections.

El Salvador's government has admitted it made mistakes and has released some 7,000 people.

The government has touted a youth program as a security strategy, which includes opening up libraries and recreational areas in formerly violence-torn areas, and providing many students in public schools with laptops and tablets.

Many of those detained right now were kids that the state didn't care for, orphans of the war, kids whose parents had gone to the United States, or who died and grew up in dysfunctional families, and past governments didn't do anything for them, said Ulloa, on his way to a second term as vice president. And look what we have now  criminals when they are adults.

Ulloa said the administration was 100% obligated to provide for children of detained Salvadorans, but he could not list an example of what the government was doing for them.

None of the five families interviewed by the AP said they'd received any aid from Bukele's government. Local churches assisting hundreds of families said they had not heard of any government aid being distributed to the kids. Even then, children need more than just monetary support, said Kenton Moody, the pastor of the local church providing Ventura's family with food.

These kids need love, Moody said. The government can't give love, only a family unit can.(AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, February 10: The Congress has issued a whip to its MPs in the Lok Sabha to ensure their presence in the House on Saturday. The Lok Sabha will have a discussion on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Saturday, the last day of the budget session of Parliament. Parliament Budget Session 2024: Rajya Sabha To Hold Short Discussion on White Paper, Ram Lalla Pran Pratistha on Last Day of Session

The parliamentary leaders of the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will meet at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's office in the morning before the parliamentary proceedings start. Budget Session 2024: Govt To Move Motion on Ram Temple and Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Parliament on February 10

The Congress has issued a three-line whip in the Lok Sabha, party sources said. The budget session of Parliament, the last of the 17th Lok Sabha, began on January 31 and will conclude on Saturday. The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May.
A scuffle broke out late Friday night between RSS-affiliated ABVP and Left-backed groups at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus during a meeting on holding students' union polls, with both sides claiming some of their members were injured.
Washington, February 10: An altercation outside a restaurant in Washington, United States, resulted in the discovery of an Indian-American businessman with life-threatening injuries, which led to his death earlier this week.

According to a police report, on February 2, the suspect and Virginia native Vivek Taneja were at two sister Japanese eateries. The Washington Post quoted a police report stating that he "was knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement".

This occurs in the midst of a wave of assaults and fatalities involving Indians and Indian-Americans in the US. US: Indian Student From Andhra Pradesh Shot Dead While Working at Fuel Station in Ohio.

According to the police report, Taneja, 41, left the eateries at approximately two in the morning, and the fight started on a neighbouring street. The report did not elaborate on the nature of the fight. Following the attack, he lost consciousness. When the police discovered him, he had serious injuries and needed to be taken to the hospital right away. According to authorities, he passed away on Wednesday in the hospital due to his injuries.

The culprit who was captured on camera is being sought after. He has not been identified. A $25,000 reward has been offered by the police to anyone with information leading to his capture and conviction. US Road Accident: Indian Man Dies After Being Hit by Car in Florida.

An Indian student was attacked by thieves in Chicago earlier this week, leaving him bleeding from the lips and nose. After the incident, a video featuring Syed Mazahir Ali, whose family resides in Hyderabad, was seen appealing for assistance. This year, five students of Indian descent were reported deceased in the US.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2024 09:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A deadly plane crash just happened on Florida's Interstate 75 when it attempted an emergency landing on Friday afternoon. The incident resulted in the deaths of two people and halting vehicular traffic, as well as a massive black plume of smoke being seen from far away.

The crash landing happened in Collier County, near Interstate 75's Pine Ridge Exit, which is located north of where the interstate heads east toward Fort Lauderdale along the area locals call known as Alligator Alley. The plane crashed into one of the cars in the highway.

One of those who witnessed the crash as it happened, 26-year-old Brianna Walker, told the Associated Press that as the small plane tried to land, it dragged the car in front of hers with its wing, before slamming into a wall nearby.

"It's seconds that separated us from the car in front of us," she said, narrowly avoiding what might have been a deadly ordeal for her. "The wing pulverized this one car."

She added that she and her friend saw the small plane just moments before it hit the highway. This allowed her friend to pull over as the plane crashed with the car in front of them, telling the AP, "The plane was over our heads by inches, it took a hard right and skid across the highway."

"It feels unreal like a movie," concluded, "It was seconds between us dying."

Small Plane Possibly Lost an Engine Before Florida Plane Crash in Interstate 75

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the plane was a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet, with five people aboard when the crash happened. Meanwhile, Collier County Sheriff's Office spokesman Adam Fisher confirmed two people died but he did not say whether they came from the plane or the car it crashed into.

READ NEXT: US Winter Storms: More Snow and Rain Expected To Hit

According to USA Today, the plane originated from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and was heading to an airport in Naples, Florida. It was then scheduled to travel to Fort Lauderdale, but it crashed before it could reach Naples.

The Naples Airport Authority stated that it lost communication with the plane just before it crashed around 3:10 PM.

"It was coming in for a landing," said Robin King, the director of communication with the Naples Airport Authority. "We received word that it had possibly lost an engine, we have not confirmed that. Then we lost contact."

The FAA is currently investigating the crash.

Florida Interstate Crash Happened a Week After Another Plane Crashed Into a Mobile Home

Just a week before that interstate crash, three people also died after a small plane crashed into a Clearwater, Florida, mobile home park. The crash resulted in several mobile homes being set on fire, killing three people.

The FAA revealed the pilot of that Beechcraft Bonanza V35 plane died in that crash, along with two people on the ground. According to NBC News, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the crash.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Prepared To Cry Foul and Repeat His Debunked Voter Fraud Claims Should He Lose

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Small plane crashes on I-75 in southwest Florida - WPTV News - FL Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast
Mariemont High School in Ohio narrowly avoided a potential mass tragedy this week, thanks to the brave actions of 15-year-old Boom Swallen, per the Daily Beast.

The Ohio teen immediately alerted authorities after a classmate, identified as A.B., shared plans for a mass shooting.

A.B. had a gun, a hit list with eight students and one teacher, and expressed clear intentions to carry out the attack at school.

Boom Swallen, despite facing threats against his life if he revealed the plan, called his father and contacted the police.

His courageous actions led to the arrest of the suspect and the uncovering of a "credible plot to harm students and staff."

Boom's father, Zach Swallen, shared during a televised interview that his son was willing to risk his life to protect his classmates.

The teenager's selfless act has earned him acknowledgment, and he will be honored with the National Student Hero Award by The Uvalde Foundation For Kids.

READ NEXT: Ohio Teen Faces Charges Following Alleged Mass Shooting Plot

Conspiracy to Commit Mass Casualty Event Uncovered

Law enforcement officials in Hamilton County revealed that a 14-year-old from Ohio and an adult from Colorado Springs conspired to carry out a "mass casualty event" at Mariemont High School, according to WCPO.

The minor suspect, whose identity is protected, faces charges after authorities discovered a "credible plot to harm students and staff."

The teenager had compiled a hit list and planned to execute the attack using a recently acquired firearm from his household.

Disturbing text messages between the teen and the adult co-conspirator detailed ideas related to killing, rape, and the use of gas as a weapon in their planned assault.

The suspected teen has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, and Hamilton County prosecutor Melissa Powers aims to try him as an adult, potentially leading to a life sentence if convicted.

The legal team representing the 14-year-old argues that the case stems from the predatory behavior of the adult co-conspirator, met through social media.

They cite the teenager's significant mental health challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and emphasize that he never had access to firearms.

Empathy and Recognition for Ohio Teen's Courage

The Ohio teen's father expressed empathy for the arrested boy, expressing hope that he gets the help he needs and extending forgiveness.

Swallen highlighted his son's strength and warrior-like qualities for doing the right thing, Daily Mail noted.

Mariemont City Schools' Superintendent, Steven Estepp, expressed gratitude for the Swallen family's proactive measures and acknowledged the collaboration with local police, the FBI, and the prosecutor's office.

The Ohio teen's courageous act has not gone unnoticed.

He will receive the National Student Hero Award from The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a nonprofit working towards ending violence in schools.

Foundation founder Daniel Chapin commended Boom's bravery, emphasizing the role of alert and caring students in preventing potential threats to their peers.

"This student who helped extinguish a possible threat to fellow students represents the reality of how the climate of violence plaguing our nation's schools and threatening student lives can come to an end - not through gun control or more safety planning meetings," he said.

READ MORE: Nebraska Teen Fatally Shot by Police

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ohio teen helps prevent potential school shooting plot - From ABC News
Ecuador's Constitutional Court granted a terminally ill patient's request to decriminalize euthanasia, instructing the National Assembly to pass legislation regulating the procedure within a year.

Ecuador has joined Colombia as the second Latin American country to decriminalize euthanasia, according to BBC.

The constitutional court in Ecuador voted seven to two in favor of allowing doctors to assist patients in ending their lives.

This decision marks a significant step in recognizing an individual's right to a dignified life and is expected to have a profound impact on end-of-life care in the country.

The landmark ruling emerged from a lawsuit filed by Paola Roldan, a 42-year-old woman suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease.

ALS leads to muscle weakness and impaired physical functions, causing intense physical and emotional suffering.

Roldan challenged a penal code article that classified euthanasia as a crime of homicide, carrying a severe prison sentence.

"I want to rest in peace," she said during a court hearing in November through a video link.

"What I experience is painful, lonely, and cruel," she added.

READ NEXT: Ecuador Gang Members Arrested Following Hospital Take Over

Legal Victory for Death with Dignity Advocates

Paola Roldan, who began experiencing ALS symptoms in 2020, argued that individuals facing serious or incurable diseases have the right to choose a death with dignity, Le Monde noted.

The court's decision grants lawmakers and officials up to 12 months to develop regulations for implementing the ruling.

Additionally, the court expedited Roldan's request for permission to end her life, provided she meets specific conditions, including intense suffering due to a serious, irreversible bodily injury or an incurable illness.

Faith Simon, one of Roldan's attorneys, emphasized that the court's decision opens the possibility for others to avail of euthanasia under specific conditions.

The ruling aims to balance individual autonomy, freedom, and dignity while acknowledging the unique circumstances that individuals facing terminal illnesses endure.

Global Context and Future Implications

Ecuador's decision aligns with Colombia's move in 1997 to decriminalize euthanasia. This development underscores a shifting perspective on end-of-life choices in Latin America, per France 24.

Uruguay and Chile are currently debating similar legislation, while Mexico has a "good death" law allowing patients or their families to opt out of life support.

Ecuador's Constitutional Court, traditionally conservative in this predominantly Catholic nation, acknowledged the right to euthanasia in response to a terminally ill patient's plea.

The ruling emphasized the importance of allowing individuals facing unbearable suffering from irreversible injuries or incurable illnesses the autonomy to make end-of-life decisions.

"Every human being can make free and informed decisions when their personal development is affected, which... includes the option of ending the intense suffering caused by a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness," it said.

The Health Ministry in Ecuador has been tasked with drafting regulations for the euthanasia procedure within two months, while the Ombudsman's office is expected to present a bill on euthanasia to Congress within six months.

While this legal victory is considered historic, Paola Roldan's family expressed mixed emotions.

Her father acknowledged the satisfaction of achieving a significant milestone for Ecuadorian society but also conveyed the emotional challenge of contemplating his daughter's potential death.

The court's decision is expected to influence end-of-life care discussions globally and contribute to ongoing conversations surrounding individual rights and choices in the face of terminal illnesses.

Paola Roldan's lawsuit has not only impacted her life but also paved the way for a more compassionate and dignified approach to end-of-life decisions in Ecuador.

READ MORE: Haiti Police Fatally Shot 5 Armed Environment Agents

WATCH: Ecuador's top court decriminalizes euthanasia following a lawsuit by a patient - From WION
The Joe Biden classified documents case has now wrapped up, with the special counsel overseeing the case admitting the POTUS would not be charged. The case's result also showed how different the Biden case is from the Donald Trump case, which is currently being investigated, and more evidence of the former president's wrongdoing surfacing.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed two separate special counsels to investigate the Biden case and the Trump case, but the two had wildly differing results. While special counsel Robert Hur declined to say that the president should be charged, special counsel Jack Smith found that former President Donald Trump violated the Espionage Act as a private citizen and conspired with others to obstruct justice.

While Hur found that Biden's poor memory resulted in the president retaining classified documents that "present serious risks to national security," he added that the evidence his team found "does not establish Mr. Biden's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

According to NBC News, Hur also revealed that there were clear "material distinctions" between a theoretical case against Biden and the pending case against Trump, as the case against the former president over his retention of classified documents has e "serious aggravating facts."

Joe Biden did hit back at Hur's comment about his memory, saying, "The decision to decline criminal charges was straightforward, but my memory's fine."

Why Is the Donald Trump Case Different from the Joe Biden Classified Documents Case

Donald Trump has always alleged that there is a "two-tiered system of justice and unconstitutional selection prosecution," with the government often prosecuting him over Biden and his allies. However, there are some very stark differences between the Joe Biden classified documents case and his classified documents case.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Prepared To Cry Foul and Repeat His Debunked Voter Fraud Claims Should He Lose

While the cases seem similar in nature, they are different as well, since the Biden case is more about the president forgetting about the classified documents at his Delaware home while serving as Vice President and giving those documents up willingly, while Trump made a concerted effort to hide these documents that he willfully but illegally retained.

However, an ABC News analyst pointed out that there was no difference in how both of these cases were approached. Only if Biden obstructed Justice and hid the documents like Trump would have resulted in the POTUS being prosecuted.

Joe Biden Did Not Hoard and Hide Classified Documents, Donald Trump Did

Special counsel Hur admitted that he did not have enough evidence that Biden had willfully retained the classified documents found in his Delaware home's garage, as the president could just chalk it up to forgetting about them because of his age. He also returned said documents promptly to authorities.

However, as Hur's report also stated, "Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite."

Trump is accused of ordering several Mar-a-Lago workers to intentionally hide classified documents from his own lawyers so they would not be able to return them to the government. This led to his obstruction of justice indictment.

As the AP noted, he schemed with his valet, Walt Nauta, and a Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, to conceal security camera footage of them moving these classified documents after a subpoena was released.

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: Expert: Why Trump was charged for keeping documents and Biden was not - CNN
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has reached a settlement in his phone hacking claims against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), according to BBC.

The publishers have agreed to cover all of Prince Harry's legal costs and pay an additional approximately $378,870 in damages.

This settlement concludes a four-year legal battle between the prince and the publisher, addressing claims of unlawful intrusion into 115 stories published between 1996 and 2010.

"Our mission continues," lawyer David Sherborne said, speaking on behalf of Prince Harry outside the High Courts.

Sherborne also criticized former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, alleging that, as editor, Morgan "knew perfectly well what was going on."

READ NEXT: Princess Kate, King Charles Back Home from Hospital

High Court Ruling on Prince Harry Phone Hacking Lawsuit

The settlement follows a High Court judge's ruling two months ago, affirming that Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking and other unlawful media practices by Mirror Group Newspapers, the publisher of Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People.

In an unusual move for a high-ranking royal, Prince Harry testified in the witness box during the trial, revealing the struggles he faced in trusting others after journalists hacked his phone.

He was initially awarded $179,600 in damages in December, per The Washington Post.

In a statement read by his lawyer, David Sherborne, outside London's High Court, Prince Harry emphasized, "Everything we said was happening at Mirror group was, in fact, happening, and indeed far worse, as the court ruled in its extremely damning judgment."

Piers Morgan, who served as the Daily Mirror editor between 1995 and 2004, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In response to Prince Harry's comments, Morgan stated on social media, "I totally agree with Prince Harry that ruthless intrusion into the private lives of the Royal Family for financial gain is utterly reprehensible... and I hope he stops doing it."

As Morgan has not been employed by MGN for 20 years, he is not personally liable for the claims, and he played no part in the court proceedings.

Mirror Group Newspapers issued a statement expressing their satisfaction with the settlement.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement, which gives our business further clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago and for which we have apologized," Mirror said in a statement.

Prince Harry's Continuing Mission and Recent Activities

Prince Harry, 39, declared that his "mission continues" amidst ongoing legal battles against UK tabloid media, The Independent noted.

The settlement occurred shortly after the duke gave a speech at a US event, filled with jokes and without mentioning his father, King Charles III, who recently disclosed his cancer diagnosis.

Camilla shared with well-wishers that Charles is "doing extremely well under the circumstances."

This update came as she attended an event at Salisbury Cathedral, marking her first public engagement since the announcement about her husband's health.

Following the news, Prince Harry quickly traveled to the UK to reunite with his father.

However, reports indicate that he spent less than an hour with the 75-year-old monarch before returning to California, with no reported contact with his estranged brother, Prince William.

READ MORE: King Charles' Coronation

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Prince Harry settles phone hacking claim with Mirror newspaper group - From BBC News
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will be hosting pop-up energy saving and retrofit clinics for businesses in collaboration with The CUBE Low Carbon Centre Excellence in Portlaoise next month.

The organisers say the in-person clinics will provide business owners with the opportunity to avail of a free one-to-one meeting with a dedicated SEAI Energy Consultant to discuss relevant energy-saving and building retrofitting options for their business premises, how you can green your business and save energy costs.

Information on the relevant grants available will also be provided and how these can be applied for.

Booking is essential for the event which takes place on Wednesday, March 6 at The Cube on Tower Hill. Bookings can be made by e-mailing caroline@cubecentre.ie or telephone 085 7856204.

The clinics are organised as part of the Sustainable Energy Communities Programme. SEAI sais this engages and enables energy citizens with over 750 communities who are working together to achieve energy goals.

The SEAI is Ireland's national sustainable energy authority. It says it is working with householders, businesses, communities and government to create a cleaner energy future. SEAI says the grant it provides are helping homeowners, business owners, communities and large industry reduce their energy costs and greenhouse emissions.
RTE presenter Joe Duffy has weighed in on speculation of the future of his career with RTE.

There had been several reports that he wouldn't look to extend his contract once it ends in mid-2025.

The long-serving presenter jokingly said live-on-air that the phrase 'shown the door' could be applied to his current situation.

Since addressing the rumours on-air, Liveline listenership has increased according to the latest JNLR figures released this Thursday, with 303,000 people tuning in daily - making the show the tenth most listened to programme on Irish radio.

Earlier in the week, a caller named Noel rang in about when he was rejected for using cash at a cinema and said he was "shown the door and wasn't welcome" at the Savoy cinema in Dublin. Duffy responded saying that was a "great phrase".

He said: "There's a story in about five papers saying I'm going to be shown the door in June twelve months.

"But that's the first I've heard about it. And RTE say he doesn't want a new contract, that's the first I heard about that as well."

When another listener said she hoped he was "going bloody nowhere" he replied: "So do I. I've never heard of anyone talking about their contract a year and a half before it's up, or making a decision."

RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst told the Irish Mirror earlier in the week that Duffy, who has been with RTE for more than 30 years, has not sought to extend his deal.

In the wake of this, speculation on his future has even led to bookies giving odds on where the popular Ballyfermot native could end up next.

Newstalk and Today FM are both topping the charts as possible new employers for the 68-year-old broadcaster.

The odds of him swapping RTE for Newstalks Marconi House offices are currently 7/5 and it sticks out as the favourite as a possible alternative for Joe, should he decide to leave RTE.
Laois Pride Week is returning in 2024 with even more energy and joy than ever.

The organisers, Midlands LGBT+ Project are starting their plans now for the 2024 event, the third annual celebration for Laois.

"Laois Pride is getting ready to blow 2024's socks off, so we're holding an information evening for anyone interested in getting hands on this year!

"We'll be covering all things pride; including fundraising, reaching out to local businesses and organisations that help us each year, planning, decorating (of course), and so, so much more!

Last year, Laois Pride Week ended with a colourful parade along Portlaoise Main Street. It followed a week of uplifting and fun events supporting and celebrating people from the LGBT+ communities around the Midlands.

Businesses are encouraged to get in on the support, by decorating their shopfronts in rainbow Pride colours.

The meeting will be held from 6-7pm, on Tuesday, February 13 in the Youth Work Ireland offices, on the top floor of JFL House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue in Portlaoise, eircode R32 W310.

If you would like to get involved with this year's Laois Pride, drop them a message or email them at help@midlandslgbtproject.com
Ratheniska's community is celebrating the completion of an extensive refit of its local church.

The reopening Of Holy Cross Church Ratheniska will be marked with a special Mass on Sunday, February 11.

Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty will celebrate Mass at 10am when the Catholic place of church will also be rededicated.

Dating back to 1800 this Church has served the Ratheniska area of our parish for 224 years. It is the oldest of our three Churches in Portlaoise parish and the last to be refurbished.

Work on the building included a new roof, new Altar furnishings, new heating system, complete renewal of electrical services, an extension to the Sacristy enabling a space for Altar servers and new entry to the Church for the celebrant.

The church now has a new underfloor air to water, heating system. It has and a new sound system with webcam and streaming services also installed.

The pews have been refurbished with a new floor for the altar. Sanctuary furnishings include: Altar, Ambo, Reredos, Tabernacle and Cross originally placed in the nun's chapel, Templemore which was being decommissioned. These are works by the late artist Richard Enda King

Thanks are extended to AOCA, in particular Pamela Weldon, who served as engineers and project managers for the work.

Others thanked ate: Pat McBride Construction and his team and sub-contractors; Glen O'Shaughnessy, Portlaoise Gas & Oil; John Cahill Electrical; James Hackett: Acton BV; ICS (Irish Contract Seating); Terry Swayne of Portlaoise Stone Centre.

Special thanks were given to the Mercy Sisters for the Sanctuary furnishings.

"We welcome Bishop Denis who will lead the joyful celebrations today as we thank God for those who gave us this Church and took care of it down through the ages and for all who worshipped here. That it may serve as a little oasis of prayer as well as facilitating our coming together to worship," said Portlaoise Parish.

The original construction of ths Cruciform style church was overseen by Fr. James O'Neill PP Ratheniska.

The site for the church was given by Lord Castletown. The church is a small building typical of the period.
'Our Lady of Knock' was the entrance song at the Church of Saint Peter & Saint Paul, Dunboyne, this Saturday morning as the former Taoiseach John Bruton was laid before the alter.

Former Minister for Justice of Ireland Alan Dukes, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste of Ireland Micheal Martin, President of Sinn Fein Mary Lou McDonald, Minister for Justice of Ireland Helen McEntee, John Burton's political rival Bertie Ahern, Minister for Transport of Ireland Eamon Ryan, current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins were amongst those in attendance at the funeral.

Two of Johns grandchildren, Oliver and Robin, brought forward symbols of Johns life to present at the alter.

The first was a family photograph because family was the centre of John life and the second was John's book called 'Faith in Politics' as it was a great interest John had.

Father Bruce Bradley SJ, friend of the Bruton family, delivering John's homily at the mass said 'John was to put it simply an exceptionally good man.'

'John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain, as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth  I could go on, but so much has been said already and there will be well-deserved eulogies and tributes to come. It is not my function to add to these as such, although I willingly would.'

'My proper function at this point in the Eucharist we are celebrating in Johns memory is to understand and appreciate his life against the background of the Christian Gospel in which he so profoundly and thoughtfully believed and which he sought to live in the circumstances of his life.'

'We are now in a rapidly secularising age. The signs are all around us. Those signs are not all negative by any means - far from it, when we consider the growth in confidence and prosperity and diversity which our country as a whole continues to experience, notwithstanding the problems politicians like John Bruton must daily confront with and the shaming inequality which endures. But there are other less noticed, seriously troubling implications of secularisation too. Few have described what these feel like and how they affect us in our inner lives more graphically than John near-contemporary, the great poet Seamus Heaney.'

'Not long before he died in 2013, Heaney told an interviewer, in a series revealingly called Inte rviews from a Changing Ireland : [The] biggest shift in my lifetime has been the evaporation of the transcendent from all our discourse and our sense of human destiny. More bewildering still, he added, elaborating on what the evaporation of the transcendent means for a persons inner life, is exile into a universe with no up or down, no internalized system of moral longitude or latitude, no sense of a metaphysical roof over our heads. '

'Heaney was referring to the growing lack of any ultimate framework or structure of meaning for our lives, or any reliable moral compass. Our culture of what has been well called continuous partial attention, secularisation and the decline of religious practice and self-understanding it tends to bring, all these add to the anxiety and disorientation of our times. People are tempted to focus on the immediate, because they feel they can have no larger perspective on their own lives.'

'Marilyn Robinson, the American Presbyterian writer, entitled her recent book of essays What Are We Doing Here? If they let it in, people struggle to face, much less answer, that question. God, the transcendent in Seamus Heaneys remark, is progressively missing from our conversation and our discourse, external and internal alike. It becomes unfashionable to refer to matters of religion or speak of God, in a country traditionally and for many reasons steeped  at times over-steeped  in religion.'

'These tendencies, very much part of public life and discourse in Ireland now, were in the early stage of development in the 1960s when John Bruton was leaving the sheltered environment of home in Meath and boarding school in Clongowes, going to university in Dublin and embarking on his long and distinguished political career. I couldnt help noticing that the more developed secularism of our own times has expressed itself in the responses to Johns death and the accounts of his life and accomplishments in the media. The tributes have been unanimously warm.'

'Courage, integrity, decency  the words recur again and again in the tributes paid to him since his death. His personal qualities and significant accomplishments have been rightly celebrated: his remarkable political career starting at the very early age of 22, his eventual leadership of his own party, the successes of the unexpected Rainbow Coalition he led in the 1990s, his patient, pioneering cooperative part in enabling a cessation of violence in Northern Ireland, his championing of the European Union and Irelands place in it, his valuable role as EU ambassador to the United States, his later work with the IFSC. And so on.'

'These accounts celebrate a very gifted and genuinely likeable man who enjoyed a varied and successful career, more than enough to fill many columns.'

'But anyone who knew him in a closer way realised that, underneath everything, he was a seriously religious man and this all-important aspect of his life and self-identity is largely missing from the public commentary. There is a temptation in our culture just now to ignore this aspect of peoples lives, as if it were too marginal or too private and embarrassing to bring up in public or as having too little to do with the real world.'

'John Bruton would have agreed with the Belfast-born writer of the Narnia Chronicles, CS Lewis, that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance; if true, is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important. For John, his religion was infinitely important in the literal sense. Any account of what he was about without central reference to his Catholicism is seriously incomplete.'

'The truth is that he was an instinctive, reflective Catholic. He was rooted in his faith. His life cannot be understood properly apart from that.'

'This was not a faith of slogans but a thoughtful faith lived out in his actions and choices, a faith that does justice, expressed in his life of public service.'

'Johns steadfast support of the Pro-Life Movement was of a piece with his lifelong resistance, in the footsteps of his great hero John Redmond, to violence as a means to achieving political change. He saw both as pro-life choices. He was a Catholic in a deep and not at all sectarian sense. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which he heard faithfully here in his local parish church in Dunboyne and in many other places, shaped and guided his journey, personally and professionally, through all the challenges of his life. John made that journey in the indispensable company of his much-loved wife Finola and their children, Matthew, Julianna, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth and his grandchildren.'

'John knew who he was and thats who he was for whoever he met.'

'John Bruton lived in an increasingly large universe, acquiring a perceptive understanding of European and global politics, as he showed in his wise commentary on the issues confronting the EU, not least at the time of Brexit and its aftermath. He understood better than most how to work for compromise in the midst of political tensions. He was in no sense a bigot. He understood the obligations of office in a pluralist democracy, as he showed in supporting the divorce referendum. In all his interactions, with those who shared his outlook as well as with those who did not, he showed a capacity to stand in the other persons shoes, a quality of particular importance in the discussions and negotiations with Northern Unionists as well as in the very successful management of the Rainbow Coalition when he was Taoiseach.'

'President Michael D Higgins, paying tribute, spoke of how John brought a particular sensitivity, a generous approach to inclusion with regard to the perspective of the Other.'

'I was particularly struck by one entry in the online condolence book, where someone, signing themselves FF Supporter, Kildare, wrote: You treated your allies and those of us with different political persuasions equally and without malice. And, entirely consistent with that, he did not hold grudges and had a deep capacity to forgive. He was indeed a man without malice. And he was a careful reader of history and its lessons for those who come after.'

'What I am saying might seem to have turned into a simple eulogy. But its purpose remains essentially homiletic. Human beings are the words with which God tells his story, according to a wise saying quoted by the Belgian Dominican Edward Schillebeeckx in his book Church: The Human Story of God a few decades ago. John, as those who knew him best would probably confirm, was not perfect in every way. But, in all that has been described, he, as Marilyn Robinson might put it, knew what he was doing here. John knew the larger journey we are all on. His life itself spoke that.'

'John knew, in the words of the 2nd Reading from Pauls 2nd Letter to the Corinthians we heard, that though this outer man of ours  the one who experiences and achieves and endures all we have been thinking about, the more or less public person, what Carl Jung might call Johns Number 1 Personality  may be falling into decay the inner man  the one he was becoming through all his experiences  is renewed day by day.'

'Johns faith-perspective on his own life, and on all our lives, gave him the guiding hope that, as Saint Paul in that passage goes on, when the tent that we live in on earth has been folded up, as his has now been, there is a house built by God for us, an everlasting home not made by human hands, in the heavens. '

'John, may God, your Father, welcome you now into that house and the special room Jesus has prepared for you. Amen.'

After Mass the remains will be interred in Rooske Cemetery, A86 EW28, located about two kilometres from the church on the Rooske Road.
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.
Funding for a 7.94m Glenfarne Wood Project was applied for this week by the local authority with 90 per cent of the funding being sought from the Department of Rural and Community Development. The council is set to contribute 240,000 if the project is successful.

The project will include a boardwalk, a playground, a sensory trail and new car parking facilities as well as designated forest bathing locations.

The Glenfarne Wood Project is the second largest regeneration project being proposed by Leitrim County Council (in conjunction with Coillte) Bernard Greene, Senior Planner told members at a special meeting this week.

Cllr Sean McDermott, who has long campaigned to see the project brought to fruition, said the amount of work that has gone into the project is "enormous" and praised the council and Coillte for the "speed of it."

He noted there has been an objection to the boardwalk but said that "you only have to look at Drumshanbo and see what the boardwalk has done for there. Then there is a Coillte boardwalk beside Blacklion and that has had a great impact in that area."

He added the proposed development would enhance the existing amenities in Glenfarne. "We are utilising the history of Glenfarne forest and lake to our benefit and will get a lot more people coming from Northern Ireland stopping off in Leitrim. It's a north Leitrim project and will have a huge impact in the whole region and it's the first time money like that was spent in a really rural area. It's on the main thoroughfare from Belfast to the west of Ireland and not far from airports so it's perfectly located."
Former Irish premiers have paid tribute to their predecessor John Bruton as a man brimming with ideas and who worked extremely hard for his country.

Enda Kenny, who served as taoiseach from 2011-2017, said his Fine Gael colleague John Brutons death marks the passing of a political icon in Co Meath and in Ireland.

Former taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern, who won the 1997 Irish election that would deny John Bruton a second term in government, said the former premier had an extraordinary career.

Current taoiseach Leo Varadkar said during the graveside oration that he looked to him for guidance, and asked him recently how it was possible to lead a three-party government successfully and to keep it together?.

Mr Bruton was taoiseach during the rainbow coalition government from 1994-1997, comprising his Fine Gael party, Labour and the Democratic Left.

Mr Kenny and Mr Ahern were among the politicians and dignitaries in attendance at the State funeral for Mr Bruton, held in Saints Peter and Pauls Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath on Saturday.

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen was also in attendance at the funeral mass.

Mr Ahern said Mr Bruton was a decent guy who he had worked with to reform the Irish parliaments lower house (the Dail) in the early 1980s.

He said that during Brexit debates at Westminster, the two leaders represented Ireland against the Brexiteers.

I served with John for over 40 years in one form or another, from being in the Dail and out of the Dail, Mr Ahern told reporters.

He was a good guy, a decent person, a good politician, he worked extremely hard and served the country well.

In recent years, when we were over in the House of Commons during the Brexit debates, (his wife Finola would) always be there and shed sit through the boring debates that John and myself would have with Brexiteers.

I think he served us so well, and I think he did so many jobs at home and abroad, I had a lot of dealings with him when I was taoiseach, when he was EU ambassador to Washington and he worked incredibly hard.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr Bruton loved his family, he loved his politics, he loved his country.

Nobody could question his integrity and his motivations and intentions in politics were all for the right reasons: take action, sort it out, make the lives of the people better.

And if the fundamental question for any politician is did you leave your country in a better shape than you found it? He did.

He had the greatest and deepest respect for his office and was a person with a restless mind, was always wanting to try new concepts and make decisions about new issues in a changing Ireland and he was very conscious of that, Mr Kenny told reporters.

A friend of mine for 50 years, I feel that deeply, but for Finola, and his family, its the passing of an era.

It is an emotional day. I see his face, I hear his voice. I know his mind  youd certainly know that John Bruton was in a room when you were with him.

And from that point of view, its a passing of an era here in Dunboyne, the passing of a political icon in Co Meath and in Ireland.
A Senegalese demonstrator gestures as others are filming during clashes with riot police as they protest against the postponement of the February 25 presidential election, in Dakar, Senegal February 9, 2024. ZOHRA BENSEMRA / REUTERS

Senegalese security forces fired tear gas at protesters in the capital Friday, February 9, as mounting anger over the postponement of a presidential election claimed a first death. A student was killed in the northern town of Saint-Louis, according to associates of the man, as protests spread around the West African country.

Police fired tear gas to stop demonstrators getting to the Place de la Nation in central Dakar, where a rally had been planned. Hundreds of demonstrators threw stones at police and set fire to tires. Anger has mounted since President Macky Sall postponed a presidential election scheduled for February 25 until December.

"The situation is deplorable. We came to pray and we got gassed. It's intolerable," Thierno Alassane Sall, one of the 20 candidates who had been due to vie for the presidency, told Agence France-Presse.

Clashes spread to other areas of the capital, closing main roads, rail lines and main markets. Demonstrations also took place in other towns, according to social network reports.

Read more Subscribers only Senegal: Protests repressed after postponement of presidential election

The death of the student in Saint-Louis was confirmed to AFP by a local hospital source speaking on condition of anonymity and an official at the university the student attended.

Police also dispersed a protest by about 200 people in Nioro du Rip, some 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Dakar, an AFP reporter saw. Authorities have not given a toll for the week of protests.

'Must show their anger'

The crisis has called into question the West African country's reputation for democratic stability in a region beset by military coups.

Protests usually require authorization and rights advocates say authorities have routinely banned opposition demonstrations. Since 2021, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested during unrest in the country.

"Senegalese must show their anger, and not just on social media," said the candidate Thierno Alassane Sall, who is no relation to the president.

Teachers were urged to walk out by education unions within the civil society platform Aar Sunu Election (Let's Protect Our Election).At Blaise Diagne high school in Dakar, hundreds of pupils walked out of lessons with their teacher.

History and geography teacher Assane Sene said it was just the start of the battle. "If the government is stubborn, we will have to try different approaches."

At the Masjidounnour mosque in Dakar, 37-year-old Amadou Sy told AFP: "The message hasn't got through enough. But the situation in the country is deplorable, nobody's happy."
Met Eireann is forecasting more changeable weather for Ireland as models show the possibility of much colder conditions before the end of the month.

Met Eireann says Sunday will bring "a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers." They add that "the showers will be heaviest and most frequent over the western half of the country, with a chance of hail. Highest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees with a moderate to fresh and gusty westerly wind."

Their outlook says our weather will remain "changeable with rain or showers at times."

Meanwhile Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather is monitoring a much colder spell of weather coming our way before the end of February.

"In the longer range trends, the GFS model showing a chance of a colder end to the month. One to watch," he added. If the models materialise, temperatures in Ireland would drop well below zero with the chance of wintey precipitation.

Between now and then, our unsettled weather continues.

"Showers will gradually clear northeastwards during Sunday night leaving mostly dry and clear conditions. Some of the showers may be wintry. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees in a moderate to fresh westerly wind," Met Eireann's latest forecast says.

"Monday morning will be mostly dry and bright. There will be a few showers near western coasts and they will extend to most parts of the country during the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in a moderate to fresh west to southwest wind.

"Most areas will become dry with clear spells on Monday night, as the showers become mainly confined to the northwest. Cloud will thicken in the south however, bringing some patches of rain or drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a light to moderate south to southwest wind."

Tuesday will bring "sunny spells across the northern half of the country, with scattered showers continuing in the northwest. Cloudier in the south with patchy rain or drizzle. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees with a light to moderate south to southwest wind.

"Cloudy and wet with rain extending nationwide from the west on Tuesday night. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees, coldest in Ulster early in the night, in a moderate south to southwest wind.

"Rain will clear northeastwards on Wednesday morning and will be followed by scattered showers and some sunny spells. Milder than recent days with highs of 11 to 14 degrees, in a moderate to fresh southwesterly breeze."
Contact Us!

Live Charts UK established in 2004 and trades as a registered Limited company in the UK. Read About Us Here..

Due to the amount of Spam and Junk mail we receive we no longer provide a contact form. You can email our admin account on the address below. We will reply asap.

Please note. We need a working e mail address so we can help you with issues. Our e mail system collects the senders IP address, location and ISP for security and abuse purposes.If you have any other query regardng the site or a problem using Live Charts then don't hesitate to drop us an E mail.
Disney is launching an innovative advertising tool named "Disney's Magic Words," aiming to transform how brands connect with audiences on its streaming platforms, Disney and Hulu. This tool employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze scenes in movies and TV shows, identifying elements like mood, content, and brands, reported Reuters.

By using metadata tags generated by "Disney's Magic Words," advertisers can target specific scenes or moods within content, enabling personalized messaging that resonates with viewers' emotions. This shift from broad demographics to specific audience targeting marks a significant advancement in advertising strategy.

Six major global advertising firms, including Omnicom, Dentsu, GroupM, Horizon Media, IPG Mediabrands, and Publicis Media, are participating in the early beta testing phase of Disney's new ad product.

Rita Ferro, Disney's global head of ad sales, highlights the tool's ability to amplify the impact of advertisements by aligning them with viewers' experiences and emotions. This strategic move by Disney comes as traditional TV viewership declines, with advertisers shifting focus towards streaming platforms.

In its fiscal 2024 first quarter, Disney reported a three percent decrease in advertising revenue, reflecting changing trends in media consumption. However, the ad-supported version of Disney's streaming service has witnessed significant advertiser interest, attracting over 1,000 advertisers in the first quarter alone, according to CEO Bob Iger.

Joe Earley, president of Disney's direct-to-consumer business, notes that half of Disney's streaming subscribers opt for the ad-supported version, underscoring the importance of refining ad technology tailored for streaming platforms. Disney's investment in streaming ad technology reaffirms its commitment to providing advertisers with innovative solutions to engage with audiences effectively.

With its long-standing expertise in streaming advertising, dating back to the launch of Hulu in 2008, Disney aims to position its streaming portfolio as the preferred destination for brands in the evolving digital landscape, says the wire. Through "Disney's Magic Words" and other technological advancements, Disney seeks to reshape the future of advertising on streaming platforms, offering advertisers unprecedented opportunities for audience engagement and brand promotion.

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!
FAME-II incentives, which are designed to encourage customer demand for electric vehicles, will now be offered on the ex-factory price of electric four-wheelers and e-three wheelers, instead of their ex-showroom price, the ministry of heavy industries said in a gazette notification issued on Friday.

Speaking to Mint, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, additional secretary, heavy industries, said that the move will be effective immediately on all fresh sales, and not retrospectively. Qureshi said the revision in the scheme was being made to address the differences in ex-showroom pricing of vehicles in difference states, and to also treat all vehicle segments at par in the policy, as the decision to calculate incentives on ex-factory prices was already made in the case of two-wheelers in 2023.

There is just over a month and a half left before the FAME-II policy will come to an end on 31 March. Ex-factory prices of vehicles are exclusive of GST, freight and dealer margins.

It is possible that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra will see a downward revision in the subsidies they can offer per vehicle, as the ceiling on the extent on incentives claimed will now depend on ex-factory prices (as opposed to higher ex-showroom prices).

"The reason this has been done is because similar rules should operate in all the categories of vehicles we incentivize, and we had changed the criteria to ex-factory price for two-wheelers in 2023 itself. Secondly, uniformity of ex-factory price all over India will make it easier for OEMs to file their claims," Qureshi told Mint.

The ministry of heavy industries has also approved an additional 1,500 crore in funds towards the FAME-II scheme outlay, days before the scheme is set to end, in the event it is not extended.

However, companies Mint spoke to suggested the move comes as a surprise, and that companies will now have to publish revised pricing for vehicles, after intimating concerned agencies, on the government's FAME-II portal to reflect changes in the pricing criteria, all of which could cause temporary disruptions in sales.

That said, it is probable that vehicles, for which incentives were already well under the ex-showroom cap, will not see a change in the subsidy per vehicle.

"The notification doesn't clarify whether the new ex-factory price criteria will be applicable on vehicles registered or vehicles sold from 9 February. Since many dealers have billed vehicles with the assumption of a certain subsidy amount, we will have to re-calculate if anything changes in terms of the amount we can claim," a senior industry executive said on condition of anonymity.

Under the FAME-II scheme, incentives for two-wheelers and three-wheelers are linked to battery capacities i.e., 10,000KWh for e-3W and e-4W with a cap of 20% of the "cost" of the vehicle. The cost, now, will refer to the price of the vehicle when it leaves its factory gates, that is, without the addition of GST, cesses and other retail costs.

TATA MOTORS 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!
Q3 results today on February 10: Investors will be on edge with some of the major companies releasing their Q3 earnings . A slew of companies, including ONGC, Divis Labs, Aurobindo Pharma, and Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), will be the focus today as they release their Q3 results.

Domestic equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended in green on Friday's session led by buying in financial, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and pharma stocks.

Nonetheless, investors were still processing the fact that there was less chance of early rate cuts in the US and India. Further, a recent surge in oil and gas stocks has resulted in a selloff, and metal stocks too have witnessed selling.

The 30-share BSE Sensex ended higher by 167.06 points or 0.23% at 71,595.49 level while the Nifty 50 closed at 21,782.50 level, up 64.55 points or 0.3%. On the broader market front, the Nifty Midcap 100 ended 0.89% lower today, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 closed 1.40% lower.

Also Read | Q3 results this week: Airtel, Nestle India, Trent, Zomato, LIC, MRF among others to declare earnings  Full list here

Approximately 26 companies will release their Q3 quarter results today  February 10

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Divis Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Multi Commodity Exchange of India, Amber Enterprises India Limited, Sai Silks Kalamandir, Flair Writing Industries, Uflex, Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services, Maithan Alloys, MM Forgings, Jagran Prakashan, Themis Medicare, Satia Industries, Global Surfaces, Nahar Spinning Mills, V2 Retail, Sandesh, Jayant Agro-Organics, TVS Electronics, Nahar Industrial Enterprises, Nahar Poly Films, Nahar Capital and Financial Services, Autoline Industries, Sahyadri Industries, Mawana Sugars and others.

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.

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 JSW group, on Saturday, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up an integrated electric vehicles (EV) and EV battery manufacturing project at Cuttack and Paradip via a 40,000 crore investment.

Through this MoU, the group made public its strategic entry into the state amid competitive offers from other states. This announcement is also a key component of the companys plan to manufacture electric vehicles. The company had announced a joint venture to own 35% in a newly-created JV with SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd (which owns MG Motor India) that would focus on EVs.

JSW said it will invest in the project in two phases. The company plans to invest 25,000 crore in Cuttack for the electric vehicle and its battery manufacturing complex, while 15,000 crore will be invested in the EV components manufacturing complex in Paradip.

The company will also have to build an ecosystem to manufacture EVs in Odisha, which lacks vehicle manufacturing ecosystem that states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have.

By integrating our operations within Odisha's vibrant ecosystem, we aim to create a symbiotic relationship that benefits all stakeholders, fostering growth and innovation, and generating numerous high-skilled job opportunities. It's a testament to our belief in Odisha's potential and our dedication to contributing positively to its economic landscape," said Sajjan Jindal, chairman of JSW Group.

The world-class advanced technology-based project consists of a 50 GWH EV battery plant for both mobility & energy storage systems, commercial e-vehicles and passenger electric cars, auto components like e-powertrain, lithium refinery, copper smelter and related component manufacturing units.

The company will also set up an original equipment manufacturer plant for electric vehicles and components in the same integrated complex. This according to the company will be the worlds largest single-location project in the sector.

The company said it is proposing to create 11,000 jobs from the project  4,000 in Cuttack and 7,000 in Paradip. The project will also spur employment generation in ancillary and support services. It will catalyze MSME development, opening a plethora of opportunities in the auto component supply chain and services sector," the company added.

This partnership, the company believes, not only underscores the states attractive investment climate but also the governments strategic initiatives to position Odisha at the forefront of India's EV and green technology sectors. The state government of Odisha will support the initiative through a special package of incentives.

We are keenly focused on leveraging the opportunities presented by the new age sectors, aiming to create high-skill job opportunities for the people of Odisha. Through our collaboration with the JSW Group, we are setting the stage for a future where innovation drives our industrial growth, ensuring that the youth of Odisha have access to the skills and jobs that will define the next generation of economic development," said Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, on the occasion.

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 parent One97 Communications is mulling the option of continuing its payments service as a third-party payment app (TPAP) to ensure continued access to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for its customers, The Economic Times reported citing sources.

Talks on the same have commenced with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the entity overseeing the UPI ecosystem in the country, it added.

Also Read | Ashneer Grover on Paytm Crisis: 60-year-olds running RBI do not

VPA Changes for Paytm Users

Following the RBI's regulatory directive, the Paytm app will transition to a third-party app, integrating UPI through other lenders. At present, Paytm UPI users have virtual payment addresses (VPAs) ending in @paytm. Starting March 1, this might transition to handles associated with other banks.

To address this, Paytm plans to collaborate with three or more banks to issue new VPAs to its customers, with HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Yes Bank being potential contenders. Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) is also in discussions to transfer the nodal accounts of Paytm merchants to other lenders, pending detailed FAQs from the regulator.

This move aligns Paytm with other third-party payment apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay, among the 22 TPAPs operating on UPI. Notably, competitors such as PhonePe have witnessed a 15-20 percent increase in their user base in the week following the RBI notice to Paytm, as per the report.

Challenges and Coordination

The shift in payment addresses for customers is a backend process, distinct from the front-end changes required for merchants. Coordination among banks, NPCI, and Paytm is crucial for a smooth transition.*

One complication is that Paytm's reliance on the technology backend of third-party lenders raises concerns about potential stress during high payment volumes.

Also despite efforts by Paytm founder-CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, including meetings with RBI officials and the finance minister, no extension or relaxation has been granted, as the matter remains a regulatory and compliance issue under the purview of the central bank.

The Paytm Saga so far...

Paytm founder-CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma is facing a severe crisis as his brainchild and India's beloved unicorn success story, PPBL navigates stringent directives issued by the RBI. The directions are to cease further deposits, credit transactions, and top-ups on customer accounts after February 29, raising 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.

The RBI cracked the whip over irregularities in 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.

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.

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-led Central administration and states governed by Opposition parties, chiefly Karnataka and Kerala, are engaged in a war of words, with the latter accusing the Union government of depriving them of their rightful share in central taxes.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah led a protest in New Delhi on 7 February to press for a more equitable share in central taxes for the state. The following day, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan led another protest against the Centres fiscal policy towards states.

The Kerala government has also approached the Supreme Court against the Centres decision to reduce its borrowing limits, overstepping the approved recommendations of the Finance Commission.

The Union government, in turn, has blamed these states for mismanaging their finances.

Prime minister Narendra Modi in a cutting retort said the Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, were trying to create a North-South divide. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the share of taxes and grants transferred to states was based on a formula recommended by the Finance Commission and not on the whims of the Union government.

Mint explains how central taxes are shared with states and how transfers such as grants-in-aid are decided.

Why do states need a share of the Centres tax collections?

India has a three-tier federal tax system, with the powers of the Centre, states, and local bodies to collect taxes clearly demarcated.

The Central government has the power to collect taxes on incomes of individuals and businesses, as well as indirect taxes such as the central goods and services tax, integrated goods and services tax, and customs. The Centre also collects surcharges and cesses on taxes.

States collect state GST, stamp duty, land revenue, state excise, and professional tax. Local bodies collect property/house tax, tolls, and taxes on utilities such as electricity and water.

Taxes on petroleum products are among the major sources of revenue for the Centre and statesthe Centre levies excise duties while states levy value-added tax.

Taxes on the incomes of individuals and businesses are an important source of revenue, accounting for more than 50% of the Centres gross tax revenue. Central excise duty on petrol and diesel accounts for another 10%.

This structure creates a fiscal imbalance because the Central government collects a larger share of taxes, while states are responsible for providing social services such as education and healthcare, as well as for developing infrastructure such as roads, public transportation and utilities such as electricity and water and sewerage networks.

Their tax collections alone are too little for states to pay for all their expenditures.

To address this imbalance and ensure equitable development across the country, the founding fathers of the Constitution provided that the Centre shall share its tax revenues with the states as well as provide grants from the Consolidated Fund as per a formula decided by the Finance Commission every five years.

Central taxes that are shared with states go into a divisible pool, and cesses and surcharges are excluded. Thus, the Centre gets to keep the entire collection of cesses and surcharges.

How does the Finance Commission decide on transfers to each state?

As required by the Constitution, a new Finance Commission is constituted usually every five years and its terms of reference notified. Its primary role is to determine the ratio in which central taxes in the divisible pool should be shared between the Centre and the states (vertical devolution), and the share of each state (horizontal devolution).

The commission is also required to recommend principles that should govern the transfer of grants-in-aid of revenues to states.

The Centre may notify various parameters that the Finance Commission should consider when determining the awards. For instance, when the Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted with N.K. Singh as the chairman in November 2017, it was told to use the Census data of 2011 while making its recommendations.

The Fourteenth Finance Commission chaired by Y.V. Reddy used the 1971 population (like the previous panels) but gave some weight to the 2011 population to capture demographic changes though it had no such directions in the terms of reference. The Reddy-led panel felt it would have been unfair not to consider the 2011 Census.

Other than population, Finance Commissions consider steps taken by individual states to stabilise population growth and outcomes on education, health and nutrition, income distance, and tax and fiscal measures.

They also take into account a states land area and forest and ecology while determining the horizontal devolution.

The Fifteenth Finance Commission gave income distance the highest weight (45%) for determining the horizontal devolution, and this ensured poorer states got a greater share in the transfers. Population was given a 15% weight and demographic performance 12.5%.

The commissions have to also consider the impact of implementing the goods and services tax on state finances while determining the devolution formula. Suggestions and demands put forward by all stakeholdersCentre, states, local bodies, government agencies, and domain expertsduring multiple consultations over the two-year tenure of the Commission, as well as findings of various studies commissioned, are considered before finalising awards, though not all such demands are accepted.

The Fourteenth Finance Commission raised the share of states in the Centres divisible pool of taxes to 42%, from 32% awarded by the Thirteenth Finance Commission. This ratio was retained by the N.K. Singh panel, with 1% of the pool set aside for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and 41% for 28 states.

Are there any other fund transfers from the Centre to the states?

Central ministries run various centrally sponsored schemes and central sector schemes that are implemented in the states. While the central government fully funds central sector schemes, states have to foot a part of the bill for many centrally sponsored schemes that they implement.

Budget documents show that the Centre transferred 4,05,918 crore to states for centrally sponsored schemes in 2022-23, and that it intends to raise that to 4,39,314 crore in the current fiscal year.

The transfers under central schemes were 12,867 crore in 2022-23, and will rise to 64,172 crore this year. Transfers worth 1,48,098 crore were made under other categories expenditure to states in 2022-23, which for the current year is estimated at 1,32,712 crore. Such transfers were also made to union territories.

Centrally sponsored schemes include MGNREGS, PM Awas Yojna, Jal Jeevan Mission, and National Health Mission. Central sector schemes include PM Kisan, Crop Insurance Scheme, Regional Connectivity Scheme, and Production Linked Incentives.

That apart, states get loans from the Centre for externally aided projects and as special assistance for capital expenditure. The budget documents show the sum of all transfers from the Centre to states and union territories at 18,64,615 crore for 2022-23, of which 9,48,406 crore, or 51%, was devolution of states share in central taxes.

What is the grievance of states such as Karnataka and Kerala?

When the N.K. Singh panel drew up the inter se shares of states in the 41% of the divisible pool based on the formula for horizontal devolution, Uttar Pradesh got 17.94% and Bihar 10.06%. Other states that got relatively large shares were Madhya Pradesh (7.85%), West Bengal (7.52%) and Maharashtra (6.32%).

In contrast, among the southern states, Tamil Nadu got 4.08%, Karnataka got 3.65%, and Kerala 1.92%.

Karnataka and Kerala saw their share in the divisible pool decline from the levels recommended by the Reddy panel when the Fifteenth Finance Commission finalised its awards. Bihar and Maharashtra saw their shares rise from 9.67% and 5.52%, respectively.

The shares of Karnataka fell from 4.71% and Keralas from 2.5%.

Southern states lament that they are being penalised for the progress they have made on demographic performancethey performed better than many other states on education, literacy, health, and per capita income.

The contraction of the share resulted in an estimated loss of 62,098 crore for Karnataka over five years, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted ahead of his 7 February protest in Delhi. He has also claimed that the state was deprived of drought relief assistance.

Some states are also aggrieved about being denied a share in the cesses and surcharges collected by the Centre. Collections of cesses and surcharges on direct taxes have increased over the years. However, states do not get any share of it as these are not part of the divisible pool.

Can transfers from the Centre to states be linked to the tax contribution of individual states?

Citizens living in Mumbai have long complained that the city was denied adequate funding for infrastructure development even though the metropolis is the largest contributor to tax collections.

Karnatakas chief minister has also raised this as an issue. In his tweets, Siddaramaiah has claimed that Karnataka receives only 12-13 out of every 100 it collects as taxes. The southern state is the second-highest contributor to taxes after Maharashtra.

However, such claims lack legitimacy.

Maharashtra and Karnataka are the top contributors to the tax kitty because they are home to the head offices of profitable businesses from the old economy and new economy sectors.

Taxes on corporate income, which is close to 30% of the Centres gross tax revenues, are collected in the state in which a company is headquartered even if most of its activities including manufacturing are in other states.

Of the nearly 1.7 million active companies in the country, 319,000 are in Maharashtra and 238,000 in Delhi. Karnataka has fewer (114,000) but it is home to profitable IT companies.
You should be awarded a gold medal just for remembering the name of the film that brings Shahid Kapoor to the big screen after a long time. If only the title had been simpler.

So Shahid Kapoor plays a Robotics engineer who has thwarted all attempts by his family to be married off to a suitable girl. He travels on work to America to meet his aunt (Dimple Kapadia) who owns a robotics company. After being introduced to the gorgeous Sifra (played by Kriti Sanon), it doesnt take long for Shahid to fall in love with her. But his aunt confesses, Sifra is a humanoid robot! Stunned at this revelation, he returns to Mumbai, angry. But circumstances make him introduce Sifra as the girl hes going to marry. Does he pull off the man marrying a robot feat? This is the film.

And this film teaches a few important money lessons.

Technology in investing. How reliable is it?

Kriti Sanon or Sifra is a humanoid robot. She cooks, she keeps an impeccable apartment. She has been programmed to understand all of Shahid Kapoors likes and dislikes, she even understands by facial recognition how Shahid Kapoor feels.

Today, technology is intrinsic to the investment industry. Technology means data can be delivered to you faster. And you can use automated systems to tackle complex calculations easily, and you can see consolidated information at a glance. As an investor you know that the variables are too many to be able to handle on your own. Technology helps you work out all the chinks.



Also Read: Fighter Movie: This Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer has 4 invaluable money lessons

Back Up! Back Up! Back Up!

You watch in horror as a sudden surge in electricity creates a glitch in Kriti Sanons programming. She behaves erratically and you can see it in her speech too.

No matter what program you use to invest, be aware that technology based apps (even though created with the strictest methods) can glitch. Always have a back up plan. Make sure you have screenshots of transactions, receipts that are saved and everything to make sure your hard earned money is safe.



Also Read: Taika Waititis Next Goal Wins: 3 valuable money lessons to teach investors

Married to technology

Shahid kapoor is so much in love with Kriti Sanon in the film, he teaches her Hindi slang. She learns all the slang terms but is not able to understand nuances of the slang. For example, a cousin says, Tum toh saari Dilli mein aag laga dogi, implying that shes gorgeous) but Kriti Sanon who is a robot thinks that it is a command to set everything on fire. Literally.

When you sign up for any investment app, you will definitely fill in, say, a risk profile. This means that you are subjected to an algorithm that offers you investment suggestions. Why would you depend on an algorithm to help you invest? Push your investment manager to work harder for you. Analysts work in teams. Learn to communicate and collaborate with them to make the most of your money.

The movie is fun up to a point and then the story gets entangled in its own narrative. Watch the Malayalam film Android Kunjappan version 5.25 to feel better about robots becoming a part of your life!

Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveller, founder of Caferati  an online writers forum, hosts Mumbais oldest open mic, and teaches advertising, films and communication. She can be reached on Twitter at @manishalakhe.

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!
Andhra Pradesh road accident involving two trucks and a private bus at Musunuru in Nellore district early on Saturday, February 10, claimed seven lives.

The road accident that took place at Musunuru Toll Plaza claimed seven lives as four of the victims succumbed to their injuries at the site and died on the spot.

Police informed that the accident occurred at around 2 am today when a truck transporting cattle to Srikalahasti was struck from behind by another truck carrying iron.

Kavali sub-divisional police officer Venkata Ramana said, "The driver of the iron-laden truck lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the private bus coming in the opposite direction," reported PTI.

He added, "Four people were killed and 15 others were injured after a lorry collided with a bus on Musunuru Toll Plaza, in Nellore District," reported ANI.

Venkata Ramana informed that among the injured who were taken to Nellore government hospital, three more people succumbed to their injuries . The police stationed in the Nellore District area registered A case under IPC Section 304.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer while rendering his condolences expressed profound grief and anguish over the muti-vehicle mishap. A press release from Raj Bhavan stated, The Governor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members," reported PTI.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national general secretary, Nara Lokesh expressed concern over the incident and emphasised the urgency of improving medical facilities to ensure better care for those injured. He issued a statement that read, As the community mourns the loss, there are growing calls for the government to provide robust support to the families of the deceased."

Nara Lokesh said, "The tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of comprehensive measures to enhance road safety and emergency medical services," reported ANI .

(With agency inputs)

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed  it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said.

The Philippine seismology agency had a different reading, saying it was a magnitude 5.9 earthquake with a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles). The Philippine agency also said in a bulletin it was expecting no damage, but that there could be aftershocks.

Rescue workers searching for dozens of missing people in an earlier landslide in Maco town in the southern Philippines province of Davao de Oro had to stop their operations because of the earthquake, authorities said.

The death toll from the landslide, which happened on Tuesday night outside a gold mining site, has reached 28, with 77 still missing and 32 injured, including a 3-year-old girl rescued on Friday after 60 hours under rubble.

Torrential rains have battered Davao de Oro in recent weeks, triggering floods and landslides.

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.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif won National and Provincial Assembly seats in Lahore, the Election Commission of Pakistan reported.

The center stage was occupied by the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and candidates backed by ex-prime minister Imran Khan in these general elections and both leaders claimed victory separately.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not yet announced the final poll results but both former Pakistani prime ministers and bitter rivals Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan on Friday declared victory in elections even as the counting of votes continued in Pakistan on Saturday.

Voting concluded in Pakistan for parliamentary elections on Thursday, February 8 at 5 pm amidst escalating militant attacks and allegations of electoral misconduct.

Netizens were strong to react to the news of both leading parties declaring victory amid speculations of rigging at general elections. Social media users were quick to respond with memes, jokes and satires while critically analysing the situation.

One social media user on social media platform X said, Imran Khan has married 3 times and is very interested in girls, that is why Muslim girls of Pakistan like Imran Khan very much. Even Muslim girls are betraying their families to vote for Imran Khan."
Parliament's Budget Session 2024  the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha before the general polls  concluded on Saturday, February 10. The budget session, which began on January 31, was to conclude on February 9. However, it was extended by a day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in the Lok Sabha, saying that the past five years of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country.

From abolishing triple talaq to abrogating Article 370 to introducing 33 percent women's reservation to building Ayodhya Ram temple  while emphasising some of his government's achievements, PM Modi said the 17th Lok Sabha saw a productivity of 97 percent.

Besides this Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered their valedictory remarks. Birla said that the House had passed several significant legislations including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita bill, triple talaq bill and women's reservation bill. Meanwhile, Dhankhar highlighted that the country is making phenomenal progress in all walks of life.

Here's all that happened in the last Budget Session of the 17th Lok Sabha

1. Govt tables Budget 2024-25

The Interim Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25 was tabled in the Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. This was the sixth budget presented by the current finance minister and the last one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's second term.

Tap here for key highlights of the Budget 2024-35

In the latest budget, the government increased the allocation of the infrastructure sector to 11.11 lakh crore in FY25, which will be 3.4 percent of the Gross domestic product (GDP). The total receipts of the government, excluding borrowings, were estimated at 27.56 lakh crore in 2023-24, with tax receipts at 23.24 lakh crore. The government also announced a 1 lakh corpus for long-term financing of tech-savvy youth with a 50-year interest-free loan.

ALSO READ: Budget 2024 in numbers: Increased allocation in infrastructure; 50-year loan for key sectors

ALSO READ: Budget 2024 Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman prioritises affordable housing, Green growth, boosts capex

2. Govt releases White Paper

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the 'White Paper', comparing 10 years of economic management of the Congress-led UPA government with that of the Modi government, in Parliament on February 8. Discussion on this White Paper was also held in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Tap here to read more about the White Paper and discussion related to it

1. Nirmala Sitharaman alleges shortage of defence ammunition under UPA govt: No bulletproof jackets

2. FM Sitharaman says UPA did not put the nation first, left economy in tatters'

3. Economy was in crisis, NDA overcame challenges left by UPA

3. Congress releases Black Paper against BJP's rule

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge released a 'black paper' on the 'failures' of Prime Minister Narendera Modi-led central government in the last 10 years. The party alleged that "the Modi government's 10 years in power have devastated the country's economy, aggravated unemployment, destroyed the country's agricultural sector, abetted crimes against women and committed grave injustices against minorities in the country."

4. List of new bills passed in Budget Session 2024

1. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

2. The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

3. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024

4. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024

5. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024

5. Productivity of Budget Session 2024

According to PRS Legislative Research, the Lok Sabha's productivity was recorded ar 148 percent, while that of the Rajya Sabha was at 137 percent. The Lok Sabha functioned for 63.5 hours and the Rajya Sabha functioned for 56.8 hours. As per the report, the Lok Sabha spent nearly 30 hours on non-legislation matters, while the Rajya Sabha spent 25 hours on the same.

This was far more than the productivity recorded in last year's winter session of Parliament (which had happened just before the Budget Session 2024) - when the Lok Sabha's productivity was recorded at 74 percent and that of the Rajya Sabha at 81 percent.

Key takeaways from 17th Lok Sabha's tenure

In his valedictory address on Saturday, Speaker Om Birla said the 17th Lok Sabha had a total of 274 sittings which lasted for 1,354 hours, 345 hours more than the scheduled time.

"A total of 387 hours were lost due to disruptions in this Lok Sabha. The total work productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha has been around 97 percent which is the highest among the last five Lok Sabhas," he was quoted by PTI as saying.

He added, "The 17th Lok Sabha passed 222 bills. During this period 202 bills were introduced and 11 bills were withdrawn by the government."

The Lok Sabha also saw passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill and enactment of farm sector reforms that drew widespread year-long protests in the National Capital Region (NCR). The protests forced the government to roll back the three contentious farm laws.

Besides, Parliament saw a major security breach on December 13 last year coinciding with the anniversary of the Parliament attack. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on May 28. He also installed the sacred Sengol in the Lok Sabha chamber.

Parliamentary delegations from 16 countries visited India during this Lok Sabha. Also, 42 Indian Parliamentary delegations visited abroad. Birla said that the active participation in international parliamentary forums is indicative of India's growing stature and prestige at the global level.

(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!
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday demanded presidential rule in Maharashtra and dismissal of the Eknath Shinde-led government after the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar. Thackeray, former CM of Maharashtra said that the law and order situation under the Shinde government has crumbled in the state.

"We demand the dismissal of the Maharashtra government," Thackeray said after his party leader Abhishek Ghosalkar was shot dead in Dahisar on Thursday evening. Uddhav Thackeray also accused the state government of protecting mobsters.

Uddhav faction leader Abhishek Ghosalkar shot dead during Facebook live

Ghosalkar, 40, son of Sena (UBT) leader Vinod Ghosalkar, was shot dead during a Facebook Live by local businessman and social activist Mauris Noronha on Thursday evening. Noronha later killed himself, police said.

How Mauris Noronha planned Abhishek Ghosalkar's murder? Mumbai Police reveals

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ganpat Gaikwad shot and injured a local leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at a police station in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai on February 2 over a land dispute and political rivalry.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his urgent intervention over the "deteriorating" law and order situation in Maharashtra.

Mauris Noronha suspected Abhishek Ghosalkar framed him in rape case, say cops

"I implore you to urgently intervene in the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra before irreparable harm is inflicted upon its residents," the Rajya Sabha member said in the letter.

The once-vibrant city of Mumbai, renowned for trade and commerce, is now marred by escalating crime, violence and gunfire, Chaturvedi said.

Abhishek Ghosalkar murder: From Fadnavis to Pawar, here's what politicians said

The rampant use of firearms to intimidate innocent civilians and public representatives has plunged the state into a perpetual state of fear and insecurity, she added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has also demanded the dismissal of the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra.

Raut also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, and demanded his resignation over the law and order situation. "This (twin attacks) reflects failure of (state) Home Minister (Fadnavis). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (Union Home minister) Amit Shah are responsible for imposing this government on us," the Rajya Sabha member remarked. "The chief minister should be sacked and President's Rule must be imposed in the state. Dismiss the government if you have the courage," said Raut, lashing out at the Centre. He claimed crime rate has gone up ever since the Eknath Shinde-led government assumed office in June 2022.

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!
Union Home Minister Amit Shan on Saturday slammed former Congress President Rahul Gandhi for questioning PM Narendra Modi's caste, saying he has a habit of lying publicly again and again. The remarks came while addressing the ET Now-Global Business summit.

On February 8, Rahul Gandhi had claimed that PM Modi is not an OBC by birth. Narendra Modi is not OBC by birth, he has been made OBC by the BJP government of Gujarat. He can never do justice to the rights and share of the backward people."

In his response, Amit Shah lambasted Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress has a habit of twisting facts and creating controversy around it.

Rahul Gandhi has a policy, lie publicly and lie again and again. As far as PM Narendra Modi's caste goes, I doubt the Congress knows the difference between bloc and caste. PM Modi said he is an OBC, OBC is bloc not a caste. Maybe Rahul Gandhi's teachers did not tell him this. This is extremely sad that questions on the Prime Minister's caste are being asked," Shah said as quoted by ANI.

Modi ji's community (jati) was listed as OBC on July 25, 1994, when the chief minister of Gujarat was Chhabildas Mehta and the party in power was Congress. Modi ji had by then not even fought an election, and was mostly working for the party," he said.

The state government run by Congress listed the community under OBC. In 1994 itself, Congress had made recommendations before the central government, which the latter accepted and listed in the year 2000. Even in 2000, Modi ji was nowhere in the government, not an MP, MLA, or a sarpanch. Modi ji became CM of Gujarat in 2001," the Home Minister added.

He further stated that Congress has a habit of twisting facts and creating controversy around them. If they are creating controversy around it, I want to ask them what they did for the communities who fall under the OBC category."

The Home Minister said it was PM Modi who gave constitutional recognition to OBC communities and formed a commission for OBCs, and reservations in central government jobs for OBCs were implemented.

The reports prepared by the Kaka Kalerkar Commission and Mandal Commission were not implemented for years. Modi ji gave constitutional recognition to OBC communities, and Modi ji formed a commission for OBC. The OBC reservations in central government jobs were implemented by Modi ji. Whereas, Congress has always been an anti-OBC party and they think they can garner the sympathy of OBCs just by speaking lies," Shah said.

"Congress has always been an anti-OBC party and they think they can garner the sympathy of OBCs just by speaking lies," he added as quoted by ANI.

Amit Shah also said that the Congress must understand that most of the secretaries were commissioned long back during the Congress regime. They don't see that the prime minister of the country is an OBC, but they ask about the number of OBC secretaries," he said.

The Home Minister also spoke on the historic resolution on Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha that was being discussed in Parliament.

On questions from some quarters that the latest Bharat Ratna awards were mostly to get political dividends, Amit Shah spoke about the contributions the award winners made to the growth of this country, ANI reported.

"If the title of farmlands in our country belongs to the farmers, the entire credit should go to Late Chaudhary Charan Singh. When Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister, he brought in an idea of collective farming in line with the communist pattern. Chaudhary Charan Singh was the only Congress leader who left the party opposing the move, and fought for the farmers' rights."

"Narasimha Rao has worked for years to keep Congress institutionalized. He was a linguist. Despite being from the southern part of the country, he had vast knowledge about the entire country -- be it cultural, linguistic, and history."

"And India can never forget the contributions made by Swaminathan ji for the green revolution. If today we are self-reliant in food grains, it is because of the contributions of Swaminathan ji," Shah said.

Sharpening his attack against Congress, Shah said the Bharat Ratna awards given during the Congress regime were either out of compulsion or they were from their 'family'.

(With ANI 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!
As the counting of votes continued in Pakistan on Saturday, former Pakistani prime ministers and bitter rivals Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan on Friday both declared victory in elections marred by delayed results and militant attacks, throwing the country into further political turmoil.

Here are top 20 updates on Pakistan election results,

1) The United States, Britain, and the European Union on Friday separately expressed concerns about Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of a vote on Thursday and urged a probe into reported irregularities.

2) The U.S. and the EU both mentioned allegations of interference, including arrests of activists, and added that claims of irregularities, interference, and fraud should be fully investigated, Reuters reported.

3) The main battle was between former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and candidates backed by ex-prime minister Imran Khan. However, both declared victory separately.

Also Read: Live updates on Pakistan election results

4) Khan is in jail and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been barred from the polls. Independents, most of them backed by Khan, had won the most seats - 98 of the 245 counted by 1830 GMT - while Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party had won 69 seats.

5) Some U.S. lawmakers such as Democratic U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar also expressed concerns, with Khanna saying "the military is interfering and rigging the result."

6) Nawaz Sharif said that he will he will seek a coalition government after trailing jailed rival Imran Khan. However, a day earlier, he had gruffly rejected the idea of a coalition, confidently telling reporters after casting his vote that he wanted a single party running Pakistan for a full five-year term.

7) Analysts had predicted there may be no clear winner, adding to the woes of a country struggling to recover from an economic crisis while it grapples with rising militancy in a deeply polarised political environment, as per Reuters reports.

8) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) prepared the Election Management System (EMS) app for transmission of results from each polling station to a centralized system where the Returning Offices would complete the tabulation of all results.

9) It was expected that CEC would address a press conference, however, Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal appeared on state-run PTV just before 3 am on Friday to announce the first official results from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly.

10) According to analysts say a coalition government will struggle to tackle multiple challenges - foremost being seeking a new bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the current arrangement expires in three weeks.

11) A coalition government "would probably be unstable, weak" and "the big loser ... will be the army", said Marvin Weinbaum, Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

12) The election was expected to help resolve the crises Pakistan has been dealing with but a fractured verdict "could very well be the basis for even deeper exposure to forces which would create instability", he said.

13) "Pakistan will be entering into more severe political and economic instability if no party emerges with a simple majority," said Sajid Amin of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, a former adviser to the ministry of finance.

14) Pakistan is in an economic crisis, with dwindling foreign currency reserves that will be further strained by a $1 billion bond payment due in two months, while its $3 billion funding program with the International Monetary Fund expires on April 12.

15) A new government is expected to quickly take the necessary steps for example on governance of state-owned enterprises to complete the last remaining review of the current $3 billion IMF Standby Arrangement - a bridge loan that helped pull the country back from the brink of default.

16) "We expect one of the most immediate policy initiatives taken by the new government will be to negotiate a new IMF Extended Fund Facility program, which typically runs for about 3-4 years," said Johanna Chua, global head of emerging market economics at Citi in a note to clients.

17) Political fragmentation might make it harder to push through painful and unpopular but necessary measures such as widening the tax base, analysts said.

18) Elections were held to 265 of the 266 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 133 seats for a simple majority.

19) Elections were postponed in one national and three provincial assembly constituencies due to the deaths of contesting candidates. This includes NA-8 (Bajaur), PK-22 (Bajaur), PK-91 (Kohat), and PP-266 (Rahim Yar Khan). Voters elsewhere will cast two votes each, one for each of the two assemblies.

20) Overall, 169 seats are needed to secure a simple majority out of its total 336 seats, which include the reserved slots for women and minorities.

(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!
After hours of counting votes, Pakistan has still not officially announced the results of the general election held on February 8. Pakistan President Arif Alvi held the lack of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) responsible for this unusual delay. In a post on X on Saturday, Alvi said, "Had EVMs been there today, my dear beloved Pakistan would have been spared this crisis (of poll result delay)."

Follow Pakistan Election Results 2024 Live here "EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been available & printed within five minutes of the closing of the poll. The entire effort that included more than 50 meetings at the Presidency alone was scuttled," Arif Alvi tweeted. Moreover, there were several claims about elections being rigged in Pakistan despite the use of ballot papers for voting. An Electronic Voting Machine or EVM is a device used to electronically record and count votes cast in elections. It consists of the Ballot Unit (BU ), Control Unit (CU) and the later added Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The VVPAT allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. View Full Image A demonstration of EVM (Election Commission of India) So, should Indian political leaders take note of this EVM concern flagged by Alvi? Over the years, many politicians in India have criticised the use of EVMs for polling during general and assembly elections. They have accused others of either hacking or tampering with EVMs. The debate over the use of EVMs Vs VVPAT slips Vs ballot papers has been going on in India for a long. ALSO READ: Rigged elections in Pakistan: What's next for the near-failed state? Congress leader Digvijaya Singh had said last year that he has "opposed voting by EVM since 2003". He argued that "any machine with a chip can be hacked". He rather demanded the handover of "the VVPAT slip in voters hand and allow him to see that the vote has also been correctly printed"". He had said this in response to a suggestion that "counting of 100% VVPATs" must be there. It "wont take more than a day," the X user had said.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has also pushed for the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs for voting. According to news agency PTI, Akhilesh Yadav referred to EVMs without naming it and said that these machines" and the (poll) results have created a feeling of distrust in peoples minds.

Congress leader Manish Tewari also called for voting on paper ballots during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He reportedly said that EVM is a machine and can be rigged and hacked.

But can EVMs be manipulated? Here's what India's Election Commission says

The Election Commission says that EVMs are electronic machines and like any other machine, they are also vulnerable to failures. The failed machines are sent to the factories for rectification.

ALSO READ: US says Pakistan election may be rigged, calls for probe against Pak Army: Who said what

The Election Commission adds that there is no question of any machine malfunctioning in a way so as to favour a particular candidate, which is called tampering as per defined EVM protocol. "This scenario is just not possible with the many safeguards incorporated in the design of EVM itself," the poll body says.

It further says, "There is no wastage of any vote in EVMs."

The Election Commission also provides a clarification on whether "there any provision for a Voter to lodge a complaint if the paper slip generated by VVPAT shows the name or symbol of a candidate other than the one he voted for".

It says that as per the provisions of Rule 49MA of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the Presiding Officer obtains a written declaration from the voter as to the allegation, after informing the elector about the consequence of making a false declaration as per the Indian Penal Code.

"If the elector gives the written declaration referred to in sub-rule (1) of Rule 49MA, the Presiding Officer permits the elector to record a test vote in the voting machine in his/her presence and in the presence of the candidates or polling agents who may be present in the polling station, and observe the paper slip generated by the printer," the EC says.

"If the allegation is found true, the Presiding Officer will report the facts immediately to the Returning Officer, stop further recording of votes in that voting machine and act as per the directions that may be given by the Returning Officer," it adds.

And if the allegation is found to be false and the paper slip so generated under sub-rule (1) matches with the test vote recorded by the elector under sub-rule (2), then, the Presiding Officer shall "make a remark to that effect against the second entry relating to that elector in Form 17A, Rule 49L".

He then must mention the serial number and name of the candidate for whom such test vote has been recorded; Obtain the signature or thumb impression of that elector against such remarks; and make necessary entries regarding such test vote in item 5 in Part I of Form 17C.

What experts have said

EVM experts told the Wire that while EVMs cannot be hacked, because they are not connected to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the Internet, they can be easily manipulated. Madhav Deshpande, a former CEO of Tulip Software, said in an interview in January this year that there are "holes and gaps in the system" as EVMs are "relying on an old technology".

ALSO READ: EVMs may be under a cloud in India but more than 20 nations use them

However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier assured the Supreme Court that EVMs can neither be hacked nor tampered with. In an affidavit spanning over 450 pages, the EC had said EVMs are totally stand-alone machines having one-time programmable chips".

In 2017, the then Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi had said, "...our machines are tamper-proof, if you change the internal circuit of our machines, then they arent our machines..."

Besides, the Times of India had cited a report by a committee of experts formed by the poll panel as saying that tampering is only possible with physical access and the elaborate sealing process of EVMs done by by the ECI prevents this from happening.

Upsides of EVM

A research paper showed that the switch to electronic voting in India almost eliminated invalid votes: This result stems directly from the design of the machine: Indian EVMs, with their finite menu of buttons, make it almost impossible to cast an invalid ballot," a researcher had said.

Moreover, another recent research paper suggested the introduction of EVMs not only helped reduce election fraud but also helped improve development outcomes by empowering poor and marginal voters. Tap here to read the use of EVMs in details

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!
Super-Earth - a planet that is about 30 to 70% bigger than our planet - has recently been spotted by a NASA telescope orbiting Earth.

The Super-Earth or exoplanet TOI-715 b, which is about 1.5 times the size of Earth, is in another solar system 137 light-years away. NASA said, "Thats the distance from the star that could give the planet the right temperature for liquid water to form on its surface." However, Several other factors would have to line up, of course, for surface water to be present, especially having a suitable atmosphere." TOI-715 b orbits closely to its star in 19 days. However, scientists don't think its a hellish as unlike other hot exoplanets, its star, a red dwarf, is cooler and smaller than the Sun, suggesting different conditions.

Researchers published the planet's detection in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. However, since we are many light years away we can only see this distant world as a dark dot when it periodically passes in front of its red dwarf star.

And, crucially, this world orbits inside the habitable, or "'Goldilocks," zone, as per scientists.

Astronomers are concentrating their search for habitable planets on rocky worlds orbiting cooler red dwarfs, which often have shorter orbital periods, some as brief as 19 days. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is well-suited for detecting the transits of these planets.

Currently, these rocky planets around red dwarfs represent the best chance for discovering habitable conditions. The next step involves a detailed examination of TOI-715 b using the powerful James Webb Space Telescope, positioned approximately 1 million miles from Earth, capable of providing insights into the atmospheres of distant exoplanets.

"They are indeed very exciting planets," Renyu Hu, an exoplanet researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Mashable in 2022.

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed  it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
(Bloomberg) -- Four years after Covid-19 filled hospital emergency rooms, closed schools and emptied out cities, US offices remain about half vacant.

Office occupancy in 10 of the largest US metropolitan areas rose to a new high of 53% for the week ended Jan. 31, according to Kastle Systems, a firm that provides security to buildings. The firms barometer on how corporate return-to-office policies is going has been hovering around that level for 13 months. Yet, cities are shrugging off empty offices and its implications for the commercial real estate market because they can, for now.

Commercial real estate is not a key driver of general fund revenues for the majority of local governments," said Michael Rinaldi, head of US local governments at Fitch Ratings, in an email. Declines can be managed through careful expenditure management and/or stability in other revenue sources, including residential property taxes, sales tax, utility taxes, etc."

The reluctance or in some cases refusal of workers to return to offices has shaken the real estate market, with New York Community Bancorp being cut to junk this week by Moodys Investors Service after it said was slashing payouts and stockpiling reserves to cover troubled loans tied to commercial real estate.

To be sure, the bedrock of most municipal finance is the property tax. And any decline in a propertys assessed valuation, which are affected by vacancy rates, will translate to a decrease in taxes collected. How deep those declines are can vary and will determine the impact on each city.

The Kastle Back to Work Barometer, which measures employees swiping into offices that the firm provides services to, hit a low of 14.6% in April 2020 and first reached 50% in January of 2023. Despite companies requiring employees to return to offices, some threatening dismissal if they dont comply, the measure has remained around that level, with dips during summer holidays and the week between Christmas and New Years.

For those cities with large central business districts, Rinaldi said any pressure would be more meaningful but not insurmountable."

The full impact of commercial real estate valuation declines on tax revenues will likely be phased in over several years allowing time for contingency plans to take hold," he said.

Scott Nees, director and lead analyst at S&P Global Ratings, agreed in an email that any decline in the commercial real estate market would be felt only gradually, and that most cities would see some level of tax-shifting, where residential and other commercial properties end up shouldering a larger share of the tax burden, given that the office share of assessed value has declined relative to other properties."

Still, he said S&P sees a stable credit picture for most major cities, but one that is evolving and where risks are likely to continue amplifying through at least the next few years."

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed  it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
On February 9, the United States, the UK and the European Union (EU) all shared worries about how elections were done in Pakistan. They spoke up after a vote on February 8 and called for an investigation into problems that were reported.

Elections took place for 265 seats in the national assembly, and a political party must win 133 seats to have a simple majority. The big competition in the election was between Nawaz Sharif's party and those supported by Imran Khan, another former prime minister. Each side claimed that they had won the election, Reuters reported.

The US and the EU noted complaints about interference, like the arrest of activists. They said that any reports of unfair practices, meddling and fraud must be thoroughly looked into.

The EU said there was a "lack of a level playing field" because some politicians couldn't run in the elections and there were limits on freedom of expression, assembly of people and the use the internet.

There were "undue restrictions" on freedoms of expressions and assembl, as per The US State Department which also took note of violence and attacks on media workers.

US Democrats Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar shared worries about the military allegedly influencing election results. They both want the US State Department to wait on acknowledging a winner until claims of wrongdoing are looked into.

I am deeply troubled by reports of interference in this week's election in Pakistan. The legitimacy of any incoming government rests on fair elections, free of manipulation, intimidation, or fraud. The Pakistani people deserve nothing less than a transparent democratic process and true representative government," Omar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Us representatives have called for an investigation against the Pakistan Army over alleged election fraud. All of them have shared concerns about how elections were conducts in Pakistan on February 8. They have called for a probe against the Pakistan Army for its alleged involvement in the rigged" election. Check which US lawmaker said what.

Ilhan Omar, Minnesota

I am deeply troubled by reports of interference in this week's election in Pakistan. The legitimacy of any incoming government rests on fair elections, free of manipulation, intimidation, or fraud. The Pakistani people deserve nothing less than a transparent democratic process and true representative government.

I call on the State Department to refrain from recognizing the results until credible, independent investigations have been conducted into the numerous allegations of misconduct.

Ro Khanna, California

This is a critical moment for Pakistan. I am deeply concerned by the growing evidence that the military is interfering and rigging the result to overturn the will of the Pakistani people. The US should not recognize a winner until all the facts are investigated.

Jasmine Crockett, Texas

Very concerned by reports of vote manipulation and interference in Pakistan's election. I agree with the @StateDept that we need a full investigation. The will of the Pakistani people must be respected.

Susan Wild, Pennsylvania

I echo the @StateDept call for a full investigation of election interference and fraud in Pakistan. Now is the time for the international community to stand on the side of the people of Pakistan. We cannot recognize a new government until it is clear that democracy has prevailed.

Greg Casar, Texas

I echo the @StateDept call for an investigation of election interference & fraud in Pakistan. The U.S. should ensure that a credible, independent investigation is completed before recognizing a result. We must protect democracy & the will of the people.

Joaquin Castro, Texas

Yesterday, millions of Pakistanis expressed their faith in democracy by making their voices heard at the ballot box. I support @StateDept s call for an investigation into alleged election interference and urge Pakistans leaders to respect the democratic will of the people.

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!
Small caps and midcaps are hot. Large caps are not hot. Therefore, it is not surprising that money is chasing hot segments of the markets. These are facts you and me can agree on  if you are in any doubt, revisit any conversation about investing with your friends, family, or broker! Enough has been written and published on this. Having said that, there is an underlying trend which has not got due attention. And its quite a revelation.

Take a look at this table, which shows the % of total net flows into equity funds:

View Full Image Total net flows into equity funds (contramoney)

Before we dig into this table, here are some definitions.

Racy funds here refer to purely smallcap, midcap and the sectoral/thematic schemes (this is where the new favourites, the PSE funds fit in).

Flexicaps are the funds which are classified as Flexicaps, where the fund mangers have a lot of flexibility on what to do with money.

And finally, the large cap funds are just that  purely large cap, as defined by the regulator. So much so, I have not included the large and midcap" fund schemes here.

The table throws up broadly three trends.

First, the amount of money pouring into equity funds (all equity funds), is growing rapidly. Its up 2.5x between June 2023 and January 2024.

Assuming people are selecting mutual fund schemes well, and in line with their planned asset allocation, this should be good news. Professional fund managers are generally better at investing than novice individuals. (I say this with a lot of caveats, which we will revisit in future editions of Contramoney.)

This leads us directly to the second point. Surprisingly, in spite of all the euphoria, the share of the total net inflows going into the racy funds, while high, has broadly declined over this period. January 2024 in fact saw a sharp fall. This is good news.

Having said that, investors are still overweight on racy funds. Typically, such allocations should not exceed 10% to 15%. Of course, this could vary depending on your appetite for risk, but even then, there is perhaps a point beyond which it gets too risky.

One other aspect of this racy fund allocation is that there is a big shift within. So, if you compare the flows of the last two months, with the previous two months, heres what you will find:

The amount ofmoney flowing into small cap and midcap funds has declined significantly (down 20%). And on the other hand, the fund flows into thematic/sectoral funds have increased dramatically (up over 80%). I am sure you can guess the themes and sectors that are pulling in all the money!

Heres what the Economist has to say on such sectoral/thematic funds:

In 2022 Itzhak Ben-David, Francesco Franzoni, Byungwook Kim and Rabih Moussawi, four academics, published research suggesting that thematic equityETFs, which attempt to track a narrow industry or trend, underperform broaderETFs by about a third over the five years after their launch. That is because of a straightforward problem: when thematicETFs get going, the buzz around the investment is already extensive and the underlying assets are already pricey.

In effect, while the retail investor may have got one thing right  incrementallyreduce exposure to small and midcaps, she has pivoted to investing in another poor investment idea i.e. sectoral/thematic funds.

The third takeaway from this chart is encouraging. Flexicap and Large cap funds have seen a large turnaround in money flow fortunes. Flexicaps have now seen positive net flows for some time. Large caps on the other hand have seen a sharp turnaround in their money flow" fortunes from the troughs.

This is good news. If you selected your fund management team well, Flexicap is the way to go. Give them the money, and then let them decide where to invest. Dont straight jacket them into investing in one way or another.

And large caps, it is common knowledge, perhaps offer the best value proposition in many years. By opting for large caps, you are in effect shifting from a pricey market to a relatively much cheaper market. Its a low hanging fruit!

In all, the trends are encouraging though I hasten to add that there is still a long way to go. And given we are in a solid bull market this may be the best time to get started on the two main tenets of becoming a successful investor:getting your asset allocation right and then ensuring youposition size your investments well.

Rahul Goel is the former CEO of Equitymaster. You can tweet him @rahulgoel477.

You should always consult your personal investment advisor/wealth manager before making any decisions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday tore into Rahul Gandhi for questioning PM Narendra Modi's caste, saying the former Congress president has a habit of "telling lies" while also highlighting the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah also spoke about the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Union home minister said the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Mandir showed how secular India is. "SC verdict on Ram temple showed India's secularism, nowhere else majority community fought legally so long for its faith," Amit Shah said.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party BJP and our leader PM Modi do what they say; we always stood for Ram temple construction. Consecration of Ram temple ended long agitation since 1528 and legal fight since 1858," Amit Shah said while stressing that January 22, the day of 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony of the Ram temple, was the beginning of a "journey of a great India".

Amit Shah also lambasted Rahul Gandhi saying the Central government had included PM Modi's caste in the central Other Backward Classes (OBC) list in 2000 while the Congress government in Gujarat had included his caste in the OBC list in 1994.

During his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on February 8, Rahul Gandhi had claimed that PM Modi is not an OBC by birth". "Narendra Modi is not OBC by birth, he has been made OBC by the BJP government of Gujarat. He can never do justice to the rights and share of the backward people" Rahul Gandhi had claimed.

Responding to his allegations, Amit Shah said, Rahul Gandhi has habit of telling lies and repeating lies. It is unfortunate there is debate on caste of great leader like PM Modi. Centre included PM Narendra Modi's caste in central OBC list in 2000." At that time, Modi was not MP, MLA nor even sarpanch. Congress govt in Gujarat included PM Narendra Modi's caste in OBC list in 1994," PTI quoted Amit Shah as saying.

Also Read | Can Rahul and Sonia Gandhi specify their caste and religion? BJP MP slams Congress leaders amid OBC remarks row

Amit Shah said, It was PM Modi who gave constitutional recognition to OBCs, set up OBC commission, gave quota to OBCs in central exams. Congress should say what did it do for OBCs. It didn't implement Kaka Kalelkar and Mandal Commission reports for years."

(With agency inputs)

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed  it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
PV Narasimha Rao's family thanked PM Narendra Modi for conferring the Bharat Ratna to the former prime minister and Congress leader for his contribution to the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier announced that former prime ministers Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan, would be honoured with India's highest civilian honour.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Prabhakar Rao, the son of the former prime minister, said, It's not only for the family but for the admirers and followers of Narasimha Rao on being chosen for the Bharat Ratna (posthumously). We extend our sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for taking the initiative to bestow the country's highest prize on PV Narasimha Rao."

"Narasimha Rao had a lifelong association with politics and grew as a statesman while contributing a lot to the country with his visionary leadership. His land reforms and, especially, the economic reforms made a historic difference to India. His services and leadership were recognised globally," he added.

Lauding PM Modi's gesture of awarding the Bharat Ratna to a stalwart of an Opposition party, his daughter Vani Devi said, "Beyond parties, recognising PV and conferring Bharat Ratna shows the good values, manners of our Prime Minister."

She, however, pointed out that the award could have come sooner. "Though there is a slight delay, it's ok. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour. Telangana people are very happy over Bharat Ratna being conferred upon Narasimha Rao. The family members are overwhelmed. We are very excited," she added.

His other daughter Sarada Devi also expressed happiness over her father getting the prestigious award.

'Slap on the face'

Meanwhile, Narasimha Rao's grandson and Telangana BJP spokesperson N V Subhash alleged that the Congress had failed to recognise the contributions of Rao though he belonged to the party.

"It is a slap on the face of the Congress party, especially to the Gandhi family" as the achievements of Rao were credited to the Gandhi family while attributing failures to his grandfather, Subhash claimed.

Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister of the country from June 21, 1991 to May 16, 1996. He was born on June 28, 1921 in Karimnagar. He was the iconic architect of liberalisation and economic reforms.

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!
It cannot have taken long for Tucker Carlson to grasp that his interview with Vladimir Putin might not go to plan. His first question was about the threat posed to Russia by NATO and America; President Putins response was a lengthy disquisition on Rurik, a Varangian chieftain of the ninth century, the medieval reign of Yaroslav the Wise and the depredations of the Mongol horde. To some on Americas right, he is an enviably ruthless pragmatist, a warrior-prince of white Christian nationalism. He came across as one of those cranks who fixate on an arcane bit of history, except that his obsessionRussias historical claim to Ukraineis backed by a nuclear arsenal.

The interview, taped in the Kremlin on February 6th and released online two days later, was the first Mr Putin has given to a Westerner since the invasion of 2022. It comes at a pivotal moment in more than one way and country. A shortage of kit and munitions is hobbling Ukraines resistance. In America congressional Republicans have held up further support for Kyiv, mindful of the presidential election this November and Donald Trumps candidacy in it.

A Trumpist provocateur and host on Fox News until he was sacked last year, Mr Carlson gave Mr Putin lots of chances to stir up American politics. For a supposed sorcerer of electoral interference, the president did a poor job. Might a different administration in Washington help mend relations with Russia? It is not about the leader," Mr Putin said disobligingly. Invited, more than once, to blame NATO for the wara bogus explanation favoured by American isolationistshe repeatedly blathered about history. Mr Carlson looked, now and then, like a man who has drifted into a reverie over whether he left the oven on.

The president told flagrant lies. He suggested Poland (rather than the Soviet Union) collaborated with Hitler in 1939. He said he launched the invasion of 2022 to stop a war that Ukraine had started in 2014 after a CIA-backed coup. Russian forces withdrew from Kyiv as a gesture of goodwill, he fibbed. He alleged, as usual, that the Ukrainian government and its Jewish president promote Nazi ideology.

Mr Carlson, who mixed up Ukraines revolution of 2014 with the one a decade earlier, was unwilling or unable to challenge these falsehoods. Nor did he ask about Russian war crimes, including those of which Mr Putin personally stands accused, or the repression of domestic critics such as Alexei Navalny. (He did press for the release of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist imprisoned in Russia on risible espionage charges.) Still, Mr Carlson came away with more than the file of letters by a 17th-century Cossack leader which, bizarrely, Mr Putin gave him.

For Mr Putin made several remarks which, out of their rambling context, will give succour to those who say backing Ukraine is not in Americas interests. In the past he hinted, darkly, that Russia might use nukes; yet he told Mr Carlson this idea was a scaremongering way for Western politicians to extort money from taxpayers. He denied any interest in invading Poland or Latvia (though he previously said the same about Ukraine). And he was asked about the hypothetical deployment of American troops to the Ukrainian front; shorn of the question, his answer is bound to be clipped and replayed. Dont you have anything better to do?" he scoffed, mentioning Americas border and national debt.

More people will hear that gibe than will see the whole exchangeand, in truth, it is hard to blame anyone for skipping it. Watch closely, though, and it offers valuable insights, if probably not the kind either participant intended.

One is about the risks of rulers staying in power for decades. As his comments revealed, even now Mr Putin resents the Wests role in the wars in Yugoslavia of the 1990s and other long-ago crises. In democracies, transitions of power are an amnesiac balm for such grievances, allowing relations with other countries to heal and move on. In office for almost a quarter of a century, Mr Putin is still avenging old grudges.

Another lesson lay in his sneering hauteur. He faced a hand-picked interviewer who lobbed softball questions. Even so, Mr Putins answers showed no regard for the patience or interests of viewers. Then again, why would they? He is not accustomed to explaining himself. He does not rule through persuasion or charm but by violence and fear.

Power in Russia is opaque. It often seems that only one man is in the know, and even he seems frequently to be flailing. Mr Carlson was granted rare access to him, and fluffed it. All the same, a vital message sounded clearly: Mr Putin is not a leader to be trusted, still less to emulate or admire.
In August, Ali Bongo, then-president of the Central African nation of Gabon, made a startling revelation to a top White House aide: During a meeting at his presidential palace, Bongo admitted he had secretly promised Chinese leader Xi Jinping that Beijing could station military forces on Gabons Atlantic Ocean coast.

Alarmed, U.S. principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer urged Bongo to retract the offer, according to an American national security official. The U.S. considers the Atlantic its strategic front yard and sees a permanent Chinese military presence thereparticularly a naval base, where Beijing could rearm and repair warshipsas a serious threat to American security.

Any time the Chinese start nosing around a coastal African country, we get anxious," a senior U.S. official said.

The charged exchange between Bongo and Finer in Libreville, Gabons capital, was just one skirmish in the great-power maneuvering between the U.S. and China in Africa. China is conducting a backroom campaign to secure a naval base on the continents western shores, American officials say. And, for more than two years, the U.S. has been running a parallel effort to persuade African leaders to deny the Peoples Liberation Army Navy a port in Atlantic waters.

The Chinese government didnt reply to a written request for comment. The Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the governments military plans in Gabon or elsewhere on Africas Atlantic coast.

Within weeks of his meeting with Finer, Bongo was overthrown by his own presidential guard, and the U.S. was forced to start again, trying to persuade the new Gabonese junta leader to shun Chinese overtures.

Its a battle American officials say they are winning. So far, no African country with an Atlantic coastline has signed a deal with China, U.S. officials say.

Were confident that Gabon is not going to permit a permanent P.L.A. presence or establish a Chinese military facility," the U.S. national-security official said.

Next door, in Equatorial Guinea, where U.S. officials have previously flagged Chinese efforts to open a base, Washington has seen no signs of military construction at a Chinese-built, deep-water commercial port in the city of Bata, which would be the most likely spot for such a presence, the national security official said.

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea, a repressive, family-run oil state, have consistently assured us that they will not have the P.R.C. construct a base," the official said.

Chinese navy ships freely transit international waters. And Chinese companies have built some 100 commercial ports in Africa since 2000, from Mauritania in the far west to Kenya on the Indian Ocean, according to the Chinese government.

Only one African port, however, serves as a permanent base for Chinese ships and troops: The P.L.A.s seven-year-old facility in Djibouti, which overlooks the strategic Red Sea where the U.S. and its allies are currently defending shipping routes against attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The Chinese base, capable of docking an aircraft carrier or nuclear submarines, sits a short drive from the largest American base in Africa, Camp Lemonnier, a hub for the U.S. campaign against al-Shabaab, the virulent al Qaeda affiliate operating in Somalia.

The August military coup in Gabon has triggered U.S. laws that restrict security assistance to military regimes, limiting American diplomats ability to supplement sticks with carrots.

The palace uprising took place just hours after election authorities announced that Bongo, whose family had run Gabon since 1967, had won a third term in office. Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the powerful Republican Guard, was named transitional president by rebellious officers who declared the election void. Bongo was put under house arrest.

American diplomats had to regroup to persuade the new Gabonese authorities to rebuff Chinese approaches. Finer met with Oligui on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. The National Security Councils top Africa hand, Judd Devermont, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melanie Higgins visited Gabon the following month.

At that meeting, Oligui said he understood U.S. concerns about a Chinese military presence on the Atlantic. He said that Bongo had a handshake agreement with President Xi, but that there was no written deal.

They talked about a package of stuff we could do to keep Gabon from engaging with China," said a senior State Department official.

The presidents office in Libreville referred questions to Noel Nelson Messone, Gabons ambassador in Washington, who said he wasnt privy to any discussions about a possible Chinese base. He said Oligui had yet to have high-level talks with Beijing.

In Libreville, Devermont encouraged Oligui to set a timetable for a swift return to elected government.

Theres this tension here between how we uniquely uphold our democratic values and how we pragmatically continue our bilateral relationship, which has a security component," a senior U.S. defense official said.

American diplomats say Oligui has reached several milestonessuch as restoring press freedoms, promising a national political dialogue and scheduling a two-year transition to civilian governmentthat the U.S. identified as necessary to allow resumption of some security assistance.

Gabons new rulers are well aware of the pessimism that surrounds most transitions, particularly in Africa," said Messone, the Gabonese ambassador. That is why they are committed to a timely transition road map."

U.S. and Gabonese officials are currently negotiating a defense-cooperation agreement and have discussed American training to help Gabon secure its borders. In November the White House decided to have Gabon host this years U.S.-led West and Central African maritime exercises, which bring together naval forces from dozens of countries. The exercises are designed to help coastal countries battle piracy and illegal fishing.

The U.S. could also boost support for Gabons efforts to preserve its rainforests, which cover almost 90% of the country.

Mvemba Dizolele, director of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an independent think tank in Washington, D.C., predicted the Biden administration would find a way to legally provide whatever inducements are needed to frustrate Chinas military aspirations.

This is a matter of tremendous national-security urgency," said Dizolele. We need to continue working with the Gabonese."

The U.S. has also made a diplomatic pitch to Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled the former Spanish colony since 1979. Finer visited Malabo, the countrys capital city, in 2021 and met with Obiangs son, Vice President Teodoro Teodorin" Nguema Obiang Mangue, at the U.N. last year. The U.S. invited Equatorial Guinean military officials to observe American-led naval exercises and floated the idea of helping the country combat piracy.

Relations, however, have been overshadowed by U.S. concerns about extrajudicial killings and torture of regime opponents. In civil cases, U.S. government lawyers accused Obiang Mangue of amassing more than $300 million through corruption and money laundering." Obiang Mangue told the U.S. ambassador in Malabo in 2011 that he earned his wealth through legitimate government contracts, according to a State Department cable from the time.

Equatorial Guineas ambassador in Washington, Crisantos Obama Ondo, said China supplies the African nation with military hardware and training, as well as roads, ports, airports and other infrastructure. But, he added, were surprised by the insistence of the U.S. government because we havent received a formal or informal request from the Chinese government to set up a naval base in Equatorial Guinea."

The ambassador said that human-rights groups have unfairly criticized the Obiang government and that new laws are addressing torture, prison abuses, corruption, nepotism and other issues. Obiang Mangue, the presidents son, is leading the reform effort, the ambassador said.

U.S. officials, however, find the regime opaque, and, despite assurances, worry that Obiang might yet allow the Chinese to establish a permanent presence in the country, the senior U.S. official said.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials watch to see where the Chinese will turn next. When one door closes, theyre looking for another opportunity," the U.S. national-security official said.

Write to Michael M. Phillips at Michael.Phillips@wsj.com
THIS IS way harder to do in the summer," Evan Bucholz said as he raised his glass and then knocked back a 50-50 shot of amaro and something stronger. I followed suit. Bucholz, mixologist and co-owner of the bar Brix & Rye in the town of Greenport, N.Y., was talking about the trickiness of finding time to indulge in a drink with a customer, and the spirited discussion wed just had. He always tries to connect with guests, he told me, but on some nights in the summer its just impossible. As soon as that door opens, the place gets slammedit can be difficult to stop and chat."

Greenport, once a whaling hub, sits on the North Fork of Long Island, the sliver of land that extends east from Manhattan until it splits like a fishtail into the Atlantic. Come summer, this areas population swells with vacationing families, as in so many beachy locales within driving distance of New York Citythe Jersey Shore, the Hamptons. When fall settles in on the North Fork, the beachcombers head home to nurse their sunburns and the pumpkin-crazed hayriders arrive. Winter is when I really get to experience the things I miss out on in the summer months," Bucholz said.

I had come here in January to see what it looks like when the crowds disperse. Would I spend 48 hours wandering aimlessly between shuttered businesses in the cold winter rain? Or could my visit confirm my own burgeoning hypothesis: that if we, as tourists, manage to resist the pull of the high season and stop thinking in terms of the wrong" and right" time to visit a place, we could unlock travel experiences that are more rewarding? And more sustainable, too, when overtourism is growing as a threat?

Over the course of two days, I survived without the hallmark moments of a picture-perfect North Fork weekend: No rapidly melting ice cream dripped down the side of my hand; no sun-drenched naps were had on the sand. Instead, I bundled up and walked the empty beaches of Orient Point, the very tip of the North Fork, watching as robins in their hundreds swarmed the nearby treetops and the sea frothed. At Nookies, the new diner at the nostalgia-heavy Silver Sands Motel, I enjoyed a meal unpressured by others waiting their turn. And the North Forks vineyards, among the areas main draws, were all the more inviting, wrapped in dense winter fog, soft light flickering through the windows.

It brought to mind other trips Ive taken, when arriving at the wrong time to go" actually opened doors. On a visit to Senegal in September, during the rainy season, I was met with humidity so dense walking felt like swimming; but it also led to easy friendships. As one of the few tourists, I could enjoy more meaningful, less transactional interactions with locals.

Even pushing a trip back several weeks past the tourism peak has reaped rewards. Visiting Provence last October meant cold nights and the occasional rain shower. But the London plane trees glowed in autumnal yellow and the freedom to visit restaurants without booking meals months in advance allowed for spontaneity. As I rode a bicycle down an empty country road, it seemed impossible Id ever encounter traffic.

On the North Fork too, I got so used to having breathing room that any semblance of a crowd shocked me. The tasting room at Macari Vineyards was mostly full when I showed up on a drizzly Saturday afternoon. Gabriella Macari, whose grandfather started the vineyard in 1995, says that in recent years shes started to see the line between high and low seasons blur. At least within the cozy confines of this winery, the secret of the off season, it seemed, was out.

But even a marginally slower winter, Macari says, means a less-rushed relationship with visitors. I think people who have maybe come once in the summer make the decision to come back when not everyones going," she said. In the summer, she added, she and her staff must focus on reacting" to the constant stream of customers. In the winter we can take our time to connect with peopleand I think visitors seek that out."

For most, the appeal of the off season starts not with an intangible desire for connection but with savings. The Menhaden hotel in the heart of Greenport cost me about $270 a night before taxes and fees. On Memorial Day weekend, the same room goes for around $800 a night.

Sometimes Ill quote someone a few hotels in southern Europe in July and the prices will be very high," said Paul Tumpowsky, founder of New Yonder, a luxury travel advisory focused on young affluent travelers. And they might review these prices and think: Oh, when else could I go? That question opens up whole new possibilities."

Clients unconcerned with prices, Tumpowsky says, are still enticed to travel in quieter months by the promise of sparse crowds. The only time ultrawealthy travelers tolerate crowds is either when theyre in front of them or when its a particularly big event where theyre gaining access," Tumpowsky said.

Setting expectations and being realistic are key, says Pamela Garza, founder of Tory Ellers, a membership-based travel advisory. Though shes not sending customers to Italys Amalfi Coast deep into winter when businesses shut down, she still nudges them to break away from convention. Ill tell people to outright avoid July and August on the Amalfi Coast, even if it means you have to deal with a few cloudy days," Garza said.

Similarly, Garza increasingly recommends safari-goers book trips between December and Marchthe green season," when the rains in Botswana transform the area around the Okavango Delta into lush grassland. Conventional wisdom says the dry season is best for spotting game, as animals (and Land Cruisers) thirstily congregate around water sources. But Garza says travelers can have a different kind of wildlife experienceand save up to 30%if they go later. One of the coolest things about going to Botswana in the off season is that you get to actually see the guides use their tracking skills," Garza said. Its a thrilling thing to search for and find these animals without other people around."

The more travelers I spoke to, the more I realized everyone has that place they love in the off seasonthe secret they cant wait to spill. Lucy Pabst, 26, a ranger with the National Park Service, always recommends people visit the Grand Canyon in winter, though she cautions them that some services wont be available. You can hike and travel into the canyon much farther than in the summer since heat stroke isnt a risk," Pabst said. In the warm months, by contrast, medical evacuations are a nearly daily" occurrence.

While saving money and avoiding the crush of crowds might help drive people to break from the herd, both those instincts point to a greater, more elusive desire: access to an experience we can call genuine. The thrill of the chase as you follow a leopards tracks across the plains; the promise of adventure deep in the Grand Canyon; a meandering conversation in a warm bar on a cold night.

Like me, Julia Easterlin, a 35-year-old musician based in Brooklyn, loves a cold beach. For her, it started with an impromptu trip during her college years. In the waning days of winter, she put Cape Cod" into her GPS and hit the road. It was quiet and freezing and dark, and everyone seemed startled to see me," she recalled. But she loved having the time to think, talk to locals and go for long walks. Shes been back a few times since, chasing in the off season what she cant find around fairweather tourists. Theres space to notice where you are," she 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!
Last year, when he was a college student majoring in computer science and interning at SpaceX, Luke Farritor began working on a problem that captivated many of the worlds brightest young minds, one that could only be solved with machine learning, computer vision and the latest advances in artificial intelligence.

He wanted to read a bunch of 2,000-year-old papyrus scrolls.

These scrolls known by the seductive name of the Herculaneum papyri have been unreadable since Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and they were buried under mud and ashes at a private villa near Pompeii. For centuries, they were lost to history. Even when they were discovered in the 1700s, the carbonized scrolls were too fragile to handle.

Then tech investors, billionaire quants and Silicon Valley luminaries decided to fund the Vesuvius Challenge, a $1 million competition with the crazy goal of using AI to recover a few passages from the Herculaneum papyri. And it actually worked! This week, the Vesuvius Challenge trumpeted a monumental technological breakthrough: The scrolls have finally been opened.

The winning team consisted of three students, including Farritor, 22, who investigated ruins of antiquity from his University of Nebraska dorm room. They didnt know each other before the Vesuvius Challenge. They still havent met in person. But they built on each others work and did something together they couldnt have done alonesomething that many thought couldnt be done at all.

And by looking so far into the past, theyre offering a peek into the future.

I think this promises a very exciting future where seemingly impossible ideas will become possible," said another member of the winning team, Youssef Nader, a 27-year-old machine-learning Ph.D. student at Freie University in Berlin.

I mentioned that to Richard Janko, a professor of classical studies at the University of Michigan, whos been dreaming of reading these scrolls since before the Vesuvius Challenge winners were born. He told me that it didnt just seem impossible. It really was impossible. We couldnt have done this without the tech guys," Janko said.

Thinking about the Roman Empire

To understand what they did and how they did it, it helps to know the history of the Herculaneum papyri. Or at least the recent history. The quest to unroll them began not with a volcanic eruption two millennia but two decades ago, when University of Kentucky computer scientist Brent Seales devised a method of applying modern technology to crack an old mystery.

The remains of the Herculaneum papyri dont look like anything left behind by ancient civilizations that might contain the secrets of science, math and philosophy. They look more like something your dog left behind on the rug. The burnt scrolls were in such rough shape that they couldnt be physically unraveled, which made them a perfect target for Sealess pioneering research.

The process of virtually unwrapping the Herculaneum papyri involved three steps: scanning, segmentation and searching for ink. It sounds basic, but its really bonkers. It seems like a magic trick," Seales said. First the scrolls had to be scanned at high resolution by a particle accelerator. Then the sheets had to be identified, separated and digitally flattened. Only then could the machine-learning models find ink. Stephen Parsons, a graduate student in Sealess lab, published a dissertation last year showing this was theoretically possible. But it was unclear how long it would take to convert theory into reality until Seales received an email from Nat Friedman.

I ignored it," he told me, because I didnt know who he is."

Friedman is a tech investor, entrepreneur and the former chief executive of GitHub. In the early days of the pandemic, something odd happened to him: He fell down a rabbit hole into ancient Rome. When he learned about the existence of the Herculaneum scrolls, he became obsessed. When he learned about Sealess effort to read them, he wanted to help. He wasnt sure how. But once the professor responded to his email, Friedman pitched him on an unconventional idea: a contest.

One of the many benefits of contests is that they are magnets for talentespecially young talent like Farritor. A brilliant college student with interests in both computer science and archaeology, he was exactly the sort of person with the skills to help. But nobody would have ever asked him.

This kind of approach to research is grossly underrated," Farritor said. I think there should be tons of prizes like this for so many different fields."

Farritor was an intern at SpaceX last year, listening to Friedman on a podcast while driving to the companys Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, when he heard about the Vesuvius Challenge. It wasnt just one thing about the contest that he found alluring. It was everything: the money, the historical significance, the chance to impress his heroes, the idea of bringing tech to new (and old) fields and the sheer adventure of it all. I also just enjoy working on projects," Farritor told me. I can scroll through TikTok, or I can work on this."

Nader, who is from Egypt, was similarly compelled when he read about the contest on Kaggle, which hosts data-science competitions, though for slightly different reasons. The word papyrus struck a chord for me as an Egyptian," he told me. Soon, he was focusing more on the Vesuvius Challenge than his Ph.D. work. It was like my secret double life," he said. Before long, he was only thinking about the Roman Empire.

Many of the 3,000-plus tech nerds in the Vesuvius Challenge were students like Farritor, Nader and Julian Schilliger, the third member of the winning team, a 28-year-old robotics graduate student at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. Young people are usually the ones with the time, creativity, raw ambition and curiosity to experiment with new technology. And todays young people are the ones who will show us how to be smarter about AI.

In the sciences, its the youngest people who are the smartest," Janko told me. In the humanities, its the oldest."

Start making sense

The mission to bring ancient Rome back to life began on the Ides of March last year.

The contest was started by Seales, Friedman and his investing partner Daniel Gross, and they crowdsourced the funds to dangle a tantalizing grand prize: $700,000 for the first team to recover four legible passages of 140 characters each by the end of 2023. They knew the Vesuvius Challenge would attract a legion of AI geeks. What they didnt know was how much progress money could buy.

When he thought about how to structure the contest, Friedman made a crucial discovery of his own: He believed it would be essential to blend competition with cooperation. Thats why the Vesuvius Challenge offered another $300,000 in prizes that rewarded milestones along the wayan incentive for participants to share their progress and code. If it was just a competition, youd have teams or individuals work on it and make a little progress, but then give up because its way too much work to do for a small chance of success," Friedman said. He wanted to make that small chance of success much bigger.

For example, when one contestant with a Ph.D. in theoretical astrophysics looked at the scans for a really, really long time, a technique he called persistent direct visual inspection," he managed to detect traces of crackled ink hidden in the scrolls. It was a momentous finding that merited a $10,000 progress prizeand Farritors attention.

When he read about the discovery of crackle pattern" in the shape of Greek letters, Farritor trained his machine-learning model on those characters to look for more of them, since it would take computer vision to recognize the ink strokes a human eye could never see. One contribution had inspired another. This was exactly how the Vesuvius Challenge was supposed to work.

Last summer, Farritor moved back to Nebraska, where he lived with five computers in his dorm room, and his AI model spotted a string of 10 letters that spelled porphyraspurple.

This made Farritor the first person in two millennia to read a word in the unopened Herculaneum papyri. It also made him $40,000.

He used some of the money to splurge on a gift for his brother: a vintage poster for the Talking Heads concert movie Stop Making Sense." With his share of the $700,000 grand prize, he says hed like to take his mother to Paris. Hes also thinking about building an autonomous boat to circumnavigate the globe.

The future of the past

Meanwhile, halfway around the world, Nader was plugging away at his own AI models, which earned him a $10,000 progress prize. He invested in a new computer and the access to cloud-computing power he would need to win the grand prize.

By then, there was an active Vesuvius Challenge community on Discord. Now that the seemingly impossible was becoming probable, Farritor and Nader made the strategic decision to join forces. Instead of competing against each other, they would collaborate with each other. In the days before the Dec. 31 deadline, they also teamed up with Schilliger, whose impressive work extracting sheets from the scrolls fed their models with more data. Their entry stood out among the 18 submissions that the Vesuvius Challenge organizers sent Janko and other papyrologists to reviewand reveal what people had been waiting thousands of years to see.

So what do the scrolls actually say?

Well, as it turns out, theyre sort of amazing. Likely written by the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, they discuss topics were still talking about today: music, food, pleasure. Basically, how to lead a happy life.

Its just incredible to have hit upon something that we can understand and has some universality to it," Friedman told me. You can almost see someone writing this on Substack right now."

Everyone involved with the Vesuvius Challenge is already thinking about what they might do next and how they can apply the lessons of this contest to other seemingly impossible tasks.

But knowing a little bit about the papyri also made them want to know a lot more. The first year of the Vesuvius Challenge unearthed 5% of one scroll. Theres another six-figure prize attached to this years goal: recovering 90% of the four scrolls that have been scanned. And they hope thats just the start. Classics scholars also believe there is a bigger library of hidden treasures waiting to be excavated from Herculaneum that could keep them busy for the next 2,000 years.

Farritor plans to keep working on the scrolls, too. But he might not have as much time: He just dropped out of school to work for Friedman.

His first day on the job was Mondaythe day he won the Vesuvius Challenge.

Write to Ben Cohen at ben.cohen@wsj.com

View Full Image The Worlds Smartest Young Minds Just Cracked a 2,000-Year-Old Mystery

View Full Image The Worlds Smartest Young Minds Just Cracked a 2,000-Year-Old Mystery

View Full Image The Worlds Smartest Young Minds Just Cracked a 2,000-Year-Old Mystery
In a surprising turn of events, HMD Global has left the tech community buzzing with speculation after 17 new Nokia models were reportedly spotted on the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) website. This development comes amid HMD Global's recent decision to drop the Nokia branding from its online presence, redirecting Nokia.com to HMD.com and changing the @nokiamobile Twitter handle to @HMDglobal.

The models, listed with distinctive numbers ranging from TA-1603 to TA-1628, have piqued the curiosity of enthusiasts and industry experts alike, reported GSMChina. While details about these purported smartphones remain elusive, speculations are rife that they could include various RAM and storage variants or entirely different models altogether. Moreover, the report also suggests that a few of these mysterious models might make their debut at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, scheduled from February 26 to February 29.

The report does not delve into specific features or specifications of these potential Nokia-branded smartphones. However, it is worth noting that Nokia signed a 10-year deal with HMD Global in 2016, set to expire in 2026. This suggests that new Nokia models could continue entering the market until the expiration of the agreement, reported Gadgets 360.

In addition to the Nokia models, the IMEI website has also reportedly listed nine new HMD-branded handsets. The nature of these models remains ambiguous, as they could either be distinct devices or variations in terms of RAM and storage configurations for a primary model. Among the leaked HMD models, one with the codename N159V has surfaced, showcasing a mid-range offering in a sleek black colorway with a dual rear camera module and LED flash.

An additional leak has hinted at an upcoming HMD smartphone, showcasing an eye-catching vibrant blue color. The device is said to boast a powerful 108MP primary rear camera, accompanied by optical image stabilization (OIS) support.

As tech enthusiasts eagerly await official announcements from HMD Global, the industry remains abuzz with speculation about the potential launch of these Nokia and HMD-branded smartphones in the near future.

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!
Tesla Undervalued: Growth Potential in China

Knightsbridge asserts that Tesla, Inc. is significantly undervalued, setting a target price of $500 per share. Leveraging their expertise in financial analysis and market dynamics, Knightsbridge highlights Teslas underappreciated potential in key markets like China and its pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence technology. With a robust growth trajectory fueled by expanding market share and innovative product offerings, Tesla presents a compelling investment opportunity for discerning investors seeking to capitalize on the future of sustainable transportation and AI-driven innovation.

In the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry, one company continues to capture the imagination of investors and consumers alike: Tesla, Inc. Despite its meteoric rise over the past decade, Teslas stock price may not fully reflect the companys true value and growth potential, particularly in the context of its expansion in China and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

At Knightsbridge, we believe that Teslas current valuation fails to adequately account for its strategic positioning in key markets and its innovative approach to AI development. As Tesla continues to disrupt traditional automotive norms and lead the charge toward sustainable transportation, investors stand to benefit from recognizing the untapped value within the company.

Expanding Footprint in China

One of Teslas most significant growth opportunities lies in the worlds largest automotive market: China. With its strategic focus on expanding its presence in China, Tesla has made significant strides in capturing market share and establishing itself as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) technology.

Teslas Gigafactory Shanghai, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in China, has enabled the company to ramp up production and meet the growing demand for its vehicles in the region. By leveraging local production capabilities and government incentives, Tesla has been able to streamline its operations and gain a competitive edge in the Chinese market.

Moreover, Teslas strong brand reputation and innovative product offerings have resonated with Chinese consumers, driving robust sales and bolstering its position as a top EV manufacturer in China. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge in China, Tesla is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and drive further growth in the region.

Pioneering AI Technology

In addition to its leadership in the EV market, Tesla is at the forefront of AI development, with ambitious plans to integrate AI technology into its vehicles and infrastructure. Through its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, Tesla is revolutionizing the way we think about transportation and paving the way for autonomous driving.

Teslas AI-driven approach to vehicle safety and autonomy has the potential to reshape the automotive industry and redefine the future of mobility. By harnessing the power of machine learning and neural networks, Tesla aims to enhance the capabilities of its vehicles and deliver a safer, more efficient driving experience for consumers.

Furthermore, Teslas AI initiatives extend beyond its vehicles, encompassing applications in energy storage, renewable energy, and beyond. Through its AI-powered solutions, Tesla is driving innovation across multiple industries and positioning itself as a leader in the AI space.

As Tesla continues to chart its course toward a sustainable future, investors have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the companys undervaluation and growth potential. With its expanding footprint in China and pioneering advancements in AI technology, Tesla is poised to deliver long-term value for investors and stakeholders alike.

At Knightsbridge, we recognize the transformative impact of Teslas initiatives and remain bullish on the companys prospects for growth and innovation. As Tesla continues to disrupt traditional paradigms and push the boundaries of automotive technology, we believe that its true value has yet to be fully realized by the market.

Investors seeking exposure to Teslas potential in China and its AI developments should consider Knightsbridge as a trusted partner in navigating the opportunities and challenges ahead. With our expertise in investment management and strategic advisory services, we stand ready to help investors unlock the value within Tesla and capitalize on the companys journey toward a sustainable future.

Tesla Leads the Charge: Chinas Rapid EV Growth

In recent years, China has emerged as a global powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with rapid growth fueled by government support, technological innovation, and shifting consumer preferences. At the forefront of this EV revolution stands Tesla, solidifying its position as the premier EV brand globally.

Chinas EV Boom

Chinas commitment to reducing emissions and combating air pollution has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. The governments ambitious targets for EV sales and investment in charging infrastructure have created a conducive environment for growth. Incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, and license plate restrictions for conventional vehicles have further incentivized consumers to embrace EVs.

Teslas Dominance

Amidst this burgeoning market, Tesla has emerged as a dominant player, capturing the imagination of Chinese consumers with its cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and sustainable ethos. The companys flagship models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, have garnered widespread acclaim for their performance, range, and advanced features.

Strategic Expansion

Recognizing the immense potential of the Chinese market, Tesla has made strategic investments to establish a strong presence in the region. The construction of the Gigafactory Shanghai has enabled Tesla to localize production, reduce costs, and streamline supply chains, allowing for competitive pricing and efficient delivery to customers.

Building Trust and Brand Loyalty

Teslas success in China extends beyond its product offerings; it reflects a concerted effort to build trust and brand loyalty among consumers. The company has invested in customer service, charging infrastructure, and localization efforts to cater to the unique needs and preferences of Chinese consumers, earning accolades for its responsive approach and commitment to quality.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite Teslas remarkable success, the company faces challenges in navigating Chinas competitive landscape, including increasing competition from domestic rivals, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions. However, Tesla remains well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the worlds largest EV market, leveraging its technological expertise, brand strength, and strategic partnerships to drive future growth.

Looking Ahead

As Chinas EV market continues to evolve, Tesla remains at the forefront of innovation and disruption, shaping the future of mobility and sustainable transportation. With a commitment to delivering cutting-edge EVs and expanding its global footprint, Tesla is poised to maintain its leadership position and drive the transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Tesla Undervalued in Chinas Economic Reality

Amidst the noise of Western medias skepticism, a closer look at the economic facts in China reveals a different storyone that suggests Tesla is significantly undervalued in the worlds largest automotive market. Contrary to sensationalized narratives, Chinas economy is in a robust recovery phase, bolstered by resilient consumer demand, strong industrial output, and proactive government policies. As the nation continues its economic ascent, Tesla stands to benefit immensely from this burgeoning market, challenging the prevailing misconceptions perpetuated by Western media propaganda.

While Western pundits may cast doubts on Chinas economic trajectory, the reality on the ground tells a different tale. Chinas swift recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown has defied expectations, with GDP growth rebounding to pre-pandemic levels and outpacing most developed nations. Robust domestic consumption, fueled by rising disposable incomes and urbanization trends, has been a key driver of Chinas economic resurgence, creating a favorable environment for Teslas expansion efforts.

In addition to strong consumer demand, Chinas commitment to clean energy and sustainable development aligns seamlessly with Teslas mission to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable transportation. As the government prioritizes EV adoption and invests heavily in charging infrastructure, Teslas market potential in China has never been greater. The companys strategic investments in Gigafactory Shanghai and localized production have positioned it as a key player in Chinas rapidly growing EV market, allowing for increased affordability and accessibility of Tesla vehicles.

Teslas innovative approach to technology and AI-driven advancements further solidifies its competitive edge in Chinas dynamic automotive landscape. From autonomous driving capabilities to battery technology breakthroughs, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of innovation, captivating Chinese consumers and reshaping the future of mobility.

As Teslas presence in China continues to expand and its market share grows, the companys valuation appears increasingly conservative in light of the economic realities on the ground. With China leading the global recovery and Tesla poised to capitalize on this momentum, investors would be wise to look beyond the sensational headlines and recognize the immense potential that Chinas economic resurgence presents for Teslas long-term growth prospects. In the face of Western media bias, the facts speak for themselves: Teslas undervaluation in Chinas thriving economy is a glaring opportunity waiting to be seized.

Shayne Heffernan
Irakli Kobakhidze, the newly confirmed Georgian Prime Minister, on Friday signed a decree on the appointment of ministers following the confidence vote in the Parliament on Thursday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

After signing the document, all ministers have officially commenced their work, the Government press office said.

The new PM and his cabinet were approved following the resignation of Irakli Garibashvili as the countrys PM in late January.
Criminals from Dublin who are living in Longford and Roscommon are committing crime in rural counties like Leitrim, it was revealed at a Joint Policing Committee by Inspector Mick Collins who gave a report on crime figures in the county.

Cllr Paddy Farrell noted at the meeting there were many break ins and thefts especially in the last two months in Carrick and Kilclare and Kilnagross and Gorvagh. I'm wondering if there is any success in bringing these individuals to justice?

Inspector Collins said in his report that there has been a year on year increase in burglaries, probably coming from a lower rate in 2022 coming out from Covid.

He said that in 2023, various groups have been coming down resulting in an increase in burglaries.

Theft from MPV figures went from 13 in 2022 to 21 in 2023, the report revealed.

We've had vehicles broken into for tools and five or six in Manorhamilton. One particular young man is being dealt with before courts in relation to that small crime spree in July, he said.

He continued that in December, searches were carried out in relation to tool theft in Dublin and we are going through what we have found and phones, etc. to try and connect these people to some of the crimes.

He noted that there were about twenty burglaries in total in Leitrim.

They would be our suspects in coming down and doing that, he said, noting the investigations were ongoing.

Inspector Collins continued that Gardai are targeting certain people and we are hoping for some success in relation to those.

He said that in other cases, burglars are very forensically aware and are spraying down surfaces and wearing gloves leading to a lack of fingerprints.

He urged people to keep reporting incidents through the Leitrim Alerts stressing, don't think of anything as insignificant and said that a number of open meetings have taken place over the last ten days to get people to ring into us for anything suspicious.

He said that we may not get particular groups for crimes done down here but when we affect them, we might actually get information on other crimes they may be just after doing.

He gave the example of 40,000 worth of tools being uncovered just outside of Leitrim stating that we didn't get the tools we were looking for but did get 40,000 worth of tools stolen elsewhere so it can often work out like that.

Cllr Sean McGowan noted there had been break-ins in the Dromod and Annaduff areas and asked if the perpetrators were getting information from local sources.

Inspector Collins said the majority of perpetrators come from outside but there are people locally who are involved in crime and could be doing some of them.

He said that individuals involved in Dublin gangs are living in Roscommon and Longford and we are conscious some of them are quite close to home.

He added in Manorhamilton, there were around nine burglaries of which three were carried out by locals.

Cllr Padraig Fallon asked if the drugs unit in Sligo-Leitrim is adequately resourced with Insp Collins responding that while we'd always like to have more Guards, they did have back-up from other units and if there are concerns in doing a search at a particular location, the armed support unit can be called in.

In his report, Inspector Collins also noted that incidents of assault causing bodily harm are down 30 per cent and public order offences are down quite a substantial amount - 135 to 78.

He said that the cameras in Carrick-on-Shannon are of huge assistance from the viewpoint of our guys in the station seeing things happening and being able to divert units towards that so it doesn't actually escalate.

Cllr Armstrong-McGuire welcomed this statement and said the message that CCTV works in reducing crime needs to be put out there.

Inspector Collins said that Manorhamilton has also been avoided by people who won't go into the town because of the automatic number plate recognition technology in use and it definitely has an effect in getting people to avoid certain areas.

He noted that individuals in a stolen car came from Laois and broke into cars but the cars had been left unlocked.

A car stolen in Carrick-on-Shannon, which the keys had been in, was recovered in Dublin and two suspects were arrested and charged in relation to that offence, he said.

In relation to thefts from shops, Inspector Collins revealed a juvenile was arrested and 7,000 worth of property that was stolen from shops in December was recovered.
Longford County Council will write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to lobby for more access to the ACRES Environmental scheme for applicant farmers.

Cllr Paul Ross (pictured) called on Longford County Council to correspond with Agriculture Minister McConalogue, to ensure that all applicants of the second phase of the ACRES Environmental scheme are included in the scheme this year.

Cllr Paul Ross said it is imperative that farmers who applied for the second tranche of the ACRES scheme be admitted to the scheme.



The Acres scheme is an environmental based scheme to encourage farmers to protect watercourses and habitats and ensure biodiversity on their farm, Cllr Ross explained, In a time where we have a climate change emergency it's vital all farmers who wish to access the scheme are allowed to do so.

The initial launch of the ACRES Environmental scheme saw the department make 30,000 places available, however interest in the scheme saw that number increase to 46,000 farmers.



Cllr Ross is concerned there will be a fall off in available places in the next phase of the scheme: We are now in tranche two and the Minister has proposed that only 4,000 enter the scheme. Once again it's been oversubscribed with 9,200 applying.

I want to see all farmers who apply to be allowed to enter this scheme. Most of these farmers have been participating in environmental schemes for the past 20 years.



Farmers are getting hammered by environmentalists for emissions from the sector, so it's vital that every farmer who wishes to join the scheme to improve the environment be allowed to enter the scheme.
A defendant who pleaded guilty to trespass was fined 400 at Longford District Court. James Gibson (40) of 5 Wolfe Tone Court Edgeworthstown, Longford was initially facing two charges.



Inspector David Jordan said the defendant was before the court arising from an incident on Sunday, September 25, 2022 following the theft of kerosene from the Marie Edgeworth Centre, Old School The Green, Edgeworthstown.

Mr Gibson was charged with trespassing without reasonable excuse on the curtilage of the building. A charge of the theft of heating oil was struck out before the case was heard.

Inspector Jordan said Mr Gibson was in the company of another man who climbed a protective fence at the Edgeworthstown community centre. The other individual, who was previously prosecuted and convicted in connection with the incident, emptied the oil tank of kerosene.



Inspector Jordan said the other person had drained the oil from the tank, but Mr Gibson handed one of the drums over the fence.

The defendant had 18 previous convictions , nine of which were for road traffic offences. The inspector told the court that Mr Gibson has no convictions for theft in this jurisdiction and had not come to adverse Garda attention since.

Solicitor for Mr Gibson, Brid Mimnagh, said her client had been straight up about his involvement with the Gardai. She said there were young lads robbing the oil and her client had intervened, telling them not to do it. Ms Mimnagh said Mr Gibson knew what was going on and told them to get out of there, but he accepted that by being there he was trespassing at the time.



The solicitor told the court the father of four has got his act together and is doing the best he can. Ms Mimnagh described Mr Gibson as a native of Scotland who has lived in Ireland for a number of years: He is staying out of trouble, she added,

Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a fine of 400, giving Mr Gibson six months to pay.
Farmers from around the county converged on the N4 bypass on the edge of Longford town last Thursday [February 1] in a show of solidarity for farmers across Europe.

Ostensibly the gathering was to voice outrage at a process many farmers believe is regulating them out of business by Brussels bureaucrats and Department of Agriculture officials who they say are far removed from the reality of day-to-day farming.



The turnout in Longford was mirrored across Ireland: We had over 50 tractors taking part, chairman of Longford IFA John Sheridan told the Leader, The general mood is that farmers are very angry. They are very down. They have been inundated with environmental schemes not worth the paper they are written on.



The protestors assembled at the Padraic Colum roundabout on the edge of the town in tractors just before 6.30pm. The vehicles joined in convoy before travelling along the bypass then parading through the town centre.

The Longford IFA chair hopes the action will precipitate communication from the government: Farmers are annoyed with a government that won't sit down and talk to us. We as farmers have the solution, but they don't seem to want that solution. Farmers are angry.

Mr Sheridan says the public response was positive: Nobody was annoyed with us. There were a lot of people blowing horns and waving.

We did it outside of business hours so the public would not be inconvenienced. It's about letting people know what could happen. If things don't change it will probably happen. There were a lot of people who took part in the protest who suggested more action, he warned.

Mr Sheridan says any further protests will be planned: We have to give Francie Gorman the chance to talk to Minister McConalogu and the Taoiseach before we decide on the next step.

IFA President, Francie Gorman said farmers are frustrated by what's happening: Irish farmers are pro-EU, but there is mounting frustration about the impact of EU policy on European farmers, and its implementation here in Ireland. The general feeling amongst farmers across the EU is that enough is enough, he said.

Mr Sheridan said many members of the local organisation were compelled to take the action: We are going into a very busy time of the year with lambing and cows calving, but we don't have any choice, we have to make our voice heard.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: February 09 2024

Eric Freeman Faces Up to Life in Prison at Sentencing if Found to be a Persistent Felony Offender.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Eric Freeman, 48, of Bellport, was found guilty after a jury trial of four counts of Burglary and one count of Rape, for burglarizing four homes, raping a teen who was in one of the homes, and then attempting to rape another woman that he harassed at another home.

This defendant, a previously convicted Level Three sex offender who was out on bail for failing to register as a sex offender, brazenly targeted women who were alone in their homes, said District Attorney Tierney. During the commission of his crimes, he sexually assaulted two women, and then returned to harass one of his victims to terrify her further. This conviction ensures that he will no longer pose a threat to women or any other Suffolk County residents.

The evidence at trial established that between June 22 and July 16, 2021, Freeman illegally entered four homes in Suffolk County which were occupied by women at the times of the break-ins.

Beginning on June 22, 2021, Freeman entered a Bay Shore residence where a 16-year-old female was inside alone. Freeman sexually assaulted the teen and threated to kill her when she screamed for help. Freeman then fled the residence.

On June 25, 2021, Freeman attempted to enter and burglarize a home in Bellport while harassing a woman who was inside, under the pretense that he was looking for water. A week later, on July 1, 2021, Freeman returned to the same home, illegally entered, and attempted to rape a different woman who was living alone in a small apartment attached to the main house. The woman was able to dissuade Freeman by offering him money. Prior to leaving her home, Freeman tried to obstruct the womans breathing by choking her. Three days later, on July 4, 2021, Freeman again returned to the womans home to taunt and harass her.

On July 12, 2021, Freeman illegally entered another Bellport residence while a mother and her 11- year-old son were inside and stole money and other personal items from the home. Freeman was arrested by Suffolk County Police officers later that day and was found with several stolen items in his pockets. When he was arraigned on those charges, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office requested that bail be set in the amount of $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond or $750,000 partially secured bond. However, at his arraignment, Suffolk County District Court Judge Edward J. Hennessey released Freeman on his own recognizance and ordered that he wear a GPS ankle monitor. It was later determined that Freeman, despite having the ankle monitor, did not charge it so his location could not be tracked.

On July 16, 2021, Freeman illegally entered a Huntington Station residence where a female was home with her 7-year-old daughter. While inside, Freeman stole money and choked the woman in front of her child. Freeman fled the home after the mother and child began screaming and banging on the walls to an adjoining apartment. Freeman was arrested by Suffolk Police shortly thereafter.

In November 2023, while he was being held in jail for these charges, Freeman was indicted for Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly attempting to smuggle fentanyl into the correctional facility through his unsuspecting defense attorney. That case is still pending.

Prior to these crimes, Freeman was determined to be a Level Three sex offender stemming from a 1990 juvenile offense conviction. He was later convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in June 2021, and at the time that the instant crimes were committed, he was out of custody and ordered by a judge to be released on his own recognizance while pending sentence on that case.

On February 9, 2024, Freeman was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz, of the following charges:

Two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;

Rape in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;

Two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;

Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a Class C Violent Felony;

Two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class C Violent Felony;

Two counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony;

Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony;

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Violent Felony

Two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony;

Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony;

Three counts of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, a Class A Misdemeanor;

Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor;

Two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor;

Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, a Class B Misdemeanor;

Freeman is due back in court on March 20, 2024, for sentencing and faces up to life in prison if found by the court to be a persistent felony offender. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq. and Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detectives Alberto Acevedo and Michael Oberg of the Suffolk County Police Department.
An IDF soldier looks through his rifle sight in Gaza. (IDF)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel will target the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the last major area held by Hamas in Gaza. It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahu said on February 9. Momentum has been building for weeks as Israel considers its next steps in Gaza and faces building pressure to forego an operation in Rafah.

Netanyahu said that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat. In using the word intense, he appears to refer to the shift Israel made to a lower-intensity form of conflict in Gaza in January. Israel defeated Hamas in northern Gaza in November and in December sent paratroopers and commandos into the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Khan Younis was the headquarters of several key Hamas battalions and commanders. Some of the 136 hostages held in Gaza were held in Khan Younis, and the IDF continues to uncover additional tunnels there as well as evidence that Hamas used them to hold hostages.

Israel will now seek a plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions, Netanyahu said. Reports suggest that there are up to one million Gazans sheltering in and around Rafah. Three-quarters of Hamas battalions, which amounted to 24 when it attacked Israel on October 7, have been defeated, according to Israeli estimates. That would leave several battalions consisting of thousands of men remaining in Rafah .

Rafah, a key conduit for humanitarian aid into Gaza that sits on the Egyptian border, has historically been a site of smuggling into Gaza, including weapons. Rafah is only three miles from Khan Younis where the IDF has been operating for two months. It is connected via a road to the Mawasi area which was established as a humanitarian area for Gazans to flee to in October when the IDF began its ground offensive in Gaza.

On February 9, the IDF provided new details on operations in Khan Younis. It said one reservist brigade was involved in targeted raids on terrorist infrastructure, encountering the enemy, eliminating terrorists and locating many weapons. This unit located rocket launchers placed by Hamas terrorists near a kindergarten and mosque. The launchers, loaded and aimed at the territory of the State of Israel, were destroyed by the forces. Additionally, during searches of a civilian water facility in the area, the forces found a tunnel shaft leading to an underground tunnel route inside the facility. The destruction of the launcher is part of a wider campaign that has seen rocket fire from Gaza reduced to near-zero in recent weeks. Hamas began its war on Israel with thousands of rocket launches but four months later has few remaining long-range rockets and places from which to fire them.

The IDF also said that special forces raided a compound in the area used by Hamas terrorists to carry out attacks on IDF troops. Additionally, IDF troops identified a terrorist cell that planted explosive devices near the troops operating in the area. Following their identification, IDF troops directed an aircraft to strike and eliminate the terrorist cell, the IDF said. The IDF reports often refer to uncovering AK-47s and ammunition, a contrast to earlier in the war when weapons caches uncovered included heavier weapons like RPGs along with mines and other threats.

IDF soldiers I spoke with who served in Gaza said that weapons are often found in civilian residences, illustrating the tendency for Hamas to turn entire communities into weapons depots as well as areas from which they fight. The IDF also said on February 9 that they conducted an operation in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, as Hamas continues to try and infiltrate areas in the north where it was defeated in November.

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.
As we head into the Carnival holiday, you may have missed some stories. Luxembourg Times has selected the best of the week

Top five stories you may have missed this week

The Jewish community organised a protest in solidarity with Israel on 14 October 2023. This week we told the stories of two Israeli families who fled their home country after the Hamas attacks and have now settled in Luxembourg

The Jewish community organised a protest in solidarity with Israel on 14 October 2023. This week we told the stories of two Israeli families who fled their home country after the Hamas attacks and have now settled in Luxembourg  Photo credit: claude piscitelli

The Jewish community organised a protest in solidarity with Israel on 14 October 2023. This week we told the stories of two Israeli families who fled their home country after the Hamas attacks and have now settled in Luxembourg  Photo credit: claude piscitelli

Israelis who fled October attacks settle into Luxembourg life

Four months after Hamas fighters launched an attack on Israel, and Luxembourg helped evacuate citizens from the country, families are settling into their new lives in the Grand Duchy, not planning to return.

Luxembourg Times editor-in-chief Cordula Schnuer listened to the traumatic testimony of two families who have since decided to make the Grand Duchy their permanent home.

She also talked with Gazans in Luxembourg are urgently appealing to the government to help them evacuate their families.

How Luxembourg helps de-mine Laos

During a trip to Laos, his first overseas as Development Cooperation Minister, Xavier Bettel on Tuesday visited a de-mining project to understand how funds provided by Luxembourg are used to clear unexploded ammunitions and mines.

Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita, after the US dropped two million tons of explosives over the territory between 1964 and 1973 during the Vietnam war. Seven decades later, Lao people continue being victims of unexploded ordinance.

Luxembourg provides support to the UXO Lao national demining programme through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has allocated 1 million between 2022 and this year to de-mining and awareness raising efforts.

Education minister denies violent altercation with woman as police investigate

In a story broken by Luxemburger Wort, Education Minister Claude Meisch has denied allegations that he physically assaulted a woman in a Luxembourg City restaurant last month, his ministry said on Thursday.

After claims that Meisch attacked a woman in a restaurant on 5 January, the ministry confirmed that a meeting had taken place but formally denied that the minister physically assaulted anyone and said he reserves the right to take legal action in the case.

RTL on Thursday reported that the woman in question is a senior civil servant at his ministry. According to the broadcaster, she also denies the allegation that Meisch assaulted her, which emerged from a video posted on Instagram.

EU institution trainees in Luxembourg out-of-pocket, auditors find

Compensation paid to trainees at EU institutions in Luxembourg does not cover basic living costs, unlike in Brussels or Strasbourg, a report by the blocs budget watchdog has found.

Most EU institutions pay trainees between 1,375 and 1,500 a month, according to information compiled by the Luxembourg-based European Court of Auditors, which analysed traineeships between 2013 and 2023 using a range of open data such as EU reports.

While auditors calculated the basic cost of living in Brussels and Strasbourg  the other two seats of the EU institutions which welcome trainees  at 1,445 and 1,339 per month respectively, for Luxembourg that amount rises to 2,116.

Luxembourg military satellite to finally launch end of year

The much-delayed Luxembourg military satellite project Luxeosys is set to launch at the end of this year or early next year, Defence Minister Yuriko Backes told parliament on Monday.

The Luxembourg Earth Observation System, which will deliver high-resolution images of Earths surface, is part of Luxembourgs plan to boost military spending.

The launch, which has been delayed on several occasions, is now planned between October 2024 and January 2025, Backes told members of parliament at a joint closed-door meeting of the defence and budget committees, according to a report published on the Chamber of Deputies website.

The government has decided that the satellite will be launched by Elon Musks SpaceX and no longer by European operator Arianespace.
Theres a lot of opportunity in the current rental market but also a lot of risk, especially if youre looking at properties outside your zip code. Mashvisor is a helpful tool rated Excellent on Trustpilot that allows investors to find high-performing houses and apartments quicker, and lifetime access to its Professional Plan is now open to new users for less than $200.

Pick any state and region within 95% of the United States, and Mashvisor can instantly highlight some of the top-performing areas and most attractive properties based on various factors, including properties Mashmeter score, rental revenue, cap rate, and crime rate. Users can even customize their rental property criteria, like location, budget, rental strategy, property type, and size, to find their match.

Once you find a possible investment location, check out its most up-to-date information from the MLS, Zillow, Rentometer, Airbnb.com, and the Census Bureau. All this data is then stored and processed by Mashvisors AI-driven analytics, including projected ROI and regulations, so you can take the guesswork out of your rental property hunt.

Invest in rental properties more wisely with a lifetime subscription to Mashvisors Professional Plan for just $199.99.

Mashvisor: Lifetime Subscription (Professional Plan)  $199.99

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.
Vice News obtained a previously unreleased statement made by late wrestler Ashley Massaro, who died by apparent suicide in 2019, in which he accused WWE founder and executive Vince McMahon of 'sexually preying' on female performers and 'ruining her reputation' after she rejected advancements made by McMahon.

Her lawyers obtained the statement as they worked up a sworn affidavit, according to Vice News. It was published shortly after Massaro's death, in which she also stated that she was 'raped on a US military base' in Kuwait while on tour with the WWE, accusing the company's management of covering up the incident.

Massaro detailed McMahon's 'advancements' on her

In these statements, Massaro said that she 'felt extremely uncomfortable' by McMahon's attempts to hit on her, saying that 'he heavily insisted on her to come over to his hotel room alone late at night,' calling nonstop to her cellphone.

Massaro also states that 'she saw McMahon 'making out with female wrestlers in the locker room and sexually harassed her.' She accused the WWE founder of 'giving her demeaning scripts' for her matches after she allegedly rejected his advances, meaning to 'destroy her career and reputation.'

Ashley Massaro first appeared on WWE in 2005 after winning the WWE Diva Search. She left the company in 2008. In 2016, she joined a class action lawsuit against the wrestling giant 'alleging that the company concealed risks of injury that caused them neurological damage.'

During that lawsuit, Massaro exposed that she was allegedly raped in Kuwait during a WWE at an American military base. She was found dead at her apartment in New York. At first, the cause of her death was not released to the public, but a USA Today article in 2021 revealed that she died by suicide.
The Celtics have put some finishing touches on their roster with three trades this week but theres still some work to be done for Brad Stevens on the buyout market. Lets jump into some questions about the revamped team in this weeks mailbag as we debate options for the 15th roster spot and analyze some new additions. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb

Do you think the Celtics could get one of Otto Porter, Delon Wright, or Gallinari on a buyout?  SFHoops

Porter is certainly the name that catches my eye on that list although the Celtics will certainly have a decent amount of competition for his services if he reaches a buyout with the Jazz. Delon Wright is a guy I would be surprised to see bought out. Hes playing a decent amount with the Wizards right now and giving up his Bird Rights would impact his free agent market potentially next summer.

Even if the Wizards dont want to keep him, they could sign-and-trade him if they retain him through this season. Gallinari is out there but I think that ship has sailed from the Celtics at this point. He isnt moving around well this season after his ACL tear and that limited mobility makes him an easy target for defenses. With his shooting percentages also trending down, the Celtics would be better off looking elsewhere for this spot.

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.

Love all the things you do Brian. Should the Celtics focus on another wing, bigman or guard or another development piece for a buyout target  Nash

I think the best case scenario on this front for the Celtics would be a bigger wing. Xavier Tillman should fill the big man depth void even though hes limited in size. He makes up for that disadvantage with his toughness and he has experience banging with some big bodies in the postseason already, which bodes well for Boston if they need to use him in a pinch. Its hard to figure they will find any better big on the buyout market at this point.

The wing position however could have a decent number of veterans available depending on how buyout negotiations go over the next couple of weeks for a number of guys. The Celtics did add a guard with some size in Jaden Springer but they could certainly use someone with a little more size or shooting ability on that front in the event of an injury. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard seem like two of the more durable guys on the team so bringing in another guard doesnt feel like much of a need there. Thanks for the kind words!

Hi Brian, I really like the acquisition of Xavier Tillman. The X Man should give the Celtics bench the toughness, defense, and rebounding it needs. If my memory is correct, he resembles rugged power forward Brandon Bass, who used to play for the Celtics. Do you agree?  Paul F

They are definitely similar given that they are both undersized bigs. However, I think we are going to see a different kind of defense from Tillman than we saw with Bass. Hes more of a banger and rim protector down low than Bass was, which could come in handy on nights when Al Horford isnt available or Kristaps Porzingis is getting pushed around in the paint. Bass had a far smoother offensive game than Tillman (his offensive numbers arent pretty) particularly when it comes to the jump shot. If Tillman makes anywhere near the impact that Bass did with the Celtics, this will be a great deal for them.

Correct me if Im wrong, but lets say in two years Al decides he wants to retire and his contract is up. Instead of going to public with his thoughts of retirement. he goes to Brad and says how can I be useful to you on my way out? Brad could then extend him for a year at whatever amount of money he wants (since they have his bird rights) and then trade him to another team with some draft capital to get a player they want, and then Al could retire some time thereafter (not immediately to make it too obvious but maybe right before training camp or something) and all would be kosher right? If so, does holding a players Bird rights become the most valuable commodity for over the apron teams for the foreseeable future? Thanks,  Matt

I love the creativity but dont think this would be a legitimate option even if the team got Horford to go along with that scheme. Hes getting up there in age at this point so its hard to envision the team getting any draft capital for him a couple of years down the road. More importantly, Horford is too important for this team in the interim and my money is on him retiring as a Celtic at this point.

Has signing a Celtics killer ever really worked? I see Ish Smith is available, and I get flashbacks.  Matt D

Smith has a reputation as a great locker room guy, as evidenced by the Hornets keeping him around for the first half of this season. However, if the Celtics are going to go with an over the hill veteran, they can do better than Smith. At age 35 with his size limitations, its just tough to envision him being helpful in any meaningful situation this year despite his Celtics killing over the years. My bet is Brad Stevens goes with someone with a little more size on this front.
When the Celtics traded for Jaden Springer ahead of the deadline, it was a clear move to bolster depth while bringing in a young, talented player. While Springer doesnt have much of a track record in the NBA, he showed enough good things for the Celtics to grab him from their division rivals in the 76ers in exchange for a second-round pick.

The Sixers clearly had a different evaluation of Springer, who was picked 28th overall in the 2021 draft. 76ers president Daryl Morey even went as far as taking a subtle shot on Springers way out of the organization. Morey broke down the decision to trade Springer, saying the Sixers get more value out of a second-round pick for the present compared to his long-term timetable. To be fair, he did compliment Springers future outlook, just saying that its not what the Sixers needed now.

We had to look at, what are the odds Jaden Springer  who I think has a great future  helps our playoff rotation in the one, two, three-year horizon, Morey said, via Sam DiGiovanni. And what are the odds a second-round pick helps us? And we thought the second-round pick helped us more. And thats just the reality, it allows us to maybe get a veteran at next years deadline, things like that.

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.

We did it. It sucks. Jadens going to be really good, I think. I think his timetable is a little pushed out, though. Our evaluation was that his timetable to help a playoff team is farther than what the second-round pick can do for us.

In talking about Springer, Boston president Brad Stevens reiterated that he still has a lot of growing to do in the future. But interestingly, he pointed out that hes still just 21 years old and one of the youngest members of his draft class. Considering the Celtics prospect evaluations are often older players near the end of the first round or in the second, he said theres a positive to having a young third-year pro.

The Celtics also kept an eye on the future when it came to their trades. Springer is on his rookie-scale deal and is signed through next year, so hes not a rental. Big man Xavier Tillman is headed for unrestricted free agency, but the Celtics retain his Bird Rights, so they can still keep him if they so choose.

Regardless, Springer now has a chance to develop on his own time for a talented Celtics roster competing for a title. Hes not going to be a rotation player for the Cs immediately, but the team is hopeful he can be a tough, defensive-minded player down the line.

Weve tracked his development pretty closely over the years, Stevens said. We liked him in the draft a few years ago. Hes still a puppy. ... So we were already like, Woah, that looks like strides. The other thing that everybody that is nuts like us watches all the G-League stuff. He was unbelievable in the G-League playoffs last year. Hes done a lot of good things against us when hes been up in Maine. Weve seen him live several times up there. Hes a guy weve been tracking for a while.
Editors Note: An incorrect summary of a part of the movie has been removed from the original article.

A Boston bar that was featured in the Matt Damon and Ben Affleck film Good Will Hunting is being sold to a new ownership group, the establishment said on social media Friday.

L Street Tavern in South Boston, which is currently owned by Jack and Susan Woods, will be sold to new owners in early March, according to a Facebook post from the pub. The couple has owned the bar for 27 years.

For almost three decades, YOU, the patrons have helped shape the character of this place while creating lasting relationships and lifelong memories, the post reads. To all of you, and especially the Hart and Woods families, we say THANK YOU for sharing in this run of a lifetime and creating the L Street Tavern experience.

The inside bar scenes from the 1997 Academy Award-winning film were shot on location at L Street Tavern. Good Will Hunting, also starring the late Robin Williams and Minnie Driver, was shot in several other locations in the Boston area as well.

The Facebook post also said that L Street Tavern will continue to operate under the ownership of the Medico family, and continue its neighborhood traditions.

L Street Tavern is located at 658 E 8th St. in Boston.
The Hubbardston couple suspected organized swingers and gangbang parties at Central Massachusetts hotels pleaded guilty in Worcester Superior Court on Friday, but neither will see jail time, the Telegram & Gazette reported.

Jon A. Lowell, 53, and Courtney Nicholopoulos, 47, were among two of 29 people total arrested from the Holiday Inn Express in Auburn in July 2015 and were arraigned in June 2016.

Lowell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic charges and to buying sex from several women, the newspaper wrote. Appearing in court with a shaved head, his lawyer said he had advanced colon cancer. Nicholopoulos pleaded to the conspiracy charges.

Judge William J. Ritter sentenced Lowell to a three years of probation with six months of home confinement with GPS tracking, as well as paying $48,000 in restitution to the victims, the Telegram wrote. Lowell has so far paid half of that. Nicholopoulos received a sentence of two years of probation.

A search warrant filed by Worcester police detailed information they received on parties also held in Worcester and Billerica. The men reported to police they paid $100 for protected sex and $200 for unprotected sex.

The parties were allegedly held at hotels in Auburn, Billerica, Northborough, Westminster and Worcester. Then-Attorney General Maura Healeys office brought human trafficking charges against Lowell and Nicholopoulos in April 2016.

One woman told police she was promised $12,000 to participate in the Worcester party. Lowell and Nicholopoulos told her and the other women to meet them at a nearby restaurant to be paid. The couple never showed up.

The couple advertised events as swingers or gangbang parties, the Telegram reported. Parties promised women payments between $5,000 to $12,000 to engage in sex acts with several men. The two kept all of the proceeds and did not pay the women involved, including women who faced financial problems.

Read more: Arraignment rescheduled again for suspect in shootout with Wilbraham police

Lowells lawyer said his client was exposed to swinger parties and sex from a young age, the Telegram wrote. He divorced from his wife and started get involved in swinger parties. In the years since his arrest, he has sought out psychotherapy and taken care of his mother.

Nicholopoulos was much less culpable in organizing the sex parties, her lawyer said according to the Telegram.
A Florida man was arrested on Thursday afternoon after Milford police officers said they found him with nearly $13,000 worth of counterfeit Apple products.

On Thursday, Feb. 8 at 1:49 p.m., members of the Milford Police Detective Bureau responded to the area of Crystal Nails on East Main Street after receiving calls about a suspicious male in a black Jeep with no license plates asking people if they wanted to buy Apple products, according to a statement from the Milford Police Department.

By the time police arrived, the suspect was gone, according to the press release.

At 2:21 p.m., while the Milford Police Detective Bureau was on an unmarked patrol, they stopped a black Jeep Renegade at Main and South Main street that had a rear license plate that read TAG APPLIED FOR, according to the department.

Police found nearly $13,000 in counterfeit Apple products, according to the Milford Police.

The operator of the Jeep, Lucio DAndrea, 32, of Miami, Florida, was arrested and held on a $20,000 bail Friday morning at Milford District Court.

DAndrea is being charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, illegally attaching number plates, receiving stolen property and distributing counterfeit marks, Milford Police reported.
Could researchers more than 75 years ago have predicted the Massachusetts we live in today? Its a daunting task to look so far into the future, but one study is predicting that a number of Massachusetts communities could look like ghost towns by the year 2100.

The study, published on January 11 in Nature, and conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago, found that half of the cities in the United States will face some sort of population decline.

In Massachusetts, about a dozen communities are projected to lose a quarter or more of their population, according to the findings.

The factors for the creation of these virtual ghost towns, first reported by Scientific American, include decline of industry, lower birth rates and the effects of climate change.

The steepest declines could be seen in the Franklin County communities of Millers Falls and Northfield. Both are set to lose about 50% of their population by the year 2100, according to the research.

The research used Census Designated Places for smaller communities, which differ from full incorporated towns. Millers Falls, for instance, is a village in the incorporated town of Montague, but counts as its own Census Designated Place.

The big population winners in Massachusetts are across the state. The northern Boston-area communities of Watertown, Malden, Somerville and Cambridge are all set to see their populations grow by 63% apiece, according to the research.

Other notable communities set to grow considerably by 2100 include Lynn, Nahant, Nantucket, Winthrop, Dedham, Milton, Saugus, Newton, Needham and Brookline.

The largest communities among the places set to lose major population are Pittsfield in Berkshire County and Greenfield in Franklin County. Both are predicted to lose more than a third of their respective populations by 2100.

The study used population data from the U.S. Census between 2000 and 2020. And it looks at five potential outcomes based on differing factors like how disruptive climate change will be. The results focused primarily on a middle of the road outcome that saw average impacts.

The ghost towns are mainly clustered in the Western Massachusetts counties of Franklin and Berkshire as well as a few on Cape Cod.

These 11 Massachusetts places could see population declines of more than 25% by 2100:

Millers Falls, Franklin County - loss of 48%

Northfield, Franklin County - loss of 48%

Greenfield, Franklin County - loss of 40%

Orange, Franklin County - loss of 39%

Williamstown, Berkshire County - loss of 38%

Lee, Berkshire County - loss of 37%

Pittsfield, Berkshire County - loss of 33%

East Dennis, Cape Cod - loss of 30%

Chatham, Cape Cod - loss of 29%

Shelburne Falls, Franklin County - loss of 27%

West Falmouth, Cape Cod - loss of 27%

The authors of the study talked about changes with population shifts that could be felt in many aspects of normal life, though it is hard to say exactly how population shifts will affect us.

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 studys authors wrote. 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.

Not everyone is ready to accept the findings. Some who spoke with Scientific American said a lot could change in the next 80 years and one called the population projects pretty reckless, though the methodology was solid.

See how your community matches up in the table below. The research uses Census Designated Places rather than official town borders for some smaller communities across the state.
Twenty years after the disappearance of University of Massachusetts Amherst student Maura Murray, authorities have released a new photograph of the woman altered to reflect her age as it would be today.

The Cold Case Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office released the age-progression photo of Murray on Thursday in an effort to generate new leads, tips and helpful information in the ongoing investigation into the womans suspicious disappearance in Haverhill, New Hampshire on Feb. 9, 2004.

We are continuing to work with our local, state, and federal partners, including the FBI, to identify resources to try to advance this case, New Hampshire Attorney General Formella said in a statement. It is our hope that this twentieth anniversary of Ms. Murrays disappearance will bring renewed attention to the case that might ultimately lead to justice and closure for the Murray family.

Murray, a 21-year-old nursing student at UMass Amherst, left the university on Feb. 9, 2004. Around 7:30 p.m. that night, her car, a black-colored, four-door Saturn sedan, was involved in what appeared to be a single-car crash on Route 112, also known as Wild Ammonoosuc Road, in Haverhill, New Hampshire, according to Formellas office.

Shortly after, a witness saw and spoke with a woman believed to be Murray at the scene of the crash. However, when the police arrived, Murray was not there. She has not been seen or heard from since, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office detailed.

Murray was last seen earlier in the day on surveillance footage at an ATM wearing a dark jacket and jeans. She did not share with others she was going to New Hampshire, which is around 2.5 hours away from UMass Amherst, Formellas office noted.

Read more: Missing Maura Murray billboards to raise awareness in Massachusetts

In the years since Murray went missing, law enforcement and private citizens have searched the area at and around the crash scene numerous times with no positive results, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office said.

An avid runner and hiker of the White Mountains, Murray went to the United States Military Academy at West Point before transferring to UMass Amherst to study nursing.

The age-progression photo of Murray was produced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being used as part of ongoing investigative efforts into the womans disappearance. The release of the picture is consistent with missing person investigations and not based on a change in the investigative posture of this case or new information, according to Formellas office.

The photograph represents an FBI analysis and projection of what Ms. Murray might look like in 2024, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office said.

Anyone with information about Murray is asked to call the Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663 or email the unit at coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov.
Boston police are searching for two suspects in connection with an armed robbery of a pizza delivery worker in Hyde Park, the Boston Police Department announced.

The suspects, who police believe are two teenagers, approached a Dominos Pizza delivery driver at around 1:42 p.m. near 21 Woodglen Road on Wednesday, police said in a statement on Friday.

Read more: Woman killed in fiery crash between delivery truck and SUV in Middleborough

One of the teens carried a black handgun and took the food from the workers food bag before running off, police said. One teenager wore a red jacket, blue pants and a black face mask, while the other wore a white jacket with blue sleeves.

Given the reported display of a firearm, the public is strongly urged to exercise caution if encountering individuals matching these descriptions and to promptly report any relevant information to law enforcement authorities, police said.

Police asked the public if they have information about the suspects, they are urged to call District E-18 detectives at 617-343-5607.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text 27463 and send TIP. Police added that tips will be kept anonymous and confidential.
Thursday marked the 33-year anniversary of the disappearance of 16-year-old Heide Wilbur in Vermont. Decades later, authorities are still searching for her.

Last seen at her familys home in Middletown Springs, Vermont on Feb. 8, 1991, Wilbur was in the custody of the state at the time of her disappearance. She was living with a foster family in the Rutland area but received a weekend pass to visit her biological family in Middletown Springs when she went missing, Vermont State Police said in a statement.

It is believed that Wilbur left on her own accord. Over the years, there have been unconfirmed reports of her living in Florida, according to Vermont State Police.

As recently as the spring of 2012, information was found suggesting Wilbur may have been arrested in Florida, Vermont State Police noted.

Heides family believes that she moved to Florida and has been living there for years, Vermont State Police said. A family member has also reported that they believe they saw her at Disney when they were on vacation.

Anyone with any information on Wilbur is asked to call Vermont State Polices Rutland office at (802) 773-9101.
Parts of the Massachusetts coast might risk seeing some flooding on Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters warn of potential flooding in Suffolk, Barnstable, eastern Essex, eastern Norfolk and eastern Plymouth counties, issuing a coastal flood statement for Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon. Forecasters are concerned about shallow pockets of flooding less than 1 foot deep during the high tide Saturday afternoon.

The weather service urged drivers not take make their way through flooded roadways.

In its high tide forecast, the weather service has so far noted a handful of instances where minor flooding could occur on Saturday. Revere could see it during the high tide between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m., with tides between 2 and a half and 3 feet.

Scituate has two instances where minor flooding could occur. Forecasters anticipate just below and over 2 feet of high tides between 10 and 11 a.m., and 2 to 2 and a half feet between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m.

Sandwich Harbor could also see minor flooding between over 1 and a half feet and 2 feet between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m., forecasters said.
SPRINGFIELD  The School Committee officially kicked off the search for its next superintendent by forming an ad hoc committee to set parameters for what is expected to be a nationwide hunt for the next leader of the about 23,700-student district.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who serves as School Committee chairman, announced Thursday he had named vice chairman Joesiah Gonzalez and members Christopher Collins and Barbara Gresham to the committee. Gonzalez is the second in command of the committee and Collins and Gresham have institutional knowledge since they been through a search before, he said.

Two weeks ago, Superintendent Daniel J. Warwick announced he would end his 48-year career in Springfield Public Schools in June after serving a dozen years as its head.

While she did not object to the selection of the three members, School Committee member Denise Hurst said she felt the mayor was skipping an important step in the search.

The first step should be to convene the full body so we could have a conversation on how we will go forth, she said.

She proposed a special meeting where the committee would review how the committee conducted its search in 2012 and talk about what worked and what didnt work and set up a strategy.

During the last search that resulted in Warwick being hired, Collins said he was the vice chairman and essentially served as the point person in the early stages of the process. This time, three people will share that work.

Collins said argued the ad hoc committee will simply be doing some of the groundwork to start the effort. The full School Committee will have to vote on each step in the process.

The advisory committee presents back to the School Committee, said Melinda Phelps, chief legal counsel for the city schools. This is the ground troops to present alternatives and options to the board.

The ad hoc committees first move will be to arrange for organizations such as the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the New England School Development Council to be interviewed by the School Committee.

The group will then decide if it should hire a consultant to assist with the search. While most school boards do and he would recommend it, members may decide they do not need the help, Collins said.

There are multiple steps after that including setting up a search committee that will review applications and recommend candidates to the School Committee and holding community meetings to find out what characteristics residents want to see in the next superintendent, he said.

We have a short timeline, Sarno said. We do have to get started on this.

With just five months before Warwick leaves the School Committee ideally would like to find a new superintendent before the end of the school year.

But member LaTonia Monroe Naylor said she was concerned that the committee is already behind and hurrying to find a replacement. She urged members to have a succession plan in case the search is not finished before Warwick retires.

Im more concerned about having the right person in place instead of rushing into the process, she said.

The School Committee does not have to rush but needs to get started as soon as possible, Sarno said.

Chief Schools Officer Kimberly Wells has stepped in before when Warwick has been unavailable and can do it again. There is also a talented group of lieutenants in the school department who can head the district in the interim if the School Committee fails to find a superintendent in time, Sarno said.
Une quarantaine duniversites du monde entier  Australie, Canada, Royaume-Uni, Espagne, Chine, France, Hongrie, Maurice et Nouvelle-Zelande  etaient presentes a la foire, offrant aux etudiants et aux parents mauriciens loccasion unique de rencontrer des representants des universites les plus prestigieuses du monde. Ce salon a permis aux etudiants et aux parents de se renseigner aupres de differentes institutions et de recueillir des informations utiles a leur parcours educatif.

 Campus Abroad organise ce salon educatif international pour coincider avec les resultats du HSC. Cest une occasion formidable pour les enfants de venir avec leurs resultats et de voir quelles sont les options qui soffrent a eux. Ceux qui ont obtenu dexcellents resultats peuvent egalement profiter de loccasion pour decouvrir les universites qui offrent des bourses detudes en fonction des resultats quils ont obtenus. Nous profitons de loccasion pour feliciter les laureats et leur souhaiter le meilleur pour leur avenir , a declare Rajeshwari Jayasankar, cofondatrice et directrice de Campus Abroad.

Lecosysteme dynamique du salon a permis aux participants dinteragir directement avec des representants des universites du monde entier. Quil sagisse de discuter des procedures de candidature ou dexplorer les possibilites de bourses et de travail apres les etudes, les etudiants presents ont eu loccasion de se renseigner sur les subtilites des etudes a letranger aupres des universites reputees qui proposent une gamme variee de programmes et de parcours academiques.

 Nous organisons egalement une serie devenements tout au long de lannee, quil sagisse des salons ou des journees portes ouvertes, et nous annoncerons ces evenements a travers les reseaux sociaux. Si certains dentre vous nont pas pu venir aujourdhui, nhesitez pas a vous rendre dans nos bureaux de Vandermeersch Street a Rose Hill, a cote du college Queen Elizabeth. Nous serons ravis de vous y accueillir et de vous parler des differentes opportunites qui soffrent a vous , a conclu Rajeshwari Jayasankar.

En fin de compte, levenement a ete une occasion pour les etudiants de rencontrer plusieurs representants des etablissements denseignement superieur. De telles interactions aident egalement les etudiants a comprendre comment ils peuvent mettre en uvre les dispositions concernant les visas et les voyages qui sont un aspect crucial mais complexe pour concretiser leurs reves detudes superieures.
A Community-led pilot project on peatland restoration with an emphasis on rhododendron control has the potential to 'deliver environmental, social and economic benefits' to participants and the local communities.

The launch of the community-led Peatland Restoration and Rhododendron Control Project took place in the Ballycroy Visitor Centre on Friday evening with local landowners and farmers encouraged to sign-up and benefit financially from the project.

The project, which is developed by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership CLG in conjunction with Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP and the National Parks and Wildlife Services, aims to develop and demonstrate a rhododendron control programme for areas within the Owenduff/Nephin, Shramore and Carrowmore Lake Complex Special Areas of Conservation in County Mayo.

Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD was due to launch the project but was unable to travel to Ballycroy because of a family illness.

Cameron Clotworthy, Assistant Principal with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) spoke on behalf of the Minister and said that close co-operation between local landowners and farmers and state agencies was vital to 'preserve the unique natural heritage of the Erris region'.

The control of non native invasive species such as rhododendron is particularly problematic within the two SACs and will be the primary focus of this pilot. As with all Life projects, collaboration with the community and relevant stakeholders will be an integral part of its success. It will build on the experiences of similar projects in Connemara and south Mayo where communities are delivering locally led nature conservation.

The project will build capacity in the local community to address environmental challenges and in the process will provide much needed employment opportunities in the Errris region. It is expected the pilot will deliver environmental, social and economic benefits to the participants and the local communities and will help communities better understand the threat posed by rhododendron and implement effective control measures to halt its encroachment.

The Minister has seen that when a project is conceived and driven by the local community its chance of success increases dramatically, he said.

Community Involvement

The launch heard that a similar community led project in the Delphi area of Connemara to deal with rhododendron has now expanded into other areas of Connemara with up to ten local people employed full-time to deal with eradicating the invasive plant.

James Golden, the Rural Development Manager with Mayo North East Leader explained that Ballycastle-based Kelly Environmental Services are currently surveying 40 square kilometres to map rhododendron density throughout Ballycroy, Bangor Erris and Shramore. He said that this project has the potential for expansion and he wants the local community to benefit from it.

Whatever is learned will hopefully be rolled out further and if landowners or individuals want to get involved there is so much work out there from this. It is an opportunity for people to get sustainable employment and for them to stay in the locality.

This is just the beginning and we really believe there are huge opportunities for this to expand and for the people in rural communities to benefit from these projects as of course the environment, he said.

Local councillor Sean Carey, who is Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, said this is an very exciting and important project to not only help eradicate the rhododendron but also to provide local employment.

The rhododendrons are taking over so it is great that there is a programme to try and address that issue. Giving employment locally is very important because rural Ireland needs employment and this will be a great source of employment going forward. We can see this expanding and increasing into other areas like the wild gunnera which is a major problem.

This is a night for the people of the area and to celebrate it and work going forward. Rural Ireland is crying out for employment and for people to live in it. We are dealing with different issues every day and we have to work with what's there and keep communities alive, he said.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus thanked Minister Noonan for his commitment to projects in Mayo saying that this would have been his sixth visit to the county as minister. He also thanked the staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the other agencies involved and wished them success with the project into the future.








by Erik Oster , February 9, 2024

Coca-Cola is spicing up its roster of core flavors with its first new permanent addition in over three years.

This week, Coca-Cola announced the upcoming introduction of Coca-Cola Spiced and Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar.

Despite the name, those sensitive to spicy foods need not be intimidated by the new flavor. In a fact sheet, the brand makes clear that Coca-Cola Spiced is not spicy, while simultaneously describing it as Cokes boldest tasting brand innovation yet. Rather than a capsaicin-heavy assault on taste buds, the new addition seems to be a blend of the novel and familiar. The company describes the Spiced flavor as blending the iconic taste of Coca-Cola with a burst of refreshing notes from raspberry and spiced flavors.

According to the company, Coca-Cola Spiced and Spiced Zero Sugar will be available in most national retail stores starting Feb. 19  across a variety of sizes and packaging formats, including 12 ounce cans, ten-packs of mini cans, and two-liter bottles.

advertisement advertisement

The branding and packaging for Coca-Cola Spiced was designed to be in line with the Coca-Cola master brands visual identity, while adding a swirl made up of raspberry-inspired colors) to the trademark red color long associated with the soda. Coca-Cola is prominently featured in bold font on both varieties, in white for Coca-Cola Spiced, and black for Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar.

Coca-Cola developed the new flavor based on insights on evolving consumer preferences. According to the company, there has been a 124% increase among consumers in willingness to incorporate spice in beverages since 2019, as well as a 25% increased interest in raspberry soft drinks over the course of the last four years. The company also cited over 5 million raspberry servings poured from its Coca-Cola Freestyle machines just in 2022.

While there will presumably be a campaign introducing Coca-Cola Spiced, the company did not respond to questions about its marketing strategy for the new release.
  Trusted Source

A statement from Buckingham Palace



Go to source Trusted Source



In a significant health development, King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, prompting attention and concerns across the realm. #KingCharles #cancer #benignprostate #Buckinghampalace

King Charles' Health: A Royal Journey Through Cancer Diagnosis

A statement from Buckingham Palace - (https://www.royal.uk/a-statement-from-buckingham-palace-5Feb24)

King Charles has received a cancer diagnosis and initiated a treatment plan, announced Buckingham Palace ()."Duringa separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer ," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.The type of cancer has not been revealed, but according to a palace statement the King began "regular treatments"."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 said.The statement further said that 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".According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles 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". No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis.Source-IANS
The Alabama National Guard on Friday showed off what officials called the worlds most technologically advanced combat aircraft at a ceremony and flight show in Montgomery, a celebration that signaled an important role in national military preparedness and a chance to carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Alabamas 187th Fighter Wing was picked by the Air Force as a home base for the F-35A Lighting II stealth fighter jets in 2017. The Air Force affirmed that decision after an environmental analysis in 2020. After what officials said was much preparation and planning, the first three jets arrived in Alabama in December. The 187th Fighter Wing is the third Air National Guard unit to receive the new fifth-generation jets, which will replace the F-16.

At Fridays ceremony, Col. Brian Vaughn, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, told hundreds of soldiers, airmen, officers, public officials and others that 187th would be ready to use the F-35s in the same spirit that the Tuskegee Airmen, known as the Red Tails, protected American bombers in the skies over Europe.

This has been years coming, Vaughn said. Lots of sweat and tears. Lots of hard work. Lots of conversations. Lots of long hours. But today its here.

Were excited to celebrate this day as we take the traditions, the excellence, the dedication, the selfless sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen into the next decade and hopefully the next century.

Gov. Kay Ivey and other officials spoke during the hour-long ceremony. That was followed by a flight show featuring two of the new F-35 jets, an F-16, and a P-51 Mustang, a plane the Tuskegee Airmen flew.

Lt. Col. Richard Peace, a member of the Alabama Air National Guard since 2003, talked to reporters after flying one of the F-35s on Friday. Peace said the F-16 was an amazing plane but said the F-35 has new technology that will make a difference in combat.

The ability to see adversaries and see threats at long-distance ranges, the ability to not only see those threats but not have those threats see us, is a really big advantage for us, Peace said. The jet is still relatively new. Its continuing to grow and the capabilities are being expanded. So were constantly learning how to use those capabilities to our advantage. And its really a game-changer when it comes to aerial combat.

Peace said he grew up in an Air Force family and said a neighbor and friend of his parents was an original Tuskegee Airman. He encouraged Peace to pursue his dream to fly fighter jets. Peace said he appreciates the importance of carrying on the Red Tails legacy.

Being a part of that is an honor but its also a big responsibility, Peace said. I feel like we need to uphold the values of the Tuskegee Airmen and make sure were carrying that forward into the next generation.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) speaks at ceremony held by the Alabama National Guard to introduce its new F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets. Behind Sewell is a plane like those flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. (Mike Cason/al.com)

The F-35 is a single-engine, single seat-jet. Alabamas F-35 will have the Red Tails to connect with the Tuskegee Airmen history.

The effort to bring the F-35s to the 187th Fighter Unit started about 2007, Peace said. It finally succeeded because of the efforts of military leaders, Alabamas congressional delegation and senators, state and local officials, and private citizens, Peace said.

It was a massive collaborative effort between the military and civilian population, even the local citizens of Montgomery all coming together, working together to make this happen, Peace said. It was a big challenge. There were times we had the F-35, then we didnt have the F-35, then we did have the F-35. It was just all those people staying engaged continuing to push the narrative to make this happen.

Col. Casey Hall, operations group commander for the 187th Fighter Wing, said the unit is expected to eventually receive 20 F-35s. It has three now, plus two on loan from an Air Guard unit in Vermont.

Our next 17 airplanes are all coming off the factory floor brand new, Hall said.

The planes are expected to arrive over the next five years. Construction to prepare for the operations will cost about $112 million, according to the Alabama National Guard. The unit is expected to be fully operational by 2026.

Hall said the Air Forces decision to make the 187th Fighter Wing a home base for F-35s will have a lasting impact.

The significance of this program for the Alabama Air National Guard is longevity for us and relevance in the next generation of warfare, Hall said. When a Guard unit is awarded new fighter aircraft and when they spend so much money to build up the base and the personnel behind the airframe, it implies decades of not only military jobs but also civilian contractor jobs as well.

For the Air National Guard, were a Tuskegee legacy, Hall said. And so were keeping fighters in the Tuskegee Airmen fighter squadron, which is something were very proud of as a wing. Were getting the most technologically advanced aircraft that are out there right now, which makes us more relevant to a peer adversary fight than we have been in the past. So its a big change. Its a big change in mission. And its a big change in our relevance to the global operations.

2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Like the pre-Hispanic peoples who settled thousands of years ago in this region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, the residents of Mano Perdida, a rural community located among the wetlands of the Alvarado Lagoon System, are governed by a water calendar. In it, two seasons mark a way of life linked to the cycles of nature: the rainy season, which usually arrives at the end of September, with the turbulent, greenish currents, when the roads that interconnect the municipalities are flooded, and the dry season, which begins in April or May, in the months when we consume the most water and get the most profits from fishing, says Felipe Ramirez, 72 years old. The gaze of the old man, who protects himself from the sun with a cowboy hat, is fixed on a circular map that is spread out on the table where the fishing cooperative he presides meets.

In the center of the map, different drawings depict community knowledge according to the month. A red thermometer to represent the hottest days. A blue drop for when the water is cleaner. A black one warns that the water comes out of the taps dirtier. The silhouette of a well as a reminder that the communitys water tank must be cleaned with chlorine every three months. Information that the group of researchers that make up the Water Reserve Monitoring Network (RedMORA) is turning into socio-environmental data. The goal of this scientific project is to measure, in a technical, precise way, the conditions of the ecosystems in which the inhabitants of Bajo Papaloapan live, plains where the Olmecs and other cultures of the Gulf of Mexico settled more than a century ago. This is the place where the Jarocha tradition of Veracruz was later developed, the set of sociocultural traits that resulted from the coexistence between indigenous and Spanish societies, African roots and other migratory influences that created this cultural wealth that is so typical of the Veracruz tropics, explains Xochitl del A. Leon Estrada, an anthropologist and archaeologist that was born in the state.

This basin, which originates between the tropical jungles and the temperate forests of Oaxaca and flows into the central-southern region of the State of Veracruz, is the second most important in Mexico. Although this area has not been explored much compared to others, multiple archaeological finds have been discovered there, pre-Hispanic vestiges that remain under the undergrowth, as well as obsidian utensils for scaling fish, among other pieces of immense historical value that reveal how the ancient inhabitants of the mangroves already subsisted thanks to the aquatic resources of the region, explains Leon Estrada, who is part of the group of experts that is analyzing the effects of pollution on the ecosystems of Bajo Papaloapan and on riverine fishing.

The community of Mano Perdida and its landscape. The community is settled on the edge of the lagoon and their daily tasks revolve around the water. seila montes

This activity is the main means of subsistence in Mano Perdida, a small piece of land with just over 200 inhabitants, where property is mostly communal and which is accessed by an asphalt road connected to the highway that winds along the river Papaloapan (river of butterflies in Nahuatl). The quality of the water that flows through the ecosystems is being affected by the pollution caused by sugar cane plantations around the communities, a million-dollar business that devours more of the natural landscape every day.

According to Patricia Moreno-Casasola, a researcher at the Institute of Ecology (Inecol), this industry is encroaching on fishing habitats and putting peoples health at risk. The runoff from herbicides and other chemicals used in sugarcane cultivation is carried from the Acula River to the Alvarado lagoon, causing terrible ecological damage, not only to surface waters  it also filters into the groundwater, says the environmentalist. In addition to the alcohol products that are made from its cultivation, sugarcane is planted mainly to export millions of tons of fructose. The United States is its main buyer.

To eradicate pests like the screwworm, cane producers use Furadan, one of the most toxic pesticides available. In some water samples, atrazine, a very dangerous chemical for the environment and the aquatic organisms, has also been found, highlights the scientist from RedMORA. In the calendar made by the inhabitants and scientists, the months in which the effects are most severe are noted. Harvest season starts in December, but it is in October when the factories wash and the water arrives dirtier, due to the rains and the tides, says Beatriz Zamudio, a member of the fishing cooperative, who learned the trade from her father when she was 6 years old.

He used to take me on his boat since I was little, says the woman, who now has two daughters and one granddaughter and supports the entire family with the money that she makes every day on her little boat. Its what I always did, she continues. My dad instilled in me from a very young age the importance of being independent, of not needing a man to survive. Thats what he used to tell me, and I always followed his advice. I only spend to invest in material, to make my own traps, she explains as she points to the fishing nets that hang at the entrance of her home.

Zamudios home stands on a patch of land along the canals that intertwine the lagoons like water tongues. A small house that every day is visited by herons, pelicans, cranes... the biodiversity that surrounds the corral, at the waters edge, where the fisherwoman keeps the breeding animals: chickens, ducks, two pigs. From the sale of the first pig, I bought my daughters uniforms and was able to pay for their school registration. I didnt go to school, thats why I know that education is very important, and I invest in it so that they study and dont have to work as hard as I do, says Zamudio proudly, as she maneuvers her boat through the mangroves.

Beatriz Zamudio and her granddaughter, in the community of Mano Perdida. seila montes

While many territories in Mexico suffer serious droughts, here water is abundant, so much so that during the stormy season a latent risk of flooding looms over the community. The thing is that the water is not clean, so we have to buy it in jugs, laments the fisherwoman. The only well built in Mano Perdida is dry and, like the rest of the communities settled around the wetlands, they have no access to quality water, so people have to buy it from purifiers located in distant cities. We use a lot of water to drink and cook, and sometimes we go several consecutive days without it because they take a long time to bring us the jugs. We only use the tank water to bathe and wash, but it is very dirty, she explains.

In addition to the pollution generated by the overuse of fertilizers and herbicides for sugarcane and other crops, other problems are causing the daily life of the people of Bajo Papaloapan to collapse, such as those derived from the drastic changes in land use that can be observed in the landscape, where a mosaic unfurls: mangrove lagoon, tule, sapotes, a small pond and pastures, areas of native vegetation altered by uncontrolled livestock exploitation. This part of Veracruz has one of the most serious deforestation rates of all the pilot sites of the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio). As in so many other places in Latin America, the Alvarado wetlands are transformed into flooded pastures for cattle grazing, an activity that began in the 1970s. And in which many chemicals are also used, tickicides, for example, says Moreno-Casasola. Deforestation does not only occur near lagoons. One of the problems that worry us the most is silting, says the environmentalist, referring to the sediments caused by the erosion of soils that suffered the removal of their forest layer.

Throughout the year, the tributary that flows into this lagoon complex travels from the upper area of the basin, the mountains of Oaxaca, dragging in its path pollutants that accumulate on the coast of Veracruz. However, the scientist explains, with the arrival of the cold, the rain and the north winds in November, the waters run turbulent and black due to siltation, a phenomenon that reduces the capture of shrimp, crab and tilapia.

The small catch of the day, in the community of Mano Perdida, on November 28, 2023. seila montes

The people of Mano Perdida live off these fish products all year round. There are others that are seasonal. From June to August its bass spawning season, for example. And the harvest of nacara has just finished, explains Ramirez. The capture of this unique fish, harvested for its roe, is a custom that comes from pre-Hispanic times, along with other traditions that tell how various cultural groups used the river flows for the trade of fishing products, from the Gulf Coast to the Central Highlands region, says Leon Estrada.

The unique biocultural ecosystem of Bajo Papaloapan, its biodiversity and balance, are being increasingly affected by deforestation, drastic changes in land use, the overuse of fertilizers and herbicides used in sugarcane cultivation, uncontrolled livestock exploitation and the dismal quality of water that jeopardizes the health of the inhabitants of Mano Perdida. The community is now fighting to recover the symbiotic human-nature relationship to the sounds of the water flows created so long ago in these plains.

This feature is part of the Agua para el Ambiente project, developed with the support of the Red Mexicana de Periodistas de Ciencia (Red MPC), the Red Mexicana de Cuencas (REMEXCU), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Red de Monitoreo de Reservas de Agua (RedMORA).

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
For the second time as governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem has been banished from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Last week, the Oglala Sioux Tribe said the Republican governor was no longer welcome on tribal lands, and its leaders referred to her rhetoric linking immigration and crime as opportunistic and dangerous.

Our people are being used for her political gain, said Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out.

After Noem suggested last week that the state send razor wire and security personnel to Texas to deter crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, Star Comes Out accused her of trying to garner favor from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Noem also said drug cartels are responsible for murders on the reservation and that theyre affiliated with a gang called the Ghost Dancers  which takes its name from a Native American religious ceremony. Historically, U.S. and state officials viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat of violence and sought to ban it, prompting a painful period of history.

Star Comes Out said the reservation has cartel and gang problems, but singling out a gang with that particular name and history felt like another insult to his people. Noems mention of the gang, he said, was the first time he had heard of it or its possible presence on the reservation.

Ian Fury, a spokesperson for Noems office, said in a Tuesday email, All the Governor did was say the name of a gang that in fact exists and is in fact committing the crimes she referenced. She didnt choose the name of the gang  they named themselves.

Federal and tribal authorities have criminal jurisdiction on the reservations in South Dakota, and Star Comes Out wants more funding from the U.S. for law enforcement. Noem has previously pushed to expand the states jurisdiction. In 2018, as a U.S. House Representative, she proposed legislation that would allow federal authorities to arrest people on tribal lands for state crimes. It was widely opposed by tribal leaders, who saw it as a threat to tribal sovereignty.

Here are key questions and answers about the governors contentious relationship with the tribe.

What is the gang that Noem referenced?

Tony Mangan, a spokesperson for the South Dakota Attorney Generals office, said the Ghost Dancers are affiliated with a motorcycle gang called the Bandidos. The office does not know if the group is connected to drug cartels, nor does it know if the Ghost Dancers are present on the reservation, Mangan said.

Noem has cited cartels as responsible for homicides on the reservation, though her office didnt share recent examples. Fury, the governors spokesperson, pointed to a 2016 murder on the reservation that was related to a drug cartel, but he declined to provide any information on other gang or cartel-related murders or any connection to the Ghost Dancers.

Murders are being committed by cartel members on the Pine Ridge reservation and in Rapid City, and a gang called the Ghost Dancers are affiliated with these cartels, Noem said last week in a speech to state lawmakers. They have been successful in recruiting tribal members to join their criminal activity.

Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said he had not heard of a gang called the Ghost Dancers until Noem mentioned it in her speech, and that he was unaware of any presence by this gang on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

What is the ghost dance?

The Ghost Dance was a religious movement that spread across Native American communities in the U.S. in the late 1800s, after a Paiute elder had a vision that their homelands would be restored and they would be reconnected with their ancestors if they practiced it. He also foresaw the removal of white settlers, whose violence and spread of disease had devastated tribes.

For many, the practice represented resiliency in the face of the tremendous loss brought on by colonization.

The dance involves holding hands and moving in a circle while singing throughout the night. In the early 1890s, U.S. political and military leaders tried to outlaw the Ghost Dance, fearing the movement was a precursor to an uprising in communities it subjugated. Around the country, tribal nations adopted the practice, and in South Dakota it became part of one of Americas most infamous massacres.

In 1890, hoping to stop the spread of the Ghost Dance, federal agents went to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to arrest Chief Sitting Bull, who they believed was behind its influence there. After a dispute, agents shot and killed Sitting Bull and several other tribal members. Following this, a group of about 300 Lakota men, women and children left Standing Rock hoping to reach safety at the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The group was intercepted by U.S. troops, who killed hundreds of Lakota people in what would become known as the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Why was Noem banished before?

Multiple times since taking office in 2019, Noem has been at odds with tribal governments.

In response to her support for anti-protest legislation following the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council unanimously voted to ban the governor from the reservation in 2019.

Months later, the council lifted the ban after Noem and the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota reached a settlement, ensuring the state would not enforce parts of the riot boosting laws that Noem had crafted.

She also clashed with several tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic when they set up coronavirus checkpoints at reservation borders to keep out unnecessary visitors. When Noem was unsuccessful in getting the checkpoints dismantled, she turned to the Trump administration for help.

Nick Estes, an assistant professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota and a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said he sees Noems adversarial relationship with tribal nations as an attempt to seize a political opportunity and position herself as a strong Republican leader. Its obvious signaling to Trump, he said.

Noem is considered a top contender for Trumps vice president pick in his re-election campaign.

Star Comes Out said Noem is the first person he has banished since becoming the tribes president in 2022. The ban restricts Noem from visiting the reservation.

Is crime a problem on the reservation?

Yes. Star Comes Out declared a state of emergency on the reservation in November because of rampant crime that he said hasnt been curbed due to the U.S. governments inadequate funding for law enforcement. The state of emergency is still in effect, he said this week.

Last year, a federal judge ruled the U.S. government has a treaty obligation to support law enforcement on the reservation, but didnt determine a specific amount of funding.

Star Comes Out said conditions on the reservation have worsened since the ruling, prompting him to sign an emergency proclamation, which said the U.S. government has failed to fulfill the United States treaty, statutory and trust responsibilities to provide adequate law enforcement on the Reservation.

Gun violence, drug offenses and sexual violence have become increasingly common on the Pine Ridge reservation, which is more than 2.1 million acres (849,839 hectares) or at least 4% of the state. Roughly 33 officers and eight criminal investigators are responsible for more than 100,000 emergency calls each year across the reservation, which is about the size of Connecticut, tribal officials have said.

Oglala Sioux officials have contended the tribe is entitled to federal funding for 120 fully equipped officers for the reservation, something the federal government has disputed.

The tribal nation filed a second lawsuit against the U.S. government last month to put pressure them to act.

___

By GRAHAM BREWER and TRISHA AHMED Associated Press

This story has been corrected to say that in 2018, Noem was a U.S. House Representative for South Dakota, not a Rep. in the South Dakota Legislature.
GRANDVILLE, MI - Seven fire departments responded to a fire Friday, Feb. 9 that destroyed storage units at a Grandville facility.

The Grandville Fire Department was dispatched around 4:54 p.m. to the fire at the Mini Storage Depot, 4785 Canal Ave. SW, according to a news release.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire at one of the buildings that had roughly 50 to 75 storage garages. About half of the building and its contents were a total loss, but firefighters were able to save the other half, officials say.

One person who was inside the building was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital. There were no other reported injuries.

The fire is currently believed to be accidental, the fire department said, but it remains under investigation.

The Grandville Fire Department was assisted by Wyoming, Georgetown Township, Byron Township, Jamestown Township, Hudsonville and Walker fire departments. The Grandville Police Department and Department of Public Works also responded to the scene.

Staff from the Mini Storage Depot will be contacting any customers whose units were affected by the fire. Anyone with questions about their property should contact the company directly at 616-612-1128.
British historian Lyndsey Stonebridge, pictured at the Brunswick Center, in London, on January 31, 2024 Ione Saizar

Its rewarding to speak with Lyndsey Stonebridge. The perspective that this 58-year-old humanities professor from the University of Birmingham has on various pressing issues  such as the tragedies faced by refugees, universal justice and human rights, or the effects of violence in the 20th and 21st centuries  offers much-needed closure.

Dr. Stonebridge is guided by the thought of the philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt (1906-1975). An accomplished specialist in Arendts body of work, she is able to answer some of the questions that many of the most influential minds always tend to invoke: what would Arendt have thought about this? How would she have reacted?

The New Statesman writes that Stonebridges latest book  We Are Free to Change the World: Hannah Arendts Lessons in Love and Disobedience  as one of the most relevant publications of 2024. She receives EL PAIS in her small London apartment, in the Brunswick Center, a modernist hive of homes and businesses in Bloomsburys literary quarter. Much-criticized during its construction in 1972, today, its an admired historical building. Everything has its moment if you allow enough time to pass.

Question. Looking back at recent history, is there anything new to be said about the current migrant crisis?

Answer. Whats new is the brutality of our response. In the last decade  in Europe and the US  there has been an attempt by the populist right to brutalize the entire process. They have deliberately prolonged the waiting times required to obtain asylum, or have used third countries to host people and [delay the process].

Q. This discourse has clearly resonated. It started out with populists, but now permeates the traditional parties.

A. What should concern us  regardless of the degree to which each person feels threatened by immigration  is the normalization of this policy and the aesthetics of cruelty. For example, the act of locking [migrant families] in detention centers. Its true that Europe has had atrocious periods of cruelty, but for our generation, this is a new phenomenon. And its worrying; it corrupts us all. Populism is legitimizing it and using cruelty and violence as a way to sow fear and anxiety. [Populists are pushing] a pseudo-mysticism, a tribal nationalism. Its not even genuine patriotism: its based on seeing the other as an enemy.

Q. Many societies appear to be receptive to this message.

A. Its like the debate around Brexit. It seems that [many people have] the desire to be deceived. Theyre aware that theres a high level of cynicism [in the message of populism]. In the UK, people know that a thousand Afghan refugees arent the reason its difficult to be treated by a doctor in a public hospital. But still, they buy the message.

Q. Hannah Arendt wrote that wonderful essay, We Refugees. What can we learn from it?

A. Because of all that she lived through, she clearly glimpsed the essence of this tragedy: the [situation] of being someone without a state and without a home. Therein lies the problem. She pointed out that, if you take away a group of peoples citizenship  if you [attempt to] obliterate them  you leave them without visibility.

Q. And without rights

A. Exactly. You only have rights within a political community. Were the ones who grant rights to each other. You cant base a nation on exclusion.

Q. It seems that each generation either censors writers such as Hannah Arendt, or discovers them

A. Theres something about her that resists being categorized. At first, I wanted to title my book Thinking Like Hannah Arendt. I imagined her telling me: You didnt understand anything! Im an anti-totalitarian thinker. You dont have to think like anyone else... just think for yourself. She insisted that each historical context must be understood as something unprecedented. [She wrote that there are] no grand narratives to explain whats happening. You have to respond to reality at every moment.

Q. Would she have appreciated this hyperconnected world, with social media?

A. I think she would have hated it. What she feared most was social conservatism. And social media connects everyone with each other, but it generates a certain type of conservatism, because it causes people to repress and self-censor or it makes it easier for some people to deliberately seek to get attention and cause scandals.

Q. Does social media exhaust our ability to think?

A. Our attention has become a commodity thats monetized. Our ability to concentrate has been monetized, becoming something thats more like a consumer good. The ability to take genuine [political] action can only happen in coordination with other people [in-person]. And the ability to reflect alone  by oneself  also disappears with social media. Theres no space for it. Thats why everyone in the West is so exhausted.

Q. Would Arendt have been comfortable with the current state of the political left?

A. With some things, yes. Arendt would have celebrated the Black Lives Matter Movement. She would have been someone who listens to her inner voice, makes decisions with courage and changes things. But, in the same way, she would have viewed all identity-based politics with suspicion. Partly because she thought that any attempt to existentially fulfill oneself based on an identity was fallacious. Humanity is too pluralistic, different and slippery. We never know exactly who we are. By framing emancipation in terms of identity, [we give too much power] to identity.

Q. Regarding the war between Israel and Hamas: its the eternal conflict of a state that Arendt defended although she didnt share the Zionist impulse.

A. Her heart would have been broken. And she would have said: I warned you. Arendt didnt believe in a Jewish homeland, but she did believe in a binational state. She had accumulated previous experience of a Europe dominated by fascism, ethnocentrism and Nazism that led her to the conclusion that nation states based on a particular ethnicity dont work. You cannot base a nation on exclusion, if only for the mere fact that you will end up surrounded by hostile nations.

In 1967, after the [Six-Day] War, she became very concerned about Israel. She believed in Israel, but she wasnt a Zionist. Today, even that distinction cannot be stated without problems which gives you an idea of how far we have traveled in a bad direction. When you try to erase a people  as is the case with [what theyre trying to do] to the Palestinians  youre not only usurping their national identity: youre attacking the plurality of the world. Youre attacking the very idea that different people can live in the same place. Thus, we all lose.

Q. Totalitarianism never completely disappears. Putins Russia and its invasion of Ukraine partly resurrected the 20th century.

A. When Arendt wrote The Origins of Totalitarianism, she was criticized for putting communism and fascism on the same level. But the key is that she detected the common imperialist impulse. She understood what was behind that appeal to the Slavic conscience in favor of a great Russia. She wouldnt have been surprised by Putins drift. And she would have fully supported Ukraine in its need to preserve its borders and its independence.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
A Chinese flag is displayed next to a 'Made in China' sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023.

The Biden administration on Friday announced the investment of $5 billion in a newly established public-private consortium aimed at supporting research and development in advanced computer chips.

The National Semiconductor Technology Center is being funded through the CHIPS and Science Act. That 2022 law aims to reinvigorate the computer chip sector within the United States through tens of billions of dollars in targeted government support.

Stakeholders in the chips industry gathered on the White House campus to discuss how the center should prioritize research and worker training for an industry poised to expand because of government backing. The coronavirus pandemic exposed the risk to the economy and national security of an overdependence on Taiwan for advanced chips, while the emergence of artificial intelligence is likely to push demand for newer and more innovative chips upward.

This is an inflection point in the industry, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told the group. Not just because were dangerously dependent on one country for so many of our chips, but because AI is going to lead to an explosion of demand for chips, for sophisticated chips, more energy-efficient chips, cost-effective chips.

The center would help to fund the design and prototyping of new chips, in addition to training workers for the sector.

Companies say they need a skilled workforce in order to capitalize on the separate $39 billion being provided by the government to fund new and expanded computer chip plants. Raimondo said there will be a drumbeat of funding announcements for companies in the next six to 12 weeks.

The sector would likely increase rapidly in terms of its need for highly specialized workers. Labor Department data say that about 375,000 people are employed in the production of computer chips with an average income of $82,830.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Mikheil Saakashvili, the imprisoned former President of Georgia, on Friday, said the platform for European unity in the domestic political scene, initiated by President Salome Zourabichvili this week, was welcome," Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

In his comments, Saakashvili said now is not the time for discussions and mere talk, but to get down to business.

Formulate a concrete proposal, and involve the civil sector, non-governmental organisations, political parties, businesspeople and representatives of the state apparatus to develop concrete things, Saakashvili said in his call.

The former official stressed the focus must be made on ensuring free parliamentary elections in the country, with the vote set for later this year.

If I were the President, I would take the public platform to the street - meeting the same people in [your offices] is like staying in one place. Freedom Square [in Tbilisi] was diminished specifically to reduce the space [for protest rallies]. The hippodrome [territory], a familiar place for Salome [the place where Zourabichvili protested against Saakashvili in 2005], practically no longer exists. But there is Rustaveli Avenue [in Tbilisi], which can be filled [with people], he continued.

The former official added if the President decided the lead the initiative, we will support it.
My father used to say that a democracy means having certainty about the rules and uncertainty about the results. If we can say anything about El Salvador on Sunday, before the ballots were processed, its that there was certainty about the results, following a series of violations to the Constitution, the laws and the electoral rules at the pleasure of the president. Before the polling stations had even counted the votes, Nayib Bukele declared himself re-elected, becoming the first Salvadoran president in eight decades to proclaim victory for a second consecutive term.

In El Salvador, presidential re-election is explicitly prohibited by six articles of the Constitution. But there are no longer any institutions capable of imposing sanctions or limits on Bukeles exercise of power. He controls the three branches of government, the judicial system, the prosecutors office, the police, the Army and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Salvadorans have lost our constitutional rights, and the country has endured an election under an indefinite state of exception. Last week, Vice President Felix Ulloa told The New York Times: We are not dismantling democracy. We are eliminating it, replacing it with something new. But its nothing new. We are witnessing, live, the birth of a dictatorship.

Pending results, it appears that the majority of those who voted in last weeks election opted to consign democracy to the grave, which is precisely what the president is offering when he argues that limits to power were an obstacle to achieving what no previous government has been able to accomplish: dismantling the gangs that held the population hostage with terror. This has, truly, been a transformative development for most citizens. When youve lived with a gun to your head, security takes priority over constitutions and laws and democracy. Most of those who voted have decided to give up their rights and concentrate all power in the hands of one person, in exchange for security.

Bukeles experiment is a dangerous one. In two years, he has incarcerated more than 70,000 people under a state of exception that permits police and soldiers to detain anyone they suspect of gang involvement. Human rights organizations estimate that only a third of those imprisoned actually have ties to gangs, and have documented systematic torture inside Salvadoran prisons. Hundreds of people have already died. El Salvador now has the highest incarceration rate in the world.

The National Civil Police demand daily quotas of detainees from their agents, to fill President Bukeles prisons. What is happening is what always happens: young people arrested because an agent said they looked nervous; neighbors accusing neighbors of gang ties; cab drivers denouncing their competitors to get rid of them; men arrested for competing with a policeman over the love of a woman. Thats how the quotas get filled. Police officers extorting money from innocent people in exchange for not taking them away.

In El Salvador, every detainee is guilty until proven innocent, and its nearly impossible to prove otherwise. They are summarily processed in mass trials by anonymous judges, along with hundreds of other detainees. A hundred guilty or a hundred innocent. Vice President Ulloa, who is a lawyer, has said that this was the only option, since his government has put so many people behind bars that it would take a hundred years to try them all individually. Its a fair process because its legal. Before, it was individual trials, but we changed the law.

El Salvadors security forces have not enjoyed such impunity since the days of our civil war, when the army, the police and paramilitary forces (the death squads) detained, tortured and disappeared thousands of people without fear of accountability or punishment.

Bukeles great specialty is not security, but propaganda. He depends on a group of Venezuelan advisors plucked from the teams of Juan Guaido and Leopoldo Lopez  experts in making the right hand believe that what the left hides no longer exists. Bukele perceived the peoples weariness with politicians and rode to power on a discourse of fighting corruption. He won the presidency in 2019, pulverizing the opposition to the point of delegitimizing it, all to the applause of the Salvadoran people. Two years later, he won a majority in the legislative elections.

The pandemic and the emergency decrees allowed Bukele to suspend the rights of citizens, seal information on contracts and purchases, and engage in a systematic looting of the state, documented by journalists from the outset, that makes his predecessors look like rookies in the field of corruption.

In secret, Bukele made a pact with the countys gangs, promising unprecedented concessions, such as freeing leaders whom the US had requested for extradition, in exchange for a reduction in homicides  something Bukele desperately needed so that he could brag about the effectiveness of his so-called security plans.

In May 2021, he struck a blow to the judiciary. He removed the attorney general along with the magistrates from the Supreme Courts Constitutional Chamber and, skipping all the procedures established by the Constitution, hand-picked new judges and a new prosecutor that very same day. This, in practice, is when the dictatorship began. By nightfall, Bukele had control over all three branches of government. Everything. And so nobody was surprised when the unconstitutional magistrates of the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of his reelection.

After the pact between Bukele and the gangs was broken, came the state of exception, the mass arrests, the imprisonment. But residents of the communities previously controlled by the gangs now live in a state of peace they have never known, no longer forced to pay extortions, no longer living in fear that their families will be victims of the cruelty of those criminal organizations. And this was the main reason for his re-election.

The so-called Bukele model, whose only components are propaganda, the accumulation of power, and repression exercised in violation of the rule of law and human rights, has managed to garner an extremely high level of popular support. But, as history teaches, this support doesnt last forever.

Bukele is preparing for when the people grow tired: he has increased the ranks of the Armed Forces and has promised to double its size in five years.

Every authoritarian project, every dictatorship, has a point of no return. It is this threshold that divides the desire to remain in power from the impossibility of leaving it, given the disastrous consequences it would have for him and his family.

Evidence of Bukeles pact with organized crime is piling up in a New York court, where gang leaders who should be serving prison sentences in El Salvador now stand trial. They are living proof of these criminal pacts. The newly re-elected president has violated every body of law in El Salvador, and the patrimonial abuse and systematic looting of the state has been sufficiently documented. Its bad news for anyone hoping for democracy to make a comeback in El Salvador: Nayib Bukele has crossed the point of no return.

The dictatorship is upon us.

Carlos Dada is the director of El Faro.

Translated by Max Granger.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG  Get Free Report) SVP Michelle A. Gillis sold 5,176 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.00, for a total value of $626,296.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 45,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,490,012. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

American Financial Group Stock Up 1.8 %

NYSE AFG traded up $2.23 on Friday, hitting $122.86. 419,109 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 343,333. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $118.96 and a 200 day moving average of $114.83. American Financial Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $105.22 and a twelve month high of $139.30. The company has a market capitalization of $10.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.02 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

Get American Financial Group alerts:

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The insurance provider reported $2.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.81 by $0.03. American Financial Group had a return on equity of 22.53% and a net margin of 10.89%. The firm had revenue of $1.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.99 earnings per share. American Financial Groups revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that American Financial Group, Inc. will post 11.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Financial Group Increases Dividend

Institutional Trading of American Financial Group

The business also recently declared a None dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be given a dividend of $2.50 per share. This is a boost from American Financial Groups previous None dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. American Financial Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 28.26%.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AFG. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of American Financial Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $97,304,000. FMR LLC increased its position in American Financial Group by 16.1% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 4,710,065 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $525,973,000 after acquiring an additional 654,442 shares during the period. Comerica Bank acquired a new stake in American Financial Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $43,511,000. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. increased its position in American Financial Group by 511.9% in the 1st quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 432,083 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $52,498,000 after acquiring an additional 361,472 shares during the period. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its position in American Financial Group by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,655,395 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $434,078,000 after acquiring an additional 356,403 shares during the period. 63.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AFG has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Janney Montgomery Scott initiated coverage on American Financial Group in a report on Thursday, December 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $135.00 price target for the company. Piper Sandler downgraded American Financial Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $129.00 price target for the company. in a report on Thursday. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on American Financial Group from $125.00 to $131.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, American Financial Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $128.75.

Read Our Latest Report on American Financial Group

About American Financial Group

(Get Free Report)

American Financial Group, Inc, an insurance holding company, provides specialty property and casualty insurance products in the United States. It offers property and transportation insurance products, such as physical damage and liability coverage for buses and trucks, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products, and other commercial property and specialty transportation coverages; specialty casualty insurance, including primarily excess and surplus, executive and professional liability, general liability, umbrella and excess liability, and specialty coverage in targeted markets, as well as customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers' compensation insurance; and specialty financial insurance products comprising risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions, fidelity and surety products, and trade credit insurance.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for American Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 42,243 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 319 shares during the quarter. Danaher comprises 2.6% of Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest position. Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Danaher were worth $10,480,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. purchased a new stake in Danaher in the third quarter worth about $25,000. IAG Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in Danaher by 344.8% in the second quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 129 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new position in shares of Danaher in the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of Danaher in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of Danaher in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.71% of the companys stock.

Get Danaher alerts:

Insider Activity at Danaher

In related news, Director Teri List sold 3,289 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $248.32, for a total transaction of $816,724.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 19,726 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,898,360.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 11.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Danaher Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DHR traded down $2.92 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $242.95. The stock had a trading volume of 2,531,793 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,085,221. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $230.82 and a 200-day moving average of $232.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.68. The company has a market capitalization of $179.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.85. Danaher Co. has a 12-month low of $182.09 and a 12-month high of $249.89.

Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The conglomerate reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.91 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $6.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.10 billion. Danaher had a net margin of 17.26% and a return on equity of 12.25%. Danahers quarterly revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.87 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Danaher Co. will post 7.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Danaher Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.40%. Danahers payout ratio is 15.02%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on DHR. TheStreet upgraded shares of Danaher from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Danaher in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Danaher in a research note on Monday, December 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. KeyCorp increased their price objective on shares of Danaher from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Danaher from $240.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Danaher has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $266.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on DHR

About Danaher

(Free Report)

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DHR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLC decreased its position in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Free Report) by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 51,384 shares of the companys stock after selling 970 shares during the period. Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $3,654,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 90,253.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,974,451 shares of the companys stock worth $1,258,627,000 after buying an additional 15,956,771 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive in the 4th quarter worth approximately $644,715,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 151.6% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 5,688,786 shares of the companys stock worth $431,381,000 after buying an additional 3,427,400 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 41.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,370,549 shares of the companys stock worth $895,886,000 after buying an additional 3,345,297 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec raised its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1,915.2% in the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,793,287 shares of the companys stock worth $135,985,000 after buying an additional 1,704,300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.36% of the companys stock.

Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts:

Insider Activity

In other news, Director C Martin Harris sold 2,760 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $84.50, for a total value of $233,220.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 19,272 shares in the company, valued at $1,628,484. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Gregory Malcolm sold 8,930 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.35, for a total transaction of $762,175.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 8,043 shares in the company, valued at $686,470.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director C Martin Harris sold 2,760 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $84.50, for a total value of $233,220.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 19,272 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,628,484. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 92,123 shares of company stock worth $7,635,941 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

Colgate-Palmolive Trading Down 0.9 %

NYSE:CL traded down $0.80 on Friday, reaching $83.46. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,102,977 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,520,203. Colgate-Palmolive has a 1-year low of $67.62 and a 1-year high of $86.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.40, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 0.41. The firm has a market cap of $68.72 billion, a PE ratio of 30.18, a PEG ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 0.42. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $80.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $76.26.

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. Colgate-Palmolive had a return on equity of 509.75% and a net margin of 11.82%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.77 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 22nd will be issued a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 19th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.30%. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.06%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on CL. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Colgate-Palmolive from $85.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their target price on Colgate-Palmolive from $82.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Stifel Nicolaus raised Colgate-Palmolive from a hold rating to a buy rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $85.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Colgate-Palmolive from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $86.93.

Get Our Latest Report on Colgate-Palmolive

About Colgate-Palmolive

(Free Report)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 0.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,804 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 41 shares during the quarter. Deere & Company accounts for approximately 2.2% of Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Hamilton Point Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $9,015,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Briaud Financial Planning Inc purchased a new position in Deere & Company during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Retirement Group LLC raised its position in Deere & Company by 264.7% during the second quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 62 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Deere & Company during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Deere & Company during the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Center for Financial Planning Inc. raised its position in Deere & Company by 666.7% during the second quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 115 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.27% of the companys stock.

Get Deere & Company alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

DE has been the subject of several recent research reports. Melius Research reiterated a hold rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. TD Cowen cut their price objective on Deere & Company from $438.00 to $396.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 24th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. They issued an overweight rating and a $430.00 price objective for the company. Melius cut Deere & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Deere & Company from $380.00 to $385.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Deere & Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $439.69.

Deere & Company Trading Down 1.2 %

NYSE DE traded down $4.54 on Friday, reaching $381.29. 1,426,203 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,293,789. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $386.83 and its 200 day moving average price is $391.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $106.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.90, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $345.55 and a fifty-two week high of $450.00.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 22nd. The industrial products company reported $8.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.46 by $0.80. The company had revenue of $13.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.64 billion. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 45.91% and a net margin of 16.60%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $7.44 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Deere & Company will post 28.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Deere & Company Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. This is a positive change from Deere & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio is 16.96%.

About Deere & Company

(Free Report)

Deere & Company engages in the manufacture and distribution of various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides large and medium tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters and loaders, harvesting front-end equipment, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MTSFF  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $26.29 and last traded at $26.29, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $26.29.

Mitsui Fudosan Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.59 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $22.71.

About Mitsui Fudosan

(Get Free Report)

Mitsui Fudosan Co, Ltd. operates as a real estate company in Japan. It operates through four segments: Leasing, Property Sales, Management, and Other. The Leasing segment leases office buildings and commercial facilities, and other properties. The Property Sales segment is involved in the sale of condominiums and detached housing to individuals; and rental housing and office buildings and other to investors.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Mitsui Fudosan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsui Fudosan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. cut its position in shares of Otis Worldwide Co. (NYSE:OTIS  Free Report) by 5.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,051,789 shares of the companys stock after selling 56,098 shares during the quarter. Otis Worldwide makes up approximately 2.6% of Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S.s portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S.s holdings in Otis Worldwide were worth $83,086,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Spinnaker Trust lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 12.8% in the second quarter. Spinnaker Trust now owns 3,221 shares of the companys stock worth $287,000 after acquiring an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 1.1% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 17,112 shares of the companys stock worth $1,523,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 3.0% in the third quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp now owns 6,968 shares of the companys stock worth $560,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 148.6% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 311,298 shares of the companys stock worth $27,709,000 after acquiring an additional 186,079 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Guinness Atkinson Asset Management Inc lifted its position in shares of Otis Worldwide by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter. Guinness Atkinson Asset Management Inc now owns 9,832 shares of the companys stock worth $790,000 after buying an additional 672 shares during the last quarter. 85.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Otis Worldwide alerts:

Otis Worldwide Stock Performance

Shares of OTIS stock traded up $0.21 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $91.08. 1,735,285 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,284,960. Otis Worldwide Co. has a fifty-two week low of $73.32 and a fifty-two week high of $92.45. The company has a market capitalization of $36.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.80 and a beta of 1.00. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $88.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $84.86.

Otis Worldwide Dividend Announcement

Otis Worldwide ( NYSE:OTIS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $3.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.57 billion. Otis Worldwide had a negative return on equity of 30.75% and a net margin of 9.90%. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.75 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Otis Worldwide Co. will post 3.87 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.49%. Otis Worldwides dividend payout ratio is currently 40.12%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

OTIS has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Otis Worldwide from $97.00 to $95.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price target on shares of Otis Worldwide in a research note on Monday. Finally, Vertical Research cut shares of Otis Worldwide from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $89.33.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on OTIS

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Judith Fran Marks sold 37,312 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.83, for a total transaction of $3,426,360.96. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 192,319 shares in the company, valued at $17,660,653.77. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.11% of the companys stock.

Otis Worldwide Profile

(Free Report)

Otis Worldwide Corporation engages in manufacturing, installation, and servicing of elevators and escalators in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, New Equipment and Service. The New Equipment segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs a range of passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators and moving walkways for residential and commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OTIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Otis Worldwide Co. (NYSE:OTIS  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Otis Worldwide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Otis Worldwide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 256,102 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,999 shares during the quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $14,337,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the first quarter worth approximately $77,000. Merit Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 16.7% during the first quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 12,227 shares of the companys stock worth $758,000 after acquiring an additional 1,754 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 41.4% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 149,275 shares of the companys stock worth $9,255,000 after acquiring an additional 43,680 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 385.3% during the first quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 19,032 shares of the companys stock worth $1,180,000 after acquiring an additional 15,110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 11.9% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,840,557 shares of the companys stock worth $176,115,000 after acquiring an additional 301,804 shares in the last quarter. 68.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Coca-Cola alerts:

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,028 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.15, for a total value of $5,259,400.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,291,503.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Coca-Cola news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,028 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.15, for a total value of $5,259,400.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,291,503.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 52,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total value of $3,138,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 143,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,602,980. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 289,052 shares of company stock worth $16,834,665. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

KO has been the topic of several analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Monday, November 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $66.87.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on KO

Coca-Cola Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of KO stock traded down $0.27 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $59.56. 15,204,100 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,970,836. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12 month low of $51.55 and a 12 month high of $64.99. The company has a market cap of $257.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.83, a P/E/G ratio of 3.36 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The companys 50-day moving average price is $59.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.47.

About Coca-Cola

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) CFO Robert Qutub sold 2,500 shares of RenaissanceRe stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.56, for a total value of $586,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 70,424 shares in the company, valued at $16,518,653.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink.

RenaissanceRe Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of NYSE:RNR traded down $0.57 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $225.94. 674,934 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 447,887. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $206.39 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $203.05. The stock has a market cap of $11.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.31. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $174.22 and a fifty-two week high of $235.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.45.

Get RenaissanceRe alerts:

RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The insurance provider reported $11.77 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.13 by $3.64. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 28.04% and a return on equity of 26.93%. The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $7.33 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. will post 33.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

RenaissanceRe Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $0.39 dividend. This is a positive change from RenaissanceRes previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. RenaissanceRes dividend payout ratio is currently 2.97%.

RNR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on RenaissanceRe from $216.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. UBS Group lifted their price target on RenaissanceRe from $229.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday. TD Cowen initiated coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Citigroup started coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $251.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI started coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. They set an underperform rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $240.90.

Read Our Latest Research Report on RNR

Hedge Funds Weigh In On RenaissanceRe

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in RNR. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. acquired a new stake in RenaissanceRe during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 205.9% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 156 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 4,833.3% during the 3rd quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 148 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in RenaissanceRe during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI acquired a new stake in RenaissanceRe during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. 91.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

RenaissanceRe Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Even though this February is a leap year and has 29 days  something that only happens once every four years  everything indicates that (despite the extra day) the ruling Seed Movement wont have enough time to lead the Congress of Guatemala by the end of the month. This means that it wont be able to chair the working committees, which will hamper the capacity of the countrys new progressive president, Bernardo Arevalo.

At the moment, the Seed Movement remains suspended as a party. Its legislators cannot be recognized as a bloc. Hence, they are forced to occupy their seats as independents, giving them less collective capacity in the functioning of the legislative body.

The Seed Movement  which brought Arevalo to power when he won the elections in August 2023  obtained 23 of the 160 seats that make up the Congress for the 2024-2028 period. This is a big leap for the party, which was created in 2018. In the 2020 elections, only seven members of the Seed Movement were elected. The party is now the third-largest in Congress, but since July 2023, it has been engulfed in a losing legal battle.

There are things that we cannot do as rank-and-file deputies. They even leave us without inspection and intermediation tools, because we dont have a bloc leadership. It tears us to pieces, acknowledged Andrea Reyes  a legislator from the Seed Movement  in a statement to EL PAIS. Weve been going around in circles at the courthouse since July 15 [of 2023].

The provisional suspension of the party began on July 12, 2023, two weeks after the legislative elections. The measure was requested by the Public Prosecutors Office and authorized by Judge Fredy Orellana, who is included in the list of individuals deemed corrupt by the U.S. State Department. To-date, his decision stands, thanks to rulings by the Constitutional Court, the most powerful judicial body in the country.

The measure was taken because, allegedly, the Seed Movement used false signatures to obtain its registration as a political party. This resulted in an investigation (that remains confidential) led by the Special Anti-Impunity Prosecutors Bureau.

We dont have [the committee heads] that the government needs to be able to operate in peace. Several ministers have told us that they need a lot of help with oversight, because there are a lot of pending issues leftover from the previous government. We dont have the capacity to do that, Congresswoman Reyes added.

Lawmaker Andrea Reyes, pictured in Guatemala City, on January 12, 2024. Monica Gonzalez Islas

The legal fight to isolate the ruling party had been foreseen by both Arevalo  who mentioned it in interviews with various media outlets before he was sworn in  and by his deputies, who, since their electoral victory, began to file appeals against the partys suspension. For the presidential inauguration  which took place this past January 14  the parliamentarians modified the agreement that kept them in suspense. They managed to be sworn in as a bloc and obtain the presidency of the legislative branch. The move worked, but it lasted less than a week.

Subsequently, the Constitutional Court ordered that the election of the Congress board of directors be repeated. Samuel Perez  a legislator from the Seed Movement  was, by then, the president of the Congress. The court then reiterated the suspension of the partys status.

The VAMOS party and the UNE [National Unity of Hope] lead the working commissions, so I dont believe that anything can really be done at the legislative level this year. Therefore, I believe that, at the executive level, the achievements are also going to be limited, lamented Luis Mack, a political analyst.

A difficult political environment

Congresswoman Reyes notes that the provisional suspension is valid for one year. It should end in July of this year, although the party will continue to defend itself legally in the meantime. However, the time to join the four working committees that remain to be filled is limited: the deadline is February 29. If the party doesnt regain its status as a proper bloc by then, the opportunity to join will be lost until 2025.

I would call this an awakening to the reality of a country where winning an election is easier than governing. The Seed Movement administration is still in question. What they have to do is live with that threat, with [the judicial] sector that wants to stop them, Mack cautioned.

For his part, Edgar Ortiz  a lawyer and expert in constitutional law  tells EL PAIS that the times arent favorable for the Seed Movement, but that they have at least three paths that they could choose going forward. One option is to repeal or change the Organized Crime Law, which would get the suspension lifted. The second is to change the rules that govern the operation of Congress and allow independent legislators to form blocs. And a third option would be to wait for Judge Orellana to resolve the unconstitutionality that was raised against them.

The suspension isnt eternal, although it could be extended. But they can take action with protections and they do have medium-term tools to reverse the suspension, said Ortiz. For now, theyre going to lose the Finance commission, which is the most important for them. That will leave them with the management of the National Budget Committee, which isnt as active as they would like. The lawyer has also presented appeals in defense of the Seed Movement, but theyve been rejected.

According to Reyes, after the Constitutional Court ordered the election of the board of directors to be repeated, the party tried  once again  to be recognized as a bloc. But they didnt get the votes, because the Public Prosecution and the Constitutional Court threatened the deputies of the other parties.

The calls began coming from the Constitutional Courts [phone] number. It was so blatant  they didnt allow the formation of a bloc to advance. The judges told the legislators [from other parties] that they were going to face lawsuits. And they wouldnt get out of those lawsuits so easily, because they would be seen as [collaborating with] the Seed Movement, Reyes concluded.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Wafra Inc. lessened its stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC  Free Report) by 1.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 248,773 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 4,121 shares during the period. Marsh & McLennan Companies makes up about 1.6% of Wafra Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Wafra Inc. owned 0.05% of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth $47,342,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in MMC. OFI Invest Asset Management purchased a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. RVW Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 40.5% in the 2nd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 184 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC bought a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, FSC Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the third quarter worth approximately $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.64% of the companys stock.

Get Marsh & McLennan Companies alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Raymond James increased their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $205.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $186.00 to $185.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. StockNews.com lowered Marsh & McLennan Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $200.00 to $208.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They issued a market perform rating and a $189.00 target price on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $202.71.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Trading Up 0.6 %

MMC stock traded up $1.11 during trading on Friday, reaching $197.91. The company had a trading volume of 1,044,214 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,914,522. The business has a 50 day moving average of $193.30 and a 200 day moving average of $193.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The company has a market cap of $97.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.14, a PEG ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.90. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $151.86 and a 52 week high of $202.81.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $1.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $5.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.54 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a return on equity of 33.72% and a net margin of 16.52%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.47 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 8.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 25th will be given a $0.71 dividend. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 24th. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 37.72%.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc, a professional services company, provides advice and solutions to clients in the areas of risk, strategy, and people worldwide. It operates in two segments, Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. The Risk and Insurance Services segment offers risk management services, such as risk advice, risk transfer, and risk control and mitigation solutions, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking, strategic advisory services, and analytics solutions; and insurance program management services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Wealth Alliance decreased its holdings in RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX  Free Report) by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,740 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,491 shares during the period. Wealth Alliances holdings in RTX were worth $1,493,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in RTX. Waverly Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of RTX by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. Waverly Advisors LLC now owns 5,686 shares of the companys stock valued at $557,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. raised its position in RTX by 1.2% in the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 10,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,066,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. First Interstate Bank raised its position in RTX by 2.2% in the third quarter. First Interstate Bank now owns 6,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $438,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA raised its position in RTX by 0.4% in the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 38,186 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,741,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Strong Tower Advisory Services raised its holdings in RTX by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 15,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,082,000 after buying an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. 79.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get RTX alerts:

Insider Transactions at RTX

In other RTX news, COO Christopher T. Calio sold 367 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.63, for a total transaction of $33,995.21. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 56,707 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,252,769.41. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, COO Christopher T. Calio sold 367 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.63, for a total transaction of $33,995.21. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 56,707 shares in the company, valued at $5,252,769.41. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Ramsaran Maharajh sold 312 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.17, for a total transaction of $28,757.04. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 11,676 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,076,176.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 2,224 shares of company stock valued at $205,448 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.11% of the companys stock.

RTX Stock Down 0.6 %

RTX stock traded down $0.53 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $90.51. The stock had a trading volume of 5,946,353 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,188,527. RTX Co. has a 12 month low of $68.56 and a 12 month high of $104.91. The company has a market capitalization of $120.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.64, a PEG ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $85.68 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $82.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

RTX (NYSE:RTX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $19.93 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.74 billion. RTX had a return on equity of 10.34% and a net margin of 4.64%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.27 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that RTX Co. will post 5.38 EPS for the current fiscal year.

RTX Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. RTXs payout ratio is presently 105.36%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on RTX shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of RTX from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Barclays raised their target price on RTX from $75.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. TheStreet raised RTX from a c rating to a b- rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded RTX from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Redburn Atlantic downgraded RTX from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, RTX has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $91.71.

Read Our Latest Research Report on RTX

RTX Company Profile

(Free Report)

RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. It operates through four segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for aircraft manufacturers and airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation; and for defense and commercial space operations.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boston Financial Mangement LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 65,627 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $6,356,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 137,153,545 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,952,480,000 after acquiring an additional 1,584,552 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 77,225,258 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,419,032,000 after purchasing an additional 820,369 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 74,817,109 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,156,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,362,889 shares during the period. Capital International Investors boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 59,178,607 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,451,127,000 after purchasing an additional 2,747,652 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $4,278,132,000 after purchasing an additional 4,886,954 shares during the period. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded down $0.62 during trading on Friday, hitting $111.81. 5,933,695 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,469,546. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $89.67 and a 52 week high of $115.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The company has a market cap of $194.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $110.48 and a 200-day moving average price of $104.05.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.19. The firm had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.19 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.03 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a dividend of $0.55 per share. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.97%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 67.48%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.50, for a total transaction of $4,781,250.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.50, for a total value of $4,781,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ABT has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $126.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. TheStreet raised Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. UBS Group dropped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $128.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.00.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Trinity Bank, N.A. (OTCMKTS:TYBT  Get Free Report) is one of 113 publicly-traded companies in the Federal savings institutions industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Trinity Bank, N.A. to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Trinity Bank, N.A. and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Get Trinity Bank N.A. alerts:

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Trinity Bank, N.A. 32.35% N/A N/A Trinity Bank, N.A. Competitors 11.05% 6.40% 0.68%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Trinity Bank, N.A. and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Trinity Bank, N.A. 0 0 0 0 N/A Trinity Bank, N.A. Competitors 408 1661 1176 49 2.26

Dividends

As a group, Federal savings institutions companies have a potential upside of 161.50%. Given Trinity Bank, N.A.s peers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Trinity Bank, N.A. has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Trinity Bank, N.A. pays an annual dividend of $1.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Trinity Bank, N.A. pays out 24.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Federal savings institutions companies pay a dividend yield of 3.0% and pay out 34.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Trinity Bank, N.A. and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Trinity Bank, N.A. $24.78 million $8.02 million 13.49 Trinity Bank, N.A. Competitors $1.15 billion $243.50 million 11.30

Trinity Bank, N.A.s peers have higher revenue and earnings than Trinity Bank, N.A.. Trinity Bank, N.A. is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

36.8% of shares of all Federal savings institutions companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.7% of shares of all Federal savings institutions companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Risk & Volatility

Trinity Bank, N.A. has a beta of 0.02, suggesting that its stock price is 98% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Trinity Bank, N.A.s peers have a beta of 0.30, suggesting that their average stock price is 70% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Trinity Bank, N.A. peers beat Trinity Bank, N.A. on 9 of the 12 factors compared.

Trinity Bank, N.A. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Trinity Bank, N.A. provides personal and business banking products and services in Texas. It provides personal and business deposits, such as checking and money market accounts; treasury tax and loan deposits; mobile deposits; certificates of deposit; and automobile, secured/unsecured, home improvement, lots and interim construction, installment/term, equipment, and real estate loans, as well as revolving lines of credit. The company also offers cash management, internet and mobile banking, remote capture, CD ROM delivery, foreign and domestic wire transfer, and bill pay services, as well as ATM or Visa check cards, merchant cards, and debit cards. Trinity Bank, N.A. was founded in 2003 and is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Receive News & Ratings for Trinity Bank N.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trinity Bank N.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Armadale Capital Plc (LON:ACP  Get Free Report) passed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 0.89 ($0.01) and traded as low as GBX 0.81 ($0.01). Armadale Capital shares last traded at GBX 0.83 ($0.01), with a volume of 943,245 shares.

Armadale Capital Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of 4.85 million, a P/E ratio of -17.75 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 0.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.23, a current ratio of 4.33 and a quick ratio of 41.47.

Armadale Capital Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Armadale Capital Plc, an investment company, focuses on natural resources projects in Africa. It holds 100% interest in the Mahenge Liandu Graphite project located in Tanzania. The company was formerly known as Watermark Global Plc and changed its name to Armadale Capital Plc in July 2013. Armadale Capital Plc was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Esher, the United Kingdom.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Armadale Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armadale Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 3.800-4.000 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 3.870. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Black Hills also updated its FY24 guidance to $3.80-4.00 EPS.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on BKH. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Black Hills from $61.00 to $57.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Black Hills from $60.00 to $49.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 20th. Mizuho raised Black Hills from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $53.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Scotiabank increased their price objective on Black Hills from $57.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Black Hills presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.67.

Get Black Hills alerts:

View Our Latest Analysis on BKH

Black Hills Stock Performance

Shares of Black Hills stock traded up $0.38 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $51.63. 780,948 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 591,800. Black Hills has a 1 year low of $46.43 and a 1 year high of $66.85. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The business has a 50-day moving average of $53.17 and a 200-day moving average of $53.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.08 and a beta of 0.65.

Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.17 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.11. Black Hills had a return on equity of 8.15% and a net margin of 11.25%. The business had revenue of $591.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $863.67 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.11 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Black Hills will post 3.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Black Hills Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be given a $0.65 dividend. This is a boost from Black Hillss previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.04%. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio is presently 63.78%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BKH. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Black Hills by 16.1% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,059,252 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $466,684,000 after buying an additional 838,590 shares in the last quarter. Zimmer Partners LP purchased a new position in shares of Black Hills in the second quarter valued at $39,326,000. Capital Research Global Investors purchased a new position in shares of Black Hills in the first quarter valued at $45,758,000. Macquarie Group Ltd. increased its position in shares of Black Hills by 14.6% in the second quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,502,209 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $182,085,000 after buying an additional 318,024 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Black Hills by 145.2% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 338,736 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $24,650,000 after acquiring an additional 200,587 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.64% of the companys stock.

Black Hills Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boston Financial Mangement LLC reduced its position in SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (NYSE:SITE  Free Report) by 0.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 100,455 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 220 shares during the quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLC owned about 0.22% of SiteOne Landscape Supply worth $16,419,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SITE. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in SiteOne Landscape Supply by 11.3% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,599,387 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $656,920,000 after purchasing an additional 566,688 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in SiteOne Landscape Supply by 17.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,394,331 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $548,828,000 after purchasing an additional 503,490 shares in the last quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC grew its position in SiteOne Landscape Supply by 85.2% during the 2nd quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 337,329 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $56,455,000 after purchasing an additional 155,146 shares in the last quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. purchased a new stake in SiteOne Landscape Supply in the 3rd quarter worth about $20,896,000. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC purchased a new position in SiteOne Landscape Supply during the third quarter valued at approximately $17,835,000.

Get SiteOne Landscape Supply alerts:

SiteOne Landscape Supply Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply stock traded down $0.19 on Friday, reaching $160.70. 233,310 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 248,801. The company has a market capitalization of $7.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.75 and a beta of 1.54. SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. has a 52 week low of $116.81 and a 52 week high of $176.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 2.40. The firms 50-day moving average is $156.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $153.76.

Insider Activity

Analysts Set New Price Targets

In other SiteOne Landscape Supply news, CEO Doug Black sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.29, for a total transaction of $1,532,900.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 580,886 shares in the company, valued at approximately $89,044,014.94. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Corporate insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock.

SITE has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Loop Capital lowered SiteOne Landscape Supply from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 8th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on SiteOne Landscape Supply from $141.00 to $131.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. TheStreet lowered SiteOne Landscape Supply from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply from $114.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a sell rating and issued a $120.00 price objective (down from $123.00) on shares of SiteOne Landscape Supply in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $160.60.

Check Out Our Latest Report on SITE

SiteOne Landscape Supply Profile

(Free Report)

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the wholesale distribution of landscape supplies in the United States and Canada. The company provides a selection of approximately 155,000 stock keeping units, including irrigation supplies, which comprise controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, and irrigation pipes; fertilizer, grass seed, and ice melt products; control products, such as herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and other pesticides; landscape accessories that include mulches, soil amendments, drainage pipes, tools, and sods; nursery goods, which consist of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, ornamental, shade, evergreen trees, field grown and container-grown nursery stock, roses, perennials, annuals, bulbs, and plant species; hardscapes, such as pavers, natural stones, blocks, and other durable materials; and outdoor lighting products that include lighting fixtures, LED lamps, wires, transformers, and accessories.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for SiteOne Landscape Supply Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SiteOne Landscape Supply and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Braemar Plc (LON:BMS  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 251.81 ($3.16) and traded as high as GBX 275.45 ($3.45). Braemar shares last traded at GBX 265 ($3.32), with a volume of 31,749 shares changing hands.

Braemar Price Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 282.01 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 251.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.10, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market cap of 87.90 million, a PE ratio of -2,966.67 and a beta of 1.10.

Get Braemar alerts:

Braemar Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 22nd will be paid a dividend of GBX 4 ($0.05) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 22nd. Braemars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -13,333.33%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Braemar

Braemar Company Profile

In other news, insider Tristram Simmonds sold 34,511 shares of Braemar stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 276 ($3.46), for a total value of 95,250.36 ($119,406.24). 55.34% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Braemar Plc provides shipbroking services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Chartering, Investment Advisory, and Risk Advisory. The Chartering segment provides shipbroking services for deep sea tankers, specialized tankers, dry cargo, and offshore; cost-saving solutions; freight consultancy; and a vessel database.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Braemar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Braemar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Britvic plc (LON:BVIC  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 853.26 ($10.70) and traded as high as GBX 902.50 ($11.31). Britvic shares last traded at GBX 893.50 ($11.20), with a volume of 979,326 shares traded.

Britvic Trading Down 1.3 %

The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.33. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 854.30 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 853.32. The stock has a market capitalization of 2.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,805.21, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.65.

Get Britvic alerts:

Britvic Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were paid a dividend of GBX 22.60 ($0.28) per share. This is a boost from Britvics previous dividend of $8.20. This represents a dividend yield of 2.69%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 21st. Britvics payout ratio is currently 6,458.33%.

Insider Buying and Selling

About Britvic

In other Britvic news, insider Simon Litherland sold 40,922 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 886 ($11.11), for a total transaction of 362,568.92 ($454,517.89). Insiders purchased 53 shares of company stock valued at $44,789 over the last 90 days. 6.38% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Britvic plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells soft drinks in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France, Brazil, and internationally. It provides fruit juices, syrups, squash, mineral water, sodas, mixers, and energy and flavored drinks. The company supplies water-coolers and bottled water; offers pension funding and financing services; and designs, installs, as well as engages in maintenance of integrated tap related solutions.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Britvic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Britvic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (TSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BAM) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$47.37 and traded as high as C$54.30. Brookfield Asset Management shares last traded at C$53.59, with a volume of 923,824 shares trading hands.

Brookfield Asset Management Stock Up 0.9 %

The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 3.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The company has a market cap of C$21.20 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 603.44. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$52.03 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$47.42.

Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts:

Brookfield Asset Management (TSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BAM) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.43 by C$0.04. Brookfield Asset Management had a net margin of 48.63% and a return on equity of 19.05%. The business had revenue of C$1.20 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.9472924 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Brookfield Asset Management Cuts Dividend

Insider Transactions at Brookfield Asset Management

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be given a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.80%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is currently 1,877.78%.

In other news, Director Justin B. Beber sold 9,159 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$38.95, for a total value of C$356,743.05. Corporate insiders own 15.02% of the companys stock.

Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
One might have thought that the moment when the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Ecuador legalizing euthanasia was announced would be a time of celebration, but this was not quite the case. Paola Roldan, a woman with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) whose insistence has brought about this profound change in a highly conservative and religious country, where the Church is the second most credible institution among citizens, cannot quite believe it herself. The same goes for her relatives and her lawyers. They know they are making history, which is what they sought to do, but it means that Paola has the right to die and that is her desire. There is no knowing if an imminent end is the reason for any kind of celebration.

The judges had voted on the case on Monday in a closed session. The ruling could be issued at any time, and the days passed until Wednesday afternoon, when news reports said that the court would announce its decision. It had reached a ruling in just six months, which was an uncommonly fast turnaround time. At Paolas house, everything centers around her four-year-old son, who runs and jumps. We were watching the news and my son says to me: Mommy, youre so pretty on TV. He grounds us, says Paola on the phone a few hours before hearing the details of the sentence. The day was spent amidst the everyday things in a house and the messages from relatives with other devastating illnesses who were also awaiting the decision. Somewhere between the ordinary and the transcendental.

Paola Roldan in a video call with her legal team, after a hearing in which she made the request for the decriminalization of euthanasia, in November 2023. KAREN TORO

Paola, 42, was diagnosed with ALS in August 2023. The degenerative disease soon weakened the muscles in her body. Just a few months later, she was no longer able to walk and was confined to bed on a ventilator, unable to move. It is from there that she runs everything in the house. She organizes a time capsule for her son, gifts, letters, pictures that he will receive on his birthday, his graduation, Christmas, special days when she is not around. Shopping lists for my husband so he knows what to buy so he doesnt have to worry, household chores, bank account arrangements, Ive organized everything, now Id like to leave something else, says Paola. A therapeutic support network for people with disabling illnesses and their families, and then to rest, she adds.

The last few months her body has grown even weaker, with her last episode in December. We didnt know what was wrong with me, and then we found out that my body is rejecting intravenous feeding. Now I am only on serums and vitamins and my body felt a shock, I couldnt even wake up, I slept many hours. Now I am a little more used to it, losing weight gradually, she explains.

Paola's notes on the wall for her intervention at the public hearing on her request to decriminalize euthanasia. KAREN TORO

Her lawyers are now studying the fine print. Its not enough for the judges to have approved the decriminalization of euthanasia, since when and how it is regulated is also important. In a second call with EL PAIS, Paola reacts to the decision: I dont know how to put into words that this is an option, it is not an obligation. It is for those of us who believe in it and also for those who are frightened by it, for those who are repelled by it. And it is a decision that is a request I made out of love, out of compassion, and I feel that the sentence reflects that.

The court granted almost all of Paolas request. It allowed euthanasia to be granted on two grounds. The person requesting it must be subject to intense suffering resulting from a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable disease. And the individual must express his or her unequivocal, free and informed consent, and in the event that he or she is unable to do so, a representative must be able to decide. This has produced a great deal of emotions in me, the court has permitted that in certain cases the family members can decide, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been a vehicle for so many people, says Paola.

Her social media is full of messages of support and of gratitude, calling her brave, even though she doesnt like that. She knows the conclusion of this news, as she has done since she was diagnosed with ALS, but now she has another option. I was thinking about some messages from many people who wrote to me telling me that I should go to Colombia, where euthanasia is legal, and I thought how glad I am that now I dont have to flee my country. Today, Ecuador welcomes me a bit more.

Paola Roldan, in October 2023. KAREN TORO (EL PAIS)

 I remember the first time we met you said that this had to happen, that it might not happen for you, but it had to happen.

 Can you believe I get to see it? When I started this, everybody told me it was impossible, that the court would take three years to decide and I wasnt going to see it. And I said fine, it doesnt matter. Its like when you plant a tree and everyone sits in the shade. I could see it and Im also sitting in the shade of the tree I planted and so are many others who have more urgency and more despair than I do.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Bunzl plc (LON:BNZL  Get Free Report) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,973.18 ($37.27) and traded as high as GBX 3,217 ($40.33). Bunzl shares last traded at GBX 3,189 ($39.98), with a volume of 313,013 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BNZL has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an underperform rating and issued a GBX 2,600 ($32.59) price objective on shares of Bunzl in a report on Monday, December 18th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Bunzl in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Bunzl presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 2,989.17 ($37.47).

Get Bunzl alerts:

View Our Latest Analysis on BNZL

Bunzl Price Performance

About Bunzl

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 119.24, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 3,173.10 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 2,977.30. The firm has a market cap of 10.82 billion, a PE ratio of 2,208.28, a PEG ratio of 5.40 and a beta of 0.45.

(Get Free Report)

Bunzl plc operates as a distribution and services company in the North America, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers food packaging, films, labels, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and personal protection equipment to grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Bunzl Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bunzl and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boston Financial Mangement LLC increased its position in Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL  Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 83,848 shares of the conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 2,802 shares during the period. Boston Financial Mangement LLC owned about 0.17% of Carlisle Companies worth $21,738,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CSL. Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Carlisle Companies by 48.1% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 20,327 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $4,998,000 after buying an additional 6,603 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its position in Carlisle Companies by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 29,831 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $7,549,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. grew its stake in Carlisle Companies by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 2,160 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $531,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of Carlisle Companies by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 4,958 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,206,000 after purchasing an additional 363 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in shares of Carlisle Companies by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 53,110 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $13,028,000 after purchasing an additional 10,150 shares during the period. 90.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Carlisle Companies alerts:

Carlisle Companies Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of Carlisle Companies stock traded up $3.15 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $345.89. 298,369 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 266,813. The company has a market cap of $16.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.92. Carlisle Companies Incorporated has a 52 week low of $203.65 and a 52 week high of $350.00. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $308.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $280.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 3.73 and a current ratio of 4.18.

Carlisle Companies Announces Dividend

Carlisle Companies ( NYSE:CSL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 5th. The conglomerate reported $4.17 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by $0.70. The company had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.09 billion. Carlisle Companies had a return on equity of 27.90% and a net margin of 15.07%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.92 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Carlisle Companies Incorporated will post 18.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.85 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.98%. Carlisle Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.31%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CSL has been the topic of several research reports. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Carlisle Companies from $350.00 to $354.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. StockNews.com raised shares of Carlisle Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $310.67.

Get Our Latest Research Report on CSL

Carlisle Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a manufacturer of engineered products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, and Carlisle Fluid Technologies.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CSL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Carlisle Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carlisle Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Scout Investments Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (BATS:CBOE  Free Report) by 6.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 627,956 shares of the companys stock after selling 43,241 shares during the period. Cboe Global Markets accounts for approximately 2.3% of Scout Investments Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. Scout Investments Inc. owned 0.59% of Cboe Global Markets worth $98,464,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Metis Global Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 12.7% in the 3rd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 5,239 shares of the companys stock worth $818,000 after purchasing an additional 592 shares during the last quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 17.7% in the 3rd quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,427 shares of the companys stock worth $535,000 after purchasing an additional 516 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC raised its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 140,394 shares of the companys stock worth $19,376,000 after purchasing an additional 9,741 shares during the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 128.8% in the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 18,742 shares of the companys stock worth $2,587,000 after purchasing an additional 10,550 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. raised its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 35.7% in the 3rd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 14,913 shares of the companys stock worth $2,330,000 after purchasing an additional 3,923 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.73% of the companys stock.

Get Cboe Global Markets alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

CBOE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Rosenblatt Securities lifted their price target on Cboe Global Markets from $192.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on Cboe Global Markets from $177.00 to $193.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on Cboe Global Markets from $201.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Barclays decreased their target price on Cboe Global Markets from $204.00 to $200.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Finally, Argus lowered Cboe Global Markets from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $183.78.

Cboe Global Markets Stock Performance

Shares of Cboe Global Markets stock traded down $0.61 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $183.55. 577,031 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 636,231. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $179.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $165.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 95.04 and a beta of 0.61. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. has a one year low of $103.82 and a one year high of $139.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Cboe Global Markets (BATS:CBOE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The company reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $499.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $510.65 million. Cboe Global Markets had a return on equity of 20.05% and a net margin of 5.77%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.80 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Cboe Global Markets, Inc. will post 6.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cboe Global Markets declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Thursday, October 26th that authorizes the company to buyback $250.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 1.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Cboe Global Markets

In related news, EVP Catherine R. Clay sold 1,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.62, for a total transaction of $233,506.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,214 shares in the company, valued at approximately $756,918.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock.

Cboe Global Markets Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cboe Global Markets, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an options exchange worldwide. It operates through six segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital. The Options segment trades in listed market indices. The North American Equities segment trades in listed U.S.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Cboe Global Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cboe Global Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.A  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$58.18 and traded as high as C$58.28. CCL Industries shares last traded at C$58.28, with a volume of 200 shares changing hands.

CCL Industries Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$684.79 million, a P/E ratio of 16.32 and a beta of 0.56. The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$58.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 54.63, a current ratio of 1.97 and a quick ratio of 1.31.

About CCL Industries

(Get Free Report)

CCL Industries Inc manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for CCL Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CCL Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Copa (NYSE:CPA  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Wednesday. The transportation company reported $4.47 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.90 by $0.57, Briefing.com reports. Copa had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 39.20%. The business had revenue of $916.93 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $886.13 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $4.49 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis.

Copa Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CPA traded down $1.02 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $99.11. The stock had a trading volume of 300,906 shares, compared to its average volume of 361,947. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $99.61 and a 200-day moving average of $96.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.96. The company has a market capitalization of $3.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.38. Copa has a 12-month low of $78.12 and a 12-month high of $121.20.

Get Copa alerts:

Copa Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a $1.61 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. This is a boost from Copas previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.50%. Copas dividend payout ratio is 25.67%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have commented on CPA shares. TheStreet raised shares of Copa from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Monday, December 18th. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Copa from $152.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Copa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, February 4th.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CPA

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Copa

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CPA. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its stake in Copa by 16.2% during the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 1,083 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $92,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new position in Copa during the first quarter valued at $435,000. Prudential Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Copa during the first quarter valued at $4,152,000. First Trust Advisors LP purchased a new position in Copa during the first quarter valued at $1,904,000. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Copa by 96.9% during the first quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 1,693 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $141,000 after acquiring an additional 833 shares in the last quarter. 81.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Copa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Copa Holdings, SA, through its subsidiaries, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company offers approximately 327 daily scheduled flights to 78 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean from its Panama City hub. As of December 31, 2022, it operated a fleet of 97 aircraft comprising 67 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, 9 Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft, 1 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, and 20 737-MAX aircraft.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Copa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dassault Aviation societe anonyme (OTCMKTS:DUAVF  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.2% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $185.00 and last traded at $185.00. Approximately 20 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 80% from the average daily volume of 101 shares. The stock had previously closed at $185.30.

Dassault Aviation societe anonyme Price Performance

The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $194.19 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $195.52.

About Dassault Aviation societe anonyme

(Get Free Report)

Dassault Aviation Societe anonyme designs and builds military aircraft, business jets, and space systems in France, the Americas, and internationally. It offers Rafale, a multirole fighter aircraft; nEUROn, an unmanned combat air vehicle; and Falcon aircraft for maritime surveillance, intelligence, and medical evacuation missions.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Dassault Aviation societe anonyme Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dassault Aviation societe anonyme and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dimension Capital Management LLC reduced its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 184,687 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 9,090 shares during the period. SPDR Gold Shares makes up approximately 7.4% of Dimension Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest position. Dimension Capital Management LLC owned 0.06% of SPDR Gold Shares worth $31,665,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 14.5% in the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 4,660,292 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $799,007,000 after buying an additional 591,368 shares in the last quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 3,451,135 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $599,794,000 after acquiring an additional 137,604 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 67,584.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,037,008 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $515,198,000 after acquiring an additional 3,032,521 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 6.8% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 3,021,047 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $538,562,000 after purchasing an additional 193,438 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 0.6% in the third quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,637,245 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $276,956,000 after purchasing an additional 9,005 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.99% of the companys stock.

Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts:

SPDR Gold Shares Stock Performance

Shares of GLD stock traded down $0.73 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $187.60. 4,390,397 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,971,182. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $188.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $182.63. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1-year low of $168.19 and a 1-year high of $193.18.

About SPDR Gold Shares

SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares).

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
First Farmers and Merchants Co. (OTCMKTS:FFMH  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $25.75 and traded as high as $27.38. First Farmers and Merchants shares last traded at $26.32, with a volume of 489 shares traded.

First Farmers and Merchants Trading Up 1.6 %

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $25.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.68.

Get First Farmers and Merchants alerts:

First Farmers and Merchants Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.59%.

First Farmers and Merchants Company Profile

First Farmers and Merchants Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank that provides various banking and financial services in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama. The company's deposit products include personal and business checking and savings, and individual retirement and investment accounts, as well as certificates of deposit.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for First Farmers and Merchants Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Farmers and Merchants and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:FYGGY  Get Free Report) was down 1.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $1.14 and last traded at $1.14. Approximately 100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 33% from the average daily volume of 150 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.15.

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Price Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $1.15 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.17.

About Fuyao Glass Industry Group

(Get Free Report)

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of safety glass solutions and automotive accessories for various transportation vehicles in China and internationally. It designs, manufactures, sells, and services automotive grade float glass, automotive glass, locomotive glass, luggage racks, and vehicle window trims, as well as offers relevant services.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Fuyao Glass Industry Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fuyao Glass Industry Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
George Weston Limited (OTCMKTS:WNGRF  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $122.91 and traded as high as $124.99. George Weston shares last traded at $124.99, with a volume of 103 shares.

George Weston Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $16.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.55 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.25. The companys 50 day moving average is $123.17 and its 200 day moving average is $116.48.

Get George Weston alerts:

George Weston (OTCMKTS:WNGRF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 21st. The company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter. George Weston had a net margin of 2.45% and a return on equity of 11.17%.

George Weston Company Profile

George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for George Weston Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for George Weston and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi is one of the heroes who have emerged from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The new commander of Ukraines Armed Forces, the most important military position in the country, is highly trusted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy  unlike his predecessor, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Syrskyi will go down in history for leading the defense of Kyiv at the beginning of the war, in February and March 2022, and for successfully commanding the lightning counteroffensive that liberated Kharkiv province in September 2022. But according to experts, it will be difficult for Syrskyi to compete with the charismatic Zaluzhnyi, who is idolized by the troops.

Syrskyi is 58 years old and was born in Novinka, a municipality near Moscow. He is the son of a Soviet soldier and part of his family, including his brother, still lives in Russia, according to the Russian state new agency TASS, although Syrskyi no longer maintains relations with them. In 1986, Syrskyi graduated from the Moscow Higher Military Command School, the most important Soviet school in its field. He moved to Ukraine at the end of the 1980s, and since the countrys independence in 1991, he has been one of Ukraines most promising officers. In 2013, he was appointed to head the Ukrainian armys cooperation with NATO. When Zelenskiy was elected president in 2019, he chose to task both Syrskyi and Zaluzhnyi with speeding up the Ukrainian armys transformation to NATO standards. Since then, Syrskyi has been the commander of Ukraines ground forces.

Like so many other senior Ukrainian officials, Syrskyi gained greater practical experience as a military leader during the war against pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, which began in 2014. This mix of fighting experience against the Russians, knowledge of Soviet military practices and understanding of NATOs tactical methods has helped high-ranking soldiers like Syrskyi and Zaluzhnyi to resist the invasion of a superpower.

Syrskyi is credited for Ukraines victory against Russias siege of Kyiv and for the surprise offensive that pushed back Russian forces from practically the entire Kharkiv province. In his book The Showman, journalist Simon Shuster  who spent a year and a half with Zelenskiy and his team  reveals that the offensive in Kharkiv was a direct order from Zelenskiy, who entrusted the operation to Syrskyi and overlooked Zaluzhnyi, who was in favor of liberating Kherson province first.

The Showman also claims that it was Zelenskiy who decided to resist until the end in the battle of Bakhmut. This went against the advice of Zaluzhnyi, who was in favor of a withdrawal, claiming that the battle was a fruitless use of resources. Officially, both defended the same strategy, but up to four officers interviewed by EL PAIS in the summer and autumn of 2023, during the failed counteroffensive on the Zaporizhzhia front, agreed that Zaluzhnyi was in favor of retreating.

Bakhmut was taken by Russia in March 2023, after more than six months of battle. The Ukrainian Armed Forces concentrated its war effort on defending the city in the Donetsk province. During this period, Russia took the opportunity to fortify the entire front with defensive lines that Ukraine has been unable to break with its limited resources. In the battle of Bakhmut, Russia relied heavily on its shock force: Wagner Group mercenaries.

An estimated 30,000 Wagner fighters perished in the battle. Defense analysts and media outlets such as Pravda, The Kyiv Independent and The Financial Times claim that Syrskyi earned a reputation in Bakhmut as a ruthless commander, with few qualms about sacrificing the lives of his men. According to multiple Ukrainian military social media accounts, he was nicknamed Butcher.

Divided opinion

I have to say I was a little surprised by the choice, and its already caused real controversy, Phillips OBrien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, wrote in his newsletter. Syrskyi divided opinion like no other military figure in Ukraine, and his appointment is a risky move by Zelenskiy.

The decision made by the president is controversial and comes in a difficult period, added Serhiy Zgurets, the editor-in-chief of Defense Express, a Ukrainian information company specialized in military analysis. The level of trust that Zaluzhnyi enjoyed among the military and civilians, Syrskyi will certainly not enjoy it.

Syrskyi released his first statement as commander in chief on Friday. The general said that the life and health of personnel have always been and are the main value of the Ukrainian army. For this reason, he argued: Maintaining a balance between the performance of combat tasks, units recovery, and the intensification of training remains more relevant than ever.

Syrskyi did not mention one of the issues that Zaluzhnyi had been pressuring Zelenskiy to address: the need for a new massive mobilization of at least 500,000 soldiers, to make up for the hundreds of thousands of casualties suffered in the two years of war. Ukraines Parliament, the Rada, has been debating a new mobilization law. But its an unpopular issue that Zelenskiy has tried to manage as tactfully as possible, as few people are willing to voluntarily go to war.

In recent months, Zaluzhnyi had said that the war had reached a stalemate and that Ukraine had little chance of recovering territory, at least in 2024, due to the lack of resources from NATO allies. The general concluded that the conflict would be about defending positions, and not involve any major operations. But these statements angered Zelenskiy. Last Sunday, the president said that the military leadership needed a shakeup and more optimistic outlook: If we want to win we must all push in the same direction, convinced of victory, we cannot lose hope.

Last January, Syrskyi told Reuters that the war has not reached a stalemate, and that progress could be made in 2024. But Russia currently surpasses Ukraine in all military areas, and is little by little gaining ground again in the provinces of Donetsk and Kharkiv. In his first statement as commander in chief, Syrskyi stressed that the rational use of weapons is a priority.

The Ukrainian government has frequently warned that it is running out of weapons due to the obstacles facing aid packages in Europe and the United States. If Republicans and Democrats are unable to reach an agreement on a new military assistance package to Kyiv, the war will tilt in favor of Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden plans to allocate around $60 billion toward Ukraines war with Russia. This figure is unlikely to be enough for Ukraine to launch new offensives, but it will help the country resist the Russian invasion. Even with this aid, Ukraines defense budget for 2024 is three times smaller than Russias. This is the harsh reality that Syrskyi must address.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




Empire State Realty Trust (NYSE:ESRT  Get Free Report) and Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, earnings, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Empire State Realty Trust and Kimco Realtys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Get Empire State Realty Trust alerts:

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Empire State Realty Trust 7.50% 3.21% 1.31% Kimco Realty 36.69% 6.72% 3.63%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Empire State Realty Trust and Kimco Realtys gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Empire State Realty Trust $727.04 million 2.20 $40.64 million $0.33 29.82 Kimco Realty $1.78 billion 6.98 $125.98 million $1.02 19.69

Analyst Recommendations

Kimco Realty has higher revenue and earnings than Empire State Realty Trust. Kimco Realty is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Empire State Realty Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Empire State Realty Trust and Kimco Realty, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Empire State Realty Trust 1 2 2 0 2.20 Kimco Realty 0 4 4 0 2.50

Empire State Realty Trust presently has a consensus price target of $8.65, indicating a potential downside of 12.09%. Kimco Realty has a consensus price target of $22.18, indicating a potential upside of 10.43%. Given Kimco Realtys stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Kimco Realty is more favorable than Empire State Realty Trust.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

80.4% of Empire State Realty Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.4% of Kimco Realty shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.0% of Empire State Realty Trust shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 2.2% of Kimco Realty shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Risk & Volatility

Empire State Realty Trust has a beta of 1.3, indicating that its stock price is 30% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Kimco Realty has a beta of 1.47, indicating that its stock price is 47% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

Empire State Realty Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Kimco Realty pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%. Empire State Realty Trust pays out 42.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Kimco Realty pays out 94.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Kimco Realty has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Kimco Realty is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Summary

Kimco Realty beats Empire State Realty Trust on 14 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Empire State Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. The company is the recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. ESRT's flagship Empire State Building  the "World's Most Famous Building"  includes its Observatory, Tripadvisor's 2023 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best the #1 attraction in the US for two consecutive years. As of September 30, 2023, ESRT's portfolio is comprised of approximately 8.6 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.7 million rentable square feet of retail space and 727 residential units across three multifamily properties.

About Kimco Realty

(Get Free Report)

Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets.

Receive News & Ratings for Empire State Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Empire State Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Wealth Alliance increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 17.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 129,080 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 19,210 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for about 8.7% of Wealth Alliances holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Wealth Alliances holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $55,431,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. BIP Wealth LLC increased its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 10.5% in the third quarter. BIP Wealth LLC now owns 13,103 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,627,000 after purchasing an additional 1,250 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.5% in the third quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 355,174 shares of the companys stock valued at $152,522,000 after acquiring an additional 5,183 shares during the last quarter. Rather & Kittrell Inc. boosted its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 16.2% in the third quarter. Rather & Kittrell Inc. now owns 2,012 shares of the companys stock valued at $864,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. Riverstone Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 44.1% during the third quarter. Riverstone Advisors LLC now owns 67,589 shares of the companys stock worth $29,025,000 after purchasing an additional 20,692 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Davidson Trust Co. increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.6% during the third quarter. Davidson Trust Co. now owns 6,852 shares of the companys stock worth $2,942,000 after purchasing an additional 425 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSEARCA IVV traded up $2.90 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $503.65. The stock had a trading volume of 2,567,846 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,968,571. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $478.28 and a 200-day moving average of $454.96. The firm has a market cap of $389.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $382.37 and a fifty-two week high of $504.07.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.580-1.620 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.620. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Kimco Realty also updated its FY24 guidance to $1.58-1.62 EPS.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Kimco Realty from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. TheStreet raised Kimco Realty from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on Kimco Realty from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Kimco Realty in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. They set a hold rating and a $23.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Kimco Realty from $20.50 to $21.75 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.18.

Get Kimco Realty alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Report on KIM

Kimco Realty Trading Up 0.3 %

Kimco Realty Announces Dividend

Shares of Kimco Realty stock traded up $0.06 on Friday, reaching $20.08. The company had a trading volume of 6,460,859 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,800,220. The firm has a market cap of $12.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 5.05 and a quick ratio of 2.72. The firms 50-day moving average price is $20.81 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.30. Kimco Realty has a 1 year low of $16.34 and a 1 year high of $22.83.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. Kimco Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 94.12%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kimco Realty

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Advisor Partners II LLC increased its holdings in Kimco Realty by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 26,152 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $554,000 after purchasing an additional 495 shares during the last quarter. Ethic Inc. increased its holdings in Kimco Realty by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 8,955 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $221,000 after purchasing an additional 817 shares during the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 0.6% in the first quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 143,845 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,809,000 after acquiring an additional 860 shares in the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. grew its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 9.4% in the first quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 11,940 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $225,000 after acquiring an additional 1,028 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund grew its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 5.0% in the third quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund now owns 22,164 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $408,000 after acquiring an additional 1,050 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.42% of the companys stock.

Kimco Realty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Kimco Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimco Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
King Wealth lifted its position in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 2.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,844 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 403 shares during the period. Lockheed Martin comprises 1.6% of King Wealths portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. King Wealths holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $7,707,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. CGC Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 1st quarter worth $35,000. 74.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Lockheed Martin alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently issued reports on LMT. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $438.00 to $472.00 in a report on Monday, January 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $481.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Susquehanna cut their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $550.00 to $540.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $540.00 to $508.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $475.00 to $470.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $491.92.

Lockheed Martin Stock Performance

Lockheed Martin stock traded down $0.50 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $426.50. 1,037,962 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,168,607. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Lockheed Martin Co. has a fifty-two week low of $393.77 and a fifty-two week high of $508.10. The company has a market capitalization of $103.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.92 and a beta of 0.49. The firms fifty day moving average is $446.47 and its two-hundred day moving average is $442.08.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.26 by $0.64. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.24% and a return on equity of 79.91%. The business had revenue of $18.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.96 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $7.79 EPS. Lockheed Martins revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be issued a $3.15 dividend. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.95%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.74%.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
King Wealth lowered its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 6.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 16,497 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,227 shares during the period. King Wealths holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $1,551,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Avalon Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 191.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 294 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. First Manhattan Co. grew its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 697.9% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 375 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 328 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.21% of the companys stock.

Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts:

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of AGG traded down $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $97.63. 7,090,472 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,014,188. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $98.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $96.12. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $91.58 and a 1 year high of $100.98.

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Profile

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
King Wealth lessened its stake in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,793 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,231 shares during the quarter. King Wealths holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $3,470,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the third quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 140,827 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,541,000 after buying an additional 3,813 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. now owns 266,052 shares of the companys stock worth $38,810,000 after buying an additional 4,225 shares during the last quarter. BIP Wealth LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. BIP Wealth LLC now owns 3,636 shares of the companys stock worth $530,000 after buying an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 1,386.4% during the 3rd quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 366,112 shares of the companys stock worth $53,401,000 after buying an additional 341,481 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 935,317 shares of the companys stock worth $136,425,000 after buying an additional 8,695 shares during the last quarter. 63.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Procter & Gamble alerts:

Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.8 %

NYSE:PG traded down $1.22 on Friday, reaching $157.42. 5,973,740 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,193,394. The business has a fifty day moving average of $149.95 and a 200-day moving average of $150.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 52-week low of $135.83 and a 52-week high of $159.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $370.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 0.45.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.70 by $0.14. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 17.60% and a return on equity of 34.04%. The firm had revenue of $21.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.48 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.59 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 19th will be issued a $0.9407 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.39%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 18th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.98%.

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In other news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 19,661 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $3,017,373.67. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 24,438 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,750,499.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 45,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.00, for a total transaction of $7,020,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 973 shares of the companys stock, valued at $151,788. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 19,661 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $3,017,373.67. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 24,438 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,750,499.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 278,658 shares of company stock valued at $42,921,732 over the last three months. 0.17% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PG has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 28th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. DZ Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $155.00 target price for the company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Raymond James boosted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.06.

Read Our Latest Report on Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Laurentian Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:LRCDF  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $22.53 and traded as low as $19.34. Laurentian Bank of Canada shares last traded at $19.35, with a volume of 401 shares changing hands.

Laurentian Bank of Canada Stock Up 0.8 %

The companys fifty day moving average price is $19.78 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.42.

About Laurentian Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

Laurentian Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services to personal, business, and institutional customers in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Capital Markets. The Personal Banking segment offers financial services, such as financial advisory services to financial intermediaries; and operates digital direct-to-customer platform to retail clients.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Laurentian Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laurentian Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc. increased its holdings in Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI  Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,948,946 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after purchasing an additional 62,030 shares during the quarter. Rogers Communications makes up 3.0% of Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc. owned approximately 0.75% of Rogers Communications worth $152,321,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of RCI. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Rogers Communications by 62.8% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 700 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 270 shares during the period. Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd bought a new position in Rogers Communications in the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Macquarie Group Ltd. bought a new position in Rogers Communications in the 1st quarter worth about $82,000. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Rogers Communications by 26.7% in the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 1,760 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new position in shares of Rogers Communications in the 3rd quarter worth $100,000. 44.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Rogers Communications alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on RCI shares. StockNews.com raised shares of Rogers Communications from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 13th. Desjardins raised Rogers Communications from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Rogers Communications has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

Rogers Communications Stock Down 0.4 %

RCI stock traded down $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $45.62. The companys stock had a trading volume of 337,367 shares, compared to its average volume of 376,520. The company has a market cap of $24.11 billion, a PE ratio of 38.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.62. Rogers Communications Inc. has a 12 month low of $36.55 and a 12 month high of $50.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.81. The firms 50-day moving average is $46.54 and its 200-day moving average is $42.60.

Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI  Get Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $3.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.74 billion. Rogers Communications had a net margin of 4.38% and a return on equity of 22.17%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Rogers Communications Inc. will post 3.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Rogers Communications Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.3742 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.28%. This is a boost from Rogers Communicationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. Rogers Communicationss dividend payout ratio is currently 122.50%.

About Rogers Communications

(Free Report)

Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in North America. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device financing, device protection, global voice and data roaming, wireless home phone, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device shipping services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI  Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B).

Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Liontrust Investment Partners LLP grew its position in Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 37.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 241,000 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after acquiring an additional 66,000 shares during the quarter. Liontrust Investment Partners LLPs holdings in Oracle were worth $25,528,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in ORCL. Norges Bank bought a new position in Oracle in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,409,896,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Oracle by 112,785.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,832,530 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $885,451,000 after acquiring an additional 10,822,934 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 83.8% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 15,057,067 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,793,146,000 after buying an additional 6,863,334 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 120,625,641 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $14,365,308,000 after buying an additional 3,494,674 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 9.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 20,502,544 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,675,878,000 after buying an additional 1,794,080 shares in the last quarter. 42.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Oracle alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of Oracle from $130.00 to $126.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Oracle from $107.00 to $106.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Edward Jones upgraded shares of Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of Oracle from $125.00 to $122.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on shares of Oracle from $135.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.00.

Oracle Stock Performance

ORCL traded up $0.17 during trading on Friday, hitting $116.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,654,810 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,639,579. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.84. The firm has a market cap of $321.21 billion, a PE ratio of 32.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.02. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $108.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $111.50. Oracle Co. has a one year low of $82.04 and a one year high of $127.54.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, December 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.01. Oracle had a net margin of 19.64% and a return on equity of 703.26%. The firm had revenue of $12.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.05 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.21 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Oracle Co. will post 4.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 11th were issued a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, January 10th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.37%. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 44.20%.

Insider Transactions at Oracle

In related news, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 16,300 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.02, for a total transaction of $1,728,126.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 34,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,686,421.42. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 16,300 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.02, for a total transaction of $1,728,126.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 34,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,686,421.42. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director George H. Conrades sold 2,325 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $264,492.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,836 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,029,023.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock.

About Oracle

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ME Group International plc (LON:MEGP  Get Free Report)s share price traded down 0.5% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 123.60 ($1.55) and last traded at GBX 129 ($1.62). 256,308 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average session volume of 869,232 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 129.60 ($1.62).

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 200 ($2.51) target price on shares of ME Group International in a report on Thursday, November 30th.

Get ME Group International alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on MEGP

ME Group International Price Performance

ME Group International Company Profile

The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 126.19 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 142.40. The firm has a market capitalization of 514.01 million, a PE ratio of 1,239.55 and a beta of 1.10.

(Get Free Report)

ME Group International plc operates, sells, and services a range of instant-service equipment in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Ireland, and Asia Pacific. It operates coin-operated automatic photobooths for identification and fun purposes, as well as vending equipment, including digital photo kiosks, laundry machines, business service equipment, amusement machines, and children's rides.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for ME Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ME Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Negotiating peace between princes is not an easy task, but if anyone can do it, it is Mark Dyer, according to the British newspaper The Telegraph and the tabloid Daily Mail. The former describes the man who was King Charles IIIs bodyguard and tutor to Prince William, 41, and Prince Henry, 39, during their childhood and adolescence as fierce, but fair. Not only did Dyer, 56, protect and care for the boys after the untimely death of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, but he also earned their trust. In fact, Dyer was known as the young princes second father, indicating how close they are. Now, he is being called the only one who could settle the feud between Harry and William.

All eyes have been on the British monarchy since Monday, February 5, when news broke that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. The next day, attention turned to Harry, who immediately flew from Los Angeles to London to see his father. The visit was short; they saw each other for about 30 minutes at Clarence House in their first meeting in 17 months. The next day, Harry returned to the United States. The Duke of Sussex did not see his busy brother, Prince William, who has taken center stage in the royal familys public activities now that his father is out of the spotlight. The two brothers are deeply estranged, especially since the publication of Harrys incendiary memoir, Spare, in which he levels harsh charges against the future king, and the release of the Netflix documentary Henry and Meghan. But hopes of a reconciliation remain as long as the discreet Dyer continues to work his magic, or so the British press believes.

The former Welsh Guard officer, who served as the kings squire in the 1990s, knows firsthand what may be going through King Charles IIIs mind because Dyer himself has battled stomach cancer over the past two years. Pleasant and shrewd, as The Telegraph describes him, Dyer is now retired from royal service and in 2009 he successfully set up and ran a chain of pubs; eight years later, he sold them for more than 10 million ($12.6 million). Prince Harry served as an usher at Dyers 2010 wedding, and the royal returned the favor by inviting him to his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle. Similarly, Dyer named Harry the godfather of his son Jasper, and Harry followed suit by making Dyer the godfather of Archie, who was born in 2019.

Accompanied by Mark Dyer, Prince William (with a hand on his cheek) and Prince Harry visit Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk for the launch of the 16th Air Assault Brigade in 1999. Tim Graham (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

The close relationship between Dyer and the princes goes back a long way. He was tasked with visiting William during his stay at Eton boarding school, which Harry later attended, and, according to British media, encouraged the latters love affairs by protecting him from the paparazzi. Dyer later accompanied Harry on his trips to Australia, Argentina and Lesotho during his gap year, prompting royal biographer Penny Junor to describe him as one of the few people who can talk sense into [Harry]. As she wrote in her 2014 book Prince Harry Brother, Soldier, Son on the occasion of the princes 30th birthday, Mark Dyers help had been immeasurable. He had done a magnificent job supporting and guiding both princes through their teenage years and showing them something of the world... The press thought he was a bad influence, but he did a good job for them. He had great integrity and was around when they needed advice that they didnt get from their father.

Harry himself praised Dyer, whom he refers to as Marko, in his memoir Spare. Everyone appreciated Marko. Of all the staff that surrounded my father, by consensus, Marko was the best, the toughest, the strongest, the most handsome. A longtime member of the Welsh Guards. Anecdotal. A model of masculinity from head to toe, the prince described him. He also recalls a moment when King Charles III commissioned Dyer to interrogate Harry to find out the truth about whether he had taken drugs, delegating the responsibility of broaching such sensitive subjects with his sons to Dyer. When Harry confessed that, yes, he smoked cannabis, Charles forced him to spend a day in a residential facility for drug users in South London. Once again, Marko was his companion.

Mark Dyer and Prince Harry at the Sentebale concert at Kensington Palace on June 28, 2016 in London. WPA Pool (Getty Images)

After Harry and Meghan relinquished their royal duties and departed for California in 2020, it seems that friends, courtiers and family have had to choose sides. They would quietly line up on Team Harry or Team William, The Telegraph notes, and those who choose to side with Harry, the paper claims, are ostracized by William. In contrast, Dyer  who has been friends with both princes for decades but is closer to Harry  seems to have dodged the Prince of Wales rejection. According to the British press, while theres no direct communication between the brothers, Dyer is believed to serve as a kind of go-between for Harry to maintain contact with his former life in the U.K.

Friend, father, survivor and confidant, only he can provide Harry with the perspective (wake-up call) he will need in the coming weeks and months as his father continues his cancer treatment, the British media believe. Many are confident that their fathers illness, coupled with Mark Dyers stellar mediation skills, is the perfect opportunity for a reconciliation between the brothers that, for the moment, still seems far off.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 23.500- for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 23.570. The company issued revenue guidance of $39.6 billion-$39.6 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $38.2 billion. Molina Healthcare also updated its FY24 guidance to at least $23.50 EPS.

Molina Healthcare Stock Performance

MOH stock traded up $7.18 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $388.67. 485,984 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 427,887. Molina Healthcare has a one year low of $256.19 and a one year high of $391.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.45. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $367.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $344.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.47.

Get Molina Healthcare alerts:

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $4.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.35 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 3.20% and a return on equity of 33.73%. Molina Healthcares revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.10 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Molina Healthcare will post 23.78 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Molina Healthcare from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. StockNews.com cut shares of Molina Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald increased their target price on shares of Molina Healthcare from $374.00 to $406.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $357.50.

Read Our Latest Analysis on MOH

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Ronna Romney sold 335 shares of Molina Healthcare stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $358.00, for a total value of $119,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 16,907 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,052,706. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Molina Healthcare

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 5.7% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 1,651 shares of the companys stock valued at $551,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 496.1% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 11,534 shares of the companys stock worth $3,848,000 after buying an additional 9,599 shares during the period. Prudential PLC bought a new stake in shares of Molina Healthcare in the 1st quarter valued at about $422,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 10.1% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 1,296 shares of the companys stock valued at $432,000 after buying an additional 119 shares during the period. Finally, Mackay Shields LLC bought a new position in shares of Molina Healthcare during the first quarter worth about $2,814,000. Institutional investors own 98.11% of the companys stock.

About Molina Healthcare

(Get Free Report)

Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments, Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 23.500- for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 23.570. The company issued revenue guidance of $39.6 billion-$39.6 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $38.2 billion. Molina Healthcare also updated its FY24 guidance to at least $23.50 EPS.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MOH has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com cut shares of Molina Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $374.00 to $406.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $357.50.

Get Molina Healthcare alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on MOH

Molina Healthcare Stock Up 1.9 %

Shares of NYSE:MOH traded up $7.18 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $388.67. The companys stock had a trading volume of 485,984 shares, compared to its average volume of 427,887. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.16, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.45. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $366.77 and a 200-day moving average of $344.14. Molina Healthcare has a 12-month low of $256.19 and a 12-month high of $391.21. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 3.20% and a return on equity of 33.73%. The business had revenue of $9.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.35 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $4.10 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Molina Healthcare will post 23.78 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Molina Healthcare

In other news, Director Ronna Romney sold 335 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $358.00, for a total transaction of $119,930.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 16,907 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,052,706. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Molina Healthcare

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its position in Molina Healthcare by 0.5% in the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 6,315 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,766,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. raised its stake in Molina Healthcare by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. now owns 1,238 shares of the companys stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 921 shares of the companys stock worth $304,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 5.1% in the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,003 shares of the companys stock worth $331,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Republic Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,733 shares of the companys stock worth $464,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.11% of the companys stock.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments, Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Morguard North American Residential REIT (TSE:MRG.UN  Get Free Report) shares crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$14.88 and traded as high as C$15.18. Morguard North American Residential REIT shares last traded at C$15.10, with a volume of 19,227 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Morguard North American Residential REIT from C$24.00 to C$20.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 26th.

Get Morguard North American Residential REIT alerts:

View Our Latest Analysis on Morguard North American Residential REIT

Morguard North American Residential REIT Trading Up 0.2 %

Insider Activity at Morguard North American Residential REIT

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$14.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$14.87. The company has a market capitalization of C$570.78 million, a PE ratio of -27.00 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 93.71, a quick ratio of 0.09 and a current ratio of 0.35.

In related news, insider Sime Armoyan purchased 2,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 23rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$103.00 per share, for a total transaction of C$247,198.08. In the last quarter, insiders acquired 8,900 shares of company stock valued at $942,446. Corporate insiders own 25.74% of the companys stock.

About Morguard North American Residential REIT

(Get Free Report)

The REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The Units of the REIT trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MRG.UN. With a strategic focus on the acquisition of high-quality multi-suite residential properties in Canada and the United States, the REIT maximizes long-term Unit value through active asset and property management.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Morguard North American Residential REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morguard North American Residential REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of National Australia Bank Limited (OTCMKTS:NABZY  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $9.57 and traded as high as $10.52. National Australia Bank shares last traded at $10.50, with a volume of 36,263 shares.

National Australia Bank Stock Performance

The companys fifty day moving average is $10.22 and its 200-day moving average is $9.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.34, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18.

National Australia Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. The company operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; and Corporate Functions and Other segments.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for National Australia Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Australia Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (BATS:PSFM  Get Free Report) rose 0.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $26.54 and last traded at $26.54. Approximately 1,503 shares traded hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $26.51.

Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Stock Up 0.2 %

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $25.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $24.96. The stock has a market cap of $19.40 million, a PE ratio of 19.63 and a beta of 0.61.

Get Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $211,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,658,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF by 1,202.2% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 177,371 shares of the companys stock worth $4,333,000 after purchasing an additional 163,750 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF by 15.2% during the 4th quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 544,435 shares of the companys stock worth $14,147,000 after buying an additional 71,665 shares during the last quarter.

Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Company Profile

The Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust index. The fund aims for specific buffered losses and capped gains on SPDR S&P 500 ETF over a specific holdings period. The actively-managed fund holds options and collateral. PSFM was launched on Mar 31, 2021 and is managed by Pacer.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pernod Ricard SA (OTCMKTS:PDRDF  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 1.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$167.88 and last traded at C$167.88. 1,748 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 7% from the average session volume of 1,870 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$165.50.

Pernod Ricard Trading Down 1.9 %

The companys fifty day moving average price is C$167.50 and its 200-day moving average price is C$180.63.

Pernod Ricard Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Pernod Ricard SA produces and sells wines and spirits worldwide. The company offers whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, liqueur and bitters, champagne, tequila and mezcal, and aperitif under the brands 100 Pipers, Aberlour, Absolut, Absolut Elyx, Altos, ARARAT, Augier, Avion, Ballantine's, Becherovka, Beefeater, Blenders Pride, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Ceder's, Chivas, Church Road, Clan Campbell, Del Maguey, George Wyndham, Green Spot, Havana Club, Imperial, Imperial Blue, Italicus, J.P.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Pernod Ricard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pernod Ricard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 6.320-6.440 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 6.600. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Philip Morris International also updated its FY24 guidance to $6.43 to $6.55 EPS.

Philip Morris International Price Performance

Shares of PM traded up $0.11 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $89.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,966,440 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,073,600. The company has a market cap of $138.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.75, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.63. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $93.14 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $93.52. Philip Morris International has a 52-week low of $87.23 and a 52-week high of $103.79.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.99 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 116.29% and a net margin of 10.80%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.39 EPS. Research analysts predict that Philip Morris International will post 6.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.83%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 103.59%.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Redburn Atlantic assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 target price for the company. UBS Group lowered shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and dropped their target price for the company from $105.00 to $86.50 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $107.39.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Philip Morris International

Insider Buying and Selling at Philip Morris International

In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total transaction of $942,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 198,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Philip Morris International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of PM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Philip Morris International by 100,700.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,640,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,582,939,000 after purchasing an additional 15,624,628 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in Philip Morris International by 122.0% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 2,632,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $247,294,000 after purchasing an additional 1,446,567 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in Philip Morris International by 26.7% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,043,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $379,852,000 after purchasing an additional 852,345 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC grew its position in Philip Morris International by 9,789.0% during the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 751,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,127,000 after purchasing an additional 743,670 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in Philip Morris International by 8.7% during the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,786,007 shares of the companys stock valued at $662,450,000 after purchasing an additional 541,273 shares during the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Philip Morris International

(Get Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV  Get Free Report) Director Ramiro G. Peru sold 753 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $500.00, for a total value of $376,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 9,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,554,500. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link.

Elevance Health Stock Performance

ELV traded up $3.92 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $506.07. The companys stock had a trading volume of 800,917 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,196,270. The stock has a market cap of $118.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.95, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $478.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $464.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. Elevance Health, Inc. has a twelve month low of $412.00 and a twelve month high of $506.82.

Get Elevance Health alerts:

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The company reported $5.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.60 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $42.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $42.19 billion. Elevance Health had a return on equity of 20.47% and a net margin of 3.49%. The companys revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.23 EPS. Research analysts expect that Elevance Health, Inc. will post 37.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Elevance Health Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be issued a dividend of $1.63 per share. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.29%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. This is a positive change from Elevance Healths previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. Elevance Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 23.52%.

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $547.00 price objective on shares of Elevance Health in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Elevance Health from $572.00 to $574.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Elevance Health from $569.00 to $552.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Elevance Health from $585.00 to $587.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Elevance Health from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Elevance Health has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $564.60.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Elevance Health

Institutional Trading of Elevance Health

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Elevance Health by 266.7% during the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Elevance Health during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. TD Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Elevance Health during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new position in shares of Elevance Health during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Finally, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp bought a new position in shares of Elevance Health during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.80% of the companys stock.

Elevance Health Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Elevance Health, Inc operates as a health benefits company. The company operates through four segments: Commercial & Specialty Business, Government Business, CarelonRx, and Other. It supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire care journey connecting to the care, support, and resources to lead healthier lives.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Elevance Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elevance Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Scout Investments Inc. decreased its position in Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:HUBB  Free Report) by 18.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 199,577 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 46,225 shares during the period. Hubbell comprises about 1.4% of Scout Investments Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Scout Investments Inc. owned 0.37% of Hubbell worth $61,721,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 33.8% during the 3rd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 66,176 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $20,740,000 after purchasing an additional 16,705 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its position in shares of Hubbell by 2,983.2% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 37,399 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $11,721,000 after acquiring an additional 36,186 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Hubbell by 13.0% in the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 126,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,544,000 after buying an additional 14,502 shares in the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Hubbell by 68.7% in the third quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,704 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,161,000 after buying an additional 1,509 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foster & Motley Inc. acquired a new position in Hubbell in the second quarter valued at about $259,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.97% of the companys stock.

Get Hubbell alerts:

Hubbell Stock Up 1.4 %

Shares of NYSE HUBB traded up $4.92 during trading on Friday, hitting $363.13. The stock had a trading volume of 308,923 shares, compared to its average volume of 415,619. The company has a market capitalization of $19.47 billion, a PE ratio of 25.50, a PEG ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $326.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of $312.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.01. Hubbell Incorporated has a 12 month low of $219.77 and a 12 month high of $363.36.

Hubbell Dividend Announcement

Hubbell ( NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The industrial products company reported $3.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.58 by $0.11. Hubbell had a net margin of 14.14% and a return on equity of 30.82%. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.60 earnings per share. Hubbells quarterly revenue was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Hubbell Incorporated will post 16.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 29th will be issued a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. Hubbells dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.73%.

Insider Activity at Hubbell

In other news, CFO William R. Sperry sold 14,925 shares of Hubbell stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $352.99, for a total value of $5,268,375.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 37,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,359,965.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Gerben Bakker sold 13,355 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $353.13, for a total transaction of $4,716,051.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 51,783 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,286,130.79. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO William R. Sperry sold 14,925 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $352.99, for a total value of $5,268,375.75. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 37,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,359,965.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 31,891 shares of company stock worth $11,262,870 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

HUBB has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Hubbell from $330.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Hubbell in a research report on Friday, December 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $338.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Hubbell from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Hubbell from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $333.00 to $335.00 in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn restated a buy rating on shares of Hubbell in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $353.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on HUBB

About Hubbell

(Free Report)

Hubbell Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electrical and utility solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions. The Electrical Solution segment offers standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies, as well as components and assemblies.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Scout Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH  Free Report) by 43.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 228,875 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 68,854 shares during the quarter. Scout Investments Inc.s holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton were worth $25,993,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BAH. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 3,052 shares of the business services providers stock worth $341,000 after buying an additional 83 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 6,507 shares of the business services providers stock worth $726,000 after buying an additional 97 shares during the period. CENTRAL TRUST Co boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 4,952 shares of the business services providers stock worth $457,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Impax Asset Management Group plc boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 9,504 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,061,000 after buying an additional 116 shares during the period. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 2,011 shares of the business services providers stock worth $224,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.32% of the companys stock.

Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts:

Booz Allen Hamilton Price Performance

BAH stock traded up $2.63 during trading on Friday, reaching $146.75. 737,885 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 739,803. The company has a 50-day moving average of $130.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $123.13. The company has a market capitalization of $19.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.24, a P/E/G ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.54. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. has a twelve month low of $87.99 and a twelve month high of $147.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.68.

Booz Allen Hamilton Increases Dividend

Booz Allen Hamilton ( NYSE:BAH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The business services provider reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.28. Booz Allen Hamilton had a net margin of 3.96% and a return on equity of 65.31%. The firm had revenue of $2.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.54 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. will post 5.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.39%. This is a positive change from Booz Allen Hamiltons previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 9th. Booz Allen Hamiltons payout ratio is presently 60.65%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, COO Kristine Anderson sold 5,068 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.88, for a total value of $708,911.84. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 71,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,023,241.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 1.76% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on BAH. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $141.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $120.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $120.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $127.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Barclays cut shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $139.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton Company Profile

(Free Report)

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It also focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Spartanburg, S.C., Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.

With two weeks to go before the South Carolina Republican primary, Nikki Haley is trying to challenge Donald Trump on her home turf while the former president tries to quash his last major rivals narrow path to the nomination.

Trump, turning his campaign focus to the southern state days after an easy victory in Nevada, is expected to rev up his supporters at a Saturday afternoon rally in Conway, near Myrtle Beach.

Trump, who has long been the frontrunner in the GOP presidential race, won three contests in a row and is looking to use South Carolinas Feb. 24 primary to shutter Haleys chances and turn his focus fully on an expected rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in the general election.

Haley skipped the Nevada caucuses, condemning the contest as rigged for Trump, and has instead focused on South Carolina, kicking off a two-week bus tour across the state where she served as governor from 2011 to 2017.

Speaking to about a couple hundred people gathered outside a historic opera house in Newberry Saturday morning, Haley painted Trump as someone an erratic and self-absorbed figure not focused on the American people.

She pointed to the way he flexed his influence over the Republican Party this past week, successfully pressuring GOP lawmakers in Washington to reject a bipartisan border security deal and publicly pressed Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel to consider leaving her job.

What is happening? Haley said. On that day of all those losses, he had his fingerprints all over it, she added.

Haley reprised her questions of Trumps mental fitness, an attack she has sharpened since a Jan. 19 speech in which he repeatedly confused her with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Haley, 52, has called throughout her campaign for mental competency tests for politicians, a way to contrast with 77-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Biden.

Why do we have to have someone in their 80s run for office? she asked. Why cant they let go of their power?

A person in the crowd shouted out: Because theyre grumpy old men!

They are grumpy old men, Haley said.

Organizers passed out hot pink feather boas and beats in a nod to the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration and to emphasize womens support for Haley, who was the states first female governor.

Harlie OConnell, a longtime South Carolina resident who backs Haley, said shes excited to vote in the presidential primary for a woman from her home state.

While she plans to support in November whoever wins the GOP nomination, she said she would prefer someone younger.

Its just time for some fresh blood, OConnell said.

Her husband Mike OConnell credited Haley for courting major manufacturers like Volvo and Samsung to the state while she was governor, bringing jobs and investment. He also drew a contrast between Haleys and Trumps foreign policy and said he wants the U.S. to continue assisting Ukraine in its war with Russia, as Haley has pledged.

We need to encourage friendships and not discourage them, he said of international relations.

Bob Pollard, a retired firefighter, said Haley showed level-headedness that Trump lacks in the way she responded to the 2015 shooting at a Charleston church in which a white supremacist killed nine Black members of the congregation.

Pollard cannot support Trump because hes a maniac and said his campaign, in which he speaks frequently of retribution and his personal grievances, has turned into a personal vendetta.

In Conway, people began lining up to see Trump hours before the doors opened to the arena where he was set to take the stage later.

Organizers expecting a capacity crowd set up screens outside where an overflow crowd would be able to watch Trumps appearance.

The city sits along the Grand Strand, a broad expanse of South Carolinas northern coast that is home to Myrtle Beach and Horry County, one of the most reliably conservative spots in the state and a central area of Trumps base of support in the state in his past campaigns.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Scout Investments Inc. increased its position in First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) by 9.0% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 4,742,382 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 389,677 shares during the quarter. First Horizon makes up about 1.2% of Scout Investments Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 12th largest holding. Scout Investments Inc.s holdings in First Horizon were worth $50,459,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. State Street Corp grew its holdings in First Horizon by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 24,689,257 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $281,883,000 after buying an additional 1,321,075 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 4.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,973,123 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $89,710,000 after purchasing an additional 365,205 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 9.9% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 7,849,284 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $184,381,000 after purchasing an additional 704,662 shares in the last quarter. HoldCo Asset Management LP purchased a new position in shares of First Horizon in the second quarter valued at $62,869,000. Finally, LSV Asset Management grew its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 807.7% in the third quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 5,487,209 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $60,469,000 after purchasing an additional 4,882,709 shares in the last quarter. 76.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get First Horizon alerts:

First Horizon Price Performance

NYSE FHN traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $13.74. The stock had a trading volume of 5,862,222 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,847,654. The firms 50 day moving average is $13.98 and its 200 day moving average is $12.61. First Horizon Co. has a twelve month low of $8.99 and a twelve month high of $24.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.95, a PEG ratio of 3.95 and a beta of 0.95.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

First Horizon ( NYSE:FHN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $784.20 million. First Horizon had a return on equity of 9.94% and a net margin of 17.80%. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.51 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that First Horizon Co. will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.37%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. First Horizons payout ratio is currently 39.22%.

First Horizon announced that its board has approved a share buyback program on Tuesday, January 23rd that permits the company to buyback $650.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to purchase up to 7.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $16.00 target price on shares of First Horizon in a research note on Friday, January 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on First Horizon from $11.50 to $14.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. Wedbush upgraded First Horizon from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from $12.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. UBS Group upgraded shares of First Horizon from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $15.50 to $16.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Raymond James upgraded shares of First Horizon from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $13.00 to $17.00 in a report on Friday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, First Horizon currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.35.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on First Horizon

First Horizon Company Profile

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through three segments: Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Scout Investments Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A  Free Report) by 5.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 331,109 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 20,349 shares during the quarter. Agilent Technologies comprises 0.8% of Scout Investments Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Scout Investments Inc. owned about 0.11% of Agilent Technologies worth $36,720,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Hollencrest Capital Management increased its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 562.5% in the 2nd quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 212 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. OFI Invest Asset Management purchased a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Finally, Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. 85.42% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Agilent Technologies alerts:

Agilent Technologies Stock Down 0.5 %

NYSE:A traded down $0.69 on Friday, reaching $133.38. 909,734 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,439,955. The company has a market capitalization of $39.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.67, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $96.80 and a 12 month high of $155.75. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $133.18 and its 200 day simple moving average is $122.06.

Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend

Agilent Technologies ( NYSE:A Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 18.15% and a return on equity of 28.24%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.53 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd were issued a $0.236 dividend. This is an increase from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.71%. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.33%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Agilent Technologies news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 1,500 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.69, for a total transaction of $206,535.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 26,133 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,598,252.77. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 1,500 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.69, for a total transaction of $206,535.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 26,133 shares in the company, valued at $3,598,252.77. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Philip Binns sold 2,880 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.78, for a total transaction of $402,566.40. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 12,824 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,792,538.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 95,929 shares of company stock valued at $12,730,599. 0.31% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on A. UBS Group cut shares of Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the company from $163.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Friday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $128.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Bank of America cut shares of Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the company from $130.00 to $133.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. They set an outperform rating and a $140.00 price target for the company. Finally, TheStreet raised shares of Agilent Technologies from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.44.

Read Our Latest Report on Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ grew its stake in Atkore Inc. (NYSE:ATKR  Free Report) by 5.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 358,240 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 18,040 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ owned 0.95% of Atkore worth $53,446,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP increased its holdings in shares of Atkore by 72.4% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 200 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its holdings in Atkore by 85.6% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 607 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the period. Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new position in Atkore in the 4th quarter worth about $51,000. NBC Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Atkore during the third quarter worth approximately $54,000. Finally, Benjamin Edwards Inc. grew its holdings in Atkore by 93.3% in the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 516 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 249 shares during the period.

Get Atkore alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on ATKR shares. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $187.00 target price on shares of Atkore in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded Atkore from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd.

Atkore Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of ATKR stock traded down $0.27 during trading on Friday, hitting $148.38. 299,315 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 377,699. The firms fifty day moving average price is $150.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $145.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 2.96 and a quick ratio of 1.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.89 and a beta of 2.18. Atkore Inc. has a 52-week low of $116.14 and a 52-week high of $165.69.

Atkore (NYSE:ATKR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.08 by $1.04. Atkore had a return on equity of 46.79% and a net margin of 18.80%. The business had revenue of $798.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $777.05 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $4.51 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Atkore Inc. will post 15.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Atkore Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 27th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.86%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 26th.

Insider Transactions at Atkore

In other news, CEO William E. Jr. Waltz sold 79,600 shares of Atkore stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total transaction of $11,999,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 126,788 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,113,291. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Atkore news, insider Mark F. Lamps sold 5,008 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.66, for a total transaction of $654,345.28. Following the sale, the insider now owns 29,086 shares in the company, valued at $3,800,376.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO William E. Jr. Waltz sold 79,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total transaction of $11,999,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 126,788 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,113,291. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 84,746 shares of company stock worth $12,672,194 over the last 90 days. 2.56% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Atkore Profile

(Free Report)

Atkore Inc engages in the manufacture and sale of electrical, mechanical, safety, and infrastructure products and solutions in the United States and internationally. The company offers conduits, cables, and installation accessories. It also designs and manufactures protection and reliability solutions for critical infrastructure, such as metal framing, mechanical pipe, perimeter security, and cable management.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ATKR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Atkore Inc. (NYSE:ATKR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Atkore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atkore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI  Get Free Report) updated its first quarter earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $0.20-0.22 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.22. The company issued revenue guidance of $187-192 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $191.96 million. SolarWinds also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 0.950-1.000 EPS.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. TheStreet upgraded shares of SolarWinds from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of SolarWinds from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of SolarWinds from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of SolarWinds in a report on Thursday, February 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $14.00 price objective for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.50.

Get SolarWinds alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SWI

SolarWinds Price Performance

Hedge Funds Weigh In On SolarWinds

Shares of NYSE:SWI traded down $0.19 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $13.08. 586,182 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 408,530. SolarWinds has a 12 month low of $8.06 and a 12 month high of $13.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.17 billion, a PE ratio of -118.91 and a beta of 0.98. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $11.98 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $10.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83.

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SWI. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in SolarWinds by 96.6% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,517 shares of the software makers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,237 shares in the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank acquired a new stake in SolarWinds in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in SolarWinds in the 3rd quarter valued at about $40,000. US Bancorp DE increased its position in SolarWinds by 3,591.5% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,762 shares of the software makers stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 4,633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC increased its position in SolarWinds by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 5,754 shares of the software makers stock valued at $76,000 after acquiring an additional 1,918 shares in the last quarter. 95.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

SolarWinds Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

SolarWinds Corporation provides information technology (IT) management software products in the United States and internationally. The company offers a portfolio of solutions to technology professionals for monitoring, managing, and optimizing networks, systems, desktops, applications, storage, databases, website infrastructures, and IT service desks.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for SolarWinds Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SolarWinds and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Telstra Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:TLSYY  Get Free Report) crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $12.48 and traded as low as $12.15. Telstra shares last traded at $12.48, with a volume of 63,400 shares traded.

Telstra Stock Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $12.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.59.

About Telstra

(Get Free Report)

Telstra Corporation Limited provides telecommunications and information services to businesses, governments, and individuals in Australia and internationally. It operates in four segments: Telstra Consumer and Small Business, Telstra Enterprise, Networks and IT, and Telstra InfraCo The company offers telecommunication, media and technology products and services in Australia using mobile and fixed network technologies, as well as operates call centers, retail stores, a dealership network, digital channels, distribution systems and Telstra Plus customer loyalty program.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Telstra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telstra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY24 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $5.76-6.90 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $5.76. The company issued revenue guidance of $19.9-20.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $21.34 billion. Tenet Healthcare also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 5.760-6.900 EPS.

Tenet Healthcare Stock Performance

NYSE THC traded down $0.93 during trading on Friday, reaching $88.09. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,316,066 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,087,089. Tenet Healthcare has a 12 month low of $49.76 and a 12 month high of $91.85. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $78.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.66 and a beta of 2.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.77.

Get Tenet Healthcare alerts:

Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $1.10. The firm had revenue of $5.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.28 billion. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 26.34% and a net margin of 2.97%. The companys revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.96 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Tenet Healthcare will post 6.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on THC shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $97.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $98.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. UBS Group decreased their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $104.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price objective on Tenet Healthcare from $94.00 to $104.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $92.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $92.47.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on THC

Insider Transactions at Tenet Healthcare

In other news, Director Richard W. Fisher sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.33, for a total value of $331,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 23,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,540,646.91. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Tenet Healthcare

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of THC. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 14.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,639,373 shares of the companys stock valued at $691,612,000 after purchasing an additional 1,491,799 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,932,708 shares of the companys stock worth $939,775,000 after buying an additional 77,543 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,377,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $290,368,000 after acquiring an additional 78,687 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in Tenet Healthcare by 23.6% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,180,627 shares of the companys stock worth $187,446,000 after acquiring an additional 415,945 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Tenet Healthcare by 1.5% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,509,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,702,000 after purchasing an additional 21,960 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.56% of the companys stock.

About Tenet Healthcare

(Get Free Report)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company. The company operates through three segments: Hospital Operations, Ambulatory Care, and Conifer. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Tenet Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenet Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN (NYSEARCA:BDCS  Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $15.23 and traded as high as $15.31. UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN shares last traded at $15.23, with a volume of 14,900 shares.

UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Stock Up 0.1 %

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $15.23 and its 200-day moving average price is $15.23.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UBS ETRACS Linked to the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co boosted its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (NYSE:CCEP  Free Report) by 8.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 112,812 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,515 shares during the period. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners were worth $7,048,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CCEP. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners by 29.0% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 336,103 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,000,000 after buying an additional 75,477 shares during the last quarter. Andra AP fonden boosted its position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners by 7.2% in the 3rd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 206,850 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,924,000 after buying an additional 13,900 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL bought a new position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at $245,000. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 57,123 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,569,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D boosted its position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 123,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,704,000 after buying an additional 1,600 shares during the last quarter. 29.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Coca-Cola Europacific Partners alerts:

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Trading Up 0.4 %

NYSE:CCEP traded up $0.24 on Friday, reaching $67.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,496,332 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,572,948. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC has a 1-year low of $53.53 and a 1-year high of $70.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $66.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $63.12.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on CCEP shares. BNP Paribas upgraded Coca-Cola Europacific Partners from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $79.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Coca-Cola Europacific Partners from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $61.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Monday, December 4th. StockNews.com lowered Coca-Cola Europacific Partners from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Barclays raised their price target on Coca-Cola Europacific Partners from $66.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Coca-Cola Europacific Partners from $72.50 to $77.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $71.35.

Get Our Latest Report on Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Profile

(Free Report)

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC, together with its subsidiaries, produces, distributes, and sells a range of non-alcoholic ready to drink beverages. It offers flavours, mixers, and energy drinks; soft drinks, waters, enhanced water, and isotonic drinks; and ready-to-drink tea and coffee, juices, and other drinks.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCEP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (NYSE:CCEP  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co increased its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Free Report) by 86.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 140,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 65,000 shares during the quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $8,921,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. OFI Invest Asset Management purchased a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Ingersoll Rand in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 1,566.7% in the second 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 in the last quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand in the third quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 348.2% in the third quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 493 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.54% of the companys stock.

Get Ingersoll Rand alerts:

Insider Activity

In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total value of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,253,957.07. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.83% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Cfra raised 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. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. UBS Group raised their price target on Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Ingersoll Rand presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $75.27.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on IR

Ingersoll Rand Price Performance

Shares of NYSE IR traded up $0.52 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $85.90. The company had a trading volume of 4,007,039 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,665,740. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The stock has a market cap of $34.77 billion, a PE ratio of 46.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $77.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $70.06. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 1-year low of $51.84 and a 1-year high of $86.51.

Ingersoll Rand Profile

(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.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Free Report).

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.
A sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. That description of Joe Biden, 81, is what has grabbed the most attention in the 388-page report published on Thursday by the special counsel in charge of investigating Bidens handling of confidential documents from his time as senator and vice president.

While special counsel Robert Hur concluded in the report that there were no grounds to charge Biden with a crime, his allusions to Bidens age and mental acuity have served as a kind of political and electoral condemnation of the president  one without trial or jury. The report has angered the president, while Republicans have said it is proof that Biden is unfit for office and should be incapacitated. But with just nine months before the presidential elections, the Democrats do not have a viable replacement to take on Trump, who is the favorite to win the Republican nomination.

Shortly after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, as a global crisis unfolded, Biden was interrogated by Hur and his team for five hours on October 8 and 9, 2023. Prior to the interrogation, the president had been speaking by phone with heads of state, members of his Cabinet and Congress, and had met repeatedly with his national security team. Then he began answering questions about events that took place many years ago.

The special counsel makes a point of commenting on that exchange in his report: He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended (if it was 2013  when did I stop being vice president?), and forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began (in 2009, am I still vice president?). He did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died. Biden served as Barack Obamas vice president from 2009 to 2017. His son Beau died of a brain tumor in 2015.

Hur was appointed U.S. attorney by Donald Trump, although it was Attorney General Merrick Garland, a Biden appointee, who tasked Hur with overseeing the investigation into Bidens handling of classified documents. His report into the case is filled with comments about Bidens memory, which is described as significantly limited and hazy. Hur also claims that Biden showed diminished faculties and that his conversations were painfully slow.

Bidens lawyers  who had access to the document before its release  unsuccessfully called for those comments to be removed from the report, arguing they were superfluous and inflammatory. We do not believe that the reports treatment of President Bidens memory is accurate or appropriate. The report uses highly prejudicial language to describe a commonplace occurrence among witnesses: a lack of recall of years-old events, stated a letter  penned by Bob Bauer and Richard Sauber  which appears at the end of the report. The letter points out that while other witness face no scrutiny for not remembering long-ago events, Biden is treated differently, in prejudicial and inflammatory terms.

The lawyers argue that it is contradictory for the special counsel to conclude that no criminal charges against Biden are warranted, while at the same time commenting that the presidents age and poor memory would make him amenable to a jury. If the evidence does not establish guilt, then discussing the jury impact of President Bi dens hypothetical testimony at a trial that will never occur is entirely superfluous, they stated in the letter.

Biden was also deeply angered at the report. The president learned of its release while at an event with House Democrats near Washington. According to those present, the president was especially upset about the claims that he couldnt remember his son death. You think I would fucking forget the day my son died? he reportedly claimed, according to sources familiar with his comments.

On Thursday, soon after the report was released, Biden appeared publicly to express his anger. Theres even reference that I dont remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasnt any of their damn business [...] I dont need anyone to remind me when he passed away, he said. With a breaking voice, Biden added that he has been wearing a rosary since his son Beau died in 2015 from brain cancer. In his address, Biden also dismissed the claims about his mentally fitness: My memory is fine, he said. I am well-meaning and I am elderly. I know what the hell Im doing. I put this country back on its feet. I dont need his recommendation, he added, in reference to the special counsel.

Biden and Trumps lapses

However, as Biden tried to refute the comments about his mental acuity on Thursday, he mistakenly referred to Egyptian leader Abdul Fattah al-Sisi as the president of Mexico. This lapse comes after other recent gaffes. In the past few weeks, Biden mistakenly referred to French President Emmanuel Macron as his predecessor Francois Mitterrand and misremembered a conversation with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, instead saying that it had been with Helmut Kohl.

Donald Trump, Bidens foreseeable rival in the presidential elections on November 5, has made similar slipups. He said that Hungarys Viktor Orban was the president of Turkiye. He also claimed that his rival in the Republican primaries, Nikki Haley, was in charge of Capitol security on January 6, 2021, confusing her with Nancy Pelosi. And he warned that Bidens foreign policy was going to provoke World War II.

These slipups have taken no toll on Trump, who is sailing through the primaries despite facing four indictments for 91 crimes. But for Biden, they are a massive political blow. In a poll published last August by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, three in four Americans replied that the president was too old to serve another term. Whats more, he was most associated with the words old, slow, confused and bumbling  a jab often used by Trump. Given the lack of alternatives, Democrats have closed ranks with Biden, but they are also aware of their candidates weaknesses.

Special counsel Hurs report has been jumped on by Republicans, who have called for the president to be disqualified on the grounds that he is mentally unfit for office. Whats more, Trump could use the report  which criticizes Bidens mishandling of classified documents, but does not find grounds for criminal charges  to argue the justice system is guilty of double standards, even though Hurs document highlights the enormous differences between the case against Trump and Biden.

In their letter, the presidents lawyers criticized the special counsel for saying that Bidens behavior was totally irresponsible  the same words the president had used to describe Trumps actions. This kind of criticism of an uncharged party violates long-standing Department practice and protocol, the lawyers argued, citing the 2016 precedent when FBI Director James Comey lashed out at Hillary Clinton for being extremely careless with classified material. Comey argued that there was evidence of potential violations of the law, but concluded that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case. A later review found that Comeys actions were extraordinary and insubordinate.

Hurs claim that Bidens behavior was totally irresponsible is reminiscent of Comeys comment that Clinton was extremely careless. While both Biden and Clinton were cleared of wrongdoing, there was little to celebrate. The Comey report helped pave the way for Trump to win the White House. Will the Hur report help him return to the Oval Office?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition








You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user.

OK
President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington.

Any parent whos ever called one of their children by the others name  or even the family pets name  likely could empathize when President Joe Biden mixed up the names of French leaders Macron and Mitterrand.

The human brain has trouble pulling names out of stuffed memory banks on cue. But when are those and other verbal stumbles normal, and when might they be a sign of cognitive trouble?

When I see somebody make a flub on TV, Im really not all that concerned, said well-known aging researcher S. Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois at Chicago. What science will tell you about flubs is that theyre perfectly normal, and they are exacerbated by stress for sure.

Biden, 81, has a decadeslong history of verbal gaffes. But theyre getting new attention after a special counsel this past week decided Biden shouldnt face criminal charges for his handling of classified documents  while describing him as an old man with trouble remembering dates, even the date his son Beau died.

That prompted a visibly angry Biden to lash out from the White House, saying, My memory is fine. As for his sons 2015 death from brain cancer, Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasnt any of their damn business, Biden said.

Biden is not the only candidate making verbal slips. Former President Donald Trump, Bidens likely opponent in the November presidential election, has also. Last month, the 77-year-old Trump confused his major opponent for the GOP nomination, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Health experts caution that neither verbal gaffes nor a lawyers opinions can reveal whether someone is having cognitive trouble. That takes medical testing.

But certain glitches are common at any age.

To easily recall names, right in the moment, is the hardest thing for us to do accurately, said Dr. Eric Lenze of Washington University in St. Louis, a geriatric psychiatrist who evaluates cognition in older adults.

Some studies have suggested that everyday misnaming may occur when the brain has names stored by category  like your family members or perhaps in Bidens case, world leaders hes long known  and grabs the wrong one. Or the miss may be phonetic, as the names of Frances current president, Emmanuel Macron, and former President Francois Mitterrand both begin with M. Mitterrand died in 1996.

As for dates, emotion may tag certain memories but not run-of-the-mill ones, such as the special counsels questions about when Biden handled a box of documents.

Attaching a calendar date to an event is not really something that the human brain does at any age, Lenze said. Its not like a spreadsheet.

Whether its a name, date or something else, memory also can be affected by stress and distractions  if someones thinking about more than one thing, Olshansky said. And while everybodys had an its on the tip of my tongue lapse, flubs by presidents, or would-be presidents, tend to be caught on TV.

Olshansky watches recordings of his presentations at science meetings and there isnt a single time I dont make a mistake, he said. Im 69 years old, which I do not consider to be old, but I made the same mistakes when I was 39.

Its reasonable for people to wonder if leaders in their 70s and 80s remain sharp, Lenze said. Whats reassuring is if overall, what someone says is overall accurate despite a verbal gaffe.

Some cognitive aging is normal, including delay in memory retrieval. Peoples brains age differently, and heart health, blood pressure and physical activity play a role in brain health.

And while Trump often brags about passing a screening-style memory test several years ago, Lenze said the best assessment includes rigorous neuropsychological testing.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Souptik Datta Reports real estate, infra and city in Bengaluru. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat.
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 13:37 | All, Japan

The body of a 16-year-old high school girl was discovered underneath a parked car in eastern Japan, police said Saturday, suspecting the driver dragged her more than 5 kilometers before stopping his vehicle at a parking lot.

The driver, 72, reported to the police around at 6:10 p.m. Friday that he found the girl stuck underneath his car after hearing a strange sound while driving in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Given the bloody wounds all over the girl's body, the police believe the car traveled from Mito to Hitachinaka with her wedged under the vehicle.

They are questioning the man on a voluntary basis on suspicion.
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 18:40 | World, All, Japan

Ukraine intends to sign a "full range" of agreements with Japan at a reconstruction conference in Tokyo later this month to spur investment and boost economic cooperation between the countries, its Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said recently.

Shmyhal is set to lead his country's delegation at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Reconstruction on Feb. 19 where discussions will take place on rebuilding the country from the war damage sustained since Russia's February 2022 invasion.

In the exclusive interview with Kyodo News in Kyiv on Thursday, the prime minister said his country is "interested in comprehensive cooperation with Japanese business," adding he sees "huge potential" for the relationship between Japanese companies and Ukraine.

He singled out the energy, infrastructure, agriculture, engineering, IT, and security and defense sectors as areas where Japanese firms can play a "huge role in assisting the recovery" which the World Bank estimated last March will cost $411 billion over the next decade.

Specifically, Shmyhal expressed hope that major Japanese automakers will share their engineering expertise with Ukrainian businesses and other companies will cooperate in fertilizer production and extraction and processing of critical raw materials such as lithium.

Additionally, Shmyhal said he sees potential for improved cooperation with Japan on nuclear power as Ukraine aims to have at least four new nuclear reactors operating by 2033, with it also aiming to improve the productivity of its existing plants.

Of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors, six at its Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station are currently under Russian control, Shmyhal said.

Japan and Ukraine are expected to sign a bilateral memorandum at the conference, which Shmyhal said is the "biggest signal" they can give to companies in both countries that "they can safely and successfully invest in Ukraine."

Around 200 major Japanese and Ukrainian firms are expected to join the meeting. A number of other memorandums and agreements are also in the pipeline, with the premier saying, "The more, the better."

But with Ukraine relying heavily on foreign aid to continue fighting the war, concerns around corruption have been raised by its partners and are proving a barrier to the country receiving support.

Shmyhal said Kyiv is committed to rooting out misuse of funds and that "fighting without compromising on the battlefield is the same as fighting corruption without compromising."

He added that Ukraine's partners have noted "sufficient progress" in tackling the issue and pointed out its ongoing efforts to digitalize its public services as having helped to make procurement transparent.

Amid signs of Ukraine fatigue in the United States and European countries, opposition from U.S. Republican Party lawmakers ahead of the country's Nov. presidential election has led to delays in the government reaching a deal for the latest Ukraine funding package.

But Shmyhal stressed he remains "pretty optimistic" on the matter. "We believe our American allies will find a way to fund us, after all," he said.

A former deputy prime minister and regional lawmaker, Shmyhal has served as Ukraine's prime minister since March 2020.

Related coverage:

Zelenskyy sacks top general Zaluzhnyi as war with Russia drags on

Over 200 firms expected to join Tokyo meeting on Ukraine's recovery

Zelenskyy Interview - Ukraine cannot afford for world to doubt our strength
Nivedita Jayaram Pawar is a Mumbai-based freelance journalist, who writes on food, art, design, travel and lifestyle.
In March 2013, it was reported that two other associations  African Peoples Congress and All Patriotic Citizens  also applied for INEC registration, adopting APC as an acronym as well, reportedly a development interpreted to be a move to thwart the successful coalition of the opposition parties, ahead of the 2015 general elections. It was reported in April 2013 that the party was considering changing their name to the All Progressive Congress of Nigeria (APCN) to avoid further complications.

In November 2013, five serving Governors, along with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former vice president of Nigeria, from the governing PDP defected to the APC, as well as 49 legislators who joined the ranks of 137 legislators in the APC as a result of the prior merger of the smaller opposition parties.

This initially gave the APC a slim majority of 186 legislators in the Lower House out of a total of 360 legislators; however, subsequent political wrangling and pressure from political factions and interests outside the National Assembly of Nigeria, gave the party only 37 additional legislators thus giving the APC a nominal majority of 172 out of 360 Legislators, as opposed to the PDPs 171 (though some smaller PDP-allied parties hold the balance of the other seats.

This was further confirmed when the party seated 179 members on January 15, 2015 when the House resumed after a long recess to finally affirm its majority. The governors who defected to the APC were Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State. It had been previously reported that Governors Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State were to set to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC; however, both ended up remaining with the Peoples Democratic Party.

In the 2015 elections, Muazu Babangida Aliyu ran as a senatorial nominee of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Niger State east senatorial district, losing in a landslide to the APCs David Umaru.
The Dragon Freedom spacecraft with Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei splashed down in waters off Florida's Daytona Beach beach on Friday, bringing the Ax-3 mission to a conclusion, Azernews reports, citing ANSA.

The Ax-3 crew also made up of Sweden's Marcus Wandt, Alper Gezeravci from Turkiye and Michael Lopez-Alegria, a dual US-Spanish citizen, came back to Earth 47 hours after undocking from the International Space Station, where they had been for 18 days.

Villadei is the eighth Italian to have been in space.

During this time, 56 experiments and space activities were done by the four astronauts during the Ax-3 mission.

The partially reusable Dragon spacecraft is operated by Axiom Space and Ax-3 was the third private flight to reach the ISS.
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 07:46 | Arts, All, Japan

Japan and the world on Friday reacted with an outpouring of grief and tributes after the death of famed Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, with some recalling his passionate and beloved character and others hailing him as a "magician of classical music."

The Boston Symphony Orchestra said in a statement that it remembers Ozawa, who served as music director for 29 years until 2002, "not only as a legendary conductor but also as a passionate mentor for future generations of musicians."

Under its longest-serving conductor, the symphony "entered a global era, through a renewed commitment to commissions and contemporary music, a prolific number of recordings, radio and television appearances, and history-making tours," it said.

Yo-yo Ma, a renowned cellist, said in a video message posted on the symphony's website, "He paved the way in many ways for Asian musicians, being one of the first ones to arrive on the scene and do what he has done."

The Vienna Philharmonic said, "It was a gift to be able to go on a long journey with this artist, who was characterized by the highest musical standards and at the same time humility towards the treasures of musical culture as well as his loving interaction with his colleagues and his charisma."

Ozawa became the first Japanese conductor to direct the philharmonic's New Year's concert in 2002.

The New York Times described Ozawa as a "captivating" and "transformative" conductor and reported he "helped dispel prejudices about East Asian classical musicians."

Ozawa was "the most prominent harbinger of a movement that has transformed the classical music world over the last half-century: a tremendous influx of East Asian musicians into the West," the obituary said.

In Europe, the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland he founded to educate music students released a statement lauding his work cultivating new talent.

"He just had to raise his hand and the sound he elicited was miraculous. These moments will remain engraved in students' memories, opening up new horizons for them and nourishing their imagination," it read.

The academy said it will hold a tribute concert for the late Ozawa on July 9 in Geneva.

French newspaper Le Figaro praised him as "a magician of classical music" and described him as a "Japanese conductor inspired by French music who gave his passion to French music." Le Monde mourned the "charismatic master" and said he looked as if he was "a pop star" in his turtlenecks.

Renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando described Ozawa as "big-hearted" and recalled a conversation with the charismatic conductor on how they felt "blessed with energy and freedom" and vowed to leave behind "work that would remain in people's hearts."

Veteran Japanese TV personality Tetsuko Kuroyanagi said Ozawa's "passion lit up music in Japan," while describing him as a loving father.

Yoshinao Gaun, the mayor of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, where Ozawa had long overseen an annual music festival, lamented the loss of the conductor as "immeasurable for local citizens" and said, "I feel deeply the pain of his passing."

Matsumoto resident Hidenori Takayanagi, 69, expressed shock. "I knew he wasn't well because he came to the festival in a wheelchair, but it's a surprise he passed away so soon," he said.

The conductor died on Tuesday at his home in Tokyo, his management office M. Hirasa Ltd. said Friday.

Related coverage:

World-renowned Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa dies at 88
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 07:53 | All, Japan

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations on Friday elected its first female chief since its establishment in 1949.

Reiko Fuchigami, 69, will succeed Motoji Kobayashi, 72, effective April 1 after the organization's election committee formalizes the result later this month. She will be the first female head of any of the country's three judicial bodies of lawyers, prosecutors and judges.

"While recognizing the weight of my responsibility in the post, I will make all-out efforts as a figure that can embody this federation's gender equality principle," Fuchigami told a press conference.

Fuchigami, who registered as a lawyer in 1983 after graduating from Hitotsubashi University, is set to assume the post as many people in Ishikawa Prefecture and the vicinity face various legal challenges linked to a powerful earthquake that struck the region on New Year's Day.

"Lawyers should assist people who are affected by natural disasters. It is important to care about such people individually," she said, based on her experience of working to help people affected by large-scale natural disasters such as the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

There were more than 45,000 eligible voters in Friday's election and the turnout was a record low of 33.23 percent, according to the federation. Fuchigami earned 11,110 of the 15,175 ballots cast by participating lawyers.
Central Sierra Health Soils Program logo View Photo

Sonora, CA  A state grant of $3.4 million for soil health will go to farmers and ranchers in the Central Sierra, including Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Amador counties.

The Placer, Amador, and Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts are partnering with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to fund the Healthy Soils Program. It aims to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gases. The funding will provide free technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers in Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Alpine counties. There was no breakdown regarding how much money each county would receive.

The program prioritizes small-scale producers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, with an estimated 50 on-farm projects chosen, and each of the eight counties is guaranteed one program. Also, at least 25% of the funding will support Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFRs). Further projects will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more about this program and submit an interest form for technical assistance, click here.
SEIU Local 2015 View Photo

Calaveras County, CA  After nearly 14 years without a contract, Calaveras County has reached a tentative agreement with care providers, as the nation reports that roughly 10,000 people turn 65 every day, and that number is expected to grow in the coming years.

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers of SEIU Local 2015, the nations largest long-term care union representing nearly 450,000 caregivers across California, last week reached a tentative agreement for a new union contract with the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. This will be the first agreement reached since 2010 and will raise standards for the over 500 Calaveras County IHSS workers who provide essential care to older adults and people with disabilities.

This agreement in Calaveras County marks significant changes for workers in the county and raises standards for IHSS workers all over California, said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU 2015. For the first time since 2010, IHSS providers in Calaveras have gained benefits, which include county-provided PPE and an investment in their training. This agreement will help further the future of care, where all IHSS workers are able to maintain their livelihood while providing essential care to their recipients.

The agreement includes a wage increase to $16.99 immediately, with a path to earning $17.99 by 2025.

I just lost my second job in January, and I have had to really juggle paying my bills since then, my basic bills, and it leaves no extra money at all, said Jodi Acevedo, who has been an IHSS provider since 2017. This wage increase will alleviate some of that financial burden for me and my son and for all IHSS providers in Calaveras County.

The agreements total wage and benefit package amounts to a $1.50 supplement for the first time in 14 years and expands workers health plan eligibility to providers working 60 hours or more a month.

I was really happy about the expanded eligibility for the health plan. When I first took on caregiving, I was always just a little bit short for the hours needed for the health plan, and that was a struggle for me for years. New providers will have a little bit more grace on that part, said Charles Rangel, an IHSS provider since 2012. This agreement is a good step in the right direction for making a better living for IHSS providers in Calaveras County.

Union members were able to cast their vote in person on the agreement on Wednesday, February 7. Voting can also be done online through February 23rd. The Board of Supervisors will vote on February 27th.
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Ukraine PM says Japanese companies can play big role in war recovery

KYIV - Ukraine intends to sign a "full range" of agreements with Japan at a reconstruction conference in Tokyo later this month to spur investment and boost economic cooperation between the countries, its Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said recently.

Shmyhal is set to lead his country's delegation at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Reconstruction on Feb. 19 where discussions will take place on rebuilding the country from the war damage sustained since Russia's February 2022 invasion.

----------

Many Japanese outside major urban areas do not engage with foreigners

TOKYO - A recent survey has shown Japanese people who reside outside the country's major cities do not regularly interact with the foreigners who live in their communities, underscoring the need for Japan to work harder on integrating society.

The online survey by a research institute at Taisho University was conducted from October to November on Japanese residents in 59 cities, towns and villages across Japan where foreigners account for 5 percent or more of the population. It did not include 23 wards in central Tokyo nor Japan's 20 designated major cities.

----------

Japan to give 2.4 bil. yen grant aid to Samoa, vows to boost ties

APIA - Tokyo on Saturday promised 2.4 billion yen ($16 million) in grant aid to Samoa to help improve a national university's facilities, as Japan's foreign minister met the Pacific island nation's prime minister in an effort to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

During their talks in the Samoan capital of Apia, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who also serves as foreign minister, discussed the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting scheduled for July in Tokyo, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

----------

Rugby: Blues wrap up Japan tour with 57-22 win against Eagles

YOKOHAMA - Super Rugby's Blues cruised to a 57-22 win against Yokohama Eagles in the Cross-Border Rugby series between teams from New Zealand and Japan on Saturday.

The Auckland-based Blues ran in nine tries to four at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium to finish their preseason trip unbeaten against Japan Rugby League One sides after hammering Tokyo Sungoliath 43-7 last weekend.

----------

World mourns loss of "magician" Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa

TOKYO - Japan and the world on Friday reacted with an outpouring of grief and tributes after the death of famed Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, with some recalling his passionate and beloved character and others hailing him as a "magician of classical music."

The Boston Symphony Orchestra said in a statement that it remembers Ozawa, who served as music director for 29 years until 2002, "not only as a legendary conductor but also as a passionate mentor for future generations of musicians."

----------

Japan's top bar organization elects 1st female chief

TOKYO - The Japan Federation of Bar Associations on Friday elected its first female chief since its establishment in 1949.

Reiko Fuchigami, 69, will succeed Motoji Kobayashi, 72, effective April 1 after the organization's election committee formalizes the result later this month. She will be the first female head of any of the country's three judicial bodies of lawyers, prosecutors and judges.

Video: Russian tourists arrive in North Korea, first since COVID restrictions lifted
This is out-of-this-world beautiful, absolutely breathtaking. Every year at the CCTV gala  the most watched show on earth  they have ONE dance which truly sets the bar. This year this is the one. To me this is worth a million Taylor Swift or any other of the hypersexualized https://t.co/uMVsY595PY  Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) February 9, 2024

weve found it folks: mcmansion heaven McMansion Hell (guurst). This one is sort of wonderful in its bizarreness and flamboyant display. Maybe its the fact that it has so much glass, even if often of the unnecessary custom variety. But the outside is a horror.

Stunning!!!  Horur Kristleifsson on IGpic.twitter.com/Js8Vt4DH3a  Volcaholic  (@volcaholic1) February 9, 2024

Harvard Students Grapple With Rising Rates of Respiratory Illness on Campus Harvard Crimson. ma: Wait, so the best and the brightest are going to be more brain damaged for life than their lessors?

Emergency rooms are not okay Your Local Epidemiologist

Erectile dysfunction drugs may reduce risk of Alzheimers ZMEScience (Dr. Kevin)

#COVID-19

Covid Diaries by HCWs Twitter (ma) Students, faculty, staff and alums at #UWaterloo are asking for a town hall with senior admin to discuss COVID safety measures on campus. If so inclined, please share widely with UW-affiliated folks who may be interested in signing. Full Letter: https://t.co/JKSyu8VGzP pic.twitter.com/bgGywRSnUP  Ryan Tennant (@ryantennant_) February 8, 2024

Climate/Environment

China?

Old Blighty

>Keir Starmer defends Labour U-turn on 28bn green spending BBC (Kevin W)

European Disunion

Gaza

* * *

Biden and Starmer will pay a heavy price for supporting Israels war in Gaza Middle East Eye (BC) One can hope.

Bill Allowing Far-Right Govt to Deport Relatives of Terrorists Passes Preliminary Reading Communist Party of Israel (BC)

* * *

Note the hunger strike is over because the Brown trustees refused to hear their demands, particularly divestment from arms suppliers to Israel. But kudos to them for trying.

Some applause for these protesters who are still at it 3 days later and HAVE BEEN MASKED THROUGHOUT  https://t.co/3yEq3GXVzx  Potatie (@__potatie__) February 9, 2024

New Not-So-Cold War

Syraqistan

Imran Khans allies accuse Pakistan officials of vote rigging Financial Times

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Western Values

Imperial Collapse Watch

The Newer World Order Aurelien (Chuck L). Years ago, in an Atlantic Economic Conference in DC, I remarked DC had a Versailles 1788 feel. That did get a laugh.

Biden

Abortion

Gunz

Our No Longer Free Press

AI

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour:

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here
Yves here. Theres something way too Norma Desmond about the desperate US efforts to turn its fading star around in the Middle East. As we said before. hitting 85 targets in retaliation for the deaths of three servicemembers looks both mad and desperate. Hitting some number around 10 with many of them going boom (ideally ammo depots) would have looked sufficiently punitive. And thats before considering that we put these soldiers in harms way by them almost certainly having been in Syria, meaning illegally.

And showing that the US cant kick its bad habits, we then struck in Baghdad, which in case anyone forgot is a sovereign state at which we are no longer at war but we still fancy we occupy by virtue of doggedly refusing to pull our last troops out. Yes, it was only a drone attack against a militia leader in Kataib Hezbollah. But excuses like that dont get you far. This is no different, substantively, than the alleged murder by India of a separatist Sikh leader in Canada, which had the Western media pillorying Modi for weeks.

And Iraq is predictably Not Happy. From Agence France-Presse:

Iraqi authorities slammed the strike as a blatant assassination in a residential neighbourhood of Baghdad. The international coalition is completely overstepping the reasons and objectives for which it is present on our territory, said Yehia Rasool, the military spokesman for Iraqs prime minister.

And it want just the militia leader that died. From the same account:

An interior ministry official said a total of three people  two Kataeb Hezbollah leaders and their driver  had died in the strike, which was carried out by a drone in the east Baghdad neighbourhood of Mashtal.

And this act is just getting the US mired deeper:

Iraqs pro-Iran Al-Nujaba movement promised a targeted retaliation, saying that these crimes will not go unpunished.

The post below explains further why the US is unwilling to extricate itself from the Middle East.

By Uriel Araujo, researcher with a focus on international and ethnic conflicts. Originally published at InfoBRICS

In yet another instance of American attacks against Iran-backed organizations in the Levant, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a statement on February 7 that it conducted a unilateral strike in Iraq in response to the attacks on US service members, killing a Kataib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on US forces in the region. The US drone strike targeted Abu Baqir al-Saadi, the influential commander of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, suspected of carrying out the attack on an American base in Jordan. Yesterday, Yehia Rasool, the spokesperson for the commander in chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, described this American military action as a blatant assassination, adding that the US-led international coalition in the country has become a factor of instability, and that the American forces jeopardize civil peace, violate Iraqi sovereignty, and disregard the safety and lives of our citizens.

On February 3 Washington started airstriking the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other targets in Syria and Iraq, as a response to the January 28 drone attack in Jordan that killed three American personnel. According to Pentagon deputy press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the attack had the footprints of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia.

The assassination of the aforementioned militia commander, largely seen as a violation of Iraqs sovereignty (which it is), triggered wide condemnation and protests in Baghdad, thereby escalating US-Iraq tensions. As I wrote, since last month top Iraqi authorities including Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani have been reiterating their calls for US troops to leave the country. And now Baghdhad is seriously threatening to expel the American forces. Washington had already left the country but in a way paradoxically, as it seems, it never really left.

The past American occupation of Iraq, complete with nation-building efforts, is often described as a (failed) neocolonial endeavor. That occupation might have come to an end in 2011, after eight years, but the presence of US troops in that Levantine nation is still at the center of a major controversy. As I argued last year, an emboldened and empowered Islamic Republic of Iran emerged as the main winner of this US disaster in Iraq. Tehran in fact is arguably todays main power in the Middle East  and not Washington. The Persian nations rising influence today is also felt in the wider West Asian region, as we have recently seen with regards to Pakistan-Iranian tensions over both countries having struck each others territory while targeting a terrorist group that operates on their shared border (the two nations have recently resumed their diplomatic relations).

Back to the series of attacks carried out by the United States in the Levant and also in the Red Sea, one can argue they are indeed part of an escalating US-Iran confrontation involving Iranian proxies or regional partners and the so-called axis of resistance. The rising tensions have much to do with Washington support for its Israeli ally: a large part of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East today after all is about the escalation of the long going fuel war and of the so-called shadow war between Iran and the Jewish state. Todays escalation is in any case mostly a spillover effect of the US-backed disastrous Israeli military campaign in Palestine, as I detailed elsewhere.

Since 2011, that is, for over a decade, Washington has been mostly withdrawing from the Middle East, a trend that became abundantly clear ten years later, when its troops left Afghanistan in 2021  the latest developments however could all arguably be seen as signs that it is making a come-back in the area. In a way, from Washingtons perspective, the region keeps pulling it back in  to a large degree thanks to an Israel ally the US cannot quite control or curb.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on February 4 that the strikes against Iranian allies were the beginning, not the end. The problem, from an American perspective, is that such a retaliatory campaign has no deterrence effect. With regards to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, in particular, the world has recently learned that for about three months Washington basically begged its Chinese rival to help by pressuring Iran into curbing the Houthi rebels  in a clear display of weakness. Beijing, in any case, simply has no reason, as Ive explained, to exert too much pressure, the mess being largely a problem caused by American foreign policy mistakes.

According to a recent The Economist piece, one of the reasons American deterrence against Iran is not working pertains to the fact that Washington, in the larger Middle Eastern context, simply cannot decide whether it will leave or stay and basically does not seem to know what to do in the region. The clearly overburdened Atlantic superpower could be described as being stuck in West Asia. As I wrote before, Washington, it appears, wishes to pivot away from the Middle East towards the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe plus part of Central Asia  even while its naval supremacy seems to be coming to an end.

The idea that the Middle East should no longer be a priority for Washington began with former president Barack Obama and kept evolving under Donald Trump, to then gain clearer contours under Joe Bidens administration. The United States however do not wish to give up its role of global policeman, as the American Establishment sees it, and thus it is faced with a conundrum: according to Sedat Laciner, a Turkish academic specialist on the Middle East, given the geostrategic and cultural significance it embodies, it would not be an overstatement to assert that sustained global leadership is unattainable for any power that fails to exert dominance over the Middle East region in the long term. Laciners reasoning is that the North American superpower simply cannot leave the area, a center of oil and petrodollars. However it is not quite welcome back there, as the local actors are pursuing new relationships.

According to the aforementioned The Economist piece, in the Middle East America is torn between leaving and staying and cannot decide what to do with the forces it still has in the region. Moreover, it desires to pivot away from the region while simultaneously keeping troops in it, thus maintaining a military presence that invites tensions but fails to constrain its Iranian rival. The world is a complex place with many points of tension, but an undecided declining superpower that refuses to show restraintcertainly contributes a lot to bringing stability to the planet  including in the Middle East.
Bill Gates planning for Pandemic 2, complete with new vaccines administered from a little patch

The vaccine racket is losing steam, so billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates has come up with a new design for vaccines that involves "a little patch" being slapped on a person's skin.

In a recent appearance on CNBC TV18 in India, Gates was asked about the future of vaccine manufacturing through his eyes, based on the current state of technological and healthcare advancements. Here is what he said:

"We make sure, for all these vaccines, that there's enough capacity, that there's competition so the prices keep going down. And we will have new vaccines. We'll have a TB [tuberculosis] vaccine, malaria vaccine, HIV vaccine."

Gates continued by rambling about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" that were unleashed through Operation Warp Speed, explaining that for the next pandemic, "we need to make them have longer duration, more coverage."

"And we're going to change, instead of using a needle, to use a little patch," Gates added about the newly envisioned technology.

Whether from a needle or from a patch, poison is still poison, it is important to note. Injected poison is arguably worse as it bypasses the body's natural defense mechanisms, but surely Gates has thought of that, too, and will make the patches just as, or perhaps more, toxic than their needle counterparts.

?Bill Gates: "We need to make (vaccines) have longer duration, more coverage," he said. "And we're gonna change, instead of using a needle, to use a little patch."https://t.co/Zjctsb2yD0  Lady Shadowban (@lady_pill) January 29, 2024

(Related: Late last year, organizations run and influenced by Bill Gates partnered with a biotechnology company to develop needle-free, Eucharist-like mRNA vaccine "wafers" for administration under the tongue.)

Gates wants to change "food," too

In the future, Gates also wants to strip farmers of being able to grow their own food. At the recent COP28 meeting of elitist globalists, Gates unveiled a strategy involving the use of "innovation to absolutely solve that problem."

Unelected globalist technocrat, Bill Gates, at COP 28: "The issue of food systems and how with climate change, a lot of farmers aren't able to grow their crops, which is a tragedy for them. We'll talk about using innovation to absolutely solve that problem." Globalist pic.twitter.com/hIpJoI4AjO  Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) January 24, 2024

At one point, Gates actually used the term "Pandemic 2" to describe another future COVID-like event that he and his partners are already preparing to capitalize on with their latest biotechnological developments.

Where did Bill Gates study to get his PHD in Public Health and Medicine ? pic.twitter.com/SEb1NJPmyN  Euphorio (@euphoriox) January 24, 2024

By the way, did you know that the Latin translation of "Cor" and "ona," the two parts of the word "corona" for coronavirus, mean "heart attack?" This is surely not a coincidence as many of those who took the corona jabs suffered heart attacks or some other form of heart disease.

According to 100percentfedup.com's M. Winger, Gates is "like a worse version of Anthony Fauci."

"I guess we'll call him America's most untrusted non-doctor," Winger added. "Either way, Gates is at it again."

The needle-free vaccines could be distributed via the robot-mosquitoes that Bill Gates created#COVID19 #DiseaseX #vaccines https://t.co/eV4cKe3pMV  Jamil Baptiste Berglund (@JamilBerglund) January 15, 2024

"Bill Gates should be arrested for crimes against humanity ... for starters," one angry commenter wrote about these latest developments.

"Stay away from 'medicine,'" wrote another about how the Western "healthcare" model is a Big Pharma farce that propagates poisons made by the likes of Gates and his cronies.

"Just amazing," said another. "Why isn't he in prison yet?"

Is there another pandemic on the way, compliments of Bill Gates? Find out more at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

NaturalNews.com
Child murder: Canada mulls rolling out EUTHANASIA for 12-year-old kids

Canada is considering offering euthanasia  under its so-called Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program  to children as young as 12

According to Citizen Frank, the Canadian Parliament's Special Joint Committee on MAiD recommended offering the program "without parental consent" in mid-February 2023. It considered two tracks  one for whom there is "reasonably foreseeable" death, and the other for those for whom "mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition."

To bypass the need to ask parents' consent before killing children, the term "mature minor" was adopted. One study defined as a "legal construct referring to persons under the age of 18" who are sufficiently mature to "understand information relevant to a treatment decision" and to "appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of a decision or lack of decision."

The authors of the aforementioned study said the designation can either be "formally conferred through a legal process" or "informally granted by a healthcare practitioner," with the specific process and definitions depending on the province or territory. They added that the designation of "mature minor" can "vary from one time to another and from one decision to another  meaning it is context and content dependent." (Related: Canada expands euthanasia "mercy" killing to ensnare society's most vulnerable, including children.)

However, this proposal was met with opposition from different entities. Brad Salzberg, founder of the Cultural Action Party of Canada (CAP), was among them.

He zoomed in on Dying with Dignity (DWD), a MAiD advocacy group that reportedly receives funding from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. According to the group's website, it reportedly defends human rights by advocating for euthanasia that respects "the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

The CAP founder also referenced a story by the National Post that cited DWD as "the most active player in the passage of Bill C-7, which beginning on March 17 will legalize assisted suicide for Canadians suffering solely from a mental illness." The story also noted that DWD's future goals include "pushing the federal government to drop the age requirement for MAID from 18 to at least 12 years of age."

"Defending human rights by advocating for death," remarked Salzberg. "A wonderful oxymoron it is."

Critics speak out against offering EUTHANASIA to kids

After noting that children would be joining the thousands of adults who end their lives each year by state-sanctioned euthanasia in Canada, the Daily Mail quoted multiple critics of euthanasia to 12-year-old children in the Land of Maple.

Amy Hasbrouck, founder and director of the anti-MAiD group Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet, a project of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities: "I think it's horrible. Any teenager with a disability, whos constantly told their life is useless and pitiful, will be depressed, and of course, they're going to want to die."

Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition said: "Canada had been on a dangerous 'slippery slope' to widespread assisted suicide since the law was introduced in 2016. We said we were going to have safeguards and guardrails, but the next government can simply open it up further by making a decision  and that's exactly what's happening."

Head over to Euthanasia.news for more stories about Canada's MAiD program.

Watch Odessa Orlewicz discuss Canada's plans to expand MAiD to include children on "Shots Fired with Deanna Lorraine" below.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Netherlands is approving EUTHANASIA for people with autism, intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.

Dutch government backing euthanasia for terminally ill children.

Euthanasia- and infanticide-promoting philosopher wins $1 million dollar Berggruen prize.

Canada attempting to expand EUTHANASIA program to allow assisted suicide of the mentally ill.

Survey: Nearly 3 in 10 Canadians believe the poor and homeless should be eligible for assisted suicide.

Sources include:

CAPforCanada.com

CF.org

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
KYODO NEWS - Feb 10, 2024 - 14:39 | All, Japan, World

Tokyo on Saturday promised 2.4 billion yen ($16 million) in grant aid to Samoa to help improve a national university's facilities, as Japan's foreign minister met the Pacific island nation's prime minister in an effort to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

During their talks in the Samoan capital of Apia, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who also serves as foreign minister, discussed the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting scheduled for July in Tokyo, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Japan has been seeking to deepen ties with the island nation located in the South Pacific, where China has been increasing its influence. The funding will go to the National University of Samoa, which is located in Apia.

In the meeting, Kamikawa vowed to continue providing detailed and science-based explanations about the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific, the ministry said, as some Pacific island countries have expressed concerns.

China has been a fierce opponent of the releases since before they began in August last year, citing its potential negative impact on human health and the environment.

Kamikawa and Mata'afa also spoke about the importance of addressing climate change, according to the ministry.

Kamikawa is the first Japanese foreign minister to visit Samoa. She is set to attend a ministerial gathering with the 18 Pacific Islands Forum members to be held in Fiji on Monday.
Fact-checkers smear protesting German farmers as CONSPIRACY THEORISTS

A German "fact-check" site has smeared farmers protesting against the country's government as mere conspiracy theorists.

Writing for the Public newsletter on Substack, U.S.-based author Gregor Baszak said the Correctiv fact-check site was responsible for the smear. Meanwhile, Reclaim The Net disclosed that Correctiv is funded by leftist groups such as the Omidyar Network and George Soros' Open Society Foundations, tech giant Meta Platforms and the incumbent German government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

According to its website, Correctiv seeks to "expose systematic abuses, hold those in power accountable and strengthen an open and democratic civil society." However, its smearing of the protesting farmers as mere conspiracy theorists actually goes against these aforementioned goals.

Correctiv reportedly smeared German farmers disgruntled with the heavy-handed bureaucracy of Brussels as "far-right conspiracy theorists aligned with Russia." The said farmers are allegedly active on the private Telegram messaging app, where they purportedly spread "Russian propaganda" and "disinformation" about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

"Much else in the Correctiv article is false or misleading," continued Baszak. "The article does not specify what 'COVID-19 disinformation' the farmers spread, nor does it offer any evidence of ties between the farmers and the Russian government  only that 'some X accounts' that support the farmers wrote posts that 'coincided with the methods of a pro-Russian propaganda network.'"

Baszak ultimately pointed out that the farmers "aren't far right," and that they took to the streets in protest of cuts to "agricultural vehicle and diesel subsidies upon which many farmers rely for their economic survival." The average German farmer earns just 33,500 ($36,089.55) annually, and "any could mean bankruptcy, especially for smaller family-owned farms." (Related: Hundreds of German farmers set up disruptive road blockades to protest punitive taxes.)

Berlin is the worst purveyor of DISINFO

The U.S.-based writer also mentioned how the mainstream media and Correctiv ignored these facts, instead focusing on how a neo-Nazi group endorsed the farmer protests. However, many German farmers who joined the protests denounced these neo-Nazis by waving banners that said "agriculture is colorful, not brown"  referencing the brown shirts worn by members of the Storm Division (SA).

"Correctiv doesn't mention that the worst perpetrators of COVID-19 disinformation were the German government and news media, which claimed that those vaccinated would not get sick or transmit the disease. The institutions with the clearest ties to the Russian government were the parties of Germany's ruling coalition, which wholeheartedly embraced the building of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines," wrote Baszak.

"Today, concerns about energy prices and the government's overreaction to COVID-19 are broadly held among the German people, and [are] hardly 'far-right.' The loss of cheap nuclear power and natural gas due to the war in Ukraine and the destruction of the pipelines have resulted in the loss of major energy-intensive industries."

Meanwhile, Reclaim The Net remarked: "Here we have yet another supposedly 'fact-checking' effort that turned into a smear campaign against people engaged in lawful protest regarding economic, social and political issues."

Watch this drone footage that shows the full extent of the farmer protests in the German capital Berlin.

This video is from the HaloRock channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

German truckers, factory workers join farmers protest against incumbent left-cult government thats trying to DESTROY FARMS and the food supply.

French farmers dump manure on government buildings to protest climate hysteria.

The German government is ripping off the farmers who feed the country.

French farmers join German farmers in blocking highways with tractors, throwing manure to stop globalist agenda that targets farms for destruction.

German farmers: Ukraines accession to the EU would destroy family farming and flood markets with cheap crops.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

Public.Substack.com

Correctiv.org

Brighteon.com
The Ben Armstrong Show: FBI, CISA directors warn about Chinas readiness to attack U.S. infrastructure

Podcaster Ben Armstrong has discussed warnings by government officials about China's readiness to attack America's infrastructure

"China is ready to attack our infrastructure  that is the warning that we're getting today," he said during the Feb. 1 edition of "The Ben Armstrong Show." The journalist continued: "Today, they could do it, warn our FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] and CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] directors."

According to him, Congress has seriously covered Beijing's threat against the U.S., and so do America's intelligence agencies. However, the latter aren't going to the full length of what is about to happen.

Armstrong then played a video clip of FBI Director Christopher Wray talking about China's cyber threat during a recent hearing of the House of Representatives. According to Wray, the threat posed by Beijing under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a multi-pronged assault on America's national and economic security  making it the defining threat of the present generation. (Related: Cybersecurity official warns: Americans must prepare for CYBERATTACKS from Chinese hackers.)

The FBI director lamented the little public focus on the Chinese hackers targeting America's critical infrastructure such as water treatment plants, electrical grids, oil and natural gas pipelines and transportation systems. The risk such attacks pose to every American requires immediate attention, he added.

"Chinese 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.

According to Armstrong, Wray is admitting that the U.S. doesn't have the ability to stop China's cyberattack. He clarified that the FBI director isn't saying that America is capable of thwarting the cyber threat, but that China is 100 percent in control whether they push through with it or not. "The truth is: Christoper Wray is telling you  if China wants to do it, they can do it tomorrow," remarked the journalist with the New American magazine.

Wray: Chinese hackers outnumber American hackers 50-to-1

Aside from this, Wray also disclosed to lawmakers that China has a bigger hacking program than every major nation combined. "In fact  if you took every single one of the FBI cyber agents and intelligence analysts and focus them exclusively on the China threat, Chinese hackers would still outnumber FBI cyber personnel by at least 50 to one," he said.

CISA Director Jen Easterly also remarked during the same House committee hearing that her agency has long been focused on the cyber threat from China. She mentioned that America has seen a deeply concerning evolution in China's targeting of U.S. critical infrastructure. In particular, Easterly cited Chinese cyber actors like the Volt Typhoon group, which are burrowing deep into the country's critical infrastructure to enable destructive attacks in the event of a major crisis or conflict.

"This is a world where a major crisis halfway across the planet could well endanger the lives of Americans here at home through the disruption of our pipelines, the severing of our telecommunications, the pollution of our water facility, the crippling of our transportation modes, all to ensure that they can incite societal panic and chaos, and to deter our ability to marshal military might and civilian wealth," the CISA director remarked.

She also mentioned CISA teams have found and eradicated Chinese intrusions in multiple critical infrastructure sectors including aviation, water, energy and transportation using information from government and industry partners.

Follow CyberWar.news for more stories about China's cyber threat in America.

Watch Ben Armstrong's commentary about the warnings issued by Wray and Easterly about China's readiness to launch a cyber attack on U.S. infrastructure below.

This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ben Armstrong: Chinas balloon launch over Taiwan is a DISTRACTION for surprise attack on America.

Pentagon report warns of Chinas cyber preparations for war following hacking of U.S. military bases.

FOREIGN HACKERS target water infrastructure in Pennsylvania, prompting calls for increased cybersecurity.

CCP is embedding itself into U.S. utility infrastructure; Biden administration issues warning about situation they created.

Several federal agencies HACKED as part of global cyberattack that exploited a flaw in popular file-sharing software.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TheGuardian.com

Reuters.com
Finnair to begin WEIGHING PASSENGERS with their luggage

Finnish flag carrier and largest full-service legacy airline Finnair will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the plane's weight before take-off.

Finnair said in a statement that the move would be voluntary and anonymous. The data will be used to optimize the current aircraft balance calculations and the "weighment area" will rotate around flight departure gates at the Helsinki Airport.

"We use the weighing data for the average calculations required for the safe operation of flights, and the collected data is not linked in any way to the customer's personal data," said Satu Munnukka, head of Ground Processes at Finnair. (Related: Commercial flights becoming insanely dangerous as virtue-signaling airlines hire based on diversity rather than merit.)

Finnair said the airline has seen some 600 volunteers sign up to participate, stating it is "great to see that our customers are interested in volunteering in this data collection." The Finnish flag carrier also noted that airlines need to work out the weight of the plane, its interior and passengers on board to balance the flight and make for safe transit.

Airlines may use average weights provided by aviation authorities  assumed to be 88 kg  or collect their own data, it said. Finnair assured potential passengers that collected data is not linked "in any way" to customers' personal data in their statement.

"Only the customer service agent working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind," said Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair.

The company said passengers would stand on a scale in all their clothes and with their carry-on luggage at the same time to get a combined reading.

It is not just bodyweight Finnair is interested in, then, but the whole package. Communications Director Paivyt Tallqvist told the outlet that Finns tend to bring a lot more weight onto the plane in colder months as they come prepared with thick, heavy coats.

"This is part of having a very strong safety culture in our organization," Tallqvist said.

"We want to see if the data we're using for calculations is accurate. We use them for every flight, and they're important for the aircraft's performance. When you explain this to (passengers), they understand."

Weigh-ins will take place in February, April and May and are voluntary, the company said. It was not clear why they would not measure travelers in March. They will also take note of age, gender and class of travel.

Other airlines already taking passenger weight into account

Finnair is not the first airline to take the initiative and measure the weight of passengers themselves.

In August last year, Korea's largest airline, Korean Air, announced it would start weighing passengers at Gimpo Airport on domestic routes and at Incheon Airport on international flights for a short period through September.

The company said the move was aimed at reducing wasted fuel and helping more accurately estimate the weight of the plane.

A month prior, an easyJet flight from Lanzarote to Liverpool asked 19 passengers to get off the plane because it was deemed "too heavy to take off."

A spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement, writing: "easyJet can confirm that 19 passengers on flight EZY3364 from Lanzarote to Liverpool volunteered to travel on a later flight as a result of the aircraft being over the weight limits for the weather conditions. This is a routine operational decision in these circumstances and weight restrictions are in place for all airlines for safety reasons."

The spokesperson said in the event a plane is found to be too heavy to take off, passengers are asked to volunteer to transfer to a later flight free of charge, and volunteers are provided with compensation in line with regulations.

Airlines offer similar compensation when they oversell tickets for a flight and ask some passengers to volunteer to reschedule.

In the case of the Lanzarote to Liverpool flights, passengers were offered "up to 500 per passenger," according to a crew member, citing easyJet.

Watch this video discussing the mounting risks that come with air travel.

This video is from the Glock 1911 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Air, Space Force service members to travel to Pride events.

In order to beat global warming, UK globalists want to shut down all air travel, meat eating and new construction.

Air Canada kicks two passengers off flight for refusing to sit on vomit-covered seats.

Source include:

Dailymail.co.uk

FoxBusiness.com

Brighteon.com
Germans told to turn their homes into bomb shelters

Citing a draft document from Germany's Defense Ministry, local tabloid newspaper Bild reported that Germans are expected to build their own bomb shelters as the country's national draft emergency defense plan has already assigned the construction roles to civilians.

With only 579 functional bomb shelters in Germany, the government is counting on its citizens to convert their own homes into "fallout" shelters, setting up their own reinforced shelters in places such as basements and garages, in case a major war breaks out in Europe. Also, Bild quoted the head of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance Ralph Tiesler in saying that building new shelters by the government is "no longer feasible" due to time constraints.

By April, the ministry is set to complete work on the classified "Operational Plan" (OPLAN), the newspaper indicated in the report. As per the draft document, Germany is seen as a "transit country" that plays a crucial role in the delivery of weapons and equipment, rather than just a state with an active frontline. So, soldiers would be tasked with securing key highways, railway stations and ports. The government also now relies on its citizens to step in and cover some duties typically assigned to the military and police, including the protection of power plants.

The preparations come amid a threat rooted in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the German leadership is looking into ways to boost its arms and increase the size of the Bundeswehr. A secret document allegedly indicated that the German Armed Forces are preparing for a potential hybrid attack by Russia on NATO's eastern flank as early as February. The confidential document reportedly detailed how a conflict between Russian President Vladimir Putin's army and NATO might arise, with events unfolding month by month. The culmination involves the deployment of hundreds of thousands of NATO soldiers and the start of the war in the summer of 2025.

However, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who has frequently called for Germany to become "war ready" since becoming defense minister a year ago, warned again earlier in the month that Russia could attack a NATO country but "within five to eight years." He later somewhat adjusted his assessment, telling the media outlet on Friday that at the moment, he "doesn't see any danger of a Russian attack on NATO territory or any NATO partner country." However, he stressed that this is just a "snapshot" of the current situation and there is really no way of knowing how things would turn out in the future.

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly accused NATO of fearmongering and stoking tensions in Europe. The head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin recently dismissed the claims that Moscow is planning an attack on NATO as "informational warfare." (Related: Hungarian publicist: Insistence that Russia will attack Germany is Berlin's scaremongering tactic to hide its incompetence.)

Countries use war fearmongering to recruit non-citizens into the military

The German defense minister also announced that the country is considering allowing residents without German citizenship to join the military to raise troop numbers from 181,000 to 203,000 by 2031.

A trend like this is seen to have been going on everywhere else in the world. Capitals around the continent are debating whether their militaries are fit for modern warfare and the threats posed by countries such as Russia.

The army has a chronic workforce shortage, with 20,000 new recruits needed every year to maintain current numbers. A job in the military does not have the kudos in Germany that it does elsewhere, owing to the countrys wartime past.

In the United States military, where people can hope to gain citizenship in return for service, participants would be rewarded with a passport. Moreover, the United Kingdoms military Chief of Staff Gen Patrick Sanders said steps should be taken to place society on a war footing and that the public should be prepared to take up arms against Russia. The U.K. Defense Ministry quickly dismissed his comments, insisting there would be no return to conscription, which Britain abolished in 1960. In Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Baltic nations, preparations are already well underway to deal with a potential Russian attack.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen Alexander Sollfrank, the head of NATO troops in the southern German city of Ulm, who would be responsible for coordinating the movements of European troops in the event of an attack on a NATO member, said the German military needed not only resources but also "the visible resolve to deploy them."

"Credible deterrence requires preparation for war and needs to include the population," Sollfrank said in an annual State of Security speech on Wednesday. Markus Soder, the leader of Bavaria and head of the conservative Christian Social Union, said on Wednesday that Germany needed "soldiers capable of fighting on the front."

Check out WWIII.news for more stories on escalations of conflicts worldwide.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

News.Yahoo.com

TheGuardian.com
Report: Iran may be able to create a nuclear weapon WITHIN A WEEK

A new report from the Institute for Science and International Security has raised significant concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities, suggesting that the country now possesses sufficient weapons-grade uranium to manufacture its first nuclear weapon in just one week

Moreover, the report outlines a troubling scenario wherein Iran could potentially produce a total of six nuclear bombs within a month. (Related: Thanks, Obama: U.S. defense official declares Iran can construct a nuclear bomb 'in about 12 days.')

This unsettling revelation comes at a critical juncture as tensions in the Middle East escalate, creating a volatile environment that could empower Iran to expedite its nuclear ambitions. The Institute, known for its meticulous monitoring of Tehran's atomic program, underscored the precarious nature of the current geopolitical landscape in its report.

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, with Iranian support for the former, significantly heightens the risk of Tehran aggressively pursuing the development of a functional nuclear weapon.

The United States, responding to the situation, has entered its third day of airstrikes against Iranian targets across the Middle East, adding fuel to an already intense regional situation.

This report marks a watershed moment, as it is the first time the Institute for Science and International Security has issued such a dire assessment since it commenced reporting on the Iranian nuclear program's threat level in October 2022. The threat score, calculated at 151 out of 180, indicates a marked increase from the May 2023 score of 140.

The Institute points to Iran's persistent progress in developing sensitive nuclear capabilities, extending beyond previous breakout levels.

The country's ability to "break out" and generate enough weapon-grade enriched uranium within a week, utilizing only a fraction of its 60 percent enriched uranium, adds to the complexity of the situation. This potential breakout, if executed with deliberate measures to impede inspectors' access, could pose challenges in prompt detection.

Compounding the issue is Iran's refusal to provide international nuclear inspectors with full access to its contested enrichment sites, a stance that has only intensified over the past year.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed frustration in January over Tehran's unprecedented resistance to oversight.

The lack of transparency has led to a two-point increase in the threat level regarding Iran's nuclear program compared to the May 2023 assessment.

The report also highlights Iran's enhanced capability to enrich uranium, ranging from very low levels to those required for a nuclear bomb, raising the stakes even further.

With an expanding stockpile and ambitious plans to increase its enrichment program, including deploying advanced centrifuges and producing tens of thousands of kilograms of enriched uranium, Iran appears to be on a trajectory to rapidly amass enough weapon-grade uranium for a small nuclear arsenal.

The report concludes with a sobering observation that Iran possesses multiple delivery mechanisms, including ballistic missiles.

As international concerns mount, Iran's announcement on Monday of commencing construction of a fourth homebuilt nuclear reactor serves as an additional indicator of the regime's steadfast commitment to bolstering its atomic infrastructure.

Iran denying access to nuclear inspectors while continuing to amass enriched uranium

Last November, confidential reports from the IAEA revealed that Iran is persistently denying access to several experienced nuclear inspectors, while also amassing uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity  dangerously close to weapons-grade materialenough for three potential atom bombs.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog strongly criticized Iran's decision to withdraw accreditation from several inspectors, a move announced in September, deeming it "extreme and unjustified."

According to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's report to member states, Iran's unprecedented stance significantly hampers the agency's crucial work and runs counter to the required cooperation.

Last September, Iran withdrew accreditation for eight top inspectors, including individuals from France and Germany, attributing the decision to perceived "political abuses" by the U.S., France, Germany and Britain.

The IAEA report highlights Iran's recent letter reiterating its position on withdrawing accreditation, asserting its right to do so while expressing openness to exploring possibilities to address the agency's request for reinstatement.

Watch this episode of "Tommy's Podcast" as host Tommy Carrigan and co-host Clare Lopez discuss the possibility that Iran may already have missiles with nuclear warheads.

This video is from the Tommy's Podcast channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Iran declares RED LINE: If U.S. strikes Iranian soil over three soldier deaths, Iran will strike numerous American targets throughout Middle East.

Iran launches missiles targeting alleged Israeli spy centers in northern Iraq.

Iran unveils new HYPERSONIC MISSILE in apparent warning to the U.S. and Israel.

Iran bars nuclear inspectors while stockpiling enriched uranium.

Iran Nuclear Deal's UN Security Council Res. 2231 banning missile transfers to Iran HAS EXPIRED  Iran now free to send and receive missiles, drones and hypersonic weapons.

Sources include:

FreeBeacon.com

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
Mass immigration to Germany will cost taxpayers up to 19.2 trillion, warns top academic expert

Mass immigration may cost Germany up to 19.2 trillion, and has already cost the country 5.8 trillion, according to a top German academic on public finances, Prof. Bernd Raffelhuschen, of the University of Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg.

(Article by John Cody republished from RMX.news)

Often referred to as the pension pope, Prof. Raffelhuschens study blows a hole in the narrative promoted by pro-migration parties and business leaders, who claim that mass immigration will save Germanys public finances and the job market.

Immigration as it has been happening so far is costing us 5.8 trillion overall economically, writes the professor in a new study.

However, unlike some other economists who say that Germany is being harmed financially via unskilled labor and needs more skilled labor, Raffelhuschen also says that importing skilled labor will actually cost the German tax and pension system more than entirely shutting the borders to any immigration.

The large debt figures provided by Raffelhuschen may not be so far off the mark, at least when compared to other countries. As Remix News previously reported, several top Dutch professors recently released a study detailing how migrants have cost the Netherlands a minimum of 400 billion since 1995, and the Netherlands has accepted far fewer migrants than Germany. In Norway, researchers found that only half of migrants are employed despite the state spending 6.6 billion on workforce integration projects over the course of 10 years.

Prof. Raffelhuschen shows in his study that due to Germanys rapidly aging society, there is a huge gap between what businesses and employees pay into the German tax and social system, which includes taxes, daycare, pensions, and health insurance, and what they can demand in the future in terms of pension, health care, and social welfare.

This sustainability gap will grow to a massive 19.2 trillion if Germany continues to allow 300,000 foreigners into the country every year, according to the professor. As he notes in his study, the integration process takes an extremely long time for most foreigners, and during this time they have little income  and often no income  and therefore there is a substantial lag regarding their contributions into the social system. Even for those who do become employed, they often feature far lower income levels, often to the point that they still qualify for welfare, which results in a tremendous burden on Germanys ample social welfare system.

A fence around Germany

Raffelhuschen also explained what would happen to Germany if the country theoretically put a fence around Germany from now, which would mean zero immigrants coming in.

Under such a scenario, it would close the future financial gap from 19.2 trillion down to 13.4 trillion, which would be 5.8 trillion lower.

That is the price of immigration in our current system, said the social expert.

Raffelhuschen breaks down how he comes to his conclusions, writing that on average, migrants require six years to integrate and join the German labor market and contribute very little to the pension system during that time  or nothing at all.

Even after entering the job market, if they do at all, they earn less and therefore contribute very little to the social system.

However, these foreigners also enter the statutory health insurance system, where they receive the same benefits as Germans who have sometimes been paying into the system for decades.

The professor offers an example: An asylum seeker comes to Germany at the age of 26, is rejected after two to three years, but remains here with tolerance. Then he gradually begins his first job, gets qualified and, at the age of 35, begins a career as a tax and contribution payer. Because his pension entitlement is low, he receives basic security as a pensioner  for which his contributions would never have been enough.

He notes that it is not worth it. Its all far too expensive.

Skilled labor will not save Germanys pension system

The professor goes further, calculating what would happen if Germany accepts 100,000 highly skilled foreigners on top of the current 300,000 migrants per year, which would cost the German social system 14.2 trillion a year. However, this actually would still cost more than accepting a system with no immigration, where the sustainability gap would only amount to 13.4 trillion.

Raffelhuschen says, If we carry on as before, wed be dumb as a rock. Although the age structure of migrants potentially has a demographic rejuvenation dividend, this does not lead to a positive fiscal balance of migration in any of the scenarios considered.

He argues that Germans need to work longer and have fewer pension benefits, that only legal residents should not have access to the social and pension systems, and that contributions need to increase.

Read more at: RMX.news
Ray McGovern: Putin giving the West a chance to ADMIT ITS MISTAKE of getting involved in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin is giving the West a chance to admit its mistake of getting involved in Ukraine , according to former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst Ray McGovern.

McGovern shared this sentiment during an interview on the "Health Ranger Report," hosted by the Health Ranger Mike Adams. The program host acknowledged that Moscow was really willing to back away from escalation. However, the West has done the opposite, showing intentional provocation in a bid to provoke Putin to overreact.

The founder of Natural News and Brighteon.com continued that Putin has exercised a lot of discipline and restraint in dealing with the ongoing conflict so far  a sentiment his guest agreed with. According to McGovern, the Russian leader is giving the West a chance to admit its mistake of getting involved in the conflict. But the Health Ranger said that Putin is going to have to wait for a very long time before the West makes such an admission, given its overconfidence and incompetence.

"I think one of the great examples of this [is the West] thinking that all of these harsh economic sanctions against Russia would shut down [its] economy and prohibit [it] from being able to manufacture munitions," said Adams. "But what happened instead is that  all its investments remained local. Russia began locally sourcing all the components  including electronic components and obviously, steel and raw materials."

"Russia has now become the largest munitions manufacturer in all of Europe, dwarfing the U.S.'s output, Britain's output and Germany's output combined. So the sanctions backfired." (Related: Russia significantly increases production of tanks and munitions despite Western sanctions aimed at undermining the countrys military industry.)

March 2022 peace deal would have ended the war sooner

According to McGovern, a deal between Kyiv and Moscow was already prepared in March 2022. Had this agreement pushed through, it would have ended the war sooner and prevented the death of half a million Ukrainian soldiers.

The Health Ranger meanwhile remarked that Ukraine was trying to find people to keep dying  something he dubbed as absurd as Kyiv was running out of men. Despite commitments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hit this number, the removal of the disability exemption from military service and the training of women, the besieged nation will have a hard time hitting this target.

Adams added that more than 10 million people have already left Ukraine. Given this, he expressed belief that Ukraine's plan won't work since it can't create soldiers by printing more money.

McGovern also drew comparisons between Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden. According to him, the Russian leader is a very serious, intelligent, informed and deliberate thinker and brilliant strategist. In contrast, Biden is cognitively impaired and often makes blunders and rash decisions.

The former CIA analyst also recounted that the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), a group he co-founded, had issued a memorandum to Biden suggesting that he ditch his foreign policy and military advisors as they were misleading him on the Ukraine issue. McGovern explicitly named Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan as two of the officials deceiving the chief executive.

"Ukraine and its patrons have already lost the ground war," McGovern ultimately remarked, adding that everything will depend on what Putin and his forces are going to do next when they break through Ukrainian lines.

Follow WWIII.news for more stories about Russia's continuing fight with the West.

Watch the full conversation between Ray McGovern and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia may be close to capturing key strategic objective in Ukraine, but Kyivs generals dont plan to abandon it.

Russian spy chief warns America that Ukraine could become a second Vietnam.

French FM: Russia to control 30% of worldwide wheat exports if Ukraine loses the war.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

RayMcGovern.com
When the stealth invasion of America goes mainstream and nobody cares

You know we are in the final stages of an invasion when even the corporate media is reporting on the thousands of Chinese nationals streaming across the U.S. southern border.

(Article republished from LeoHohmann.com)

CBSs 60 Minutes reports that the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok is being used to aid and abet the invasion of America.

Chinese are using Tiktok to cross the U.S. Border. Step-by-step instructions for hiring smugglers and detailed directions to that hole we visited. We were struck by just how orderly and routine it all seemed, 60 Minutes said.pic.twitter.com/BkNluACYip  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) February 5, 2024

Well, they sorta, almost told the truth.

Notice how almost all the Chinese illegals in the above video were men, most of them of military age. The folks at 60 Minutes conveniently forgot to report that part.

Many in the alternative media started reporting about the Chinese communists exploiting Joe Bidens open borders almost right after Biden was installed in the White House. But if you depend on CBS for your news, youre just now hearing about it for the first time, and then, you are only getting a very filtered version of a much bigger story.

You will not hear the words border invasion in that report by 60 Minutes. But thats exactly what it is. And its not just Chinese, either. These men are coming from the Middle East, parts of Africa, and many other regions not known for their love and affection for America or its people.

Compare the above pathetic report from 60 Minutes to this one from Drew Hernandez giving details about a border encampment of military-age male invaders in California.

MUST WATCH: MILITARY AGED MALE ILLEGALS ENCAMPMENT IN SO CAL?! I traveled to Jacumba CA over the weekend for @infowars and uncovered multiple illegals encampments with so called self proclaimed American Christians posing as humanitarian assistance which whom I confronted, one pic.twitter.com/ArVMXpT9zu  Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) February 5, 2024

Prepare now for war on U.S. soil. The army has been assembled. The barbarians are inside the gates. All that needs to happen is for them to be given orders to start attacking and the final plan to take down America will be in play. All it will take is a false flag attack on the right group by the right type of attacker (someone decked out in MAGA gear?). Then you will start to see stories about civil unrest and a spate of reprisal attacks. They will be mostly peaceful attacks, Im sure.

These attacks, and the timing of them, should come as no surprise. Americas enemies have been busy building up a stealth army for three years running and, even before that, thousands of bad actors were allowed into the country under Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. They came from Bosnia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen and Syria, among other places. For every new war that Washingtons neocons got us involved in, there was a new wave of refugees imported from the war zone to cities and towns across America. For every ally of Washington that wanted to get rid of its violent criminals and terrorists, Washington was eager to take them in. Just wait, we will soon get tens of thousands of potential terrorists delivered to American cities, compliments of Israel, which wants to be rid of its Palestinian problem. The problem wont be solved, it will just be shifted from Gaza to America.

And America will welcome them.

Read more at: LeoHohmann.com
HIGHWAY ROBBERY: Watchdog finds 75% of contractors paid by government did not work on Canadas $54M ArriveCAN COVID-19 travel app, which couldve been built in a weekend for $200,000

A government watchdog has discovered that three-fourth of contractors tapped by the Canadian government did not do any work on the controversial ArriveCAN app.

The Canadian Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) published this finding in a report. The paper, penned by Procurement Ombudsman Alexander Jeglic, concluded: "In roughly 76 percent of applicable contracts, resources proposed in the winning bid did not perform any work on the contract."

The ombudsman's report zoomed in on the Ontario-based GC Strategies, which was operated by a two-man team out of a residence in the city. The company reportedly received no less than $8.9 million to develop the ArriveCAN app, which cost taxpayers $54 million.

Jeglic's report stated that the two-man company did not prove that its list of subcontractors was qualified to work on the app. It also found "numerous examples" where GC Strategies "had simply copied and pasted" required work experience that was listed by the government for its contractors.

Moreover, the report noted how it was unusual that the government used criteria for the app's tender that were "overly restrictive and favored" GC Strategies. The company won the contract bid despite the fact no other bids were submitted.

According to LifeSiteNews, the OPO is not the only entity investigating the procurement of app development services for the ArriveCAN app. The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) in the Canadian House of Commons is also investigating how various companies such as GC Strategies, Dalian and Coaradix received millions in taxpayer dollars to develop the app.

The ArriveCAN app, introduced by the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2020, was utilized to track if people entering the country were injected with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. It was made mandatory in November 2020, until Ottawa decided to lift all vaccine-related mandates in 2022.

Massive corruption involved in ArriveCAN app development

In a Jan. 29 joint statement, members of Parliament (MPs) Kelly Block and Pierre Paul-Hus decried the OPO report. "Federal officials in the Trudeau government rigged the ArriveCAN contract so it would end up with the well-connected, two-person consulting firm GC Strategies," it read.

"In total, these two individuals did not work on the app  yet received $11 million from taxpayers. Multiple investigations into ArriveCAN have revealed millions in taxpayer dollars sent to connected insiders and consultants."

Canadians were told that the app was supposed to have cost only $80,000. However, this number quickly ballooned to $54 million. Citing estimates by experts, Block and Paul-Hus said ArriveCAN "could've been built in a weekend for $200,000."

"But instead, the Trudeau government decided to waste $54 million in taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary and broken app. Unfortunately for Canadians, these recent allegations of abuse are starting to make the extreme $54 million price tag make sense."

The two Conservative MPs noted in their statement that ever since the ArriveCAN scandal became known, "whistleblowers have been silenced and government officials have been suspended without pay for telling the truth. Now, as the allegation of corruption grows more severe, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has decided to investigate the contracts for potential criminality."

When the app was mandated, all travelers entering Canada either by land or air had to use it to submit their travel and contact information. They were also required to indicate their COVID-19 vaccination details. (Related: Canadian government sued over discriminatory air travel vaccine mandate.)

In October of last year, two tech entrepreneurs testified before the OGGO regarding this misappropriation of public money in the course of the app's development. The two recounted seeing firsthand how federal managers engaged in "extortion," "corruption" and "ghost contracting"  all at the expense of taxpayers. During the said hearing, Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie remarked that the "systemic corruption within this government [should be] evident to everyone in this room, as well as Canadians" when the issue of ArriveCAN is brought up.

Visit Corruption.news for more stories like this.

Watch this G-Times News report about how the ArriveCan app costed Canadian taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Canadian grassroots group releases historic report on investigation into Trudeau regime's authoritarian response to COVID.

People traveling to Canada need negative COVID test or they'll be quarantined in government camp.

Canada is turning into a "COVID Police State," warns constitutional lawyer.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Brighteon.com
Weapons sent to Ukraine are ending up in the hands of Mexican cartels, report reveals

The Russian news agency TASS reports that some of the weapons sent by Western nations to help Ukraines war efforts have ended up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels and Middle East terrorist groups.

This is according to a source in law enforcement, who said: "The weapons that are being provided to the Ukrainian armed forces have already been found in the possession of Mexican cartels and Hamas.

They added that this is compromising the trust between Western nations and Kiev, noting: "Western countries have now increased anti-corruption controls related to weapons supplies."

Last year, reports emerged that Mexican cartels had been using Ukraine-sourced weapons, with a video claiming to show a Mexican cartel member with an American-made FGM-148 Javelin portable anti-tank missile launcher.

At the time, presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy tweeted: "...US military weapons that we sent to *Ukraine*, including Javelin anti-tank missiles & missile launchers, are ending up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels south of our border. This is an embarrassment..."

Some experts debunked those reports, and the company itself said the weapon in question was not a Javelin.

However, the new report from TASS is bringing these concerns back to the forefront. From the moment the U.S. and NATO allies agreed to supply weapons and ammunition to Ukraine when the Russian conflict broke out, concerns have been raised that they could end up in the wrong hands, and as more time passes, the likelihood grows that they could have made their way to drug cartels, criminals and terrorist groups around the world.

Some have suggested the new report is Russian propaganda, but it is worth noting that weapons ending up in the hands of Mexican cartels is a very real concern and something that has been happening with increasing frequency.

Mexican government recently demanded U.S. investigate how weapons are ending up with cartels

In fact, cases involving American-made weapons making their way to Mexican cartels have become so prevalent that the Mexican government has demanded that the U.S. launch an investigation.

The Mexican army reports encountering rocket launchers, grenades and belt-fed machine guns in possession of cartels that are not sold for civilian use in the U.S.

Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Barcena said: The [Mexican] Defense Department has warned the United States about weapons entering Mexico that are for the exclusive use of the U.S. army. It is very urgent that an investigation into this be carried out.

In June, they reported seizing hundreds of automatic machine guns and dozens of grenade and rocket launchers from drug cartels in recent years, which is creating a significant challenge for Mexicos army. In some cases, the cartels have access to more damaging weapons than law enforcement.

These weapons could have ended up in the hands of cartels via any number of means, from U.S. weaponry use in Central America during 1980s conflicts to military-grade weapons that disappear from stocks in the U.S. and manufacturers selling arms on the black market.

The warning from Mexico highlighted the long-running problem of semiautomatic rifles that are legal for civilian use being smuggled across the border into Mexico, which only allows low-caliber firearms under very strict conditions. The country has even launched legal action against American gun shops and gun makers on the grounds that they have been contributing to cartel violence south of the border.

Last year, Military.com reported that a Russian-led organized crime group in Ukraine obtained weapons that had been shipped there for the war effort, including a machine gun and grenade launcher. They also cited cases where Ukraines security service caught a group of Ukrainian battalion members stealing 60 rifles and a thousand rounds of ammunition to sell on the black market.

Sources for this article include:

GreatGameIndia.com

TASS.com

LATimes.com

Military.com
People shop for Spring Festival couplets at a local market for the upcoming Chinese New Year in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- With the Spring Festival just around the corner, Cheng Wanqi has already booked hotel rooms for her family in south China's island province of Hainan.

Instead of returning to hometown for their family reunion this year, Cheng has chosen to take her family on a trip elsewhere during this traditional Chinese festival.

China's service-focused e-commerce giant Meituan Dianping has revealed that during this year's Spring Festival holiday, tourism consumption including the likes of accommodation, scenic spot tickets, and transportation will enjoy a strong recovery, with the number of orders for Spring Festival travel consumption booked half a month in advance increasing about 5-fold compared with 2023.

Several cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Harbin, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xi'an and others have become popular tourist destinations in China, while the number of Chinese booking overseas vacations has also been increasing, said the company.

A dragon-themed sculpture is pictured at Haikou International Duty Free City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

In addition, bookings and orders for the traditional family reunion dinner on the eve of the Spring Festival have seen a sharp rise. An increasing number of consumers are ordering full meals or adding dishes to their meals through takeaway services via online platforms, according to the data from Meituan Dianping. In the first week of February, the number of bookings for dine-in family reunion dinners at restaurants had increased by nearly 70 percent compared with the previous week.

Data released by an online retail platform linked to Meituan Dianping on Wednesday showed that during the past month, sales of liquor, milk and cherries have reached a new high, while the sales of many categories of goods such as home appliances, beauty care products, pet products, maternal and child products, and clothing have increased by over 100 percent.

Pinduoduo, a leading Chinese e-commerce platform, launched a Chinese Lunar New Year shopping campaign in January, together with businesses from around the country, to ensure the supply of groceries for the festival. According to a staff member with Pinduoduo, the sales volume of various commodities has increased to varying degrees, among which the sales volume of high-quality fresh foods such as cherries, strawberries and king crabs has increased especially significantly.

Han Yang, who has worked in Beijing for five years, bought some food and fruits online for his parents who live in his hometown -- Xuchang in central China's Henan Province.

"Although I will go back to my hometown during the holiday, I still chose to buy gifts for them via online platforms in advance, which is very convenient," Han said.

"Impressive pre-holiday booking data underlines strong recovery in Spring Festival consumption," said Li Jiwei, deputy dean of Meituan Research Institute, while adding that the positive purchasing trend had also ushered in a good start for online consumption in 2024. 
White House says military troops are dying for this administration, not the U.S.

American troops in the Middle East who think they are fighting on behalf of the American people are mistaken, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who recently said U.S. troops are actually "fighting on behalf of this administration," meaning that of Joe "the big guy" Biden.

In an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program, Jean-Pierre offered "obviously our deepest condolences" and "heartfelt condolences" to "the families who lost, uh, three, three brave, uh, three brave, uh, three brave, three folks who are military folks, who are brave, who are always fighting, who are fighting on behalf of, uh, this administration."

Jean-Pierre continued to vomit what appeared to be a completely unprepared word salad statement before realizing that she had spilled the truth about U.S. troops fighting on behalf of the "administration" rather than the American people.

After realizing she made a serious blunder with this apparent Freudian slip, Jean-Pierre tried to correct herself by stating that U.S. troops are actually fighting on behalf "of the American people, obviously more so, more importantly."

Karine Jean-Pierre gives condolences to "three folks who are military folks who are brave who are always fighting, who were fighting on behalf of this administration..." pic.twitter.com/b5ka9hMjR2  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 29, 2024

(Related: The Biden regime is refusing to secure the southern border unless Congress agrees to send billions more dollars to Ukraine and Israel.)

Imagine if Trump's people slipped up like this

Many were outraged over Jean-Pierre's statements, including her use of the word "folks" to describe U.S. military servicemen. There were also many who remained silent about it, though these same folks would have been up in arms had Trump's press secretary made such comments.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is among those who expressed outrage over what Jean-Pierre said, calling the statements "disgusting."

"Say what you will about this word salad, but the idea that anyone in the military is fighting on behalf of any administration is precisely what is wrong with the D.C. ruling class," DeSantis tweeted.

The three American military lives lost that Jean-Pierre was referring to all served in the same Army unit based out of Georgia. They were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. Their names are:

Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton

Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross

Spc. Brianna Moffatt, 23, of Savannah

Concerning the drone attack, it occurred at Jordanian base Tower 22, and many are wondering how the base's air defenses could have failed as badly as they did to allow the massacre to take place.

"The reporting so far does not answer many arising questions," reads an article from Moon of Alabama about the questionable incident. "Tower 22 is on the Jordanian side of the border, but Jordan insists that no attack had happened on its grounds."

"Another anomaly are the high rate of wounded from the alleged drone strike. Drones are used in mass in the Ukraine war but the casualties they cause are usually less than a handful per drone ... The highly automated short and medium range air-defenses (C-RAMs, the equivalent of naval Phalanx guns) at the base should be able to shoot down any drone. Why didn't they work?"

U.S. officials eventually answered some of these questions, claiming that the reason why air defense systems failed is because the enemy drone approached its target at the very same time a U.S. drone was returning to base.

"The return of the U.S. drone led to some confusion over whether the incoming drone was friend or foe, officials have concluded so far," reported The Wall Street Journal, as cited by Zero Hedge.

The Biden regime is a clown circus. Find out more at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Michael Yon: TRAITORS in the government enable the MIGRANT INVASION of America

Veteran war correspondent Michael Yon and host Mike Adams discussed the invasion of illegal aliens happening in the U.S., and how traitors in the government enabled this to happen on the "Health Ranger Report."

The founder of Natural News and Brighteon.com cited the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling that essentially orders Texas to allow the ongoing invasion. He dubbed the decision blatantly unconstitutional, illegal and treasonous  a sentiment Yon seconded. Given this, Adams called for the prosecution of the justices who voted against Texas securing the border.

The Health Ranger referenced Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, which states that the federal government must protect the states from invasion. However, the high court engaged in "treasonous acts of wartime invasion" and opened insurrection against America by allowing "the invasion of enemy combatants" with its decision.

In connection to Adams' remark, Yon mentioned that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor went to Panama to meet with U.S. Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte at the American Embassy there. "They are both total sellouts; they are both aiding and abetting the invasion of the United States," the combat correspondent pointed out. "They need to be fired, and then they need to be imprisoned actually  because treason is treason."

The Health Ranger also called for the prosecution of other individuals the moment former President Donald Trump wins in the November 2024 presidential elections. Secretary of State Antony Blinken should be charged as he was among those complicit in deliberately funding the invasion and staging camps to overrun and overthrow America. Yon continued that Blinken wasn't just complicit, he was active.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas must also be prosecuted as he is assisting in the invasion and destruction of America in his position. "What we got from that migrant [Mayorkas] was destruction of the United States. He is not a great advertisement for migration," said the veteran correspondent, referencing the secretary's background as a Cuban migrant.

Humanitarian groups also aiding and abetting invaders

The veteran war correspondent also cited that humanitarian organizations like the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Catholic Charities, the International Organization of Migrants (IOM), the Red Cross and the United Nations Humanitarian Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), among others are aiding the invasion of America. Interestingly, Mayorkas is a board member for the HIAS.

He warned that Americans should never give money or anything to these organizations because they are giving to the enemy that is pushing their demise. Moreover, Yon called for these groups to be investigated for their role in the migrant invasion. He also called for the United Nations  which oversees the IOM and the UNHCR  to be defunded.

Meanwhile, Adams mentioned a positive development: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have essentially told the high court to "go pound sand." This is because the Texas National Guard is putting back the razor wire fences the Supreme Court ordered removed. (Related: Biden admin orders border agents to cut down barbed wire fences in TX so illegal immigrants can enter from Mexico.)

But Yon isn't convinced, however. He remarked that Abbott must still prove himself, especially when he still wears the uniform of the globalist World Economic Forum.

"Until he [Abbott] proves that he is really standing up and closing the border  not just throwing some wire down  that doesn't mean anything to me. He needs to close the border and make Mexico hurt," Adams' guest remarked.

"He can do that; it's within his power. He can do it because the state roads, those Texas roads, he can shut. He can do inspections on the trucks and that sort of thing. It's been done before. I want to see real action, not just the normal kayfabe."

Adams agreed, mentioning that the Texas governor has done a lot of theater before. Nevertheless, the Health Ranger lauded Abbott for holding his ground on the razor wire issue at the moment.

Follow OpenBorders.news for more news about the illegal immigrant invasion happening in America.

Watch the full conversation between Michael Yon and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

DHS Secretary Mayorkas: Biden administration releasing over 85% of illegal immigrants directly into America.

INVASION USA: Swarm of military-aged immigrants arriving in Texas, citizen journalist warns.

Tucker Carlson: Criminal politicians, NGOs are intentionally allowing MIGRANT INVASION to happen.

Trump to GO HARD against ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and human traffickers if elected for a second term.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Constitution.Congress.gov
TRANSCRIPT: Roger Stone joins Mike Adams with WARNING about Dems plan to try to sabotage Trumps upcoming victory to save America

The following is an automated transcript of Mike Adams' recent interview with Roger Stone. Please excuse any errors. See below for the full video.

Mike Adams: Welcome to today's interview on Brighteon.com. I'm Mike Adams. And our guest today is Roger Stone, who probably needs no introduction, I think one of the most amazing leaders of the political freedom movement here for America first. And Roger Stone. Sir, I really honor your work. Welcome to the show today.

Roger Stone: Great to be with you, Mike. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Mike Adams: It's it's great to have you on, you know, and this is one of the few places where you get to defend yourself against all the horrendous accusations and fakery that's been leveled against you. And one of the most recent things was that somebody came up with a, what appears to be an AI generated audio that mimics your voice and was put out there claiming that you are calling to, to murder somebody? Well, I was able to because I work in AI, I was able to generate my AI voice saying the same thing that you said, even though I never said that either. So we were able to prove that's AI. What are your thoughts?

Roger Stone: Yeah, and this is, the AI is now going to be the next tool of the radical left is going to be used in politics all the time, to defame people in this particular case. A not very credible left wing website, media AI, which is owned by one of the former talking heads at MSNBC, Dan Abrams, published what they said was a four year old snippet of an audio in which it is alleged that I plotted to murder two Democratic congressmen. First of all, it was given to them anonymously. So we're supposed to believe who were was taken, who I was talking to, there's no verification of any of that. And then I immediately sent the audio itself out for forensic analysis using the best two up to date software programs. And one of them showed me there was a 96 point percent chance of likelihood that it was fraudulently generated. The other one was 92.8. I never said the words attributed to me, the ambient restaurant background noise, which makes it harder to detect I was dropped in after the fact it's a fraud. But what's outrageous. Mike is the way MSNBC CNN, The Washington Post, Bill Maher, Rolling Stone, all the usual suspects, the jackals of the fake news media, jump on it immediately reported as if it's factual, never even include my denial. nevermind the fact that I produced the evidence that it was a fraud. And of course, the Democrats are demanding yet another investigation on Capitol Hill police, the FBI, let me be clear, there's nothing to investigate. I never said those words. The woman who wrote this story woman, Diane Falzon. In Italian Falzon means fake, false. That's what it means.

Mike Adams: Is that a pseudonym for her?

Roger Stone: That's definitely her real name, you can see her on Instagram, she's an unmarried mother of two seems to spend a lot of time on the nightclub circuit. But it's kind of ironic that that's her real name. And it really does mean false. Because I'm, as you know, half Sicilian myself.

Mike Adams: All right. So let me educate the audience in case they're not aware of this. But any person who has done any amount of interviews, and you've done 1000s of hours over many years of your career, and like I have as well, or Alex Jones, for example, it's easy to find voice samples of those people, even Donald Trump, right. And it's easy to take those voice samples to cloud based AI services, such as 11 Labs, for example. And you simply upload the voice samples, and then you can type in any text you want. And they will have that voice, say those words. And it will do variations. So you could try like 50 variations and get the one that you liked the best and use that one. And they sound almost perfect, right? So at this point, anybody can sort of make you say anything they want, and then hand it over to mediaite or MSNBC or whatever, and claim this as Roger Stone.

Roger Stone: Precisely, in fact, right now, ironically, somebody made a recording of Joe Biden that was used in a robo call to New Hampshire households telling people not to vote in the Democratic primary. Also, I noticed that the state of the family of George Carlin the late comedian is suing two guys because they put up an audio of an hour long stand up comedy routine by George Carlin that is not George Carlin. So this is going to be the next wave get used to this there's going to be more and more of it. But this is what New York we would call a fog AZ It's a fraud. And once again, Mike Roger Stone Well, I did nothing wrong.

Mike Adams: Yeah, exactly. Wondering about your website. By the way, stonezone.com is where people can find all your videos your shows rumble channel. What else do you have on your website? Give us a quick.

Roger Stone: There's a lot going on there. First of all, I do a daily show at rumble have called the stone zone, which I posted there you can also go to rumble.com/roger Stone, I do a weekly radio show W ABC in New York from four to six on Sundays is literally the most powerful am radio station in the United States. You can listen to that at W ABC radio.com. It's also streaming worldwide. I write also print journalism there. Today I posted my mother's meatball recipe old family recipe because I had mentioned it on the radio had so many requests for it. And you can you can also go to the store I have stones rules of my rules for life. This is kind of like Sun Tzu's The Art of War or Machiavelli's the prince is everything I've learned in a 45 year career in the public arena as a great introduction by my friend Tucker Carlson. My book on the Kennedy assassination, the man who killed Kennedy the case against LBJ. All my products, they're available at the stone zone store. So folks should check it out.

Mike Adams: All right, stonezone.com. That's website, folks. So, Roger, let's go back to the AI generated voice snippet, because it seems like if any media outlet were acting responsibly at this point, knowing that the state of the art of AI voice generation is very advanced, that they would have to now suspect any, any audio snippet of being AI generated. And they would have to be able to confirm the actual source, the location, time and date of the recording. And they would have to have a recording forensically analyzed to confirm that it is not AI. And yet, from what you're telling me, none of the media outlets went through any of those steps whatsoever. Correct?

Roger Stone: Correct. So they just they do no due diligence at all actually, to analyze such an audio, if it were real, you would need the original device on which was recorded and you would need the original audio itself. This has been compressed or both of the of the technicians who examined this, for me told me it has been substantially compressed. As you correctly point out if I have a 10 second snippet of your voice, and I spend any time kind of studying your the cadences of the way you speak, it's very, very simple. And it's unexpected, inexpensive to create an audio that people would listen to and they would absolute squeeze swear that was Mike Adams was Mike Adams at all. So look, I've been through a lot of witch hunts. This is the latest witch hunt. And of course the two congressmen that I falsely accused of plotting the murder of Jerry Nadler and, and Eric Swalwell. Eric swallow the the Chinese Communist compromised congressman from California. They of course pound the desk and whine about this when there's really nothing to whine about. I'm not a fan of either one of them, but it certainly makes sense. This, by the way, allegedly happened in October of 2020. But why would we believe that they provide no documentation of that either. And it is alleged that I was talking to a friend of mine, former New York City police officer Salvador Greco. He has no memory of this. He has a pending lawsuit civil lawsuit against the city of New York because they terminated him. After 14 years of distinguished service. unblemished service as a New York City police officer often assigned to some of the most dangerous precincts in the country in the city for the graveyard shift. They just arbitrarily fired him simply because he's a friend of mine. So here's a there's a regulation. For New York City police officers it says an officer cannot fraternize with anybody who in the past may have or may reasonably be suspected of in the future. Being involved in criminal activity. Well, that would be Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City. He was a New York City police officer he was a captain. He had missed having spend time with a convicted felon. Al Sharpton was a convicted felon Mike Tyson with a convicted felon Louis Farrakhan. He was charged Mike under the exact same rules my friend Greco and they docked his vacation time five days that was his punishment, right? It's all selectively enforced chin, lost his livelihood, doesn't have good conduct letters so he can't get a job as a police officer in any other jurisdiction. He's suing the city of New York that lawsuit has survived two motions to dismiss by the city. It's going forward to trial now. The investigation against him is a total fraud. It is interesting in one sense though, because because he was made with me on January 5, and sixth, although we never left our hotel suite, we did have contact with a one's particular member the Oathkeepers. And that guy testified in his administrative trial that No, Roger Stone had no knowledge of what the Oathkeepers were up to the six wasn't involved and knew nothing about it. So that's on the record in under oath. kind of convenient, actually.

Mike Adams: Yeah. Well, it's clear to all of America now that J6 was a deep state trap. But in fact, I want to ask you now, America, Donald J. Trump, as president now more than ever, it's becoming more and more apparent apparent, with each passing day. Joe Biden, you know, an Alzheimer's patient, apparently are a walking cognitive zombie can't function and has no morality and no rule of law. I mean, just just one of the worst presidents in the history of this republic. People miss Donald J. Trump. And now look, I've criticized Trump on a few issues. We're never going to have the super perfect candidate. But I've also recently said it's clear that Trump is our only legitimate option now to save this country from total destruction. How what are your thoughts on?

Roger Stone: I totally agree with that. Look, first, of course, he's not perfect. No one is perfect only only He is perfect. But without any question. You had unprecedented peace and prosperity. That's right. When he was president. He didn't start any new wars. He did bring our troops home in large numbers from the Middle East, without having the countries they were serving and collapse around behind them. Unlike Joe Biden, we had unprecedented economic growth we had, we had unprecedented job creation, unprecedented wage growth, unprecedented amount of money coming back in the country to be invested here, and to create jobs here. We had to scores of conservatives appointed to the federal bench. We had the rebuilding of our military strength, which had been allowed to atrophy. But most importantly, I think, in the foreign policy realm, Trump took advantage of his noted unpredictability. Vladimir Putin would never have invaded Ukraine because you didn't know what Trump would do. Trump told him he would hit him and hit him hard. I'll hit Moscow. He said, Well, Putin didn't know whether to believe him or not. And if he was going to take a chance, same was also true of Premier GE. He told GE directly you move in Taiwan, I move on you. She said you will not do that. Trump said Don't try me pal. Trump's a tough New Yorker. And he you come from the world of Manhattan real estate that's as cutthroat as it gets true. I mean, I've said this before I worked for Richard Nixon, he was a very tough guy, he clawed his way back from political obscurity to to the greatest political comeback in American history. I worked for Senator Bob Dole, Bob Dole is an American hero, he was hit by German, pardon me by Italian machine gunfire in World War Two, a hit by a shell as well was told you will never walk again. You'll never have the use of your limbs again, you'll never feed yourself. Again. He fought his way back to total functionality was a great US Senator would have been a great president. Those guys were really tough guys. Neither one of them is nearly as tough as Donald Trump. You don't want to be on the other side of him in in negotiation. That's the guy I want guarding my tax dollars. That's the guy I want running by foreign policy.

Mike Adams: Absolutely. I mean, the current foreign policy under the Biden administration is a total disaster. There's no plan, there's no competence. There's not even any understanding of history or what America's strengths are. So I completely agree with you on that. But given that the popularity of Trump is surging back in the minds of people who might have been sort of on the bench before, you know, they're walking away from the Democrat Party, and also the invasion of America by illegals is really disrupting a lot of these blue cities. You're seeing a lot of people who are Democrats saying we need Trump here, otherwise, we're gonna lose our country. How desperate are the Democrats looking right now in terms of wanting to stop Trump because of his rising popularity?

Roger Stone: I think they're increasingly hysterical. I think that they I think that they are there. They really can't believe that this tsunami of lawfare. These totally patched together fabricated charges against Trump, first of all pertaining to his handling of of confidential documents, his questioning of the outcome of the election, which of course he has an absolute first amendment right to do this idea that he knew he lost. But he tried to claim to power while try proving that he knew he lost that's the legal term there is mens rea. You have to prove Trump's state of mind. Only Trump knows What Trump's state of mind is now those who would prosecute and say, well, but the FBI director told me last, yes, so watch doesn't matter what the FBI director told him, Director of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, it only matters what he believed those guys have proven themselves to be bad actors anyway. So just because they said something was true, doesn't mean Trump believed it was true. So they have, I think, inadvertently, might they have turbocharged his campaign? He is stronger today than he's ever been at any point since he entered politics. And it is also allows him to raise the money necessary to run because his donors are small and medium sized donors who give repeatedly they're not he'll never be the toast of Wall Street. He'll never be the toast of the millionaires or the billionaires. That's not is America is America's a small businessman and woman who recognizes the existential threat to the country. And just watching the Democrats desperately trying to jujitsu this border issue. Let's be very clear. Open borders is the policy of Joe Biden, he and his administration are responsible for the migrant invasion that we're experiencing, and passage of this bipartisan, Schumer Langford border security bill would change. Absolutely nothing at Laos, $1.8 million, a million illegals to continue to enter the country per year. And it provides the funding to process them. It changes nothing. So this idea that Trump is opposing the bill, because he wants the situation in the border to continue so he can run on it, passing this bill would not solve anything whatsoever. And Joe Biden goes from two weeks ago saying or is Secretary of Homeland Security in his press spokeswoman saying, Oh, the border is secure, the border is secure. And now suddenly, he says, well, the border is not secure. But the Republicans won't give me the tools to close it. Let's be very clear. The law today just simply needs to be enforced. We don't need a new law. We actually don't even need any new funding. Just give the border patrol the correct orders not to stand down but to enforce the law. And Donald Trump proved that our border can be secure. illegal crossings under Donald Trump have trickled down to almost nothing.

Mike Adams: Yeah, and by the way, that Senate deal that has I think it's been abandoned at this point, even in the Senate. They're backing away from Mitch McConnell is backing away from it. And in the House of Representatives, Scalise and even speaker Johnson, I said they said was going to be dead on arrival in the house. But you make a really critical point there, which is that Biden wants unlimited illegal immigration. And that deal would have provided border funding for Ukraine and Border Protection funding for Israel, but no real solution to the border problem in the USA. And it's infuriating to the American people. And under Biden right now, that taxpayer dollars will protect the borders of every other country in the world, but not our own.

Roger Stone: Yeah. So if we were looking at the bill, what it really is, is a Ukrainian war funding bill, right $60 billion to continue to fund the losing war in Ukraine where Ukraine is getting the crap kicked out of them. That's not what the US media reports. But that's the reality from every military expert that I know and respect to looks at the situation, General Flynn and others, and then secondarily, a huge amount of money for Israel. Now. We give Israel we already give them I think $1.6 billion a year, it's very hard for me to realize, even imagine what more they could possibly need. But what's even more disturbing, Mike is the double game that Joe Biden is playing in the Middle East. I mean, we're funding Iran to the tune of $100 billion a year. And they in turn are funding Hamas and Hezbollah. And the Biden State Department has basically been infiltrated this fellow Robert Malley and those who work for him. This is the biggest spy scandal since Alger Hiss. His they recently suspended his security clearance, but they don't tell us why. As I said on my ABC radio show this past weekend, I have sources now double sourced. One in Israel, one in the United States with contacts in Iran, who told me that Jake Solomon, the National Security Adviser, gave the Iranians the heads up regarding these recent bombing raids in Syria and Iraq, passing the message through the Qatar carries so that Iran would move its its top military personnel and other leaders out of harm's way.

Mike Adams: Well, I knew that happened. But I didn't know that was Sullivan. That's a that's that's a huge deal.

Roger Stone: There's no question about it. I my sources who are very good one of them is in the US Senate. The other one is in Israel, telling me that Jake Solomon, that current national security adviser who, based on his involvement in the Russian collusion hoax out to be in jail, in my opinion, yeah. But of course, they pay no penalty for breaking the law at all. Let the let the Iranians know that these bombing raids were coming. So the raids are designed to make Joe Biden look tough in the United States in preparation for a reelection campaign. Meanwhile, our traditional ally, Israel, is told what they can do when they can do and so on. We're on both sides of the war. We're funding both sides of the war. We're trying to control the strategy. We're giving the Iranians have freehand, why would anyone believe that the 100 million dollars you're giving to Hamas is only going to be used for humanitarian purposes? Because Hamas said, so why would we believe them? Why would you believe that none of the 100 billion and assets that were just unfreezing for the Iranians are not going to make their way to Moscow as bola. Of course they are. That portion, which is not being used to fund the development of their nuclear devices, Trump said this past weekend that he believes based on his knowledge and his own sources, that Iran is 60 days away from having a nuclear bomb. Let's change everything.

Mike Adams: Let's talk about that for a second. Because we all remember that under Obama, Obama flew cargo planes full of pallets of laundered cash to give it to Iran, and Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, which the corporate media dishonestly described as halting Iran's nuclear development program actually encouraged their program, and at the same time, provided more funding for their program. So as you know, Roger, I mean, this this spans many, many years of the United States of America, again, under Obama, but even now continuing, according to what you're saying, under Solomon, enabling Iran, while funding Israel funding both sides of this conflict, probably heading towards nuclear war in the Middle East.

Roger Stone: That's, that's exactly right. I mean, first of all, in all honesty, the Iranians promised that they weren't using this money for the development of a bomb. But once again, why would we believe them? Trump ran openly saying, Look, I'm gonna Nix this deal as soon as I get in. And he did. And the truth is, he really had his foot on Iran throat, I mean, because of the embargoes against them, they couldn't sell their oil, and therefore they didn't have the cash either to continue their nuclear developments, weapons system program, or the money to fund these terrorists. Now, thanks to Uncle Joe Biden, they have the money for both. And we're basically, you know, we're basically funding that program. Now, more importantly, during the Trump presidency, John Kerry is actively conducting his own foreign policy promising the Iranians that he's going to get their nuclear weapons deal re upped, he's in violation of the Logan Act, you can't go out on your personal, private foreign policy, no matter how wealthy you are, why isn't this guy been prosecuted? It's really outrageous. But that's exactly what's happened in the Iranians. In the the radical those in radical Islam, this is very different than, say, Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan, or even communist Russia, those people wanted to live. These people don't care whether they live or die. They just wanted to destroy America. And if they have to destroy themselves in the process of doing so, they don't have a problem with that.

Mike Adams: Yeah, and it's, I'm also struck by the way that the the US leaders use US soldiers as drone bait, so that they put us soldiers out there, in Jordan and in Syria, knowing they're going to be struck, so that people like Senator Lindsey Graham, can demand bombing Iran. I mean, the exploitation of American lives so that they can push their narratives is very disturbing to me as well. What are your thoughts on that?

Roger Stone: I think you're absolutely right. It's my understanding that we have approximately 3000 troops along the northern border, along with the Kurds. Why do we have any troops in the region? Why do we have troops there? It makes no sense at all. The bombing raids that we just conducted on in Syria and Iraq. We threw we flew two b one bombers from Texas that had to stop and refuel on the way Are there no American bombers anywhere in the in the our bases in the Middle East? We have bases there. Other no American bombers anywhere in the European theater that have gotten there more efficiently. So your exam flee, right? This is all being staged to let Joe Biden look tough. And these bombing raids I think were largely ineffective because we tipped them off in advance. We did no damage to those that we're trying to hit. This is all kabuki theater, for the for the, for the benefit of American voters. I don't think I don't think there's any support for world war three. We are we're on the cusp of world war three, both here. And in the Ukrainian Russia. Conflict. And Joe Biden seems to be recklessly driving towards it. He reminds me of Slim pickins riding the bomb at the end of Dr. Strangelove and laughing is the world hangs in the balance.

Mike Adams: You know, this reminds me of the Clinton years to every time there would be breaking news about Monica Lewinsky. Clinton would order the bombing of some factories in Sudan or somewhere like that, you know, to try to just take the headlines away from the other news, but that wasn't a day when the media would actually carry some news that was critical of a Democrat. Those days are long gone. In fact, I want to ask you, Roger, you've seen all the shenanigans that the Democrats will come up with. I mean, the Democrat establishment is the most horrendously dishonest, evil, insidious, lawless group of people that you could possibly imagine on this planet. They've done things to you that are unimaginable. What do you think they're willing to do to stop Trump or to stop this upcoming election?

Roger Stone: Well, first of all, I think it's very important to kind of recognize their messaging, because consistent with Alinsky is rules, anything they accuse us of doing is exactly what they're doing. So Trump is a danger to democracy. That's what they say. They're the ones trying to lock up the leading candidate for President of the opposition party based on trumped up charges. They're the ones trying to keep his name off of the ballot, what can be more anti democratic than that? Right? They're the ones who have the intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security, working with social media outlets to cancel and censor anybody who adheres or espouses a narrative. That's contrary to theirs. What could be more anti democratic than that? They are the ones using the 702 data base to illegally collect information on Americans and to conduct illegal warrantless surveillances on 178,000 Americans, what could be more anti democratic than that? We are there's been, as far as I know, the Congress has not, has not approved a declaration of war, when Richard Nixon was impeached, one of the counts against him, was the bombing in Cambodia without congressional approval, has Congress approved these bombings by Joe Biden in Iraq and Syria? Are they heaven, that should actually an impeachable offense, we're going to war, then the Congress needs to declare war.

Mike Adams: So these are things that are happening now. But my question is, what else do you think they're going to add to the stack of malfeasance that they're carrying out to try to stop Trump?

Roger Stone: And look, I think the possibilities are endless. We could, for example, have a yet another pandemic, which is used as an excuse to change the procedures for voting, oh, we could have some false flag staged incident that's made to look like a terrorist attack on American soil that can then be used to justify, as it did in 911, of the launching of yet another war, we could have war with Russia, That one seems pretty obvious to me. And then we, you know, we resort to the War Powers Act, and try to use it as an excuse to change or delay the elections. God forbid we could have an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. I don't like to talk about that, because I don't want it to wish it into being in fact, it's something I pray about every single day is the safety, his safety and security, the safety and security of his family. I wrote a book on this, the man who killed Kennedy the case against LBJ, there is no question that the Deep State or the military industrial complex or whatever you want to call them, they very definitely are deeply involved in the murder of John F. Kennedy. So if they kill one president, if they removed the second President Richard Nixon in a silent coup, because the Watergate break in is as we now know, from declassified documents was a CIA operation. If they attempted to kill Ronald Reagan, that's my next book, by the way, because with the report on the attempted assassination, Reagan has never been read least we know that John Hinckley Jr, who was who was convicted of his attempted assassination is always in front of him shooting from a crouching position upwards, but Reagan was hit from behind and above, and the four shots fired by Hinckley are all accounted for. There's another shooter, there's evidence of that. That's a yet another Central Intelligence Agency operation. Then, when that failed, they tried to remove Reagan over the Iran Contra deal, which I don't think he had any idea with the deep state operatives, including George HW Bush, were up to there. And then of course, the same people who tried to remove Trump in the Russia, Russia Russia hoax, there was no Russian collusion. There was no Russian collusion for me to lie about when I voluntarily testified before Congress. And of course, the two phony Ukrainian impeachments. The second one, designed to cover up Joe Biden's crimes by accusing Trump of doing precisely that was Joe Biden himself at done. So these people are capable of absolutely anything. And they get more apoplectic and more hysterical as their grip on power slips. They've also as you know, Mike, they've with the Elon Musk, buying Twitter, converting it to x and turning over the files and, and for the first time on canceling people like me and Alex Jones and others, they're losing their grip on the narrative. And that really drives them crazy. So well, they may have a tight control on Facebook, today they do on on Instagram, and on YouTube. And Google could be the leading bad actor out there. They're still losing their grip on the narrative. And this makes them even more hysterical. Because, like you and I, we're not even allowed to, to offer a different explanation of what's going on. That's whether it's health freedom, and it's in the medical area, or whether it's what's going on in our foreign policy, or what's going on in Washington. If you don't adhere to their approved narrative? Well, you're a dangerous radical who must be silenced.

Mike Adams: Well, well, right. And this brings me to a question I really wanted to ask you about what Trump will do when He returns in his third term, because he did win the last election as well. This would be his third victory. But I guess his second official term, but as you're probably aware, in his first term, I think he made a lot of very bad decisions and trusting people around him like ag Jeff Sessions, for example, who really betrayed Trump and betrayed America, in my opinion, and then later on Bill Barr, and so on, and, and even allowing Comey to run the FBI and so on. Do you think that now knowing what he knows and what he's been put through, that when Trump returns to the White House, will he make qualitatively different decisions about the type of people to bring in to work around him?

Roger Stone: I absolutely believe that he will. I mean, he gave a great interview this past weekend with Maria Bartiromo, and maybe it was Monday. And I look, he acknowledged that he made mistakes, but let's recognize he didn't come from the world of politics. He came from the world of business. He actually honestly thought not unreasonably by the way that the Republicans were with him, the Democrats would be against him. Reagan was an outsider, but the Republicans had rallied around Reagan, Trump, Trump thought the Republicans would loyally rally around them. He led them to unprecedented victories. And then he really did not know that at least half of those in the Republican Party were trying to remove him from the moment he was elected. And he took a lot of bad advice. Despite that, he already goes down in history as a transformative presidents. So look, they tried to talk him out of canceling the Iranian arms deal. They couldn't. They tried to talk him out of canceling our involvement in the in the Paris Climate Accords. He still insisted on doing it. He achieved many great things, despite, you know, being unfamiliar with the system now, having been through put through the ringer on Russian collusion, and on the two phony impeachments and watching what happened to me what happened to General Flynn? What happened to Paul Manafort, I think he's completely awake, I think you get a very different man. And I think he has a different standard, both in terms of who he selects to appoint to high office. And I frankly, think you're going to get finally, not retribution. How about just equal protection of the law? You're going to charge Roger Stone for lying to Congress, which I didn't do. Well, then why didn't you charge Hillary Clinton because she did lie to Congress, and so did James Comey, the FBI director and so did the CIA Director John Brennan. One standard, not two standards of law. Now in my case, I argued that I did nothing wrong. Those people, it's actually provable. They lied, and they lied about things that were material that were relevant that were significant. I did not write again.

Mike Adams: But this is the selective justice system. I think many of our viewers believe that our judicial system has collapsed. I mean, it's clear with the selective prosecution of, of Trump, and you and others surrounding Trump. And I think that the American people are ready for Trump to be bold, in his third term, and with executive orders on day one, but to be bold in even firing the traders in, let's say, the DOJ, the FBI, the NIH, whatever I mean, it's Trump's power, he can fire the entire executive branch of government, he could fire 100,000 federal workers on day one if he wanted to. And whereas he wouldn't have had support for that in his first administration. I believe that now, the American people are so fed up with the criminality of the federal government, the betrayal, the the allowing of the invasion of America, I feel like the American people will support President Trump to be bold in his actions in his new term.

Roger Stone: I completely agree with that. And the good news is there is planning going on this is he's not going to be starting from ground zero. There's an examination of his immediate options. I think we're at that very rare time in American history. There won't be a few times when the future of the Republic really relied on one man, it was certainly true in the case of George Washington, was true in the case of Abraham Lincoln. And it's now true today in the case of Donald Trump, is he perfect? No, he's not perfect. But he does have the big picture view. And above all, he has the courage, and the gumption and the determination to take these people on. It breaks his heart to see what's happening to America. He built us the most robust economy in our street. And then he was he was basically you curd into destroying his own greatest accomplishment because of the claims of the doctors in the COVID-19 matter. He's not a doctor. So they obviously didn't tell him the truth. And he was forced to destroy that which he was created. By the way. He brought the economy roaring back before he left, because the fundamentals of less regulation and low taxes. We're still there. That's right. So I think you're gonna have peace and prosperity under Donald Trump. I really do think he can solve the Russia Ukrainian thing relatively quickly. It's great to watch the left going absolutely insane. Because my friend Tucker Carlson's, in Russia, where he interviewed Vladimir Putin. Was he when Mike Wallace or maybe it was Chris Wallace interview with Vladimir Putin, as a left didn't go crazy. When Oliver Stone interviewed Vladimir Putin that was perfectly all right. But oh my god Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin. Maybe we should never even let him back in the country, actually, Bill Kristol, who's largely responsible for the many deaths in the Iraq War, former chief of staff to Vice President and work criminal, Dick Cheney, said yesterday that Tucker Carlson shouldn't be allowed back in the US all...

Mike Adams: that's incredible. I mean, I can think of a lot of people we shouldn't let back into the country. But Tucker Carlson isn't one of them. There's, there's quite a few people we should catapult out. It's straight up journalism. But you can see how fragile the left's narrative is, especially about Russia and about Putin, where they can't even allow one journalist to ask a single honest question and and hear Putin's response to America, you know, because, look, I'll just be straight up honest about most Americans see, Putin is making a whole lot more sense than Joe Biden.

Roger Stone: Well, and I think most Americans realize that Zelinsky is a comic actor who was hired to act like the president. But there's unlimited number of interviews with him and the American media where he talks about Russia as the aggressor. But very few people talk about the fact that what we're doing right now in Ukraine is in violation of the Budapest Memorandum, which we signed, we agreed when, when Russia agreed to unify West and East Germany, we in turn, agreed not to push Ukraine into NATO, which really means we agreed not to put offensive missiles pointed at Russia paid for by us through NATO on the ground in Ukraine. This administration has pushed forward with that, in violation of an agreement that we signed. And that is that's Putin is concerned this idea that he wants to take Ukraine and then he's gonna take Poland and then we'll take Germany and then he's gonna take...

Mike Adams: That's yeah. All right. So, Roger, what are your plans? For our I mean, are you an I apologize, I honestly don't know. Are you going to help the Trump campaign? Are you advising? Do you have strategies to share with Trump? How are you going to help us take America back?

Roger Stone: I have no official capacity with the President's campaign, nor do I want one. I do enjoy his friendship. And he said many kinds of things about me and my wife. As you know, my wife survived a virulent bout of cancer, but through the healing power of Jesus Christ, and because of the alternative therapies that she chose to pursue, she's now two and a half years. cancer free. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. But the President, I've spent time with him. I'm in regular touch with him. He's got some excellent people working on his campaign. Not all of them, but but the vast majority of his campaign leadership is superb. These are the people I would choose for him. If it were up to me to choose. Of course it isn't. But these are precisely the people that I would have chosen. They're loyal. They're efficient, they're wise, they're experienced. His campaign is very, very calibrated, very disciplined and very carefully budgeted, because he does have this drain, you know, for legal fees, which has to come out of the various political committees, but he's running an excellent campaign. I can honestly say, as a veteran of 13 national presidential campaigns, going all the way back to Nixon, three campaigns with Reagan, by my service to Bob Dole, my favorite service to to Donald Trump. This is the best run presidential campaign I have seen. And it shows the results in Iowa, he didn't just win, he won by three times the previous high watermark, right. He didn't just and New Hampshire, which was a setup, if there was any place where he was going to be stopped. It was in New Hampshire, where while state law does say that registered independents can vote in the Republican primary, they can only do so when the New Hampshire Republican state committee has approved resolution approved approve that was never taken to the Republican state committee. So the Secretary of State allowed independents to vote in the primary, which by the way, is traditional but in the past, was always removed by the Republican state committee. And independents. In New Hampshire, because of the influx of migrants from Massachusetts, they lean left very far left. And then of course, if you're a Democrat, if you change your registration to independent by October 6, you would have been allowed to vote in the recent primary. Nikki Haley who is just a pawn she's a puppet being used by the Biden and the globalists to try to damage Trump she spent $38 million. By my calculation, Trump spent about 18 She had the active support of Governor Chris Sununu, one of the most vile rhinos I've ever come across. I had extensive dealings with his father, he was a pig guide, liar as well kind of runs in the family. They pulled out all the stops, and Trump still beat them by double digits because he's an excellent campaign. He's going to sweep the the Nevada primaries, which is today, he's going to sweep the Nevada delegate caucuses on Thursday. He's Mickey Haley didn't even compete. And Ron DeSantis his support kind of fell away. But more importantly, South Carolina, the home state of Nikki Haley, he's gonna while a pre could beat her as big as two to one. It's notable that the governor of South Carolina, the lieutenant governor, the leaders of both houses of the legislature, the Republican leaders, a majority of the congressional delegation, Republicans, they all support Donald Trump over their own former governor. Well, they all know well, that tells you a great deal.

Mike Adams: Why is Nikki Haley still even in the race?

Roger Stone: Because she's a pawn? I mean, she she's being used to try to damage Trump. So there's there's really two possibilities. One you keep her in the race to continue to attack Trump to try to assist Joe Biden. And who knows maybe she gets a cabinet position out of Biden or whoever the ultimate Democrat is, because I'm not convinced it will be Biden, or secondarily, she thinks I think incorrectly, that she can force her way on to the ticket that Trump will say, Well, the way to bind up the divisions in the party is to take this neocon for vice president. If that were true might. Donald Trump would need a food taster. She is completely duplicitous. She's just as dangerous as Lyndon Johnson. You could not turn your back on Earth. or an epicenter? Proof is in the pudding. She looked down on Trump in the eye. And she said, Mr. President, you are among our greatest presidents. If you run again, I'm not going to run. But today, she's running that tells you everything you need to know her word is no good. And her worldview is the same as Lindsey, Lindsey Graham, bomb now ask questions later.

Mike Adams: Well, yeah, but But of course, I think she came out of Boeing, another weapons manufacturer that stands to profit from all of this, and it seems like we're ruled by either Big Pharma or big weapons manufacturers, most of the time, but Trump supporters would not stand for Nikki Haley to be the VP candidate. Who do you think Roger is the most likely person to take the VP slot with Trump?

Roger Stone: Well, first of all, former President Richard Nixon once told me that in selecting a vice presidential running mate, don't look for somebody who can help you try to select someone who doesn't hurt you. And while that may be somewhat cynical, it's actually pretty good advice. Trump needs someone who first and foremost has the experience, the qualifications, the temperament and the judgment to be president. They also have to have a commitment to the America first anti globalist agenda. Those are the highest requirements. Now let's look at the politics of it. You need someone who doesn't upset your base of supporters, but allows you to reach out to a voter group where you can make gains. So by definition, that could be an African American, or it could be somebody who's Hispanic or it could be someone who is a woman. I think he's got a lot of great choices. He's the greatest showman of all time. He understands that this is a matter of great public interest. He's going to teach it right up until the moment he's made a decision. Today, I don't honestly think he's made a decision or if he has, it's a tentative decision since he shared it with no one. He has the capability of changing his mind. But I think he needs to pick someone who's anti war, who wants to seal the border. Without any question. Someone who will put America first doesn't want to send billions more to Ukraine to be stolen or wasted. I mean, what's going on in this country is really insane. We we see New York City to New York City police officers get the daylights beat out of them by a group of illegal migrants. And then the district attorney doesn't ask for incarceration. They're granted or any bond. They're basically just released on their own recognizance. Of course, they split That's outrageous. That same district attorney trying to prosecute somebody for selling fake vaccination cards, unbelievable. Washington state, we're now gonna give $1,000 to every illegal on a monthly basis taking that money out of COVID-19 funding. Unbelievable.

Mike Adams: UBI for illegals, yeah.

Roger Stone: In New York City. The mayor has just approved the program for $53 million for pre loaded credit cards, which were going to give to illegals in the shelters in New York City. Meanwhile, we have homeless veterans who are hungry in New York City, taking care of them, Americans who's taking care of them.

Mike Adams: No, no, the American people have been abandoned by the administration, and our replacements have arrived. This is a replacement of America. That's that's the aim of the Democrats. And let me let me ask you this. We're almost out of time, Roger, but in your assessment based on what you know, right now, if we were to have an honest election, and I know that's not possible, because the Democrats will cheat every chance they get. But theoretically, if it were an honest election by how much would Trump win in this election?

Roger Stone: I think he would win the popular vote nationally, comfortably. I think he would. This is today. Let's recognize that in politics. Polls are a measure of a snapshot of time that it's the epicenter of time, and things can change dramatically. So and they know that so if you have some staged terrorist attack on American soil, that could royal thing and change things. But if this election were held today, in this moment, Trump pulled when every swing state by a margin slightly larger than the margin of error in all of these polls, and he would sweep the popular vote as well. The bottom has dropped out for the Democrats, there is no support the fact that they had the South Carolina primary yesterday. And while Joe Biden got 97% of the vote, the overall turnout was extraordinarily anemic, nobody showed up to vote because there is no enthusiasm for the Biden candidacy. So as of today, if we have a free, fair, honest, transparent election, Trump would win comfortably. Now, are we going to have such an election that remains to be seen? This time, however, the Republicans or I shouldn't say Trump will be far more prepared both legally and Technically, to ferret out irregularities and anomalies on election night there, they're not going to get away with locking Republican observers out of the polling places and dumping a bunch of fake ballots like they did in Michigan.

Mike Adams: But how are they not going to get away with that?

Roger Stone: It's very simple. You go directly to a judge and you get in order to make them open the doors and then you also have to stymie the police that Detroit police were being used as thugs that night, by the way, you got the former Detroit Chief of Police running for governor Republican. You are the chief of police that night, what's your answer? And he says, Well, I was off duty that night, please give me a break. Please give me a break.

Mike Adams: Okay. Well, Roger, your analysis is just extraordinary. Your experience with so many campaigns, and so many national leaders, really, you have a wealth of knowledge about this, and I really appreciate your insight, and also your passion and courage for America. So I just want to thank you for joining me today.

Roger Stone: I'm delighted to be here. And again, folks can go to stonezone.com And check out everything I'm up to, you know, they say in politics a man is not finished when he's defeated. He's only finished when he quits. You know, you might in the struggle for America, I among others will never quit.

Mike Adams: All right. Stonezone.com is the website, folks. And that's Roger Stone. Thank you, Roger. God bless you. God bless America. Thank you for joining me today. God bless you. Thank you. And thank all of you for watching.

Watch the full interview at:

Brighteon: Brighteon.com/f2922116-fb8e-4d0b-aa2b-98b52849c3e3

Rumble: Rumble.com/v4bxzel-roger-stone-joins-mike-adams-with-warning-about-dems-plan-to-try-to-sabotag.html

Bitchute: Bitchute.com/video/BHfyhkhzKMpU/

Banned.Video: Banned.video/watch?id=65c38c610d63da299e84eef7
Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, is undoubtedly a dream adventure for aspiring mountain climbers and mountaineering enthusiasts in the world. However, emerging reports recently show that this gargantuan natural wonder in Nepal is experiencing a waste problem, not from plastics or chemicals but from the feces of mountaineers.

With this, local authorities ordered Everest hikers to return their poo to base camp.

Extreme temperatures reportedly prevent excrement left by Mount Everest climbers from decomposing. According to experts, this phenomenon happens because the living organisms, responsible for the decomposition process of feces, are active in warm temperatures. This means that cold temperatures slow down the rotting time, a natural process for organic substances.

The human waste problem is also causing environmental degradation since hundreds of Mount Everest hikers spend a significant amount of time, ranging from several weeks to more than a month, before reaching the summit. It is during this period when the climbers turn the giant peak into what some reports have called an "open toilet."

To address the issue, authorities are gearing up for the next climbing season between April and June.

Mount Everest Waste Problem

Mount Everest, for a long time, has been experiencing large-scale poop problems involving human stools, which are visible on rocks.

Anecdotal accounts from climbers also indicate that they fall sick in the current environment of the world's highest peak, according to reports.

This comes several decades after the first two humans climbed the Everest summit in 1953. Since then, the peak gained popularity among climbers.

As of February, the Mount Everest waste problem seemed to had reach its toll after Nepal's Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, which covers most parts of the Everest region, expressed great concern toward the growing sanitary and environmental issue. According to the municipality's chairman, Mingma Sherpa, "our mountains have begun to stink," informing British media during an interview.

For almost a decade, it has been estimated that human stools left on Mount Everest weigh several tons or thousands of kilograms annually. Now, as part of the locality's Mount Everest waste management, will already be required to bring their poo back to base camp where it will be disposed of, local officials stated.

Also Read: Human Feces Threaten Mount Everest

Environmental Degradation

To prevent further environmental degradation, a non-governmental organization Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee is importing more than 8,000 "poop bags" from the United States. This occurred as 400 foreign climbers, along with 800 assistants, are expected for the approaching climbing season in the coming months, it was reported on Friday, February 9.

Through this measure, it can be expected that the reduction of the slow-decaying excrement on Mount Everest will not only protect the environment but also prevent harming the peak's fragile ecosystem.

The initiative can also mitigate or prevent health issues for exposed mountaineers while reaching the top of Mount Everest.

Related Article: The World's Highest Peak: Mount Everest and Its History
Pesticides are one of the most widely used and controversial tools in modern agriculture. They help farmers protect their crops from pests and diseases, but they also pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200,000 people die each year from pesticide poisoning, and millions more suffer from chronic illnesses and disabilities. Pesticides also contaminate soil, water, and air, and threaten biodiversity and ecosystems.

But what if there was a way to control crop pests without using harmful chemicals? What if nature had already provided us with a solution that was safe, effective, and sustainable?

That is the question that scientists at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have been exploring for years. And they may have found the answer in a tiny worm called Steinernema adamsi.

A New Species of Beneficial Nematode

Steinernema adamsi is a new species of nematode, a microscopic roundworm that lives in the soil. It belongs to a group of nematodes that are known as entomopathogenic, meaning that they infect and kill insects.

These nematodes have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that live inside them.

When they encounter an insect host, they enter through natural openings or wounds, and release the bacteria into its body. The bacteria multiply rapidly, producing toxins that kill the insect within a few days. The nematodes then feed on the insect's tissues, reproduce, and emerge to look for new hosts.

These nematodes are not harmful to humans, animals, or plants, but they are deadly to many insect pests that attack crops. They have been used as biological control agents for decades, offering a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

However, not all nematodes are equally effective in different environments. Some nematodes prefer cooler and drier conditions, while others thrive in warmer and wetter climates.

Finding the right nematode for the right pest and the right place is a challenge that researchers have been trying to overcome.

Also Read: New Chemical Pesticide Targets Parasitic Nematodes with Lower Toxicity Risks to Humans, Wildlife

A Potential Game-Changer for Sustainable Agriculture

The potential applications of Steinernema adamsi in sustainable agriculture are vast. It could help farmers in tropical and subtropical areas, where pest pressure is high and pesticide use is widespread, to reduce their reliance on chemicals and improve their crop yields and quality.

It could also help protect crops from emerging pests that are spreading due to climate change and globalization, such as the fall armyworm, which has devastated maize production in Africa and Asia.

The UCR team, led by nematology professor Adler Dillman, has been studying the biology and ecology of Steinernema adamsi, as well as its effectiveness against various insect pests.

They have also been developing methods to mass-produce and apply the nematodes to crops, using techniques such as spray irrigation, drip irrigation, and granular formulations.

They estimate that trillions of nematodes could be produced and distributed every year, at a low cost and with minimal environmental impact.

The team hopes that their research will lead to the commercialization and adoption of Steinernema adamsi as a biopesticide, and that it will inspire more discoveries and innovations in the field of nematology.

They believe that nematodes are nature's tiny warriors, and that they could play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable, healthy, and food-secure future for the world.

Related article: Prehistoric Worms Come Back To Life After 42,000 Years Of Being Frozen
The beaked whales, a group of marine mammals known for their elusive nature, have long been a subject shrouded in mystery.

Living in remote and inaccessible regions of the globe, these creatures are nearly impossible to study in their natural habitats.

However, recent scientific expeditions have begun to shed light on some of their behaviors and characteristics.

The Hidden Lives of Beaked Whales

One of the most intriguing populations of beaked whales is found off the Commander Islands, a remote archipelago in the Bering Sea.

These islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds. But the most remarkable residents are the Baird's beaked whales, also known as the giant bottlenose whales.

These whales are the largest members of the beaked whale family, reaching up to 13 meters in length and weighing up to 14 tons.

They have a distinctive appearance, with a long and robust body, a prominent forehead, and a pair of teeth that protrude from the lower jaw of adult males.

Their coloration ranges from dark brown to gray, with white patches on the belly and throat.

Baird's beaked whales are highly social animals, forming groups of up to 20 individuals. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including clicks, whistles, and moans. They also exhibit complex behaviors, such as spy-hopping, breaching, and tail-slapping.

But what makes these whales truly fascinating is their ability to dive to astonishing depths in search of food. They feed mainly on squid, fish, and crustaceans, which they locate using echolocation.

They can dive for over an hour and reach depths of over 500 meters, making them one of the least studied mammals in the world.

Also Read: Why Whale Stress Significantly Dropped After 9/11

Record-Breaking Dives Unveiled

Baird's beaked whales are not the only ones that can dive deep. In fact, the beaked whale family holds the record for the deepest and longest dives by any mammal. In 2014, a Cuvier's beaked whale set a record for the deepest dive, plunging into abyssal depths measured at least 2992 meters.

This remarkable feat is not an anomaly but rather indicative of the extraordinary adaptations these mammals have developed to survive in extreme underwater environments.

The world is now gaining new insights into these distant beaked whales through ongoing scientific studies. Researchers are unraveling more about their diving patterns, social behaviors, and adaptation mechanisms that allow them to thrive where few other species can survive.

One of the challenges of studying beaked whales is their rarity and cryptic nature. They are seldom seen at the surface and often avoid boats and human activity.

To overcome this obstacle, researchers use various methods, such as satellite tags, acoustic monitoring, and underwater cameras, to track and observe these whales.

One of the most successful projects is the Deep Ocean Cetacean Project (DOCP), led by Dr. Gregory Schorr, a marine biologist at the Cascadia Research Collective.

The DOCP aims to understand the ecology and behavior of beaked whales in the Pacific Ocean, using a combination of satellite telemetry, photo-identification, and genetic analysis.

Dr. Schorr and his team have tagged and monitored several species of beaked whales, including Baird's, Cuvier's, Blainville's, and Stejneger's.

They have collected valuable data on their movements, diving behavior, habitat use, and population structure. They have also discovered new information, such as the presence of a hybrid zone between Baird's and Cuvier's beaked whales in the eastern tropical Pacific.

The DOCP is not only advancing the scientific knowledge of beaked whales, but also contributing to their conservation. By identifying their critical habitats, migration routes, and threats, the project can help inform management and policy decisions to protect these vulnerable animals.

The beaked whales are among the most mysterious and fascinating creatures on the planet. They have evolved to live in a world that is largely unknown and inaccessible to humans.

They have challenged our assumptions and expanded our horizons. They have shown us that there is still much to learn and explore in the deep ocean.

Related article: Killer Whales 'Port' and 'Starboard' Return in South Africa, Duo Ate Livers of 17 Sharks in One Day
by Xinhua writers Zheng Bofei, Luo Fei, Yang Yanbin

GUIYANG, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Dazzling bars, cozy cafes and restaurants adorned with cartoon characters, these are the scenes that offer a vibrant contrast to traditional pastimes of drinking parties and mahjong games. These mixes of old and new create a dynamic atmosphere for Guiyang, the capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Guiyang is a city built in a mountainous region, featured with intricate road networks. These roads reflect the natural contours of the landscape, adding more bustling energy to the city. Along the banks of the recently rehabilitated Guancheng River lies Taiping Road, a historic thoroughfare that has been revitalized and opened to the public last month, drawing tourists and city residents to visit the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood.

Tong Wenxi, who runs the company in charge of Taiping Road, returned to Guiyang after four years of studying and living in France. He had always wanted to apply what he had learned to a project that would bring back memories for the city's residents.

"You can always be amazed by the city because there could be cafes or bistros around every corner," he said.

Inspired by other cities known for iconic streets and cartoon characters, Tong and his team envisioned creating a similar spot in Guiyang into a hot spot for young people and photo enthusiasts.

The opportunity arose when the city authorities began to restore cultural and historic sites, and the river's water quality significantly improved after water treatment plants were built upstream. The once abandoned river was once reopened for scenic purposes.

"People in Guiyang often forget that the city housed a cultural center, and it's our duty to restore it," explained Yue Jian, a long-term practitioner of restoring historic buildings and chief designer of Taiping Road.

Taiping Road is situated right near the examination hall compound, where the local imperial examinations were held in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). A location where tens of thousands of ancient scholars in Guizhou changed their lives.

"This place provides an ideal opportunity to preserve the collective memory of past generations," said Tong, who found the city has transformed rapidly and is barely recognizable in recent years.

To achieve this, they reconstructed the three old bridges on the river using modern technologies while preserving the roof style of traditional buildings in Guizhou.

Drawing on the region's intellectual property, they animated rhesus monkeys from nearby Qianling Mountain into popular cartoon characters, which have recently become a sensation for tourists visiting the city.

This photo taken on Jan. 26, 2024 shows a cartoon character based on rhesus monkeys from Qianling Mountain, on Taiping Road in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua)

By allowing business owners to preserve their unique designs and restore historic restaurants and shops, Taiping Road retained its authenticity, making youngsters' prominent touring style of "citywalk" -- which literally means roaming around the city on foot -- more enjoyable.

This revitalization effort has attracted not only young people but also older residents eager to reminisce Guiyang's past, and they would bring their grandchildren and proudly show them around the historic district.

"To our surprise, many of our customers are in their fifties or older, and they often share memories of the old, polluted river and are thrilled by the amazing change," said Fan Yan, who manages a clothing store on Taiping Road.

Meanwhile, Fan's store was projected to generate revenue of one million yuan (around 140,770 U.S. dollars) within its first month of opening, but it exceeded expectations by doubling that amount.

This Chinese New Year, an occasion for family reunion, more visitors, including returnees from other provinces, are expected to flock to the newly reopened street.

"Our goal is to reconnect residents with Guiyang's rich history and heritage," said Yue, whose lifelong dedication to Guizhou has fueled his passion for revitalizing the city's historic core.

As a returnee, Tong plans to bring his mother to visit his newly developed business district over the New Year holiday, when they will join many others who have returned from other places to marvel at the city's transformation.

"Rather than focusing on creating massive, brand-new construction projects, we're now dedicated to restoring the history and memories of past generations," said Tong. 
Lakshya, Raghav Juyal's 'Kill' to be out on this date

Mumbai, February 9

The release date of action drama 'Kill' has been disclosed.

Announcing the release date, Karan took to Instagram and wrote, "Blood. Blood. And blood!We are unleashing this beast of a film to you - #Kill in theatres on 5th July 2024 in India. @itslakshya @tanyamaniktala @raghavjuyal @nix_bhat @apoorva1972 @guneetmonga @achinjain20 @dharmamovies @sikhya."

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3HXSWMIiyv/?hl=en

Nikhil Nagesh Bhat has helmed the film.

'Kill' was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in August 2023, where it received a positive response from moviegoers.

'Kill' was the only Indian title to be screened under the Midnight Madness programme, which is a fan favourite, "iconoclastic programme highlighting the weird and the wicked".

As per Variety, 'Kill' belongs to the extreme action genre, a rarity in Indian cinema. Set entirely on an express train to New Delhi, the film follows Indian army commandos Amrit and Viresh, who are on a mission to rescue Amrit's girlfriend Tulika. She is betrothed to someone else against her wishes. Matters go awry when more than 40 bandits (known as dacoits in India) belonging to an extended family board the train with a view to looting and kidnapping. Amrit and Viresh try to protect Tulika and her family. Visceral, gut-wrenching and pulse-pounding action ensues within the close confines of the train and the pair also have to contend with the psychotic bandit Fani.

Tanya Maniktala is also a part of 'Kill'.

(ANI - Posted on 10 February 2024)

Lakshya, Raghav Juyal's 'Kill' to be out on this date

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna to former PMs Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan

New Delhi, February 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. Along with them, MS Swaminathan also known as the father of the green revolution will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award.

"Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth," the PM said.

"Narasimha Rao Garu's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," he added.

Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, being an agriculturist and an advocate, Narsimha Rao joined politics and held some important portfolios. He was the Minister of Law and Information, 1962-64; Law and Endowments, 1964-67; Health and Medicine, 1967 and Education, 1968-71, Government of Andhra Pradesh. He was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971-73 and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee from 1975-76.

Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi said this honour is dedicated to the former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh's incomparable contribution to the country.

"It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country, even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation-building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency are inspiring to the entire nation," PM posted on X.

Swaminathan, a prominent figure in Indian agriculture famed for his leading role in India's 'Green Revolution', will be conferred the honour posthumously, the Prime Minister said.

On September 28, last year Swaminathan passed away at the age of 98 at his residence in Chennai.

Taking to 'X' PM Modi, said Swaminathan's visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation's food security and prosperity.

"It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr MS Swaminathan, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers' welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan's visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation's food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on 'X'.

Trained as a plant geneticist, Swaminathan's significant contributions to India's agricultural sector have earned him a reputation as the scientific leader of India's green revolution movement. His work has been instrumental in the agricultural renaissance of India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that our government under the leadership of PM Modi ji has taken cognizance of this for the first time. We make such decisions only after rising above politics.

BJP National President JP Nadda also extended his wishes and said that the work done by Chaudhary Charan Singh for farmers is unforgettable.

(ANI - Posted on 10 February 2024)

PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna to former PMs Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Pakistan-China friendship is rooted in the people, and the spirit of peace and cooperation demonstrated by the iron-clad bilateral relations provides a stabilizing force in the changing world, Pakistani President Arif Alvi has said.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Andhra CM meets PM Modi, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss dues and developmental issues

New Delhi, Feburary 9

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister's Office in Parliament on Friday.

During the meeting, CM Jagan highlighted the issues of special status for Andhra Pradesh, funds for the Polavaram project, and pending electricity dues from Telangana.

After the meeting CM Jagan informed that the finance minister has agreed to Rs 12,911 crores for the early completion of the first phase of the Polavaram project.

However, the Chief Minister said that the completion of the first phase of Polavaram will cost around Rs. 17,144 crores, and the proposal for this is already pending in the Department of Hydropower, and requested immediate approval.

CM further urged for the clearance of pending Rs. 7,230 crores as AP Genco has supplied electricity to Telangana state for three years from June 2014.

CM asked to implement other guarantees including special status given at the time of division of the state. The CM said that special status is necessary for the economic progress of the state, not only will it attract investments but also create better employment opportunities.

The CM brought to the attention of the Prime Minister that 13 districts in the state have been divided into 26 districts, 17 new medical colleges are being built in the state so that each district has one medical college, and classes have already started in some colleges and hoped for adequate support and cooperation regarding the establishment of colleges from PM.

CM Jagan requested to provide adequate support for the 55 km 6-lane road connecting Bhogapuram, Bhimili, Rushikonda and Visakhapatnam ports proposed to connect Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram International Airport.

CM requested to extend the Visakhapatnam-Kurnool High Speed Corridor to Bangalore via Kadapa as mentioned in the Partition Act and to ensure that this project is realized after due consideration has been completed.

The CM requested that the Kadapa - Pulivendula - Mudigubba - Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam - Hindupur new railway line be taken up as a part of this. The CM said that this project will provide good connectivity to the backward Rayalaseema area.

The Chief Minister asked the Prime Minister to approve the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project as soon as possible.

Given TDP chief Chandrababu's recent visit to Delhi and the release of several surveys in the state, CM Jagan's meeting with PM Modi holds high political significance.

(ANI - Posted on 10 February 2024)

Andhra CM meets PM Modi, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss dues and developmental issues

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Munmun Dutta gives a flavourful tour of Columbia's culinary delights

Mumbai, Feb 10

Actress Munmun Dutta takes her fans on a tantalising journey as she explores the bustling streets and indulges in the culinary delights of Bogota, Colombia, offering captivating glimpses of her gastronomic journey.

She opted for a glossy makeup look and kept her hair open. In another selfie, she is wearing a white sweater, with red glossy lips and blushed up look.

The actress gave some glimpses of her food-filled vacation. The string of photos shows a cup of coffee, and a picture of Envueltos de mazorca, which is a corn preparation wrapped in leaf.

Munmun also shared a video from her visit to Cerro Monserrate and wrote: Not only a tourist but a pilgrim destination for Colombians.

The 36-year-old actress captioned the post as: Beautiful Colombia # And It has been all about the gastronomy as yet.

Meanwhile, the show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which airs on Sony SAB has recently achieved a milestone of 4000 episodes, and the actress celebrated the feat with the other cast members.

(IANS - Posted on 10 February 2024)

Munmun Dutta gives a flavourful tour of Columbia's culinary delights

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
'Pure bliss': Sanath Jayasuriya heaps praise on Pathum Nissanka for his double-century

New Delhi, Feb 10

Former Sri Lanka batter Sanath Jayasuriya lauded Pathum Nissanka after he went past Jayasuriyas record of highest ODI score and became the first Sri Lanka batter to score a double-hundred in ODI against Afghanistan.

Congratulations to Pathum on a masterclass in batting. I am so so privileged to witness it in person. Pure bliss, Jayasuriya posted on X.Nissanka's achievement, which marked the first instance of a Sri Lankan batter scoring a double century in ODIs, also shattered the long-standing record set by the iconic Sanath Jayasuriya for the highest individual score of 189 runs. Partnering with Avishka Fernando, Nissanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's imposing total with a scintillating opening partnership of 182 runs. Following Fernando's departure, Nissanka unleashed his aggressive repertoire, captivating the audience with his exquisite strokeplay and unwavering determination.However, Afghanistan mounted a spirited fightback, led by Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who orchestrated a remarkable 6th-wicket partnership worth 242 runs. Despite their valiant efforts, Sri Lanka's bowling duo of Pramod Madushan and Dushmantha Chameera held their nerve, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory for the home side by 42 runs.

The two sides will now clash at the same venue for the second match of their series on Sunday.

(IANS - Posted on 10 February 2024)

'Pure bliss': Sanath Jayasuriya heaps praise on Pathum Nissanka for his double-century

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Dallas Open: Paul to face off Shelton in semis clash

Dallas, Feb 10

America Tommy Paul on Friday overcame German Dominik Koepfer in a hard-fought quarter-final clash, winning 7-5, 6-3 to inch one step closer to his second ATP Tour trophy at the Dallas Open.

Despite letting slip a 40-0 lead in the final game, Paul closed the one-hour, 28-minute contest on his fifth match point.

Next up for Paul is an all-American semi-final showdown against Ben Shelton, who displayed remarkable resilience in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson. Shelton, the third seed, fought back from a set down to secure a hard-fought victory 7(2), 6-4, 6-4 victory against Jordan Thompson, setting the stage for an exciting clash with Paul.

Meanwhile, Marcos Giron delivered an impressive upset by defeating top seed Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. Giron's commanding performance earned him his first Top 20 win since October 2023, and he now sets his sights on the semi-finals where he will face fourth seed Adrian Mannarino.

In the other quarter-final matchup, Mannarino secured his spot with a solid performance against James Duckworth 6-2, 3-1, who was forced to retire due to injury. With both Paul and Giron aiming to continue their winning momentum, and Shelton and Mannarino eager to claim victory, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the Dallas Open.

(IANS - Posted on 10 February 2024)

Dallas Open: Paul to face off Shelton in semis clash

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some flurries this morning. Then cloudy skies through the afternoon. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 26F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Officers check ballot boxes loaded onto a ship for delivery to remote islands at Paotere Port in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Feb. 12, 2024. The country is bracing for the national election day scheduled for next Wednesday to choose leader of the country and new parliament members. (Photo by Masyudi F./Xinhua)

by Nurul Fitri Ramadhani

JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Presidential campaigns in Indonesia ended peacefully on Saturday, as the country is bracing for the national election day scheduled for next Wednesday to choose leader of the country and new parliament members.

During the months-long campaigns which started November last year, three pairs of president and vice president candidates held their respective campaigns in three different locations.

Prabowo Subianto, who runs with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, embraced his supporters at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in central Jakarta. Local news agencies reported that the campaign was attended by half a million people.

Muhammad Nafia, 22, traveled from Bandung in West Java to participate in the rally. "I want to involve myself in this big political moment," he told Xinhua.

This was the third time for Subianto to contest in the presidency after previously losing to Widodo in 2014 and 2019 elections.

Among all candidates, Subianto came as the one who pledged that he would continue Widodo's efforts to develop downstream industries and New Capital City project.

Anies Baswedan and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar held their last campaign at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in north Jakarta which has a capacity of 82,000 people. Annisa Nur Maulida was among the crowd with her husband. The citizen of Depok, West Java, said she arrived at the stadium on Tuesday night, hoping to avoid traffic jam in the morning.

"I want to get a place at the very front and see them up close," she said.

Baswedan is the former governor of Jakarta, while Iskandar is the chairman of the National Awakening Party, which has a strong historical connection with the country's largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

Ganjar Pranowo held a major campaign in Pancasila Field in Semarang, Central Java province. The province is widely known as Pranowo's traditional base and the region he previously led as a governor.

He runs with Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, commonly known as Mahfud MD, who has resigned from his post as Indonesia's coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs.

Each of the big campaign rallies was attended by tens of thousands of supporters packing the locations. In total, no less than 9,000 police officers were deployed for security order.

In the campaigns, the three presidential hopefuls and their running mates had actively visited areas across the country to attract potential voters. Based on data from Indonesia's General Elections Commission, there are more than 200 million eligible voters across the country's 98 cities and 416 regencies, in addition to 130 cities abroad that facilitate the polls for overseas Indonesians. From the total voters, 114 million or almost 60 percent are young voters (aged 20-35 years). 

Workers move ballot boxes to be loaded onto a ship for delivery to remote islands at Paotere Port in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Feb. 12, 2024. The country is bracing for the national election day scheduled for next Wednesday to choose leader of the country and new parliament members. (Photo by Masyudi F./Xinhua)

Workers load ballot boxes onto a ship for delivery to remote islands at Paotere Port in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Feb. 12, 2024. The country is bracing for the national election day scheduled for next Wednesday to choose leader of the country and new parliament members. (Photo by Masyudi F./Xinhua)
Our precious child, Akul Dhawan, an 18-year-old first-year student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was found dead on the morning of January 20th with signs of hypothermia. Our son died in freezing conditions while at school on campus. No parent should ever experience their child passing away on campus with no one to help him.

It was Akuls first year at UIUC. He had spent time with family over the winter break and returned to campus for the spring semester. It was only his first week back when we found out that he would never return home.

We were so proud of our son for completing his semester and thriving at the university. He was a very smart kid who had his whole life before him. As a parent, I never thought Id receive such news. We are completely devastated. We have a big massive hole left in our family; we will never be the same. Nothing can bring him back.

We were never notified by the university that there was any problem. On Saturday morning, we received a call that our son was missing. We immediately called the university police for more information. The police transferred our call to the coroners office. Thats how we were informed that our son had passed away.

The police let us know that on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, one of Akul Dhawans friends reported him missing at 1:23 a.m. They had 10 hours to look for him. However, it was not the police that found Akul. He was found dead at 11:08 a.m., in the 1200 block of West Nevada Street, when a UI employee discovered him on the back porch of a building, less than half a block away from his last known location.

We left for Urbana from California on January 21st and met with the police detectives and university officials the next day. We believe that the police never searched for our son. UI police never came in person to speak with the friend who reported him missing. We have been asking why Akul was found 10 hours later, rather than immediately after he was reported missing, when he could still be saved. The locations where he was reported missing and where he was found are less than 200 feet apart. 200 feet!
Injection of a substance to block an artery feeding the dura (protective sack around the brain) along with surgery to remove pooled blood reduced the risk that patients will require repeat surgery compared to surgical drainage alone, according to preliminary late-breaking science presented today at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024. The meeting, held in person in Phoenix Feb. 7 - 9, 2024, is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health.

A subdural hematoma occurs when there is a tear in one of the thin blood vessels that stretch between the surface of the brain and the overlying membranes that protect the brain. A subdural hematoma can occur because of physical trauma such as a car accident, however, it may also develop slowly in the days or weeks after the injury. This study explored treatment for subacute or chronic subdural hematoma. Subacute subdural hematoma occurs following less severe trauma, such as a concussion  with symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling, seizure, headache, confusion or dizziness that develops over hours or days after the event. Chronic subdural hematoma can result from slow bleeding after minimal trauma that the patient may not even remember  symptoms may be subtle and/or may take weeks to be noticeable enough to seek treatment.

Chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions and is likely to increase in the future since we have a sizeable aging population, with many taking blood thinners to manage various medical conditions. These hematomas often form in the elderly because as we age, the brain shrinks and pulls away from the inside of the skull, stretching the veins that form a bridge between the dura and the brain, which makes them more likely to tear after a small trauma and leak blood into the protective space between the brain and skull, the dura." Jason Davies, M.D., Ph.D., study co-author, associate professor in the departments of neurosurgery and biomedical informatics at the State University of New York, Buffalo

Treatment for subacute or chronic subdural hematoma may involve a surgical procedure to drain pooled blood from the area or closely monitoring symptoms to determine if and when intervention may be necessary. The challenge is that even with surgery, repeat surgery may be needed in up to 20% of cases of subdural hematomas.

The EMBOLISE clinical trial tested whether a subacute or chronic subdural hematoma is less likely to require additional surgery if, in addition to surgical drainage, a substance is injected to block, or embolize, one of the arteries supplying blood to the dura. The OnyxTM liquid embolic system, tested in this trial, is already used prior to surgery to reduce bleeding in people having an operation to correct an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain.

Between December 2020 and August 2023, researchers enrolled 400 adults (average age of 72; 27% women) at 39 centers (including both community and academic hospitals). All were about to undergo surgery for subacute or chronic subdural hematoma and were considered able to care for themselves and likely to survive at least one year. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either surgery alone or surgery plus embolization using the liquid embolic system to help reduce the progression or recurrence of subdural hematoma.

The primary outcome was how frequently there was reaccumulation of blood (a recurrence) that required surgical drainage within 90 days.

The analysis found:

Subsequent subdural hematoma within 90 days and need for surgical drainage occurred in 4.1% of patients who had surgery plus embolization and 11.3% of those who had surgery alone.

At 90 days after surgery, increasing disability and neurological dysfunction was found to be comparable (statistically the same) in both groups, with 11.9% of patients who had surgery plus embolization and 9.8% of patients who had surgery alone.

Serious adverse events attributed to embolization occurred in 2% of patients who received it.

"The EMBOLISE trial showed that there was a nearly 3-fold reduction in re-operation for patients that were treated with surgery plus embolization," Davies said. "Fewer trips to the operating room mean less potential for pain, complications, recovery and expense for the patient. Furthermore, we see that the complications related to the embolization procedure were low and that there was no increase in neurological problems."

Study details and background:

The EMBOLISE (Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery With Onyx TM Liquid Embolic System in the Treatment of Subacute and Chronic Subdural Hematoma) study was conducted at multiple hospitals and health centers in the United States.

Liquid Embolic System in the Treatment of Subacute and Chronic Subdural Hematoma) study was conducted at multiple hospitals and health centers in the United States. The liquid embolic system treatment starts as an injectable soft solid, flows as a liquid when force is applied, and then returns to a soft solid state to stop the leaking blood vessel.

Other arms of the EMBOLISE study, which included patients not undergoing surgery and randomized to either receive the liquid embolic system or not, are ongoing and not being presented at ISC 2024.

Additional measures to gauge success of the liquid embolic system treatment included the number of hospital readmissions; change in hematoma (pooling of blood) volume or thickness; and change in midline shift (when a hematoma pushes brain tissue out of alignment), all assessed at 90 days after treatment.

Safety endpoints included the incidence of neurological death or serious adverse events occurring within 30, 90 and 180 days after treatment.

The main limitation was a relatively high loss to follow up. "One of the challenges of conducting this trial was dealing with a frail elderly population, especially in the middle of the pandemic. Tracking patients down for follow up is always a challenge, and these were compounded by the various COVID-era restrictions that many of our sites faced," Davies said.
Skies in Nanning, south China, lit up with 2,000 drones forming a giant dragon to ring in the Year of the Dragon!

This stunning celebration conveyed Chinese New Year wishes to the public for family reunions and prosperity.
Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) is announcing its recent acceptance into the Pediatric Heart Network (PHN), a collective of leading hospitals working to improve outcomes and quality of life for children  and more recently adults  with heart disease. The hospital's Heart Institute will become one of nine clinical research centers across North America selected to be a part of this national network.

We are thrilled to be accepted as a new core site for the Pediatric Heart Network. As one of only eight stand-alone pediatric cardiology research centers in the country, we are uniquely positioned to ensure that children and young adults with heart disease in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions have equitable access to these important research studies." Shelley Miyamoto, MD, professor and Jack Cooper Millisor Chair of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the Heart Institute

The goal of the PHN is to bring cutting-edge treatments, trials and studies to patients through the collaboration of the nine participating hospitals. Over the next seven years, the selected congenital heart centers will work together to conduct multisite research in pediatric and congenital heart disease projects, bringing even more leading and innovative trials, studies and treatments to patients treated at these sites.

Funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the PHN will provide $2.4 million over the term of the award to Children's Colorado, which was selected as a core site in the Gateway to the West consortium with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. As such, Children's Colorado pediatric leaders will participate in all PHN-led clinical studies and serve on the executive committee and all other PHN committees.

The network aims to improve health outcomes in children with heart disease  particularly congenital heart disease and more recently, in adults, by unifying an at-times fragmented congenital heart disease research community. Over the past 22 years, the multicenter collaborative effort has supported 25 large studies, including 10 clinical trials, adding treatments and improving care for pediatric heart disease patients.

The application process to be a part of the PHN is a competitive and rigorous endeavor that spanned six months. The application process began in January of 2023. Awardees had to demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to pediatric cardiovascular research and education, the infrastructure to participate and lead multicenter clinical trials, and a broad range of expertise among study team members. In addition, each site had to develop and pitch a study proposal, which is currently being considered for the next phase of clinical studies.

"We are confident that our exceptional outcomes and team members were key to securing this award," Miyamoto said. "We are thrilled to be able to have even more collaboration and information from other PHN hospitals and to be able to offer even more valuable resources and options to our patients."

Leading the new core site alongside Children's Colorado's Dr. Miyamoto is Emily Bucholz, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics and a fetal cardiologist, in collaboration with Washington University's Andrew C. Glatz, MD, the Louis Larrick Ward Professor of Pediatrics, and Jennifer N. Silva, MD, a professor of pediatrics and of biomedical engineering. The two centers will work together as the Gateway to the West consortium, with regular virtual and in-person meetings, as well as a shared plan to enhance diversity in research participants, and a shared mentorship model to train the next generation of pediatric cardiology clinical investigators.
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has opened a special-care dental clinic, the first of its kind in an academic setting in South Texas that will serve people of all ages with intellectual, developmental, cognitive or physical disabilities.



With spacious, specially designed treatment rooms featuring adjustable sound and lighting and even a "Zen Den" multi-sensory room to help reduce anxiety, the Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic occupies approximately 4,300 square feet on the first floor of the school's Center for Oral Health Care and Research, at 8210 Floyd Curl Drive. The clinic is named for San Antonio-area philanthropists who provided seed money for the project. Phil Hunke, DDS, is a retired pediatric dentist.



The state-of-the-art space includes seven dental treatment rooms and five rooms equipped with the capability to deliver conscious sedation, all to accommodate those with special needs and provide services for up to 40 patients per day. The clinic will serve the community and provide training for students.

Numerous barriers exist in the current oral health care delivery model for individuals with special needs. At the heart of the issue is a lack of workforce trained and willing in the provision of services for this population." Jennifer Farrell, DDS, DABSCSD, inaugural director of the clinic

In one study, only 10% of dentists responding to a survey reported treating individuals with special needs and only one in four students had hands-on experience with those patients while in dental school.



"Dental education institutions are the vital link in building a clinician base that will deliver services to this significantly underserved population," said Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, dean of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry.

Serving vital roles

The clinic serves three vital roles. In addition to seeing patients from throughout South Texas, the facility will provide academic and clinical training to students in special-care dentistry across several disciplines, including dental and dental hygiene, medical, physician assistant and nursing. The clinic will serve as a resource for community dentists and social service providers, not only as a referral source but also for dissemination of information and advances in the treatment of individuals with special needs.



The clinic builds on the region's most comprehensive integrated dental practice, where patients receive care from experienced dentists, renowned specialists, advanced graduate residents or dental students overseen by faculty of the state's top-ranked dental school.



In addition to the generous support provided by the namesake donors, a $2 million federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant over five years is funding personnel and operating costs, and provider education. Also, $2.3 million from the Oral Health Improvement Program (OHIP) of the Texas Department of State Health Services is supporting the goal of expanding oral care for those with special health care needs.



The roomy treatment areas allow multiple points of access based on the management needs of the patients, and with ample room for the patients and their families or caregivers, while being private. The Zen Den and a bubble wall offer sensory-regulating features.



Entrances, the reception area and corridors also are designed to allow easy access, and with hallways that include railing and wheelchair bumpers. Patients will have access to a wheelchair tilt if needed, though most patients will be able to receive treatment in their wheelchairs without a tilt.



Compehensive exams will determine what level of sedation is most appropriate for a patient, with five suites specially designed with the latest equipment to deliver full treatment along with conscious sedation. The clinic's location inside the Center for Oral Health Care and Research gives access to additional treatment spaces that allow full sedation if necessary.



"We provide a full range of preventive, routine and comprehensive dental care for all ages and dental needs," said Micaela Gibbs, DDS, MHA, clinical associate professor and chief dental officer of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. "Customized care plans are created based on a patient's unique set of circumstances and tolerance for treatments."

What to expect

The first visit typically will include a comprehensive oral evaluation, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride application, tailored instructions for home oral hygiene care and nutritional guidance, and development of a tentative plan for ongoing care  and will take from one to two hours.



The clinic accepts Medicaid for qualified patients under the age of 21 and select dental insurance. Third-party financing options are available for patients requiring a payment plan.



As the clinic's founding director, Farrell brings more than 30 years of experience providing care for patients with disabilities. Before joining here, she was director of the Special Patient Care Dental Program at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago for 13 years and treated patients with special needs through that program for more than 28 years.



In 2021, Farrell received the Lawrence J. Chasko Distinguished Service Award from the Special Care Dentistry Association.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a stern warning to medical colleges across the country that, while medical colleges must provide adequate accommodation facilities for postgraduate (PG) medical candidates, these students cannot be forced to stay in hostels. The Commission has further warned medical institutions that if they violate the directive, they will face monetary penalties, seat reductions, and admission suspensions. The NMC issued the warning via an official notice that is currently available on the official website of NMC at nmc.org.in.

The action has been taken in response to complaints that medical students had made to the NMC about colleges imposing their mandatory hostel stay. In its formal announcement, the Commission also emphasised that there is no clause in the PGMER (Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation) 2000 requiring PG students to reside in medical college-provided dorms.

As per the regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, It will be mandatory for the college to provide appropriate residential accommodation to post-graduate students. However, it will not be mandatory for the post-graduate students to stay in the hostel, reads the official notice. The NMC also clarified that the former PG medical regulations did not include such a provision.

The NMC stated that the Commission has received numerous complaints from postgraduate students claiming that certain medical colleges and institutes are forcing students to stay in the hostel that the colleges and institutes provide and that they are charging a hefty fee for that accommodation.

The Commission has warned medical colleges that if they fail to follow these rules, they will face public scrutiny, as well as monetary penalties. All the Medical Colleges and Institutes are directed to take cognizance of the above-mentioned regulation, failing which NMC may take action as per Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023 which includes monetary penalty, reduction of seats, stoppage of admission, etc, the notice added.

The National Medical Commission is the countrys apex regulatory body for medical education. According to NMC regulations, hostel accommodations for postgraduate medical students are optional.

Meanwhile, as per the Regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, while colleges must provide appropriate residential options to postgraduate students, staying in the hostel is not required.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the official notification for the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2024 soon. The commission is scheduled to issue the UPSC CSE notification on February 14. Once the notification is out, candidates preparing for the UPSC CSE 2024 can check the age limit, eligibility criteria, exam structure, and other important dates. However, candidates should carefully read the official UPSC CSE 2024 notification before applying.

In May 2023, the UPSC 2024 exam calendar was released. As per the timetable, it mentioned that the CSE 2024 notification will be released on February 14 and the online application process is likely to commence on the same day. The deadline to register for the Civil Service Examination 2024 is March 5. Meanwhile, the Preliminary exam is scheduled to be held on May 26. In addition, the Civil Service Mains 2024 will be held on October 19.

UPSC CSE 2024: Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit: The minimum age requirement is 21 years while the upper age limit is 32 years.

Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a Bachelors degree from a university recognised by the central or state governments of India, or from educational institutions authorised by Parliament or designated as universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or have an equivalent qualification.

UPSC CSE 2024: Application Fee

Candidates must pay an application fee of Rs 100, based on previous years patterns (excluding women, SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disability candidates, who are exempt from fees).

UPSC CSE 2024: Exam Pattern

The Civil Services Examination will consist of two consecutive stages, as described in Appendix I Section-I:

1. Civil Service (Preliminary) Exam: This stage will be objective in nature, with the goal of selecting candidates for the Main Examination.

2. Civil Service (Main) Exam: This stage consists of both written and interview components and is intended to select candidates for the various Services and positions mentioned earlier.

In the multiple-choice portion of the exam, candidates must keep in mind that they will lose marks for giving the wrong answer to a question.

After passing the Civil Services (Main) Exam, candidates must select the services they wish to be considered for based on the options offered for that years exam. Before the examinations personality tests (interviews) begin, they must complete this section of the online Detailed Application Form (DAF).

Candidates are allowed to take the Civil Services Examination up to six times. Those from the SC/ST/OBC and PwBD categories, who are otherwise eligible, will be allowed more attempts.
Addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said it was impossible to imagine Bharat without Lord Ram.

We cant imagine Bharat without Lord Ram. If anyone does that, he or she doesnt know about Bharat, he said.

Speaking about the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22, he said, January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come. It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, 22 January was the beginning of great IndiaThose who imagine a country without lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism pic.twitter.com/WOWq42usag ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

He said those who imagine a country without Lord Ram, do not know the country well and represent the days of colonialism.

The senior BJP leader said the demands of Ram devotees were not being heard, but after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, he took steps to make Ram Mandir a reality.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during pic.twitter.com/wDQw7hAvz7 ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government, he said.

He added that several countries across the globe, including Nepal and Indonesia, had accepted Hindu epic Ramayan as an adarsh ideal text.
The Enforcement Directorate has booked former NCB Zonal Director of Mumbai Sameer Wankhede in connection with a money laundering case. The report stems from the allegations that Wankhede demanded a Rs 25 crore bribe from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to spare his son in a drug bust case.

Wankhede has been booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), PTI reported quoting official sources on Saturday.

Apart from Wankhede, some former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials have also been summoned in the matter.

Meanwhile, Wankhede, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, has moved the Bombay High Court seeking protection from any coercive action by the ED.

In May last year, Wankhede was booked by the CBI on charges of seeking a Rs 25-crore bribe for not framing Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-cruise case, officials said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked Wankhede and others for alleged criminal conspiracy (120-B IPC), and threat of extortion (388 IPC) besides provisions about bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act on a complaint from the NCB

Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested in connection with the Mumbai cruise drugs case in October 2021

A year later, the NCB filed a charge sheet in the drugs-on-cruise case against 14 accused but gave a clean chit to Aryan Khan.

The much-hyped case took a twist when an independent witness had claimed in 2021 that Rs 25 crore was demanded by an NCB official and other persons, including a witness Gosavi, to let off Aryan Khan.

The NCB later conducted an internal vigilance probe against Wankhede and others and shared the contents with the CBI leading to the registration of a case against him
Uttarakhands security forces are keeping a strict vigil in Haldwani after violent clashes broke out between police and locals in the Banbhoolpura area on Thursday evening as the administration, in a bid to evict encroachers, bulldozed an illegal Madrasa.

Officials said at least four people had been killed while hundreds were injured. Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, after returning from Haldwani, told News18: It seems the violence was planned. Police are identifying those involved in the incident.

Roots of Agitation

In 2022, thousands of Banbhoolpura residents were up in arms against a high court order that sought eviction of encroachers from land belonging to the Railways. Though the Supreme Court stayed the order on January 5, 2023, the area has been restive since then.

Located close to a railway station along the railway line, Banbhoolpura is a densely populated area that houses about one lakh Muslims as per estimates.

Haldwani resident Paramjit Singh said: Im 63 years old and Banbhoolpura existed before that. Earlier, there were a few thousand families but now that number has exceeded.

In recent years, many families shifted base from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh towns like Swar, Tanda and Bahedi to Banbhoolpura, given that Haldwani city is the gateway to Kumaon hills and provides ample business opportunities.

Encroached Land

Recently, Haldwani administration had cleared around 30 acres of land housing Mazars and Madrasas. On Thursday, one such structure was demolished from Malik Ka Bagicha. The administration also identified Kabul Ka Bagicha, Safdar Ka Bagicha, and Najakat Khan Ka Bagicha as official land belonging to the government.

Records suggest that most of Haldwani rests on Nazool land  government land that could be allotted to an individual for a specific year and was non-transferable.

Not only Haldwani, people in various towns live on Nazool land. There is a need for a broader outlook to avoid a Haldwani-like situation, said PC Tiwari, president, Uttarakhand Parivartan Party.

Banbhoolpuras Political Connection

Over the years, Banbhoolpura remained a political cauldron due to its vote bank. In the last five assembly elections held since Uttarakhand was carved out of UP in 2000, the ruling BJP has won only once in Haldwani in 2007, while Congress has remained victorious the remaining four times.

Blaming the Grand Old Party, the BJP said the former stood by the residents whenever the administration attempted to clear the 29 acres of land, despite knowing that it belonged to the government.

The Banbhoolpura incident is a result of appeasement politics. Our government is dealing with those involved in clashes with an iron fist, a leader said.

Another BJP MLA, Mahant Dilip Rawat, stressed that stringent action was needed to stop outsiders in Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, questions are also being raised about a possible Intelligence failure that led to violence just two days after the Uniform Civil Code Bill was passed in the state assembly. Cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi, while speaking to News18, said the violence was a result of the frustration visible in Haldwani owing to UCC.

Neelesh Anand Bharne, spokesperson of Uttarakhand Police, said the department would look into chances of an Intel failure.
Amidst the raging violence in Uttarakhands Haldwani following the demolition of an illegally-built madrasa during an anti-encroachment drive, five people have been arrested on the basis of the investigation. On Saturday, curfew was lifted from the outer areas of this violence-hit Uttarakhand town, however it still in force in the Banbhoolpura area that witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob over the madrasa demolition.

The violence had claimed the lives of six rioters and a curfew was imposed on Thursday when violence had erupted in the Haldwani locality.

While talking about the latest development in connection to the violence, Nainital SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena said, We have arrested 5 people based on the evidence collected during the investigation and through the CCTV footageSoon we will arrest the others involved.

The accused behind the incident were brought to the Kotwali Police Station on Saturday.

What Happened So Far?

Five people involved in Thursdays violence have so far been arrested and three FIRs registered, police said.

Six rioters were killed in Thursdays violence that broke out over the demolition of an illegally-built madrasa during an anti-encroachment drive, officials said.

More than 60 people were hurt on Thursday after locals hurled stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police, which forced many police personnel to seek refuge in a police station, which the mob then set on fire.

On Haldwani violence, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said the anti-encroachment drive had been going on as per the courts direction and the administration had notified people beforehand.

Shops on the outskirts of the town opened on Saturday but schools remain closed.

The residents of the Banbhoolpura area, where the curfew is still in force, are being allowed to buy essentials from time to time.

Patrolling is continuously being done in the affected area and the situation is under control, Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Law and Order, A P Anshuman told PTI.

Internet services continue to be suspended to prevent rumours from spreading through social media platforms.

The Uttarakhand government had put the entire state on high alert after the violence in Haldwanis Banbhoolpura on Thursday.

(with agency inputs)
Journalist Nikhil Wagles car was reportedly attacked on Friday by BJP workers in Pune while he was en route to attend an event, according to officials. The workers were allegedly protesting his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LK Advani following Advanis receipt of the Bharat Ratna award.

An official from Deccan police station stated that BJP workers hurled ink at the car carrying Wagle, along with two others, Aseem Sarode and Vishwambhar Choudhary, who were traveling under police protection to the Nirbhay Bano event organised by Rashtra Seva Dal in the Singhad Road area.

Television footage showed BJP workers surrounding the car at Khandoji Baba Chowk, vandalizing it, and causing damage to the windscreen and side panes.

Despite the incident, Wagle managed to reach the event venue under police protection, the official added. Speaking at the Nirbhay Bano event, Wagle stated, I forgive all those who attacked me. This was the seventh attack on me; I have been attacked six times earlier.

He later took to microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) to share details of the attack. He said the attackers chased and used eggs, rods, hockey sticks and ink.

 - , -,     .    .              .,        ,         nikhil wagle (@waglenikhil) February 10, 2024

Yesterdays attack was the worst. Stones, sticks, hockey sticks, rods, eggs and ink were all used. We were chased four times in just half-an-hour and surrounded. The attack took place with the connivance of the police. It is my belief that we all survived yesterday only with the blessings of Phule-Ambedkar, he shared.

Earlier in the day, there was a standoff between workers from the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi outside the Rashtra Seva Dal premises, with protesters attempting to prevent Wagle from speaking at the event.

Subsequently, a case was filed against Wagle for allegedly making offensive remarks against the Prime Minister and Advani. Nikhil Wagle has been booked under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 500 (defamation), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Vishrambaug police station. We are investigating the matter further, the official stated.

Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar had filed a complaint against the 64-year-old journalist at the Vishrambaug police station on Tuesday over the controversial comments, he said.

The senior scribe made the alleged defamatory remarks on social media platform X against Modi and Advani after the Centre announced that the latter would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian honour.

Pune BJP had also requested the police to deny permission to the Nirbhay Bano event. Pune city Shiv Sena president Pramod Bhangire said they were not opposing the event but only the participation of Wagle. We condemn Wagles remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP veteran L K Advani. remarks in his social media posts, he has created rift between communities, Bhangire said.

CASE AGAINST BJP WORKERS OVER ATTACK

The Pune police on Saturday registered a case against some workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly attacking journalist Nikhil Wagles car and booked the latter for alleged violation of prohibitory orders.

Based on a complaint lodged by a woman, a first information report (FIR) was registered at Parvati police station under sections 147 (rioting), 336 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, an official said.

The FIR states that the complainant and a few others were protecting Wagles car even as some BJP workers allegedly hurled stones at the vehicle and injured them, he said.

A case has also been registered against Wagle and the city unit presidents of the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress for allegedly violating section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), he said.

A case has been registered against them as the event was being held without police permission, said Sambhaji Kadam, deputy commissioner of police.

(With inputs from agencies)
A video of a brawl outside the Amity University campus in Noida, Sector 126, went viral on social media on Saturday, prompting police officials to launch a probe into the matter, reported Hindustan Times.

In the video, a group of men can be seen slapping, punching and kicking each other. One man can be seen picking up a utensil from a nearby shop to attack another man.

According to sources, the brawl which initiated between two student groups, escalated within two hours. However, the reason behind the brawl is yet to be ascertained.

Clashes in and around Amity University Noida are not new. Around 10 days ago, another video from outside the institution went viral, where a student of the University, was assaulted by alleged carjackers wielding sticks, resulting in significant injuries. Two suspects connected to the attack had reportedly been arrested.

SCUFFLE AT JNU

Meanwhile, a scuffle broke out late Friday night between RSS-affiliated ABVP and Left-backed groups at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus during a meeting on holding students union polls, with both sides claiming some of their members were injured.

While the warring groups blamed the other side for the ruckus, there was no immediate reaction from the JNU administration.

The student groups clashed during the University General Body Meeting (UGBM) at the Sabarmati Dhaba on the campus to elect members of the Election Commission for the 2024 JNUSU polls.

Left-affiliated Democratic Students Federation (DSF) alleged Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members obstructed the UGBM by encroaching upon the dias and heckling council members and speakers.

In videos shared by both the groups on social media, ABVP and JNU students union members can be seen arguing, amid shouting and sloganeering as university security personnel try to control the situation.

(With PTI inputs)
Lebanese soldiers are seen beside a damaged car in Jadra, Lebanon, Feb. 10, 2024.

Two people were killed and three others injured on Saturday as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Jadra, a Lebanese town about 65 kilometers away from the country's border with Israel, Lebanese security sources said. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and three others injured on Saturday as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Jadra, a Lebanese town about 65 kilometers away from the country's border with Israel, Lebanese security sources said.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a Palestinian official from the Hamas movement survived two missiles fired by an Israeli drone at his car, which was heading from the southern Lebanese city of Sidon to the capital Beirut.

The sources added that the raid killed a Lebanese and a Syrian and wounded three others, including one in critical condition. The injured people have been transferred to a hospital in Sidon.

The sources refused to name the targeted Palestinian figure, saying that the investigations into the incident are still ongoing.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 257 people on the Lebanese side, including 183 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. 

Lebanese soldiers inspect a damaged car in Jadra, Lebanon, Feb. 10, 2024.

Two people were killed and three others injured on Saturday as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Jadra, a Lebanese town about 65 kilometers away from the country's border with Israel, Lebanese security sources said. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

Lebanese soldiers inspect a damaged car in Jadra, Lebanon, Feb. 10, 2024.

Two people were killed and three others injured on Saturday as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Jadra, a Lebanese town about 65 kilometers away from the country's border with Israel, Lebanese security sources said. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
A 52-year-old man fired at and injured a jewellery shop owner over a dispute outside a hotel in Pune city on Saturday evening before shooting himself dead in an autorickshaw, police said.

A financial dispute is the prima facie trigger behind the incident which occurred in Aundh area.

The deceased is identified as Anil Dhamale and the injured as Aakash Jadhav (39), a police officer said.

Dhamale was working at a jeweller shop owned by Jadhav for the last several years. On Saturday evening, Dhamale called out Jadhav for a coffee and took him to a nearby hotel, the officer said.

When they were near the hotel, Dhamale, who was carrying a pistol, shot Jadhav point blank and fled the spot, he added.

Dhamale then boarded an autorickshaw. He fatally shot himself in the head with the same pistol near Aundh Chowk. Jadhav has been admitted to a nearby hospital, the officer added.

A case has been registered at Chatushrungi police station and further investigation is underway.
Amid protests by locals demanding the arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan in the Sandeshkhali area of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, his close associate Uttam Sardar was arrested on Saturday. Notably, Uttam Sardar was suspended by TMC earlier in the day in view of the ongoing protests in the area. The locals were demanding his arrest for the last two days.

In addition to this, the police also arrested BJP leader Bikash Singh for allegedly provoking protesters who have been staging demonstrations against leaders close to the notorious Shajahan, including Uttam Sardar.

With the arrest of the two above-mentioned, a total of 16 people have been arrested by the police so far.

Protests in Sandeshkhali

Sandeshkhali has been rocked by protests led by locals for the past three days after a clash broke out following two processions led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP on Wednesday. A procession was taken out in the area by the local Trinamool supporters to protest against the central government. However, it took a violent turn when the BJP took out a counter procession.

The local residents took to the streets demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who went missing last month after a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that went to raid his house in the alleged ration scam was attacked by a mob. Shahjahan has been absconding since then.

Tensions escalated near Sandeshkhali police station when the residents, especially women, came marching with brooms and sticks to voice their protest against the local TMC strongmen. The police, however, reached the spot and controlled the situation. The protesting women alleged that Shajahan and his gang captured swathes of land by force, besides sexually harassing them.

Internet services were suspended and restrictive orders were imposed in the Sandeshkhali after the protests intensified.
Internet services have been suspended and restrictive orders have been imposed in the Sandeshkhali area of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal following violent protests by locals demanding the arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan and his associates.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday took cognisance of reports of sexual harassment of Hindu women by Shajahan and his associates and sought immediate action into the matter.

Earlier, a BJP team was stopped from entering Sandeshkhali, as a gathering of four or more people has been prohibited in the area.

Protest In Sandeshkhali

Protests led by local women have rocked Sandeshkhali for the past three days. They have been demanding the arrest of Shajahan, who went missing last month after a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that went to raid his house in the alleged ration scam was attacked by a mob.

The protesting women alleged that Shajahan and his gang captured swathes of land by force, besides sexually harassing them.

With sticks and brooms in their hands, local women took out processions in different areas of Sandeshkhali as the protest intensified on the second day.

On Friday afternoon, Shajahans aide Shiboprasad Hazras house was vandalised and some furniture was torched. A poultry farm in Zeliakhali belonging to Hazra was also set ablaze. The protesters alleged that the farms were built on the land usurped from them and that they were forced to work there.

Eight people were detained in connection with the vandalism, DIG (Barasat range) Sumit Kumar said.

Addressing a press conference, Additional Director-General (Law and Order) Manoj Verma urged people not to take the law into their own hands.

Investigation is underway into all complaints that have been lodged and action will be taken. At the same time, if someone takes up the law into their hands, the law will take its course. The situation is at present under control, he said.

The protesting women also staged a sit-in outside the Sandeshkhali police station for a few hours. They withdrew the demonstration around 7 pm, stating that it would resume on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shajahans supporters also took to the streets, further adding to the tension.

NCW Demands Action

The women and child rights body demanded swift action into allegations made by protesting women and demanded a detailed investigation report by DGP within two days.

NCW is deeply disturbed by reports alleging the wrongful confinement and rape of Hindu women in Basirhat, West Bengal by Sheikh Shahjahan at the TMC party office. We condemn these incidents and urge swift action. A letter has been sent to the state DGP for immediate intervention and provision of medical care to victims. We demand a detailed investigation report within 48 hours. NCW enquiry committee headed by Member Delina will be going to the place of crime in the matter, the commission said in a post in X.

Blame Game On

The TMC claimed that the BJP and CPI (M) were inciting the people to foment unrest in the area.

There could have been discontentment against one or two TMC leaders in the area. The conspirators took advantage of that to foment trouble. It is an isolated incident, and peoples grievances will be addressed, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

BJP said the incident was an outcome of pent-up rage among the people.

The incident in Sandeshkhali is a trailer of things to come. The TMC regime will not last for many days, BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya claimed.

CPI(M) leader Tanmoy Bhattacharya said the illegal occupation of hundreds of acres of land and police inaction led to the public outburst.

This was not political, it was a spontaneous mob fury, he claimed.

Meanwhile, BJPs IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that Shahjahan and his men would abduct young, good-looking, married Hindu women from their homes, and violate them.

In a post on X, the BJP leader claimed that Hindu women in Bengal, under Mamata Banerjees regime, are fair game for Muslim men like Sheikh Shahjahan, because she has pawned her sensibilities as a woman, in lieu of Muslim votes. She is as much a criminal as Shahjahan is.

Protests have erupted across Basirhats Sandeskhali. Locals are demanding arrest of dreaded monster Shahjahan Sheikh and his men. But what should shake our collective conscience, is the chilling account of how Shahjahan and his men would abduct young, good looking, married women pic.twitter.com/OdDCvqN2sX Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 9, 2024

Mamata Banerjee should hang her head in shame. She is a blot, not just as a woman Chief Minister, but also as a human being, he added.
Arbaaz Khan got married to make-up artist Sshura Khan in an intimate wedding ceremony in December last year. The nikah took place at Arpita Khans home with Salman Khan and family attending it. Soon after the ceremony, the couple shared official pictures and marked their entry into the club of most happening couples of Bollywood. Since then, the two havent hesitated to express their love in public. In his recent interview, Arbaaz Khan got candid about his love story with Sshura, which began on the sets of his production Patna Shukla.

In an interview with the Indian Express, Arbaaz Khan shared,It was just a casual meeting, a professional meeting. Post that, when the movie got over, we met a couple of times. Celebs tend to believe that their relationship should be known publicly, ours was under the wraps for almost a year.

The actor also addressed the age gap between him and Sshrua,Though my wife is much younger than me, it is not like she is 16 years old. She knew what she wanted in her life, and I knew what I wanted in my life. We spent a lot of time together in that one year to really see what we expect out of each other, what do we want, and how are we looking at our future. Such decisions are not made in a hurry, he exclaimed.

Arbaaz was previously married to Malaika Arora. They were married for 19 years. The couple tied the knot in 1998 but announced their separation in March 2016 and officially got divorced in May 2017. They are share a son named Arhaan.

The actor went on to date model Giorgia Andriani. He had confirmed his relationship with her in 2019. But recently there were rumours that the couple had broken up last year. Georgia confirmed the same in an interview when she said, We were friends, we were like best friends. I will always have feelings for him. I will always do.
The trailer of the much anticipated film Crakk: Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa, featuring Arjun Rampal and Vidyut Jammwal, is finally here and has created a buzz online. Cinema enthusiasts are expressing their admiration for the impressive visual and action packed scenes featured in the trailer. The actors, in an attempt to deliver a spectacular experience, performed their own jaw dropping stunt sequences. However, the actors paid a physical toll to deliver this action packed performance. During the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Arjun disclosed that he was inspired by Vidyut for the intense stunts. However, this dedication came with a cost, as Arjun confessed that he suffered a slip disc during one of the challenging stunt sequences. This unexpected obstacle forced the team to postpone the shooting dates for approximately 2-3 weeks.

The Om Shanti Om star shared, Crakk was one of the most physically challenging films. We were told that there will be a lot of action and it will be amazing. I was told that Ill be able to do all of it. But when you hug Vidyut, you feel muscles which you didnt even know existed in human bodies. I am quite a fit guy, so I was like What kind of animal is he? I really had to up my game in that department. I was so inspired and in such awe in this movie, watching all these people do their thing. So I had to constantly push myself. I had to say I want to do it again. In that process, I suffered a slipped disc and was laid up in bed.

Following his slip disc injury on the sets of Crakk: Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa, the production team showed kindness by cancelling the shoot for almost two to three weeks, allowing Arjun Rampal to recover and complete the sequence whenever hes back. On the final day of shooting, Vidyut Jammwal continued to support Rampal, as his repaired discs were displaced once again and the Ra.One star returned to the hospital.

In a surprising turn of events, Nora Fatehi, inspired by the dedication of Arjun and Vidyut, opted to perform her own stunts without any stunt double. However, her decision came with its own set of challenges. Recounting a particular scene with Vidyut, Nora revealed the intensity of the incident, as both actors were moving at full speed, tied to a rope. Nora fell during the sequence which went unnoticed by Vidyut, leading to her being dragged in the concrete. Despite the safety precautions, the mishap left Nora in pain. She further expressed that she cried in her vanity van like a baby due to the incident.

Directed by Aditya Datt, Crakk: Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa is scheduled to release on February 23.
Back in February 2022, Vikrant Massey and his long-time girlfriend Sheetal Thakur got married to each in an intimate ceremony. After two years of blissful marriage, Vikrant and Sheetal have become doting parents to a son on Wednesday. Now after three days, Vikrant Masseys wife Sheetal Thakur has been discharged and the couple were spotted leaving the premises of the hospital.

On Saturday, popular paparazzo handle Viral Bhayani shared a clip in which Vikrant and Sheetal can be seen sitting inside a car. The 12th Fail actor greeted the paps with his hand gesture and also cautioned them not to disturb Sheetal and the baby, who were sitting in the back. Although the clip did capture Vikrant Masseys cheerful face, Sheetal and the babys face remained inconspicuous.

Watch the viral video here:

On Wednesday, Vikrant Massey took to his Instagram handle and shared the announcement. It read, 07.02.2024. For we have become one. We are bursting with joy & love to announce the arrival of our son. Love Sheetal & Vikrant. The actor also used a folded hands emoji as the post caption.

Several celebs like Sobhita Dhulipala, Raashii Khanna, Suhail Nayyar, Anshuman Jha, Manish Malhotra and others took to the comment section to congratulate the couple and extend their warm wishes.

The lovebirds met on the sets of ALT Balajis web show Broken But Beautiful and soon started dating. It was in 2019 November they got engaged in a private ceremony. The couple is extremely private about their marriage.

Earlier in an interview with Indian Today, when Vikrant was asked about his married life with Sheetal, where he shared, My married life has been great. Yes, there are a lot of things that are different now. I feel a lot different but I married my best friend and couldnt have asked for more. I got a new house, and that has also been a blessing. So life is good and God has been very kind, said Vikrant.

On the work front, Vikrant Massey is set to appear in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba and an untitled web series produced by Rajkumar Hirani. The actor also captivated the audience with his performance in Vidhu Vinod Chopras 12th Fail. Despite the limited response during its theatrical release, the movie received the much deserved recognition and attention upon its OTT release. Interestingly, Bollywood figures like Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, Rishabh Shetty, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal had previously praised the film.
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello finally settled their divorce nearly six months after they announced their separation, as per reports. TMZ obtained documents from the court on Friday, February 9. They mentioned in their report that the former couple have decided to amicably part ways, in accordance with their prenup.

As per the documents obtained by the outlet, their prenup allows both actors to keep the assets they had acquired individually during their marriage. TMZ also reported that both Sofia and Joe have waived spousal support.

Speaking about the reason behind their split, Sofia told El Pais last month, My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids, and I didnt want to be an old mom. She added, I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and Im ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. Sofia who was previously married to her high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez in 1991 shares a son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara with him.

Sofia Vergara added that she had already hit menopause and it was the natural way of things. She explained that when his son becomes a father and he brings his baby to her after some time she will give it back to him and go on with her life. Thats what I have to do, she said.

Later on, in the divorce documents obtained by People magazine, Joe cited the irreconcilable differences between him and Sofia to be the reason for the divorce. Sofia Vergara who got married to Joe in 2015, parted ways with her former partner last year in September. Rumours of their alleged split-up surfaced when Sofia was seen celebrating her 51st birthday in Italy without Joe and sans a wedding ring. In July 2023, the Hot Pursuit actress released a joint statement with Joe, announcing their separation.
Shraddha Kapoor put up a stellar performance in the 2018 Amar Kaushik directorial Stree. The horror-comedy generated a positive response from movie-goers emerging to be a sleeper hit. Acknowledging the popularity surrounding the film, the makers decided to come up with its sequel, Stree 2. The filming of the same which is currently underway will witness Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurrana reprise their roles. However, chances are that there is a new cast addition. According to reports, Varun Dhawan has been roped in for Stree 2 in a special cameo appearance. The actor has even started shooting for the film.

Varun Dhawan previously worked with Amar Kaushik in Bhediya. The 2022 film was a part of the horror comedy universe, created by the series producer Dinesh Vijan. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Varun Dhawan will have a crossover in Stree 2 where the actor will essay the role of Bhediya. He recently shot for his guest appearance at a studio in Mumbai. As per a source, Bhediya is a character close to Varun Dhawans heart and his appearance as Bhediya in Stree 2 will set things up for Bhediya 2.

Sources further claimed that Varun Dhawan allotted two days to Dinesh Vijan and completed the shoot within the stipulated time. His cameo appearance opposite Shraddha Kapoor is expected to be hilarious yet impactful. Varun and Amar Kaushik had a blast with each other on Stree 2s sets, reported Bollywood Hungama. The duo even engaged in discussing the framework of their upcoming project Bhediya 2. Bhediya 2 goes on floors in 2025 and will take off from where Stree 2 ended, the report added.

Stree 2s first look was unveiled last year in July. The grim video opened with the dark and eerie lane of Chanderi. A Missing poster was pasted on the wall, featuring men who disappeared from the place. Strees tagline, Oh Stree kal aana (come tomorrow), was replaced with the words, Oh Stree raksha karna (protect us). The video concludes with the film franchises theme sarkate ka aatank (terror of the headless man) along with a shadow of a person holding a severed head.

Amar Kaushik will helm the directors chair again for Stree 2. The film is slated to hit the big screens on August 30.
Bobby Deol has been all the rage since the release of the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial film Animal last year. However, this fanfare is not new for the actor. With films like Gupt and Soldier, Bobby Deol has been quite the sensation in the late 1990s. In a 2001 interview with Filmfare, Bobby recalled a funny incident while shooting a romantic song for Gupt with Manisha Koirala.

He said, I got along fine with her, though we didnt become friends. While shooting for the song Bechaniyaan in Gupt, she had to bring her face close to mine and then bite my chin for the shot. As she brought her face close to mine, I got a blast of bad breath. Shed eaten chana chaat full of raw onions just before the scene. Its a wonder how I even managed to do the scene. Because romance was the last thing on my mind then.

Bobby had planned to exact his revenge on the actress. He said, I wanted to get back at her. The fight master and I conned a newcomer, who was playing her brother, to eat onions. We told him that they were good for concentration and that theyd help him to emote better. He had to do a scene with Manisha. So we asked him to breathe heavily when he got close to her. The camera rolled and we waited with bated breath, he shared. Bobby waited for a while to get a laugh but Manisha never reacted. She never reacted. Our joke fell flat, he shared.

Bobby Deol will soon be seen in Kanguva. Kanguva marks Bobby Deols Tamil debut. In December 2023, the actor shared that his character in the Suriya-starrer goes beyond his usual comfort zone. This role is definitely out of my comfort zone, also I dont know the language, so that is again totally out of my zone. I cant even learn Tamil in a month or two, but I will work on it, he told India Today. Bobbys poster for the film was released on his birthday this year and received a massively positive response.
Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, in a true sense of the word, was a Batman of Indian politics. He became Prime Minister at a time when Indias chips were badly down. In 1991, the country had to pledge its gold to pull the economy from the brink. He reoriented Indias pro-Soviet Union foreign policy to bring it closer to the Western order. He reached out to Israel without leaving the Palestinian cause  an axis on which the Indian foreign policy still revolves around. And all this he delivered with a minority government.

Still, Narasimha Rao remains largely forgotten and uncredited  Batman-like.

Sanjaya Baru, in his book 1991: How PV Narasimha Rao Made History, emphasised at this phenomenon, with a tinge of sadness, when he recalled how at an interaction with students at a university near Delhi, in the winter of 2015, he asked the audience what the year 1991 meant to them. One student readily stood up to say he was born that year  and the entire audience burst into laughter. When Baru insisted on thinking more, there was silence.

Later, the same year, Baru addressed a meeting of the Hyderabad Management Association and he repeated the same question. Many were quick to reply this time: The government that year had introduced new economic policies that opened up the Indian economy, Baru was told. And who was responsible for this? Manmohan Singh, pat came the reply! Some even credited P Chidambaram and Kamal Nath!

Later, in an interaction with this author, Baru expressed his surprise at the height of Indian ignorance: No one mentioned PV Narasimha Rao. Ironically, this incident took place in Hyderabad, which was Raos own city.

When I asked Baru why Rao had been forgotten, he cited two reasons. One, he faced several corruption cases, especially towards the fag end of his rule. But most importantly, the Congress decided to erase the memory of Narasimha Rao, to make the point that no person from outside the family can ever be a successful PM. After all, what did Rao prove? He proved that someone doesnt need to be related to the Nehru-Gandhi family to be a successful prime minister. By becoming the first PM outside the family to run the country for a full term, he effectively challenged this notion.

Its ironic to see the Congress disowning one of its own prime ministers, especially the one whose impact on the nations fortune went way beyond the economy, as Baru wrote in 1991. But then it was an obvious outcome for a non-Gandhi leader in the Congress. It had happened in the past with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and it took place after Narasimha Rao, as was the case with Pranab Mukherjee. Anyone seen to be eclipsing the halo of the Gandhi-Nehru family was systematically targeted to be pushed to the footnotes of the partys  and by extension, the nations  history.

This explains Sonia Gandhis hostility toward Rao, to the extent that the former Prime Minister was denied a well-deserved memorial in Delhi, even when lesser worthies could find space in the national capital. Author Vinay Sitapati, in Half Lion: How PV Narasimha Rao Transformed India, gives a graphic detail on how the late Prime Minister was denied a rightful place and space in Delhi after his death.

The home minister, Shivraj Patil, suggested to Raos youngest son, Prabhakara, that the body should be cremated in Hyderabad. But the family preferred Delhi. After all, Rao had last been chief minister of Andhra Pradesh more than thirty years ago, and had since worked as Congress general secretary, Union minister, and finally prime minister  all in Delhi. On hearing this, the usually decorous Shivraj Patil snapped, No one will come, Sitapati writes.

Thereafter, Ghulam Nabi Azad and YS Rajasekhara Reddy reached out to Raos family  Reddy, being the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, promised a grand memorial for Rao in Hyderabad!

Later in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh entered the room and asked Prabhakara: What do you want to do with the body? To this, Raos son replied, These people say it should be in Hyderabad This (Delhi) is his karmabhoomi. You should convince your Cabinet colleagues. Manmohan nodded. Sonia Gandhi was standing near, but mostly kept quiet.

When Sanjaya Baru arrived, Ahmed Patel sought his intervention. Barus bureaucrat father knew Rao from the 1960s  and he was close to the family. Sonias political secretary tapped him on the shoulder. You know the family, Patel said. The body should be taken to Hyderabad. Can you convince them?

Sitapati quotes Prabhakara as saying, We sensed even then that Sonia-ji did not want Fathers funeral in Delhi. She did not want a memorial (in Delhi) She did not want him (to be seen) as an all-India leader.

The next morning, when Raos body, draped in the national flag, was being taken to the airport, it was planned to stop at 24 Akbar Road, the Congress headquarters. As the body approached 24 Akbar Road, located adjacent to Sonia Gandhis residence, the funeral procession slowed. The entrance gate to the compound looked firmly shut. There were several senior Congressmen present, but hardly any cadres had been rustled up. No slogans filled the air, just deathly silence. The carriage stopped on the pavement outside, as Sonia Gandhi and others came out to pay their respects.

It was customary for the bodies of past Congress presidents to be taken inside the party headquarters so that ordinary workers could pay their respects. The family was somewhat dazed when this did not happen. A friend of Raos asked a senior Congresswoman to let the body in. The gate does not open, she replied. This was untrue, the friend remembers. When Madhavrao Scindia died (some years earlier) the gate was opened for him. Manmohan Singh now lives in a guarded bungalow a few minutes from Akbar Road. When asked why Raos body wasnt allowed into the Congress headquarters, he replies that he was present, but has no knowledge of this. Another Congressman is more forthcoming. We were expecting the gate to be opened but no order came. Only one person could give that order. He adds, She did not give it.

However, to singularly blame Sonia Gandhi would be unfair. She has been only pursuing the family-first policy that she inherited. The virus of dynasticism has badly tampered with the democratic values of the Congress, turning into a private company where the Nehru-Gandhis would alone rule and only their relatives, friends and acquaintances would assist and advise in matters of governance. How could she have forgiven Narasimha Rao, who had threatened the very existence of the family in Indian politics?

In this backdrop, the Narendra Modi government should be congratulated for awarding Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao, who, as former diplomat Rajiv Dogra writes in Indias World: How Prime Ministers Shaped Foreign Policy, transformed this country. If Jawaharlal Nehru discovered India, and if Indira Gandhi made it proud, Narasimha Rao transformed it, Dogra writes matter-of-factly.

By acknowledging the contribution of this Ratna of Bharat, the Modi dispensation has corrected a historical injustice deliberately orchestrated on those not having the Gandhi-Nehru surnames. As I write in my just-published book, Bharat Rising: Dharma, Democracy, Diplomacy, New India needs more pantheons than just Gandhi and Nehrus. Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao is a step in that direction.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the snap presidential elections, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency, Dear Brother,

Your electoral success and re-election to the highest position of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, offers me the right opportunity to convey to you my best and most heartfelt wishes for success in this new presidential term.

With the opportunity offered to me by the occasion, let me to express to you, on behalf of myself and the Albanian government, all our gratitude for the high-level dialogue between us and cooperation in such important sectors for our economies, especially in energy and tourism. I strongly believe that your new presidential mandate will release new energy into the relations between our two friendly countries, as well as I am convinced that the opening of the embassy of the Republic of Albania soon in Baku will contribute to the best of acceleration of communication between us.

Once again, with best wishes, please accept, Your Excellency, the expression of my highest consideration.

Sincerely,

Edi Rama

Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania
LILONGWE, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Malawian government has lifted the visa requirement for travelers from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom (UK), among several other countries, to boost tourism, one of the country's key foreign exchange-earners.

The development follows the amendment of a section in the country's Immigration Act to aid the entry of international visitors into the southern African country.

Malawian Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng'oma signed the amendment of the Immigration Act, which was gazetted Wednesday, listing 47 countries across the globe exempted from visa restriction in Malawi.

Germany, France, and Russia are also among the exempted countries outside Africa, while Ghana and Gambia are among the exempted African countries.

Additionally, nationals from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and nationals from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), except those countries that subject Malawians to a visa requirement, are exempted from visa requirements.

Holders of Laissez-Passer for any of the following -- SADC, COMESA, United Nations, African Union, African Development Bank, all diplomats and government officials on official business -- are also exempted under the amendment.

The validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi, which is six months and 12 months, shall reciprocate to the validity of multiple entry visas in the corresponding country, according to the gazetted amendment.

Meanwhile, the corporate sector in the country has commended the move, saying, "It will make Malawi an attractive tourism destination while boosting foreign currency flows in the long term."

Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule told the local media that the amendment of the Immigration Act augers well with the country's three priority areas, namely agriculture, tourism, and mining (ATM), in implementing the MW (Malawi) 2063 Agenda, which aims to turn the country into a self-reliant nation, with more exports than imports. 
After the Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, RLDs cadre and workers want us to tie up with the NDA, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary has told News18, making clear his intention to join hands with the BJP.

We have discussed our issues with the BJP and several rounds of discussions have taken place. Especially after Bharat Ratna, our cadre and our workers want us to go with the NDA, Jayant told News18. He said political decisions are taken based on ideology, issues, and political realities.

You try to contest elections, win elections, become a part of government so that you can do good for your people. RLD is interested in fighting elections, winning elections and we will stand by our issues, Jayant Chaudhary told News18.

On Friday, he had said that the BJP had won his heart by giving Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, over 37 years after his death.

My father, the late Ajit Singh, would have been so happy if the Congress had given my grandfather a Bharat Ratna; it was Ajit Singhs dream, Jayant said when asked why the Congress did not recognise Chaudhary Charan Singh with a Bharat Ratna.

Jayant was interrupted while speaking in Parliament on Saturday, with some from the Opposition benches gesturing to him to move to the BJP side in Parliament while speaking on the Bharat Ratna issue.

Some Congress leaders have also alleged a deal between BJP and Jayant over this. Jayant told News18 that he felt insulted. The anger and vitriol shown by them was unwarranted. By doing what they did today, they have sent a message to everyone in India in every village that if the government wants to honour your legacy, someone from within your political class gets riled up.

If I was giving a political speech on some election campaign, I would perhaps still accept such behaviour. I was simply speaking in Parliament about Chaudhary Charan Singhs legacy and his immense contribution and how after 37 years of his death, he has been recognised for the first time, Jayant told News18.

He said the Bharat Ratna would help him institutionalise the legacy of his grandfather, carry it forward and generations to come would have that curiosity to learn about him.

A Bharat Ratna for him is a win for everyone across the political spectrum and all should be happy. Which is why it is beyond my comprehension why some of my esteemed colleagues in the Opposition, with whom I have been sitting during my duration in the Rajya Sabha, would get so worried and worked up, Jayant Chaudhary told News18.

He said he wanted to impress upon Opposition leaders that Chaudhary Charan Singh does not belong just to him but to them as well and he is everyones legacy.

Sources say Jayant Chaudhary is set to formally announce his entry into the NDA on February 12, the birth anniversary of Ajit Singh. RLD could get two Lok Sabha seats from the BJP and a Rajya Sabha berth, sources say.

Jayant Chaudhary said no deal had ever been finalised with the Samajwadi Party. Ram Gopal Yadav of SP told News18 that no one can stop Jayant if he wants to go to the BJP, but insisted that SP would not be affected by this in west UP.

BJP MP from Baghpat, Satyapal Singh, who defeated Jayant in 2019 told News18 that he welcomes the decision of his leadership to include RLD in the NDA alliance in UP.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab as well as the Chandigarh seat, party chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday. News18 had earlier reported that there would be no alliance between the AAP and Congress, both constituents of the opposition parties INDIA bloc, in Punjab.

Two years ago, you had blessed us with 92 out of 117 seats (in Assembly elections). You had scripted history. Today, with folded hands, I seek your blessings again. In another two months, Lok Sabha elections will be held. Punjab has 13 Lok Sabha seats, and one seat in Chandigarh. In all, there are 14 seats. In the coming 10-15 days, the AAP will declare candidates for all the 14 Lok Sabha seats. I request you to bless us in the same manner you had done two years ago. Make AAP win in all 14 seats, Kejriwal said at a rally in Khanna, Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab.

The AAP convenor did not spare INDIA partner Congress in his appeal to the voters. In the past 75 years, Congress ruled for so many years. If I ask you to tell me one good work that the Congress has done, you will struggle to remember. Akali Dal ruled for so many years. If I ask you to tell me one good work of the Akalis, you will not remember. If I ask you what good work has CM Bhagwant Mann done in the past two years, you will tell me that he has made electricity free and it is available 24 hours a day which they could not do in 75 years, he said.

On February 13, the highest decision-making body of the AAP, the Political Affairs Committee, will meet to finalise candidates for Goa, Gujarat and Haryana. Despite being a critical constituent of the INDIA bloc, the AAP has already unilaterally declared one candidate  Chaitar Vasava  from the Bharuch Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat.

It has also declared three candidates  Manoj Dhanowar, Bhaben Chowdhury and Rishi Raj  from Dibrugarh, Gawahati and Sonepat, respectively, in Assam.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, a key negotiator in talks within the INDIA bloc, has said that the party was tired of talks that led to no consequence and expected the other parties in the INDIA bloc to accept AAPs candidates.

I would urge and request the INDIA bloc and all partners to sort all pending and outstanding issues. All the seat-sharing talks should be sorted and brought to conclusion, he said. On Punjab specifically, Pathak had said: We have decided mutually that AAP and Congress would fight separately in Punjab Lok Sabha elections.

Crucially, this leaves only Delhi where an AAP-Congress alliance is on the table. According to sources, if there is an inordinate delay in finalising seat-sharing, the AAP will go ahead and declare candidates for Delhi, leaving one or two constituencies for the Congress.

Punjab Chief Minister Mann announced during Kejriwals rally that the AAP would declare 13 candidates in Punjab and one in Chandigarh in the next 10 to 15 days. We will win 14/14. You (the voters) give us your support, said Mann.

He also highlighted the controversial Chandigarh mayoral polls in his speech. We will definitely win Chandigarh. You heard what the Supreme Court said about the Chandigarh mayor elections. You heard how the votes were counted; how BJP votes were not tampered with and our voted were declared invalid.
Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui who resigned from the Congress party on Thursday after 48 years of association joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday.

In a conversation with reporters on Friday, the Deputy CM said, Baba Siddique will join NCP on February 10, evening, and on February 11, some more will join the party.

After joining NCP, Baba Siddique said on Saturday, Now, it is done. Ab kya rona, jab chidiya chug gayi khet. It was done with dhol, not quietly. When you are not being listened to, you should move to the sideI have a lot to say, but someone should answer. I am sad but happy too. I am sad because I am not thick-skinned.

#WATCH | Baba Siddique joins NCP in the presence of party chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in Mumbai.The former Maharashtra minister had resigned from Congress on February 8. pic.twitter.com/IzwQo8QnLi  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

On Thursday, Congress MLA Baba Siddique, representing the high profile Bandra area in Mumbai announced his resignation from the Congress.

A prominent minority face of the Mumbai Congress, Siddique also served as a minister when the Congress-NCP coalition was in power.

Taking to X, Siddique said, I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with immediate effect.

While thanking everyone who has been a part of his journey he said that theres a lot that he would have liked to express but some things are better left unsaid.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Saturday hit out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly insulting former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was conferred Bharat Ratna a day ago. Vice President Dhankhar said he would not tolerate any insult to Chaudhary Charan Singh.

According to an India Today report, the commotion started when Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary, the grandson of former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, started speaking and thanked the government for honouring his grandfather. The RLD on Friday announced its alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

I am indebted. Only a government which is rooted to ground realities, understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them, can honour Dhartiputra Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna, Jayant Chaudhary said.

Congress members objected to his speech and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge demanded to know the rule under which the RLD leader was allowed to speak in the House.

There is no debate on honouring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise an issue, you (chairman) ask under which rule. (I want to know) under which rule he (Jayant Chaudhary) has been allowed to speak. Give permission to us also. On one side hand, you talk about rulesYou have discretion that discretion should be used judiciously and not when you want, Kharge said. A huge uproar erupted in the House following the Congress chiefs remark.

Responding to Kharges objection, VP Dhankar said, Dont use this language. I will not tolerate insult to Chaudhary Charan Singh. He stands for impeccable public life, unimpeachable integrity, and commitment to farmers.

Later, Kharge said he salutes all recipients of Bharat Ratna, former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh and agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan.

Jayant Singh, on the other hand, said he was shocked by the disrespect to Charan Singh being shown in the House by the Congress.

I have been in the opposition for 10 years, I have been sitting on this side of this house for some time, the working style of the present government also has a glimpse of the thoughts of Chaudhary Charan Singh. When PM Modi addresses the issues of toilets in villages, when the GoI makes women empowerment its platform and creates awareness in the villages, I remember Chaudhary Charan Singh jis quote in it, he said.
RLD chief Jayant Singh on Saturday showered praise on the Modi government for bestowing Bharat Ratna on his grandfather Charan Singh, saying only a government rooted in ground realities could honour a farmer leader like him.

Singh asserted in Rajya Sabha that the ideals of the former prime minister are reflected in the policies of the Modi government as well, remarks that come amidst speculation that the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is on the verge of breaking ties with the oppositions INDIA bloc and joining hands with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhars decision to allow Singh to speak on the Bharat Ratna honour to Charan Singh drew sharp protest from the Congress, leading to a heated exchange of words between the opposition and the treasury benches.

Dhankhar expressed unhappiness at the objections raised by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and even accused the Congress leaders of insulting Charan Singh and his legacy.

It is a historic decision taken by Prime Minister Modi. I will be happy. The honour of giving Bharat Ratna is not only limited to Charan Singhs family. This decision will empower farmers, labourers and deprived sections of the society, Singh said, amid uproar.

After the House was brought in order, Singh completed his remarks.

The RLD chief lamented that honouring a personality like Charan Singh is being seen through a political prism and is being linked to the formation of a political alliance and the winning or losing of elections.

I admit I was with the opposition for 10 years. I started sitting here (treasury benches) just a while ago. I have seen glimpses of Charan Singhs ideals in the working of this government in the 10 years, he said.

Expressing indebtedness to the Modi government for conferring the highest civilian award to Charan Singh, the RLD chief said: Only a government which is rooted in ground realities, understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them can honour dhartiputra Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna.

Soon after the House met for the day and listed papers were laid on the table, the Chair asked Singh to speak.

As he started speaking, several opposition MPs were on their feet objecting to the time given to the RLD MP and asked the Chair under which rule of the House Singh was allowed to speak.

However, Singh continued to speak and appealed to Congress members to at least respect Charan Singh.

Elections come and go. At least respect Charan Singh, he said. As Congress continued its protest, the Chair asked Kharge to speak.

There is no debate on honouring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise an issue, you (Chairman) ask under which rule. (I want to know) Under which rule he (Jayant Singh) has been allowed to speak.

Give permission to us also. On one side you talk about rules  You have discretion that discretion should be used judiciously and not as and when you want, said Kharge.

The Congress president also accused the Chairman of not following the rules. He said that had a discussion on Bharat Ratna been included in the House agenda, everybody would have participated.

Amid uproar, Union minister Parshottam Rupala expressed surprise that the Congress was opposing the awarding of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Leader of Opposition is challenging the Chair and that too on such an occasion (celebration awarding of Bharat Ratna)this is the real face of Congress Congress has been exposed, Rupala said.

Leader of the House and Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded an apology from Kharge for disrespecting the Chair.

Dhankhar too expressed dismay and pain over the remarks made by Kharge and certain other Congress members. The chairman warned Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for remarks against Jayant Singh which could not be heard in the din.

You are a person who can feast on the cremation ground. It is a matter of fact, you do not deserve to be part of the House by this misconduct, Dhankhar said, apparently referring to Ramesh.

Dhankhar informed the House that the RLD leader was permitted to speak in the House as Singh had made a request last evening.
Parliament Budget Session Updates: A resolution was moved in Lok Sabha on Saturday thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for overseeing the construction of the Ram Temple, which was inaugurated in Ayodhya on January 22. Later in the day, the Rajya Sabha will also take up a discussion on the grand Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of Ramlalla. Meanwhile, stormy scenes were witnessed in Rajya Sabha after the proceeding began and discussions began on the White Paper on the Indian economy before and after the BJP came to power. BJP has issued a three-line whip to all its MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, asking them to be present in the Parliament today on account of some very important legislative business, which will be tabled for discussion and passage.

The Budget session of Parliament has been extended by a day till Saturday, (February 10), to dispose of important government business. The session, which began on January 31, was otherwise slated to end on February 9.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the Budget Session, highlighting reforms and transforms that took place in the country in the last five years.

The prime minister, in his speech, presented a comprehensive list of decisions, policies, and laws introduced by his government and noted that the productivity in the 17th Lok Sabha was almost 97%.

The prime minister highlighted several decisions for which many generations waited for long including the abrogation of Article 370 which granted a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Budget session of Parliament was extended by a day till Saturday, (February 10), to dispose of important government business. The session, which began on January 31, was otherwise slated to end on February 9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis Top Quotes on Last Day of Budget Session-
Climate change is one of the most alarming issues experienced by people globally. It encompasses the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, etc. Natives in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, are facing a similar situation as many coastal areas around this region are submerged. As per various estimates, most of the coastal areas could be submerged by 2050. The worst affected by this climatic change will be the villages situated in the coastal areas. Some of the villages, Timbul Sloko and Bedono, have been fully engulfed underwater. The natives living here are forced to proceed with their daily work by living underwater only. Videos of these villages and some other areas flooded with water have surfaced on social media.

In this clip, social media users can see how the floodwater has engulfed the residential areas in Timbul Sloko. People have also formed a makeshift pathway with the help of wooden logs to enter the village safely. There is not even a single space that has not been submerged under the water.

Demak. Ini kiriman warga di daerah Timbusloko. Hari ini rob masih menggenangi permukiman warga. #banjirrob #robdemak pic.twitter.com/18LB1dnBfi MDS (@malehdadisegoro) May 24, 2022

Another tourist location, named Alam Indah Beach located in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia. As seen in the clip, the area adjacent to this beach is getting flooded by the water.

Tegal, Jawa Tengah. Persisnya di lokasi obyek wisata Pantai Alam Indah. Kata orang sana, biasanya air laut tidak pernah setinggi itu. #banjirob #robtegal #tegal pic.twitter.com/OMwFMJVoR1 MDS (@malehdadisegoro) May 24, 2022

In this video, the floods caused by the Meduri River have also impacted the Pekalongan district in Indonesia. The video shows that people are carrying on with their daily activities despite the poor condition of the roads.

Sungai Meduri terletak di daerah Tegaldowo, Kecamatan Tirto, Kabupaten Pekalongan. pic.twitter.com/T6zVVy5CrA MDS (@malehdadisegoro) May 24, 2022

Due to these problems, the Indonesian government is planning to relocate to a new capital- Nusantara. As reported in Al Jazeera, Nusantara is being built more than 1,000km (620 miles) away in Borneo islands East Kalimantan province. As per the Nusantaras website, President Joko Widodo plans to host Indonesias 79th Independence Day celebrations in Nusantara in August 2024. In Nusantara, in the initial phase, the core infrastructure for 500,000 residents will have been completed.

This step by the government has not received a good response from many people. One of them is Edvin Aldrian, a professor of meteorology and climatology. Aldrian told Al Jazeera, Building a new capital might also amount to only moving the problem. He said that shifting the capital will not solve the increasingly extreme rainfall and flooding in Jakarta and Nusantara.
Imagine purchasing a chocolate, especially on the occasion of Chocolate Day, only to discover a live worm wriggling within it! Surely, your skin would crawl at the sight, wouldnt it? This nightmarish scenario unfolded for a man who bought a Cadbury from a store in Telangana on February 9, 2024 and stumbled upon a worm inside. Taking to X, Robin Zaccheus lodged a complaint, tagging Dairy Milk India, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the concerned retail store among the others.

The shared post featured a video displaying a tiny worm crawling on the back of Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond, purchased by Robin for Rs. 45 at Ratnadeep Retail, located at Ameerpet metro station in Hyderabad. The video also showcased the packaging, although the expiry date remained obscured. Accompanying the footage was the attached bill, serving as proof of purchase along with other pertinent details.

Also Read: Chandigarh Woman Discovers Live Worm in Chicken Rice Dish, Restaurant Ordered to Pay Rs 25K

Found a worm crawling in Cadbury chocolate purchased at Ratnadeep Metro Ameerpet today.. Is there a quality check for these near to expiry products? Who is responsible for public health hazards? he lamented.

Found a worm crawling in Cadbury chocolate purchased at Ratnadeep Metro Ameerpet today..Is there a quality check for these near to expiry products? Who is responsible for public health hazards? @DairyMilkIn @ltmhyd @Ratnadeepretail @GHMCOnline @CommissionrGHMC pic.twitter.com/7piYCPixOx  Robin Zaccheus (@RobinZaccheus) February 9, 2024

The post quickly garnered attention, sparking various comments. I am guessing all units manufactured of the same batch will have similar outcomes, expressed one user. Another remarked, Fogging n keeping shelves clean daily is an important task they compromise with. Saw worms (and) maggots in milk sachet shelves in more stores. Tetra packs are not to be purchased like all eatables nearing expiry. Or 30days after manufacturing. Meanwhile, a third opined, Pure Cadbury is less susceptible than fruit n nuts or roasted ones.

Meanwhile, GHMCs official handle responded to the incident, stating, The Concerned Food Safety team @AFCGHMC have been alerted on this issue and the same will be resolved at the earliest.

Also Read: What if I Turn into a Worm?: Internets Bizarre Question to Parents Turns into a Viral Trend

Earlier, a female passenger underwent a similarly harrowing food experience. A dietician by profession, Khushboo Gupta travelled on an Indigo flight (Delhi-Mumbai flight no. 6E 6107) on December 29, 2023, where she was served a veg sandwich during the journey. However, it turned out to be a revolting experience for her when she discovered a live worm inside her snack. The Delhi-based dietician took to her Instagram handle, sharing the video of the worm in her food, and further criticised the airline for serving substandard quality food.
The General Elections of 2024 in Pakistan held on February 8 marked a significant event, especially for the countrys young voters. However, the aftermath saw an unexpected twist as even after 24 hours since the polls closed, the eagerly awaited results werent announced. While post election days typically turn into celebrations, this time, the delayed process raised eyebrows and concerns among the population. Despite the slow result, social media platforms in Pakistan were filled with hilarious and interesting memes. The local residents took playful digs at political figures and humorously showed the ground realities of the election. On the other hand, the unconventional ballot paper designs, due to the involvement of numerous independent candidates, were compared with emojis.

Despite Nawaz Sharifs early claim of victory without a majority, the latest updates indicate that Imran Khans party is currently leading the race in the 2024 General Elections in Pakistan. However, as of now, concrete results are yet to be officially announced, leaving the final outcome in suspense. Interestingly, among the people sharing hilarious reactions, the majority are Pakistani youths, who are casting their votes for the first time. These youngsters managed to insert laughter throughout the day despite some regions experiencing an internet blackout.

honestly succession writers should come visit pakistan for like a writing retreat baby-goatsong (@amnawintour) February 8, 2024

My prediction for the elections: there will be a result. Hassan Javid (@HassanJavid_) February 8, 2024

Returned home after the failure to cast the vote in the 2nd attempt They say it will take another hour to open the voting I am sure they will not give extra time after 5 pm! Never experienced this level of election day rigging in Pakistan! #Elections2024 https://t.co/kwwztl4bDM Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) February 8, 2024

Kis cheez se call kerain? Polling station ke baahir pathar utha ker number millain? https://t.co/LXksPr6XqQ Ali (@AliRafi) February 8, 2024

all this hungama for an election jiska ballot looked like this: pic.twitter.com/9R4V7Sh6GZ rameen (@rameenwhile) February 8, 2024

Due to slow internet Prime Minister Of Pakistan has not been installed yet.Still, wait further for the results.#ResultsUpdate #PTIWonSalman Akram Raja | Establishment | People of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/MROO8vHJg3 Hussain Muhammad (@mehussainhere) February 9, 2024

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) earlier blamed the delay after mobile networks were shut down by the government during the voting process. This interference in the transmission of data has led to a long wait. Imran Khans party, in response to the slow progress, has raised concerns and allegedly claimed that people are tampering with the ballots to make Nawaz Sharif the winner. In the most recent update, the ECP has issued an order to all provincial election commissioners and returning officers, instructing them to announce the results of the General Election 2024 within half an hour or face strict actions.

According to reports, Imran Khan led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) is currently leading the race in the 2024 General Elections. Following closely behind are other prominent parties, including Nawaz Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat-e-Ulami-Faizal (JUI-F), and Balochistan National Party (BNP). In contrast, Nawaz Sharif has declared his intention to establish a united government, for which hes planning to collaborate with his former allies, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan).
People perform a fire dragon dance on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 9, 2024. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People perform a fire dragon dance on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 9, 2024. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People perform a fire dragon dance on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 9, 2024. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People perform a fire dragon dance on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 9, 2024. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People perform a fire dragon dance on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 9, 2024. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2024 shows a light show on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Various performances including a light show and a fire dragon dance were held in Chongqing on Friday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told his Marine Corps on Saturday to act first, report later if provoked, following an escalation of threats from North Korea.

Nuclear-armed North Korea has this year declared South Korea its principal enemy, closed agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over even 0.001 millimetres of territorial infringement.

Leader Kim Jong Un repeated on Friday that Pyongyang would not hesitate to put an end to South Korea if attacked, calling Seoul the Norths most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable archenemy.

The hawkish Yoon has bolstered defence cooperation with the United States and Japan since coming to office in 2022, including expanding joint drills, to counter Pyongyangs growing threats.

If the enemy provokes us, adhere to the principle of act first, report later and respond decisively and overwhelmingly without hesitation to completely shatter the enemys will, Yoon said during a visit to a front-line Republic of Korea Marines Corps unit, according to his office.

Yoon made similar remarks last month and during a visit to a frontline army unit in December.

He also inspected a multiple-launch strike system on Saturday, Lunar New Year, and stressed the need to be fully prepared to respond immediately in case of enemy provocation.

As well as an increase in rhetoric, both sides have ramped up frontier security in recent months and conducted live-fire drills along their shared border.

In January, North Korea fired an artillery barrage near two South Korean border islands, prompting a live-fire drill by the South and evacuation orders for residents.

Yoon said last week the irrational North Korean government was likely to carry out multiple provocations, including cyberattacks and drone intrusions, ahead of the Souths election on April 10.

Yoon, who came to office vowing to get tough on Pyongyang, and his conservative party are aiming to regain a parliamentary majority for the first time since 2016.

North Korea has a long track record of provocations ahead of South Korean elections, experts say, part of its broader strategy to cause disruption south of the border.
New Hampshire resident Adam Montgomery beat his 5-year-old daughter Harmony to death and then took her decomposing, compressed corpse to the restaurant where he worked and kept it in the freezer and left it next to food, prosecutors told the court at his trial, according to a report by the New York Post.

They said that the 34-year-old spent months moving the girls body and hid it in various hiding places and threw it out like yesterdays trash. Adam did not attend the trial. The prosecutors said that Adam stuffed his daughters body in a tote bag which he carried to the restaurant daily where he worked as a cook and washed dishes.

The bag stood out to people, because he placed it in the freezer during his shifts. He brought it with him regularly to work and he stored it in a freezer where the company kept food, ingredients. People saw him bringing that in and out. They couldnt have imagined what that bag contained, the prosecutors were quoted as saying by the New York Post.

He also hid his daughters corpse in a friends car trunk, a cooler in his mother-in-laws apartment building, a ceiling vent of a homeless shelter where he lived as well as an apartment freezer, before disposing of the body in an unknown location, they further added.

Harmony went missing in 2019 but police did not know that she had disappeared and started looking for her until two years later.

Adam beat Harmony in anger because she had bathroom accidents in their car and then grabbed a fast food meal and did drugs as he ignored her final cries. She died in pain in the backseat of his car and the girls body was never recovered. The childs mother, Kayla Montgomery, said her husband would hit the child for having bathroom accidents.

Bathroom accidents could refer to involuntary passing of stool and urine which children face when they are very young.

Montgomery in 2022 pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, falsifying physical evidence, assault and witness tampering in his daughters death. He has previously denied killing his daughter. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

In December 2019, Adam Montgomery allegedly struck his emaciated and bruised daughter multiple times after she had two bathroom accidents in the family car, which was their makeshift home after a recent eviction, according to Kaylas account.

Following the assault, he proceeded to drive to a fast-food restaurant, where he ate a meal and consumed drugs, while Harmony, suffering and in pain, moaned in the backseat of the car.

Adam put the lifeless childs body in a duffel bag and put it in the trunk and over the course of the next few months he took steps to make the corpse disappear. He bought a saw, blades and lime, and rented a moving truck.

Adam Montgomerys lawyer told the court that he did not harm Harmony and placed the blame on his wife, Kayla, who is serving an 18-month sentence on a perjury conviction.

She is expected to testify against her husband. The defence attorney James Brook said he found a note in Kaylas jail cell where she said she was willing to betray her husband in exchange for a plea deal which would grant her immunity from everything.
Nawaz Sharif, in his so-called victory speech addressing party workers in Lahore on Friday evening, said Pakistan needs ten years of stability to emerge from the crises it finds itself in and said the nation requires a healing touch. On Saturday, the chief of army staff general (COAS) Syed Asim Munir issued a similar statement and used the same words, almost.

Munir said Pakistan needed stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation. He said polarisation does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people.

Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people. Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful, the army chief said, according to a report by GeoNews.

The statements made by Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan army chief share uncanny similarities which further gives fodder to the claims that the general elections were rather generals elections  a reference to Pakistan armys age-old practice of interfering in the nations electoral process.

People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 on Thursday that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) founder Nawaz Sharif has won the blessing of the generals.

In a report published on Thursday, the aforementioned people also said that Pakistans deep state suspended cellular networks in a bid to rig the polls.

The Pakistan election results showed that independents backed by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have won 91 seats (at the time of writing this report) and PML-N have won 71 seats but both rivals failed to reach the magic number required to form the government at the centre.

PTI-backed independents have won 91 seats, the PML-N secured 69 seats, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured 52 seats, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement  Pakistan (MQM-P) secured 15 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) (PML-Q) secured 3 seats, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) secured 2 seats, non-PTI backed independents secured 8 seats and other contenders won five seats.

Nawaz Sharif gave a victory speech from the PML-N headquarters in Lahore and dispatched Shehbaz Sharif to hold coalition talks with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement  Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F).

The PTI is also speaking to smaller parties in a bid to form the government.

Both camps said they have the majority to form the government in the centre as well as in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Underscoring the new energy and new interest into Indias foreign policy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday pointed towards the fast paced growth in trade and investment relationship between India and Australia as reflected in the increased presence of the Indian community in this country.

Jaishankar, who is here to attend the two-day Indian Ocean Conference, also reiterated his Fridays comment as to how Australia is the most consequential relationship we have in the Indian Ocean. Addressing the Indian community here, Jaishankar started by highlighting how it was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a new energy, this new interest, which has come into our foreign policy, compared it with how it used to be in earlier years and said, It took us 20 years after independence to have the first Prime Ministerial visit to Australia and how every Prime Minister of Australia, since 2014, has met with Modi.

So, the first message I bring to you today is that the relationship is doing great. Theres an enormous commitment from India starting with the Prime Minister to build on this partnership. And it is something that we regard today. Yesterday when I addressed the Indian Ocean conference, I said I regard this as the most consequential relationship we have in the Indian Ocean, he said.

After talking about the increased political exchanges and the leadership level, the External Affairs Minister said, Look at the trade today, our trade with Australia is upwards of USD 20 million and growing steadily. If one looks at the trade and investment side today again, there is that sense that this is a relationship which is very much on look at the community or the community itself, the Minster told a packed Indian Community Centre hall.

He highlighted the growth of the community with so many more of you in so many different professions, and said: It is manifesting itself in different ways. I mean, we have just recently when the Prime Minister was here we announced a new consulate in Brisbane, Australia has opened one in Bengaluru and I expect more of this to unfold as the community grows. The sentiment was reflected in his post on X after the event. Addressed the Indian community in Perth today. Grateful for their contribution in strengthening the India-Australia Dosti, he said and posted photos from the event.

During his speech, Jaishankar also said India and the Australian Defence Forces work very closely as partners, allow deployments in each others countries, and provide great support to each other So this is today very much a relationship that is growing that is deepening that is getting new content, new substance and a higher profile. Indias global footprint has brought it much deeper into this broader region, he pointed out and said, If one looks at Fiji or you look at Papa New Guinea, in fact, look at all the Pacific Islands, which are close to Australia. There is again today an Indian presence and Indian project and Indian contribution and Indian collaboration in some form. He also underscored how India would do much more in key areas like health, education, and space because when we do more in this larger region that also contributes  that is part of our partnership with Australia as well. The Indian minister also met Roger Cook, the premier of Western Australia at the venue with a sea view. Nice to meet Premier @RogerCookMLA of Western Australia. Appreciate his hosting the 7th Indian Ocean Conference. His support for building strong India-Australia ties was manifest, Jaishankar said in another post on X along with photos of the two leaders. Jaishankar also met the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP). Good to meet members of OFBJP in Perth today. Appreciate their work which promotes better understanding and cooperation between our two countries, he posted on X along with photos from the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar had a fireside chat with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at the Indian Ocean Conference and had bilateral meetings with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister of Mauritius Maneesh Gobin and Foreign Minister of Madagascar Rasata Rafaravavitafika on the sidelines.

Jaishankar also met three Indian-origin Western Australian Parliamentarians Zaneta Mascarenhas, Varun Ghosh, and Dr Jagadish Krishnan, and also visited the citys Sailani Avenue, which is named after Indian-origin soldier Nain Singh Sailani, who sacrificed his life during World War I while serving the Australian Imperial Force.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan gave a victory speech on Friday night and congratulated supporters for making the party victorious in the recently concluded Pakistan elections as independents backed by the PTI made major gains.

The independents backed by PTI made major gains but Imran Khans rival and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif also gave a victory speech where he claimed that his PML-N has emerged as the single-largest party and said he would form a unity government that would have the same makeup like the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition which ousted Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote in 2022.

Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTIs landslide victory in General Elections 2024. pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 9, 2024

You have laid the foundation of real freedom by casting your votes yesterday and I congratulate you on the victory in the general elections 2024. I completely trusted you that you all will come out to cast votes and you have honoured my trust. Your massive turnout has surprised everyone, Imran Khan said.

The London plan has failed because of your vote. No Pakistani will accept that and international media is also writing about that folly. Our independent sources told us that we were victorious on 150 National Assembly seats before the start of the rigging process. Currently, as per the data from Form-45, we are triumphant on over 170 National Assembly seats. Everyone has witnessed the power of your vote, now I urge you to show the ability to secure your vote, he further added.

Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister, addressed party workers from the PML-N headquarters in Lahores Model Town and declared victory in a speech even though counting was on and neither party had emerged as a majority party.

PTI-backed independents have won 91 seats, the PML-N secured 69 seats, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured 52 seats, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement  Pakistan (MQM-P) secured 15 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) (PML-Q) secured 3 seats, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) secured 2 seats, non-PTI backed independents secured 8 seats and other contenders won five seats.

But before Nawaz could reach the magic number of seats, he declared his party as the single-largest party and sent his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, also a former prime minister, to hold discussions with PPP, MQM-P and JUI-F to form the government.

The PML-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections. Our sole agenda is a prosperous Pakistan. At least 10 years are needed for bringing stability to the country. I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to meet Fazlur Rehman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif said, while addressing a charged crowd in Karachi.
In the absence of an absolute majority for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif is not too keen on becoming the countrys prime minister for a fourth term, sources close to the PML-N told News18 on Saturday, suggesting the possibility of his brother Shehbaz Sharif taking on the mantle again.

Votes are still being counted in Pakistan after Thursdays general election which was marred by allegations of rigging, sporadic violence and a countrywide mobile phone shutdown. There were dozens of parties in the fray but the main contest was among Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose candidates ran as independents, former three-time premier Sharifs PML-N and Bilawal Zardari Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Independent candidates backed by an imprisoned Khan, who was disqualified from running in Thursdays election because of criminal convictions, were leading in the vote count on Friday, a surprisingly strong showing given assertions by Khans supporters and a national rights body that the balloting was manipulated to favour Nawaz Sharif.

With the anti-climactic results triggering hectic negotiations, sources said Bilawals father and senior PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari wants the countrys presidency for himself in exchange for supporting a government under Shehbaz Sharif. Asif Ali Zardari, husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, was the president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Nawaz Sharif, meanwhile, is said to want the post of Punjab chief minister for his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

The establishment is also not comfortable with the idea of a Nawaz-led government due to his anti-army stand. The army feels Shehbaz Sharif will be a great chief executive for the government to deliver on expected lines, a source said.

Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif likely to meet in Lahore on Saturday night for negotiations.

According to the latest Election Commission data, results of 226 constituencies out of 265 were declared. Independent candidates (mostly supported by PTI) bagged 92 seats while PML-N got 64, Pakistan Peoples Party secured 50, Muttahida Qaumi Movement won 12 and other parties got eight seats. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 in the National Assembly. Election to one seat was postponed after the death of a candidate.

Overall, 169 seats are needed to secure a simple majority out of its total 336 seats, which include the reserved slots for women and minorities.

On Friday, Nawaz Sharif called for a unity government and said his party respects the mandate of all parties, including the independent candidates backed by Imran Khans PTI.

Changing his stance of not forging any alliance with any party, Nawaz Sharif said there is a need for all political parties to sit together and form a government to pull Pakistan out of its difficulties.

Sharif also announced that he has tasked his younger brother and party president Shehbaz Sharif to reach out to the Pakistan Peoples Partys Asif Ali Zardari, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Fazlur Rehman and Muttahida Qaumi Movements Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for the formation of a coalition government.
DAMASCUS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua)-- An Israeli missile attack targeted areas west of the Syrian capital of Damascus after midnight, witnesses and local media said early Saturday.

Loud explosions were heard in the western countryside of Damascus, with the pro-government al-Watan news outlet saying it was an Israeli attack.

The explosions were heard in the outskirts of the Dimas area west of Damascus as well as in the Mashrou' Dummar neighborhood, according to witnesses and pro-government media outlets.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the explosions were the result of an Israeli missile attack on military targets in the Dimas area, which is close to the Syrian-Lebanese border. 
It's been an unanswered question since 1980, writes Shaila Dewan in the New York Times : "What happened to Randy?" The reference is to Randy Sellers, a 17-year-old who attended the Kenton County Fair in Kentucky and hasn't been seen since, per the Cincinnati Enquirer . Police were summoned to drive him home from the fair after he got drunk, and two officers say they dropped him off about a half-mile from his house. "The young man was to turn 18 in two weeks, it was not yet 10pm, and I felt there was absolutely no danger in releasing him in a familiar neighborhood," wrote one of them, Jay Seifried, at the time.

The case has taken countless twists and turns over the years, with multiple theories and suspects, and even talk of an upside-down map foiling one search, per WCPO. Sellers' mother, Wanda Cotton, now 77, became a national advocate for missing children in general and for her son in particular. She has always harbored suspicions about the officers who drove her son from the fair that night, in part because key details of their stories seemed to change. Most notably: More than 20 years after the disappearance, the other officer, Robert Wehner, said in a police interview that Seifried had struck the teen in the face at one point. It was the first time either of the men said the teen had been hit, but the investigation soon withered.

It may be reviving, according to the Times. A Kentucky State Police official tells the newspaper that information about "possible involved individuals" has led to new interviews, adding that "plans are in process to re-interview" Seifried. Both he and Wehner are retired and in their 70s now. "There's nothing to look into, from my perspective," Seifried tells the newspaper. Says the teen's mother: "If I could find one bone that belonged to Randy, I could bury him with my family." (More missing person stories.)
When he was named special counsel last year, Robert Hur brought deep experience and the promise of dispassionate fairness to the classified documents investigation. "I will conduct the assigned investigation with fair, impartial, and dispassionate judgment," said Hur, a registered Republican. Now that it's over, President Biden and his supporters say Hur fell short of that promise, after years as a federal prosecutor and senior official in the Justice Department. To take the special counsel job, per Forbes , Hur had to drop a new client: the NFL. He was to defend the league, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and former team owner Dan Snyder in a lawsuit over their response to sexual harassment accusations.

Hur's background includes Harvard and Stanford educations and a clerkship for then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the Washington Post reports. He served years as a federal prosecutor in Maryland. He worked at Justice Department headquarters, where he was at one time a special assistant to Christopher Wray, who later became FBI director. Then-President Donald Trump picked him to lead the US attorney's office in Maryland. One of his prosecutions involved a former National Security Agency contractor who eventually pleaded guilty to stealing classified government material, the largest such theft at the time. Two years ago, Hur left government and joined a DC law firm, which welcomed his "decades of experience in government and in private practice."

When naming him special counsel, Attorney General Merrick Garland also touted Hur's "long and distinguished career as a prosecutor." Hur said then he'd "follow the facts," per Barron's. Special counsels aren't under regular supervision by the Justice Department but report to the attorney general and can be asked to explain their actions, per the Post. At the end of the investigation, the rules require a special counsel to provide a report to the attorney general. It's up to, in this case, Garland to decide how much of the report will be released. All of it was, including the now-infamous assessments of Biden's memory. The report "contains way too many gratuitous remarks and is flatly inconsistent with long standing traditions" of the Justice Department, said former Attorney General Eric Holder, per NBC News. (More special counsel stories.)
At times, between the airing of grievances, Putin appeared to school Carlson on historical events as the host looked on in bewilderment.

Or to put it more plainly, Carlson provided Putin a platform to spread his propaganda to a global audience with little to no scrutiny of his claims.

"What you see from watching the first 45 minutes of this, is that this is President Putin's platform," Clarissa Ward, CNN's chief international correspondent, remarked, adding that it was "clear from the very beginning" of the interview that Carlson did "not have control."

In some cases, Carlson even fed into Putin's narratives. For instance, Putin advanced an absurd deep state-style conspiracy theory that the U.S. government is not controlled by its elected leaders but by unelected powers at the Central Intelligence Agency who direct the president like a puppet from the shadows.

"So, twice you've described US presidents making decisions and then being undercut by their agency heads," Carlson said after Putin made the assertion, earnestly summing up the Russian leader's mendacious narrative. "So it sounds like you're describing a system that's not run by the people who are elected, in your telling?"

"That's right, that's right," Putin replied.

Carlson never followed up to challenge the absurdity.

It was a massive propaganda victory for Putin, who can  and will  now twist the encounter for his own ends. If there was any doubt that Putin did not view the sit-down with Carlson as a big win, a glance at how his own state-run media covered the affair should erase it.

Immediately after Carlson published the chat online, Putin's mouthpieces rushed to amplify it.

TASS featured the sit-down as the top story on its homepage, amplifying Putin's claim that Ukraine is an "artificial state" and devoting an entire section of its website to special coverage of the interview.

RT, the English-language broadcaster now exiled from much of the Western world, aired significant swaths of the interview on its air.

"VLADIMIR PUTIN'S INTERVIEW GAINS OVER 20 MILLION VIEWERS IN FIRST TWO HOURS," RT boasted in one on-screen graphic.

None of this should come as any surprise.

While Carlson was once a critic of the Russian government, in recent years he has been far more sympathetic to the Putin-led state, dragging the GOP with him. Carlson's commentary on Russia's brutal war on Ukraine has been anything but favorable toward Kiev, with the right-wing extremist even likening Volodymyr Zelensky to vermin last year.

Which is precisely why Putin agreed to the interview with Carlson, while actual journalists who would have pressed the Russian leader on a range of critical issues, have been denied access for years.

You don't have to take our word for it, either. Putin's own spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters this week that Carlson was selected because he "has a position that is different from the rest" of Western media.

There was one moment, however, in which Carlson did gently press Putin. At the end of the interview, Carlson asked Putin if he would be "willing to release" Evan Gershkovich, the imprisoned reporter for The Wall Street Journal.

Putin declined to release Gershkovich now, to which Carlson said, "He's a kid, and maybe he was breaking your law in some way, but he's not a super spy and everybody knows that."

While Carlson did advocate for the immediate release of Gershkovich, his remark did not go over well at The Journal. Ted Mann, a reporter at the newspaper, wrote on X that it was "disgraceful of Carlson to suggest Evan was 'breaking [their] law.'"

"He wasn't," Mann added. "Carlson knows that. Evan is a law-abiding, decent reporter being held hostage for geopolitical leverage. He should be released immediately."

The Journal also released a statement following the interview.

"Evan is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime. Any portrayal to the contrary is total fiction," the newspaper said. "Evan was unjustly arrested and has been wrongfully detained by Russia for nearly a year for doing his job, and we continue to demand his immediate release."

CNN
ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior Ethiopian government officials have met to discuss the country's integration into the BRICS grouping and to ensure mutual benefits within the BRICS mechanism.

This came as Ethiopia's BRICS Senior Officials Committee, which brings together senior government officials from various federal institutions, held its second session on Thursday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday.

The committee discussed, among other things, how best to serve the East African country's national interest within the BRICS framework, according to the statement.

"In its membership, Ethiopia will actively participate in BRICS, with a primary focus on fostering partnerships and collaboration for development, people-to-people relations, and strengthening the multilateral system," the ministry said.

Upon its membership in the BRICS mechanism, the Ethiopian government established a national ministerial committee and a senior officials committee with a view to ensuring the country's active participation in the grouping. The senior officials committee reports to the national ministerial committee.

Meles Alem, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday hailed the country's maiden participation as the group's member at the BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas Meeting, recently held in Moscow, Russia.

Alem, while briefing the media, described Ethiopian participation in the meeting as the country's "biggest diplomatic victory" of the week.

The BRICS is the acronym for the emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

During the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023, countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join the group. The membership of these countries took effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Upon its official membership into the group, Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country, expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in the BRICS family, with particular emphasis on fostering South-South cooperation. 
The conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7 when Hamas gunmen stormed border defences to attack Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and dragging around 250 hostages back to Gaza according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with a massive bombardment and ground offensive in which about 28,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to medical authorities in Hamas-run Gaza.

The conflict has threatened to spread across the Middle East, with Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah regularly trading fire, and flare-ups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

On Saturday, an Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted a Palestinian figure close to Hamas, security sources said. The target survived but three others were killed.

Much of Gaza has meanwhile been reduced to rubble, with Israeli forces destroying swathes of towns with air strikes, artillery fire and controlled detonations, leaving more than 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants homeless.

Most of the displaced have sought shelter in Rafah, in the far south on the border with Egypt, but after ceasefire talks failed, Netanyahu this week said Israeli forces would fight on until "total victory", including in Rafah.

On Friday night an air strike on one Rafah house killed 11 people and wounded dozens more, while a second strike killed six people in another house, medical officials said.

In the other main southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where many displaced people initially fled before an Israeli offensive there last month, the Palestinian Health Ministry voiced alarm at Israeli operations around the main Nasser Hospital.

The ministry said Israeli forces had surrounded the hospital and were shooting in the vicinity, and it was concerned about the fate of 300 medical staff, 450 patients and 10,000 people sheltering there.

Footage circulating on social media, which Reuters could not independently verify, showed tanks at the hospital gates.

Israel's military said in an update on fighting on Saturday that its forces were continuing "intensive" activities in Khan Younis as well as northern and central Gaza, killing militants, seizing weapons and striking infrastructure.

It did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation at Nasser hospital.

FEARS OF MASS DISPLACEMENT

In Gaza City, the first major population centre that Israel's operation targeted after ground forces invaded in late October, residents reported fierce fighting on Saturday.

An Israeli official who declined to be named said that Israel would try to organise for people in Rafah to be moved back northwards ahead of any assault.

Egypt has said it will not allow any mass displacement of Palestinians into its territory. Palestinians fear that Israel means to drive them from their homeland then forbid their return.

"There is limited space and great risk in putting Rafah under further military escalation due to the growing number of Palestinians there," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Saturday, warning that an escalation would have "dire consequences".

The continued warfare in Gaza City, long after Israel said it was redeploying some troops to other areas, shows the limitations of any proposal to evacuate displaced people from Rafah to other parts of the enclave.

Palestinian rescue workers in Gaza City said they had found the bodies of a 6-year-old girl and her family members, along with the ambulance team sent to rescue them, days after an audio clip of her call to dispatchers begging for help was released.

Meanwhile doctors and aid workers are struggling to supply even basic aid to Palestinians sheltering around Rafah. Many are trapped against a border fence with Egypt and living in makeshift tents.

The United Nations said Palestinian civilians in Rafah, opens new tab require protection, but there should be no forced mass displacement, which is barred by international law.

Netanyahu's office said Israel cannot achieve its goal of eliminating Hamas while it retains units in Rafah.

The Palestinian Presidency said Netanyahu's plans aimed to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

"Taking this step threatens security and peace in the region and the world. It crosses all red lines," said the office of Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority that exerts partial self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Reuters
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.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Kuwait Finance House  Bahrain (KFH-B) has taken centre stage at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Finance Exhibition 2024, captivating audiences with its cutting-edge offerings in social housing finance.

The event, hosted at the prestigious City Centre Bahrain from February 8th to the 17th, has become a beacon of hope for aspiring homeowners.

Eager customers have been flocking to KFH-Bs booth, enticed by a plethora of benefits accompanying their housing finance facilities.

Among these perks are complimentary real estate private notary and valuation services, free insurance coverage, and access to the exclusive iFix gold package for maintenance needs. Additionally, clients have the option to enjoy a 6-month grace period, during which profits accrue seamlessly.

In a move to further ease the transition to home ownership, KFH-B is offering furniture financing of up to BD12,000, ensuring that new homeowners can furnish their abodes to their hearts content.

These offerings are available to all eligible beneficiaries of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Plannings social housing services, with dedicated representatives from KFH-B on-site to guide visitors through the process.

Pride

Mr. Hamed Mashal, Executive Manager  Head of Retail Banking at Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain, expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Eskan Bank, emphasizing the institutions commitment to empowering Bahraini families through sustainable financing solutions.

Empowering our valued client base has always been central to our mission, and facilitating their journey towards homeownership is a key aspect of our commitment, stated Mr. Mashal, extending a warm invitation to all visitors to explore their offerings at the exhibition.

KFH-Bs dedication to providing sustainable financing solutions mirrors the commendable efforts of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Eskan Bank.

Prospective homeowners are encouraged to seize the opportunity to discover the latest offerings and secure competitive rates by attending the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Finance Exhibition 2024.
AFP | Washington

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

President Vladimir Putin said in an interview released Thursday with controversial right-wing US talk show host Tucker Carlson that the West should understand it is "impossible" to defeat Russia in Ukraine.

In a two-hour interview with the former Fox News host -- coming just ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- Putin also said a deal "can be reached" on imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

"There are certain terms being discussed via special services channels," he said, while insisting that the reporter is a spy -- something the Journal and US government vehemently deny.

It was the first one-on-one interview of Putin by someone from the Western media since 2019.

However Carlson, who is close to White House candidate and former president Donald Trump, asked few tough questions and largely listened while the Kremlin leader lectured him on his views of Russian history, portraying the country as a victim of Western betrayals.

Putin defended his decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022. And he said the West now realizes that Russia will not be defeated, despite US, European and NATO help to Ukraine.

"Up until now, there has been the uproar and screaming about inflicting a strategic defeat to Russia on the battlefield. But now they are apparently coming to realize that it is difficult to achieve, if possible, at all. In my opinion, it is impossible by definition," he said.

He also aimed a message at the US Congress, where Trump-dominated Republicans are increasingly reluctant to keep backing Ukraine with weapons and other military aid.

"I will tell you what we are saying on this matter and what we are conveying to the US leadership. If you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons," he said.

When asked if Moscow would consider invading other countries in the region -- NATO members Poland and Latvia -- or generally across the European continent, Putin said that was "out of the question."

"We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest. It's just threat mongering," Putin said.

A war with Poland, he said, would happen "only in one case: if Poland attacks Russia."

Asked about a possible change in leadership after the US election, where Biden is expected to face off against Trump in a rematch of their 2020 contest, Putin indicated he would see little change.

"You just asked me if another leader comes and changes something? It is not about the leader. It is not about the personality of a particular person."

Facing Putin in matching white chairs with a small table between them, Carlson rarely pushed back in his interview in an ornate room at the Kremlin -- recorded Tuesday and posted on Carlson's own website -- and did not challenge Putin over his relationship with Trump.

While president and since being defeated by Biden, Trump has repeatedly praised Putin and failed to condemn the invasion of Ukraine -- saying that if he was reelected he would be able to solve the war in "24 hours," though not saying how.

By contrast, Biden has branded Putin a "war criminal" and has made backing for Ukraine's elected, pro-Western government one of the key priorities of his presidency.
AFP | Doha

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Texas A&M is to close its Qatar campus, the US university said yesterday, blaming Middle East insecurity for the move, which drew criticism from its partner in the Gulf emirate.

The university said it had "decided to reassess the universitys physical presence in Qatar in fall 2023 due to the heightened instability in the Middle East".

"The board has decided that the core mission of Texas A&M should be advanced primarily within Texas and the United States," chairman Bill Mahomes said in a statement.

The winding down of the campus, which opened in 2003, is due to take four years. Colleges in the United States have faced intense political scrutiny, including accusations of anti-Semitism.

The Qatar Foundation, which partners with Texas A&M and half a dozen other US universities, said the decision had been "influenced by a disinformation campaign aimed at harming the interests of QF".

"It is disturbing that this disinformation has become the determining factor in the decision... with no consideration to the significant positive impact that this partnership has brought for both Qatar and the US," the non-profit said, without elaborating.

Texas A&M has previously been forced to deny unfounded accusations that its presence in Qatar gives the Gulf state access to sensitive research. US ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis said he was "disappointed Texas A&M is taking steps to close its Qatar campus".

The campus "represents (US) values and inspires innovation for students who might otherwise not have access to an American education," he said.
This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023, shows a LEGO toy set featuring the "Auspicious Chinese Dragon" image, which debuted at the sixth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

BRUSSELS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Phil Cleaver, a British graphic designer, won a prize in the 2024 Global Zodiac Design Competition organized by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center for his work well incorporating ancient representations of the Chinese dragon.

To display his understanding of this year's Chinese zodiac animal, the Chinese dragon, also known as "loong" according to its pronunciation in Chinese, Cleaver combined different symbolic objects in his work: an antique Chinese dragon-shaped pipe placed across an open book, with the book resting against a backboard that is adorned with motifs from old dragon stamps.

"The loong itself is an antique pipe, beautiful in its detail and proportion, and it sits on a book that is a story of a dragon. The book is a very old symbol of knowledge ... the book reflects the knowledge and wisdom of the loong," the professor of the School of Art and Design at the Middlesex University in London told Xinhua in a written interview.

This picture shows British graphic designer Phil Cleaver's work Year of the Dragon for the 2024 Global Zodiac Design Competition organized by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center. (Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center/Handout via Xinhua)

Cleaver said China has invented the technology for making paper and the process of painting, therefore he combined these "old items which carry layers of meaning" to make his design for the Year of the Dragon.

This is his second time taking part in this contest. Last year, for the contest marking the Year of the Rabbit, he presented a print entitled Rabbit Moon, which he said was inspired by an ancient Chinese myth that a jade rabbit lives on the moon.

"China has the oldest and amazingly deep sophisticated culture, and this fascinates me visually," said Cleaver, who is also a fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers.

Noting that his Chinese zodiac animal is the monkey, the graphic designer, said that the characteristics of a monkey describe him very well and called himself "a fire monkey."

This picture shows British graphic designer Phil Cleaver's work Rabbit Moon for the 2023 Global Zodiac Design Competition organized by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center. (Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center/Handout via Xinhua)

As a Chinese cuisine lover, he said he goes to China two or three times a year. "I am fascinated with old Chinese culture, it is like a bottomless pit of visual treats," he said.

Explaining what inspired him to create the works for the Global Zodiac Design Competition in 2023 and 2024, he said, "I feel (Chinese culture) is an untapped resource visually," adding that both his works pay tribute to the past and inspire the future.

Referring to a comparison between the Western and Chinese dragons, Cleaver said the two types of dragons share some similarities in how they are depicted, but Chinese culture attributes much better qualities to the dragons than the concept of a beast prevailing in Western culture.

The Global Zodiac Design Competition is a signature cultural event co-sponsored by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Besides exhibitions in Chinese cities, the works of this year's event themed on the Chinese dragon will also be on display at the Binche International Carnival and Mask Museum in Belgium, and Helsinki Airport in Finland until the end of February. 
People attend a funeral of 17 militants who were killed in recent U.S. and British airstrikes targeting Houthi sites, in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

SANAA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthis held Saturday a funeral for 17 militants who were killed in recent U.S. and British airstrikes targeting Houthi sites.

"The 17 heroes were killed in the American and British aggression on (Houthi) sites in northern and western Yemen," the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported, without providing further details.

Meanwhile, the United States military said it conducted strikes for self-defense on Friday morning and evening.

The U.S. Central Command said in a statement posted on its website that its forces "conducted self-defense strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels (USV), four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea."

The command added that it "identified these missiles and 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," stressing that its strikes aimed to protect the freedom of international shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been attacking the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since mid-November last year, saying they target Israeli, U.S., and British commercial vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza. 




Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, has solicited the support of Alike Dangote, president of Dangote group, to build hospital for sickle cell patients in the state.

Yusuf spoke on Friday when he received Dangote at the government house in Kano.

He also asked billionaire businessman to assist in the establishment of an independent power plant in Kano to restore industries and strengthen the economic potential of the state.

The governor urged Dangote to finish all projects initiated by his foundation, adding that the state needs support in the construction of modern roads, housing, community and human capital development.





I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for alot from him to the people of the state, the governor said.

I want to make passionate appeal to you to extend your hands of assistance by completing the gigantic projects initiated by your foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ Pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.

On his part, Dangote promised to support social policies and human development initiative of the Kano government.

Dangote said he would also look at the area of education, health care and empowerment of less privileged people in the state.

We are here first of all to congratulate you on your victory at the supreme court, he said.

I want to assure you of our support throughout your administration, maybe not only four years but eight years.

Kano is home even though the MC address me as the richest black man but you can address me as Kano indigene.

I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how do we develop Kano.

And going forward, we really need to see how we can develop areas of health, education, empowerment, how do we assist the government because government cannot do it alone.

I want to assure you that we would continue to support you not because I am from Kano but because I know your intentions are good.

You have the mandate of the people and I know that it is very difficult for any human being to clap with the two hands now. For now you will be the right hand, and we would be your left hand, together we shall clap.

So be rest assured that we would support you and support your administration and we want to tell you that we would continue to pray for your success because your success is ours.

I am sorry for coming this late because I supposed to have been hear before now but I am being traveling alot.

Not that we took the government for granted because I really want to have enough time to come and tell you that we believe in your administration and we are ready to support you.








There is currently a scarcity of tickets for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.





Fans are finding it hard to get tickets ahead of Sundays big clash.





This was revealed by Ovie Ofugara, the CEO of music website, NotJustOk, in a tweet on Saturday.





#AFCON2023 final tickets are more scarce than Bigfoot right now. Almost easier to catch a solar eclipse.





CAF and the Ivorian organizing committee really bungled this one.





The only blemish on what has been an otherwise excellent tournament, Ovie wrote.




William Troost-Ekong has said the Super Eagles are not just contended with reaching the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.





Jose Peseiros side will face the hosts in the final of the competition on Sunday.





The Super Eagles are on course for a fourth title after edging past Bafana Bafana Bafana of South Africa.





The West Africans have recorded five wins and one draw in six outings at the AFCON 2023 finals.





Troost-Ekong stated that winning the competition will be special for the Super Eagles.





We fought hard to get to the final, Troost-Ekong told reporters.





Were not satisfied to reach the final, we now want to go all the way and win the tournament.





It will be a tough game, it will be special.





Everyone is very excited, we dont need any motivation to play this final of the AFCON.




The All Progressives Congress, APC Edo State gubernatorial aspirants screening committee has cleared 12 persons to battle for the partys ticket.

The ruling party had scheduled its primary elections for February 22.

A statement signed by the National Organizing Secretary, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu said the screening exercise took place between Thursday and Friday.

Those successfully cleared by the committee include Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Sunday Dekeri, Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu, Engr. Gideon Ikhine.

Others are, Col David Imuse, Rtd, Prof Oserheinmen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Danis Idahosa, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

The statement added that Certificate of Screening will be presented to all the 12 Gubernatorial Aspirants at the Partys National Secretariat by the National Organising Secretary, Saturday, 10th February, 2024.

Any of the 12 aspirants who emerge as the partys flagbearer during the primary polls, will battle for the Governorship seat on September 21.




Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), says the federal government is not serious about implementing the agreement signed with the labour unions.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Osifo said the unions cannot pick a particular item of agreement that the federal government has fulfilled satisfactorily.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government over the rising cost of living in the country.

The unions said the government has failed to honour the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023.

The agreement focused on the payment of a N35,000 wage award to workers for six months, the inauguration of a committee on minimum wage review, and the provision of buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), among others.

WAGE AWARD ONLY PAID TWICE

Osifo said some workers got the N35,000 wage award only once, while some got it twice.





The TUC president said despite the unions engagement with the federal government, the terms of the agreement were not fulfilled.

He said the federal government only inaugurated the minimum wage committee recently.

We talked about wage awards. They said implementation will start in September. The first N35,000 was paid sometime in November, he said.

When they paid it in November, we counted it for September. In December, nothing was done. In fact, most federal civil servants did not even get their December salaries as of December. How much more of the N35,000 wage award?

At the end of January, they paid some agencies an additional one month. Only two months have been paid to some people, and in some cases, just one month.

The TUC president wondered if the demands of organised labour were being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu.

I cannot really pinpoint one particular item that they have implemented, he added.

Is it the CNG buses? Is the issue of NURTW and RTEAN? Is the issue of the N35,000 wage bill? We cant pinpoint what the government has done satisfactorily.

As of today, we feel they are not serious with us. They are not serious with implementing what they have signed with us. Maybe, the information is not reaching the president. We dont know.




Chinonso Egemba, the Nigerian medical expert better known as Aproko Doctor, has detailed the moments leading to his brain tumour surgery in 2022.





Aproko Doctor previously disclosed that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour on December 5, 2022.

Egemba also revealed that the diagnosis left him partially blind. He, however, hailed Tayo Ojo, a Nigerian-based neurosurgeon, for being instrumental in his recovery journey.

Aproko Doctor revisited some of his troubled moments before his brain surgery on the #WithChude podcast.





Egemba said he had secretly written all the passwords of my banking apps somewhere in case he died during the procedure.

He said he became scared after knowing he had to consent to his surgery within 10 minutes.

In my entire life, I never saw that coming. There is no book where one of the chapters would be my battle with a brain tumour. It could be another thing but not a brain tumour. That is why I said things happen when they happen, he said.

I decided that I was not going to do the surgery due to the fear. My father came and put his hands on my shoulder and said dont worry Nonso everything is going to be alright. I remember anger from the depth of my belle. In my mind, I was like if you do not get out This is not the time when you talk.

I had quietly written all the passwords of my banking apps somewhere. I was preparing in case I would die.

And then there was also the possibility of never getting my eyesight back. At a point when the doctor told me these were the options available for you I did not know what to do again.




The National Examinations Council (NECO) has indefinitely postponed the 2024 Staff Promotion Examination.





The examination which was scheduled to hold on 14th and 15th February 2024 in Minna, Niger State had generated reactions.





The exam body had directed its staff members eligible for promotion to appear at its headquarters from January 13, 2024, to January 15, 2024.





However, the staff kicked against the development due to insecurity ravaging the country.





A statement issued by Azeez Sani, Acting Director, Directorate of Information and Digital Communication on Friday said the postponement was in compliance with the directive of the Committee on Basic Examination Bodies of the House of Representatives.





The Committee has also scheduled a meeting with the Registrar/CE of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi for Monday, 19 February 2024.





With this development, all NECO Staff who are due for promotion this year should note that the exercise has been put on hold indefinitely, he added.
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74, have arrested a pastor, Simon Kado; his relative, Jesse Simon-Kado, and their driver, Muhammad Isah, for child trafficking.





They were busted on Friday while trafficking 12 underaged children  eight girls and four boys aged between five to 16 years, from Nasarawa State to Ogun State.





The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, made the development known in a statement on Saturday.





Adeh said, Operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74, on Friday, February 9, at about 12:55 am, intercepted one Muhammad Isah, male, of Kafanchan, Kaduna State in a Toyota Hiace bus with Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying twelve; four male and eight female; underaged children to a destination later discovered to be in Ogun state.





Preliminary investigation revealed that the children whose ages are between five years to 16 years, all from Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State were being trafficked to Ogun state by one Pastor Simon Kado, male, and Jesse Simon-Kado, male, who are now presently in police custody.





While the investigation is still ongoing and efforts in conduit with Nasarawa State Police Command on how to reunite victims with their respective families, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, wishes to reiterate that the safety of residents remains his utmost priority.





The FCT has been experiencing a surge in kidnapping and bandit attacks lately.





In January 2024, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad, Federal Capital Territory Police Command, neutralised three notorious bandits in a forest within the Bwari area of Abuja.





Within the same month, a kidnap kingpin identified as Janari, who was said to have masterminded several kidnappings within Kaduna State and Abuja, alongside some of his foot soldiers were killed during operations conducted by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in Kaduna state.
Tragedy struck in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Friday night when a popular oil and gas merchant and socialite, Sesan Adelabu, butchered his wife, Bolu, to death.

The incident which occurred in their residence in the highbrow area of Alagbaka has left many wondering what went wrong between the two lovebirds.

According to sources in the area, Adelabu, popularly known as Shessy Emirate within the social circle, inflicted a series of machete cuts on his wife after he allegedly caught her having an affair.

After brutally butchering her to death, Emirate, who owns chains of gas and filling stations, was said to have driven out of his house to buy a deadly insecticide known as Sniper.

On getting back to the house, he drank the substance, after which he gave up the ghost.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abayomi Oladipo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, disclosed that the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, will take over the case.

On the 9th of February, 2024, a distress call was received by the police of A Division Akure by men of the Special Protection Unit.

The officer attached to the deceased in his house in the Alagbaka area of Akure received a call from the deceased child around 6 p.m. asking after his father.

When he was not picking up his calls, the policeman, while trying to inform his principal, discovered him face down and lifeless in the toilet, while his wifes body was found on the bed with multiple cuts suspected to be machete cuts on her head and face.

An empty container of sniper was also found at the scene, she said.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased couple have been deposited at the mortuary.
BEIRUT, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah fighter was killed, and three civilians were wounded on Friday in confrontations on the Lebanese-Israeli borders, Lebanese military sources reported.

Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that Israel carried out 14 air strikes on border areas and fired about 120 shells on 18 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, causing casualties.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the headquarters of the third infantry brigade at the Ein Zeitim base with dozens of Katyusha rockets while also targeting the Meron Air Base with Falaq missiles, as well as the sites of Al-Malikiyah, Zibdin, al-Baghdadi, and the Doviv Barracks.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, 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 254 on the Lebanese side, including 182 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. 




The Presidency has called for an investigation into the civil service framework.

This, according to the Presidency, is to eliminate individuals it refers to as moles who are loyal to the main opposition, the PDP.

The moles are allegedly responsible for the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents.

Recall that an internal memo was recently leaked, indicating that President Tinubu allegedly sanctioned the disbursement of N500m from a total of N1bn to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The allocated funds were intended for the inauguration of a 37-member Tripartite Committee responsible for discussing the New National Minimum Wage.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take decisive action in identifying and removing individuals who are leaking classified documents and are believed to have allegiance to the opposition.

This step is crucial in ensuring the security and maintenance of sensitive information, he said.

Onanuga said, What is worrisome is, how come a memo written by SGF to the President bearing the Presidents signature leaked out? It means that there are some fifth columnists within the government.

Its not the first time a memo will leak. There was a memo leak when the President went to UNGA, about a request for money to pay for his hotel bills and you wonder where it is leaking from.

There are so many moles around who are probably doing the bidding of the opposition. They do not respect the civil service rule for handling official secrets. And it shows that the government should look inwards to probe how memos between officials are getting into the public space. Memos that are supposed to be secret are not supposed to be flying all over the place.




The Zamfara State Government has commenced the payment of the backlog of N13.4 billion in gratuities to retired civil servants in the state.





Recall that the state government had established a committee to authenticate retired civil servants data to pay off the gratuity debt accumulated from 2011 to date.





In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesman of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the retirees who have been owed gratuities since 2011 finally started receiving their payments.





The statement added that the backlog of gratuities accumulated over the years is now being cleared and payment commenced on Thursday.





The State government has taken a significant step towards addressing the outstanding debt of gratuity owed to retirees, which comprises death gratuities, retirement gratuities, and contract gratuities, the statement added.





Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate and authenticate retiree data to settle the debt of gratuities that has accumulated since 2011





After validating the data of retired civil servants, the government discovered that the total amount owed from state and local governments is 13.4 billion Naira





The committee has already gone far with the authentication of data submitted by local government and state pension commission and physical verification of beneficiaries





Retired state and local government employees who were verified have begun to receive their gratuity payments since Thursday





The government would ensure that all retirees are authenticated and paid their gratuities without any difficulties





The Zamfara State Government is fulfilling its promise to serve the people of the State by rescuing and rebuilding the state for the better
In a clash of titans, famed musician and entrepreneurs Snoop Dogg and Master P are taking on Walmart.

The two rapper-turned-moguls filed a lawsuit in Minnesota against Walmart Inc. and Post Consumer Brands claiming they are keeping Snoop Cereal in store stockrooms instead of displaying it on shelves.

The lawsuit alleges the retailer is sabotaging the Snoop Cereal brand.

Snoop Dogg and Master P claim the issue derives from Post Foods proposal to buy the cereal outright.

Snoop Cereal was originally launched in 2022.

The brand partnered with Post in 2023 to promote the cereal like the food manufacturer does with other major brands it sells at retailers, like Walmart, Target, Kroger and Amazon.

Because the largest seller of Posts products is Walmart, Snoop Cereal should have been placed on Walmarts shelves right next to the dozens of other Post branded cereal, the lawsuit reads. Unbeknownst to Broadus Foods, Post was not on board with their goals and dreams and had no intention of treating Snoop Cereal equally as its own brand.

The lawsuit claims Post pretended to align with Snoop Cereals goal of inspiring and creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

According to the lawsuit, Walmart hiked up the cereals price on its website to more than $10 per box.

Essentially, because Snoop Dogg and Master P refused to sell Snoop Cereal in totality, Post entered a false arrangement where they could choke Broadus Foods out of the market, thereby preventing Snoop Cereal from being sold or produced by any competitor, the suit reads.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Snoop Dogg and Master P. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and more than $50,000 in damages for the cost of the lawsuit and attorneys fees.

The Snoop Cereal brand includes three flavors: Fruity Hoopz with Marshmallows, Frosted Drizzlers and Cinnamon Toasteez.

Snoop Dogg and Master P are suing Walmart and Post Consumer Brands claiming that retailer is sabotaging Snoop Cereal. (Al Mannarino | NJ Advance Media)Post Consumer Brands

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips/.
A Gloucester County man will serve nine months in prison for his conduct at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, authorities said.

Peter M. Krill Jr., 55, of Sewell in Mantua Township, pleaded guilty to felony civil disorder in October, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. also sentenced Krill to one year of supervised release and ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution, the office said.

Krill  clad in a combat helmet and goggles - was part of a mob of rioters who pushed into police officers as they tried to hold back the surge. He pulled a metal bike rack-style barricade from the officers, allowing the others to move ahead.

He and other rioters then breached the police line.

Later inside the Capitol Rotunda, Krill was belligerent with police as they tried to clear out the historic area underneath the dome.

Court documents said that Krill disregarded commands to leave the Rotunda and instead attempted to hold his position and was one of the last rioters to leave the Rotunda area.

Krill exited the Capitol building via the East Rotunda doors at about 3:23 p.m., the office said.

He was arrested on Dec. 15, 2022, by the FBI in New Jersey, investigators said.

A federal prosecutor recommended Krill serve 13 months in prison, to balance the gravity of his conduct against his early admission of guilt in the case.

However, Krill has an extensive criminal history, the prosecutor noted in a presentence report. The convictions range from 1986 to 2004 on a variety of crimes, from shoplifting and drug possession to burglary and vehicle theft.

In 2006, a robbery conviction led a judge to sentence him to six years in state prison.

Despite his status as a felon, which prohibited him from having firearms, FBI agents found several in his home, plus ammunition, when they arrested him in December 2022 on Jan. 6 charges.

Krill admitted the weapons were his, and that he was prohibited from possessing them. He then admitted he was at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

This history demonstrates a pattern of disregard for the law that is fully consistent with his behavior on January 6, when he grabbed a bike rack to break through the police perimeter and disregarded commands from officers to leave the Capitol, the federal prosecutor on the case wrote.

Krills lawyer argued for no prison time, and a sentence of 10 months home detention as part a 34-month probation term, plus 250 hours of community service.

The defenses presentence report  and a letter Krill wrote to the judge  portray his life in two halves: before and after sobriety.

He was once a transient, often-homeless drug user, who had his first felony conviction at age 18. His life of crime continued into his 20s and 30s, but a visit from his parents in prison later in life made all the difference  as they were raising his son, who theyd adopted.

Krill is a different man in the past decade since his release from prison, his lawyer wrote. Hes married, obtained his high school equivalency and works in construction. He even appeared as a panelist in a 2017 recovery event at Rowan University, the report says.

When he traveled to Washington on Jan. 6 to see former President Donald Trump, He never imagined that it would be supporters of the President who would instigate the violence.

To the contrary, he believed that members of Antifa would be present and that he would be the target of their violence. He wore a helmet and goggles to protect himself, his lawyer wrote. He had no weapon.

Krills presentence report minimizes his role at the bike rack confrontation, saying he briefly grabbed the and pulled backwards, and his hands were on it for a matter of a seconds.

Mr. Krill engaged in no physical contact  or verbal interaction  with the officers at the bike rack, or anywhere else that day, the report says.

After living a crime-free life for over a decade, Mr. Krill failed to use the tools of recovery that now govern his daily life. Mr. Krill got swept away by the emotions of the mob, and with it, so too did his good judgment.

He is mortified by his behavior and completely regrets his conduct. He continues to be contrite and accepts that his conduct will come with criminal sanctions, the report says.

Krill himself wrote that he was unaware that something like Jan. 6, that he could trigger him into relapsing to criminal behavior.

I will always regret that day, he wrote.

In the 37 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,313 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 469 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, which is a felony, the office said.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
A rideshare driver who was convicted of sexually assaulting a juvenile he picked up while driving for Lyft in Passaic County, was sentenced Friday to seven years in state prison, officials said.

Julio Mejia, 43, of Wharton, was found guilty last year of second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, third-degree luring, and second-degree luring or enticing a child, according to a statement from the Passaic County Prosecutors Office.

Mejia, who was a member of the military at the time, picked up a girl on Aug. 30, 2019, in Prospect Park, and sexually assaulted her, the office said.

The driver stayed in touch with the victim via text messages over the next several weeks before sexually assaulting her a second time, investigators said.

The Prospect Park Police Department received a report on Nov. 19, 2019, that the victim had been assaulted by the rideshare driver, authorities said.

Thereafter, evidence was collected, and multiple witnesses were interviewed, including the child victim, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes previously said.

Mejia was also sentenced to parole supervision for life and must register as a sex offender once he is released from prison, the office said.

Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Theres a grand home for sale on the Delaware River in Delanco in Burlington County.

It has a stone exterior, transoms above the doors, several fireplaces, a double staircase, eight bedrooms, four full- and one half-bathroom. Its 7,000-square-feet in size and sits on a 2.5 acre lot that spans an entire block.

And in largely blue collar Delanco  where the median sales price of a single family home was $351,250 as of December, according to the most recent data available from New Jersey Realtors  its been a tough sell at $1.5 million, said Sam Lepore, the listing agent from Keller Williams Realty in Moorestown.

The double stair case when you walk in the front door. The windows and the amount of light they let in. Its an impressive place, he said. The problem is, at that price point for that town theres really no comparable sales, so its on the harder side to sell.

The home, built in 1911, is typical for a few blocks of the town, but the rest of the homes in the area are smaller, he said.

It faces the Delaware River with a nice view across the waterway. This part of the river is nice. On some parts the Delaware, the view is industrial, not as pretty as this area, Lepore said.

Its been on the market for over 100 days at a time when homes in New Jersey typically sell in about 40 days, according to New Jersey Realtors.

This one requires a lot more time because of the buyer pool being so small, LePore said. Its a lot of house to take on, so its not for everybody.

The buyer will likely be a a larger family or one that would need an in-law suite, he said. There is a section of the home that was a servants quarter with its own stairs and bathroom. And the home is located about 30 minutes from Philadelphia.

If you want to own one of the most unique properties in the area, this is it, Lepore said.

The stone home faces the Delaware River.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

Double staircases great you inside the foyer.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

There are several fireplaces throughout the home.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

The gourmet eat-in kitchen has an island and other modern conveniences.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

The home was built in 1911.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

There are eight bedrooms and four full- and one half-bathroom.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

The many windows throughout the home let in a lot of natural light.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

The third floor has three bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room with a fireplace.Courtesy of Sam Lepore of Keller Williams Realty  Moorestown

Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jerseys real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.
Authorities are still searching for one suspect after charging two in the killing of a missing Franklin Township man found dead in Brooklyn on Dec. 30, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said Friday.

Daniel Matthews, 44, of Brooklyn, New York and Andrew Mumby, 47, of New Brunswick were charged in connection with the killing of Artis Young, 46, of Franklin Township, the office said.

A family member of Youngs filed a missing persons report on Dec. 30, saying he hadnt been seen since the day before, prosecutors said. Investigators alleged Young had plans to meet up with Matthews in Franklin Township on Dec. 29  the day authorities say Young was killed. Officials did not disclose how the two men were acquainted.

A body was found in Brooklyn the same day the report was made, but not identified until later, officials said. Franklin Township detectives were notified of Youngs identity on Jan. 3, according to authorities. An autopsy by the New York City Medical Examiners Office ruled Youngs death a homicide.

Somerset investigators said Young was killed in Franklin Township and taken to Brooklyn, but did not release many details beyond that, like the manner of death or alleged motive. The office said it identified Mumby and Matthews as suspects, but little else about what allegedly tied them to the crime and victim.

Mumby and Matthews were both charged with first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree desecrating human remains and conspiring to desecrate or disturb human remains and two counts of third-degree hindering prosecution and the prosecution of another, the prosecutors office said.

Mumby was arrested on Wednesday in New Brunswick and is being held at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Matthews remains at large. In addition to Franklin Township, he has ties to Brooklyn and the Bronx in New York, officials said. The Somerset County Prosecutors Office has asked anyone with information on his location to contact the major crimes unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
Jordan Montgomery is cutting it close.

By next Thursday, Feb. 15, all MLB pitchers and catchers will have reported to spring training and the former Yankees pitcher is still a free agent. MLB insiders Jon Morosi and Mark Feinsand arent too concerned, however. Both believe the veteran lefty will find a home before then.
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.
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians on Friday highlighted a harrowing statistic: 700,000 children in Sudan are now facing the most severe form of malnutrition due to the ongoing conflict.

James Elder, a spokesperson for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), described the situation in Sudan as "the world's largest displacement of children," with 4 million children displaced.

"That's 13,000 children every single day for 300 days," Elder said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently called for 2.7 billion U.S. dollars to address the urgent needs within Sudan, but the appeal remains drastically underfunded at just four percent. This comes amid a brutal conflict that began last April, with rival factions showing no signs of compliance with peace efforts.

Elder's recent visit to Sudan's Darfur revealed a distressing reality: out of over 700,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, UNICEF may only be able to treat less than half without increased support and access. 
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snowfall around one inch..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%.
Bakery owner Huong Tran, left, puts a Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery signature King Cake into its bag with cake decorator, Lien Ngo at Dong Phoung Oriental Bakery in New Orleans East on Thursday, February 20, 2013. Owner Huong Tran, whose father was a baker in Vietnam and well-known for her take on traditional New Orleans po-boy bread, is selling Mardi Gras King Cakes with a zippered-edge. (Photo by Julia Kumari Drapkin, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
In addition to throwing hand-decorated sunglasses, Iris riders will toss packages of red beans, coffee, toothbrushes and soap. The Rolling Elvi and 610 Stompers are among the groups making an appearance in the parade this year.

More than 2,100 male and female riders with the Krewe of Tucks will follow Iris on 37 floats. Tucks, which always has a bathroom theme, will parade under the biggest theme of "Tucks faces the music."

The monarchs, King Tucks LVI Kevin Heingarten and Queen Elizabeth Carter, will once again ride in a toilet "throne" float. The krewe will again throw toilet paper, hand-decorated plungers and toilet brushes.

Parade route

This duo will spend the majority of its parade of St. Charles Avenue.

Check out the full routes on the maps below.
DAMASCUS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli missile attack targeted areas west of the Syrian capital of Damascus after midnight, witnesses and local media said early Saturday.

Loud explosions were heard in the western countryside of Damascus, with the pro-government al-Watan news outlet saying it was an Israeli attack.

The explosions were heard on the outskirts of the Dimas area west of Damascus as well as in the Mashrou' Dummar neighborhood, according to witnesses and pro-government media outlets.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the explosions were the result of an Israeli missile attack on military targets in the Dimas area, which is close to the Syrian-Lebanese border.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said the attack was launched from over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, noting that the air defense system intercepted some of the missiles. The attack left material damage, it noted.

The attack was the second in less than 24 hours.

Earlier Friday, two unmanned aerial vehicles violated the Syrian airspace from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, and were shot down west of Damascus around 2:10 p.m. local time (1110 GMT), said the defense ministry.

The attack is the latest in a string of Israeli targeting of Syrian areas. After midnight Wednesday, nine people were killed and over 20 others wounded after an Israeli missile attack targeted a residential area in Homs city, causing its collapse. 
Oscar nomination snubs, like Greta Gerwig not getting a nod for Best Director for the wildly successful Barbie, are annual rites of the Academy Awards season. But plenty of nominated films dont get enough attention, including most short films.

Thankfully, in recent years, the slates of short live action, animated and documentary nominees have hit theaters in advance of the awards ceremony, scheduled March 10 this year. Locally, the Prytania Theatre screens all three showcases at its Uptown location, and live action and animated at Canal Place, starting Feb. 15.

The animated films include the five nominees plus two that were shortlisted but not finalists, Wild Summon and Im Hip. There are impressive and diverse original visual styles across the group.

Israeli director Tal Kantors film-festival-award-winning Letter to a Pig is a stark film, done mostly in high-contrast black and white with minimalist drawings of its handful of characters, at times inserting photos or video clips. In it, an older Holocaust survivor recounts the horrors of escaping persecution by seeking refuge in a farmers pigsty.

Though he always observed religious prohibitions against pork and associated the animals with filth, he turns the slaughterhouse imagery on its head. The man shares his letter with young teens, but most are removed in age and time from his experiences and mostly wrapped up in petty social affairs with classmates. But one young girl tries to find a way to relate to his compassion.

In Jared and Jerusha Hesss Ninety-Five Senses, a kindly narrator fondly recalls the sensory perceptions of his young life in another film revolving around surprisingly couched reflections. He savors the smell of vanilla candles meant to mask the singed hair during his grandmothers beauty salon visits. He frets about children losing normal eyesight by spending so much time staring at tiny screens. He relishes taste and his favorite foods.

The visual style mixes bright, sharply drawn images of the past and a more faded, watercolor-like present. But the mans excitement becomes bittersweet as the arc of his life comes into view.

Iranian filmmaker Yegane Moghaddams Our Uniform is visually creative, featuring childlike drawings animated on fabric backgrounds. The commentary on the greater constraints Iranian society enforces through the hijab is clear. And the girl knows none of these rules apply when her family travels outside the country. Her small hidden flourishes, like a childs irreverent and illicit drawings in a notebook, propel the films creativity and its distinct voice.

Pachyderme, from French director Stephanie Clement, is another reflection on youth that features a gorgeous illustration style. In it, a woman named Louise remembers summers spent with her grandparents in the countryside, as she indulged her imagination about natural sights and sounds and slowly became aware of her grandfathers aging.

Also nominated is War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko, in which soldiers on opposite sides during World War II play a remote game of chess, using pigeons to communicate their moves.

Karni Arieli and Saul Freeds mixed-media short Wild Summon uses plenty of stunning video footage of Icelandic waterways in a film about the incredible odyssey of salmon returning to distinct spots to spawn. The salmon are not represented as fish, and the ominous treatment is done with computer animation. Its a candid approach to illustrate the problems with environmental degradation.

Also in the slate is the four-minute short Im Hip, about a cat as a jazzy hipster. All other films are between 7 and 17 minutes long. The group of nominees demonstrates how well animation can be deployed for brief but moving and serious storytelling.

For schedule and tickets, visit theprytania.com.
Hey Blake,

Your article about NOCCAs 50th anniversary mentioned its former location Uptown on Perrier Street. I know the building is now condos, but when was it built and what was its history before NOCCA?

Dear reader,

The handsome Italianate-style building at Webster and Perrier Street opened in 1901 as LaSalle Elementary School.

A 1951 Times-Picayune article touted LaSalle as the first school in the city to organize a domestic science class, which in later years would be called home economics. A February 1911 article explained that classes were intended to interest the young girls in things that will help to make the home happier and keep them there.

LaSalle operated until 1974. When it closed at the end of the school year, it was chosen as the home for the fledgling New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, which had opened in January of the same year. NOCCA initially held afternoon classes for high school students on the University of New Orleans campus and at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

While the LaSalle site offered NOCCA the chance to expand its course offerings, the aging building did have its shortcomings.

As picturesque and fun as it was, it was totally inadequate for the school's needs," said NOCCAs first principal Thomas Tews in a 2000 Times-Picayune article.

"A 1901 elementary school was never meant to house an arts facility," added John Otis, who took over as principal in 1985.

Despite the challenges, NOCCA remained at the Perrier Street location until 2000 before opening its $23 million Faubourg Marigny campus.

In 2009, the Louisiana Landmarks Society added the dilapidated LaSalle building to its list of New Orleans Nine Most Endangered Sites. In 2011, developer Jim MacPhaille, a former LaSalle student, purchased the property from the Orleans Parish School Board at auction for $2.45 million. He converted the building into luxury condominiums. Construction was completed in 2014.
This week, as we celebrate Mardi Gras, we also travel back 75 years to remember one of Carnivals first and biggest celebrity monarchs  Louis Armstrong, who reigned as King Zulu 1949.

A native New Orleanian, Armstrong had fond memories of watching the Zulu parade as a young boy. In the 1930s, he became an honorary member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. According to Mardi Gras Guide founder Arthur Hardy, Armstrong and his vocalist Velma Middleton rode in the 1946 Zulu parade as guests on the kings float.

Three years later, Armstrong would be back in his hometown as King Zulu himself. His selection as king would earn him a spot on the cover of Time magazine. In the accompanying feature, Armstrong said, Theres a thing I have dreamed of all my life, and Ill be damned if it dont look like its about to come true  to be King of the Zulu parade. After that, Ill be ready to die.

Two days before the parade, Satchmo performed at the clubs coronation ball at the Booker T. Washington High School Auditorium on South Roman Street. On Fat Tuesday, March 1, Armstrong and his royal entourage arrived on the New Basin Canal, following Zulu tradition, then boarded his mule-drawn kings float.

On Mardi Gras night, Armstrong performed a concert at the Coliseum arena on North Roman and Conti. The next day, he was bound for Jackson, Mississippi, the start of a multi-city concert tour.

This Fat Tuesday, look for a special float by Kern Studios in this years Zulu parade, honoring the 75th anniversary of Satchmos reign.
+6 Louisiana's state climatologist, a familiar weather expert, sidelined by LSU leaders Louisiana State Climatologist Barry Keim, familiar statewide for his explanations of hurricanes, tornadoes and other weather events during his

Grymes actually served as Louisiana state climatologist from 1991 to 2003, before retiring after 17 years from his teaching position at the university. He joined WAFB in 1996, and was named the station's chief meteorologist in 2003.

Grymes also has served as a consultant for several Louisiana state agencies, including the Attorney General's office, Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana State Police. He has a bachelor's degree and master's degrees in biology, physical geology and climatology from the University of Delaware.

The Louisiana Office of State Climatology is responsible for archiving climate data, monitoring climate, and public outreach. The state climatologist provides input to and review of the U.S. Drought Monitor, briefs state and federal officials as needed, and responds to questions on climate issues from media and stakeholder groups.
RAMALLAH, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Presidency on Friday condemned a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding plans to start a military operation in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, a statement issued by Netanyahu's Office said that the prime minister had ordered the army to prepare to evacuate Rafah and start a military operation to eliminate what remains of Hamas brigades.

"It is clear that a massive military operation in Rafah will force us to evacuate civilians from the combat area," said the statement from the Palestinian Presidency.

The statement held the Israeli government and the U.S. administration fully responsible for the consequences, emphasizing the danger of such destructive policies.

The Presidency affirmed that the Palestinian people "will not abandon their land and will not accept to be displaced from their homeland."

It called on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities because "the occupation's taking of this step threatens security and peace in the region and the world, and this exceeds all red lines."

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza on Oct. 7 last year, about half of the population of the sector has fled to Rafah, adjacent to Egypt, in search of a safe place.

The process of displacement of residents from their homes has increased recently after the Israeli army launched one of its largest and most massive attacks on Khan Younis, adjacent to Rafah, since weeks ago.

The border city, which receives food and medicine aid from foreign countries and UN agencies through the Rafah crossing, is crowded with tents spread in empty agricultural lands, schools, and along roadsides.

UN officials said that most of the new arrivals "live in temporary buildings, tents, or in the open air," pointing out that Rafah has now become a "pressure cooker of despair." 
Farmers in North Devon are set to benefit from new guidance aimed at simplifying the planning process for agricultural businesses.

North Devon and Torridge district councils have collaborated to produce the Planning Advice for Farmers document, designed to assist farmers with submitting planning applications and understanding permitted development regulations.

The comprehensive guidance covers a range of topics relevant to farmers, including the requirements for planning applications related to new farm buildings, slurry storage, and engineering operations.

It also provides insight into the planning considerations for diversifying agricultural businesses, such as renewable energy projects, building conversions, and tourism development.

Developed in consultation with North Devon Plus, the National Farmers Union, and local farmers across North Devon, the guidance aims to address the challenges faced by the agricultural industry in navigating the planning system.

While the document does not constitute formal planning policy, it serves as a valuable resource to help farmers understand the planning requirements and procedures.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Strategic Planning Policy at North Devon Council, underscored the importance of supporting local farmers through the planning process.

He stated, "We know the planning system is not always the easiest to navigate, and with changes to how farm subsidy payments are received, we felt it would be useful...to produce guidance for our local agricultural industry to make it that bit easier for those looking to adapt, expand, or diversify their business."

Councillor Rosemary Lock, Lead Member for Planning at Torridge District Council, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the collaborative effort with the farming community and the National Farmers Union.

She expressed hope that the guidance would streamline the planning process for farming businesses, enabling them to respond effectively to market challenges and opportunities.

The Planning Advice for Farmers guidance document is now available to assist farmers in North Devon.
President of Lithuania Gitanas Naus?da has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on his landslide victory in the election, Azernews reports.

Expressing his best wishes for the continued success to President Ilham Aliyev and prosperity to Azerbaijan, President Gitanas Naus?da said: I firmly believe that Lithuania and Azerbaijan, under your presidency, will maintain meaningful cooperation relations and further develop successful bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

I am convinced that there is considerable scope for expanding relations between Lithuania and Azerbaijan, especially in developing bilateral contacts in the fields of economy, information technologies and renewable energy, the Lithuanian President noted.

May I again offer my congratulations on your re-election since the new mandate serves as a strong basis for building sustainable peace in the region, President Gitanas Naus?da emphasized.
SEOUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday called on its armed forces to build up military capabilities for eternal security of the state, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the requirements in a speech during his visit to the Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of the 76th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA).

The foremost task for the DPRK is "to obtain the eternal security," to which end, the country "must possess absolute might which defies any provocation, might strong enough to control the enemy," Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying.

Kim said that the DPRK has designated the Republic of Korea (ROK) as "the first enemy state and invariable archenemy" and decided as a state policy to occupy and subjugate ROK territory in time of emergency, calling such moves as "an absolutely right measure for our state's eternal security and its peace and stability in the future," according to the KCNA report.

The top leader stressed that the KPA should have greater strength and prevent war and safeguard peace without failure of this invincible strength, KCNA reported.

"Peace is not something to be begged for or bartered for through negotiations," he said.

Kim also asked the KPA to be always ready for war, KCNA said.

"If the enemy dares to have recourse to armed force against our state, we will make a bold decision to change history and enlist all the super-powerful means in our hands unhesitatingly so as to annihilate the enemy," he added. 
Artist Dorothy Graden is exhibiting her work at South Shore Arts in Munster.

Somewhere in Time is hanging in the Atrium Gallery through Feb. 25.

"With an artistic career spanning over 30 years, Graden finds her inspiration in the prehistoric art of the Americas," South Shore Arts said in a press release. "This exhibit allows the public to explore Graden's connection with ancient visions and preserving these sacred ancestral sites. Her personal experiences, including global travels and a recent trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya, contribute to the art on display by influencing her palette with the colors of the savannah."

She will give an Art in Focus artist talk and lead a gallery tour from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 12 at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster.

"Graden employs a distinctive technique in her art by manipulating cotton rags in her paper studio, allowing the artwork to emerge organically. As a contemporary artist, Graden finds inspiration in extensive research, hiking through deserts in various U.S. states, and scuba diving globally, including Fiji Islands, Hawaii, the southern Caribbean, and Mexico," South Shore Arts said in a press release. "Notably, Graden's fieldwork on rock art has been shared at institutions worldwide, including the Russian Academy of Science in Moscow, University College Cork in Ireland and the University of Innsbruck in Austria. Beyond presenting and lecturing, she showcases her drawings and ceramic sculptures at various venues across the Midwest and the Chicagoland area."

For more information, call 219-836-1839 or visit southshoreartsonline.org.
GARY  At approximately 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, Gary police responded to Northlake Methodist Hospital regarding a 43-year-old stab wound victim, police said.

The South Holland man informed police he was visiting a food truck at work when he noticed his ex-girlfriend entering his white Chevy Tahoe. The victim said when he confronted the woman, she exited the truck with his pocket knife.

"The victim said that the ex-girlfriend cut him on his left index finger when he approached her," a news release said. "When he attempted to detain her, he stated that she stabbed him in the neck and fled after jumping over a barrier to the property."

The man was transported to the hospital by medics and later transferred to another hospital for further treatment. While at the hospital, officers spoke to a 39-year-old Riverdale woman who admitted to being the ex-girlfriend, police said.

The woman informed police she went to the location accompanied by her sister to take possession of the Tahoe, which she claimed to be hers, police said. The woman exited the truck after failing to start the vehicle.

"She told police that as she was walking away the ex pulled a knife on her and they began to scuffle," police said. "She told officers that she cut her finger on the knife and fell to the ground."

The woman, who is six months pregnant, alleges her ex-boyfriend then jumped on top of her, but she managed to escape. Her sister transported her to the hospital, police said.

This case is being investigated by Det. Olivia Vasquez. Anyone with information can contact 219-881-1210.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail Jamille Walker Rebecca Strand Jennifer Phillips William Riley Damien Sahagun Jillian Sencaj Lashawntel Mackay Tursena Harris Semaj Irvin Todd Kasperan Imelda Lopez Tinotchy Evans Luke Hardin Lazarius Allison Patrick Colvin Antonio Santana Cameron Smith Primas Sweet Don Wiley Steven Mikel Jr. Jesus Morales Marcus Nash Mark Nicpon Ann Horta Enrique Feliciano Jacoby Gibson Eugene Clay Haley Austin Robert Van Noort Michael Udrow Derrick Keys Richard Morris Larry Newman Jr. Terrane Robinson Christian Saavedra Ibn Jones Donald Elmore III Brian Hawkins Brian Jablonski LaTeshia Adams Nashee Burns Stephanie Crilley Tonya Stevens Joseph Szilagyi Daniel Tyrka Jessica Smith Victor Sandoval Al Sepulveda Paul Slagle Crystal McLain Stuart Roane III Kelly Klapkowski Alyssa Hecker Eve Holt Lori Kikkert Mosell Gordon Jr. David Garcia Luveli Gipson Xavier Binder Jose Cotto Jr. Stephanie Crilley
CROWN POINT  A forensic pathologist called to testify at the trial of a Munster man charged with killing his infant daughter said the injuries sustained by the baby were consistent with an illness, not with child abuse.

Dr. Jennifer Hammers was called by the defense to testify on behalf of Justin Harling, 29, who prosecutors said caused fatal injuries to his 6-month-old daughter Morgan Harling while changing her in a Target bathroom in 2019.

Hammers, who is not a medical examiner or pathologist in Indiana, told a jury that Morgan Harling was suffering from RSV that had progressed to pneumonia. She said Morgan's lungs had some of the "most extensive" damage she had seen in any of the cases she has investigated, which could cause difficulty breathing.

"The pneumonia in and of itself is more than sufficient to cause Morgan to pass away," Hammers said.

Morgan's mother, Kailani Strickland, testified Monday that Morgan was ill at the time she died, but seemed to be slowly improving with the help of antibiotics.

Harling was changing Morgan on Dec. 11, 2019, inside the Munster Target bathroom when he yelled to Strickland that he needed another diaper. Strickland walked over the give him the diaper and saw her daughter on the changing table "gasping for air," like she was choking, Strickland said.

Hammers said the injuries Morgan sustained, which include severe brain injuries, damage to her eyes, brain bleeding and bruising on her forehead, have other explanations. Some of the brain bleeding could be consistent with prolonged resuscitation. A nurse and medics performed CPR on Morgan before she was taken to Munster Community Hospital.

In Hammers' assessment, Morgan's pneumonia was more likely to have caused her death than acute head trauma.

Morgan also had a bruise with two red markings on her head, which was in a "well-defined" area of the brain, Hammers said. She called it a "minor injury" that didn't require significant force.

A Marion County pathologist who did part of the baby's autopsy testified Wednesday that the baby's injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma. In his expert opinion, the death was a homicide. The pathologist, Christopher Poulos, also found evidence of older injuries, including a shoulder dislocation, which could have exacerbated any injuries she received the day she died. He said the pneumonia would not be severe enough to kill her.

The case is set to close Monday in Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez's courtroom.
Three Crown Point High School teachers have each been awarded grants meant to provide educators the resources for them to take time for meaningful renewal and experiences.

Eric Beard, Matthew Barno and Ryan Collier are recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship and will each receive up to $15,000 to support a personal project of exploration.

Beard will spend three weeks in Northern California and Oregon to study literature and research two influential authors, Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey. This will include viewing the collection of Kesey's work at the University of Oregon, and a San Francisco museum dedicated to Kerouac's work.

The experience will also include a five-day yoga and mediation retreat.

Barno will spend two weeks traveling on U.S. Route 66 all the way to Santa Monica, California. Along the way he will stop at landmarks and points of interests related to the historic highway.

For the second leg of the trip, Barno will travel the Pacific Coastal Highway and stop at various location related to surfing and American history. Finally, he will travel up to Seattle, Washington, stopping at major national parks and landmarks.

Collier will take a ten day trip to Wyoming to experience working on a cattle ranch. Over the 2024-25 winter break, Collier will take part in dog-sledding in Minnesota. In March of 2025, he learn to snorkel while in the Florida Keys. Finally, he will take a backpacking trip through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan during the summer of 2025.

Collier said the trips will help him learn how to find peace in unfamiliar environments and better connect with students who may have their own struggles.

PHOTOS: Valparaiso faces Crown Point in the Class 4A Sectional 2 final
A Lake County judge appointed Jose Arteaga to the East Chicago School Board Friday after the board failed to pick a candidate.

Arteaga, an educator at Bishop Noll Institute, was selected out of three finalists who interviewed for the open seat to succeed Vanessa Hernandez-Orange, who stepped down late last year to take an at-large seat on the East Chicago Common Council.

The new school board member said he was humbled and honored to have been selected.

"I'm eager to collaborate with fellow board members, educators, parents and students to ensure that our schools continue to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for all," Arteaga told The Times.

Mercedez Taylor, a health care administrator, and Cristina Williams, the director of diversity, equity and belonging at Ivy Tech Lake County, were the other two finalists.

Lake County Circuit Judge Marissa McDermott was tasked with filling the vacant seat after the board was unable to make a selection.

According to state law, if a school board is tied or is unable to fill a vacancy within 30 days, a circuit county judge makes the appointment.

The East Chicago School Board conducted three rounds of interviews in January with seven candidates questioned.

A total of nine individuals applied for the open school board seat.

At Wednesday's school board meeting, Taylor criticized the board for how "disjointed" the interview process was.

"Every opportunity I was given to interview, I don't consider it to be a waste of time," she said. "Yet, I can't help but wonder (if) my time up here was valued or respected by some of you."

The board met Jan. 30 to try to select a candidate but gave up after a few minutes when they weren't able to approve the meeting's agenda.

The board faced a similar deadlock at their first meeting of the year, an organizational meeting where they failed to elect a board president, vice president and secretary.

Arteaga will be sworn in on Feb. 15.

Which states need K-12 educators the mostand in which subjects? Which states need K-12 educators the mostand in which subjects? Teacher shortages
The Duneland Family YMCA has entered the construction planning phase for its new Healthy Living Campus as it continues the capital campaign to support the project.

The Duneland YMCA is redeveloping the Chesterton Middle School building into the new Y and its Healthy Living Campus. An agreement it reached with the Duneland School Corp. includes redevelopment of the majority of the facility and the surrounding property, with the school corporation maintaining an administrative presence and focused programming in the eastern portion of the building.

The balance of the existing building will be adapted for use by the Y and its partners or demolished to make way for new construction, parking, and other uses.

Work is expected to begin in June, when the majority of the facility ends its service as a school site, according to the YMCA.

The YMCA is continuing planning as it raises funds for the project. Each member of the organizations board of directors has pledged to the campaign, the Y announced this week, collectively committing to more than one-half million dollars in donations.

I am deeply moved by the remarkable generosity demonstrated by our board of directors, President Jim Trout said in a news release updating progress on the project. I believe that their visionary contributions will undoubtedly inspire other investors to join us on this meaningful journey, fostering a ripple effect of philanthropy that will enhance our ability to create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.

I am immensely proud and grateful for the outstanding financial support we received from our board of directors, Duneland YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda said. Their leadership exemplifies the true spirit of collaboration and shared values, as we look forward to achieving even greater milestones through the development of the YMCA Healthy Living Campus.

A month ago, the Y received a donation from the Dunbar Family Foundation that will enable the construction of an outdoor pavilion at the Healthy Living Campus.

More information regarding the project is available at www.yhlcduneland.org.
VALPARAISO  The Valparaiso Family YMCA holds its annual fundraising event, the YBash, on Feb. 24.

The event has a Kentucky Derby theme featuring live music, dancing, food, signature derby-themed cocktails, moonshine tastings, and a live and silent auction. All proceeds support the YMCA annual campaign, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families who need YMCA programs and services.

YBash is from 6-10 p.m. at the Porter County Expo Center. Tickets are $80 per person or $1,000 for a table of 8.

The YMCA annual campaign supports vital programs and services that empower youth, improve community health, and provide support to the communitys most vulnerable. Last year, the YMCA provided more than $470,000 in financial assistance to thousands of individuals and families in Porter County.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week

To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, visit www.valpoymca/ybash or call Tracey McElree, at 219-462-4185, ext. 351 or tmcelree@valpoymca.org. You can also make a donation to the YMCA Annual Campaign online or by mail.
White House officials and prominent Democrats today attacked the special counsels report into President Bidens handling of classified material by labeling it politically motivated. The comments were part of an effort to discredit a document that characterized the president as elderly and forgetful.

Vice President Kamala Harris and multiple House Democrats depicted the report, which legally exonerated Biden, as more of a political attack than an unbiased legal document. A spokesman for the White House Counsels Office suggested that the special counsel, Robert Hur, violated Justice Department policy.

The report cast Biden, 81, as a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory with diminished faculties in advancing age. It placed his age  an uncomfortable subject looming over his re-election bid  back at the center of Americas political conversation.
An academic journal publisher this week retracted two studies that were cited by a federal judge in Texas last year when he ruled that the abortion pill mifepristone should be taken off the market.

Most of the authors of the studies are doctors and researchers affiliated with anti-abortion groups, and their reports suggested that medication abortion causes dangerous complications, contradicting the widespread evidence that abortion pills are safe.

The lawsuit in which the studies were cited will be heard by the Supreme Court in March. The high courts ruling could have major implications for access to medication abortion, which is now the most common method of pregnancy termination.

The publisher, Sage Journals, said it had asked two independent experts to evaluate the studies, published in 2021 and 2022 in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, after a reader raised concerns.
by Huang Yaoman

LHASA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- While much of China was buzzing with the excitement of Spring Festival celebrations on Saturday, I was invited to a Tibetan friend's home in rural Lhasa to take part in the joyous festivities of the Tibetan New Year, the most important festival for Tibetans.

During my visit, I not only had the chance to savor delectable traditional dishes but also experience the vibrant local festival customs. It was truly a unique and remarkable experience.

Before my visit to my friend Losel's house, I had a Tibetan costume made for me. Rather than opting for readymade costumes, locals prefer to have their traditional attire tailored.

Perhaps that's why in the days leading up to the Tibetan New Year, tailoring stores lining Barkhor Street in the heart of Lhasa were packed with customers.

The street was also brimming with festive vibes, with people swarming into traditional markets and stores offering a huge variety of goods to make special purchases for the festival.

As the Tibetan New Year coincides with the Spring Festival this year, tourists from other parts of China, who are enjoying an eight-day holiday, have also headed to the plateau city, immersing themselves in the festivity.

With gifts in hand, I set off for Losel's place early in the morning. It was a drive of over two hours from downtown Lhasa. The sparse crowds and quietness along the way stirred a momentary sense of solitude, contrasting with the anticipated hustle and bustle. However, upon arriving at Losel's home, the reason became clear.

Losel's entire family, dressed up in traditional attire, filled the living room, joined by his brother's family and their parents. "We're not going out today. We're just staying with family," Losel told me.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with a customary welcome ritual. Presented with a chema box, a two-tier rectangular wooden container filled with roasted barley and fried wheat grain, I followed Losel's lead and tossed some of the grains into the air twice before savoring the rest in my hand. Losel then draped a Khata, a ceremonial white scarf symbolizing goodwill and blessings, around my neck.

As I extended my greetings in the limited Tibetan language I had learned only recently, saying "Losar Tashi Delek" (Happy New Year), my lame pronunciation amused them, adding to the convivial atmosphere.

The tea table in the living room was filled with an array of unfamiliar snacks made from barley and yak butter, alongside familiar items like Budweiser beer. When I reached for a can of Coke on the table, I was surprised to see Japanese language labeling on it.

Noticing my astonishment, Losel explained, "I purchased the cola from a store of imported goods in Lhasa, as part of my new year purchase."

Seeing my curiosity about the Tibetan New Year customs, they told me that on the 29th day of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, they gather to enjoy Guthuk, a kind of soup made from flour with nine different ingredients including wool and chili.

Another festival custom is fetching water in the early morning, which is believed to bring good luck for the new year.

I was later told that Losel's wife used to walk several kilometers to the river for the water. Now however, all she needs to do is turn on the kitchen tap and there freely flows the water.

Locals in Xizang also have an eight-day holiday this year for the Tibetan New Year. During this time, they would visit relatives and participate in festive activities, such as the grand horse racing event in Lhasa, which I'm also planning to watch.

The new year has just begun, and I am filled with excitement, ready to explore what it has in store for me. 
No sooner, it seems, had Zac Posen whipped up a series of ball gowns for a TV miniseries than he was named to top creative positions at brands better known for cargo pants and pajama sets. On Monday Mr. Posen, 43, whose namesake brand ceased operations in 2019, was announced as the new creative director of Gap Inc. and the new chief creative officer of Old Navy.

The designer known for pieces that evoke Golden Age Hollywood will serve as cultural curator and creative partner, Richard Dickson, the president and chief executive of Gap Inc., said in a news release.

Mr. Posens appointment may seem a stretch  he surely wont be making mermaid gowns  but this is not his first mass-market foray. He has created collections for Target and his own diffusion lines like Z Spoke. Nor is he the first star talent to be awarded a fancy title at Gap.

Predecessors have included Patrick Robinson, who after a four-year stint was dismissed in 2011 and, more controversially, Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, whose Yeezy Gap partnership ended amid a scandal in 2022. And yet, the company still seems willing to bank on a name to help burnish its image.
President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany used a meeting at the Oval Office on Friday to pressure Congress to pass billions more in aid for Ukraine, as legislative dysfunction and opposition among some Republicans have left the critical package in limbo.

Hopefully Congress, the House, will follow you and make a decision on giving the necessary support because without the support of the United States and without the support of European states, Ukraine will not have a chance to defend its own country, Mr. Scholz said in opening remarks before their meeting.

Mr. Biden had a more blunt assessment of the congressional gridlock.

The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine is close to criminal neglect, Mr. Biden said. It is outrageous.

The joint pressure amounted to another maneuver in the high-stakes battle over funding for Ukraine as it tries to fight off Russias invasion, a debate that could ultimately help determine the course of the war and, much of Europe worries, security across the continent.
For veterans of Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign for president, yesterday brought back painful memories.

The special counsels report on the handling of classified documents by President Biden instantly recalled how James Comey, then the F.B.I. director, concluded his investigation of Clinton for her handling of classified documents when she was secretary of state.

The first text I got this morning was, Were you thoroughly triggered last night? said Nick Merrill, a senior adviser to Clinton.

Robert Hur, the special prosecutor in Bidens case, cleared him of criminal wrongdoing in his handling of classified documents while he was vice president. In 2016, Comey likewise recommended that no criminal charges be filed against Clinton for using her private email server to handle official correspondence as secretary of state.
In January 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate President Bidens handling of classified documents to avoid any perception that he was protecting his boss entering an election year.

The man Mr. Garland tapped for the job, Robert K. Hur, has not been quite as cautious.

On Thursday, Mr. Hur, 50, a former Justice Department official in the Trump administration, dropped a 345-page political bomb into the middle of the 2024 campaign, the final report summing up his investigation. The document, written in unvarnished prose, is an excruciatingly detailed and seemingly subjective assessment of Mr. Bidens faulty memory that overshadowed his conclusion: Mr. Biden, unlike former President Donald J. Trump, should not face criminal charges.

The Hur report underlines the challenges of deploying special counsels, which are intended to shield prosecutors from political meddling, but often result in the release of negative information about high-profile targets who have been cleared of criminal wrongdoing. It also showed the complicated balance of the job  navigating a polarized environment that leaves little option but to expansively explain the rationale for any decision.

Mr. Hur is no stranger to high-wire investigations and legal conflict. Under the Trump administration, he spent 11 months as the top aide to the deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein  as Mr. Rosenstein oversaw the appointment of the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, to investigate Mr. Trumps connections to Russia.
A lawyer for one of former President Donald J. Trumps co-defendants in the Georgia election case suggested on Friday that the two prosecutors leading the case had lied about when their romantic relationship started.

The defense lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, said that a witness she hoped to put on the stand could testify that the romantic relationship between Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, and the special prosecutor managing the Trump case, Nathan J. Wade, had begun before Ms. Willis hired Mr. Wade.

That would contradict Mr. Wade, who said in a recent affidavit that his relationship with Ms. Willis had not begun until 2022, after his hiring. The affidavit was attached to a court filing made by Ms. Willis.

Ms. Merchant identified the witness as Terrence Bradley, a lawyer who once worked in Mr. Wades law firm and for a time served as Mr. Wades divorce lawyer. Bradley has non-privileged, personal knowledge that the romantic relationship between Wade and Willis began prior to Willis being sworn as the district attorney for Fulton County, Georgia in 2021, Ms. Merchants filing, which came late Friday afternoon, states.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to draw up plans to evacuate Rafah, a Gazan city packed with more than a million people, in advance of an expected ground offensive that has set off international alarm.

In a statement announcing the orders on Friday, Mr. Netanyahus office did not give any details of when the evacuations might be carried out, when the Israeli military might enter the city or where people might go. Many civilians in Rafah are sheltering in rickety tents made of plastic and wood and say there is nowhere left in Gaza to avoid Israeli shelling.

Mr. Netanyahus office said it would be impossible to realize Israels goal of smashing Hamass rule in Gaza without destroying what it said were the groups four battalions in Rafah, on Egypts border. The militarys combined plan would have to both evacuate the civilian population and topple the battalions, the statement said.

Any forceful action in Rafah would require the evacuation of the civilian population from combat zones, it said.

Mr. Netanyahus office announced the orders less than a day after President Biden issued some of his sharpest criticism of Israels conduct in the war, calling it over the top and saying the starvation, suffering and killing of civilians had got to stop. His criticism, which dominated Israeli news headlines, revealed growing frustration with Mr. Netanyahu as the death toll in Gaza has risen above 27,000, according to the territorys health officials.

After Mr. Netanyahu said this week that he had ordered troops to prepare to enter Rafah, aid agencies, the United Nations and U.S. officials said the prospect of an incursion there was particularly alarming.
Moodys on Friday became the first major rating agency to downgrade Israels creditworthiness, citing the prolonged war with Hamas and the toll it is taking on the countrys finances.

Moodys, one of three major rating agencies alongside S&P Global Ratings and Fitch, lowered Israels rating from A1 to A2. Credit ratings range from a low of D or C (for S&P and Moodys scales) to AAA or Aaa for the most pristine borrowers. A rating of A2 is still a high rating, but Moodys also noted that the outlook for the country was negative, dented by the social, political and economic risks arising from the conflict with Hamas.

The rating agency had put Israel on review after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks, in which more than 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli officials, and more than 250 taken hostage. Both S&P and Fitch also began to reassess Israels credit rating in November but have yet to take any action as a result.

In a statement announcing the decision, Moodys said that it downgraded Israel because the ongoing military conflict with Hamas, its aftermath and wider consequences materially raise political risk for Israel as well as weaken its executive and legislative institutions and its fiscal strength, for the foreseeable future.

Moodys said it expected Israels military spending to double 2022s outlay by the end of this year. That means more debt to fund the increase in spending.

It is typical for rating agencies to reassess a countrys creditworthiness after a major event that is likely to affect its ability to repay its lenders. Credit ratings are required by many investors who buy the debt of companies and countries as an indicator of the likelihood that they will get back the money they lent out.

S&P, which has also been re-evaluating Israels credit rating since October, has planned an update to the countrys credit rating for May 10. The rating agency noted in a report in November that Israels diversified economy and strong tech sector should give its finances ballast during the war, though it warned that a further escalation of the conflict to regions outside Gaza could strongly affect its decision-making.

We could lower the ratings on Israel if the conflict widens materially, increasing the security and geopolitical risks that Israel faces, S&Ps analysts noted. We could also lower the ratings in the next 12-24 months if the impact of the conflict on Israels economic growth, fiscal position and balance of payments proves more significant than we currently project.
It looked like some kind of grand music exam. The pianists Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy sat down at their instruments onstage at Wigmore Hall and began to play for an audience of two.

The rest of their listeners were online. It was June 2020, and Kolesnikov and Tsoy were, like virtually every other musician at that time, playing a livestreamed concert. Despite the halls chilly emptiness, there was something heartening: Here were two musical and romantic partners sharing a bit of their domestic lives as they worked through a messy pile of sheet music spread out on a single Steinway piano.

Now, things are more or less back to normal. When they sat for an interview at their elegant northwest London home recently, Kolesnikov had just returned from Copenhagen as a replacement soloist in Tchaikovskys First Concerto, and was about to jump in  in Copenhagen again  to play Rachmaninoffs Third Piano Concerto. (He could be heard frantically recapping the piece as he walked down the street. Its not something you can just pull out of your pocket, he said.)

The pandemic forced Kolesnikov, 34, and Tsoy, 35, to recalibrate. After so much time spent at home together, returning meaningfully to the genre of four-hands music  through which they had met  they emerged with a desire to dedicate themselves to playing as a duo. They signed to new management as both solo artists and partners last October, and will make their duo debut at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 13, with their first album together to follow this summer.
Music blared as the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had a conversation across a barricade. Close by were Machine Gun Kelly, the platinum-blond musician, and his partner, the actor Megan Fox. Outside the 45,000-square-foot, strobe-light-filled tent near the Las Vegas Strip, a man climbed a life-size statue of an elephant. Other partyers cheered him on and snapped pictures.

I think if you do it right, people let loose and just enjoy themselves, said Brian Toll, a co-founder of the h.wood Group, the hospitality business behind the star-studded circus that melted Friday night into Saturday morning, cosplaying as a socializer, concert and brand-activation playground.

Super Bowl week is important for business: When the N.F.L. crowns a champion, it also feeds television networks and gives a valuable platform to advertisers and performing artists. But for many other people, it is a great excuse to party.
Dear readers,

Maybe it was too many formative basic-cable viewings of Muriels Wedding, or the fantastical names of their snack foods (Cheezels, Witchetty Grubs, Tim Tams). But as a kid I always imagined Australia to be a sort of sunny, not-quite-real mirror-world; a dusty cosmic boomerang plopped down in the South Pacific, overrun with strange animals and extravagantly diphthonged accents. (Also, Vegemite.)

Their literature, like their toast spreads, has perhaps proved too strong an extract: Aside from a few household-ish names like Peter Carey and Liane Moriarty, Australian novelists never quite seem to crack the American consciousness the way those from closer corners of the Commonwealth regularly do. (Time will tell if Alexis Wright, whom we recently profiled, will prove an exception.)

The books in this weeks newsletter, though, make bracing use of that famed predilection for pungency. They also have a particular feel for the painful unraveling of intimate relationships; a scorched catalog of long-held resentments and alliances shifted in the night. And those themes are universal, even when the signal has to traverse the salty trough of a 9,000-mile-plus culture gap. (What is this charming thing they call a dunny, you might pause in your reading to wonder, until Google helpfully explains that it is some sort of diminutive for toilets. And a Hot Milo? Not an unusual sex act, it turns out, just a brand of cocoa.)

The first pick here comes from a grande dame of Australian letters, although she would probably balk at the term. The second I plucked from the three-dollar shelf at a Hudson Valley bookstore one wind-bitten day in late December  or as they know it in Melbourne, peak summer.

Leah
TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A conscript shot dead a law enforcement officer and a citizen in the northern Iranian province of Alborz early Saturday, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The shooter, serving in the relief unit of the Savojbolagh County police, was on a patrol mission with the law enforcement officer from the same unit before gunning down him in a sudden and frantic move, the report quoted a statement by Alborz provincial police as saying.

It added that the conscript then fatally shot a citizen nearby and stole his car, but later died when fleeing toward western provinces as the car rolled over due to the police shooting.

The statement said investigations were underway to determine the causes of the incident. 
During a recent dinner at a cozy bar in Upper Manhattan, I was confronted with an age-old question about gender norms. Over bowls of ramen and sips of gin cocktails, my date and I got into a debate: Who should pay for dates?

My date, a 27-year-old woman I matched with on Hinge, said gender equality didnt mean men and women should pay the same when they went out. Women, she said, earn less than men in the workplace, spend more time getting ready for outings and pay more for reproductive care.

When the date ended, we split the bill. But our discussion was emblematic of a tension in modern dating. At work and on social media, where young people spend much of their personal time, they like to emphasize equity and equality. When it comes to romance and courtship, young people  specifically women and men in heterosexual relationships  seem to be following the same dating rules their parents and older generations grew up learning.

Contemporary research, popular culture and conversations I had with more than a dozen young Americans suggest that a longstanding norm still holds true: Men tend to foot the bill more than women do on dates. And there seems to be an expectation that they should.
About two years ago, a new tenant moved into Savile Row, the London street known as a center of mens tailoring for more than 200 years.

Rather than custom-made wool trousers and silk-lined jackets, however, Arthur Sleep sells bespoke shoes for men, women and children, crafted by hand in as few as five hours by shoemakers working in the stores basement.

And what says love for Valentines Day more than a pair of handmade shoes?

We give you that experience where you are actually meeting a maker, said Jahangir Azam, 37, who founded the company in 2013 with a college friend, Christopher Boadle, 38. Were measuring you, and youre going through a process where you can have something completely bespoke. I dont think anybody else does this on the planet, where you can have something in this time frame.
Brazil is experiencing an enormous outbreak of dengue fever, the sometimes fatal mosquito-borne disease, and public health experts say it is a harbinger of a coming surge in cases in the Americas, including Puerto Rico.

Brazils Health Ministry warns that it expects more than 4.2 million cases this year, outstripping the 4.1 million cases the Pan-American Health Organization recorded for all 42 countries in the region last year.

Brazil was due for a bad dengue year  numbers of cases of the virus typically rise and fall on a roughly four-year cycle  but experts say a number of factors, including El Nino and climate change, have significantly amplified the problem this year.

The record heat in the country and the above-average rainfall since last year, even before the summer, have increased the number of mosquito breeding sites in Brazil, even in regions that had few cases of the disease, Brazils health minister, Nisia Trindade, said.
Hannah Brooks needed a new apartment and she was running out of time.

It was last July  peak moving season  and Ms. Brooks, 29, had to move to New York City from Austin, Texas, before her boyfriend started a new job. Two applications were rejected. So when she found a promising place one morning, a broker told her to make a payment  fast  to get it off the market.

Ms. Brooks panicked when the broker explained how much she would have to come up with. She said, Its first month, security deposit and brokers fee, which comes out to $14,441, she recalled.

Living in New York City is notoriously expensive, a consequence of there being too few homes for the number of people seeking them. That has allowed landlords to continue raising rents. But the crisis has another dimension: The amount of money prospective tenants pay upfront before moving into an apartment has increased so much it is hard to move at all.

An analysis of data by the online renting platform StreetEasy, which was provided to The New York Times, found that the average upfront cost of moving  a months rent, brokers fee and security deposit  was more than $10,400 last year. That was the largest sum in more than a decade and nearly 30 percent above the prepandemic figure in 2019.
Representative Andy Kim, a third-term Democratic congressman, won an early but significant victory on Saturday against New Jerseys first lady, Tammy Murphy, as they compete in one of the countrys most closely watched Senate primaries.

Mr. Kim, 41, was selected as the Democratic Partys nominee in Monmouth County during the first convention of its kind this election cycle  a high-stakes affair that drew a standing-room-only crowd of delegates to the Portuguese Club of Long Branch, a 32,000-person seaside community.

It was a win laden with symbolism. Ms. Murphy, 58, lives in Monmouth County, and Mr. Kim represents a large swath of the affluent, predominantly coastal region.

Mr. Kim, who heading into Saturdays vote was perceived as the underdog, said he hoped the victory would generate momentum as he continues to make his case in the states other 20 counties that he is the Democrat best prepared to replace New Jerseys embattled senior senator, Robert Menendez.
Last Saturday, a crowd of several hundred people gathered in a grassy field near the bank of the Rio Grande in Quemado, Texas, for a rally in support of the states defiant stance on immigration.

The event, which was held by the protest group Take Our Border Back, marked the final stop of a dayslong convoy of conservative Americans who, in a procession of cars, trucks and mobile homes, made their way to Quemado to demonstrate their frustration over what they see as the federal governments failure to enforce immigration laws at the border.

A response to the intensifying confrontation over border security and immigration between the Biden administration and the Texas governor, Greg Abbott, the event featured an unexpected blend of political anger and religious ardor.
Joe Biden should not be running for re-election. That much was obvious well before the special prosecutors comments on the presidents memory lapses inspired a burst of age-related angst. And Democrats who are furious at the prosecutor have to sense that it will become only more obvious as we move deeper into an actual campaign.

What is less obvious is how Biden should get out of it.

Note that I did not say that Biden should not be the president. You can make a case that as obvious as his decline has been, whatever equilibrium his White House has worked out has thus far delivered results largely indistinguishable from (and sometimes better than) what one would expect from a replacement-level Democratic president.

If there has been a really big age effect in his presidency so far, I suspect it lies in the emboldenment of Americas rivals, a sense that a decrepit American chief executive is less to be feared than a more vigorous one. But suspicion isnt proof, and when I look at how the Biden administration has actually handled its various foreign crises, I can imagine more disastrous outcomes from a more swaggering sort of president.

Saying that things have worked out OK throughout this stage of Bidens decline, though, is very different from betting that they can continue working out OK for almost five long further years. And saying that Biden is capable of occupying the presidency for the next 11 months is quite different from saying that hes capable of spending those months effectively campaigning for the right to occupy it again.
To the Editor:

Re Gender Dysphoric Kids Deserve Better Care, by Pamela Paul (column, Feb. 4):

Im an L.G.B.T.Q.+ teenager. Ms. Paul cites stories of detransitioners as if they are damning to the practice of gender-affirming care as a whole. Not all detransitioners regret their transition, and not all transgender people will medically transition. An overwhelming 98 percent of people who started their transition care as youths continue into adulthood, per a 2022 study from the Netherlands published in The Lancet.

Speaking from experience, my peers and friends who have undergone medical transitions have never regretted it, and after beginning care, their quality of life greatly improved. If Ms. Paul wants to demonize a procedure with a high rate of regret, she should look toward knee replacement, where one in five people end up dissatisfied.

By writing this article, Ms. Paul further stigmatizes health care for transgender people. Transition care may be good for some people. It may not be for others. This is a basic premise of medicine  people must have the right to make decisions with their doctors on what is right for them.

What we do know is that transgender youth are under attack across the nation. Texass attorney general, Ken Paxton, last month demanded records from providers outside his state to single out hospitals or clinics that have treated transgender youth from Texas.
The most important words to issue from the federal appeals court in Washington on Tuesday were not in its unanimous 57-page opinion rejecting Donald Trumps claim of absolute immunity from prosecution.

That ruling, which denied the former presidents attempt to be absolved for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, was never in doubt. His claim is that presidents dont enjoy immunity in just some cases, but that they are effectively above the law in all cases. During oral arguments last month, his lawyer even contended that a sitting president could order the assassination of a political rival and face no legal consequences.

Rejecting this claim was easy. This line of reasoning would collapse our system of separated powers by placing the president beyond the reach of all three branches, wrote the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. We cannot accept that the office of the presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter.

The key sentence appeared elsewhere, in the one-page formal judgment accompanying the courts opinion. The clerk is directed to withhold issuance of the mandate through Feb. 12, 2024, the judges wrote. With those words, the court put a hard deadline on Mr. Trumps delay games. He has until the end of this coming Monday to appeal his loss to the Supreme Court. If he doesnt, the mandate will issue, meaning that the trial court will regain jurisdiction of the case, and the trial can move forward.
Scientists have found pieces of a meteorite that fell near Berlin just after midnight on Jan. 21. It is a rare find, from an asteroid that was identified just before it entered Earths atmosphere. Only a handful of such events in the recent past have allowed astronomers to trace an incoming rocks origin in the solar system.

Early analysis of the fragments has shown something equally rare. The meteorite is an aubrite, a class with unknown origins that some scientists argue may be pieces of the planet Mercury. They are so rare that they made up just 80 of the 70,000 or so meteorites that were collected on Earth before last months event.

Its really exciting, said Sara Russell, a meteorite expert at the Natural History Museum in London. There are very, very few aubrites.

The asteroid that became the meteorite (or rather fragments of meteorite) was initially spotted by Krisztian Sarneczky, a Hungarian astronomer, three hours before it hit Earths atmosphere. A network of cameras tracked the incoming rock, 2024 BX1, as it fell near Ribbeck, a village outside Berlin. Estimates suggest the rock was tiny, less than three feet in size. It still made a brilliant flash that cameras in many parts of Europe picked up.
A forklift loads cargo containers at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

This photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows vehicles for export parking at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

Vehicles for export run inside a carriage at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

Staff members load vehicles for export onto a carriage at the Ningde land port in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 8, 2024. The Ningde land port, with vehicle transportation railway lines and vehicle loading and unloading platforms, has served as a logistics distribution center and shipment hub for vehicles to be exported to global markets. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)
The sun had gone down on the first day of New York Fashion Week  which also happened to be the first day of the whole fashion season  when Willy Chavarria invited everyone to a drive-in on the far reaches of Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

OK, not exactly a drive-in; more like a walk-in, but you get the idea. An old warehouse was bathed in a red light, and there were roses on every chair. Julia Fox, wearing a lavish white robe, Vermeer hat and not much else, chatted to Amanda Lepore and Sam Smith. Then a screen came down on a black velvet curtain and a short film started to play. It starred a host of characters diverse in race, size and sexual orientation, living in one old house, sharing angst and joy, tears and dumbbells and clothes. At the end, they had a dance party.

It was less a movie than a mood. One that hasnt been seen in fashion in quite a long time. One that set the scene for the show that came next. One that said sitting on the sidelines wasnt going to be enough any more; get up and do something. Even if its just making clothes  as long as they arent just clothes. That has been the mantra for long enough, set to the tune of whispering cashmere.

Enough with discretion and keeping to oneself. Politics is back in fashion. Not as a polemic or a slogan, but as a look. Sometimes you have to design the world you want to see.
Bill Murphy, an 80-year-old retired veterinarian in suburban Phoenix, sometimes blanks on names he could once summon with ease, so he has empathy for 81-year-old President Biden. But he winced when he watched Mr. Biden defend his mental sharpness at a news conference, only to mix up the presidents of Egypt and Mexico. Mr. Murphy, a Republican, believes Mr. Biden is not up to another term.

Mary Meyer, an 83-year-old avid hiker and traveler who lives in the high desert north of Phoenix, took issue with a special counsels report that characterized him as elderly and forgetful  a similar assumption that strangers at the supermarket sometimes make about her capabilities.

I look at him as a peer, said Ms. Meyer, who plans to vote for Mr. Biden. I know what hes capable of. I know its not as bad as everybody thinks.

To voters in their 70s and 80s, the renewed questions swirling around Mr. Bidens age and fitness resonated in deeply personal ways. The special counsel report cleared him of criminal charges in his handling of classified documents but described him as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.
A helicopter carrying six people crashed and caught on fire on Friday night near the California-Nevada border, killing all of those aboard, the authorities said. The victims included Herbert Wigwe, a prominent Nigerian banker, and his wife and son, as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, another businessman.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed around 10 p.m. local time near Nipton, Calif., an unincorporated community about 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County.

The helicopter departed from Palm Springs, Calif., at 8:45 p.m., and it was headed toward Boulder City, Nev., said Michael Graham, a board member with the National Transportation Safety Board, during a news conference on Saturday.

The charter flight crashed near Halloran Springs, Calif., around 10:08 p.m., Mr. Graham said, adding that all of those onboard  two crew members and four passengers  were killed. He said that witnesses reported that the helicopter crashed amid rainy and wintry conditions.
Ms. Soderstrom was presiding over a murder trial that began in June when she put her personal cellphone in her lap, out of the view of others in the courtroom, and texted continuously with the bailiff, according to a court petition filed in October.

Ms. Soderstrom and the bailiff called murder trial witnesses liars, admired the looks of a police officer who was testifying, disparaged the local defense bar, expressed bias in favor of the defendant and displayed gross partiality against the state, M. John Kane IV, the chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, wrote in the petition.

The judge and the bailiff derided the co-defendant, calling her a liar at least three times, according to the petition. When she was on the stand, the judge texted comments like, Can I please scream liar liar? Chief Justice Kane wrote.

While the judge and the bailiff texted, a man from Oklahoma, Khristian Martzall, was on trial.

He was charged with first-degree murder in the fatal beating of his girlfriends 2-year-old son. On June 15, 2023, a jury found Mr. Martzall guilty of a lesser charge, second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to time served, which was about five years.

Judith Danker, the childs mother, pleaded guilty in 2019 to enabling child abuse and was sentenced to 25 years. She testified as a witness in Mr. Martzalls trial.
Donald J. Trump has praised Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, for his leadership of Turkey, and confused Nikki Haley with Nancy Pelosi. President Biden has named dead former European leaders when describing his contemporary peers, and referred to Egypt as Mexico.

The episodes might have raised parallel concerns about age and mental acuity. Instead, while Mr. Biden, 81, has been increasingly dogged by doubts and concerns about his advancing years from voters, Mr. Trump, who is 77, has not felt the same political blowback.

The response suggests profound differences not only between the two men, but in how they are perceived by the American public, and in what their supporters expect of them  a divide that could play a major role in the coming presidential election.

In a New York Times/Siena College poll of six battleground states, an overwhelming majority of voters said they had serious concerns about Mr. Bidens age, with 70 percent saying he is too old to be president. Fewer than half of voters have expressed similar misgivings about Mr. Trump.
As Panama jumps into its boisterous Carnival period, the celebrations this weekend come amid a bizarre political drama playing out in the capital.

A former president, who is also a top contender in this years presidential election in May, has holed himself up in the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama City, accompanied by his furniture, including a sofa and a desk, as well as his dog, Bruno.

Ricardo Martinelli, a 71-year-old conservative businessman who led Panama from 2009 to 2014, was granted asylum by Nicaragua this week after Panamas Supreme Court denied his appeal of a money-laundering conviction that carried with it a 10-year prison sentence.

Mr. Martinelli, who has faced other criminal investigations, contends not only that the case is politically motivated, but also that Panamas president and vice president want to kill him.
Poking up through the snow drifts on the Finnish-Russian border lies a symbol of Moscows biggest provocation yet toward NATOs newest member: a sprawling heap of broken bicycles.

The battered bikes are sold for hundreds of dollars on the Russian side to asylum seekers from as far away as Syria and Somalia. They are then encouraged  sometimes forced, according to Finnish guards  to cross the border. Finns say it is a hybrid warfare campaign against their country, using some of the worlds most desperate people, just as it is staking out a new position in a shifting world order.

Some of the bikes didnt even have pedals  sometimes theyd link arms, to help each other keep moving, said Ville Kuusisto, a Finnish border guard master sergeant, at the crossing near the Russian town of Vyborg.

As Finns vote on Sunday for a new president, who will be responsible for foreign policy and act as commander in chief, Finland has become fixated on its 830-mile border, the longest with Russia of any NATO country. How Finns handle the challenges there is critical not only for them, but also for their new allies on both sides of the Atlantic.
A 6-year-old Palestinian girl and the two rescuers who went looking for her nearly two weeks ago were found dead on Saturday, the Palestine Red Crescent said, ending a desperate effort to discover their fates.

Two rescuers with the Red Crescent were dispatched in an ambulance on the evening of Jan. 29 to find Hind Rajab, who was believed to be trapped in a vehicle in Gaza City with six dead family members. The aid group said they had been killed by Israeli fire.

A Red Crescent statement on Saturday accused Israeli forces of bombing the ambulance as it arrived just meters away from the vehicle containing the trapped child Hind, and killing the two rescuers inside. It said this happened despite prior coordination between the Red Crescent and the Israeli military.

The Red Crescent shared an image of the charred and nearly unrecognizable ambulance on social media.

Neither the Red Crescent nor Hinds family members who were in the area around the time the ambulance arrived on Jan. 29 reported any fighting between Israeli forces and armed Palestinians there, though this could not be independently verified.

The Israeli military did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the Red Crescents allegations. The military said last week that it was not aware of the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Red Crescent said that the girl's family had discovered the bodies of their relatives and the ambulance crew. It was not immediately clear how Hind died.
On a sunny January day, dozens of Israelis and Palestinians crowded into a small house in a town outside Bethlehem, as their compatriots fought in the Gaza Strip, to talk about a subject that has become nearly taboo in their cities and towns:

How to build a lasting peace.

This thing is not appropriate in the community we live in, said Aya Sbeih, a Palestinian member of the group that was meeting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Combatants for Peace. So I keep it a secret.

Many peace groups have been struggling since Hamass Oct. 7 attack and Israels military campaign in Gaza, which have hardened the positions of many Israelis and Palestinians. But some activists, including those in Combatants for Peace, have quietly started to resume their work.

Ms. Sbeih, a member of the group for seven years, said she had come to several recent meetings with newfound doubts about peace activism, at least in the current climate. And some attendees said they now feel uncomfortable speaking publicly about their work. But Ms. Sbeih said the meetings always give me hope that something will happen.

Founded by former fighters from both sides of the conflict, Combatants for Peace drew a range of people to its January meeting, including young students just returned from reserve duty in Gaza and longtime peace activists. Some said they were fed up with despair and wanted to latch onto a glimmer of hope.
When the United Nations launched an investigation a decade ago into whether a handful of its employees in Gaza were members of Hamas, it was not long before a senior U.N. legal officer in the territory started receiving death threats.

First there were emails, sent from anonymous accounts, according to three senior U.N. officials based in Gaza at that time.

Then came a funeral bouquet, delivered to the main U.N. compound, labeled with the legal officers name.

Finally there was a live grenade, sent to the compound with its pin still inside, according to two of the officials.
BEIRUT, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- One Hezbollah fighter was killed, and three civilians were injured on Saturday at dawn as Israeli warplanes bombed the southeastern Lebanese villages of Khiam, Jarmaq, and Kafr Kila, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Lebanese Red Cross and the Muslim Scout Association had transported the slain and wounded to three governmental hospitals in southern Lebanon.

Moreover, Israeli warplanes also bombed Lebanon's southern city of Nabatieh, targeting for the first time the villages of Jibchit and Harouf, according to the sources.

For its part, Hezbollah said its fighters used Grad rockets to attack for the first time the Israeli "Kilaa" barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 255 people on the Lebanese side, including 183 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. 
We cannot accept that the office of the presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter, an appeals court wrote this week, in response to which claim by Donald Trump?
Lost Images Reveal the History of Rios Carnival

Rafael Cosme was at a Rio de Janeiro antique fair six years ago when he found a pile of film negatives on the ground. No one wanted them, the vendor said. They were $2.

I carried home two bags of negatives thinking: What am I doing with my life? he recalled.

So began Mr. Cosmes obsession with the lost and discarded photos of his citys past. Since that morning in 2018, he has collected more than 150,000 film photos and negatives, nearly all shot by amateurs, that tell the story of Rio de Janeiro from the 1890s to the 1980s, one flash in time at a time.

In his work, he has noticed that one theme keeps popping up more than any other.

Carnival.

It is Rios annual collective exhalation  a four-day eruption of art and music, costumes and joy  that began again on Saturday.

The celebration has come to define Rio around the world, while also becoming an influential driver of the citys culture.

There is no researching this city without going through Carnival, Mr. Cosme said.

But through the photos, taken over decades by photographers whose names are lost to history, he could see how Carnival had changed with the city, and vice versa.

From 100-year-old prints with a sepia tint to 60-year-old saturated Kodachrome slides, the images revealed changing trends in society, humor, fashion, drug use and sexual liberalization.

Taken by amateurs with the cameras of their day, the photos often have a ragged beauty to them, compared with todays digital perfection, and also a special intimacy.

I realized there are endless stories I could tell about this city, Mr. Cosme said about his discovery of Rios lost photos. Because inside every house, inside every closet, there is a box with revelations.

Dado Galdieri for The New York Times

Carnival, a days-long celebration ahead of the Christian observance of Lent, arrived in Brazil with the Portuguese colonizers, and for centuries retained traditions from Europe. It was a costume party of sorts, where revelers would hide their identities to play pranks on neighbors.

By the middle of the 19th century, Brazilians began adding music, dancing and revelry in the street. By the turn of the 20th century, it was a full-fledged party.

Around that time, Rios rich elites began parading around the city during Carnival in open cars, according to Maria Clementina Pereira Cunha, a historian who has written books about Rios Carnival.

It was partly a way to show off their wealth, she said. But when suburbanites began pooling money to rent cars to parade around, too, the trend fell out of fashion with elites and died in the 1930s.

Even with its constant evolution, Carnival remained a costume party. The photos show that many people, particularly among Brazils poor, crafted creative outfits at home using what they could find.

Mothers sewed and embroidered so their children would look well presented at Carnival, Ms. Pereira Cunha said. Thats why they wanted their photograph taken.

Costumes also were satirical and playful, sometimes referring to pop culture and current events  references that are not always so clear today.

One of the most popular costumes was men dressing as women. They were designed to be a joke, often playing up sexist tropes, and the costumes fell out of favor over time.

Clown costumes were long popular, but over the decades they grew more sinister. People who wore them often tried to scare other revelers.

Eventually, men from Rios suburbs created a style called bate bola, or roughly slam ball, a costume that involved menacing clowns who slammed balls tied to ropes against the street. This type of costume, seen in the fifth image below, became renowned for frightening children and is still common today.

By the 1910s, people began carrying glass bottles of a scented ether-based liquid that provided a brief euphoric high. Later the bottles gave way to pressurized cans. They were called lanca perfume, or perfume throwers.

Revelers would spray the concoction into crowds or at strangers, often to flirt, said Felipe Ferreira, a Carnival historian at the State University of Rio de Janeiro.

The government banned the sprays in 1961, but a stronger version is still used illegally today.

Look closely at these photos to see people carrying the bottles and cans.

The 20th century also brought blocos, or street bands, which became an integral part of Brazilian Carnival, and still are today. They are each a social club of sorts that play music on the street, with drums, horns and often matching outfits.

They frequently marched through the city, fueling impromptu parties, with different blocos offering differing styles of music, costumes and themes.

By the late 1920s, the so-called samba schools arrived. These were formal groups of samba musicians and dancers who performed increasingly elaborate shows that told stories through costumes, lyrics and dance.

They were made up of largely Black residents of poorer neighborhoods, and they focused on celebrating their Afro-Brazilian heritage.

As they became Rios most popular Carnival attraction, the city shut down a main avenue for the schools parades, adding large decorations and bleachers, as seen in the photos below. The schools, meanwhile, adopted even more extravagant costumes and floats.

Today the parade remains the centerpiece of Rios Carnival, held in a dedicated stadium built in 1984.
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.
Former Irish premier John Bruton has been described as a humbling and unassuming man at his state funeral attended by senior political figures including President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Ministers, TDs and parliamentary ushers were among those who attended the service at Saints Peter and Pauls Church in Mr Brutons hometown of Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Former taoisigh Enda Kenny, Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were among those in attendance to remember the man who served as taoiseach in the mid-1990s.

A small crowd gathered at a big screen outside the church to watch the funeral.

Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with Irish soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours will be given at the graveside.

Soldiers dressed Mr Brutons coffin at the family home ahead of the removal mass on Friday.

Mr Bruton was taoiseach of the rainbow coalition government between 1994 and 1997, overseeing a referendum that would legalise divorce in Ireland and contributing to the Northern Ireland peace process through the launch of the Anglo-Irish Framework document.

He died on Tuesday aged 76 surrounded by his family in hospital after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife Finola, his children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren and his younger brother, former government minister Richard Bruton, who read a prayer of the faithful during the funeral.

Their sister Mary Bruton spoke to thank friends for their kindness during the familys grief.

In the homily, Father Bruce Bradley described Mr Bruton as an exceptionally good man.

John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain, as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth.

Mr Brutons daughters Emily Bruton Iniekio read the poem Death Is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland, while her sister Mary-Elizabeth Bruton gave the second reading.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said Saints Peter and Pauls Church had been important to Mr Bruton, and they had met at Sunday masses.

Faith was important to him and the Christian ideal, Bishop Deenihan said, adding that aspects of the late taoiseachs religious beliefs informed his political thinking.

He was not, and rightly so, an advocate of a theocracy but was, in the best sense of the term, a Christian democrat.

The Christian principles of co-operation, dialogue, equity and respect  central to the teachings of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount  are also evidenced in his work in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe.

The bishop said the praise given to Mr Bruton since his death that he was a decent man is the supreme accolade in rural Ireland.

Several senior political figures were seen conversing in the aftermath of the funeral mass, including Mr Ahern speaking with the former NI deputy first minister Mark Durkan, and Ms Little-Pengelly expressing her condolences to Mr Brutons widow, Finola.

Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko and US ambassador Claire Cronin were also in attendance at the funeral.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has boosted its biological breeding industry through scientific and technological methods, contributing greatly to the country's steady supply of grain and other major agricultural products.

In recent years, China has solidly pushed forward its seed industry revitalization, and has achieved a number of breakthroughs.

China has independently bred three new white-feather broiler chicken varieties, thereby ending its previous complete dependence on imports, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The market share of these new varieties reached 25.1 percent in 2023 and they were exported abroad for the first time last year.

China last year also successfully cultivated a new oilseed rape variety with a growth period of only about 169 days. This short growth cycle enables farmers to fully utilize the winter fallow fields in southern China by planting oilseed rape without delaying the planting of early season rice the following year.

In addition, China has managed to establish an independent and complete bio-breeding research and development system, and has secured independent intellectual property rights and core technologies concerning important genes and genetic features, such as insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought resistance, salt tolerance, and improved nutritional quality.

Recently, the country's 37 genetically modified corn varieties and 14 genetically modified soybean varieties passed preliminary examinations, according to the ministry. This marked a pioneering step for the industrialization of bio-breeding.

These genetically modified crops showed both outstanding herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant traits. They could also see a 10 percent rise in yields, demonstrating great development potential.

As the "chips" of agriculture, seeds are crucial to the development of the industry. Accelerating the promotion and application of transgenic technology is an inevitable choice for increasing future international competitiveness and optimizing industrial division, and is also a key way to ensure the country's food security and boost the sustainable development of agricultural science and technology.

The contribution rate of improved varieties to the increase in grain yield currently exceeds 45 percent, according to official statistics. As a core focus area for the development of the seed industry, sci-tech innovation will help improve China's agricultural sci-tech level and narrow the production capacity gap between China and some leading foreign countries.

"The core goals in the future are to increase production and improve the quality of seeds, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and decrease losses caused by natural disasters," said Li Jiayang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 
TAIYUAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Located on the Loess Plateau, north China's Shanxi Province has been constantly battling with droughts. This year, the province has set a target of developing 100,000 mu (6,667 hectares) of organic dry-farming demonstration areas for promoting water-saving techniques.

Shanxi has eyed developing the organic dry-farming mode to improve its grain yields.

The grain-producing area in Shanxi reached 47.4 million mu last year, with the yearly output registering 14.78 billion kg, and the average per-mu yield amounting to 311.75 kg. All the figures achieved record highs, according to the provincial government work report released in January.

By 2023, Shanxi had built 300,000 mu of organic dry-farming bases and 14 scientific research bases, and promoted 51 dry-farming techniques.

The province's 58 previously impoverished counties, which all shook off poverty as of 2020, have developed dry-farming demonstration bases to promote farming techniques such as rainwater farming, soil composting and water-saving farming.

The provincial government vowed to speed up efforts to upgrade and expand agricultural fields with water-saving facilities in large and medium-sized irrigated areas, and increase or restore 600,000 mu of irrigated land in the year 2024. 
SANAA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-British coalition launched two airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen's northern province of Saada late Friday, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The strikes targeted the area of al-Kutaynat in the northern border district of Baqim, said the television without providing further information.

The strikes came a few hours after a series of airstrikes early Friday targeted Houthi sites in several locations in the western port city of Hodeidah, according to al-Masirah TV.

The Houthi forces in Yemen have been launching missile attacks on the shipping lane since last mid-November, saying they target Israeli, U.S., and British commercial vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The U.S.-British maritime coalition hit back in response in an attempt to deter the group, but the group has instead increased escalation.

The coalition has not commented yet on the latest strikes. 
The ongoing white and iron dzud in Mongolia has reached a critical level, with over 90 per cent of the country facing high levels of risk from the unique weather phenomenon.

Dzud occurs when the winter conditions, particularly heavy snow cover, prevent livestock from accessing pasture or from receiving adequate hay and fodder.

About 190,000 herder households are struggling with inadequate feed, skyrocketing prices and heightened vulnerabilities, according to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia.

The increasing severity of weather conditions further exacerbates the crisis, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and sustainable solutions to support Mongolias rural communities and traditional livelihoods.

Herding and livestock have traditionally been integral to Mongolias economy, culture and way of life. Estimates indicate that there are over 64 million livestock this winter season in Mongolia.

This is the second year in a row that the country has faced these severe conditions. Last winter about 70 per cent of the country was affected.

Over 2.5 lakh people, including over one lakh children, have been affected as roads have been obstructed by heavy snow, leaving children unable to access vital health, nutrition, education and social services

Herder families, who are most directly impacted by the dzud, often have to leave their children in the care of relatives or at boarding schools, increasing protection risks and causing psychological stress.

Immediate needs for February to March include funding for road cleaning programmes, medicines, radios to support remote learning and child protection.

What is dzud?

 Dzud (sometimes spelled zud) is a Mongolian term that describes severe winter conditions.

 It is a natural phenomenon, unique to Mongolia, arising from summer drought followed by heavy snowfalls combined with extreme cold, resulting in insufficient grazing pastures and livestock mortality.

 Dzud is an extreme winter characterised by freezing temperatures, heavy snow and ground so frozen that animals cannot reach pasture.

 These conditions are commonly preceded by a dry summer with equally scant grazing, leaving livestock unable to build up the stores of fat they need for winter.

 The usual peak period for livestock death is February to April. December through February are the coldest months of the year, when livestock lose most of their fat and become malnourished, so these months have the greatest impact.

 Herders wouldnt be able to prepare hay and fodder in dry summers to survive through the harsh winter.

 According to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the frequency and intensity of dzuds have been increasing since 2015 due to worsening impacts of climate change and poor environmental governance.

 This winter, the dual white and iron dzud is marked by a very deep snow cover preventing animals from accessing grass (white dzud) combined with a short thaw and subsequent hard freeze that locks up pastures in ice (iron dzud).

Types of dzud

There is a conventional classification of dzud types based on direct factors contributing to conditions that prevent animals from grazing for consecutive days, finally resulting in their starvation.

i) White dzud is defined as conditions during which grasses that grow during the summer and decay during the subsequent cold season are covered by deep snow, preventing grazing. The snow depth during these conditions substantially exceeds plant height. This is the most common and disastrous dzud type.

ii) Iron (or glass) dzud happens when grasses are covered with impenetrable ice that is produced through melted and refrozen snow (most likely occurring during spring and autumn).

iii) Black dzud refers to freezing temperatures and lack of snow in winter (essential for livestock and human water) and limited forage/pasture due to preceding summer drought.

iv) Storm and cold dzuds both tend to result from strong winds and blizzard, and cold surge conditions. These weather patterns reduce the intake of pasture by livestock, which is determined by the availability of phytomass and grazing time.

v) Hoof dzud is primarily associated with lack of pasture, often caused by overgrazing. This may occur when an excessive number of animals are concentrated in relatively good but limited pasturelands.
It is time to hold governments to account for ending tobacco

SHOBHA SHUKLA - CNS



End tobacco is an imperative if we are to deliver on SDGs

(Image by CNS) Details DMCA



Currently the intergovernmental talks on the legally binding global tobacco treaty are taking place in Panama. This meeting, formally called the tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), has delegates from 183 countries representing more than 90% of the world's population, to review progress in the implementation of the global tobacco treaty, and take the next steps to help achieve the right of all people to lead healthy lives.



Daniel Dorado, Tobacco campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, rightly says that these talks are a critical venue to advance the global campaign to hold Big Tobacco accountable and liable for its deadly products. He informs that over 30,000 signatures have been delivered onsite to government delegates attending the tobacco treaty talks showing the broad support from people around the globe to make Big Tobacco pay for its deadly products.



The global tobacco treaty (WHO FCTC) is the first ever public health and corporate accountability treaty of the WHO. If implemented fully it will protect human and environmental health. It plays a pivotal role in saving lives even as the tobacco industry comes up with newer tactics to entice new consumers and mint more profits.



Article 5.3 of the FCTC acknowledges the inherent conflict between the industry and public health policy. It calls to "Protect public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry." It prohibits the tobacco industry from having any role in policymaking. However, Big Tobacco still interferes with the treaty, year after year, to protect its profits. The tobacco industry is always present in the spaces in which the governments are trying to regulate it.



Asian Tobacco Industry Interference Index



The Asian Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023 published by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) measure the compliance of Article 5.3 in 19 Asian countries on a score of 0 to 100. The higher the score, the worst is the country's performance.



Japan has the strongest tobacco industry interference (score is 88), followed closely by Indonesia (80), Malaysia (76), China (73), Bangladesh( 72) and Lao PDR (70). In contrast, the governments of Brunei with a score of 14 and Mongolia (score of 38) emerge as leaders in their ongoing efforts to combat tobacco industry interference.



Brunei, Lao PDR, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, India and Thailand have enforced prohibitions on the tobacco industry's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.



In Brunei and Lao PDR, stringent regulations are in place to prevent engagement with the tobacco industry.



However, despite these prohibitions, government endorsements of them have been recorded in India, Myanmar, and Thailand during the monitoring period of the Index. In India, significant amounts of CSR contributions by tobacco companies continue to occur, particularly in the areas of agriculture and livelihood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco companies increased their CSR contributions.



In Myanmar, JTI continues its initiative to provide drinking water for refugees.



In Thailand, the Tobacco Authority of Thailand organized the "See, Taste, Shop Chiang Rai Tobacco" project for Chiang Rai residents, facilitating agricultural product trading.



In Indonesia, CSR activities are encouraged under national laws. While there is a restriction of tobacco industry sponsorships, it is weakly enforced.



Tobacco industry CSR is not banned and remains a big problem in Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. In Cambodia, the industry engaged in various COVID-19 relief efforts, including providing alcohol dispensers and banners to the Ministry of Justice, distributing food packages in lockdown areas, and donating disinfection supplies to provincial administration.



With the exception of Brunei, which has prohibited duty-free tobacco products, all countries surveyed still permit duty-free allowances for international travelers. This practise undermines the effectiveness of tobacco taxation, and promotes and normalizes tobacco use.



The good news



Some countries are taking preventive measures. Ten countries, namely Brunei, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Thailand, have proactively introduced policy measures aimed at safeguarding the bureaucracy or a specific ministry or department from undue interference by the tobacco industry.



Policies for disclosing records of interactions with the tobacco industry and its representatives are in place in countries such as Brunei, India, Maldives, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Nepal is also in the process of drafting such a policy. However, the effectiveness of these policies is hindered by the fact that governments do not disclose or make information from these interactions available to the general public.



Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).

Citizen News Service - CNS Social Media Pages:

Citizen News Service (CNS) specializes in in-depth and rights-based, health and science journalism. For more information, please contact: www.citizen-news.org or @cns_health or www.facebook.com/cns.page

The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.





OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help. If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.


UkraineTie1

(Image by public domain) Details DMCA





UkraineTie2

(Image by public domain) Details DMCA



The first thing that seemed to leap off the screen at me was the tie. Biden made a big deal of his "Ukraine Tie" and pin. Now Carlson wears one to The Interview. Mixed messages no doubt intended to produce a cloud of offerings from the disentanglers back home. Mr. Putin did not seem offended, if he noticed.

The big question, about Ukraine, got a very thorough airing, so much so as to put the whole thing to rest. Yeah, right; maybe if Walter Cronkite or Edward R. Murrow had been asking the questions. But maybe in those days things wouldn't have gone so far off the rails.

At 1:17:26 the conversation moved to other concerns, but at that point I stopped taking notes. My curiosity had been satisfied, about Putin, and although not really a curiosity to me, about Carlson. I have never watched him on TV or read anything he is supposed to have written. In both cases, the men I see in this interview are not at all like the impressions built up in my mind over the years. I have to give Carlson credit for being better informed than I had expected, but he delivered his questions with a certain haughtiness that contrasted with Putin's obvious patience. The conversation was also being translated simultaneously, probably in Putin's earpiece (I don't know if Carlson is fluent in Russian or not). Putin showed intelligence and even wisdom of a kind rarely on display in any western leader.

What follows is a partial transcript with occasional snide remarks by me. Two reasons: one, Putin makes a coherent case that contrasts with the official Washington line, and in my opinion wins the argument; and two, this interview has inspired so much nonsense in the American media that it's almost impossible to ignore the total bankruptcy of the utter, bipartisan, trans-administration failure of the vision foisted on the world by PNAC, the "Project for a New American Century," and this without a mumbling word about the Gaza Genocide.

Carlson's father, as Walter Kirn pointed out, Richard Warner Carlson, was director of Voice of America from 1986 to 1991. Kirn also noted the irony of the son broadcasting to "an audience of captives" from East to West. The choice of neckwear, then, would seem pointed, and in a way that Putin would certainly have understood completely.

In The Interview, Putin established control immediately, and held it effortlessly. Of course Carlson fired off the Big Question of Ukraine. Putin then demonstrated what Carlson called "encyclopedic knowledge" of the history of the region, and methodically delivered a synopsis. Carlson evinced boredom and impatience. Putin did not seem pressed for time.

Despite Carlson's tendency, not exactly catlike, to pounce on the occasional yarn, Putin knitted him a sweater. For instance, he interrupted a couple of times about why Putin had not made his case for Russia's historical rights to Ukraine "24 years ago." Putin pretty much ignored such flak as being beside the point. It was beside by quite a margin.

Putin quoted a German politician: "If NATO expands, everything would be just the same as during the cold war, only closer to Russia's border," and explained that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, "in 1991, the Russian leadership expected that it could be welcomed into the brotherly family of civilized nations, [but] nothing like this happened. They tricked us...the promise was that NATO would not expand eastward; but it happened, five times."

He went on to explain the initial cordiality between the US and Russia, and the "rifts" that opened, around the situation in Yugoslavia. When he became president in 2000, he believed that was over. He recalled asking Clinton about Russia joining NATO (and suggested Tucker "look it up"); Clinton at first had seemed in favor, but after dinner said it would not be possible. Carlson demanded to know if Putin would have joined. Putin explained patiently that "the process of rapprochement could have continued," if conditions were right, but sighed, "Well, no means no."

"I know you're bitter about it, I understand..." came the rejoinder, with knitted brows. Putin shrugged off such paternalistic smarminess with dignified forbearance, it seemed to me. "We're not bride and groom... why we should receive such a negative response, you should ask your own leaders."

Putin recounted three "moments" that showed that the US was not interested in a reasonable relationship, one being the CIA's direct notification that it was working "with the opposition" in the Caucasus. Carlson sought clarification: "The CIA was trying to overthrow your government?" to which Putin made the distinction clear, that this referred to their working with separatists in the Caucasus. The third "moment" was when the US missile defense system was brought to Ukraine. He had suggested to Bush I that the system be created jointly with Russia, the US and Europe, since the US claimed it was for defense against Iran. Gates and Rice had "sat right here, on this table," and said "We agree." But "in the end they just told us to get lost... I said we would be forced to use counter-measures," and Russia built hyper-sonic strike systems. And regarding the promise against NATO growing, he recalled, they said "It's not on paper, so we will expand."

"A coup d'e'tat was committed... The US told us: 'calm Yanukovych down, and we will calm the opposition.... we said, 'Alright. Agreed...' As the Americans requested, Yanukovych did use neither the armed forces, nor the police; yet the opposition committed a coup in Kiev. What is that supposed to mean, who do you think you are? I wanted to ask the then US leadership."

"With the backing of Whom?" Tucker interjected, expectantly. Capital "Whom."

"With the backing of CIA of course. The organization you wanted to join back in the day, as I understand. We should thank God they didn't let you in, although it is a serious organization. I understand. My former vis-a-vis, in the sense that I served in the first Main Directorate, the Soviet Union's intelligence service." (I knew your daddy, boy...) "They have always been our opponents. A job is a job. Technically they did everything right: they achieved their goal of changing the government. However, from political standpoint, it was a colossal mistake. Surely it was political leadership's miscalculation; they should have seen what it would devolve into."

After more detailed and quite relevant history of the military assaults by the Ukrainian government on the Donbas, Carlson pounced: "That was eight years before the current conflict started, so what was the trigger, for you, what was the moment where you decided you had to do this?"

Putin, seeing that what he had just explained had gone over his questioner's head, said it was the coup that provoked the conflict; and added that Germany, Poland and France had signed as guarantors of the agreement between Yanukovych and the opposition; but the opposition committed a coup, and now they all pretended they didn't remember. "They just threw it in the stove right away, and nobody recalls that."

"President Yanukovych had agreed to all conditions. He was ready to hold an early election in which he had no chance of winning. Everybody knew that. Then, why the coup?... Why threatening Crimea? Why launching an operation in Donbas? That is exactly what the miscalculation is. CIA did its job to complete the coup. I think one of the deputy secretaries of state said it cost a large sum of money... but the political mistake was colossal. Why did they have to do that? All this could have been done legally, without victims, without military action; without losing Crimea. We would never have considered to even lift a finger, if it hadn't been for the bloody developments in Maidan. Because we agreed with the fact that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, our borders should be along the borders of former Union's republic. We agreed to that. But we never agreed to NATO's expansion, and moreover, we never agreed that Ukraine would be in NATO. We did not agree to NATO bases there without any discussion with us."

Putin explained that the Ukrainian leadership declared it would not implement the signed Minsk Agreements, and then, "the former leaders of Germany and France said openly to the whole world that they had indeed signed the Minsk Agreements, but had never intended to implement them." And something about "led us by the nose."

"I honestly believe that if we manage to convince the residents of Donbas, and we had to work hard to convince them, to return to the Ukrainian statehood, then, gradually the wounds would start to heal. When this part of territory reintegrated into common social environment... all the pieces would gradually fall into place. No: nobody wanted that. Everybody wanted to resolve the issue by military force only."

The war, Putin asserted, started in 2014, and Russia's actions were all an attempt to stop it. Carlson: "Do you think you've stopped it now? I mean, have you achieved your aims?"

"No...because one of them is de-Nazification." This had been discussed in Istanbul early this year, said Putin, and it was the Europeans who said it was "necessary to create conditions for the final signing of the documents. My counterparts in France and Germany said, 'How can you imagine them signing a treaty with a gun to their heads?'" and that the troops should be pulled back from Kiev. This was done, and then "all Ukrainian negotiators threw our agreements reached in Istanbul, into the bin, and got prepared for a longstanding armed confrontation, with the help of the United States and its satellites in Europe. That is how the situation developed, and that is how it looks now."

"But what is 'de-nazification?' What would that mean?"

Putin explained that after independence, Ukraine had built its identity on "false heroes," wartime collaborators with invading Nazis, who had done "the dirtiest work of exterminating the Polish and Jewish... as well as the Russian population" under the German SS, naming Bandera and others (readers may recall Putin recounting this to Oliver Stone).

"I say that Ukrainians are part of the one Russian people. The Ukrainians say no, they are a separate people. Ok. Fine. If they consider themselves a separate people, they have the right to do so; but not on the basis of Nazism, the Nazi ideology."

"Would you be satisfied with the territory that you have now?"

"I will finish answering the question. You just asked the question about neo-Nazism and de-Nazification," Putin answered, and recalled the President of Ukraine's visit to the Canadian Parliament, and their extraordinary presentation of a man who "fought against the Russians during the World War II. Well, who fought against the Russians during the World War II? Hitler and his accomplices. It turned out that this man served in the SS troops, and personally killed Russians, Poles and Jews."

"Really my question is what do you do about it. I mean, Hitler's been dead for eighty years, Nazi Germany no longer exists, and so, true, and I think what you're saying is you want to extinguish or at least control Ukrainian nationalism, but how, how do you do that?"

Perhaps we should note here that most Americans have never acknowledged, don't even know about, the devastating losses suffered by Russians, before we (the US) even entered the Second World War, a war that we continue to claim we won. In the unexpurgated version of history, without that terrible Russian sacrifice we might all be yelling "Heil" in rallies choreographed by Leni Riefenstahl. The Russians will never forget. The US reminds them daily. I also note here that what Putin said next included the phrase (translated, presumably by his own staff), "get rid of"; and that might be an unfortunate turn of phrase from a person of Putin's stature. In context, however, he's discussing the Nazi collaborators who were personally culpable in the part of the Holocaust that took place in Ukraine, who are still active in the region. It appears from his questions that Carlson, in light of his personal background (and his neckwear on this occasion), is being willfully insensitive. But to be fair, he is doing an interview for the general, marginally informed public. It still seems a bit obtuse.

"Listen to me. Your question is very subtle. And I can tell you what I think. Do not take offense." This an offering, almost a question, as to whether Carlson really understands his own question.. "Of course!" grins our intrepid interrogator.

"This question appears to be subtle; it is, quite pesky. You say Hitler has been dead for so many years... but his example lives on. People who exterminated Poles, Russians and Jews are alive. And the president, the current president of Ukraine, applauds him in the Canadian Parliament, gives a standing ovation. Can we say that we have completely uprooted this ideology, if what we see is happening today? That is what de-Nazification is, in our understanding: we have to get rid of those people who maintain this concept, and support this practice and try to preserve it; That is what de-Nazification is. That is what we mean."

In an otherwise almost pedantic conversation, such as might occur over drinks in a quiet social setting, Putin delivered this with an intensity that normally would invoke a moment of respectful silence. Normally. But Tucker piped up immediately and dismissively. "---Uh, right, but my question's a li'l more specific, it was of course not a defense of Nazis, neo- or otherwise, it was a practical question: you don't control the entire country, you don't control Kiev, you don't seem like you want to, so how, how do you eliminate a culture, or an ideology, or feelings, or a view of history, in a country that you don't control, what do you do about that?"

"You know, as strange as it may seem to you, during the negotiaions in Istanbul we did agree that, we have it all in writing, that neo-Nazism would not be cultivated in Ukraine. Including that it would be prohibited at the legislative level. Mr. Carlson, we agreed on that. This, it turns out, can be done during the negotiation process. And there is nothing humiliating for Ukraine, as a modern civilized state. Is any state allowed to promote Nazism? It is not, is it."

Tucker: "Uh--!" (Was that Carlson? He was not on camera, Putin was still speaking.)

Putin: "That is it."

"Um, will there be talks, and why haven't there been talks, about resolving the conflict, in Ukraine, peace talks."

"There have been. They reached a very high stage of coordination of positions in a complex process, but still they were almost finalized. But after we withdrew our troops from Kiev, as I have already said, the other side threw away all these agreements and obeyed the instructions of western countries, European countries, and the United States, to fight Russia to the bitter end. Moreover, the president of Ukraine has legislated a ban on negotiating with Russia. He signed a decree forbidding everyone to negotiate with Russia." (Carlson: "Right.") "But how are we going to negotiate, if he forbade everyone and himself and everyone to do this? We know that he is putting forward some ideas, about a settlement, but in order to agree on something, we need to have a dialog, is that not right?"

"Welll, but you wouldn't be speaking to the Ukrainian president, you'd be speaking to the American president. When was the last time you spoke with Joe Biden?"

Oh dear. Tucker, did you not remember that this war is a Ukrainian problem, that the president and Blinken and the whole team keep telling everyone that it's all up to them, and we stand behind them forever, um, to the end, um, as long as it takes, um, until... well anyway.

"I do not remember. We can look it up."

Carlson (laughing incredulously): "Heh heh, you don't remember!? Hahaha..."

Putin (unmoved): "No. Why? Do I have to remember everything? I have my own things to do. We have domestic political affairs."

Carlson: "Well he's funding the war that you're fighting, so I would think that would be memorable."

"Well yes, he funds, but I talked to him before the Special Military Operation of course. And I said to him then... I believe that you are making a huge mistake of historic proportions by supporting everything that is happening there, in Ukraine, by pushing Russia away. I told him, told him repeatedly by the way. I think that would be correct, if I stop here.

"What did he say?"

"Ask him, please. It is easier for you, you are a citizen of the United States. Go and ask him. It is not appropriate for me to comment on our conversation."

"B-But-but, you haven't spoken to him since before February of 2022."

"No, we haven't spoken. Certain contacts are being maintained though. Speaking of which, do you remember what I told you about my proposal to work together on a missile defense system?"

"Yes."

"You can ask all of them. All of them are safe and sound, thank God. The former president, Condolleezza is safe and sound, and I think Mr. Gates, and the current director of the intelligence agency, Mr. Burns (the then-Ambassador to Russia, in my opinion a very successful Ambassador); they were all witnesses to these conversations. Ask them. Same here, if you are interested in what Mr. President Biden responded to me, ask him. At any rate, I talked to him about it."

Carlson: "I'm, I'm, definitely interested, but from the outside, it seems like this could devolve or evolve into something that brings the entire world into conflict, and could, um, initiate some, a nuclear launch, and so why don't you just call Biden, and say, 'let's work this out'..."

"What's there to work out? It's very simple. I repeat, we have contacts with various agencies. I will tell you what we are saying on this matter, and what we are conveying to the US leadership: if you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons. It will be over within a few weeks. That's it. And then, we can agree on some terms. Before you do that, stop. What's easier? Why would I call him? What should I talk to him about? Or beg him, for what?"

Carlson (interrupting): "And, and, what messages did you get back?"

Ignoring this outburst, Putin goes on: "'You are going to deliver such-and-such weapons to Ukraine? Oh, I'm afraid, I'm afraid, please don't?' What is there to talk about?"

Carlson: "Do you think NATO is worried about this becoming a global war or a nuclear conflict?"

"At least that is what they are talking about, and they are trying to intimidate their own population with imaginary Russian threats. This is an obvious fact. And thinking people, not Philistines, but thinking people, analysts, those who are engaged in real politics, just smart people, understand perfectly well that this is a fake. They are trying to fuel the Russian Threat." (Western ears might hear "realpolitik" but the translator used the two words, "real politics.")

Tucker leaps in: "The threat I think you're referring to is a Russian invasion of, Poland, Latvia, expansionist behavior, is... can you imagine a scenario where you send Russian troops to Poland?"

"Only in one case: if Poland attacks Russia. Why? Because we have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply do not have any interest. It's just threat-mongering."

Carlson: "The argument, I know you know this, is, 'well, he invaded Ukraine, he has territorial aims across the continent,' and your saying, unequivocally you don't."

"It is absolutely out of the question. You just don't have to be any kind of analyst; it goes against common sense to get involved in some kind of a global war. And a global war will bring all of humanity to the brink of destruction. It's obvious. There are certainly means of deterrence; they have been scaring everyone with us, all along: 'tomorrow Russia will use tactical nuclear weapons; tomorrow Russia will use that; no, the day after tomorrow.' So what? In order to extort additional money from US taxpayers and European taxpayers, in the confrontation with Russia in the Ukrainian theater of war. The goal is to weaken Russia as much as possible."

Carlson: "Wha, owp... one of, ah, our senior US Senators, from the State of New York, Chuck Schumer said yesterday, I believe, that we have to continue to fund the Ukrainian, effort, or, US soldiers, citizens could wind up fighting there. How do you assess that?"

"This is a provocation, and a cheap provocation at that. I do not understand why American soldiers should fight in Ukraine. There are mercenaries from the United States there. The bigger number of mercenaries comes from Poland, with mercenaries from the United States in second place, and mercenaries from Georgia in third place. Well, if somebody has the disire to send regular troops, that would certainly bring humanity to the brink of very serious global conflict. This is obvious. Do the United States need this? What for? Thousands of miles away from your national territory. Don't you have anything better to do? You have issues on the border, issues with migration, issue with the national debt, more than thirty three trillion dollars; you have nothing better to do, so you should fight in Ukraine? Wouldn't it be better to negotiate with Russia, make an agreement, already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end? And realizing this, actually return to common sense, start respecting our country and its interests, and look for certain solutions. It seems to me that this is much smarter and more rational."

Tucker pounces: "Who blew up Nordstream?"

"You, for sure."

Tucker: "I was busy that day. Heh heh. I did not blow up Nordstream. I think you know..."

"You personally may have an alibi, but the CIA has no such alibi."

"Did you have evidence that NATO or the CIA did it?"

"You know, I won't get into details, but people always say... look for someone who is interested. But... also for someone who has capabilities. Because there may be many people interested, but not all of them are capable of sinking to the bottom of the Baltic Sea, and carrying out this explosion. These two components should be connected..."

"But I'm confused, I mean that's the biggest act of industrial terrorism, ever, and it's the largest emission of CO2 in history. Ok-so, if you had evidence, and presumably given your security services, your intel services, you would, that NATO, the US, CIA, the West, did this, why wouldn't you present it, and win a propaganda victory?"

(Wow. You said a mouthful, boy...)

Putin (Laughing): "In the war of propaganda it is very difficult to defeat the United States, because the United States controls all the world's media, and many European media. The ultimate beneficiary of the biggest European media are American financial institutions. Don't you know that? So it is possible to get involved in this work, but it is cost-prohibitive, so to speak. We can simply shine the spotlight on our sources of information, and we will not achieve results. It is clear to the whole world what happened, and even American analysts talk about it directly, it's true."

"Yes, I. But here's a question you may be able to answer, you worked in Germany, famously; the Germans clearly know that their NATO partner did this, but they, and it damaged their economy greatly, it may never recover; why are they being silent about it, that's very confusing, to me; why wouldn't the Germans, say something, about it?"

"This also confuses me. But today's German leadership is guided by the collective west, rather than its national interests; otherwise it is difficult to explain the logic of their action or inaction. After all, it is not only about Nordstream 1, which was blown up, and the Nordstream 2 was damaged; but one pipe is safe and sound, and gas can be supplied to Europe through it. But Germany does not open it. We are ready. Please. There is another route through Poland... that also allows for a large flow... Poland has closed it. Germany feeds Poland to a certain extent; and they closed their route to Germany. Why?" He posed the question of why Germany, which supplies weapons for Ukraine, doesn't ask Ukraine to open their pipleline from Russia to Germany, when the money for Ukraine comes from the gas-starved European economy. "Ask them. That is what it is like in their heads. Those are highly incompetent people."

"Maybe the world is breaking into two hemispheres, one with cheap energy and one without, and I want to ask you that, if, if we're now a multipolar world, obviously we are, can you describe the blocs of alliances, wh- who is in each side? Do you think?"

"Listen, you have said that the world is breaking into two hemispheres. A human brain is divided into two hemispheres; one is responsible for one type of activities; the other is more about creativity and so on. But it is still one and the same head. The world should be a single whole. Security should be shared, rather than meant for the Golden Billion. That is the only scenario where the world could be stable, sustainable and predictable. Until then, while the head is split in two parts, it is an illness, a serious adverse condition. It is a period of severe disease that the world is going through now. But I think that, thanks to honest journalism, this work is akin to the work of the doctors, this could somehow be remedied."

It wasn't apparent that Carlson got that last little joke.

The conversation did have some additional highlights, probably of more interests to spectators than scholars, like Carlson's attempt to get an American charged with espionage released to take home on his return flight. Putin did not shy from this or any other subject, but it would have been much more than the situation, or the interviewer, deserved.

It's refreshing to see a head of state who speaks from a broad historical context. If he lies, the lies are deep and complex, rather than superficial and utterly dependent on the "news cycle" for the wind under their wings. It's an accomplishment to construct a lie, if indeed Putin even tried, out of well-understood historical forces that hangs together well enough to be debated by historians with strings of abbreviated titles. It's even more refreshing when the speaker does this on the fly, off the top of his head. It's unheard of for a head of state to give understandable answers to over-simplified questions about incredibly complex issues, and seem to enjoy the conversation.

The worldview that emerges is coherent, and comports with widely known fact much more consistently than the Washington narratives that have wafted over us like spaghetti heading for the wall, without sticking, over and over again.

Carlson, who given his very well-informed background, at least seemed to follow the historical dissertations, but came off like a teenager who just wants the car keys, yeah, yeah, whatever, Dad.

My take on the whole thing was that for credibility, Putin hands-down owned it, and the "west" as represented by Carlson, is the goat.

There is certainly a lot more to this, but most of it is likely to be based on denial of an essential truth: that the Empire is emerging into public view like the naked emperor, whose magical raiment, we may remember, was invisible only to fools. Whether this is because it is collapsing like Rome, or because power is now so concentrated in the hands of less than a dozen men that it no longer needs to bother with what people think, we shall certainly learn sooner or later.
Dear Liz: In a recent column you wrote about the importance of paying online and the dangers of writing checks. Why does paying online come with a fee? Is it really justified to pay a technology fee of $12 to pay my insurance bill online? It seems to me that it should be faster and easier for the recipient if I pay online, and that NO fee is the correct amount.

Answer: Agreed. Pay to pay fees are annoying. Its one thing if an entity is passing on a small transaction cost, like the 2% or 3% that payment networks may charge to process your credit or debit card payment. Its quite another when a company charges convenience fees simply for accepting online payments, when such payments are far safer and more secure than sending checks through the mail. To be clear, most companies dont charge such fees but some insurers have been slow to join the 21st century.

You may have other options. Your insurers site may allow you to set up automatic payments that come directly from your checking account. Or your banks online bill pay may have an option to send electronic payments directly to the insurer from your account.

If not, and your only safe option is to incur the fee, its probably time to shop for a better insurer.

401(k) rollovers dont have to come with taxes

Dear Liz: My question relates to 401(k) rollovers. Are there different tax implications when it comes to rolling the money into a traditional IRA versus a traditional IRA brokerage fund? Ive always associated the word brokerage with after-tax dollars.

Answer: Financial terms can get confusing, so lets start with the basics. Both 401(k)s and IRAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to save for retirement. Employers offer 401(k)s, but you can open an IRA at a brokerage, bank, credit union, mutual fund company or robo advisor, among other providers. Some people liken 401(k)s and IRAs to buckets that receive your retirement funds, while the providers are where you store the bucket.

If you leave the employer that offers your 401(k), you have the option to roll your account into an IRA so your money can continue to grow tax-deferred. (You often have other options, such as leaving the money in your former employers plan or rolling it into a new employers plan.)

When you arrange a direct rollover, the money goes straight from the 401(k) to the IRA provider and no taxes will be withheld or charged. By contrast, if you opt to have a check sent to you rather than the IRA provider  something known as an indirect rollover  20% of your funds will be withheld for federal taxes.

If you want to avoid those taxes and have your money continue to grow tax deferred, youd have to deposit the check into the IRA within 60 days and come up with that 20% out of your own pocket. Youd get the money back in the form of a tax credit once you file the tax return for that year, but clearly the simpler, better way is to make the rollover a direct one.

Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the Contact form at asklizweston.com.
Portland police arrested two teenage boys in the theft of a Subaru Outback that had been left running in the driveway of a Northeast Portland home with a 2-year-old girl in the backseat in November.

Officers arrested a 13-year-old boy on Thursday on allegations of second-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and first-degree robbery, police said. They arrested a 14-year-old boy last week on suspicion of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, they said.
Lawyers for the state are asking the Oregon Court of Appeals to put a hold on a Harney County judges ruling that found the voter-approved gun control Measure 114 is unconstitutional while they appeal the decision.

The state argued that Circuit Judge Robert S. Raschio got it wrong and also urged the appellate court to expedite the states appeal.
by Xiong Maoling

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- There is no "middle-income trap" in China, as the country demonstrates significant technological dynamism, a renowned U.S. economist has said.

"The middle-income trap, as in Latin America, arises from a lack of technological dynamism. China is very technologically dynamic," Jeffrey Sachs, a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Noting that Western media is an "echo chamber," the economist said that many journalists covering China lack a comprehensive understanding of its economy.

China is not "hollowing out," Sachs said. "It remains the world's low-cost producer of most of the infrastructure and green technologies needed for the digital-green transformation of the global economy."

The economist argued that what the United States refers to as "de-risking" can be more accurately described as "containment," adding that the U.S. attempts to slow China's growth by putting on trade and technology barriers are "doomed to fail."

"China is too big, too advanced technologically, and too interconnected with the world economy (including the U.S. economy) that the United States is in no position to 'contain' China," said Sachs.

Commenting on Western media's often skeptical attitude towards China's proposals of global public goods such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the economist said the BRI is a major, highly positive initiative that exemplifies win-win thinking.

"BRI helps the partner countries build 21st century green, digital, connected infrastructure such as 5G, fast rail, and long-distance green power transmission. BRI also supports China's exports of these high-tech, low-cost infrastructure projects," he said. 
A 40-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court to attacking the Black owner of LoRells Chicken Shack in Southeast Portland in June.

Daniel Warren of Portland pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and no contest to committing a first-degree bias crime, court records show.
Three gray wolves were found dead in Oregon in December, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now offering the highest reward in the states history for tips in their killings.

Wildlife officials received mortality signals on Dec. 29 from two collared gray wolves in Klamath County, the agency said. Oregon State Police and a wildlife biologist responded to the area east of Bly and found the two animals and a third uncollared wolf, all dead.
All Oregon students must be current on their childhood vaccines by Feb. 21 or risk being sent home from school until they get up to date on their recommended shots.

Exclusion Day falls on the third Wednesday of every February and applies to all children in public and private schools, as well as those who attend preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities, unless they have a medical or personal exemption. That doesnt include COVID-19 vaccinations, which are not required to attend school, but does include shots that protect against other common childhood illnesses, including measles, polio and whooping cough.

School exclusion warnings letters were sent to about 5,600 families in Multnomah County earlier this week, according to county officials.

A series of catch-up vaccination clinics for students ages 5 to 19 is happening in Portland. Shots will be free to students and their families, regardless of whether they have insurance. Families are encouraged to call 503-988-8939 to make an appointment, but appointments are not required.

The first of the four clinics is happening 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club at 5250 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The other clinics are happening:

3:45-5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 at McDaniel High School, 2735 N.E. 82nd Ave.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Feb. 17 at David Douglas High School South Building, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at CareOregon Boys & Girls Club Rockwood, 454 S.E. 165th Ave.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
A man called the Linn County Sheriffs Office shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday to report finding a human skull on his rural property off Oregon 228, about 30 miles northeast of Eugene.

The unidentified man was clearing away brush on his property when he found the skull, the sheriffs office said in a statement Friday.

Linn County detectives are investigating the persons cause of death, how long the skull has been there and who the person was, the statement said.

The sheriffs office did not release any additional information or respond to inquiries Friday from The Oregonian/OregonLive.

-- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
One of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission executives fired in the aftermath of an internal investigation into the diversion of sought-after liquor says the state violated his constitutional rights making the investigation public and by later firing him.

Boba Subasic filed a lawsuit this week in Multnomah County Circuit Court. He seeks $6 million in damages.
YANGON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's first vocational training center for ethnic community under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund (2022) will promote socio-economic lives of ethnic peoples, U Min Aye Ko, director general of the department of ethnic rights under the ethnic affairs ministry, told Xinhua on Friday.

The course was the first vocational one for ethnic groups in Myanmar. Not only vocational courses but also ethnic affairs courses will be taught, he said.

The project was initiated with the aim of developing socio-economic lives of ethnic peoples in Shan state, exchanging cultures between ethnic peoples, promoting regional peace and reducing poverty among Mekong region countries.

The training courses such as agricultural technology, consumer product manufacturing, traditional ethnic utensils making, traditional ethnic food cooking and many others will be offered at the center, which opened on Feb. 5.

This year, motorcycle repair course and computer course will be provided. The motorcycle repair course was opened with 20 trainees on the opening day of the training center.

Efforts were being made to open computer courses in the coming weeks.

Students attending the motorcycle repair course shared how the course improve their livelihoods.

Naing Linn, 23, from Danu ethnic group, said, "I took a motorcycle repair course to make a living. This course is not only for my career but also to meet motorcycle repair needs of our village."

Saw Yan Naing, 22, from Intha ethnic group, said, "I am interested in repairing motorcycles. And, there are no many motorcycle repair people in our village. If we find some fault with motorcycle, it takes time to get to repair shop. So, this course really helped".

Ba Htay, 20, from Taungyo ethnic group, said, "We need motorcycle technicians in our village. So, I had the course to meet the demands of our village."

According to the director general, the Shan state government provided the trainees with tools related to motorcycle repair. After completing the course, they will be ready to do motorcycle repair work outdoors.

"There is a vocational training center in Kunming, China. Later we link up with this center and promote exchanges to open more training centers in the future," U Min Aye Ko said. 
The leader of one of the groups of farmers who have been staging protests with their tractors to draw attention to their plight as part of Europe-wide demonstrations said Saturday that a new protest will take place at Rome's Circus Maximus arena next Thursday, Azernews reports, citing ANSA.

Danilo Calvani, the leader of Cra Agricoltori 'Betrayed Farmers' group, said the protests would not stop after Premier Giorgia Meloni met agricultural associations on Friday and pledged to help them and the

EU dropped a proposed law to make farmers cut the use of pesticides by half by 2030.

"There will be at least 20,000 people," said Calvani, announcing next Thursday's protest.

"A group of our tractors will depart in a convoy from Cecchina and reach the heart of Rome, going as far as Circus Maximus.

"There should be about 15 vehicles, escorted by the forces of law order.

"Thursday's will only be the first of our demonstrations.

Our protest will go on".

A handful of tractors went into central Rome on Friday, parading around the Colosseum, and a bigger protest was staged on the city's GRA motorway ring road in the evening.

But farmers who went to protest at Sanremo have gone away after the presenter of the Sanremo Song Festival, Amadeus, read out a statement by stressing that they were not seeking additional subsidies or handouts, but measures to make sure they get a fair price for their produce, saying their revenues often do not cover their production costs at the moment.

The farmers from another protest group, Riscatto, are pondering their next move, although sources said they are reasonably satisfied with Friday's developments.

These include the government saying it would drop plans to scrap an exemption on income-tax Irpef for farmers and would change it instead so it is better targeted to those in need.




SHANGHAI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Disney animation figure of dragon on Saturday joined other icons including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a grand celebration held at Shanghai Disney Resort to usher in the first day of the Chinese New Year.

The dragon figure, Mushu, is a sidekick to Mulan, the main character in the Disney-animated film "Mulan" adapted from a Chinese legend.

At the celebration, Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, hosted a ceremonial task of dotting the eyes for the two slumbering lions, bringing them to life to bless everyone with luck in the Chinese Year of Dragon.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year on Friday, the Disneyland was illuminated by a special fireworks display featuring the Chinese character for dragon high in the night sky.

Running from Friday through to the Lantern Festival on Feb. 24, Shanghai Disney Resort would stage a series of holiday celebrations to immerse visitors in the festive atmosphere blending traditional Chinese elements with Disney's storytelling. 
Photo: (Photo : TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

In New York on Friday, February 9, 2024, Derry Oliver, aged 17, is seen hugging her mother, who shares the same name, during a visit to a nearby playground.

Amid the challenges of remote learning and the isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the younger Oliver turned to therapy for support, despite encountering resistance from her mother.

Parents' Support Needed for Youth Mental Health

The challenges are exemplified in the case of Derry Oliver, who, despite struggling with depression, faced resistance from her mother when the school suggested therapy during her fifth-grade year.

The reluctance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic when Derry sought help for the isolation effects of remote learning.

The broader issue of parental consent for student therapy has become a polarized topic, with some states aiming to streamline access while conservative politicians in other regions propose restrictions, alleging attempts to influence students and sideline parents.

This clash of perspectives intensifies as young people increasingly discuss mental health openly, and schools allocate pandemic relief funds to hire more mental health specialists and implement telehealth and online counseling services.

Read Also: Navigating the Pitfalls of Parentification: Preventing Toxic Burdens on Children

Research indicates that the requirement for parental permission serves as a significant hurdle for teenagers seeking mental health treatment.

This obstacle is particularly critical for LGBTQ+ youth, who face higher suicide rates and may encounter parental disapproval of their sexual orientations or gender identities.

Policymakers are beginning to address the question of when young people can autonomously consent to mental health treatment, with some states lowering the age of consent.

However, issues such as parents' involvement in curriculum decisions and transgender students' rights further complicate the matter in certain states like North Carolina.

Outside of legal considerations, financial constraints pose another significant barrier to therapy, as it is rarely free, and parental support is often necessary for payment or insurance claims.

While teens in New York can consent to therapy from age 16, obstacles such as limited applicability in certain settings and exclusion of medication prescriptions persist.

Government's Respond to the Issue

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a collaboration with Talkspace to offer free online counseling to all city teens through the NYC Teenspace program, requiring parental consent in most cases.

Despite years of discussions between Derry Oliver and her mother, progress towards accessing therapy has been limited, emphasizing the need for trust in the therapeutic process.

Trust issues with schools and mental health services are common, particularly in predominantly Black and brown communities, contributing to a racial divide in therapy utilization among children.

The statistics reveal discrepancies in therapy access, with 14% of white children reporting therapy usage compared to 9% of Black children, 8% of Hispanic kids, and only 3% of Asian American children in 2021.

Derry Oliver, while achieving academic success and college acceptances, reflects on the crucial factor of therapy access in her decision-making process for the future.

Youth Mental Health

The mental health of youth is influenced by a combination of protective and risk factors, and efforts can be made to promote positive mental health and minimize mental health issues.

Youth with mental health disorders may encounter challenges in their homes, schools, communities, and relationships. Despite these obstacles, for most young individuals, mental health distress is episodic rather than permanent.

With the support of treatment, peer and professional assistance, and a robust family and social support network, most can successfully navigate the challenges associated with experiencing a mental health disorder.

Related Article: World Mental Health Day: Psychiatrist Reveals 4 Essential Strategies to Bolster Your Child's Emotional Resilience
As discomfiting as it certainly is to our critics, the Interpreter Foundation continues to produce materials for the Latter-day Saints and for any who are interested in the Restoration, and to do so at an alarmingly non-glacial pace. Here are the most recent publications from the Foundation:

Second Nephi as a Legal Document, written by Martin Oman Evans

Abstract: Considering conventions of the ancient Near East, 2 Nephi can be understood as a legal document or legal archive. Factors supporting this view include 1) Nephis allusions to sealing the record and to a bar of judgment, 2) discussion of the law of witnesses and reference to Isaiah and Jacob as witnesses, 3) components and formatting consistent with Neo-Babylonian depositions and plaintiff statements, 4) uncharacteristically formal and conservative (high-fidelity) citations of Isaiah, and 5) rhetoric and vocabulary consistent with the Judean legal genre. Nephis inclusion of Jacobs and Isaiahs words as a witness and his references to judicial procedure can be readily understood. Further, the structure of 2 Nephi, consistent with legal conventions of the time, can be viewed as collated texts that contain a covenant framing the Nephites situation (2 Nephi 14), a reaction (2 Nephi 45), three supporting witness statements (2 Nephi 610, 1224, 2528), and finally a plaintiff statement (2 Nephi 33). Recognizing the legal implications of 2 Nephi can help us appreciate Nephis agenda as author and editor of his text, as well as the meaning of his document in our day.

Rise Up, O Light of the Lord: An Appropriate and Defensible Etymology for Cumorah, written by Paul Y. Hoskisson

Abstract: This article explores issues with past suggestions concerning the etymology of the name Cumorah and suggests a slightly updated etymology, Rise up, O Light of the Lord. It then suggests that Book of Mormon references to the Hill Cumorah appear to confirm the proposed etymology, thus becoming an apt description of the Restoration.

Interpreting Interpreter: Proving Christ in 2 Nephi, written by Kyler Rasmussen

This post is a summary of the article Second Nephi as a Legal Document by Martin Oman Evans in Volume 60 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. The Takeaway: Evans argues that aspects of 2 Nephi align with the structure of ancient legal documentswith allusions to witnesses, judgment, statements, rhetoric, and appeals to authorityand that Nephi, in the context of his engagement in the common ancient practice of actively shaping his source texts, built an argument designed to prove the reality of Gods prophecies and promises. Interpreting Interpreter: The Lords Light Rises, written by Kyler Rasmussen

This post is a summary of the article Rise Up, O Light of the Lord: An Appropriate and Defensible Etymology for Cumorah by Paul Hoskisson in Volume 60 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. The Takeaway: Hoskisson argues that hypercorism (the altering of names to create familiar or pet forms; e.g., Susan = Susie) could help explain a persistent issue he sees with the proposed etymology of the name Cumorah, leading him to add the phrase of the Lord to the previously suggested Hebrew meaning of Rise up, Oh Light. This makes it an even more fitting description of the Hill Cumorah and the divine book that rose from it. All of the Interpreting Interpreter articles may be seen at https://interpreterfoundation.org/category/summaries/. An introduction to the Interpreting Interpreter series is available at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreting-interpreter-on-abstracting-thought/.

Hugh Nibley Observed: Introduction, written by Jeffrey M. Bradshaw

Jeffrey Bradshaw introduces Hugh Nibley Observed, where readers will discover that the personal stories and perspectives behind the scholarship are sometimes even more captivating than his brilliant and witty intellectual breakthroughs. This comprehensive three-part collection of essays sheds fascinating new light on Hugh Nibley as a scholar and a man. Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in Hugh Nibley Observed, edited by Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Shirley S. Ricks, and Stephen T. Whitlock. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/hugh-nibley-observed/.

Today was an at-sea day. The waters have been fairly calm, and I was on for two ninety-minute lectures or discussions. I concentrated mostly on the geological history of New Zealand and Australia  talking about Alfred Wegener and plate tectonics or continental drift (Kontinentalverschiebung, a wonderful German word, that!), about Gondwana and colliding Australian and Pacific plates and earthquakes and volcanos, and about the different results of evolution on the ultimately isolated Australian continent and the North and South islands  and on the arrival to New Zealand of the Polynesian proto-Maoris. These are (to me, anyway) fascinating subjects.

These two articles are not only very interesting but, I think, extraordinarily important. :

We sent out 80,000 postcards to Latter-day Saints in the U.S. Heres what we learned: Our representative survey found high percentages of self-identified members agreeing with church teachings on historical questions and sexuality

New survey shows strong cross-generational faith among Latter-day Saints: After we sent out 80,000 postcards to Latter-day Saints in the U.S., we dig deeper into their responses

Once again, though, it is my dreary and distressing duty to share some examples  a trio of appalling specimens  of horror, cruelty, injustice, and shameless theistic depravity from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

The Church of Jesus Christ and World Food Programme Fund Emergency Response Center in the Caribbean: The project marks a decade of collaboration between the two organizations.

The Church of Jesus Christ Provides Humanitarian Aid in Mexico to More than 1 Million People in 2023: How the Church of Jesus Christ cared for Gods children in Mexico in 2023

Ghana Parliament Thanks Church for Miraculous Intervention in Response to Devastating Floods: Seven Members of Parliament Visit Area Presidency in Accra to deliver letter of appreciation

And here is a chilling fourth outrage, which I found located very close to the Hitchens File. Religions, it is all too well known, tend to promote and support marriage, with all of the evil consequences entailed by that infamous institution:

Are married people happier than those who are not? A new poll has answers

Posted from the north Tasman Sea
Renowned Economist, Professor John Gatsi, has noted that the flagbaerer and leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will find it difficult to discard the electronic financial transactions, otherwise referred to as E-Levy, if he is voted as President come December, 2024.



During the Vision Launch of the NPP flagbarer on Wednesday, February, 2024 at the University for Professional Studies, Accra, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia pledged as part of new measures of his government to abolish the e-levy and four other taxes to encourage the population to use electronic channels for payment.



Speaking to the vision statement of the flagbearers proposal, Professor Gatsi, who is the Dean of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Business School said, fulfilling it would be a challenge as the levy was introduced by the government to generate revenue, as part of requirements by the International Monetary Fund for the grant of an extended credit facility.



He described the proposal as merely a political strategy to make Dr. Bawumia the preferred candidate to vote for in the upcoming polls.



The Finance Professor indicated that it is something the NPPs flagbearer cannot do when voted as president.



I believe that all these discussions are going to be centered on 2025, and it is just a political strategy to make Bawumia look good for the election because you have already created a revenue stream for this government, and the IMF program will not end in 2025. So, to say, you need the same level of revenue to sustain the program. I dont understand how you will be able to take one revenue source from the kitty and remain sustainable in the eyes of the IMF.



What Bawumia should be saying is that he will propose taxes A or B to replace the e-levy. If that is not what he is saying, then it is not something he can do, especially under the IMF programme, Prof Gatsi stated.



The Vice President, as part of his Vision for the next government in 2025, promised to scrap some taxes imposed before the government which recently included the Emission levy and the VAT on Electricity.



However, the Government, in a press release on Wednesday, February 7, suspended the implementation of the tax of electricity.

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
37 suspects arrested in connection with the attacks on the Bepong Chiefs palace and several police officers at Kwahu Bepong in the Eastern Region have been remanded by the Nkawkwa District Court.



Presided over by His Worship Isaac Adjei, the court scheduled their next appearance for February 23, 2024.



The suspects allegedly assaulted the Bepong Chiefs Palace on February 4, 2024, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, including five police officers.



Background



Two people were reported dead after allegedly being hit by stray bullets fired by the police during the melee to disperse the ruthless crowd.



Reportedly, the event took place inside the chiefs palace, where law enforcement had gone to free a suspected murderer who was suspected of killing two persons in Adwumasu, a farming hamlet in Kwahu South Municipality.



The 45-year-old Akua Kyerewaa was allegedly raped and killed by the suspect, Kwasi Tenkorang, a 23-year-old ex-convict, according to accounts.



Kwasi Antwi, the victims 65-year-old brother, died instantly after being struck in the head with a metal rod while attempting to save his sister.



After seeing the crime and being pursued by the culprit, an eyewitness who was only identified as Frederick who was headed to the property narrowly avoided death.



On Sunday, February 4th, the suspectwho had been evading capture since the incidentwas apprehended and brought to the chiefs palace.



When word spread about the arrest, members of the community attacked the palace, demanding his immediate release in exchange for swift justice. However, the police intervened and stopped it from happening.



But rather than lynching the culprit as the Police forbade it, they attacked the Police, hurling stones and other weapons at them.

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
Henry Nana Boakye has assured Ghanaians of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's commitment to his Agenda 111 initiative.



The National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party noted during Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" that the President hasn't reneged on his promise to construct 111 hospitals across the nation.



Under Agenda 111, which forms part of the grand vision for Ghanas healthcare sector by the Akufo-Addo administration, the government intends to build 101 district hospitals, 6 regional hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals in the country.



Since the President announced the project, there has been little reporting on the progress of work.



On Friday, February 9, Henry Nana Boakye, affectionately called "Nana B", disclosed that a huge number of the Agenda 111 hospitals will be completed this year.



"About 60 of the Agenda 111 will be fully completed. It is unprecedented. Such a revolution in our health sector to build 111 hospitals is unprecedented," he emphasized.



Watch video below





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
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has directed a mandatory recitation of the national pledge at all official and public events in the country.



This is to ensure absolute respect for the national symbols, strengthen allegiance and fidelity to country, and to preserve Nigeria's ethos and defining character, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement on Thursday.



The president stressed the need to respect national values, promote the nations ideals, and abide by its established norms.



Everyone of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning," the statement added.



The national pledge, which Mr Tinubu said should be recited after the national anthem, calls on all Nigerians to be faithful and loyal to their country. It is one of the country's national symbols.



The directive comes as the country battles rising communal clashes between herders and local farming communities in a conflict over resources.

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
Malawi has removed visa restrictions for travellers from 79 countries in an effort to boost tourism and trade in the country.



The Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhae, in a gazette notice on Wednesday, amended the immigration regulations - effectively lifting visa barriers for citizens from the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, France and others.



Nationals from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) are also exempt from visa requirements.



This excludes countries that impose visa requirements on Malawian citizens.



The changes also include exemptions for certain groups such as diplomats and government officials, and countries that have mutual exchange agreements for multiple-entry visas with Malawi.



The validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi is now up to 12 months, according to the new visa regulations.



This monumental decision isnt just about visas; its about unleashing the untapped potential of our beloved Malawi and inviting the world to experience its wonders first-hand," Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule told local media.



The British embassy in Malawi urged its nationals to take advantage of the relaxed visa restrictions to visit a range of popular tourist attractions in the southern African country.



Malawi joins Kenya and Rwanda in opening up their countries to African travellers.

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
One of the suspects in the murder of an 11-year-old boy in Kasoa has requested a fingerprint test to be conducted on the exhibits that were picked from the uncompleted building where the victim was killed.



Nicholas Kini, who had previously denied knowing or having anything to do with the death of Ishmael Mensah Abdallah, yesterday told a High Court in Accra that he also knew nothing about the tools that were used in the murder or burial of the deceased.



I know nothing about the exhibits brought from the crime scene. Those working tools were there before we got there. And Im pleading with the court that a fingerprint test be conducted on those exhibits to confirm whether I held any of them, he said while continuing his evidence-in-chief.



Kini and a minor are before the court on two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and a substantive charge of murder.



While he pleaded not guilty to both charges, his co-accused who is believed to be the prime suspect and had confessed to the crime during the committal proceedings, pleaded not guilty to murder, but pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. The court entered a plea of not guilty for him.



The accused, in his defense, told the court yesterday that prior to being taken to the police station, he and his co-accused were mercilessly beaten by the area boys after the incident happened, and the beating continued in a room where they were kept until the police arrived.



While in the police vehicle, the elder son of Hajia by name Abas brought the deceaseds body into the car. Myself and first accused sat by the body. When the body was brought into the car, I got angry and started saying to the dead body that if I really know something about his death then he should get up and kill me, Kini said.



He also denied a previous confession by the minor that they had previously committed a similar crime, except this time it was a pregnant woman they killed and buried.



When the matter was also taken to Kaneshie Court 1, the first accused stated to the court that we had killed a pregnant woman and that he can show the court where she was buried. Im stating again that I know nothing about all that the first accused person said, he added.



While under cross-examination from a Senior State Attorney, Nana Ama Adoma, Kini told the court that he is not good friends with the first accused but only happens to live in the same area as him.



The prosecutor, however, pointed to the accused persons own caution statement to the police in which he indicated that, I know (name omitted) my accomplice very well and we have been friends since 2008 till date.



That notwithstanding, the accused denied it by saying, That is not true because in 2008 I was a kid and I was with my grandfather who had rented at Adam Nana, and so I didnt know first accused.



As a matter of fact, prior to this case, both of you used to play together, roam around town together and do all sorts of things that good friends would do, the prosecutor pushed, but the accused said, I know nothing about that.



Even when Madam Adoma put it to the accused that the police would not have known all this if he had not told them same when he was arrested, the accused said he believed the police added those to his statement.



Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, the trial judge, adjourned the case to February 12, for further cross-examination.

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
JUBA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned an attack on a humanitarian convoy escorted by peacekeepers in Aniydi Payam, Bor South County, Jonglei State.

Nicolas Haysom, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, said the incident happened when the convoy passed through Macdit, 60 km from Bor Town.

He said a group of armed men emerged from the bush and one opened fire on the UN vehicles, damaging a UNMISS vehicle. There were no casualties, however, and UNMISS peacekeepers returned fire and repelled the attackers.

"This attack threatened the lives of humanitarians delivering vital assistance to communities in need as well as peacekeepers providing protection. It is utterly unacceptable," Haysom said in a statement issued Friday evening in the South Sudanese capital of Juba.

The UN official lauded the government of Jonglei State for quickly deploying a joint protection team of local forces to the site to provide support, and called for investigations and accountability for the perpetrators. 
An undisclosed amount of money and other valuable properties have, reportedly, been destroyed by an inferno.



This happened when a residential fire gutted a 15-bedroom house at Meduma near Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, around 3pm.



The blaze was said to have started from one of the rooms in the house, and it spread fast into other rooms, causing massive destruction.



According to a police report, which the paper has sighted, the house was virtually empty with the inhabitants outside when the fire started.



It said eyewitnesses alerted the Ghana National Fire Service, who immediately rushed to the fire scene to bring the blaze under control.



But it was too late as the inferno had already consumed huge amount of money and other valuable items in the affected house.



On February 7, 2024, at about 1500 hours, the Mamponteng District Patrol team received intel from the Regional Control Room about fire outbreak at Meduma.



The team together with an Investigator proceeded to the scene and found that fire had engulfed a fifteen (15) bedroom house, located a few meters from Meduma Methodist Church, belonging to one Nana Amokrah of Meduma.



Two fire tenders were met fighting the fire at the scene. Most of the occupants of the house were not available when the fire started, the police report said.



Preliminary investigations, police said, revealed that neighbours noticed smoke emanating from one of the rooms in the house, being occupied by a woman and her mentally-challenged mother, and spread to other rooms.



Two fire tenders from Mamponteng Municipal and Bremang fire stations rushed to the scene to put off the fire and also prevent it from spreading to the adjourning houses.



However, it was late as properties running into thousands of cedis, including undisclosed amount of cash, had already been burnt, the police report disclosed, noting that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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
A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo says the Bold Solutions address by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is promising but will have a hectic task selling it to the electorates.



He said in a post on social media that Ghanaians are fed up with political promises rather they will vote based on achievements.



But it appears great plans wouldnt matter. Available empirical survey reports show that many Ghanaians now, do not believe in political promises, as many of them are merely vote garnering gimmicks. What would therefore be the decider in the 2024 elections, would be a side-by-side comparison of the trustworthiness, credibility and achievements of the various contenders. Gyampo said.



Analysing Dr Bawumia's address, Gyampo said parts of his promises have vindicated critics of the Nana Addo-led government



Parts of the presentation were an indictment on the government of which he is part, in a manner that raises serious questions and vindicates those of us who have been critics of the government."



He highlighted the abolishment of certain taxes, including the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, and VAT on electricity consumption as issues critics have urged the Nana Addo-led government to abolish.



Below is Professor Gyampos full speech



Bawumias Address  A Preliminary Analysis



1. This essentially was an articulation of achievements and vision, fundamentally in the broader area of Digitization and honestly, the various manifestations of this overarching policy, and what it can do to promote development, is indubitable and enormous. No doubt it formed the interwoven central theme of the presentation.



2. Unfortunately, Ghanaians had to wait to be told more about what digitization has done for them by the man himself, in a manner that makes many of the achievements which should have been long known, sound new. Consequently, there may be the need to fact-check many of the claims in order to be sure.



3. It appears DMB is the only one who has a firm grasp over the policy, as the party itself has either been ignorant about the claims about Digitization or has been incompetent in communicating its achievements to fester in the psyche of Ghanaians. Unless the party begins to undertake remedial tutorials about Digitization and its achievements for the purposes of political communication, the work will be difficult for DMB.



4. Despite what it can do, Digitization is not the sine qua non to development. Other key interventions such as good governance and deliberate efforts to seal the leakages and slippages, fight corruption, exemplary leadership that first tightens its belt, rather than living bourgeoisie, etc should have been emphasized more than being treated nearly as appendages.



5. Parts of the presentation was an indictment on the government of which he is part, in a manner that raises serious questions and vindicates those of us who have been critics of the government. Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers; and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes. DMBs supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that hes taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes.



6. But the more important question is, why do these great interventions tomorrow, instead of today that they are greatly needed? Does the answer still lie in the claim that hes not the one in charge? Well, in that case, then karma is not good at all. There was then absolutely no basis for the 170 questions posed to Veep Amissah-Arthur because, he was also a mate and wasnt in charge.



7. DMB still blames our challenges on COVID and Russian-Ukraine war and there is no doubt at all that these have had negative effects on many countries including Ghana. But a more convincing explanation could have also focused on an admission of what was done wrong domestically, and a promise to refrain from our own contributions to the challenges. It cannot be entirely accurate for us to blame all other than ourselves for our challenges.



8. Finally, there were great ideas that were espoused including the need for a national development plan, a move that was initiated by the predecessor government but was jettisoned. All the other contenders in the 2024 elections also have great plans. But it appears great plans wouldnt really matter. Available empirical survey reports show that many Ghanaians now, do not believe in political promises, as many of them are merely vote garnering gimmicks. What would therefore be the decider in the 2024 elections, would be a side by side comparison of the trustworthiness, credibility and achievements of the various contenders.



In my next post, I will now offer a sharper focus and properly interrogate some of the policy vision outlined. Where they deserve commendations, we would commend and where they must be fact-checked and critiqued, we will do so.



Yaw Gyampo

A31, Prabiw

PAV Ansah Street

Saltpond

&

Suro Nipa House

Behind Old Post Office

Larteh-Akuapim

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has asked Ghanaians to trust Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to deliver on his promises when elected President of Ghana.



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, delivered his vision to Ghanaians at an event held at the UPSA in Accra.



The Vice President outlined various policies he intends to implement under his reign as President and among the policies are he will abolish E-Levy, betting tax and other taxes, grant tax amnesty, abolish national service, build a "Digital Ghana" and create a technology hub in Ghana, give every tertiary student a laptop to facilitate their studies, remove the human face at passport office.



He also touched on what the incumbent government has achieved particularly regarding the things he is in charge, hence citing his digitalization agenda which he noted has been very successful.



He mentioned areas like the Ghana Card synchronization with SSNIT, GRA, banking transactions and so forth as well as networking of hospitals across the country.



This notwithstanding, some people blame him for the economic mess under the Akufo-Addo administration, so wondering what new or different thing can he do to salvage the economy.



Reacting to this, the Information Minister has outlined reasons why Dr. Bawumia deserves to be Ghana's next President.



Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah noted that Dr. Bawumia has been very instrumental in digitalizing the economy and not only that but has also executed his duties effectively, thereby proving to the populace how competent he is to lead the nation.



The Minister, contributing to "Kokrokoo" panel discussion show on Peace FM on Thursday, February 8, stated emphatically that under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, "about 80 percent of our promises either completed or in progress".



He alluded to the New Patriotic Party's 2017 manifesto stating the government has accomplished a lot of its policies.



Also responding to criticisms that Dr. Bawumia cannot be absolved from the economic woes visited upon Ghanaians, Hon. Oppong Nkrumah opined that the Vice President cannot be blamed for the underperformance of the Ministers charged with responsibility of ensuring the government's vision materializes.



"If Nana Addo's government promises that we will establish Creative Arts studios, the Vice President is not a Tourism Minister. So if, in the end, the Tourism Ministry doesn't deliver, it will be difficult to say you are holding the Vice President responsible for it, especially when in our constitutional arrangement, he has no direct responsibility over it", he cited.



The Minister implored Ghanaians to give Dr. Bawumia the nod saying "you must believe him because, first, the NPP broadly has delivered on majority of its promises despite the challenges today and, second, the specific things that Dr. Bawumia was charged to handle, the evidence is clear of how he has handled it".





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
A member of the Legal Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has accused Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of betraying his boss, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his own selfish presidential ambition.



According to him, Dr Bawumias widely publicized lecture dubbed Bold Solutions for the future is a plot to publicly discredit the Nana Addo-led government but not to proffer solutions for Ghana.



What is he [Dr Bawumia] talking about? Go to his website and he describes himself as the vice president of Ghana and chairs the Economic Management Team which is responsible for shaping government policies and guiding their implementation.



Why is he today telling us otherwise? He questioned.



Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe, who was speaking in an interview on NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie, expressed utmost shock at Dr Bawumias sudden posture about a government he plays a pivotal role.



I must say Dr Bawumias assertion in his Bold Solution speech is a coup d'etat against Akufo-Addo, he asserted.



Listen to the full interview below





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye has slammed former President John Dramani Mahama over his 24-hour economy policy.



The former President says, if elected President, he will ensure Ghana's economy run a 24-hour service.



"A new NDC administration will work urgently to equip our youth with the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future. We will introduce a 24-hour economy with incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers who will run extra shifts to create more room for employment.



"We will work to ease the burden of taxes imposed by this NPP administration on Ghanaian businesses and investors, which has robbed Ghana of its envious position as one of Africa's leading destinations for investment", he promised.



Discussing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's delivery of his vision for Ghana at an event at UPSA on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly called "Nana B", described Mahama's 24-hour economy as a "confused policy".



He explained that for an economy to run 24 hours, it must be digitized and this dovetails into the digitalization agenda by Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



"It's a confused policy...24-hour economy is a by-product of an economy that we want to move to digitalization", he commented on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo".



He stressed "even in China, after 6 pm, shops are closed" and questioned Mr. Mahama; "Are you better than US? Are you far-advanced than China?"



To Nana B, the 24-hour economy is not feasible.



"When you ask them what are details, they can't say anything...It cannot work!", he exclaimed.



He also compared track records of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration and the previous Mahama government, emphasizing that irrespective of the global challenges affecting Ghana's economy, they have outperformed the previous Mahama government.



"In spite of all the challenges, we have done far better in the economy more than the NDC and the data is there...When you take the average growth for even Agric from 2017 till date, it's 5.8; under NDC, it was 3.9. We've done better than them. Despite the global problems that affected us, we still did better than them.



"When you look at industry growth and find out that, under NDC from 2013 to 2016, it was 3.3 percent and from 2017 till date, it's 10.8 percent. We did far better than them. When you take the service sector, from 2013 to 2016, it was 5.2 but check ours from 2017 till now, it is about 5.1. When you look at unemployment rate, we've done better than them; from 2014 to 2016, it was 12.92. From 2017 till date, it is 9.00", he established.





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
By Megan Guza, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

PITTSBURGH  Heather Pressdee, the former nurse from Harrison, Pa., linked to the deaths of 17 nursing home patients at five facilities, appeared to be frustrated with her defense attorneys during a brief status hearing Friday in Butler County.

Pressdee, facing multiple counts of homicide and myriad other charges, wore an orange jumpsuit with her hands shackled at her waist. Shes been held without bail in the Butler County Prison since her initial arrest in May.

Heather Pressdee is accused of killing nursing home patients. (Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, file)Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office

Her attorneys, Phil DiLucente and James DePasquale, asked the judge for a 90-day continuance. DiLucente said his client still needs to review a portion of the discovery in the case  that is, the information and evidence compiled by the state attorney generals office.

I reviewed enough of it, Pressdee interjected. I want to sign and be done.

DiLucente asked Common Pleas Judge Joseph Kubit to allow two days for the next hearing, likely sometime in early May.

All told, Pressdee faces four counts of homicide, 18 counts of attempted homicide and 22 counts of neglect of a care-dependent person.

Coworkers at one of the nursing homes she worked at called her The Killer Nurse, according to the charges against her.

Its been 10 months, I confessed, Pressdee said loudly to her attorneys in open court. What is the big deal?

DiLucente told her that no judge would accept any type of plea if the defense hadnt been privy to all of the evidence and information. Thats just how this works, he said.

Pressdee appeared to cry at one point, accusing the attorneys of not listening to her. Her parents sat quietly in the gallery of the small courtroom, and she waved to them as deputies led her from the courtroom.

She has to review the discovery, DePasquale said after the hearing. She cant make an informed decision without reviewing all the discovery.

He said the AGs office, which is prosecuting the case, is supposed to get the last of that discovery to defense counsel next week.

Seventeen patients died after receiving care from Pressdee; she faces murder charges related to four patients  those for whom investigators could concretely prove a cause of death. Shes charged with attempted homicide in connection with the 13 other deaths as well as in the cases of five patients who survived.

DePasquale said the voluminous nature of the situation has slowed the process.

In two criminal complaints spanning more than 40 pages, agents from state Attorney General Michelle Henrys office wrote that Pressdee confessed her actions in regard to each victim. The first set of charges came in May. Dozens more were added in a separate case in November after more families brought their suspicions to law enforcement.

DePasquale said that he thinks the AGs office is done filing charges in the case.

My understanding is there are not going to be anymore incidences charged, he said.

Ms. Pressdee, 41, did not begin her nursing career until 2018.

She worked at six different nursing facilities in less than three years, and she was at her seventh when she was arrested. She is accused of killing or trying to kill patients at five of those facilities:
The boyfriend of suspended Harrisburg Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight was shot in the face early Saturday at his home in Susquehanna Township, officials told PennLive.

He is expected to survive but may lose sight in one eye. Police did not release any information about the circumstances of the shooting.
SHAMOKIN DAM  Construction of the remaining section of a major central Pennsylvania highway is on schedule for completion in three years and the project is meeting cost estimates.

Matthew Beck, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation assistant plans engineer. said Friday the completion date for the southern section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) in Snyder County is 2027.
The Pennsylvania State Police budget being funded from the motor vehicle fund is such a non issue. Why it is even being discussed? It seems to be just making political hay about infrastructure. The premise is that there will be this new money that will help fix roads and build infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Not true.

There is a defined amount of income to the state from numerous sources. And there is a defined amount of expenses. If they pull $125 million from the motor fund, its not magically more money for infrastructure. That $125 million for the state police has to come from somewhere else in the SAME budget. There is no extra money.

You can cut a pie a hundred times but its still one pie. You dont get more pie by cutting it differently. It literally doesnt matter where the money is from. Its all the same money. Its like being in a store and arguing about which cash register I get my change from. Its all the stores money. It doesnt matter. Neither does the state police funding source. Its all the same Pennsylvania revenue.

Brian Kendgia, Murrysville, Pa.
From BBC News: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to ten years in jail in a case in which he was charged with leaking state secrets.

Perhaps this is something that former President Donald Trump should be thinking about.

Just saying.

Mark E. Counsman, Camp Hill, Pa.
ULAN BATOR, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mongolians have begun celebrating the lunar new year to welcome the Year of the Dragon on Saturday, traditionally known as the White Moon festival in the country.

The Mongolian White Moon coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year this year.

"The White Moon is a symbol of the history and culture of our country, the unity of the people, and one of the heritage and values of our Mongolians," Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said in his Lunar New Year greetings to all citizens of the country.

"We happily welcome the Year of the Dragon with some good news. The population of our country reached 3.5 million, the number of livestock has been counted at around 65 million, the economic situation has improved, the domestic production has recovered, and the foreign exchange reserves have increased," Khurelsukh said, wishing happiness, health and good fortune for the people and prosperity for the country.

The White Moon, one of the most celebrated holidays in Mongolia, symbolizes the start of spring and the end of winter.

Mongolians have celebrated the White Moon for centuries as a family festival replete with ceremonies. 
Donald Trump couldnt help himself. Addressing an NRA event at a packed Pennsylvania Farm Show arena Friday night, the former president who is running a third time, told the adoring crowd he already won the Keystone State twice.

He was right about the outcome in 2016, but not 2020, when Trump lost Pa. and a handful of other swing states by relatively close margins to Joe Biden.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
A winter road which crosses Shoal Lake to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is photographed on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Impassable winter roads are delaying vital shipments and threatening the safety of First Nations across northern Ontario, leaders warned, as they pressed the provincial and federal government for support. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
TUNIS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia has arrested 19 people for alleged links to an extremist religious cell, the Tunisian National Guard said in a statement on Friday.

The statement, posted on the National Guard's Facebook page, said the 19 people, who were wanted by security and judicial agencies, had been sentenced to one to 10 years in prison on charges of being involved in a terrorist group.

The statement did not provide further details.

Tunisia has witnessed increased terrorist activities since 2011, in which dozens of security and military personnel, as well as civilians and foreign tourists, were killed. 
Industry Insiders: WPT at Sea Manager & Dealer Jason Gargac Living the Dream

February 10, 2024 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S.

By now youve no doubt heard about the World Poker Tour (WPT) and their upcoming WPT Voyage, which will take place from March 31-April 6, 2024 as they take over an entire Virgin Voyages cruise ship  the 1,400-cabin Valiant Lady  for a six-day poker festival that features $1.5 million in guarantees, including a $5,000 buy-in, $1,000,000 GTD WPT Main Event.

Leading up to the WPT Voyage, PokerNews will be profiling several staff members of the WPT at Sea Poker Room in our Industry Insiders series. For those that dont know, the WPT at Sea is the actual poker room aboard Virgin Voyages (currently on the Scarlet Lady cruise ship but soon to expand to others).

Here are some of the profiles we've done in the past:

Are Your Ready for Pokers Spring Break? Adam Pliska Talks WPT Voyage Cruise

Get to Know Jason Gargac

Jason Gargac dealing in Tunica.

Jason Gargac is a 38-year-old army veteran from St. Louis who has been married for 17 years. He worked as a bounty hunter until the pandemic sidelined that career path.

I went from making really good money to going up to a month without bringing in a dollar, he explained. For two years he supported his family by selling books on Amazon before rekindling the idea of dealing poker. I went to a local poker organization here in Kansas City called Cash Cows Poker which is run by Eric White  another WPT at Sea Manager and WSOP floor supervisor  and asked him about becoming a poker dealer.

A product of the Moneymaker Boom, Gargac cited both him and Jamie Gold as influences.

I had everything come full circle for me this year as I have had the opportunity to deal both of them this summer, Jamie Gold at WSOP and Chris Moneymaker in Tunica, said Gargac. I had considered becoming a poker dealer probably nine or so years ago when I was transitioning out of the military in 2014. I had heard back then that you needed to start on table games to get a chance to deal poker in a poker room, and I had ZERO interest in dealing other table games so I just didn't pursue it. After COVID, I talked to Eric about becoming a poker dealer and he gave me some advice shortly after I saw an advert on Facebook about WSOP hiring for dealers.

Gargac saw this as an opportunity and began practicing his pitch on his own at home, dealing out boards, and reading hands. He would go on to attend dealer school in May 2022, and after passing was on to work his first WSOP!

"Nobody believed me when I was telling them it was my first time dealing there and showered me with compliments.

I was incredibly nervous, but I played in the Employee Event and saw how nervous those dealers were and it made me realize that I wasn't the only one freaking out which made me calm down. Nobody believed me when I was telling them it was my first time dealing there and showered me with compliments.

In that first summer, he went from never dealing before to dealing WSOP and getting asked to do high-roller events with the restart crew. Since then he has dealt for the likes of the WPT, MSPT, and RunGood Poker Series (RGPS), just to name a few.

Jason Gargac working the WSOP.

When I first considered getting into dealing poker I had heard about dealers working on cruise ships in the temporary rooms. In early 2023 as I was dealing other stops and preparing plans to deal WSOP in Vegas again I stumbled upon a Facebook post by Emily Delaine that was the job posting for WPT at Sea. I immediately sent her a message and was hit with a pretty quick dilemma. They needed dealers ASAP, but I had already committed to WSOP, and the stops I was dealing didn't leave me much time to do cruises with WPT at Sea.

Gargac proceeded to work a hectic schedule to do both traveling dealer gigs he had committed to but also WPT at Sea stints.

It was incredibly stressful for me, but I'm so glad I pushed through and did it! I seriously love everything about WPT at Sea  My wife got so jealous of my dealing and posting pictures on Facebook and sending her pictures that she went to dealer school and got to come onboard with me in September! Now we're both ready to sail with WPT at Sea as often as we can!

He added: Overall, I love exploring new places, so getting off the ship and experiencing new places is a blast for me regardless of where we are. Even as I've been to many of the ports multiple times, I try to experience something different each time. Radio Beach at Bimini has some absolutely incredible views, one of the most beautiful beaches we go to.

WPT Voyage vs. WPT at Sea  What's the Difference? Here's Everything You Need to Know

What is WPT at Sea?

Outside the WPT at Sea Poker Room on the Scarlet Lady.

Not to be confused with WPT Voyage, WPT at Sea is an actual poker room on the Scarlet Lady ship (and soon-to-be other Virgin Voyages). That poker room is operating on the high seas right now as you read this.

After witnessing the magic of cruise-line poker with Virgin Voyages last season, we instantly sought to establish a permanent fixture, said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. Scarlet Lady provides the perfect residence for WPT at Sea, which will bring the WPT poker experience to the high seas.

The room features eight custom poker tables staffed with professional dealers. For cash games, the rake is a reasonable 10% up to $10, which is much lower than other cruises. As for tournaments, buy-ins on a typical sailing range from $80-$320.

Recently, WPT at Sea has held a $240 buy-in Main Event, which awards a WPT prize package to a future sailing.

Inside the WPT at Sea Poker Room.

The room caters to players of all experience levels, from absolute beginner to seasoned pro. For the former, the staff holds beginner training courses on each sailing, and dealers also offer their services if 1:1 instruction is desired.

WPT at Sea goes wherever the ship does, meaning those who go for the poker will also get to experience new and exciting destinations. The room is closed when the ship is docked so sailors are incentivized to get off the ship and check things out. But fear not, when everyone is back on board it doesnt take long for cards to get back in the air.

Here are some other things to know about WPT at Sea:

The WPT at Sea poker room doesnt accept cash. Sailors handle all transactions via their wearable devices (all sailors have a bracelet they wear that allows them to be scanned at various outlets across the ship), meaning buy-ins can simply be charged to your account. Likewise, tournament winnings are credited to the account as well (you can cash out either at the casino cage or at the end of the cruise).

Private and meet-up games are allowed at WPT at Sea.

There is a casino area next door that features a wide variety of slot machines, roulette, craps, Blackjack, and other table games.

The WPT at Sea poker room has windows, so you can get a view of the ocean outside.

The poker room has its own set of private bathrooms.

Not only is there a bar located in the casino just outside the poker room, but drink serves are quick to serve the poker-playing sailors.

WPT at Sea offers up to 25% off and up to $600 in free drinks depending on the cruise, so be sure to inquire when you book.

WPT at Sea is very active on Instagram, which you can follow by clicking here.

WPT at Sea is taking reservations through the end of 2024. To learn more or book your cruise,visit wptatsea.com.

Check out the WPT at Sea Poker Room review here on PokerNews!

Sharelines The WPT Voyage will take place on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady March 31-April 6, 2024.
Midwest Pro and Two-Time WSOPC Ring Winner Justin Brown Passes Away at 38

February 09, 2024 Matt Hansen Live Reporting Executive

Poker pro and two-time World Series of Circuit (WSOP) ring winner Justin Brown passed away on February 2 from what his family says was a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Brown was just shy of $400,000 in career earnings, according to The Hendon Mob. He was regularly seen on stops of the Mid-States Poker Tour, Heartland Poker Tour, and WSOP Circuit events throughout the Midwest  where he won rings in Tunica and at Horseshoe Hammond in Indiana. Brown's career-high score was a win for $83,302 in the Hollywood Fall Classic outside Cincinnati in 2011.

A graduate of Indiana University, Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History before his passion for statistics led him to a career in professional poker. Outside of poker, he enjoyed travel, sports, and even mushroom hunting. He is survived by his Mother, Teresa; his father, Gregory; and siblings James, Jeremy, and Katelyn.

The poker world expressed their condolences after Ari Engel shared the news on X. Engel was one of Brown's close friends from frequent stops throughout the Midwest.

Engel also told PokerNews: "Justin loved his family and he and his brother Jeremy were as close as Ive ever seen brothers be. He was also an amazing and loyal friend- both to human friends and his beloved dog Clyde. I will always have fond memories of the summers we stayed together in Vegas and hanging out at various minor league stops throughout the years. While Im devastated at losing my friend, I feel so honored to have known such a wonderful person. You are and will be missed Jbrown."

Condolences may be sent to the family through the Chastain Funeral Home website.

The family also wishes to share a message from a Brown:

If you think of me and would like to do something for my memory, do this; volunteer at a school, church, or library; write a letter to someone and tell them how they have a positive effect on your life; if you smoke  quit; if you drink and drive  stop; turn off the electronics and take a kid out for ice cream and talk to them about their hopes and dreams; forgive someone who doesnt deserve it; stop at all the lemonade stands run by kids and brag about their product; and make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.

Lead photo credit: WSOP.com

Sharelines Justin Brown, two-time WSOP Circuit ring winner, passed away at the age of 38.
While sweating profusely at an event with the NRA in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump slurred his words and got basic facts wrong.

What Did Trump Sound Like In Pennsylvania?

Here is Trump struggling to speak and slurring the word subsidies:

Tonight in Pennsylvania: Trump grips the lectern to steady himself, sweats profusely, slurs his words, and struggles to speak. pic.twitter.com/AjIDhZnBj5  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 10, 2024 To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.

Trump bizarrely claims that if he loses the election, Pennsylvania will cease to exist:

Trump says if he doesnt win the election, Pennsylvania will cease to exist because they will change the name pic.twitter.com/eGyY5GiEMF  Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2024

How Did The Biden Campaign React To Trumps Pennsylvania Speech?

TJ Ducklo Senior Communications Advisor to the Biden campaign responded to Trumps speech in a statement:

Every single time Donald Trump opens his mouth, hes confused, deranged, lying, or worse. Tonight, he lied more than two dozen times, slurred his words, confused basic facts, and placated the gun lobby weeks after telling parents to get over it after their kids were gunned down at school. But you wont hear about any of it if you watch cable news, read this weekends papers, or watch the Sunday shows. Beltway reporters may be numb to Trumps horrifying candidacy defined by chaos, division, and violence  but the American people are the ones who will suffer and die if hes allowed anywhere near the Oval Office again.

This is not a drill  Donald Trump is THE fundamental threat facing the American people and everyone needs to act like it. Including the free press  while we still have one.

What Are The Lies That Trump Told In Pennsylvania?

Here are via the Biden campaign the lies that Trump told in Pennsylvania:

1). Trump falsely said he won the Virgin Islands caucus 100%.

2). Trump falsely said he won PA twice.

3). Trump falsely said Biden wants an open border.

4). Trump falsely said terrorists were taken into this country by the millions.

5). Trump falsely said we had the safest borders under his presidency.

6). Trump falsely said Biden will confiscate guns and take away the right to self-defense.

7). Trump falsely said no one died in Afghanistan during his presidency.

8). Trump falsely claims nothing happens to people who commit assault or murder.

9). Trump falsely said he worked with the FBI and said that Biden made recovering the documents very difficult.

10). Trump falsely claimed he was covered by the Presidential Records Act when he destroyed documents.

11). Trump falsely says Catholics are being persecuted.

12). Trump falsely said electric cars dont work in cold weather.

13). Trump falsely said We never had a country that was doing so well as it was during the Trump four years, but he left office with fewer jobs than he entered.

14). Trump falsely claimed he got Mexico to send 28,000 soldiers to the border.

15). Trump falsely said Mexico took 32% of our car industry.

16). Trump falsely said everyone coming to the country is a man between 18 and 25.

17). Trump falsely says there were no terror attacks during his administration.

18). Trump falsely said Biden tried to ram through an open border bill.

19). Trump falsely said if the bill was passed unions would be out of business.

20). Trump falsely said Democrats cheat in elections.

21). Trump falsely said Democrats cheated in the 2020 election.

22). Trump falsely said President Biden can close the border and the bill is a hoax.

23). Trump falsely said we dont have free speech.

24). Trump falsely said we dont have a free and fair press.

25). Trump falsely said he did better in PA in 2020 than 2016.

26). Trump falsely said theyll change the name of PA if hes not elected.

27). Trump falsely said were a failing nation and a nation in decline.

28). Falsely said Biden is going to empower Americas enemies, unleash misery throughout your state and throughout our country, bedlam and chaos at home and abroad.

Trumps Mental Decline Destroys The GOP Argument About Bidens Age

It is nearly impossible for Republicans to argue that Biden is too old and forgetful to be president, when Trump cant give a speech without slurring his words and cant remember basic facts like losing Pennsylvania in 2020.

It looks like there are some serious cognitive issues going on with Donald Trump, which the corporate press until Trump does or says something that cant be ignored.

There may very well be a candidate in cognitive decline in the 2024 presidential race, and his name is Donald Trump.

A Special Message From PoliticusUSA



If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here.

We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value.
President Biden and the White House blame Merrick Garland for not reining in Special Counsel Hur, and Garland will be gone if Biden wins a second term.

Politico reported:

Biden and his closest advisers believe Hur went well beyond his purview and was gratuitous and misleading in his descriptions, according to those two people, who were granted anonymity to speak freely. And they put part of the blame on Garland, who they say should have demanded edits to Hurs report, including around the descriptions of Bidens faltering memory.

In White House meetings, aides have questioned why Garland felt the need to appoint a special counsel in the first place, though Biden has publicly said he supported the decision.

To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.

While Biden himself has not weighed in on Garlands future, most of the presidents senior advisers do not believe that the attorney general would remain in his post for a possible second term, according to the two people.

The report also said that frustration has been steadily building with Garland, and no one in the White House is happy with the job that he is doing.

Why Garland Wont Be Fired Now?

In terms of governance and politics, there are good reasons for not firing Garland now. In governance terms, firing the Attorney General and destabilizing the Department of Justice months before an election where Trump is threatening violence and the nation is facing potential interference from foreign actors would be a terrible idea. As bad as Garland has been handling anything Biden-related, destabilizing DOJ right now might leave the country vulnerable to attack before the 2024 election,

Politically, Biden has built his brand on stability, so firing Garland would run counter to his message and generate damaging headlines and drama before an election. It will definitely not help the President if he fires his AG months before voters go to the polls.

As Sarah Jones said in a recent edition of the Politicus Pod, We are fighting encroaching authoritarianism, and this requires a certain temperament and spine. Garland is a brilliant person with high integrity, but we can see how easily exploited is his excessive tendency toward congeniality and constitutionalism. Not every person with integrity can be a warrior, though, and Garland is showing himself to be incapable of rising to this moment in history.

Listen to the Politicus Pod:

Merrick Garland as attorney general is a choice that didnt work, and if Biden wins in November, he will go in a different direction.

A Special Message From PoliticusUSA



If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here.

We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value.
The New York Times is wondering why the age issue hurts Biden more as they relentlessly attack the Presidents age.

The New York Times ran this headline:

Gosh. Its a total mystery. pic.twitter.com/AJkWmyxKBE  Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) February 10, 2024 To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.

Gee, I dont know. Why could the age issue be hurting Biden more than Trump?

Is The New York Times Attacking Bidens Age?

The answer is yes. The New York Times has been relentlessly attacking Biden for being old.

Here is a collection of recent New York Times headlines:

Absolutely disgraceful. The New York Times has made very clear they will be aiming to do to Biden what they did to Hillary in 2016. Also the irony of them running with the same old out-of-touch voices for all these hit piecesjust zero self-awareness. pic.twitter.com/KVRtzHHaVh  Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) February 10, 2024

The top four stories on The New York Times website are negative stories about Bidens health and age and memory. Even the one story that mentions Trump takes a shot at Biden. The Times, like much of our media, has learned nothing from the media debacle of 2016, it seems. pic.twitter.com/PFaHQMBbpM  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) February 10, 2024

The New York Timess bias is so over the top that it is impossible to miss. The elitist New York Times loves elitist Donald Trump for a variety of reasons. Trumps elevation of The Times with his criticism boosted their subscriber revenue. At a time when most publications, including this one, are fighting for survival, The New York Times touted that they had passed one billion dollars in subscriber revenue.

The New York Times misses the special treatment that they got from Trump. The former president would call reporters and give them off-the-record scoops. Trumps cozy relationship with corporate media reporters is why so many of them from The New York Times and Washington Post have trapsed to Mar-a-Lago to write books about the former president.

The New York Times Is Trump Access Journalism

One reason viewers complain so much about NBCs Meet The Press is that the show is an example of access journalism. Reporters and outlets that value access to powerful people more than facts will go easy on those powerful individuals because they are getting access to them. Chuck Todd admitted that Meet The Press didnt see it as their job to go after Republican lies.

That is access journalism.

An example of the kind of access journalism that The Times favors is Jonathan Swan. In 2018, The Times wrote about Swan, His rise has come with accusations of coziness: that he favors access over accountability; that he irritates the White House, but rarely infuriates it.

The New York Times currently employs Jonathan Swan as one of its star political reporters.

Another star political reporter is Maggie Haberman, who Trump and his associates refer to as a friendly.

The NYT wants Biden gone because the Biden administration doesnt give them or The Washington Post access. The Times wants their best boy back, so they are attacking President Bidens age to ruin his reelection campaign.

Every Dollar You Spend At The New York Times Helps Donald Trump

The reality is that every dollar a Biden supporter or democracy supporter gives to The New York Times is paying for these attacks on the President that only help Donald Trump.

Instead of supporting The New York Times, you can give your money to true independent journalists like PoliticusUSA.

You can donate to PoliticusUSA by clicking the button below:

You can also support independent non-corporate journalism by subscribing to our newsletter:

The New York Times wont be hurt by one, ten, or a hundred subscribers leaving, but by taking your money elsewhere, you will be supporting outlets like PoliticusUSA that are committed to democracy and share your values.

By attacking Bidens age, The New York Times is abandoning journalism and putting democracy last by aiding Donald Trump. This sort of coverage is their choice, but you can also choose not to fund it.
ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi on Saturday received UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg in Aden to discuss efforts to resume the country's political process for ending the long-running civil conflict.

The meeting, which was also attended by Yemen's newly appointed Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, focused on the outcome of Grundberg's recent regional talks and coordinated endeavors with allies aimed at resuming the inclusive UN-led political negotiations to end the war in Yemen, the state-run Saba News agency reported.

Al-Alimi highlighted "the importance of the UN mediator prioritizing concrete actions, not just words, from the Houthis and their Iranian backers to demonstrate serious commitment to peace efforts."

These include "ending the Houthi siege on Taiz, removing impediments to the flow of funds, goods, and civil servant salaries, halting military escalation and attacks on civilian sites, and stopping human rights violations across Yemen," according to the report.

The Yemeni government also expressed readiness to provide all facilities to assist the UN envoy in fulfilling his mandated responsibilities under international resolutions to end Yemeni suffering and restore legitimate governing institutions, it added.

Commenting on his meeting with Al-Alimi, the UN envoy said in a brief press statement that he personally "explored ways to de-escalate tensions, prevent a relapse into violence in Yemen, and continue progress toward a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of a political process under UN auspices."

Grundberg has been actively engaging with regional stakeholders to create conditions conducive to restarting the stalled peace dialogue in Yemen.

Yemen has been mired in a bloody conflict since the Iran-backed Houthi group ousted the internationally recognized Yemeni government from the capital Sanaa in 2014. While the Yemeni government and the Houthis have participated in several rounds of UN-brokered peace talks, a long-term solution remains elusive. 
Medical services may be harder to get for hundreds of local residents in the days or weeks ahead, with Wagener Medical Center having closed its doors and the facility's future prospects being unclear. Read moreWagener Medical Center closes doors, faces murky future
Whether you consider South Carolinas abortion law too restrictive or too liberal, its tempting to roll your eyes over yet another lawsuit challenging it.

After all, in the past six months, the S.C. Supreme Court has upheld the nine-month-old law, refused a motion to reconsider its decision and refused to consider a new challenge to it. What part of Yep; its constitutional do opponents not understand?

And even if the court were to declare that the law means something different than what everyone thinks it means, the question would be when, not whether, the Legislature would simply pass a new law to ban almost all abortions after six weeks.

Tempting, but wrong, because there is a flaw in the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act  a flaw that the justices themselves acknowledged in their August decision upholding the new law ... which the Legislature had passed in May to replace an earlier version of the same law ... which the court had struck down months earlier because it had a constitutional defect.

Taylor Shelton traveled to North Carolina for an abortion in the fall because she couldnt get one scheduled at a South Carolina clinic by the time she was six weeks pregnant. She and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic argue in a lawsuit filed in state court Monday that the law actually allows abortions through the ninth week of pregnancy but that physicians wont perform them because the penalties are too high to chance it.
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins talks about the district's programs and student achievements Friday, Feb. 2, during his State of the District address at the Summers Corner Performing Arts Center.
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
NORTH CHARLESTON  A 27-year-old man arrested on allegations he abducted and raped a College of Charleston student leaving a high-profile nightclub was denied bond Feb. 10 at a hearing that offered more details on law enforcement's weeklong investigation.

Andrew Robert Mettal was captured around 7 p.m. Feb. 9 following a 7-hour standoff with sheriffs deputies and U.S. Marshals at a residence in Adams Run, located in far west rural Charleston County. He was arrested on allegations he kidnapped and raped a 20-year-old woman in the early hours of Feb. 4 after she left Republic Garden and Lounge on King Street in downtown Charleston.

The upscale nightclub is the subject of a reality show on cable television, Southern Hospitality on Bravo.

Mettal is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping. Each felony carries a maximum imprisonment of 30 years upon conviction.

Hours after he was booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston, Mettal appeared for a bond hearing, which he attended remotely from jail dressed in a striped jumpsuit.

Magistrate Amanda Haselden denied bond following comments from a sheriff's office detective and the victim's mother.

My daughter cannot sleep and now her monster has a name. As a mother, Andrew Mettal robbed me of my most fundamental purpose  that is to keep my daughter safe, she told the judge, her voice cracking. Please keep her safe.

The Post and Courier generally does not identify victims of sexual assault.

The detective cast the defendant as a transient man with pending criminal charges outside of South Carolina and a record of changing his name.

It appears you are an absolute, extreme danger in our community, Haselden told Mettal before declining to set bond.
ISLE OF PALMS  Record tides from an unexpected nor'easter in December ripped away several feet of sand on this barrier island, exposing an unauthorized, clandestine wall in front of a beachfront home near Breach Inlet.

The wall's unveiling also spawned a power struggle between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Ocean Boulevard homeowner, with the two at odds over property rights and protecting the diminishing shoreline.

This is all playing out on a sandy beach where waves are clawing closer to multi-million dollar homes amid heavy erosion caused by storms and high tides.

The home at the center of the dispute belongs to Rom Reddy, owner of the multimedia local news outlet MyLo News. After taking a beating from Hurricane Idalia last year, Reddy said he installed the wall as a erosion control barrier and covered it with 30 feet of sand.

The December nor'easter washed away the sand, uncovering the bulwark.

While performing post-storm damage assessments, DHEC became aware of the structure.

Some call it a sea wall, which the state defines as a retaining wall designed to withstand wave forces. Reddy maintains his wall isn't a sea wall, as it was never meant to be exposed to the ocean. It was meant to be buried beneath the sand to protect his home's foundation and yard, he said.

"This keeps my yard stable and keeps it from moving around, which is what a retaining wall does. If we have a catastrophic event, it gives my property some protection, although a very nominal level, because it's not meant to be ocean facing," Reddy said.

Reddy said the nor'easter left the wall tilting and unstable, prompting him to have it rebuilt. In response, DHEC sent a cease-and-desist letter in January to halt the construction.

Cease he did not. Construction on the wall continues to move full steam ahead and shows no sign of slowing down.

Reddy said it is his right as a property owner to protect his home. The area landward of the setback line is his to do with as he pleases, he said, citing South Carolina's Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act.
SANAA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Britain launched new airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Saturday, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The airstrikes hit the Al-Salif port of the Al-Salif district, northwest of the city, the TV channel said, without providing more details.

Eyewitnesses said the strikes in the afternoon targeted the Houthi-controlled maritime military base.

The strikes, which followed U.S. attacks on two Houthi mobile unmanned surface vessels, four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile on Friday, were the latest in a series of similar attacks conducted by the U.S.-British coalition in the Red Sea against Houthi targets since November last year.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including the strategic port city of Hodeidah along the Red Sea, have been launching deadly missile attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November last year, saying they target Israeli, U.S., and British vessels, in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. 
The leader of a national Jewish security group protecting against antisemitism told a group of Charleston-area officials about the rising threat and how it relates to broader religious freedom concerns.

The Charleston Jewish Federation hosted Michael Masters at a Feb. 9 event. Masters is the CEO of Secure Community Network, a nonprofit he likened to the FBI of the Jewish community.

Power players from across the Charleston area gathered inside a windowless ballroom room at the Mills House Hotel on Meeting Street to hear him speak.

The new mayors of Charleston and North Charleston  William Cogswell and Reggie Burgess, respectively  sat at the same table. Nearby were the police chiefs from their cities, and from Mount Pleasant. Members of Charleston County Council sat at another table. And Statehouse representatives from the Charleston area dotted the crowded room.

They listened as Masters discussed recent statistics. Antisemitic incidents totaled nearly 3,300 between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, according to a preliminary report from the Anti-Defamation League citing national figures. That's a 361 percent increase from the same time last year, the Jewish advocacy group said.

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants stormed into Israel killing an estimated 1,200 people. The Israeli government retaliated with intense bombing and ground campaigns in Gaza. Health authorities there say nearly 28,000 have been killed, about 67,000 wounded and up to 1.8 million displaced, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian crisis.

A team of SCN intelligence analysts working inside the nonprofit's Chicago headquarters logged 5,400 reports of threats and suspicious activity in 2023, double the prior year, Masters said, again citing national numbers. Analysts referred nearly 1,600 people to law enforcement.
Happy Sunshine Week indeed. As we hope youve noticed, our newsroom is spending the week recounting successes its had using South Carolinas Freedom of Information Act to illumine your understanding of what your government is doing on your behalf, in your name and with your tax dollars. Read moreEditorial: SC judges support sunshine whenever they get a chance. They need more chances.
Once again, the majority faction on the Charleston County School Board seems determined to pull defeat out of the jaws of victory. And once again, the minority faction seems determined to pursue a two-wrongs-must-make-a-right strategy.

The good news, as The Post and Courier's Lynda Edwards reports, is that veteran Charleston County educator Anita Huggins has signed a three-year contract to serve as superintendent. The fact that she tried to develop a way to quell objections to her hiring before accepting the job reinforces our belief  which seems to be shared by much of the community  that shes the right person for the job. And goodness knows we need the stability she's determined to try to bring to the district.

It's also good news that the board agreed to one of her conditions for taking the job: that it rescind a policy that tied the previous two superintendents hands and would have made it difficult for her to do the job, by requiring her to go back to the board for approval for every major or minor personnel change.

Bad news, though, is that the minority faction on the board voted against this change, arguing Monday that it wouldnt be fair to give Ms. Huggins freedoms that superintendents Eric Gallien and Don Kennedy didnt have. And here its important to note that the minority faction was outraged over the majoritys decision to keep that policy in place after it hired Dr. Gallien; indeed, that policy  and the boards successful effort to keep him in the dark about it until he quit his previous job and moved here  played a huge role in his very short and very expensive tenure.
Weve never been crazy about those hostage-taking maneuvers some legislators engage in to get their favorite bills passed, whether its the House attaching its priority legislation to every bill the Senate passes or the Senate refusing to debate any House bills because the House hasnt passed a bill senators want.

It is unfortunately a commonplace practice that continues to be employed because it sometimes works. The Senates refusal to adhere to an arbitrary timeline for electing two dozen judges whose terms would begin on July 1 is no different. Well, actually it is a bit different, because it has a much longer lead time than the usual maneuvering, which usually doesnt pick up momentum until the final weeks of the legislative session.

So no, it is not the case, as House Speaker Murrell Smith warned on Wednesday, that South Carolina is at a very real risk of our criminal justice system coming to a catastrophic halt. Nor are we anywhere near the point where senators risk destroying the current system, much less putting the public in harms way.

Thats akin to saying were at a very real risk of state government shutting down (and putting the same public in even greater harms way, since that would mean the courts couldnt operate at all) because the Legislature hasnt yet passed the budget for the fiscal year that also begins July 1. Check back with us in mid-June, and well let you know if its time to start worrying about either potential problem.
NEWBERRY  As the South Carolina Republican primary draws closer, former Gov. Nikki Haley tells voters: pick now between me or "four more years of chaos" under former president Donald Trump, the contest's frontrunner.

That message was delivered Feb. 10 as part of Haley's "Beast of the Southeast" bus tour across the state.

A crowd of roughly 100 voters gathered next to Newberry's historic opera house, where Haley boasted of her wins for the state as governor and took shots at Trump, President Joe Biden and South Carolina Republicans who have endorsed Trump.

"Do we really want to have the two candidates that are running for president to be two men in their 80s?" Haley asked, later remarking that Congress is the "most privileged nursing home in the country."

Haley's campaign passed out a mental competency test questionnaire during the event, questioning whether Biden and Trump would be able to complete it.

Susan and Allen Hancock, both 66, said that Haley's age was a key factor in their preference for her over the 77-year-old Trump. The former president also was in the Palmetto State on Feb. 10, hosting a rally in Conway.

Republicans have increasingly made border security a central talking point against Biden and Democrats.

"We passed the toughest illegal immigration law in the country," Haley said, recalling her time as South Carolina governor. "President Obama sued us over it, and we won."

Several undecided Republican voters in the crowd said that this issue would sway their choice of candidate in the upcoming primary.

One undecided voter, 43-year-old Newberry resident Mark West, said that a candidate's policies on immigration and the economy will sway him one way or another.

Another, 55-year-old Caroline Fitzgerald, said that she is frightened by a lack of security on the southern border, and that Haley was the best candidate because of her more moderate positions.

"I have four kids, and it frightens me that people are so polarized," she said. "We've got to get out of these extremes to get more towards the middle."
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian leaders on Saturday extended greetings to the Chinese people as they celebrated the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.

"On behalf of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of the People's Republic of China, as you celebrate the Chinese New Year 2024 (The Year of the Dragon)," Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on X, formerly Twitter.

Hassan said that as red lanterns decorate homes and neighborhoods in China, Chinese communities abroad, and friends around the world, Tanzania wishes them a year filled with good fortunes, happiness, and prosperity.

"May the Year of the Dragon bring abundant joy, laughter, and prosperity to all," Tanzania's Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi said on X.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said on Wednesday night that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and the dragon is auspicious in the Chinese mindset, a symbol of the spirit of the Chinese nation, representing strength, confidence, good luck, creativity, and enterprising spirit.

She made the remarks at a gala performance by 37 artists from east China's Zhejiang Province that feted Tanzanians and Chinese in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam. 
PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-10 01:00:11

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 512 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Unveiling the Spectrum of AI Futures - Insights from Glen Robinson, CEO at Platform OneLEHI, UT / ACCESSWIRE / February 9, 2024 / Navigating the labyrinth of AI prognostications unveils a panorama of divergent visions that shape the very fabric of our future. In this landscape, Elon Musk envisions a world where job necessity fades into obsolescence, a stark counterpoint to futurist Ray Kurzweil's forecast that computers will attain human-level intelligence by 2029. This article - written by Glen Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Platform One, discusses the variegation in ideas and execution within the AI technology sphere.Glen Robinson Microsoft, a pivotal player with its OpenAI investment and partnership, recently disclosed a remarkable $3.50 return for every $1 invested in AI. Crunchbase sheds further light on the AI surge, revealing that 25% of dollars invested in American startups this year have funneled into AI companies, birthing an impressive 200 AI unicorns.Yet, as seasoned observers of technological hype cycles can attest, behind the gloss of success lies a landscape dotted with more failures than triumphs. Distinguishing authenticity from hype becomes imperative. Lingering questions persist - what truly constitutes a groundbreaking development? Which companies reside at the vanguard of AI, and which merely ride the current? Above all, the trillion-dollar query looms large: What avenues hold the potential for substantial financial gains in this ever-evolving arena?Innovators, whether assuming the role of David or Goliath, emerging as first-time founders or seasoned veterans, share a common thread - endeavors they undertake will wield considerable influence. They aren't merely adjusting to change but actively sculpting the future. These AI innovators stand as a testament to the transformative might of AI, serving as pioneers who shape not only the technological landscape but also how we inhabit, labor, and engage with the world that surrounds us.As the AI narrative unfolds, these trailblazing innovators shape the trajectory of AI evolution. Their impact goes beyond technological advancements, extending into the realms of societal transformation. They are architects of a future where AI isn't just a tool but an integral part of our daily lives, influencing how we work, live, and perceive the world. In this dynamic landscape, the stories of these innovators become chapters in a larger narrative, unfolding the profound impact of AI on the course of human history.About the author: Glen Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Platform One, is an accomplished professional specializing in corporate turnarounds with extensive international experience in private equity and global blue-chip organizations. With a proven track record in leading companies during times of acute corporate stress globally, Glen brings a unique skill set to his role.His diverse experience, from corporate development to leadership in the tech industry, reflects his strategic thinking and commitment to operational excellence. Glen holds a Master's degree in Commercial Law, an MBA in Business Administration from DUKE University, and qualifications from CPA Australia. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force in fostering growth and success in challenging business environments.Contact InformationKresLynn KnouseGlobal Head of Marketingkreslynn.knouse@platform1.cx (801) 753-8190SOURCE: Platform OneView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-10 17:57:32

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1008 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / February 10, 2024 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP ( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against GrafTech International Ltd. ("GrafTech") (NYSE: EAF). The action charges GrafTech with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of GrafTech' s materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, GrafTech' s investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR GRAFTECH LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/graftech-international-ltd?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=eaf&mktm=r LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: MARCH 25, 2024CLASS PERIOD: FEBRUARY 8, 2019 THROUGH AUGUST 3, 2023CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field as well as the firm itself which is continuously awarded for the successful results we've achieved. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.In addition to representing investors in cases where the fraud has been revealed, Kessler Topaz also represents whistleblowers - persons who expose wrongdoing to those in positions of authority or to the public- in cases brought under federal and state qui tam statutes, and through financial fraud whistleblower programs, such as those run by the SEC, CFTC and IRS. If you have information about fraud against government programs (such as Medicare), or violations of federal securities, commodities, tax or anti-foreign bribery laws, contact Kessler Topaz at (866) 369-7779 or at wbinfo@ ktmc.com or go to https://www.ktmc-whistleblower.com DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCTBefore the start of the Class Period, GrafTech had underwent an extensive transformation that wasintended to revamp the company's business and return it to profitability. In public filings with the SEC, the company lauded its "transformation" and claimed that it had emerged from its restructuring with the "most competitive portfolio of low-cost graphite electrode manufacturing facilities in the industry." The company further represented that GrafTech's facilities were "modern, strategically located and well-maintained," which they claimed would provide the company with efficient growth opportunities following the offering. Key to this purportedly sustainable growth were the company's claims regarding the "more environmentally friendly nature of EAF steelmaking" employed by GrafTech's customers. Defendants continued to represent throughout the Class Period that GrafTech was committed to protecting the environment and acting "proactively" to advance sustainability initiatives.The truth began to be revealed on September 16, 2022, when GrafTech disclosed that its critical manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico had been shut down by regulators following inspections by the State Attorney's office for the Secretary of Environment and the Ministry of the Environment. The Monterrey facility was responsible for manufacturing 30% of GrafTech's overall graphite electrode output and 100% of its pin stock. Following this news, GrafTech's stock price fell $0.45, or 8.5%, to close at $4.85 on September 19, 2022.Then, on August 4, 2023, GrafTech issued a press release reporting the company's financial and operational results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. In the results, GrafTech reported that sales declined 49% compared to the second quarter of 2022 as the company continued to "recover" from the effects of the Monterrey facility shutdown in 2022. As a result of the substantial decline in net sales, GrafTech reported a net loss of $8 million compared to $115 million in net income reported in the second quarter of 2022. On the investor conference call discussing the results, GrafTech attributed the Monterrey suspension as the "key driver" of the underperformance and disclosed that GrafTech's ability to secure customer contracts would continue to be indirectly impacted in the second half of fiscal 2023.Following this news, GrafTech's stock price fell $1.18 per share, or 22.56%, to close at $4.05 per share on August 4, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?GrafTech investors may, no later than March 25, 2024, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages GrafTech investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against GrafTech, Porter v. GrafTech International Ltd., et al., Case No. 24-cv-00154, is filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq.280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087(484) 270-1453 info@ ktmc.com SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
French oil major TotalEnergies has announced plans to sell its minority stake in a major Nigerian oil joint venture.

The firm said it wants to divest its share of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and is looking to reshape its portfolio since producing oil in the Niger Delta is not in line with its health, security and environmental policies.

We want to divest our share of SPDC, and we are looking to reshape the portfolio.

Fundamentally its because producing this oil in the Niger Delta is not in line with our (Health, Security and Environmental) policies, its a real difficulty, Patrick Pouyanne, TotalEnergies chief executive officer was quoted by Reuters as saying at the companys annual results presentation on Wednesday.

Mr Pouyanne noted that the company would keep its Nigerian gas resources, which he described as crucial for the companys planned expansion of liquefied natural gas development in the coming years.

The company had in December 2023 said it would invest as much as $6 billion in Nigeria in coming years, particularly in gas production, as it plans to cut down investment in hydrocarbons and transition into cleaner energy.

TotalEnergies is a multinational energy company operating in more than 130 countries. For over 50 years, the company has remained a leader in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

In May 2022, the company launched a sale of its minority stake in a Nigerian oil joint venture.

The company said it was selling its interest in 13 onshore fields and 3 in shallow water, producing over 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

The sale includes infrastructure such as 3,500 km of pipelines connecting to two key crude export terminals, Bonny and Forcados.

TotalEnergies is the latest multinational to give up its onshore assets for deep-water fields.

In January, the Nigerian unit of London-based oil supermajor Shell Plc announced it struck a deal with a consortium of five companies, setting the scene for the latter to acquire its onshore business in the country.

The deal was sealed after years-long setbacks met by the company in its efforts to rid itself of the assets.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


BAGHDAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Saturday urged the international community to thwart an Israeli plan to launch a military operation in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah.

The ministry said in a statement that it was following with great concern the reports about an Israeli plan to carry out a ground operation that would lead to "a new humanitarian catastrophe and massacre" in Rafah.

It calls for "an international intervention to prevent mass forced displacement plans pursued by the occupation forces."

The ministry also reiterated the need to stop military operations against the Palestinians and to provide humanitarian aid to them.

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the army to prepare a plan for a ground operation in Rafah to eliminate what remains of Hamas brigades.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7 last year, over half of the 2.3 million residents in Gaza have fled to Rafah to search for a safe place. 
The stage adaptation of the Yoruba classic TI OLUWA NILE, initially written by veteran actor and producer Kareem Adepoju, popularly known as Baba Wande, is in the works.

Originally penned in 1987 and transformed into a cinematic gem in 1993, TI OLUWA NILE captivated audiences with its themes of intrigue and justice.

Released in 1993 through Mainframe Films and Television Productions, the three-part movie was Tunde Kelanis directorial debut.

The stage adaptation dubbed, ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE, is an initiative of AROBA GROOVE, a production company founded by Oladotun Taylor, that says it wants to make history with this iconic stage play performance.

Bringing this classic tale to life on stage will be a star-studded cast, including Baba Wande, alongside talented actors Jude Chukwuka, Aisha Lawal, Ozain, Iya Mufu, Layi Wasabi Lawyer, Yaw, and Agba Inaki, among others.

The producers say the stage adaption will come alive in June.

The Executive Producer of the stage play expressed his excitement about pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and redefining stage theatre with ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE.

The production, written by Shola Balogun and directed by Ropo Ewenla, promises to captivate audiences with its unique interpretation of the gripping narrative.

As ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE prepares to take the spotlight, executive producer Oladotun Taylor highlighted this classic tales enduring impact and relevance, showcasing its ability to resonate with audiences of all generations.

Rationale

Akindeji Ibitayo, the Project Coordinator & Supervisory Producer In Aroba Groove, said in a news conference on Thursday that the stage play was about retelling stories and histories in a compelling and exciting style, particularly of African origin.

He said they took a deep look at the history of the country, the colonisation, independence, tribulations, challenges, and our growth and evolution over the years, and we concluded that Nigeria is Gods own country.

So what project can we use to portray this? Here comes TI OLUWA NILE, but in a different format. Coincidentally, Nigerias recent democracy will hit a landmark period of 25 continuous years.

What better time can the project fall into? And for characters such as Asiyanbi, who are desecrating and defying the laws and orders of the land, this is a project to let them know that there will be grave consequences. Nigerians and the world in general should watch out for this, he said.

The story revolves around deceit, greed, and traditional values as individuals conspire to sell ancestral land illegally. As the community resists and the oracle intervenes, the chief faces challenges that test his fate and standing in society, leading to a climactic showdown to determine his destiny.

The AROBA GROOVE aims to breathe new life into this timeless story through its upcoming stage production, promising a fresh and dynamic theatrical experience for all.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Yinka Ade-Aluko, the Chief Executive at Doodle-Film Hub Ltd., says the companys research findings have revealed that cinema in Nigeria is the most expensive worldwide because it is not affordable and accessible to average Nigerians.

Mr Ade-Aluko, a creative and film entrepreneur, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said: It would interest you to know that our research analysis and results established that cinema in Nigeria is the most expensive in the world  It is not affordable and inaccessible to average Nigerians.

With a monthly N30,000 minimum wage, a movie ticket costs two days earnings of an average Nigerian; that is unacceptable! In Hollywood and Bollywood, which Nollywood claims to move along with cinema, tickets only cost around an hour of their daily wages. These are possible because both industries were patterned to their peculiarities as to their countries economies and people; their industries and sub-sectors as well as their markets and marketplace.

Talking numbers

Mr Ade-Aluko said one would wonder why and how only less than 0.5 per cent of our 200 million plus population and less than 1 per cent of market size/potential saw Funke Akindeles A Tribe Called Judah at the cinemas.

That means just around 300,000 people who went to see our highest-grossed movie ever  The Battle On Buka Street by Funke Akindele  to me, its ridiculous. This is because Hollywood and Bollywoods grossed movies attracted around 35 per cent of their respective populations.

And the answer to this anomaly is simple! Most movie-lovers and potential cinema-goers in Nigeria who are youths and students could not afford to go to the cinema.

The film executive said it is ridiculous that Nollywood has cinemas and significant movie releases do not break even.

A cinema that only attracts 300,000 of the 70 million industry market size. A cinema that mistreats filmmakers and rewards actors unkindly. A cinema where production budgets are high-priced, and movie tickets are overpriced.

A cinema that focuses on the elites/middle-class and ignores the larger market, mainly youths. It is a cinema that does not appreciate new/raw ideas and talents and denies young and skilled filmmakers entries into the mainstream. These, to us, is unacceptable.

Ade-Aluko said that Doodle-Film Hub Ltd was established to re-direct, re-pattern and re-position Nollywood Cinema by mapping out the more extensive market to decentralise, domesticate and democratise the cinema.

Were about doing with cinema what Henry Ford did more than 100 years ago with automobiles and Bill Gates did about 50 years ago with computers by introducing a mass production and mass consumption model of cinema through mass mobilisation of the youth.

I must say, great things are about to happen in the Nigerian film industry because were launching Nollywoods largest and biggest investment intervention ever, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Workers in different federal establishments across the country have bemoaned the delay in the payment of their January salary, describing the action of the government as insensitive considering the current economic situation in the country.

Some of the workers said the delay is the worst in recent years, worse than they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when workers were asked to stay at home.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation had earlier notified the workers of the delay.

According to the memo, the accountant generals office was working on finalising the 2024 Appropriation on the GIFMIS platform, and as a result the Personnel Warrant for the month of January 2024 was yet to be released.

The memo, it was learnt, stated that the delay would cut across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It urged the affected members of staff to exercise patience while the issues were being sorted.

In Ekiti State, some of the workers who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES included staff of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Federal Ministry of Information, among others.

An official of FUOYE, Wole Balogun, said that with the hardship being faced by the people, it was inconceivable that salaries could be delayed longer than necessary.

Mr Balogun, who blamed the delay on an unnecessary bureaucratic bottleneck associated with the payment platforms, urged the federal government to expedite action on the payment, because the situation is becoming unbearable.

A staffer of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Folashade Daramola, also lamented the delay. She noted that many members of staff have loan obligations that they ought to have paid as at when due, which have remained pending.

We are finding it difficult to even go to work; after all, we depend on our salary to be able to transport ourselves, not to talk of feeding our families. We are tired of excuses, let them pay our salary, Mrs Daramola said.

Also, Owoeye Ilesanmi, who is a staffer of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said that in addition to delay in the payment of January salary, the federal government has reneged on the payment of the wage award.

We have only received a wage award of two months, while three months is outstanding. The whole thing boils down to insensitivity on the part of the government. How do we survive without our salary and the wage award? I think the government should show empathy by paying us all the money they owe us, he said.

The wage award is the allowance that the federal government promised to pay federal workers for six months to assuage the impact of the removal of subsidy on petrol. Following the subsidy removal and other government policies, prices of goods and services have more than doubled despite the non-increase in wages for many workers.

In Ibadan, Oyo State, another federal civil servant, Idris Badiru, while lamenting the delay in payment of January salary, described the situation as pathetic.

January the 39th! Alagbase ti si oko gba bayi, he wrote on his Facebook page, using a Yoruba terminology to indicate the lamentation of an unpaid worker.

In Katsina State, many federal workers spoken to also said they had not been paid their salary and palliatives support from the government.

Some of the affected workers told PREMIUM TIMES that the delay was affecting their work schedule, as they now find it difficult to go to work, especially those living in areas far from their offices.

I work in a department that requires me to go to the office every day, but Ive finished my savings and Im finding it difficult to travel to Dutsin Ma to undertake my responsibility, Faruk (surname withheld), who is an engineer with the department of Physical Planning and Works at the Federal University, Dutsin Ma, said.

Things are hard, but we have no option than to oblige, he added.

Mr Bala travels to and from Dutsin Ma from Katsina metropolis, a 68-Kilometre journey, every working day.

On these travels, I can spend a whole months salary not to talk of the foodstuffs and other basic necessities, he said.

Others told our reporter that the situation was making life difficult for them as prices of foodstuffs keep increasing.

Another non-academic worker of the Federal Polytechnic, Daura, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the delay in salary payment is affecting her activities, especially because she travels daily from Katsina to Daura.

The polytechnic is new so there are no houses for staff, most of us travel to the school on a daily basis, which compounds our situation.

Though, weve been notified by the management of the salary delay, I think its unfair for the government, especially because January is usually a long month, the official, who works in the Students Affairs department said.

On the palliative support, most of them said they only received the palliative for two months  October and November, 2023.

A staffer of the National Population Commission in Katsina State said he has since stopped going to the office because several of my colleagues are no longer going too.

An official of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Edo State, Jude Abugu, described the delay in payment of salaries as commonplace in recent months. He said there has been frequent delays in payment of salaries of federal civil servants since the new administration came onboard last month.

Mr Abugu said he received his January salary on 2 February.

I think that was the earliest that they have paid us a salary. There are times when our salaries will come in during the first or second week of the next month, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A non-governmental organisation working to uplift the lives of those with disabilities and victims of societal and economic inequalities- El Echad Foundation, has launched a campaign to sensitise schoolgirls on menstrual hygiene and safety.

The group, which visited Kabusa Community Secondary School, located in a surbuban community of Abuja, Nigerias Federal Capital Territory, also distributed reusable menstrual pads to more than 200 students of the school.

The group said the project was supported by Massey College, a graduate college at the University of Toronto in Canada, and the Rotary Club of Toronto Bay-Bloor. The initiative, it said, is aimed at tackling the issue of menstrual hygiene and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

Group speaks

A statement on Friday issued by the Foundations Public Affairs Consultant, Obi Nwosu, said the initiative was not only to empower young girls but to alleviate the financial burden associated with menstruation.

It said the choice of reusable pads lies not just in its ability to ensure safe menstrual hygiene practice, but also in its environmentally friendly nature, significantly reducing waste associated with single-use pads, which harm the environment.

The statement reads in part: Given the recent increase in the cost of menstrual hygiene products and the stigma associated with menstruation, especially for school-aged girls who are also prone to many myths and misinformation, El Echad Foundation is ensuring that school-aged girls receive proper menstrual hygiene education and access to the high-quality, sustainable menstrual hygiene products they deserve.

In this regard, we distributed reusable menstrual pad packs to 240 schoolgirls at Kabusa Community Secondary School, each pack containing five eco-friendly pads and a stylish carry-on pouch.

Also speaking, the co-founder of El Echad Foundation, Favour Ugwumba, said: This initiative marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering young girls with sustainable menstrual health solutions, and we thank Massey College and the Rotary Club of Toronto Bay-Bloor for their support.

Excited Massey College

Speaking on its contribution and support for the initiative, the Massey College Registrar, Alison Mackenzie, said: Massey College is excited to support this vital initiative. By aiding young girls in managing their menstrual health using sustainable products, we are contributing to a more equitable and secure future for them.

This programme is not just about providing menstrual products; its a movement for health, education, and environmental sustainability, said Precious Nwafor, a senior staffer at El Echad Foundation.

While celebrating the milestone, the Foundation calls for more work to break barriers and build a future where menstrual hygiene is managed with dignity and respect.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Three police officers in mufti allegedly shot at a vehicle along Iwo-Osogbo Road in Osun State, South-west Nigeria, violating a police operational directive barring police operatives from road patrols when duty demands that they be in mufti.

The incident reportedly took place around 2 February, just days after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was said to have emphasised the standing directive on the conduct expected of police officers in mufti.

The unidentified police officers were seen in a viral video clip with each carrying a rifle at a location somewhere along the Iwo-Osogbo Road.

Each of them was dressed in mufti and crested police aprons worn on top of their shirts.

They were seen in the video clip walking away from a Yoruba-speaking driver who could be heard but not seen accusing them of shooting at his tyre.

Details of the circumstances leading to the incident were not given. But a group of people was seen gathered at the scene while the driver shouted on top of his voice calling the police officers thieves.

An X user, Arilekola Saheed, in his post commenting on the viral video on 3 February, wrote,This is getting out of hand and actions must be taken with immediate effect. Iwo to Osogbo road again.

The X user, who described himself as a politician in his bio on the platform, added, This incident happened yesterday afternoon and the case was reported to us. Lets keep sharing this until it gets to the necessary authorities i.e Commissioner of Police.

Another X user, Raji Abeeb, tagged the Force PRO, @Princemoye1, in a post pointing out that this just happened few days ago. Iwo-Osogbo road. Not in uniform and they shot their tyre.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in his response to the post on X said the IGP had warned police officers against bearing arms while in mufti for undercover activities.

The IGP issues the warning on Thursday during the IGPs Conference with police strategic commanders. And this must be re-echoed, by all. Thanks, he wrote.

But the Osun State Command Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, did not answer our reporters calls seeking his comment on the incident on Saturday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Adejobi recently rechoed the ban on police officers in mufti from using heavy weapons while on undercover duties.

You will recall that we have ordered and announced that any policeman embarking on routine patrol or stop and search must be in uniform, properly dressed, and easily identified. Its not ideal to carry out a stop and search in mufti, Mr Adejobi wrote on his X account in January.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday, conducted the Local Government Delegates Election in Edo State, ahead of the partys 22 February governorship primary in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegates congress took place simultaneously across the 18 local government areas of the state, except in Etsako Central.

The party had on 4 February conducted the ward delegates election and Etsako Central was cancelled because of alleged abduction of nine electoral officers.

The NAN correspondent who monitored the election at Oredo Local Government Area reports that 35 delegates voted while one was absent.

The congress was conducted by two PDP officials namely Owolabi Kayode and Farida Umar from the national headquarters, and monitored by officials of the INEC.

At the end of the exercise, Osaro Idah emerged the elected delegate for the Oredo Local Government Area.

Other two aspirants, Martins Osakue and Aguebor Sunday, were absent.

Owolabi Kayode, who declared Idah as the elected delegate, commended the delegates for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

He described the exercise as one of the best, as it was devoid of rancour.

At Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Solomon Idehen emerged winner with 28 votes.

Addressing reporters at the Western Boys High School, Yusuf Bukhari, a member of the PDP, described the congress as the best ever conducted by the party since 1999.

According to him, INEC needs to copy the way PDP has conducted its delegates election for Nigeria to move forward.

At Eghosa Grammar School, the venue for Egor Local Government Area, the exercise was peaceful as party faithful elected Odion Olaye to represent them.

READ ALSO: Edo PDP demands cancellation of ward delegates election results

A chieftain of PDP in the area, Festus Omoregbe lauded the delegates election. He described it as the best ever conducted by the party.

Eighteen delegates are to be elected across the 18 local government areas in the state.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Police officers engaged suspected armed kidnappers in a shootout in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, killing many of them, an official has announced.

The leader of the armed group, Musa Wada, was one of those killed in the shootout on Friday, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi wrote in a Saturday statement.

Mr Adejobi said the armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes in the Mpape area of Abuja.

He said the kidnappers were located and neutralised by the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau  Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on strong intelligence.

Some members of the gang were brutally injured with bullet wounds during the battle while a police officer also sustained bullet wounds.

The police said the kidnappers camp was destroyed during the operation.

Fridays shootout occurred a day after another suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Wada, who was said to be an associate of Musa Wada, was killed in a separate shootout.

Abuja has witnessed several cases of kidnappings in recent weeks leading to calls for the improvement in security in the Nigerian capital.

Read the full statement by the police below.

PRESS RELEASE

POLICE NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS WANTED KIDNAPPERS, DESTROY CAMPS IN MPAPE

In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau  Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja. The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.

The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.

This significant achievement follows closely on the heels of the neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout. Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.

The successful raid on their hideout, situated on the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals. Additionally, items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations. Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.

The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA

10th February, 2024

This is coming third this week, the Police had also killed the leader of a group of kidnappers terrorizing Abuja on Monday.

On the 5th of February 2024, operatives of the DFI-IRT got information about the hideout of the notorious bandit group which was led by Isa Dei-Dei. They were traced to the suburb of the FCT and immediately proceeded to the location for possible arrest. Mr Adejobi stated on Friday.

He said the bandit upon sighting the police fled into the bush. He said police operatives chased them while a gun duel ensued between them. The gang leader, Isa Dei-Dei was consequently killed in the process, while others escaped with serious injuries from gunshots.

The police further encouraged the public to be vigilant and report anybody who demanded gun wound treatment in any hospital in the city.

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria witnessed a surge of criminal attacks in the early hours of January ranging from kidnapping and other. Following these attacks by kidnappers and bandits in the FCT, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun in order to curtail the insecurity launched a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT to tackle the rising insurgency.

The new FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, upon assuming office on Friday, February 2, also charged the heads of the tactical units of the FCT Police command to fish out every black spot and kidnappers den in the territory and take the fight to them as soon as possible.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the wife of a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Margaret Emefiele, wanted for alleged fraud.

Also wanted by the anti-corruption agency are Mrs Omoiles cousin, Jonathan Omoile, and his wife, Anita Omoile, according to a public notice shared by the commission via its X handle late Friday.

WANTED BY EFCC: 1. ERIC OCHEME ODOH

2. MARGARET DUMBIRI EMEFIELE

3. ANITA JOY OMOILE

4. JONATHAN OMOILE pic.twitter.com/jkmCZvaTji  EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) February 9, 2024

Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor and Magarrets husband, is already being prosecuted by the EFCC at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over allegations of fraudulent financial transactions during his time in office.

The EFCC declared the quartet wanted for allegedly conspiring with Mr Emefiele in cornering huge sums of money belonging to the federal government.

It accused them of committing a felony, specifically obtaining money by false pretences and stealing, contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The statement urged members of the public to volunteer credible information on the whereabouts of the suspects by either contacting any of EFCC offices or call 08093322644.

It said Mr Odoh hailed from Benue State with his last known address at CBN headquarters, Central Business District, Abuja, a suggestion that the suspect may be a CBN official.

The agency described Mrs Emefiele as an indigene of Ika Local Government Area of Delta State and CEO of Dummies Oil & Gas Ltd, with her last known address at House No. 38 Iru Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The two others  Jonathan Omoile and Anita  also hail from Delta State, said the EFCCs public notice.

The agency said Jonathan, who appears to be a Bureau de Change operator, is the CEO of Excel Quote BDC Limited, is last known to live at Plot 1, Unit 14, Babafemi Osoba Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Off Admiralty Road, Lagos State

Anita, who is the CEO of Deepblue Energy Services Ltd & Lipman Investment Services, is also believed to have last shared the same address with Jonathan.

The case against them appears to have stemmed from the multidimensional corruption allegations levelled by a special investigator engaged by the Tinubu administration to probe CBN activities under Mr Emefieles headship.

Mr Emefiele has been involved in diverse businesses with the Omoiles over the years, as family ties with his in-laws grew into vast business partnerships.

Some of the partnerships date back to his time as Zenith Banks top official and later as the banks CEO.

PREMIUM TIMES reported a feud resulting from the business partnership between Mr Emefiele and one of his U.S.-based brother-in-law, John Omoile.

Background

Hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended Mr Emefiele from office as CBN governor last June, the State Security Service (SSS) arrested and detained him in Abuja for several months, before he was transferred to EFCC.

He now faces trial on amended 20 counts of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others, filed against hi by the EFCC at the FCT High Court in Abuja.

Mr Emefiele was previously charged with six counts and first arraigned on 28 November 2023, before the EFCC filed the amended charges necessitating a re-arraignment.

The commission, in the amendment of the charges, increased the number of counts from six to 20, and dropped a former co-defendants name, Saadatu Yaro, from the case.

He was re-arraigned on the amended counts in January when he denied all the allegations.

In some of the counts, EFCC alleged that Mr Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled, Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions, dated January 2023 with reference number, SGF.43/L.01/201.

The EFCC alleged that Mr Emefiele made the claim knowing the same to be false.

In the case marked CR/577/2023, the prosecution alleged Mr Emefiele, on 8 February 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, said to be on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the office of the Secretary to the Governor of the Federation (SGF) vide a letter dated Jan. 26 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

READ ALSO:

The anti-graft agency also alleged that the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governors lodge, located at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Ltd, wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 17, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as sections 315, 363 and 364 of the Penal Code

He is being tried on a 20-count amended charge of conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of $6,230,000.

Mr Emefiele is being tried alongside a member of staff of the CBN, Saadatu Yaro, and her company, April 1616 Investment Ltd, for alleged breach of the Procurement Act concerning the purchase of luxurious vehicles for the bank.

In the case marked CR/577/2023, the prosecution alleged Mr Emefiele, on 8 February 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, said to be on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the office of the Secretary to the Governor of the Federation (SGF) vide a letter dated Jan. 26 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governors lodge, located at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Ltd, wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 17, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as sections 315, 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.

The anti-graft agency had, in August, first charged Mr Emefiele alongside Saadatu Yaro and a company, April 1616 Investment Ltd, with alleged breach of the Procurement Act in respect of the purchase of some vehicles.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Chairman of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft, Alhassan Doguwa, announced that the House is set to introduce legislation aimed at bolstering the role of private security firms in safeguarding the nations oil and gas facilities.

The proposed legislation will establish a comprehensive framework to regulate the activities of such security outfits.

Mr Doguwa spoke on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of vessels apprehended by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private surveillance company operated by former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

The federal government awarded a substantial pipeline surveillance contract worth N48 billion per year to Tompolos company in 2021, with the goal of curbing widespread oil theft in the region.

Despite such initiatives, Nigeria continues to experience significant oil losses to vandals, prompting several international oil companies to shift from the onshore sector to offshore.

Mr Doguwa emphasised that the proposed legislation aims to empower private security firms to extend their protective services to oil assets offshore, a role constitutionally reserved for the Navy.

We will explore the possibility of creating a legal framework that allows private institutions like Tantita not only in shallow waters but also in the high seas and deep waters to combat oil theft and vandalism, stated Mr Doguwa.

He stressed the need to shield the countrys vital oil assets, essential for meeting OPEC quotas and sustaining economic development.

Expressing concern over the escalating crude oil theft and crises in the region, Mr Doguwa reiterated the Houses commitment to boosting oil and gas production.

In a recent stakeholder meeting with the Minister of the Economy, the focus was on overcoming challenges hindering increased production, Mr Doguwa said.

Waridi Eniusoh, the executive director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in his remarks, called for enhanced collaboration between the government and private security firms to safeguard oil facilities.

He pointed out that the Navy alone cannot cover the entire maritime area, highlighting the critical role private security firms can play in filling the existing gaps.

Mr Eniusoh emphasized the need to guard offshore facilities as vigilantly as pipelines, considering the shifting tactics of vandals from land areas to the ocean.

The committees involved in the on-site assessment comprised Environment, Host Communities, Niger Delta, Petroleum Resource (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Gas Resources, and Petroleum Resources (Training Fund).

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The police in Enugu State, south-east Nigeria, say they have begun investigation into the alleged torture and violent killing of animals by a native doctor in the state.

The native doctor, identified simply as Nnabuikem, popularly known as High Chief Enenie Nwa ite, hails from Ovoko, a community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government of the state.

Torturing, killing of animals

Mr Nnabuikem is seen in several video clips uploaded on his Facebook page torturing and violently killing animals, apparently to perform rituals for his clients.

In one of the clips, the native doctor was seen pounding a live chameleon and a cat in a mortal while making some incantations.

He was seen in another clip violently slitting the throat of a ram in a river, after which he threw the rams head and body separately into the river.

An unidentified woman, dressed in white garment, was seen standing in the river while the native doctor performed sacrifices on her

Police speak

The police, in a post on their X handle on Thursday, said they had received several reports on the alleged torture and cruelty to animals by the native doctor.

Thus, necessary investigative actions have been initiated. (Further) development will be communicated please, the police said.

Outrage

There is widespread condemnation and anger over the native doctors act by many Nigerians, with some calling for his arrest.

Please, stop this man from his terrible action, an X user @ClaireChec53197 wrote.

Another x user @belindaburns244 asked the police to find and deal with the native doctor and his cohorts to stop the torture of animal.

Arrest the serial killer He is still torturing and killing animals and posting his crimes on Facebook. Act Now, an X user @AbeerAGharbieh, appealed to the police on Friday.

Another X user @Loris_chaser expressed worry that if the native doctor was not stopped, he could resume killing residents instead.

Please act quickly to stop thishuman from continuing to torture animals and prevent him from acting out towards humans which is a common next step with those who commit animal abuse/torture, the user told police.

US-based animal rights group demands native doctors prosecution

Meanwhile, a US-based animal rights protection group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had petitioned Nigerias Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, to intervene in the matter.

President Bola Tinubu, Nigerias attorney-general, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of House of Representatives, among others, were copied in the petition.

In the petition, dated 29 January and signed by Jenn Forbes, the national legislative officer of the groups Cruelty Investigations Department, PETA said it had received disturbing reports of multiple videos originally posted on the Facebook account of the native doctor.

Numerous extremely graphic videos are posted and remain active on the (Facebook) account depicting him and his cohorts beating and starving animals, slowly roasting live animals over open fires while also beating them in the face, cutting animals open and torturing and killing their fetuses, slowly splitting, torturing puppies to death while they scream in agony, setting other animals on fire while alive, and many more, the group said.

It said the conduct of the native doctor in the videos appears to explicitly violate section 495 of the Nigerias Criminal Code Act, which prohibits torturing animals and causing unnecessary suffering, adding that section 450 of the Act equally prohibits wounding and killing of animals.

We ask that this matter be urgently investigated by Nigerian officials, with consideration given the removal of any animals found in this persons possession as well as filing of charges where appropriate, it stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Saturday exchanged views with the leaders of the Palestinian resistance groups on the latest developments of the conflict in Gaza.

During a meeting in the Lebanese capital Beirut, Amir-Abdollahian was briefed on the latest situation in the Gaza Strip and West Bank by leaders of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

Amir-Abdollahian said the cessation of the Israeli "crimes" against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank was a priority.

He stressed that the Palestinian resistance groups should adopt an "integrated and united" stance in their effort towards ending the conflict in Gaza, ensuring the delivery of aid, and exchanging captives between Hamas and Israel.

Amir-Abdollahian called on other regional and international players to refrain from imposing their plans on Palestinians and let them decide about their own future.

The Palestinian resistance groups praised the Iranian government and people as well as other resistance groups in the region for their roles and support for the Palestinians, saying Iran's diplomatic efforts at the international level were effective in supporting the resistance groups and Palestinian people during the past four months.

Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Beirut on Friday for talks on bilateral, regional and international issues, including the Gaza crisis.

Israel has been fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 last year, after the movement launched a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Israel has so far killed over 28,000 Palestinians, according to figures released by the Gaza-based Health Ministry. 
The first attempt to make Nigeria a one party structure began on 9 April, 1965 in Benin. On that day the Mid-West Nigeria Legislature became virtually a one-party system following a dramatic crossing to the government side to eight of the nine Mid-West Democratic Front Opposition members in the House of Assembly. In a speech before crossing, Mid West Democratic Front leader, Chief James Okpre Otobo from Uzere said his party now saw eye-to-eye with the NCNC government on all essential approaches to development and progress of Mid-West.

I dont think the founding fathers of this country wanted a single party structure. Not at all. They were aware of our diversity as a people. I dont think a single political party or tribe or group can pocket this country for long. Any attempt to try it, will end in futility, no matter the desperation. Yes, the founding fathers went to London to seek independence, but they went divided. They had their own prejudices, even while requesting for independence. They played a cat-and-mouse game. They went to London under different slogans, proposals and prayers but none of them wanted a single party structure.

The constitutional conference held between 23 May to 26 June, 1957 in Lancaster House in London, and presided over by the Colonial Secretary, Mr Lennox-Boyd, was anything but cordial.

Even before the conference, division was apparent. Till today the divisions still exist.

Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro (22 July 1923  15 December 2010) from Uromi in Edo State of the then Action Group had moved a motion on 31st March, 1953, during budget sessions in the federal house, Lagos on behalf of his party, which was seconded by Chief Festus Olawoyin Awosika (1911-1965), the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom, on self-government, in the Parliament before the London Conference.

In moving the motion, Chief Enahoro declared, Mr. President, sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, that this House accepts as a primary political objective the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956.

Sir, this motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country, whose views we all represent, for political autonomy in 1956. It seeks to provide representatives from all parts of the country with an opportunity to exchange views on the most burning question of our time. It is an invitation to this House to make a declaration of objective with regard to Nigerian freedom.

I do not propose, sir, to go into the arguments for self-government because I am satisfied that it is generally accepted on all sides of the House that self-government for this country at some future date is a desirability. Therefore, I propose to deal with this motion in two main parts and very briefly  namely, of what significance is such a declaration of objective and, secondly, why should the objective be 1956? Sir, I believe that a declaration of objective by this House has become a matter of supreme importance in our march towards self-government. For the time being, this legislature is the supreme voice of the people of this country, although not all majority decisions which have been taken in this House in the past could hope to survive the test of a referendum. It is essential, in my view, to assess why a formal motion of this nature, the honest feelings of various sections of the House, and to discover to what extent these feelings may truly reflect the aspirations of the politically conscious citizens of this country.

Self-government is, after all, sir, a subject on which it is of the first importance that people should believe rightly, and I cannot overstress the great inspiration and succour which various political parties in this country would derive there from if the demand for self-government in 1956 were to enjoy the full force of the backing of the highest legislature of the country. 1956 is a convenient date, especially when the other two reasons are added, 1956 marked the end of the Macpherson Constitution. I therefore beg to move.

The motion led to riots in Kano thereafter, which broke out in May 1953. The nature of the riot was clashes between Northerners, who were opposed to Nigerias Independence, and Southerners, made up of mainly the Yorubas and the Igbos, who supported immediate independence for Nigeria. The riot that lasted for four days claimed many lives of the Southerners and Northerners, and many others were wounded.

Chief Awosika was elected into the Western House of Assembly in 1951. He was later elected into the House of Representatives on 10 January, 1952 along with Prince Adeleke Adedoyin alias Seriki Tulasi, Dr I. Nimbe, K. Momoh, JG Ako, SO Ighodaro, EA Babalola, Tony Enahoro, Moyo Aboderin, CA Tewe, F. Agidee and AO Ogedengbe.

Others elected were TA Odutola, T. Akinbiyi, O. Akeredolu-Ale, J. Oroge and Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro.

In 1954, he was appointed the central Minister of Works. On 18 October, 1955, he became the Minister of Finance in the Western Region, succeeding Chief Obafemi Awolowo (GCFR), who later became premier of the Western Region. However on 27 May, 1956, Chief Awosika was among the four ministers who were defeated in the general elections to the House of Assembly. Others who lost in the election were SO Ighodaro, minister of Health; Mr Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye, minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and JF Odunjo, minister of Lands. A parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Education, Mr Kessington Momoh, was also defeated.

One of them who lost the election, Samuel Osarogie Ighodaro, born on 21 March, 1911, later served as minister of Justice and attorney-general, Western Region (1959-63). He quit politics and served as senior lecturer, University of Lagos, from 1966 to 67; he was appointed Judge, High Court of Midwestern Region (now Edo State), 1968-73; and later became the Iyase of Benin.

Four other Ministers were elected: Chief Anthony Enahoro, minister of Home Affairs; Mr Jonathan Olawale Odebiyi, minister of Education; Mr IOO Oshuntokun, minister of Works; and Chief CD Akran.

In 1957, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Tewogboye II made Chief Awosika the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom.

The Northern leaders objected to the motionm which angered them. And, they fought back instantly.

In his book titled, My Life, the NPC leader then, Sir Ahmadu Bello (12 June 1910  15 January 1966), who later became the premier of Northern Nigeria, recounted what happened on 31st March, 1953, on page 118 of the book. He declared his seconder, Awosika contributed nothing at all to the question. He seemed obsessed by the slavery angle and addressed us on the desirability of self government in general, a matter on which we were all at least in warm agreement and which we required no exhortation.

The question was proposed by the President, and at that point, I am afraid, I rather put the cat among the pigeons by moving an amendment to substitute as soon as practicable for the date 1956. This is what I said: we from the Northern Region never intended, nor do we intend, to retard the progress of any region. Nor do we say that those who demand self-government, if it is for their own region alone, are wrong. Far from it. For, after all, every community is the best judge of its own situation. In this regard, Mr President, the people of the North are the best judges of their own situation and we feel that in our present situation we cannot commit ourselves to fixing a date for the attainment of self-government. We are fully aware of all the implications involved and we want to make it abundantly clear that the destiny of the North is in the hands of the people of the North.

We of the North wish our form of self-government, once granted, to be such that its attainment should give us no cause for eventual regret. It would be very unwise, Sir, if, before we fix a date for attainment of self-government for Nigeria, we do not think of the condition of things obtaining in this country today. It is true that we politicians always delight in talking loosely about the unity of Nigeria. Sixty years ago, there was no country called Nigeria. What is now Nigeria consisted of a number of large and small communities all of which were different in their outlooks and beliefs. The advents of the British and of the Western education has not materially altered the situation and these many and varies communities have not knit themselves into a composite unit. Sir, whatever Nigerians may say, the British people have done them a great service by bringing all the different communities of Nigeria together.

The great day came with the introduction of the Richardss Constitution in 1947 when, for the first time in our history, indigenous citizens of the North sat side by side with the South to legislate for one Nigeria and share in the discussion of Nigeria affairs. That was in 1947. Meanwhile, Sir, our comrades in the South had been taking part in the discussion of their own affairs in the Legislature as far back as 1922.

Sir, the 1947 Constitution was to last nine years, very probably in order to give the North sufficient time to learn. That Constitution, Sir, was revised after the North had gained only two years experience and now we have a Constitution which has been barely a year in existence. I must say here, Mr President, motions like the one which I am now trying to amend, are deliberately designed to destroy the happy inter-regional relationship which the present Constitution is rapidly building up. Though I realise that motions of this nature are merely an expression of opinion, yet I feel that they can serve no purpose other than doing harm and causing ill-feeling. I have my reasons for so saying. For many years the outside world has been led to regard Northern Nigeria as a backward country, where all the people are conservative to the extreme and unreceptive of modern ideas. One has only to read the local papers and to remember utterances made by some Southern Nigerians in the past for a confirmation of my statement.

Before we commit ourselves and the people we represent in such matters, we must, I repeat, we must seek the mandate of the country. As representatives of the people, we from the North feel that in all major issues such as this one, we are in duty bound to consult those we represent, so that when we speak we know we are voicing the views of the nation. If the Honourable Members from the West and East speak to this motion unamended, for their people, I must say here and now, Sir, that we from the North have been given no such mandate by our people. No Honourable Member can therefore criticise the Northern Legislators for refusing to associate themselves with such an arbitrary motion fixing, as it does, a definite date for the attainment of national self-government. We in the North are working very hard towards self-government although we ar late in assimilating Western education.

It is our resolute intention to build our development on sound and lasting foundations so that thy will be lasting.

With things in their present state in Nigeria, the Northern Region does not intend to accept the invitation to commit suicide. Unless we Nigerians can prove to ourselves and to the world outside what we want, I cannot see how people can be expected to regard our demand seriously. It is not uncommon for people in this country, for a group of people to sit together and demand self government. Some are even demanding it now, immediately.

Any country which accepts self-government must do so with its eyes wide open and the problem, therefore, of one section of the country imposing its will on the others does not arise. I move this amendment, which, in my humble opinion, is much more appropriate if the question of self government for Nigeria is at all to be discussed at this stage. I do so, Sir, without any fear or misgivings that if the original motion were to be carried, it would automatically be binding on all Regions. Far from it! As I said earlier in my remarks, a private members motion is intended primarily to give that member and others an opportunity of expressing their views on a given subject.

Numberless motions of this nature will not achieve self-government for the un-unified Nigeria. Self-government for Nigeria can be demanded and obtained only when its meaning is fully understood by all the mass of this country. Let all the implications be thrashed out and agreement reached by the leading citizens of all three Regions. This is the primary objective to which we have addressed ourselves and, in doing so, to show to the country our fitness to discharge the heavy responsibility we have begun to assume. Then, once this objective has been attained, we will be on the safe side in demanding self-government.

Thereafter the London Conference was held to decide Nigerias independence.

Those who went for the London Conference were, from the Action Group: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Mr IJ Dosunmu, Mr EO Eyo, Mr SO Ighodaro, Mr SG Ikoku, Mr AO Lawson, Mr A. Rosiji and Chief FRA Williams. Dr EMI Endeley; Galega Fon of Bali and Mr JT Ndze from the Cameroun National Congress; Mr JN Foncha from the Cameroun National Congress, and Mr PM Kale from the Cameroun Peoples Party all attended.

From the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons were: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (GCFR), Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu, Mr TOS Benson, Dr SE Imoke, Dr KO Mbadiwe, Mr RA Njoku, Dr Michael I. Okpara, Mr DC Osadebey, Mr Babatunde Olowofoyeku and Dr Sanya Onabamiro.

From the Northern Elements Progressive Union were: Mallam Aminu Kano and Mallam Ibrahim Imam.

From the Northern Peoples Congress, they were Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto; Alhaji Tafawa Balewa (GCFR), Alhaji Aliyu Makama of Bida, Alhaji Isa Kaita, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu and Alhaji Inuwa Wada.

Others were Mr H. Biriye from Rivers state, Mr JS Tarka from the United Middle Belt Congress and Dr Udo Udoma of the United National Independence Party.

The Northern region had the Emir of Kano, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and the Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo; the Western region had the Ooni of Ife, Sir Adesoji Aderemi; Olowo of Owo, Sir Olateru Olagbegi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Sir Ladapo Samuel Ademola (18721962); the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II; and the Eastern region had Chief Nyong Essien of Uyo at the meeting.

The governments in Nigeria were represented by Sir James Robertson, Sir Bryan Sharwood-Smith, Sir John Rankine, Sir Robert Stapledon and Sir JO Field, commissioner of the Cameroons.

The United Kingdom was represented by Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd, the Earl of Pearth, Sir John Macpherson, Sir Hilton Poyynton, Sir John Martin, Mr CG Eastwood, Mr AR Thomas, Mr HT Bourdilon, Mr AN Galworthy and Mr TB Williamson.

Advisers at London talks included Chief SJ Amachree, Chief R. Edukugho, Mr AJU Ekong, Mr RA Fani-Kayode and Mr J. Olawoyin from the Action Group; Mr VE Mukete all from the Cameroon National Congress; Mr AN Jua (Cameroun National Democratic Party), Mr NN Mbile (Cameroun Peoples Party), Mr PA Afolabi, Chief Kolawole Balogun, Mrs M. Ekpo, Dr C. Obi, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh and Mr JT Otobo  all from the National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns.

Zana Bukar Dipcharima, Abba Habib, Shettima Kashim and Mr GU Ohikere represented the National Peoples Congress, Mr P. Dokotri (United Middle Belt Congress), Mr Okoi Arikpo (United National Independence Party). Chiefs  Northern region  Aliyu Obaja, Attah of Igala; Sir Ralph Grey, Mr EIG Unsworth, Mr FDC Williams, Mr CSK Bovell, Mr PHG Scott, Mr HH Marshall, Lt-Colonel EC Aderton, Mr JO Udoji, Mr DO Ibekwe, Mr EG Stumpenhuson, Mr Simeon O. Adebo, Mr MG de Winton, Mr FA Williams and Mr J Murray.

Others were Mr JE Marhham, Mr JW Vernon, Mr RJ Vile, Mr PAP Robertson, Mr MG Smith and Mr RW Francis, who represented the United Kingdom. Legal advisers were Sir Kenneth Roberts-Wray, Mr JC Mcpetrie and Mr AR Rushford. Mr IP Bancroft, Miss MZ Terry, Mr PHG Stallard, Mr DS Timms and Mr KOH Osborne were from the secretariat while Miss JM Cock was the Librarian.

Another Constitutional Conference was held in London between September 29 and October 27 1958.

After the second London Conference, 1 October, 1960, was later selected for Nigerias independence. Shortly after independence, political crisis engulfed the country.

The first attempt to make Nigeria a one party structure began on 9 April, 1965 in Benin. On that day the Mid-West Nigeria Legislature became virtually a one-party system following a dramatic crossing to the government side to eight of the nine Mid-West Democratic Front Opposition members in the House of Assembly. In a speech before crossing, Mid West Democratic Front leader, Chief James Okpre Otobo from Uzere said his party now saw eye-to-eye with the NCNC government on all essential approaches to development and progress of Mid-West. He also announced to formal dissolution of the Mid West Democratic Front.

The Mid West Regional Premier Dennis Chukude Osadebey (29 June 1911  26 December 1994) welcomed the former opposition members and said: This is our finest hour and we have reason to rejoice. He said the MDF members chose unity not disorder. He also said he was a believer in the one-party system of government. It is natural, it is African it is efficient. He said the fusing of the parties would ensure stability, progress and development of the Region.

Chief Otobo who died on 11 September, 2011 at St Marys Hospital in London was a colourful politician. He played a key role in the creation of Mid Western region in June 1963. His hometown, Uzere, formerly known as Uzei, is located in the Isoko South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State of Nigeria. It has become one of the largest petroleum oil producing communities in Nigeria. Oil exploration started in Uzere in 1957. Uzere has two oil fields (Uzere West and Uzere East) with a total of 43 oil wells producing about 53,000 barrels per day (8,400 m3/d). Uzere has nine communities: Uhei, Ezede, Uweye, Afikioko (London Base), Uhroko (Paris), Ekregbesi, Abale, Iwre-Ezede, and Iboro.

Chief Otobo later rose to become deputy premier of the Mid Western region.

As flamboyant as he was, Chief Otobos attempt failed.

The only Action Group member was absent from the House; one MDF member, Chief Okotako Enahoro, remained in opposition bench.

A few months later on 15 January, 1966, the army took over power and it was not until September 1978 that political parties were formed.

The Unity party of Nigeria (UPN) was launched on 22 September, 1978, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (GCFR), while the Nigerias People Party (NPP) with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (GCFR) was launched on the same day. The NPP was made up of three groups, namely: the National Union Council, Club 19 and the Council for National Unity and Progress. The following were the officers of the party at that time. They included Mr Solomon Lar, Mr Matthew Mbu, Chief J. Edewor, Alhaji Yusufu Dan Tsoho, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Dr Obi Wali and Mr Joe Asogwa.

Others included Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, Dr Ben Nzeribe, Alhaji Megida Lawal, Chief Theophilus Benson, Chief Basil Okwu, Mr Paul Unongo, Dr Omo Omoruyi, Chief Kolawole Balogun, Mr Sam Mbakwe, Chief Olu Akinfosile, Chief Samuel Onitiri and Alhaji Jafaru Mango.

The Nigeria Advance Party was launched by Mr Tunji Braithwaite on 28 September, 1978. At the launching ceremony in Okesuna, Lagos Island, the following were present: Chief FO Moore, Alhaji Abdullahi Joseph, former secretary of Ilorin Talaka Parapo, Mr Isaac Kpum, Mr F. Mordi, Alhaji Sheru Danladi, Pastor BK Audu, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, Mr FO Etim and Prince Bashari Aminu.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) headed by Alhaji Aminu Kano and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), with Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the presidential candidate, were later launched.

There was also the Great Nigerias People Party (GNPP) headed by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (26 February 19261992).

In October 1979, the ruling party, NPN had the president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and seven governors, while the UPN had five governors; the NPP had three; the GNPP had two; and the PRP had two.

After the October elections in 1983, the NPN retained the president with five more governors. There were no political parties from 31st December 1983 when General Muhammadu Buhari took over power, till he was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida on 27 August 1985.

On 7 October, 1989, the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (GCFR) addressed the nation during which he decreed the existence of two parties in Nigeria, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

According to him, by this decision, the AFRC has declared its acceptance of the principles of a grassroots democratic two-party system. It is our belief that the system shall: provide a grassroots basis for the emergence of political parties, establish a grassroots or mass platform for the emergence of new leadership, give equal rights and opportunities to all Nigerians to participate in the political process irrespective of their wealth, religion, geo-political backgrounds and professional endeavours, de-emphasise the role of money in politics, reduce, to a minimum level, the element of violence in our electoral process, preclude the emergence of political alliances along the same lines as in the First Republics and, therefore, give Nigerians a new political structure within which to operate.

It shall also ensure the emergence of a new, more dedicated and more genuine leadership cadre, which will not be a more proxy for old political warlords, chart a new pattern of political recruitment and participation which will enhance Nigerias stability, establish strong instructional structures which not only sustain future governments, but also be strong enough to stand the test of time and finally establish a political system that will be operated according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

By annulling the 12 June, 1993 Presidential election, General Babangida himself annulled his two party structure in Nigeria. On 26 June 1993, in a broadcast to the nation, he regretted the annulment, he said, I feel, as I believe you yourself feel, a profound sense of disappointment at the outcome of our last efforts at laying the foundation of a viable democratic system of government in Nigeria.

From 1999, the PDP was in power at the centre till 2015. The partys officials boasted that the party would be in power forever. I remember Alhaji Kawu Baraje of the PDP boasted on Wednesday, 11 September, 2011, We will continue to make it and PDP will continue forever as the dominant political party in Nigeria.

The PDP chairman at that time, Chief Vincent Eze Ogbulafor (24 May 1949  6 October 2022) said on 22 November, 2009 that the PDP will rule the country for the next sixty years.

However, the Patron of the PDP then, former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) on 16 February, 2015 tore his PDP membership card in Abeokuta. The tearing of the partys membership card by President Obasanjo was like a curse. Some felt it was a spiritual curse. It was like an imprecation  an invocation or evil or calamity on the PDP. Till today, the anathema has remained with the PDP. Since then the PDP has not won the Presidential election.

On 1 April, 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR, GCON) lost the presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR of the APC. The defeat of former President Jonathan ended the invincibility of the Presidency in Nigeria.

At present, the APC is the ruling party in the country but it is an amalgamation of many political parties. It was founded on 6 February 2013).

Those who founded the APC were from ANPP: Ogbonnaya Onu, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Ibrahim Gaidam, Kashim Shettima, Abdulazeez Yari, Ali Modu Sheriff, Rufai Sani, Kabiru Gaya, Maina Maaji Lawan, Buka Abba Ibrahim, Lanre Amusu, Abdulrahman Adamu, Saliu Momoh, Ramatu Tijjani, Geoffrey Yilleng, Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri, Nelson Alapa, SA Kawu Sumaila, Peter Edeh, Gambo Magaji, Emma Eneukwu, George N. Moghalu and Attahiru Bafarawa.

Others are from ACN included Tom Ikimi, Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, Rauf Aregbesola, Babatunde Raji Fasola, Olusegun Osoba, Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, Lai Mohammed, John Akpan-Udoedehe, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, George Akume, Lawan Shuaibu, Audu Ogbeh, Achike Udenwa, John Odigie-Oyegun, Chris Ngige, Rabia HA Eshak, Yusuf G. Ali, Usman Bugaje, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Boni Haruna, Chief Henry Dele Ajomale, Garba Abari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Abubakar Audu.

From CPC: Muhammadu Buhari, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Garba M. Gadi, Okoi Obono-Obla, Tam David-West, Sabo Nanono, Hadi Sirika, Osita Okechukwu, Bernard Banfa, BD Lawal, Haruna Yerima, Shittu Adebayo, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Adaugo Obi,Oscar Udorji, Lucy Ajayi, Osagie Ehanire, Buba Bajoga, Ife Oyedele, Jimi Lawal, Rotimi Fashakin, Solomon Ewuga, Abubakar Malami, Barrister James Ocholi and Yahaya Ibrahim Shinko.

From APGA, we had Rochas Okorocha, Annie Okonkwo, Osita Izunaso, Emeka Okpara, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Ezennia Denton Ogbuehi Esq., Chuka Ama-Nwauwa, Marshal Uche Okaforanyanwu, Chuks Chinwuba, Barrister Obiora Samuel Igwedibia, Ayim Chinenye Nyerere, Stanley Ugochukwu Ohajuluk, Peter Chigozie Okonkwo, Jacob Sunday Chukwu, Professor Fabian C. Osuji, PC Onuoha, Olisaemeka Akamukali, Romanus Egbuladike, Maigari Duigiyadia, Pius Ewherido, Great Ovedje Ogboru and John Bala Takaya.

After the Merger, were Chibuike Amaechi, Aliyu Wamakko, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Murtala Nyako, Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, Abubakar Baraje, Adamu Aliero and Danjuma Goje.

The APC which is in power today in the centre could be in the present shoes of the PDP in future, who knows. The certainty of the Nigerias politics is the uncertainty.

Politics in Nigeria is always interesting. What a country. What a people.

Eric Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Kaduna State Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday 8th February 2024 signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework.

The Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) aims to improve coordination between donor communities and Kaduna State in addition to providing support for the delivery of the Kaduna State Development Plan 2021  2025.

Additionally, KaMAF is aligned to the Kaduna State Development Plan 2021  2025, and the 7 Pillars of Governor Uba Sanis SUSTAIN Agenda, namely: Safety and Security, Upgrade of Infrastructure, Strengthening Institutions, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Investment in Human Capital, and Nurturing Citizens Engagement.

The Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani in his remarks, commended the officials of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Kaduna State Government for working diligently to make the signing ceremony a reality.

Our administration shall honour and effectively implement the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF). We shall monitor concrete reforms that support good governance, peace and security, reduce poverty through human capital development (particularly Health, Education, Social Protection), and improve economic recovery and investments in Kaduna State.

On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, I thank the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) most sincerely for prioritising our state. This MoU will further strengthen our partnership, enhance transparency and accountability, and impact positively on the lives of our citizens. Governor Sani said.

Similarly, the Development Director FCDO, Cynthia Rowe who signed on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),lauded the Kaduna State Government for the commitment exhibited throughout the entire process leading up to the signing of the framework.

I am optimistic that the implementation of the Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) would be seamless. FCDO is committed to working effectively with the Kaduna State Government to make it a model in Northern Nigeria,the framework aims to cover Education, Agriculture, Health, and Human Capital Development. Rowe said.

Governor Uba Sani remains committed to ensuring that the state government remains responsive, responsible and accountable to the people.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos State Council, has called for the immediate reversal and withdrawal of the new circular on certificate verification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

NMCN in its revised guidelines states that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing licence.

This was disclosed in a memo dated 7 February and signed by the NMCN Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Faruk Abubakar.

This development has generated outrage among Nigerian health workers on social media who described it as a violation of human rights.

However, NANNM in a statement issued after its state executive council emergency meeting on Friday expressed reservations about the councils circular and its intent and impact on the progress and welfare of nurses and midwives in Nigeria.

More concerns

NANNM observed that the prerequisite of two years of post-qualification practice casts aspersion on the quality of nurses and midwives licensed by the council and that it is an infringement of their rights.

It also raised concerns regarding the prolonged six-month minimum processing period stipulated in the circular, adding that the requirement for a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of the respective places of work is a deliberate attempt to make the verification process burdensome.

Reacting to the circular on the X platform, some X users speculated that the NMCN new guideline is a deliberate measure to address the brain drain in the country.

READ ALOS:

A user @mysticimani said: trapping nurses and midwives in this country because of brain drain when this same brain drain can be solved fairly easily. Pretending like a job with living wages, a conducive work environment and benefits is available in this country when they graduate is absurd.

Another user @alongeelisha said: Nonsense!!! This is a denial of human rights and it shall be informed to @ICNurses @WHO @UNHumanRights having been verified by different nursing bodies around the world. There has never been an occasion where regulatory bodies asked for work experience or mandated years of service.

Resolutions

Apart from the withdrawal of the circular, the NANNM also wants the nursing council to fully digitalise the verification process, including the transmission of decisions to other regulatory councils.

According to the statement, NANNM called on NMCN to provide the verification service at no extra cost while optimising and automating its key processes for a 48-hour turnaround.

It asked the Nigerian government to constitute the NMCN board to ensure proper representation of the interests of nurses and midwives in key decisions.

Acknowledging the immense hardship faced by nurses and midwives in Nigeria, the SEC urged the government at all levels to prioritise improving the working conditions, working environment, and better remuneration of nurses, NANNM noted.

It was also resolved that the state council would consider other measures if no positive intervention is observed by the close of business on Monday.

Brain Drain in Nigeria

Nigeria has been battling with the increasing exodus of healthcare professionals, especially doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, to developed countries.

With a doctor-patient ratio over five times worse than the WHO recommendation, Nigeria has continued to lose hundreds of doctors annually to brain drain.

Various statistics show that over 5,000 Nigerian medical doctors have migrated to the UK between 2015 and 2022.

According to data documented by the Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC), 233 Nigerian doctors moved to the UK in 2015; the number increased to 279 in 2016; in 2017 the figure was 475, in 2018, the figure rose to 852, in 2019 it jumped to 1,347; in 2020, the figure was 833 and in 2021, it was put at 932.

As of July, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Emeka Orji, revealed that the association is left with only a few over 9,000 medical doctors, due to the brain drain crisis in the healthcare system.

The continued emigration of health practitioners has led to a shortage of skilled health workers in the country, which has negatively affected the quality of healthcare services provided to the citizens.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until March 25, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM" or the "Company") (NYSE: ADM), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 30, 2020 and January 22, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help

ADM investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-adm/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

ADM and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On January 21, 2024, the Company disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer had been placed on leave "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." Further, its investigation was initiated in response to a voluntary document request by the SEC and as a result, the Company delayed its Q4 and FY 2023 earnings release and withdrew its outlook for its Nutrition segment.

On this news, the price of ADM's shares fell $16.23 per share, or approximately 24%, from $68.19 per share to close at $51.69 on January 22, 2024, wiping out approximately $8.8 billion of ADM's market value.

The case is Chow v. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, et al., No. 24-cv-00634.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until March 25, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against British American Tobacco p.l.c ("BA Tobacco" or the "Company") (NYSE: BTI), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Get Help

BA Tobacco investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/amex-bti/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

BA Tobacco and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On December 6, 2023, the Company disclosed that it was taking a 25 billion Pound (around $31.5 billion USD) impairment on the cigarette brands it had acquired from Reynolds American Inc. in early 2017 due to "macro-economic headwinds impacting the U.S. combustibles industry," which The Wall Street Journal referred to as "one of the biggest corporate write-offs in recent history," noting the Company's statement that its performance in the U.S. had been hindered by smokers switching to cheaper, nonpremium brands.

On this news, the price of BA Tobacco's American Depositary Receipts fell $2.68 per share, or 8.88%, to close at $28.86 per ADR on December 6, 2023.

The case is David v. British American Tobacco p.l.c., et al., No. 24-cv-00517.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Champions for Change Public Event , hosted by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute on Tuesday, February 13 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, will celebrate the five Native youth change makers from across the country at the inaugural meeting of the 2024 Champions for Change.

Angelique Albert

"We are thrilled to bring together this year's Champions for Change in Washington, D.C. to commemorate their unwavering passion and determination for making lasting change in their communities. Our Champions for Change show us just how impactful our youth are," said CNAY Executive Director Nikki Santos Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "We look forward to celebrating our Champions and honoring Native Forward CEO Angelique Albert for all of her commitment and dedication. Congratulations, and thank you, Angelique."

Following the public event, the Center for Native American Youth will host a reception honoring Angelique Albert, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund .

Angelique Albert has dedicated her career of service to Native students and communities. As CEO of Native Forward, her leadership has guided Native Forward through a period of unprecedented growth during its 53-year history; quadrupling scholarship funding, increasing the types of funding available to access, and expanding extensive holistic support services and programming offered to students. Native Forward awards up to $15 million in scholarships annually and has awarded more than $400 million in direct scholarships to over 22,000 Native students since its inception.

"I am humbled to receive this distinction as the Honorary 2024 Champion For Change, a program committed to elevating Native youth and giving voice and visibility to our Native communities," said Angelique. "I will continue to drive impact for Tribal scholars every year so that they can pursue their academic dreams, build impactful careers, and give back to their respective communities."

CNAY will present Angelique with an Honorary Champion for Change Award at the evening's reception, celebrating her accomplished career and dedication to uplifting Indian Country and supporting young Indigenous leaders over the last 25 years.

Members of the media interested in attending the event can register here .

EVENT DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 EVENT TIME: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET LOCATION: Aspen Institute, Washington, D.C. | Smith Conference Room, 8th Floor

2300 N Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20037 HONOREES: Native Forward Scholars Fund CEO Angelique Albert Confederated Salish &

Kootenai Tribes

2024 Champions for Change: Tayler Higgins , Seldovia Village Tribe , University of Alaska Anchorage

Sage Phillips , Penobscot Nation , University of Connecticut

Ian Teller , Navajo , Dine College

Wambli Gleska Quintana , Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Navajo Nation, Dupree High School

Jeidah DeZurney , Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Multnomah Education Service District

For more information, click here .

The reception following the event will be co-hosted with the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission at the Westin located at 999 9th St NW. Members of the media interested in attending the reception should email Samantha Hintz at [email protected] .

The 2024 Champions for Change class joins the decade-strong Champions for Change (CFC) program and 48 Champs alumni. This year's five selected Champs reflect the rich cultures, diversity, and resiliency of Native Peoples of the United States.

Launched at CNAY in 2013, the Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. The program develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and culturally tailored advocacy training.

About CNAY:

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth  ages 24 and under  on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well-being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve.

Contact: Harper Estey

[email protected]

SOURCE Native Forward Scholars Fund
RABAT, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy on Friday rescued 57 Spain-bound migrants off the North African country's Atlantic coast, official news agency MAP reported.

The migrants, including 54 sub-Saharan and 3 Bangladeshis, were heading to the Spanish Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

They were intercepted 47 miles off the Moroccan port of Tarfaya, the report said, adding that the rescued people, some of whom were in bad health condition, received the necessary care before being handed over for the usual administrative procedures.

Morocco has become a hub for African migrants who seek to reach Europe.

According to the official statistics, Moroccan army units arrested about 87,000 undocumented migrants in 2023, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa.

A new migration route that runs through the West African Atlantic coasts to the Spanish Canary Islands attracted more migrants in 2023.

The Spanish Commission for Refugees said migrant arrivals to the islands increased by 140 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. 
More than 140 Grants Awarded to Teachers in 66 Districts

TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Education Foundation for California Schools, a non-profit organization created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education, today announced that it awarded 142 grants to teachers throughout the state to help fund programs designed to encourage students to learn and excel in the core subjects of language arts, science and mathematics, foreign language, and social studies. The grants  awarded in $1,000 and $5,000 funding levels  total more than $340,000.

Tricia Smelser after winning the Education Foundation grant started a book club program at El Dorado Union High School District. Building the book clubs library as a result of the grant funds has been a rewarding experience for Tracia and her students. Tricia Smelser Education Foundation Grant Winner

A total of 142 Foundation grants were distributed to teachers in 10 counties throughout Northern and Southern California, including Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino and San Diego.

"In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, SchoolsFirst FCU founded the Education Foundation for California Schools as a way to support learning and enrichment initiatives," said Bill Cheney, chief executive officer at SchoolsFirst FCU. "Over the years, it's wonderful to see how the Education Foundation has helped educators provide innovative and inspiring instruction, building a brighter future for students."

According to Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations, at SchoolsFirst FCU, teachers throughout the state demonstrated a high level of originality and innovation in their applications. "We were inspired by the broad range of program ideas proposed by the teachers, all well-planned and detailed, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of teachers to their students," Smith said.

Every year, the Education Foundation for California Schools awards grants to California teachers from kindergarten to community college. Grants can be used for materials or equipment to support the development of new programs in core subjects. Since the program was launched in 2003, 878 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $2.2 million, directly impacting a countless number of California students.

Applications for grants are accepted each year during the month of October, and teachers are encouraged to apply on the Foundation's website.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees and their families. For more information, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

About the Education Foundation for California Schools:

The Education Foundation for California Schools is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 2003 by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education to provide financial assistance to teachers in California public and private schools through grants. The grants help fund educational programs that impact students throughout the state. Every year, grants are awarded to California teachers from kindergarten to community college and can be used for materials or equipment to support the development of new educational programs in core subjects. Since 2003, more than 700 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $1.8 million. Applications are submitted in October each year and are chosen based on various factors. For more information about the Education Foundation for California Schools, visit caeducationfoundation.org. Insured by NCUA.

SOURCE SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
DUBLIN, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Automatic Door Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Europe automatic door market will be valued at around $9.57 billion in 2023

This report provides complete information regarding the adoption of automatic doors in Europe. Factors such as integrating automatic doors with intelligent building systems and IoT, shifting focus towards sustainability, and a surge in the adoption of smart homes will positively impact the European automatic door market during the forecast period.

The growth of installations in new buildings and higher demand from renovations of doors and retrofit activities drive the market. The demand for retrofit and renovation activities accounted for a significant portion of the market demand in Europe. One of the primary reasons for the high adoption of innovative automatic door activation devices in European households is the rising per capita disposable income. The improving economy in many European countries has increased disposable income in Europe.

The European government, in its directive for building renovations, has considered buildings as the core of society. The European populace spends an average of 90% of their time in residential or commercial buildings. For most households, renting or owning a living space accounts for a significant part of its expenses or investments.

As most of the European population lives in cities and the urban environment has buildings at the core of its functioning, the government has included renovation and replacements of the buildings in its Horizon 2050 plan. European households spend approximately 6% of the total household expenditure on the maintenance and furnishings of their houses. Such factors drive the doors market in Europe, which, in turn, causes the need for automatic doors in the region.

The installation of new automatic door systems in buildings and or replacement activities in existing structures will drive the market growth. Automatic doors are used in commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, including retail, hospitality, and recreational facilities, institutions such as hospitals and educational institutes, government facilities, workspaces, and offices. They are used to enhance the security of the space and protect against environmental impacts.

Furthermore, major players focus on strategic agreements, acquisitions, and collaboration with emerging players to enter the European automatic door market to gain access to commercially launched products.

MARKET STRUCTURE

Market Dynamics

Competitive Landscape of Europe Automatic Door Market

Key Vendors

Other Prominent Vendors

LIST OF VENDORS

Key Vendors

ASSA ABLOY

Boon Edam

dormakaba Group

GEZE

Nabtesco Corporation

Other Prominent Vendors

CAME

Deutschtec

Doorson

ERREKA

FAAC

FACE

Hormann

Horton Automatics

KCC Group

KONE

LABEL

Manusa

MGS

MOTION4

NG Automatics

Ponzi

Portalp

QUIKO

STANLEY Access Technologies

TORMAX

SEGMENTATION & FORECAST

Type (Revenue)

Sliding Door

Swinging Door

Revolving Door

Folding Door

Technology (Revenue)

Infrared Sensor

Microwave Sensor

Others

End-User (Revenue)

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/83j5n4

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
DUBLIN, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global IV & Oral Iron Drugs Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global IV and Oral Iron Drugs market, valued at $7.66 billion in 2023, will experience robust growth by 2029, expanding at a CAGR of 13.47%

This surge is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of Iron Deficiency (ID) and Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) globally, coupled with a heightened awareness among patients about effective treatment options. The market's expansion is further propelled by the rising occurrence of chronic diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer, which can lead to iron deficiency, particularly in surgical patients.



Key factors fueling market growth include the growing demand for dextran-free iron therapeutics and the rising need for iron drugs among dialysis and non-dialysis kidney patients. The market also benefits from the development of investigational latest generation IV & oral iron drugs with broader indications and improved treatment outcomes.



Market leaders like Vifor Pharma are significantly contributing with products such as Ferinject (marketed as Injectafer in the US) and Venofer, which are gaining traction, especially among dialysis patients. The oral iron drug segment, comprising both prescription and OTC preparations, is expanding steadily, although slower than IV iron drugs, with significant growth in emerging and low-income countries due to their cost-effectiveness.



The market's growth is not just confined to developed nations; it's also significant in developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where iron deficiency poses a severe health challenge. This growth is further augmented by innovations in hospital pharmacy practice and retail store involvement, facilitating accessibility and awareness among consumers.



The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to grow due to their specialized services in iron medicines. At the same time, retail stores continue to play a crucial role due to immediate product availability and expert guidance. The prevalence of iron deficiency in CKD patients, which is estimated to be around 70%, highlights the critical need for iron therapy with IV and oral iron drugs.



As the global IV & oral iron drugs market evolves, key vendors like Vifor Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo Group, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, and others focus on product innovations and expanded label approvals to meet the growing demands and adapt to new patient groups. The market, characterized by the presence of global, regional, and local players, is highly competitive with a wide array of branded and generic drug offerings.



KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

The IV & oral iron drugs market represents a rapidly growing and most effective category of therapeutics that helps individuals with ID & IDA to improve their quality of life.

By route of administration, the intravenous (IV) segment was valued at $4.40 billion in 2023. This growth mainly results from the expected launch of branded IV iron drugs in new markets and expanded indication approval for existing commercially available brands. One of the primary reasons for this significant growth rate is the increased uptake of branded IV drugs in the US and European markets.

in 2023. This growth mainly results from the expected launch of branded IV iron drugs in new markets and expanded indication approval for existing commercially available brands. One of the primary reasons for this significant growth rate is the increased uptake of branded IV drugs in the US and European markets. By patient group, the adult segment is going to witness notable growth during the forecast period. In 2023, the adult segment accounted for 83.33% of the global IV & oral iron drugs market. The segment is dominating the market due to the higher incidence/ prevalence of ID and IDA among elderly people across the world.

By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR. Hospital pharmacies offer iron drugs with adequate discounts and rebates. Thus offering a cost-effective way to minimize the burden on patients and healthcare systems.

By application, In 2023, the nephrology segment accounted for 60.84% of the global IV & oral iron drugs market. The market for iron drugs in nephrology is increasing faster, and the trend is likely to continue during the forecast period due to the rising prevalence of CKD worldwide. The segment accounted for the largest market share owing to the increasing uptake of iron drugs to treat CKD.

CSL Vifor, Covis Pharmaceuticals, Daiichi Sankyo, Akebia Therapeutics, Shield Therapeutics, and others are some of the leading players currently dominating the global IV & Oral iron drugs market. The major players focus on strategic acquisitions and collaborations with emerging players to enter the IV & Oral Iron Drugs market and to gain access to commercially launched products.

MARKET STRUCTURE

Market Dynamics

Competitive Landscape of IV & Oral Iron Drugs Market

Key Vendors

Other Prominent Vendors

VENDORS LIST

Key Vendors

CSL Vifor

Daiichi Sankyo

Covis Pharmaceuticals

Akebia Therapeutics

Shield Therapeutics

Other Prominent Vendors

Pharmacosmos

AbbVie

Sanofi

AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals

Azad Pharmaceuticals

Pfizer

Ciron Drugs & Pharmaceuticals

Rockwell Medical

Salveo Lifecare

Sunny Pharmaceuticals

Zydus LifeSciences

Nippon Shinyaku

Alinter Group

Alora Pharmaceuticals

DSE Healthcare

GSK plc

PRODUCT SEGMENTATION & FORECAST

Route of Administration

Intravenous

Oral

Patient Group

Adults

Pediatrics

Distribution Channel

Hospital Pharmacies

Offline Retail Pharmacies

Online Channels

Application

Nephrology

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Surgery

Gastroenterology

Oncology

Heart Failure

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tu64vd

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 ORLEANS, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until February 20, 2024 to 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.

Get Help

Inspire investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-insp/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Inspire 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 ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Former BET Executive Producer, Shellee Brown, has launched the James Nathaniel Brown Foundation to honor the legacy of her father, Jim Brown. It was clear to me that Dad wanted the impactful work he started in the sixties to continue long after he was gone. His commitment and love for people was the driving force behind everything he did as an activist and humanitarian.

The JNB Foundation stays consistent with Jim Brown's mission to spur economic progress for African Americans. It provides an educational program that is designed to produce self-sufficient and productive members of society. It incorporates Jim's mission to stimulate African American entrepreneurship by encouraging youth to think in terms of creating and maintaining their own businesses. The goal is to motivate our students to utilize their talents and creativity to secure financial independence. We instill in each individual that community is power.

The I-AM-POWER curriculum teaches that in every individual there is the power to change the world through unity and innovation. Knowledge, power, and love are the key components in our curriculum. We have to be the light that the world needs.

Imagination is the foundation for creative expression. We want our students to unleash their creativity with power through dance, music, and art.

This is not an individual project. This is a village project. We welcome friends, fans, and colleagues of Jim Brown to visit the website to show support. We also extend an open invitation to educational experts and psychologists to participate in helping us develop a strong curriculum that focuses on the social/emotional complexities of inner-city youth. Our goal is to promote self-esteem and the realization that we are power. All of us! Together!

To support and donate to the James Nathaniel Brown Foundation, go to jamesnathanielbrown.org. The email address is [email protected].

SOURCE JNB Foundation
Teamsters Building on Last Year's Widespread Bipartisan Support for AV Safety Legislation

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To protect public safety and good jobs, the Teamsters and California lawmakers will announce the reintroduction of the autonomous vehicle (AV) human operator bill at a rally on Monday, February 12, at 2pm PT. AB 2286, formerly Assembly Bill 316, requires a trained human operator behind the wheel of self-driving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds, putting safety first while preserving hundreds of thousands of good-paying trucking jobs. AB 316 was first introduced by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) in January 2023 and received overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature, with more than 90 percent of the California lawmakers voting in favor of the legislation.

Since Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 316 in September 2023, robotaxis have wreaked havoc on California streets, with one Cruise robotaxi running over a pedestrian and dragging her 20 feet in San Francisco. In the wake of this safety incident, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Cruise , while San Francisco has brought a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for allowing for the expansion of robotaxis in the city.

Monday's rally is the latest escalation by the Teamsters to keep unsafe autonomous vehicles off our streets, protect good-paying union jobs, and ensure local communities have a say in AV deployment. Earlier this month, the Teamsters held a rally to announce the introduction of SB 915, a bill that would give California's local municipalities more authority over AV regulation. The growing statewide support for AV safety measures comes as Waymo seeks to expand its robotaxi operations in California .

***Please See Below for Details on the 2/12 Rally***

WHAT: Reintroduction of AV Human Operator Bill, Rally for Good Jobs and Safe Streets WHO: Teamsters and elected officials, including:

Peter Finn, Teamsters International Western Region Vice President, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7

Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42

Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters International Western Region Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 399

Julia Sandoval, Recology Driver, Member of Teamsters Local 350

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D - Winters), Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly

Tom Lackey (R - Boron), Assemblymember for California's Fourth Assembly District

Laura Friedman (D - Glendale), Assemblymember for California's 43rd Assembly District WHEN: Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2pm PT WHERE: West Steps of the California State Capitol, near the California Peace Officers Memorial

1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 LIVESTREAM: Starting shortly after 2pm PT on facebook.com/teamsters . INTERVIEWS: Available upon request

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.





Media Contact: Sean Nesmith, (678) 467-4306, [email protected]

On the Ground Contacts: Trish Suzuki-Blinstrub, (650) 452-3109, [email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Supporting Emerging Culinary Talent Through TBX

Taco Bell's back of house just got bigger. TBX is a newly launched first-of-its-kind program that sets out to spotlight emerging chefs while pushing tacos to new places through the equation of "their thing + our thing = a whole new thing."* Taco Bell will be tapping into three announced chefs' talents to infuse their unique culinary style on one of Taco Bell's most iconic menu items, the Crunchwrap Supreme.





Three headliner chefs  Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin , Reuben Asaram, and Lawrence Smith  have been selected and took the stage during the event to usher in a new era of innovation. The chefs will partner with the Taco Bell Food and Innovation team to co-create and reimagine the iconic Crunchwrap Supreme set to debut later this year at select locations.

Bringing Bold New Flavors Through A New Menu: The Cantina Chicken Menu

The Cantina Chicken Menu debuts a new flavorful chicken that's been oven-roasted, shredded, and packed with a savory seasoning of Mexican spices including pasilla and other varieties of chilies. Also, the menu adds all-new ingredients including purple cabbage, pico de gallo, a white corn taco shell and an addition to the brand's sauce packet lineup, Avocado Verde Salsa. The menu adds five items that will soon be available nationwide to satisfy any craving  any time of day  including the Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Taco (soft or crispy), Cantina Chicken Quesadilla and the Cantina Chicken Bowl.

The Year's Biggest Flavor Collaborations: 2024 Food Innovations and Partnerships

Taco Bell is bringing more bold and intentionally Mexican-inspired flavors to the world in 2024. More than a dozen food innovations are making their way out of the Test Kitchen and will be available to fans for a limited time at participating locations, while supplies last. These newest menu items include:

Cheesy Chicken Crispanada: Arriving to menus nationwide on February 15 , the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada consists of tender chicken marinated and slow cooked with garlic, tomato and onion, combined with a harmonious blend of monterey pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all tucked inside a delicate pastry dough crisped to perfection. The menu item takes inspiration from the beloved empanada and is fused with the Taco Bell flavors fans already love.





Arriving to menus nationwide on , the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada consists of tender chicken marinated and slow cooked with garlic, tomato and onion, combined with a harmonious blend of monterey pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all tucked inside a delicate pastry dough crisped to perfection. The menu item takes inspiration from the beloved empanada and is fused with the Taco Bell flavors fans already love. Crispy Chicken Nuggets: That's right! Taco Bell is bringing yet another chicken innovation in Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which consists of all-white meat chicken marinated in spiced jalapeno buttermilk before being breaded in a tortilla coating and fried to crispy glory. Fans can choose from two new delectable sauce options: signature Bell sauce, crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, onion, and garlic, or the hot and sweet Jalapeno Honey Mustard , featuring sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalapeno.





That's right! Taco Bell is bringing yet another chicken innovation in Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which consists of all-white meat chicken marinated in spiced jalapeno buttermilk before being breaded in a tortilla coating and fried to crispy glory. Fans can choose from two new delectable sauce options: signature Bell sauce, crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, onion, and garlic, or the hot and sweet Jalapeno , featuring sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalapeno. Cheesy Street Chalupas: The Cheesy Street Chalupas feature a cheesy flatbread with a small tortilla that is stuffed generously with a mouthwatering blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses and fried together then filled with a choice of slow-roasted chicken or savory grilled, marinated steak, a flavorful sauce, and topped with a layer of diced onions and cilantro. Each order will come with two Cheesy Street Chalupas.





The Cheesy Street Chalupas feature a cheesy flatbread with a small tortilla that is stuffed generously with a mouthwatering blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses and fried together then filled with a choice of slow-roasted chicken or savory grilled, marinated steak, a flavorful sauce, and topped with a layer of diced onions and cilantro. Each order will come with two Cheesy Street Chalupas. MTN DEW BAJA BLAST  Gelato: Taco Bell fans asked, and now the brand is delivering! First tested in 2023, the delectable gelato will be making its nationwide debut, giving fans more ways to celebrate the Baja Blast 20 th year anniversary. The creamy and delicious treat is infused with the iconic BAJA BLAST Tropical Lime flavor and is a perfect complementary addition to any cheesy, spicy, saucy order on the Taco Bell menu.





Taco Bell fans asked, and now the brand is delivering! First tested in 2023, the delectable gelato will be making its nationwide debut, giving fans more ways to celebrate the Baja Blast 20 year anniversary. The creamy and delicious treat is infused with the iconic BLAST Tropical Lime flavor and is a perfect complementary addition to any cheesy, spicy, saucy order on the Taco Bell menu. Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco: Building on the success of last year's Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, Taco Bell is introducing a new version that adds inspiration from enchiladas via the Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco, featuring slow roasted chicken and a layered enchilada dipping sauce.





Building on the success of last year's Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, Taco Bell is introducing a new version that adds inspiration from enchiladas via the Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco, featuring slow roasted chicken and a layered enchilada dipping sauce. Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights: Taco Bell is bringing more flavors to the iconic Cinnabon Delights with a new Dulce de Leche flavor.

Already known for iconic collaborations, Taco Bell is stacking 2024 to be a year full of bold partnerships with powerhouse brands and artists to co-create new and unique menu items and put an unexpected spin on some classic favorites:

Cheez-It  : Finally making its long-speculated debut, the Cheez-It  Crunchwrap is landing nationwide this year in a BIG way. Giving fans one of the most surprising menu item collaborations ever, the Cheez-It  Crunchwrap features a real Cheez-It  Cracker sixteen times the size of a normal one, with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, and all the classic Crunchwrap fixings, all wrapped inside a folded tortilla.





Finally making its long-speculated debut, the Cheez-It Crunchwrap is landing nationwide this year in a BIG way. Giving fans one of the most surprising menu item collaborations ever, the Cheez-It Crunchwrap features a real Cheez-It Cracker sixteen times the size of a normal one, with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, and all the classic Crunchwrap fixings, all wrapped inside a folded tortilla. Tajin  : The legendary flavors of Tajin are combining with Taco Bell classics in an all-new menu testing this year that's packed full of sweet and spicy flavor. The menu, which features Tajin's unique blend of chili peppers, lime and sea salt, will be made up of the Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajin Twists and Tajin Strawberry Freeze.





: The legendary flavors of Tajin are combining with Taco Bell classics in an all-new menu testing this year that's packed full of sweet and spicy flavor. The menu, which features Tajin's unique blend of chili peppers, lime and sea salt, will be made up of the Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajin Twists and Tajin Strawberry Freeze. Secret Aardvark : The Portland-based hot sauce brand has been creating flavorful sauces inspired by all corners of the globe for 20 years. Now, Taco Bell is partnering with them and adding their iconic Serrabanero sauce to its beloved Nacho Fries for fans nationwide, the combination is sure to spice up tastebuds.





The Portland-based hot sauce brand has been creating flavorful sauces inspired by all corners of the globe for 20 years. Now, Taco Bell is partnering with them and adding their iconic Serrabanero sauce to its beloved Nacho Fries for fans nationwide, the combination is sure to spice up tastebuds. Disha Hot: Musician Omar Apollo's family's hot sauce, Disha Hot, is a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations and it's been Omar's dream to share it with the world. Well now, Omar and Disha Hot are getting their very own sauce packet exclusively at Taco Bell, the perfect pairing for any menu item.





Musician family's hot sauce, Disha Hot, is a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations and it's been Omar's dream to share it with the world. Well now, Omar and Disha Hot are getting their very own sauce packet exclusively at Taco Bell, the perfect pairing for any menu item. Salt & Straw : Portland-based ice cream company Salt & Straw is famous for making delicious ice cream with innovative flavors is now revolutionizing the ice cream taco. The two brands joined forces for the Live Mas LIVE event, treating fans to the all new Taco Bell x Salt & Straw always-crispy Ice Cream Chocolate Taco**, made with hand pressed waffle cones, fresh-made cinnamon ancho ice cream dipped in single origin chocolate, studded with toasted brown rice and complete with sweet sauces and dips.





Portland-based ice cream company Salt & Straw is famous for making delicious ice cream with innovative flavors is now revolutionizing the ice cream taco. The two brands joined forces for the Live Mas LIVE event, treating fans to the all new Taco Bell x Salt & Straw always-crispy Ice Cream Chocolate Taco**, made with hand pressed waffle cones, fresh-made cinnamon ancho ice cream dipped in single origin chocolate, studded with toasted brown rice and complete with sweet sauces and dips. Beekeeper Coffee: Innovative newcomer Beekeeper Coffee is best known for ready-to-drink cold brew coffee and latte flavors all featuring a signature drop of honey. Taco Bell partnered with Beekeeper Coffee to create a delicious pick-me-up, the Horchata Cold Brew Latte**, taking inspiration from the iconic, cinnamon-flavored Mexican beverage.

Continuing its tradition to put real power to impact its menu in the hands of its fans, Taco Bell will be letting Rewards Members decide what limited time menu items they want to enjoy this year. This year's clash of the classics will be between team Mexi Melt and team Caramel Apple Empanada. Fans hoping to cast a vote for their favorite contender this year should download the Taco Bell app, where the voting platform will live.

Music at Live Mas LIVE

While fans can always count on Taco Bell to satisfy their taste buds, the brand's strong ties to music were clear at Live Mas LIVE. Feed The Beat artist Armani White not only hosted the show, but he also closed out the event with performances of his viral hit "BILLIE EILISH." plus songs "SILVER TOOTH." and "BREATHE." Additional music performances included DJ and music producer LP Giobbi who set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon with her opening set and consistent beats throughout, while Feed the Beat artist Omar Apollo stole hearts with his performance of "Evergreen."

The Bell Awards

For over 60 years the Taco Bell fandom has grown to become one of the most loyal, dedicated and passionate taco-loving groups around. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams and content creator Davis Burleson presented five superfans with honors and accolades for their love and dedication to Taco Bell. Presenting the first-ever Bell Award winners:

Taco Bell Rewards Members across the country who tuned in to the event via the livestream on www.LiveMasLIVE.com received exclusive offers, including a free Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, free Cantina Chicken Taco, free Mexican Pizza and zero-dollar delivery. To get the latest updates on all the news shared at Live Mas LIVE and access future exclusive events, fans are invited to become a Rewards Member via the Taco Bell app or at www.TacoBell.com/Rewards .

About Taco Bell Corp.

For more than 61 years, Bell has brought innovative, craveable Mexican-inspired food to the masses, and was recently recognized as one of TIME's Most Influential Companies, one of Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies and Nation's Restaurant News' Brand Icon. For more information about Taco Bell, visit our website at www.TacoBell.com, our Newsroom at www.TacoBell.com/news, or check out www.TacoBell.com/popular-links. You can also stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on LinkedIn, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and by subscribing to our YouTube channel.



*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to 50 US/DC, 18+. Void where prohibited. Begins 02/09/24 ends 12/31/24. Entry and judging information, additional prize details, and other terms available in Official Rules, www.TacoBell.com/TBX. Sponsor: Taco Bell Corp.



**These products were exclusively served at Live Mas LIVE and are currently in the testing pipeline

###

Jacqueline Cisneros  Taco Bell Corp.

[email protected]

Elizabeth Burmeister  Edelman

[email protected]

SOURCE Taco Bell Corp.
Within the framework of the "Safe Internet" project by Azerbaijan's leading mobile operator, Azercell, educational lectures are conducted for both adolescents and adults in regional areas. This time, students and their parents in Quba and Lankaran have received information about online threats and dangers, as well as ways to combat them.

Participants of the courses conducted based on the program of the certified international security school familiarize themselves with the following topics:

Examination of virtual acquaintances;

Use and protection of personal information on social networks;

Refraining from participating in competitions that require entering personal information;

Deceptive tactics of scammers and criminals on the network;

Reporting incidents of trolling, cyberbullying, or inappropriate online behavior to whom and where.

The lessons are conducted by professional trainers from "GID CSR Consulting". The "Safe Internet" project envisions the participation of more than 300 students and over 100 parents.

It should be noted that Azercell has been implementing educational projects on internet safety continuously since 2016. During these years, more than 1500 internet users of various ages have benefited from these projects.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were injured on Saturday in clashes between protestors and police in North Waziristan district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported.

According to the reports, hundreds of people were protesting and chanting slogans against delay of election results announcement when police opened fire to disperse the protestors, leaving several protestors injured.

The wounded include police personnel and a former member of the National Assembly, or the lower house of the country's parliament.

Official sources told Xinhua that police opened fire when hundreds of protestors tried to enter an army camp in Miranshah area of North Waziristan.

Rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. 
Ramallah, Feb 10 : The Palestinian Presidency has condemned a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding plans to start a military operation in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, a statement issued by Netanyahu's Office said that the Prime Minister had ordered the army to prepare to evacuate Rafah and start a military operation to eliminate what remains of Hamas brigades, Xinhua news agency reported.

"It is clear that a massive military operation in Rafah will force us to evacuate civilians from the combat area," said the statement from the Palestinian Presidency on Friday.

The statement held the Israeli government and the US administration fully responsible for the consequences, emphasising the danger of such destructive policies.

The Presidency affirmed that the Palestinian people "will not abandon their land and will not accept to be displaced from their homeland".

It called on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities because "the occupation's taking of this step threatens security and peace in the region and the world, and this exceeds all red lines".

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza on October 7 last year, about half of the population of the sector has fled to Rafah, adjacent to Egypt, in search of a safe place.

The process of displacement of residents from their homes has increased recently after the Israeli army launched one of its largest and most massive attacks on Khan Younis, adjacent to Rafah, since weeks ago.

The border city, which receives food and medicine aid from foreign countries and UN agencies through the Rafah crossing, is crowded with tents spread in empty agricultural lands, schools and along roadsides.

UN officials said that most of the new arrivals "live in temporary buildings, tents, or in the open air," pointing out that Rafah has now become a "pressure cooker of despair".
Gaza, Feb 10 : The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has said that Israel has rejected half of the aid requests submitted by the agency for the northern Gaza Strip.

UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini said on Friday in a statement that "since the beginning of the year, half of the aid requests we submitted to the north have been rejected".

The United Nations has identified deep areas of famine and hunger in the northern Gaza Strip, where people are believed to be on the brink of starvation, according to Lazzarini.

He mentioned that nearly 300,000 people in the north rely on the agency's aid to survive, noting that access to life-saving humanitarian aid is being blocked, Xinhua news agency reported.

Flour and its derivatives, rice, and canned goods have been depleted amid the continued siege and prevention of food, water, and nutrition from entering by Israel, according to the Gaza-based government media office.

The office said in a statement that the residents of those areas were forced by the occupation to grind animal feed and grains instead of the missing wheat and are now facing real famine amid the ongoing aggression.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,947, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Friday.
Moscow, Feb 10 : Four people were killed and another one injured after a shooting at a market in the city of Rustavi in the southeast of Georgia, the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Authorities have detained and identified the shooter, whose uncle was among the dead. The injured person was the shooter's cousin and had been taken to the hospital, the Ministry's statement said on Friday as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

The shooter worked in a market with his relatives and they had a conflict, a local TV channel reported.

Among the dead is reportedly a taxi driver who was at the scene of the shooting.
Istanbul, Feb 10 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Islamic countries to act in unity in response to the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

He made the remarks on Friday when addressing the fifth General Assembly of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum in Istanbul via video message, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are continuing our diplomatic contacts so that Islamic countries can act together against the Israeli cruelty in Gaza," Erdogan said.

The President noted that his country is also working hard "to ensure that the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by Israel are not overlooked in the international arena".

He reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and globally recognised Palestinian state.

"We will continue our struggle until an independent and territorially integrated Palestinian state is established on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital," Erdogan said.

After Hamas launched a surprise attack and killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel mounted a massive military offensive against Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Since then, the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has risen to 27,947, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Friday.
Cairo, Feb 10 : The Egyptian presidency, in response to US President Joe Biden's statement, has said that Egypt has opened the Rafah crossing to enable the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip since "the first moment" of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"Egypt has mobilised massive humanitarian aid and relief from itself and other countries," the presidency said on Friday, adding that the persistent bombing of the Palestinian side of the crossing by Israel four times obstructed the aid delivery process, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Thursday, speaking to reporters, Biden said, "Initially, the president of Mexico, Sisi, did not want to open the gate to (allow) humanitarian material to get in," mistakenly calling Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the leader of Mexico.

"Egypt endured immense pressure and challenges to smooth the inflow and increase the amount of aid to Gaza," the statement stressed, adding that 80 per cent of the aid provided to Gaza came from the Egyptian government, people and civil societies.

The statement reiterated the Egyptian efforts to reach a ceasefire and protect the civilians.

Israel has been waging a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, after the movement's surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

The Israeli blockade and bombardment of Gaza have so far killed nearly 28,000 Palestinians, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Friday.

The aid trucks first entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing on October 21, 2023, while wounded people and foreign passport holders have been entering the Egyptian side since the beginning of last November.
Agartala, Feb 10 : Six hardcore cadres of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) fled from their Bangladesh camps and surrendered to security officials in the state on Friday.

They also deposited arms and ammunition including two Chinese rifles, police said.

Police said that the six NLFT extremists surrendered to Deputy Inspector General of Police, Intelligence, Krishnendu Chakravertty in Agartala and deposited some arms and ammunition.

Apart from the two Chinese rifles, they deposited a country-made sten gun, six live rounds 70 mm ammunition, two Chinese grenades, and some ammunition.

The ultras also deposited some extortion notice books, and Bangladesh taka 1,000.

"The group of six having been cornered and getting motivated, renounced the path of bloodshed and made a choice of peace. This group of NLFT has been operationally very active across the fence in Bangladesh. They joined the NLFT outfit in between 2017 and 2022," an official statement said.

So far, 36 active members of NLFT surrendered before Tripura Police and security forces in the recent past.

The statement said: "It will surely further pave the way for remaining fractions of NLFT to make a beeline for peace abjuring violence. It is definitely a committed effort by Tripura Police for ensuring the goal of law and order and development."

The surrendered NLFT militants are Jatindra Tripura, 36, Mokhiram Tripura, 36, Pradip Tripura, 27, Romawia Reang, 50, Johanjoy Reang, 36, and Mani Charan Tripura, 38
Dharamsala, Feb 10 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday greeted Tibetans in Tibet and in exile on Tibetan New Year, Losar 2151 -- the year of the Wood-Dragon.

In a video message, the spiritual leader said: "Despite undergoing great difficulties in exile and living under a powerful Communist Chinese regime, our people, the majority of whom are inside of Tibet, have remained unscathed while I have been the leader.

"Although the Communist Chinese rulers, after the 'so-called peaceful liberation', have wished that we Tibetans forget our religious faith, we have held onto our convictions and our culture even more firmly -- this is very good. Today, there is a renewed interest in Buddhism, not only among Tibetans, but even among some Chinese.

"In many parts of the world today, Tibetan spiritual and cultural traditions are regarded as logical, rational and of practical benefit when closely considered since they enable us to transform our minds in a positive way and bring about inner peace."

According to the Tibetan lunar calendar, Losar is the first day of the New Year. Traditionally, it is celebrated in a big way. This year, the festival falls on February 10. The three-day festival marks sacred and secular practices like prayers, ceremonies, rituals, and folk dancing and merrymaking.

The elderly Buddhist monk said: "Nowadays, an increasing number of people in Western countries are taking interest in Tibetan culture and spirituality. I'm also aware of an increasing number of Western scientists who admire the methods for developing a kind heart that is found in our culture, although they lack any religious belief."

Saying that the Communist Chinese have attempted systematically to eliminate spiritual and cultural heritage, His Holiness in the video message added: "However, it has become clear that rather than destroying it, there is a renewed interest in our cultural traditions in the world today."

Wishing, in particular, to express appreciation for his fellow Tibetans in Tibet for the unflinching faith and devotion they possess, he said: "Still, I think it's important that the new generation of Tibetans has a deep understanding of the good customs we have upheld for more than a thousand years, not just because they are our customs but also because they accord with reason."

"In the reality of today's world, I think it's necessary that the new generation take a fresh look at the traditions we've preserved in the light of Western scientific interest. They need to understand why people in the West with no particular belief in religion take interest in our traditions.

"And they need to be able to recognise the value of the centuries-old cherished treasures of Tibet in order to preserve them well."
Toronto, Feb 10 : An Indian truck driver from Canada has been charged for attempting to bring about $8.7 million worth of cocaine into the US, according to court documents.

Gagandeep Singh, a citizen of India and resident of Canada, was charged with "intent to distribute controlled substances" as he made his first court appearance in Detroit on Wednesday.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit asked Singh to pull over for an inspection at about 11.45 p.m. on Monday, the CTV News reported, citing documents.

"(The accused) ignored the officers and attempted to continue to the tolls before being stopped just before the tolls by CBP officers," the criminal complaint read.

Officers were "alerted to the odour of controlled substances" by a K-9, a border police canine, following which they found 13 cardboard boxes sealed with duct tape in the transport trailer.

A "white powdery" substance worth 290 kilograms field-tested positive for cocaine.

"Due to my training and experience I estimate the value of the seized suspected cocaine to be approximately $8,700,000," Jeffrey Richardson, Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations, wrote in the complaint.

Richardson alleged that the seizure is "consistent with large-scale drug distribution activities".

He told the court that scissors and duct tape, matching the tape used to seal the boxes, were found in the cab of the transport.

According to officers, Singh's manifest indicated he was transporting "agricultural equipment" but the seal on the trailer was for a Canadian health and beauty care company.
Tel Aviv, Feb 10 : As the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel continuing with several human casualties, top Egyptian officials have reached Tel Aviv to accelerate ceasefire talks and possible hostage release deal.

Sources in Israel defense ministry confirmed that a high-level Egyptian delegation has arrived in Israel and entered into talks with Mossad chief David Burnea.

After a week-long ceasefire from November 24 to December 1, in which 105 Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released, the next round of discussions for the release of more hostages are struck with both sides not agreeing to the proposals put forward.

According to Israel intelligence officers, the Hamas is insisting on the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails for the release of 35 hostages in its custody.

Israel, according to sources, is willing to release a decent number of Palestinian prisoners for the first round of 35 hostages to be released from Hamas captivity.

However, Israel has flatly rejected the demand for the withdrawal of its troops from Gaza and have told negotiators that such a deal will never happen.

Another major reason for the arrival of the Egyptian delegation is to ask the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to not expand operations into the Rafah region which shares borders with Egypt.

Rafah is the international border connecting Egypt and Israel and through which international aid trucks including those carrying food, oil and medicine are reaching the Gaza Strip.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have announced that Israel troops would be marching towards Rafah where a large number of Hamas are reportedly hiding.

After listening to the view points of Israel, the Egyptian delegation will reach Doha and convey the message on the hostage deal to Qatari officials who will inform Hamas.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief William Burns, according to sources, is overseeing the peace talks involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, Israel and Hamas to bring about a possible solution to the ceasefire bottlenecks and ensure speedy release of hostages.
New York, Feb 10 : A 41-year-old Indian-origin tech executive has died in the US, days after he was assaulted outside a restaurant in Washington, according to media reports.

Vivek Taneja, president and co-founder of Dynamo Technologies, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday after he was assaulted by a man on February 2 outside Shoto Restaurant, the WUSA9 news channel reported.

Taneja was knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement, following a verbal altercation that got physical.

According to the police incident report, Taneja stepped in to defend a female companion who was being harassed by the suspect.

Police found him at around 2 a.m. on the pavement with life-threatening injuries and rushed him to hospital.

An eyewitness who knew Taneja told the news channel that the fight started inside the restaurant after which both men were kicked out.

Seeking public help, police on Friday released a surveillance video of the suspect walking in the courtyard outside the bar. They are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to his arrest.

Taneja was a graduate of the University of Virginia and was well-loved by neighbours who left flowers on his doorstep Friday afternoon, the news channel reported.

The recent incident comes amid a spate of attacks on Indian students in the US with five of them reported dead so far this year.

Earlier this week, an Indian student from Hyderabad, Syed Mazahir Ali, was left bleeding from his nose and mouth after he was attacked by robbers in Chicago.

Expressing regrets over the attacks on Indian students, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti assured while speaking to the local media that America is a "wonderful and safe place" to study for Indians.
YANGON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and seven others were injured in a traffic accident involving five vehicles on Myanmar's highway on Saturday morning, an official from the Myanmar Rescue Organization said.

The fatal accident took place at around 00:06 a.m. local time on Saturday near the milepost 158/5 on the Yangon-Mandalay highway, when three small vehicles were caught between two express vehicles.

"When the cars ahead applied their brakes to lower their speeds due to a traffic jam, an express vehicle behind them lost control and collided. This collision impacted three small vehicles caught between the two express cars," an official from the Myanmar Rescue Organization told Xinhua on Saturday.

The deceased included two males and one female, while the injured included an eight-year-old child, he said, adding that the victims were sent to Taungoo General Hospital. All the victims are from the three small vehicles, he added. 
OpenAI board will go after my shares if I go off: Sacked CEO Sam Altman. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 10 : ChatGPT maker OpenAI is currently generating about 100 billion worlds per day, its Co-founder and CEO Sam Altman revealed on Saturday, as he seeks trillions of dollars to reshape the future of chips and artificial intelligence (AI).

In a post on X, Altman said that he needs more graphics-processing units (GPUs) to achieve the massive number of words humanity is generating.

"OpenAI now generates about 100 billion words per day. All people on Earth generate about 100 trillion words per day," he added.

To reach that humongous level, we "need more GPUs."

When a follower asked him How many GPUs can $7 trillion buy, Altman responded: "Probably a lot of GPUs."

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Altman is in talks with investors, including the UAE government, to raise funds for a tech initiative that would boost the world's chip-building capacity.

"The project could require raising as much as $5 trillion to $7 trillion," the report mentioned, citing sources.

Altman has often said there aren't enough high-end GPUs to power OpenAI's quest for AI.

Global sales of chips were $527 billion last year and are expected to rise to $1 trillion annually by 2030.

Late last month, Altman visited South Korea to discuss ways to set up a global network for AI chip manufacturing with key chipmakers there.

South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are two of the few companies in the world that produce the premium high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, tailored for AI processors. Their combined market share in the global HBM market reaches more than 90 per cent.
Vijayawada, Feb 10 : Six persons were killed and 15 injured in a collision involving two trucks and a private bus in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district in the wee hours of Saturday, police said.

Vijayawada, Feb 10 (IANS) Six persons were killed and 15 injured in a collision involving two trucks and a private bus in Andhra Pradeshas Nellore district in the wee hours of Saturday, police said.

The accident occurred near Kavali-Musunuru Toll Plaza when the truck collided head-on with the bus.

According to police, a truck hit another stationary truck from behind and the second truck then rammed into the bus coming from the opposite direction on the other side of the road.

The front portion of the bus was badly mangled in the collision. Police rushed to the spot and launched rescue work. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals and the condition of some of them is stated to be critical.

The bus, belonging to private travels, was on its way to Hyderabad from Chennai. It was carrying 42 passengers

The accident led to a huge traffic jam on the highway. Vehicles heading towards Vijayawada from Nellore were caught in a two-km long jam.

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer has expressed his anguish and profound grief over the accident. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Srinagar, Feb 10 : In a historic judgement, the J&K and Ladakh High Court has ordered an "end to the discrimination" against Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) refugees of 1947 settled outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Feb 10 (IANS) In a historic judgement, the J&K and Ladakh High Court has ordered an "end to the discrimination" against Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) refugees of 1947 settled outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Justice Rahul Bharti in his judgement called the discrimination against PoJK refugees "discretion engineered discrimination on the part of successive governments of the then State of Jammu and Kashmir."

The High Court directed the Central government to treat 5300 displaced families of PoJK of 1947 through their successors/legal heirs settled out of J&K alike and equally with 26,319 displaced families settled in the erstwhile State and consequently work out a one time settlement rehabilitation package for them.

High Court has also directed the government to accord same status and entitlements in their respective favour as held and enjoyed by 26,319 displaced families of PoJK of 1947 settled in erstwhile State of J&K and the needful should be done at the earliest and preferably within a period of next six months.

"Alike in pain and deprivation but disliked in relief and rehabilitation. While the pain and deprivation of these 5300 uprooted and displaced families came to be assuaged in due course of time by the law of nature itself but remained un-assuaged by the lawmakers and lawmen all along compounding pain, suffering and deprivation to pass in inheritance even to next generations," Justice Rahul Bharti said.

The High Court said that the transformation of constitutional status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir with coming into force of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 has self-paved the way to the reliefs sought alike by the petitioners leaving this court just to guide the grant of reliefs claimed by the petitioners to be carried out by the Union of India by its own Constitutional commitment.

"Before the J&K Reorganization Act, 2019, the relationship of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union of India was getting governed by restricted application of the Constitution of India leaving or reserving little say with the Government of India to intermeddle, interject or injunct the decision making," the court said.

It said that now after the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, the Government of India, through its Ministry of Home Affairs, has come to revise its response in the case from being a passive voice to become an active voice by registering its willingness to do the course correction in all respects and aspects beginning with in extending the one time settlement benefit of equal extent and amount in favor of 5300 displaced families PoJK 1947 being represented by the petitioners as being successors-in-interest/legal heirs as otherwise made available to 26,319 displaced families PoJK, 1947 who had stayed and settled in the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir.

"The mindset to exclude the known 5300 displaced families of PoJK 1947 not settled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir from getting any legal status and recognition got exhibited with legislation Jammu & Kashmir Displaced Persons (Permanent Settlement) Act, 1971," the High Court said.

It said that just by text orientation of one definition in the Act, 5300 displaced families came to be disqualified legally from having any say and status in the State of Jammu & Kashmir notwithstanding their displacement from the princely State.

"This court has reasons and basis to make a safe inference that the then Governments in J&K intentionally kept the displaced persons of PoJK settled outside out of purview of relief and rehabilitation package in exploit of being its domain of decision making admitting of no dictation from Government of India because of constitutional relationship," the court said.

The court said that there was no legal basis but a political motive in keeping the displaced families settled outside J&K to remain out of the purview of the benefits of relief and rehabilitation package.

"Now, the Government of India and the government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are on the same page intending to extend the benefit even to these 5300 displaced families and their successors," the High Court said.

The court said that it is equally pertinent to mention that out of Rs 2000 crore, an amount of Rs 1457 crore has been spent leaving an unutilized amount within the prescribed cap of which amount, the other displaced families of PoJK of 1947 can be duly taken care of.
Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lanka batter to score double-hundred, achieves feat against Afghanistan. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 10 : Former Sri Lanka batter Sanath Jayasuriya lauded Pathum Nissanka after he went past Jayasuriya's record of highest ODI score and became the first Sri Lanka batter to score a double-hundred in ODI against Afghanistan.

Nissanka's extraordinary innings, characterized by a breathtaking array of strokes, guided Sri Lanka to a commanding victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI of their three-match series. His unbeaten knock of 210 runs, adorned with 20 fours and eight towering sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 381 for 3 in 50 overs

In the wake of Nissanka's record-breaking performance, Jayasuriya took to social media to laud the young batter's masterclass in batting, expressing his privilege in witnessing the spectacle firsthand.

"Congratulations to Pathum on a masterclass in batting. I am so so privileged to witness it in person. Pure bliss," Jayasuriya posted on 'X'.

Nissanka's achievement, which marked the first instance of a Sri Lankan batter scoring a double century in ODIs, also shattered the long-standing record set by the iconic Sanath Jayasuriya for the highest individual score of 189 runs.

Partnering with Avishka Fernando, Nissanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's imposing total with a scintillating opening partnership of 182 runs. Following Fernando's departure, Nissanka unleashed his aggressive repertoire, captivating the audience with his exquisite strokeplay and unwavering determination.

However, Afghanistan mounted a spirited fightback, led by Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who orchestrated a remarkable 6th-wicket partnership worth 242 runs. Despite their valiant efforts, Sri Lanka's bowling duo of Pramod Madushan and Dushmantha Chameera held their nerve, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory for the home side by 42 runs.

The two sides will now clash at the same venue for the second match of their series on Sunday.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Delhi Police on Saturday beefed up security and said it was in touch with the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration after a scuffle broke out during a General Body Meeting (GBM) on Friday night in which 15 people were said to be injured.

"There was a scuffle in the student's GBM. We are in contact with the JNU administration and are examining the matter," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest), Rohit Meena.

Police said that they have also beefed up the security outside the JNU campus to avoid any untoward incident.

"Police teams are deployed outside the campus and if the varsity administration will make a request then the force will be deployed in the campus, too, to maintain law and order," said an official.

Late on Friday night, a scuffle erupted between the RSS-affiliated ABVP and Left-backed groups at the Sabarmati Dhaba on the JNU campus during the meeting called to nominate members for the 2024 JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) polls' Election Commission.

According to sources, around 15 students from both the student outfits sustained injuries during the clashes.

Sources further said that an FIR has been registered on the complaint given by JNUSU members on Saturday morning while the ABVP will also be submitting a complaint and appropriate legal action will be initiated.

The Democratic Students' Federation (DSF) accused members of the ABVP of disrupting the UGBM by coming onto the stage, harassing council members and speakers.

Videos shared by both groups on social media show ABVP and JNUSU members engaged in heated arguments, while university security personnel attempt to restore order.

Meanwhile, the JNUSU said that its President Aishe Ghosh was heckled and attacked by ABVP men.

"They (ABVP members) can be seen throwing water on her. Such disgraceful behaviour against a female student of JNU should not be tolerated at any cost," the JNUSU said in a statement.
Don't eat for 2-days if your parents don't vote for me: Shiv Sena MLA tells schoolchildren. Image Source: IANS News

Hingoli : , Feb 10 (IANS) The maverick Shiv Sena MLA from Kalamnuri constituency Santosh L. Bangar, has once again embarrassed the ruling MahaYuti government, while making an early campaign for the Assembly elections due around October 2024.

Bangar (43), a school dropout, 'addressed' a meeting -- among some 50-odd schoolchildren of a primary school all aged below 10 years -- in Lakh village in his constituency.

He made a bizarre speech before the schoolchildren, videos of which have gone viral on social media, asking the children to abstain from eating for two days if their parents did not vote for him (Bangar) in the next elections.

"If your parents ask you why you are not taking your food, tell them that first they must vote for 'Santosh Bangar' (me), before you break the hunger fast," Bangar is heard pleading to the children, almost sounding stern.

He also made the little demure kids chant, in a loud chorus, his name at least three times 'Santosh Bangar', even as his own supporters and some school teachers standing around stifled their laughter.

Bangar's brazen antics immediately sparked a row from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders who demanded action against Bangar for 'exploiting' small children to catch votes.

Congress' Leader of Opposition (Assembly) Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the ruling MLA for instigating the kids not to eat for a couple of days if their parents do not vote for him (Bangar).

"Despite the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s orders not to use children for political campaigning or any election related works, the ruling party legislator is indulging this by going to a school for canvassing," said a fuming Wadettiwar.

He sought to know whether the Education Minister of state is 'sleeping', and if the ECI would clarify if this right and will it take action against Bangar for blatantly flouting the election rules.

In a sharp attack, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit R. Pawar asked whether he (Bangar) is some kind of a 'Mahatma' for inducing small students to keep off food for two days unless their parents vote for him.

"What is his big contribution to education in his constituency Using children for politicking is a crime and action must be taken against such legislators," demanded Rohit R. Pawar.

Shiv Sena (UBT) National Spokesperson Kishore Tiwari said Bangar's shameless appeal before such small and innocent children proves that he has "no face" to face the people and parents of his constituency due to his arrogance and high-handed behaviour in public.

"It's a shame to what level the MahaYuti legislators have stooped... Now, they are targetting children to 'blackmail' their parents into voting for them. Tomorrow, they will threaten other sections of society, like the first-time voters or women, with consequences if they don't choose the ruling alliance candidates," rued Tiwari.

Bangar is no stranger to controversies owing to his utterances and has several such faux pas to his credit in the recent past.

During the vertical split in the Shiv Sena in June 2022, he had declared allegiance to the then MVA Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, but barely a day later, he proclaimed that his loyalties lay at the feet of the rebel leader, Eknath Shinde, later the new Chief Minister .

In August 2021, Bangar once threatened to barge into the home of Union Minister Narayan Rane and hammer him, saying: "I have the guts to teach you a lesson".

Later in August 2022, Bangar sparked an uproar after slapping a canteen manager for allegedly serving poor quality food to children

Last month he had vowed "to hang himself publicly" if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not re-elected in the 2024 elections.

Bangar claimed that in 2019, he was elected MLA after he took the vow of the Lord Ganesh Temple in Hingoli, and now he has again taken another vow at the same temple praying for the return of Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister this year.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

--IANS

qn/dan
Pittsburgh, Feb 10 : Reigning National champion Velavan Senthilkumar went down fighting 11-2, 11-4, 11-8 to Egyptian world No 21 Youssef Ibrahim in the quarterfinals of the Pittsburgh Open squash in Pittsburgh (US) on Friday.

It was the Indian's maiden PSA World Tour Silver quarterfinal, in his first outing of the year, following a breakout 2023 that saw the Tamil Nadu player, ranked No 63 in the world, win four PSA titles in his first full year as pro.

Velavan made it to the quarters after a second-round upset over No 8 seed Faraz Khan, and looked stronger in the second and third games against fourth seed Ibrahim.

However, the experienced Egyptian was always a step ahead, and was quoted as saying by the official PSA squash website: "Velavan is such a good player. We have played so many times and he's always given me a hard time on court I'm just glad I held it together and did well."
Kolkata, Feb 10 : West Bengal Police on Saturday informed that its Special Task Force arrested an active member of the banned outfit Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) on Friday night.

The arrested person has been identified as Tapas Roy (27) and is known to be an extremely close confidant of KLO supremo Jeevan Singh.

State police sources said on Saturday that this is not the first time that Roy has been held by the police.

"He was earlier arrested by Nagaland Police and the latter handed him over to Assam Police. In Assam he was in judicial custody for quite some time," a state police official said.

It is learnt that Roy started his journey as an active member of All India Kamtapur Students' Union (AIKSU). Later he came in touch with Jeevan Singh, following which he became an active member of the KLO.

It is learnt that the STF had issued a notice to him for appearance at the force's office in north Bengal for interrogation. Honouring the notice he appeared at the STF office on Friday night and after some initial questioning he was arrested.

"We have already secured his custody and now we will interrogate him to find out why he is back in West Bengal and about his future plans here. He will also be questioned about his other associates in the state," the state police official said.

Roy is the resident of Kumargram block in Alipurduar district in North Bengal. The main charges against him are relating to his involvement in recruiting local youths for KLO as well as extortion from businessmen in north Bengal.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Delhi High Court has said that the issuance of a Lookout Circular (LOC) cannot be indiscriminately employed in cases of bank loan defaults or credit facilities availed for business purposes.

Justice Subramonium Prasad held that a citizen's fundamental right to travel abroad cannot be restricted solely due to failure to repay a bank loan, especially when the individual has not been accused of misappropriating or siphoning off loan amounts.

The court made these observations while quashing an LOC issued against Shalini Khanna at the behest of Bank of Baroda.

The case revolved around Khanna's execution of a Deed of Guarantee for cash credit facilities availed by directors of a company, including her husband. While the bank alleged misappropriation of funds, Khanna had not been accused of any offence related to it.

Despite the bank's recovery proceedings before the Debts Recovery Tribunal and a complaint registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the court ruled that the issuance of the LOC was unjustified.

It said that the loan amount in question, around Rs 7 crores, did not pose a significant threat to the country's economic interests.

While quashing the LOC against Khanna, the court clarified that if she is accused during the criminal proceedings, the bank can request the Bureau of Immigration to issue a fresh LOC against her.
Sriya Reddy: OG is intense, heartfelt, and brings me back to my childhood. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Feb 10 : Actress Sriya Reddy will be seen starring in 'OG' with Pawan Kalyan and Emraan Hashmi. She said that the film is intense, heartfelt, and brings me back to my childhood.

"As someone who appreciates quality cinema, I couldn't be more thrilled about this upcoming project," Sriya said on being a part of the film.

About the movie, Sriya shared: "I would summarise by stating that it's intense, heartfelt, and brings me back to my childhood"

She also mentioned: "My character is strong and invincible; you will be surprised by the character so different from Radha Rama!"

Along with Pawan Kalyan, 'OG' also stars actor Emraan Hashmi in shades of gray. The gangster drama is helmed by Sujeeth, who made his directorial debut in 2014 with the Telugu film 'Run Raja Run' at the age of 23.

With major portions of the film shot in Mumbai and Hyderabad, the film is said to have great action drama, including high-octane sequences. In the movie, Pawan Kalyan and Emraan Hashmi will be seen locking horns.

'OG' talks about a dreaded gangster named Ojas Gambheera, also known as "OG", who returns to Mumbai after disappearing for 10 years on a personal crusade to finish crime bosses.
KABUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir said Afghanistan's permanent seat in the United Nations must be given to the Islamic Emirate, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.

Kabir made the remarks in a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, saying that the international community should recognize the current government and all conditions for recognition have been met.

The senior official also called sanctions on the Islamic Emirate and government officials unfair, stressing that the move would affect its interaction with the world. 
Kolkata, Feb 10 : Superstar Mithun Chakraborty and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty have been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata on Saturday after he complained of acute uneasiness.

He was in Kolkata shooting a film. Sources said that he started complaining about uneasiness from around 10 a.m. on Saturday, following which his close associates decided to get him admitted at the private hospital in the city without taking any further risk.

It is learnt that he was on the shooting floor while he started feeling uneasy. The exact medical complications are yet to be known.

Besides being a successful cine-star, he has a varied and colourful political career. During his college days in Kolkata, he got attracted towards the Naxalite movement. In the later part of his career, he became close to CPI-M leadership, especially the maverick Indian Marxist and former West Bengal minister Subhash Chakraborty.

However, at a later stage following the request and insistence of the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he became a Rajya Sabha member of Trinamool Congress.

However, he started distancing himself from the stateas ruling party after the name of prominent leaders of the party got involved with the multi-crore chit fund scams in West Bengal especially those of Saradha Group and Rose Valley.

Before the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, he joined BJP at a mega rally in Kolkata in presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : A new book titled 'What If There Was No Congress' (Rupa Publication) by author and political brand strategist Priyam Gandhi-Mody has shed light on an elite Indian party which sowed the seeds of Partition by setting off a clash of the egos of two Gujaratis.

"There is a famous party that took place in 1914 for [Mahatma] Gandhi when he stopped over in London after returning from South Africa, in which [M.A.] Jinnah was also present. It is believed that this is where the two gentlemen first met and had a conversation, presumably on Indian politics," writes the author.

Two years later, they met again, this time at a party thrown by the Congress leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale at Jinnah's house in Bombay, and here is where the earliest signs of the lifelong divide between Gandhi and Jinnah became evident.

Gandhi-Mody writes that at this party, where Jinnah was the host, Gandhi took to the stage at one point and said of Jinnah, "I am so pleased to see that not only is a Muslim a part of the Congress but that he is in charge of his branch of it."

Jinnah found these remarks rather condescending because not only was he Gandhi's senior in the legal profession, he had also made a name for himself as a result of the progress he had made in fighting the British in the courts.

Gandhi-Modi writes that Jinnah and the Mahatma had several personal clashes that ended up eventually to the events leading up to Partition.

At the Nagpur session of the Congress in 1920, according to Gandhi-Mody, Jinnah tried to make an agitated plea referring to Gandhi as Mr Gandhi and not Mahatma. He was at once heckled and shut down by Gandhi's supporters in the audience. "For the thin-skinned Jinnah, being interrupted by his junior colleague's supporters, was too much of an insult to take in," notes the author.

Jinnah quickly realised that in front of the godly status that Gandhi had begun to acquire among members and supporters of the Congress because of the Hindu imagery he kept invoking, his own vision of the sub-continent's future stood no chance.

Gandhi-Mody writes that Jinnah grew increasingly arrogant and self-serving. Many, including Nehru, believed that Jinnah had taken the League leadership to get back at the Congress, which he believed had deprived him of what he thought was deservingly his.

Writes Gandhi-Modi, "One of the gravest mistakes the Congress leadership made was to underestimate Jinnah's intentions and abilities." By not being able to understand Jinnah's character, Nehru went on to make errors while dealing with him in the years 1939-48.

Gandhi-Mody notes that several people had several views on Jinnah, but the one point that everyone seemed to concur with was that the founder of Pakistan had a fragile ego and he liked to win, at any cost, famously by trapping his opponents in the details.
Mumbai : Former NCB Zonal Director, Sameer Wankhede, has moved to the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of the CBI FIR filed against him in the Aryan Khan bribery case, in Mumbai on Friday, May 19, 2023.. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Feb 10 : IRS officer Sameer Wankhede on Saturday expressed surprise over an alleged money-laundering case lodged against him by the ED, but assured he would cooperate fully with the probe agency.

Wankhede, the former Zonal Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai, is facing allegations and a CBI probe for allegedly seeking a bribe of Rs 25 crore during the October 2021 raid on the Cordelia cruise ship in which actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan was also arrested.

"The ED had registered the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in 2023. It is surprising that this ECIR is based on the CBI FIR which is already under question before the Bombay High Court," said Wankhede in a brief reaction in Maharashtra.

However, he pointed out that since the matter was sub judice, he wouldn't say anything more on it, but would give an appropriate reply in court at the right time.

Wankhede reiterated that he had full faith in the Indian Judiciary.

The IRS officer's tenure as the NCB Mumbai Zonal Director is under the scanner of the CBI which had registered the FIR against him.

The ED, which has filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has now summoned Wankhede for questioning.

An officer of IRS 2008, Wankhede had earlier moved the Bombay HC seeking protection from any coercive action by the ED.

During the high-profile NCB raids on the cruiser Cordelia, 20 people were arrested and certain quantities of drugs were recovered in that operation.

Subsequently, Wankhede and others faced a NCB Vigilance probe into the lapses in the raid.

The charges against Aryan Khan were dropped in May 2022 due to lack of evidence
Bengaluru, Feb 10 : Members of the Karnataka Human Rights Commission raided the Amruthahalli police station on Saturday after a family of an accused filed a complaint that the accused has been illegally detained for over 10 days in a theft case.

The raid was led by the Commissionas Deputy SP Sudheer Hegde on early Saturday morning. The investigators found that Yasin Mehboob Khan from Mumbai was unlawfully detained in the police station.

Sources said that Yasin had been held in illegal detention since February 1. A theft case was filed against Yasin in 2023, and he had gone into hiding after the police complaint.

The court issued a warrant for his arrest, and the Amruthahalli police apprehended him in Mumbai.

However, the police allegedly did not inform the family of the accused about the arrest and failed to document it properly.

Additionally, police also did not present the accused before the court. Following these developments, the family approached the Karnataka Human Rights Commission.

Commission officers are currently questioning the police inspector and police staff regarding the case.

The investigators will ensure that the accused is produced before the court.

Sources said that the accused, under illegal detention, had managed to convey a message through an advocate to his family about his situation.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the plea filed by Ashish Mishra, who is out on interim bail in connection with the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.

As per the Causelist published on the website of the apex court, a Bench presided over by Justice Surya Kant will take up the matter for hearing on February 12.

In September 2023, the top court allowed the son of Union Home Minister for State, Ajay Kumar Mishra, to stay in the national Capital considering the fact that Ashish Mishraas mother is admitted in a hospital in Delhi and his daughter also requires medical treatment.

However, it asked Mishra to not participate in any public function in Delhi or interact with the media in relation to any issue that is sub judice.

The Supreme Court in January last year had imposed a slew of conditions while granting interim bail to Mishra.

It had ruled that Ashish Mishra would have to leave Uttar Pradesh (UP) within one week of his release; he cannot stay in UP or Delhi/NCR; he shall inform the court about his location; and any attempt by his family members or Mishra himself to influence witnesses would lead to cancellation of his bail.

The court added that Mishra would have to surrender his passport; he will not enter UP except to attend the trial proceedings; and, the prosecution, SIT, Informant or any family member of the victims of the crime will be at liberty to promptly inform the apex court of any incident of misuse of the concession of the interim bail.

In October, 2021, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri District's Tikunia in violence that erupted when farmers were protesting against UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area.

According to the UP Police FIR, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV, in which Ashish Mishra was seated.
Chennai, Feb 10 : Special teams of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting raids at multiple locations in Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchi from Saturday morning in connection with the Coimbatore car blast case.

The Coimbatore car bomb blast took place near Sangameswar temple, Ukkadam, on the eve of Deepavali on October 22, 2023, in which a suicide bomber, Jameesha Mubeen (27), was killed.

Jameesha Mubin is reportedly inspired by ISIS and many of his friends who had allegedly conspired with Mubeen were also arrested.

The NIA team conducted raids at the residences of Nasser -- son of a DMK functionary -- in Pothanur, and Rehman, an AC Mechanic, in Al-Ameen Colony.

The local police provided security to the NIA teams at all the locations in Coimbatore.

It may be noted that the NIA had taken over the investigation of the case, which was initially registered by the Ukkadam Police.

The NIA team conducted searches at the residence of a functionary of Wahdat E Islami Hind on Kazimar Street in Madurai.

Four NIA sleuths are searching the house on Kazimare Street and investigation is on to find out if the functionary was, in any way, connected to the blast.

Police personnel were deployed at the location to prevent any untoward incident.

According to police sources, the NIA officers are also are searching the residence of Ashraf Ali, who runs an electrical shop, in Kooni Bazaar in Tiruchi.

Another team of NIA officials went to East Boulevard Road in Tiruchi to search the house of Abdul Rasool. Local police officers told IANS that as the house was locked, the officials had to leave the place.
Mumbai, Feb 10 : Bollywood action star Vidyut Jammwal on Saturday was taken into railway police custody in Mumbai reportedly for doing risky stunts.

A picture of a pensive Jammwal at the Bandra office of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has surfaced on the website HelloMumbaiNews.com. Another image shows him exiting.

According to the website, the RPF office is located on platform No. 1 at the Bandra railway station.

According to sources, the actor was taken into custody reportedly for doing risky stunts, but there's been no official confirmation of the charge yet.
London, Feb 10 : The German chemicals producer BASF has said it will withdraw from its two joint ventures in Xinjiang, after reports about alleged human rights abuses relating to its partner company, which BASF's CEO said crossed a red line, media reported.

In a statement, BASF said that while "regular due diligence measures including internal and external audits have not found any evidence of human rights violations in the two joint ventures," the recent reports "indicate activities inconsistent with BASF's values".

On Monday, a group of politicians from around the world urged BASF to withdraw from Xinjiang, a region in north-west China where there are widespread reports of state-sponsored human rights abuses, The Guardian reported.

The politicians' letter followed reports in German media that people employed by BASF's Chinese partner company, Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry, also known as Markor Chemical, accompanied Chinese state officials on home visits to Uyghur households as part of a government initiative that human rights groups have said is used to spy on people and indoctrinate them.

The alleged visits are said to have happened in 2018 and 2019, at the height of the Chinese government's campaign to suppress Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Beijing describes its policies in Xinjiang as counter-terrorism and poverty reduction measures and says it promotes ethnic harmony in the region, The Guardian reported.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday, gave an ultimatum to the Governor saying he would defy Section 144 and lead a BJP delegation to violence-ridden Sandeshkhali unless CV Ananda Bose takes concrete steps to restore normalcy there in the next 24 hours.

On Saturday, after staging a walk out from the Assembly, the BJP legislators led by Adhikari went straight to the Raj Bhavan and had a meeting with the Governor.

"The state administration and police are trying to suppress the spontaneous agitation of the local people born out of the accumulated grievances against the local Trinamool Congress leaders there.

"At any cost we will not allow the police to suppress that democratic and spontaneous movement of the local people. We have requested the Governor to initiate steps to ensure peace and normalcy at Sandeshkhali within 24 hours. Otherwise, BJP legislators will assemble within the Assembly premises on Monday and go to Sandeshkhali from there, even if we have to breach Section 144 there," the LoP said after emerging from the meeting with the Governor on Saturday afternoon.

He also challenged the state administration to stop him from reaching Sandeshkhali on Monday.

"If the police want they can arrest us. But we are determined to reach Sandeshkhali on Monday," he said.

Even as he was speaking to the media, the other BJP legislators started burning a copy of the Gazette Notification for imposing Section 144 at Sandeshkhali.

Section 144 has been imposed in 16 panchayats scattered over the two blocks of SandeshkhaliI and Sandeshkhali-II.

Ban on the use of Internet has also been imposed in that area for an indefinite period till normalcy is restored.

A huge police contingent, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force and combat force is patrolling the area. As per the latest report, the streets of Sandeshkhali wear a deserted look as all the shops are closed.
London, Feb 10 : Google has announced to support the European parliamentary elections by surfacing high-quality information to voters, safeguarding its platforms from abuse and equipping campaigns with the best-in-class security tools and training.

On June 6-9, voters across the 27 member states of the European Union will take to the polls to elect Members of European Parliament (MEPs).

"Across our efforts, we'll have an increased focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the part it can play in the misinformation landscape  while also leveraging AI models to augment our abuse-fighting efforts," said Annette Kroeber-Riel, Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy for Europe.

In the coming months, when people search for topics like 'how to vote,' they will find details about how they can vote  such as ID requirements, registration, voting deadlines, voting abroad and guidance for different means of voting, like in person or via mail

"We're collaborating with the European Parliament which aggregates information from Electoral Commissions and authorities in the 27 EU member states," said Google.

All advertisers who wish to run election ads in the EU on Google platforms are required to go through a verification process and have an in-ad disclosure that clearly shows who paid for the ad.

"These ads are published in our Political Ads Transparency Report, where anyone can look up information such as how much was spent and where it was shown. We also limit how advertisers can target election ads," the company informed.

The company said that to help enforce its policies, AI models are enhancing abuse-fighting efforts.

"With recent advances in our Large Language Models (LLMs), we're building faster and more adaptable enforcement systems that enable us to remain nimble and take action even more quickly when new threats emerge," Google said.

Like any emerging technology, AI presents new opportunities as well as challenges. For example, generative AI makes it easier than ever to create new content, but it can also raise questions about trustworthiness of information, like "deepfakes."

"We have policies across our products and services that address misinformation and disinformation in the context of AI," Google added.
MADRID, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish capital city of Madrid is teeming with festive Chinese elements, of which an adorable baby dragon poster is particularly eye-catching, as the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon, starts on Saturday.

The baby dragon in red, yellow and green and with a cute and playful expression emerging from Madrid's landmark building, the Plaza Cibeles, was designed by Spanish artist Juan Carlos Paz, or Baeka in stage name.

Baeka has created Chinese New Year posters for the Madrid City Council for eight consecutive years. He generally combined the zodiac animals with photographs of Spanish iconic locations and the overlapping layers gave the posters a 3D look.

"We designed the dragon's horn to look like tree branches with leaves and small mushrooms growing on it, and a wooden seal with the word 'dragon' on it," he explained.

"A friendly, funny, and powerful dragon perched above the city of Madrid symbolizes that Chinese culture embraces Madrid, and Madrid embraces Chinese culture," said Baeka.

After years of focusing on Chinese zodiac animals, Baeka's understanding of Chinese culture has also deepened. "We do some research before each creation to honor Chinese culture as much as possible," he said.

The design at the Year of the Tiger was Baeka's favorite when his daughter was born. "That year I drew a little female tiger on the poster representing her," Baeka said.

Baeka said he will continue to design posters of Zodiac animals. "When you spend that much time involved in projects related to a certain culture, you are inevitably drawn to it. I find Chinese culture fascinating and would love to visit China one day," he said.

Since earlier this month, a series of activities, including concerts, Chinese cuisine experiences, float parades, exhibitions, and folklore fairs have been held in Madrid to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 
IPO-bound Ola Electric gets certification for 2nd e-scooter under govts PLI scheme. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 10 : Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has received certification for its S1 Pro (Gen-2) electric scooter under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile and auto component industry.

New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has received certification for its S1 Pro (Gen-2) electric scooter under the governmentas production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile and auto component industry.

Sources told IANS on Saturday that the IPO-bound company had applied for the PLI certification for S1 Pro in October and received the certification this week.

The companyas Ola S1 Pro and Ola S1 Air are now eligible for subsidies under the governmentas auto PLI scheme for five years from the date of certification, sources added.

When reached, the company did not immediately comment on the development.

Last month, the Ministry of Heavy Industries issued a notification to announce the extension of the tenure of the PLI scheme for automobile and auto components by one year.

Under the amended scheme, the incentive will be applicable for a total of five consecutive financial years, starting from the financial year 2023-24.

The amendment also includes changes to the table indicating the incentive outlay, with the total indicative incentive amounting to Rs 25,938 crore.

In December, Ola Electric became the first Indian e-scooter (e2W) company to get eligible for the governmentas PLI scheme for its Ola S1 Air electric scooter.

The other applicants for the PLI scheme are Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Auto and others.

For e2W startups, fresh investment of Rs 1,000 crore is required to avail of the PLI scheme.

Ola Electric plans to expand its EV business and establish a lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's devotion and strict adherence to ascetic rituals, as suggested under 'Yam Niyam' and said that he started 'Bhakti ka Andalon' ahead of the Pran Pratistha ceremony in the grand Ram Temple complex.

Speaking on the discussion over Ram Temple construction & Ram Lalla's consecration in Lok Sabha, the Home Minister said, "PM Modi started Bhakti ka Aandolan instead of politicisation of consecration ceremony" and the Opposition should have taken lessons from it.

Shah said that PM Modi led the nation in paying obeisance to Lord Ram and strictly followed 'Yam Niyam' for full 11 days and this included, "sleeping on the floor, consuming only coconut water and heard Ram Bhajans in various languages."

Blasting the Opposition & naysayers for constantly finding fault & 'playing with the beliefs of 140 crore people', he advised them not to behave like 'havan mein haddi', as goes the proverb in Gujarati.

He said that when Supreme Court, in its historic August 5 order gave go-ahead for construction of Ram Temple, the rival parties resorted to fear-mongering and claiming that riots will pan out across the country.

"They forgot that this is Modi government. The entire journey from ground-breaking ceremony to Pran Pratistha, everything happened in peaceful environment and today the entire nation is celebrating the joyous occasion," he said amid cheers & bench-thumping by the treasury benches.

Further revealing the rationale behind not naming the Ayodhya Airport after Lord Ram, the Home Minister revealed that it was done at the insistence of PM Modi.

"It was a popular proposal to name it after Lord Ram & the family members including Raja Dashrath but Prime Minister was clear on identifying & crediting the role of everyone including Lord Hanuman, Maharishi Valmiki, squirrel & more," he told the House.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on Saturday approved a proposal to provide medical benefit to insured superannuating workers who were dropped from the ESI Scheme coverage after their wages exceeded the ceiling limit.

The persons who were in insurable employment for at least five years after April 1, 2012, and superannuated or voluntarily retired on or after April 1, 2015 with wages up to Rs 30,000 per month will now be eligible to avail of medical benefits under the new scheme.

The Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme provides full medical care in the form of medical attendance, treatment, drugs and injections, specialist consultation and hospitalization to insured persons and members of their families.

The ESI Scheme applies to factories and other establishments such as road transport, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, newspaper, shops, and educational/medical institutions in which 10 or more persons are employed

The ESIC meeting, chaired by Labour Minister Minister Bhupender Yadav, also decided to augment medical services and infrastructure in the North-East Region and Sikkim to fulfil the vision of the Act East Policy of the Government.

The ESIC relaxed the existing norms for establishment of dispensaries, medical infrastructure/Regional/Sub Regional Offices in NE states including Sikkim.

To promote holistic wellbeing of the ESI beneficiaries, a new policy on AYUSH 2023 in ESIC institutions was adopted during the meeting. The policy details the establishing of Panchkarma, Kshara Sutra and AYUSH Units in ESIC Hospitals.

Further, in order to strengthen the infrastructure of medical care, approval was given at the meeting for acquisition of lands for construction of 100 bedded hospitals each at Udupi, Karnataka; Idukki, Kerala and a 150 bedded hospital at Malerkotla in Punjab was also accorded.

Besides, it was decided to extend concessions/facilities for non-IPs to avail ESI healthcare services at "Nil" user charges at ESIC Medical Colleges and Hospitals at Alwar, Rajasthan and Bihta, Bihar till March 31, 2025.

The Revised Estimates 2023-24, Budget Estimates 2024-25 and Performance Budget 2024-25 of the ESIC was adopted by the ESI Corporation during the meeting.
Los Angeles, Feb 10 : Former couple SofAa Vergara and Joe Manganiello have reached an agreement to finalise their divorce.

According to a filing obtained by People.com, on Friday, the divorce case is proceeding as an uncontested action, meaning both parties appeared and "entered into a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage ... which is being or has been submitted to the court."

Manganiello asked the court to terminate spousal support for both parties and attorney fees will be ordered as set forth in the proposed judgment, per the docs.

The former couple announced their split in July in a joint statement. They tied the knot in November 2015 and had been married seven years when they shared the news.

Two days after the joint statement, Manganiello filed for divorce from the America's Got Talent host, citing "irreconcilable differences." He listed the date of separation as July 2 and noted they had a prenup. Vergara later asked in a separate filing that the court uphold the former couple's prenup.

In January, Vergara revealed to a Spanish newspaper that she and Manganiello weren't on the same page when it came to expanding their family and the difference ultimately led to their divorce.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : Even as Section 144 imposed and patrolling by a huge police contingent continues in the area, tension broke out at violence-hit Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Saturday again.

Tension started brewing after a 25-member delegation of BJP tried to enter Sandeshkhali on Saturday evening and was stopped by the police deployed there. Following that there was heated exchange of words between the BJP delegation members and the police officers in-charge of the deployment.

BJP leader Krishnendu Mukhopadhyay said that they pleaded for allowing just four members of the delegation to enter Sandeshkhali and submit a deputation at the local police station there. "However, the police did not even allow us that. Actually, they are scared that if we enter, information will further surface on how the police are working hand-in-glove with the local Trinamool Congress goons to suppress the democratic movement by the local people there," he said.

As this tension was building up just outside the territory of Sandeshkhali, another tension broke out as a group of women assembled on the streets carrying bamboo sticks and sickles protesting attack at the residence of a local villager late Friday night by a group of ruling party-backed hooligans.

The women marched to Sandeshkhali Police Station and started protesting outside it. They alleged that the local hooligans were assisted by the local cops in organising the attack on the residence of the local villager.

On Thursday, the local people, mainly by women, seeking absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan's arrest, burnt down a poultry farm owned by his close confidant and Trinamool Congress leader Shibu Hazra.

Section 144 has already been imposed in part of Sandeshkhali in view of the growing tension in the area. Ban on the use of the Internet has also been imposed there for an indefinite period.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally inaugurates and performs 'bhoomi poojan' of houses built under 'PM Awas Yojana' during the Viksit Bharat Viksit Gujarat programme. Image Source: IANS News

Dwarka, Feb 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Dwarka in Gujarat on February 24 and 25, with an array of ceremonial activities planned, including the inauguration of the much-anticipated Okha - Bet Dwarka signature bridge.

Dwarka, Feb 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Dwarka in Gujarat on February 24 and 25, with an array of ceremonial activities planned, including the inauguration of the much-anticipated Okha a" Bet Dwarka signature bridge.

The Prime Minister's visit, which features an overnight stay at the Dwarka Circuit House, is set to spotlight the region, drawing attention to its religious and cultural significance.

Local authorities, the Gujarat government, and the Devbhoomi Dwarka district administration have been actively coordinating in preparation for the Prime Minister's arrival.

A pivotal meeting took place at the Dwarka Circuit House, bringing district officials, local dignitaries, and community leaders together to finalize the arrangements.

District Collector G. T. Pandya led the discussions, emphasising the importance of the Prime Minister's programme, including a visit to the Jagat Mandir of Lord Dwarkadhish and the inauguration of additional tourist facilities.

The Collector encouraged the community to celebrate the event as a grand festival, highlighting the spiritual and infrastructural uplift it signifies for the area.

Detailed plans were laid out for the Prime Minister's itinerary, which includes a public address at the spacious NDH High School grounds following his darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple. Efforts to beautify Dwarka and Bet Dwarka have already begun, with significant landmarks, public offices, and residential areas to be illuminated as part of the festive decorations.

To ensure the smooth execution of the event, officials from various state departments, including the Gujarat State Road and Building Department and Tourism Department, are collaborating closely with local bodies. A particular emphasis is being placed on cleanliness and security, with additional personnel being deployed and a unique cleaning campaign underway to present Dwarka at its best.

The community has been called upon to participate in the celebrations. MLA Pabubha Manek urging residents to light lamps throughout the area, creating a luminous pathway from Dwarka to surrounding regions. This initiative, along with a comprehensive security plan overseen by the District Police Chief and State Police, aims to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the Prime Minister and attendees.
Vidisha Srivastava's plan this Diwali: Focus will be on my little daughter. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Feb 10 : Actress Vidisha Srivastava has chalked out a wonderfully romantic plan for her husband for Valentine's Day this year, which includes a cosy candlelit dinner.

Talking about her surprise plan Vidisha, who plays Anita Bhabi in the sitcom 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai', shared: "While we embrace love daily, this Valentine's Day holds extra significance as it marks our first as parents. I have planned a wonderfully romantic plan for Sayak this year. To me, Valentine's Day is about painting the town red!"

"They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and nothing surpasses a candlelit dinner at a rooftop restaurant with serene music and a cosy ambience. Despite a busy day of shooting and caring for our child Aadya, I intend to surprise Sayak with an unforgettable date," she shared.

The 'Meri Gudiya' fame actress added: "Other than this, since the day is about celebrating love in every form, let's pause to acknowledge those who bring warmth into our lives and share love with those around us."

The upcoming track of the show will revolve around Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh), who finds himself lost in a daydream where he is celebrating Valentine's Day with Angoori (Shubhangi Atre). In his fantasy, Angoori confesses her love for him. However, upon encountering Angoori in reality, Vibhuti inquires about her plans for Valentine's Day.

She intends to ask Ladoo Ke Bhaiya (Rohitashv Gour) to take her to Kullu Manali. Determined to thwart her plans and spend the day with Angoori himself, Vibhuti devises a scheme. Meanwhile, Tiwari visits Anita (Vidisha Srivastava) to inquire about her plans for Valentine's Day. Anita assumes Vibhuti has something planned for her, but Tiwari mocks the idea, suggesting Vibhuti likely doesn't even remember the occasion.

Offended by Tiwari's comments, Anita challenges him to a bet. When Tiwari encounters Vibhuti, he fabricates a story, claiming Anita expects a diamond necklace for Valentine's Day, causing Vibhuti great distress. To alleviate the pressure, Tiwari advises Vibhuti to feign ignorance about the upcoming Valentine's Day.

When Angoori requests Tiwari to take her to Kullu Manali, he fabricates a story about facing financial losses in his business, preventing him from fulfilling her request. Seeking guidance, Angoori confides in David Chacha (Annup Upadhyay), who suggests she visit a saint who appears on vintage TV.

Excited by the prospect, Angoori eagerly agrees. Disguised as the saint, Vibhuti advises Angoori to ask her neighbour to be her Valentine, assuring her it will resolve her husband's business woes. Following the advice, Angoori approaches Vibhuti and asks him for a date. Meanwhile, Tiwari anonymously sends letters and gifts to Anita.

The show airs on &TV.
Islamabad, Feb 10 : Independent candidates affiliated to jailed Pakistani political leader Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won most of the National Assembly seats in Pakistan's general elections, delivering a surprise victory in a vote marred by slow count and rigging allegations, a media report said.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, Independent candidates have won 98 seats so far, with 22 seats still unclaimed. The majority of the Independents are affiliated to Khan's PTI, CNN reported.

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), which had been favoured to sweep the polls, has so far won the second-most seats at 69. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is placed third with 51 seats.

The 22 remaining seats would not be enough to give PMLN, headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, or PPP the lead, even if they were to win all of them.

Still, none of the three major parties of the country will win the necessary 169 seats to have a majority in the Parliament, and hence, will be unable to form the government on their own, leaving it unclear who will be picked to be the country's next Prime Minister.

In a speech released on Friday, an AI-generated version of Khan claimed victory in the elections and called on his supporters to "now show the strength of protecting your vote", CNN reported.

Khan, who has been behind bars since August, has been using AI to get messages out to his supporters.

"You kept my trust, and your massive turnout has stunned everyone," the AI voice said in the video.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 : Following huge protest by locals over death of a man who was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Saturday, the Kerala government has announced Rs one million compensation and a job to the kin of the deceased.

State Forest Minister A. K. Saseendran told the mediapersons that the need of the hour is to allow tempers to cool down in the wake of the most unfortunate incident of a man losing his life.

"The state will give Rs one million and a government job to one in the family of the victim. We all understand the feelings of the people," said Saseendran.

The victim has been identified as Ajeesh (42), a taxi driver.

The incident occurred near Mananthavady around 7 a.m. Following the incident, angry people blocked the roads and also prevented the vehicle of SP from moving forward.

The police official was on way to the Mananthavady Medical College where the body of Ajeesh was kept. The SP was forced to walk on foot by the locals to the medical college.

The locals have been protesting against the local legislator for "failing" to protect people from the wild animals.

Sources said that the wild elephant had a radio collar which was put by Karnataka forest officials but the elephant had crossed over to the Kerala forests and entered Manathavady areas where people live.

The Kerala Forest department has also decided to take steps to tranquilise the wild elephant and then leave it into the deep forest.

Meanwhile, Congress Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi wrote in his social media account that he is shocked by the untimely demise of Ajeesh from Payyampally, Mananthavady who succumbed to a fatal attack by an elephant.

"Another life has been tragically lost in Wayanad due to a wildlife attack. He was the sole breadwinner of his family and the primary caregiver to his mother. My heart goes out to his family, especially his ailing mother and young children," Rahul said.

"The spate of wildlife attacks, especially elephant attacks have caused tremendous damage to the lives and livelihoods of the people in Wayanad. They have paid a huge price due to the rising instances of human-animal conflict."

"We have repeatedly demanded for intervention to mitigate such attacks in Wayanad, particularly to protect our farmers. However, the lack of a comprehensive action plan to tackle this issue has only aggravated the conflict. I urge the Central and State governments to take decisive steps and put in place a response mechanism that can protect both our communities and the wildlife of the region," the Congress leader wrote.
Ahmedabad: Patients are being shifted to M & J Eye Institute. Image Source: IANS News

Patan, Feb 10 : The Gujarat Government has launched a probe after seven patients allegedly reported partial or complete loss of vision post a cataract surgery at the Sarvoday Eye Hospital in Radhanpur town on February 2, officials said on Saturday.

The hospital is now under scrutiny, with authorities initiating a thorough investigation into the matter; officials said.

According to Bharti Vakharia, a trustee of Sarvodaya Eye Hospital, seven of the 13 patients who underwent the procedure experienced severe complications due to infections.

Five of these patients were transferred to the M and J Institute of Ophthalmology at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to receive further medical attention.

Two were moved to a hospital in Visnagar, Mehsana district.

The affected patients at the Ahmedabad Eye Hospital are currently undergoing treatment, with Dr. Umang Mishra, Resident Medical Officer, reporting that they have developed blurry vision and can only detect hand movements.

Additional symptoms include watery eyes and red spots, indicative of the severe complications arising from the surgeries in Patan.

In response to the alarming situation, the Health and Family Welfare Department has established a committee to conduct an in-depth enquiry, state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said.

Patel emphasised the government's commitment to taking stringent action against anyone responsible for negligence.

This event marks the second occurrence of its kind in Gujarat within a month, raising concerns over patient safety and surgical standards in the state.

Previously, on January 10, another group of 17 elderly individuals suffered vision loss after cataract surgeries at a trust-operated hospital in Mandal Village in Ahmedabad district, also due to infection.

Hospital trustee Vakharia defended the facility, noting that a culture report from their operation theatre cleared the hospital's procedures.

The government has dispatched a team of doctors to Sarvoday Eye Hospital to collect samples and further investigate the cause of the infections.
BUDAPEST, Feb.10 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigned Saturday for pardoning a man who was convicted in 2022 for covering up his boss' sexual crimes against minors.

"As head of state, I am addressing you today for the last time. I am resigning from the office of president of the republic," Novak said on national television channel M1.

"I apologize to those I have offended and to any victims who may have felt that I was not standing up for them. I was, am and always will be with children and families," she added.

Novak pardoned Endre K., the former deputy director of a children's home, in April 2023. The pardon, revealed by local news site 444.hu, led to protests on Friday in Budapest demanding her resignation.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Facebook Thursday that he had submitted a constitutional amendment on behalf of the government to prevent a pardon from being granted to perpetrators of crimes committed against minors.

"There shall be no mercy for paedophiles," Orban said. 
Guwahati, Feb 10 : Assam government will soon come up with a bill to introduce Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and a Cabinet meeting in this regard was called on Saturday to discuss the matter.

State irrigation minister Jayanta Malla Baruah told reporters here on Saturday that the Assam government has been planning to introduce the UCC in the state. The cabinet meeting is called to have an in-depth discussion about the different perspectives of the UCC.

According to sources, the Assam government may come up with a bill to implement the UCC in the ongoing budget session of the assembly.

The minister also hinted that there may be some relaxations in the UCC for the tribal people of the state.

Meanwhile, he also argued that once Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister for the consecutive third term, some big decisions will be taken for the betterment of the country.

Notably, Uttarakhand is the first state in which the state government has introduced a bill to implement UCC there.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier said, "We are also keen on introducing UCC in Assam; however, we first want to see the Uttarakhand government's UCC bill."
Sleep apnea prevalent in patients at risk of heart failure from cancer therapy. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Feb 10 : Sleep apnea is prevalent among cardio-oncology patients who are at higher risk of congestive heart failure following cancer therapy, a new study has said.

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs while sleeping and is classified as either obstructive (OSA) or central (CSA). Both can be treated to reduce symptoms and enhance cardiovascular health.

According to the study presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC), among heart failure patients in the general population, OSA maintains a 48-52 per cent prevalence and is associated with heightened cardiovascular mortality and morbidity rates.

To conduct the study, the researchers used a sleep apnea questionnaire to evaluate the prevalence of the disorder among 296 general cardiology patients and 218 cardio-oncology patients.

Data was collected on traditional risk factors, STOP-BANG (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure - elevated blood pressure, BMI, Age, Neck, Gender) scores, and history of sleep for both groups.

In the general cardiology group, the occurrence of sleep apnea was 54 per cent, while in the cardio-oncology group, it was 39 per cent.

The prevalence of sleep apnea in the general cardiology group was found to be comparable to the rates reported in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

"Identifying these individuals may allow early intervention in a risk factor clearly associated with heart failure now recognised to affect cancer therapy and survivorship," said Mini K. Das, MD, medical director of the cardio-oncology programme at the US-based Baptist Health in Louisville and the study's primary author.

A questionnaire for sleep apnea utilising the STOP-BANG score revealed that individuals who have not been treated for sleep apnea as well as those at increased risk of sleep apnea have abnormal left ventricular strain, a common echo parameter associated with adverse CV events.

"Sleep apnea should be incorporated into current risk algorithms and a larger study is needed to evaluate the impact of sleep apnea in this high-risk population," Das said.
Panaji, Feb10 : Water Resource Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Saturday informed the legislative House that the meeting of Mhadei Water Management Authority (PRAWAH) will be held on February 13.

Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai had raised the issue of 'Mhadei' during the zero hour on the concluding day of the budget session.

Sardesai said that though 'House Committee' was formed but it has not met for very long and hence the government should clear its stand on Mhadei.

"House committee has not met for so long. Legal team should report to the House committee. I am a member of this committee, I want to know how much money is spent on the legal team and why the Mhadei matter is not listed in the Supreme Court," Sardesai questioned.

Replying to him, Minister Shirodkar said that follow up of the case is being done and the government has submitted the required documents to the Apex Court.

"We have given all statements in the SC. Case is fixed in August. Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, these states, were told to compile the statements and submit. It has become voluminous, about 500 to 600 pages. Court has told the state to give additional documents, if any has to be submitted. This will help us," Shirodkar said.

He said that the PRAWAH meeting will be held on February 13, while the House Committee will meet before February 29.

Goa and Karnataka are currently battling out a dispute over the Kalasa-Banduri dam project across the water of Mhadei river. Mhadei originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji. While the river traverses 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is 81.2 km in length in Goa.

Karnataka plans to construct dams on the river, aimed at diverting the water into its water-starved Malaprabha basin in North Karnataka.
Mumbai, Feb 10 : A Borivali Metropolitan Magistrate Court has remanded Amarendra Mishra -- who was arrested in connection with the killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek V. Ghosalkar -- to police custody for four days till February 13, here on Saturday.

Mishra (44) who joined the gangster-businessman Mauris Noronha as his personal bodyguard three months ago, was arrested on Friday under sections of the Arms Act, as the purported weapon used in the murder-and-suicide case, belonged to him.

Noronha reportedly took the revolver  belonging to Mishra and having a licence from Uttar Pradesh  to shoot Ghosalkar during a Facebook live session at his IC Colony office, and then ran upstairs to the mezzanine floor of his office and shot himself multiple times.

Seeking seven days custody, the police prosecutor informed the court that they needed to verify whether the arms license submitted by Mishra, living in Bhayander east (Thane), was indeed genuine and issued by the concerned UP authorities.

The police also sought to confirm if there were any financial dealings between Mishra and the deceased Mauris, which could be the probable reason why he handed over his weapon to him, why it was not registered in Mumbai also, his salary details, and other things.

After the Magistrate sent him to police custody, Mishra was escorted outside the court when he started shouting that "I have been framed Injustice is being done to meI am being wrongly trapped," before the police team subdued him

Ghosalkar's killing on February 8 by Mauris  who also committed suicide minutes later  has ignited a massive public and political outrage in the state, with demands to sack the Maharashtra government for the collapse of law-and-order in the state, to impose President's Rule and conduct polls along with the Lok Sabha elections.
Mumbai, Feb. 10 : Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray has raised doubts over the killing of his party leader Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live interaction on February 8, asking "whether any third person was involved" in the sensational crime.

Mumbai, Feb. 10 (IANS) Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray has raised doubts over the killing of his party leader Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live interaction on February 8, asking "whether any third person was involved" in the sensational crime.

Speaking to the media here on Saturday, Thackeray said several questions have cropped up over Ghosalkar's murder, which people saw during a live-stream on social media.

"What we can see is that Ghosalkar and Mauris Noronha are sitting together. Then, the latter (Mauris) leaves, and bullets are suddenly fired at Ghosalkar. We are told that he (Mauris) had also shot himself. But it is not clear who fired the rounds. It needs to be probed if there was any 'third person' who opened fire (at Mauris)," Thackeray said.

The former CM also found it strange that if Mauris, as claimed, indeed wanted to take revenge on Ghosalkar over some old rivalries, asking, "Why did he commit suicide in that case? The matter needs to be properly probed."

Meanwhile, a preliminary autopsy report of Ghosalkar has revealed that he was hit not by three, but four bullets, of the total five rounds fired at him that were visible in the Facebook Live session that evening inside Mauris' office in Borivali West.

As the bullets were fired from close quarters, Ghosalkar suffered extensive bleeding and haemorrhage, which have been cited as the cause of the death in the autopsy report at the J.J. Hospital here.

Meanwhile, a major political row has erupted in the state after the incident, which is being probed by multiple teams of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and the MHB police station.

So far, one person -- Amarendra Mishra, the bodyguard of Mauris -- has been arrested under the Arms Act, while two others were detained for questioning in the matter.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths are weighing legal options to attach property and assets of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the alleged mastermind of the attack on ED and CAPF personnel in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali.

Shahjahan is absconding since the attack which took place on January 5 at Sandeshkhali when the central team reached his residence to conduct search operations in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution case in the state.

Sources in the knowhow of things said that ED sleuths are now consulting its legal brains to find avenues on how to attach such properties going by the court route.

Sources added that currently the central agency sleuths are examining the details of documents relating to the assets and properties of Shahjahan and his family members, identify the sources of funds for procurement of such assets and thus link them with the proceeds of the ration distribution case.

At the same time, the transactions in the multiple bank accounts in the name of Shahjahan and his family members are also being scanned by the central agency sleuths.

Sources said that since it is yet uncertain when the ED sleuths will get in hand the absconding Trinamool Congress leader, in the meantime investigating officials want to join the dots in creating a water-tight case against him in relation to the ration distribution case.

The sources said that the attachment of his assets and freezing of his bank accounts has become imperative, since once it is done, there will be pressure on the absconding ruling party leader to surrender.

Already 36 days have passed since the attack on ED and CAPF sleuths took place, but Shahjahan is yet to be arrested. ED has already issued a lookout notice against him in anticipation that he might have escaped to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Mumbai, Feb 10 : A Mumbai Metropolitan Magistrate Court has remanded Amarendra Mishra -- who was arrested in connection with the killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek V. Ghosalkar -- to police custody for four days till February 13, here on Saturday.

Mishra (44) who joined the gangster-businessman Mauris Noronha as his personal bodyguard three months ago, was arrested on Friday under sections of the Arms Act, as the purported weapon used in the murder-and-suicide case, belonged to him.

Noronha reportedly took the revolver  belonging to Mishra and having a licence from Uttar Pradesh  to shoot Ghosalkar during a Facebook live session at his IC Colony office, and then ran upstairs to the mezzanine floor of his office and shot himself multiple times.

Seeking seven days custody, the police prosecutor informed the court that they needed to verify whether the arms license submitted by Mishra, living in Bhayander east (Thane), was indeed genuine and issued by the concerned UP authorities.

The police also sought to confirm if there were any financial dealings between Mishra and the deceased Mauris, which could be the probable reason why he handed over his weapon to him, why it was not registered in Mumbai also, his salary details, and other things.

After the Magistrate sent him to police custody, Mishra was escorted outside the court when he started shouting that "I have been framed Injustice is being done to meI am being wrongly trapped," before the police team subdued him

Ghosalkar's killing on February 8 by Mauris  who also committed suicide minutes later  has ignited a massive public and political outrage in the state, with demands to sack the Maharashtra government for the collapse of law-and-order in the state, to impose President's Rule and conduct polls along with the Lok Sabha elections.
Agartala, Feb 10 : Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF), the student wing of the Opposition Tipra Motha Party (TMP), is planning a blockade of National Highway-8 and rail routes for an indefinite period from Monday.

The NH-8 is the lifeline of Tripura which also has a lone railway line connecting it with the rest of India.

This planned blockade is part of the students' protest against the Tripura Board of Secondary Education's (TBSE) decision not to allow tribal students appearing for 'Kokborak' language to write answers in the Roman script.

Kokborak is the language of Borok people who are geographically known as Tripuris.

The TBSE will conduct the Higher Secondary and Secondary Examinations from March 1 and over 5,000 tribal students would appear in both the examinations.

They want to write their answer scripts for the 'Kokborak' language in Roman script instead of Bengali.

The issue also recently rocked the Tripura Assembly session.

Announcing the blockade from February 12, TISF President Sajra Debbarma said that the TBSE President Dhananjoy Gan Chowdhury earlier said that both Bengali and English scripts would be allowed but recently he changed his decision saying that only Bengali script would be allowed.

For several years, Kokborok language paper answers were written in the TBSE examinations in both Bengali and English scripts.

"Our road and rail route blockade would continue till we got a written assurance from Chief Minister (Manik Saha) that he would allow Roman script for Kokborok language in the board examinations," the student leader told the media.

Debbarma clarified that they were not against Bengali script but "our demand is to allow both the scripts so that the students have a choice."
Mohali court order may help to speed up cases against corrupt IAS officers(IN). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 10 : A court here on Saturday remanded retired chief engineer Jagdish Arora and contractor Anil Agarwal to 14 days of judicial custody till February 24 in connection with a case related to irregularities in awarding a tender by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

The accused were arrested on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) which moved an application requesting the court to send the accused individuals to judicial custody.

Duty Special Judge Nyay Bindu of Rouse Avenue Court presided over the matter and directed the jail authorities to provide proper medical assistance and conduct medical examinations for both accused persons during their custody.

The ED's allegations involve the awarding of a DJB contract for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of electromagnetic flow meters to M/S NKG Infrastructure Ltd, despite the company allegedly not meeting the technical criteria.

It is claimed that the accused received illegal gratifications amounting to Rs 3 crore and awarded the contract worth Rs 38 crore to M/S NKG Infrastructure Ltd, which subcontracted the work to M/S Integral Screws Industries, owned by Anil Kumar Agarwal.

The ED's application was opposed by advocate Nagesh Behl, counsel for accused Anil Agarwal.

The counsel for the accused argued that the tender was awarded at a lower price and accused the ED of misleading the court.

They contended that no charge sheet has been filed by the CBI in the scheduled offence and said that the ED should have waited for the charge sheet before taking action.

--IANS

spr/pgh
Mumbai, Feb 10 : A Mumbai Court remanded Amarendra Mishra - arrested in connection with a weapons case arising from the killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar - to four days' police custody till February 13, even as the police added murder charges against him, here on Saturday.

Mishra, 44, was produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Laxmikant Padhen on Saturday after his arrest on Friday under the Arms Act, Section 29 (b).

Mishra's lawyer, Shambhu Jha said that the Maharashtra police, among other things, sought the custody of Mishra on grounds that he was not cooperating with the investigations.

"The police have also added IPC Section 302 (murder) in the case, though this charge is not applicable in the present matter. The police are trying to implicate him as the case is a politically high-profile one and to deny him bail by invoking a higher charge," said Advocate Jha in a statement.

He also argued in the court that Mishra, 44, has been cooperating with the police investigation and his remand was not necessary.

"Due to political pressures since it's a high profile matter, this poor bodyguard is being implicated in the matter. At the most he can be booked for not registering the weapon (gun registered with Uttar Pradesh authorities) which is a bailable offence and attracts maximum six months' punishment," said Jha.

The lawyer said the entire matter was clear in the video footage of the incident (Facebook Live session), but the police were deliberately making him a scapegoat, as it's a high-profile case, by invoking Section 302 to ensure he doesn't get bail.

"Now, we shall be able to apply for bail only after his police custody ends," added Jha.

Mishra, who joined the gangster-businessman Mauris Noronha as his personal bodyguard three months ago, was arrested as the purported weapon used in the murder-cum-suicide case, belonged to him.

Mauris Noronha reportedly took the revolver belonging to Mishra to shoot Ghosalkar during the Facebook Live session at his IC Colony office, and then ran upstairs to the mezzanine floor of his office and shot himself multiple times.

Seeking seven days' custody, the police prosecutor informed the ACMM's court that they needed to verify whether the arms licence submitted by Mishra, living in Bhayander east (Thane), was indeed genuine.

The police also sought to confirm if there were any financial dealings between Mishra and Mauris Noronha, which could be the probable reason why Mishra handed over his weapon to him, why it was not registered in Mumbai also, his salary details, and other things.

After the ACMM Padhen sent him to police custody, Mishra was escorted outside court. On seeing the media there he immediately started shouting "I have been framed Injustice is being done to meI am being trapped", before the police team subdued him.

The February 8 incident has sparked a massive public and political outrage in Maharashtra.
After the release of the final election results early Saturday, Pakistan is now poised for days of political negotiations as no single party has secured a clear majority. However, there has been a significant showing by independent candidates who are loyal to the incarcerated former Prime Minister, Imran Khan.

Imran Khan Claims Victory Despite Being Jailed

In a surprising turn of events, despite being in jail, former Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed victory in Pakistan's general election. Khan conveyed his message through an audio-visual recording generated using artificial intelligence and shared it on his social media platform. Rejecting rival Nawaz Sharif's earlier assertion of victory, Khan urged his supporters to rejoice in what he termed as an achievement amidst crackdowns on his party.

Concerns Raised Over Electoral Process

Amidst the unfolding drama, concerns have been raised by international figures regarding the fairness of the election. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar expressed deep concerns over reported interference in the election, emphasizing the importance of a transparent and fair democratic process. She called for independent investigations into alleged misconduct before recognizing the election results.

Political Turmoil as Rivals Claim Victory

The political landscape of Pakistan has been further complicated by the declarations of victory from two former Prime Ministers, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, both of whom are bitter rivals. Sharif's party secured the most seats by a single party, but Khan's supporters, contesting as independents due to their party's exclusion from the polls, amassed the highest number of seats overall.

International Calls for Probe

Adding to the complexity, the United States, Britain, and the European Union have all voiced their concerns about the electoral process in Pakistan. They have urged for a thorough investigation into reported irregularities, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair electoral outcome.



Tragic Blast Mars Pakistan's 2024 Election: 4 Officers Killed Near Polling Station

Pakistan Suspends Mobile Service Amidst National Election Kickoff

Pakistan's Election: Candidates, Challenges, Public Sentiments, and More
Mumbai, Feb. 10 : Tightening the screws on the MahaYuti regime in Maharashtra, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Saturday demanded the dismissal of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's government and imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray raised the issue during a media conference on Saturday, while the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also called on Governor Ramesh Bais on the same day and submitted a memorandum to this effect.

Highlighting a series of incidents, the MVA allies alleged that there is a collapse of law-and-order in the state. On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, apprising him in detail on the same subject.

Raising concerns over the events leading to the killing of his party leader Abhishek V. Ghosalkar on February 8 during a Facebook Live interaction and other incidents of crime that rocked the state in the recent months, Thackeray said the MahaYuti government has failed miserably to govern Maharashtra effectively.

"This government must go... It should be dismissed forthwith. President's Rule should be imposed (in Maharashtra) and fresh Assembly elections should be announced soon," Thackeray said.

He also slammed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chiuef Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their 'failures' on various counts, referring to photos of shady characters with Shinde, former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and even Amruta D. Fadnavis, the wife of Devendra Fadnavis, besides other leaders in the state.

Meanwhile, state Congress President Nana Patole, NCP National General Secretary Jitendra Awhad and others met Governor Bais on Saturday and discussed the 'deteriorating' law-and-order situation in Maharashtra.

"Maharashtra has always given direction to the country... The state has progressed immensely in social, political, educational and cultural fields, and even in terms of law-and-order it was considered an ideal state," the delegation informed the Governor.

However, in recent times, efforts are being made to disrupt the social fabric, break the peaceful atmosphere, oppress people at gun-point and incite caste-religious tensions, all of which have resulted in huge problems for safeguarding the law, it said.

The delegation referred to the attacks on senior journalist Nikhil Wagle, activist-lawyer Asim Sarode and activist Vishwambhar Choudhary, besides women workers of the MVA allies in Pune on February 9.

Patole and Awhad urged the Governor to take a serious note of the situation of criminalisation of politics, as they recommend imposition of President's Rule in the state with immediate effect.

The delegation also included ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan, Congress Working Presidents M. Arif Naseem Khan and Chandrakant Handore, Atul Londhe, Siddharth Hattiambire, Surendra Rajput and Sanjay Rathod, among others.

Uddhav Thackeray also referred to the unprecedented admission by Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla on Friday that people's faith in state police has 'diminished' and the police must win back the 'trust and support' of the masses.

Shukla, the state's first woman DGP, said the police and the communities must rebuild bridges, adding that she would not tolerate any unjustified acts of violence, exploitation or misconduct by the police force.

Patole recalled his previous meeting with the Governor two months ago on the same issue, after which he (Governor) had instructed the state DGP to improve the situation.

"Now, we have a new DGP who herself has admitted that people's confidence in the police force has reduced," pointed out Patole, seeking the sacking of the Shinde regime.
Chennai, Feb 10 : India and the US can fire up their civil nuclear agreement with a twist. The twist is American HALEU fuel powering India sourced small pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) for the global markets, said a top official of nuclear fuel company Clean Core Thorium Energy.

Further, India need not wait long for the use of its vast thorium reserves to augment its nuclear power capacity as it can use the same thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel in its PHWRs.

The Chicago-based Clean Core Thorium Energy founded by Mehul Shah -- an Indian settled in the US -- owns the patented thorium HALEU Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL) fuel expected to be commercialised soon.

"We are in discussions in Canada and India for our fuel. We anticipate post 2026 commercialisation of the ANEEL fuel would happen," Shah told IANS.

India and the US last year had agreed to work on the development of next generation small modular reactor technologies for domestic and export markets.

In the nuclear power field, small modular reactors are the new development.

India has already developed 220 MW PHWRs though they cannot strictly be called modular reactors.

In 2008, India and the US had inked the Civil Nuclear Deal.

While the US wanted to sell big reactors to India, nothing much has progressed on that front. But what is HALEU? According to the World Nuclear Association, the current fleet of nuclear reactors runs primarily on uranium fuel enriched up to 5 per cent uranium-235 (U-235).

"HALEU is defined as uranium enriched to greater than 5 per cent and less than 20 per cent of the U-235 isotope. Applications for HALEU are today limited to research reactors and medical isotope production. However, HALEU will be needed for many advanced power reactor fuels, and more than half of the small modular reactor (SMR) designs in development," World Nuclear Association said.

Be that as it may, Shah who has been working on the nuclear fuel side since 2004 said Clean Core Thorium was established in 2017. Former Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Dr. Anil Kakodkar is the mentor for Clean Core Thorium and the company has branded the fuel as ANEEL in his honour.

"The company has raised about $5.5 million seed round from investors. This year a second larger round of funds is being raised. Fifty per cent of the target fund has already been raised from the investors," Shah remarked.

Speaking about the ANEEL fuel, Shah said during the first quarter of 2024 irradiation studies of the fuel pellets at the Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor will be done. Shah said the ANEEL nuclear fuel can be used in the existing PHWRs without any modifications as there is no change in the fuel bundles' geometric specifications.

"We have designed a 19 pin bundle for 220 MW PHWRs and a 37 pin bundle for 600 a" 900 MW PHWRs. With low natural uranium reserves, India decided to follow a three stage nuclear power programme in a sequential manner to multiply the domestically available fissile resources. The first stage is the use of natural uranium in PHWRs, followed by use of plutonium obtained from the spent fuel of PHWRs in Fast Breeder Reactors, in the second stage.

Large scale use of thorium will subsequently follow making use of Uranium-233 that will be bred in Fast Breeder Reactors, when adequate nuclear installed capacity in the country has been built. In the current scheme of things, utilisation of thorium can happen only after building a sufficient number of fast breeder reactors that would breed Uranium-233.

The first stage of the nuclear power programme comprising indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) is in the industrial domain. India has a large number of 220 MW PHWRs. The country has upscaled the PHWR capacity to 700 MW. The 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) under the second stage is under advanced stage of commissioning by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

But why should ANEES be used by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) at its PHWRs? Responded Shah: "It has a very high burn-up rate of 60,000 MW-days per ton as against 6,500 - 7,000 MW-days per tonne of the natural uranium fuel used in PHWRs. This also results in lower generation of nuclear waste by over 85 per cent and avoids issues connected with huge waste storage."

Continuing further, he said, in the 220 MW PHWRs of NPCIL eight fuel bundles have to be replaced daily over the reactors' life of 60 years (about 1,75,000 bundles replaced) as against only one ANEES bundle to be replaced daily which works out to about 22,000 bundles over the same period.

"Further for the first 1,000 days no fuel bundle needs be changed," Shah said.

That apart, the use of thorium in the ANEEL fuel, the fear of nuclear proliferation can be addressed and new nuclear capacity can be deployed to nations that were previously unaddressable, Shah added.

The use of HALEU fuel could also reduce Indiaas Uranium imports. "When compared to natural uranium for 220 MW PHWR, thorium uranium based ANEEL fuel can potentially reduce uranium usage by over 30,000 kg for every GWe-yr of energy produced," Shah said.

But it is not going to be easy for Clean Core Thorium in India as introduction of new fuel in a functional reactor involves detailed study to the satisfaction of the sectoral regulator a" Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Speaking to IANS on the condition of anonymity, a retired senior official of India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), each country decides its own course of action.

Lot of studies were done on HALEU fuel earlier in India.

"With a three stage nuclear programme, India went in for a closed nuclear fuel cycle to avoid waste. With HALEU fuel, reprocessing may be difficult," he said.

"Further, the regulator - Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) - will have to be satisfied with the various safety and performance reports about the new fuel. Shah is undeterred. According to him, the studies to be made at the Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor in the US would validate the company's claims. As to the business plan, Clean Core Thorium will licence the technology to fuel fabricators for a fee. The company will also charge the nuclear power generation company using fuel a sum on the amount of power generated."

He said as a student he had landed in the US about 43 years ago from India and stayed put there and ventured into garment and food distribution business.

His company got the exclusive distribution rights for the Amul brand products in the US.

Later, he exited the garment and food distribution business to focus on the nuclear fuel business that he began in 2004, Shah said. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)

--IANS

vj/pgh
Chennai, Feb 10 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighting the "inordinate delay" in the Centre's approval for Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) project.

Chief Minister Stalin in the letter urged the Prime Minister to personally intervene and to expedite approval.

He also informed the Prime Minister that Tamil Nadu approved Phase II of the project with three more corridors covering 119 km at a total cost of Rs 63,246 crore and the same was recommended to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for its approval in January 2019.

He pointed out that this was submitted with the recommendation of the MoHUA and NITI Aayog.

Stalin pointed out that funding approvals from agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and New Development Bank were also formalised.

The foundation stone for the Phase II project was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 21, 2020.

Stalin said that the proposal has been awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for more than two years.
Lucknow, Feb 10 : The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22 marked the end of years of waiting for the devotees as their Ram Lalla got his due place inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple complex.

The religious pilgrimage to Lord Ramas birth place has just begun. Days after Ram Lalla's consecration, the city administration is still facing tough time in managing the crowd surge at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Hiccups-free and highly-successful gathering of largest number of celebrities under one roof on January 22 drew a lot of praise for the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government.

But, this is not all.

The Uttar Pradesh administration has drawn a roadmap for renovation of as many as 300 temples across all the 75 districts of the state.

As per a leading daily, the government has allotted Rs 50 lakh funds for each of these temples for their refurbishment and renovation. The government has also earmarked a fund of Rs 150 crore for the makeover of all these temples, the daily reported. In case of big temples, a fund of up to Rs 2 crore each has been allocated.

The makeover of centuries-old temples into aclean and opulent places of worshipa speaks a lot about Yogi governmentas priorities and preferences.

Notably, the Chief Ministeras statement on the floor of the House on Wednesday, about the need for restoration of Kashi and Mathura as the worship places of the majority community, drew everyoneas attention.

The work to renovate 300 temples was reportedly undertaken soon after the formation of Yogi government 2.0, and today, many temples have again acome back to lifea and buzzing with activity and influx of devotees.

Some of the temples which underwent makeover include the Bateshwar Dham temple in Agra, the Aamani Bab temple in Aligarh, the Taragarh temple in Hathras, the Laxmi temple in Mathura, and the Hathiram Baba temple in Ayodhya, among others.

A detailed plan was chalked out by the administration to rule out any lapses. A list of temples, in need of renovation, was shared by peopleas representatives to the state administration. Construction companies and architects then worked in tandem to restore the temples to their original glory.
Chandigarh, Feb 10 : Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bestow Bharat Ratna on iconic stalwart Master Tara Singh.

"It is an honour already long overdue and time has come to undo this wrong and acknowledge Master-ji's debt by bestowing the highest honour of the country on him," said Badal in a letter to the Prime Minister.

Badal described Singh's "contribution to the cause of our freedom and to keeping the West Punjab, including the present day Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, in India as unparalleled and decisive". "Without this geographical bridge, even Kashmir might have fallen prey to the greed of our Western neighbours," he said.

"If there is one Indian who truly deserves to be called Bharat Ratna, it is Master Tara Singh," Badal said.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a teenage girl from the city, who was sold to two different brothels, first in Bihar and then in West Bengal, by her own mother.

The victim, who was admitted to a city hospital in a critical condition, had died on Thursday after which the police launched an investigation into the matter based on the complaints filed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), whose members had reportedly rescued the victim and got her admitted to the hospital.

The investigating officers were shocked by the sequence of events after they found that the minor victim was sold to two different brothels by her mother.

Police sources said the victim was first sold to a brothel in Bihar's Muzaffarpur by her mother in 2021. On getting the information, the NGO filed a complaint with the Narkeldanga police station in Kolkata, following which the police reached Muzaffarpur and rescued the girl.

At that time, the mother had expressed repentance as her daughter was handed over to her again.

However, later it was found that the repentance was nothing but gimmick as in 2022, the woman again sold her daughter through an agent to Sonagachi, a brothel in North Kolkata which is among the largest red-light areas in Asia.

As per the statements given by the NGO members to the police, this time the girl became the victim of sexual abuse at the brothel, both in the hands of the landlady and the different clients coming there.

As the victim became critically ill, the landlady of the brothel abandoned her and left her in front of her mother's residence.

The NGO members again rescued her from there and got her admitted to the hospital. However, all attempts of the doctors to treat her failed as she died on Thursday.
Mumbai, Feb 10 : Two autorickshaw drivers, including a woman, were injured when a portion of an empty building crashed during demolition work here on Saturday afternoon, the BMC Disaster Control said.

The incident occurred at around 2.45 p.m. when the fully vacated three-storied Mahindra Building in Nensey Colony of Borivali east was being razed.

A portion of the building being demolished by a JCB suddenly came crashing with debris falling on the two autorickshaws parked nearby, injuring the two drivers sitting in it.

They have been identified as Suman Shukla (woman), who suffered injuries on the neck and legs, and Ravikumar Rana, who sustained injuries on the head, face and arms.

They were rushed to the nearby Shrikrishna Hospital for treatment where their condition was described as stable.

Videos on social media showed the demolition work and the building portion collapsing, and later the Fire Brigade reached the spot.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : The members of a minority organisation under the banner of Islamic Association for Peace (IAP) on Saturday staged a demonstration outside the Chinese Consulate at Salt Lake on the outskirts of Kolkata, alleging oppression by the Chinese government of the Uyghur muslims at Xinjiang and an alleged attempt by Beijing to show the entire Arunachal Pradesh as Chinese territory.

According to the IAP chairman Najib Ullah, the Chinese authorities have stopped the Islamic practice of offering Namaz five times a day and warned Muslims against keeping beards and their women from putting on burqas.

"Around 10,000 Muslim Uyghurs there have been sent to re-education camps so that they become Communists and give up their religious practices," he said.

He also claimed that human rights groups believe that the Chinese government has detained more than one million Uyghurs against their will over the past few years in a large network of what the state calls "re-education camps".

This is not the first time that the Chinese consulate in Calcutta has witnessed protest demonstrations by local groups on different issues like Tibet developments and frequent Chinese military intrusions across the line of actual control from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

This is, however, the first time Muslims in Kolkata have protested over both issues.
New Delhi: LDF's protest against the BJP-led Centre over alleged neglect and partiality in allocation of funds to their states. Image Source: IANS News

Chandigarh, Feb 10 : In a setback to the INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday announced contesting on all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, besides one in Chandigarh, alone. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal said this while adding that all candidates would be named in a fortnight.

"Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab," he said at a public meeting in Punjab's Khanna town amid the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

"I have come to you with folded hands, asking for one more blessing. Lok Sabha elections will be held in two months. For Lok Sabha elections, Punjab has 13 seats and one from Chandigarh -- a total of 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, AAP will declare its candidates in all of these 14 seats. You have to make AAP sweep all these 14 seats with a majority," Kejriwal said without mincing words.

Earlier, Chief Minister Mann had said his party will contest on all 13 seats along with Chandigarh's.

At the event, Mann slammed the Congress, saying the party has lost its ground in the state.

--IANS

vg/pgh
Chandigarh, Feb 10 : Security was heightened on Saturday along Punjab-Haryana border areas to stop protesting farmers from Punjab entering the state and further heading to the national capital for another protest on February 13 to demand, among other demands, a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP).

The partial sealing of Punjab-Haryana borders by putting up barricades, boulders, tippers filled with sand and barbed wires, has impacted the movement of vehicular traffic, affecting commuters. Even paramilitary forces have been deployed to prevent untoward incidents and restrict the movement of vehicles.

Several farmer associations, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, have called for the protest.

This has been the second biggest protest by the farmers since they agreed to withdraw the agitation against the now repealed farm laws in 2021.

Besides a legal guarantee for an MSP, the farmers are also demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, farm debt waiver and withdrawal of police cases, besides "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Local authorities in Haryana's Ambala, Jind, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts have sealed almost all the entry points at the Punjab borders by raising huge concrete walls.

Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur said: "We won't allow breach of peace in any way in the state. Action will be taken if someone tries to break law and order."

After holding talks with Union ministers, including Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, representatives of farmers on Thursday in Chandigarh announced they would go on with their march to the Parliament on February 13 over their demands. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was mediating between them.

At the same time, the representatives admitted the meeting was convened in a congenial atmosphere and they expressed their concerns over the delay in implementation of demands, including a law to guarantee minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

After the meeting, an official statement quoting the Chief Minister said during the first round of talks a general consensus emerged on rolling back the cases registered against farmers during the agitation against the repealed farm laws.

He said the deliberations were held in a congenial atmosphere and the Union Ministers gave their in principle approval to sympathetically consider the demands of the farmers.

Mann said exemplary punishment was sought against the manufacturers of the spurious seeds so that interests of the food growers are safeguarded, adding the issue of paddy straw burning was also vehemently raised.

The Chief Minister, while presenting the case of the farmers, batted for continuing the MSP regime on the crops by asserting that it is the need of hour to secure the interests of the farmers.

--IANS

vg/pgh
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 countries with highest pharmaceutical spend per capita. If you are not interested in learning about the global pharmaceutical market, head straight to the 5 Countries With Highest Pharmaceutical Spend Per Capita.

In the landscape of global healthcare expenditure, certain countries stand out for their significant investment in pharmaceuticals per capita. These nations allocate substantial resources to ensure access to essential medications and cutting-edge treatments for their populations. Analyzing the countries with the highest pharmaceutical spending per capita provides valuable insights into their healthcare priorities, economic strength, and commitment to advancing medical innovation.

Overview of Global Pharmaceutical Market and Economic Impact

The global pharmaceutical market is poised for substantial growth, projected to expand by 6.19% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a volume of US$1470.00 billion. New drug launches, increased utilization of existing drugs, and the influence of lower-cost alternatives fuel this growth. Moreover, total spending and global demand for medicines will soar to $1.9 trillion by 2027.

In the United States, which leads the global pharmaceutical market with a 48.9% share of total pharmaceutical revenue, the sector faces challenges such as underperformance in capital markets, rising business costs due to inflation and taxes, and an evolving threat landscape. Nevertheless, industry growth is anticipated, driven by initiatives like reduced taxes and decreased drug prices.

The economic impact of pharmaceutical spending is profound, as evidenced by the remarkable growth of the pharmaceutical industry in countries like China and India, where GDP growth exceeds 6%. Such spending not only stimulates economic activity by creating employment opportunities and generating tax revenue but also contributes to enhanced population health and heightened productivity. However, the relationship between pharmaceutical Spending and GDP is intricate and influenced by diverse factors such as healthcare system structure, economic development level, and governmental policies.

Story continues

Research and development expenses, averaging $2.6 billion per drug, remain substantial. The dominance of the United States in the pharmaceutical realm, accounting for the maximum global pharmaceutical spending in 2021, is evident, with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) emerging as key industry players. China emerges as a significant market player, capturing nearly 12% market share.

Driving Forces and Trends in Pharmaceutical Innovation

Worldwide innovation and research in the pharmaceutical sector play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare and addressing global health challenges. Investment in cutting-edge medical technologies and drug development remains a cornerstone of this endeavor, as reflected in recent financial statistics and reports.

The pharmaceutical industry stands out as one of the most research-intensive sectors, with significant investments in research and development (R&D) to discover and develop new drugs. However, the financial landscape for pharmaceutical R&D has become increasingly challenging, with a decline in the projected return on investment (ROI) to 1.2% in 2022, the lowest in the 13-year history of the report. The average cost of developing a new drug has risen to $2.3 billion in 2022, while average forecast peak sales per asset have decreased to $389 million.

Innovation in pharmaceuticals is more comprehensive than in developed countries, as highlighted by a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice. Rising pharmaceutical innovation in the Global South, including countries like Bangladesh and Colombia, underscores a shift towards a more globally distributed innovation landscape. Investment in R&D in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has increased over the past decade, indicating potential for more significant innovation in these regions.

Venture capital investment is crucial in fueling early-stage pharmaceutical innovation, with significant fluctuations observed worldwide. Notably, Asia-Pacific (APAC) pharmaceuticals have seen a notable increase in venture capital investments, with early-stage innovator drug venture funding for APAC biotech reaching $9.4 billion, a 78% increase. However, economic uncertainty in 2022 led to a decrease in total deal volume and value, reflecting challenges faced by the sector.

Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a growing demand for personalized medicine, driven by consumers seeking treatments tailored to their needs and genetic makeup. This trend is reshaping research and development strategies, with the global personalized medicine market valued at $2.12 trillion in 2021 and expected to reach $5.7 trillion by 2030. Additionally, the global precision medicine market size was estimated at $73.49 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 11.5% from 2022 to 2030, reaching a value of $175.64 billion by the end of the forecast period.

Innovative Healthcare Leaders: Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), a multinational healthcare corporation founded in 1886, has a rich history of innovation spanning over a century. The company has made significant contributions to pharmaceuticals and medical technology, focusing on treatments for blood cancers and efforts toward finding a cure for multiple myeloma. Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is actively involved in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, crucial for managing cognitive decline.

Johnson & Johnson was recognized as one of the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies in 2024. Its latest innovations include treatments for incurable cancers, catheters for diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation, and improved surgical staplers, all aimed at enhancing patient care globally.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), another leading healthcare organization, is dedicated to developing high-quality medicines. With a focus on innovation, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) aims to launch 20 new drugs over a decade, addressing various medical needs such as diabetes, obesity, immunology, oncology, and neuroscience.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO), a global healthcare company, specializes in treatments for diabetes, obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders, and hormone replacement therapy. With a robust R&D pipeline, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) focuses on developing novel treatments for chronic conditions. Notably, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)'s semaglutide drugs have shown promise in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity, leading to increased production capacity to meet growing demand.

However, concerns about the inappropriate use and potential side effects of semaglutides have prompted warnings from regulatory authorities, emphasizing the importance of proper medical supervision when using these medications.

15 Countries With Highest Pharmaceutical Spend Per Capita

A closeup of pills in a pharmacy, representing the high quality medications of the company.

Our Methodology

For our methodology, we have ranked the countries with the highest pharmaceutical spend per capita based on their 2022 pharmaceutical spending. For the accuracy of data, we relied on the OECD.

Here is our list of the 15 countries with the highest pharmaceutical spend per capita.

15. Slovak Republic

Pharmaceutical spending per capita: $531

Slovakia exhibits notable pharmaceutical expenditure, with spending per capita reaching $1,394 in 2020, equivalent to 7.23% of GDP, underscoring a significant investment in healthcare. In 2013, per capita spending on medical goods exceeded OECD and EU averages, reflecting a strong commitment to healthcare.

14. Spain

Pharmaceutical Spendings Per Capita: $595

Spain, demonstrates significant pharmaceutical expenditure, with a per capita spending of $595 in 2022. Prescription medicines dominate the market, comprising 79% of pharmaceutical spending in 2019, while imports are crucial in meeting demand, reaching USD 6.3 billion in 2021.

13. Ireland

Pharmaceutical Spendings Per Capita: $625

Ireland stands among the countries with highest pharmaceutical spend per capita, reflecting its healthcare investment and medication accessibility. Ireland's spending is comparable to other high-spending nations like Greece and Belgium. Government and compulsory insurance schemes cover over 80% of total pharmaceutical costs in countries such as France, Ireland, and Germany, emphasizing substantial public investment. Over the past decade, Ireland has witnessed significant growth in pharmaceutical spending, alongside Greece, averaging over 11% annually.

12. Iceland

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $632

Iceland ranks among the top countries for pharmaceutical spending per capita. The healthcare spending per capita in the country is $6,636 as of 2022, accounting for 9.65% of its GDP. This spending encompasses prescription medicines and over-the-counter products, reflecting the nation's robust healthcare investment. Projections indicate continued financial commitment, with health expenditures expected to reach 11.25% of GDP by 2029.

11. Belgium

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $649

Belgium is recognized for its high pharmaceutical Spending per capita, with significant investment in healthcare. In 2021, public per capita healthcare expenditure reached approximately 3,717 euros, while the country spends $6600 per capita on health, equivalent to 10.9% of its GDP, surpassing the OECD average. Pharmaceutical spending encompasses both prescription medicines and over-the-counter products. According to the World Bank, Belgium's current health expenditure represents approximately 10.5% of its GDP, reflecting the nation's substantial commitment to healthcare accessibility and investment in pharmaceuticals.

10. Luxembourg

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $706

Luxembourg's pharmaceutical Spending per capita reached $706 in 2022, reflecting a significant allocation towards healthcare. Luxembourg surpasses the OECD average with a per capita health expenditure of $6,436, equivalent to 5.5% of its GDP. This elevated spending is attributed to the country's high GDP. Regarding the type of treatments primarily done, Luxembourg's healthcare system focuses on acute and primary care. The government has a relatively low prevalence of diabetes and obesity and performs better than the OECD average on 95% of health indicators. However, it prescribes more antibiotics than the OECD average, significantly focusing on preventive care.

9. Greece

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $740

Greece ranks among the top countries for pharmaceutical spending per capita, reaching $740 in 2022, covering both prescription medicines and over-the-counter products. High pharmaceutical spending in Greece aligns with healthcare needs, such as higher smoking prevalence and antibiotic usage, reflecting demand for treatments related to respiratory diseases and cancer. Notably, most pharmaceutical Spending in Greece is funded through public sources, ensuring access to necessary medications without burdening individual patients.

8. Italy

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $748

In 2022, Italy's pharmaceutical spending per capita was USD 748, with total expenditure reaching EUR 30.8 billion. Over two-thirds of the population received prescriptions annually. The Italian National Health Service reimbursed 76.4% of total expenditure, while out-of-pocket spending primarily covered Class C medications. Community pharmacy margins are regulated, with wholesalers and pharmacists receiving 3.00% and 30.35% respectively. Agreements between the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS aim to control spending by imposing refunds for excess expenditure.

7. Austria

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $765

In 2022, pharmaceutical sales in Austria reached approximately $8.6 billion, with exports amounting to $13.2 billion. Major import partners include Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, the U.S., and Hungary. Expenditure on retail pharmaceuticals in 2019 totaled $645 per capita, with a low generics share of 32.5% in the ambulatory sector.

6. France

Pharmaceutical Spending Per Capita: $766

France ranks sixth among the countries with high pharmaceutical spending per capita, covering prescription medicines and over-the-counter products. In 2021, its spending per capita was lower than the United States', influenced by varying approaches to drug pricing, prescribing volume, and global health budgets. The country's healthcare system offers diverse medical treatments, focusing on regulating drug prices based on value.

Click to see and continue reading the 5 Countries With The Highest Pharmaceutical Spend Per Capita.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure. None: The 15 Countries With The Highest Pharmaceutical Spend Per Capita is originally published on Insider Monkey.
New Delhi/Gurugram, Feb 10 : The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), an intelligence arm of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), has lodged a complaint with the Gurugram police after noticing that some fraudsters are sending fake summons to taxpayers.

"The fake summons that are being sent out might look real because they have a Document Identification Number (DIN), but these DIN numbers are not issued by DGGI in the case of these entities. To deal with this issue, DGGI has been taking serious steps by informing and filing complaints with the police against those involved in creating and sending fake and fraudulent summons," said a senior official.

In the complaint, accessed by IANS, Bijendra Kumar Meena, Additional Director, DGGI, Gurugram Zonal Unit, said that numerous instances of issuance of fake summons by misusing office name and DIN has been reported to the office by various firms.

According to the complaint, name of one Rohit Gupta is being used in the summons.

"In another instance of fake issuance of summons to Sita Alloys Pvt Ltd to appear before him (Gupta) on January 15 is surfaced. This is to bring to your kind notice that there is no such officer in the DGGI office Gurugram," read the complaint submitted to the DCP, Sushant Lok-I.

The Additional Director further said that Gupta is impersonating himself as an Group-B, Intelligence officer of DGGI, and has issued fake summons "with an intention to harass/hound Sarita Prajapat, Manoj Kumar Garg and now Sita Alloys Pvt Ltd and also to malign the image of this prestigious organisation".

"Further, it is to inform that, presently this office has received representations from these three firms only, there is possibility that he has issued summons to numerous other firms. Therefore, it is requested to take appropriate action against this person under intimation to this office," the official said in the complaint.

A senior Gurugram police officer said that they are looking into the matter and a probe has been initiated.
Imphal, Feb 10 : Five children from Manipur have been rescued from a distressing situation at a private school in Maharashtra's Nashik, officials said here on Saturday.

Imphal, Feb 10 (IANS) Five children from Manipur have been rescued from a distressing situation at a private school in Maharashtraas Nashik, officials said here on Saturday.

An official of the Manipur Social Welfare Department said that following the request of the Manipur government, District Child Protection Unit officials in Nashik rescued five children from the private English medium school.

According to the official, the students were rescued recently following reports of "severe punishment and mistreatment" faced by the children, raising concerns about violations of child protection laws.

The parents of the students raised alarm when they learnt about the harsh conditions their children were facing at the school. The children were taken to Nashik School with promises of free education at the private school, the official said.

Besides these five, there are reportedly also other young children, including girls, who were taken to Nashik with the same promise of providing free education.
Patna February 10 : After two MLAs of the CPI-ML in Bihar met Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday, there were speculation in some quarters that the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief might play the 'big game' on February 12 and join the Mahagathbandhan. However, Manjhi himself ruled out any such possibility on Saturday, saying that he is with the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We are poor people, but not dishonest. Me and my party are strongly standing by the NDA and PM Narendra Modi," Manjhi said.

"We don't want to be trapped in the clutches of anyone, and hence all four of our MLAs are with us. At present, two MLAs are out of Patna and will return on Sunday. The party's national President and Cabinet minister Santosh Kumar Suman will also reach Patna on Sunday evening. Moreover, we have issued a whip that all four MLAs of HAM-S will vote in favour of the NDA during the floor test," Manjhi added.

On two CPI-ML MLAs -- Mahboob Alam and Satyadev Ram -- meeting him at his residence, Manjhi said: "My political career spans 44-45 years, so many people come here to meet me. I cannot refuse anyone. If anyone thinks a meeting would create any kind of doubt, people do not know Jitan Ram Manjhi."
Lahore, Feb 10 : Hectic legal activity is expected over the next few days in Pakistan as several results of the general elections held on February 8, showing PML-N candidates as winners, are being challenged in the high courts, with opponents alleging that their defeat was a result of "rigging", a media report said on Saturday.

Lahore, Feb 10 (IANS) Hectic legal activity is expected over the next few days in Pakistan as several results of the general elections held on February 8, showing PML-N candidates as winners, are being challenged in the high courts, with opponents alleging that their defeat was a result of "rigging", a media report said on Saturday.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-affiliated Independent candidates have moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the results of PP-164 and NA-118, where the father-son duo, Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz, secured victory, ARY News reported.

In his petition, Independent candidate Yousuf Mio, who contested against Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML) President Shehbaz Sharif, claimed that the returning officer (RO) did not allow the petitioner to enter the office.

"The results were announced in the petitioner's absence," stated the application, urging the court to direct the RO to announce the results as per Form-45.

Meanwhile, Alia Hamza's husband, whose wife contested against Hamza Shehbaz, challenged the result and noted that the PML-N candidate lost the election as per Form-45.

On the other hand, Yasmeen Rashid also challenged former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's victory in Lahore's NA-130 constituency in the Lahore High Court, ARY News reported.

Another Independent candidate, Shehzad Farooq, challenged Maryam Nawaz's success from Lahore's NA-119, while PML-N winner Ata Tarar's success in NA-127 has also been challenged in court by PTI-supported Independent nominee Zaheer Abbas Khokhar.
New Delhi/Aizawl, Feb 10 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday held meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the fencing along the India-Myanmar border issue and shelter of refugees of the neighbouring country in his state.

The Mizoram Chief Minister and several organisations in Mizoram including Young Mizo Association (YMA) have been opposing the Indian government plan to fence the Myanmar border and scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along 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. A senior Mizoram government official said that the Chief Minister on Saturday reiterated to the Home Minister about the "Mizo people's stance against border fencing along the Myanmar border with Mizoram".

"There is a positive indication in the Home Minister's response," the official told IANS.

He said that the Home Minister also assured assistance to the Myanmar refugees based on their requirements.

Lalduhoma on Saturday also met Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and discussed enhancing the Zoram Medical College, state's lone medical college.

He also met Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad and discussed Mizoram's finance and banking sectors.

The visit was Lalduhoma's second tour to the national capital after assuming the office as Chief Minister on December 8 last year. During his first visit to Delhi, the Mizoram Chief Minister held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and discussed the fencing, FMR, refugee and other issues.

Lalduhoma earlier told the Prime Minister and other central ministers that the current border with Myanmar was forced upon the two ethnic groups by the then British government without the prior consent of the people and that it is still unacceptable for people on both sides of the border.

He had further said that the wish of people on both sides of the border was to come under one administration and that the refugees (from Myanmar) seeking shelter inside Mizoram were not treated differently but as brothers and sisters of the Mizo people.

The Myanmar refugees belong to the Chin-Zo ethnic tribe and have similar ethnic, cultural and traditional ties with the Mizos of Mizoram.

The first influx from Myanmar started after the military toppled the Aung San Suu Kyi government and seized power in a coup in February 2021.

Since then, over 32,000 people, including women and children, have taken shelter in the northeastern state from Myanmar. Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar.

--IANS

sc/pgh
Patna, Feb 12 : Ahead of the vote of trust of the NDA government in the BIhar Assembly, the RJD called all its MLAs for a meeting at the residence of party Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday evening.

The RJD has 79 MLAs in the Bihar Sabha, who assembled at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav at 5 Desh Ratna Marg in Patna.

Sources said they have been asked to stay at the RJD leader's residence till February 12 (Monday), from where they will go to the Assembly to attend the crucial floor test of the NItish Kumar government.

The RJD wants to keep its MLAs together and hence it has taken the decision to keep all its MLAs at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav to avoid any kind of 'mishap'.

During the meeting, the party MLAs also met RJD supremo Lalu Prasad.

The drivers and security guards of the MLAs were asked to go to the MLAs' clothes and other essentials from their respective houses. The bungalow on 5 Desh Ratna Marg bungalow was allotted to Tejashwi Yadav when he was the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. He has not vacated it yet.

Meanwhile, JD-U MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said: "The alliance partners of Mahagathbandhan have accepted defeat even before the floor test. The NDA will emerge victorious on February 12. The Mahagathbandhan leaders have decided to keep all its legislators under house arrest at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav, which means they have accepted defeat."

"Jo Dar Gaya, So Mar Gaya," Kumar added.
Karachi, Feb 10 : The loyalists of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan -- including some political nobodies -- have defied all odds and emerged triumphant, beating political juggernauts in the high-stakes general elections held on February 8, a media report said.

While Khanas loyalists emerged victorious, those who betrayed him received humiliating drubbing despite having the support of the powerful circles in the country, The Express Tribune reported.

The PTI was under the stateas wrath after the May 9 (2023) attacks on national security installations nationwide. Every effort was made to literally erase Khanas party from the political arena by jailing its top leadership and workers, forcing them to change loyalties or give up politics, and imposing a media blackout on their activities, the report said.

It became extremely difficult to stay loyal to Khan.

Prominent among those who ditched Khan was Pervez Khattak, former Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa who jumped ship to form a splinter group by the name of PTI-Parliamentarians.

Sugar cartel Jahangir Tareen -- who was once in the inner sanctum of Khan -- also cobbled up a party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), apparently at the behest of powers that be to woo PTI deserters.

However, both the parties received humiliating drubbing in the elections.
With doorstep delivery of free ration, Punjab to be lighthouse for food security, say Mann, Kejriwal. Image Source: IANS News

Khanna : , Feb 10 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday that the state will emerge as a lighthouse for food security in the country with doorstep delivery of free ration to the beneficiaries.

Addressing a gathering here, Mann said this is a historic day for the entire state as it has embarked upon a new revolution.

"Quality health and education services are being provided to the people, the youth are getting jobs, people are getting free power and a vibrant and aRangla Punjaba is being carved out," he said.

The Chief Minister said the previous governments had never thought about people's welfare, but today every action is being aimed at the well-being of the common man.

"The sole credit for this goes to Arvind Kejriwal, who is the inspiration for bringing people at the centre stage of politics," he said.

Under the new scheme aGhar Ghar Muft Rationa, more than one crore beneficiaries will get ration at their doorsteps,.

The Chief Minister said the state has created history by purchasing the Goindwal power plant owned by GVK Power, a private company.

For the first time, a reverse trend has started where the government has purchased a private power plant, whereas the past governments used to sell their assets to their favourite individuals at athrow awaya prices, Mann said.

The Chief Minister said as coal from the Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants, with the purchase of this power plant, this coal can be aptly utilised for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.

The Chief Minister also announced that Verka will soon spread its wing across the country and for first time, outlets will be opened in Delhi for which the government has given permission.

Mann reiterated that Punjab will giver all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state to AAP in the upcoming general elections, adding that all the candidates will be announced by end of this month.

He said the state government has done marvelous work for the welfare of the people, so the masses will once again stand by AAP.

In his address, Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal said that for the last 75 years, the ration through the public distribution system (PDS) never reached the beneficiaries. If 100 kg ration was sent, only 15 kg reached the people, but unfortunately no one checked the pilferage of ration, he said.

The ration meant for the common man was looted by the political parties and its leaders, Kejriwal said.

The AAP national convenor said that Aam Aadmi Clinics opened in Punjab have heralded a new revolution in the state and people are being immensely benefited by them.

He exhorted the people to support AAP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to ensure that the public welfare works continue in coming times too.
Bengaluru, Feb 10 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress' manifesto for the upcoming general election will be a pro-people one.

Speaking at the meeting of the Congress Manifesto Committee, he said: "The Congress will prepare a people friendly manifesto which will help all sections of the society. A similar exercise was done while preparing a manifesto for the Assembly election and we launched the five-guarantee scheme based on the same.

"The 10 years of Manmohan Singh government was about improving the lives of people, but the 10 years of BJP rule has not launched even a single scheme which changes the lives of people. Schemes such as Food security, MGNREGA, Right to Education and others were introduced during the UPA rule," he said.

"Though we are a progressive state, 61 per cent of the population lives in rural areas. As much as 96 per cent of the tax revenues come from urban areas, but the contribution of our farmers is immense and we cannot move forward without them," he said.

"Congress government has always implemented any scheme which empowers the poor economically, socially and educationally. We had introduced Nyay in the previous election and many schemes were based on that. The idea of the Gruha Jyothi scheme took birth in a meeting between Siddaramaiah, Surjewala and myself. Now, PM Modi is trying to copy that by giving 300 units of free power through the solar grid," he said.

"The same BJP which was criticising our guarantee schemes has now launched the Modi guarantee campaign. The BJP was criticising the guarantee scheme as a burden on the exchequer and is now launching similar schemes in many states. Congress always believes in bringing change in the lives of people," he said.

Calling upon the participants of the manifesto meeting to provide ideas which are rooted in reality, he said: "We have raised our voice against injustice meted out to our state. Other states are also raising their voice now. The Union government can set this injustice right if it wants to.

"We are working on removing the Nagpur Education Policy. I have had discussions with my BJP friends who run educational institutions and they say it is impossible to implement NEP. BJP tried to push the NEP down the throat of Kannadigas in a hurried manner. We have formed a committee to review the NEP under the leadership of Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar."
Dubai, Feb 10 : Skipper James Vince struck 50 off 39 balls (5x4, 1x6) while Jordan Cox hammered 57 runs off 38 balls as Gulf Giants pulled off a hard-fought three-run win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the 28th Match of the ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Saturday.

Vince and Cox shared a 103-run opening partnership backed by Shimron Hetmyer's unbeaten 39 off 27 balls with five boundaries giving them a total of 166 for 3 in 20 overs.

Knight Riders chased through opener Jason Royas 47 off 31 balls with five boundaries and two sixes. He put on a 50-run partnership for the second wicket off 24 balls with Joe Clarke (20) and a 51-run partnership in 38 balls for the third wicket with Alishan Sharafu (29). Laurie Evans too tried hard through an unbeaten 33 runs, but that was not enough to win the match. The Giants will now take on MI Emirates in Qualifier 1.

Jamie Overton (3 for 32) and Chris Jordan (2 for 22) lit up victory hopes for Knight Riders. With 11 runs needed off the last over, Blessing Muzarabani kept his cool and gave away only seven runs to ensure the Giants an exciting win. Jordan, who has taken nine wickets between the 16th and 20th overs, and with 31 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker in this tournamentas history.

The chase was exciting with Joe Clarke, who joined Roy, hitting Muzarabani for three consecutive boundaries in the third over. Roy too opened out hitting Gerhard Erasmus for two sixes and two boundaries and took 20 runs off the fourth over. Their 50 runs partnership for the second wicket came in 23 balls before Overton had Clarke top edge his pull to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for 20.

Alishan Sharafu and Roy accelerated the run flow and steered the total to 100 in 10.2 overs. Their 50-run partnership came in 37 balls when Aayan Khan clean bowled Roy who went for a pull and missed the arm ball. Sharafu followed, stumped by Smith off Zuhaib Zubair for 29.

Overton removed Imad Wasim for 4, caught by Vince at mid-on when 34 runs were needed for a win in the last five overs. Chris Jordan bowled a brilliant yorker to clean bowl Fabian Allen for 7. When 11 runs were needed off 11 balls, David Willey got run out for 11 and Jordan clean bowled Sagar Kalyan for a duck. In the last over, Narine got run out for 2 and Muzarabani gave away only seven runs to ensure the Giants' victory.

Earlier, second-placed Gulf Giants won the toss and elected to bat against the third-placed Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Giants skipper and consistent scorer, James Vince, escaped being caught at his score of 1 when he top-edged David Willey to Alishan Sharafu at deep point. His partner, Jordan Cox, hit a boundary and two consecutive sixes off Josh Little, and the pair put on a 50-run partnership in 5.3 overs. Cox was the first to reach his half-century in 28 balls with two boundaries and four sixes. In the first ten overs, the Giants scored 85 runs, and the pair also posted their 100-run partnership in 11.3 overs.

Vince reached his half-century in 38 balls but fell to the next delivery when Sagar Kalyan took a running and diving catch at backward square leg off Imad Wasim. Cox too fell soon, lifting Ali Khan to Little at long on. Chris Lynn and Shimron Hetmyer, the two other fine hitters in the Giants team, came together wanting to capitalize on the good start. Ali Khan struck again to force Lynn to smash straight into the hands of Narine at covers for 6.

Between the 10th and 15th overs, the Giants could only score 38 runs and lost three wickets. Hetmyer, on 17, was dropped by Jason Roy at mid-off by Little, and he, along with Jamie Smith, steered the total to the 150-mark in 18.1 overs. In the last five overs, the Giants scored 43 runs, losing only one wicket.

Brief scores:

Gulf Giants 166/3 in 20 overs (James Vince 50, Jordan Cox 57, Shimron Hetmyer 39n.o, Ali Khan 2-39) beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 163/9 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 47, Joe Clarke 20, Alishan Sharafu 29, Laurie Evans 34n.o, Jamie Overton 3-32, Chris Jordan 2-22) by three runs.
In this article, we list and discuss the 15 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World.

According to the World Banks report, a total amount of $2.21 trillion was spent on military expenses worldwide in 2022. However, this comes as no surprise as countries tend to spend a significant portion of their GDP on their military to strengthen defenses and stay competitive in the world, every year. At the same time, there are also some countries with no army, navy, or air force (See: 15 Countries that have no Army, Navy, or Air Force) but continue to thrive, thanks to the agreements they have with strong countries like the US, France, and Australia to protect them against attacks of any sort. Note that the US, France, and Australia are considered strong countries because they have strong economies and powerful militaries (See: 25 Most Powerful Militaries in the World in 2023) to serve and protect the citizens.

As of 2024, the United States is the strongest military in the world, followed by China, Russia and India. But are they also the strongest when it comes to reserve military manpower?

Reserve military are soldiers who have serve some years in the military and then join the Army Reserves or National Guard. Reservists get military perks as they are part of the military without devoting themselves full-time to the military. Military benefits from reserve manpower in times of emergencies as they can call reservists anytime to duty when the country is in need. Some countries are facing a decline in their active and reserve manpower despite having a high-end military.

For instance, according to Pew Research, 18% of the US population was serving in the military in 1980, but the percentage dropped to 6% in 2022. They've also forecasted that although around 18.3 million veterans in the US, the numbers will decline to 12.1 million in the next 25 years  by 2048. The gradual fall in military manpower is an area of concern for the United States. But still, for now, it is the number one miliary in the world.

Story continues

Military Spending and the Arms and Ammunition Industry

In 2022, the US spent $877 billion on its military, which was 3.5% of its total GDP. Military spending by governments surges during wars and conflicts, and companies that manufacture and supply arms and ammunition achieve the most profitable outcomes.

During the Ukraine-Russia war, the USs big five defense contractors made huge profits in 2022 from selling weapons to Ukraine. According to Reuters, the big five MIC companies in defense industry, Boeing (NYSE: BA), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), and RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX) earned $157.5 billion in fiscal year 2023, an increase from $153.6 billion in fiscal year 2022.

Moreover, in 2023, the sales of U.S. military equipment to foreign governments rose by 16% to a record $238 billion. As the Russia-Ukraine war is ongoing, the defense industry will continue to rise, and the MIC of the United States will continue to make profits. As reported by Global Times, War is "good for business," a recruiter for BlackRock Inc (NYSE: BLK) told the O'Keefe Media Group.

As of February 9, 2024, Australia pledged an additional AUD 400 million to Boeing (NYSE: BA)'s indigenous Ghost Bat autonomous drone program. The government previously signed an AUD 600 million contract with Boeing (NYSE: BA) to sustain and upgrade F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Similarly, in December 2023, Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded a $654.5 million contract by the Army Contracting Command of Newark, NJ for the metal parts program for M1128. General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) was selected alongside IMT Defense for this contract, and both companies will be competing for each order of the contract.

On the other hand, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a US weapons manufacturer, signed contracts with some leading Saudi companies at the World Defense Show in Riyadh on 5 February 2024. The company awarded Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) subcontracts to a pair of Saudi Arabian firms, Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) and Arabian International Company (AIC), for locally manufacturing parts of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) missile system.

As geopolitical changes and conflicts are occurring more often than before, countries heavily depend on their military, including the army, navy, and air force, to defend the country in crucial times. In the list below, we discuss the top countries with the most reserve military manpower in the world.

15 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World

Glynnis Jones / Shutterstock

Our Methodology

Countries with the most reserve military manpower in the world are listed in ascending order of the size of their reserve force. Data has been sourced from our previous lists on the subject.

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.

15 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World

15. Egypt

Total reserve military manpower: 480,000

As of 2024, Egypt has a reserve military manpower of around 480,000 which is 0.4% of the total population of the country. The country has is considered the strongest military power in Africa. Note that Egypts military comprises the Egyptian Army, Egyptian Navy, Egyptian Air Force, and Egyptian Air Defense Forces.

14. China

Total reserve military manpower: 510,000

Having the largest population in the world, China has a reserve military manpower of 510,000 as of 2024 and is ranked 14th. Article 7 of the Military Service Law of the People's Republic of China states that the reservists need to participate in military training and shall always be ready to join the army whenever need be, as is the case with nearly every other country.

13. Pakistan

Total reserve military manpower: 550,000

When it comes to the military, Pakistan has left many developed countries behind and has quickly scaled up to rank 14th in the list of the most powerful countries in the world. The military of Pakistan plays a huge role in the country's economic and political sphere, and as of 2024, the country has 550,000 reserve manpower. Pakistans military is not only responsible for external defense but also aids and assists domestic forces for internal defense.

12. North Korea

Total reserve military manpower: 560,000

The Korean Peoples Army (KPA) is one of the largest military forces in the world with the primary purpose of maintaining the Kim regime. As of 2024, North Korea has a reserve military manpower of 560,000. Each member of the reserve force is provided with combat gears that include crew-served weapons and personal arms. The reserve manpower is supposed to respond to emergency calls whenever made and also enter the boot camp to receive military training of 15 to 30 days long at least once a year.

11. Tajikistan

Total reserve military manpower: 600,000

The Republic of Tajikistan is one of those few countries that have more reserve manpower in their military than active manpower. As of 2024, the total number of reserve military manpower in the country is 600,000. While military service is compulsory for men aged 18 to 27, it can be avoided by paying a fee equivalent to $2,200 in Tajikistani Somoni.

10. United States of America

Total reserve military manpower: 799,500

Ranked number ten, the US has a reserve military manpower of 799,500 as of 2024. The United Statess Federal Ministry Reserve Force Program, known as the US Army Reserve, allows individuals to pursue their goals and passion while getting paid to train part-time. Participants of this program can enjoy many benefits while getting part-time training including high-quality healthcare, scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, home loan federal programs, and exclusive employment resources and pension plans after the service is complete.

9. Finland

Total reserve military manpower: 870,000

The primary focus of the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) is on territorial defense which requires a large and trained reserve force. As of 2024, Finland has a reserve military manpower of 870,000 which has several FDF responsibilities like domestic security duties, looking after international peacekeeping operations, etc. In Finland, every male citizen is part of the reserve until he turns 60 years of age. Regional offices are responsible for looking after all the matters related to reservists.

8. United Kingdom

Total reserve military manpower: 924,000

The British military is known for having experienced, professional, and highly regarded forces with a wide range of missions and responsibilities. As of 2024, the reserve military manpower of the United Kingdom is 924,000. The military reservists in the UK are supposed to serve in their spare time and can join from age 18 to 43. The reservists get paid for training in the evening at the weekend.

7. India

Total reserve military manpower: 1,155,000

The military forces of India are mostly focused on defending their territories against Pakistan and China. They are known to be extremely professional, experienced, and well-equipped. As of 2024, India has the fourth strongest military globally while the reserve military manpower of India has reached 1,155,000. The age limit to join the reserve military of India is 18 to 42 years and the person needs to be graduated from any recognized university.

6. Ukraine

Total reserve military manpower: 1,200,000

The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), in the wake of Russian attacks, have primarily focused on defense against Russian aggression. Although going through a tough year, as of 2024, Ukraine has a reserve military manpower of 1,200,000. Due to the ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, there are no longer queues of Ukrainian men to join the fight. Thus, earlier this year, a bill was submitted to tighten army mobilization where the age to join the reservists is reduced to 25-27 years.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World.

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 15 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Jammu, Feb 10 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday announced cash rewards for those providing information of anti-national activities.

According to a statement issued by the J&K Police, Rs 5 lakh will be rewarded to whoever locates a trans-border tunnel, used by anti-national elements to tranship terrorists, explosives and contraband consignments. Rs 3 lakh will be rewarded to whoever sights a drone flown from across the border to drop narcotics, arms, ammunition, or explosive materials and which leads to the recovery of the dropped material.

Similarly, Rs 3 lakh will be rewarded to whoever gives "actionable intelligence about person connected with receiving drone deliveries and/ or transporting arms/ ammunition/ narcotics from border/LoC to hinterland or Punjab and the said intelligence gets corroborated during further action".

"Rs 2,00,000 in each case will be rewarded to whoever provides information based on which inter-state narcotic modules is busted or whoever gives information about persons talking to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers or separatists in jails in India which leads to successful discovery of facts including recoveries/busting of modules during investigations/enquiries that are initiated on receipt of the information," the police said.

Also, Rs 2 lakh will be rewarded to whoever gives information about persons who are communicating with terrorist handlers across the border or with their agents within J&K and branding citizens as 'Mukhbirs' (government informers) and passing on their personal details like photo, address, movements of off-duty policemen and other security personnel or government servants for their targeting and the information gets corroborated during investigations that are initiated on receipt of the information.

A reward of Rs 1,00,000 will be given to whoever gives information about persons in mosques or educational institutions who are "encouraging, inducing and inciting people to join terrorist ranks or to pick up gun and the information gets corroborated during investigation/enquiries that are initiated on receipt of the information".

The statement added that the general public can give such information to concerned SSPs of the concerned districts.
Guwahati, Feb 11 : The Assam government on Saturday approved a measure that would outlaw 'magical healing' in the name of therapy and suggest harsh penalties for anybody who engages in the act.

The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday night.

Accordingly, the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024 was adopted by the ministerial council.

The primary goal of the measure is to prohibit and eliminate the practice of magical healing in the name of treatment of certain congenital diseases such as deafness, dumbness, blindness, physical deformity, and autism.

Taking to his X handle, Sarma wrote, aIt will prohibit such healing sessions completely and provide strong punitive action against the ahealersa extorting the poor and downtrodden people in the name of treatment."

Sarma said the Cabinet has also decided to implement changes in the state municipal cadres, adding that it has chosen 10 cities or towns for a specific programme on sustainable development.

A state-level steering committee will monitor the implementation of the concept.
Guwahati, Feb 10 : Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Saturday said no decision was taken in the cabinet meeting on introducing a Bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly.

"There were discussions about many things in the cabinet meeting. Some matters came up which were not on the agenda list of the meeting. But no decision was taken regarding introducing a Bill on UCC in the state," he told reporters.

"Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already cleared his stand on UCC and banning polygamy in Assam. A Bill related to the polygamy ban will be introduced in the assembly soon," Mallabaruah added.
Jaipur, Feb 11 : Rajasthan's Minister of State for Environment Sanjay Sharma is hitting the headlines after he returned the government vehicle and Personal Security Officer (PSO) provided to him.

Sharma also refused to take police escort, saying that the "public elected and sent us to the assembly, why should we be afraid? I have no fear of any kind".

Sharma travels in his personal car to the state secretariat and the department without any fanfare. Even for field visits, the minister uses his personal car.

The minister got a government vehicle and a PSO after becoming the minister on January 17. However, he returned the vehicle to the government on February 4.

Sharma is a second-time MLA from Alwar City. In the year 2018, when he became MLA for the first time, he was among the few MLAs who did not hire a gunman for security.
Jaipur, Feb 10 : Congress leader Sachin Pilot said on Saturday that he has requested the party high-command to allow young party workers at the grassroot level and with a clean image to enter the fray in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan.

"I have requested the party to give opportunity to new people with clean image and who have worked hard at the grassroot level. Rahul Gandhi ji and Kharge ji also want the same. Among the new generation, those who are aware, dedicated, and have worked at the grassroot level will be given a chance, this will be a good message to the entire Rajasthan," Pilot added.

"During the Congress' screening committee meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, there was a discussion on all 25 seats of Rajasthan for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Feedback was taken from everyone; the report of the State Election Committee, the report of AICC observers, the sentiments of the workers was also discussed," he said.

Pilot was on a one-day visit to Tonk, his assembly constituency.

Speaking to the media in Rajasthan's Tonk, he added, "We have prepared a panel for 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan. There will be a Central Election Committee meeting soon and the final call will be taken on the names of the candidates who will enter the fray. In this, as per the intention of Rahul Gandhi ji, youth working at the grassroot level will also be given a chance."

After meeting party workers at the Circuit House, Pilot participated in Khatu Shyam's Kalash Yatra following which he visited the District Congress Committee office and held a meeting of party officials and workers regarding the Lok Sabha elections.

During this time, the Tonk MLA paid floral tributes to his late father and former Union Minister Rajesh Pilot on his birth anniversary.

Regarding the Rajya Sabha elections, Pilot said: "The party's candidate is decided by the AICC President and our top leadership. Whoever the party selects will be sent to victory from here."

"In the assembly elections, places where new faces were fielded have won. Public have sent the youth to the state Assembly after winning their trust."
Ahmedabad, Feb 11 : Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Round 1 champion Jordi Tixier from France of BB Racing, participating in the 450-cc international category, emphasized the difficulty faced in the completely different racetrack of Round 2. "When difficulty gets going you need to use your skills", he stated ahead of the second-round competitions, here at EKA arena, Transtadia.

Ahmedabad, Feb 11 (IANS) Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Round 1 champion Jordi Tixier from France of BB Racing, participating in the 450-cc international category, emphasized the difficulty faced in the completely different racetrack of Round 2. "When difficulty gets going you need to use your skills", he stated ahead of the second-round competitions, here at EKA arena, Transtadia.

Round 2 of ISRL will take place at EKA arena, Transtadia, Ahmedabad on Sunday.

However, Round 2 of the ISRL poses many challenges to the riders and all eyes will be on Jordi Tixier, the French powerhouse from BB Racing who had dominated Round 1 in Pune just weeks before. His victory still fresh in the minds of fans, Tixier knew that Round 2 would be a different beast altogether.

On the practice day on Saturday, he found that the track was unlike any other. The soil offered less traction and demanded more precision and finesse from the riders. Many found themselves challenged, with falls and skids marking the day. Tixier, too, felt the weight of the track beneath his wheels. The fourth turn, with its eight daunting slopes, posed a formidable obstacle. Yet, amidst the difficulties, he found a sense of exhilaration.

"Ya, this track is completely different from the Pune one. The traction is less here on the soil, so you need to ride very carefully but it's good for the competition. The level should rise, the difficult terrain will only make you a better rider.

"Initially, I was having difficulty in getting traction with the track but after some laps, I figured out and used my skills to complete the laps. It's all about the skills, and dirt-track racing you need to use your skills apart from the bike mechanism and to be honest today we got tested," Toxier told IANS.

"The fourth turn was the most difficult one to deal with. Since it has as many as eight slopes you need to be very cautious with the acceleration and the brakes. But at the same time, I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the racing. The difficulties will only enhance you and your skills and will make you a better rider," he added.

But it wasn't just Tixier who faced the hurdles of the track. Riders like Matt Ross and Ikshan of BigRock Motorsports encountered their struggles, each battling against the unforgiving terrain.

The fourth turn with eight slopes was one of the difficulties faced by every rider on the day. As many as 12 riders skidded off the track and faced difficulties in riding.

Mazi Shakkir, in the 85-cc category from the BigRock Motorsports team, was the first one to be taken off the track after falling. Ikshan Shanbhag, Bhairav Gowda, and Aleena Shaikh were the other few who faced difficulties while negotiating this section of the track. Even the experienced ones like Matt Ross and Reid Taylor too were challenged heavily by this track.

"The track is very challenging," said Ross. "The initials rounds are very difficult to carry on without hurting yourself, but with the ending lap, it got easier to drive with. A few of the riders fell and it looked very scary, but that is what racing is all about. There will be great competition on Sunday."

Ikshan's fall, the most harrowing of the day, served as a stark reminder of the risks involved. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the rider remained undeterred, he said: "It just got flat, the bike bumped on my chest, I was unconscious for a minute but I was fine."

Previously in round 1, Australian racer Reid Taylor of BigRock Motorsport, riding a Kawasaki, led the 250-cc international race taking the team ahead. Thanarat Penjan from Thailand, of BigRock Motorsport riding the Kawasaki, won the 250-cc India Asia Mix providing additional support to the team.

After Round 1, BigRock Motorsport leads the table with 213 points, BB Racing are second with 153 and Mohite's Racing team are third with 145 points.

The thrills on the practice day ensured that it would be a great Round 2 on Sunday. The riders have faced difficulties but they are supercharged for the race day.
Sanaa, Feb 11 : Yemen's Houthis held a funeral for 17 militants, who were killed in recent US and British airstrikes, targeting Houthi sites.

"The 17 heroes were killed in the American and British aggression on (Houthi) sites in northern and western Yemen," the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported on Saturday, without providing further details.

Meanwhile, the US military said it conducted strikes for self-defence on Friday morning and evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

The US Central Command said in a statement posted on its website that its forces "conducted self-defence strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels (USV), four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea".

The command added that it "identified these missiles and USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region," stressing that its strikes aimed to protect the freedom of international shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been attacking the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since mid-November last year, saying they target Israeli, US, and British commercial vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Baghdad, Feb 11 : The Iraqi Foreign Ministry hazs urged the international community to thwart an Israeli plan to launch a military operation in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah.

The Ministry said on Saturday in a statement that it was following with great concern the reports about an Israeli plan to carry out a ground operation that would lead to "a new humanitarian catastrophe and massacre" in Rafah, Xinhua news agency reported.

It calls for "an international intervention to prevent mass forced displacement plans pursued by the occupation forces".

The Ministry also reiterated the need to stop military operations against the Palestinians and to provide humanitarian aid to them.

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the army to prepare a plan for a ground operation in Rafah to eliminate what remains of Hamas brigades.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year, over half of the 2.3 million residents in Gaza have fled to Rafah to search for a safe place.
Beirut, Feb 11 : Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that his country did not want to see an expansion of the war in the region, the media reported.

"Iran and Lebanon confirm that the war is not the solution, and we never want to expand the scope of the war," he said on Saturday during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut.

The top Iranian diplomat also called on the US to pressure Israel to stop the attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, Xinhua news agency reported.

Amir-Abdollahian said the US was taking two different approaches: One is to continue supplying Israel with weapons and participate in the Gaza war, and the second is talking about a political solution to be reached soon.

For his part, Bou Habib said Lebanon had never wanted a war but sought stability, calm, and a comprehensive and just peace in the region.

"We stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibility by stopping Israel's war against Lebanon and Gaza," Bou Habib added.

During his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati earlier on Saturday, Amir-Abdollahian emphasised the necessity to exert more efforts to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and reach just solutions for all countries in the region, according to a statement released by Lebanon's Council of Ministers.

The Iranian Minister added the US-led attacks in Yemen had worsened the crisis in the region, according to a statement released by Al-Intishar, a local news website.

Amir-Abdollahian also met with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to discuss the latest developments on Saturday.

Nasrallah said the resistance groups constituted a vital element in the region, and the victory of the Palestinians and the Islamic resistance is inevitable, according to Al-Intishar.
New Zealand poet Tayi Tibble debuted with 2022s Poukahangatus, whose rollicking, indignant, and invigorating narratives contend with history and navigate what it means to be millennial, female, and of Maori descent, according to PWs starred review. Ahead of the release of her second collection, Rangikura (Knopf, Apr.), Tibble spoke with PW about her Polynesian roots and how poetry is a source of catharsis.

How has your Maori background influenced you as a writer?

First and foremost, my worldview is informed by my heritage and culture; our term for this is te ao Maori. There are all these ways in which we view the world that I apply in my poetry. In Rangikura, there are a lot of deities, atua, present. I feel like they pop up and ask for veneration, and poetry is my way of honoring them. In my work theres a certain cadence thats informed by our traditional waiata and moteatea, our songs and poetry. In Rangikura, you hear a lot of internal rhyme and strong rhythm.

You convey a defiant persona in this collection. Is writing a conduit for your inner rebel?

I like writing because you get to have the last word, which I dont always have in real life. Its the space where I can express myself; Im on the reserved side in person. My poems talk a lot about colonization, and the response to that is to rebel against it. Its a matter of the language matching the content. When Im speaking to these power structures, the tone is rebellious, has anger, and all these feelings that you feel in the face of colonial oppression.

In the poem Takakino, which is the Maori word for destruction, you describe a police encounter that felt enjoyably fictional. What does that mean?

That poem is dictating a silly night out between two young characters, young hine, and that line speaks to the cliche of trying to escape or feel alive. It refers to the pain the narrators are feeling in the face of colonization; that destruction is why theres a lot of fire or heat imagery in this collection. Its this idea of going through the fire. In our culture, we have rahui ways of protecting or nurturing the environment. A lot of that is through fire, like controlled burnings, and this idea that fire is destructive but also cleansing.

How does self-deprecating humor figure into your work?

Its got to do with my culture and being an urban Maori. Especially in Polynesian culture, theres a lot of mocking each other, and its quick-witted. Traditionally in our language, its the same with our rangatira, our chiefs, and how our elders speak to us in metaphors, always trying to one-up or have the punch line. Its the culturejust roasting each other. You have to grow up being self-deprecating because, if youre not, someone else is going to deprecate you. When youre going through the world as a Polynesian woman, a wahine Maori, and writing about oppression and colonization, you have to have a sense of humor.

Return to the main feature.
In this article, we look at the 15 friendliest countries in Asia. You can skip our detailed analysis on countries that welcome tourists, expatriates and immigrants with open arms, and head over directly to the 5 Friendliest Countries in Asia.

Traveling abroad, whether for tourism or starting a new life, is a unique experience. While tourists have several expectations associated with visiting a country, such as architecture, landscape, culture, cuisine, shopping and more, it is often their experience with locals that has a long-lasting impact on the perception they develop of that place.

Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, with its GDP projected to account for over 50% of the worlds GDP by 2040. The continent offers immense economic potential, which has seen a large influx of investors and job seekers move to Asia with an eye on the lucrative opportunities available in these large, densely populated markets. Moreover, Asia is also famous for its unique landscape, cultures, and warm climates, which have enhanced the regions reputation as a growing tourist destination.

2023 was an exceptional year for tourism in Asia, especially UAE, which received over 17 million tourists. The UAE is the second most welcoming country in the world for immigrants as well, with a migrant stock in the population of 88.1%. Tens of thousands of people flock to the country every year for job hunt in search for better wages and living standards than in their home country.

Several large corporations operate in the country and contribute to its economic success. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is expecting its cloud portfolio to create 100,000 new jobs and add $39 billion to the Emirati economy between 2022 and 2026. The US technology company is in talks with UAE officials on the potential use of its cloud based services in highly regulated sectors of the government. Moreover, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) plans on spending $3.4 billion to support local businesses and data centers in the UAE.

Story continues

Property business is thriving as well in the UAE. According to a UK-based study, Dubai is the most profitable city in the world for Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) landlords, with homeowners charging as much as $1,150 a night on average in properties near the Burj Khalifa. The study mentioned that it would take landlords an average of 121 nights to rent out their property on Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) to breakeven and make their money back. Vietnams capital Hanoi was listed as the third most profitable city for Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) landlords.

Another top destination for travelers is Turkiye, where the number of tourists soared by 10.4% in 2023, to touch nearly 50 million visitors. Last month, Ankara eliminated the requirement for US, Canadian, and Mexican tourists to obtain e-visa for travel lasting fewer than 90 days. The move is likely to further boost tourism in the country. Turkiyes appeal as a major tourist destination has meant a booming hotel industry, with large chains like Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) and Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) having announced expansions in the country.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) is the largest international hotel company operating in Turkiye, with more than 100 active hotels, and about 20 more under development in the country. Recent additions by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) in Turkiye include the Days Hotel by Wyndham Istanbul Esenyurt and Ramada by Wyndham Karapinar, among others.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) in September 2023 announced the signing of 13 deals, signaling its expansion in Turkiye. The company currently has a portfolio of 8,000 rooms across 21 brands and 48 properties in the country. According to Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), the new projects  which would include the much anticipated Fairfield Inn by Marriott  will add another 2,000 rooms.

15 Friendliest Countries in Asia

Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

The friendliest countries in Asia were ranked after considering four sources  Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkeys articles on 30 Friendliest Countries in the World and 20 Most Immigrant Friendly Countries In The World, HSBCs Expat Explorer rankings that list the top 46 destinations for expat living, and Passport Indexs Welcoming Countries Rank 2024, which ranks countries on how many passports they accept visa-free, with visa on arrival or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

We observed where every Asian country ranked on each of these lists, and assigned them scores by dividing their rank on each list with the total number of countries ranked on those lists. Scores were then aggregated to determine overall scores for each country. The 15 Friendliest Countries in Asia are listed in ascending order of these scores. In case two or more countries had the same score, we outranked one over the other by seeing the total number of travelers received by these countries in question.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Lets now head over to the list of the friendliest Asian countries.

15. Sri Lanka

Score: 0.96

Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest countries in Asia. It is ranked third on Passport Indexs rankings for welcoming countries. The Sri Lankan government offers visa on arrival or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travelers from 196 countries.

14. Maldives

Score: 1.00

About 1.8 million tourists visited Maldives in 2023. The people in the country are extremely warm and welcoming, and go above and beyond to make holidays for travelers enjoyable and unforgettable.

13. Cambodia

Score: 1.00

Next up on our list is Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia which is known for its low-lying plains and mountains. It ranks joint-first, along with Maldives and a few other countries that offer visa-free entry, with visa on arrival or eTA. Approximately 5.4 million visitors traveled to Cambodia in 2023.

12. India

Score: 1.18

India is the 18th most immigrant friendly country in the world, with a migrant stock in the population of 0.4%. Most immigrants in India come from neighboring countries, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The country ranks 30th on HSBCS Expat Explorer list of top countries for expats. India offers visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from 163 countries.

11. Bahrain

Score: 1.20

Bahrain was listed 21st on Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkeys rankings for the 30 most friendly countries in the world. The island nation in West Asia is known for being inclusive and understanding of other cultures. Expatriates account for over 52% of Bahrains population. It ranks as the eighth best country for expatriates, according to HSBC. All of these factors combine to make Bahrain one of the friendliest countries in Asia.

10. Jordan

Score: 1.23

Jordan is one of the friendliest countries in Asia. It ranks 27th in the world for visa acceptance, and offers visa on arrival or eTA entry for travelers from 141 countries. It is also among the top destinations for immigrants, with a migrant stock in population of 33.9%. There are over 675,000 Syrian and between 2-3 million Palestinian refugees living in Jordan.

9. Turkiye

Score: 1.24

Nearly 50 million travelers visited Turkiye in 2023. It is among the friendliest countries in Asia and the world. The country offers visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from as many as 118 countries. Recently, Ankara waived off the requirement for travelers from the US, Canada, and Mexico to obtain e-visa if their trip lasts fewer than 90 days. It is also listed on HSBCs list of the best destinations for expat living.

8. Thailand

Score: 1.32

Thailand was among the most visited countries in the world in 2023, receiving over 27 million tourists during the year. It is one of Asia's friendliest countries, where travelers get a real experience of the warm and welcoming nature of locals when they visit major tourist centers like Phuket and Bangkok. Thailand also ranks 40th on HBSCs list of the top countries for expatriates.

7. Taiwan

Score: 1.36

It is common for tourists to strike up friendly conversations with random locals in Taiwan, some of whom might see it as an opportunity to improve their spoken English. The people of the country are incredibly cordial and welcoming towards foreigners. Travelers from 90 countries can currently travel to Taiwan and receive their visa on arrival. The Asian country is known for offering higher quality of expat living as well, and ranks 15th on HSBCs Expat Explorer rankings.

6. Saudi Arabia

Score: 1.41

Saudi Arabia is sixth on the list of the friendliest countries in Asia. It is the most immigrant friendly country in the world, with a migrant stock in population of 38.6%. HSBC has ranked the kingdom 39th for expat living. When it comes to ease of traveling, Saudi Arabia offers visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from 71 countries, according to the Passport Index 2024. However, Saudi Arabia is religiously ultra-conservative so it is advised to respect local customs and traditions.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Friendliest Countries in Asia.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 15 Friendliest Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.
This month, weve got travel, health, spring sunshine, and much more. To submit a first line from your book, email booklife@booklife.com.

The Art of Forgiveness: A Promise of Peace

Carolyn CJ Jones

My deepest desire in sharing this book is to be useful to those of you who are tired of anger and resentment affecting your life.

But the Heart Does

Iris Blobel

Jonah Lewis rushed down the corridor, reaching the lift just in the nick of time before its doors closed behind him.

Candle Light Meals In the Devils Comedy Store

Haji Outlaw

Charles Weinmorre stood looking at himself in a full-length mirror.

Even If Were Broken

A.M. Weald

Kate Roth pulled her key ring out of her jacket pocketseven keys, a bottle opener, a small plastic human skullthen slid off the house key now devoid of use.

The Great Forest

Valinora Troy

Spring sunshine shone upon the Rock of Diamonds, warming the stone where twins Alan and Cathy waited.

Health: A Natural Approach

Yael Tusk

In Chinese medical school, I learned very quickly what it feels like to be the underdog.

Lightwaves: A Film Critics Odyssey

Bill Thompson

Movies are and always have been a snapshot of their age, a Cliffs Notes version of the life of an era with all its wonders and outrages, fads, fancies, and tragediesall the things that compel our gaze.

Raining Fish and Frogs

Lois Wickstrom, Illus. by

Janet King

It had been a rough morning. I had a hankering for a breakfast of fried trout, but nothing was biting on the shore of Lake Fish-or-Cut-Bait. Not even the mosquitoes!

The Last 0-Day

B.R. Russell

Erik Anders walked along the sweltering basal streets of District 19.

Secrets

Michael Kelso

My name is Alice. When I was 10 years old I learned a very important lesson in life that helped me through some hard times. It also led to my demise.

Shumi the Dwarf Hamster

Denisa Rosca

In a house, in a country far, far away, lived a dwarf grey hamster with plenty to say.

Traveling in Wonder

Autumn Carolynn

Travel. A word that can bring so much happiness, a meaning that can make ones inner self shine, a way to find oneself, and the most beautiful gift Ive ever explored.

Triptych Unhinged

Scott G. Harvey

The author of these stories finds it challenging to be human.

The Word Made Fresh

George A. Mason

We began worshipping in a movie theater and weve ended up in a symphony hall.
Watkins Scores Big Deal at Tiny Reparations Books Pilar Garcia-Brown at Tiny Reparations Books has secured North American rights to two new books by National Book Awardlonglisted author LaToya Watkins. The deal was struck by Samantha Shea at Georges Borchardt Inc. Watkins is the author of the acclaimed story collection Holler, Child and the novel Perish. The publisher said the first book in the deal, The Book of Chuck, is a multigenerational story about inheritance, community, faith, and the weight of history that follows a family in which certain members have the ability to prophesize and change the course of death. The second book, Starlite/Astro/Galaxy, is a story collection. Chuck will be published in spring 2026, and Starlite in spring 2027.

Williams Signs Two with Grand Central

Tia Williams, author of the Reeses Book Club pick Seven Days in June (now in development for a streaming adaptation) and the just-published A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, has sold North American rights to two new novels to Grand Central fiction editorial director Karen Kosztolnyik. The deal was negotiated by Cherise Fisher at Wendy Sherman Associates. Grand Central said the as-yet-untitled first book is about a woman employed by a search-engine company who accidentally sparks a worldwide search for the sexy stranger she made a deep connection with on a flight. Grand Central tentatively plans to publish the novel in summer 2026. No details were announced for the second book in the deal.

Odd Dot Hooks Weinbergs Fly-Fishing How-To

Justin Krasner at Odd Dot has acquired world rights to author and illustrator Steven Weinbergs The Fly Fishing Book, a nonfiction illustrated guide to fly-fishing. Odd Dot said the book will appeal to true aficionados as well as the uninitiated. The deal was brokered by Marcia Wernick at the Wernick & Pratt Agency. The book is currently scheduled for a fall 2025 publication.

Wang Sells Dark Fantasy to Del Rey

Indie sensation and Sword of Kaigen author M.L. Wang has sold North American rights to two new books to Tricia Narwani at Del Rey. Wang was represented by Seth Fishman at the Gernert Company. Fishman said the first book in the deal, Blood over Bright Haven, is a dark academia fantasy novel wherein the first woman ever admitted to an ancient order of mages unearths a secret that could change the practice of magic foreverif it doesnt get her killed first. Details were not announced for the second book in the deal. Blood over Bright Haven is set to publish in October.

St. Martins Joins Balsons Rescue Party

St. Martins editor-in-chief George Witte has acquired world rights to National Jewish Book Awardwinning author Ronald H. Balsons Rescue from Occupied Budapest. The deal was handled by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group. Gottlieb said the novel follows the aftermath of a funeral, where a woman discovers a hidden chapter of her uncles life during WWII. Its a tale of heroism, diplomacy, and the daring rescue of Jewish refugees in Hungaryintertwined with the extraordinary efforts of the world-renowned humanitarian, Raoul Wallenberg. The book is scheduled for fall 2025.

Mira Captures Rodrigos Beasts

After an auction, Dina Davis at Mira has acquired world rights to author

and artist Rosalia Rodrigos debut novel, Beasts of Carnaval. Allegra Martschenko at Ladderbird Literary Agency brokered the deal. Mira called the book a Puerto Ricoinspired historical fantasy that follows a freedwoman as she searches for her missing brother at the Carnaval de Bestiasa place where endless performances hide a violent colonial

history and a near-sentient settingand learns why nobody who enters Carnaval ever leaves. Mira plans to publish Beasts in summer 2025.


House Rules

The #1 book in the country is House of Flame and Shadow, the third installment in romantasy author Sarah J. Maass Crescent City series. First-week print unit sales eclipsed those of its predecessors, including House of Sky and Breath, which is the top-selling among multiple Maas titles on this weeks trade paperback list. Flame and Shadow, meanwhile, sold more than 11 times as many copies as the #2 book in the country, also by MaasA Court of Thorns and Roses.

Romantic Tomes

A trio of books on our nonfiction list offer sex and relationship advice, just in time for the Hallmark holiday but welcome any month of the year.

Our starred review called Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottmans Fight Right a persuasive and plainspoken guide to conflict, which the Gottmans consider vital to healthy relationships, yet few couples know how to engage in it meaningfully. The authors, whose latest debuts at #5, are psychologists and the married cofounders of the Gottman Institute, an organization that studies marriage and relationships.

Sex educator Emily Nagoski lands two positions below with Come Together, a valuable resource, per our starred review, for anyone looking to spruce up a subpar sex life or make a good one better. And at #15, Secure Love by Julie Menanno, a licensed marriage and family therapist with 1.1 million followers on Instagram, advises readers on how to create a relationship that will last a lifetime.

In Clubland

Come and Get It by Such a Fun Age author Kiley Reid, the latest GMA Book Club pick, debuts at #10 on our hardcover fiction list. Our starred review said Reids blistering send-up of academia is interlaced with piercing moral clarity, and in a prepub interview with PW, the author discussed her nuanced view. For the most part, I think people are trying, she said. Sometimes their attempts make them falter a lot, and I like to replicate that with my characters.

The Read with Jenna selection, Dolly Aldertons Good Material, lands at #11. Our review found that it didnt live up to its title: While the subversion of the typical love story intrigues, the unpalatable characters extinguish its charm.

NEW & NOTABLE

FAR BEYOND GOLD

Sydney McLaughlin

#12 Hardcover Nonfiction

U.S. Olympian McLaughlin debuts with a soaring testimony to the faith that helped her surmount anxiety, forge a new identity in God, and win gold in Tokyo in 2021, according to our review. Readers wont need to be athletes to find inspiration here.
Right wing political attacks on librarians and the American Library Association have not deterred librarians and the ALA from staying focused on their work. In a release this week, the ALA reported that at the recently concluded LibLearnX conference in Baltimore, the ALA Council approved five new "core values," focusing on "access, equity, intellectual freedom and privacy, the public good, and sustainability."

In the release, the ALA explains that the association's core values "uplift and support other foundational documents of the American Library Association, including: the Library Bill of Rights, the Code of Ethics, and Libraries: An American Value" and "articulate the professions principles and highest aspirations." The ALA's core values also serve as the foundation for accreditation of master's degree Programs in Library and Information Science.

This is a crucial moment for our profession, as our library community faces severe challenges and threats," said ALA Council co-chair Erin Berman during the meeting at LibLearnX. "Our proposed Core Values are designed to navigate these tumultuous times and into a brighter future.

Speaking of right wing attacks on libraries, a blog post from EveryLibrary points out that a candidate for secretary of state in Missouri, Valentina Gomez, recently posted a video of her using a flamethrower to burn public library books as part of her campaign. "Gomez is leaning on the current radical, far-right talking point that libraries are spaces where children are being groomed," the post notes. "What might be even more absurd, or perhaps frightening, about Gomezs display is the underlying motivation. She burned books with a flamethrower on social media while running for a public office. That inherently suggests she thinks that burning books will help her win the election." The post notes that Gomez's video was labeled "hateful content" on X.

Also in Missouri, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on a hearing this week in the state legislature on a proposal, which the library community opposes, to turn the state's public library boards into elected positions instead of appointed ones. "Under legislation sponsored by Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-OFallon, the boards that oversee libraries would be chosen for two-year terms by voters in November elections," the report notes. "Margaret Perkins McGuinness of the Kansas City Public Library decried the level of politics that has enveloped libraries in recent years, with fights over the content of books and efforts by Republicans to defund libraries. 'Such a bill would create a highly politicized library board,' McGuinness said."

In Iowa, the local Gazette reports on a hearing this week over a state bill that would "bring partisan political decision-making into library operations, including book selection." Under House Study Bill 678, city councils would be given expanded power to make library decisions. According to the report, "Dozens of public library officials and supporters from across the state crammed into a small room in the Iowa Capitol to express their staunch opposition to the proposed legislation, which would eliminate the requirement that a citys voters approve any 'proposal to alter the composition, manner of selection or charge of a library board,' or its replacement."

In Tennessee, WPLN News reports on how book bans have expanded to public libraries, and why. Im scared. Im scared for my friends, one resident told WPLN reporters. Our school board meetings are very contentious. Our county commission meetings can be very contentious. At one point, I feel as though people could sit down and have conversations about things. But were at a point now where there are no more. There arent conversations.

 At one point, I feel as though people could sit down and have conversations about things. But were at a point now where there are no more. There arent conversations. 

In Idaho, the Capital Sun reports that a new "harmful to minors" bill is moving forward, after the governor vetoed a bill passed last year. The "main difference" between earlier proposed legislation and the bill introduced this week, the report notes, is that "under the current bill, a patron must adhere to the procedures outlined in the bill first before gaining the right to sue a library.... If a patron finds a child has access to an item previously deemed 'harmful to minors' under a decision from the committee or board, then a patron could sue a library for $250 in statutory damages as well as actual damages and any other relief."

Over at Book Riot, Kelly Jensen begins her weekly censorship news column with a look at how a media landscape now fueled by engagement algorithms is helping to fuel the rise of book bans. "A shift to cover the most outlandish has been crucial, not because the stories are important or impact the lives of a community. Theyre crucial because they solicit the engagement those outlets need in order to even get their work out there," she writes. "The second big outcome of the shift to algorithms is that echo chambers online have gotten even bigger."

The New York Times has a piece this week on how librarians, "cast as criminals" amid a years-long right wing political attack, are rising to their own defense. "During 12 years as a youth librarian in northern Idaho, Denise Neujahr read to and befriended children of many backgrounds. Devout or atheist, gay or straight, all were welcome until a November evening in 2021, when about two dozen teens arriving at the Post Falls library for a meeting of the 'Rainbow Squad' encountered a commotion at the entrance. Members of a local church waved signs with images of hellfire and used a bullhorn to shout Bible verses and accusations about sin and pedophile 'groomers' in the library," the article states. "As Americas libraries have become noisy and sometimes dangerous new battlegrounds in the nations culture wars, librarians like Ms. Neujahr and their allies have moved from the stacks to the front lines."

And finally this week, Torrent Freak reports on a fascinating lawsuit filed by OCLC against a shadow library search engine, Anna's Archive, for scraping WorldCat's voluminous records.

"The complaint accuses Washington citizen Maria Dolores Anasztasia Matienzo and several 'John Does' of operating the search engine and scraping WorldCat data. The scraping is equated to a cyberattack by OCLC and started around the time Annas Archive launched," the report notes. "Among other claims, the defendants stand accused of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, tortious interference of contract and business relationships, trespass to chattels, and conversion of property. As compensation for OCLCs reported injuries, the company seeks damages, including compensatory, exemplary, and punitive damages."

Over at InfoDocket, OCLC has posted a clarifying point on the suit. "To be clear, OCLC internal systems were not penetrated; however, under Ohio law, the actions of Annas Archive are considered 'hacking.' OCLC continues to take all appropriate actions needed to ensure that we defend WorldCat to protect the collaborative service developed and maintained with and for libraries worldwide."
With the 2024 presidential race fully underway, religion publishers are exploring deep political divides among faith groups and asking if there is a better way forward in five new books.

From Zondervan, The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics by Curtis Chang and Nancy French (Apr.) encourages Christians to reconsider their approach to politics in order to rebuild relationships strained by partisan divides.

The after-party is referring to how we need to reframe our Christian political identity to one where we radically re-center on Jesus, says Keren Baltzer, associate publisher at Zondervan. Its a call to confront toxic polarization and heal our broken politics, as Chang and French detail in the book.

The idea for the book was born out of necessity, says Webster Younce, v-p and publisher at Zondervan. So many people asked the same question: With all the political division and broken relationships weve seen in recent years, is this just the way it is from now on?

The goal of The After Party is to help readers, Baltzer says, whatever their views, to pursue Christlikeness and a kingdom-first mindset, even in their politics.

Also focusing on divisions along party lines, The Party Crasher: How Jesus Disrupts Politics As Usual and Redeems Our Partisan Divide by Joshua Ryan Butler (Multnomah, May) explores the religious nature of current political movements and offers 10 political commandments for how to engage in the civic domain in a way that reflects Christian teachings.

This is not a book about putting politics aside, its a book about putting politics in their place, says Drew Dixon, executive editor at WaterBrook & Multnomah. Joshs aim is to help us be better disciples of Jesus in whichever party or place we find ourselves. Jesus is a party crasher because his kingdom vision is deeper, better, and further-reaching than the vision any political party has ever put forth.

Journalist Bekah McNeel analyzes the narratives surrounding six controversial issuesabortion, climate change, Covid-19, critical race theory, gun violence, and immigrationin This Is Going to Hurt: Following Jesus in a Divided America (Eerdmans, July). Uncovering a lack of compassion and an us vs. them mentality, McNeel looks to provide what the publisher calls a nuanced and authentically Christian mode of political engagement.

Andrew Knapp, senior acquisitions editor at Eerdmans, says McNeels message is both timely and timeless, due to increasing tribalism in our society and because the author keeps the gospel at the heart of the book. Bekah compels her readers to give everyone a hearing, Knapp adds. Jesus called his followers to take up their crosses and follow himBekah just shows us what that looks like with regard to several key issues.

And publishing in August, historical theology professor Miranda Zapor Cruz is looking at how Christians across a range of denominations have approached political participation in Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters (IVP Academic). The book aims to help readers create a framework to bring faith-based convictions to bear on political issues and participation. In an increasingly polarized society, such a framework will enable us to be more faithful to Christ in our political lives, Cruz writes, and to respect fellow Christians who arrive at different political conclusions.
As a driving force behind Heartdrum, a HarperCollins imprint devoted to Native American childrens book authors, Cynthia Leitich Smith has seen firsthand how Indigenous representation in publishing has evolved.

Only a decade ago, the Native childrens and YA author community, especially those of us publishing at major trade presses, was incredibly small, says Smith, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the author of books including Rain Is Not My Indian Name and Sisters of the Neversea. For the most part, we were flying solo. It was difficult for us to connect authentic Native-focused publishing manuscripts with editors.

Thats changing thanks to the efforts of Smith and other advocates in the childrens book world, with more Indigenous-written titles coming to market, deeper support for those books, and a reinforcing of ties among Native authors.

Room to grow

Heartdrum grew out of conversations between Smith and We Need Diverse Books cofounder Ellen Oh about the need for contemporary, diverse representation of Natives in fiction. Smith found an enthusiastic partner in Rosemary Brosnan at HarperCollins Childrens Books, and the imprint released its first titles in 2021.

In addition to publishing books by Native American authors and illustrators, Heartdrum is committed to being a good literary citizen, Smith says. The imprint makes financial contributions to WNDBs Native Fund and provides faculty for the organizations annual Native Childrens and YA Writing Intensive, first held virtually in 2021 and then in person in Austin, Tex., as of 2022. Each year, some 20 Indigenous authors receive feedback from industry professionals on their works in progress, receive broader publishing advice from editors and agents, and get to know other participants.

After the first retreat, we started to come together, says Andrea Page (Sioux Code Talkers of World War II), a board member of the Childrens Literature Assembly who is Lakota (Sioux). This community has allowed me to share my viewpoint, allowed me to be heard. I didnt realize there were so many other Native authors out there. Sharing our differences and similarities makes us stronger as a culture.

Several books have grown out of the retreats, such as Mandan-Hidatsa writer Laurel Goodlucks Rock Your Mocs and Too Much; Just Like Grandma and A Letter for Bob by Kim Rogers of Wichita and Affiliated Tribes; and Choctaw author Leslie Stall Wideners Kindred Spirits, due out later this year. WNDB also recently launched the Indigenous Reads Rising website, which the organizations executive director, Caroline Richmond, calls a one-stop shop where educators and parents can learn about the incredible books that are available, adding, Currently, we have over 200 titles spotlighted on our booklist, alongside resources written by Native educators and authors. (For more such resources, see Tips for Building an Indigenous Childrens Literature Collection")

Other organizations, too, are bolstering Indigenous childrens book creators. In 2023, Highlights Foundation, which has offered writing classes and retreats for childrens book authors for nearly 40 years, remodeled a cabin on its Milanville, Pa., campus to devote entirely to Indigenous-written childrens books, and held its first Native retreat.

We have a commitment to represent under-represented voices, says George Brown, executive director of Highlights Foundation. When [Cherokee] author Traci Sorell approached us with the idea for the retreat, we were able to give Native voices time together to do their work. Sorell worked with various publishers to stock the cabin shelves with Indigenous works and raised funds to upgrade its amenities. Charlesbridge Publishing has pledged to maintain the cabin for three years and is sponsoring an annual scholarship for Indigenous writers.

Sorell, who had participated in previous Highlights programs, knows their value and is clear about the impact theyve had on her work. Both Powwow Day and Mascot would not be in the world without Highlights, Sorell says.

Network maintenance

Indigenous authors continue to forge their own connections outside of institutional support. When Native people gather, we strengthen our collective, says Stacy Wells, a youth librarian and a member of the Choctaw Nation; she has attended WNDB retreats and has a picture book forthcoming from Heartdrum in 2025. Our community is growing, and we are growing together.

Several peer-run online critique groups help Native authors develop their work. Smiths Cynsations website spotlights new books by authors from underrepresented groups, including those by Native creators. Sorell runs a private listserv for Native childrens book authors and illustrators that publicizes scholarships and celebrates new publications and awards.

These grassroots initiatives, along with institutional efforts, are paying dividends for childrens book creators and their readers.

Writers and illustrators from Native nations are growing their presence in the industry, Sorell says. It requires intentional actions by both non-Native and Native folks working together to make that happen.

Patricia Morris Buckley, who is Mohawk from the Kahnawa:ke Reserve, is the author of books including The First Woman Cherokee Chief and the forthcoming To Walk the Sky (Heartdrum).

Return to the main feature.
Navajo poet and arts advocate Kinsale Drake started the NDN Girls Book Club last April out of a desire to develop a fun, safe space for her fellow bibliophiles to geek out over Native American literature. She couldnt have predicted how the initiative would take offmore than 18,000 Instagram followers, well-attended in-person workshops and readings, sold-out merchandise in bedazzled pops of pink, and ongoing donations to fund more than 500 free book care packages sent out to Indigenous youth in 2023.

This year, Drake is collaborating with mutual aid organizations and other partners on a big dream: to give every child on the vast Navajo reservation a contemporary Native book. Thats in addition to goals like supporting Indigenous visual artists and finding ways to merge the worlds of literature and fashion. But its the core mission of amplifying Native storytelling that attracts readers of all ages to this club.

Historically, Native peoples were shown that literature was not for us; it was a weapon of assimilation and erasure, Drake says. We grew up without fair representation, but now were seeing all these Native authors popping up in genres where we havent seen ourselves. Books are such a beautiful thing because they transcend Indigeneity and help us form these common connections.

That feeling of connectedness is what Drake and other Indigenous Bookstagrammers PW spoke with were seeking when they started out. Sure, it was about making book recommendations, but it was also about making a community. Its safe to say theyve found kinship, both with one another and among their thousands of loyal followers.

The power of platform

Dani Roulette, who is Anishinaabe from Dog Creek First Nation, and Erin Tripp, who is Lingit, had each developed strong followings before they teamed up for a 2019 read-along of Turtle Mountain Chippewa author Louise Erdrichs novel Love Medicine. The success of that experience prompted them to establish their online book club in 2020.

Though the Indigenous Reading Circles top priority is bringing together Native readers in appreciation of Native authors, the monthly club attracts non-Native bookworms, too. Thats just fine by Roulette and Tripp, who understand that education is part of their responsibility, including enlightening participants about topics affecting tribal communities, showcasing the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures, and underscoring the basic fact that Native peoples are still here.

Since the start of colonization, theres been a move to erase us from existence, whether thats by killing us, forcing us to assimilate, or straight up pretending we dont exist, Tripp says. Indigenous literature is one way we can reclaim our identities. As Native readers, we get to connect through story, see ourselves reflected in those stories, and learn about all of our peoples.

To the average Instagrammer, those types of teachings might seem beyond the scope of an influencers job, but theyre necessary to build empathy and upend tired tropes. Too often, Indigenous stories have not been told by the tribal people the story is focused on, which has led to stereotypes, misinformation, and an inaccurate portrayal of Native life, says Carolann Duro, aka NDN Book Nerd, who is of Maarayam and Kumeyaay descent and who runs the Southern California pop-up Quiet Quail Books. Research has shown that when we read stories beyond our own backgrounds, it can positively impact our ability to empathize with and support people from other communities.

Native Hawaiian and Samoan childrens book author Kealani Netane started the Instagram account Little Pasifika Readers in 2021 after struggling to find bedtime reading material that reflected her kids heritage. Pacific Islander books are really hard to find; if you search for them, you typically come up with Asian books, she explains. Every May, we see a ton of Asian American and Pacific Islander month book lists, but they typically only have Asian American representation. The books I share may not mean a lot to everyone, but to some people, seeing their cultures recognized means so much.

In addition to amplifying Pacific Islander authors, Netane also helps showcase the cultural diversity of the area, which is home to 15 independent nations and thousands of isles. Her forthcoming debut picture book, Tala Learns to Siva (illus. by Dong Ho; Orchard, May), honors her Samoan ancestry.

The ills of Instagram

While the Native Bookstagrammers PW spoke with extol the powerful reach of social media, its not without its problems. Some online trolling is to be expected, but Roulette has received death threats in response to her posts. People have lashed out at me when Ive spoken up against beloved white authors saying harmful things or perpetuating stereotypes, she says. As much love as there is for Indigenous literature, there is also a lot of misunderstanding. Ive read reviews of Indigenous works where the critiques make it clear people are forgetting that Indigenous tribes arent a monolith.

Hillary Smith, who owns Black Walnut Books in Glens Falls, N.Y., was braced for backlash when, back in 2021, she started her queer- and Indigenous-focused Bookstagram, where she also promotes a monthly book club. Smith, who is Southern Pomo and Coastal Miwok, is relieved to have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, save for people sometimes questioning the authenticity of authors ancestry.

Thats something I obviously take very seriously, so I try to find out as much information as I can, she says. It does happen that people sometimes pretend to be Native to take advantage of a situation, but then there are more nuanced circumstances, like if someone was adopted. To me, thats a by-product of systemic violence via colonialism, so I dont necessarily think those people should be completely discredited. Ultimately, everyone has to make their own judgment calls.

A lot of work goes into selecting the titles to feature. Smith and her counterparts endeavor to showcase both the joys and traumas of tribal communities and to emphasize that Native books belong in all genres, not just history.

Theres been this pattern of breakout Indigenous books being focused on the trauma that has happened to Indigenous communities on Turtle Island, says fantasy author Melissa Blair, who is Anishinaabe and a prominent Native BookTokker. But now were seeing Indigenous authors breaking into genres that have nothing to do with intergenerational trauma, residential schools, or colonization in this beautiful way that readers are really appreciating.

Kate Nelson, an Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member, is a writer and editor living in Minneapolis.

Read more from our Indigenous representation in publishing feature:

Through the Fire: PW Talks with Tayi Tibble

New Zealand poet Tayi Tibbles Maori heritage and sense of humor pervades her second collection, Rangikura.

10 New Books by Indigenous Authors

Dig into work by favorite writers and newcomers alike.

Indigenous Childrens Book Authors Band Together

Native writers and illustrators find strength in numbers.

Tips for Building an Indigenous Childrens Literature Collection

These suggestions and resources can help educators, librarians, and parents find books that accurately reflect who Native people are.

10 New Childrens and YA Books with Indigenous Representation

Picture, middle grade, and YA books examine Indigenous life through historical, contemporary, and fantastical lenses.


Geber86 / Getty Images

From robotics and artificial intelligence to e-commerce and digitalization, many advancements are affecting how businesses operate and how customers get everyday products and services. Although such technologies can offer convenience, boost productivity and save cash, they can also leave many long-standing industries at risk and struggling to adapt.

Find: 10 Tips To Start a Business With Very Little Money, According to Entrepreneurs

Learn 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Parent Portfolio recently reported on industries that could be on their way out. Here are six that wont exist by 2040.

Discover: 10 Valuable Stocks That Could Be the Next Apple or Amazon

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

1. Physical Movie Rental Services

With major chains like Blockbuster having already gone out of business, finding traditional video rental shops is more challenging and often not even necessary. Many customers now prefer the convenience of watching content on streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix. Even new films are available for digital rental on Vudu, Amazon Prime Video and other platforms.

2. Traditional Taxi Providers

Calling or flagging down a taxi was very common before ride-booking services came along. But now with Lyft and Uber, you can conveniently book rides on an app and often even pay less than a regular taxi service would charge. Traditional taxi providers will need to reconsider their technology and fares to avoid going out of business.

3. Travel Agencies

While travel agencies are still a helpful source for trip planning, theyre at risk thanks to technologies that let travelers do everything themselves. Browsing travel packages, comparing prices and researching attractions is possible through websites such as Expedia, TripAdvisor and Priceline. Plus, ChatGPT and other AI platforms can answer trip questions, suggest itineraries and give money-saving travel advice.

Story continues

4. Print Media

Some customers still prefer physical newspapers, books and magazines. However, the print media industry continues to decline due to the popularity of websites and other digital media. The New York Times, for example, has seen its weekly circulation decline by nearly two-thirds in the last 10 years, to 670,000. However, it has 9.41 million digital subscribers and expects to have 15 million by 2027.

Benefits such as lower costs, convenience and interactivity will likely continue to push customers toward digital options and reduce demand for print publications.

5. Print Advertising

Print advertising is at risk because of the advantages of digital advertising and the popularity of digital media platforms. Rather than paying for expensive magazine ads or billboards that a limited audience will see, companies can reach unlimited customers online. In addition, they can more easily target their ads and track their campaign results using online services. AI tools can also help automate analysis tasks, content creation and customer support.

6. Brick-and-Mortar Retail

While they probably wont be gone completely by 2040, certain brick-and-mortar retail stores are becoming less common due to online shopping. For example, e-books and websites like Amazon have led to a decline in physical bookstores. To stay competitive, many retailers have started selling products online or offering local pickup or delivery services.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Industries That Wont Exist by 2040
Property details:

No Reserve Auction. Beautiful 1.01 acres of land lot in Mohave County, Arizona. Lot 191, Mead-O-Rama, Ranchos Unit# 1. Please see the pictures of the general area and of the lot. Parcel Number 34206191. It is a corner lot on Thomas Drive and Sunset Ave, Temple Bar Marina/Kingman, AZ 86443. A dirt road access. Beautiful real estate. Mead-O-Rama Estates offers high-desert landscapes perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, and year-round fishing only an hour away at Lake Mead or Lake Mohave. The titl...

Price: $ 1,125 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Property Address: Sunset Avenue Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 86443 Zoning: A-General City: Kingman State/Province: Arizona Location: 864**, Temple Bar Marina, Arizona

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby Arizona
Disney/John Fleenor

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/09/2024



ADVERTISEMENT

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Kathy Swarts has dodged questions about her apparent falling out with April Kirkwood , both of whom had been part of the ASKN ladies group on Gerry Turner 's season.'s ASKN ladies -- April, Kathy, Nancy Hulkower Susan Noles -- apparently had a falling out after filming their cameo on Joey Graziadei 's season.April, Susan, Kathy and Nancy made an appearance on 's February 5 episode to serve as judges of the "Mrs. Right" pageant during one of Joey's group dates with about half a dozen of his bachelorettes.ladies filmed this group date in Fall 2023, and they're apparently no longer friends. In fact, Susan, Kathy and Nancy all unfollowed April on social media."We were a group of fearless women who took this on, but I think the fact remains -- we're all women," Kathy, 70, said during the Thursday, February 8 episode of the "Almost Famous" podcast."As time goes on, you get to know people better, and I think that's just a natural part of life. But I can honestly say, I am friends with everybody on the show."Kathy -- who memorably stirred up some drama on with Gerry's eventual winner Theresa Nist -- continued, "If there's somebody particular that you're asking me about, I just think that natural selection takes over."Kathy revealed Susan and Nancy are currently her best friends from the show, and she added, "A few of us are getting together in a few weeks in D.C. and Philly, and we're going to have a great time."And Kathy pointed out how she, Susan and Nancy just returned from a girls' trip to St. Maarten in January, which April was supposed to be a part of."Nancy, Susan and I just got back from St. Maarten and had a great time," Kathy said. "I might say we did not leave that island in one piece, but we had a great time."She added, "So I think, like any other season, when you have a bunch of women who are trying to date one man, things happen and people aren't necessarily themselves. That's life, it goes on."Kathy said while opportunities she's received from the show may create jealousy amongst the other women, she's very happy for other ladies who are offered special opportunities as well. Kathy noted how she can be excited but empathetic simultaneously."I walk away with my head held high knowing that I'm a good person and I'm a nice person. [A bad edit] is just part of the show. It's what you sign up for!" Kathy noted.April took to Instagram with a lengthy explanation for her absence from the St. Maarten trip last month and revealed that she's been receiving backlash for her separation from the ASKN group."For all of the folks from Texas and PA that are daunting me about why I am not going to St. Martin. Although it is none of your business and there are only three people who knew I cancelled but karma never sleeps," April began in a video.April went on to share several "reasons" why she wasn't able to go on the vacation with Gerry Turner 's other exes."1. I have a job and I can't keep taking off. 2. My roof had a major leak and I had to pay $4,500.00 so I can't afford to go. 3. My dogs are freaking out," April explained."4. My son's birthday is this week and he doesn't need to see me on a beach at this time in our relationship. 5. I have to go to NY to see my granddaughter and celebrate her 3rd birthday in three weeks so I will be off then."For No. 6, April wrote, "I'm an adult and I have to make decisions that are best for my first love... not partying but my kids and keeping my house."April then appeared to take a jab at her former girlfriends."Only three people knew I cancelled and I offered to pay for any fees I might have cost them. So whoever sent you, please respect me and don't follow me for their dark dealings," April wrote.April was seemingly hinting that fans of the other women have been trolling her and sending hate her way."This is adult bullying and it is a low, dense energy. This is a poor example of what adult females should act like," April vented."I seriously feel like I'm on part two and I'm the new Teresa [SIC] being targeted. Shame on you."Since Kathy had a big issue with Theresa on , April may have been singling out Kathy and may only have a problem with her.When one follower commented that Kathy is "a bully, envious, no filter classless tyrant," April actually replied with a heart emoji.April also touched upon how the three ladies had blocked her on Instagram."I've been very sad when they blocked me, so my social media helper did it back," she wrote in the comments."All middle school and beneath what I want to represent to young women. It never had to go this way."None of the ladies made Gerry's Final 3 bachelorettes on , which wrapped late last year.Gerry got engaged to Theresa during the show's finale, dumping Leslie Fhima in second place and Faith Martin in third place.Gerry and Theresa's engagement aired on finale in late November, and host Jesse Palmer announced on After the Final Rose how the couple would be getting married live on television for all of their fans to watch.Gerry and Theresa then tied the knot in Palm Springs , CA, for The Golden Wedding special, which aired January 4 on ABC.Susan served as the officiant of Gerry and Theresa's wedding. Click here to learn more about Joey's bachelorettes or click here to read spoilers that reveal how Joey's season ends and who he picked as his winner.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Disney/John Fleenor

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/10/2024



ADVERTISEMENT

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

's Lexi Young has opened up about what it's been like to "silently suffer" with endometriosis for over a decade and how far she's come in her health crisis.Lexi took to Instagram following the latest episode of Joey Graziadei 's season to share more details about her endometriosis journey with viewers.Lexi captioned her post, "I want to open up about my endometriosis journey that I have silently suffered through since middle school. One in ten women face this illness with many of them not even knowing that they have it."Lexi wrote that she was diagnosed with endometriosis in early 2019 and had endometriosis surgery in April 2019. She said sharing her story is "unbelievably hard" for her but she knows she's not alone."I hope sharing what I've been through can help others also going through their own endo journeys. It's time to bring more awareness to endometriosis," she wrote.In one of three video diaries, Lexi began, "It is honestly pretty emotional to talk about my diagnosis and journey to a diagnosis with endometriosis. For me, endometriosis presented itself when I was quite young. I always had incredibly painful periods. Once I got into high school and college, I had horrible pelvic pain, really bad lower back pain, and it just continued to get worse and worse."Lexi said doctors would prescribe her medications to help with the pain -- including birth control pills at a very young age -- but "nothing helped" her feel better.After college, Lexi said she moved to San Francisco, where her symptoms unfortunately worsened even more."It got to the point where my symptoms were so bad that I would pass out at work from pain. I couldn't sit at a desk all day and do my job. I started going to multiple doctor's appointments a week to try to gain an understanding of what was going on with my body," Lexi shared."I was diagnosed with conditions that I never had. I was told that the pain I was experiencing was in my head and it was rooted in anxiety and depression and that I needed to see a psychiatrist. All of this going on truly made me shut down and almost believe that my pain wasn't real."Lexi, however, insisted that she was suffering every single day and was often "doubled over in pain." She said she simply couldn't function at work or "live a normal life" like someone in their twenties.Lexi therefore made the decision to move to New York City to be closer to her family."When I moved to New York, my symptoms got 100 times worse. I was rushed to the emergency room multiple times while I was working at the GAP headquarters in New York. I was losing a lot of blood. I had really, really bad abdominal distention," Lexi recalled."My lower abdomen would be so swollen from the internal bleeding and endo that I would look four-to-five months pregnant. It was -- and is -- the most uncomfortable feeling. It feels as though there is barbed wire surrounding my pelvis."Lexi admitted she was dealing with this "day in and day out," and so she continued to see different doctors, only to listen to "the same narrative" of what they thought was wrong with her.Lexi said she finally met a doctor at New York University who changed her life."I am so grateful. She listened to me and validated that my pain is 100 percent real, and she had a very strong hunch that I had endo," Lexi shared."Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed through an MRI or X-ray or CT scan or any lab tests. It has to be diagnosed through a laparoscopic surgery. These surgeries are usually quite expensive and it's a diagnostic surgery."Lexi explained how people may go through the entire surgery just to find out they don't have it.An MRI did show that she had some thickening of uterine ligaments, and so she went through with the surgery.During the laparoscopic robotic surgery, they cut into her abdomen and extracted the endometriosis at the root."It was the most emotional, validating day I've ever had in my entire life," Lexi said."When the doctor walked into the room, she told me that I had stage IV deep infiltrating endometriosis all over my pelvic cavity and it was even spreading to other organs, I finally felt as though my pain was validated."Lexi noted, "I have been suffering for over a decade and I was turned away from doctors and I finally had the answer as to what was going on with my body."After the procedure, Lexi jumped into physical therapy for the next year.While Lexi was thrilled to finally have a diagnosis, she wondered how endometriosis is going to affect her long term."I've always wanted to be a mother, and a big part of endometriosis is potential infertility. I just remember bursting into tears. They were happy tears and they were sad tears. It's a day I'll never forget, but it's a day that changed my life," Lexi explained.Lexi is now able to find ways to manage her pain and implement steps that may better her chances of having children in the future."This is me. This is who I am... I've had pain I can't even describe in words, and putting these [pictures] out can spread awareness about what endometriosis can do to the body and hopefully help one person who looks the same or feel the same. That will make all of this worth it to me," Lexi concluded.In Part 2, Lexi got into detail about what endometriosis actually is. She explained how it's an inflammatory disease in which tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. Lexi pointed out how signs and symptoms can completely vary from person to person.Lexi revealed her symptoms have returned full force and she's going to need a second surgery for endometriosis in the near future, which could result in a lot of scar tissue."My egg freezing really aggravated that tissue with all of the hormones I was taking," Lexi said."I'm not in a place where I'm in a waiting game. I'm in a lot of pain. I'm not in a place where I can have children now, but I hope I will be soon."Lexi then shared in a Part 3 video how she wanted to compete on to show herself and others that "living with an invisible illness does not mean that you cannot live your life and you can't go after your dreams."However, Lexi revealed how there's no cure for endometriosis and she continues to have flares every single week, and sometimes every single day.While filming , Lexi sometimes had "endo belly" and experienced pain, which she called "very challenging." But Lexi said she's go glad she went on the show and it showed how strong she is.On 's latest episode, Lexi won the "Mrs. Right" pageant during a group date with her thoughtful response to an interview question and her showstopping talent, which is claiming she's the best kisser.Lexi took an opportunity to make out with Joey in front of a live studio audience, which took courage and definitely brought the bachelorette out of her comfort zone.Joey told Lexi that their connection felt "effortless," and she appears to be a frontrunner on 's 28th season. Click here to learn more about Joey's bachelorettes or click here to read spoilers that reveal how Joey's season ends and who he picked as his winner.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has announced that a total of 23 utility project developers have been prequalified for the fifth round of solar projects coming up across the kingdom with a total 3700 MW capacity.

It is being implemented under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which is led and supervised by the Ministry of Energy, said SPPC in its statement.

The Round 5 Solar Projects comprise the 2000MWac capacity Al Sadawi IPP to be located in the Eastern province; 1000MWac Al Masaa IPP in Hail province; 400MWac Al Henakiyah 2 IPP in Madinah province and 300MWac Rabigh 2 IPP in the Makkah Province.

The list of the pre-qualified bidders include global players such as French utility majors EDF and Total Energies; Japanese heavyweights Marubeni, Sumitomo, Itochu and Jera and Korean construction giants Samsung C&T Corporation and Korea Electric Power Corporation in addition to Greek builder GEK Terna; leading Thai companies

B. Grimm Power and Gulf Energy Development Public Company as well as Chinese groups Power Construction Corporation of China, Spic Huanghe Hydropower Development and Jinko Power (Hong Kong).

The major regional firms which have now made it to the prequalified list include UAE-based Masdar, Kahrabel and BGL Renewable Energy Systems Installation as well as Qatari group Nebras Power.

According to SPPC, of the total 23 companies which had expressed their interests in the Round 5 projects, five were Saudi firms namely Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company; Alfanar; Saudi Electricity Company; FAS Energy and Nesma Renewable Energy.

These projects are part of NREP, which aims to achieve the optimal energy mix, displacing liquid fuels in the Kingdoms power sector and supply 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

SPPC said under the NREP scheme, it will be responsible for the predevelopment, tendering and subsequently offtaking the energy from the projects. To date, SPPC has awarded over 12.6 GW of renewable energy capacity under NREP.-TradeArabia News Service
lovro77 / iStock.com

One of the advantages to renting instead of buying a home is the ability to call the building superintendent or property owner when something goes wrong. The refrigerator not staying cold? A puddle in the kitchen from a leak in the ceiling? Generally, those arent your problem, and your landlord should handle them promptly.

Read: Barbara Corcoran  If You Buy a Home Now, Its To Your Advantage

Learn: Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Dont Realize You Can Do This  Today

That doesnt mean that tenants are absolved of all responsibility when it comes to household maintenance and repairs. But which things can you count on the landlord to handle, and which are your responsibility? That depends on your state laws and the terms of your lease.

Explore: Escape the Cold on a Budget  The 5 Cheapest Places To Live in Florida Near the Beach

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Check Your State Laws

Landlord-tenant laws vary by state, so before entering any lease agreement, its a good idea to review the state law  its typically available on the states website  to know just what your landlord is responsible for. Every state except Arkansas has an implied warranty of habitability requiring that rental units be safe and decent places to live, according to Nolo.

In Maine, for example, if you experience a problem that makes the property unfit or unsafe that wasnt caused by your negligence and your landlord wont fix it, youll have to go to court  Or, in some cases, you can tell the landlord you are going to pay for the repair yourself if it isnt made in a timely manner and then deduct the cost from the rent.

In California, a landlord is responsible for all health and safety issues unless the problems were created by the negligence of the tenant or their guest.

Minnesota has a similar provision, which, like laws in some other cold-weather states, includes a requirement that tenants have heat by a certain date.

Story continues

Ben Gold, the founder of Recommended Home Buyers in Philadelphia, said it generally is up to landlords to handle major repairs and structural maintenance. Tenants should not be called upon to maintain or repair major systems.

This encompasses issues like plumbing, electrical work and structural repairs, he said. Furthermore, landlords are responsible for providing a safe and habitable living environment, ensuring essential appliances are functional and addressing major concerns affecting the propertys overall functionality.

So while the specific maintenance bills a landlord must cover vary by state, habitability requirements typically include the following:

Structural issues affecting the soundness of the building, including the roof, walls and floors Plumbing Hot water Heat and, in some cases, air conditioning Major appliances like the refrigerator and oven/stove Fire safety equipment such as sprinklers and/or smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

But that doesnt mean tenants dont have to lift a finger.

Tenants are required by law to take reasonable care of their rental units as well as common areas such as hallways and outside areas, Gold said. Tenants must act to keep those areas clean and undamaged. Tenants also are responsible to repair all damage that results from their neglect or abuse, and to repair damage caused by anyone for whom they are responsible, such as family, guests.

Read Your Lease

Simple things like changing a light bulb on a standard ceiling typically are handled by a tenant. But what about beyond that? Who mows the lawn and shovels the snow? Thats a gray area and expectations need to be set at the time the tenant signs the lease, said Jordan Fulmer, a real estate investor in Alabama who runs Momentum Property Solutions.

Your lease should clarify those areas. If it doesnt, ask for clarification in writing.

The standard contract I utilize spells out responsibilities in two columns, landlord vs. tenant, then categorizes items (lawn care, pest control, HVAC repairs). It allows one responsible party or both to be checked off, said Mark Severino, the founder of Best Texas House Buyers, LLC.

Erin Hybart, a Louisiana real-estate agent, said the key is to document everything.

When it comes to money or a lease, the more specific, the better, she said. I put light bulbs and air filters on my paperwork. I need to get that detailed. I need there to be no question as to who will pay for what.

Fulmer takes a unique approach with his properties.

He gives his tenants an allowance each month via a break in rent to pay for small repairs on their own. And since his single-family homes often have multiple applicants, he assesses prospective tenants abilities with a toolbox as part of the screening process. His tenants usually are comfortable with small repairs such as fixing a running toilet, he said.

They get a good rate on the house, he said.

And what does Fulmer get? Something akin to an on-site property manager, he said.

Landlord-Tenant Communication

A good rapport and ability to communicate is crucial when it comes to expectations about maintenance and repairs.

At the end of the day, communication is key and I tell my tenants to let me know about any issues they cannot handle themselves, Severino said. It is better to get a third-party professional like a plumber or electrician or even a great handyman on site than to risk significant damage to the investment property.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Maintenance Bills You Shouldnt Cover as a Renter
'The UK is more of a structural problem, and thats why were doing the restructuring.'

IMAGE: General view of the Tata Steel Port Talbot Steelworks plant, Wales, Britain. Photograph: Joann Randles/Reuters

Tata Steel, recently, announced its decision to transition from legacy blast furnaces at Port Talbot in Wales, UK, to a greener electric arc furnace (EAF) technology in a phased manner to reverse a decade of losses.

In an interview, Tata Steel managing director and chief executive officer T V Narnedran tells Ishita Ayan Dutt/Business Standard why it was the "least bad option".

On a standalone basis, Tata Steel recorded a net profit of Rs 4,653 crore, while consolidated at Rs 513 crore was dragged by European operations.

What is the outlook for Europe?

We've had poor numbers both in the Netherlands and the UK.

In the Netherlands, the second blast furnace, which has been down for relining since April, took longer than we thought, and it's now finally ready and should get back into production.

I do believe the worst is behind us, as far as the Netherlands is concerned.

The UK is more of a structural problem, and that's why we're doing the restructuring.

But we expect the losses to be lower as we start shutting down blast furnaces and doing the restructuring.

You are expecting lower losses in the UK; can you give an estimate?

Next year (2024-25), losses should be half of this year's losses.

Trade unions in the UK have reacted sharply to your decision to shut down the blast furnaces at Port Talbot.

Are you confident that the transition to EAF will go through?

This is the least bad option. We had said last year that if there was no support from the government, we would have anyway had to close the blast furnaces without building anything new because the assets were coming to the end of life and we were bleeding.

Even this quarter's results show that this kind of bleed is not sustainable.

When the government concluded the conversation with us, we had a lifeline.

The government is putting in Pound 500 million, we'll put in Pound 750 million, and we can preserve steelmaking at Port Talbot by building an EAF, which uses scrap available in the UK, and be in a more competitive position than we are today, using imported iron ore and coal and making steel through the blast furnaces.

That would have meant fewer jobs, but at least we would have saved the 5,000 jobs that are also at risk if we did nothing.

What is the cost of letting the blast furnaces run during the transition period, as was proposed by the unions?

When we evaluated the union proposal to run one blast furnace until the EAF was built, we came across multiple challenges: a Pound 600 million impact on the financial performance, a Pound 200 million impact on project costs, and a ten-month delay in project timelines.

Then the CO2 reduction would have been slower.

Then we also saw that, operationally, it's very challenging. For all these reasons, we felt that this was not a viable proposal.

Unions have raised questions about why you are shutting down blast furnaces in Wales to cut emissions while building one of the largest blast furnaces at Kalinganagar for the second phase of expansion.

Closing the blast furnaces was driven by the financial performance of Tata Steel UK, the regulatory environment in Tata Steel UK, and the conditions of the grant that we were getting because that was available only if we brought down the CO2.

And it is more competitive to use scrap to make steel in the UK. That was the logic.

But I don't think we ever said we would not build new blast furnaces in India, which has a growing market. And there is no gas or scrap in India, so how do you make steel?

How confident are you of achieving this 40 million-tonne capacity by 2030, or are you advancing it?

We have the option because we have the land, and we can pace it depending on our appetite, both in terms of the balance sheet and demand.

Tata Steel's net debt at the end of December stood at Rs 77,405 crore. When do you see getting back to the $1 billion debt reduction target?

We expect net debt to improve between now and March. I think next year is a good year to get back on track with the debt reduction because Kalinganagar will have started production, the Netherlands will be back to normal, and hopefully, steel prices will be better.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The result is a big blow to the military establishment, revealing the limits of 'political engineering'.

It reflected the anger of the electorate, especially its younger voters, who have spoken decisively against the persistent harassment and victimisation of Imran Khan's political party, asserts Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

IMAGE: Nawaz Sharif' supporters cheer as they gather at the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party office at Model Town in Lahore, February 9, 2024. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

In a completely unexpected result in the February 8 general elections, Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI) backed Independents won 99 seats, of the 248 results declared so far (out of 265).

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalled at 71 seats while the Peoples Party of Pakistan could win 53 seats, mostly from Sindh.

The Mohajir Quami Movement (Pakistan) won 15 seats in Karachi.

IMAGE: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) cheer, but the party suffered an unexpected reverse in the country's general election. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

In the provincial assemblies, PTI backed Independents emerged in a landslide in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), winning 90 seats out of 113.

In Punjab, there was a neck to neck race between PTI backed Independents and the PML (N), with the latter ultimately reaching a majority in the 361 member House.

The Sharif family scions were able to win their seats from Lahore, both in the national assembly and Punjab assembly, other party stalwarts like Rana Sanaullah, Khurram Dastgir, Khwaja Saad Rafique have been defeated.

In Sindh, the Peoples Party of Pakistan won a majority again, with little opposition in the rural areas.

Balochistan has again seen a fractured mandate, with the Peoples Party of Pakistan winning 9 seats, the PML (N) 8 and the Jamiat ul Ulema -e-Islam (JuI-Fazlur Rehman) a few seats.

Baloch nationalist parties did not do so well.

IMAGE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters chant slogans outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, Pakistan February 9, 2024, demanding free and fair results. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Breakaway faction leaders from Imran Khan's PTI like Jehangir Tareen of the Ishteqam Party (IPP) and Pervez Khattak of the PTI (Parliamentarians) lost badly, though Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry could win national assembly seats.

The polling could be held smoothly enough despite sporadic violence in areas bordering Afghanistan.

The interior ministry reported 61 attacks nationwide, with 16 killed including 10 security personnel, justifying temporary suspension of cellular phone services and Internet on this account.

There were unprecedented delays in the declaration of results.

The Election Management System, devised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP_, failed to function late on February 8 night, even as electronic media channels in Pakistan started releasing the trends obtained unofficially from polling, presiding and returning officers.

Several returning officers were replaced at the ECP's behest, leading to allegations of rigged outcomes.

IMAGE: Army personnel stationed near a polling station in Lahore, February 8, 2024, the day of the general election. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

This result is a big blow to the military establishment, revealing the limits of 'political engineering', though enabling credibility of a fair and free poll.

It reflected the anger of the electorate, especially its younger voters, who have spoken decisively against the persistent harassment and victimisation of the PTI.

After a day's delay, an Inter Services Public Relations press release conveyed the army chief's felicitations to the people of Pakistan and administrative functionaries for conducting a free and fair poll in difficult circumstances.

He called for 'stable hands' and 'a healing touch' at this juncture, as it was important to 'move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation'.

IMAGE: Nawaz Sharif speaks, flanked by his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shehbaz Sharif, at the Pakistan Muslim League (N) party office at Model Town in Lahore, February 9, 2024. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

Nevertheless, the army is unlikely to retreat from its controlling role in domestic politics. Efforts were initiated to determine who will become the prime minister.

In a speech in Lahore on February 9 evening, Nawaz Sharif said he respected the mandate given to all political parties, even independent candidates, and suggested that a ten year period of stability was needed, as a collective effort to take the country out of the current quagmire.

As last reports came in, PML (N) leaders met the PPP's Asif Zardari in Lahore. They have now been summoned to Islamabad for last minute efforts to cobble together a coalition which could work toward a majority in the 'hung' national assembly.

With the smaller parties like the MQM (P), JuI (F), PML (Q) and IPP coming on board, the numbers could reach 134. Some Independents may still be pressurised to desert the PTI.

However, the PTI claims a majority of its own and there is talk of joining a smaller registered political party like the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), a Shia party pledged to work for Shia-Sunni unity in Pakistan, led by Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, which won two seats in the national assembly. This may help it claim a share of the 70 reserved seats for women and minorities.

IMAGE: Supporters of Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, protest outside a temporary election commission office in Peshawar, February 9, 2024, demanding free and fair results. Photograph: Fayaz Aziz/Reuters

The election verdict does not mean that Imran Khan would be coming out of jail any time soon, though recent judgments against him will be challenged in the higher courts.

It does establish though, that despite his incarceration since the last six months and more, Imran has been able to decisively hit back in his political contestation against the military establishment.

Whether this presages an end to the intensely bitter environs of feuding, name-calling against Opposition leaders and heads of institutions and heralds a more pragmatic move on his part towards reconciliation, remains to be seen.

IMAGE: A billboard featuring Pakistan Peoples Party politician Bilawal Bhutto and his sister Asifa Bhutto in Karachi, February 9, 2024. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

After a new government is formed, civil military relations will remain fractious. The civilian prime minister will be heading a weak, tenuous, coalition.

When the Special Investment Facilitation Council (was set up by the previous coalition government, army chief General Syed Asim Munir was allowed to have a decisive say in its handling.

Differences may arise now on handling of economic policy and over appointment of the finance minister, especially if Nawaz Sharif wants to entrust it again to Ishaq Dar. Instead, Ahsan Iqbal's name is emerging as a more acceptable candidate.

If the PPP joins a coalition led by PML (N) again, it may demand a greater share in power. Bilawal Bhutto's recent hostile stance may or may not deter aspirations to claim the foreign ministry again.

The MQM (P) will also have to be accommodated though its demand for a greater role in Karachi's urban regeneration will pose a red rag to the PPP.

The present director general, ISI, Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum is on an open-ended extension. Munir will have to decide whether he can be replaced now.

The civilian prime minister is unlikely to have a say in this appointment.

Whether Munir now feels secure enough to effect the long delayed re-shuffle to post out senior lieutenant generals of the 80th Pakistan Military Academy long course, who have been cooling their heels in staff assignments at GHQ, to aspired for corps commands will also be watched with interest.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The 17th Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Saturday bringing the curtains down on the House that witnessed several landmark decisions, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that game-changing reforms during its five-year tenure laid the foundation of a strong India.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Interim Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo/Sansad TV

As the adjournment of Parliament for an indefinite period with the Rajya Sabha also adjourning sine die kickstarts the final countdown for the general elections, Modi said the last five years were a period of "reform, perform and transform" with the country moving towards "big changes" at a fast pace.

The Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April and May.

As MPs bade goodbye to the 17th Lok Sabha which will be remembered for some defining moments, unprecedented security breach and record suspension of 100 MPs for unruly conduct, Modi lauded the outgoing House, saying many decisions including the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution and the passage of Women's reservation bill were taken during its tenure for which many generations had long waited.

Scrapping of Article 370, which had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and the building of Ram temple in Ayodhya were part of Bharatiya Janata Party's core agenda for decades.

The Ram temple construction took centre stage on the last day of Parliament's budget session with both houses holding a discussion on its consecration ceremony on January 22 this year and Modi saying adoption of a laudatory resolution on the historic event will give constitutional strength to the future generations to feel proud of the country's values.

Modi also said the 17th Lok Sabha saw 97 percent productivity.

"We are moving towards the end of the 17th Lok Sabha and we resolve that the productivity should ensure 100 percent in the 18th Lok Sabha," Modi said. With 353 MPs, the BJP-led NDA had a brute majority in the lower house.

"Several challenges were met and the country was given an appropriate direction. We can say with satisfaction that the work for which many generations waited for centuries was accomplished in the 17th Lok Sabha," he said.

"These five years have been of reform, perform and transform. It is rare that we reform, perform and also see transformation. The country will keep blessing the 17th Lok Sabha," he said in his last address to the outgoing House.

The current House had the shortest number of sittings--272--among the Lok Sabhas that had a full term of five years since 1952, data compiled by think tank PRS Legislative Research showed.

In his valedictory address, Speaker Om Birla said the 17th Lok Sabha had a total of 274 sittings which lasted for 1,354 hours, 345 hours more than the scheduled time.

"A total of 387 hours were lost due to disruptions in this Lok Sabha. The total work productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha has been around 97 per cent which is the highest among the last five Lok Sabhas," he said.

"The 17th Lok Sabha passed 222 bills. During this period 202 bills were introduced and 11 bills were withdrawn by the government."

The Lok Sabha also saw passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill and enactment of farm sector reforms that drew widespread year-long protests in the National Capital Region.

The protests forced the government to roll back the three contentious farm laws.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told the Lok Sabha that browbeating those who hold an alternate view should be avoided as he noted that though disruptions result in loss of legislative business, they were part of democratic system.

He said one of the key moments of the outgoing house was the switch from the old to the new building and that "old timers" like him were trying to adjust.

Speaker Birla moved a resolution on the Ram temple, describing its construction as a historic achievement, and said it will give the values of hope and unity to future generations. He later said the resolution was passed by the House.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on May 28. He also installed the sacred 'Sengol' in the Lok Sabha chamber.

The building reflects aspirations of new India, every Indian is full of pride today, he had said.

In a major security breach on December 13 last year coinciding with the anniversary of the Parliament attack, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

One of the accused had hidden a canister in his shoes.

In his last address in the outgoing House, Modi also took a swipe at the opposition which has constantly targeted the BJP over the temple issue.

"This is true that not everyone has the capacity for these things. Some people are brave to face it while others run away from the battlefield. But for the future record, the speeches that were made today have sensitivity, resolve and sympathy... It also takes forward the mantra of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'."

He added, "The country has moved towards big changes at a fast pace and all members of the House made an important contribution."

For generations, people dreamt of one Constitution but this House made that possible by removing Article 370, Modi said and noted that several other important decisions like the bill for grant of 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and legislative assemblies and criminalisation of instant triple talaq were taken as well.

India got the presidency of G-20 during this period and every state presented the country's strength and its identity in front of the world, he said.

"We can proudly say that this country might have lived under 'penal code' for 75 years but now we live under 'Nyay Samhita'," the prime minister said in reference to the new criminal laws which replaced British era Acts.

Referring to the Covid pandemic, Modi said that during the last five years, the "biggest crisis of the century" was seen, and Speaker Birla made arrangements so that parliamentary work is not hampered while ensuring the dignity of the House.

He said thousands of cumbersome compliances were removed in the last five years to make the lives of common citizens easier.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die after a short-duration discussion on the 'White Paper on the Indian Economy' and the construction of Ram temple.

Replying to the discussion on the White Paper, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused the UPA government of mismanaging the price situation after

taking charge from the Vajpayee government in 2004, and mocked the Congress, saying 'Gur ko gobar karna inki maastaree hai' (Congress has a mastery of ruining something that has been accomplished).
Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Chhagan Bhujbal received a death threat on Friday.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Chhagan Bhujbal. Photograph: ANI on X

An unknown person sent a letter to his office in Nashik informing him about a contract to kill him.

It was claimed in the letter that this contract has been given to five people for Rs 50 lakh, Chhagan Bhujbal's office stated.

"I did receive a threat letter which read that a contract of Rs 50 lakh has been given to kill me...It has been forwarded to the police...," Bhujbal said on Saturday.

His supporters have demanded additional security for him, it stated.

The Nashik police are investigating the letter.

They are also looking into whether there is a need to provide additional security to the NCP leader, Nasik police officials said.

The threat comes days after the Election Commission on Tuesday allotted the NCP name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar, a decision that came as a major blow to the faction led by party founder Sharad Pawar.

The Sharad Pawar faction got a new name 'Nationalist Congress Party -- Sharadchandra Pawar' on Wednesday.

The poll panel's decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months.

The Election Commission 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.

The test of majority in the legislative wing found favour in this circumstance of the case, where both groups have been found to be working outside the party constitution and the organizational elections, the poll panel said.

The occupants of the post were primarily assessed to be appointed by self-nominated members of the electoral college and against the internal party democracy.

Serious inconsistencies in terms of timelines in the claim of the Sharad Pawar group, in support of their claim of having the organizational majority, resulted in unreliability of their claim, it said.
The curtains came down on Saturday on the 17th Lok Sabha, which was witness to landmark moments such as the abrogation of Article 370, the granting of 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and legislative assemblies, and the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Interim Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo/Sansad TV

It also saw the suspension of 100 members in a span of four days for unruly conduct and a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

The December 13 incident, in which two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and set-off smoke canisters while the House was in session, led to a review and stepping up of security measures in the Parliament complex.

The Budget session of Parliament, the last before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, started on January 31 and ended on Saturday with a day-long discussion on the construction and consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The 17th Lok Sabha also saw the passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill in 2019, which led to massive protests in many parts of the country. Riots in northeast Delhi following a clash between those in support and against the law claimed several lives.

The passage of three farm bills during this Lok Sabha in 2020 led to a year-long protest on the threshold of Delhi, with demonstrators later entering the national capital. The government in 2021 rolled back the legislations, which allowed farmers to sell produce at markets of their choice and negotiate price of their produce, and scrapped the Centre's powers to impose stock limits on traders.

After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, special arrangements, including those to ensure social distancing, were made in Parliament for the 2020 Monsoon session and first part of the 2021 budget session for transacting essential legislative and other businesses.

"The 17th Lok Sabha passed 222 bills. During this period, 202 bills were introduced and 11 bills were withdrawn by the government," Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said in his valedictory remarks before adjourning the Budget session of the Lower House of Parliament sine die.

Birla said the 17th Lok Sabha had a total of 274 sittings which lasted for 1,354 hours, 345 hours more than the scheduled time.

"A total of 387 hours were lost due to disruptions in this Lok Sabha. The total work productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha has been around 97 percent which is the highest among the last five Lok Sabhas," Birla said.

The 17th Lok Sabha also passed three bills in last year to replace colonial-era criminal justice laws and the House witnessed rare unanimity in the approval of the women's reservation bill.

However, in 2019, when it came to the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the House saw protest by opposition members, leading to disruption of proceedings.

On the bills to overhaul the criminal justice system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, "We can proudly say that this country might have lived under the Penal Code for 75 years but now we live under the Nyay Sanhita."

It was during the 17th Lok Sabha that proceedings last year moved to the new Parliament building from the adjacent old building, which is now a heritage structure named 'Samvidhan Sadan'.

"We laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament building and we inaugurated it...the members of the 17th Lok Sabha are fortunate as they functioned in the old Parliament as well as the new Parliament building. The people who come next will be in the new Parliament building," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters in New Delhi.

The shift to the new parliament building was marked with a special session which saw the passage of the women's reservation bill that grants 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and legislative assemblies.

"The government has signed the cheque, but has not put a date on it. We hope it will be implemented soon," NCP-SCP leader and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule said, referring to the women's reservation bill.

The 17th Lok Sabha also witnessed suspension of 100 members over a period of four days for unruly conduct in the House while demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament.

On the last day of the session, the House discussed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following which a resolution was passed.
Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Singh on Saturday showered praise on the Modi government for bestowing Bharat Ratna on his grandfather Charan Singh, saying only a government rooted in ground realities could honour a farmer leader like him.

IMAGE: Rashtriya Lok Dal MP Jayant Singh speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Singh asserted in Rajya Sabha that the ideals of the former prime minister are reflected in the policies of the Modi government as well, remarks that come amidst speculation that the Rashtriya Lok Dal is on the verge of breaking ties with the Opposition's INDIA bloc and joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's decision to allow Singh to speak on the Bharat Ratna honour to Charan Singh drew sharp protest from the Congress, leading to a heated exchange of words between the opposition and the treasury benches.

Dhankhar expressed unhappiness at the objections raised by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and even accused the Congress leaders of insulting Charan Singh and his legacy.

"It is a historic decision taken by Prime Minister Modi. It is obvious I will be happy. The honour of giving Bharat Ratna is not only limited to Charan Singh's family. This decision will empower farmers, labourers and deprived sections of the society," Singh said, amid uproar.

After the House was brought in order, Singh completed his remarks.

The RLD chief lamented that honouring a personality like Charan Singh is being seen through a political prism and is being linked to the formation of a political alliance and the winning or losing of elections.

"I admit I was with the opposition for 10 years. I started sitting here (treasury benches) just a while ago. I have seen glimpses of Charan Singh's ideals in the working of this government in the 10 years," he said.

Expressing indebtedness to the Modi government for conferring the highest civilian award to Charan Singh, the RLD chief said: "Only a government which is rooted in ground realities, understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them can honour dhartiputra Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna".

Soon after the House met for the day and listed papers were laid on the table, the Chair asked Singh to speak.

As he started speaking, several opposition MPs were on their feet objecting to the time given to the RLD MP and asked the Chair under which rule of the House Singh was allowed to speak.

However, Singh continued to speak and appealed to Congress members to at least respect Charan Singh.

"Elections come and go. At least respect Charan Singh," he said.

As Congress continued its protest, the Chair asked Kharge to speak.

"There is no debate on honouring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise an issue, you (Chairman) ask 'under which rule'. (I want to know) Under which rule he (Jayant Singh) has been allowed to speak," said Kharge.

"Give permission to us also. On one side you talk about rules ... You have discretion... that discretion should be used judiciously and not as and when you want," he said.

The Congress president also accused the Chairman of "not following the rules". He said that had a discussion on Bharat Ratna been included in the House agenda, everybody would have participated.

Amid uproar, Union minister Parshottam Rupala expressed surprise that the Congress was "opposing" the awarding of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh.

"Leader of Opposition is challenging the Chair and that too on such an occasion (celebration awarding of Bharat Ratna)...this is the real face of Congress... Congress has been exposed," Rupala said.

Leader of the House and Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded an apology from Kharge for "disrespecting" the Chair.

Dhankhar too expressed dismay and pain over the remarks made by Kharge and certain other Congress members.

The chairman warned Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for remarks against Jayant Singh which could not be heard in the din.

"You are a person who can feast on the cremation ground. It is a matter of fact, you do not deserve to be part of the House by this misconduct," Dhankhar said, apparently referring to Ramesh.

Dhankhar informed the House that the RLD leader was permitted to speak in the House as Singh had made a request last evening.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United on Saturday said a whip has been issued to ensure the presence of all party MLAs inside the assembly on Monday when the newly formed National Democratic Alliance government will seek a trust vote.

IMAGE: Police personnel patrol outside Bihar legislative assembly ahead of the Budget Session and floor test of the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, in Patna, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

JD-U chief whip Shravan Kumar said those defying the whip "will lose their membership" even as he maintained that it was a "routine exercise that takes place ahead of every assembly session".

"A whip has been issued, directing MLAs to remain present in the House and vote in favour of the government whenever the occasion arises. It is, however, a routine exercise that we undertake ahead of every assembly session," Shravan Kumar told reporters in Patna.

The JD-U leader, who is also a senior minister in the state cabinet, however, added, "Of course, defying the whip has consequences. It can result in the MLAs concerned losing their membership.

Kumar was speaking on the sidelines of a luncheon he had hosted for party legislators at his residence, where signatures were obtained from the attendees, though a few MLAs remained conspicuous by their absence.

He, however, asserted, "A few of our MLAs could not come because of ill health. They had explained to me their difficulty. Some of them are likely to turn up tomorrow when the legislature party meeting is scheduled at the residence of my cabinet colleague Vijay Kumar Sinha, who holds the parliamentary affairs portfolio. Moreover, all would be inside the House on Monday when the budget session commences.

He also rubbished rumours that the chief minister, who is also the party president, had grown upset to see very few MLAs present at the luncheon and had left the minister's residence in a huff.

"The chief minister had engagements elsewhere. So, he came quite early when visitors had only begun to pour in. There is no question of any misgivings. Rumours of cracks in our party ranks and some of our MLAs being in touch with the opposition are baseless," asserted Shravan Kumar.

He also made light of Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist leader Mahboob Alam, whose party is a part of the Mahagathbandhan, meeting former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, an NDA ally.

"Political figures do meet each other despite not being on the same side. We must not try to read too much into these things. Jitan Ram Manjhi is firmly with the NDA," claimed the JD(U) leader.

Notably, Manjhi, whose Hindustani Awam Morcha has four MLAs, including himself, has also issued a whip in what he called an attempt to dispel "the confusion created by those chasing headlines and TRP".

Meanwhile, RJD MLA and spokesperson Akhtarul Iman Shahin, whose party helms the Mahagathbandhan, took a swipe at the NDA, accusing its constituents of holding MLAs captive (bandhak banaa ke rakh diya hai).

"Our leader Tejashwi Yadav, in his 17 months as deputy chief minister, has endeared himself to the people of Bihar through his emphasis on job creation. A reason why many in the JD-U and even the BJP are now looking up to him and want to work under his leadership," claimed Shahin, who had arrived at Yadav's residence to attend a luncheon for Mahagathbandhan leaders.

He said, "I challenge the NDA to allow its members vote on the basis of their conscience. The government will fall.

Shahin, however, dismissed allegations that his party was indulging in horse trading and said the word 'khela' (game) has been wrongly interpreted by the media. When Tejashwi Yadav had uttered the word, he meant the churning that would ensue the recent political developments in Bihar."
As many as ten Bharatiya Janata Party workers were arrested on Saturday in connection with an attack on senior Marathi journalist Nikhil Wagle in Pune city, an incident which also drew condemnation from the The Editors Guild of India which urged the Maharashtra government to take action against the culprits.

IMAGE: The windscreen and side panes of journalist Nikhil Wagle damaged in the attack. Photograph: @supriya_sule/X

Opposition Congress said the attack on the "outspoken journalist" reflected the collapse of law and order in the state.

A day after a car carrying Wagle and others to a public meeting came under attack, a First Information Report was registered at Parvati police station in the city on Saturday evening, said a police official.

The accused were booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 147 (rioting), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon or means),

336 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety), 427 (causing damage to property) and other relevant provisions, he said.

Protesting against the senior journalist's comments about the Narendra Modi government conferring the country's highest civilian honour 'Bharat Ratna' on

BJP veteran LK Advani, alleged BJP activists vandalised a car in which Wagle and activists Aseem Sarode and Vishwambhar Choudhary were travelling under police protection to the 'Nirbhay Bano' public meeting organised by Rashtra Seva Dal on Friday evening.

The complaint filed by a woman, on which the FIR was based, claimed that she and a few others were protecting Wagle's car even as some BJP workers hurled stones at the vehicle and injured them.

Arrested workers were identified as Deepak Pote, Ganesh Ghosh, Ganesh Sherla, Raghvendra Mankar, Swapnil Naik, Pratik Desarda, Dushyant Mohol, Datta Sagre, Girish Mankar and Rahul Paygude.

The police also registered a case against Wagle and Pune city unit presidents of the BJP, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and Congress for allegedly violating Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

"The case was registered against them as the event ('Nirbhay Bano' public meeting) was being held without police permission," said Sambhaji Kadam, deputy commissioner of police.

Earlier, another case had been registered against Wagle for allegedly making offensive remarks against PM Modi and Advani under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 500 (defamation) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) at Vishrambaug police station on a complaint lodged by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar.

In a statement issued from the national capital, the The Editors Guild of India condemned the attack on the journalist.

"The Editors Guild calls on the administration in Pune and the Maharashtra government to book the guilty," it said.

It also noted that FIRs were registered against Wagle over his statement, and expressed deep concern about the "misuse of criminal laws against journalists in an effort to intimidate and harass them."

"We urge law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint before registering complaints against journalists as an FIR, lest the process of investigation becomes a punishment itself," the Guild said.

In a post on X in Hindi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Law and order has collapsed under the Maharashtra government formed by the BJP's stealing of mandate."

"A politician is being brutally murdered on Facebook Live. An outspoken journalist is being attacked by unruly goons of the BJP-RSS. A BJP MLA is openly shooting at another politician in the police station," Kharge said.

He was referring to the murder of Shiv Sena-UBT leader Abhishek Ghosalkar in Mumbai and an incident in Thane district earlier this month where BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad opened fire inside a police station and injured a worker of the Shiv Sena.

Kharge further said that economic development of Maharashtra became possible because Congress governments maintained law and order, but the BJP government "formed with the force of the Enforcement Directorate" was playing with the security of the people of Maharashtra by spreading "goonda raj".
National Investigation Agency on Saturday conducted raids at 15 locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of its crackdown on the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami in a terror funding case, an official said.

IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard outside an orphanage where NIA conducts a raid as part of the crackdown against terror funding case, at Bemina area, in Srinagar, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The raids in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu along with Budgam in central and Kulgam and Anantnag in south Kashmir led to the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices connected with the activities of JeI and its related Trusts and more than Rs 20 lakh, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

However, official sources said two persons were also detained in Jammu for questioning during the raids targeting a private school and its functionaries including chairman at Gujjar Nagar and Shaheedi chowk in Jammu.

They said the residences of former Jamaat chief Sheikh Ghulam Hassan and another leader, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, in Kulgam district were among those raided.

The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir was banned by the Centre for five years in February 2019.

The spokesperson said NIA teams swooped down on the premises of various suspects at five locations in Srinagar, three in Budgam, two in Kulgam, one in Anantnag, and four in Jammu.

"The investigations in the case, registered on February 5, 2021, have so far revealed that JeI and its members have continued to promote terrorist and secessionist activities in J&K even after the outfit was proscribed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in February 2019," the spokesperson said.

The person added, "Operatives of the banned organisation had been collecting funds through donations from within India and abroad."

The NIA said the funds were collected mainly in the form of 'Zakat, Mowda and Bait-ul-Mal,' purported to promote charity and other welfare activities, such as health and education, but were instead being used for carrying out violent and secessionist activities.

It was further found that the funds raised by JeI were also being channelled to other proscribed terrorist organisations, such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Tayiba through well organised networks of JeI cadres, the spokesperson said.

The official said JeI was also engaged in inciting impressionable youth and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K to further its secessionist activities.

NIA had earlier chargesheeted four accused in the case, in which investigation is still on, the spokesperson said.
Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took all sections of society along on the Ram temple issue and described the Supreme Court verdict on the matter as a reflection of India's secular character to the world.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, February 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo/Sansad TV

Speaking in Lok Sabha during a discussion on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony on January 22, he said that in no other country has the majority community waited for so long for a matter related to its faith.

He lauded all those who participated in the long struggle on various fronts on the Ram temple issue.

The Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple showed India's secular character to the world, Shah said.

People's struggle for constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya began in 1528 and the legal battle fought for it started in 1858, he said, adding that it all came to an end on January 22 which rejuvenated India's faith and marked the beginning of the journey of a great India.

The temple's construction is the journey from struggle to devotion, from chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Jai Sia Ram', he said while heaping praise on Modi for his leadership and the arduous religious discipline he subjected himself for 11 days in the run-up to the ceremony.

Critics used to mock the Bharatiya Janata Party over its promises alleging they were driven by electoral exigencies, he said, asserting that the Modi government banned triple talaq as well and fulfilled many other commitments.

The BJP and its leader Modi do what they say, he said.

Stating that India's culture cannot be separated from Ramayana, Shah said over 300 years long struggle ended with the inauguration of Ram Mandir.

"The date of January 22 marks the beginning of the journey of great India. This day paves the way for Maa Bharti (mother India) to take us on the path of becoming Vishwaguru (world leader)."

"It was a day that marked the hopes, aspirations and accomplishments of crores of devotees," Shah said, adding that the Ram Mandir is a sign of cultural rejuvenation."

Shah said the journey that started on January 22 will be carried forward and expressed confidence that the Modi government will come back to power in 2024 after the general elections.

The Ram Mandir has been built following legal and constitutional mandate, Shah said, adding that the BJP kept its patience and the Ram Temple was built in Ayodhya in a "harmonious environment".

No political slogans were raised at the consecration ceremony, Shah said, adding, "I say with folded hands that accept the message of unity and move forward."

Addressing critics, he said they should accept the overwhelming popular sentiment on the issue and not vitiate the atmosphere of joy and devotion.

Remembering BJP veteran LK Advani's contribution with his 'Rath Yatra', he said it acted as an awakening for people and Modi during his tenure finally fulfilled their aspirations.
jetcityimage / Getty Images

Youve joined the club  or youre at least thinking about it. Securing a Costco membership is a huge deal, as it can save you a lot of money.

However, theres definitely a right and wrong way to shop at Costco. Its not uncommon for new members to make mistakes that can be costly.

Plan: 10 Best New Items Coming to Costco This Winter

Find Out: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

This makes sense, as Costco isnt like your average store. A combination of jaw-droppingly low prices and supersized bulk items can easily overwhelmed even the most  typically  disciplined shoppers.

Thankfully, you dont have to worry about making these mistakes. GOBankingRates spoke with two shopping experts to round up seven shopping mishaps commonly made by first-time Costco shoppers.

Jeramey Lende / Shutterstock.com

undefinedundefinedundefined

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

a katz / Shutterstock.com

undefined

ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock.com

Fang Zheng / iStock.com

Aldi

Photo Spirit / Shutterstock.com

undefined

gpointstudio / istockphoto.com

undefinedundefinedundefinedundefined

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Mistakes First-Time Costco Shoppers Almost Always Make
An anti-terrorism court on Saturday granted bail to jailed former Pakistan premier Imran Khan in 12 cases linked to the May 9 attacks on military installations.

IMAGE: File image of Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters

ATC judge Malik Ejaz Asif granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party founder Khan after fulfilling a surety bond of Rs 0.1 million in all 12 cases, including the General Headquarters (Pakistan Army) and Army Museum attack, The Express Tribune Pakistan reported.

The court said there was no justification to keep Khan, 71, under arrest as all accused in May 9 cases were on bail.

Khan will remain in jail as he is convicted in many other cases.

The court's order came a day after independents backed by Khan's party won nearly 100 seats in the National Assembly.

Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also granted bail in 13 cases in the same case.

Khan and PTI stalwart Qureshi were indicted in the cases on February 6.

The two were produced before the court, where the former prime minister informed the judge that he was illegally arrested on May 9 from the Islamabad high court premises.

Khan was booked in multiple cases related to the May 9 violence that erupted following his arrest in an alleged corruption case.

The cases registered in Rawalpindi included the attack on the gate of General Headquarters, rioting in the office of a sensitive institution and others.

Khan had denied the allegations mentioned in the cases' first information reports.

Earlier, after his release from Adiala jail, Qureshi was whisked away by Punjab police from prison in connection with a case about the attack on the GHQ.
Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir on Saturday called for a "unified" government and urged the political leadership to "rise above self-interests" and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people.

IMAGE: Supporters of Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, attend a protest demanding free and fair results of the election, in Peshawar, Pakistan, February 10, 2024. Photograph: Fayaz Aziz/Reuters

Munir's statements came in the wake of the fact that two days after the voting for general elections was held, the country appeared to be headed to have a hung Parliament and a day after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who appeared to be enjoying the backing of the powerful military, called for a unity government.

Springing a surprise, independents backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won the lion's share of 101 seats in the National Assembly in Thursday's election.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz won 73 seats, the Pakistan Peoples Party with 54, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement with 17 and other seats going to smaller parties, as the result of 255 seats out of 265 announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

To form a government, a party must win 133 out of the 265 seats in the National Assembly. Election to one seat was postponed after the death of a candidate.

The powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled coup-prone Pakistan for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.

On Saturday, a statement attributed to the army chief, issued by the media wing of the army, said the free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right to vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.

Pakistan's diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose, he said, adding that elections and democracy are means to serve the people of Pakistan and not end in themselves.

The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation which does not suit a progressive country of 250 Million people. Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people, it said.

Munir said that political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people, which was perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful.

General Munir said that the people of Pakistan reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan and it was now incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity.

As we move forward from this national milestone we must reflect on where the country stands today and where our rightful place should be in the comity of nations, he said and wished that these elections bring in political and economic stability and prove to be the harbinger of peace and prosperity.

He also appreciated the leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies for creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process, despite overwhelming odds.

The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history, he said.

Earlier on Thursday, soon after the voting ended and counting of votes had started, the powerful military had congratulated the nation on the "generally peaceful and violence-free" conduct of the general elections, and expressed its hope that the outcome of the polls would serve as a "catalyst for further strengthening democracy.

A safe and secure environment for the public was ensured through the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs, the statement had said, adding, more than 51 terror attacks were thwarted but in few of the incidents, at least 12 people, including 10 security personnel, were killed in poll-related violence.
HOLLAND TWP.  Aqua-Tots Swim School and its new state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot facility in Holland Township has an opening date of March 1.

The facility in the former Art Van Furniture at 12610 Felch St. includes an 80-foot-long pool, a coffee bar and 20 family-sized changing rooms  plus a spacious lobby for parents.

It's the company's dozenth location in Michigan and aims to offer safe, affordable and accessible swim lessons.

Rob Johnson, who also owns locations in Grand Rapids and Portage, said with Hollands close proximity to Lake Michigan and other bodies of water, swim lessons are crucial for local children. Johnsons children are taking lessons, too.

Aqua-Tots Swim School and its new state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot facility in Holland Township has an opening date of March 1.

My oldest two kids are in swim lessons now and we plan on enrolling our baby as soon as he turns four months old, Johnson said. Holland is a growing community with a vibrant economy, full of young families, and were so excited to offer lessons to all the children in our community.

The new Aqua-Tots in the former Art Van Furniture at 12610 Felch St. includes an 80-foot-long pool, a coffee bar and 20 family-sized changing rooms.

The school received special land use approval for the space in February 2023. At the time, planning commissioners noted the need for such a business in Holland Township.

Aqua-Tots teaches children as young as four months old to swim. Children up to age 12, and even adults, are welcome Mondays-Saturdays at a variety of times.

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

In anticipation of the opening, families who pre-enroll in lessons one day a week will receive a second day.

The company plans to host an open house, but hasn't announced a date. For more information, visit aqua-tots.com/holland.

 Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Aqua-Tots Swim School to open in former Art Van on March 1
Despite the New Year festivities, no cadre should feel at ease as the party deepens its anti-corruption campaign.

Lion dancers perform during a procession for the upcoming Lunar New Year in Hanoi, Jan. 28, 2024.

Its a tradition in Vietnam to clean ones house thoroughly ahead of the long Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on Feb. 10 this year, for fear of sweeping away any good luck that Tet may bring.

That goes for the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which just forced a Politburo member, the third in 13 months, to resign, as part of the ongoing blazing furnace anti-corruption campaign.

Like Chinas notorious shuanggui system, CPV members are subject to party discipline first. The Central Inspection Commission (CIC), headed by Politburo member Tran Cam Tu, is responsible for conducting investigations of senior party members. Its only after the party has rendered its verdict that people are potentially handed over to civilian authorities for prosecution.

The CIC can hand down four levels of punishment: expulsion, loss of party positions, warning and reprimand.

The latter two can be meted out to party committees, not just individual members. Since January 2021, some 1,400 party organizations have been disciplined.

Military delegates attend the closing ceremony of the 12th National Congress of Vietnam Communist Party in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 28, 2016. (Kham/Pool via AP)

Last year ahead of Tet, Deputy Prime Ministers Vu Duc Dam and Pham Binh Minh, and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, were all forced to resign. The latter two served on the elite 18-member Politburo that was elected at the 13th Party Congress in January 2021.

Those high-profile purges roiled financial markets and foreign investor confidence. The three men were seen as some of the most competent administrators and interlocutors with the business community. For a country whose economy depends on foreign investment, the Burning Furnace campaign of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong raised concerns about political stability.

While the countrys anti-corruption campaign continued, it shifted to lower-level officials and the business partners of politicians (and they all have business partners). Of course everything was superseded by the investigation into Truong My Lan and Van Thinh Phat, a $12.3 billion fraud and embezzlement scheme.

Energy sector

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong truly believes corruption within the party poses an existential threat. Since the 13th Central Committee, over 60,000 CVP members have been disciplined; 80 of them were central-level cadres. 10% of the original 180 Central Committee members elected in 2021 have lost their job, as have three of 18 Politburo members.

Energy is seen as one of the governments economic vulnerabilities and a real irritant to investors. Manufacturers require stable electricity, while investors in energy have been frustrated by government corruption, opaque regulations and the slow pace of policy implementation. Being highly regulated, the energy sector is prone to corruption.

It should come as no surprise that the Central Inspection Commission has been focused on this sector. Over 80% of those disciplined at the 25th CIC session in January, including 15 individuals and nine party committees, were from state owned enterprises or government ministries involved in the energy sector.

The CIC determined that the Central Committee should decide the fate of four senior party members, though recommending that they should be "appropriately penalized."

The four included Politburo member Tran Tuan Anh, the head of the Central Economic Commission, the partys point man for economic issues. From 2016-21, he served as the Minister of Industry and Trade, where he oversaw the energy sector.

Vietnam's former minister of health Nguyen Thanh Long is led to a court by police officers to face an anti-corruption trial in Hanoi, Jan. 3, 2024. (Nhu Y/AFP)

On Jan. 31, the Central Committee held an unscheduled session where Anh tendered his resignation. It appears that he was given a face-saving way out, as his father, Tran Duc Luong, had served as Vietnams president from 1997-2006.

Beneath Anh were a host of other officials tied to the energy sector.

The Central Committee reprimanded Mai Tien Dung, a former Central Committee member and head of the government office, which is the locus of inter-ministerial coordination, and Trinh Dinh Dung, a former deputy Prime Minister from 2016-2021, who was in charge of the energy sector.

Provincial profiteering

The Central Committee also expelled two others who had recently been arrested for corruption: Do Thang Hai, a member of the Central Committees Organization Commission and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, and former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Hoang Quoc Vuong, who was also the chairman of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group.

Hai was arrested on December 21, 2023 for taking bribes from the Xuyen Viet Oil and Gas Co, a company that ensnared several officials. The firm is one of 40 companies that had a license to import oil, but one of two that dominated imports in the south, controlling an estimated 40% of the southern market.

The firms mismanagement played a large part in the oil shortages that hit Ho Chi Minh City in the third quarter of 2022 when there was a 40% decline in oil imports and a 35% decline in diesel imports. The firm had defaulted on US$62 million in taxes and owed some 5.5 trillion dong (US#225 million) to banks.

Thirty-eight defendants, including a former health minister stand in a courtroom during an anti-corruption trial in Hanoi, Jan. 3, 2024. (Vietnam News Agency via AFP)

They sought to bribe their way out of legal and financial jeopardy.

This was no doubt a large scandal, and one that embarrassed the government and provided media fodder and caused investor alarm. Last year was the hottest year on record, and an early heatwave led to significant energy shortages. The countrys long-stalled Eight Power Development Plan (PDP8) PDP8 energy plan, that runs through 2035, fell short of expectations, especially in the renewable field and the implementation guidelines have still not been approved.

Punishments have also been meted out to provincial-level cadres.

Tran Duc Quan, the party secretary of Lam Dong province and a Central Committee member, was arrested on Jan. 24 for management violations regarding real estate development. The CIC disciplined four other provincial officials that month.

Family fiefdom

But the case of Nguyen Nhan Chien, the former party chief of Bac Ninh province and a former Central Committee member, is really telling.

Chien had at least 23 relatives in leadership positions within almost every department and organization in the province, from civil affairs to social welfare to education. Bac Ninh was less a province and more of a family fiefdom.

This is not supposed to happen. In 2018, the CPV passed rules to ensure that cadres served in multiple provinces to prevent these fiefdoms. While the number of senior provincial cadres who have only served in one province is down, roughly 20 of 63 are grandfathered in under the old system.

Chiens case should expedite the full implementation of the 2018 guidelines.

Vietnam's former Trade and Industry Minister Tran Tuan Anh, center at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, May 15, 2016. (Kham/Reuters)

In the run-up to the 14th Party Congress, expected in January 2026, we should see more anti-corruption efforts focused on provincial leaders who comprise roughly one-third of the Central Committee. Given Vietnams relative decentralized authority, the provinces  the actual recipients of much of the foreign investment  are a locus of corruption.

But Anhs forced resignation, the third in 13 months, also raises questions about central-level politics and the composition of the Politburo, itself, in the run-up to the 14th Congress.

The Central Committee has been deadlocked over the replacements for Minh and Phuc. Now with three vacancies, the Central Committee may be forced to act, especially given rumors of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs ill health.

While Vietnams leaders may try to enjoy the festivities of Tet, given Trongs propensity for house cleaning, no one should be too at ease. Several have already seen their luck  and ill-gotten gains  swept away.

Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or Radio Free Asia.
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.
Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigned on February 10, one day after thousands of demonstrators called on her to step down over a controversial pardon. The opposition Momentum Movement organized the protest march on February 9. It became known in recent days that among prisoners pardoned by Novak last year was the deputy director of a state-run children's home who had helped his boss cover up sexual abuse. Novak's move sparked criticism, in part because the ruling Fidesz party had promoted her as the face of its campaign for traditional family values.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- There is no better evidence that censorship exists in a country than when a book slated for publication simply cannot get printed there.

Daniyar Moldabekovs book, Year Of January, is more than 300 pages and packed with on-the-ground reporting both from the days when protests and then deadly clashes engulfed Kazakhstan in January 2022, as well as from the trials and political turning points that followed.

But it might never see the light of day -- in Kazakhstan, at least.



The publishing house paid for the translation of the text into Kazakh, paid for the design of the cover, and even paid me an advance. Everything was going well, Moldabekov explained in a column for the Respublika independent media website on February 5. But then the publisher told me that law enforcement agencies approached the printing house that was supposed to start printing it.



The unrest of January 2022 killed at least 238 people, the vast majority of them civilians, and required a detachment of troops from the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization to restore order.

It also upended the balance of power between Kazakhstans current and former presidents, forcing the retirement from public life of ex-leader Nursultan Nazarbaev, while emboldening his hand-picked successor-turned-rival, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev.



Moldabekov had already received notice, prior to the grim news from the printing house, that authorities were anxious about the text.

Amid strong preorders -- the publisher compared the interest to that of Nazarbaevs recently released autobiography -- authorities had asked for a copy of the work, the publisher told Moldabekov, as well as the author's contact details.

Kazakhstan claims not to practice censorship.



But this is not the first time a private company suddenly backed away from being associated with something about Bloody January.



In the fall of 2022, for instance, the management of an Almaty cinema that had intended to show two films on the topic as part of an independent film festival turned back would-be viewers, citing technical difficulties.



And while critical interpretations of the events face a difficult path to being seen, official and pseudo-official accounts are widely available.

One of them -- a book called Tragic January written by the relatively famous Russian publicist and presenter Leonid Mlechin -- is easy to find in Almaty bookstores.

Good Leader, Bad Leader

The first clue that Mlechins book has the endorsement of Kazakhstans current government is its title.



Tragic January, or The January Tragedy, is Toqaevs preferred name for the events that began with peaceful protests over a New Year spike in the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ended with a security crackdown that reinforced state control at a high human cost.

That phrasing never quite caught on at the grassroots level like the alliterative Qandy Qantar, which is the original Kazakh of Bloody January.



The second clue is that throughout the text Mlechin cites interviews with numerous high-ranking officials, including Toqaev, who declared that he had ordered state forces to shoot-to-kill without warning at the peak of the crisis.



And the final indicator is the fact that large parts of the book are not about the tragedy at all, but about Toqaev, his family background, his diplomatic career, his qualities, and his philosophy on life.

Spoiler: All of it is positive.

From the outset, Mlechin makes no bones about the fact that his primary audience is Russians rather than Kazakhs.



The book begins:

If you go to neighboring Kazakhstan as a tourist or on a business trip then -- as in the past -- you will not feel like a foreigner. You can speak in Russian, all the signs on the street are in Russian. In Kazakhstan they understand us perfectly. But how well do we understand Kazakhstan and Kazakhs?

Tragic January is curious insofar as it claims an informed inside-track knowledge of the titanic power struggle that -- depending on whom you believe -- either resulted from or precipitated the chaos on the streets during those early days of 2022.

The books clear villain is the former chairman of the Committee for National Security, Karim Masimov, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison on treason charges last April.

Nazarbaev and his broader clan are also under the microscope, with the author openly speculating on their potential roles in fomenting the unrest in order to jettison Toqaev from the presidency.

The sourcing for these assertions is a mixed bag.

Sometimes Mlechin quotes hearsay and chatter on social networks, sometimes from current and former officials, sometimes from Toqaev himself.

Yet what becomes clear throughout the work is that there are many questions that he never bothered putting to either Toqaev or the procession of establishment hawks who offered their takes, sometimes in order to implicate figures now outside of the regime.

There is no mention, for instance, of 4-year-old Aikorkem Meldekhan who, according to preliminary expertise, died from military fire in Almaty the day after forces under Toqaevs ultimate command regained control over Kazakhstans largest city.

Nor was there any mention of the other innocent people who died during the crisis.

Or of the scale of complaints about torture and mistreatment on the part of protesters and passersby detained during the crisis, only a fraction of which resulted in convictions for police and members of the security services.

'Time Flies In Three Seconds'

To find out more about those things you would have to read Moldabekovs book.

Because what Year Of January lacks in privileged access to top-level officialdom, it makes up for in atmosphere, personal touch, and relentless reporting.

In a draft seen by RFE/RL correspondents, Moldabekov describes in intimate detail his experiences on January 4, 2022, in Almaty -- the day the government lost control of the city during the largest protest in Kazakhstans history.

Moldabekov injured his leg falling in an irrigation ditch during that protest, as demonstrators went toe-to-toe with police in a suffocating cloud of tear gas.

After protesters helped him into a taxi to get home, the cab driver refused a fare.

What money, brother? This is a beautiful night! the driver said.

Moldabekovs interviews with Bloody January participants -- many of them recovering from injuries sustained in detention -- are extensive, drawing on life stories and motivations in sketching a portrait of Kazakhstan in the process.

And, of course, Moldabekov reflects regularly and critically on Toqaevs public pronouncements, as well as on three decades of Nazarbaev domination that brought Kazakhstan to such a nation-defining point.

Observing that many of the answers about what really happened during the crisis remain buried in top-classified investigations and shuttered trials, Moldabekov argues in his books conclusion that New Kazakhstan, claiming distinction from the old version in terms of democratic credentials, has turned out in practice to be more like Closed Kazakhstan.

But if authoritarian secrecy and censorship persist, their subjects of interest have undergone a noticeable change.

Prior to January 2022, Nazarbaev was Kazakhstans constitutionally enshrined Elbasy (Leader of the Nation) and insulting him was a crime with a maximum prison sentence of three years.

Those privileges have been taken away from the octogenarian now, as has the name of the capital city, which reverted back to Astana after three years as Nur-Sultan, all done with silent approval from Toqaev.

But none of that beats the symbolism of the statue of the former president in the southern town of Taldyqorghan, which demonstrators tore to the ground to cheers during the 2022 protests.

That moment is now being celebrated again in an artistic exhibition starring a series of falling Nazarbaev mini-statues in a government-owned cultural building in Almaty.

To be in power for 30 years and leave it in three seconds!" Erbolsyn Meldebek, the artist behind the exhibition, told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service. "Here I show how time can fly in those three seconds."
In this article, we are going to discuss the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US. You can skip our detailed analysis of workers compensation in the US, workplace injury, and workers compensation insurance companies in the US and go directly to the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 10 Biggest Cities in the US.

Workplace accidents can transpire under various circumstances, potentially resulting in a significant and enduring impact on your ability to work and lead a normal life. Not only can these injuries be excruciating, but they also have the potential to jeopardize the financial stability of your family and impede your capacity to earn a livelihood. By enlisting the assistance of a specialized personal injury lawyer who specializes in workplace injury cases, you may be able to obtain compensation to address your family's needs and cover your medical expenses.

Workers Compensation in the US:

While workers' compensation is a national benefit in the US, each state has its own set of regulations on it. Workers' compensation rules mandate that the majority of companies pay an insurance premium that subsequently pays for the costs incurred by workers who are hurt on the job (Forbes).

As per the IBIS World analysis report, insurance companies that provide workers' compensation have had difficulty rebounding from the significant damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. A sharp decline in interest rates devastated the industry's investment holdings. Rising unemployment, combined with widespread furloughs and the rise of remote work, significantly reduced demand for workers' compensation and decreased industry earnings. The insurance carriers were battling for dominance in a crowded market, causing more catastrophic drops in revenue since the industry was already nearing the bottom of its pricing cycle. Revenue for the industry as a whole has been declining at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the previous five years, and it was anticipated to reach $55.0 billion in 2023, increasing 1.9% on average.

Story continues

In the US, the goal of workers compensation insurance is to compensate injured employees fairly so they don't have to file a lawsuit. However, the employees might need to take legal action to get the amount they are entitled to if their workers' compensation claim has been rejected or contested. The worker should obtain legal counsel from an experienced attorney. In the event of a work-related accident, the latter can be qualified for wage loss benefits, medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, and, in the event of a permanent injury, diminished earning potential or future income loss. If a worker is eligible for compensation through other means, such as a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) claim, an attorney can represent him in court and manage the legal proceedings.

Workplace Injury:

In 2023, there were 179,508 personal injury lawyers and attorneys in the US, a 3.4% average rise over the five years (IBIS World). The National Safety Council has determined the top four occupational injuries that cause days away from work: exposure to dangerous substances, injuries from overexertion or overuse, slips and falls, and incidents involving equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has been primarily blamed for the hazardous material's rise from sixth to first position. Together, the first three account for almost 75% of all nonfatal illnesses and injuries that cause days away from work.

Workers Compensation Insurance Companies in the US:

One of the biggest providers of workers' compensation insurance with over 200 years of experience in the business is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG). The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) had $21.85 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $21.65 billion in 2021, which places the massive Connecticut-based business among the top US providers of workers' compensation insurance.

Customers of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) have access to more than a million occupational injury specialists and more than 65,000 pharmacies nationwide through the preferred medical provider network. Additionally, the insurance company has teamed up with skilled nurse case managers who help wounded workers with therapy and healthcare coordination. These experienced professionals can also assist with occupational, psychological, and physical rehabilitation. According to CNBC and the independent research group JUST Capital's 2024 JUST 100 ranking, Hartford is ranked #1 among insurance firms.

With an annual revenue of $43.12 billion, up from $40.96 billion the previous year, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) has become one of the biggest industry players in the nation being the finest workers' compensation insurance providers. From small and medium-sized enterprises to massive global conglomerates, the insurance giant Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) provides workers' compensation coverage for all kinds of enterprises. Additionally, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) offers excess workers' compensation policies for companies that self-insure.

With that said, here are the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US.

Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US.

A construction site with workers in hard hats building a new commercial property, financing provided by the regional bank.

Methodology:

For the article Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US" we first narrowed down on the 30 largest US cities based on population. Next, we looked for the workers' compensation lawyers in each city to find out which lawyer or law firm had the highest average Google ratings with the least 250 reviews. Although it is evident that some of the Google reviews included in our list below have fewer than 250 reviews, they are still exceptions to the given methodology. The reason being that for some cities, the highest number of reviews for the highest-rated law firms/lawyers were below 250.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

30. Groth Law Accident Injury Attorneys - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 295

For more than 20 years, Groth Law, a Wisconsin-based law firm, has been defending clients. With years of experience, the legal team at this firm has represented employees in workers' compensation cases.

29. Kajy Law Firm - Detroit, Michigan

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 555

Kajy Law Firm has won over 2,500 cases and 40 million dollars for its clients. This firms teams of attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries are industry-focused, having 133 years of combined expertise, and one of the areas in which this firm excels is workers' compensation. Thus, Kajy Law Firm is included in the list of the best workers' compensation lawyers in each of the 30 biggest cities in the US.

28. The Porter Law Firm, PLLC - Memphis, Tennessee

Average Google rating: 4.9

Current Google reviews: 411

The Porter Law Firm, PLLC provides legal services to individuals in Memphis and the neighboring areas. This company provides legal representation to employees injured at work so they may receive compensation for their incapacity to work and get medical care. Matthew V. Porter, the lead attorney of the firm, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

27. Alex R. White, PLLC - Louisville, Kentucky

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 440

Established in 2012, Alex R. White, PPLC provides legal representation for a variety of different issues, including compensation for workers and various injury-related scenarios. The founder of this firm and a reputable lawyer, Alex White, practices in Louisville, Kentucky.

26. Law Offices of John Friedman - Portland, Oregon

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 136

The Law Offices of Jon Friedman opened in September 1984. Since then, this legal practice has helped thousands of customers obtain fair results for their claims against negligent parties and their insurance providers. Hence, making it the best firm in Portland, Oregon, according to our list.

25. Earley Law Group Injury - Boston, Massachusetts

Average Google rating: 4.9

Current Google reviews: 616

Earley Law Group Injury has been handling workers' compensation cases exclusively for almost 25 years. The Boston-based law firm ensures that its clients receive the necessary support, including payment for their medical expenses and lost wages.

24. Gina Corena & Associates - Las Vegas, Nevada

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 600

With 16 years of expertise, Gina Corena has dedicated her professional life to defending injured clients ever since she founded Gina Corena & Associates. Having spent her whole legal career in Las Vegas, she boasts a reputation as a tough litigator. As a result, millions of dollars have been awarded to Gina's clients in settlements and litigation awards being the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in one of the Biggest Cities in the US as per our article.

23. Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury - El Paso, Texas

Average Google rating: 4.9

Current Google reviews: 275

A personal injury and accident legal practice based in El Paso, Texas, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury, serves all of West Texas. With over 30 years of experience, this legal firm knows how to get clients the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

22. Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP - Washington DC

Average Google rating: 4.8

Current Google reviews: 523

Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, established in the capital of the US, is always prepared and willing to offer skilled legal guidance to people in need. This firm has a dedicated legal team of 40 attorneys and an extensive catalog of injury-related legal services.

21. Law Office of Stanley A. Davis - Nashville, Tennessee

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 446

Established in 1997 by Stanley A. Davis, a personal injury lawyer in Nashville, this practice offers legal services for victims injured or wronged by negligence, including worker's compensation. Attorney Stanley A. Davis's goal is to help clients get the money they require to fully recover while also holding negligent parties accountable. Hence, Stanley A. Davis is the most skilled workers' compensation lawyer in Nashville Tennesse.

20. Austin S. Pieratt Esq. - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 271

Clients in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas can obtain legal counsel and representation from Austin S. Pieratt, an attorney at law renowned as one of the most dedicated workers' compensation lawyers in one of the biggest cities in the US. As a personal injury attorney, Austin has vast expertise in defending clients in a variety of situations, including workers' compensation claims.

19. The Fang Law Firm - Denver, Colorado

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 544

The guiding premise of The Fang Law Firm, P.C. is that clients who have suffered injuries should have personal representation. The employees can safeguard their legal rights with the assistance of the Denver workers' compensation attorneys. With a 98% success rate in over 10,000 cases, this firm's accident and injury attorneys have over ten years of expertise practicing personal injury litigation.

18. Davis Law Group - Seattle, Washington

Average Google rating: 4.9

Current Google reviews: 422

In addition to having been in business for over 30 years, Davis Law Group's award-winning attorneys persist in providing on-the-job injury and worker compensation litigation services to boost their clients' chances of victory.

17. Berg Injury Lawyers- Alameda- San Francisco, California

Average Google rating: 4.6

Current Google reviews: 246

With over 40 years of expertise in providing legal services, Berg Injury Lawyers has competent attorneys who are skilled in worker compensation disputes and workplace injuries.

16. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers - Indianapolis, Indiana

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 308

Whether the case involves a personal injury, wrongful death, auto accident, or workers' compensation, the dedicated attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers stand up for the rights and interests of their clients. Don and Charlie Ward, the founders of this firm, have been practicing personal injury law for more than a century together.

15. GB Law - Columbus, Ohio

Average Google rating: 4.9

Current Google reviews: 474

With over $200 million in verdicts and settlements won for their clients, the highly regarded Columbus personal injury attorneys of GB Lawmembers of "The National Trial Lawyers Top 100"have been defending central Ohio for more than 40 years. Workers from any industry who have been injured or disabled can get legal assistance from the skilled Columbus workers' compensation attorneys at GB Law.

14. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers - Charlotte, North Carolina

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 571

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers was founded in 2005 and has since grown to become one of North Carolina's top legal practices. The company focuses on a variety of personal injury claims, such as auto accidents, wrongful death, and worker's compensation, and is committed to serving the community with unshakable determination.

13. Solution Now Law Firm - San Jose, California

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 294

Solution Now, one of the best legal practices in California offers a range of personal injury legal services. Customers find their employees to be kind and knowledgeable.

12. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. - Austin, Texas

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 368

Together, the lawyers at Herrman & Herrman have represented injured clients for more than a century. The team of attorneys at this firm has successfully handled over 20,000 personal injury cases in the state of Texas.

11. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. - Forth Worth, Texas

Average Google rating: 5.0

Current Google reviews: 478

The lawyers at Herrman & Herrman have over a century of combined experience representing injured clients. The team of this company has handled more than 20,000 personal injury claims satisfactorily across the state of Texas.

Click to continue reading and see the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 10 Biggest Cities in the US.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.
CHISINAU -- After weeks of quiet deliberation, Moldova's pro-European government has rejected a Russian request for polling stations in the separatist sliver of Moldovan territory between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border during voting next month to formalize Vladimir Putin's presidential reelection.

The decision won't have any meaningful effect on Russia's March 15-17 presidential election or even on the Kremlin's ability to harness pro-Putin sentiment among the estimated 220,000 Russian citizens in Transdniester. But Moldovas pushback is another sign that countries on Russia's periphery are committed to countering Russian influence amid its unprovoked war on Ukraine, even complicating routine and previously ignored transgressions.

Moldova is not among the 29 countries that, along with the EU, have been explicitly deemed by Russia as "unfriendly" for "hostile" actions against its diplomatic representation abroad since 2021. But its pro-European president and government have worked closely with the West in support of Ukraine, sped up its EU membership bid, and even fought off what they alleged was a Russian intelligence plan to destabilize Moldova.

Chisinau has issued fairly perfunctory objections in past years to Russia's defiant end runs to get ballots to its nationals in Transdniester, where secessionism is already bolstered by a small contingent of Russian troops whose stubborn presence dates back to 1992.

Current and former Moldovan officials acknowledge they are virtually helpless to stop the shuttling of ballots from Russia via its embassy in Chisinau and then onwards to the heavily Russian-speaking region of Transdniester. A former deputy prime minister for reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, has described the ballots entering the country from Russia via diplomatic mail and then "transported to Tiraspol in the trunks of Russian Embassy cars."

More than 96 percent of the 74,000 votes at 24 polling stations in Transdniester in 2018 were for Putin, well above even what critics say was a fraudulently bloated overall margin of victory. Three years later, Russia opened 27 Transdniestrian polling stations for Russia's national legislative elections.

Russia's March presidential election, which Putin is easily expected to win, is the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. With Moscow complaining loudly of security and staffing obstacles to Russian citizens voting in Moldova and dozens of "unfriendly" countries, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry sat on its hands as a Russian deadline for establishing polling stations ahead of the election passed. Finally, on February 7, Moldova said no.

"We have forbidden the organization of [the] presidential election anywhere outside of diplomatic missions, but if an attempt is made to organize the polls anywhere else, this will be counterproductive," Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi announced.

"The state of the Republic of Moldova is more resilient now than ever," Popsoi, who was appointed just nine days earlier, said. In response to the question of what the Moldovan authorities would do if Russia tried to open polling stations in defiance of the prohibition, he vowed that they "will try to counter actions that are detrimental to this decision."

In response, a pro-separatist Transdniestrian news agency reported that by "preventing the opening of polling stations," the Moldovan authorities were "grossly violating the rights" of the 220,000 Russian citizens living in the region.

Oazu Nantoi, a lawmaker for the ruling coalition's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), said that "until now, Moldovan authorities were participating in a show" when it came to holding Russian elections in Transdniester. Even if Chisinau said no, he said, it "closed its eyes" and failed to act. In the current international context, he added, the Moldovan government had finally "found courage" and political will.

"Chisinau imitated dissatisfaction, and Russia behaved as it wanted," Nantoi told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service days before his country rejected Russia's request for more polling places. "Now, the Republic of Moldova is in a completely different situation."

As if to underscore Chisinau's commitment to fighting malign Russian influence, Interpol Moldova announced on the same evening as Popsoi's declaration that it was seeking the arrest by Russian authorities of fugitive Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, whose pro-Russian political party was banned last year as a threat to national security.

"I think this is really a symptom of just how times are changing," Peter Wolf, a principal adviser with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), said of the public back-and-forth recently between Moscow and some foreign capitals over how and where Russians abroad could gather to vote.

In most cases, Wolf said, election organizers and host countries can find some level of acceptance, even if they are not entirely friendly.

"I think that now it's just one of those things where you can create [a] problem if you want to," he said. "But in the past, I think those things were relatively low-profile."

Russia Scaling Back

International law and diplomatic practice permit voting inside diplomatic premises like embassies and consular missions after notifying the host country. But opening additional polling stations requires the consent of the host country, which must ensure safety at such venues.

Transdniester proclaimed independence from then-Soviet Moldova in 1990 out of concern that Chisinau would seek reunification with Romania. In the spring of 1992, in the final days of the U.S.S.R., Moldova declared independence, and Chisinau and Tiraspol fought a brief but bloody war. Over 1,000 people were killed before the conflict was quelled by the Russian military. Moscow still maintains about 1,000 "peacekeepers" in the region.

The war in Ukraine has meant there will be fewer polling stations for Russians living abroad. In January, the Russian Foreign Ministry complained that its polling presence around the world might have to be sharply curtailed, despite a dramatic exodus since the start of the full-scale war on Ukraine nearly two years ago. It blamed the risk of diminished voter access on fears for the safety of Russians in "unfriendly" countries and on dozens of forced consular closures and reduced embassy staffing amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Russia backtracked slightly when Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on January 26 that "polling stations will be open in all countries in which there are diplomatic missions and consular offices of our country, including 'unfriendly' ones."

She cited plans for 300 polling stations outside of foreign capitals -- so potentially at consulates but not in cities where Russia maintains embassies. That is down by one-quarter from the 400 or so foreign polling locations that Russia operated for the 2018 presidential vote.

Zakharova blamed forced closures of "almost 30 of our institutions abroad" and other measures by host countries for a "significant reduction" in embassy staffing, "primarily in the Baltic countries, Moldova, Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Finland." She cited "threats to voters in unfriendly countries" and "provocations," including illegal demonstrations outside Russian embassies and consulates.

Moldova was no different. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on January 26 it would field fewer polling stations in Moldova this time around.

No Mail-In Votes

Russian election laws oblige officials to finalize their list of all polling stations at least 45 days before an election -- which was late January for the March 15-17 vote. Russia's Central Election Commission may unilaterally establish polling places up to five days before the election.

Russia is among the 70 or so countries -- many of them from the former Soviet Union or the former Yugoslavia, Wolf says -- that require in-person voting by its citizens abroad, rather than electronic or mail-in ballots.

According to Russia, there were some 2 million registered Russian voters living outside the country as of July 2023. Some 444,000 Russians voted from abroad in the 2018 presidential election, with support among them about 7 percentage points higher than the nearly 78 percent he received nationally.

But nearly 1 million Russians, including many who oppose Putin and the war in Ukraine, have moved abroad since the 2022 full-scale invasion. The European Union has imposed curbs on Russian immigration, leaving a handful of destinations, including Armenia and EU candidates Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, to absorb most of the European influx.

In some cases where relations are "problematic," Wolf says, the international community can play a crucial role in mediating or even organizing voting outside of diplomatic premises. But he added that a large domestic population that has foreign passports and voting rights abroad presents problems beyond the usual issues involving large migrant-worker and refugee populations.

"And I guess that's true in Transdniester, because you have so many Russian citizens there," Wolf said. "But you also have similar cases, of course -- think about Serbs or Croats living in Bosnia-Herzegovina."

He noted that in Bosnia's case, "there are plenty of embassies and consulates" to accommodate Serbian and Croatian voters. He also noted international assistance in some circumstances, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe helping organize Serbian polling stations in Kosovo until Pristina quit the arrangement last year.

Russia has circumvented local authorities to put polling stations in places where its troops control territory, especially when such areas border Russia -- for example, in Crimea and the four other Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Moscow has already said it will have polling stations in those five regions, which it claims to have annexed over international objections.

It's been the same in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia since a five-day war left Russian soldiers defending breakaway authorities that comprised about one-fifth of Georgia in 2008. Moscow and Tbilisi still have not resumed diplomatic relations.

Farther south, in the Balkans, officials in Bosnia-Herzegovina -- which Moscow has not listed among its "unfriendlies" but where it has run diplomatic cover for secessionist Milorad Dodik in the majority-Serb republic that makes up half the country -- have also refused to welcome Russian polling stations. A source in the Bosnian Foreign Ministry told RFE/RL's Balkan Service late last month that the Council of Ministers had not approved Russia's request due to unnamed "legal deficiencies."

The Russian Embassy in Sarajevo did not respond to an inquiry about plans to organize outside voting for resident Russians.

In Serbia, a mostly Orthodox country with closer ties to Russia and nearly 30,000 Russian nationals, neither the authorities nor the Russian Embassy responded to an RFE/RL inquiry about the possible opening of additional Russian polling places.

There was no information available in neighboring Montenegro, which is on Moscow's "unfriendly" list and has around 25,000 registered Russian residents.

The Foreign Ministry of another "unfriendly" Balkan state, North Macedonia, noted in a response to RFE/RL that there is "no provision that excludes the possibility of other countries conducting elections in their diplomatic and consular missions on the territory of North Macedonia."

Written and with reporting by Andy Heil, based on reporting by RFE/RL Moldovan Service correspondents Mircea Ticudean and Denis Dermenji and with contributions by RFE/RL's Balkan Service
Ahmedabad Launches First Indian Institute of Management Online MBA Program

IIM Ahmedabad has become the first India Institute of Management to have an online MBA program

One of Indias top business schools has taken the plunge into the world of digital degrees. The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad has launched an online MBA program, the biggest of the IIM schools to do so, in a move that may be another step toward the demise of the schools full-time, two-year residential MBA.

IIMAs new two- to three-year Online MBA is designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs with at least three years experience. A blended program, it combines on-campus, in-person sessions and live, synchronous, interactive online sessions. Like all IIMAs programs, the new online MBA will predominantly follow a case-based approach. Admissions will be based on an admission test  the IIMA Admission Test, the Graduate Management Admission Test, there Graduate Record Exam, or the Common Admission Test  and a personal interview.

The Online MBA program is the most extensive of a new generation of programs offered by IIMA, says professor Pradyumana Khokle, IIMAs dean of programs. It combines the ability of the online to reach across the world with the power of the offline to do things that are done best offline. We expect that through the Online MBA, practitioners will be able to further develop into some of the best leaders and managers of the world.

IIM-A RANKED FIRST IN INDIA IN 2024 IIRF RANKING  BARELY

Ahmedabad Launches First Indian Institute of Management Online MBA Program

Bharat Bhasker, IIMAs director: New online MBA combines the flexibility of online learning with the richness of on-campus interaction, ensuring participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers

Rival IIMs in Bangalore and Calcutta do not yet have online MBA programs, though Bangalore has offered a suite of Massive Open Online Courses through the Harvard/MIT platform edX for about a decade. Elsewhere in India, among the 21 IIMs, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak and IIM Raipur also offer Online MBAs, as do many schools not found in any major rankings  see a list here.

Story continues

Ahmedabad is a major school with a global profile, which makes its move into the digital business education one that will have reverberations. Recently, for the third consecutive year, IIMA took the top spot in the 2024 IIRF Business School Ranking, a partnership between the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework, a non-government body that ranks Indian higher education institutions in fields like business, architecture, law, and medicine, and The Education Post, a monthly magazine covering higher education.

The IIRF MBA Ranking analyzes 46 government and 111 private graduate business programs. In this years list, IIM-Ahmedabad edged out the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Delhi (FMS Delhi), but only by 3.5 index points out of a possible 1,400 points. FMS Delhi improved by 20.69 points over the previous year, enabling it to jump from fifth to second place; in contrast, IIMA gained just 5.09 points from the 2023 IIRF ranking.

LAUNCH OF ONLINE MBA ANOTHER DENT IN IIMAS 2-YEAR MBA?

IIMA is also the oldest of the IIMs, along with IIM-Calcutta, both having been founded in 1961. But globally IIMA has been losing ground to other Asian B-schools in recent years. In The Financial Times annual MBA ranking, the schools MBA program ranked 51st in the world in 2023, down 21 places over the previous six years. In 2017, IIM Ahmedabads MBA ranked as high as 29th best globally, well above the MBA at IIM-Bangalore; at its lowest, in 2022, IIMAs MBA ranked 62nd on the FT list. The Indian School of Business in Hyderabad remains the highest-ranked MBA program in India, according to the FT, placing 39th best in the world in 2023. (FTs 2024 ranking will be released next week.)

The launch of an online MBA program may be evidence that IIMAs full-time, two-year MBA program, which a past director has said will be phased out over the next several years, is on borrowed time. In November 2022, IIMAs then-Director Errol DSouza said the school would gradually end its full-time two-year MBA program over the next decade.

We think going ahead, the two-year program will slowly phase out, DSouza told Business Today in India in 2022. India is a young population. So, the two-year program is still going to be there, but advanced markets have moved more towards the one-year program. We think the same thing is going to happen here maybe ten years down the line. Theres still time, but it will.

CONTENT AMENABLE FOR QUANTITATIVE & SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS

The new Online MBA at IIMA promises a rigorous curriculum with a focus on case-based learning. Course delivery will be in online synchronous mode through a combination of five distinct on-campus modules.

We are excited to launch the Online MBA program, which expands IIMAs reach and provides world-class education to working professionals and entrepreneurs around the world, says professor Bharat Bhasker, IIMAs director since January 2023, in a news release. This innovative program combines the flexibility of online learning with the richness of on-campus interaction, ensuring participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

Adds professor Joshy Jacob, online MBA chairperson: The program curriculum is designed to equip participants with the functional and organizational skills necessary to thrive in a challenging world. It aspires to upskill working professionals by exposing them to managerial decision-making frameworks that are grounded in human behavior, economics, finance, etc. The in-person classes conducted at IIMA focus on interpersonal and organizational dynamics that are complex to maneuver and hard to learn. On the other hand, the sessions that are held online through live classes are around content that is more amenable for quantitative and systematic analysis.

For more information about IIMAs online MBA program, click here.

Learn about online MBAs at Poets&Quants Online MBA Admissions Event April 16-17.

DONT MISS INDIAS FINEST: IIM-AHMEDABAD TOPS IIRF MBA RANKING and

The post Big Splash: IIM-Ahmedabad Launches An Online MBA appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Minister for State Jack Chambers, who has responsibility for post offices, said he was not happy with the approach by An Post regarding the planned changes to services at Roscommon Town Post Office.

Thats according to local Senator Eugene Murphy who was among the Roscommon delegation who met Minister Chambers in the Hodson Bay Hotel yesterday evening (Friday) to raise concerns about the likely relocation of services from the town post office building on The Square.

Senator Murphy told the Roscommon Herald that the Minister indicated that he would be meeting An Post senior management hopefully this coming week.

This was an excellent meeting with Minister Chambers who was impressed with the unified approach by politicians from all sides. The Minister made it quite clear that he was not happy with the approach of An Post. He was particularly unhappy about county towns being targeted by An Post, said the Senator.

He made it clear there was no threat to the present level of service from An Post. He also said there were a number of towns - not county towns - with sizeable populations where An Post are moving in this direction. He also stated that he had not the power to block them, he said.

The Roscommon delegation comprised local councillors, Oireachtas members and Bernie Kearney, Chairperson of the Roscommon Older People Network.

The landmark post office on the Square in Roscommon Town is facing the threat of closure following An Posts recent announcement of planned changes to local post office services.

The Semi-state company is seeking to change the directly run service to a contractor run business, with a likely relocation of services and a new postmaster.

A tender for a new post office contract is being planned by An Post.

(See full story in Tuesdays edition of the Roscommon Herald)
Google, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) have selected 21 SMEs as winners of the Youre The Business campaign. Roscommon-based video production company Spicy Dog Media was among the 21 named.

Now in its second year, Youre the Business is a training and mentoring programme that aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation. In addition to the training, Youre the Business features a competition element to recognise and reward SMEs that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their growth journey - from those who have launched a website, through to those who are just starting to export. Entrants were asked to submit a video no longer than two minutes in duration, detailing what their business means to them and an example of how they have used digital to drive / grow / enhance their business.

Peter Kilmartin, founder of Spicy Dog Media, said that the team were thrilled to receive this prestigious accolade from Google. Spicy Dog Media was founded in 2017, where our very essence was born out of a desire and passion to harness the power of video to weave and produce compelling narratives. So making a digital presence wasn't just an afterthought, it's intrinsic to our identity. Our website stands as the primary showcase for clients and prospective customers, offering a glimpse into the exceptional quality of our work - and our genuine passion for our craft.

"Our digital footprint is the lifeblood of our operations. In an interconnected world, being digital is not a choice; it's a necessity. It enables us to engage with our audience, highlight our expertise, and provide unparalleled value and video quality to our clients. I'm honoured to be awarded this accolade from Google and we look forward to growing our business even further in the future."

Also on the winners list was County Leitrim based Pathfinders Custom Conversions.

Winners of the competition will receive a digital support package from Google which includes 1,000 Google ads credit, as well as one on one consultations with experts that will help them to further develop and grow their business. The selected businesses are invited to attend a celebratory event at Googles The Foundry later this year.
While the Aussies will get Casper EV, Hyundai is expected to introduce the Exter EV in India later this year

In the Australian market, a number of affordable EV options are available from Chinese brands such as GWM, MG Motor and BYD. Hyundai will soon enter this space with its Casper electric SUV. It is scheduled to be launched in Australia later this year.

Hyundai Casper EV  Exterior profile

Two test mules of Casper EV have been spotted in Australia, wearing heavy camouflage. These are left-hand drive models, getting benchmarked against a Fiat 500e electric hatch. Exterior profile of Casper EV is largely the same as that of ICE-powered Casper.

Some of the key features that are evident include the circular headlamps, parametric pixel patterns on the LED light signatures at front and rear, sleek LED DRLs, sporty alloy wheels, C-pillar mounted rear door handles and functional roof rails. Casper EV is expected to get some new colour options.

Hyundai Casper EV  Dimensions

As per reports, Hyundai Casper is expected to have a slightly longer wheelbase than the petrol variant. Casper EV could gain around 25cm additional wheelbase, which will allow more cabin space for users. The longer wheelbase could also work to accommodate a larger battery pack. Estimates suggest that Casper EV could offer a range of around 320 km. This is good enough for urban commutes and inter-city travels.

Petrol-powered Hyundai Casper is 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide, 1,575 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. In comparison, Volkswagen Polo is around 40 cm longer. MG 4 and BYD Dolphin are 70 cm longer. It remains to be seen if Hyundai offers both short and long wheelbase variants of Casper EV. Or if only the long-wheelbase version will be available for sale.

Hyundai Casper EV  Key features

Inside, much of the features will be borrowed from the petrol-powered Casper. However, there are some upgrades such as a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and instrument console. The petrol model has an 8-inch touchscreen and a small driver display. Other key features of Casper EV include heated steering wheel, heated front seats, artificial leather upholstery, ventilated drivers seat, single pane sunroof, fully automatic air conditioner, hi-pass system, mood lamp and Blue Link connectivity suite.

Casper EV has a front radar module that will enable a range of ADAS features. Petrol-powered Casper has ADAS features like lane departure prevention assistance, forward collision avoidance assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision prevention assist, rear collision prevention assistance, front vehicle departure notification, driver attention warning and safe exit warning. Safety kit for the hatch also includes 7-airbags.

Hyundai Casper EV pricing

A competitive sub-AUD 40,000 pricing is expected for Hyundai Casper EV. Thats approximately Rs 21.55 lakh. While the entry-level EV segment is dominated by Chinese brands in Australia, Casper EV will be the first in this segment to be manufactured outside of China. Hyundai already offers the Kona Electric in Australia. But Kona starts at a much higher price of around AUD 57,000 (Rs 30.70 lakh). India will not get the Casper EV. Instead we will get Exter EV, which will rival recently launched Punch EV.

Source
Firm sees payday on sale of JPMorgan Chase Bank building

CoxHealth will move into the 268,000 square-foot JPMorgan Chase building at 303 E. Republic Rd. in April 2024.

The acquisition of the JPMorgan Chase Bank building by CoxHealth was one of the most profitable office transactions in the post-pandemic era, according to a press release. Sentinel Net Lease, the investment firm that owned the 268,413 square-foot building, was able to generate a property-level internal rate of return of 46%. It also produced a 2X return on invested capital.

The opportunity to add this much capacity, in this location, comes at a great time for CoxHealth, said Max Buetow, CoxHealths President and CEO, in a Cox press release.

According to Laura Nguyen, director of investor relations & marketing for Sentinel, the financials of the deal will not be released as part of an agreement with CoxHealth. She added that 46% IRR is a significantly higher number than she would see in a usual office space transaction.

Just to be very frank, theres not a lot of transactions going on in the office sector, Nguyen said. Volume is down over 50% just given the sector is not as attractive as other sectors of commercial real estate

Beginning in April, CoxHealth will move into the campus south building in April 2024. JPMorgan chase will remain in other areas of the campus, according to past News-Leader reporting. Ross H. Murray of R.B. Murray Commercial & Industrial Real Estate handled the transaction.

Register now for Early-Stage Business Boot Camp in your community

Registration is now open for the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp through the Missouri State University efactory. Learn how to create an LLC, obtain a business license, set up a business bank account and more. The workshop is free to all participants, who will join a peer network of small business owners in several communities across the Ozarks.

The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is offered as a part of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network, or Innovate SOMO. Participants in the program will learn from successful entrepreneurs as they navigate how to start and grow their own businesses. Topics include market research and analysis, protecting your business, financial management and projections, marketing, team management, and accessing capital.

Story continues

The 8-week workshop will be offered in several communities across the Ozarks between February and May. Register now at efactory.missouristate.edu/bootcamp. The communities offering Early-Stage Business Boot Camp are:

Poplar Bluff , on Thursday evenings Feb. 29  April 4 . Workshop located at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce at 1111 W. Pine St.

Springfield , on Tuesday evenings March 19  May 7 . Workshop located at the Missouri State efactory at 405 N. Jefferson Ave.

Mountain Grove , on Tuesday evenings March 19  May 7. Workshop located at in room 108 of Shannon Hall, Missouri State Mountain Grove Campus, at 401 E. 17th St.

Bolivar , on Thursday evenings March 21  May 9. Workshop located at the First Baptist Bolivar Rose Building at 114 N. Springfield Ave.

Joplin, on Tuesday evenings April 2  May 21. Workshop located at Missouri SBDC, Missouri Southern State University, at 1901 E. 20th St.

Potts honored with Lake Regional DAISY award

Registered Nurse Staci Potts was awarded the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses by Lake Regional Health System. Potts cares for cancer patients at Lake Regional Cancer Center in Osage Beach. Lake Regional presents DAISY Awards throughout the year. Recipients are licensed nurses who display compassionate care at Lake Regional.

The DAISY Award gives patients a chance to celebrate a nurse who cared for them or someone dear to them, said Melissa Hunter, chief nursing officer. We look for stories of exceptional compassion, and Stacis nomination story powerfully reveals how a nurses compassion brings hope and healing.

Lake Regional DAISY Award Honoree Staci Potts, R.N.

Potts nomination story came from 31-year-old breast cancer patient Jessica Birdsong-Kincaid, who wrote:

After starting treatments and being under Stacis care, the anxiety has lessened. I enjoy my time with her and look forward to seeing her each week. She has helped me to face one of the hardest things I will face in my life hopefully and to come out of it better than when I started.

Get small business loans faster: OMB receives "Preferred Lender" designation

Full-service bank OMB was recently designated as a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to a press release. This new status allows OMBs commercial lending team to make final credit decisions on SBA-guaranteed loans, which shortens processing time considerably.

A traditional SBA loan process, from application to approval and funding, can take anywhere from 30-90 days, the release says. But Preferred Lenders are able to decision and fund 7(a) loans  SBAs most popular loan program. Non-preferred lenders must submit them for approval, hence the traditional waiting period.

For the SBAs fiscal year of 2023, OMB administered more than $7.5 million in SBA loans. OMB was named an RMI Elite 504 Silver Lender for 2022.

Shantz Hart and Oeltjen named Community Champions by Springfield Chamber

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on two leading businesswomen at the 2024 ATHENA Awards ceremony. Both recipients were nominated by the public and selected from dozens of nominees by an independent panel.

The business leaders being honored at the Chambers ATHENA Award Luncheon on March 20 at White River Conference Center are:

2024 ATHENA Award Winner Debbie Shantz Hart

Debbie Shantz Hart, who will receive the 2024 ATHENA Award. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who inspire others to thrive in their professional and personal lives. Recipients have achieved excellence in their fields and active support women in leadership roles. Shantz Hart is the owner of Housing Plus LLC, a lawyer, and a real estate developer. She served on the Board of Public Utilities for six years and on the Chamber Board of Directors for eight years, culminating with her role as chairman in 2017.

2024 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award Winner Jarica Oeltjen

Jarica Oeltjen, who will receive the Virginia Fry Rising Star Award. The award is named after the late Virginia Fry, a pioneer in the legal profession and a beacon of the Springfield community. It goes to an emerging leader and mentor in their chosen field who is under 40 and lights the way for other women leaders. Oeltjen is the deputy general counsel at FORVIS. In 2023, she served as the president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and received the Womens Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2019.

Strait hired at Arvest Bank in Hollister, Plott moves to Branson

Kiera Strait

Arvest Bank in Hollister has hired Kiera Strait, a banker with 13 years of experience, as branch sales manager. Strait will be responsible for overall sales, consumer lending, and operations at the Hollister branch. Strait also serves as a Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Kandace Plott

Strait replaces Kandace Plott, who transferred to Branson as branch sales manager of the Gretna Road branch. Plott will be responsible for overall sales, consumer lending, and operations in Branson.

Plott has a decade of experience in the banking industry and has her American Bankers Association Supervisor & Team Leader certificate. She is also a graduate of the Branson Chamber Lakes Area Leadership Class and a Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

FORVIS announces three senior promotions

Gary Schafer, managing partner of FORVIS offices in Springfield, Branson and Joplin, announced senior promotions for three more associates in January, according to a release. The FORVIS promotions announced this week are:

Lauren Hughes

Lauren Hughes, who assists FORVIS clients with tax planning, accounting, and compliance services. Hughes was promoted to senior associate II. Hughes holds a bachelors degree in business administration from Missouri Southern State University.

Tristan Ollar

Tristan Ollar, who provides revenue cycle services within the home care and hospice team at FORVIS. Ollar was promoted to senior consultant. He holds a bachelors degree and a masters degree in accounting from Missouri State University.

Blanca Aiello

Blanca Aiello, who provides payroll services as a member of the outsourced accounting services team. Aiello was promoted to outsourcing senior associate. Aiello graduated with a bachelors degree in international business in Ecuador.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Firm sees profit on Springfield JPMorgan Chase building's sale
When compared to stock car with 180mm ground clearance, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso modified by Tay Autoworks looks very muscular

Once known as the king of A-segment vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has still continued to excel in this segment. Only, this A-segment has shrunk significantly and is now one of the least appealing segments of Maruti Suzuki sales. The scene would have been very different if Maruti Suzuki had taken a different approach. An approach similar to this modified S-Presso.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Modified

Remember the Future-S Concept that the company showcased all those years ago? It had a bright Orange shade and rear suicide doors, along with a lot of design flair. This flamboyant concept car yielded an S-Presso production-spec vehicle that definitely splits opinions, where design is concerned.

However, Bimble Designs envisioned Maruti S-Presso differently in one of their renders. They showed that with just a few mods and clever colour choices, S-Presso can look good and appealing. These mods include large wheels and tyres, slightly redesigned door cladding, a side step, massive ground clearance, LED elements in fascia among others.

Now, Tay Autoworks from Philippines has taken a similar approach. This aftermarket mod shop primarily focuses on off-road modifications and they have tried to bring a similar theme with S-Presso build. For starters, we can spot a large and chunky roof rack that is functional and seems to be powder-coated in a black finish.

There are four round LED lights on this roof rack that act as flood lights or auxiliary lights. These would be illegal in India, though. With this roof rack, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is now taller and has added practicality.

Jacked up ground clearance

Whats even more impressive than the added height with roof rack is the added height with bigger wheels and tyres. This way, there is an increase in ground clearance as well, lending a more muscular appeal to S-Presso than 14-inch stock alloy wheels from the company. With increased ground clearance, there is a lot of added presence.

These aftermarket wheels are finished in black, complementing the Blue shade of this S-Presso. Those aftermarket tyres seem to be all-terrain ones and have off-road tread pattern. These are significantly better than the 165-section stock tyres from the company. Almost looks like S-Presso hit puberty and had a long and fruitful session at the gym.

Puberty analogy stays true with ones voice as well. As part of this modification, Tay Autoworks has also modded S-Pressos exhaust system to establish a throatier note. The new exhaust note is a lot more snarly than a stock vehicle. Under the bonnet, S-Presso comes equipped with a 1.0L 3-cylinder NA petrol engine with 65 bhp of peak power and 89 Nm of peak torque.

1 of 3

Source
Fire Incident Causes Extensive Damage at Tata Motors Car Showroom in Shimla

In the early morning hours of February 8, 2024, a devastating fire erupted at the Tata Motors car showroom situated at the inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) in Tutikandi, Shimla. The incident, which transpired around 4 am, resulted in significant damage to the showroom, affecting three cars, including a Tata Punch and Tata Tiago, along with spare parts and machinery. The estimated loss from the incident is pegged at around Rs 1 crore, as per local reports.

Swift Firefighting Response Prevents Further Losses

Thankfully, the fire occurred during the early morning hours when the showroom was closed, preventing any casualties. Despite the timely closure, eyewitnesses reported that the flames swiftly engulfed the showroom, causing panic among the people near the adjacent bus stand.

The response to the fire was swift, with several fire tenders dispatched from Mall Road, Chota Shimla, and Boileauganj. The firefighting teams, led by Gopal Das and Bhagat Ram Thakur, worked tirelessly for approximately three hours before successfully gaining control over the raging inferno.

Their rapid intervention prevented the loss from escalating beyond the estimated Rs 1 crore, potentially saving additional property valued at around Rs 2 crores. While the Tata dealership likely showcased various car models, the fire was contained to the Tata Punch and Tiago, sparing other vehicles on display from the destructive blaze.

Investigations Launched into Tata Dealership Fire

Presently, the cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting investigations spearheaded by SDM Shimla (Urban), Bhanu Gupta, and the local police. Authorities are actively collecting evidence and engaging with relevant parties to determine the root cause of the fire.

Although no conclusive findings have been disclosed, preliminary analyses suggest that a short circuit could be a potential cause. As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the destructive fire at the Tata Motors car showroom in Shimla.

Community Response and Support

In the wake of the fire incident, the local community and Tata Motors enthusiasts are expressing their concern and support. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the incident, with individuals sharing their sentiments and offering assistance to the affected dealership. This outpouring of community support highlights the significant role that local businesses play in fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among residents.

Fire at Tata Showroom (Feb 7, Shimla) ?

Location -Tutikandi inter-state bus terminal (ISBT).

Casualties: No loss of life.

Loss of inventory.

Time: About 4:30 am

Fire engines from The Mall, Boileauganj, Chotta Shimla deployed.

Cause of fire being investigated pic.twitter.com/O02QAJsg6A  RushLane (@rushlane) February 9, 2024

Future Steps and Rebuilding Efforts

As the investigations progress and more details emerge, it remains to be seen how Tata Motors and the dealership will navigate the aftermath of this unfortunate incident. The rebuilding process is likely to involve collaboration with insurance agencies, local authorities, and the Tata Motors corporate entity. Clear communication with customers and the community will be essential to restoring confidence and ensuring a smooth recovery.
The company assured irregularities in horsepower certification testing are because of smoothing of power and torque curves and not actual figures

After a chain of controversies, Toyota has indulged in damage control. These controversies have been making international headlines too. In India, Toyota Kirloskar Motors has resumed dispatch of Innova Crysta, Hilux and Fortuner after a brief suspension as a form of damage control revolving around three of its diesel engines.

Toyota Resumes Dispatch Of Crysta, Hilux And Fortuner

The company had temporarily halted the dispatch of Innova Crysta MPV, Hilux pickup truck and Fortuner SUV to dealerships from factory. However, the units that were already dispatched to dealerships before the revelations of diesel engine controversy, were delivered to customers with transparent communication.

Now, the company has resumed dispatching vehicles from factory to dealerships. These include diesel engine-equipped vehicles like Innova Crysta MPV, Hilux pickup truck and Fortuner SUV. In a statement, the Japanese brand announced that the engines are re-confirmed to meet stipulated Indian regulations.

Dispatch from factory to dealerships of said models was briefly halted on January 29th, 2024 owing to irregularities found in testing of companys diesel engines. Three diesel engines under observation did duties in as many as ten vehicles globally. Of these ten vehicles globally, three vehicles were sold in India and six in Japan.

TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation) had commissioned TICO (Toyota Industries Corporation) to develop these three diesel engines in question. These three diesel engines were discovered to pose irregularities in certification with Indian Government. In particular, the engine horsepower certification testing.

Toyota engine irregularities

Previously, Toyota has clarified that the irregularities were regarding smoothening of power and torque curves of those three engines. And in no way these irregularities would result in over-claiming of any powertrain-related values. On 29th January 2024, TICO reported TMC about the special investigation committee that was tasked with searching for potential certification irregularities.

The committee reported there had been irregularities in horsepower certification testing of three Toyota diesel engines. In India, these engines did duty in Innova Crysta MPV, Hilux pickup truck and Fortuner SUV. Now that these engines are re-confirmed to meet Indian certifications, the temporary suspension is lifted and Toyota is dispatching vehicles to dealerships again.

This diesel engine horsepower certification irregularity from TICO is less impactful when compared to the fraudulent crash testing scandals from Toyota-owned Daihatsu. Toyota has promised a systematic change in Daihatsus leadership, corporate work culture and other aspects to have a transparent administration.
Former Record Searchlight features and entertainment writer Jon Lewis recently sent a link to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle: "This beer is so popular that brewers are sick of it.

The story highlighted the hazy IPA phenomenon thats been brewing for quite some time. If you like beer and IPAs, you know.

So I reached out to Reddings two oldest craft breweries, Fall River and Woodys, to get their take on the haze craze. Are they tiring of it?

Heck no, it keeps the lights on. We will brew anything that keeps the lights on, quipped Fall River's Amanda Hutchings, company vice president who co-founded the brewery in 2013 with her husband, John.

Said Kurt Heuer, head brewer at Woodys: Theyre definitely popular. I dont think theres any denying that.

Fall Rivers Numb Numb Juice and Woodys Shasta Haze are top sellers.

Hutchings said, according to Nielsen retail tracking data, their Numb Numb Juice is among the top five selling beers in Northern California, an area that stretches from Monterey to the Oregon border.

Woody's Shasta Haze and Fall River's Numb Numb Juice are popular hazzy IPAs in the North State and beyond.

You know, Hex (Hexagenia IPA) is such a flagship for us, and its probably what got us on the map and it still holds true locally. But through the rest of our distribution network, Numb Numb Juice is by far our biggest seller, she said.

So why are customers crazy about hazy?

We use these special yeast strains for hazy IPAs and they are a little more fruit, tropical forward, Heuer of Woody's said. They bring forward these super fruity flavors that people love.

Hutchings agreed.

I would say based on tasting room feedback, they are just a little bit sweeter, certainly a juicy flavor to it, she said. Its just not your standard IPA and people are gravitating to that sweeter flavor.

While customers cant get enough, Heuer said brewers like himself still like making and drinking more traditional IPAs, or a not-so-hoppy pilsner.

Still, we love that our customers love them (hazy IPAs) and we will keep making them," he said.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Woodys recently celebrated its 9th anniversary brewing up its Tiramisu Stout that the brewery partnered with Theory Coffee to make and is still available, Heuer said.

Fall River hit a milestone last year when it poured more than 4 million pints, Hutchings said.

And, as you read this, Fall River is releasing its latest concoction, a sour (also a trendy beer variety these days) called Boo Berry Pie. Blueberry puree, vanilla ice cream and graham crackers are in this beer.

Fall River beers are on tap at its brewery on Eastside Road and its tap room in the Safeway-Lowe's shopping center on East Cypress Avenue.

Woody's beers are on tap at its brewery and restaurant on Oregon Street in downtown Redding.

Cheers.

Sundial Bridge at 20, a California treasure

Reddings landmark Sundial Bridge will celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer.

The bridge continues to bring good vibes to the area, attracting tourists from around the world. Its helped turn Reddings image from a gas stop on the way to bigger and better things into a destination.

Boaters float beneath the Sundial Bridge. This year marks the 20th anniversary of when the bridge opened.

Recently, the Sundial Bridge was listed among the best-loved bridges in the state in the New York Times feature, California Today.

The Sundial Bridge in Redding does much more than connect two banks of the Sacramento River. As one of the few who are lucky enough to give tours of the bridge, I have seen how the bridge has evolved to become a new town center, wrote Kay Johnson of Redding. She noted that residents and tourists alike come to the bridge to enjoy the vistas of the surrounding mountains, the river and wildlife.

The Sundial Bridge officially turns 20 on July 4.

Among the other bridges mentioned were, Bay Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, Bixby Bridge, Colorado Street Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Tower Bridge, and of course, the Golden Gate.

On a personal note, I was happy that Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge got a shoutout. The green arch that spans a canyon in the Santa Ynez Mountains is spectacular, among many eye-popping attractions in the backyard of my boyhood home, Santa Barbara.

Quick Quack christens new east Redding center

Quick Quack Car Wash is the first business to open in the new Holiday Marketplace shopping center.

Reddings second Quick Quack Car Wash recently opened in the new Holiday Marketplace.

The car wash is the first business to open in the east Redding shopping center at the corner of Hartnell Avenue and Shasta View Drive.

More: The Buzz: More details about Redding Public Market. What's an 'entertainment zone?'

There also is a Quick Quack on Dana Drive, where the old Jack in the Box used to sit, and there is a location in Anderson.

Also coming to Holiday Marketplace is a Starbucks.

The Starbucks shell is completed and they are currently working on the inside. There is still quite a bit of work that needs to be completed in the center for them to open, Brad Askeland, president of Holiday Foods parent company North State Grocery, told me.

Work continues inside to get the new Starbucks open in the Holiday Marketplace shopping center.

All the rain weve gotten this winter has taken its toll on construction.

Weather has delayed much of that progress to the parking lot, lighting, landscaping, etc. Askeland said.

The shopping center will be anchored by a new Holiday grocery store. Holiday will relocate its current store across the street to the new shopping center.

We hope to begin construction in March and if everything goes well, we could open before the end of the year, Askeland said.

It will be a great addition to east Redding when it is all completed, and our customers remind us all the time how they are looking forward to it and so are we. Everything seems to take twice as long nowadays, unfortunately, he added.

Stay tuned.

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on X, formerly Twitter, @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Crazy popularity of hazy IPAs. More accolades for Sundial Bridge
Gabe Ginsberg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images; Tony Avelar/AP

Stock market gains are highly concentrated among the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks.

That's a risk in itself, but investors should be aware the group is uniquely exposed to China risks, GMO says.

An event that reduces access to China and Taiwan's chip-making industry would be painful for these firms.

Investors reveling in the stock market boom that's been aided in large part by the Magnificent Seven may be undercounting the risk of geopolitical conflict in China.

In a letter to investors this week, GMO, co-founded by legendary market veteran Jeremy Grantham, said that a disruptive geopolitical event in China is a "common risk" for all stocks in the Magnificent Seven  Apple, Amazon, Nvidia, Tesla, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Microsoft.

The big risk in such an event would be reduced access to China and Taiwan's chip industries, which these firms rely on heavily for continued development of the technologies that have generated so much excitement among investors, namely artificial intelligence.

"A geopolitical event that hurts U.S. companies' access to China, Taiwan, and the semiconductor industry would therefore be profoundly uncomfortable for this group of companies," GMOs' Ben Inker and John Pease wrote in the letter.

On top of risks to semiconductor supplies, the group of mega-cap stocks has an average revenue exposure of close to 20% to China and Taiwan, GMO noted, and four of them have relationships with Taiwanese manufacturing giant Foxconn.

Expanding investment in AI by the seven market-cap leaders has heightened their reliance on Taiwan, which is the world's leading chip supplier. The development has sparked concerns on Wall Street about the potential impact of a move by China to take over Taiwan.

"Investors who are averse to the 4% combined weight of China and Taiwan in MSCI ACWI should be mindful of the 17% combined weight of the U.S. superstars in that same index," GMO wrote.

Story continues

As Taiwan just wrapped up its 2024 election, it must navigate preserving its current status quo while maintaining some degree of autonomy amid escalating Chinese military actions and rhetoric, heightening investors' worries over escalating tensions.

Stepping back, the world's two biggest economies have seen contrasting trends in their stock markets. The US equity market has surged thanks to stellar quarterly GDP growth, a rebounding labor market, and rapid advancements in AI.

The surge so far this year has culminated in the S&P 500 breaching the 5,000 mark this week for the first time ever.

On the flip side, China is making significant efforts to rescue the stock market from a severe downturn worsened by a property crisis, deflationary pressures, and demographic headwinds. The country has introduced economic stimulus packages, including crackdowns on short-selling and insider trading, but investors' confidence in stocks still remains low.

The Magnificent Seven mega-cap tech stocks now make up a massive 29% of the S&P 500, raising alarms about the sustainability of the latest market rally. Yet, BMO chief investment strategist Brian Belski said this week that extreme concentration in the stock market is an overstated risk and shouldn't stop investors from buying stocks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In a new paper in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, paleontologists described the diversity of the Cabrieres Biota, a new Early Ordovician site from Montagne Noire, southern France. During the Early Ordovician, the area was an open marine environment located in the southern hemisphere at high polar latitudes on the margin of the supercontinent Gondwana.

Early Paleozoic sites with soft-tissue preservation provide a wealth of information on the evolution of past life and enhance our understanding of previous ecosystems, but are unequally distributed in time and space, said University of Lausanne paleontologist Farid Saleh and his colleagues.

While approximately 100 assemblages with soft-tissue preservation have been described from the Cambrian, around 30 are known from the Ordovician period, and only a few sites are discovered in Early Ordovician rocks.

The distribution of Early Paleozoic sites is also paleogeographically skewed, as approximately 97% of discovered biotas represent tropical and temperate ecosystems within 65 north and south of the paleoequator.

This pattern is particularly true for the Ordovician, where very few sites are known from polar environments.

Among the most famous Ordovician sites, the Soom Shale in South Africa, Big Hill and Winneshiek in the United States are indicative of tropical ecosystems.

Considering the rarity of Ordovician sites and their skewed paleogeographic distribution, the discovery of new biotas with soft-tissue preservation beyond the aforementioned paleogeographic zones and environments is crucial for expanding our understanding of this time period and gaining better insights into the factors driving the rise of animal diversity on Earth.

In their new paper, the paleontologists described a 470-million-year-old (Early Ordovician) fossil assemblage, named the Cabrieres Biota, from southern Montagne Noire, France.

The fossil site was discovered by two French amateurs, Eric Monceret and Sylvie Monceret-Goujon.

Dr. Saleh and co-authors examined nearly 400 exceptionally well-preserved fossils with soft-tissue preservation from the site.

The fossils commonly exhibit brown, red or orange hues and are embedded within a siliciclastic matrix composed of mudstone and siltstone, which can range in color from blue to green and yellow.

The Cabrieres Biota is characterized by a prevalence of sponges and branching algae constituting 26% of all identified fossils.

It also includes mollusks (14%), trilobites (12%), brachiopods (9%), hyoliths (7%) and cnidarians (6%).

An interesting feature of the biota is the rarity of echinoderms, which are represented by three specimens only.

The Cabrieres Biota also showcases a variety of bivalved arthropod carapaces forming 16% of identified fossils.

Some vermiform organisms are also present in the biota (around 1% of identified fossils).

The Cabrieres Biota was once located very close to the South Pole, revealing the composition of Ordovician southernmost ecosystems, Dr. Saleh said.

The sites high biodiversity suggests that this area served as a refuge for species that had escaped the high temperatures prevailing further north at the time.

At this time of intense global warming, animals were indeed living in high latitude refugia, escaping extreme equatorial temperatures.

The distant past gives us a glimpse of our possible near future, said Dr. Jonathan Antcliffe, a paleontologist at the University of Lausanne.

_____

F. Saleh et al. The Cabrieres Biota (France) provides insights into Ordovician polar ecosystems. Nat Ecol Evol, published online February 9, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02331-w
On February 3, 2024, NASAs Juno spacecraft made a second close flyby of Io, the fifth of Jupiters moons and the third largest. Like the previous flyby on December 30, 2023, this second pass was at a distance of about 1,500 km (930 miles). During the twin flybys, the spacecrafts JunoCam instrument returned spectacular, high-resolution images and raw data. The flybys were designed to provide new insight into how Ios volcanic engine works and whether a global magma ocean exists under the rocky, mountainous surface terrain of the volcanic moon.

Io is the innermost of the four Galilean moons of Jupiter and the fourth-largest moon in our Solar System.

It is approximately 3,630 km (2,556 miles) across  only slightly bigger than our own Moon.

Aside from Earth, it is the only known place in the Solar System with volcanoes erupting hot lava like that on our planet.

Io has more than 400 active volcanoes, which are caused by tidal heating, the result of a gravitational tug-of-war between Jupiters gravity and the smaller but precisely timed pulls from Europa and Ganymede.

The moons yellow-white-orange-red coloration is produced by sulfur dioxide-frost on its surface, elemental sulfur and a variety of sulfur allotropes.

Volcanoes were first discovered on Io in 1979, and subsequent studies by NASAs Galileo spacecraft and ground-based telescopes show that eruptions and lava fountains occur constantly, creating rivers and lakes of lava.

Only 13 giant eruptions were observed between 1978 and 2006, in part because only a handful of astronomers regularly scan the moon.

NASAs Juno spacecraft has been monitoring Ios volcanic activity from distances ranging from about 11,000 km (6,830 miles) to over 100,000 km (62,100 miles), and has provided the first views of the moons north and south poles.

On December 30, 2023, Juno came within about 1,500 km of the surface of Io; the orbiter made a second ultra-close flyby of the moon on February 3, 2024.

The second pass went predominantly over the southern hemisphere of Io, while prior flybys have been over the north.

By combining data from these close flybys with our previous observations, the Juno science team is studying how Ios volcanoes vary, said Junos principal investigator Dr. Scott Bolton, a researcher at the Southwest Research Institute.

We are looking for how often they erupt, how bright and hot they are, how the shape of the lava flow changes, and how Ios activity is connected to the flow of charged particles in Jupiters magnetosphere.

We are investigating the source of Ios massive volcanic activity, whether a magma ocean exists underneath its crust, and the importance of tidal forces from Jupiter, which are relentlessly squeezing this tortured moon.

Theres evidence of an active plume, tall mountain peaks with well-defined shadows, and lava lakes  some with apparent islands.

Starting in April 2024, Juno will carry out a series of occultation experiments that use Junos Gravity Science experiment to probe Jupiters upper atmospheric makeup, which provides key information on the planets shape and interior structure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has his hands full trying to stop foreign investors from fleeing. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

China's crashing stock market could be the breaking point for foreign investors, Atlantic Council's Jeremy Mark said.

The market will become more volatile as remaining investors focus on fast profits.

The country needs to respond to its property crisis to trigger a stable market recovery.

The decline of China's stock market may have scarred it for the long-term, as foreign investors likely aren't coming back, the Atlantic Council wrote on Friday.

On domestic and US indexes, Chinese firms have collectively suffered a $7 trillion hit since early 2021. The fallout could be the final breaking point for offshore traders, who are already hastening to exit amid souring outlooks on the country's economy, Senior Fellow Jeremy Mark said.

With few reasons to jump back in, China will become the focus of investors betting on fast profits instead of stable growth.

"Investing in China likely will become the domain of foreign bargain hunters and hedge funds, some of whom already are actively trading in the market," Mark wrote, later adding: "The fund managers who remain could end up contributing to the volatile swings in fortune that are everyday life in China's markets."

Beijing has responded to the financial stress in recent weeks, issuing a slew of measures meant to dampen the sharp decline. These include state-backed purchases, as well as restricted access to offshore markets and curbs on short-selling.

Although this flurry of efforts has triggered a rally this week in Chinese indexes, a more forceful recovery will depend on Beijing's handling of broader crises, Mark noted.

China's property market is the leading concern, considering the sector accounts for around a quarter of the nation's GDP. Once a rapidly growing industry, its dependence on high leverage has resulted in a massive default wave, with real estate giants forced to liquidate.

Foreign investors have been disenchanted by Beijing's slow response, while the government's 2020 crackdown on the tech sector provided another incentive to move out of Chinese markets, Marks noted.

Story continues

The stock exodus has largely been led by passive funds, as well as investors focused on long-term growth. Net foreign inflows last year reached only $6.1 billion, the lowest level since 2017.

It's had a direct impact on China's startup scene, with the country's IPO market drying up as new companies search for cash.

"Even if the economy and property market bottom out in 2024, there are worrying signals about the government's intentions for stock investors. Over the past few months, there have been various pronouncements directed at financial markets that suggest less tolerance for business as usual," Marks said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Strengths: Robust integrated payments platform and strong brand recognition.

Weaknesses: Intense competition in the premium card space and regulatory challenges.

Opportunities: Expansion of digital payment solutions and international growth.

Threats: Cybersecurity risks and evolving payment technologies.

On February 9, 2024, American Express Co (NYSE:AXP) filed its annual 10-K report, revealing a comprehensive overview of its operations, financial health, and strategic direction. As a global financial institution, American Express operates in approximately 130 countries, providing a wide range of payment products and services. The company's integrated payments platform, which connects card members and merchants, is a cornerstone of its business model, allowing for the analysis of spending data to enhance customer experiences and reduce fraud. Financially, American Express Co has demonstrated resilience, with an aggregate market value of voting shares held by non-affiliates reaching approximately $128.1 billion as of June 30, 2023. With 723.87 million common shares outstanding as of February 1, 2024, the company continues to be a formidable player in the financial services industry.

Decoding American Express Co (AXP): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Integrated Payments Platform and Brand Equity: American Express Co's integrated payments platform is a significant strength, providing a competitive edge by enabling direct relationships with both card members and merchants. This unique position allows the company to gather valuable transaction data, which is leveraged to underwrite risk, tailor marketing efforts, and offer personalized services. Additionally, the American Express brand is synonymous with premium quality and customer service, which has helped to maintain a loyal customer base and attract high-spending clients.

Diverse Product Portfolio and Customer-Centric Approach: The company's wide array of card products, rewards, and services cater to a diverse consumer and commercial customer base. American Express Co's focus on innovation and customer experience is evident in its digital and mobile services, as well as its commitment to providing world-class customer care. The company's ability to design attractive card products and payment solutions has been instrumental in acquiring and retaining customers, particularly among the Millennial and Gen Z demographics.

Story continues

Weaknesses

Competitive Pressure in the Premium Card Segment: Despite its strong brand, American Express Co faces intense competition in the premium card space. Competitors are aggressively targeting high-spending customers and key business partners with compelling value propositions, which could erode American Express's market share. The company must continuously innovate and enhance its offerings to maintain its position in this highly contested segment.

Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Costs: As a global financial institution, American Express Co is subject to stringent regulatory scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions. Compliance with evolving regulations incurs substantial costs and requires significant resources. Any changes in regulation could impact the company's business practices and profitability, necessitating a proactive approach to regulatory management.

Opportunities

Expansion of Digital Payment Solutions: The shift towards digital payments presents a significant opportunity for American Express Co to expand its digital offerings. By investing in technology and forming strategic partnerships, the company can enhance its digital wallet and mobile payment capabilities, catering to the growing demand for convenient and secure online transactions.

International Market Penetration: With a presence in approximately 130 countries, American Express Co has the opportunity to further penetrate international markets. By tailoring products and services to local preferences and leveraging its global brand, the company can capture a larger share of the international payments market, particularly in emerging economies.

Threats

Cybersecurity Risks: As a financial institution that handles sensitive data, American Express Co is at risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. A failure in or breach of operational or security systems could lead to significant financial and reputational damage. The company must continue to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect its customers and operations.

Technological Disruption in the Payments Industry: The payments industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and business models emerging that could disrupt traditional payment systems. American Express Co must stay ahead of these trends and adapt its offerings to remain competitive in an industry where innovation is key to success.

In conclusion, American Express Co (NYSE:AXP) exhibits a strong foundation with its integrated payments platform and esteemed brand reputation. However, the company must navigate the challenges of intense competition and regulatory complexities. Opportunities for growth lie in the expansion of digital payment solutions and international markets, but threats from cybersecurity risks and technological disruption require vigilant management. Overall, American Express Co's strategic focus on innovation and customer engagement positions it well to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities while addressing its weaknesses and threats.

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.


Oman Cables Industry (OCI), the leading cable solutions provider in Oman, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education in Oman, marking the official launch of the annual Kids in STEM initiative.

This highlights OCI's dedication to empowering the next generation in the Manufacturing and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sectors in line with Oman Vision 2040.

The MoU signing was held in the presence of Prof Abdullah Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education.

Two core activities

In line with Oman's Vision 2040 goals and its commitment to advancement and inclusivity, the initiative targets children aged 6 to 10 within all the Stakeholders children. The programme comprises two core activities: Adopting a School and Building Talents in STEM. Diverse modules focus on robotics, renewable energy, and electrical engineering to nurture skill development in these areas. Students can discover a variety of skills such as how to programme robots, design wind turbines and learn about electricity, conductors, insulators, and circuit building.

Cinzia Farise, CEO of OCI, said: This initiative signifies the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at empowering the next generation with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in an ever-evolving technological landscape. OCI is committed to playing a proactive role in propelling the nation towards a resilient and diverse economy by equipping and empowering Omani children. We are privileged to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in this noble endeavour.

The initiative was developed under the umbrella of SHE STEMS, a social development program, which aims to prepare more Omani women for the nations Manufacturing and STEM sectors.

This latest collaboration highlights a shared commitment to innovation and education among Oman's youth. Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Kids in STEM initiative, is an important step towards nurturing young minds.--TradeArabia News Service
Robust market presence with diversified industrial manufacturing and solutions.

Commitment to innovation and sustainable business practices.

Strategic focus on organic growth and disciplined capital allocation.

Challenges include maintaining competitive advantage and managing cyclical market exposure.

Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV), a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider, has recently filed its 10-K report on February 9, 2024. The company, with a rich history dating back to 1947, operates through five segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions, and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) has shown a commitment to steady shareholder value creation, operational excellence, and sustainable practices. The financial overview from the filing indicates a strong balance sheet, with an aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2023, reaching approximately $20.56 billion. The company's focus on organic sales growth, operational capabilities, and free cash flow generation positions it well for future growth and value creation.

Decoding Dover Corp (DOV): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Leadership and Diversified Portfolio: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) boasts a strong market presence across various sectors, with leading positions in niche industrial markets. The company's diversified portfolio mitigates risks associated with market cyclicality and provides multiple avenues for growth. With a revenue stream where approximately 31% is recurring, stemming from parts, consumables, services, and software, Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) demonstrates a stable financial profile with predictable revenue and low capital intensity.

Innovation and Sustainable Practices: Innovation is at the core of Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV), with significant investments in research and development, new product development, and improved manufacturing techniques. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its product offerings that help customers meet their sustainability goals, such as energy-efficient equipment and components for various industries. This focus on innovation and sustainability not only strengthens the brand but also aligns with global trends and customer demands.

Story continues

Strategic Capital Allocation: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) employs a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing reinvestment in the business with returning capital to shareholders. The company's financial policy supports this strategy, maintaining an investment-grade credit rating and a conservative approach to financial leverage. This strategic capital allocation has led to a consistent track record of dividend payments, increasing annually for the last 68 years, showcasing the company's financial strength and commitment to shareholder value.

Weaknesses

Exposure to Cyclical Markets: Despite its diversified portfolio, Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) is not immune to the cyclical nature of some of the industries it serves. The company's segments, such as those supplying the environmental solutions, defense, automotive, and commercial refrigeration industries, may face challenges during economic downturns, which could impact overall performance.

Reliance on Large Customers in Certain Industries: While Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) serves thousands of customers with no single customer accounting for more than 10% of consolidated revenue in 2023, some business segments deal with a few large customers that are significant within their industries. This reliance could pose a risk if there are shifts in customer preferences or if these customers experience financial difficulties.

Integration of Acquisitions: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV)'s growth strategy includes strategic acquisitions, which come with the inherent risk of integration challenges. The company must ensure that acquired businesses are successfully integrated to realize expected synergies and value creation, which is not always guaranteed.

Opportunities

Growth in Emerging Markets: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the middle class and consumption in emerging economies. The company's focus on markets with long-term growth trends, such as increasing requirements for sustainability, safety, and energy efficiency, presents significant opportunities for expansion.

Digital Transformation: The company's investment in Dover Digital Labs and the India Innovation Center highlights its commitment to digital transformation. Enhancing digital capabilities across its businesses can lead to improved customer experiences, operational efficiencies, and the development of new value-added services, driving future growth.

Energy Transition and Environmental Regulations: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV)'s Clean Energy & Fueling segment stands to benefit from the global shift towards clean energy and stricter environmental regulations. The transition to alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas and hydrogen, as well as the growth in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, offers new avenues for the company to expand its product offerings and market reach.

Threats

Competitive Pressure: Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) operates in highly competitive markets where maintaining a competitive edge is crucial. The company must continuously innovate and adapt to changing market conditions to stay ahead of competitors, which could pose a threat if not managed effectively.

Global Economic Fluctuations: As a global manufacturer, Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) is susceptible to economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions that can impact its operations and financial performance. Changes in trade policies, tariffs, and currency exchange rates could adversely affect the company's international business.

Technological Disruption: Rapid technological advancements in the industries Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) serves could lead to disruptions if the company does not keep pace with innovation. The risk of new entrants offering more advanced solutions or existing competitors upgrading their offerings could challenge Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV)'s market position.

In conclusion, Dover Corp (NYSE:DOV) presents a robust profile with its diversified portfolio, market leadership, and strategic focus on innovation and sustainability. However, the company must navigate the challenges of cyclical

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.


Bain Coffman, left, and Gai Junta welcome guests to two dining areas  a less formal, fast casual section and a sit-down format with a full bar. The restaurant has copious gluten-free options with rice noodle and rice flour at the base of most recipes. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri
Bartolo Colons father was playing Dominoes in the Dominican Republic countryside when his telephone rang.

The year was 2012, two years before Colon had embraced a loveable persona with the Mets. A month and a half earlier, he had tested positive for synthetic testosterone, a banned substance in MLB.

Ashamed by what hed done, Colon left for the Bahamas with his wife, forced to serve a 50-game suspension. While there, he dreaded having to tell his father.

What hurt me the most was having to tell my father about my positive test, Colon said sitting across from Pedro Martinez on the Alofoke show, a Dominican-based YouTube show. We were raised humbly and honestly, and I was ashamed. It took me a month and a half to build up the courage to tell my father. I couldnt find the way to tell him.

When Colons father finally answered the phone, Colon asked him to go somewhere private. There, he broke the news, but his father didnt understand. He thought Colon had been caught using another type of illegal drug and was relieved to learn that it was just a performance enhancer.

Colons decision to use PEDs cost him a shot at the Hall of Fame  he received just 1.3% of the vote on his first ballot in 2024  but in his first time opening up about PEDs, all he could recall was the call to his father.

Colon is the winningest Dominican-born pitcher in MLB history. In 565 career games, he posted a 247-188 record with a 4.12 ERA and 2,532 strikeouts  his Hall candidacy was questionable without the banned substance, which he says he took to stay healthy after missing the 2010 season.

I used it to be able to stay healthy, Colon said. It was a bad choice I made, but I dont regret doing it because I made the decision, I have to live with it.

Manuel Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
Hi Neighbor,

Borough President Fossella will give his State of the Borough address this afternoon at Monsignor Farrell High School. The BP graduated from Farrell, as did so many of our other male elected officials. Thus, the venue.

Its a good bet Vitos address wont be the dog-and-pony extravaganza that former Deputy BP Ed Burke put on for his BP, Jim Molinaro. Those productions were usually held at the College of Staten Island, with the 2013 finale at the St. George Theatre. One featured a fire hydrant floating from the rafters above the Center for the Arts stage to symbolize Jims frustration with NYC bureaucracy. He wanted the hydrant moved to widen Forest Hill Road, notorious for its deadly car crashes.

It took seven years.

Others featured skits starring local politicians. Giant graphs and giant charts filled giant screens.

State of the Boroughs are not much different than State of the Unions. They tout accomplishments of the sitting administration and outline wide-eyed plans for the future.

BP Fossellas goals will be revealed today. Read all about them in the Sunday Advance or on SILive.com.

But for now, lets make believe. If Staten Islanders were ever foolish enough to elect me BP, my Top Three State of the Borough initiatives would be, in no particular order:

1. Traffic

2. Traffic

3. Traffic

This I do not need to tell you, neighbors: On our highways and byways, somethings gotta give. The reasons for the nightmare motorists endure daily are obvious.

More houses, more people, more cars.

Public transportation is limited.

And did we mention a road network that probably was laid out by the Lenape Indians in the 16th Century?

When NASCAR was frantically asking back in 2005 what they needed to do to convince skeptical (to put it mildly) Staten Island that roaring race cars and a stadium seating 82,500 were a good thing for our community, they offered the facility for charitable groups to stage walk-a-thons around the track.

Really? thought I. Theyve got to be kidding. Theres nothing like the smell of gasoline and motor oil on a brisk spring morning as you walk in circles inside an 82,500-seat race rack filled with no one.

You must have access to the best traffic planners around, I suggested several times to NASCARs CEO. After all, her business across America is cars.

Have them do a study of the entire boroughs road network, and then fund one project to alleviate one problem area.

Her response: Total silence.

So in my role as Fantasy Borough President, lets get silly and see what we can do.

1. Forget extending the Staten Island Expressway HOV lane. Build an elevated road above the expressway from the Goethals Bridge to the Verrazzano, with a link from the West Shore Expressway. The elevated lanes only for vehicles  including the dreaded 18-wheelers  headed to Brooklyn and beyond, or New Jersey. No exit or entrance ramps. Local traffic only on the lower level.

2. Extend entrance merge lanes on the expressway to allow more time for drivers to get into the flow.

3. Build a monorail for commuters, ala Disney World, down the center of the West Shore Expressway, onto the Staten Island Expressway, across the Verrazzano, through Brooklyn and into Manhattan over the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge. The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation proposed a gondola to Manhattan, across the bay, years ago. That idea fell flat.

A rendering of the cable powered AirTrain that Port Authority officials approved to replace Newark Airports 27-year old monorail.SL

4. Build jug handles on heavily trafficked local roads wherever possible, and ban all left turns . . . major roads like Victory Boulevard, Richmond Road and Hylan Boulevard. If you want to make a left, get in the right lane and jug-handle around. It works in New Jersey.

5. Issue homeowner-only parking permits on narrow roads like Laconia Avenue near Staten Island University Hospital. When did Staten Island roads get so skinny? I once wondered in this space. Watching two Cadillac Escalades approach each other on Laconia is like watching Clubber Lang stare down Rocky Balboa in Rocky III. Theres little doubt the Lenapes didnt have horses as wide as a Caddy.

Not only do you have to squeeze by cars on Laconia Avenue, you also have to squeeze by these guys. (Staten Island Advance)

6. Or . . . make those skinny roads one-way.

7. Repair sunken storm drains in the right lane of countless roads so drivers in those lanes dont blow a tire hitting one of them. The sunken drains force many to avoid the lanes  even when empty.

8. Extend Capodanno Boulevard through Miller Field, along New Dorp Beach and through Great Kills Park, as far down the South Shore as possible. And if this South Shore Drive has to be built over the water, so be it. Then-Councilmember John Fusco proposed the same plan decades ago.

This is what you're met with at the end of Cappodano Boulevard at Miller Field in Midland Beach. (Staten Island Advance/Frank J. Johns)staten island advance

9. Synchronize. Synchronize. Synchronize! Traffic lights along major roads like Hylan, Victory, Richmond Road and Avenue are all out of whack.

10. Place a traffic control person at every major intersection -- some all day, some only during rush hour.

The intersection at Hylan Blvd. and New Dorp Lane is so busy that it needs two traffic control officers to manage the flow of traffic (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores) Staff-Shot

How much would all this cost? Well figure that out later. Thats what they seem to do in Washington.

Brian

Oh by the way: Bet you have some traffic mitigation ideas that actually could be put into place. Email me -- laline@siadvance.com -- and well share them in the next couple of weeks.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As warmer temperatures close out a spring-like week, the flip to winter begins almost immediately with a chance of snow set to kick off the week ahead.

While areas to the north and west of New York City may receive multiple inches of snow, it seems the Big Apple is most likely in for another round of a wintry mix.

THE TIMELINE

The first portion of the precipitation will likely fall as a slushy blend of rain and snow across much of the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, central Appalachians, and southern New England, thanks to the lingering warm air which characterized much of the previous week, according to AccuWeather.

This especially looks to be the case in the five boroughs of New York City, where temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 50s Saturday, nearing an all-time Central Park high for the day, as noted by AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek. The current record sits at 61 degrees, set just last year in 2023.

It looks like precipitation probably gets in here Monday night and continues at least into the day on Tuesday, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said.

An AccuWeather graphic shows a timeline for the winter storm conditions expected in New York on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. (Courtesy of AccuWeather)(Courtesy of AccuWeather)

Although this precipitation could change with time, early forecasts indicate that New York City will predominantly see rain (at least at the start). Kines reports that the storm could very well depart from the area Tuesday afternoon in the form of snow, but the in-between is the real question mark at this time.

At least in the city, were thinking certainly more rain than snow, Kines said. Theres still a possibility that the storm gets its act together at the last minute, pulls in some colder air, and we get accumulating snow. That certainly hasnt been ruled out yet.

HOW MUCH SNOW

As Kines points out, it looks like we will not be buried in an avalanche of snowfall.

However, while those shovels may get to continue to enjoy their closet life, it might be wise to keep that salt handy.

It will snow in New York City, but probably not until near the very end of the storm on Tuesday, said Bernie Rayno, an AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist.

At this time, AccuWeather foresees Manhattan taking on about an inch of snow on non-paved surfaces. Meanwhile, areas just to the north of the city can expect a few inches of snowfall to accumulate rather quickly.

You start getting over into the Catskills and the Berkshires you could be talking six inches or more (of snow), Kines said.

Should New York City experience a few hours of snowfall Tuesday, AccuWeather reports that it is possible for several inches of snow to pile up.

Ultimately, the trajectory of the latter half of this system rides upon the air temperature.

If the storm taps into some cold air, it is possible that the system intensifies rapidly near the Northeast Coast, according to AccuWeather. In that event, the rain will transition over to heavy, accumulating snowfall in New York City.

An AccuWeather graphic shows a shift in the weather pattern expected to take hold after the storm expected to hit New York City on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. (Courtesy of AccuWeather)(Courtesy of AccuWeather)

But if the storm falls flat, failing to gather that necessary cold air, and tracks farther to the south, we may not see very much snowfall in New York City.

If the storm does strengthen, Kines warns that wind could create issues Monday night into Tuesday morning.

As the storm pulls away, northwesterly winds and a southward dip in the jet stream will bring lingering cold air into the region.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While New York City looks to receive a wintry mix, parts of the state are forecast to take on multiple inches of snow.

The latest system will make its way through New York sometime Monday and continue overnight into Tuesday, bringing winter precipitation after a week of relatively mild, spring-like temperatures.

THE TIMELINE FOR THE STATE

The first portion of the precipitation that comes in will likely fall as a slushy blend of rain and snow across much of the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, central Appalachians, and southern New England, thanks to the lingering warm air which characterized much of the previous week, according to AccuWeather.

Its in the latter half of the storm, which in some areas will begin as early as Monday night, that portions of the central Appalachians, the upper mid-Atlantic, and New England will begin to see some steady, substantial snowfall, as reported by AccuWeather.

An AccuWeather graphic shows a timeline for the winter storm expected in New York on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. (Courtesy of AccuWeather)(Courtesy of AccuWeather)

The way the cold air will invade the storm it appears the best bet for a heavy snowfall will be from northern Pennsylvania to southeastern upstate New York, and southern and central New England, especially from northeastern Pennsylvania on to the east from Monday night to Tuesday evening, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Snowfall amounts vary across the state with the greatest accumulation likely to accumulate at higher elevations.

At the moment, it seems that the Catskills of eastern New York are slated to receive 6-10 inches of snow, with some localized amounts potentially exceeding that, AccuWeather says. Ski resorts are sure to be happy with the news.

For much of the central Appalachians to central and southern New England, accumulations will be highly dependent on elevation, where hilly areas and the mountains will pick up much more snow than the valleys or immediate coastal places, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said.

Areas just to the north will see accumulating snowfall of their own, although these amounts pale in comparison to those predicted for the Catskills.

An AccuWeather graphic shows anticipated snowfall amounts for the winter storm expected in New York on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. (Courtesy of AccuWeather)(Courtesy of AccuWeather)

White Plains can count on just over an inch of snow, meanwhile, to the north and west in Middletown, residents can anticipate more than 3.5 inches of snowfall, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Currently, there is a 40-60% chance that interior locations north and west of the city receive more than two inches of snowfall by daybreak Tuesday, the NWS notes.

Despite these early estimates, the NWS continues to monitor the track of the storm. Models appear to show that the track and intensity of low pressure will steer south and east of the region late Monday night into Tuesday, the NWS says. However, should there be a shift in the tracks direction, the location of heaviest precipitation, and the rain/snow line may change.

AccuWeather reports that areas in northern and western central New York may see little to no accumulation due to the sharp edge of the system.

Meanwhile, New York City is slated to take on up to an inch of snow on non-paved surfaces.

A National Weather Service graphic shows anticipated snowfall amounts in New York City for Monday, Feb. 12 through Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 (Courtesy of the National Weather Service)(Courtesy of the National Weathe

However, If the storm taps into some cold air, it is possible that the system intensifies rapidly near the Northeast Coast, according to AccuWeather. In that event, the rain will transition over to heavy, accumulating snowfall in New York City.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The system is expected to pull away from New England Tuesday night and will give way to more seasonable temperatures in the region. This return to winter will remain in effect through sometime mid-March.

However, while this storm may exit the area, the temperatures could produce dangerous travel conditions. Motorists should beware of slush and standing water freezing at night during the week, AccuWeather warns.

Despite the incoming cold temperatures, there does not appear to be an incoming threat of any extreme air blasts this week, AccuWeather notes.
Illinois Tool Works Inc exhibits a robust financial performance with a diverse portfolio across seven segments.

The company's decentralized, entrepreneurial culture fosters rapid adaptation to market dynamics.

ITW's 80/20 operating process and customer-back innovation drive operational excellence and organic growth.

Strategic divestitures and acquisitions align with ITW's focus on high-quality, differentiated markets.

On February 9, 2024, Illinois Tool Works Inc (NYSE:ITW) filed its annual 10-K report, revealing a comprehensive overview of its financial health and strategic direction. As a diversified global manufacturer with a presence in 51 countries and a workforce of approximately 45,000, ITW operates through seven segments, including Automotive OEM, Food Equipment, and Welding, among others. The company's decentralized approach and 80/20 operating process, modeled on the Pareto principle, have been instrumental in driving its financial and operational success. With a market capitalization of $75.1 billion as of June 30, 2023, and a strong balance sheet, ITW is well-positioned to leverage its strengths and navigate through potential challenges. This SWOT analysis delves into the intricacies of ITW's strategic and financial nuances, as disclosed in its latest SEC filing, to provide investors with a clear understanding of the company's competitive standing and future prospects.

Decoding Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Financial Robustness and Diversified Portfolio: ITW's financial strength is a testament to its diversified business model and effective management. The company's operations span across seven segments, each contributing to a balanced revenue stream that mitigates sector-specific risks. ITW's market capitalization of approximately $75.1 billion reflects investor confidence and a solid financial foundation. The company's ability to generate consistent revenue from its diverse portfolio, coupled with a disciplined approach to cost management, has resulted in strong financial performance, positioning ITW favorably against its competitors.

Story continues

Decentralized, Entrepreneurial Culture and 80/20 Operating Process: ITW's decentralized structure and 80/20 operating process are central to its operational excellence. This approach allows individual divisions to focus on their most profitable products and customers, driving efficiency and innovation. The company's entrepreneurial culture empowers its workforce to act swiftly to market changes and customer needs, fostering a competitive edge in product development and customer service. ITW's commitment to this business model has consistently yielded high-quality organic growth and operational capabilities.

Weaknesses

Dependence on North American Markets: Despite ITW's global presence, approximately half of its revenue is derived from North America. This reliance on a single geographic market could expose the company to regional economic fluctuations and trade policies that may adversely affect its financial stability. Diversifying its revenue streams across more international markets could help ITW reduce this dependency and tap into emerging market growth opportunities.

Challenges in Innovation and Market Adaptation: While ITW prides itself on customer-back innovation, the pace of technological change and evolving market demands require continuous investment in research and development. ITW must ensure that its innovation pipeline remains robust and aligned with market trends to maintain its competitive advantage. Any lag in this area could result in lost opportunities and allow competitors to gain market share.

Opportunities

Expansion into Emerging Markets: ITW's strong financial position and operational model provide a platform for expansion into emerging markets. By leveraging its expertise and adapting its product offerings to local needs, ITW can tap into new customer segments and drive growth. The company's decentralized approach allows for flexibility in tailoring strategies to specific markets, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue diversification.

Strategic Acquisitions and Divestitures: ITW's strategic focus on high-quality businesses and its willingness to refine its portfolio through divestitures and acquisitions offer pathways to bolster its market position. The recent divestitures and the acquisition of the MTS Test & Simulation business demonstrate ITW's commitment to enhancing its long-term growth potential. These strategic moves enable ITW to concentrate on areas with significant competitive advantage and long-term value creation.

Threats

Competitive Pressure and Market Fragmentation: ITW operates in highly competitive and fragmented markets, facing challenges from both large multinational corporations and specialized regional players. The company must continuously innovate and differentiate its product offerings to maintain its market position. Failure to do so could result in pricing pressures, reduced market share, and profitability.

Regulatory and Environmental Risks: ITW's global operations are subject to various government regulations, including environmental, trade, and labor laws. Changes in these regulations could impose additional compliance costs or operational restrictions, impacting ITW's financial performance. Moreover, the physical risks associated with climate change could affect the availability and cost of raw materials, potentially disrupting the supply chain and increasing operating costs.

In conclusion, Illinois Tool Works Inc (NYSE:ITW) presents a strong financial profile with a diversified portfolio and a proven business model that emphasizes operational efficiency and customer-focused innovation. The company's decentralized structure and 80/20 process have been instrumental in driving its success. However, ITW must navigate challenges such as its reliance on North American markets and the need for continuous innovation to stay ahead of the competition. Opportunities for growth lie in strategic market expansion and acquisitions, while threats include competitive pressures and regulatory risks. ITW's forward-looking strategies, including its focus on high-quality organic growth and portfolio discipline, position it well to leverage its strengths and mitigate potential weaknesses and threats.

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.


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
Advertisement

Review Eating outKirribilli Clever Aussie flavours make this sensationally good three-cheese toastie one to savour Cult cafe BTB Kirribilli marries old-school favourites with creative use of native produce. Lee Tran Lam February 5, 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

1 / 7 BTB Kirribilli was recently named one of the citys 20 best cafes. Dominic Lorrimer 2 / 7 Potato scallops. Dominic Lorrimer 3 / 7 Three-cheese toastie with warrigal greens, kimchi and tomato. Dominic Lorrimer 4 / 7 Summer salad. Dominic Lorrimer 5 / 7 Bacon and egg roll. Dominic Lorrimer 6 / 7 Lemon aspen squash. Dominic Lorrimer 7 / 7 Banana smoothie. Dominic Lorrimer Previous Slide Next Slide Modern Australian$$$ If you were after BTB Kirribillis history, you could thumb through property records and old floorplans  or you could try the cafes excellent potato scallops. Theyre battered and fried until they resemble a geological wonder, the ridges and rocky surfaces catching crusty flakes of salt and hiding a welcome reserve of malt vinegar. The tart tang sharpens your tastebuds and electrifies each crunchy bite. And if this activates childhood memories of stepping into a fish and chip shop, then youve hit on this sites previous incarnation: selling the catch of the day and other seafood staples. It was formerly known as By the Bridge and BTB Kirribillis owners, Adam Brcic and Cameron Votano, kept part of the name when they took over in 2017  as tribute to the old space and their connection to it. Cams dad used to run a fish and chip shop in this location, says Brcic. The scallops are a sneaky shout-out to BTB Kirribillis past life by chef Daniel Backhouse (who previously worked at two-hat restaurant Berowra Waters Inn).

Advertisement

Potato scallops. Dominic Lorrimer This ultra-crunchy dish isnt the only thing that makes this spot by the Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point station noteworthy. The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide recently named BTB Kirribilli as one of the citys 20 best cafes, singling out the menus inspired use of native ingredients, which are mainly supplied by Indigenous social enterprise Bush to Bowl. Even the drinks taste like the countrys wide-ranging terrain: theres wattleseed syrup that sweetens the banana smoothie (in place of conventional cinnamon sprinkles and honey drizzles) and lively lemon aspen in the pub squash (this souring agent will reset the palate of anyone expecting the industrialised sugar hit of supermarket fizz). These ingredients are a reminder of what the landscape tastes like. The bubbly sarsaparilla, for instance, is flavoured with the plant of the same name. We grow a native form of it here, says Brcic. After a lifetime of throwing soft drinks into shopping trolleys, Id forgotten that this beverage  like the kola nut that originally powered Coke  actually came from something you could harvest. Bush to Bowl just sent it to us and said, Hey, we can grow this, is there anything for it? says Brcic.

Advertisement

After many experiments, the BTB Kirribilli team created fizzy sarsaparilla. When poured into your glass, the resulting drink has an earthy, medicinal flavour: like many native ingredients, its rich in vitamin C and its complexity takes a few sips to get used to. Its bold and reviving. Theres a strong Australian accent to everything on the menu: the char of red gum bark intensifies the tomato relish flavouring the bacon and egg roll, the summer salad is plated with cumin and lemon myrtle yoghurt and emu skewers are presented with macadamia satay sauce (light-hoofed native animals are softer on the environment than soil-damaging livestock herds, after all). Although Indigenous ingredients arent in every dish, theyre something BTB Kirribilli keenly showcase where possible. This direction was adopted in 2019, with support from Winsome Matthews, a cultural custodian and former chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee. Theyve also collaborated with her on NAIDOC fundraising dinners at the cafe. Three-cheese toastie with warrigal greens, kimchi and tomato. Dominic Lorrimer Sustainability is a strong focus, too: the kimchi is fermented with warrigal greens instead of typical cabbage, because its fast growing, native and available all year round. Its a must in the three-cheese toastie (the sunny yellow mustard pickles and optional tomato slices are also welcome additions).

Advertisement

This sensationally good sandwich is also a telling snapshot of the Australian dining landscape and the many cultures that have contributed to it. Along with Binnorie cheddar from the Hunter Valley and Warrnambool cheese from down south, Marrickvilles Paesanella buffalo mozzarella also oozes from each slice. Paesanella was founded in the 1950s by Italian migrant Umberto Somma, whod hand-shape mozzarella in his Hawkesbury River shed at 7am and sell it door to door until 11pm. The other ingredients have long histories, too: kimchi has sustained Koreans for 3000 years, while Indigenous Australians appreciated warrigal greens long before Captain Cook used it to combat scurvy. You could enjoy the toastie without knowing any of this, but its another reason why BTB Kirribillis menu is worth savouring. The low-down Vibe: This cafe goes beyond the standard-issue menu items and celebrates Indigenous ingredients. Even the avocado is hit with wattleseed dukkah Cost (average cost for two): About: $40 for two, plus drinks Introducing Sandwich Watch  a column dedicated to the essential Sydney sandwiches you need to try

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
A costly IVF technique commonly used in Australia is being unnecessarily sold to thousands of patients and could even be reducing their chances of having a baby, a new study has found.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)  a procedure that involves a single sperm being injected into an egg  was designed for couples with severe male infertility, such as a very low sperm count, estimated to affect 30 per cent of couples using IVF.

Invented in the 1990s, ICSI was designed for couples with severe male infertility, Credit: Istock

But since its invention in the 1990s, ICSI has become much more widely adopted  including by couples where the man has no or only moderate fertility issues.

Some Australian IVF clinics are now using the procedure, which typically costs $400 to $800 more than traditional IVF per cycle, in more than 90 per cent of cycles.
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 This story is a part of the February 11 edition of Sunday Life. See all 10 stories . When restaurateur and celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi, 56, tied the knot with Mara & Mine designer and billionaire chicken heiress Tamie Ingham, 38, the lavish wedding at Musee Rodin in Paris last June was the talk of town. Among the star-studded guests at the event were media mogul Lachlan Murdoch, who served as a groomsman, and Jasmine Stefanovic, who was a bridesmaid. Eight months on from the nuptials, the loved-up couple, who live in Sydney, share their story with Sunday Life. How did you meet? Guillaume: We met at a dinner party that was more like a set-up organised by friends, just before the first COVID lockdown in 2020. Tamie had just returned to Sydney after living in Los Angeles and a friend of ours, Karl Stefanovic, thought we were a good match. Tamie was immediately stunning to my eye. We sat next to one another at dinner and it felt natural to start talking to her. The rest is history. Tamie: The dinner party didnt feel like a set-up, as there were 20 other guests invited. There were a number of friends trying to get us together before this point. I didnt know much about Guillaume before I met him. I have never been keen on being set up, but I was very surprised when I met him because he has such a beautiful presence and it felt natural to be around him. The moment Guillaume walked into the room he had a way of grabbing everyones attention. He has an incredible personality and great sense of humour. He is very kind and loved by everyone. Guillaume wears Orlebar Brown T-shirt and chinos, Gucci sunglasses from Eyewear Index, Chopard watch. Tamie wears Dior dress, bra and briefs. Credit: Hugh Stewart Who made the first move? G: I did, of course! We went on a couple of restaurant dates after our first meeting, and then I invited Tamie to my house and cooked for her a few times. We were lucky enough to be able to get to know one another as we werent able to travel overseas and had more together time.

Advertisement

T: Guillaume is an amazing chef and I got to experience his best dishes at home while also getting to know him more intimately. He spoiled me and pulled out all the culinary stops. For him, its all about chopping ingredients in front of you, having a glass of wine together and setting the scene with great music  Francoise Hardy, Serge Gainsbourg, lots of Carla Bruni  in the background. All these things make meals together more romantic. I found this very charming. He finds true pleasure in preparing the dinner in front of you. Its still what we love to do. Was marriage something you both wanted? T: Ive always wanted to get married. I was in no rush for it to happen. For me, it was about finding the right person. I knew after a few dates with Guillaume that he was someone special I could spend the rest of my life with. As soon as we could travel after COVID, we went to Paris and he introduced me to his family. After that, we were constantly drawn back there, either for work or to visit his parents. Paris became a second home for us, so it was a no-brainer to choose it for our wedding. We wanted Guillaumes family to be there and for our family to experience the love we share for the city. G: We definitely wanted to get married, and I never felt concerned about asking Tamie. And Paris is where I come from, so it was special to celebrate it there. Tamie wears Valentino dress, her own jewellery. Guillaume wears P. Johnson suit, Orlebar Brown T-shirt, Chopard watch. Credit: Hugh Stewart The wedding day looked seamless. Any hiccups organising it from Australia? T: It proved to be difficult at times but it was worth every minute of it. We had our ceremony at Musee Rodin and just two weeks before we got married they called to tell us there was a huge fashion week event and a marquee being put up in front of the museum and nothing they could do about it. We couldnt change the venue for our guests at short notice. I remember doing the dress rehearsal and being stressed to see this huge eyesore of a marquee.

Advertisement

G: A friend of Tamies had the marquee taken down the day before and the wedding was perfect. How do you support one another in your relationship? T: I met Guillaume during a pivot in his career as he had just shut down his restaurant in Sydney. We like to discuss next moves and plan our future and career. G: We are a team  that summarises everything. We dont do anything without talking to one another first. Communication is important. He is incredible in front of the camera, like a movie star. I was impressed because I am very camera shy. TAMIE INGHAM What do you see as each others strengths? T: I am a planner. I like to sit with Guillaume and say, Lets look at what is happening in the next five years and plan ahead. Guillaume looks one week ahead; I am definitely the one whos all about the bigger picture. I think my strength is pushing him to have a five-year plan and not just think day by day. Guillaume is very creative and a fantastic chef. When I was with him during Tour de France filming, I saw him go off script and he was perfect. If he made a mistake, he would redo it off the top of his head. He is incredible in front of the camera, like a movie star. I was impressed because I am very camera shy.

Advertisement

G: Tamie pushes me, and we talk a lot about what well do next. She wants me to excel, but more importantly she is happy when I am happy, and its nice to have someone who feels that way for you. Tamie wears Fendi dress, her own jewellery. Credit: Hugh Stewart How do you celebrate Valentines Day? G: Valentines Day is another occasion to spoil each other, but I hope people dont wait a year to do something nice for one another. Tamie loves discovering new places, and I am a creature of habit. I like going to a nice restaurant, discovering it and talking about it long after. I love going to Alessandro Pavonis aMare as much as I love going to Sean Morans Panorama. Sometimes we go to Freds, other times its Crown Nobu for sushi and a cocktail. T: I am very lucky because Guillaume is French, which means he is romantic all the time. Its the small gestures that mean so much. Every morning he wakes earlier than I do and makes me a lemon and ginger tea. I appreciate how caring and kind he is to me. We also like to make time for a walk together, either before or after work. We love to lock in a date night once a week! What are your plans for the year ahead? T: We drove to Byron Bay recently and spent eight hours in the car working on a list of New Year resolutions. Weve been editing it all January and there are no more than 10 things on it. The most important for us is creating a healthy routine. Guillaume travels so much for work  to Crown [casino] in Perth or Melbourne and filming overseas  but wherever we find ourselves our health is important and that means exercising regularly. As far as my work goes, my sister has recently launched a sexual-wellness brand and Ive been working on a strategy. I have also been working on a new project with Guillaume  thats the exciting part of 2024 that is yet to come together.

Advertisement

G: We talk about travelling to Spain this year, maybe Brazil, and I am filming in France for SBS again. I would love Tamie to come with me as she keeps my morale high and is good for me. She knows I like to have her with me. Were talking about working on new projects together. I dont know what that will look like, a restaurant or something else. Its a work in progress. Loading What does family mean to both of you? G: Tamie doesnt do anything without her brother and sister and I love that they are a very close family. T: I was nervous to meet Guillaumes family in France due to the language barrier, but I shouldnt have been. Family is super important to me and Guillaume is also close to his parents and siblings. Were very similar in that way. My mother, Mary, is Italian and while she isnt a chef, she is a very good cook. I love how she and Guillaume always compare Italian and French cooking. Styling, Penny McCarthy; Hair, Keiren Street using Wella; Make-up, Katie Angus using Nars Cosmetics at Mecca; Fashion assistant, Allegra Cole. STOCKISTS Chopard; Dior; Eyewear Index; Fendi; Orlebar Brown; P. Johnson; Valentino
Love may be blind, but in the era of dating apps, finding the one requires more than 20/20 vision and a swipe left or right says modern-day matchmaker Trudy Gilbert.

According to the 2021 census, almost 7.9 million Australians aged over 15 are not married, with about a quarter of all households registering as lone occupants. More than three million Australians are reportedly using dating Apps such as Tinder, Grindr, eHarmony and Bumble.

Straight talker: Elite Introductions founder Trudy Gilbert.

My business is a beacon in the desert for lonely people, says the straight-talking businesswoman who was inspired to launch her business, Elite Introductions, with its office located among Sydneys gleaming corporate skyscrapers of Bligh Street, after reading about a similar matchmaking service for New Yorks upper echelons nearly 20 years ago.

People come to me and recognise their tribe. The more niche you are, the more successful you will be because your clients will have more things in common, they are on a similar level in life.
Quick, how much do you have saved for retirement? If youve got a ballpark figure in mind, hip, hip, hooray!

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans don't have a clue how much they have socked away in their retirement accounts, according to a new report from the TIAA Institute.

This finding is jaw-dropping because knowing what youve set aside in retirement accounts today directly impacts everything else: how much youre saving, what you invest in, when you can retire, and how you will live in your golden years.

TIAA found that nearly 3 in 10 Black Americans and 4 in 10 Latino Americans who have not yet retired dont know where their savings stand.

"People know retirement is important, but theyre not paying nearly enough attention," Surya Kolluri, head of the TIAA Institute, told Yahoo Finance. "Maybe they think its too far off in the future to worry about. Maybe theyre too distracted with day-to-day events that are more urgent at work and home. Maybe they think theyre saving enough for their employers to match their contributions, and thats all it will take."

Read more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide

Or maybe they dont know how many years they might have ahead of them. He added that a lack of longevity literacy  knowing how long you are likely to live  can stop people from paying attention to how much they're saving.

While nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least some money invested in retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, and pensions, less than half of those who are not yet retired are "very" or "somewhat" confident they will retire when they plan to, according to the TIAA report; 15% dont plan to retire at all. The research is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,684 adults aged 22 to 75.

Well, if you dont know how much money you are putting away, how can you feel assured that you will be able to retire in your own timeframe and live happily ever after?

Story continues

Ramp up to saving 15% of income per year

Even if youre years from retiring, understanding where you stand financially helps you calculate what percentage of your salary to squirrel away right now and if you need to bump up your savings rate.

Saving 15% of income per year (including employer contributions) is an appropriate savings level for many people, Roger Young, senior financial planner and certified financial planner at T. Rowe Price in Baltimore, told Yahoo Finance. Someone at age 25 might start saving 6% and ramp up savings by one percentage point each year to reach 15% in their 30s, he added.

Having a sense of what you have stockpiled to date colors your choices regarding how to invest your retirement funds right now. Depending on your age and risk tolerance, for example, you might increase the share of equities in your account to eke out potentially higher returns over time.

The size of your balance also impacts how much longer youll likely need to stay on the job full time, or if you want to continue working in some fashion even after you retire from your primary employer.

Read more: What is the retirement age for Social Security, 401(k), and IRA withdrawals?

Account balances 'skew low'

Even among those who can estimate savings, account balances skew low: Half have less than $250,000 saved, according to TIAAs research. Troubling, too, is that 1 in 8 Americans say they are not sure how they will fund retirement.

Talk about crying uncle. "Many pre-retirees and retirees are fearful about running out of savings in retirement  and given their low savings rates, many are indeed at risk," Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of Transamerica Institute and the nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, told Yahoo Finance.

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans don't have a clue about how much they have socked away in their retirement accounts, according to a new report from the TIAA Institute. (Getty Creative) (tommaso79 via Getty Images)

Most people simply dont have a solid grasp of their financial situation, Collinson said. Fewer than 1 in 4 have a financial strategy for retirement in the form of a written plan, according to a recent TCRS report.

"Many are taking the ostrich approach, which could lead to unwelcome surprises and even greater challenges down the road," she said.

So how much should you be saving? In general, you should aim to have 10 times your pre-retirement income saved by the time you reach age 67, according to Fidelity. Someone with, say, a $100,000 salary should have $1 million saved by the time they retire. To break that down, Fidelity recommends that by age 30, you have the equivalent of one years salary saved. By age 40, 3x your income. By age 50, 6x your income, and by age 60, 8x your income.

"The bottom line is that people just arent paying attention, and its a big reason why our nation faces a retirement crisis," Kolluri said.

Its puzzling. Its not that people dont look at their retirement account statements. Most people I know do.

"People are unaware of their retirement savings because they dont understand what that means for their retirement," Steve Parrish, adjunct professor of advanced planning and co-director of the American College Center for Retirement Income, told Yahoo Finance.

"They see a number, but they dont retain it because it doesnt tell them anything. A 401(k) statement will vary in value daily, so why bother? It doesnt answer the question of what age they can retire and how much they will receive in income."

"The bottom line is that people just arent paying attention, and its a big reason why our nation faces a retirement crisis," one expert says. (Getty Creative) (DNY59 via Getty Images)

Check periodically and use all available data

The federal government has been trying to do something about this general lack of understanding. Social Security benefit statements have recently been revamped to show the estimated income a participant will receive if they file for benefits at age 62, 63, and so on up to age 70.

Employers who offer 401(k)s and other defined contribution retirement accounts are now required by law to include two illustrations of a participants account balance converted into a lifetime income equivalent  one as a single life annuity (for just the participant) and another as a qualified joint and survivor annuity (for the participant and spouse)  at least annually.

"These statements are trying to give Americans a heads-up as to what their Social Security and employer plans may pay them as an income in retirement," Parrish said.

The goal isnt to obsess over your account's daily ups and downs  saving for retirement is a long game. The point is to be informed about your own situation so you can adjust as needed.

"Periodically checking to see where you stand is good. "The next important step is, if you are falling behind, taking action so you can get caught up," Young added.

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist, and the author of 14 books, including "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New World of Work" and "Never Too Old To Get Rich." Follow her on X @kerryhannon.

Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
An elderly woman has died after she was allegedly violently attacked in the emergency department of Bankstown Hospital last month.

Police have accused furniture removalist Richard Po Lun Lim, 28, of setting upon the woman while he was a patient in the hospital in the early hours of January 4.

The alleged assault occurred inside Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in Sydneys west. Credit: Kate Geraghty

He is accused of punching and choking the woman before knocking her unconscious by hitting her head against a wall.

The woman, 80, spent five weeks fighting for life in a critical condition after the attack. She died on Friday.
Rent rises, mortgage repayment increases and the cost-of-living crunch have been cited as reasons why more and more Sydneysiders are leasing out car spots to raise some extra cash.

Subletting a car spot has long been a source of extra income, but the rebound in demand as workers return to offices and a hot summer draws crowds to beaches has seen one car park rental app record an 111 per cent rise in CBD and Bondi region listings in the past six months.

The number of people listing a car space for rent for the first time also increased by 45 per cent between December and January across Australia, while the number of listings in Sydneys CBD doubled in that period. Listings near Bondi Beach have risen 35 per cent since last winter.

Maeve McErlean makes up to $100 a week renting out the parking space at her Bondi Beach apartment. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

Sydneys CBD is the most expensive spot to park based on marketplace app pricing. Monthly prices for secure undercover parking range from $390 in Haymarket to $2080 in Waterloo. Sydneys iconic beaches come a close second, with monthly prices averaging about $550.
A senior official in the NSW Department of Planning has been stood aside after they were accused of serious corruption in relation to a property purchase on Sydneys north shore.

On Saturday evening the department also confirmed the allegations, first aired by an MP under parliamentary privilege on Thursday, had been referred to the Independent Commission against Corruption.

Alister Henskens made allegations of corruption in parliament on Thursday night. Credit: Louise Kennerley

[The Department] takes any allegations concerning our staff very seriously, a spokeswoman for the department said.

In accordance with standard government practice, while there has been no finding of wrongdoing

against any individual at this stage, an officer has now been placed on paid leave.
While domestic high school applicants are accepted to the most competitive NSW university degrees largely based on their ATARs, the selection of foreign students, who pay full fees, is more opaque. Some universities publish guides with approved international high school qualifications and the international ATAR equivalent, but they are not bound to use these measures and do not publish acceptance grades. Students are also required to meet English language standards. Norton said he would like to see more transparent data, but said it would be hard to translate entry standards of students from across the world to a common metric. Sydney Universitys ATAR guide for international students, who make up 44 per cent of all pupils, are significantly lower for some degrees than for domestic students.

For example, the ATAR cut off for entry into the coveted combined law degrees is listed as 99.5 for domestic students, and bonus ATAR points are not applied for most students. However, the international ATAR equivalent is listed as 95.5. Students studying a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) - which is also exempt from most bonus points schemes  needed an ATAR of 95, while the listed international ATAR was 90. One of the most popular degrees for international students, Bachelor of Economics, in which 75 per cent of enrolments are foreign students, the listed ATAR is 85, while for domestic students it is 91. International students can also enrol in Sydney Universitys pathway college  at a cost of about $44,000 per year, if they dont meet English or academic requirements. It requires the equivalent of Year 11 to enter and boasts that 91 per cent of students are eligible for a place in a Sydney University degree upon completion. Some degrees, including commerce, medicine and dentistry, had similar ATAR guides for international and domestic students.

A spokeswoman for Sydney University said international and domestic undergraduate cohorts were considered separately during the admissions process and can have different entry requirements due to various factors, including supply and demand and limitations set by federal funding. Loading In addition, domestic students often benefit from ATAR adjustment factors which international students are not eligible for. We dont reserve places for international students at the expense of domestic students and domestic students dont miss out on a place at Sydney because of an international student, she said. Entry into university degrees for domestic students is generally determined through supply and demand, meaning the most popular courses will have the highest ATAR requirements.

International students pay full fees  which are between $42,000 and $56,000 per year at Sydney University  so places are less constrained by government funding. Under the current funding system, universities are effectively soft capped on the number of domestic students, so if you go beyond your cap it doesnt make any financial sense, Norton said. So its possible they would take lower domestic ATAR students if they had more capacity. Education Minister Jason Clare said higher education providers were required to comply with minimum requirements for registration and cover admissions processes for domestic and international students. I want students to receive a high-quality education in Australia, and the government is taking steps to strengthen quality and integrity in the international education sector, he said.

Sydney University sociologist Salvatore Babones, who has studied falling English language requirements for foreign students, said it was difficult to compare local and domestic entry standards because the ATAR was not directly comparable to other high school equivalents. Loading Admission is all very opaque and often done on an industrial scale because its mainly done via recruitment agencies, he said. I tried to benchmark Australian university Gaokao (Chinese undergraduate admissions exam) against UK universities. I found at the time Australian unis had a generally lower Gaokao for entry than UK, he said But whether they are lower standard compared to Australian students, I dont know.
Two men have been charged following a horrific alleged kidnapping, in which police say a woman was seriously assaulted before being taken from her home and driven across south-west Brisbane suburbs.

Detectives charged two men and released two others without charge following the alleged assault on Friday afternoon.

Blood at the entrance of a Forest Lake home, where a woman was allegedly taken on Friday afternoon. Credit: Nine News

Police said a group of men assaulted the 43-year-old woman at her Cassowary Street home in Doolandella before driving her to her familys home at Forest Lake. Shots were allegedly fired at a vehicle after the alleged offenders arrived at the Cobourg Street address.

The two charged men, Erick Barry Rock and Patriss Tawor, were not present when their matters were mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
A woman has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly threatening a man and setting fire to his unit in Logan.

Police were called about 4am on Saturday to a University Drive residence in Meadowbrook.

Police were called to the Meadowbrook scene early on Saturday.

The 30-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital with significant burns, while the 26-year-old man received minor burns to his hands.

The Marsden woman has been charged with one count each of attempted murder (domestic violence) and arson.
Looking back, there was one hard-to-spot clue that the whole thing was a sham. But it wasnt picked up until it was too late  and the $284,000 was already stolen.

In the middle of an online chain of correspondence between Tanmoy Banerjee and his conveyancer in December last year, a new email address started sending him messages.

Tanmoy Banerjee and his partner Urmi Basu were victims of an invoice scam. Credit: Rhett Wyman

Banerjee wasnt aware that his conveyancer had been hacked, as the 37-year-old Indian migrant discussed the purchase of his first property with his wife, Urmi Basu.

The new email sender was almost identical to the previous one, except for the letter S added onto the end of the conveyancers legitimate domain name.
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 In the days before Antonios Tony Mokbel began his odyssey to Greece, vanishing mid-trial, his lawyer Nicola Gobbo did something strange. The infamous barrister-turned-informant told police to keep a close eye on him  and, at the same time, covertly encouraged him to escape. The perplexing motive behind issuing these contradictory directives remains a mystery. Nicola Gobbo with Tony Mokbel outside court in 2004. Credit: John Woudstra Mokbel was on trial for importing cocaine in March 2006, facing decades in prison, when  official records show  Gobbo told her handler that Mokbel had twice told her not to call him over the weekend. It put her on notice. She thought maybe he was doing something criminal. When Gobbo came back to court the next week, Mokbel was gone. Mokbels allegation that Gobbo told him he should seriously think about absconding emerged during the week as he provided evidence in a trial supporting his appeal against the drug conviction, for which hes serving 30 years. Sharp, confident and energetic in the witness box, wearing a blue tie and pressed suit, Mokbel on Tuesday sensationally claimed to Judge Elizabeth Fullerton that detectives inside the now-disbanded underworld-busting Purana Taskforce told Gobbo multiple murder charges were imminent.

Advertisement

He went further the next day: Purana, he said, intended to keep charging him, murder after murder, until one stuck. It was that which moved Gobbo to spill and prompted him to flee, he said. Fullerton, a New South Wales Supreme Court judge overseeing the case here in Victoria, has been brought down in case any of the Supreme Court bench need to be called as witnesses. Judge John Champion, formerly director of public prosecutions, is expected to be sworn in. Fullertons job is a fact-finding mission for the Court of Appeal, trying to sort truth from fiction before the appeal is decided in full. In this first week alone, instead of dispelling the fog of the underworld war, Mokbels evidence has only thickened it  and further obscured the character of his and Nicola Gobbos relationship, around which so much of the tumultuous saga of the war and its fallout orbit almost 20 years after the fact. Tony Mokbel leaves the County Court in a prison van on February 6. Credit: Jason South Each day Mokbel is trucked into the County Court under the watchful eye of specialist security guards. He walks freely for the brief moment between the dock and the witness box, and stands as he gives evidence in a crowded courtroom. Mokbels evidence so far has sought to tightly weave Gobbos presence into the fabric of his personal and professional life, positioning her not only as a trusted advisor but also as a confidante, a companion at dinner and a gym buddy.

Advertisement

She was an in-house counsel, she was a friend, she was everything, Mokbel told Fullerton on Thursday afternoon. She was extremely kind to me  we had a great relationship, your honour. Loading I trusted her so much it wasnt funny  I respected her like my sister. And on the other side is David Glynn, the lead barrister for the Office of Public Prosecutions, who dedicated the week to dissecting Mokbels claims and repeatedly putting to the former drug kingpin that he was inflating their relationship. Im putting to you that in fact youre systematically exaggerating her role in whats going on, Glynn pressed Mokbel. Absolutely zero not, Mokbel replied. Mokbel didnt waste his time in the box. In a single week, he began picking at old wounds that had only just started to heal over since the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants.

Advertisement

Carl Williams hated Gobbo, he said, and warned Mokbel against using her. He implied Gobbo was reporting false information to her handlers, including rejecting an allegation Gobbo made that Mokbel was considering speaking to police. It was, to a certain extent, Gobbos relationship that compelled Purana to enlist her as an informant in 2005, in their fervour to capture Mokbel, but it is also this relationship that might allow Mokbel to free himself of Barwon Prison six years before his parole date. She was an in-house council, she was a friend, she was everything. Mokbel on Gobbo Mokbel now finds himself in the witness box arguing the depth and meaning of a relationship with someone who betrayed him. It is ironic, too, that Gobbo, for all her playing double agent, was so mercurial about Mokbel. Gobbo talked during the royal commission of her animosity for the drug lord and underworld kingpin.

Advertisement

She felt trapped by him, and how he and boss Carl Williams were coercing her to act as a de facto legal enforcer on their behalf. Loading I adamantly refused to play along with [Mokbel and Williams], their rules, which was, Youre part of the crew and you must ensure that you act for people but  dont let them roll, she said in 2019. She was driven to inform on Mokbel, she told Commissioner Margaret McMurdo, to free herself of him. I wanted all of them out of my life, she said. I wanted a tram to hit me on the way to court  because I could not work out how to not disappoint anyone, or how to not let anyone down and how to get out of that mess, she said. But she was also drawn to him.

Advertisement
A multimillion-dollar legal stoush is under way over a partially constructed 400-seat licensed table tennis venue next to Melbourne Central with claims from the lease-holder of deplorable conduct by the venues landlord.

Paddle Battle, which combines table tennis with a licensed restaurant and bar, is expected to employ 150 staff and turn over $25 million a year on completion.

Eleanor Barratt and George Pezaros, owners of Paddle Battle Ping Pong Bar. Credit: Chris Hopkins

However, Eatertainment, which comprises the consortium of investors behind Paddle Battle, is locked in a legal dispute with Malaysian property giant UEM Sunrise which owns the skyscraper, Aurora Melbourne Central, where the venue is meant to open.

UEM Sunrise is listed on the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange with a market capitalisation of RM5.3 billion ($1.6 billion) and owns Aurora Melbourne Central at 228 La Trobe Street, which is the citys third-tallest building and has 88 levels compromising 959 residential apartments, serviced apartments and office space.
A protective services officer (PSO) who shot a man during a wild evening in Melbournes CBD had pepper spray and a gun  but no Taser.

The incident has prompted a member of Victoria Polices top brass to admit that the resources available to the frontline workers are limited.

The PSO shot a 20-year-old man from Pakenham near Flinders Street Station on Friday evening, after the man allegedly chased another PSO with a broken bottle for about 20 metres.

Two officers drew their weapons, but only one fired two shots, hitting the man. He was taken to hospital with a wound to the stomach.
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad.

If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Allied Farmers (NZSE:ALF). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.

Check out our latest analysis for Allied Farmers

How Quickly Is Allied Farmers Increasing Earnings Per Share?

The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so you'd expect share price to follow earnings per share (EPS) outcomes eventually. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. To the delight of shareholders, Allied Farmers has achieved impressive annual EPS growth of 39%, compound, over the last three years. While that sort of growth rate isn't sustainable for long, it certainly catches the eye of prospective investors.

One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. It's noted that Allied Farmers' revenue from operations was lower than its revenue in the last twelve months, so that could distort our analysis of its margins. It was a year of stability for Allied Farmers as both revenue and EBIT margins remained have been flat over the past year. That's not bad, but it doesn't point to ongoing future growth, either.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

Story continues

Since Allied Farmers is no giant, with a market capitalisation of NZ$24m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects.

Are Allied Farmers Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Investors are always searching for a vote of confidence in the companies they hold and insider buying is one of the key indicators for optimism on the market. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, insiders are sometimes wrong, and we don't know the exact thinking behind their acquisitions.

Belief in the company remains high for insiders as there hasn't been a single share sold by the management or company board members. But the real excitement comes from the NZ$197k that MD & Non Independent Director Richard Milsom spent buying shares (at an average price of about NZ$0.75). It seems at least one insider has seen potential in the company's future - and they're willing to put money on the line.

It's reassuring that Allied Farmers insiders are buying the stock, but that's not the only reason to think management are fair to shareholders. Specifically, the CEO is paid quite reasonably for a company of this size. The median total compensation for CEOs of companies similar in size to Allied Farmers, with market caps under NZ$325m is around NZ$638k.

The CEO of Allied Farmers was paid just NZ$95k in total compensation for the year ending June 2023. You could consider this pay as somewhat symbolic, which suggests the CEO does not need a lot of compensation to stay motivated. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. It can also be a sign of good governance, more generally.

Should You Add Allied Farmers To Your Watchlist?

Allied Farmers' earnings have taken off in quite an impressive fashion. Not to mention the company's insiders have been adding to their portfolios and the CEO's remuneration policy looks to have had shareholders in mind seeing as it's quite modest for the company size. The strong EPS growth suggests Allied Farmers may be at an inflection point. For those attracted to fast growth, we'd suggest this stock merits monitoring. However, before you get too excited we've discovered 1 warning sign for Allied Farmers that you should be aware of.

The good news is that Allied Farmers is not the only growth stock with insider buying. Here's a list of growth-focused companies in NZ with insider buying in the last three months!

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Pocock owns a home in the ACT and has disclosed another property interstate for which he has lent friends money for their deposit and is on the title. His friends pay the mortgage, and Pocock does not derive income from the property. Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather, who does not own property, labelled Anthony Albanese a property investor prime minister who was refusing to phase out billions of dollars in property investor tax concessions that are denying millions of renters the chance to buy a home. Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Ive been a renter my entire adult life, Chandler-Mather said. I know what its like to be evicted without grounds and cop an unfair rent increase, but its something that seems entirely alien to a Labor and Liberal Party stacked full of property investors who all oppose rent caps or changes to negative gearing.

In the Labor caucus, 77 members of its combined total of 103 MPs and senators, or 75 per cent, have declared ownership of two or more properties in their names or their partners names. In the Coalition party room, this figure stands at 55 of its 86 MPs and senators, or 64 per cent. Loading The Greens have five members with two or more properties. Deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi and the partys treasury spokesman Nick McKim both own four. The prime minister owns two properties in Sydneys inner west  his home in Marrickville and an investment property in Dulwich Hill  both of which are rented. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who has cashed in the sizeable property portfolio he amassed with his wife in recent years, has declared owning just his residential farm in Dayboro, north of Brisbane.

Of those who did not declare a residential home on their interest register, six parliamentarians  less than 3 per cent of the parliament  confirmed to this masthead that they were renting. However, a number of these MPs and senators also held investment properties at the same time. Those who were renting and owned no property include: Chandler-Mather and his Greens colleague Stephen Bates, and Liberal MP James Stevens. This compares with 30 per cent of Australians who are renters, according to the latest census data, while 35 per cent have a mortgage and 31 per cent own their homes outright. While Dutton last week ruled out supporting any changes to negative gearing, the issue has been on the radar of other Liberals. In comments last week to a property summit, former NSW Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet called for negative gearing arrangements to be reviewed as part of broader tax reform saying it could drive supply. Many economists, however, have argued that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions alone would have a minimal impact on housing affordability, and instead boosting the supply of housing stock through less onerous planning laws and government investment was key.

There are tax policy and equity arguments for changes to the negative gearing and the discount to the capital gains tax. However, it is a non-issue from the point of view of housing affordability, said Dr Peter Tulip, a former Reserve Bank economist now at the centre-right think tank the Centre for Independent Studies. Tulip pointed to multiple studies, including one by University of Melbourne academics published in the International Economic Review journal, which found that removing negative gearing would reduce house prices by 0.9 per cent and raise rents 2.5 per cent. Another study, published in 2016 by the Grattan Institute which has backed policy reform to the concessions as budget-saving measures, found that abolishing negative gearing and halving the capital gains tax discount to 25 per cent would only lower house prices by about 2 per cent. However, Grattans economic policy program director Brendan Coates said while the downward pressure on affordability would be minuscule, such changes would boost home ownership rates by making property investment less attractive. At the moment, some of those negatively geared investors are beating out first home buyers at auctions. That process changes if those tax concessions are wound back, he said.

Coates said that the biggest impediment to reform in this area was not politicians being unprepared to act against their personal interests, but fears that they would be punished at the ballot box. The cost of negative gearing to the budget was $2.7 billion in 2020-21 financial year. Negative gearing is the process whereby taxpayers lose money on investment properties which they then use to reduce their overall taxable incomes. Labor went to 2016 and 2019 elections promising to restrict negative gearing to new properties only and to halve the 50 per cent capital gains tax deduction, with its tax agenda widely attributed as a key factor in Bill Shortens defeat in 2019.
Former Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is living in Paris now, where he works as the head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. His art-filled office is in a Louis XIV-style French villa in the 16th arrondissement, right next to the Bois de Boulogne. He also gets a grace-and-favour Parisian apartment.

One hopes such comforts insulate him from insults meted out by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in the ABCs documentary Nemesis, the second part of which aired this week. Cormann, who publicly abandoned Turnbull during the poisonous spill-upon-spill week of August 2018, was described as Machiavellian by one of his former colleagues for his role in Turnbulls ousting. But it was Turnbulls offhand remark about Cormanns figure that must have really hurt.

The prime ministerships of Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull are examined in the ABC program Nemesis. Credit: ABC

Mathias has put on a lot of weight, Turnbull remarked as he was filmed viewing footage of Cormann from the coup week. You know, since 2018. He looks very lean there.

It was a casual fat-shaming worthy of Married at First Sight, or Mean Girls  both of which have been reprised recently, and both of which depict a world less catty than parliament during the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison years.
Two years after Phoebe Neylon, wife of tech industry veteran Sean Neylon, paid $9 million for the Byron Bay home of The Block presenter Shelley Craft, it is back up for sale.

The challenge for selling agent, former owner and Crafts husband Christian Sergiacomi, of Pacifico Property, will be beating the stonking price that he sold it for at the peak of the boom.

Pacifico House was built in 2020 as Shelley Craft and Christian Sergiacomis own home at Belongil Beach. Credit: Michael Lean

This time around, and in the wake of a 2.6 per cent median house price drop in Byron Bay last year, the Paul Uhlmann Architects-designed house comes with a guide of $7.5 million to $8 million.
Its arguably worse and, like smoking, we likely wont know the true impact for decades.

Some say Facebook is the new tobacco: an addictive substance that doles out regular dopamine hits  in Facebooks case in the form of likes and comments  with severe negative health consequences, particularly for young people.

The social media company that began life in 2004 as a hot or not website from 19-year-old Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, eventually growing into a $1 trillion behemoth, would now be old enough to legally, in Australia at least, drink and smoke if it were a person.

The story of Facebooks first 20 years is one of initial promise and optimism being replaced over its evolution by rampant privacy intrusions, misinformation and an overall malaise that has long dogged the company, though not its share price.

Facebooks decline  setting aside its eye-watering valuation  is symptomatic of the ruination of everything we once loved about the internet.

It has fallen victim to enshittification, a term coined by the writer and futurist Cory Doctorow to describe the decay of online platforms. As Doctorow put it: first, they are good to their users; then they abuse their users to make things better for their business customers; finally, they abuse those business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. Then, they die.

Nearly every online service you can think of  Twitter, Reddit, Google search and Bandcamp  are now shadows of their former selves thanks to enshittification, and Facebook is arguably the poster child.

Facebook was once a far more friendly, fun and innocent place to spend time online. It was a simpler platform, and it was good to its users. Its feed was filled with inane status updates (everyone must know what I just had for dinner), tedious photos of said dinner, and general life updates including new jobs and successful marriage proposals.
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Ideally, a business will show two trends; firstly a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an increasing amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. So when we looked at Gildan Activewear (TSE:GIL) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on Gildan Activewear is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.18 = US$527m  (US$3.6b - US$723m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to October 2023).

Therefore, Gildan Activewear has an ROCE of 18%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 11% generated by the Luxury industry.

See our latest analysis for Gildan Activewear

roce

In the above chart we have measured Gildan Activewear's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

The Trend Of ROCE

Gildan Activewear has not disappointed with their ROCE growth. The figures show that over the last five years, ROCE has grown 29% whilst employing roughly the same amount of capital. Basically the business is generating higher returns from the same amount of capital and that is proof that there are improvements in the company's efficiencies. The company is doing well in that sense, and it's worth investigating what the management team has planned for long term growth prospects.

On a side note, we noticed that the improvement in ROCE appears to be partly fueled by an increase in current liabilities. The current liabilities has increased to 20% of total assets, so the business is now more funded by the likes of its suppliers or short-term creditors. Keep an eye out for future increases because when the ratio of current liabilities to total assets gets particularly high, this can introduce some new risks for the business.

Story continues

Our Take On Gildan Activewear's ROCE

To bring it all together, Gildan Activewear has done well to increase the returns it's generating from its capital employed. Investors may not be impressed by the favorable underlying trends yet because over the last five years the stock has only returned 9.4% to shareholders. So exploring more about this stock could uncover a good opportunity, if the valuation and other metrics stack up.

One more thing, we've spotted 3 warning signs facing Gildan Activewear that you might find interesting.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Israel PM orders army to prepare to evacuate civilians from Gaza's Rafah



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Israeli air strikes pummelled densely crowded Rafah on Saturday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to "prepare to operate" in the southern border city that has become a last holdout for displaced Palestinians.

Netanyahu's planned offensive on Rafah, where an estimated 1.3 million people have sought refuge, has drawn condemnation from rights groups and Washington, while Palestinians have said they have nowhere left to retreat.

Witnesses reported new strikes on Rafah early Saturday, after the Israeli military intensified air raids, with fears rising among Palestinians of a coming ground invasion.

"We don't know where to go," said Mohammad al-Jarrah, a Palestinian who was displaced from further north to Rafah.

The city is the last major population centre in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter but is also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.

Netanyahu told military officials on Friday to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Hamas militants holed up in Rafah, his office said.

The US State Department said it does not support a ground offensive in Rafah, warning that, if not properly planned, such an operation risks "disaster".

The United States is Israel's main international backer, providing it with billions of dollars in military aid.

But in a sign of his growing frustration with Israel's leadership, President Joe Biden issued his strongest criticism yet of the conduct of the war, describing the retaliation for Hamas's October 7 attack as going too far.

"I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza, in the Gaza Strip, has been over the top," the US president said.

"There are a lot of innocent people who are starving... in trouble and dying, and it's got to stop."



- 'Die in our homes' -



Palestinians displaced from other Gaza towns and cities have flooded into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands are sleeping in tents pushed up against the Egyptian border.

AFP images showed scenes of devastation in Rafah's streets, where people queued for increasingly scarce water.

Rights groups have sounded alarm at the prospect of a ground incursion there.

"Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed," Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. "There is no place that is safe in Gaza and no way for people to leave."

The Palestinian Red Crescent said on Friday that three children were killed in a strike in Rafah.

"We heard the sound of a huge explosion next to our house... we found two children martyred in the street," said Jaber al-Bardini, 60.

"There is no safe place in Rafah. If they storm Rafah we will die in our homes. We have no choice. We don't want to go anywhere else."

The Israeli army said its forces had "eliminated 15 terrorists" in the past day in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza's biggest city.

Israeli forces raided the city's Al-Amal Hospital on Friday after a weeks-long siege during which the Palestinian Red Crescent has reported "intense artillery shelling and heavy gunfire".

The medical organisation said Israeli forces had arrested eight of its team members at the hospital, including "four doctors, as well as four wounded individuals and five patients' companions".

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said any Israeli push into Rafah "would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare".

But Netanyahu's office said it would be "impossible" to achieve the war's objective of eliminating Hamas while leaving four of the militants' battalions in Rafah.

Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

In response, Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas and launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Militants seized 250 hostages, 132 of whom are still in Gaza, but 29 are presumed dead, Israel has said.



- Ceasefire talks -



State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said an Israeli ground operation in Rafah was "not something we'd support".

"To conduct such an operation right now with no planning and little thought... would be a disaster," Patel warned.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had conveyed Washington's concerns to Netanyahu directly during talks this week in Jerusalem, he added.

On the ceasefire talks, Blinken insisted he still saw "space for agreement to be reached" to halt the fighting and bring home Israeli hostages, even after Netanyahu rejected what he labelled Hamas's "bizarre demands".

Hamas negotiators left Cairo on Friday after what a Hamas source described as "positive and good discussions" with Egyptian and Qatari mediators on a new Gaza truce and an exchange of hostages for prisoners.

"The delegation left Cairo tonight (Friday) and is awaiting Israel's response," a Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the issue.



- Far-reaching impact -



The impact of the war has been felt widely, with violence involving Iran-backed allies of Hamas across the Middle East surging since October and drawing in US forces among others.

Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Friday it fired dozens of rockets at an army position in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, hours after launching a salvo at northern Israel.

Friday's attack came as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Beirut for talks with senior officials.

In the early hours of Saturday, Israeli strikes targeted the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the official Syrian press agency, which reported "material" damage.

Due to the ongoing war and risk of wider consequences, the US ratings agency Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating on Friday, and also lowered its outlook for Israel's debt to "negative" due to "the risk of an escalation" with Hezbollah.

burs-kir/lb/mtp
NATO chief calls on Europe to ramp up arms production



Berlin, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



NATO's secretary general called on Europe to increase its arms production to support Ukraine and prevent "potentially decades of confrontation" with Moscow, in an interview published by German media Saturday.

Ahead of a key meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels and the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Jens Stoltenberg insisted that "we need to reconstitute and expand our industrial base faster, to increase deliveries to Ukraine and refill our own stocks."

"This means shifting from slow peacetime to high-tempo conflict production," he told the German Sunday daily Welt am Sonntag.

Stoltenberg's comments came amidst growing pleas for shells, ammunition and other military aide from Ukraine as it battles Russian forces into a third year.

Western leaders have also called for greater assistance. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden urged US lawmakers Friday to approve a long-delayed military aid package for Ukraine, warning that Kyiv could not hold off Russia's invasion without it.

"The failure of the United States' Congress in not supporting Ukraine is close to criminal neglect," Biden said as he hosted Scholz in the Oval Office on Friday.

Stoltenberg said: "There is no imminent military threat against any ally. At the same time, we hear regular threats from the Kremlin against NATO countries."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly two years has shown that "peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted", the NATO chief said, emphasising the importance of protecting countries in the alliance.

"As long as we invest in our security and we stay united, we will continue to deter any aggression," he said.

"NATO does not seek war with Russia, but we need to brace ourselves for potentially decades of confrontation," he added.

"We monitor closely what Russia does and we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the alliance," Stoltenberg said.

"If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread further. So supporting Ukraine now and investing in NATO's own capabilities is our best defence."

NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on February 15, one week ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. A meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will be a key feature of the talks.

clp/fjb/giv/tw
Israeli strikes on Gaza's Rafah escalate fears of ground operation



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Israeli air strikes pummelled densely crowded Rafah on Saturday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to "prepare to operate" in the southern border city that has become a last refuge for displaced Palestinians.

Netanyahu's planned offensive on Rafah, where an estimated 1.3 million people have fled, has drawn condemnation from rights groups and Washington, while Palestinians have said they have nowhere left to retreat.

Witnesses reported new strikes on Rafah early Saturday, after the Israeli military intensified air raids, with fears rising among Palestinians of a coming ground invasion.

"We don't know where to go," said Mohammad al-Jarrah, a Palestinian who was displaced from further north to Rafah.

The city is the last major population centre in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter and also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.

Netanyahu told military officials on Friday to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Hamas militants holed up in Rafah, his office said.

The US State Department said it does not support a ground offensive in Rafah, warning that, if not properly planned, such an operation risks "disaster".

The United States is Israel's main international backer, providing it with billions of dollars in military aid.

But in a sign of growing frustration, US President Joe Biden issued his strongest criticism of Israel yet, describing the retaliation for Hamas's October 7 attack as going too far.

"I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza, in the Gaza Strip, has been over the top," the US president said.

"There are a lot of innocent people who are starving... in trouble and dying, and it's got to stop."



- 'Die in our homes' -



Displaced Palestinians have flooded into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands are sleeping in tents pushed up against the Egyptian border.

AFP images showed scenes of devastation, with people queuing for increasingly scarce water.

Rights groups have sounded alarm at the prospect of a ground incursion.

"Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed," Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. "There is no place that is safe in Gaza and no way for people to leave."

The Hamas-run territory's health ministry on Saturday said that at least 110 people were killed in overnight bombardment, including 25 in strikes in Rafah.

The previous day, the Palestinian Red Crescent said that three children were killed in a strike in Rafah.

"We heard the sound of a huge explosion next to our house... we found two children martyred in the street," said Jaber al-Bardini, 60.

"There is no safe place in Rafah. If they storm Rafah, we will die in our homes."

Israeli forces raided Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza's biggest city, on Friday after a weeks-long siege during which the Palestinian Red Crescent has reported "intense artillery shelling and heavy gunfire".

The medical organisation said Israeli forces had arrested eight of its team members at the hospital, including "four doctors, as well as four wounded individuals and five patients' companions".

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said any Israeli push into Rafah "would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare".

But Netanyahu's office said it would be "impossible" to achieve the war's objective of eliminating Hamas while leaving four of the militants' battalions in Rafah.

Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

In response, Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas and launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Militants seized 250 hostages, 132 of whom are still in Gaza, but 29 are presumed dead, Israel has said.



- Ceasefire talks -



State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said an Israeli ground operation in Rafah was "not something we'd support".

"To conduct such an operation right now with no planning and little thought... would be a disaster," Patel warned.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had conveyed Washington's concerns to Netanyahu directly during talks this week in Jerusalem, he added.

On the ceasefire talks, Blinken said he still saw "space for agreement to be reached" to halt the fighting and bring home Israeli hostages, even after Netanyahu rejected what he labelled Hamas's "bizarre demands".

Hamas negotiators left Cairo on Friday after what a Hamas source described as "positive and good discussions" with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

"The delegation left Cairo tonight (Friday) and is awaiting Israel's response," a Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the issue.



- Far-reaching impact -



The impact of the war has been felt widely, with violence involving Iran-backed allies of Hamas surging across the Middle East and drawing in US forces among others.

Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Friday it had fired dozens of rockets at an army position in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, hours after launching a salvo at northern Israel.

In the early hours of Saturday, Israeli strikes targeted the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the official Syrian press agency, which reported "material" damage.

Due to the ongoing war and risk of wider consequences, the US ratings agency Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating on Friday, and also lowered its outlook for Israel's debt to "negative" due to "the risk of an escalation" with Hezbollah.

Israel's former finance minister turned opposition MP Avigdor Lieberman attributed the downgrading to the Netanyahu government's "populist" measures.

"The government of destruction continues to degenerate us into an economic disaster just as it brought us into a security disaster," he wrote on social media platofrm X.

burs-kir/lb/cwl
Three dead in Israeli strikes near Syrian capital: monitor



Beirut, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Israeli air strikes that targeted a building in an upscale area near the Syrian capital killed three people early Saturday, a war monitor said.

State media reported that Syrian air defences responded to an Israeli "air attack".

Since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its northern neighbour, mainly targeting Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

The strikes have increased since Israel's war with Hamas began on October 7.

In the latest incident three people were killed, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

He could not immediately confirm whether the dead were fighters.

Rahman added that many other people were injured in the strikes on a neighbourhood hosting "villas for top military and officials."

The war monitor, which has a network of sources inside Syria, earlier reported the "Israeli attack" on "a residential building west of the Syrian capital Damascus", with the sound of "violent explosions".

State news agency SANA cited a military source saying that at around 1:05 am (2205 GMT Friday), "the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting a number of points in the Damascus countryside".

Air defences responded to the missiles and "downed some of them", the statement said, adding that the attack caused "some material losses".

The strikes came hours after an area near a military airport west of Damascus came under missile attack on Friday, the Observatory said, while the defence ministry said drones had entered Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The Observatory did not say who was behind what it described as a "missile" attack.

"Positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah and other pro-Iran groups are present" in the area, added the Observatory.

A statement from the defence ministry said that at around 2:10 pm on Friday, "two drones violated Syrian air space from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan".

"Air defence systems confronted them and they were shot down west of Damascus," the statement added, also without specifying who was behind the incident.

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli army declined to comment on "reports in the foreign media."
Guyana says concerned over Venezuelan military build-up near Essequibo



Georgetown, Guyana, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Guyana on Friday expressed concern over a Venezuelan military build-up near the border of the disputed oil-rich Essequibo region, after an American think tank reported the movement of weapons and troops closer to the frontier.

Venezuela has long claimed Essequibo -- which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana's territory -- but has amped up its rhetoric since its neighbor began issuing licenses for oil companies to operate there.

Both countries pledged last year not to use force to settle the border dispute, which is currently before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

"There are some inconsistencies between Venezuela's diplomatic and military posture," Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugh Todd told AFP.

The deployments "demonstrate Caracas' efforts to force Guyana to sidestep the case before the International Court of Justice and accept Venezuela's preferred approach of bilateral negotiations," Todd said.

His comments were prompted by a report earlier Friday by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, which included satellite images showing the movement of troops and military assets closer to the two countries' border.

The report also indicated that Venezuela is expanding a military base in the border region.

In December, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called a controversial non-binding referendum that overwhelmingly approved the creation of a Venezuelan province in Essequibo, sparking fears of a military conflict.

Tensions between the two countries, which had been easing, flared up again after US oil giant ExxonMobil announced on Tuesday it would drill two exploratory wells in the disputed waters.
Israel deploys new military AI in Gaza war



Tel Aviv, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Israel's army has deployed some AI-enabled military technology in combat for the first time in Gaza, raising fears about the use of autonomous weapons in modern warfare.

The army has hinted at what the new tech is being used for, with spokesman Daniel Hagari saying last month that Israel's forces were operating "above and underground simultaneously".

A senior defence official told AFP the tech was destroying enemy drones and mapping Hamas's vast tunnel network in Gaza.

New defence technologies including artificial intelligence-powered gunsights and robotic drones form a bright spot in an otherwise dire period for Israel's tech industry.

The sector accounted for 18 percent of GDP in 2022, but the war in Gaza has wreaked havoc with an estimated eight percent of its workforce called up to fight.

"In general the war in Gaza presents threats, but also opportunities to test emerging technologies in the field," said Avi Hasson, chief executive of Startup Nation Central, an Israeli tech incubator.

"Both on the battlefield and in the hospitals there are technologies that have been used in this war that have not been used in the past."

But the rising civilian death toll shows that much greater oversight is needed over the use of new forms of defence tech, Mary Wareham, an arms expert at Human Rights Watch, told AFP.

"Now we're facing the worst possible situation of death and suffering that we're seeing today -- some of that is being brought about by the new tech," she said.

More than 150 countries in December backed a UN resolution identifying "serious challenges and concerns" in new military tech, including "artificial intelligence and autonomy in weapons systems."



- 'Angry Birds' -



Hamas on October 7 launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Hamas also seized around 250 hostages, and Israel says some 132 remain in Gaza including at least 29 believed to have been killed.

Israel's military response has killed nearly 28,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry.

Like many other modern conflicts, the war has been shaped by a proliferation of inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, which have made attacks from the air easier and cheaper.

Hamas used them to drop explosives on October 7, while Israel has turned to new tech to shoot them down.

In a first, the army has used an AI-enabled optic sight, made by Israeli startup Smart Shooter, which is attached to weapons such as rifles and machine guns.

"It helps our soldiers to intercept drones because Hamas uses a lot of drones," said the senior defence official.

"It makes every regular soldier -- even a blind soldier -- a sniper."

Another system to neutralise drones involves deploying a friendly drone with a net that it can throw around the enemy craft to neutralise it.

"It's drone versus drone -- we call it Angry Birds," the official said.



- Hamas tunnels -



A pillar of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to "destroy" Hamas is quickly mapping the underground tunnel network where Israel says the group's fighters are hiding and holding hostages.

The network is so vast that the army has dubbed it the "Gaza Metro" and a recent study by US military academy West Point said there were 1,300 tunnels stretching over 500 kilometres (310 miles).

To map the tunnels the army has turned to drones that use AI to learn to detect humans and can operate underground, including one made by Israel startup Robotican that encases a drone inside a robotic case.

It is being used in Gaza "to enter into tunnels and to see as far as the communication lets you," the senior Israeli defence official said.

Before the war the technology did not allow drones to operate underground because of issues sending images to the surface, the official added.

The conflict has raised human rights concerns but also cemented Israel's status as a world-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge defence systems.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the United States -- Israel's main international ally and provider of billions of dollars each year in military aid -- was training its own soldiers to shoot down drones using Smart Shooter's optic sights.

In late January, three US soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a base in Jordan.
S. Korea's Yoon tells Marines to 'act first, report later' if provoked



Seoul, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told his Marine Corps on Saturday to "act first, report later" if provoked, following an escalation of threats from North Korea.

Nuclear-armed North Korea has this year declared South Korea its "principal enemy", closed agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 millimetres" of territorial infringement.

Leader Kim Jong Un repeated on Friday that Pyongyang would not hesitate to "put an end" to South Korea if attacked, calling Seoul the North's "most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable archenemy".

The hawkish Yoon has bolstered defence cooperation with the United States and Japan since coming to office in 2022, including expanding joint drills, to counter Pyongyang's growing threats.

"If the enemy provokes us, adhere to the principle of 'act first, report later' and respond decisively and overwhelmingly without hesitation to completely shatter the enemy's will," Yoon said during a visit to a front-line Republic of Korea Marines Corps unit, according to his office.

Yoon made similar remarks last month and during a visit to a frontline army unit in December.

He also inspected a multiple-launch strike system on Saturday, Lunar New Year, and stressed the need to be "fully prepared to respond immediately in case of enemy provocation".

As well as an increase in rhetoric, both sides have ramped up frontier security in recent months and conducted live-fire drills along their shared border.

In January, North Korea fired an artillery barrage near two South Korean border islands, prompting a live-fire drill by the South and evacuation orders for residents.

Yoon said last week the "irrational" North Korean government was likely to carry out multiple provocations, including cyberattacks and drone intrusions, ahead of the South's election on April 10.

Yoon, who came to office vowing to get tough on Pyongyang, and his conservative party are aiming to regain a parliamentary majority for the first time since 2016.

North Korea has a long track record of provocations ahead of South Korean elections, experts say, part of its broader strategy to cause disruption south of the border.
Mohsin and Zuber Issa are risking open revolt at the supermarket - Jon Super

Asdas billionaire owners are threatened with a wave of strike action after slashing millions of hours in a bid to cut costs.

Mohsin and Zuber Issa, alongside their private equity partner TDR Capital, are risking open revolt at the supermarket, which employs 140,000, as they face the warnings of unprecedented walkouts.

Estimates being shared among staff revealed that eight million hours have been lost across Asdas workforce in the last two years alone, with further reductions expected this year.

The cuts have stoked trade union concerns over health and safety. The GMB, one of the UKs biggest unions, staged a small walkout at one store in Hampshire on Friday.

Attempts to reduce Asdas wage bill come as the business battles hundreds of millions of pounds in interest payments, caused a debt pile worth 4.2bn.

Financial constraints have coincided with upheaval in the Issa brothers empire, including the prospect of Zuber Issa selling his 22.5pc stake in the business just three years after he and his brother acquired Asda for 6.8bn.

It is understood that Zuber is seeking a retreat to the brothers' original business running petrol stations and takeaways - Jon Super

Mohsins personal life has also fuelled scrutiny, as he recently confirmed a report in The Telegraph that he is in a relationship with Victoria Price, a former tax partner at EY, which was Asdas auditor until it quit last year. She has said she did no work on the account.

It is understood that Zuber has said in meetings that he has enlisted former Conservative chairman Sir Jake Berry MP to help navigate the turmoil.

However, Sir Jake said he only speaks to the Issas in his capacity as their constituency MP in Lancashire, stressing that he is not helping them in any formal or paid capacity. The Issa brothers declined to comment on their relationship with Sir Jake.

Allies of the brothers, whose fortune was founded on the EG Group petrol station chain, have dismissed claims of a rift. Zuber attended an Asda board meeting on Monday alongside Mohsin, they said.

Concern around Asdas reduction in hours was highlighted by an Asda worker, who told The Telegraph it was causing huge health and safety concerns across stores.

Story continues

The staff member said: The reduction in hours has been massive. The Issas have done this to make Asda more profitable. Not only is it the colleagues who are suffering, its the customers as well.

Question marks over the companys ownership have also sparked uncertainty across the workforce.

A group of Asda workers took part in strike action at an Asda supermarket in Hampshire on Friday, although further ballots are expected to take place across at least three more stores.

A spokesman for the GMB union confirmed that it is in dispute with Asda across several stores, with a reduction in hours being one of the key issues.

However, union chiefs said positive discussions have started in an attempt to resolve some of the issues our members are experiencing.

An Asda spokesman said: As with all large UK supermarkets, Asda has responded to changing customer shopping behaviour by investing in technology and modernising its working practices. We continue to explore how colleagues can be deployed more effectively to serve customers.

We have held positive talks with the GMB as recently as Friday in an effort to resolve some of the issues they have raised.

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.
Commander Jon Savell said: "We have looked at all of the available cameras and angles, and with the assistance of Transport for London and CCTV from buses that were travelling over the bridge at the relevant time, and there is no sighting of him coming off the bridge.
We are here in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Gaza and to send a message to our Government that your silence is complicit in this genocide and you must think about stopping the arming of Israel and to stop this complete massacre that is happening and about to happen in Rafah.
The case instead relates to his actions in the build-up and the chain of events afterwards, and that he was the conduit between East Tyrone where the shooting took place and Belfast, where police said vehicles were sourced.
Full state funeral honours were accorded to Mr Bruton, with Irish soldiers carrying his coffin out of the church before it was carried on a gun carriage to Rooske Cemetery where full military honours will be given at the graveside.
A nationwide recall of products containing cheese with a risk for listeria contamination continues to grow larger with salad kits and taco kits sold at stores including Albertsons, Costco, Walmart, and WinCo being removed from shelves.

Rizo-Lopez Foods of Modesto, California, on Feb. 5 recalled dozens of dairy products including Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese, because of the risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Those recalled products  including cheese, crema, yogurt, and sour cream  were sold nationwide under brand names such as 365 Whole Foods Market, Don Francisco and Tio Francisco, the company said in a press release. Stores carrying products initially affected included Harris Teeter and Whole Foods.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued notices that increased the list of products recalled because they contained cheese made by Rizo-Lopez Foods to more than five dozen, including black bean dip and other products sold at Costco and Trader Joe's, and Amazon Kitchen-branded burritos.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has added Amazon Kitchen Chicken Chile Verde burritos to a recall of cheese products and products containing cheese for potential risk of listeria contamination

Super Bowl food deals: Get specials on wings, pizza and more at Hooters, Little Caesars

Then, late Friday and Saturday the FDA issued notifications of 10 additional food companies with voluntary recalls connected to the agency's ongoing investigation of the listeria outbreak. Those products included various salad kits and taco kits including those carrying the Dole brand, and were sold at stores including Albertson's, Carrs-Safeway, Costco, Eagle, Safeway, and Walmart. Home Chef also notified delivery customers via email that several meals  among them White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese and Cherry Chipotle Brisket Tacos  may not have the cheese required for the dishes and advised them to discard the cheese if one of the specific meal kits did come with cheese.

What additional foods are being recalled for listeria risk?

These companies issued recalls of products that contained cheese supplied by Rizo-Lopez Food or had the potential for cross-contamination from recalled cheese products:

Story continues

Albertsons Companies recalled Ready Meals Chicken Street Tacos , Ready Meals Chicken Street Tacos Meal Kit , Chicken Mini Street Tacos Meal Kit, Chicken Asada Street Taco Meal, and Ready Meals Asada Street Taco Meal (all sell thru dates up to and Feb. 10, 2024), which contained a recalled cheese ingredient supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods, and sold at stores including Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.

Braga Fresh is recalling a limited quantity of Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kits containing recalled cheese (best-if-used-by dates Jan. 20, 2024 to Feb. 19, 2024) distributed to a limited number of Walmart stores in California and Nevada.

BrightFarms, Inc. recalled Southwest Chipotle salad kits , which had Rizo-Lopez Foods' Cotija Cheese in the kit (best-by-dates Dec. 31, 2023 to Feb. 22, 2024), sold to retailers in Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. recalled Dole Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch , Dole Chop Kit Avocado Ranch , Dole Premium Kit Southwest Salad , Dole Cajun Ranch Chopped Kit , Dole Premium Kit Endless Summer , Dole Supreme Kit Southwest Salad , Presidents Choice Southwest Salad Kit , and Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Bacon Ranch Crunch (best-if-used-by dates ranging from Feb. 3, 2024 to Feb. 21, 2024), all of which were processed on the same line as a cheese recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods, sold in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The salads were also distributed in the following Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.

Fresh Express recalled the Marketside Southwest Chopped Kit (use-by-dates of Jan. 14, 2024 to Jan. 17, 2024 and condiment pack use-by-dates of March 3, 2024), sold at retailers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; and the Fresh Express Salsa! Ensalada Salad Kit (use-by-dates of Jan. 6, 2024 to Jan. 8, 2024 and Jan. 21, 2024 to Feb. 20,2024 and condiment pack use-by-dates of Feb. 28, 2024 to April 4, 2024), sold at retailers in California, Idaho, Utah and Washington, because both had condiment packs containing recalled cheese.

Fresh & Ready Foods is four sandwiches as a result of the Rizo-Lopez Foods recall of cotija cheese: Fresh & Ready Ham Torta Sandwich , Fresh & Ready Chicken Torta Sandwich , Sprig & Sprout Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll , Jack & Olive Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll , all distributed between Jan. 21, 2024 and Feb. 6, 2024 and sold exclusively in locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

Ready Pac Foods, Inc. recalled Marketside Southwest Chopped Kits (use-by-dates Dec. 27, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024) and Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Kits (use-by-dates Feb. 3, 2024 to Feb. 19, 2024) sold to Walmart stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming; Ready Pac Bistro Fresh Mex Chopped Kit (use-by-dates Jan. 1, 2024 to Feb. 18, 2024) sold to WinCo stores in Arizona and California; and Ready Pac Bistro Queso Crunch Salad Kits (use-by-dates Jan. 1, 2024 to Feb. 18, 2024), all with recalled cheese, sold to Costco stores in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Stater Bros. Markets is recalling 768 units of Chicken Street Taco Kits (all-sell-thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024), because a recalled cheese ingredient is in the kits' crema cup; the kits were available for purchase at all Stater Bros. Markets in California.

The Save Mart Companies recalled all lot and date codes of Chicken Street Taco Kits sold in Save Mart, Lucky, and Lucky California store service delis, because they include a cup of crema sauce containing cotija cheese produced and recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods; the kits were sold at stores in California and Nevada.

Taylor Fresh Foods is voluntarily recalling Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Salad Kit, which were made with ingredient packets containing cheese as part of the expanded recall from Rizo-Lopez Foods (all had best-if-used-by dates on or before Feb 21, 2024), and were sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Washington, D.C.

Listeria: Here's how you get it and the symptoms

You can get listeriosis, an infection, by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria. In November 2023, the FDA issued a recall of peaches, plums and nectarines sold at stores including at supermarkets including Albertsons, Aldi, Publix, Sam's Club and Walmart over concerns of listeria contamination.

Most people who infected do not become seriously ill, but a serious infection can develop in those most susceptible including pregnant women and their newborns, adults ages 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC . Each year, about 1,600 people get sick and 260 die from listeriosis, the CDC says.

Symptoms may start the same day you eat contaminated food, but are more likely to begin within two weeks after consumption and may start as late as 10 weeks later, according to the FDA.

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea for those with a mild illness. Serious infections may lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. If you develop symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Listeria outbreak cheese recall

The recently recalled products tie into a multistate and multi-year investigation involving listeria outbreaks connected to Rizo-Lopez Foods in 2021 and 2017, with cases dating back to 2014. The FDA and Centers for Diseased Control and Infection began investigating again after the Hawaii State Department of Health in January 2024 reported it had found a sample of Rizo-Lopez Foods-manufactured Rizo Bros Aged Cotija that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The outbreak has resulted in 26 illnesses with 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations in 11 states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington), the CDC has said. Illnesses date back to 2014, the CDC said, with the most recent case in December 2023. One death was reported from California in 2017 and the other death was reported from Texas in 2020, the CDC told USA TODAY.

Rizo-Lopez Foods is voluntarily recalling its dairy products listed below because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

What if I bought cheese products recalled for listeria risk ?

Check your refrigerator and freezer for any recalled products and throw them away. Do not eat them. If you froze a product without the original packaging and cant tell if it is part of the recall, throw it away. You can get a refund from the store where you bought the products.

Clean and sanitize any surfaces the products may have touched, as listeria can survive in refrigerators and spread to other foods and surfaces. Follow the FDA's safe handling and cleaning advice to prevent cross-contamination.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cheese recall: More items removed from shelves over listeria risk
A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told Reuters: While we continue to look into exactly what happened, we want to reiterate that civilians must be protected - no child should ever be terrified for their life, surrounded by the bodies of their family members. That these were potentially Hind's last moments is devastating and unbearable.
Barclays may withhold bonuses from some of its low-performing bankers, a surprise that could worsen the company's troubled retention rate. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Barclays plans to cut bonuses for underperforming investment bankers amid a capital markets slump.

The plan could lead to more departures after pay cuts and restructuring shook the bank.

Barclays' stock has lagged behind rivals, which some say is due to its bloated investment banking arm.

Dozens of investment bankers at Barclays might have to go without bonuses this year.

Barclays, facing a slump in capital markets activity, is expected to cut payouts for its lowest-performing bankers, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Barclays declined a request for comment from Business Insider.

The company has not yet publicly announced the size of its 2023 bonus pool. Last year, it offered 1.79 million in incentive compensation, or about $2.21 million, to its staff  a drop from the 1.95 million, or $2.4 million, it offered the year before.

If true, it would be another bump in the road for Barclays, which has struggled to retain talent. Early last year, the firm saw the exodus of more than 30 of its roughly 200 managing directors, according to The Wall Street Journal. Those departures were spurred by a shake-up in Barclays' investment banking arm, which included pay cuts as high as 40% for some managing directors. The firm also backtracked on verbal guarantees for pay levels for some new hires.

A similar crisis occurred in 2019 after the head of the investment banking unit stepped down unexpectedly.

Executives at the bank are now concerned that the bonus cuts may be the catalyst for another mass exodus, Bloomberg reported.

Paul Compton, head of Barclays' investment banking arm, warned his staff in November that their division was burning through too much capital relative to other parts of the bank, Bloomberg reported. Shareholders and the bank's own executives have also cited the size of the division as a reason Barclays' stock price is lagging behind competitors like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Chase.

Barclays also announced Friday it was acquiring the banking arm of British supermarket chain Tesco for about 600 million, or $757 million.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (473) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (672) Jul 2015 (727) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1045) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (999) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1045) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (781) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (702) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (749) Nov 2023 (751) Dec 2023 (732) Jan 2024 (747) Feb 2024 (687) Mar 2024 (421)
Approximately 7.3 million Ukrainian citizens entered Romania in the last two years, in the context of the war started by Russia against Ukraine.

As of February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period) and until February 9, 2024, a total of 7,292,211 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania, the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Border Police informs on Saturday, in a press release to AGERPRES.

In the last week (February 4-9), more than 38,000 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania: on February 4 - 6,513, on February 5 - 6,138, on February 6 - 6,065, on February 7 - 6,841, on February 8 - 6,237, and on February 9 - 6,933, Agerpres informs.According to a press release from the Ministry of Interior, currently, the occupancy rate of the accommodation centres of the General Inspectorate for Immigration is 29.1%.No Ukrainian citizen has applied for asylum in our country in the last 24 hours, stated the MAI."Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, 4,458 Ukrainian citizens have applied for asylum in Romania. They benefit from all the rights provided by the national legislation," the same source emphasizes.During the night between Friday and Saturday, Russian forces carried out new drone attacks on the Ukrainian port infrastructure from Ismail and Reni, near the border between Ukraine and Romania.
MEP Corina Cretu informs on Saturday that the European Commission approved two state aid schemes notified by Romania, intended for farmers, one worth 241 million euros, and the second one worth 56 million euros, on Friday evening.

"Yesterday, the European Commission approved two state aid schemes notified by Romania, intended for farmers. Thus, the first scheme is worth 241 million euros, which will be paid in direct grants and will go to producers of winter cereal crops and rapeseed, which are experiencing financial liquidity difficulties. The second scheme is worth 56 million euros, which will also be paid in direct grants and is intended for the pig and poultry sector, which is facing financial problems due to the war in Ukraine," Corina Cretu wrote on Saturday, on her Facebook page.

According to the MEP, the decision comes following a request from the Government of Romania and the priority debate this week in the European Parliament, where the difficult situation of European farmers and rural communities has been analyzed.

"These schemes have been approved under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, through which state aid can be granted for essential sectors in times of crisis. The support will not exceed 280,000 euros for each beneficiary and will be granted until 30 June 2024. 31% of farms in the European Union are located in Romania, which makes our country an important actor at European level from this point of view. I welcome this decision of the Commission, which comes at a more important time than ever for farmers. They expressed their dissatisfaction through the protests of the last few weeks, and their voice is finally being heard in Brussels," Corina Cretu emphasized.
The Ministry of National Defence (MApN) informs, on Saturday, that the F-16 aircraft of the Turkish Air Force from Air Base 86 in Fetesti left the ground at around 1:15 a.m. to carry out air research missions, in the context in which the Russian forces carried out drone attacks on the Ukrainian port infrastructure in Ismail and Reni, in the proximity of the Romanian-Ukrainian border.

"MApN monitored the situation in the border area and activated Air Police procedures, notifying the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations at 12:26 am about the areas in Tulcea county that could have been affected by the risks associated with this situation and subsequently, at 12:48 pm, they did the same for Galati county. The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations issued RO-ALERT messages for these two counties, and the air pre-alert status ended around 2:50 am. The F-16 aircraft of the Turkish Air Force from Air Base 86 from Fetesti left the ground around 1:15 a.m. to carry out air research missions during this situation," informs a press release sent to AGERPRES on Saturday, Agerpres informs.

According to the same source, later, at 5:30 a.m., as a result of the resumption of attacks in the area of the Ukrainian port of Reni, a new notification was sent to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations in Galati county, and a RO-ALERT message was sent.

"Two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force from Air Base 86 in Fetesti were prepared for the execution of an air police mission, but the development of the air situation did not require, in this case, their take-off. The state of air pre-alert for Galati County ended at 6:20 am. Although in neither of the two waves of attacks on Ukrainian ports did the radar surveillance system of the Romanian Army indicate any unauthorized intrusions into the national airspace and they were not reported by means of surveillance and observation, possible accidental drops of remnants of drones used in these attacks on the national territory, starting at 8:00 am, MApN teams are performing additional checks in the field, in the Ceatalchioi area, Tulcea county," informs the Ministry of Defence.

In this context, MApN strongly condemns the attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against some objectives and elements of civil infrastructure in the Ukrainian ports on the Danube. "These attacks are unjustified and in serious contradiction with the rules of international humanitarian law. MApN forces will continue airspace monitoring and research missions in areas where risks may arise as a result of these situations. Also, MApN remains in permanent contact with the allied structures, which are informed in real time about the situation generated by these attacks," the Ministry of Defence emphasizes.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Saturday said, in Tulcea, while referring to the RO-ALERT warning messages received by the population on the night between Friday and Saturday, in the context of the war in Ukraine, that the Russian Federation never attacked Romania with intention since the start of this conflict and that he is certain it will not do it in the future either.

"The Russian Federation has never attacked Romania with intention [since the start of the conflict in Ukraine - editor's note] and I can tell you with certainty that it will not do it in the future either, this cannot be. We have an anti-drone system already in operation on the banks of Danube, especially in the Ismail area. However, the state has the obligation to inform its citizens, even if sometimes such information disturbs us or we don't like it. I was also informed about this at 2:00 am, and again at 3:30 am, since it was the normal thing to do. But this was not an attack on Romania. The alert was just a for of respect that the state must show to the population, even if it disturbing the citizens must be informed, this is the case everywhere in the world. Romania has never been safer from a military point of view as it is now and will never be safer as we are now. Since I am the prime minister right now, for I know this is only a temporary job, it's my duty to intervene and explain you exactly how things are, to tell you about the context and the truth. We all know what RO-ALERT means, this is not the first warning, but I think it's correct. I, as a citizen, especially after the Revolution of 1989, want to be informed and know the truth. But Romania is not in danger of going to war," the prime minister pointed out, Agerpres informs.

The population of Tulcea county received three RO-ALERT warning messages on the night between Friday and Saturday about the possibility of objects falling from the airspace, in the context of the war started by Russia against Ukraine, the first of this type this year, the Delta Emergency Situations Inspectorate informs.

The people of Tulcea were warned about the possibility of some objects falling from the airspace and they were advised to take protection and shelter measures if the situation requires it.

On the social networks, several people from Tulcea claimed that they heard loud explosions for a long time and that they fell asleep with fear.

According to ISU Delta, following the RO-ALERT messages, the institution's dispatcher received calls in which the people asked for information about their reason.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu on Saturday stated in Tulcea that Romania will see, in the next period, a degree of absorption of European funds higher than the allocated one.

"The last European financial exercise was closed with an absorption of 54%. Adrian [Finance Minister Adrian Caciu - editor's note) closed the last financial exercise with 94%, although it was not calculated with the 15%, it was not meant to be rephased, it did not even have the PNRR [National Recovery and Resilience Plan], for there were not so many overlapping financial exercises back then. So he managed 94% for the first time. And if we are also considering the amounts sent to the Commission and not collected yet, which we will collect in a month or two, we will have at least 100% , because certain states will not collect and settle all the money and I am firmly convinced that, in March, we will come before the Romanians and tell them that we entered history, because we had a higher absorption than the allocated one," said the leader of the Social Democrats, at the Conference of the PSD Tulcea county organization, Agerpres informs.

Marcel Ciolacu said that the current government coalition "has a future after 2024 as well."

"I have nothing to reproach to any colleague who is part of the Government of Romania and of the coalition, from the PNL (National Liberal Party) side. (...) I think that this coalition has a future after 2024 as well. But since we agreed to join the government in a difficult moment for Romania, not for the PSD, then we want to know the whole truth and we want those who destroyed this country to pay with their special commissioner pensions, instead of coming hypocritically to Parliament and saying that we did not not cut the special pensions, in an attempt to make the Romanians hate us again, because that's how they came to power," said the PSD leader, referring to the MEP Dacian Ciolos.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Saturday stated, in Tulcea, that Romanians must know the truth regarding the Rosia Montana case, and all government documents related to this issue will be made public.

In a press conference held at the end of the Conference of the PSD (Social Democratic Party) Tulcea county branch, when asked what Romanians should know about Rosia Montana, Marcel Ciolacu said that the truth makes a stronger society.

"I think that Romanians must always know the truth. The same as in the case with the vaccines, we are also waiting for the truth following the report of the Court of Accounts from the period when you and I were locked up in houses, and others were stealing money that were being paid for non-compliant masks and so on. Any society is stronger and begins to believe that it is going in the right direction when it knows the truth," stated Marcel Ciolacu.

Asked where the compensation will be paid from, if the Romanian state loses the litigation, the prime minister mentioned that "we have macroeconomic stability and we will have to find solutions."

The leader of the Social Democrats referred to Rosia Montana during the plenary session of the Conference of the PSD county branch too.

"I also remind you that this trick led to the emergence of a new political party in Romania - USR (Save Romania Union) - with Mr. Ciolos as prime minister. On the day when Sorin Grindeanu took the oath at the Cotroceni Palace, Mr. Ciolos, in his last minutes as prime minister, signed that Rosia Montana should join UNESCO, although he had a lot of information from all the ministries, and from all the lawyers that, if he did it, there would be a trial and there would be a possibility that Romania loses this trial. This is the truth written in all the documents that are now at the Parliament, and also at the UNESCO Commission. All the documents that are now in the possession of the Government of Romania and in the possession of the ministries will be made public. And I also want to tell Mr. Ciolos who I've seen is very vocal lately, what I also told Mr. Citu [former PM - editor's note] - stay in good health, but leave us alone! We lost a billion with the vaccines, you stole during the pandemic, and Mr. Orban [former PM - editor's note], I don't know how much we will lose or if we will lose with Rosia Montana, but you should have the good sense to stay at home! Leave us in peace! You didn't save Romania, you destroyed Romania. That's what happened," said PSD president Marcel Ciolacu at the end of his speech during the Tulcea PSD County Conference.
Last year, the police confiscated approximately 1.2 tonnes of drugs, 6 tonnes of plant-based drugs, 3 tonnes of precursors and over 1.5 million pills.

According to the activity report for the year 2023, as presented on Saturday by the head of the Romanian Police, Benone Matei, the police fighting organized crime, together with the DIICOT (Directorate for Investigations Organized Crime and Terrorism) prosecutors, carried out 897 operative actions in combating drug trafficking, with 3,000 home searches conducted and 59 organized criminal rings dismantled, Agerpres informs.

Also, in the same period, approximately 1.2 tonnes of drugs, 6 tonnes of plant-based drugs, 3 tonnes of precursors and over 1.5 million pills were confiscated.The Romanian Police, with the support of an authorized operator, destroyed more than a tonne of narcotic substances, seized in criminal cases between 2014 and 2023.On the other hand, more than 4,000 people were investigated, of which 1,268 were pre-arrested, and the preventive measure of judicial control was ordered against another 395 people.In 2023, 11,685 reports of a criminal nature were registered, activities were carried out in 30,699 delegation orders issued by DIICOT prosecutors.Both for combating the phenomenon and for the destruction of organized crime groups, 2,545 people were sent to court, for committing 4,186 crimes, as a result of the indictments issued and the plea agreements concluded by DIICOT prosecutors.
MEFLEX

Panama City, Panama, Feb. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move for the fusion of fashion, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, Meflex announces the procurement of a substantial $10 million USD contract.







Meflex, a forward-thinking company at the cutting edge of modern technology and style, has today announced a transformative $10 million USD contract aimed at revolutionizing the AI fashion market within the rapidly evolving blockchain sphere. This impressive venture is set to pave a new path for the intersection of fashionable expression and technological innovation.

In the world where digitization is no longer a luxury but a necessity, the fashion industry stands at the brink of a monumental shift. The era of AI-integrated fashion is now, and with the support of blockchain technology's secure, immutable ledger, Meflex stands poised to redefine the marketplace.

"Our mission has always been about more than just staying ahead of the curve," said Kelly, CEO of Meflex. "Were about creating it. This contract is a vote of confidence from the industry and consumers alike, signaling a collective readiness to embrace a more advanced, interactive, and secure way of experiencing fashion."

Meflex's innovative platform integrates AI to personalize and enhance the fashion experience, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure authenticity, ownership, and exclusivity in a market flooded with counterfeits and fast fashion. Customers can expect a new level of interaction with their favorite designs and brands, ensuring every purchase isn't just a transaction, but a memorable experience.

Artificial intelligence will play a key role in curating personalized fashion recommendations, streamlining supply chains, and ensuring a seamless integration between designers, retailers, and end-consumers. Blockchain enters as the backbone of this ecosystem, facilitating secure transactions, protecting intellectual property, and fostering transparency in sourcing and authenticity.

Story continues

The potential applications of the contract are as versatile as they are promising. Apart from bringing a new level of confidence to consumers, it's set to empower designers and retailers by providing insightful data analytics, allowing for a more responsive approach to market demands and consumer preferences.

"This is just the beginning," continued Kelly. "The implications of AI and blockchain technology in fashion extend beyond the traditional retail space. They delve into a future where digital clothing and virtual fittings become the norm, where sustainability is inherent in the lifecycle of every product, and where the consumer is an active participant in the creation process."

Moreover, the tokenization of fashion items as digital assets on the blockchain will revolutionize ownership and resale value, opening doors to a new economy where fashion investments are as liquid as they are stylish.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of Meflex's vision. The use of blockchain technology promises greater transparency in the fashion supply chainenabling more environmentally friendly practices by tracking the lifecycle of products from production to delivery. This insists upon accountability in an industry often scrutinized for its environmental impact.

As part of the contract, Meflex will embark on several strategic partnerships across the fashion tech industry to expand its offerings. From virtual reality showrooms to smart contract-enabled purchases, the integration of these technologies is expected to attract a new demographic of tech-savvy shoppers as well as traditional customers seeking a more secure and immersive shopping experience.

This contract marks a significant milestone for Meflex as it garners the recognition and resources needed to propel the AI fashion market into an era of blockchain dominance. As it undertakes this significant project, Meflex welcomes the challenge, geared towards a future where technology and fashion intertwine more harmoniously than ever before.

With Meflex leading the charge, the smart wardrobe is no longer a pipe dream but an impending realitya testament to the power of innovation when fashion meets blockchain.

MEFLEX: Shaping the Future of Digital Interaction

MEFLEX is not just a platform; it's a cultural movement, setting the stage for a transformative online experience. As the platform continues to innovate, users can anticipate groundbreaking features, unparalleled authenticity, and a vibrant community that celebrates individuality and creativity.

Explore the MEFLEX Universe:

Visit MEFLEX: MEFLEX Website



Note to Editors:

For further information, please contact:



Company Name: Meflex

Contact Person : Ed Yeom

Email: Ed@meflex.io

Website: https://meflex.io/



Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.



CONTACT: Ed Yeom Meflex Ed at meflex.io




In January, a woman and two children drowned in the Rio Grande while attempting to cross into the United States; border patrols claimed that Texas Rangers, under orders from Gov. Greg Abbott, refused to let them intervene.

As New Yorker journalist Jonathan Blitzer argues in his capacious, stirring Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here, this kind of tragic episode is but the latest link in a chain of atrocities at the heart of our nations immigration plight.

Flash back to the Cold War: Across the globe, the U.S. and Soviet Union embarked on a series of proxy conflicts that wreaked havoc on impoverished peoples. (Vietnam is the textbook case.) The Central American theater kicked up with the election of Ronald Reagan, itching to project power in the wake of Jimmy Carters erratic tack on human rights. For those seeking asylum, the devil lurked in the details of who, where, when and why: Some were allowed to enter the country on the grounds that they would eventually appear before a judge; others were jailed, summarily deported or expelled straight into Mexico. The randomness of the system was a cruelty all its own.

Blitzer reveals a rogues gallery of villains, from the famous  Elliott Abrams, Jeff Sessions, Stephen Miller  to shadowy operators. He delves into the corruption rampant throughout Central America: There are dense, disquieting passages on death squads, gang murders and the complicity of presidents from both sides of the aisle. President Barack Obama, deporter in chief, turned away a flood of migrants while the Trump administration separated 26,000 children from their parents, a permanent stain on our moral character.

Blitzer assiduously chronicles this dark history with a keen eye for individual lives; the personal is literally political. We meet Juan, a cardiologist from El Salvador tortured by right-wing extremists, and Keldy, a Honduran ripped from her teenage sons after they all were found wandering amid a New Mexico desert. Blitzer beautifully portrays Keldys inner grace: Occasionally, the other detainees would see Keldy crying softly to herself or staring off into space with bloodshot eyes. But she never seemed despairing ... The detainees wanted to be around la pastora. She prayed for them and led prayer sessions each day in the yard ... Some of them called her la profeta, the prophet.

Those dispatched back to their countries faced grim consequences. The gangs went after American deportees because they were immediately conspicuous. If their clothing didnt expose them, it was their clunky Spanish, the style of their gait, stray expressions, barely perceptible tics and mannerisms  a whole host of tells that they often didnt know they had. Blitzer charts the ebb and flow of attitudes, the U.S. sanctimonious give-me-your-tired-your-poor stance at odds with enduring nativism and xenophobia.

Blitzers research and reporting are extensive and impeccable, a feat in an age of TikTok memes and Twitter mobs. But perhaps his most resonant, if damning, argument is just how oblivious Americans have been  and still are  to widespread suffering committed in our name. Out of sight, out of mind. Blitzer never shirks from his duty: to show us who we truly are. His is a vital, momentous book.
The fourth floor of the St. Louis County Courthouse was busy Wednesday afternoon. Circuit Court Judge Virginia Lay was doing marriages. Couples were on benches in the hallway awaiting their turn. Now and then, the sound of applause drifted into the hallway. Love was in the air.

Down the hall, though, the mood was less festive. The Church of the Second Chance was coming to order. Circuit Court Judge Joseph Walsh was presiding over a docket heavy with probation revocation hearings.

Two women were sitting in front of me. Mother and daughter, I figured. The older one looked to be about my age, which means shes probably 10 years younger than me. The mind plays tricks as it ages.

Who are you here for? the younger woman asked me.

Shawn Nunley, I said.

My boyfriends case got a lot of publicity, she said.

Her boyfriend is Jeremy Garnier. In March 2020, he painted his face and dressed as the Joker. He was arrested at Blueberry Hill while live-streaming a threat of violence on Facebook. That was right before COVID shut down the courts. He eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a terrorist threat. He was sentenced to time-served and put on probation.

I was talking like the Joker, he told a reporter after his guilty plea. I was in character. Everybody knew that it was a joke and that I had no intention of following through with a threat.

He was unarmed when he was arrested. That was good because he has a long criminal record and felon in possession of a firearm is a heavy charge.

I asked his girlfriend what he was in court for now. He tested positive for pot, she said, and his probation officer had him arrested. She added that he used to be addicted to hard drugs and booze, but has been clean  except for pot  for two years.

One thing about the Church of the Second Chance  things are usually more complicated than they seem.

That sense was heightened when a young prosecutor came over to say hello to the older woman, who turned out to be Garniers mother. I just wanted to say hello, said Andrew Wren.

It was a nice gesture on Wrens part, I thought, but its telling when prosecutors are familiar with the defendants family.

Heidi Leopold was representing Garnier. She seemed like a no-nonsense person. She came over to confer with the girlfriend and mother. Well try to get him out today, she said.

A man sitting nearby wearing a coat and tie  most parishioners dress more casually  seemed impressed with Leopolds attitude. I want you as my lawyer, he said. Ill give you a thousand dollars. She gave him her business card.

Prosecutor Tara Renaud, Leopold and a representative from Probation and Parole conferred with the judge. I couldnt make out the conversation, but the man from Probation and Parole seemed opposed to whatever Leopold was saying.

The girlfriend said to me, His old P.O. was fine with him smoking pot. The new one isnt.

The judge listened to the arguments. He said Garnier would be released from jail but would have to see a psychiatrist about the marijuana.

McClellan: Story of young offender takes a wrong turn Shawn Nunley was arrested a couple of weeks ago in the citys Baden neighborhood.

Nunleys case was a more complicated one. I wrote about it last summer. He came from a troubled background. He quit going to school when he was 12. He was 14 in the spring of 2017 when he shot two other teenagers. Both lived. Nunley pleaded guilty and was given a 15-year sentence under a dual-jurisdiction statute. He would begin serving his time in the juvenile system and if he did well, he could stay in the system until he was 21. At that point, the judge could either send him to an adult institution to complete his sentence or put him on probation.

The juvenile counselor who spoke with Nunley at the county jail asked him what he wanted to do with his life. He pointed to the nearby high-rise buildings in downtown Clayton. Maybe I could work in one of those, he said. She was impressed. She was accustomed to youngsters who couldnt even envision a future.

Imagine that.

He did well at the troubled Hogan Street Regional Youth Center. He earned a high school diploma. He was a mentor. He stayed in the system until he was 21, and the counselors who worked with him recommended he be put on probation.

Walsh followed those recommendations and in June of last year placed Nunley on probation. He gave him the usual strict admonition to stay out of trouble.

Less than a month later, Nunley was arrested in the city. He was with a young woman in a Mercedes Benz. There was some pot, fentanyl and 15.5 grams of meth in the car. Also, a Glock. According to the police report, Nunley said the drugs werent his, but the firearm was.

He was charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of possessing a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon. He was a felon in possession of a firearm.

Walsh declared that he had violated probation and Nunley was put in the county jail to await a formal revocation of probation hearing.

Jerry Leyshock, a retired city police officer who plays chess with the kids at the Hogan Street facility, said the wasted potential was heartbreaking. Nunleys a personable kid and smart, Leyshock said. I never beat him at chess, he added.

There was, and is, much mystery about what happened in the city. One story was that the Mercedes belonged to a friend of Nunleys girlfriends mother and its the code of the street that wont allow Nunley, the girlfriend or anybody to come forward. Wrong place at the wrong time, one woman told me. That was in July.

Then came word that the charges in the city had been dropped!

Nunleys formal probation revocation hearing was Wednesday. Was there some new development? Was Nunley going to get another chance?

No, not really. It turned out that the Circuit Attorneys office had been unprepared to move forward with a preliminary hearing and after a second request to continue the case, a judge dismissed the charges. However, they can be refiled. I called Circuit Attorney Gabriel Gores office to see what the plans are, and a spokesperson said the office cant comment on cases that have been dismissed. Or cases that are pending.

So Walsh put off the revocation hearing and lowered the bond from $25,000 cash to $1,000 cash and placed Nunley on house arrest.

Temporarily, then, he can be free.

So it went Wednesday in the Church of the Second Chance where things are seldom perfectly clear.
ST. LOUIS  Police on Saturday identified a man shot and killed by his neighbor at an apartment in the city's Midtown neighborhood.

Police were called just after 2 p.m. Friday to the 3100 block of Olive Street, near Pappy's Smokehouse and Harris-Stowe State University.

There, officers found Jeffrey Holmes, 42, shot in his abdomen. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The suspect, 29, was still at the scene, and was taken into custody, police said.
EAST ST. LOUIS  A police chase ended with a double-fatal crash and an accidental shooting here on Friday afternoon, authorities say.

A Cahokia Heights police officer was attempting to catch up to a speeding car around 2:15 p.m. when the car went into the wrong lane of traffic and hit another car that was trying to turn into a driveway in the 3500 block of Bond Avenue, said Trooper Shannon Barrea, a spokesperson for Illinois State Police.

Both the driver and the passenger of the uninvolved car died at the scene.

The driver then got out of the car and tried to run away. During the chase, police said he pulled out a gun and accidentally shot himself. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries.

The crash happened near East St. Louis' border with Cahokia Heights.

ISP has taken over investigation of the incident.

No officers were injured in the incident, said Sgt. Christopher "Joey" Watson, another spokesperson for ISP.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli airstrikes killed at least 31 Palestinians in Rafah early Saturday, hours after Israel's prime minister said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after being uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gaza's territory. It's not clear where they could run next.

Word of the invasion plans capped a week of increasingly public friction between Netanyahu and the Biden administration. U.S. officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest 3 months old.

Fadel al-Ghannam lost his son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in one of the strikes. Standing amid the rubble, he said the strike tore the bodies of his loved ones to shreds.

He feared even worse, with the looming ground invasion of Rafah, and said the world's silence has enabled Israel to proceed. To this day, the world has not been fair to us and given us our rights, he said.

Later Saturday, another strike killed three senior officers in the civil police, according to Rafah city officials.

In Khan Younis, the focus of the current ground combat, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the areas largest, killing at least two people and wounding five, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said medical staff are no longer able to move between the facilitys buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the hospital.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

A rift with Washington

The steadily climbing Palestinian death toll  now over 28,000 after four months of war, according to Gaza health officials  has contributed to the friction between Netanyahu and Washington.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but U.S. officials have pushed back, calling for more surgical strikes. President Joe Biden said this week Israel's response is over the top.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza after more than four months of war.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahus office said Friday. On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

It said he had ordered the military and security officials to come up with a combined plan that included both a mass evacuation of civilians and the destruction of Hamas forces in the town.

It remains unclear where civilians can go. The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people do not have homes to return to.

In addition, Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a prewar population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to some 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

Northern Gaza

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.

The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that the bodies of 117 people killed in Israeli airstrikes were brought to Gaza hospitals over the past 24 hours, raising the overall death toll from the air and ground offensive to 28,064, mostly women and children. The ministry said more than 67,000 people have been wounded over the past four months.

Roughly 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.

Netanyahu has said the war will only end with total victory for Israel, including crushing Hamas, a goal that is even viewed by some in Israel as unattainable.

Hamas has ruled Gaza for 17 years, since overrunning the territory in 2007, and has deep roots. Before the war, it ran a government apparatus with tens of thousands of civil servants and civil police.

In recent weeks, some Hamas policemen emerged in areas of northern Gaza from where Israeli forces had withdrawn, with the group saying they were determined to crack down on looting of abandoned properties and price-gouging.

Residents and first responders pulled bodies from the rubble of areas in western Gaza City from where troops had withdrawn earlier this week.

The entire area has turned into rubble, said Assad Radwan, a Gaza City resident who lives close to Shifa Hospital, the strips biggest. Most of Gaza (city) has become unrecognizable for its own people.

In the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City, two medics from the Palestinian Red Crescent were found dead Saturday, after having gone missing 12 days ago. The medics had rushed to rescue 6-year-old Hind Rajab, who was traveling with her family in a car at the time to heed evacuation orders. The PRC had previously released an audio recording of a phone call from Hind's cousin to a relative, saying the car had come under fire from a tank and that only she and Hind had survived. Hind's cousin went silent mid-call.

The two medics were found in a destroyed ambulance near the family's car. Hind and the rest of her family were also found dead. The PCR said the rescue mission had been coordinated with the Israeli military, which had no comment Saturday.

In a sign of resilience, hundreds of people gathered Friday for outdoor prayers amid the destruction of the urban refugee camp of Jebaliya in northern Gaza. Friday prayers are the highlight of the Muslim religious week, and the mass gathering marked the first such service since the start of the war.

Magdy reported from Cairo.

Updated at 7:10 a.m.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Former President Donald Trump told thousands of members of the National Rifle Association that "no one will lay a finger on your firearms" if he returns to the White House, and bragged that during his time as president he "did nothing" to curb guns.

"During my four years nothing happened. And there was great pressure on me having to do with guns. We did nothing. We didn't yield," he said Friday evening as he addressed the NRA's Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.

Casting himself as "the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House," Trump pledged to continue to protect gun owners' rights, even as the country grapples with a crisis of gun violence and mass shootings that have left more than 3,000 dead since 2006.

"Your Second Amendment will always be safe with me as your president," he said.

Fresh off another dominant win in the Nevada caucuses Thursday night, Trump used the NRA forum to highlight his support of gun rights, a major priority for GOP voters. The issue is also a major motivator for Democrats as well as younger voters who grew up participating in active shooter drills and have witnessed a spate of school shootings in recent years.

Next week will mark the sixth anniversary of one of those shootings, the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead.

Trump grappled with Parkland and other mass shootings as president, and at times pledged to strengthen gun laws, only to back away from those vows. He later expressed support for modest changes to the federal background check system and for arming teachers.

In December 2018, his administration banned bump stocks, attachments that allow semiautomatic weapons to fire like machine guns that were used during the October 2017 shooting massacre in Las Vegas.

Last chance for Haley?

Trump's appearance Friday in the critical swing state came as the Republican nominating contest turns toward South Carolina. The state's Feb. 24 primary may prove the last chance for Nikki Haley, Trump's last remaining rival, to blunt the former president's march toward the nomination. He and Haley will hold dueling campaign events there this weekend.

Trump hopes that a commanding win in the first-in-the-South race will deliver a devastating blow to Haley, who has yet to win a GOP contest. Haley, who was elected South Carolina's governor twice, is betting that a home state advantage will lift her to a strong performance that could keep her in the race through Super Tuesday on March 5, when more than a dozen states will hold contests awarding a massive swath of the delegates needed to capture the GOP nomination.

"We're leading everybody," Trump said late Thursday following his Nevada victory. "Is there any way we can call the election for next Tuesday? That's all I want."

Trump had no competition in Nevada after Haley chose to skip Thursday's caucuses to participate in an earlier primary that offered no delegates. Even without Trump on that ballot, Haley came in a distant second, swamped by GOP voters who picked a "none of these candidates" option.

Good week for Trump

Beyond Haley's embarrassing Nevada defeat, Trump had an especially fortuitous week.

On Thursday morning, the Supreme Court seemed wary of attempts to kick him off the 2024 ballot under the Constitution's Insurrection Clause. Both conservative and liberal justices voiced skepticism during a hearing over Colorado's decision to disqualify Trump from its primary ballot because he refuses to accept the results of the 2020 election, which culminated in his supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Hours later, special counsel Robert Hur released a long-awaited and bitingly critical report that concluded criminal charges against President Joe Biden were not warranted but said there was evidence Biden willfully retained and shared highly classified information when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan. The report repeatedly pointed to Biden's hazy memory in language that raised new concerns about the president's competency and age  a top concern for voters.

Trump was charged by a different special counsel, Jack Smith, for illegally hoarding classified records at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida after he left office and then obstructing government efforts to get them back. Despite abundant differences between the cases, Trump, who insists he did nothing wrong, on Friday cast the decision to charge him and not Biden as "nothing more than selective prosecution of Biden's political opponent: Me."

Trump's speech to the NRA  his eighth, according to the group  comes as the former political juggernaut has played a diminished role this election cycle amid financial troubles, dwindling membership and infighting.

The group's longtime CEO, Wayne LaPierre, resigned last month ahead of a trial in New York over allegations that he treated himself to millions of dollars in private jet flights, yacht trips, African safaris and other extravagant perks at the powerful gun rights organization's expense.

The New York attorney general sued LaPierre and three co-defendants in 2020, claiming widespread misspending and self-enrichment. The organization filed for bankruptcy and sought to incorporate in Texas instead of New York, but a judge rejected the move.

The 12 best political cartoons about Nikki Haley's long-shot presidential campaign
In 1938, Otto Frank, the father of the famous diarist, added his familys names to the waiting list for American immigration visas. He joined 200,000 other people in Germany who also wanted to immigrate to escape Nazi persecution. Two years later, Otto was still awaiting their visas. Finally, he and his family were forced to hide in a secret annex in Amsterdam for 761 days. When the family was eventually discovered, they were sent to Nazi concentration camps. Otto was the only survivor.

Anne Frank and her family were denied admission into the United States by the Immigration Act of 1924. This law limited the number of immigrants allowed from a given nation to a 2% quota of the total number of people from that country living in the US as of the 1890 national census.

In 1939, the quota allowed only 27,370 German citizens to immigrate to the United States. However, the previous year, more than 300,000 Germans, primarily Jewish refugees like the Franks, had applied for U.S. visas. Just over 20,000 applications were approved.

Beyond the strict national quotas, the United States also denied visas to immigrants likely to become a public charge. This requirement proved a severe problem for many Jewish refugees who had lost everything when the Nazis took power.

In the end, hundreds of thousands of refugees who could have become productive American citizens perished in the Nazis gas chambers. One could only wonder what they and their descendants might have accomplished.

It has been argued that most Americans at the time did not know how deadly the Holocaust would prove to be. In addition, many feared that needy immigrants would take away precious jobs or would place an added strain on an already burdened economy. After all, the United States was still in the late stages of the Great Depression.

Nevertheless, even though accounts of the Nazi atrocities were widely published in American newspapers, 70% of the U.S. public did not want to allow more refugees to enter the country, and only one in ten Americans were in favor of offering sanctuary to German Jews.

So, just how culpable was the United States in this tragedy?

If a shark devours a person, the death would squarely be blamed on the shark. But if a lifeboat is nearby, has room, and does nothing to save the victim, dont the passengers also share responsibility?

Americas immigration policy in the 1930s proved to be a disastrous disgrace. Except for indigenous Americans and those who trace their ancestry to African slavery, every American is a descendant of immigrants. And yet, ironically, this nation of immigrants slammed the door in the face of millions of refugees who faced imminent danger.

While the discriminatory quotas were finally removed in 1965, severe limits on refugees remain. Recently, former president Donald Trump  whether he intentionally meant to borrow this quote from Adolph Hitler or not  said immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country. Seeking to close the door even further, he has encouraged his puppets in Congress to reject a non-partisan immigration reform bill, even though the proposed legislation actually tightens restrictions on refugees coming into the United States.

Meanwhile, over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters, and more than 56,000 have died over the last 10 years, migrating between countries. Only 24% of the planets 35 million refugees are currently hosted by high-income countries.

These refugees fled their homelands because they were at risk of fundamental human rights violations and persecution. The perils they faced were so great they had no choice but to leave and seek safety outside their country because their government could not or would not protect them from those dangers. Refugees have a right to international protection.

In the past, the United States ignored the plight of refugees who would soon face death squads and gas chambers. Ninety years later, were still playing political roulette with millions of unfortunate lives.

Whether one is born inside the United States or outside its borders is nothing but random chance. How long will the lucky continue to hold the power of life and death over the less fortunate?
February 10, 2024: Pakistan is caught between two rivals, India, and Iran. India is more dangerous because it has more aircraft; 654 combat aircraft comprising seven models. The most numerous models are 260 Russian Su-30MKI fighters and 160 British Jaguar ground attack aircraft. Other models include 40 Russian MiG-21s and 75 MiG-29s, 50 French Mirage 2000 and 36 Rafale fighters. There are 33 Indian Tejas aircraft so far with plans to acquire over 300 of these lightweight fighter-bombers.

In contrast Pakistan has 467 combat aircraft comprising six models. There are twenty Chinese J-10C fighters and 149 Chinese JF-17s built jointly by China and Pakistan. China also provided 53 F-7PG aircraft which are an upgraded copy of the Russian MiG-21. There are 75 American F-16s, most of them older models. France provided 87 Mirage 3 and 92 Mirage 5 fighters.

Iran has been subject to arms sanctions for since 1979 when an Islamic revolution replaced the monarchy. That meant combat aircraft imports were rare, and Iran had to rebuild older aircraft to keep some of them operational. Currently the Iranian Air force nominally has 222 combat aircraft including 19 MiG-29s and Su-24s from Russia. There are 46 American F-5 fighters, 63 F-4s, 41 F-14s and twelve French Mirage F1 fighters. Many of the Iranian aircraft are not operational unless Iran decides to have its aircraft engineering and maintenance personnel work on them and make them flyable. These aircraft cannot fly as many hours per year as more recent and better maintained Western aircraft can. If the Iranian Air Force went to war, most of their combat aircraft would be grounded after flying a few missions because of the need for more maintenance work, especially spare parts, than the air force can provide.

Because of the Ukraine War, Russia no longer observes the sanctions on Iran and has sold 24 Su-35 fighters to Iran which are still on order.

Then there is the question of why China could develop a world-class weapons development and production capability in the last few decades while India has not? Mainly its about socialism, corruption and decades of Indian politics making it difficult for Indians to start and operate profitable firms that could produce consumer goods as well as military equipment. The United States became the largest economy in the world over a century ago by encouraging this entrepreneurship. Many other nations, including those in Europe and East Asia, like Japan, South Korea and even China followed that example.

While making it difficult for Indian entrepreneurs, India tried to use government-owned weapons development efforts and defense manufacturers to locally produce weapons. All were epic failures and continue to develop second-rate weapons or weapons that cost too much, rarely work adequately and most didnt work at all. Recent examples include assault rifles, helicopters, and jet fighters. The only successes have been with privately owned firms and that is what the government finally wants more of. New rules and laws to reduce restrictions on commercial firms are meant to encourage less dependence on imports.

As with previous efforts in this area, the goals tend to be more aspirational than actual. Indian government bureaucrats and procurement agencies have become quite effective at protecting their own interests at the expense of commercial firms, the needs of the military and Indias national interests. This is a problem in all industrialized nations because that is the nature of government; to use their power to expand. Nations like China and Israel are notably different because China did not begin undergoing the industrial revolution until the 1980s. As usual, that produced spectacular results, which will be eroded over the years as the government expands, often at the expense of successful new firms. That is already happening in China, where the communist government fears the potential political influence of the largest and most successful firms. Israel is a special case because they have been under constant attack by their Moslem neighbors since Israel was founded in 1947. For Israel it has always been a matter of succeeding at developing new weapons or being destroyed.

India is different because it adopted a local form of socialism instead of free enterprise when modern India was formed in 1948. As a result, India has always had to import most of its weapons. Efforts to change this have failed so far, mainly because of corruption and political unwillingness to tolerate competitive and efficient defense industries. That corruption that has been pervasive in India for thousands of years and makes imported weapons from nations willing to pay bribes to Indian government officials more attractive than allowing competitive Indian firms to develop and provide cheaper locally made equipment.

One bit of good news is that this form of corruption has been under heavy attack for more than a decade because of the Internet. Political parties could control mass media and much local news, but not the Internet. Fighting corruption has become enormously popular with voters, who learned that most Western countries supplying weapons to India are often very anti-corruption themselves and much more successful at it. When Russia was supplying over 80 percent of weapons imports, you had a supplier that was a dictatorship and quite comfortable with bribes and payoffs. For more than a decade Russia has been losing sales to Western firms. The culture of corruption still exists in Indian defense procurement, but it is under heavy attack. Even if no bribes were involved when buying foreign weapons, that would not fix the inability to create a competitive Indian weapons industry.

The reason for that has to do with why, for most of the last half century, most Indian weapons came from Russia. There were several reasons for that: politics, price, and practicality. The policy was a decision by Indian politicians to be non-aligned during the Cold War. This conflict began just as India became independent from the British Empire. Still resentful towards Britain and the West for two centuries of colonial domination, India officially refused to take sides during the Cold War. Yet its relations with Russia, a communist dictatorship, were much warmer than with the Western democracies. Although India clung to democracy, the educated classes were infatuated with the promise of socialism. For several decades Indians abhorred the Russian government dictatorship but admired their socialist approach to running their economy. It wasnt until the 1980s that most Indian politicians admitted that the Russian economic model was all a fraud and not working. For India, this set-in motion the sort of free enterprise policies that China had employed since the 1980s. By then it was too late for India. Decades of attempts to impose government regulation and guidance of the economy had created a huge bureaucracy that could not be easily dismantled because many of these jobs were used by politicians to reward supporters and get reelected. This particularly applied to government-run military weapons development and procurement.

Then there was the price of Russian weapons. They were cheaper than Western equivalents. This meant more could be spent on bribes and payoffs. Finally, there was practicality. Indias main foes were Pakistan and China. Pakistan had a much smaller population, economy, and defense budget than India. Russian weapons were adequate for Pakistan. China was also poorly equipped, until quite recently, and separated from India by the Himalaya Mountains. Under those conditions Russian weapons were just fine for Indian needs.

All this changed after the Cold War ended in 1991. Indian politics has also changed, mostly because of the expanding Chinese threat, and now officially wants to build weapons that work, which means reducing the corruption which everyone admits cripples the economy. Price is still important, but its been noticed that Russian weapons have slipped in quality and effectiveness since the Soviet Union collapsed. Pakistan is even less of a military threat because Pakistan is even more corrupt and economically crippled than India. China, however, is another matter. China has managed to build a powerful and productive arms industry. All those Russian weapons India has no longer provide any degree of superiority or even parity with China. India needs Western-quality arms to maintain a competitive military for confronting China, but those are more expensive. Its possible to make them in India under license, but the Indian industry has not been able to master high tech sufficiently to make this practical. In short, its no longer practical to tolerate an inefficient domestic defense industry.

Efforts to create domestic defense industries have been crippled by specific portions of the bureaucracy. The worst of these is the Defense Research and Development Organization or DRDO. Alas, DRDO became a monumental example of bureaucratic inefficiency, wasting billions of dollars and decades of effort on weapons systems that never quite became operational or when they did, they really weren't. DRDO was created in 1958 to provide government support and guidance for defense related research. But the network of research and manufacturing facilities DRDO established since then were more about plundering the taxpayers and benefiting politicians through kickbacks and patronage than in actually creating competitive defense industries. Even DRDO efforts to create low-tech weapons like assault rifles and other infantry equipment were failures, with sloppiness and inefficiency resulting in very uncompetitive weapons.

Worse, many major DRDO weapons development projects have failed because bad politics ensured that bad ideas kept getting funded, and those efforts rarely produced anything the military found acceptable. For example, the 5.5-ton Dhruv helicopter was in development for two decades before the first one was delivered in 2002. Since then, domestic and foreign users have expressed dissatisfaction. A series of crashes indicated some basic design flaws, which the manufacturer insisted did not exist. Similar situation with the locally developed Tejas jet fighter. Indian politicians still cite these two aircraft as examples of successful Indian developed tech. The Indian military has been equally quick to cite these two aircraft as unacceptable and has often succeeded in avoiding accepting more than a token number. Export customers do not exist.

Then there is the effort to develop and build a tank. Many of the problems with the Arjun tank project had to do with nothing more than government ineptitude. The Ministry of Defense was more interested in putting out press releases about how India was becoming self-sufficient in tanks than in attending to the technical details needed to make this happen. The Ministry of Defense has done this sort of thing many times. Moreover, if it isn't incompetence screwing things up, then it's corruption.

Efforts to develop missile systems have also been a long running failure. Work on indigenous missile designs, under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program 0r IGMDP, managed by DRDO has gone on for decades, with no useful weapons to show for it. The most common problems were apparently caused by inept software development. While India has a lot of local talent in this department, creating this kind of specialized military software is very difficult and the best programmers tend to join the growing number of new companies that sell their services or software products to foreigners. Many other Indian engineers and scientists migrate to countries where it is easier to put their skills to good and more lucrative use.

The one exception has been ballistic missiles. Curiously this was seen as a really, really important project and the politicians eventually backed off and let the engineers get on with it. India has world class engineers and scientists, but too many of them have to go overseas to do what they do best because the government does not tolerate being told what works and what doesnt by people who know what they are talking about.

India is determined to develop the capability of designing and building high-tech weapons, something few countries can do. India is following in the footsteps of China and Russia, two nations that still have most of their population living in poverty while the state concentrated resources to create the technological base needed to build modern weapons. Russia and China have gone farther than India in developing and manufacturing modern weapons. Not as far as Western firms, if only because of the corruption and lawlessness in both those nations. But Russia and China had an advantage of having authoritarian governments. Decisions could get made quickly and decisively. India is a democracy and democracies are messy. Important decisions tend to get kicked down the road rather than taken care of. Chinese leaders openly boast of this as a major reason China has succeeded while India fails.

There have been some new ideas and opportunities. One of the most alluring is the growing number of private firms in India that can handle defense work. Currently non-government Indian firms get about a quarter of the contracts. Foreign defense firms can make deals with these private firms who can then go after Indian defense contracts, but Indian defense officials and their legislative allies stand in the way. Indian bureaucrats have a well-deserved reputation of gumming up the works and preventing needful things from getting done. This makes it difficult for private companies, especially when the main customer is the government.

Getting rid of DRDO and its 30,000 employees is difficult, though that is pretty much the only way to cut this Gordian Knot. Over 20 percent of them are scientists and engineers unable to compete in a free market economy with many of the rest being obstructionist bureaucrats whose jobs depend on crippling the efforts of commercial firms competing with DRDO. Eliminating DRDO is extremely unpopular with most politicians because they like the bribes DRDO pays them. Yet in the last few years senior elected officials have made some decisive moves to end the bureaucratic deadlock. This involved something as simple as ending the ban on former military personnel taking key jobs in the Defense Ministry and shutting down state-owned arms factories with long records of failure.

This situation is tragic, and a growing number of Indians realize it. India, a regional superpower, and the worlds largest democracy, with a population of over a billion, now finds itself in a very rough neighborhood with military effectiveness becoming a necessity, not just a worthy goal. To deal with that, India has always maintained large armed forces and one of the largest armies, with a million troops, on the planet. But keeping these troops equipped for what they have to do has proved to be very difficult. The army keeps falling behind in replacing aging weapons like artillery and obtaining new technology such as missiles, smart munitions, and night vision equipment. Getting the money from the government has been the least of their problems. The biggest hassles are with corruption and failed efforts to develop local weapons production.

The latest government moves to change all that are not revolutionary, but evolutionary. As has long been observed, democracies always do the right thing, but often only after trying everything else. India still has not reached the end of the everything else list.
Unveiling the Spectrum of AI Futures - Insights from Glen Robinson, CEO at Platform One

LEHI, UT / ACCESSWIRE / February 9, 2024 / Navigating the labyrinth of AI prognostications unveils a panorama of divergent visions that shape the very fabric of our future. In this landscape, Elon Musk envisions a world where job necessity fades into obsolescence, a stark counterpoint to futurist Ray Kurzweil's forecast that computers will attain human-level intelligence by 2029. This article - written by Glen Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Platform One, discusses the variegation in ideas and execution within the AI technology sphere.

Glen Robinson

Microsoft, a pivotal player with its OpenAI investment and partnership, recently disclosed a remarkable $3.50 return for every $1 invested in AI. Crunchbase sheds further light on the AI surge, revealing that 25% of dollars invested in American startups this year have funneled into AI companies, birthing an impressive 200 AI unicorns.

Yet, as seasoned observers of technological hype cycles can attest, behind the gloss of success lies a landscape dotted with more failures than triumphs. Distinguishing authenticity from hype becomes imperative. Lingering questions persist - what truly constitutes a groundbreaking development? Which companies reside at the vanguard of AI, and which merely ride the current? Above all, the trillion-dollar query looms large: What avenues hold the potential for substantial financial gains in this ever-evolving arena?

Innovators, whether assuming the role of David or Goliath, emerging as first-time founders or seasoned veterans, share a common thread - endeavors they undertake will wield considerable influence. They aren't merely adjusting to change but actively sculpting the future. These AI innovators stand as a testament to the transformative might of AI, serving as pioneers who shape not only the technological landscape but also how we inhabit, labor, and engage with the world that surrounds us.

As the AI narrative unfolds, these trailblazing innovators shape the trajectory of AI evolution. Their impact goes beyond technological advancements, extending into the realms of societal transformation. They are architects of a future where AI isn't just a tool but an integral part of our daily lives, influencing how we work, live, and perceive the world. In this dynamic landscape, the stories of these innovators become chapters in a larger narrative, unfolding the profound impact of AI on the course of human history.

About the author: Glen Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Platform One, is an accomplished professional specializing in corporate turnarounds with extensive international experience in private equity and global blue-chip organizations. With a proven track record in leading companies during times of acute corporate stress globally, Glen brings a unique skill set to his role.

His diverse experience, from corporate development to leadership in the tech industry, reflects his strategic thinking and commitment to operational excellence. Glen holds a Master's degree in Commercial Law, an MBA in Business Administration from DUKE University, and qualifications from CPA Australia. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force in fostering growth and success in challenging business environments.

Contact Information

KresLynn Knouse

Global Head of Marketing

[email protected]

(801) 753-8190

SOURCE: Platform One

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$3.79b (down 3.4% from FY 2022).

Net income: US$788.8m (down 9.6% from FY 2022).

Profit margin: 21% (down from 22% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue.

EPS: US$36.10 (down from US$38.79 in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Mettler-Toledo International EPS Misses Expectations

Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 2.6%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 3.6% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.1% growth forecast for the Life Sciences industry in the US.

Performance of the American Life Sciences industry.

The company's shares are down 2.9% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for Mettler-Toledo International that you should be aware of before investing 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.
WATERLOO, Ontario, Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuelPositive Corporation (TSX.V: NHHH) (OTCQB: NHHHF) (the Company) is pleased to announce that it has closed a final tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the Offering) and has issued 9,961,909 units (each, a Unit) at a price of $0.055 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $547,905. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a Warrant) allowing holders to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.07 until February 9, 2029.

When combined with the first tranche of the Offering, the Company has raised gross proceeds of $1,897,905 through the issuance of 34,507,363 Units. The net proceeds from the Offering will be utilized for general working capital purposes.

In connection with closing of the final tranche of the Offering, the Company issued 525,000 Warrants and paid $28,875 to certain arms-length parties who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. All securities issued in the final tranche of the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period until June 10, 2024, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About FuelPositive Corporation

FuelPositive Corporation is at the forefront of Canadian technology and is committed to delivering sustainable, environmentally responsible Green Ammonia solutions. Our innovative approach includes on-farm/on-site, containerized Green Ammonia production systems, effectively eliminating carbon emissions.

Our commercial Green Ammonia systems are versatile, serving multiple applications, including fertilizer for farming, fuel for grain drying, internal combustion engines, and hydrogen storage for fuel cells and other sectors.

Our main customer base consists of farmers, who currently utilize 80% of the global ammonia production. We address their nitrogen fertilizer needs while advocating for environmental change.

Our Canadian company leverages Canadas expertise in technology and environmental stewardship to empower communities worldwide against food insecurity. Were shaping a more resilient future for generations through collaboration and innovation.

FuelPositive: Fuel for a Mindful World.

FuelPositive Corporation is based in Waterloo (Canada) and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol NHHH and in the USA on the OTCQB under the symbol NHHHF.

For further information, please contact:

Ian CliffordChief Executive Officer and Board Chair[email protected] www.fuelpositive.com

Investor Relations United States & International:RB Milestone Group (RBMG) [email protected]

Investor Relations Canada: Transcend Capital Inc. [email protected]

Cautionary Statement

Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. The information in this release about future plans and objectives of the Company, including the expected expenditures of the proceeds of the private placement, are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made and 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. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect.

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of providing information about managements expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Source: FuelPositive Corp.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA: 6UF0) (Lancaster or the Company) is pleased to announce that on February 2, 2024, the Supreme Court of British Columbia granted an interim order (the Interim Order) in connection with the proposed spin-off of Nelson Lake Copper Corp. (Nelson Lake) by Lancaster by way of Plan of Arrangement (the Arrangement). For further information on the Arrangement and the arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement"), please refer to Lancasters news release dated January 30, 2024.

The Interim Order, among other things, directs Lancaster to call and hold a special meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of Lancaster common shares (the "Shareholders") in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, BC, to pass a special resolution to approve the Arrangement. In accordance with the Interim Order, the Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), March 15, 2024, at the offices of the Company.

The record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice and to vote at the Meeting was the close of business on February 5, 2024, as was described in the Companys press release dated January 30, 2024.

In connection with the Meeting, the Company will mail an information circular (the Circular), together with related proxy materials (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to Shareholders in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Meeting Materials will also be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Lancasters profile.

To be effective, the Arrangement must be approved by a special resolution passed at the Meeting by at least two-thirds (66 %) of the votes cast at the Meeting in person or by proxy by the Shareholders.

If all necessary approvals are obtained, the Company expects that the Arrangement will close in March 2024.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources (CSE:LCR | OTCQB:LANRF | FRA: 6UF0) is engaged in exploring critical minerals. Its Alkali Flat Lithium Project, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA, involves the exploration of a below-surface lithium brine target. Lancasters goal at Alkali Flat is to produce Net-Zero Lithium through the use of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology and solar power. Lancaster is also collaborating to deploy advanced satellite hyperspectral acquisition, geospatial data aggregation, and AI-driven predictive modelling services for the exploration of lithium, uranium, rare earth elements (REE), and other critical minerals

Lancasters project portfolio includes rights to acquire the Trans-Taiga Lithium Property located within the James Bay lithium district of Quebec and the Nelson Lake Copper Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, held through its subsidiary Nelson Lake Copper Corp. Lancaster is in the process of divesting a majority of its ownership in Nelson Lake through a spin-off transaction. Guiding Lancaster's journey is a skilled management and technical team with collective involvement in over 15 commercial mineral discoveries and endowed with extensive experience in the creation of lithium brine targets and the exploration and development of exploration projects across Canada, the American West, Mexico, and South America.

Penny White, President & Chief Executive Officer Lancaster Resources Inc.Email: [email protected] Tel: 604 923 6100Website: www.lancaster-resources.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Lancasters future performance. The use of any of the words could, 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 Lancasters current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to enter into an Arrangement Agreement and meet the other conditions precedent of the Spin-Off Agreement, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, obtain exploration and drilling permits, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties, and integrate sustainable energy sources and innovative technologies for climate-positive resource production constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Source: Lancaster Resources Inc.
Administrator Guzman Visits Business Recovery Center, Temporary Elementary School Site

HAWAII, Feb. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday, Feb. 9, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Bidens cabinet for Americas more than 33 million small businesses, continued her assessment of recovery efforts six months after the devastating fires in Maui.

Administrator Guzman started the day at the local Business Recovery Center, which helps individuals whose businesses suffered property damage or economic losses due to the wildfires. There, she met with staff and discussed how the SBA is assisting economic recovery efforts for the local small business community. During her visit, she also visited the Business Resource Assessment Center (BRAC) and heard from staff, volunteers, and resource partners working in the community. This is the first BRAC established by the SBA during a disaster.

Later in the morning, Administrator Guzman traveled to the Maui Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable with Pam Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs. During the roundtable, they discussed the past six months of recovery, how businesses have been affected by the fires, and the economic future of Maui as the community charts a path forward.

Administrator Guzman then joined FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell at a recovery construction site as part of a project made possible through FEMA Disaster Relief and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarding a contract to a Native Hawaiian Organization 8(a) certified firm. Administrator Guzman highlighted the importance of more recovery contact dollars getting to local small businesses.

Administrator Guzman ended the day with Administrator Criswell and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen for a meeting with the Mayors Advisory Committee. They heard from local residents who lost their homes and businesses in the fire and discussed the federal governments role in long-term recovery efforts.

For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Rebecca Galanti at [email protected]. Photos available upon request at [email protected].

Event Photos:

Meeting Business Recovery Center Staff

Image Description: Administrator Guzman (L) meets with staff at the Business Recovery Center (BRC), which provides relief to disaster survivors on Maui.

Maui Chamber of Commerce Roundtable

Image Description: Administrator Guzman (C) participates in a roundtable with small business owners at the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Mayors Advisory Committee Meeting

Image Description: Administrator Guzman (L) participates in a recovery meeting with Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and the Mayors Advisory Committee.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Refined Metals Corp. (CSE: RMC; OTC: RFMCF; FRA: CWA0) (the Company) announces, further to its news release of January 26, 2024, that the consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share (a Post-Consolidation Share) for every two currently-outstanding common shares (the Consolidation) will take place effective market open on February 15, 2024. At this time, the Companys common shares will commence trading on the Exchange on a post-consolidation basis.

On a pre-Consolidation basis, the Company has 57,288,955 issued and outstanding common shares and, following the Consolidation, the Company expects to have 28,644,478 Post-Consolidation Shares issued and outstanding. No fractional Post-Consolidation Shares will be issued. If, as a result of the Consolidation, a shareholder would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Post-Consolidation Share, each fractional share following conversion that is at least one-half (1/2) of a Post-Consolidation Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number and each fractional share that is less than one-half (1/2) of a Post-Consolidation Share will be cancelled. No cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares.

The Companys name and trading symbol will remain unchanged. The CUSIP number for its Post-Consolidation Shares will be 75867R203 and the ISIN for the Post-Consolidation Shares will be CA75867R2037. Letters of transmittal describing the process by which shareholders may obtain new share certificates or Direct Registration System advices representing their Post-Consolidation Shares will be mailed to registered shareholders. Shareholders who hold their shares through a broker or other intermediary and do not have shares registered in their name will not be required to complete a letter of transmittal. The letter of transmittal will also be filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Refined Metals Corp.

Refined Metals Corp. is a junior mining company dedicated to identifying, evaluating and acquiring interests in mineral properties in North America. The Companys business is currently focused on the exploration and development of the Simard Property, a prospective, exploration stage lithium property located in the Lac Simard region of Quebec. The Company is also party to an option agreement in respect of the Horizon South Property, a prospective, exploration stage lithium property located in Tonopah Nevada. The Company continues to review other mineral properties in North America for possible acquisition in the future.

For further information, please contact:

Phone: (604) 398-3378 Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the proposed Consolidation, including the effective date of the Consolidation.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, the assumption that the Consolidation will be completed as currently anticipated and on the timeline currently anticipated.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, that the Consolidation may not be completed by the Company on the timeline anticipated, or at all; and that the board of directors of the Company retains discretion over the terms and implementation of the Consolidation. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

Source: Refined Metals Corp.
NEW YORK, Feb. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) between April 30, 2019 and December 21, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important March 15, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Cummins 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 Cummins class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=21566 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 15, 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) contrary to its post-April 2019 Announcement assurances about its commitment to compliance, Cummins continued to produce engines with unlawful emission defeating devices from 2019 to 2023; (2) accordingly, Cummins understated its legal and regulatory risk, and overstated its commitment to environmental protection, and (3) 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 Cummins class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=21566 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm 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 Firms 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
Paid press release content from Send2Press. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

SMITHFIELD, N.C., Feb. 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) Deacon Jones Automotive, a leading dealership group based in Smithfield, North Carolina, is proud to announce its recent acquisition of Sale Auto Mall Stores (BMW, Chevrolet, GMC & Ford) located in Kinston, North Carolina.

This strategic move, in a desired partnership with Capital Automotive of Raleigh NC, marks a significant expansion for Deacon Jones Automotive, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for automotive sales and service in the region.

Deacon Jones Automotives addition of Sale Auto Mall now boasts an even wider selection of top automotive brands, providing customers in the Kinston and the eastern NC region with access to an unparalleled inventory, and unrivaled customer service. This acquisition aligns with Deacon Jones Automotives commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience and fostering long-term relationships within the communities it serves.

Ken Jones, President & CEO of Deacon Jones Automotive, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, We are thrilled to welcome Sale Auto Mall Stores into the Deacon Jones family. We are also elated to with addition of our first luxury import brand BMW! This expansion allows us to better serve our customers in Kinston and surrounding areas, offering them a diverse range of quality vehicles and exceptional service.

For over 40 years Deacon Jones Automotive has built a reputation for excellence, with a dedicated team of professionals who prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. By combining the strengths of both organizations, Deacon Jones Automotive aims to elevate the car-buying experience for its customers and continue its tradition of providing unparalleled value and service.

For more information about Deacon Jones Automotive, please visit https://speakindeacon.com/.

About Deacon Jones Automotive:

Deacon Jones Automotive is a trusted dealership group based in Smithfield, North Carolina, offering a wide selection of new and used vehicles from top automotive brands. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement, Deacon Jones Automotive has become a preferred destination for car buyers in the region.

NEWS SOURCE: Deacon Jones Auto Group



This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Deacon Jones Auto Group), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/deacon-jones-automotive-expands-reach-with-acquisition-of-sale-auto-mall-in-kinston-north-carolina/

Copr.  2024 Send2Press Newswire, a service of NEOTROPE, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: 103563SI.05
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Texas Physician Dennis Doan Gives Back With Scholarship Fund



Renowned cardiologist Dr. Dennis Doan, MD, MBA, FACC, RVPI, announces the establishment of the distinguished Dr. Dennis Doan Scholarship for Medical Students, aimed at fostering excellence and innovation in the medical field.

Dr. Dennis Doan's lifelong dedication to healthcare excellence has led him to create a significant opportunity for aspiring medical professionals. With a one-time award of $1,000, the scholarship seeks to recognize and support outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and high school students with a passion for medicine.

The scholarship, available to applicants nationwide, aims to identify and empower the next generation of medical leaders. Dr. Dennis Doan believes in the power of education and innovation to drive positive change in healthcare.

Applicants for the Dr. Dennis Doan Scholarship for Medical Students must meet rigorous criteria to be considered. They must demonstrate a commitment to medical education, academic excellence, dedication to medicine, and a strong desire for personal and professional growth. Additionally, candidates are required to submit a compelling essay addressing a significant challenge facing the healthcare industry and proposing innovative solutions.

Dr. Dennis Doan, MD, MBA, FACC, RVPI, reflects on his own educational journey as the inspiration behind the scholarship. A graduate of the Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, Dr. Doan's dual MD/MBA degree laid the foundation for his comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Dennis Doan has made significant contributions to the field of cardiology. From serving as Cath Lab Director at the Medical City of Weatherford to participating in multicenter trials, his commitment to advancing patient care and medical knowledge is unwavering.

As a testament to his belief in the importance of education, Dr. Dennis Doan has established this scholarship to nurture and support the future leaders of medicine. Through his scholarship, he aims to inspire excellence, foster innovation, and drive positive change in healthcare.

The deadline to apply for the Dr. Dennis Doan Scholarship for Medical Students is May 15, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials promptly for consideration. The winner will be announced on June 15, 2024.

For more information about the scholarship and to apply, please visit https://drdennisdoanscholarship.com/dr-dennis-doan-scholarship/

Dr. Dennis Doan's commitment to healthcare excellence continues to inspire and impact the medical community. His vision, expertise, and compassionate approach to patient care make him a respected figure and a valuable asset to the medical profession.

About Dr. Dennis Doan:

Dr. Dennis Doan, MD, MBA, FACC, RVPI, is a distinguished figure in the field of cardiology, renowned for his unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Doan's journey has been characterized by a passion for advancing patient care, a commitment to medical education, and a relentless pursuit of medical innovation.

Scholarship Details:

One-time award of $1,000

Deadline to apply: May 15, 2024

Winner announced: June 15, 2024

Contact Info:

Name: Dr. Dennis Doan

Email: Send Email

Organization: Dr. Dennis Doan Scholarship

Website: https://drdennisdoanscholarship.com



Release ID: 89121214

If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours  ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
VANCOUVER, BC , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF) ("BioVaxys" or the "Company") announces that it has completed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") consisting of 36,783,334 ("Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $1,103,500 . Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") and one whole Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable for one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of 48 months.

All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital purposes. The private placement is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Company will pay a finder's fee of $57,400 in cash related to the financing.

The Company anticipates closing the second and final tranche of the private placement no later than February 9 th, 2024.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a biopharmaceuticals company based in Vancouver, Canada , is developing BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using our proprietary HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform for treating refractive late-stage ovarian cancer and other tumor types. The Company is capitalizing on its tumor immunology know-how and creation of a unique library of T-lymphocytes & other datasets post-vaccination with its personalized immunotherapeutic vaccines to utilize predictive algorithms and other technologies to identify new targetable tumor antigens. BioVaxys is also pursuing vaccines based on its HapTenix platform for various emerging viral infections. BioVaxys common shares are listed on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" and trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and in the US (OTCQB: BVAXF).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed " James Passin "

James Passin , CEO

+1 646 452 7054

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the proposed debt settlement and the overall development of BioVaxys' vaccines and diagnostic technologies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines and diagnostic tools, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVaxys' vaccines and diagnostic tools will not prove to be effective and/ or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties.

The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2338280/BIOVAXYS_Corporate_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biovaxys-announces-completion-of-first-tranche-of-private-placement-302058925.html

SOURCE BioVaxys Technology Corp.
WASHINGTON , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Champions for Change Public Event , hosted by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute on Tuesday, February 13 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM , will celebrate the five Native youth change makers from across the country at the inaugural meeting of the 2024 Champions for Change.

"We are thrilled to bring together this year's Champions for Change in Washington, D.C. to commemorate their unwavering passion and determination for making lasting change in their communities. Our Champions for Change show us just how impactful our youth are," said CNAY Executive Director Nikki Santos Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "We look forward to celebrating our Champions and honoring Native Forward CEO Angelique Albert for all of her commitment and dedication. Congratulations, and thank you, Angelique."

Following the public event, the Center for Native American Youth will host a reception honoring Angelique Albert , Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund .

Angelique Albert has dedicated her career of service to Native students and communities. As CEO of Native Forward, her leadership has guided Native Forward through a period of unprecedented growth during its 53-year history; quadrupling scholarship funding, increasing the types of funding available to access, and expanding extensive holistic support services and programming offered to students. Native Forward awards up to $15 million in scholarships annually and has awarded more than $400 million in direct scholarships to over 22,000 Native students since its inception.

"I am humbled to receive this distinction as the Honorary 2024 Champion For Change, a program committed to elevating Native youth and giving voice and visibility to our Native communities," said Angelique. "I will continue to drive impact for Tribal scholars every year so that they can pursue their academic dreams, build impactful careers, and give back to their respective communities."

CNAY will present Angelique with an Honorary Champion for Change Award at the evening's reception, celebrating her accomplished career and dedication to uplifting Indian Country and supporting young Indigenous leaders over the last 25 years.

Members of the media interested in attending the event can register here .

EVENT DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 EVENT TIME: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET LOCATION: Aspen Institute, Washington, D.C. | Smith Conference Room , 8th Floor

2300 N Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20037 HONOREES: Native Forward Scholars Fund CEO Angelique Albert Confederated Salish &

Kootenai Tribes

2024 Champions for Change: Tayler Higgins , Seldovia Village Tribe , University of Alaska Anchorage

Sage Phillips , Penobscot Nation , University of Connecticut

Ian Teller , Navajo , Dine College

Wambli Gleska Quintana , Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Navajo Nation , Dupree High School

Jeidah DeZurney , Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians , Multnomah Education Service District

For more information, click here .

The reception following the event will be co-hosted with the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission at the Westin located at 999 9th St NW . Members of the media interested in attending the reception should email Samantha Hintz at [email protected] .

The 2024 Champions for Change class joins the decade-strong Champions for Change (CFC) program and 48 Champs alumni. This year's five selected Champs reflect the rich cultures, diversity, and resiliency of Native Peoples of the United States .

Launched at CNAY in 2013, the Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. The program develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and culturally tailored advocacy training.

About CNAY:

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth  ages 24 and under  on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well-being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve.

Contact: Harper Estey

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/center-for-native-american-youth-to-honor-indigenous-youth-leaders-in-washington-dc-302058931.html

SOURCE Native Forward Scholars Fund
More than 140 Grants Awarded to Teachers in 66 Districts

TUSTIN, Calif. , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Education Foundation for California Schools, a non-profit organization created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education, today announced that it awarded 142 grants to teachers throughout the state to help fund programs designed to encourage students to learn and excel in the core subjects of language arts, science and mathematics, foreign language, and social studies. The grants  awarded in $1,000 and $5,000 funding levels  total more than $340,000 .

A total of 142 Foundation grants were distributed to teachers in 10 counties throughout Northern and Southern California , including Amador , Calaveras , El Dorado , Los Angeles , Orange , Placer , Riverside , Sacramento , San Bernardino and San Diego .

"In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, SchoolsFirst FCU founded the Education Foundation for California Schools as a way to support learning and enrichment initiatives," said Bill Cheney , chief executive officer at SchoolsFirst FCU. "Over the years, it's wonderful to see how the Education Foundation has helped educators provide innovative and inspiring instruction, building a brighter future for students."

According to Josh Smith , vice president, school and community relations, at SchoolsFirst FCU, teachers throughout the state demonstrated a high level of originality and innovation in their applications. "We were inspired by the broad range of program ideas proposed by the teachers, all well-planned and detailed, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of teachers to their students," Smith said.

Every year, the Education Foundation for California Schools awards grants to California teachers from kindergarten to community college. Grants can be used for materials or equipment to support the development of new programs in core subjects. Since the program was launched in 2003, 878 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $2.2 million , directly impacting a countless number of California students.

Applications for grants are accepted each year during the month of October, and teachers are encouraged to apply on the Foundation's website.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees and their families. For more information, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

About the Education Foundation for California Schools:

The Education Foundation for California Schools is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 2003 by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education to provide financial assistance to teachers in California public and private schools through grants. The grants help fund educational programs that impact students throughout the state. Every year, grants are awarded to California teachers from kindergarten to community college and can be used for materials or equipment to support the development of new educational programs in core subjects. Since 2003, more than 700 teachers have received grants totaling nearly $1.8 million . Applications are submitted in October each year and are chosen based on various factors. For more information about the Education Foundation for California Schools, visit caeducationfoundation.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/education-foundation-for-california-schools-announces-grant-recipients-for-2023-applicants-302058924.html

SOURCE SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Kanoo Energy, a division of Kanoo Industrial & Energy and a leading force in engineered solutions for the energy industry, is participating for the third consecutive time at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC 2024), which opened today in Dhahran.

A major player in the region, Kanoo Energy said it believes in contributing to the event by highlighting the value chain and maximising asset potential and unveiling of new avenues for the industry.

Founded in 2005, the IPTC is a flagship multidisciplinary technical event in the Eastern Hemisphere which will be held from February 12 to 14 in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The scope of the conference programme and associated industry activities address technology and relevant industry issues that challenge industry specialists and management around the world.

Commenting on Kanoo Energys commitment towards the growing energy industry, Ali Abdulla Kanoo, the Deputy Chairman, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo and President of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, said: "Kanoo Energy has been a driving force in delivering engineered solutions for over two decades. Our commitment to sustainable, smart engineering and compliance with international standards positions us as leaders in the energy industry, specifically in the GCC."

"Furthermore, aligning with the Kingdoms Localization initiative we remain dedicated to advancing the sector through innovation and collaborative excellence," he stated.

In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, Kanoo significantly contributes to the regions localization initiatives, thus, enhancing and empowering the Saudi workforce by bringing additional value.

This year's IPTC marks a momentous occasion for Kanoo Energy, not only for its longstanding participation but also for its unwavering commitment to driving positive change, he added.

With a prime focus on environment and sustainability solutions, localised manufacturing, enhanced services and products, Kanoo Energy has partnered with top global majors including Carbon Clean, CorrosionRadar, Geospatial Insight, Adage, Imaginarium, Doble, Straton, RTR, Evident, Woodward, Grandperspective, Regal Rexnord and 3M.

Kanoo Energy KSA had recently sealed a partnership agreement with Germany-based SICK, a global manufacturer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications.

A significant milestone for the group, this collaboration will see Kanoo Energy embark upon manufacturing flare gas flowmeters locally in Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, Adage Automation Private Limited entered into a partnership with Kanoo Energy for local manufacturing and services of Process Gas Analytical Solutions, Environmental Solutions, Analyzer Shelters & HVAC in KSA.

Fahad Fawzi Kanoo, Vice President, Kanoo Industrial and Energy, said: By empowering the workforce in Saudi Arabia, Kanoo Energy continues to add value to our esteemed customers in the kingdom. As we participate in IPTC 2024, showcasing the latest technologies and best practices, we believe in contributing to the event by highlighting the value chain and maximizing asset potential, unveiling new avenues for the industry."

On Kanoo Energys focus for IPTC 2024, Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, said: "This year we are delighted to bring 12 of our valuable partners to IPTC 2024 including the recently signed partners such as Adage and SICK."

"We believe together we combine expertise across various sectors, including environment and sustainability solutions, localized manufacturing, enhanced in-house Services, engineered products and height safety, solidifying our commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry," noted Tripathy.

"With its range of cutting-edge technology, Kanoo Energy has attracted international and local specialist partners and innovators to implement solutions that will enable the industry in the GCC to move towards a sustainable future," he added.

Kanoo Energy has called upon top industry professionals to visit its booth at IPTC 2024 and join their journey of groundbreaking solutions, explore their pioneering technologies and connect with thought leaders and be part of a dynamic knowledge-sharing experience designed to drive the energy industry.-TradeArabia News Service
Elon Musk's company Neuralink has moved its incorporation from the First State to Nevada as he grapples with a recent Delaware judge's decision that voided his extraordinary pay package from Tesla.

Musk, who tweeted out, "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware, is taking his own advice by attempting to move his company incorporations over to states like Texas and Nevada.

Neuralink, Musk's company intended to design brain-implanted computer chips, moved its incorporation to Nevada on Thursday, according to both Nevada and Delaware state records. Last month, Musk announced that the first human patient received a Neuralink implant.

Last week, Musk took to his social media platform X angrily after Delaware judge Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick struck down a $55 billion Tesla pay package. "I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters," said Musk on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Delaware Chancery Court ruled the package was not fair and must be voided.

This is not Musk's first company incorporated in Nevada, however. X, which was incorporated in Delaware when it was Twitter, and xAI, an artificial intelligence company, are also incorporated in the state.

Delaware is known nationally due to corporation-favoring laws, where many major companies are incorporated, such as Alphabet, Amazon and more.

ELON MUSK IN DELAWARE: Have the courts really been so unfair to him? Here's his record

MORE: Tesla CEO's nearly $56 billion compensation package was unfair, Delaware court rules

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Musk moves Neuralink from Delaware to Nevada after $55 billion dispute
Frigorifico Concepcion S.A.

ASUNCION, Paraguay , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frigorifico Concepcion S.A. (the "Company") announced today that it has received the Requisite Consents (as defined below) as of 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on February 9, 2024 (the "Expiration Time"), according to Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the Information and Tabulation Agent in connection with the Company's solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation") made pursuant to the Consent Solicitation Statement dated February 2, 2024 (as amended on February 8, 2024 by means of a press release, the "Consent Solicitation Statement") in order to give effect to the intent of the Proposed Amendments and Additional Amendments not Requiring Consent, as further described in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The primary purpose of the Consent Solicitation is to make amendments to the Indenture governing the Company's 7.700% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the "Notes") that would permit the Company to incur the additional indebtedness pursuant to the Concurrent New Notes Offering. The Consent Solicitation expired at the Expiration Time.

The Proposed Amendments required valid consents from holders representing at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes (the "Requisite Consents"). The Additional Amendments not Requiring Consent do not require any consent from holders of 2028 Notes.

The 2028 Notes were issued on July 21, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of US$300,000,000. As of the date of the Consent Solicitation Statement, US$300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes remained outstanding.

As of the Expiration Time, the approximate percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the 2028 Notes for which the Company had received and accepted consents was as follows:

Series of Notes CUSIPs and ISINs

(144A and Reg S) Outstanding Aggregate

Principal Amount Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount that has

validly Consented to the Proposed Amendments 7.700% Senior Secured Notes due

2028 358648 AA1;

P4R54K AA4 /

US358648 AA16;

USP4R54KAA49 US$300,000,000 88.74 %

The Proposed Amendments and the Additional Amendments not Requiring Consent will become effective when the First Supplemental Indenture, the amendment to the Bolivian Law Documents in order to increase the shares of the Bolivian Guarantor included in the Collateral from 51% to 100% of the outstanding shares of the Bolivian Guarantor, the Brazilian Fiduciary Assignment Agreement of Quotas Under Condition Precedent and the Brazilian Fiduciary Assignment Agreement over Surplus of Foreclosure, and any other amendments to the Transaction Documents as may be necessary to consummate the Proposed Amendments are executed, subject to the satisfaction of all other conditions of the Consent Solicitation. The effectiveness of the Brazilian Fiduciary Assignment Agreement of Quotas Under Condition Precedent is also subject to the satisfaction of the Brazilian Condition Precedent.

The Proposed Amendments will not become operative until amounts payable by us pursuant to the Consent Solicitation Statement are deposited with the Information and Tabulation Agent on the Settlement Date or, upon the Information and Tabulation Agent's instructions, with DTC and the Proposed Amendments shall thereafter bind, or inure to the benefit of, respectively, all holders of the 2028 Notes, including those that did not deliver Consents.

Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, and the Company's right to terminate the Consent Solicitation for any reason at any time, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, and the Collateral Agent as applicable, will execute the First Supplemental Indenture amending and supplementing the Indenture, the amendment to the Bolivian Law Documents, the Brazilian Law Documents, and any other amendments to the Transaction Documents as may be necessary to consummate the Proposed Amendments.

The consent payment of US$10.00 per US$1,000 in principal amount of the Notes will be paid to Holders of Notes from whom a consent was validly delivered (and not withdrawn) prior to the Expiration Time, subject to the satisfaction of all conditions of the Consent Solicitation and the Company's right to terminate the Consent Solicitation, as described above. This payment is expected to occur on the Settlement Date.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this communication have the meanings specified in the Consent Solicitation Statement.

This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation of consents from any holder of 2028 Notes. The solicitation of consents of holders has only been made pursuant to the Consent Solicitation Statement.

The Consent Solicitation Statement is available from the Information and Tabulation Agent. The Information and Tabulation Agent for the Consent Solicitation is:

Global Bondholder Services Corporation

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, New York 10006

Attn: Corporate Actions

Banks and Brokers call: +1 212 430-3774

Toll free: +1 855-654-2014

By facsimile:

(For Eligible Institutions only):

+1 212 430-3775/3779

Confirmation:

+1 212 430-3774

Email: [email protected]

Any questions regarding the terms of the Consent Solicitation should be directed to the Solicitation Agents or the Information and Tabulation Agent at their respective addresses and telephone numbers set forth on this communication. Requests for additional copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement or any other related documents may also be directed to the Information and Tabulation Agent.

The Solicitation Agents for the Consent Solicitation are:

BofA Securities, Inc. One Bryant Park New York, New York , 10036

Attention: Liability Management

Collect: +1 (646) 855-8988 Toll Free: +1 (888) 292-0070 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179

United States

Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279 Toll Free: +1 (866) 846-2874

Important Notice

NONE OF THE SOLICITATION AGENTS, THE TRUSTEE, THE COLLATERAL AGENT OR THE INFORMATION AND TABULATION AGENT, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER HOLDERS SHOULD DELIVER CONSENTS TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS PURSUANT TO THE CONSENT SOLICITATION, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ANY OF THEM TO MAKE SUCH A RECOMMENDATION. EACH HOLDER MUST MAKE ITS OWN DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO GIVE A CONSENT.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and there shall be no sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of such securities under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement is not an offer for sale of any securities in the United States . Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Frigorifico Concepcion S.A. has not registered and does not intend to register any portion of any offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of any securities in the United States .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frigorifico-concepcion-sa-announces-successful-results-of-consent-solicitation-302058951.html

SOURCE Frigorifico Concepcion S.A.
PDUFA date is August 9, 2024

If approved, this would be the first MDMA-assisted therapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy

SAN JOSE, Calif. , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation) ("Lykos"), a company dedicated to transforming mental healthcare, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has accepted its new drug application ("NDA") for midomafetamine capsules ("MDMA") used in combination with psychological intervention, which includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and other supportive services provided by a qualified healthcare provider for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). The FDA has granted the application priority review and has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") target action date of August 9, 2024 . If approved, this would be the first MDMA-assisted therapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

"Securing priority review for our investigational MDMA-assisted therapy is a significant accomplishment and underscores the urgent unmet need for new innovation in the treatment of PTSD," said Amy Emerson , chief executive officer of Lykos Therapeutics. "We remain focused on working with the FDA through the review process and preparing for a controlled launch with an emphasis on quality should this potential treatment be approved."

The NDA submission included results from numerous studies including two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies (MAPP1 and MAPP2) evaluating the efficacy and safety of MDMA used in combination with psychological intervention versus placebo with therapy in participants diagnosed with severe or moderate to severe PTSD, respectively. Both MAPP1 and MAPP2 studies met their primary and secondary endpoints and were published in Nature Medicine. 1, 2 The primary endpoint for both studies was to assess changes in PTSD symptom severity as measured by the change from baseline in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 ("CAPS-5"). The key secondary endpoint of both studies was to assess improvement in functional impairment associated with PTSD as measured by the change from baseline in the Sheehan Disability Scale ("SDS"). No serious adverse events were reported in the MDMA group in either study.

The FDA grants priority review for drugs that, if approved, would represent significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications.3

MDMA-assisted therapy has not been approved by any regulatory agency. The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy has not been established for the treatment of PTSD. Investigational MDMA-assisted therapy is also being studied in other indications.

About PTSD

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can develop when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. 4 PTSD affects approximately 13 million Americans each year5 with women and disadvantaged or marginalized groups more likely to be affected. 6 Military personnel also have a greater prevalence of PTSD than the general population7 however, it may not be as widely known that that the largest cause of PTSD is non-combat-related trauma (e.g., sexual violence, unexpected death of a loved one, life-threatening traumatic event or interpersonal violence). 8 PTSD results in debilitating symptoms including nightmares and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma, mental and/or physical distress in response to trauma-related stimuli, avoidant behaviors, negative thoughts and feelings, and hyperarousal. 9, 10 These symptoms can impact nearly all aspects of a person's life.[11] People with PTSD frequently also experience anxiety, depression, substance use disorder and suicidal ideation. 12,13 They also may have a greater incidence of medical conditions that impact their physical health, including heart disease, metabolic syndrome and asthma. 14, 15, 16, 17 In addition to the significant personal impact, PTSD has an enormous economic impact resulting in an annual cost of over $232 billion in the United States .18

PTSD Treatment

Trauma-focused talk therapy, which concentrates on memories of the traumatic event or thoughts and feelings associated with the traumatic event 19 is first-line treatment for PTSD , which can be used alone or in combination with medication. There are two SSRIs approved for the treatment of PTSD (sertraline and paroxetine). 20 Studies have shown talk therapy lessens the severity of PTSD symptoms, however improvements in functioning and quality of life have been modest. 21,22 Trauma-focused talk therapy is associated with a high risk of dropout and lingering symptoms which occur in as many as two-thirds of people who complete treatment. 23, 24 Current treatments for PTSD are "reasonably efficacious" (Bryant, 2019, p.265), however many people don't respond to treatment or stop treatment early, underscoring the urgent need for new evidence-based therapies and approaches to address this important public health issue. 25 While there have been advancements in the management of PTSD, there have been no new drug treatments approved by the FDA in over twenty years.26

About MDMA-Assisted Therapy

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is not new to mental health professionals. MDMA is an entactogen a class of psychoactive compounds that are differentiated from classic psychedelics (i.e., psilocybin, mescaline and LSD) and are defined based on their mechanism and known effects of increasing self-awareness leading to introspection and personal reflection.27,,28 In the 1970's and early 1980's MDMA was used in conjunction with talk therapy by mental health providers to enhance patients' access, processing, and communication of difficult emotions and experiences.29 In 1985, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") made MDMA a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act preventing it from being used for recreational or medical use. 30 Since then, research has shown the unique properties of MDMA allow it to act as a powerful catalyst to support psychotherapy by helping diminish the brain's fear response allowing people to access and process painful memories without being overwhelmed. 31 However, additional clinical trials would be needed to secure regulatory review and potential approval.

Lykos, with longstanding roots in advocacy for psychedelic medicine, pioneered the first randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy as an investigational modality using midomafetamine (MDMA) in combination with psychological intervention to treat PTSD.

With a growing body of evidence supporting the potential medical use of MDMA, in 2017 the FDA granted the company's investigational MDMA-assisted therapy Breakthrough Therapy designation, a process designed to expedite the development and review of drugs intended to treat serious conditions for which preliminary scientific evidence indicates that it may demonstrate a substantial improvement over available therapies. If approved by the FDA, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") would be required to reschedule MDMA making it available for prescription medical use.

Lykos Therapeutics (Formerly MAPS PBC)

At Lykos, formerly MAPS PBC, our mission is to transform mental healthcare. We aspire to challenge the status quo through the development of novel therapies and therapeutic approaches to treat mental health conditions. With 30+ years of experience researching psychedelic-assisted therapies, we remain committed to the rigorous pursuit of evidence-based development of novel approaches. Founded in 2014 by the non-profit MAPS, Lykos is a for-profit public benefit corporation ("PBC") established to further the development of investigational psychedelic-assisted therapies. As a PBC, we consider the impact of our decisions on society just as we think about financial implications. Everything we do is viewed through a public benefit lens. To learn more visit us at www.lykospbc.com and on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.

1 Mitchell JM, Bogenschutz M, Lilienstein A, et al. MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nat Med 609 2021;27:102533

2 Mitchell JM, Ot'alora MG et al. MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Nat Med. 2023 Sept 14 doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02565-4. Online ahead of print.

3 FDA Priority Review. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/priority-review. Accessed January 2024 .

4The Mayo Clinic, PTSD, Symptoms and Causes www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967c. Accessed January 2024 .

5 VA National Center for PTSD. US Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed February 14, 2023 . https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

6 Goldstein RB et al. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2016; 51(8):11371148.

7 Lehavot K, et al. Am J Prev Med. 2018;54(1):e1-e9.

8 Kessler RC, Rose S, Koenen KC, et al. How well can post-traumatic stress disorder be predicted from pre-trauma risk factors? An exploratory study in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. World Psychiatry. 2014 Oct;13(3):265-74. doi: 10.1002/wps.20150. PMID: 25273300; PMCID: PMC4219068.

9 Davis LL. The economic burden of posttraumatic stress disorder in the United States from a societal perspective. J Clin Psychiatry. (2022) Apr 25 ;83(3):21m14116. doi: 10.4088/JCP.21m14116.

10 Bryant RA. Post-traumatic stress disorder: a state-of-the-art review of evidence and challenges. World Psychiatry. 2019;18(3):259269.

11The Mayo Clinic, PTSD, Symptoms and Causes www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967c

12 Grinage B.D. Diagnosis and Management of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Am Fam Physician. (2003);68(12):2401-2409.

13 Rojas SM et al. Understanding PTSD comorbidity and suicidal behavior: associations among histories of alcohol dependence, major depressive disorder, and suicidal ideation and attempts. J Anxiety Disord. 2014;28(3):318325.

14 Edmondson D, von Kanel R. Post -traumatic stress disorder and cardiovascular disease. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017;4(4):320329.

15 Krantz DS et al. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a systemic disorder: Pathways to cardiovascular disease. Health Psychol. 2022;41(10):651662.

16 Boscarino, JA. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mortality Among U.S. Army Veterans 30 Years After Military Service. Ann Epidemiol. 2006;16(4):248256.

17 Nichter B et al. Physical health burden of PTSD, depression, and their comorbidity in the U.S. veteran population: Morbidity, functioning, and disability. J Psychosom Res 2019;124:109744.

18 Davis LL. The economic burden of posttraumatic stress disorder in the United States from a societal perspective. J Clin Psychiatry. (2022) Apr 25 ;83(3):21m14116. doi: 10.4088/JCP.21m14116.

19 Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO. Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018 Nov 2 ;12:258. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258. PMID: 30450043; PMCID: PMC6224348.

20American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD. Medications (apa.org) Accessed February 5, 2024 .

21 Cusack K, et al. Psychological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2016;43:128-141.

22 Bonfils, KA et al, Functional outcomes from psychotherapy for people with posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disorders. 2022;89:102576.

23 Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Gibson, S., & Bisson, J. I. (2020). Dropout from psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1709709

24 Steenkamp, M. M., Litz, B. T., Hoge, C. W., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Psychotherapy for Military-Related PTSD. JAMA, 314(5), 489. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.8370

25 Bryant RA. Post-traumatic stress disorder: a state-of-the-art review of evidence and challenges. World Psychiatry. 2019;18(3):259269.

26 Stein MB, Rothbaum BO. 175 Years of Progress in PTSD Therapeutics: Learning From the Past. Am J Psychiatry. 2018 Jun 1 ;175(6):508-516. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17080955. PMID: 29869547.

27 Nichols, David E.Entactogens: How the Name for a Novel Class of Psychoactive Agents Originated. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Vol 13, 2022. DOI= 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.863088.

28 Vollenweider, Franz X., Brain mechanisms of hallucinogens and entactogens. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2001 Dec; 3(4): 265279.doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2001.3.4/fxvollenweider

29 Wagner MT, Mithoefer MC, Mithoefer AT, MacAulay RK, Jerome L, Yazar-Klosinski B, Doblin R. Therapeutic effect of increased openness: Investigating mechanism of action in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. J Psychopharmacol. 2017 Aug;31(8):967-974. doi: 10.1177/0269881117711712. Epub 2017 Jun 21. PMID: 28635375; PMCID: PMC5544120.

30National Institute on Drug Abuse What is the history of MDMA? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov). Accessed, January 17, 2024 . What is the history of MDMA? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)

31 Yazar-Klosinski B, Mithoefer MC. Potential Psychiatric Uses for MDMA. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2016 Nov 9 . https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.565

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lykos-therapeutics-announces-fda-acceptance-and-priority-review-of-new-drug-application-for-mdma-assisted-therapy-for-ptsd-302058901.html

SOURCE Lykos Therapeutics
Teamsters Building on Last Year's Widespread Bipartisan Support for AV Safety Legislation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To protect public safety and good jobs, the Teamsters and California lawmakers will announce the reintroduction of the autonomous vehicle (AV) human operator bill at a rally on Monday, February 12 , at 2pm PT . AB 2286, formerly Assembly Bill 316, requires a trained human operator behind the wheel of self-driving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds, putting safety first while preserving hundreds of thousands of good-paying trucking jobs. AB 316 was first introduced by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D- Winters ) in January 2023 and received overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature, with more than 90 percent of the California lawmakers voting in favor of the legislation.

Since Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 316 in September 2023 , robotaxis have wreaked havoc on California streets, with one Cruise robotaxi running over a pedestrian and dragging her 20 feet in San Francisco . In the wake of this safety incident, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Cruise , while San Francisco has brought a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for allowing for the expansion of robotaxis in the city.

Monday's rally is the latest escalation by the Teamsters to keep unsafe autonomous vehicles off our streets, protect good-paying union jobs, and ensure local communities have a say in AV deployment. Earlier this month, the Teamsters held a rally to announce the introduction of SB 915, a bill that would give California's local municipalities more authority over AV regulation. The growing statewide support for AV safety measures comes as Waymo seeks to expand its robotaxi operations in California .

***Please See Below for Details on the 2/12 Rally***

WHAT: Reintroduction of AV Human Operator Bill, Rally for Good Jobs and Safe Streets WHO: Teamsters and elected officials, including:

Peter Finn , Teamsters International Western Region Vice President, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7

Chris Griswold , Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42

Lindsay Dougherty , Teamsters International Western Region Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 399

Julia Sandoval , Recology Driver, Member of Teamsters Local 350

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D - Winters ), Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly

Tom Lackey (R - Boron), Assemblymember for California's Fourth Assembly District

Laura Friedman (D - Glendale ), Assemblymember for California's 43rd Assembly District WHEN: Monday, February 12, 2024 , at 2pm PT WHERE: West Steps of the California State Capitol, near the California Peace Officers Memorial

1315 10th St , Sacramento, CA 95814 LIVESTREAM: Starting shortly after 2pm PT on facebook.com/teamsters . INTERVIEWS: Available upon request

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.





Media Contact: Sean Nesmith , (678) 467-4306, [email protected]

On the Ground Contacts: Trish Suzuki-Blinstrub , (650) 452-3109, [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monday-212-teamsters-california-elected-officials-to-reintroduce-autonomous-vehicle-human-operator-bill-302058897.html

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
CHICAGO , Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trinity Universal Insurance Company ("TUIC") and its subsidiaries* today announced that it identified and addressed a data incident.

TUIC completed an investigation into an incident involving backup tapes that went missing from a company office that was in the process of moving to another location. These backup tapes were contained in a padlocked case ("lockbox") and went missing sometime between July 7, 2023 and July 10, 2023 . Immediately upon learning of the issue, TUIC began an investigation and attempted to locate the lockbox, but was unsuccessful. TUIC also notified law enforcement and will continue to review its cybersecurity program and has already made changes to its processes and procedures.

TUIC conducted a comprehensive review of the data that could have been contained on the backup tapes, which involved a time- and labor-intensive effort to reconstruct the data, and, on January 10, 2024 , determined that the tapes contained information about certain individuals. While the analysis is ongoing, the information in the files varied by individual, but included the individuals' names and one or more of the following data elements: date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, passport, government or state issued identification number, financial account number, payment card number, medical treatment information and/or health insurance information.

There is no indication that the lockbox was stolen or that any of the information on the tapes has been accessed or misused. TUIC recommends that individuals remain vigilant for signs of unauthorized activity by reviewing their financial account statements. If you see charges or activity you did not authorize, please contact your financial institution immediately. TUIC is in the process of providing notice of this incident to individuals for whom it has an address whose personal information was contained on the tapes. TUIC is offering individuals whose Social Security number or driver's license number was involved a complimentary membership to a credit monitoring service.

If you were an applicant, policyholder or claimant of TUIC or one of its subsidiaries, below, and believe your information was involved, or have any questions about this incident, please call 1-888-542-8828, Monday through Friday, from 8 am  8 pm Central (excluding major U.S. holidays).

* TUIC's subsidiaries include: Alpha Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Charter Indemnity Company, Response Insurance Company, Kemper Financial Indemnity Company, Response Worldwide Insurance Company, Warner Insurance Company, Response Worldwide Direct Auto Insurance Company, Financial Indemnity Company, Kemper Independence Insurance Company, Merastar Insurance Company, Unitrin County Mutual Insurance Company, Infinity County Mutual Insurance Company, Unitrin Advantage Insurance Company, Unitrin Auto and Home Insurance Company, Unitrin Direct Insurance Company, Unitrin Direct Property & Casualty Company, Unitrin Preferred Insurance Company, Unitrin Safeguard Insurance Company, and Valley Property & Casualty Insurance Company.

About TUIC

Trinity Universal Insurance Company is a property and casualty carrier.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trinity-universal-insurance-company-and-its-subsidiaries-address-data-incident-302058899.html

SOURCE Trinity Universal Insurance Company
FILE PHOTO: Argentina's President Javier Milei looks on as he visits the debris of a house burnt during the deadly October 7 attack by gunmen from Palestinian militant group Hamas from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, February 8, 2024

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine President Javier Milei on Friday called for two government officials to resign, saying he needed greater commitment to his agenda after congress rejected his reform package earlier in the week.

Milei, a self-defined anarcho-capitalist who took office in December, called for Mining Secretary Flavia Royon and Osvaldo Giordano, head of the country's ANSES social insurance agency, to step down.

"The inherited economic crisis and the current historical moment require public officials committed to the modernization, simplification and de-bureaucratization of the State", Milei's office said in statement on X calling for the resignations.

Congress' rejection of the omnibus bill on Tuesday marked a major setback for Milei, who has accused opposition lawmakers of "betrayal".

He argues the bill, which included provisions to allow the privatization of state entities and more presidential powers, is necessary to rescue Argentina from economic crisis.

Giordano said on X that he regretted not having enough time to implement planned changes at ANSES. "I wish the president a great administration and wherever I go I will continue to work for the good of Argentina," he said.

Royon, who had served as an official under the previous Peronist government, did not immediately respond publicly or to Reuters' request for comment.

Milei is currently traveling abroad. On Friday he was in Rome, where he is scheduled to meet with his countryman Pope Francis.

(Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A woman was wounded in an armed attack on Saturday during Turkey's ruling AK Party's mayoral election campaign in Istanbul, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, which occurred in the city's southwestern Kucukcekmece district, Yerlikaya said on social media platform X.

The attackers fired with long-barrelled guns and pistols but there were no further details of their identity or motive.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack on X, previously Twitter.

"No attack on our democracy, unity and solidarity will succeed," he said.

Turkey will hold mayoral elections on March 31.

(Reporting by Burcu Karakas; editing by Clelia Oziel)
BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Brazilian Supreme Court said on Friday that Novonor must continue to pay part of the installments on fines charged to the conglomerate in a leniency deal for corruption offenses, even after some payments were suspended last week.

The decision clarifies last week's ruling: since Novonor made two leniency agreements in Brazil, it was murky which fines the firm could stop paying and which it could not.

A 2.7 billion-real ($545.27 million) fine, agreed in 2018 in a leniency agreement with comptroller general's office, must continue to be paid, according to the decision. It was not clear how much of the amount Novonor had already paid.

The conglomerate, previously known as Odebrecht, has signed separate leniency agreements with Brazil's federal prosecutors and the comptroller general's office over corruption scandals in which the construction company paid bribes to politicians in return for lucrative contracts.

Supreme Court Judge Dias Toffoli ordered suspension of the payments due to alleged abuses committed by prosecutors when the terms of the deal were signed.

On Friday, the same judge issued another decision saying the payments suspension includes only the leniency agreement signed with prosecutors, which was valued at a total of 3.8 billion reais in 2016. The amount has likely grown since then, and it was also not clear how much the firm has already paid.

The agreement that remains valid, with comptroller general's office, was originally valued at 2.7 billion reais. But it too has likely grown due to a currency adjustment mechanism that is part of the deal.

Novonor is evaluating the judge's decision, it said in a statement.

Toffoli noted he will reassess some leniency agreements, including Novonor's, over the next 60 days.

($1 = 4.9517 reais)

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Additional reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by David Alire Garcia and David Gregorio)
HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba has charged 30 people for stealing 133 tonnes of chicken and selling them on the street in a rare major heist at a time of food shortages in the communist-run nation.

Thieves took the meat, in 1,660 white boxes, from a state facility in the capital Havana, and used the sale proceeds to buy refrigerators, laptops, televisions and air conditioners, according to a Cuban state TV broadcast late on Friday.

The chicken had been earmarked for Cuba`s "rationbook" system introduced after the late Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution to provide subsidized staples for all.

Rigoberto Mustelier, director of government food distributor COPMAR, said the quantity stolen was the equivalent of a month`s ration of chicken for a medium-sized province at current distribution rates.

The amount of chicken available via the rationbook has fallen sharply in recent years as economic crisis has brought scarcities of food, fuel and medicines.

Many subsidized products reach the populace days, weeks or even months later than scheduled, leaving people who make an average wage of 4,209 pesos a month ($14 at the informal exchange rate) to seek other ways to make ends meet.

Authorities did not say when the chicken theft took place, but noted it likely occurred between midnight and 2 a.m., when they detected fluctuations in the temperature of the cold storage facility. Video surveillance captured trucks transporting the chicken off site.

The 30 charged included shift bosses and IT workers at the plant, as well as security guards and outsiders not directly affiliated with the company, the TV report said.

The suspects, if found guilty, could face as many as 20 years in prison.

Crime has increased alongside economic hardship since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, though reports of large scale thefts like this one are still a rarity on the Caribbean island.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
FILE PHOTO: Nvidia's Grace Hopper superchips are displayed at Gigabyte during COMPUTEX Taipei, one of the world's largest computer and technology trade shows, in Taipei, Taiwan May 30, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo

By Max A. Cherney and Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Nvidia is building a new business unit focused on designing bespoke chips for cloud computing firms and others, including advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processors, nine sources familiar with its plans told Reuters.

The dominant global designer and supplier of AI chips aims to capture a portion of an exploding market for custom AI chips and shield itself from the growing number of companies pursuing alternatives to its products.

The Santa Clara, California-based company controls about 80% of high-end AI chip market, a position that has sent its stock market value up 40% so far this year to $1.73 trillion after it more than tripled in 2023.

Nvidia's customers, which include ChatGPT creator OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta Platforms, have raced to snap up the dwindling supply of its chips to compete in the fast-emerging generative AI sector.

Its H100 and A100 chips serve as a generalized, all-purpose AI processor for many of those major customers. But the tech companies have started to develop their own internal chips for specific needs. Doing so helps reduce energy consumption, and potentially can shrink the cost and time to design.

Nvidia is now attempting to play a role in helping these companies develop custom AI chips that have flowed to rival firms such as Broadcom and Marvell Technology, said the sources, who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

"If you're really trying to optimize on things like power, or optimize on cost for your application, you can't afford to go drop an H100 or A100 in there," Greg Reichow, general partner at venture capital firm Eclipse Ventures said in an interview. "You want to have the exact right mixture of compute and just the kind of compute that you need."

Nvidia does not disclose H100 prices, which are higher than for the prior-generation A100, but each chip can sell for $16,000 to $100,000 depending on volume and other factors. Meta plans to bring its total stock to 350,000 H100s this year.

Nvidia officials have met with representatives from Amazon.com, Meta, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI to discuss making custom chips for them, two sources familiar with the meetings said. Beyond data center chips, Nvidia has pursued telecom, automotive and video game customers.

Nvidia shares rose 2.75% after the Reuters report, helping lift chip stocks overall. Marvell shares dropped 2.78%.

In 2022, Nvidia said it would let third-party customers integrate some of its proprietary networking technology with their own chips. It has said nothing about the program since, and Reuters is reporting its wider ambitions for the first time.

A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment beyond the company's 2022 announcement.

Dina McKinney, a former Advanced Micro Devices and Marvell executive, heads Nvidia's custom unit and her team's goal is to make its technology available for customers in cloud, 5G wireless, video games and automotives, a LinkedIn profile said. Those mentions were scrubbed and her title changed after Reuters sought comment from Nvidia.

Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta and OpenAI declined to comment.

$30 BILLION MARKET

According to estimates from research firm 650 Groups Alan Weckel, the data center custom chip market will grow to as much as $10 billion this year, and double that in 2025.

The broader custom chip market was worth roughly $30 billion in 2023, which amounts to roughly 5% of annual global chip sales, according to Needham analyst Charles Shi.

Currently, custom silicon design for data centers is dominated by Broadcom and Marvell.

In a typical arrangement, a design partner such as Nvidia would offer intellectual property and technology, but leave the chip fabrication, packaging and additional steps to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. or another contract chip manufacturer.

Nvidia moving into this territory has the potential to eat into Broadcom and Marvell sales.

"With Broadcom's custom silicon business touching $10 billion, and Marvells around $2 billion, this is a real threat," said Dylan Patel, founder of silicon research group SemiAnalysis. "It's a real big negative - there's more competition entering the fray."

BEYOND AI

Nvidia is in talks with telecom infrastructure builder Ericsson for a wireless chip that includes the chip designer's graphics processing unit (GPU) technology, two sources familiar with the discussions said.

Ericsson declined to comment.

650 Group's Weckle expects the telecom custom chip market to remain flat at roughly $4 billion to $5 billion a year.

Nvidia also plans to target the automotive and video game markets, according to sources and public social media postings.

Weckel expects the custom auto market to grow consistently from its current $6 billion to $8 billion range at 20% a year, and the $7 billion to $8 billion video game custom chip market could increase with the next-generation consoles from Xbox and Sony.

Nintendo's current Switch handheld console already includes Nvidia's Tegra X1 chip. A new version of the Switch console expected this year is likely to include a Nvidia custom design, one source said.

Nintendo declined to comment.

(Reporting by Max Cherney and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm and Krystal Hu in San Francisco; Editing by Kenneth Li, Peter Henderson, Jamie Freed and Alexander Smith)
(Reuters) -At least five people, including Somali military officials and a United Arab Emirates (UAE) soldier, were killed on Saturday after a soldier opened fire at a military base in the capital Mogadishu, an army officer and hospital staff told Reuters.

The UAE's defence ministry, however, said three members of its armed forces and one Bahraini officer were killed in a "terrorist act" in Somalia while they were training Somali armed forces.

Two more were injured, the ministry added in a statement.

The ministry did not give other details about the attack but said the UAE "continues to coordinate and cooperate with the Somali government in investigating" the act.

The gunman, a newly trained Somali soldier, was also shot dead at the Gordon military base managed by the UAE, said the army officer, who gave his name only as Ahmed.

"The soldier opened fire on the UAE trainers and Somali military officials when they started praying. Four UAE officers were injured while four Somali soldiers died," the officer told Reuters.

"We understand the soldier had defected from al Shabaab before he was recruited as a soldier by Somalia and UAE," he said.

Al Shabaab, linked to al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement on its Radio al Andalus and said its fighters had killed 17 soldiers.

Two nurses and a doctor at the Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu, who asked not to be named, told Reuters a senior officer from the UAE had died and four other officers were seriously injured.

In addition about 10 injured Somali soldiers had been brought to the hospital, they said.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a statement on state media (SONNA) offered his condolences to the UAE following the incident.

Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government since 2006 to try to establish its own rule.

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Elias Biryabarema in Nairobi and Surbhi Misra in Bengaluru; Editing by Barbara Lewis and Jonathan Oatis)
Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) likes its stock. I mean, really likes it.

In December last year, the defense major's board of directors roughly tripled the amount of Northrop Grumman stock that the company was authorized to buy back, to $3.8 billion. Then, just last week, the company further announced that it will "accelerate" that buyback plan by buying a $1 billion slug of its shares all at one go.

Inquiring investors want to know: What's the hurry? Why the sudden inspiration to buy so many shares, and all at once?

Northrop Grumman 2024 earnings report

You don't have to look far for the answer. On Jan. 25, Northrop Grumman issued a Q4 earnings report that bludgeoned its stock, which fell more than 6% on Earnings Day. Despite growing its Q4 sales 6% year over year (and its full-year sales by 7%), Northrop flipped from earning $13.46 per share in Q4 2022 to losing $3.54 per share in Q4 2023. Full-year profits got cut more than in half, falling 57% to just $13.53 per share.

Northrop Grumman was quick to explain the loss as arising out of two big charges taken in Q4 2023: First, the company had to take a $7.68-per-share charge for cost overruns in its fixed-price contract to build B-21 stealth bombers for the U.S. Air Force. The company also took a charge of $2.08 per share to account for changes to the value of pension fund, which it described as a "mark-to-market" or MTM expense.

Together, that's $9.76 per share in profits foregone in the quarter. But even if the company hadn't taken those charges, its profit for the quarter would have been only $6.22 per share -- a year-over-year decline of more than half. So those earnings were still pretty lousy for Northrop. It's also worth pointing out that Northrop Grumman's historically high profit margins decline in two of its three business divisions that are not tied to the B-21 program (mission systems and space systems), and only increased in the company's smallest division, defense systems.

Story continues

Yet despite all this, Northrop CEO Kathy Warden characterized her company's Q4 performance as "a strong finish to the year" -- and just a few days later began buying back shares hand over fist. Why was that?

Bad news, good news

Well, obviously, the bad news was that Northrop lost money in Q4. But the good news was that sales grew in the quarter -- and, in fact, grew even more strongly than management had forecast -- and that 2023 free cash flow (FCF) came in quite strong, and in fact toward "the high end of our guidance range."

After deducting capital spending from operating cash flow, Northrop Grumman generated positive FCF of $2.1 billion in 2023. Furthermore, management forecast that FCF will grow to at least $2.25 billion in 2024, and potentially as high as $2.65 billion, which would be 26% year-over-year growth. Earnings for the quarter, adjusted for pension fund contributions, could meanwhile bounce back 84% to as much as $24.85 per share.

That will be quite an accomplishment if it happens, given that Northrop is guiding for no more than 5% sales growth in 2024.

Should you buy Northrop Grumman stock?

Given these expectations for a quick turnaround in 2024, it actually makes some sense that Northrop Grumman might want to buy back shares today, when sentiment is so negative and shares are relatively cheap, rather than later, when sentiment hopefully improves, and shares become more expensive.

But even so, I'm not sure it's a good idea.

Consider: Valued on trailing free cash flow, Northrop Grumman has an enterprise value-to-FCF ratio of about 40. Valued on projected 2024 FCF, this valuation drops a bit -- but only to about 30.2 in the best-case scenario.

Granted, taking everything management says at face value, Northrop may be able to achieve FCF at a sustained rate of 15% annually over the next three years. But even viewed most charitably, the best valuation I can get on this stock is an EV/FCF/growth ratio of 2.0, which is about twice what a value investor like me would consider a fair price for the company.

I'm afraid that, on this one, I'm going to have to side with the folks selling Northrop last week. Northrop Grumman is no value stock. In fact, it's probably even a "sell."

Should you invest $1,000 in Northrop Grumman right now?

Before you buy stock in Northrop Grumman, 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 Northrop Grumman 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

Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Northrop Grumman Is Buying Its Shares. Should You? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Members of the Lebanese army gather near a damaged vehicle in the aftermath of what security sources said was an Israeli strike, in Jadra, Lebanon February 10, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

BEIRUT (Reuters) -An Israeli strike about 60 km (40 miles) inside Lebanon's southern border on Saturday targeted a Palestinian figure close to Hamas but he survived, four security sources said.

Three other people were killed, including one member of the powerful, Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, the security sources also told Reuters.

One source said the person targeted was close to Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas deputy chief killed last month in a suspected Israeli strike on a suburb of Beirut.

Saturday's strike was much deeper into Lebanese territory than the usual exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel's military, which have been mostly limited to the border region.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas in Lebanon or from the Israeli military.

An Israeli strike on a group of people outside a mosque in the town of Houla later on Saturday killed one civilian and wounded at least six more, according to Dr. Mohammad Hamadi, head of the Tebnin Hospital, where the casualties were transferred.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging near-daily fire since Oct. 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage into the Gaza Strip.

Israel's military then launched a land, air and ground assault on Gaza that has left more than 27,000 people dead.

On Saturday, Hezbollah said it had seized an Israeli Skylark drone over Lebanese air space "in good condition".

The Skylark is a small, unmanned aerial vehicle typically used for surveillance and produced by Israel-based weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.

Lebanese officials and Western diplomats have said Hezbollah has signalled its openness to U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure calm on the border with Israel once a ceasefire is in place in Gaza.

Hamas this week proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which remaining hostages would go free, Israel would withdraw its troops and agreement would be reached on an end to the war.

Netanyahu said Hamas' terms, offered in response to a proposal drawn up by U.S. and Israeli spy chiefs with Qatar and Egypt, were "delusional" and vowed to fight on.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam, Writing by Adam Makary; Editing by Toby Chopra, Andrew Cawthorne and Giles Elgood)
FILE PHOTO: Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen amid shortages of food supplies, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 16, 2024. REUTERS/Ib

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Henriette Chacar

DOHA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli air strikes killed 17 people in Rafah on the Gaza border overnight, medics said on Saturday, as over a million Palestinians crammed into the city awaited a full-scale offensive with the rest of the enclave in ruins and nowhere left to run.

Four months into the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it had ordered the military to develop a plan to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it says are deployed there.

The Israeli military said the air force killed two Hamas operatives in Rafah on Saturday.

Israel's military ordered civilians to flee south before previous assaults on Gaza's cities, but now there is no obvious place to go and aid agencies have said many people could die.

"Any Israeli incursion in Rafah means massacres, means destruction. People are filling every inch of the city and we have nowhere to go," said Rezik Salah, 35, who fled from Gaza City for Rafah with his wife and two children early in the war.

A possible assault on Rafah prompted international concern, including posts on social media from British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot.

"Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah  over half of Gazas population are sheltering in the area. The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire," Cameron said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Hard to see how large-scale military operations in such a densely populated area would not lead to many civilian casualties and a bigger humanitarian catastrophe. This is unjustifiable," Bruins Slot said.

AIRSTRIKES

The conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7 when Hamas gunmen stormed border defences to attack Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with a massive bombardment and ground offensive in which about 28,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to medical authorities in Hamas-run Gaza.

The conflict has threatened to spread across the Middle East, with Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah regularly trading fire, and flare-ups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

In Yemen, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia held a funeral on Saturday for at least 17 militants killed during joint U.S.-British airstrikes, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said.

The Houthis have used drones to attack merchant ships since Nov. 19 in what they say is a response to Israel's military operations in Gaza, prompting retaliatory strikes from Britain and the United States.

The U.S. Central Command said its forces conducted self-defence strikes against Houthi missiles and drones on Saturday.

In Lebanon, an Israeli strike targeted a Palestinian figure close to Hamas, security sources said. The target survived but three others were killed, including a member of Hezbollah.

Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble by Israeli airstrikes, artillery fire and controlled detonations. More than 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants have been left homeless.

Most of the displaced have sought shelter in Rafah, on the border with Egypt, but after fruitless ceasefire talks, Netanyahu this week said Israeli forces would fight on until "total victory."

On Friday night an airstrike on a Rafah house killed 11 people and wounded dozens and a second strike killed six people in another house, medical officials said. Earlier on Saturday two separate Israeli airstrikes killed five members of the Hamas-run police force in Rafah, including a senior officer, Hamas and medics said.

In the other main southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where many displaced people initially fled before an Israeli offensive last month, the Palestinian Health Ministry voiced alarm at Israeli operations around the main Nasser Hospital.

The ministry said Israeli forces had surrounded the hospital and were shooting in the vicinity, raising concerns about 300 medical staff, 450 patients and 10,000 people sheltering there.

Footage circulating on social media, which Reuters could not independently verify, showed tanks at the hospital gates.

Israel's military said its forces were continuing intensive activities in Khan Younis as well as northern and central Gaza, killing militants, seizing weapons and striking infrastructure.

It did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation at Nasser hospital.

FIERCE FIGHTING

In Gaza City, the first major population center targeted after Israeli ground forces invaded in October, residents reported fierce fighting on Saturday.

Israel said its forces had discovered a tunnel network hundreds of metres (yards) long running partly under the Gaza City headquarters of UNRWA, the main relief agency for Palestinians.

The military said it was evidence of how Hamas had exploited UNRWA, which has launched an internal probe and seen some donor countries freeze funding over Israel's allegations that 12 of its roughly 13,000 employees in the Gaza Strip had participated in the Oct. 7 attacks.

UNRWA said its staff left its headquarters in Gaza City on Oct. 12 following Israeli evacuation orders.

"We have not used that compound since we left it nor are we aware of any activity that may have taken place there," It said.

An Israeli official who declined to be named said Israel would try to organise for people in Rafah to be moved back north ahead of any assault.

Egypt has said it will not allow any mass displacement of Palestinians into its territory. Palestinians fear Israel means to drive them from their homeland, then forbid their return.

The continued warfare in Gaza City, long after Israel said it was redeploying some troops to other areas, shows the limitations of any evacuation proposal.

Palestinian rescue workers in Gaza City said they had found the bodies of a six-year-old girl and her family members, along with the ambulance team sent to rescue them, days after an audio clip of her call to dispatchers begging for help was released.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Doha and Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem; Writing by Jonathan Landay, Angus McDowall, Giles Elgood and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Diane Craft, Toby Chopra, Barbara Lewis and Jonathan Oatis)
KYIV (Reuters) - A Russian drone attack killed seven civilians, including three children, in Ukraine's city of Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on Saturday.

Synehubov said the Russian forces attacked the city of Kharkiv with Shaded drones late on Friday night.

"As a result of the strikes, seven people died, among them three children: seven-, four-years old, and a baby about six- months old," he said on the Telegram messaging app.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash. Editing by Sam Holmes.)
A Senegalese demonstrator stands watch during clashes with riot police as they protest against the postponement of the Feb. 25 presidential election, in Dakar, Senegal February 9, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

DAKAR (Reuters) - A student was killed in the Senegalese city of Saint-Louis amid Friday's violent protests against the postponement of the presidential election, the interior ministry said on Saturday.

Clashes between security forces and protesters gripped Senegal's capital and other cities on Friday, the first widespread unrest over the delay of a vote that many fear could lead to protracted instability.

In a statement, the ministry said it had been informed of the death of student Alpha Yero Tounkara and that it would be investigated, but denied its forces were to blame.

"The Defence and Security Forces did not intervene to maintain order on the university campus where the death occurred," it said.

It was not immediately clear if protests would continue on Saturday. Further violent stand-offs with security forces will add to fears of democratic retreat.

Less than three weeks before the Feb. 25 presidential vote, parliament voted to push it back to December, sealing an extension of President Macky Sall's mandate, which has raised concerns that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat.

Sall, who has reached his constitutional limit of two terms, said he delayed the vote due to disputes that he said threatened the credibility of the electoral process, but some of the opposition have denounced the move as an "institutional coup."

(Reporting by Bate Felix; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Toby Chopra)
(Reuters) - Syrian air defences shot down Israeli missiles launched at the Damascus countryside in the early hours of Saturday, the Syrian army said, in the second such attack in less than a day.

The Syrian army said in a statement the air strikes were carried out from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights, causing "some material losses".

On Friday, Syria said its air defences had downed two drones in the western outskirts of Damascus during an attack also originating from the Golan Heights. However, it refrained from explicitly attributing responsibility to Israel for that incident.

The Israeli military has said it does not comment on reports in foreign media.

Since December, Israeli strikes have killed more than half a dozen Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including a top intelligence general.

(Reporting by Hatem Maher; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sam Holmes)
Chinese and Taiwanese flags are seen in this illustration, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/ File photo

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's defence ministry said on Saturday it had detected eight Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the previous 24 hours, two of which flew across the island, in an uptick of activity at the start of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei, has complained since December about the balloons, saying they are a threat to aviation safety and attempt at psychological warfare.

In its daily report on Chinese military activities, Taiwan's defence ministry said it spotted the first balloon on Friday morning and the last one early in the evening.

Two crossed the northern part of Taiwan, according to a map provided by the ministry. The others approached the coast before vanishing, though one flew over the sea to the north of Taiwan.

China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment on Saturday at the start of the holiday, the most important festival in the Chinese-speaking world.

Last month, China's government dismissed repeated complaints by Taiwan about the balloons, saying they are for meteorological purposes and should not be hyped up for political reasons.

Chinese warplanes operate daily in the Taiwan Strait and often cross its median line that previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides. China says it does not recognise the existence of that line.

Taiwan last month elected Vice President Lai Ching-te as its next president, a man China describes as a dangerous separatist.

Lai, who takes office in May, has offered talks with China, which have been rejected. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13G

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 11)

Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

83607A 100

(CUSIP Number)

December 31, 2023

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed:

x Rule 13d-1(b)

 Rule 13d-1(c)

 Rule 13d-1(d)

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

Page 1 of 5

CUSIP NO. 83607A 100

1 NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (a)  (b) x 3 SEC USE ONLY 4 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION Not applicable NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5 SOLE VOTING POWER -0- 6 SHARED VOTING POWER 169,647 7 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER -0- 8 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 169,647 9 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 169,647 10 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)  11 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9) 6.7% 12 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) EP

Page 2 of 5

CUSIP NO. 83607A 100

ITEM 1(a) NAME OF ISSUER: Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. ITEM 1(b) ADDRESS OF ISSUER'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES: 2400 3rd Avenue, Ste 150 Seattle, Washington 98121 ITEM 2(a) NAME OF PERSON FILING: Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Plan") ITEM 2(b) ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE OR, IF NONE, RESIDENCE: The business address of the Plan is: c/o Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. 2400 3rd Avenue, Ste 150 Seattle, Washington 98121 ITEM 2(c) CITIZENSHIP: Not applicable. ITEM 2(d) TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES Common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"). ITEM 2(e) CUSIP NO.: 83607A100

ITEM 3 IF THIS STATEMENT IS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 240.13d-1(b) OR 240.13d-2(b) or (c), CHECK WHETHER THE PERSON FILING IS A: (a)  Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o); (b)  Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c); (c)  Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c); (d)  Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-8); (e)  An investment adviser in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) x An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g)  A parent holding company or control person in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h)  A savings association as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); (i)  A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j)  A non-U.S. institution in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); and (k)  Group, in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution: _______________________________

Page 3 of 5

ITEM 4 OWNERSHIP: The Plan holds an aggregate of 169,647 shares of Common Stock (6.7% of the outstanding shares), with respect to which the trustee of the Plan (the "Trustee") has shared voting and dispositive powers. The Trustee may be deemed to beneficially own the 169,647 shares held by the Plan. However, the Trustee expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares. Other than the shares held by the Plan, the Trustee does not beneficially own any shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Plan, participants are entitled to instruct the Trustee as to the voting of the shares allocated to their Plan accounts. All shares currently held by the Plan have been allocated to participant accounts. 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 OR CONTROL PERSON Not applicable. ITEM 8 IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP: Not applicable. ITEM 9 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF GROUP: Not applicable.

Page 4 of 5

ITEM 10 CERTIFICATIONS By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect. SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: February 9, 2024 SOUND FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN By: Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc., as Trustee By: /s/ Laura Lee Stewart Name: Laura Lee Stewart Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Page 5 of 5
Gen. Kevin Schneider addresses the audience during ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Feb. 9, 2024, in which he assumed command of Pacific Air Forces. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  An Air Force fighter pilot who has spent a third of his 36-year career in the Indo-Pacific took command of Pacific Air Forces during a ceremony Friday in a hangar beside Hickam Airfield, Hawaii.

Gen. Kevin Gumby Schneider, who received his fourth star the same day, took the reins from Gen. Ken Wilsbach, who now heads to Langley Air Force Base, Va., to head Air Combat Command.

Gen. David Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, told the audience he was confident Schneider, with his deep experience in the region, would transition well into the new job.

He understands the value of partnerships that need to be sustained and enhanced, Allvin said. He understands airpower in the Pacific.

Schneider also understands the challenges and sometimes the frustrations of dealing with the Pentagon, Allvin said. But he also understands that theres a way that one can work with the Pentagon to ensure that we continue the momentum to find what this theater needs.

Schneider was most recently director of staff at Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon.

As 31st PACAF commander, Schneider oversees almost 46,000 military and civilian personnel, with major installations in Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, South Korea and Guam. About 350 aircraft are assigned to the command.

Having spent a third of my career and over a third of my life in the Indo-Pacific, this feels like coming home  because it is, Schneider told the audience. PACAF is where I learned to be a mission ready fighter pilot, developing the warfighting skills and deep appreciation for tactical teamwork that carried me throughout my career.

From 2019 to 2021, he commanded U.S. Forces Japan out of Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Schneiders previous Indo-Pacific assignments include chief of staff at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and chief of staff at PACAF.

Gen. David Allvin, left, and Gen. Ken Wilsbach, right, applaud Gen. Kevin Schneider after he assumed command of Pacific Air Forces during a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Feb. 9, 2024. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

Volatile region

Schneider recollected his first operational assignment in 1990 as an F-16 instructor pilot with the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

And since that first tour in 1990, I have served in the Indo-Pacific many times, and over the decades, I have watched the security situation in the region change, he said. It has become more interconnected. It has become more challenging. It has become more severe. And it now carries a far higher potential for volatility.

Today, America and its allies and partners in the region face actors who work to undermine the rules-based international order through economic coercion, political bullying and military aggression, Schneider said, alluding to Chinas disputes claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea and its increasingly assertive military.

Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, told the audience that Schneiders experience in this theater is critical to us.

The commander of PACAF is responsible to provide combat airpower across half the globe in an instants call, Aquilino said.

Path to the future

Aquilino and Allvin praised Wilsbach for developing the Air Forces agile combat employment concept, or ACE, during his command of PACAF since 2020.

ACE moves the Air Force away from a conventional style of warfare characterized by stationary air bases and predictable battlefields, the Air Force said in a June news release.

The Air Force recognizes the need for flexibility and resilience in the face of emerging threats that demand rapid response and distributed operations, the news release stated. ACE revolutionizes how airpower is projected and sustained in contested environments.

As were adjusting to the national defense strategy and adjusting our Air Force and our joint force to meet the challenges, there are new concepts required, new schemes of maneuver that we need to investigate and mature and bring to the field, Allvin said.

Among those is agile combat employment, which Allvin described as the path to the future.

Wilsbach did a remarkable job in advocating and showing the rationale for ACE and moving it beyond concept to implementation, he said.

We know we have more work to do, but without [Wilsbachs] work, we wouldnt have secured the one-plus billion dollars thats going to support that scheme that is critical for the air component to support INDOPACOM, he said.
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) just made the headlines for something other than Ozempic. Well, sort of. One of the company's subsidiaries, Novo Holdings, is responsible for deploying capital in a mission-driven, efficient way to help broaden Novo Nordisk's reach.

Earlier this week, Novo Holdings announced it was acquiring Catalent for a total enterprise value of $16.5 billion. Let's break down the deal and analyze why this transaction could be a game changer for Novo Nordisk in the long run.

What did Novo Nordisk just do?

Catalent is a subcontractor for drug developers. Essentially, Catalent helps fulfill demand for treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy at their various manufacturing facilities.

Per the terms of the deal, Novo Holdings will be acquiring Catalent in an all-cash transaction. Subsequently, Novo Holdings will sell three of Catalent's facilities to its parent, Novo Nordisk.

Given that Novo Nordisk is a pharmaceutical company, some investors may be wondering why the company is pursuing manufacturing facilities instead of doubling down on marketing campaigns or research and development (R&D).

Image source: Getty Images

Why is this important?

On the surface, it may look like Novo Nordisk is cruising. After all, in 2023, sales in its diabetes and obesity segments grew 52% and 154%, respectively. This growth has been driven mostly by the popularity of its semaglutide treatments, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.

However, one important thing investors should know is that even in the face of unprecedented growth, Novo Nordisk is having some issues fulfilling demand. The company is investing heavily in manufacturing output in an effort to mitigate any supply bottlenecks it's experiencing.

During the company's fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen stated, "In 2024, our focus will be on the continued significant expansion of our production capacity, reaching more patients and progressing the expanding pipeline."

Story continues

Given the company's earnings report was published about a week ago, it didn't take long for investors to get a preview of what Novo Nordisk is doing to ratchet up its supply fulfillment operations.

What could it mean in the long term?

For a few reasons, this deal makes sense and is a savvy move on behalf of Novo Nordisk's management. First, demand for Ozempic and Wegovy is off the charts. Each medication is rising in popularity here in the U.S. and abroad in Europe. Per the deal with Catalent, Novo Nordisk will take control of three manufacturing sites in Belgium, Italy, and Indiana.

Another reason the Catalent acquisition is important is that it should help Novo Nordisk curtail supply constraints in the near and long term. Given the robust outlook of the weight-loss market over the next several years, management is clearly looking to hedge any risk that could come with a challenged supply operation.

Perhaps the most important detail surrounding the Catalent deal is that it is not expected to close until the end of 2024. So, it's unlikely that the synergies that can come from deeper manufacturing throughput will make a material impact on Novo Nordisk's overall business this year. However, the long-term potential of the deal should not be discounted.

By bolstering its manufacturing output, Novo Nordisk is not just augmenting its ability to meet demand for Wegovy and Ozempic. Rather, this is a calculated chess move to help set the company up for the development of future blockbuster drugs.

This is a clear sign that management is playing the long game and is not only confident about the potential of its diabetes and obesity treatments but also planning on further gains beyond these markets. To me, this deal is a smart move and only further strengthens my bullish outlook on Novo Nordisk.

Should you invest $1,000 in Novo Nordisk right now?

Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, 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 Novo Nordisk 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

Adam Spatacco has positions in Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Novo Nordisk Just Gave Investors $16.5 Billion More Reasons to Get Excited was originally published by The Motley Fool
The office building that houses Royce Medical Supply in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The company is among seven firms identified in an alleged scheme to bill Medicare for an estimated $2 billion in fraudulent urinary catheter claims. (David Klebonis)

The first angry calls to the Pretty in Pink Boutique began last August, confusing staff at the Franklin, Tenn., provider of wigs, mastectomy bras and other accessories for cancer patients. Medicare recipients from around the country claimed that a company called Pretty in Pink had charged their health insurance companies thousands of dollars for urinary catheters that they never ordered or received.

Flooded by dozens of complaints, the boutique launched a webpage in September to explain that its leaders were dumbfounded, too.

We have reported the calls we are receiving to Medicare, and we have been working with callers to try to figure out exactly who is filing these claims, Pretty in Pinks website reads, asserting that another company by the same name was submitting the claims, and offering instructions on how to report the fraud to federal officials and insurance companies. FRAUDULENT CLAIMS ARE BAD FOR ALL OF US, AND WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE.

The complaints that ensnared the Tennessee cancer-care business are just one piece of an alleged fraud scheme whose scale has little precedent in the history of Medicare, experts said: an estimated $2 billion.

The months-long episode allegedly involves fraudulent insurance claims submitted by seven companies to the taxpayer-funded health insurance program for older Americans, according to health care groups that have analyzed Medicare billing data. Federal officials investigating the alleged fraudulent billing for catheters are looking into several of the companies that may be involved, according to three officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the probe and three people who said the FBI approached them. The probes existence has not been previously reported.

Over two years, one health care group found, the companies collectively went from billing just 14 patients for catheters to nearly 406,000.

Urinary catheters made an appealing target for potential scammers because orders for the low-cost products  small tubes often made with latex or silicone  could escape some of the scrutiny that accompanies billing for expensive equipment, surgeries and other high-cost claims, fraud experts said.

The FBIs public affairs office said it could not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation, citing the bureaus standard practice. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also said they could not discuss the allegations, specific suppliers or the existence of a federal probe.

I cant confirm that any investigation is occurring, Dara Corrigan, who leads Medicares center dedicated to fighting fraud, waste and abuse in the program, said in an interview Thursday. I cant compromise the integrity of any catheter investigation.

(The Washington Post)

The alleged scheme was uncovered by the National Association of ACOs  known as NAACOS  a health care nonprofit that represents hundreds of medical groups and hospitals across the nation. The nonprofits members concluded that seven companies allegedly operating out of Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New York and Texas were behind a surge of bills submitted to Medicare across the last two years for intermittent urinary catheters  tubes that patients insert several times a day to drain their bladders and treat incontinence. While the companies used real patients information to submit the bills, NAACOS and its members found no evidence that any of their patients wanted the catheters or even received them.

All seven companies had become accredited with Medicare, allowing them to bill the health insurance program, although in some cases the accreditation was linked to a person who said they no longer worked at the company and had sold it last year.

Weve just never seen anything like this nationally, said Clif Gaus, CEO of NAACOS, who said his organizations first spotted and reported the billings to federal officials last fall. Gauss team estimates that Medicare was wrongly billed about $2 billion for the catheters in 2022 and 2023.

Despite the relatively low reimbursement rates for each catheter  Medicare pays out about $8 per curved tip and sterile kit catheter  ample profits can be made when the products are ordered in bulk. The health departments own watchdog warned that Medicares payment rates for the products were too high and should be lowered.

Reducing Medicares payment rates can save Medicare and beneficiaries millions of dollars annually, the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general concluded in a report in August 2022.

The spike in urinary catheter claims began weeks later, a trickle that would turn into a flood of bills in 2023.

Erika Tavarez said she has had a front-row seat to the alleged fraudulent activity: She used to own the Pretty in Pink company that has since been linked to fraud allegations.

The durable medical equipment company specialized in prostheses for breast cancer survivors and operated from El Paso. Tavarez said she sold it last summer for $50,000.

Then, she said, people began sending her angry emails that called her a fraud, and FBI agents arrived to ask her questions about urinary catheters  a product she said shed never offered to patients, but that her former company was now billing to Medicare.

Its been really stressful and sad, Tavarez said, adding that she has learned the fraudulent claims began while she was negotiating to sell her business. People think its me.

Tavarez declined to provide more information about the individuals who purchased the company, saying she feared disrupting an FBI investigation.

Repeated calls to the current number listed in Medicares directory for the El Paso-based Pretty in Pink went unanswered. A second phone number listed for the companys website is not in service.

A Washington Post examination of state and federal records found links among the companies, such as a matching address and officers listed at multiple organizations. Six of the seven companies had critical reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Facebook or other sites complaining of Medicare fraud involving catheters.

Calls to telephone numbers listed in state and federal records for all seven companies led to busy signals, inactive numbers, voice mails, or for one company, an automatic recording touting, Dont miss out if you have the red, white and blue Medicare card.

None of the seven companies  all of which changed ownership or leadership in 2023, according to incorporation records  had been major players in the niche field of intermittent urinary catheters.

In 2021, the companies were collectively responsible for submitting catheter bills for only 14 patients, according to NAACOSs analysis of federal bills for curved tip and sterile kit urinary catheters  a negligible slice of the roughly 40,000 patients who submitted claims for such catheters to Medicare that year. The federal health program paid out about $193 million for such catheters that year, according to The Posts review of federal data.

But in late 2022, two of the companies began billing the federal government for significant amounts of catheters, according to NAACOS. The organization concluded that the companies billed Medicare for $109 million to cover catheters for 12,000 patients.

And in 2023, the seven companies billed Medicare about $1.9 billion for catheters for nearly 406,000 patients, according to NAACOS.

The seven companies were single-handedly responsible for a national spike in urinary catheter claims to Medicare, NAACOS found, saying that the total claims by all other companies remained nearly flat across 2022 and 2023.

The Post analyzed Medicare billing records for historic trends in catheter charges. Publicly available records are not recent enough to see the spike in catheter claims across 2022 and 2023, and do not name the supplier companies. The Post examined NAACOSs analysis of Medicare billing records that are made available only to organizations that have obtained a license to review those records.

The groups findings were supported by a similar analysis conducted this week by Aledade, a network of independent primary care providers, which found that urinary catheter claims across its 1 million patients increased by more than 1,600 percent between early 2022 and late 2023, linked to the same seven companies. There is no change in medical practice that would explain a surge in catheter orders from the seven companies, Aledade officials told The Post, noting that the level of catheter orders from other companies has remained the same.

The extent of the catheter billings and the size of the potential fraud have angered health care providers who question why federal officials did not act swiftly as complaints began to pour in last year. Each of the seven companies operated under a unique National Provider Identifier, or NPI, that allowed them to bill Medicare, making their billings easy to track  and potentially halt.

The accountable care organizations, which are responsible for managing care for seniors across the country while trying to hit quality and financial targets, have been particularly worried because Medicare could penalize them for their patients apparent spike in catheter utilization. As the groups leaders and doctors fretted  knowing that the federal government decides whether to reward the accountable care organizations with annual bonuses or penalties, partly based on their patients reported spending  their frustrations spilled out in panicked texts, emails and phone calls.

[R]eporting these cases to an online system and hoping law enforcement investigates when they have the time is not acceptable, Stephen Nuckolls, the CEO of Coastal Carolina Health Care P.A., a North Carolina medical group, wrote on Dec. 6 to fellow members of NAACOS, according to an email shared with The Post. We are being robbed.

Nuckolls told The Post that his group stood to lose $900,000 in federal payments this year because their patients have been billed $1.2 million for catheters that they never used or received.

The episode underscores the frequent fraud in the field of durable medical equipment, where repeat offenders have learned to set up shell companies and exploit loopholes, said Gabriel L. Imperato, a partner with the Nelson Mullins law firm and a former lawyer for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Imperato added that government officials face hurdles in trying to combat fraud, given the sheer number of complaints, the confidentiality of investigations and the years it can take to assemble and prosecute a case. The wheels of justice move pretty slowly, he said.

Corrigan, the Medicare fraud chief, stressed that the lack of public action on any allegation was not necessarily representative of federal efforts.

We cant disclose everything thats going on behind the scenes, Corrigan said, listing tactics that her agency has used in prior investigations. If there are credible allegations of fraud, we can put a suspension in place, which means the money doesnt go out the door and instead gets placed in escrow, even though it is publicly reported as paid out.

Corrigan and other federal officials also noted that claims that companies make for Medicare reimbursement are often much larger than the actual payouts later made by the government.

Gaus said he was concerned the companies behind the surge in catheter bills were using real patients data to order medical products that the patients did not want or need.

Where do you get half a million [Medicare] beneficiary names and ID numbers? Gaus asked. There has to be a breach somewhere in the health care system, suggesting several possible sources, such as health care records or consumer data.

One of those Medicare beneficiaries  Aileen Hatcher, a 74-year-old former certified public accountant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.  said the experience alarmed her.

Hatcher called the Medicare fraud line and her supplemental insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, on Monday after discovering that her taxpayer-funded insurance was recently charged nearly $12,000 for catheters she neither ordered nor received. A United representative told her the charges were probably fraud, she said. But Medicare had already paid nearly $3,000 to Alexandria Durable Medical Equipment, the company that filed the claims using Hatchers Medicare number and Post Office box address, Hatcher said she was told.

Youd think Medicare would have caught it. When you get that big a bill, somebody should be looking at it, Hatcher said. The taxpayer is the victim, and I worry about where my information is being passed around.

The Post attempted to reach Alexandria Durable Medical Equipment for comment. The phone number listed in Medicares provider directory for the company is out of service, and a toll-free phone number linked to the company simply played a recording touting access to a free medical alert device.

Like Tavarez, the former owner of Pretty in Pink, other people identified in public records as past owners of companies allegedly responsible for the spike in catheter bills said they had sold their companies before the questionable billing practices began.

According to Connecticuts business records, Sharon Kutner was listed as the former secretary for Medical Home Care Inc. until March 2023; her husband, Bruce, was listed as president.

This fraud has nothing to do with my husband or me, Sharon Kutner told The Post. Her husband recently sold the business, she said.

According to Kutner, the FBI had spoken with her husband as part of an investigation into one of the individuals who had taken over his former company but had since fled the country. That person is also listed as an authorized member of Royce Medical Supply, another one of the seven companies, according to Florida business records. The Post is not naming the individual because they could not be reached for comment.

The Post attempted to reach leaders of Medical Home Care and Royce, but the companies phone numbers listed in the Medicare provider directory were not in service.

Those affected by the alleged scheme said they have heard nothing from authorities.

David Klebonis, chief operating officer of Palm Beach Accountable Care Organization based in Palm Springs, Fla., said he decided to drive to the headquarters of Royce Medical Supply on Monday after realizing its listed location was within a 45-minute drive.

I almost felt, out of desperation  I need to stop by, Klebonis said, adding that he texted his wife to call 911 if she didnt hear from him after the visit. The company was located in a small suite in an unremarkable building that catered to small businesses, he said; no one answered its door and the listed phone number was disconnected.

Patients and providers also said the episode had changed how they think about fraud.

Hatcher, the retired accountant, worries that her peers dont bother to look at Medicare statements  because seniors covered by the health program generally dont have to pay out of pocket for supplies and services  allowing potentially fraudulent billing to go undetected.

I mentioned it at a luncheon yesterday, and every lady there said, We never look at those statements, Hatcher said. Well, thats the problem.
Key Insights

Vesuvius' estimated fair value is UK6.11 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of UK4.74 suggests Vesuvius is potentially 22% undervalued

Analyst price target for VSVS is UK5.28 which is 14% below our fair value estimate

Does the February share price for Vesuvius plc (LON:VSVS) 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. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

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.

Check out our latest analysis for Vesuvius

Crunching The Numbers

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, 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) UK122.0m UK139.9m UK129.2m UK122.9m UK119.3m UK117.5m UK116.8m UK116.9m UK117.5m UK118.5m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x5 Est @ -7.66% Est @ -4.87% Est @ -2.92% Est @ -1.55% Est @ -0.59% Est @ 0.08% Est @ 0.55% Est @ 0.87% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 8.3% UK113 UK119 UK102 UK89.3 UK80.1 UK72.8 UK66.8 UK61.7 UK57.3 UK53.4

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK815m

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.3%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK119m (1 + 1.6%)  (8.3% 1.6%) = UK1.8b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK1.8b ( 1 + 8.3%)10= UK815m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is UK1.6b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK4.7, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 22% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Vesuvius as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.215. 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 Vesuvius

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market.

Opportunity

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 4 years.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Vesuvius, we've put together three further elements you should explore:

Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 2 warning signs for Vesuvius you should be aware of, and 1 of them makes us a bit uncomfortable. Future Earnings: How does VSVS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Donatas Sadauskas, 39, previously of Sallins Pier, Co. Kildare, was granted bail with stringent conditions

A BUSINESSMAN was extradited and charged with attempted deception of an insurance company in Dublin and giving a false report to gardai about a crime.

Donatas Sadauskas, 39, previously of Sallins Pier, Co. Kildare, was granted bail with stringent conditions after he appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

He was charged with attempting to commit deception at Axa Insurance on Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1, on December 27, 2016. He faces a second charge for making a false report and statement ten days earlier to gardai at Dun Laoghaire station to show that an offence had been committed.

Detective Garda Daniel Treacy told the court that he arrested Mr Sadauskas at Dublin Airport after a European Arrest Warrant was issued, and he was extradited to Ireland.

Mr Sadauskas was brought to Dun Laoghaire to be charged.

There was no Garda objection to bail with conditions. Judge McNamara ordered him to reside at his new address, Rheban Manor, Athy, Co. Kildare, supply gardai with his phone number and remain contactable, and email Detective Garda Treacy if he has to travel outside the country on business.

Bail was set at 1,000 with a 6,000 independent surety.

The accused has yet to indicate a plea.
Damien Lyons (41) failed to go to gardai with his personal details when the sex offenders legislation was updated, and then called an officer a baldy c**t when he was later charged, a court heard.

A convicted sex offender who made no attempt to notify gardai of his address when new monitoring laws were introduced last year has been given a three-month suspended sentence.

Damien Lyons (41) failed to go to gardai with his personal details when the sex offenders legislation was updated, and then called an officer a baldy c**t when he was later charged, a court heard.

Although Lyons had been living at the same apartment for the previous 12 years without issues, he had been obliged to register this again at a garda station when the new law came into effect.

Finding him guilty of failing to notify gardai of his address under the Sex Offenders Act, Judge Paula Murphy said it was an important piece of legislation.

She also found him guilty of public drunkenness in a supermarket car park but acquitted him of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Lyons, of The Crescent Building, Park West Pointe, Dublin 12, had denied all the charges.

Garda Ross Donegan said he was on duty in Walkinstown on December 9 last year when he came across the accused at the Lidl car park. Lyons was intoxicated and allegedly told the garda: F**k off, you pig, or Ill make you f**k off.

He was arrested and while he was in custody, the garda became aware of the breach of the Sex Offenders Act. When charged with this offence, Lyons said: F**k off you baldy c**t, I did notify.

Detective Garda Aisha Fitzsimons said Lyons moved into his address on October 2011, and notified gardai at that time.

She spoke to him in person at his apartment on November 5 last year, the day before the new act was due to come into effect.

She explained to him that he was required to make a fresh notification of his details at a garda station, and this had been reduced from a seven-day to a three-day requirement.

He had not done so by November 8 and she phoned him that day to give him a chance to comply.

She said he told her he was in the city centre and planned to go to Ballyfermot garda station that afternoon. She advised him if he failed to do this, he would be in breach of the act. There was no record of his attendance.

Lyons said he had been begging outside the supermarket and had a couple of shots of vodka when the garda arrested him. He denied being aggressive or abusive. He insisted he did go to Clondalkin garda station on November 8 and said a garda told him to go home and wait for a letter.

Defence solicitor Donal Quigley said his client had lived at the same address since 2011 and none of his details had changed.

Lyons 10 previous convictions included one for a sexual offence in 2007. He had never breached the Sex Offenders Act.

Convicting him, the judge said Lyons had been warned about the new legislation.
Aaron Sheridan, 36, of Belclare Drive, Ballymun, was arrested following an operation by gardai attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT)

A DUBLIN man charged over a seizure of illegal tablets at his home has been released on strict bail with a curfew.

Aaron Sheridan, 36, of Belclare Drive, Ballymun, was arrested following an operation by gardai attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT).

They charged him with unlawfully possessing alprazolam tablets and having them for the purpose of sale or supply on Thursday at his home address.

The offences come under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr Sheridan appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

In evidence, DCRT Garda Shane Cunningham said that Mr Sheridan was handed copies of the charges and "made no reply".

The officer confirmed that he was not objecting to bail but sought various conditions.

Defence counsel Kevin McCrave said they had been canvassed in advance, and his client "agreed to abide by them".

Mr Sheridan did not address the court or indicate a plea.

The quantity or value of the seizure was not stated during the hearing, but the court heard gardai had seized his phone.

Judge McNamara remanded Mr Sheridan on 200 bail and ordered him to sign on two days a week at Ballymun garda station, notify gardai of any address change, get a new phone within 48 hours and "remain contactable at all times".

Family members were in court and handed over his passport to Garda Cunningham.

The judge ordered Mr Sheridan not to apply for a replacement or alternative travel documents and told him to obey an 11 pm  6 am curfew.

Judge McNamara noted that gardai are seeking directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, and she told the accused to return to the same court on May 3.

The DCRT garda said he expected the suspected drugs to be analysed by then.

The defence said Mr Sheridan was "deferring a legal aid application at this stage".
Nikodem Osinski (27) could also not remember getting bail at a garda station after his arrest and later failed to appear in court.

A man who screamed profanities at hotel staff after he was escorted off the premises was so drunk he had no recollection of the incident afterwards, a court has heard.

Nikodem Osinski (27) could also not remember getting bail at a garda station after his arrest and later failed to appear in court.

Judge Shalom Binchy gave him a one-month suspended sentence and fined him 100.

Osinski, with an address at Camcor Park, Scurragh, Birr, Co Offaly, pleaded guilty to public intoxication, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to appear in court.

Dublin District Court heard gardai found him staggering in front of a hotel on the North Circular Road in Dublin at 5.55am on July 3 last year. He had been escorted from the premises and was screaming profanities at staff.

He also told gardai to f**k off and was arrested. Osinski had previous convictions.

The accused had absolutely no recollection of the incident, his solicitor Tracy Horan said.

He had been drinking an awful lot after breaking up with his girlfriend and the last year had been an absolute blur to him.

He was so intoxicated on the night, he did not recall that he had been given bail at the garda station, she said.

Im very sorry, judge, thats all I can say, I cant remember it, the accused said.

Judge Binchy suspended a one-month sentence for a year.
He is expected to appear before a sitting of the Dublin District Court this morning.

Gardai are investigating if a prison officer arrested over a drugs bust is associated with a Dublin-based crime group.

The jail worker was detained on Thursday night after gardai recovered cash and tablets in his home on the capitals northside.

The Mountjoy Prison officer was detained under drug trafficking legislation and has since been charged in relation to the incident.

He is expected to appear before a sitting of the Dublin District Court this morning.

Authorities are now probing if the prison officer was working in conjunction with jailed associates of a west Dublin organised crime group.

One source told The Irish Independent: This individual has been looked at for some time and the raid was carried out as part of an intelligence operation.

Given his position there are concerns about the smuggling of drugs into the prison but at this stage the matter relates to controlled drugs found at his property.

Several avenues are being followed including whether he had effectively been turned by inmates affiliated to a major drugs network.

The search was carried out under warrant on Thursday night resulting in 2,000 worth of pills and 1,200 in cash being seized.

A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai from the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) conducted a search under warrant at a residence in Ballymun, Dublin 11, on the evening of Thursday 8th February 2024.

In excess of 2,000 of controlled drugs in tablet form were seized in addition to 1,200 in cash.

A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with this seizure and he is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Dublin City Garda Station.

All of the drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

The individual has since been charged and is due to appear before a sitting of Dublin district court on Saturday morning.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison said it would not be appropriate to comment on matters relating to any individual staff member.

The Irish Prison Service sets high standards in respect of its staff and requires that all staff carry out their duties with integrity, commitment and professionalism. The vast majority of staff adhere to these standards at all times.

In circumstances where the conduct of a staff member does fall below the high standards expected, this is treated with the utmost seriousness in accordance with the Civil Service Code of Discipline, the spokesperson added.
The 40-year-old criminal, who was previously himself the victim of a highly publicised crime, remains in garda custody this evening.

A suspect arrested in connection with the violent death of a man in a Kildare apartment had been released from garda custody in another county just hours before the victims death, the Sunday World understands.

The 40-year-old criminal, who was previously himself the victim of a highly publicised crime, remains in garda custody this evening.

It is understood he had attempted to clean up the scene of the stabbing in Kildare before being disturbed by a third party.

He is being held on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Jackson (50), who was stabbed to death at an apartment in Kilcock on Thursday afternoon.

The victim, who is originally from Cedar Park in Leixlip and known to the suspected killer, was found with multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.

At this stage, gardai believe the men had only been in the apartment together for a short period before the fatal stabbing and are probing a possible motive for the attack.

The Irish Independent understands the suspect was detained for public order offences in a different county that day but released from custody in the hours before the killing. He subsequently made his way to the apartment in Kilcock, where he was present with the victim for a short period of time before the attack.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene in shortly after 4pm on Thursday.

A witness called emergency services reporting the stabbing, a source said.

The suspect was at the scene when gardai arrived and it appears he was initially making efforts to clean the scene and remove any evidence of the crime when he was interrupted.

The man in custody has previously served a lengthy jail term for drug-trafficking offences. Gardai are continuing to question him after he had earlier been given medical treatment for issues unrelated to his arrest or detention.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the inquiry, while a family liaison officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of the victim.

Gardai remained at the scene on School Street this evening as a forensic examination continued.

A garda spokesman said: Gardai are investigating a fatal assault of a man that occurred between 3pm and 4pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at a residence on School Street in Kilcock, Co Kildare.

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder as part of this investigation. He is currently detained under the provisions of section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in Kildare.

Gardai are appealing to any persons who were in the vicinity of School Street between 3pm and 4pm and observed any activity which drew their attention to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling in the vicinity of School Street between 3pm and 4pm are asked to make this footage available to gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leixlip garda station on 01 6667800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
The 40-year-old criminal, who was previously himself the victim of a highly publicised crime, had been held on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Jackson (50)

A man arrested in connection with the violent death of another man in a Kildare apartment has been charged and is expected to appear before a special sitting of Naas District Court this afternoon.

The man, who had been arrested on Thursday, February 8 as part of the investigation, had been released from garda custody in another county just hours before the victims death, the Sunday World understands.

The 40-year-old criminal, who was previously himself the victim of a highly publicised crime, had been held on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Jackson (50), who was stabbed to death at an apartment in Kilcock on Thursday afternoon.

The victim, who is originally from Cedar Park in Leixlip was found with multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.

At this stage, gardai believe the men had only been in the apartment together for a short period before the fatal stabbing and are probing a possible motive for the attack.

The Irish Independent understands the suspect was detained for public order offences in a different county that day but released from custody in the hours before the killing.

He subsequently made his way to the apartment in Kilcock, where he was present with the victim for a short period of time before the attack.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene in shortly after 4pm on Thursday.

A witness called emergency services reporting the stabbing, a source said.

The man taken into custody had previously served a lengthy jail term for drug-trafficking offences. He was questioned by gardai after he had earlier been given medical treatment for issues unrelated to his arrest or detention.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the inquiry, while a family liaison officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of the victim.

A garda spokesperson said: A man in his 40s arrested on Thursday, February 8 as part of this investigation has been charged and is expected to appear before a special sitting of Naas District Court at 4pm this afternoon.
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Longboat Energy plc (LON:LBE), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

Check out our latest analysis for Longboat Energy

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Longboat Energy

The CEO & Executive Director Helge Hammer made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for UK64k worth of shares at a price of UK0.27 each. That means that even when the share price was higher than UK0.19 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

In the last twelve months Longboat Energy insiders were buying shares, but not selling. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Longboat Energy is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Does Longboat Energy Boast High Insider Ownership?

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. From our data, it seems that Longboat Energy insiders own 14% of the company, worth about UK1.5m. Overall, this level of ownership isn't that impressive, but it's certainly better than nothing!

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At Longboat Energy Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no Longboat Energy insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. The transactions are fine but it'd be more encouraging if Longboat Energy insiders bought more shares in the company. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. When we did our research, we found 5 warning signs for Longboat Energy (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that we believe deserve your full attention.

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.
I asked him if I could call my sons to say goodbye but he just laughed at me.

AN 86-year-old woman who was falsely imprisoned in her home and brutally assaulted by killer Richard Kearney has told how he laughed in her face when she asked if she could call her sons before he killed her.

The pensioner, who asked that her name and address not be disclosed, spoke of her horrific ordeal after Kearney was jailed for eight years for carrying out the attack and three others, on two pensioner priests and his former prison chaplain.

Kearney attacked the elderly woman while on temporary release 21 years into his life sentence for the murder of Mary Dillon (72) in 1988.

Ms Dillons body was discovered partially naked on November 25 of that year in her garage.

Like you, he came to my door, the elderly woman  who survived the attack by Kearney in March of last year  told our reporter.

He had a fireguard and another parcel with him and he said to me there had been a man in my house the previous week whod told him to come back.

I started to laugh and said there was no man in my house and, with that, he shoved me in.

When we got as far as the kitchen, he threw me onto the floor.

And he told me several times with his fingers around my neck that he was going to kill me.

I asked him if I could call my sons to say goodbye but he just laughed at me.

The woman said she tried to tell Kearney there was no money in the house but offered that he could take anything else he wanted.

And, the next thing anyway, he took my credit-cards, my keys, my phone.

He had everything.

Pointing to a wrist-held panic alarm on her arm, the woman said Kearney then tried to rip it from her arm.

But while he was trying to pull it off, it went off, she said.

And this voice said my name and asked are you alright?

I said no, Im not, I need help  I want help.

But Kearney said: Dont mind her  Im her brother.

The woman said Kearney then went out, locking the hall door, and warned her to follow him.

I hadnt a notion of following him  I can assure you, she said.

Eventually, the woman said, she managed to make it out of the house and to her front gate where her neighbours spotted her and realised something wasnt right.

In the meantime, on my door is a bell, and everything he had said and done was recorded.

And when the police came to me and saw it, they said: Well have him before the night  and they did.

The woman was one of three elderly people attacked in their homes by pensioner-killer Kearney on March 15 last year during a spree of violence in west Dublin.

While on temporary release in March last year, Kearney briefly locked his former prison chaplain in her bathroom. Nine days later, he forced his way into the home of an elderly lady and robbed and assaulted her, before attacking and falsely imprisoning two priests in Clondalkin.

Kearney tried to choke one of the priests (74), while the other priest (86) broke his hip during the attack and remains in rehabilitation, the court heard.

Kearney, of Kilcronan Court, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to 10 counts comprising four counts of false imprisonment, three counts of assault causing harm, two counts of robbery and one threat to kill at various locations in Dublin on March 6 and March 15, 2023.

Sentencing Kearney today, Judge Martin Nolan said that for reasons known only to himself, he approached these people, entered their property, attacked them, terrified them and falsely imprisoned them.

The evidence was somewhat similar to the facts of the murder for which Kearney was convicted in 2001, the judge said. He noted the victims were quite elderly and not in a position to resist or defend themselves. He said they were greatly affected by the attacks.

Judge Nolan handed down an eight year prison sentence, which he backdated to last March. Kearney has been back in custody since these offences, when his temporary release was revoked.
Gardai believe the boy, named locally as senior infants student Matthew Healy, died from drowning

A VIGIL will be held in Waterford this evening for the six-year-old boy whose suspicious death led to gardai arresting a woman on Friday.

Gardai believe the boy, named locally as senior infants student Matthew Healy, died from drowning and a major investigation has been launched into his death.

Gardai found Matthew unresponsive on the back seat of a car in Rathmoylan shortly after midnight on Saturday after local residents alerted gardai that a woman was screaming in the area.

Scene of the incident in Waterford

Gardai made desperate attempts to revive him before paramedics arrived and took over but Matthew was later pronounced dead in Waterford Regional Hospital.

A 38-year-old woman, who was known to the child, was given medical attention near the scene before being arrested and taken to Waterford Garda Station for questioning.

The questioning was paused while she received medical and psychiatric support but she remains under arrest today.

Gardai said the results of a post mortem would determine the course of the investigation.

Matthew was a senior infants student at Faithlegg National School and his death has devastated the area.

Tributes have been paid online, alongside a photo of the tragic boy with one person describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy.

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore said that a vigil will take place for Mathew at 7pm this evening.

The vigil will take place at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford city and will also offer prayers for the grieving family and the wider community affected by this heart-breaking loss.

In a statement issued today, Bishop Cullinan extended a heartfelt invitation to all members of the community to join in solidarity and support during this difficult time.

The loss of a young life is a profound tragedy that deeply affects us all, Bishop Cullinan said. As a community, it is important for us to come together in prayer and reflection to offer comfort and strength to the family and friends of the young boy who has left us too soon.
I am so honoured to be here with you today to mark the 43rd anniversary of that dreadful night

10/02/2024 Dublin Ireland. Former RTE reporter Charlie Bird with his wife Claire at the Stardust anniversary memorial at Kilmore Road. Photo: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

Stardust campaigner Antoinette Keegan with former RTE reporter Charlie Bird at the Stardust anniversary memorial. Photo: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

CHARLIE Bird described the families of the victims of the Stardust fire as true heroes and said if the tragedy happened in south Dublin, they would not have had to wait 40 years to get the truth.

The former RTE broadcaster, who is suffering from motor neurone disease, was speaking at an event to mark 43rd anniversary of the fire at the north Dublin nightclub which claimed the lives of 48 people on Valentines Day, 1981.

A large crowd turned out at the event which took place in Artane today.

Mr Bird, who has been supporting the families campaign for justice for decades, also said he hopes the ongoing inquest into the fire finally gets to the truth.

Families and supporters gather for the Stardust anniversary

I am so honoured to be here with you today to mark the 43rd anniversary of that dreadful night, he said. You are amazing families that campaigned so hard to find the truth of what really happened

If the Stardust tragedy happened in south Dublin the families would not have had to wait over 40 years to get to the truth.

I am now hoping that the current inquest will finally get the truth

I love you all. You are all true heroes.

Survivor Antoinette Keegan, who lost sisters Martina (16) and Mary (19) in the horrific tragedy, had earlier thanked Mr Bird during a speech at the event.

We are honoured here today to have Charlie Bird present. Charlie has always been a great supporter of us families over the years. We thank Charlie and [his wife] Claire so much for travelling from Wicklow to be present with us.

Charlie Bird you are our hero. Thank you so much for everything.

The crowd heard that Mr Bird had been a staunch supporter of the families for decades and would attend every meeting organised by the families in their campaign for justice.

Ms Keegan also thanked the many others who had supported the families including members of the legal professions and Dublin Fire Brigade who formed a close bond with the families over the years. The Brigades pipe band played at the vigil.

A new inquest into the tragedy got underway last year and heard evidence from its final witness this week.

The chief fire officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, Dennis Keeley, was the last witness to give evidence at the inquest when he appeared on Wednesday.

He told the jury that he believes an increase in the number of fire stations and firefighters in Dublin since 1981 was a direct result of the fire.

He was the last of 190 witnesses to give evidence at the inquest ahead of closing submissions.

Earlier this month the inquest heard from Martin Davidson, an expert witness and a senior fire engineer, who said that locking or obstructing exits at the venue contributed to delays in people getting out and to the loss of life in the fire.

Antoinette Keegan gave evidence at the inquest last October when she told the jury: My last words I ever remember saying in there before I lost consciousness was: Oh god help us.
The man, who was a foreign national, passed away after attending a scheduled appointment on January 30

A man in his 60s died in a carpark at Nenagh Hospital in Tipperary, it has emerged.

The man, who was a foreign national, passed away after attending a scheduled appointment on January 30.

A source told sundayworld.com that the man became unwell while at Nenagh Hospital and staff urged him to seek treatment at University Hospital Limerick and offered to call an ambulance.

The man declined and left the hospital, however, he subsequently collapsed and died. Its understood he may have suffered a heart attack.

Hospital staff rushed to his aid and tried to resuscitate him but sadly were unable to revive him.

Gardai also attended the scene. A garda spokesperson told sundayworld.com: Gardai and emergency services attended a medical emergency in Tyone, Nenagh, on Tuesday, January 30. A male (60s) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner.

A spokesperson for the University of Limerick Hospital Group (ULHG) told sundayworld.com: We cannot comment in detail on individual cases when to do so might reveal information in relation to identifiable individuals, breaching the ethical requirement on us to observe our duty of confidentiality.

We can confirm that on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 30, staff at Nenagh Hospital did attempt to resuscitate a male patient in the car park.

"The patient in question had earlier attended the hospital for an appointment. The attempts to resuscitate the patient were unsuccessful and we express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the man in question.

Nenagh Hospital staff and our colleagues in the National Ambulance Service follow the national protocols on emergency inter-hospital transfers for patients who may require a time-critical intervention that is not available at the hospital.

"This includes inpatients, patients attending for appointments and patients who present to the Injury Unit with injuries or illnesses which are out of criteria and need to be treated in a centre with a higher level of emergency or specialist care.

This protocol was followed in the case in question.
The favourite part of Rowan Ford Dawsons job is seeing peoples faces light up when they know its circus class.

[I love] Watching the students get joy out of it and growing and expanding their ability to do the tricks that were teaching them.

Rowan is the regional hub manager of Circability in the Bay of Plenty  which provides circus classes to people of all ages and abilities.

Circability classes teach people of all abilities circus skills in schools, disability centres and retirement villages.

Available in Auckland and Northland, Circability has been running in the Bay of Plenty for one-and-a-half school terms.

Circability started in New Zealand more than 10 years ago, and there are classes for people of all ages, all abilities, all cultures, all together.

Government funding of more than $300,000 has been granted to The Circability Trust to provide more social circus practitioners in regional areas, including Tauranga.

We go into schools, disability centres, retirement villages and preschools and we teach social circus, says Rowan.

Social circus is using circus skill as a social tool to encourage coordination, balance, confidence, social engagement and self-pride to create positive outcomes for our students.

It also fosters building confidence, overcoming trauma and developing essential capacities such as resilience and responsibility.

There is a particular emphasis on teaching disabled and disadvantaged youth via inclusive transition.

The focus on disability is at the forefront of what Circability does.

I work with people who have disabilities and they dont let it stop them.

"They get in there and they give it a go.

In circus class is student Pippu Jefferies, tutor Regina de Jong, student Tilesha Pouaka, Circability BOPs Rowan Dawson and student Peyton Crawford. Photo: John Borren.

Rowans team also works with at-risk youth and people with neurodiversity.

We have people that you wouldnt expect to be able to do these technical tricks and theyre getting in there and theyre giving it a go.

Parents come in and they see students do tricks that they never would have believed they could have been able to do.

"They see a student who is not in the mainstream school, and here they are juggling three balls and doing it capably, says Rowan.

For those interested in becoming a circability tutor and being employed long-term, Circability also offers pathways to these goals via the Power of Inclusion training and development programme.

So whats the goal for Circability in the Bay of Plenty for 2024?

Were working in multiple schools, disability centres, and next year we hope to include more of the preschools and aged care into our roster.

Find out more at: www.circability.org
They may not be loved in Tauranga Central and Welcome Bay yet, but one chapter organiser surmises its just that theyre not known about.

The Loved 4 Life chapters in Tauranga Central and Welcome Bay have recently received only a few referrals  so both want to remind their communities that they are always there to help.

Loved 4 Life is a nationwide not-for-profit organisation that welcomes new babies with gifted parcels including quilts, knitted goods and burping cloths plus a listening ear for mothers.

Were here for our community, to celebrate and welcome new babies, says Welcome Bay Chapter organiser Ngaire Van Zweeden.

[But] We dont get a lot of referrals, says Ngaire.

I think its just a matter of publicity, really, getting it out there.

"I think its just been slow...a lot of its probably word of mouth, and that takes a little bit of time to build up momentum.

Hence this article, to let the Tauranga Central and Welcome Bay communities know about Loved 4 Life  and how to refer a new mother to the service.

No strings

Theres no strings attached, its just an expression of love and care for our community, says Ngaire.

If mums are wanting it, were here and available to deliver them a quilt and a gift, and provide any support if needed, says Ngaire.

We provide as much support as possible, says Ngaire.

If mums have needed a little bit of help with say, baby clothing, weve been able to drop around baby clothing.

"We will provide a meal if they would like a meal, just to help them out in the early days of having a new baby.

Friendship

Ngaire says the most important thing they offer to mothers is friendship.

Just getting alongside mums. Someone to stand beside them. It is a little bit tough at the start.

Tauranga Central Chapter organiser Sherry Bennett says the organisation is just a means of support for families with newborns  and, in particular, families who dont have grandparents or family or whanau close by.

Weve bumped into a few families like that whove been transferred with roles, business etc into the Bay of Plenty and they might be from another country or from within New Zealand.

"And they dont have that support.

We introduce ourselves to them and give them a gift for the babies and suggest that if they need any help in any way, we could, says Sherry.

Perhaps put them in touch with some other agencies, and we have provided meals for them.

"Just communication and contact really and support for them.

We talk about things like Plunket, and things that generally a new mum would be aware of.

"We chat about those things in case they dont know.

Father Malachi Fidow with twin baby girl Manaia Kawiti-Fidow, and mother Natasha Kawiti with twin baby boy Manaia Kawiti-Fidow are Loved 4 Life recipients. Photo: John Borren.

All welcome

We would like to think that we can join up at some stage and have a coffee morning or something like that.

"With the mums and the babies.

"This is a non-profit and inter-denominational organisation.

"All families are welcome.

Sherry says the Tauranga Central chapter started a year ago.

Were slowly introducing ourselves to the community...This involves not only the new mums and babies, but the older generation because they make quilts and knit things for the babies, says Sherry.

To get in contact or make a referral call the Welcome Bay Chapter, contact Ngaire Van Zweeden on 027 486 9341 or email: actionpotential@xtra.co.nz. For the Tauranga Central Chapter, call Sherry Bennett on 021 188 3536 or email: bennetsherry2021@gmail.com
The classroom, a toilet next door and a new playground was what Year 4 student Raiden Whiu enjoyed most on his first day at his newly-built school, on Wednesday.

I was excited! the eight-year-old told The Sun after experiencing his first full day of school at Te Kura o Manunui.

I had a good day!

The school officially welcomed its students, ranging from Year 1-6 onto the new site at 72 Millers Rd on February 7.

Before this, an opening ceremony on January 23 opened the Tomokanga Gateway with a dawn ceremony.

Principal Ngaere Durie says Wednesday offered a truly memorable and special ceremony for our tamariki, their whanau, the hapu - Ngai Tamarawaho, Iwi NgatI Ranginui and our staff.

It was a beautiful heartfelt pohiri with all those that support the kura.

Formally known as Brookfield School, and located at 20 Millers Rd, it was 2019 when then-Education Minister Chris Hipkins revealed plans to expand Brookfield Primary  due to population growth in the area  by building a new school to open Term 1, 2024.

The turning of the sod of soil at the new site happened February 2022, with the new multi-storeyed school building taking shape ever since.

Today the new school has 25 classrooms, with 320 students currently enrolled.

This is up from 290 students enrolled at the old school site last year, learning within 17 classrooms.

Ngaere says the new school campus is highly significant to the community as it is an acknowledgement of mana whenua Ngai Tamarawaho, it also reflects all our whanau from all over the world and local stories in and around the Otumoetai area.

Year 4 student Raiden Whiu, 8, at his newly-built school. Photo: Supplied.

Raiden, who has attended the school at the old site for four years, also turned up in new uniform at school on Wednesday too.

Raidens mother Jo Delicata says the new uniform and school have been much-awaited by Raiden and his peers.

Raiden went to the school on Monday for an orientation session where he got to know here his classroom is and got to have walk-around to know where everything is at the school  ready for Wednesday.

The Ministry of Educations Te Tai Whenua (Central) acting Hautu deputy secretary Tracey Turner says the existing Brookfield School was operating over capacity and there was no more land available to increase the schools size.

[As such,] A new school site was required to enable a larger school to be built.

This new site has a capacity for 550 students, compared to the previous Brookfield School capacity of 279 students.

Tracey says the move to the new site occurred at the end of 2023, and Term 1, 2024, heralding a new start for all students at newly-built school.

Students and families will experience a new school with new facilities, more classrooms and more space, with easier accessibility to the school and parking.

Ngaere says the project has been in the works since 2019, involving the school whanau, community and hapu Ngai Tamarawaho.

Together hapu, parents, whanau, community and our tamariki were welcome to contribute ideas, wishes and aspirations.

Ngaere says it quickly became clear to them that they wanted to change the name of the school from Brookfield School.

Ideas were shared at many meetings and history of the area was shared by many kaumatua.

"The school worked intensively with hapu kaumatua; Maora Reed, Des Tata, Tamati Tata, and the late Peri Kohu."

In 2020 our school whanau, community and hapu (subtribe) Ngai Tamarawaho all were able to vote.

"It revealed that the majority of our whanau wanted to change the name to Te Kura o Manunui.

The logo for the school has five key parts which encompass local historical elements, says Ngaere. And now this has come to life on new uniforms being worn at the school this term.

A poutama is a stepped pattern of tukutuku panels and woven mats symbolising genealogies and also the various levels of learning and intellectual achievement.

"Some say they represent the steps which Tane-o-te-wananga ascended to the topmost realm in his quest for superior knowledge and religion.

The poutama here represents an ascending path of continual growth and development.

The manu is based on the local legend of Hineawa / Hinewa symbolising guidance and protection on the journey.

"The bird symbolises hovering over our tamariki and helping to guide them on their educational journey.

This symbol is also in reference to Manunui Pa/village which acknowledges mana whenua and tangata whenua (the land and the people).

The shades of blue reflect the many waterways within close proximity to the school, and the multicultural nature of the school.

And, Te Kura o Manunuis new motto is Poipoia Kia Rere  Nurturing Students to Succeed.
Te Puke residents no longer need to travel to Tauranga for an in-person appointment with an Inland Revenue advisor.

From Tuesday, February 13 onwards, they will be able to access an Inland Revenue clinic at the Te Puke Library and Service Centre, which will be held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Were very excited about the new service, says Libraries Eastern Western Bay Team Leader Amanda-Jane McFadden.

More and more, libraries are evolving into community hubs, by expanding their services to meet the changing needs of their communities.

"This is a much-needed service in Te Puke and the wider area and we are pleased to be able to offer it locally.

The appointment-only service will be available between 10am and 2pm, and people can register by email at taurangadavisoryrequest@ird.govt.nz or via the Inland Revenue call centre - 0800 775 247.

The new service will offer help with income tax, tax codes, tax returns, Working for Families, child support payments, KiwiSaver accounts and contributions, and making arrangements for debt.

When registering, people must reference Te Puke appointment and provide their name, address, phone number, IRD number and what they would like to discuss.

Te Puke Library and Service Centre already offers several other services to the community, including an on-site AA Licensing Agency, Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in sessions on the first and third Tuesday of each month between 1pm and 3pm, and a weekly JP clinic every Thursday between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Local services like this are vital for people in our community, especially those who face barriers to accessing information, like not having family support nearby or access to the internet, says Amanda-Jane.

As many services become centralised, people are increasingly seeing their local library as a trusted place where they can get help. Its about the community looking after the community.
With thousands of years of history and traditions, Asian cultures are rich in breathtaking stories, art, music, performances, and delicious cuisine.

The local Tauranga branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society is extending invitations to other Asian communities to join them in showcasing their unique cultures in the upcoming 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival.

Taurangas Historic Village will host the festival on February 24 amd 25, 2024, allowing locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese Asian cultures as the broader community comes together in a family-friendly event.

The 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

With a food show component and Lunar New Year celebration, there will be something for all ages to enjoy at this premier cultural event.

The festival will have calligraphy, traditional clothing showcases, kids games, and endless Asian cuisines, from savoury dumplings to Thai rice noodles.

The weekend's highlight will be the Lunar New Year celebration, where organisers and attendees will send out wishes of prosperity and good fortune for all.

Tauranga China Friendship Society President Tina Zhang says the festival will serve as a cultural bridge, allowing Tauranga residents to immerse themselves into the rich and diverse tapestry of Asian cultures.

The 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

The festival fosters cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and harmony, making our community more inclusive and globally aware, says Tina.

We are looking forward to our community members coming together to celebrate diversity and enjoy the festivities, share stories and create new memories.

Over 30 ethnic groups will share aspects of their culture with the thousands from Tauranga and beyond expected to attend.

This allows all festival goers to be exposed to a world of traditions, art, and cuisines they may not encounter otherwise. This in turn will encourage more people to learn about new cultures and broadening their understanding.

2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

The local Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund granted $10,000 towards the festival.

The fund is a partnership between local funders Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council with the core purpose of supporting community-led events and that encourages participation for free or at low-cost.

BayTrust Chief Executive, Alastair Rhodes says this event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, businesses and local organisations.

It strengthens the sense of community involvement and pride as well as showcases that Tauranga offers unique cultural celebration experiences for locals and visitors to attend," says Alastair.

Event Details: 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival, February 24 and 25 2024 at Tauranga Historic Village. Cold Coin Donation Entry.

More information on the Tauranga NZ Chinese Friendship Society Facebook Page. or contact Tina Zhang, China Friendship Society President on tauranga@nzcfs.com.
Police are investigating after an arson at Kawerau South School overnight.

Part of the wooden structure of the school's playground has been destroyed by the fire early on Saturday morning.

"At about 12.10am Police were notified that a fire had cause significant damage to a portion of the schools playground," says a Police spokesperson.

Police are investigating following the arson at Kawerau South School early on Saturday morning. Photo: Carole Meredith.

Students started Term One at the school which is located on Onslaw Street, Kawerau on January 31.

The school has a roll of around 330 pupils from Year 1 to 6.

Police say enquiries to locate CCTV footage are ongoing.

Part of the wooden structure has been destroyed by the fire early Saturday morning. Photo: Carole Meredith.

"We would ask anyone with information or who witnessed any person or people acting suspiciously in the area to contact Police.

"You can contact us by calling 105 quoting job number: P057731617.

Information can also be reported anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The fire to the playground came only days after children returned from school holidays and were welcomed back for Term One of the new year at Kawerau South School. Photo: Carole Meredith.

The fire has significantly damaged one end of the school playground at Kawerau South School. Photo: Carole Meredith.

The damaged Kawerau South School playground following a fire on Friday night. Photo: Carole Meredith.
Radiant Logistics, Inc. (AMEX:RLGT) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript February 8, 2024

Radiant Logistics, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.11, expectations were $0.09. RLGT isn't 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. This afternoon, Bohn Crain, Radiant Logistics Founder and CEO; and Radiant's Chief Financial Officer, Todd Macomber will provide a general business update and discuss financial results for the company's second fiscal quarter and six months ended December 31, 2023. Following their comments, we will open the call to questions. This conference is scheduled for 30 minutes. This conference may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the company that may cause the company's actual results or achievements to be materially different from the results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

While it is impossible to identify all the factors that may cause the company's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those set forth in our forward-looking statements. Such factors include those that have in the past and may in the future be identified in the company's SEC filings and other public announcements, which are available on the Radiant website at www.radiantdelivers.com. In addition, past results are not necessarily an indication of future performance. Now, I'd like to pass the call over to Radiant's Founder and CEO, Bohn Crain. Sir, the floor is yours.

Bohn Crain: Thank you, Alex. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining in on today's call. Our results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, continue to reflect the difficult freight markets being experienced by the entire industry as well as our operations. This extended period of weak freight demand combined with excess capacity continues to negatively impact not only our current results but also the year-over-year comparison to our record results for the prior year period. With that said, we remain optimistic that we are at or near the bottom of the cycle and we would expect markets to begin to find their way to more sustainable and normalized levels towards the back half of calendar 2024. Notwithstanding the tough year-over-year comparisons, we continue to deliver meaningfully positive results and have generated $16.9 million in adjusted EBITDA and $12.1 million in cash from operations for the six months ended December 31, 2023.

Story continues

In addition, we continue to enjoy a strong balance sheet, finishing the quarter with approximately $33 million of cash on hand and nothing drawn on our $200 million credit facility. As previously discussed, we believe we are well positioned to navigate through these slower freight markets. As we find our way back to more normalized market conditions. At the same time, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth through a combination of organic and acquisition initiatives and thoughtfully re-levering our balance sheet through a combination of Asian station conversions, synergistic tuck-in acquisitions and stock buybacks. Through this approach, we believe, over time, we will continue to deliver meaningful value for our shareholders, operating partners, and the end customers that we serve.

A fleet of trucks on a highway, transporting goods for the company.

In this regard, we are very excited about our recent agent station conversions with the acquisition of Delray and the select businesses which will combine, solidify our offering in support of the cruise line industry in South Florida. We launched Radiant in 2006 with the goal of partnering with logistics entrepreneurs who would benefit from our unique value proposition and the built-in exit strategy available to the entrepreneurs participating in our network. We believe these two transactions are representative of a broader pipeline of opportunities inherent in our agent-based network and we look forward to supporting other strategic operating partners when they are ready to begin their transition from an agency to company-owned location. With that said, I'll now turn it over to Todd Macomber, our CFO to walk us through our detailed financial results and then we'll open it up for some Q&A.

Todd Macomber: Thanks, Bohn and good afternoon everyone. Today, we will be discussing our financial results, including adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we reported net income attributable to Radiant Logistics of $985000 on $201 point million [ph] of revenues or $0.02 per basic and diluted share. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, we reported net income attributable to Radiant Logistics of $4.836 million on $278.1 million of revenues or $0.10 per basic and diluted share. This represents a decrease of approximately $3.851 million of net income over the comparable prior year period or 79.6%. For adjusted net income, we reported $5.496 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to adjusted net income of $11.142 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022.

This represents a decrease of approximately $5.646 million or approximately 50.7%. For adjusted EBITDA, we reported $7.708 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $16.203 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. This represents a decrease of approximately $8.495 million or approximately 52.4%. Moving along to the six-month results. For the six months ended December 31, 2023, we reported net income attributable to Radiant Logistics of $3.607 million on $411.9 million of revenues or $0.08 per basic and $0.07 per full diluted share. For the six months ended December 31, 2022, we reported net income attributable to Reading Logistics of $13.269 million from $609.1 million of revenues or $0.27 per basic and fully diluted share.

This represents a decrease of approximately $9.662 million over the comparable prior year period or 72.8%. For adjusted net income, we reported $12.46 million for the six months ended December 31, 2023 compared to adjusted net income of $24.621 million for the six months ended December 31, 2022. This represents a decrease of approximately $12.575 million or approximately 51.1%. For adjusted EBITDA, we reported $16.873 million for the six months ended December 31, 2023 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $34.871 million for the six months ended December 31, 2022. This represents a decrease of approximately $17.998 million or approximately 51.6%. With that I will turn the call back over to our moderator to facilitate any Q&A from our callers.

Operator: Thank you. [Operator Instructions] Our first question is coming from Jason Seidl with TD Cowen. Your line is open

See also 12 Safest Places to Retire in Mexico and 15 Fast-Growing Industries Looking To Hire in the US.

To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.
The good news for sunseekers is the forecasted streak of fine weather until Tuesday.

On Tuesday, a large high will cover most of New Zealand, with no severe weather expected over the country, says MetService forecasters.

Temperature highs for the Bay of Plenty for the week ahead are expected to be around 25 - 27 degrees Celsius, dropping to 12 -16 degrees overnight.

"The high over New Zealand should move away to the east on Wednesday, while a front moves onto the lower South Island," says a MetService spokesperson.

A strengthening northwest flow precedes the front, and rain will spread onto Fiordland and Westland during the day."

"There is low confidence that rainfall accumulations will meet warning levels over Fiordland and southern Westland on Wednesday.

With the strengthening northwest flow, there is moderate confidence that north to northwest winds could reach severe gale about exposed parts of southern Fiordland, western Southland and Stewart Island, and low confidence about other parts of Fiordland and Southland, Clutha and inland Otago late in the day."

During Thursday, the front is expected to move slowly northwards over the southern and central South Island, with rain affecting western and southern South Island areas.

"There is moderate confidence that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about the Westland District - especially about the ranges south of Otira, and low confidence of warnable rainfall amounts spilling over into the Canterbury headwaters south of the Rakaia River, and also in Fiordland, the Otago headwaters and western parts of Southland."

On Friday, the front is likely to become slow-moving over the northern South Island and slowly weaken.

"There is low confidence that warnable rainfall amounts will continue about the Westland District, and possibly also affect the Grey District, on Friday."
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.
Key Insights

EQT Holdings' significant retail investors ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public

41% of the business is held by the top 25 shareholders

Recent purchases by insiders

To get a sense of who is truly in control of EQT Holdings Limited (ASX:EQT), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 59% to be precise, is retail investors. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Meanwhile, institutions make up 34% of the companys shareholders. Institutions often own shares in more established companies, while it's not unusual to see insiders own a fair bit of smaller companies.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of EQT Holdings, beginning with the chart below.

Check out our latest analysis for EQT Holdings

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About EQT Holdings?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

EQT Holdings already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see EQT Holdings' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Story continues

Hedge funds don't have many shares in EQT Holdings. Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited is currently the company's largest shareholder with 6.2% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 4.8% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 4.7% by the third-largest shareholder. Additionally, the company's CEO Michael OBrien directly holds 0.5% of the total shares outstanding.

On studying our ownership data, we found that 25 of the top shareholders collectively own less than 50% of the share register, implying that no single individual has a majority interest.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of EQT Holdings

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in EQT Holdings Limited. It has a market capitalization of just AU$765m, and insiders have AU$17m worth of shares, in their own names. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a substantial 59% stake in EQT Holdings, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. This level of ownership gives investors from the wider public some power to sway key policy decisions such as board composition, executive compensation, and the dividend payout ratio.

Public Company Ownership

Public companies currently own 4.7% of EQT Holdings stock. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for EQT Holdings (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Dear reader,

A top project related to the plan to remove Interstate 81 through Syracuse is rebuilding the more than 1,000 public housing units that now sit next to the elevated highway, and making sure the current residents are taken care of appropriately.

In the 1950s and 60s, the state and federal governments built Interstate 81 through the middle of this historically Black neighborhood. It is also split by a railroad and is home to a steam plant. As the highway comes down, there is an $800 million plan to rebuild the neighborhood for a mix of subsidized and market-rate apartments, explains reporter Michelle Breidenbach. As the land becomes more valuable, advocates fear the eds and meds will march down the hill and take it over. There are a lot of people watching to make sure history does not repeat itself.

Thats why it was especially surprising to residents and many local officials when Michelle reported last week that the Syracuse Housing Authority was considering a proposal from SUNY Upstate Medical University to build an optometry school on land thats now home to 92 of those public housing units.

Syracuse Housing Authority Director Bill Simmons approached SUNY Upstate officials with a request to put a health clinic in one of the senior apartment buildings next door to their campus. He is writing a grant application to HUD for $50 million to rebuild public housing into a new mixed-income neighborhood. It looks good for applicants to have financial commitments from anchor institutions like the hospitals and colleges within walking distance of the project. It also helps to show that these big employers have workers who will want to live in new market-rate housing.

SUNY Upstate is looking for a place to put a new $125 million optometry school. Simmons said the discussion evolved from the health clinic idea to building the whole optometry school on land next to the senior towers, where 92 units of public housing are already scheduled to be torn down and replaced. SUNY Upstate offered to put a health clinic for residents inside that building. They also said they would move their hospital police headquarters to that building.

That checked a lot of boxes for Simmons and SHA Board President Calvin Corriders, who is also on the SUNY Upstate advisory board. The residents would get a health clinic, some extra security and millions of dollars to spend on new housing down the street, farther from the hospital campus and the I-81 viaduct.

SUNY Upstate put the offer in writing, in a letter of support for the HUD grant application. Simmons developed some talking points to take to tenants and other community stakeholders. We shared those details with readers, Michelle said.

The proposal detailed in Michelles story came as a surprise to many including Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, who represents most of those living in public housing, and the residents themselves. Despite the rationale behind it, the plan didnt sit well with the community, including Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, who said plainly, its not a good idea, and the director of the NYCLUs racial justice center, who called it an alarming proposal. Within 28 hours of Michelles article, the SHA put the plan on ice.

The idea was met with an immediate gut-level no by the many people who want this land to remain a residential neighborhood. Everyone agrees the 92 current apartments have to go. They are 85 years old  some of the oldest public housing in America. They need a lot of work. Theres no air conditioning. No laundry rooms. They were built around cul-de-sacs that conveniently hide nefarious activity. But the people who grew up there and live there now want the land to continue to be used for affordable housing, Michelle said. The site is in a census tract that has a poverty rate of 71% and an unemployment rate of 30%. Some people have lived there for generations. Others have moved away but continue to fight for their friends and family members who still live there.

Michelles reporting is an example of the watchdog role we play in Central New York, thanks to the support of subscribers like you. We take our job seriously of informing the public about big decisions  before its too late.

The housing rebuild is just one of many aspects related to the 81 project well be keeping a close eye on. If you have a question or suggestion for coverage, you can reach Michelle directly at: mbreidenbach@syracuse.com
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The mother of a teen driving a stolen car when a deputy shot two other teens has dropped a claim against the deputy and sheriffs office after taking the first steps to sue.

Lacey Wright filed a notice of claim -- the first step in filing a lawsuit -- against the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office and Deputy John Rosello on behalf of her 17-year-old son, Javon Camber, in December.

On Thursday, Onondaga County Attorney Robert Durr confirmed to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that the claim had been dropped and will not continue to a lawsuit.

Camber was driving a stolen Hyundai on Oct. 6 when a deputy arrived and opened fire at the vehicle when the car drove toward him to flee on Oct. 6, according to the claim. The two passengers in the Hyundai, Dhal Apet, 17, and Lueth Mo, 15, were killed.

The teens were in a parking lot near the Midler Meadows mobile home park on North Midler Avenue in DeWitt when a 911 caller reported a group of males moving items between two cars.

Rosello was investigating two burglaries overnight in the area and the cars seen in the parking lot were suspected to be connected to the burglaries. Rosello responded to the 911 call and arrived at the parking lot.

As he pulled up, he crashed his patrol vehicle bumper-to-bumper with the Hyundai, according to a video released by the state Attorney Generals Office. He then got out of the patrol car and began walking toward the Hyundai.

The car drove directly at the deputy and he pulled out his gun before getting out of the way. It is unclear when he fired the fatal shots because there is no audio in the only video of the incident. Three shots were fired into the car.

After the shooting, the Hyundai fled before later crashing on Mooney Avenue in Syracuse where one teen was found dead and the other dying. The driver fled the scene.

The claim accused Rosello of assault and said that Wright and her son have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues as a result of the incident. The action also accused the sheriffs office of failing in the training of the deputy.

When the claim was filed, Wright and her lawyer declined to comment. At the same time, the president of the Onondaga County Sheriffs Police Association, Laura Collins, called the claim frivolous and said that the person who caused the alleged harm was seeking to profit from the situation.

On Friday, Syracuse.com | The Post Standard reached out to Wright, who was not immediately available for comment.

Since the incident on Oct. 6, Camber was arrested in Rochester for allegedly stealing a car. He was taken into custody before being released to his parents, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said after his arrest.

Camber has not been charged for driving the stolen car on Oct. 6. Fitzpatrick has said the driver has not been charged because he and state Attorney General Letitia James disagree over who has jurisdiction to charge the driver.

The county still faces two federal lawsuits filed by the families of the two teens who died, Durr said Thursday. Those lawsuits alleged excessive force and wrongful death.

The state Attorney Generals Office continues to investigate whether there was any wrongdoing by Rosello. The AGs office will also determine if criminal charges should be filed against him.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.

More Syracuse.com coverage

Sheriffs office identifies deputy who fatally shot 2 Syracuse teens in stolen car

Deputy who killed teens should have activated body cam, experts say. What do you mean, he never had time?

Protest called in downtown Syracuse after two teens fatally shot by deputy

2 families grieve teens deaths from a deputys gun: They did not deserve to die - syracuse.com

State Attorney General opens investigation into teens fatally shot by deputy in DeWitt

See sheriffs explanation of why deputy fired shots that killed two teens (Video)

2 teens killed in DeWitt by deputy who fired at vehicle which nearly ran deputy over, sheriff says

Two people killed by police in shooting in DeWitt, authorities say

Two teens fatally shot by deputy identified; they attended Henninger High School

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Do you need a date for Valentines Day? A Central New York police department has a criminally funny offer for (some) people who dont want the spend the holiday alone.

The Town of Manlius Police are inviting anyone with an active warrant for their arrest to contact them. In exchange, police officers will provide a free and safe ride (ahem, in a squad car) and arrange for a (court) date.
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
TusharK Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Pune Posts: 6,149 Thanked: 54,808 Times

Suzuki Swift: A Japanese icon celebrates 40 years







The Swift made its debut at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. It was sold as the Cultus / SA310 in Japan, before adopting the Swift name in 1985.







The Swift was introduced in the UK in 1989. It came in two body styles: 3-door and 5-door. The car had interdependent suspension all around and was offered with either a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder or 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine.







Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift in the Indian market in 2005. Since then, we have seen three generations of the Swift. It was initially offered with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, which was later replaced with a 1.2-litre unit. The car was also available with a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine.







The Swift Sport - a sportier version based on the third-generation model was sold in the global market. It came with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Subsequent iterations were offered in a 3-door body style and a 6-speed gearbox.







The outgoing version of the Swift was introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. In India, the car was offered with a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine at launch. The upcoming model will be powered by the new Z-series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine.







The Swift is one of the most popular cars sold in India. It achieved the 1 million sales milestone in 2013. In 2021, Swift sales crossed the 2.5 million unit mark.



Link to Team-BHP News The Suzuki Swift is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. As Maruti Suzuki gears up for the launch of the new Swift in India, let us take a look back at the five generations of the popular hatchback.The Swift made its debut at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. It was sold as the Cultus / SA310 in Japan, before adopting the Swift name in 1985.The Swift was introduced in the UK in 1989. It came in two body styles: 3-door and 5-door. The car had interdependent suspension all around and was offered with either a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder or 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine.Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift in the Indian market in 2005. Since then, we have seen three generations of the Swift. It was initially offered with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, which was later replaced with a 1.2-litre unit. The car was also available with a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine.The Swift Sport - a sportier version based on the third-generation model was sold in the global market. It came with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Subsequent iterations were offered in a 3-door body style and a 6-speed gearbox.The outgoing version of the Swift was introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. In India, the car was offered with a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine at launch. The upcoming model will be powered by the new Z-series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine.The Swift is one of the most popular cars sold in India. It achieved the 1 million sales milestone in 2013. In 2021, Swift sales crossed the 2.5 million unit mark. Last edited by Aditya : 9th February 2024 at 16:44 .
In context: The booming AI sector has propelled Nvidia's financials to new heights, as its AI acceleration GPUs have become highly sought after. However, these general-purpose components are facing increasing competition, prompting the company to develop more efficient chips tailored for specific clients and tasks.

Confidential sources have told Reuters that Nvidia is embarking on a $30 billion venture to form a new unit for custom chip solutions. The products would focus on multiple sectors, with AI as the chief concern. The company has reportedly begun talks with Microsoft, Meta, Google, and OpenAI.

Aside from AI, the new unit might also design custom telecom, cloud, automotive, and gaming hardware. For example, much of rival AMD's business comes from designing custom processors for Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Nvidia's expensive push into custom hardware is likely a response to intensifying competition in the generative AI arena, which has ballooned the company's profits.

Since the beginning of the generative AI craze, Nvidia has dramatically boosted its stock price and market cap by selling H100 data center GPUs at a 1,000 percent profit. While the company doesn't reveal its expenses, estimates indicate that manufacturing an H100 costs a few thousand dollars, while they sell for between $25,000 and $60,000.

Despite their astronomical price tag, clients can't get enough of them. Meta plans to buy hundreds of thousands of H100s before the end of the year. The situation has pushed Nvidia's shares to over $720 this week, up 50 percent since the beginning of the year and over 200 percent compared to 2022  the company's market cap of $1.77 trillion trails only slightly behind Amazon and Alphabet.

Nvidia's H100, A100, and the new H200 AI chips currently dominate the general-purpose AI and high-performance computing workloads markets. However, increasingly heated competition is emerging from companies like AMD, which claims its MI300X outperforms the H100 at a fraction of the cost.

Furthermore, other companies are designing proprietary silicon, which affords greater control over costs and energy consumption. The energy footprint of generative AI is approaching that of small countries, so improving efficiency has become a primary area of research in the sector, where bespoke hardware might become essential. Late last year, Amazon revealed the Trainium2 and the Arm-based Graviton4, which promise significant efficiency gains.
Something to look forward to: Lenovo's rumored transparent laptop could fundamentally rethink laptop design. But the unconventional concept risks being viewed as a gimmick unless the company clearly proves the utility this brings over traditional models.

Rumors are swirling that Lenovo could unveil the world's first transparent laptop at Mobile World Congress later this month. Leaked images sourced by WindowsReport suggest the laptop could sport a see-through display and keyboard, potentially bringing transparent tech to PCs for the first time.

The images depict what appears to be a (somewhat) normal laptop at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the display seems completely transparent when powered off. The laptop would appear to follow Lenovo's signature design aesthetic, however in place of physical keys in the bottom half, you get a touchscreen with virtual keys.

The non-transparent sections include the bottom chassis and a strip under the display housing the Lenovo logo. The leaks provide no indication of specs, so full details remain uncertain pending Lenovo's official announcement.

The laptop's form factor resembles modern dual-screen devices more than a classic clamshell. This innovative transparent concept aligns with larger trends seen at this year's CES, where brands like Samsung and LG unveiled transparent TVs and displays.

Of course, if the laptop seems too futuristic to be true, that's probably because it is. The model is most likely a concept device meant to showcase Lenovo's technical capabilities at MWC 2024 rather than a production prototype.

Transparent display tech remains prohibitively expensive to manufacture at scale. So while the idea is undeniably cool, the hypothetical transparent laptop would surely demand a premium price point.

Nonetheless, companies exploring unique form factors often push the industry forward. Laptop design conventions have changed little in decades, so innovations like 2-in-1 convertibles have been welcome. Hopefully, Lenovo can wow audiences with a groundbreaking laptop concept later this month.

Granted, the larger and longer-term question is whether the tech can transition from concept to commercial product. Lenovo must compellingly prove its real-world merits over traditional models for the product to succeed. There's no guarantee of the laptop ever reaching consumers even if revealed at MWC either. And the final design could differ significantly from current images if they depict an early prototype.

However, with the event nearing, we may not have to wait much longer for some of these questions to be answered.
Prince Harry has recently secured a significant victory in his legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) after the publisher agreed to pay him substantial damages in a phone-hacking case settlement (via ABC News).

The settlement marks a crucial moment in Harry's ongoing campaign to hold the British media accountable for their invasive tactics.

British Paper Hacked Prince Harry's Phone

The court decision, which came after Prince Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, revealed that MGN would pay all legal costs and a significant additional sum in damages, emphasizes the gravity of privacy violations committed by certain segments of the press.

This decision vindicates Prince Harry and shines a light on the unethical practices that have plagued tabloid journalism for years.

In December, the court ruled that MGN engaged in extensive phone hacking and other illegal information-gathering methods against Prince Harry.

This included intercepting voicemails and using private investigators to obtain confidential information. The judge awarded Prince Harry 140,600 ($177,000) in damages, emphasizing the gravity of the violation of his privacy.

Read Also: Scammers Sell Fake Super Bowl Tickets on Social Media: How Do You Protect Yourself From This AI Tactic?

Prince Harry's Fight Against Media Intrusion

According to CNN, the Duke of Sussex and three other claimants sued the British newspaper group, which also publishes The Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, alleging that its reporters intercepted his voicemails and used other illegal means over 15 years.

The settlement also addresses a broader issue of media ethics, as Prince Harry's case is just one example of the systemic problems within the industry.

The court's findings expose the extent to which certain media outlets were willing to go to obtain sensational stories, regardless of the ethical implications or the harm caused to individuals.

The settlement also marks a personal victory for Prince Harry, who has been a vocal advocate for media reform following his own experiences with tabloid scrutiny.

In his statement following the settlement, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of obtaining a clear and detailed judgment, particularly in light of continued attacks from individuals such as former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan.

Prince Harry's legal victory will likely have far-reaching implications for the media industry. "Our mission continues," the prince told the media.

Signs Your Device May Be Compromised by Spies

Is your phone acting strange? According to NordVPN, it could be spyware, and you should look for signs such as rapid battery drain, unusual data usage, or unexpected activity while in standby mode. Suspicious texts or unusual sounds during phone calls are also red flags.

To combat spyware on Android, NordVPN recommends that you shut down your device first. Next, remove any suspicious apps and, if necessary, reset to factory settings. More importantly, change passwords and be more alert in protecting personal information.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Chicago Children's Hospital Hit by Dayslong Cyberattack, Officials Blame Criminal Actor





 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In a bid to strengthen security and help its law enforcement officials, the London Underground network is now looking to start testing the use of real-time AI surveillance to help catch crime and more. This new system is called a "Smart Station" and it can detect body language, behavior, and movements of the passengers and those that pass by the mass transportation.

Machine learning will help the already existing live CCTV surveillance and monitoring to detect any incidents happening in the renowned Tubes.

London Underground: Smart Stations Test Real-time AI Surveillance

Documents sent over to WIRED under a Freedom of Information Act request now revealed that TfL (Transport for London) was already using new systems and computer vision algorithms to track people's behaviors in the London Underground. Those passing by the stations of the famed London Tube are subjected to real-time AI surveillance, calling this initiative "Smart Stations."

The report now brings to light this surveillance campaign by the city and its law enforcement officials to catch crime and respond to various incidents like people falling onto the tracks or those jumping the gates.

The real-time AI surveillance in the London Underground took place from October 2022 to September 2023, TfL tested 11 algorithms, with the Willesden Green Station seeing an effective application of the program. It detected unlawful behaviors and helped the staff assist those in need, said the report.

Read Also: Police Ready Facial Recognition Tech at UK Beyonce Concert Amid Initial Concerns

AI Observing Crimes, Incidents in the Tube to Help Police

However, while the AI was able to deliver significant help, it made erroneous mistakes such as misidentifying crimes or people, including flagging children as gate jumpers who are following their parents. Also, it had a hard time discerning a folding bike from a non-folding bike.

Privacy experts questioned the algorithm detection system, and more questioned how many knew this new AI surveillance system in the Tube.

London's AI Surveillance and Issues

United Kingdom's moves against the emergence of artificial intelligence saw different events happening, especially with the massive concern of the country which prioritizes the safety of its people and nation. Before, a UK terror watchdog warned against the possibility of an AI nightmare when companies use it to create a 'tech utopia' and become a national security threat.

Moreover, there was a security dispute that the UK had with the emergence of the American security firm, Clearview AI, known for using AI surveillance and facial recognition.

Last October, Clearview AI won against the massive lawsuit from the Information Commissioner's Office, with the company's appeal overturning the decision of its supposed 7.5 million fine for its image database.

Now, the city of London is looking to use the power of artificial intelligence to help it detect and catch crime as it is happening in real-time, combined with its real-time surveillance already used in its Tubes. The London Underground is known for being a mass transport system that witnesses massive incidents and crimes, with the Smart Stations soon pioneering a safer place for commuters.

Related Article: United Kingdom Unveils High-Tech 'Proteus' Surveillance Ship to Strengthen Maritime Security

 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop as seen, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Sheboygan, Wis.

SHEBOYGAN  The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop, 808 Pennsylvania Ave., will close after about seven years downtown. But a new owner is taking over the business.

The yarn shops last day open will be Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The shop has been a sanctuary for me, owner Pam Smith said. I think the best way to describe how I feel about it is, with all the color  it's kind of empty right now  but full of color that people could come in here, and just no matter what was going on, the color just brought happiness, you know? It's hard to be sad when you're in a yarn shop.

Pam Smith stands in The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop, as seen, Friday, February 9, in Sheboygan, Wis. The yarn shop is closing end of the day Feb. 10.

Smith is closing the shop to focus on her next venture in life, part of which will be spent with her grandchildren.

While open, The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop hosted open fiber nights" on Wednesdays for people to work on knit and crochet projects, among others. Smith said a lot of friendships were made at the shop. It has been a space for people to create, relax and hold community.

Even during COVID, Smith held virtual knit-along sessions, connecting with people from places as far as California and Idaho.

It's been a good place for people to be, she said. People have come in here when they've lost loved ones and didn't know where else to go. Just to sit with friends. Whatever life brought them, they knew they could come here with a safe space and friendships.

Smith said she's been knitting for about 55 years, first learning from her grandmother as a third-grader. She knits, crochets and has even taught some of her grandchildren the craft.

Sign up for the Streetwise newsletter Click here to get all the business openings and closings news right in your inbox

I usually start my day in the morning with a cup of coffee and knitting, and I end it at night with knitting," Smith said. It just relaxes me.

The space on Pennsylvania Avenue will be occupied by an incoming interior design firm. Its Facebook and business email address will go inactive in about a week.

Story continues

Mother-daughter duo to take over yarn shop

Mother-daughter duo Eileen and Lily Madden will take over the shop, renaming it, "The Last Sheepicorn," paired with a new logo. The yarn shop will move, likely to a new location on North Eighth Street. A lease hasnt been finalized yet, according to Eileen, but the pair hopes to open by March 21.

Eileen previously owned a letterpress printing shop when she lived in northeast Illinois. She held workshops and rented out equipment. She said she was happy there was a local yarn shop when she moved to the area about three years ago. Eileen and Lily are avid knitters, too.

It's something you can create for somebody else, but it's very practical, Eileen said. Like my previous business, we mostly printed, like wedding invitations, fancy business cards. And people enjoyed them. They were nice. Some people got them, but inevitably they got recycled.

Early Cinco de Mayo celebration: Mexican restaurant El Camino hosting Cinco de Mayo celebration ahead of closure

"When you knit something, it lasts," she continued. "Either you can enjoy it, or the person you give it to can enjoy it. Also, theres something kind of meditative about it.

Eileen said they plan to keep a community feel in the new space and could host classes, like natural dyeing with buckthorn, goldenrod and onion skin. They could partner with a local sheep farm for yarn, too.

Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Lost Sheep Yarn Shop in Sheboygan closing, new owners bring new name
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

A man who was drunk on a train and threatened to hit a police officer has been detained by the railway police

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.

The Director General of the South African Foreign Ministry will visit Kyiv as part of the diplomatic search for a solution to the conflict

Concern about the fate of Princess of Wales Kate Middleton... and talk of an important royal announcement

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

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.
French police fire tear gas on anti-motorway activists



Saix, France, Feb 9 (AFP) Feb 09, 2024



Police fired tear gas and made arrests Friday ahead of a weekend protest by environmentalists opposing a planned motorway in southwest France, AFP journalists on the scene saw.

"It seems like (police) want to disrupt in advance" the planned event which includes workshops, discussion groups and concerts, the organisers said in a statement.

The Cabanade group had gone ahead with setting up the protest despite the authorities banning the gathering because of "risks of serious harm to public order".

AFP journalists saw at least two arrests and the use of tear gas by police at the site at Saix, east of Toulouse.

Activists had set up camp toilets and signposts on private land where they planned to create a so-called "zone to be defended".

Police cleared pallets and trolleys used to block a small road running alongside the field, which is close to the route of the planned A69 motorway linking Toulouse and the town of Castres.

"The operation by 102 police allowed the clearing of booby-trapped barricades, seizure of material planned to be used to build treehouses and to restore order," the local prefecture said in a statement.

Activists said around 100 people on site were "resisting", in posts on the Telegram messaging service.

Other messages appealed for help and materials to build treehouses in a wood protesters hope to protect.

Police had carried out a "brutal" intervention using rubber bullets and stun grenades, said Bernard, a white-haired demonstrator wearing overalls.

AFP journalists could not immediately confirm the use of controversial riot control weapons, which have inflicted serious injuries in France in the past.

"I always hold peaceful meetings with peaceful people," said Greens MP Christine Arrighi, who planned to attend the weekend event.

"You'd think we were in Minority Report," she added, referencing the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie in which police arrest people before they have committed any crime.

A police source told AFP they expect up to 200 people to attend the protest, while organisers estimated beween 500 and 1,000.

"We're going ahead with the event, because it's a private event on private land," said Paul, a spokesman for the movement who asked not to give his family name.

He added that the wooded area is the subject of a dispute over its expropriation for the motorway.

Environmentalists have protests several times in recent months along the planned route of the A69.
Greta Thunberg expected at banned French anti-motorway protest



Saix, France, Feb 9 (AFP) Feb 09, 2024



French campaigners say climate activist Greta Thunberg will join a banned anti-motorway protest where police fired tear gas and made arrests Friday.

Thunberg is expected as part of an international delegation on Saturday at the site near the southwestern city of Toulouse, protest organisers the Cabanade group.

A global figure in the fight against climate change, Thunberg has been fined by one Swedish court for her direct action protests there.

But she saw another case against her thrown by an English court last week.

On Friday, French police fired tear gas and made arrests at the site in Saix where a new motorway is planned, AFP journalists on the scene saw.

"It seems like (police) want to disrupt in advance" the planned event which includes workshops, discussion groups and concerts, the organisers said in a statement.

Cabanade had gone ahead with setting up the protest despite authorities banning the gathering because of "risks of serious harm to public order".

AFP journalists saw at least two arrests and the use of tear gas by police at the site.



- Police clear barricades -



Activists had set up camp toilets and signposts on private land where they planned to create a so-called "zone to be defended".

Police cleared pallets and trolleys used to block a small road running alongside the field, which is close to the route of the planned A69 motorway linking Toulouse and the town of Castres.

"The operation by 102 police allowed the clearing of booby-trapped barricades, seizure of material planned to be used to build treehouses and to restore order," the local prefecture said in a statement.

Activists said around 100 people on site were "resisting", in posts on the Telegram messaging service.

Other messages appealed for help and materials to build treehouses in a wood protesters hope to protect.

Police had carried out a "brutal" intervention using rubber bullets and stun grenades, said Bernard, a white-haired demonstrator wearing overalls.

AFP journalists could not immediately confirm the use of controversial riot control weapons, which have inflicted serious injuries in France in the past.

"I always hold peaceful meetings with peaceful people," said Greens MP Christine Arrighi, who planned to attend the weekend event.

"You'd think we were in Minority Report," she added, referencing the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie in which police arrest people before they have committed any crime.

A police source told AFP they expect up to 200 people to attend the protest, while organisers estimated between 500 and 1,000.

"We're going ahead with the event, because it's a private event on private land," said Paul, a spokesman for the movement who asked not to give his family name.

He added that the wooded area is the subject of a dispute over its expropriation for the motorway.

Environmentalists have protests several times in recent months along the planned route of the A69.
Greta Thunberg joins banned French anti-motorway protest



Saix, France, Feb 10 (AFP) Feb 10, 2024



Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday joined a banned anti-motorway protest in southern France where police fired tear gas and made arrests a day earlier.

A global figure in the fight against climate change, Thunberg has been fined by one Swedish court for her direct action protests there. But she saw another case against her thrown out by an English court last week.

Wearing a Palestinian scarf and an anorak, Thunberg joined other protesters under heavy rain at the site in Saix where a new motorway -- the A69 linking the southwestern city of Toulouse to the town of Castres -- is planned, AFP journalists saw.

They held up banners saying "Stop A69". Critics of the project say it is harmful for the environment and does not take into account the current climate crisis.

The protest organisers had gone ahead with the rally despite authorities banning the gathering because of "risks of serious harm to public order".

AFP journalists saw at least two arrests and the use of tear gas by police at the site on Friday.

Activists had set up camp toilets and signposts on private land where they planned to create a so-called "zone to be defended".

Police cleared pallets and trolleys used to block a small road running alongside the field, which is close to the route of the planned motorway.

A police source told AFP they expect up to 200 people to attend the protest, while organisers estimated between 500 and 1,000.

"We're going ahead with the event, because it's a private event on private land," said Paul, a spokesman for the movement who asked not to give his family name.

He added that the wooded area is the subject of a dispute over its expropriation for the motorway. Local authorities say the land is illegally occupied.

Environmentalists have protested several times in recent months along the planned route of the A69.
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
Lack of direction from Congress on a $78 billion tax package could complicate filing season for millions of taxpayers, with small business owners and low-income families with children bearing the brunt of the impact.

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 includes a trio of business deductions that could impact 33 million small businesses and an expansion of the child tax credit, which is claimed by nearly 46 million Americans annually. Most of the bills provisions would apply retroactively to 2023 federal returns as well as 2024 and 2025 returns.

But with the current filing season well underway, the legislation is stalled. While the bill passed the US House with an overwhelmingly bipartisan margin of 357-70, it has been slow-walked in the Senate in recent days and eventual passage remains far from certain.

"Im going to work with Leader [Chuck] Schumer and my colleagues on both sides to get this done as soon as possible," Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), one of the biggest Senate proponents of the deal, said recently. But his effort has stalled, with final consideration of the deal now likely to be pushed back to late February at the earliest.

Not all households are impacted if theyre already eligible to claim the full child tax credit, and plenty of businesses are similarly unaffected. But many taxpayers are now navigating a thin margin between Congress' last-minute negotiations, the IRS filing deadline, and getting a timely refund.

"It's so irresponsible of Congress to [delay voting]," Kathryn Keane, an enrolled agent and a National Tax Practice Institute fellow, told Yahoo Finance. "[Changing laws] during the tax season creates a very, very stressful tax season because your filings today may not be accurate tomorrow. Decisions that we made today may not be the best tomorrow because Congress retroactively changed it."

Read more: Full coverage: Taxes 2024  Everything you need to file your taxes on time

Story continues

Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.), one of the biggest Senate proponents of the deal. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images)

A potential delayed refund

Taxpayers claiming the child tax credit could get a bigger tax refund if the bill passes. But before getting a refund, many must decide whether file an uncertain return or wait for more guidance.

The IRS is prohibited from processing refunds for the refundable portion of the child tax credit before Feb. 15, giving Congress a few more days to decide on the matter. But it appears exceedingly unlikely that Congress will meet this deadline. The refundable portion, known as the additional child tax credit, allows low- and moderate-income working parents to get a refund for up to $1,600 per child.

"If (lawmakers) wait until after that date, then it's just going to be a nightmare," Keane said. "These are people that need this money, so do we want to have them wait any longer than they really need to?"

"These are families living paycheck to paycheck."

The proposed legislation does not increase the child tax credit amount but would temporarily bump up the limit to the refundable portion until 2025. For instance, a parent earning $15,000 with two kids would get a refund of $3,600 instead of $1,857.

Read more: Child tax credit: Everything you need to know for the 2023 tax year

As the bill stalled, the IRS told taxpayers to file their returns when ready instead of waiting for Congress. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said the agency would help amend filed returns to adhere to the new law.

"If there's a change that impacts your return, we will make the change, and we will send you the update, whether it's an additional refund or otherwise, without you having to take any steps," Werfel said last month.

Larry Pon, a San Francisco-based CPA, is skeptical of the IRS's offer. While the agency has been adding resources to improve taxpayers experience, its technology may not be advanced enough to identify tax returns that require additional refund credits.

"It might take the IRS six months to catch up or to reprogram the computers and all that kind of stuff," Pon said. "The IRS does not move on a dime."

On the other hand, another tax expert thinks its unlikely the IRS would overpromise and under-deliver, given the nationwide scrutiny the IRS is under.

"If [the IRS] says it can do it, it probably can do it," said Robert Weinberger, fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. "There are a whole bunch of people who like to play gotcha with the IRS. Anyone running the IRS would be well advised to be cautious about promising more than they can deliver."

Commissioner of the IRS Danny Werfel told taxpayers the agency would help amend filed returns to adhere to the new law, but some experts are skeptical. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) (STEFANI REYNOLDS via Getty Images)

Why is Congress deciding lateagain?

This is not the first time Congress has entertained changing tax law during tax season. Three years ago, the American Rescue Plan Act exempted unemployment compensation up to $10,200 from federal tax. Specifics in the bill changed as it moved between the House and Senate, and changed again when it was finalized.

"What is so aggravating about this is that you spent all this time looking at the proposed legislation, and then what ended up getting passed usually is so different because a senator could throw some oddball thing on it," Keane said.

Case in point: that unemployment tax provision.

"The unemployment was in it, then it wasn't in it, and then it was in at the last minute," Keane said, adding that those refunds took a minimum of 12 weeks to be issued as tax season was underway. Taxpayers with anything unusual on their return waited over a year.

Read more: Do you pay taxes on unemployment? What to expect when you file your return.

It could be a similar situation this time with final consideration of the deal delayed by objections from some Senate Republicans looking to offer last-minute amendments.

The Senate is currently debating a separate issue  aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific  but they are likely to leave Washington once that process is complete and remain in their states through the Presidents Day recess.

That means the earliest the tax bill is likely to be further considered is the week of Feb. 26. Even then, it remains unclear if Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will move to consider the package as-is or accede to the push for amendments. If the bill is opened to changes, it would undoubtedly delay the process even further and could even kill the deal entirely.

Election year politics could also sink the bill and further complicate the picture for tax preparers and filers. Influential Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) recently raised eyebrows and cast doubt on chances for passage when he told a Semafor reporter he was worried the accord could make President Joe Biden "look good."

"Congress' major concern is not the convenience of tax preparers," Weinberger said. "The politics tends to govern over common sense deadlines."

For taxpayers not impacted by the proposed legislation, experts say go ahead and file. But for everyone else, it might be worth waiting a bit.

"I wouldn't rush into filing tax returns right now, to be honest with you," Pon said.

Rebecca Chen is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and previously worked as an investment tax certified public accountant (CPA). Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.
Beyond the immediate crisis, things arent much better in the longer term. Chinas workforce is ageing and shrinking, creating a headwind for growth. Younger generations, meanwhile, are increasingly disaffected. Youth unemployment hit a record high of over 21 per cent in June 2023. The Governments response was to stop publishing the figures. Small wonder then that market sentiment is so cautious.

While Western media outlets are increasingly willing to publish harsh criticisms of the Chinese leaderships economic ineptitude, international institutions are still treading cautiously. In December, the World Bank published a readable, elegant China Economic Update which outlined in meticulous detail the quantitative evidence for a slew of ills currently afflicting the Chinese economy.

As befits the organisations expertise and credibility, the report also offers a series of suggestions as to what it would be appropriate for China to do to revive its fortunes. Given the degree to which Xi Jinping has taken personal control of the levers of state power, he is unquestionably the sole arbiter of high-level economic policy. Its accordingly of note that there is nowhere in the entire 58-page document a single reference to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), let alone Xi Jinping.

Chinas economy is locked in a population doom spiral, loaded with bad debts. But as bad as the economic situation is, the political risks should weigh even heavier.

Diplomatic niceties and corporate nerves mean that this failure to name names is replicated in much heavy-weight Western assessment and analysis. The result is a widespread, misguided impression that China has an economy run much like any Western free market, with issues that might appropriately be dealt with in a relatively conventional manner.
Who benefits [from renewables]? thundered United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet. The globalists benefit! You dont benefit. The Chinese Communist Party benefits! The average politician in that building there, the average politician is a career politician  if I didnt know any better, I would swear that people in that place are selling us out to the CCP. Babet was cheered when he dived deeper into the swamp, raising a popular theory that Klaus Schwab, the German economist and founder of the World Economic Forum, wanted populations around the world to eat insects. Where do you think [renewables] are gonna go? Prime agricultural land! I guess Klaus Schwab was right when he said youre gonna eat the bugs. Youre gonna eat bugs, youre gonna earn nothing, and youre going to be happy. They do a very good job in that place of seeing that come to pass, he said, waving to Parliament House behind him. Thats what theyre doing right now.

Claims about the expense and environmental cost of renewables cause endless frustration to the engineers and scientists as there is overwhelming evidence that their costs are rapidly falling just as that of nuclear continues to rise. Loading As far back as 2020, the International Energy Agency declared renewables to be the cheapest form of electricity generation in history. The most recent CSIRO report into Australian energy costs estimated that even if so-called small modular nuclear reactors popular in the Coalition existed, they would provide the most expensive form of energy. But it was not just creatures of the fringe that appeared. Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, currently the opposition veterans affairs spokesman, was not only a speaker at the rally but a champion of it.

As far back as August last year at the local Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)  an import from US Republican politics  Joyce spoke about the need for concerned citizens to travel to Canberra and make a racket on the front lawn opposing renewables. Since then, he has attended rallies in opposition to the Port Stephens offshore wind area. A politician that has the wrong conviction is very, very dangerous, he said at CPAC. A politician that has no conviction is very, very useless. At the rally he described renewable energy developments as an intergenerational swindle to the benefit of overseas manufacturers of wind turbines and solar panels. He argued that the cradle-to-grave environmental costs of manufacturing renewable energy infrastructure outweighed their benefits. You wont be able to borrow money [against your land], youll destroy the countryside, he said of wind turbines. Theyre rusty, they catch on fire. They are filth! They are filth!

As the rally continued, Joyces colleagues Matt Canavan, David Gillespie, Keith Pitt and Ross Cadell mounted arguments against renewables alongside a bevy of Queensland Liberal National MPs and those from One Nation and United Australia Party. None of this was particularly surprising, though the appearance of Nationals leader David Littleproud, who was not listed as a speaker, did surprise some. During the rally, Barnaby Joyce described renewable energy as a swindle. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Like Joyce and the other Nationals, Littleproud did not indulge in fringe conspiracy theories, but he did mount a case against the further deployment of large-scale renewables, which is crucial to the governments effort to increase renewables share of energy provision in Australia to 82 per cent, in order to meet Australias emission reduction obligations under the Paris Agreement. Littleproud said regional Australia had reached a saturation point of large-scale renewables and that there was now a case to be made to constrain future renewables to rooftops in capital cities where there was a concentration of demand and population, rather than tearing up prime agricultural land, tearing up native vegetation, not destroying the very thing they are there to protect.

This is pure insanity. We need the common sense that you have brought here today to be heard inside that building in there, he said. Littleprouds rhetoric at the rally suggested a hardening against climate action inside the Nationals party room. One senior Liberal moderate observed days after the rally that there had always been opposition to climate action in both parties of the Coalition, but in recent years there had been unified support among the Coalitions leadership for a 2050 net zero target in keeping with the Paris Accord. Fracturing that, he said, would not only have negative consequences for Australias international standing, but for Liberals seeking to contest seats lost to teal independents at the last election or defend those that might be targeted at the next. Another Liberal MP said he believed that in forcing Littleproud out his colleagues were deliberately undermining his leadership.

Littleproud declined to comment. Observers outside politics see the growing movement against renewables as an effort to stoke the climate wars. Im not against renewables, Im against putting wind turbines in a pristine environment George Trinkler, a protester from Port Stephens It doesnt surprise me, says Professor Mark Howden, director of the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions at the Australian National University. Its like the last struggles of a drowning man. He says the uptake of renewables is growing so fast that the fossil fuel industry is being forced to lobby hard through its allies to defend it.

He does not believe the movement will be enough to arrest the deployment of renewables, but it could still have a significant impact. It can slow down the transition, and it can cause increased social disruption. We dont want a slow transition. Under the IPCCs projections to keep under 1.5 degrees [of warming] we have to peak emissions in 2025 and then decline, so we are not talking about years any more, we are talking about months. Speaking on Friday, Joyce denied he opposed efforts to reach net zero, stating that he supported nuclear power to that end. Rather, he was opposed to wasteful policies that hurt regional Australians. He noted that former Greens leader Bob Brown remains an opponent of some wind energy projects. He asked, as he has in the past, that if wind turbines were so good, why werent they being proposed for the waters off Manly or Bondi. This was a point made by people among the large contingents of protesters from Port Stephens and the Illawarra at the rally too.

Toni Taylor, who is 73 and lives in Thirroul in Wollongong but not with an ocean view, said she found Joyce and Pauline Hanson to be the most impressive of the speakers she heard on Tuesday. Once a supporter of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, she no longer trusts Labor. George Trinkler, a recreational fisher from Port Stephens, protested alongside a group concerned about the impact of wind turbines on seabirds and the seafloor, as well as the exclusion zones that would surround turbines in any future offshore development. Prominent among the protesters were banners against wind and solar projects. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen He has been unimpressed by the governments efforts to engage with communities, saying that Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen appeared rude and dismissive when speaking with locals who raised their concerns in a public meeting in Port Stephens last year. Im not against renewables, Im against putting wind turbines in a pristine environment, he says.

No one in Port Stephens supports this. Views on offshore wind are more contested in the industrial cities of Newcastle and Wollongong, where many see the benefit of future industries that could be built on local steel platforms and installed and maintained by local workers already facing the closure of coal mines and power plants. Loading The Star of the South project proposed for Gippsland, which is Australias most advanced and for which development began under the Coalition, has attracted far less dissent. Among the people and groups who support the proposed offshore wind area slated for the Illawarra is the majority of the local council, the mayor, the University of Wollongong, the local Chamber of Commerce, the South Coast Labour Council, BlueScope Steel, Greenpeace, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the local Labor representatives including the NSW Planning Minister and local MP Paul Scully, and federal MPs Stephen Jones and Alison Byrnes.

Two days before the rally against renewables in Canberra those three MPs attended a family fun day in Wollongong in support of proposed offshore wind. The tone of the event could not have been more different to the Canberra gathering  think bare feet and Birkenstocks compared with Blundstones and RMs. The electrification champion and engineer Dr Saul Griffith, who has advised political figures from Matt Kean to Joe Biden, was cheerful in his advocacy of the economic benefits of renewable energy, while children slung free cups of shaved ice from a contraption he had crafted from an old bicycle. There was face painting. The gathering was far smaller than the Canberra event but it was not the only one  other rallies sponsored by union and climate groups were held in Newcastle, Gladstone and Gippsland. Gauging overall support for the two activist camps is so far difficult. Evidence is thin. According to a report by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner published on February 2, 92 per cent of respondents to a survey were overwhelmingly disappointed by the extent to which project developers sought to engage with communities. The group Farmers for Climate Action highlight their own survey showing 25.8 per cent of respondents from central Queensland, Hunter and Illawarra see renewable energy projects to be the biggest opportunity for their regions over the coming 20 years, followed by tourism at 23.7 per cent and healthcare employment at 15.4 per cent.
An elite private school is embroiled in a row with its neighbours, who are calling for a halt to its ambitious expansion plans until parking and traffic headaches during pick-up and drop-offs are fixed.

Residents near Loreto Normanhurst School say parents are breaking the law by parking illegally around the school, which aims to almost double its student numbers in the next two decades.

The council says the school must comply with the original conditions of planning approval for its expansion plans. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Hornsby Shire Council said it regularly received complaints about parking on surrounding roads, in particular vehicles parked nose first across the nature strip in front of the school.

The council said the school, which wants to increase enrolment from 1150 to 2000 by 2047, should not be permitted to admit more pupils until it completes infrastructure upgrades to alleviate existing traffic congestion and safety issues on the surrounding streets.
MARGARET (PEGGY) BARTAK May 6, 1932-October 6, 2023

Peggy Bartak was a Melbourne social worker with a lifelong interest in social justice and a formidable reputation for her energetic promotion of her profession, both in her employment and in her involvement with her professional association. Perceptive, warm, with many interests and a deep concern for the welfare of others, she had a considerable influence on many people, both in the UK where she was born, and here in Australia, where she migrated in 1957 as a young social worker. On meeting Peggy, people were struck by her forthright friendliness, candour and genuine interest in them. She had the rare ability to develop and maintain many friendships across different age groups and backgrounds.

The second youngest of six children, Margaret May Skinner was born in 1932 in Poplar in Londons East End to a working-class family. She was seven when WWII erupted, and was evacuated to the countryside, along with her five-year-old younger brother and next older sister, aged 12. Being an evacuee had a profound effect on Peggy. The farmers wife of the family to which she and her sister were billeted was not welcoming, and Peggy was often cold and hungry. She did not see her mother for more than three years and missed her greatly.

In 1942, Peggy returned to London. By this time, Poplar had been bombed extensively and so the family moved to Pinner on the outskirts of London. In 1944, tragedy struck when her mother died unexpectedly, aged 49, unable to access medical care that might have saved her under different circumstances. Peggys older sisters took on parenting their younger siblings, and she remained close to them all and their children throughout her life.

Peggy was bright and determined, and her energy and spark meant she was noticed at school. Education was her ticket out of poverty, and she won scholarships to grammar school and beyond. Following school, she worked in the Department of Prints and Oriental Manuscripts in the British Museum and was enthralled by being able to handle ancient treasures, including the newly discovered Dead Sea Scrolls. Here she was strongly encouraged to pursue further study but, much to her regret, a golden opportunity remained out of reach. She was unable to take up a scholarship to Oxford University as so impoverished was the family, even the price of the train ticket to get there was financially impossible, let alone the additional living costs not covered by the scholarship. However, she was offered a place at the renowned London School of Economics (LSE), which, in the 1950s, educated most of Britains social workers, led by Professor Richard Titmuss, who was at the forefront of shaping welfare and social policy in post-war Britain.
The family of a single mother murdered in her own home say their pain has been made worse by not knowing who killed her, as they launched a fresh plea for answers on the 40th anniversary of her death.

Melbourne woman Nanette Ellis killed in her Boronia home by an unknown offender or offenders on the evening of February 10, 1984. Ellis was seen by a passerby pulling into her driveway at about 5.15pm, and was stabbed a number of times after entering the house.

Homicide squad detectives are appealing for information in relation to the murder of Boronia woman Nanette Ellis in the hope it could provide a breakthrough in the case.

Her 16-year-old son Greg  who had been at a neighbours house watching TV  discovered his mothers body about 45 minutes after she was seen arriving home at Manuka Drive in her yellow 1982 Toyota Corolla sedan.

Elliss family say they are tormented by the brutality of what she endured in a place that should have been her safe haven. Our lives have gone on but have never been the same again since Nanettes death, her family said in a statement.
Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:YUMC) will increase its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 26th of March to $0.16. Despite this raise, the dividend yield of 1.6% is only a modest boost to shareholder returns.

View our latest analysis for Yum China Holdings

Yum China Holdings' Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage

The dividend yield is a little bit low, but sustainability of the payments is also an important part of evaluating an income stock. However, prior to this announcement, Yum China Holdings' dividend was comfortably covered by both cash flow and earnings. This means that most of what the business earns is being used to help it grow.

Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 47.1% over the next year. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 20% by next year, which is in a pretty sustainable range.

Yum China Holdings' Dividend Has Lacked Consistency

Yum China Holdings has been paying dividends for a while, but the track record isn't stellar. If the company cuts once, it definitely isn't argument against the possibility of it cutting in the future. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $0.40 in 2018 to the most recent total annual payment of $0.64. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 8.1% over that duration. We like to see dividends have grown at a reasonable rate, but with at least one substantial cut in the payments, we're not certain this dividend stock would be ideal for someone intending to live on the income.

The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share is growing, which could point to a growing dividend in the future. Earnings per share has been crawling upwards at 2.0% per year. While growth may be thin on the ground, Yum China Holdings could always pay out a higher proportion of earnings to increase shareholder returns.

Story continues

In Summary

In summary, it's great to see that the company can raise the dividend and keep it in a sustainable range. While the payout ratios are a good sign, we are less enthusiastic about the company's dividend record. This looks like it could be a good dividend stock going forward, but we would note that the payout ratio has been at higher levels in the past so it could happen again.

It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Yum China Holdings that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.

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.
There wouldnt be a teacher in the state who hasnt had an argument with a student about swearing.

A student utters a naughty word and the teacher ticks them off with a reminder that swearing isnt OK, especially at school. The student retort is as predictable and clever as it is combative. Thats not a swear word!

Teachers no have a legal right to disconnect from work, but contact from parents may be the real problem. Credit: Istock

And now its on like Donkey Kong. Its precisely what makes addressing swearing in the classroom so tricky. Its so subjective. One houses bugger is another teachers F-bomb.

This is what could make the federal governments new right to disconnect laws unworkable in schools. The interpretation of one word is going to trigger a lot of conversation, if not heated debates, in principals offices around the country.
I am triple [vaccinated], our eldest child is double  and we remain supportive of the measures taken, Josh said. For us, this is now an argument of policy, or specifically, policy review. In another universe, Naomi could have had a booster in March 2022, and still be working today, even though any effect of this booster would have long worn off. Naomi said that being able to work in a hospital environment again would mean higher pay and child-friendly shifts. Cost of living has really impacted us. I cant even put into words the stress its put us under, she said.

In Victoria, all hospital, aged care and ambulance workers have had to be fully vaccinated  including a booster  since October 2022. Loading NSW mandates a primary vaccination course for healthcare workers  usually two doses  but a booster is only strongly recommended based on expert advice. Queensland Health dropped its vaccine mandates last year. Leading vaccine uptake expert Professor Julie Leask, from the University of Sydney, told The Sunday Age that the case for ongoing COVID vaccine mandates was weak. Leask said vaccines remained good at reducing the likelihood of developing a severe illness from the virus, but they were now not so good at stopping people getting COVID altogether or passing it onto others  an attribute that would usually be required to support compulsory vaccination.

Rarely can you mandate something for an individuals benefit. It may be justifiable to mandate something for the benefit of protecting others, Leask said. Loading Given that we are now in a situation where most people have immunity from both initial vaccines and from COVID itself, and vaccinated people can still transmit COVID, it is very difficult to justify ongoing vaccination requirements for COVID-19. While vaccinations had proved effective at stopping people from catching earlier versions of COVID entirely, new variants had chipped away at vaccines ability to stop the virus from spreading. Leask said it was important to review vaccination policies regularly, and that if a maternity unit wanted to help protect pregnant women visiting the service from COVID, the best form of protection was for pregnant women to have their own vaccinations, if recommended.

Unvaccinated pregnant women are at higher risk of falling severely ill with COVID, and the vaccines are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, according to Australian government advice. Loading The chance of a single midwife getting a booster and reducing the risk of patients getting COVID is just a drop in the ocean, Leask said. To me, its very hard to justify a requirement for the third dose given where we are at now with COVID. Professor Catherine Bennett, a panellist for Australias COVID-19 inquiry, supports vaccine mandates in sensitive healthcare settings but says the program should be similar to the flu vaccine, which is given ahead of the expected wave of cases. She said this could mean that COVID booster shots would not be required for workers who have had COVID in the past six months, making them still eligible to work as they would have some immunity from prior infection.

In Victoria, most healthcare workers are required to have an annual influenza vaccination. Australia has been grappling with a shortage of midwives. The Andrews government has been trying to attract new midwives and nurses, promising sign-on bonuses for graduates and subsidies of up to $16,500 to study in the field. Its frustrating that she cant go back even now, and help a system that would love to have her back, Josh said. Naomi said she was considering moving interstate given her accreditation will soon expire unless she returns to midwifery.

Bennett isnt convinced, however, that vaccine mandates are still appropriate for firefighters, believing vaccines in this group now offered more of an individual benefit than community benefit. Loading But she said other things could still be done to help COVID spreading among fire crews, such as rapid antigen testing. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said she has been asking how many healthcare workers recruited from overseas had had their booster shot since late last year, and was still awaiting a response. Crozier has also told parliament it is completely ludicrous that unvaccinated firefighters can visit loved ones in hospital and fly internationally but not return to work at Fire Rescue Victoria.
A young family splashed $5,925,000 on a four-bedroom Bondi Junction cottage, beating three other families for the keys in a hotly contested auction on Saturday.

The Victorian-style home, at 4 Woodstock Street, had eight bidders register, but only four made offers during the fast-paced sale, which was enough for the home to sell well above its $5.55 million reserve.

Bidding opened at $5.2 million, and the ultimate buyers made the opening salvo which was followed by a flurry of $50,000 offers from the three other buyers  also families.

Bids continued to rise in solid $50,000 jumps until $5.7 million, with a mix of $25,000 and $50,000 thrown down until a final $25,000 offer and the property sold.
Rafah: Israels neighbours and key mediators have warned of disaster and repercussions if its military launches a ground invasion in Gazas southern city of Rafah, where Israel says Hamas strongholds are located  along with more than half the besieged territorys population.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  in Rafah, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people ahead of an invasion. He gave no details or timeline.

A Palestinian man sits in his house, which was destroyed in an Israeli strike, in Rafah, Gaza. Credit: AP

The announcement set off panic. More than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, which borders Egypt. Many fled there after complying with Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of the territory. Its not clear where they could go next.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land. Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Approximately 2,390 students at the University of South Dakota are being honored for their high achievement during the fall 2023 semester with the release of the dean's list and academic honors.

Full-time, undergraduate students are named to the deans list if they received a 3.5 GPA for courses they took in the fall 2023 semester, and they had no incomplete or failing grades. For part-time students, those with fewer than 12 credit hours, the recognition is called academic honors.
COLUMBUS  The Nebraska State Patrol provided additional details Thursday on an officer-involved shooting Tuesday that left a Columbus teen dead.

Officers were conducting a welfare check Tuesday afternoon in the 3600 block of 39th Avenue following a report of a person who might be harming themselves. According to the State Patrol, Columbus police officers made contact with a 17-year-old boy inside the residence.

The teen, identified as Chase Ditter, was in possession of a knife, the State Patrol said. During the encounter, one Columbus police officer deployed a Taser, while the other shot Ditter.

Ditter died at the scene. The release does not name the police officers involved in the shooting.

The Columbus Police Department has placed both officers involved on administrative leave. The department requested that the State Patrol investigate the incident, which is the typical procedure for officer-involved shootings.

The State Patrol's Special Investigations Team is conducting the in-custody death investigation, which was ongoing as of Thursday.

Review of police shootings in Lincoln since 2013 1. Douglas DaMoude, May 30, 2014 2. Tyson Hubbard, March 5, 2015 3. Tareik Artis, Sept. 22, 2015 4. Zachary Grigsby, Nov. 29, 2015 5. Germichael Kennedy, June 26, 2016 6. Thomas Sailors, Jan. 5, 2018 7. Christopher Brennauer, Dec. 29, 2018 8. Joseph Francis Cimino, Oct. 8, 2019 9. Hailey Stainbrook and Christian Alexander, Feb. 20, 2021 10. German Pedraza, Nov. 24, 2021 11. Chace Abney, May 1, 2023 12. Stephen Kafka, Oct. 17,2023
BHARAT RATNACharan Singh,Narasimha Rao,M S Swaminathan





NEW DELHI,

FORMER Prime Ministers P V Narasimha Rao, who is widely recognised for ushering in economic reforms in the 1990s, and Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of farmers cause, and Green Revolution pioneer Dr M S Swaminathan will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, it was announced on Friday. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, days after the Centre named former Bihar Chief Minister KarpooriThakur, a champion of backward empowerment, and L K Advani, a founding BJP member credited with charting the course of its rise through the 1990s, for Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian honour. At five, one more than the four announced in 1999, this is the maximum number of Bharat Ratnas announced for a year.With this, the number of recipients of the prestigious award, instituted in 1954, has risen to 53. Four of the five awards this year are posthumous. Advani, 96, is the only one alive. Prime Minister Modi, who took to microblogging platform X to make the announcement, lauded the contributions made by the three awardees. Later, the Rashtrapati Bhawan in a press communique said the President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to the three eminent persons.

Modi said Raos visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the countrys prosperity and growth. Rao, a Congress veteran, was Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. He also said the dedication of Singh to farmers and commitment to democracy during the Emergency inspires the country. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in 1975. Singh, a Jat leader from western Uttar Pradesh who was Prime Minister in 1979-80, was one of the pioneers of anti-Congress politics. Modi also said it is a matter of immense joy that his Government is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Swaminathan in recognition of his monumental contributions to the nation in agriculture and farmers welfare. The honour for Swaminathan comes against the backdrop of protests by farmers in the NCR region and plans for similar stir in the coming days. With national awards often conveying a message beyond the public contributions made by their recipients, the Modi Governments pick of five of them--three of the four politicians in the list firmly belonging to the non-BJP sphere--for Bharat Ratna in an election year is no exception. Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May. As the countrys first and only full-term Prime Minister from south India, Rao, a Telugu, occupies a special place in the region. Rao passed away in 2004. The honour for Charan Singh comes at a time when the RLD, led by his grandson Jayant Chaudhary, is believed to be in talks with the BJP for an alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. Singh died in 1987. Paying rich tributes to Rao, Modi said he served the country extensively in various capacities as a distinguished scholar and statesman. He said Rao is equally remembered for the work he did as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, a Union Minister and as lawmaker in Parliament and Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the countrys prosperity and growth, Modi said. Narasimha Rao Garus tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development.
Confidence group to launch hi-tech hydrogen cylinders





Business Reporter

Confidence Petroleum India Limited, a leading company in LPG & CNG industry, on Friday announced its entry into the rapidly growing market of green hydrogen type 4 cylinder manufacturing. Silversky Exim Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of its subsidiary company Confidence Futuristic Energetech Ltd will manufacture the cylinders which will be available in the markets from mid August. Type 4 cylinders are completely corrosion resistant as compared to conventional metal cylinders. These cylinders are lighter by 70 per cent as compared to metal cylinders and accomodate three times more gas. They are very safe as the cylinders are made from carbon composite with polymer liner. Confidence Group is committed to playing its vital role in the global energy transition for a cleaner and greener future as the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions. With strong focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, the company through production of type 4 cylinders is set to revolutionize the hydrogen storage industry and harness the power of green hydrogen.

The type 4 cylinders will be designed and manufactured with focus on minimizing environmental impact. Confidence Group leveraging the state-of-art technology will deliver high quality type 4 cylinders that meet the best industry standards. The innovative designs will optimize storage efficiency and enhance overall reliability of hydrogen-based solutions. Confidence Group by venturing into green hydrogen market aims to become a front-runner in providing solutions that accelerate adoption of renewable energy sources. The cylinders will play a crucial role in efficient storage and transportation of green hydrogen.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Nitin Khara, Chairman and Managing Director of the company, expresses enthusiasm on Confidence Groups foray into green hydrogen type 4 cylinder manufacturing, stating, This strategic move aligns with our core values and commitment to environmental stewardship. We are excited to contribute to the global shift towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. Yatin Khara, Manish Jain, Dimitri Kulianov, Rajashree Telharkar and other company officials were also present on the occasion. Confidence Petroleum India Limited, a distinguished name in LPG & CNG sector is listed on both BSE and NSE, has been rated No.1 by CRISIL and is acclaimed for its innovation, dedication and entrepreneurial excellence.
A 14-year-old Omaha boy admitted to sexually assaulting two women at knifepoint last summer during a Juvenile Court appearance on Wednesday.

The teen, who was 13 years old at the time of the assaults, admitted to two counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of terroristic threats and one count of use of a knife to commit a felony. Prosecutors dismissed nine additional charges on Wednesday, including robbery and kidnapping, as part of a plea deal.

Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge Candice Novak set another hearing for Feb. 26 to decide where the teen will be placed. He has been accepted at two residential treatment facilities for sexually offending youths: Whitehall, which is based in Lincoln, and Youth Health Associates, which has multiple locations in Utah.

Because he was 13 at the time of the assaults, the Juvenile Court will have jurisdiction over the teen until he turns 19. State law restricts prosecutors from trying juveniles younger than 14 as adults.

The teen will continue to be held at the Douglas County Youth Center until a placement is chosen by Novak. At the next hearing, representatives from Whitehall and Youth Health Associates will be asked to share information about the programs before Novak makes a decision.

Im very concerned about where were going to place him, Novak said. I need a lot more information than I have today to feel comfortable making a decision.

According to an advocate for the teen present at Wednesdays hearing, the teen has been involved in multiple fights while incarcerated at the County Youth Center and once exposed himself to another person at the facility. Novak said she wanted to make sure his potential placement was aware of the ongoing violent behavior.

At the end of the hearing, Novak addressed the teen directly.

The information before me is not good, young man, Novak said before reprimanding the teen for rolling his eyes. Since you have been at DCYC, youve continued to engage in violent criminal behavior. You dont have any self control, clearly.

According to court documents, police reports and in-court statements from prosecutors:

The teen stole a car on the morning of July 7, 2023, and was driving that car at the time of both assaults. The first assault occurred at about 4:15 p.m. near 43rd and Nicholas Streets as a woman was walking through a parking lot. The teen got out of the car before approaching the woman with a knife and demanding that she get into the car.

The woman resisted and grabbed the teens wrist. The teen then put his hand down her pants and sexually assaulted her by digital penetration. He fled from the area after a neighbor saw the commotion and yelled at him to leave.

Less than an hour later, another sexual assault was reported at Memorial Park. The woman told police that she was forced off the sidewalk and into the tree line at knifepoint before the teen took off her clothes, raped and strangled her. He also threatened to kill the woman because she saw his face, but fled after hearing police sirens and a helicopter overhead.
Crime Branch forms 2 teams to probe murder of Ghosalkar









MUMBAI,

THE Crime Branch of Mumbai police has formed two teams to probe into the sensational murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live by a local social activist, who also killed himself, an official said on Friday. One team headed by an inspector-rank official is investigating the murder of Ghosalkar, while the second team is probing into the accidental death of his killer Mauris Noronha, he said. The Crime Branch probe will focus on several aspects, including how Noronha got the weapon and who provided it to him, if he was under the influence of alcohol at the time and the questioning of people who were present at the spot when Ghosalkar was fired upon, he said. A viral video of the incident, which took place at assailant Mauris Noronhas office in IC Colony in the northern suburb of Borivali (West) on Thursday evening, showed Ghosalkar being shot in the abdomen and shoulder.

Killer held grudge, used bodyguards pistol to commit crime:The bodyguard of social activist Mauris Noronha, whose pistol was allegedly used in the murder of Ghosalkar, was identified as Amarendra Mishra and he has been arrested under section 29 (B) of the Arms Act which deals with the offence of handing over a weapon to someone without ascertaining if the person is legally permitted to possess it, an official said.The police have recorded the statements of Noronhas family members, including his wife, and learnt that he nursed a grudge against ex-corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar, son of former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar and a loyalist of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT). Noronha, who faced many cases, was earlier arrested in a rape case and spent nearly five months behind bars. Ghosalkars murder due to gang war within Sena (UBT), says Uday Samant: Industries Minister Uday Samant on Friday condemned the shocking murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar but attributed it to the ongoing gang war with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Ghosalkar was shot dead on Thursday evening during a Facebook Live by a local social activist, who also ended his own life.

A viral video of the incident, which took place at assailant Mauris Noronhas office in IC Colony in the northern suburb of Borivali (West) on Thursday evening, showed ex-corporator Ghosalkar being shot in the abdomen and shoulder. Addressing a news conference here, Samant said nobody should lose their life in this manner, even if they are ones political rivals. He urged for collaborative efforts to maintain peace and security in the state. He claimed that there was a deeper connection between Noronha and top Sena (UBT) leaders. He also showed what he claimed were clippings from Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana carrying photos of Noronha with leaders from the Thackeray-led party. Samant countered Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Rauts claim that Noronha had met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a few days ago, calling it a mischief. Referring to the conversation between Ghosalkar and Noronha, Samant said, When two leaders of the (Sena) UBT are discussing their plans, how does Shiv Sena come into the picture? He also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the murder. Responding to queries about the demand for Presidents Rule in the State, Samant said no such calls were made after the Palghar incident, referring to the lynching of two sadhus on the suspicion of being child stealers in 2020.
Gandhi Sagar readied as Second Home for cheetahs









By Ankita Garg

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Madhya Pradesh Mandsaur district is well prepared to be second home for cheetahs. Wildlife experts team from South Africa is reviewing the preparations and conditions of the sanctuary for last two days. Officials said that based on report of the team, decision to bring cheetah will be taken by authorities. The sanctuary is spread over 64 sqkm of area and prepared with cost of Rs 17.72 crores. Entire area is protected with wire fencing. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Mandsaur Sanjay Raikheda said, All preparations to welcome the spotted feline have been done. Decision on settlement of cheetahs will be taken by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) team and we are still waiting for final date of cheetah translocation. He further informed that 25 employees and officials have been posted in the sanctuary by the Forest Department to take care of cheetahs and other day to day task.

Apart from this, a hospital is also being constructed to provide medical aid to the imported cheetahs. He said that veterinary team from Kuno National Park will also be visiting the sanctuary to guide the officials for further requirement and construction of hospital. DFO Raikheda informed that group of deer species, including spotted deer and Chinkara, have been already released to the periphery. He said that apart from deer other prey base are also available in large number. The sanctuary is proposed to welcome third batch of cheetah by February end or first week March 2024. He said that process of translocating the significant herbivore including spotted deer, black bug will be continued for a few more days as target is set to release at least 1,400 deer species like spotted deer, black bug, Chinkara (deer species), etc in the sanctuary.

After Sheopurs Kuno National Park, experts have found Gandhi Sagar better place for the cheetah re-introduction. Enclosure have been prepared over 64 sqkm of area In first phase of deer translocation, a group of 23 cheetals (spotted deer) and black bug were brought to Gandhi Sagar from Kanha National Park on January 9. These deer have been released into 90 hectare of land conserved for the herbivore species. Translocation of deer has been done under monitoring of veterinary doctors.
No additional tax burden in Budget





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

After the presentation of the State Budget in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed a press conference, commending Finance Minister Choudhary for effectively presenting a Budget that charts a path for Chhattisgarhs future prosperity. Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the budget, spanning over five years, is meticulously crafted to propel Chhattisgarh forward without imposing additional tax burdens on its citizens. Highlighting the salient features of the Budget, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated the budget prioritizes four critical sectors. First is poverty alleviation. Revival of the Charan Paduka Yojana and special provisions for Surguja and Bastar regions. Second is youth empowerment, encompassing measures to address the CGPSC scam, CBI probe, and job creation initiatives.

The third key feature is the focus on the agricultural sector with substantial allocations for irrigation, MSP (Minimum Support Price), and other agricultural support measures. Women's Empowerment is the fourth important feature, which includes Initiatives such as Modi Ki Guarantee, Mahtari Vandan, and provisions for women's welfare, aligning with the vision of Modi Ki Guarantee and maternal welfare programmes. Another important feature of the Budget is assistance to landless laborers. Landless labourers will be given Rs 10,000 yearly assistance, demonstrating the government's commitment to the welfare of vulnerable sections of society. The budget also has comprehensive provisions for youth development aimed at creating employment opportunities and fostering their growth. Sai expressed his satisfaction with the inclusive nature of the budget, addressing the concerns of all sections of society. He congratulated everyone involved in the budgetary process and emphasized that Chhattisgarh is steadfastly moving towards the vision of a developed India by 2047, as envisioned byPM.

In a brief address, Dy CM Vijay Sharma lauded the significant achievement of expanding the budget without imposing additional taxes, emphasising its pivotal role as the cornerstone for future development. He underscored the ambitious vision of targeting a GSDP from Rs 5 lakh crores to 10 lakh crores by 2028, highlighting the magnitude of the governments aspirations. Dy CM extended his congratulations to both the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister for their exemplary work in formulating and presenting the Budget.
Rs 412 cr Deal Max Healthcare acquires Alexis Hospital





Business Reporter

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (MHIL), one of the countrys leading chains of hospitals, on Friday said it has acquired city-based Alexis Multi-Speciality Hospital Pvt Ltd for Rs 412 crore. The 200-bed hospital is set up on a land parcel of 2-acre at Mankapur on Chhindwara Road. The facility has potential to increase its bed capacity from 200 operational beds to 340 beds after necessary regulatory approvals. The acquisition of Alexis Hospital is in line with our vision to expand our footprint in tier-2 cities with abundance of clinical talent and developed private healthcare infrastructure, Max Healthcare Institute Chairman and Managing Director Abhay Soi said. Alexis Hospital acquisition will strengthen the companys presence in Maharashtra region, he added. Alexis Hospital, the only JCI-accredited hospital in the city, has ground plus six floors and a basement with built up area of approximately 2.25 lakh square feet. It offers multidisciplinary care in the areas of gastroenterology, neurosurgery, cardiology, transplants, related diagnostic facilities etc. The hospital is equipped with high end biomedical equipment.

Commenting on the transaction, Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group (Promoter of Alexis Hospital, Nagpur), said, We are very pleased that Max Healthcare, Indias leading healthcare service provider, is acquiring our hospital in Nagpur. While we have built a world-class hospital facility, at par with the best, in infrastructure, technology, and clinical services, our decision to consider divesting this business has been driven by our strategic focus on our healthcare businesses in the UAE and Gulf. We strongly believe that Max will further build on the quality of care we have been providing in this growing city in Central India and take Alexis to a higher level. The current revenue and EBITDA for the hospital is approximately Rs 150 crore and Rs 25 crore, respectively. On the other hand, MHIL has major concentration in North India, consisting of a network of 17 healthcare facilities. Out of the total network, eight hospitals and four medical centres are located in Delhi and the NCR and the others are located in Mumbai, Mohali, Bathinda and Dehradun.

The Max network includes all the hospitals and medical centres owned and operated by the company and its subsidiaries, partner healthcare facilities and managed healthcare facilities. These include state-of-the-art tertiary and quaternary care hospitals at Saket, Patparganj, Vaishali, Rajendra Place, and Shalimar Bagh in Delhi NCR and one each in Mumbai, Mohali, Bathinda and Dehradun; secondary care hospital in Gurgaon and Day Care Centres at Noida, Lajpat Nagar and Panchsheel Park in Delhi NCR and one in Mohali, Punjab. The hospitals in Mohali and Bathinda are under PPP arrangement with the Government of Punjab. Shares of Max Healthcare closed at Rs 874.20 apiece (+0.48%) on the BSE on Friday.
WHITE PAPER





OBVIOUSLY, the White Paper issued by the Narendra Modi Government on the comparative performance of the ten years of its two-term regime as against that of the two-term regime of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, had the purpose of offering to the common people a resume` of its own achievements. In other words, the purpose was to insist upon the popular mindset the fact of what it loves calling pro-incumbency factor weighing in its favour. The sense of legitimate pride in this exercise is easily visible -- and has a particular importance as the country is gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections in the ensuing summer. When the official notification for the Lok Sabha elections is only some weeks away, this exercise is expected to have a major impact on the electoral considerations by the voting public. The document may prove useful in making a detailed comparison -- for record. The time-frame of the UPA regime was actually something that needed a detailed consideration, all right. For, it was in the second term of the Government led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that India was described to have been afflicted by policy paralysis. In other words, nothing actually moved the manner in which it was desired or expected. Decision-making was slow and implementation down to almost zero.

That led to a terrible slow-down of developmental activity, no matter the official propaganda. Though Governments elsewhere did not say so openly, India had almost become a subject of mockery around world capitals, thanks to its lethargic approach to almost every issue that came up for consideration. As against this, the mood and method of the Narendra Modi Government has been quite the opposite -- decisions are made fast and implemented faster. The Government appears to be in a hurry to get things done and establish a high-achievement record. We do not only make plans, but also implement those. We do not just lay the foundation stone for projects, but also inaugurate the completed project within the given time, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has said time and again. The document certainly appears to bring out this difference in a pronounced manner. The purpose of any such document is to create a permanent record of how things were and suggest a point of view on issues of importance beyond narrow time-frames. The Narendra Modi Governments White Paper will certainly serve this purpose fully. What matters most is the sense of fulfillment which the Modi Government is enjoying on account of its general efficiency and overall approach to developmental and governmental processes.

There is no doubt that the White Paper reflects all this. The White Paper, in other words, offers a story of how the Government functioned in the past twenty years -- divided in two segments of 10 years each (covering two tenures of the Manmohan Singh and the Narendra Modi Governments). Seen from that perspective, the importance of the exercise is immense not just from the political point of view but also for the sake of official record. It will give the people of today -- as well as those in distant future -- how things were managed at the highest level and how the country progressed under different political dispensations. The White Paper will also have a good light thrown on the style of functioning of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and his team. The general sense of urgency and alertness have often marked Mr. Modis Government. That was rather not the case with the previous regime. The White Paper will bring this difference out clearly. For the common people, there will be a lot to learn from that document.
As the Colorado Springs Independent newspaper looks to enter its 30th year of publication in 2023, co-founder John Weiss, 67, is retiring this month, and his privately owned Colorado Publishing House will cease to exist.

But the products of his labor, which over the past three decades have grown from publishing an alternative news weekly to regularly churning out seven varied publications, are moving to a different business model that company officials say will safeguard longevity.

Final paperwork is being completed to form a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Sixty35 Media, Amy Gillentine, publisher and executive editor of Colorado Publishing House, said Thursday.

Assets of the corporations  which include the flagship Independent, known as the Indy, along with the Colorado Springs Business Journal, the Southeast Express, the Pikes Peak Bulletin in Manitou Springs, The Transcript legal publication and two newspapers under Colorado Springs Military Group  will move to the nonprofit, she said.

The shift will be completed by the end of October, according to Gillentine.

This is a way to make sure the papers continue in perpetuity and not be based on a single person or owner but based on community effort or involvement, she said. We are very excited about moving forward in a new way.

All the papers initially are coming under the Sixty35 Media umbrella, she said. The organization is named for Colorado Springs elevation of 6,035 feet above sea level.

The two military papers, the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Space Orbital for Schriever Space Force Base, will end on Nov. 11 and be reformatted into military and local news products that publish six to 12 times a year, Gillentine said.

Colorado Publishing House considered several options when Weiss announced he would exit as chairman, said Ahriana Platten, chairwoman of the Sixty35 Media board, which is still being formed. Other members wont be named publicly until all seven seats are filled, she said.

Do we just stop, do we sell the papers to another nonprofit or media group, were among the choices leaders mulled, Platten said.

But when everything was done, the overall feeling was becoming a nonprofit ourselves would assure that we would stay local, which has always been foundational to this company, she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the fluctuating economy have forced many businesses to reconsider their operating models, said Platten, a minister who previously ran Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies.

Switching profit structure is a recent evolution in the publishing field, said Tim Regan-Porter, CEO of the Colorado Press Association Network, a nonprofit trade outfit.

Industry challenges are driving the nationwide trend, he said, since online platforms such as Craigslist and Google began eating into newspaper advertising revenue.

Theres still a lot of money in the industry, so I think there will continue to be opportunity for people to own a company and make a profit, he said.

Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings

But theres an increasing realization that regardless of whether theres a lot of profit or a little profit, that what we provide is very valuable to citizens, other businesses and democracy, Regan-Porter said. Its important that these news institutions remain in whatever form there is.

Under Sixty35 Media, the papers will keep publishing hard-copy and digital formats, Gillentine said. Additional podcasts are planned for the organization, she said, and other developments will be announced later this quarter.

News coverage wont change, Gillentine said, with the exception of no more election voter guides and endorsements. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) designation are not allowed by law to endorse political candidates.

Our bylaws keep the journalism we do separate from board influence or interference, she said. We are adamant in all the paperwork that independent journalism is what we do and will continue to do.

The mission to provide a public service and tell the stories nobody else is telling, give people a voice to people who dont have one and hold government officials accountable also will not be affected, Gillentine said.

Three employees have been laid off this year, but only one in preparation for the switchover, she said. New positions, such as a digital editor, are being hired.

Advertising sales will generate the bulk of the organization's revenue, Gillentine said, with foundation grant funding being sought for special projects and operating costs. A new membership program with benefits to supporters will roll out in November.

Without local journalism observing the decisions that are made politically, environmentally, culturally, without someone reporting on that, the public is in some ways disabled when it comes to being informed and being able to respond and actively create the community they want, Platten said.

Weiss has been a visionary, Gillentine said. He and Kathryn Eastburn started the Indy in 1993, following the 1992 Colorado voter-approved constitutional amendment that banned municipalities from prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the measure in 1996.

His commitment to truth-telling and local community-based journalism is to be commended, Gillentine said. Hes been a great force in this community.

Weiss did not return a call to The Gazette seeking comments on the new direction for himself and his company.

The reality, said Regan-Porter, is that news still has to be sustainable.

Nonprofit status removes some of the pressures related to the amount of return a news outlet generates, he said.

Thats why some have found it a reasonable alternative, Regan-Porter said. The trend in general is a recognition that what we provide is more than the business, it's a public good.
The Fremont County coroner reported suspicions about bodies being poorly treated at Return to Nature funeral home more than three years before nearly 200 decomposing bodies were discovered inside a decrepit building in October, according to newly unsealed court documents that raise questions about how the mistreatment of corpses was able to continue for so long.

The concerns raised by Coroner Randy Keller also included worries about the improper refrigeration of bodies and were reported to a state agency in 2020, according to the arrest affidavits for Return to Nature Funeral Home owners Jon and Carie Hallford. But the coroner received no response from the state agency, which has long struggled to effectively oversee the funeral home industry, according to the documents.

Colorado has some of the weakest rules for funeral homes in the nation, with no routine inspections or qualification requirements for funeral home operators. The Hallfords allegedly stored bodies as far back as 2019, and the count grew over the next four years, as prosecutors claim they used the money they were taking from grieving families for lavish expenses.

The fact that he made a complaint and nothing was done about it just completely blows my mind, said Tanya Wilson, who hired the funeral home to cremate her mother before learning that her mother's remains weren't in the ashes she had spread in Hawaii but languishing inside a building back in Colorado.

Families couldve been saved from this if they had done something about this," she said.

Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies on Friday confirmed that it did get an email from Keller in May 2020 saying that he had gotten calls regarding refrigeration issues at a funeral home in his county, but he did not say which one. Keller said he did not know if the concerns were justified and offered to do an inspection if the state wasnt able to, said department spokesperson Katie ODonnell in a statement.

ODonnell said the agency didnt have the power to inspect funeral homes at the time, with lawmakers giving the agency inspection authority two years later. Its unclear if the agency followed up after Kellers initial email or if Keller did an inspection himself.

ODonnell declined to elaborate on Keller's 2020 email and the agencys response. Keller did not respond to a phone call requesting comment.

The funeral home, which was based in Colorado Springs and used a building in the town of Penrose, 33 miles south, where the bodies were found as a mortuary, was first licensed in 2017. State regulators did not conduct any inspection of the funeral home while it was operating, according to the affidavits.

Featured Local Savings

State lawmakers have dragged their feet in passing funeral home regulations on par with most other states  even after a separate Colorado funeral home's operators were accused of selling bodies years before the discovery at Return to Nature.

The Return to Nature bodies were discovered last year after neighbors complained of the smell coming from the building. Authorities who responded found a stain coming out the front door that they say was the result of the decomposition of bodies, according to the affidavits. That echoed descriptions of the floors inside being covered with the fluid from decomposition provided during court hearings for the Hallfords.

The affidavits describe how the bodies were strewn throughout the rooms and how Jon Hallford was seen on surveillance video treating a body more like a sandbag than a former human being. They say that buckets had been placed under some bodies to collect the fluid. About 40 bodies had been stacked on top of each other and some were stored in storage totes, according to the affidavits, which note the unimaginable conditions authorities worked in to remove the bodies while wearing protective equipment.

I picture my mom in every single one of those situations, said Wilson. I imagine my mom folded up and put in a storage tote. I imagine my mom just being left on the floor within inches of decomposition fluids.

And it haunts me, she said.

Investigators believe Jon Hallford moved some bodies from the main funeral home in Colorado Springs to the Penrose building in September after a complaint about odor at the main site. According to the affidavit, surveillance footage showed him flipping a body off a gurney and onto the floor at the Penrose building so he could use it to bring more bodies inside from a van on Sept. 9, 2023, a day after the complaint.

The affidavits also provided more details about previous allegations that the Hallfords used money families and insurance companies paid to cover cremations and burials to pay for lavish personal expenses, including trips to California, Florida and Las Vegas, $31,000 in cryptocurrency, laser body sculpting and shopping at luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany.

From 2020 to 2023, Jon Hallford also bought over 600 pounds of concrete mix at Home Depot and investigators suspect the couple put it in urns instead of ashes, the affidavit says. Prosecutors have said some relatives of the deceased received fake ashes rather than the cremated remains of their loved ones.

The arrest affidavits have been sealed since November when the couple was arrested in Oklahoma after they allegedly fled, but were made public following an evidentiary hearing held Thursday for Jon Hallford. Carie Hallford's hearing was held last month.

Jon Hallford is represented by Adam Steigerwald, an attorney from the public defenders office, which does not comment on its cases. Carie Hallfords lawyer, Michael Stuzynski, declined to comment.

They are each charged with 190 counts of abuse of a corpse, five counts of theft, four counts of money laundering and over 50 counts of forgery. They have not been asked to enter a plea yet.
Colorado Springs police confirmed this week that a city resident had been contacted by police and the FBI, who suspect he helped plan a school shooting with a 14-year-old in the Cincinnati area.

The 14-year-old Mariemont, Ohio, student is charged with conspiracy to commit murder for an alleged plot to attack a school. As first reported by Cincinnati TV station WKRC, prosecutors allege the teen had specific victims listed that he wanted to kill or rape, and apparently admitted to police that he wanted to do it and still wants to do it.

The prosecutor referred to a series of text messages obtained by the court between him and an unidentified adult male in his 20s with a 719 area code.

WKRC reports that a tip from another student's parent at the school led to the 14-year-old suspect's arrest on Wednesday.

Featured Local Savings

A spokesman for the Colorado Springs Police Department confirmed that CSPD officers assisted the FBI in contacting the Colorado Springs man Wednesday evening.

"No arrest has been made, and our investigation is continuing, as is our efforts to assist the FBI in forwarding their investigation," spokesman Ira Cronin said.

A portion of the text message thread from mid-January, posted by prosecutors and reported by WKRC reads:

"Teen: I need them dead real soon.

Adult: I got you bro.

Teen: Can you do tomorrow?

Adult: IDK"
The West Pushed Assyrians to Leave Their Ancestral Lands

Some argue that despite the fact that Assyrians are the indigenous people of northern Mesopotamia (northern Iraq, northeast Syria and southeast Turkey) their population is very small, thus that indigenous status is insignificant. This is one main reason why, again they argue, the world powers chose not to help Assyrians rather the Kurds. They stress the issue is population and that the Kurds have the overwhelming majority in that region. This narrative has been around for a while. In the early days of the formation of the Kurdish self-rule region in northern Iraq, former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, said it loud when he declared, "You Assyrians have the history underground, but we Kurds today have the majority above the ground". It is hardly surprising that Talabani failed to explain that the rights of indigenous people is not contingent upon population count.

It is interesting that Kurdish nationalists or western academics who are sympathetic to the Kurdish national agenda spread a narrative similar to that of the late Talabani. This narrative unofficially exemplifies the policies of the West, led by the US, towards Iraq, Kurds and the indigenous Assyrians.

One should scrutinize the policies of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand regarding the Native Americans, First Nations, Australian Aboriginals and the Maoris, the original people of those four countries respectively. It is not strange that only those four countries voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) that was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007. These countries always supported and empowered the Kurds in one way or another, publicly or privately, at the expense of the indigenous Assyrians. Statements of support for the rights of the Assyrians by certain politicians in these countries have been made; however, little has been achieved on the ground to sustain the UN declared rights.

Some analysts argue that the US military intervention in Iraq since 1991 was driven by pursuit of primacy, preserve and extend US hegemony and ensure Israel security. However, intertwined in that policy is to establish in time an independent Kurdish state which along with Israel will facilitate deeper US policies in the Middle East. This policy has become more apparent in recent years since the United States' traditional ally Turkiye, under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has slowly turned from a strategic partner to a liability. These observers argue that the US is considering second thoughts regarding a continuous long term alliance with Turkiye and could seek new alliances in the region as the Turkish president seems to be betraying the western interests.

However, the US does not need to complicate that Middle East policy with the presence of any human rights issues concerning lesser indigenous groups, specially Christian. Thus the West has been dealing with the Assyrians through two contrasting policies:

a) As Christians, the West has ensured that the Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq handled the Christians fairly since the 1992 creation of the no-fly safe zones in order to neutralize the voices of the powerful Christian lobbies in the US and Europe. Here, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) allocated the Christians 5 seats in the Kurdish regional parliament, allowed International Christian groups to have presence in the region, built churches and empowered the religious leaders. The clergy became the strongest supporters of the Kurdish leaders and region, which included as well the positive remarks from Pope Francis as he visited northern Iraq. Also recently, the KRG inaugurated a grand patriarchal compound in Arbil for the patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East and ultimately spread the propaganda that it treats the Christians well.

b) However, as ethnic people, the US and certain countries under the British Commonwealth, have played a crucial reason for driving the indigenous Assyrians out from their homeland. These countries were principle participants in wars on Iraq that were based on false pretexts. Furthermore, the support of those countries (and others) for the Kurds, turning a blind eye to the non-democratic Kurdish policies against non-Kurds and the Kurdish oppression and persecution of the indigenous Assyrians led historically to the persistent expansion of the Kurdish regions in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey at the expense of historic lands and villages of the indigenous Assyrian.

Meanwhile, the continuous decline of the population of the indigenous Assyrians versus the Kurdish population, stressed by the late Talabani, is a direct result of devastating Kurdish policies that continue even today in Iraq, Syria and Turkey. The decline is due to the instability created by the West in Iraq and Syria (and in Turkey due to PKK armed rebellion), lack of decent living opportunities which exists due to KRG's unfair employment policies, the persecution of Assyrians in Iraq in general and in the Kurdish region in particular and the KRG's plans of undermining the Assyrian people rights as a unique ethnic group and attempting to erase their history. The KRG has officially or not, directly or indirectly, encouraged the persecution of the indigenous people or killing members of the community by not bringing any criminal to justice. The empowered KRG in Iraq and Kurdish authorities of the YPG/PYD in northeast Syria fail to execute the rule of law as they turn a deaf ear to fellow Kurds' use of intimidation to achieve what they want, encroach on Assyrian lands, and steal those lands. In addition, the KRG had facilitated the entrance of Kurds from neighboring countries and offered these Kurdish newcomers much needed space and environment to settle on Assyrian lands. Lastly, but not least, the criminal role of the peshmerga in the Nineveh Plain and the 2014 genocide of the Yezidis and Assyrians, induced further decrease of the Assyrian population.

The establishment of the illusive Kurdistan is a long-term plan pending ideal geopolitical conditions in the region, because Turkey, Iran and many in the Arab World have shown either objection or great concerns over such plan. Many Assyrian observers believe that one main objective of the West is to unofficially encourage the exodus of Assyrians, because with the indigenous Assyrians out, the Kurds will have easier argument to justify their creation of Kurdistan over historic Assyria despite the fact that the Kurds are neither natives to Iraq nor to Syria.

The facts are that the US-led coalition bombed and invaded Iraq, later allowed ISIS to invade large parts of the country and destroy Mosul, Nineveh Plain and Sinjar where the indigenous Assyrians and Yezidis existed since time immemorial, but at the same time, President Obama warned ISIS from entering the Kurdish region. This double standard is typical in the behavior and reaction of most of the western politicians who unfortunately prove that Machiavelli was right when he stated that political considerations appear to have a normative weight that overrides otherwise prevailing ethical obligations.

Why do you think that the KRG has delayed or objected to the creation of the Nineveh Plain governorate that was approved in principle in 2012 by the Iraqi council of ministers and initial steps were already taken into that direction? The efforts and communications continued into 2014, but halted with the invasion of ISIS.

Why do you think that the KRG has delayed any real plans to rebuild the Nineveh Plain despite repeated claims by many within Iraq and the West that the official large scale reconstruction will start? The reconstruction is dismal.

2012 and 2014 communications of the Iraqi council of ministers in regards to the creation of new administrative units and three new governorates, including the governorate of Nineveh Plain.

Why do you think the US and the coalition countries protected the Kurds and the Kurdish region from ISIS (Obama's Red Line), but allowed the destruction of Assyrian archaeological sites in Nineveh province, allowed the destruction of the Nineveh Plain Assyrian towns, allowed the destruction of the Assyrian quarters in Mosul, allowed the invasion of the Assyrian Khabor villages and the strong Assyrian quarters in Aleppo, but opened their doors quickly to thousands of Assyrians to settle in those four countries?

The KRG does not want the Assyrians and Yezidis to return to a reconstructed Nineveh Plain or Sinjar. The longer the towns are left destroyed, the larger are the chances that the displaced will lose hope and the lesser the probabilities that its original inhabitants would return. ISIS was created to destroy the Assyrian and Yezidi towns and villages so that deserted regions would be easy for the Kurds to incorporate within the Kurdish region. Meanwhile, the West, including those four countries we mentioned earlier, have continued to open their arms, look virtuous and accept the Assyrians as refugees.

Fred Aprim is an Assyrian American. He was born in Iraq. Both his father and younger brother were imprisoned during the rule of Saddam Hussein. Aprim has published three books: Assyrians: The Continuous Saga Assyrians: From Bedr Khan to Saddam Hussein The Betrayal of the Powerless: Assyrians After the 2003 US Invasion of Iraq.
Large numbers of homeless inmates in the El Paso County jail over the past two years are affecting determination of how many people live on the streets and in shelters, as gauged by an annual mandated census.

One out of four of the 1,227 inmates in the Criminal Justice Center on Jan. 21, the night counted in this years Point in Time survey, were identified as homeless, according to a daily population report from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

But those 302 incarcerated people will not be counted in the Point in Time survey, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires of communities that receive federal funding for homeless services.

Homeless people receiving treatment at medical hospitals, mental health facilities or crisis centers also are not included in the tally.

By HUDs definition, jails, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, behavioral health centers and hospitals are an institutional (living) situation.

Since this is not considered a literally homeless living situation, its not included in the PIT count, said Amber Carlton, spokeswoman for Community Health Partnership. The nonprofit organization coordinates the yearly count along with the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care, a consortium of homeless service providers.

The methodology doesnt make sense, said Colorado Springs police Sgt. Olav Chaney, who leads the Police Departments three Homeless Outreach Team. Police make two to eight trips transporting homeless people to the county jail every day, he said.

Just because theyre in jail doesnt mean theyre not homeless, Chaney said. They might happen to be in there because of a warrant, or they might be in there for a while on a felony. And when they get out, they go right back to building a camp.

Considering that the Point in Time survey taken in January 2023 reported a total of 1,302 homeless people in El Paso County living in transitional housing, emergency shelters and outdoor settings, another 300 from the jail population  if counted  would significantly increase the count.

Colorado Springs has been lauded in recent years for reducing its overall homeless population, showing a 17% decrease over the past five years in Point in Time numbers, a bright spot in the state.

Nationally, the U.S. saw a 12% increase in homelessness between 2022 and 2023, with a 15% increase in major cities, HUD reported in December.

The Point in Time is just one way that communities evaluate homelessness, said Kristy Milligan, CEO of Westside Cares, a group of interdenominational houses of worship that provides services to indigent clients.

Definitions and methodologies differ, depending on the survey. For example, the required McKinney-Vento Act tabulation of homeless students in schools includes families who might be couch surfing or living with relatives and have no fixed address.

In the 2021-22 school year, the most recent data from the state education department, El Paso Countys 15 public districts collectively reported 1,174 homeless students.

Another snapshot appears in the number of households receiving food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

In December 2023, 5,345 SNAP households in El Paso County self-identified as homeless. Thats the highest amount over the past five years, up from 2,919 homeless households in February 2020, according to data from the county's Department of Human Services.

DHS relies on self-reporting and does not require proof of homelessness, said spokeswoman Kristina Iodice. The department also does not verify the status as part of the assistance process, she said.

Thus, our regions true numbers of homelessness may be under-represented in DHS data, Iodice said.

Featured Local Savings

Milligan believes that failing to count inmates who will be released from jail as homeless creates a tacit incentive for community policing strategy to amplify efforts to criminalize homelessness in the days preceding an official count.

"When the count is lower year over year, communities can tout the efficacy of their strategies in reducing homelessness," Milligan said. However, a lower official Point in Time count as a result of many people being incarcerated on the night in question might look good on paper, but the long-term community health implications are less favorable, and arguably even destructive, she said.

On the night of the Point in Time survey in 2022, 285 homeless people were in jail, according to county logs. Last year, there were 311.

Over the past three months, the number of homeless inmates has been climbing, from 292 on average each day in December to 307 in January and 319 for the first week of February, according to population reports.

Reasons vary. Cold weather can drive homeless people to purposely violate laws so they can get three hots and a cot  three daily hot meals and a warm place to sleep, according to service providers.

But Chaney attributes higher numbers of inmates to the police departments crackdown on homeless lawbreakers.

We have a low tolerance on law enforcement  we run everybody on warrants and wants, Chaney said.

Two years ago, police cleared 304 felony warrants and 2,250 misdemeanor warrants among the homeless community, he said.

The amounts were similar last year, with 308 felony warrants cleared and 2,050 misdemeanor warrants, he said.

Some cases were related to illegal camping, stealing items off porches and breaking into vehicles, Chaney said. Felony charges included drugs, homicide, attempted homicide, sexual assault and motor vehicle theft.

Weve changed, without losing the compassion, to a tough-love approach, Chaney said. We still offer resources, but a lot of them dont want resources and want to continue doing what theyre doing.

The goal of increased enforcement is if we can convince one of these folks to get into shelter thats the biggest win, he said.

Fentanyl continues be a major issue in the homeless population, as it is across the community, said El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly.

And illegal drug use fuels other crime, Chaney said. There are few camps we go into that there arent needles around.

Violence and criminal behavior in camps has increased over the past five years, said Beth Roalstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak. The organization provides transitional housing and has outreach teams on the streets.

The culture in camps has shifted largely because of the drugs, she said. There are some places our teams just cant go into. Were being much more cautious.

Point in Time results from January wont be released for several months. In last years count, while El Paso Countys overall homeless population decreased, the subgroup of unsheltered people on the streets increased by nearly 100 people.

HUD funding for homeless services and prevention programs has ranged from $2.3 million to $2.5 million for the past few years but increased this year to $2.9 million, according to the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care. HUD representatives will present the check to local leaders on Tuesday.
Guv invites Prez

|

IMPHAL, Feb 10: Governor Anusuiya Uikey called on President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Governor invited the President to the convocation cere- mony of the Manipur University.

Anusuiya Uikey also briefed the President about the prevailing situation of Manipur.

She informed Droupadi Murmu about her activities by presenting a coffee table book highlighting the works taken up in Manipur since she assumed office in February, 2023 till date.
Colorado Springs leaders have been touting their success in reducing homelessness for several years, largely based on data from a survey thats usually conducted in January.

On a select night and day, industry staff and volunteers scour places homeless people congregate, such as tent camps, vehicles, bridges, emergency shelters, soup kitchens and libraries. They count and collect information about homeless people for a survey thats required for communities to receive federal funding for services and programs.

The point-in-time numbers reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development show a 17% decrease over the past five years in El Paso Countys total homeless population, from a high of 1,562 in 2019 to the 2023 count of 1,302. Thats across all categories and age groups, from people living on the streets to those in transitional housing.

The county also hit what officials call a good high this year of moving 740 people into permanent housing, which leaders say tells them their methods are working.

We are doing a lot better than most, mostly because city government is allowing us to do our jobs, which is enforcing our laws, while at the same time trying to get people resources and working with them to get housing, said Colorado Springs police Sgt. Olav Chaney, who heads the citys Homeless Outreach Team. We deal with the issues and dont let them get worse and worse.

Colorado Springs police and fire departments receive city funding to send teams onto the streets to enforce local ordinances, assist with camp cleanups, provide supplies, such as water and socks, add names to a housing list or get people into a shelter.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who won the seat in June, also thinks the city and county are doing really well, and the numbers are trending in the right direction.

Over the last several years, El Paso Countys decreasing homeless population has represented a different trajectory than most other communities along the Front Range, according to a study released in February by the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based fiscal and economic research organization.

But Colorado Springs leaders say they realize homelessness isnt close to being solved or eradicated.

We want to do better and optimize our systems and decrease homelessness, said Crystal Karr, homelessness prevention and response coordinator.

Mobolade wants to see a greater emphasis on and more investment in mental health, citing a 2019 study from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless that cited 71% of the homeless people in the state report having mental health problems.

The citys proposed 2024 budget includes full funding of the Colorado Springs Fire Departments Homeless Outreach Program, which this year was partially grant-funded. This years expense of $403,000 will grow by $234,000 for the team that provides resources and assistance with obtaining medical and mental care and housing.

And, under the preliminary budget for 2024, the police departments Homeless Outreach Team also will receive continued funding, which in 2023 was $2.8 million. The city also will kick in $500,000 toward shelter beds, up slightly from this years $487,000.

Issues related to homelessness remain the top complaint the city receives, Karr said.

One of the complaints  the idea that Denver sends homeless people to Colorado Springs  is inaccurate, Mobolade said. Studies show 90% of people who are homeless in Colorado Springs were living in Colorado Springs before they were priced out of the market or had some extenuating circumstance that led to a loss of housing, he said.

'All hands on deck'

The city's strategy is what Mobolade calls an all-hands-on-deck multi-faceted approach to homelessness, using the industrys best practices across multiple service providers and agencies.

The issues become very political. Its easy for cities to make decisions that are politically based versus whats the best solution, he said.

Were embracing a lot of practices that other cities only lean in on one or another  permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, preventive work cleanups, outreach teams. Its a holistic approach with different pathways, and we dont necessarily say housing first.

The contrast in the three cities' philosophical approaches to homelessness is palpable.

In Denver, undergirding Mayor Mike Johnston's promise to end homelessness is an approach popular among the city's homeless advocacy groups: "housing first." The idea is to respond to an individual's most acute need first, which is housing, and then offer other services later. That is, housing is offered without preconditions, such as treatment or work.

Aurora, on the other hand, took notes from strategies used in Houston, Texas, and borrowed from work-first and treatment-first models by providing anyone in need with emergency service but offering more robust services to people who are participating in the workforce and receiving any behavioral health treatment they may need.

Of Colorado's major largest cities, Denver saw the biggest increase in the number of homeless people  5,818 as of January, up from 4,794 last year, according to a point-in-time count that offers a single night's snapshot of the crisis back in January.

By comparison, Aurora's homeless population stood at 572 in the same survey, down from 612 the year before.

And among Colorado's three biggest cities, Denver is spending hundreds of millions more.

Mary Stegner, executive director of Partners In Housing, which offers transitional housing and recovery programs, agrees that housing first is not a model that works for everyone.

Its not the overall Band Aid thats needed for everything with homelessness, she said. You have to look at everything that works.

But some people believe getting people into housing before addressing other problems, such as substance abuse, is key.

Studies show that street outreach coupled with permanent supportive housing is the best way to address homelessness in a community, said Beth Roalstad, executive director of Homeward Pikes Peak, which has nearly 200 units of permanent supportive housing and recovery programs for adults, families, pregnant women and veterans.

Last year, an outreach team of three employees, who go into camps every weekday, helped people in 61 households to stay overnight at an emergency shelter for the first time, and of those, the team assisted 33 in moving into permanent supportive housing, she said.

Maybe they didnt know they were eligible, they may have had resistance in the past, they may not have trusted the system, she said.

Colorado Springs has three permanent supportive housing complexes primarily for chronically homeless people, who have at least one disability and who have been homeless for an extended time, to move from the streets into an apartment.

There are 65 units at Greenway Flats on the property of Springs Rescue Mission, operated by a Christian organization; 50 units at Freedom Springs, a Volunteers of America-run complex for homeless military veterans; and Homeward Pikes Peaks The Commons, which opened earlier this year with 50 units for single adults, families and veterans.

(But) the openings are few, Roalstad said. There arent a lot of ways for someone whos sleeping outside or in their car to get into the best kind of stable housing.

Featured Local Savings

The Commons had a 95% occupancy rate over its first six months of operation, she said.

Roalstad believes the community sorely lacks the middle ground, transitional supportive housing, which typically is for six to 12 months.

The current waiting list at the transitional program Partners in Housing is 40 families, which Stegner said is a lot.

Some residents of the organizations 68 units that are scattered across town arrive directly from living in shelters or their cars, some flee domestic violence, others have been served eviction notices or have worn out their welcome on couches.

Stegner said 92% of families  of whom, 90% are single moms  who exit the program move into their own stable housing.

Were seeing great success right now with adults being able to get good employment that leads to a livable wage, a lot in the medical field with room for advancement, she said.

'The power of collaboration'

Many people mention that one of Colorado Springs strengths is that agencies and organizations are willing to work together on projects.

The high level of collaboration in Colorado Springs seems unique in the industry, said Mark Wester, executive director of Embrave, formerly ComCor, which provides housing and programs for people exiting prison or in lieu of incarceration.

Its noticeable, and I think the power of collaboration is very helpful to making a positive impact on the challenges of homelessness, he said.

There are many examples. Stegners organization in recent years formed Family Solutions Collaborative, a group of 30 providers working on issues affecting families who need housing, childcare, transportation and food.

The citys Karr agrees that partnerships are a benefit. One of the citys goals, she said, is to reduce competition among local agencies for federal funding.

This isnt just one problem for one agency or the city, Karr said. Its going to take the city providing resources and all of us looking at best practices, educating the public, listening to service providers so we can be more proactive than reactive.

Stegner stopped short of saying Colorado Springs is better or worse off in improving homelessness than other communities.

Every city is struggling. The issue of homelessness is complicated and complex. Theres no one size fits all solution, she said. What a homeless vet whos suffering from PTSD needs is different from what a family who fled domestic violence needs. Using multiple resources and ideas is crucial to really solving homelessness.

While industry workers often wonder if theyre making a dent, Stegner said she thinks the situation would be much worse without todays efforts.

Mobolade: Cleanups are humane

The Homeless Outreach Team of the Colorado Springs Police Department oversees cleanups of illegal camps Monday through Friday. Chaney, the sergeant who leads the team, said police give 24-hour advance notice for people to move out but can remove camps in one hour if they are violating the riparian camping ban, which prohibits habitation within 100 feet of a public stream, such as Fountain Creek.

If people dont comply, they can be cited for illegal camping and littering, Chaney said, and those who have warrants are taken to jail.

Theres a lot of criminal activity in the homeless community; two to eight times a day were making trips to jail with people who have felony or misdemeanor warrants, he said.

So far this year, about 1,350 camps have been cleaned up, at a cost of $1.32 million, Chaney said, and crews picked up about 469,000 pounds of trash.

Its easy to see the cleanups as humane; its actually inhumane to allow residents to live in these camps without providing help and options, Mobolade said. Its a public safety risk for disease and health issues.

Its a fine line between how we enforce and how we display compassion, and I believe we do that well.

A new program employs a truck to immediately be dispatched to pick up old mattresses, needles used for drug injections and other refuse that needs quick attention.

Chaney acknowledges that many people who are camping illegally simply move to another spot when they get booted. But even if they are taken to jail for a few days, they are held accountable and have a few days or longer to refocus and take a break from substance use and street life, he said.

Its hard, but I think this is the best approach, Chaney said. Every day we try to convince these folks to get off the streets, and they say theyll think about it. Theres plenty of beds at Springs Rescue, but they often dont want to follow the rules, and they make excuses.

Some people who are homeless say the rules are unfair, and they are treated poorly.

Cherry Allen, 49, often sleeps by a concrete pillar at an interstate underpass. Shes been homeless off and on since 2016 after divorce, has had both feet amputated in the past two years due to diabetes and uses a wheelchair.

The food at the lowest level at Springs Rescue Mission, which improves when people join one of the shelters assistance programs, is inadequate, she said. New animal kennels are often full for large dogs, and disabled people are not given priority, Allen added.

And multiple thefts of her identification have left Allen unable to access many services and get on a housing list, she said.

Were not bad people, but all this city wants to do is ticket us, take us to jail, run us out, Allen said.

Oliver Brooks said negligence, laziness and drug abuse contributed to his predicament.

He moved to town a few months ago, sometimes stays at Springs Rescue Mission and wants to get a job as a dishwasher. He likes the shelter but got thrown out after security found a bottle of wine in his backpack.

Im praying every day, he said. Theres good in people.

Anyone who gets off the streets and stays off for one year is treated to a free lunch from Chaney, the police officer. Hes had several people take him up on the offer.

One guy said he was tired of seeing us (the HOT team), and said he got a place on the westside and a job. Another guy who always slept on a bench said he got a place and people told him he changed for the better. One guy from Greenway Flats wanted Chinese food, so thats what I got him. A gal, I dont know how many times we arrested her, finally got off the street a couple of months ago and is doing all right," he said.

When they say, Im ready to get out, thats the biggest win for us."

Editor's note: This article has been corrected to say 71% of homeless people report having a mental health problem.
The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav on Saturday took a slew of important decisions on availability of medical care and cash benefits to insured workers and their family members.

The key decisions taken in the 193rd meeting of the ESIC includes medical Benefits to be extended to superannuated insured persons with relaxed norms.

The proposal to provide medical benefit to the insured superannuating workers who went out of the ESI scheme coverage due to exceeding the wage ceiling, if the worker was under insurable employment for at least 5 years before superannuation/voluntary retirement, has been approved, said the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Advertisement

The persons who were in the insurable employment for at least 5 years after 1st April,2012 and superannuated/voluntarily retired on or after 1st April , 2017 with wages up to Rs 30,000 per month will be benefitted under the new benefit scheme, it said.

The ESIC also decide to augment medical services and infrastructure in North-East Region and Sikkim

To augment the service delivery mechanism in North-Eastern states to fulfil the vision of Act East Policy of the Government, the ESI Corporation relaxed the existing norms for establishment of dispensaries, medical infrastructure/Regional/Sub Regional Offices in NE states including Sikkim, the ministry said.

Among others, the ESIC adopted a new Policy on AYUSH 2023 for holistic wellbeing of IPs and beneficiaries besides to acquire more lands for infrastructure development.

The Revised Estimates 2023-24, Budget Estimates 2024-25 and Performance Budget 2024-25 of the ESIC were also adopted by the ESIC during the meeting.

The minister said overall improvements have been made in the service delivery mechanism of ESIC by building and increasing capacity, renovation and construction of medical infrastructure throughout the country and adopting robust policies.

He further said the quantum and magnitude of efforts made to extend the social security benefits to the vulnerable workforce of our country should always be strengthened.

A book on HR Norms of the ESI Corporation was also released during the 193rd meeting of the ESI Corporation by the minister.
Days after the intensified crisis, the board of Paytms parent company, One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), announced the setting up of a three-member group advisory committee to strengthen corporate governance matters within the firm.

Meanwhile, the Paytm Payments Bank has also floated a request for proposal (RFP) from external auditors.

The committee will be headed by former Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) chairman M Damodaran and will work with the OCL board to strengthen compliance and regulatory matters, the company said in an exchange filing.

Advertisement

Other members of the board are Mukund Chitale, former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India; and Ramachandran Rajaraman, former chairman and managing director of Andhra Bank, and a member of the advisory board of the Central Vigilance Commission.

The panel will consider adding more members if necessary.

The companys management is committed to driving sustainable business growth while adhering to a regulatory and compliance framework, OCL said.

Reports have suggested that the talks on partnerships for nodal accounts between Paytm and banks were nearing completion. Nodal accounts are bank accounts opened by intermediaries to hold funds on behalf of customers and vendors.

In response to regulatory action against the payments bank, the regulator announced the termination of nodal accounts of One97 Communications and Paytm Payments Services by February 29.

Earlier, a group of start-up founders has written to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), urging a review of the regulators directive ordering the cease of its major banking services.

Concerns over large-scale know-your-customer violations, leading to money-laundering concerns, prompted regulatory actions against Paytm Payments Bank by the RBI.

Other concerns included not maintaining an arms length with the promoter group (OCL), non-disclosure of payments to promoters, false submissions of compliance, and an overall sense of disregard for compliance and transparency.
Citizen-Powered Media, a nonprofit that has been producing The Indy and Colorado Springs Business Journal for the past year, has ceased operations, the organizations board President Ahriana Platten told The Gazette Friday.

The organization has liquidated or donated all physical assets and will collect outstanding revenues until March 1, when it will issue its final debt payments, she said.

Platten declined to say how much debt the organization has.

In addition, the weeklies publisher, Fran Zankowski, has acquired the companys intellectual-property rights, including its names, websites and social media platforms, Platten said.

Citizen-Powered Media views this agreement positively, believing Zankowski to be the individual most capable of reviving the publications and intent on exploring future opportunities, Platten said in a statement.

The 30-year-old Colorado Springs Independent has been in turmoil since co-founder and longtime publisher John Weiss unexpectedly announced in October 2022 that he was retiring and closing his privately owned Colorado Publishing House.

Weiss company published not only The Independent, a weekly alternative newspaper, but also other publications that included the Colorado Springs Business Journal, the Southeast Express, the Pikes Peak Bulletin in Manitou Springs, The Transcript legal journal and two military newspapers.

He donated the assets in November 2022 to the renamed Sixty35 Media, which consolidated and reformatted the publications.

However, a rebranding campaign launched in January 2023 was not successful.

Featured Local Savings

The publisher of Sixty35 Media quit in February 2023 and, by March of that year, it became evident that the debt-to-income ratio was insurmountable, Platten said, which led to layoffs of more than half the staff.

The remaining staff took every step possible to mitigate the financial deficit by securing overdue revenues and implementing cost reductions across departments, Platten said.

That also did not work. The organization announced in December that it had let go of nearly all of the rest of its staff and would not publish in January but take a pause to reassess the situation to determine the companys future.

Attempts to find a purchaser or investor to acquire the funds needed to settle outstanding debt failed, Platten said, leading to the decision to fold.

During the most difficult time of operation, Zankowski had provided money for the organization to make payroll, Platten said, and went several months without compensation.

Following legal consultation, the board and Zankowski reached an agreement allowing Zankowski to obtain the intellectual-property rights. Zankowski did not receive any cash or physical assets in the settlement agreement, according to Platten.

Zankowski concurrently has been working as publisher of Boulder Weekly in Boulder.

Weiss owns The Independents office building, which was in an old church on South Nevada Avenue, and had leased the property to the publishing company. The building was on the market for sale but is no longer. It is now undergoing renovations, Platten said.
Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the 52nd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) at the Bharat Mandapam here on Saturday and stressed on the importance of books.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted that this years theme of the fair Multilingual India: A Living Tradition is celebrating Indias linguistic diversity and global literary traditions.

He said that the fair is a harmonious amalgamation of literature, diverse cultures, artistic expressions and knowledge.

Advertisement

Multilingualism is the core of our diversity and therefore, language and books are assets to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, added Pradhan.

The minister also emphasized the need to nurture a book-loving and book-reading society that fosters forward-looking ideas for building a progressive social order as the country marches to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat.

Pradhan also launched the app of the National Digital Libraries for All, announced in the Budget 2023-34. The National e-library is a first-of-its-kind digital library for accessing a variety of non-academic books for children and adolescents based on the Prime Ministers vision statement, When citizens read, the country leads.

Among others, the minister also unveiled the innovative learning E-learning platform, E-Jaadui Pitara, which is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and also released the Hindi and English Braille editions of the book Exam Warriors penned by Prime Minister and published by the NBT (National Book Trust)-India.

Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to India, in his address, stressed the mutual commitment to deepen ties between the countries.

He drew similarities between Indias Amrit Kaal and the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia as there is a shared commitment to a better future.

Milind Sudhakar Marathe, chairman of the NBT-India also stressed the role of NDWBF as a platform for fostering intellectual dialogue and promoting readership.

Talking about the theme of the fair, the chairman said , There is a unity in India that manifests itself through its linguistic diversity.

The fair is on from 10th to 18th February 2024 at Halls 1 to 5, Pragati Maidan from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm. Entry is FREE for children in school uniform, for senior citizens, and for differently-abled. Tickets are available online at ITPOs website, and at select metro stations.
Actor and former Rajya Sabha MP Mithun Chakraborty was hospitalized at an Apollo emergency facility in Kolkata due to chest discomfort.

Some of the media reports indicate that he was admitted on Saturday following this discomfort, raising concerns among both his fans and relatives. Although his relatives have not made any official statements regarding his condition, the 73-year-old actors health remains a focal point of concern.

Chakraborty, who currently serves as a judge on Dance Bangla Dance, was recently honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in January. His emotional reaction to receiving this esteemed award highlighted his disbelief and gratitude.

Advertisement

Besides receiving the Padma Bhushan, Mithun Chakraborty has been honored with three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances.

His career commenced with the 1976 film Mrigayaa, which earned him his inaugural National Film Award for Best Actor. Notably, his portrayal of Jimmy in the 1982 hit Disco Dancer propelled him to immense popularity, achieving significant success both in India and the Soviet Union.

Renowned for his versatility, Chakraborty has left a lasting impression with memorable roles in a plethora of films such as Surakksha, Hum Paanch, Sahhas, Wardat, Shaukeen, Wanted, Boxer, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, Pyar Jhukta Nahin, Ghulami, Dilwaala, Swarag Se Sunder, Nasihat, Avinash, Dance Dance, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Pyar Ka Mandir, Waqt Ki Awaz, Prem Pratigyaa, Daata, Mujrim, Agneepath, Ravan Raaj, and Jallaad.

The most recent appearance of the Wanted movie star was in Suman Ghoshs Bengali film Kabuliwala, which debuted in December 2023.
Umang Singhar, the Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, has been tasked with the herculean job of not just cornering the ruling BJP, but also strengthening, reorganizing and reuniting the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. One of the youngest MLAs in the House, Singhar (50) is also expected to lead the party that saw a crushing defeat at the hands of the saffron party in the recent assembly polls.

The Congress MLA from the Gandhwani assembly is an influential tribal leader and is considered close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Singhar has been an MLA from the Gandhwani seat four times in a row since 2008. He was also the cabinet minister for forests in the 15-month Congress government under Kamal Nath, from 2018 to 2020.

The Statesmans Gaurav Chandra spoke to the leader of opposition about the tasks he has to undertake, the challenges faced by the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, and the opportu- nities that the future might hold for the grand old party.

Advertisement

EXCERPTS

Q: The next assembly session is scheduled to begin from Feb- ruary 7. What are your prepara- tions and how do you plan to corner the ruling BJP govern- ment?

A: Despite the BJPs tall claims of ful- filling its electoral promises, I strongly believe that the government will not be able to do so. Our focus is on cor- nering the government on all such unfulfilled assurances, be it increas- ing the financial assistance of Laadli Behna Yojana from Rs 1,250 to Rs 3,000 per month, providing Rs 3,100 support price to farmers for paddy, Rs 2,700 support price for wheat, employment to youths and many oth- ers. We will question the government on all such promises.

The BJP government has already removed the names of 2 lakh Laadli Behna Yojana beneficiaries and they might remove more names next month. If the party is really commit- ted to the welfare of women, it should make a law, like the MNREGA, to ensure benefits of schemes to the community. But the BJPs strategy has been to make false promises, create facades and mislead voters through propaganda to win the elections. They always try to deviate the voters atten- tion from the real issues.

Q: You are the youngest Leader of Opposition till date in Madhya Pradesh. How are you going to fulfill the big and cru- cial responsibility?

A: Every post, whether small or big, comes with responsibility and chal- lenges. I have been facing challenges and accepting them continuously for the past many years. In the same way, I have accepted this responsibility and will work diligently.

Q: How are you going to strengthen, reorganize and reunite the Congress in Madhya Pradesh after the disappointment in the assembly polls of 2023 and the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in a few months from now?

A: We are working concertedly to strengthen the party organization in the state. I am regularly touring the state to reorganize the party up to the sector level. We have already appoint- ed in-charge leaders in many areas. All the workers of the Congress in MP are enthusiastic and rejuvenated. They can sense a new hope and confi- dence for the Lok Sabha polls. I am certain that all such efforts will bear positive results, which would be visi- ble in the general election this year.

Q: How much would the Ram Temple consecration influ- ence the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in your opinion?

A: I am very clear that every individual has the right to worship the religion and deity of his/her choice at the place of his/her choice. Why is the BJP making it appear that going to Ayod- hya is compulsory? Everyone is free to pay obeisance in their homes too, if they wish. But the BJP is only focusing on misleading the people from real issues in the name of religion. The burning issues of price rise, unem- ployment, increasing debt on the country, are not being discussed at all the BJP is infusing the intoxicant of religion into the minds of people to deceive them from thinking about the real issues.

Q: What are the prepara- tions for Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra which would also travel to Madhya Pradesh?

A: There is tremendous enthusiasm in our state regarding the yatra. We have been touring to oversee and manage the preparations at all places from where the yatra will pass. This yatra is Gandhis journey for justice to the common people and the downtrod- den. Youth are unemployed, more than 75 per cent of the start-ups have shut down and farmers are not get- ting MSP (minimum support price). I remember Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to double the income of farmers by 2022, but noth- ing happened, and 2024 is here. The nyay yatra is Rahul Gandhis selfless and laudable endeavour to focus on many such issues.

Q: Some untoward incidents occurred during the Nyay Yatra in Assam. Do you have any apprehensions for MP too?

A: I hope no such incident occurs in Madhya Pradesh. If that happens, I can only say that the BJP is indulging in Hitlershahi.

Q: What is your view on the use of electronic voting machines (EVM) in elections, particularly in light of doubts cast by some sen- ior Congress leaders on the cred- ibility of these machines?

A: I have also been focusing on the issue of EVMs for a long time and it is my strong opinion that every voter must have the right to know where his/her vote is going. More than any political party, members of the civil society must come forward and demand scrutiny. Voters do not get to know where their vote has gone and what the VVPAT does. It is imperative that elections must be conducted in a fair manner. Why does the BJP insist on using EVMs when questions are being raised against the voting method? Why not ballot papers? Does the BJP want to win through EVMs? How is the BJP claiming 400 plus seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls when they have no pres- ence in south India?

Q: Presently, the Congress has only one out of 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. What will be your strategy to improve this number?

A: We will fight with all our might on all the 29 seats. We are specially focus- ing on the 10-15 seats where the Con- gress party is strong in the state.
The book Out of Sri Lanka, the first ever anthology of Sri Lankan and diasporic poetry, speaks to us about migrational poetics and poetics of atrocity. Featuring over a hundred poets writing in English, or translated from Tamil or Sinhala, it features poems about love, art, nature, loss and ache.

Not an easy read, the book transports its readers to the 2009 civil war in Sri Lanka, subjugation of minorities, governmental corruption, war crimes, death, and destruction. The hard-hitting collection of poems also talks about the 2004 tsunami and the separatist Tamil Tigers movement in Lanka.

Vidyan Ravinthiran, Seni Seneviratne and Shash Trevett have edited the book. Vidyan, born to Sri Lankan Tamils, was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, the Seamus Heaney Centre Poetry Prize and the Michael Murphy Memorial Prize. Seni, a writer of English and Sri Lankan heritage, is currently working on an LGBTQ project with Sheffield Museums. Shash is a Tamil from Sri Lanka who came to the UK to escape the civil war. She is a poet and a translator of Tamil poetry into English.

Advertisement

Sri Lanka has always been in the shadow of India, and although readers in the UK are becoming more aware of literature from the various Indian languages, there is no real knowledge of the literature coming out of Sri Lanka, Shash said in an interview to wordswithoutborder.org

The anthology was Vidyans brainchild: he wrote to me in February 2020, asking me to help him connect with contemporary Tamil poets writing in English. We didnt know each other, although, of course, I had read and loved his two collections and had always wanted our paths to cross, she said.

Aazhiyaal, Bashana Abeywardane, Alari, Indran Amirthanayagam are some of the poets whose writings have been published in the book.

The poem titled Corpse No.183. Newborn No. 02, as mentioned in the book, reads as follows:

No vital signs.

Blood covered her like a sari.

Hanging from her womb

by the umblical cord,

there was a foetus stirring.

I cut the cord.

I shook it, and it started to cry.

I wrote in the register:

Corpse No.183

Newborn No. 02.

Out of Sri Lanka stands out as it has both traditional and open forms of poetry like concrete poems, spoken-word provocations, and experimental, post-lyric hybrids of verse and prose.

It also does a fantastic job of being inclusive of varied sections of society, in terms of selection of poets or representing the varied vantage points.

At times, our relationship as editors to the poets in this volume transformed beyond the usual duties of the anthologist to include mentorship and editorial input. Sometimes we felt overwhelmed by the importance of the task we had undertaken and the level of work it required, but it was a project close to all our hearts, Seni said.

As three writers of Sri Lankan heritage who grew up in different decades and with different life experiences, we committed ourselves to a process of dialogue and debate that was uplifting, challenging, and supportive in equal measure, and through which we all had the opportunity for growth, learning, and change, she said.

Praising the book, Orla Polten from New Internationlist, said, Out of Sri Lankas post-1948 verse defies Anglo-American marginalisations of world poetry and demands we encounter this rich body of work as poetry without qualifying adjectives.

The book has been published by Penguin Random House and priced at Rs 599. It is available at stores near you as well as on popular trade portals.
Days after quitting the Congress, Baba Siddique on Saturday joined Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Siddique had resigned from the Congress party on February 8.

Now it is done. Ab kya rona, jab chidiya chug gayi khet. It was done with dhol, not quietly. When you are not being listened to, you should move to the sideI have a lot to say, but someone should answer. I am sad but happy too. I am not thick skinned, he said after joining the NCP.

Earlier on Thursday, Siddiqui said that his journey with Congress, which started when he was just a teenager, has come to an end after 48 years.

Advertisement

I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia with immediate effect, he said.

The former Congress leader said that there was a lot he would have liked to express but added, some things are better left unsaid.

I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, Baba Siddique posted on X.

This was second high profile ouster from the Maharashtra Congress in less than a month.

On January 14, Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after resigning from the grand old party.

Deora, who severed ties with the Congress after a prolonged association with the party, joined the Shiv Sena, saying the grand old party has just one goal to speak against whatever Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks or does.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Deora said, The same party that used to offer constructive suggestions to this country on how to take the country forward has only one goal today  to speak against whatever Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks or does.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be implemented before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Calling the CAA as the law of the land, the minister categorically said the Act was not to snatch anyones citizenship.

Speaking at an event in the national capital, Shah in response to a question on CAA notification said, CAA is the law of the country and it will be definitely notified. The CAA will be implemented before the elections (LS). No one should have confusion about it.

Advertisement

Claiming that CAA was the promise of the Congress leaders, the minister said when the country was divided, the minorities including Hindu , Jain and Christians were persecuted there, and they wanted to flee from there (to India).

Attacking the Congress, Shah further said, The Congress party then promised to give citizenship whenever they come to India, but later backtracked.

I want to clarify that the CAA is not an Act to take away anyones citizenship as there is no such provision in it, he said.

Without naming anyone, Shah said, Minorities, especially Muslims are being provoked (on CAA).

CAA is the Act to grant Citizenship to the refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh due to religious atrocities. I do not think there should be any opposition on this, he said.

The CAA was passed in the Parliament in December 2019. The Act aims to grant Indian citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have migrated to India after facing persecution on grounds of religion in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, before 31st December 2014.

In response to another question on the general elections, Shah said, It is not about INDIA vs NDA.

This poll is about those who want to secure national security vs those who endanger national security, he asserted.
Ahead of the farmers proposed Delhi Chalo protest march on February 13, the BJP government in Haryana on Saturday suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services in seven districts  Jind, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Fatehabad, Hisar and Sirsa.

The government has also sealed off the Punjab-Haryana border in Ambala, Fatehabad and Jind in a bid to stop the farmers from reaching the national capital on February 13.

More than 200 farmer unions are likely to take part in the Delhi Chalo protest march, which has been jointly called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Advertisement

In a stark reminder to the 2020 farmers protests against the three farm bills, the farmers are heading towards the national capital with all the essential items, including ration and gas cylinders.

According to reports, the Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind and the Dabwali borders which the farmers were planning to use for heading towards Delhi have been sealed. The Police in Haryana has said that it will not allow farmers to enter the state.

The authorities have made several emergency arrangements, including concrete blocks, barbed wires and barricades to stop the farmers at near the Haryana border.

Additionally, as many as 50 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the three entry points.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Modi government comprising three ministers, including Piyush Goyal have been rushed to Chandigarh to meet farmer leaders.

The government representatives have already met the farmers and a second round meet was also promised to them. However, the farmers have said that their Delhi Chalo March will go ahead as per the plan.

The farmers are demanding justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims, full implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, legal minimum support price guarantee, farm loan waivers and pension for farmers.
In what is seen a huge blow to the Oppositions INDIA bloc, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest all the Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.

The central leadership of AAP and Congress were reportedly in talks with each other for a possible alliance in the state. However, the state unit of both INDIA alliance partners were of the different views and wanted to go solo in Punjab, a state where the BJP is not traditionally strong.

Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab. I have come to you with folded hands, asking for one more blessing. Lok Sabha elections will be held in two months. For Lok Sabha elections, Punjab has 13 seats and one from Chandigarh  a total of 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, AAP will declare its candidates in all of these 14 seats. You have to make AAP sweep all these 14 seats with a majority, he said at an event on Saturday.

Advertisement

The Delhi chief minister, who is also the national convener of the AAP, is the latest INDIA alliance partner to have announced to go solo in Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also declared that she will not form an alliance with the Congress and arch-rival CPI-M for the Lok Sabha elections and contest all the seats in the state.

She also said that her previous offer of two seats to the Congress has also expired after the grand old party outrightly rejected it.

In Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP) has also announced its first list of sixteen candidates. The Congress, which was hoping to have an alliance with the SP said that it was not a unilateral decision and would not help the prospects of INDIA alliance.
The clashes between the United States and Iran- backed militias shed light on a perplexing puzzle. Why is Iran proving to be a formidable force that defies traditional deterrence tactics? A closer examina- tion reveals a confluence of factors that challenge con- ventional wisdom and unveil the intricate dynamics of power in West Asia. Deterrence, a seemingly straight- forward concept, is the backbone of international rela- tions. Yet, in the case of Iran, the application of force to dissuade its actions has proven to be an elusive goal for the United States. The traditional playbook of threaten- ing military might on paper should, theoretically, bring Iran to heel. However, the reality on the ground is far more nuanced, with Iran demonstrating a remarkable resilience against attempts to curb its influence. The crux of the matter lies in Irans unconventional use of proxy militias spread across West Asia. Unlike conven- tional military forces, these groups thrive on attrition and survival rather than the establishment of well- ordered governance. This makes them immune to tradi- tional deterrence measures such as air campaigns, as their goals are deeply entrenched in long-term strategies that withstand casualties.Recent attacks by Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen on American troops highlight the inadequacies of conventional deterrence. Despite retaliatory strikes, the attacks persist, revealing a disconnect between American threats and their per- ceived credibility. Critics argue that the unwillingness to directly strike Iran weakens the potency of American deterrence, calling for a more direct and forceful appr- oach reminiscent of historical successes. However, the world has changed since the 1980s, and Irans alliances with Russia and China significantly alter the equation. The notion of a direct attack on Iranian territory be- comes a high-stakes gamble, likely to escalate tensions rather than quelling them. The complexity of the region demands a nuanced understanding that transcends his- torical analogies.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, voices from the left propose a seemingly simplistic solution. End the war in Gaza, and Irans proxies may cease their violent acts. While the Gaza conflict undoubtedly plays a role in the regions volatility, a historical lens reveals that the roots of these proxy actions predate recent events. The idea that ending one conflict would magically halt another oversimplifies the intricate web of geopolitical motivations at play.

Fundamentally, Americas struggle to deter Iran is deeply rooted in its West Asia policy paradox. The desire to pivot away from the region clashes with the reten- tion of a military presence large enough to present tar- gets but insufficient to decisively constrain Iran. The recent drone attack on US troops in Jordan exemplifies the deadly consequences of this policy limbo. The status quo, paradoxically, is maintained by Irans adept use of proxies and a US policy that inadvertently enables Irans deterrence capabilities. Deciphering this puzzle requires an approach that transcends traditional notions of deterrence, recognising the evolving dynamics of power in a region torn between conflicting interests and his- torical complexities.

Advertisement
Recently, a debate has emerged on social media regarding whether or not the Tangail saree can be protected by a geographical indication (GI) and can belong to India.

The 1994 WTO TRIPS Agreement defines a GI as an indication that ascribes to a specific quality, reputa- tion, or other feature of a product that is fundamentally attributable to its geographical origin within the territo- ry of a WTO member or a regional locality within that territory.

A GI is customarily applied to industrial products, handicrafts, agri- cultural products, consumables, and wine and spirit beverages. Here, the question is raised as to whether the Tangail saree falls under the definition described above. The answer is: yes. As a handicraft, it does.

Advertisement

Additionally, the product eligible for a GI must have its place of origin within the territory or a designated region of a WTO member state. The question arises as to whether the Tan- gail saree originates in a member states territory or a specific region within that state. The etymology of the Tangail saree, indeed, indicates that it originated from an area named Tan- gail in West Bengal, India.

Furthermore, in order for an item to qualify as a product bearing a GI, it must possess a specific quality, repu- tation, or other feature that can be attributed to its native land. The enquiry arises as to whether the Tan- gail sarees quality, reputation, or any other attribute can be primarily ascribed to Tangail in West Bengal, India.

In light of the enquiry posed on social media regarding the prove- nance of the Tangail saree, the follow- ing will be addressed. Given the absence of Indias GI registration details pertaining to the Tangail saree, certain conjectures exist. One such conjecture is that the origin of the Tangail saree could be a geographical location named Tangail in West Ben- gal, India, from which its distinctive quality, reputation, or attribute may be derived. An alternative theory posits that the majority of the Tangail saree weavers relocated to West Ben- gal, India, subsequent to the Partition, where they persisted in producing this customary artistic creation.

In relation to the geographical origin of Tangail, be it India or Bangladesh, the principles of homonymous geographical indica- tions (GIs) are acknowledged under the legal systems of both the coun- tries. Although homonymous GIs share a similar nomenclature in terms of spelling and pronunciation, they may still meet the criteria to obtain independent protection. Neverthe- less, the homonymous GI registration system is exceedingly complex due to the possibility that identical qualities, reputations and other attributes of the product are not present in both GIs. Moreover, this usage could potentially lead to consumer confusion, thereby fostering unjust competition within the market.

With respect to the assertion made by emigrant West Bengal Tan- gail saree weavers from Tangail, Bangladesh, the fundamental criteri- on that the product bearing the GI must have its origin in the territory of a member or a regional locality within that territory remains unsatisfied. It indicates that unless it can be proven that a homonymous location with the same name exists in West Bengal, India, the Tangail saree, in order to qualify as a GI product, must originate from Tangail, Bangladesh. In essence, a robust correlation must exist between the geographical origin of Tangail and the product Tangail saree. This correlation may be established through human intervention, natural occurrences, reputation or a combi- nation of all.

Consequently, the interested party from Bangladesh may petition the Indian GI registry and, if required, the Appellate Board to cancel the Tan- gail sarees registration. If, despite try- ing every possible course of action, the stakeholder continues to hold the opinion that the dispute pertains to a breach of trade regulations, Bangladesh representing the stake- holder may consider resorting to the WTOs dispute settlement body.

In the event that it is established that a geographical area bearing the identical name, Tangail, is situated in West Bengal, India, the Tangail saree will transform into a matter of inter- national concern. The transborder geographical area of origin is addressed by the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications, which functions as a central registry for GI. It specifies that if a geographi- cal area of origin includes or contains the name of a geographical area, or another designation known as refer- ring to such an area, it may encom- pass the entire territory of the Con- tracting Party of Origin, or a particular region, locality or place within the Contracting Party of Origin.

This does not preclude a portion of a transborder geographical area comprising a geographical area of ori- gin from being subject to the provi- sions of this act. The Geneva Act delin- eates the procedure for joint applica- tion in the case of a transboundary geographical area in such circum- stances. It stipulates that if a geo- graphical area of origin comprises a transborder region, the neighbouring Contracting Parties may file an appli- cation jointly through a commonly designated Competent Authority in accordance with their agreement.

Within the framework of the Lis- bon Union, the 2015 Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement thus paves the way for a unified registration of the trans- border GI. Neither Bangladesh, nor India, however, are signatories to the Lisbon Agreement, and are therefore unable to resolve the dispute.

At the domestic level, in the case of a cross-border GI such as the Tan- gail saree, distinct and autonomous registration may be possible under the names Bangladeshi Tangail saree and Indian Tangail saree if a homonymous location bearing the same name, Tan- gail, exists in West Bengal, India. The distinct registration procedure, on the other hand, is protracted, expensive, and cumbersome. Furthermore, this could potentially render the GI prod- uct of Tangail saree semi-generic in other nations, resulting in the revoca- tion of protection in those specific countries.

The Daily Star/ANN.
Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud said on Saturday that the women lawyers in the Supreme Court, who were designated as senior advocates, would be the torchbearers of change in the legal profession in our society in the future.

They (female senior advocates) will be the torchbearers of change in the future of the legal profession in our society, the chief Justice said, pointing out that before 2024 since its inception, only 12 women lawyers were designated as senior. However, recently there was a significant shift as the Supreme Court designated an equal number of women hailing from various regions across the country as senior advocates.

Chandrachud said this in his address at the second annual lecture organised to commemorate the foundation day of the Supreme Court. This year happens to be the diamond jubilee year of the foundation of the Supreme Court.

Advertisement

There was once a notion of law which limited us to merely an isolated arena from society. Today, legal fora across the globe are recognising that they cannot view themselves as divorced from the social, political realities and aspirations of the time. This recognition fosters an environment conducive to mutual learning and exchange of ideas, the CJI said.

In the course of his speech, CJI Chandrachud spoke about his academic journey at Harvard Law School along with International Court of Justice judge Hilary Charlesworth. He said Justice Charlesworth is an esteemed scholar, a pioneering feminist thinker and his old friend.

The CJI said, To have more women as judges of the ICJ is not the responsibility of the court alone but the shared responsibility of nation-states and the national groups involved in the nomination process. I dare say the same in the regard of more women in the judicial offices of India as well

Chief Justice Chandrachud said in October last year, the ICJ amended, among other documents, its rules of courts and practice directions to make their provisions gender inclusive.

The Supreme Court of India, he said, has also made strides in this regard. It released a sensitisation module for the judiciary on the LGBTQIA+ community, which seeks to sensitize members of the judiciary on the concepts of gender and sexual diversity, on the usage of appropriate terminologies, and make recommendations on the protocol to be followed by courts while interacting with the members of the queer community.

Similarly, he said that the Supreme Court recently released a handbook to combat gender stereotypes in an attempt to ensure that judges use inclusive language and consciously avoid the use of stereotypes in decision making.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judge Hilary Charlesworth said assertions on the judges independence are always made who are part of international judicial institutions such as the ICJ. She sought to make a distinction between the independence of judiciary and its impartiality.

Almost all disputes and requests that arrive at the court have a clear political context, and some observers are keen to question the courts ability to resolve such issues on the basis of law, she said.

International Court of Justice judge

Hilary Charlesworth said, And yet in my view, I think, the court has largely overall managed to adjudicate the legal aspects of politically sensitive disputes with integrity.

Judicial independence is critical to the operation of legal institutions, particularly in volatile political contexts such as the international sphere. But its content is not easy to pin down at the international level, where a diversity of judicial backgrounds is vital. Judicial independence the idea of judicial independence must accommodate intellectual, social, cultural and national differences, ICJ judge Hilary Charlesworth said in her lecture.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to form a unity government in Pakistan after National Assembly elections threw a big surprise and independents backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khans PTI won lions share.

Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N central president and brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to discuss their possible alliance to form the unity government.

The meeting was a very brief one; it didnt last very long. Mr Zardari landed in Lahore on Friday evening while Bilawal was already there. The two drove to Naqvis place where Shehbaz was already waiting for their arrival. It was a brief discussion but apparently it ended on a positive note, Dawn reported citing a source.

Advertisement

PML-N had emerged as the single largest party but PTI-backed independents dominated the general elections amid accusations of poll rigging.

While final results of the general elections in Pakistan are yet to be announced, Imran Khans PTI-backed independents have won the most 94 seats, so far.

Nawaz Sharifs PML-N has won 63 and Zardaris PPP has managed 50 seats. The results on several seats were still being counted.

The Pakistan general elections for 265 National Assembly constituencies were held on Thursday and the counting of votes had started soon after the polling ended at 5 pm.

The counting process was marred by controversies and videos of election malpractices started circulating on social media following which internet was suspended.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief Asif Munir has said that the countrys diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose.

Elections and democracy are means to serve people of Pakistan and not ends in themselves. The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people, he further added.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 41F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain and snow showers this evening. Overcast overnight. Low 26F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 50%.
Job Title: Full Stack Developer (Fresher Jobs)

Organisation: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Study Bioinformatician

About US:

Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an independently governed institute within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and has the mission To strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development. IDI has operations across Uganda as well as in a number of other African countries and has a staffing of over 1,000 managing multiple projects in research, clinical services, public health and training.

Job Summary: The Full Stack Developer will support the development and management of the Data ware house and development of the Machine Learning models for clinical outcomes of patients with antimicrobial resistance among others.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Warehouse Design and Development

Design and implement intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces for the CAMONET-Uganda hub data warehouse web application.

Design and implementation of backend system of the data warehouse.

Develop and maintain ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes for data extraction, transformation, and loading into the data warehouse.

Write clean, modular, and maintainable code using frontend technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Implement and maintain frontend components using modern frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js).

Front and backend integration:

Integrate frontend interfaces with backend systems and APIs.

Data warehouse management:

Manage and optimize database performance, ensuring data integrity and availability.

Implement data modeling and database schema designs to support reporting requirements.

Maintenance and update of data ware house.

Upload new data to the data ware house.

User Experience Optimization:

Conduct usability testing and gather feedback to continuously improve the user experience.

Optimize frontend and backend performance to ensure smooth and responsive interactions.

Responsible for carrying out beta tests, integration tests and device tests of the data warehouse.

Data Quality and Governance:

Implement data quality checks and ensure compliance with data governance policies.

Collaborate with data stewards to establish and maintain data quality standards.

Performance Tuning:

Identify and resolve performance issues within the data warehouse, optimizing queries and processes for efficiency.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Proven experience as a full stack developer (both frontend and backend)

Strong proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Experience with frontend frameworks/libraries (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).

Familiarity with RESTful APIs and data integration.

Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).

Knowledge of backend technologies and data warehouse concepts.

Proven experience as a Data Warehouse Developer or in a similar role.

Strong proficiency in SQL and experience with database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle).

Expertise in ETL tools and processes.

Knowledge of data warehousing best practices and methodologies.

Strong problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested applicants should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 22nd 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
Q/ Has the character arc of the protagonist evolved in response to how the series has been received or was this how she was originally conceived?

A/ Yes, she has gone from being an innocent housewife to a mafia don, to now running something she never wanted to run. She is no longer laughing; she is a lot more serious, alert, and has experienced many betrayals. So, the price of her maturity is the loss of her innocence.

Q/ This time Sushmita Sen came back to the set after a massive health scare.

A/ Im just happy that Sushmita Sen is back and that she is okay. She has incredible strength, and the way she has dealt with it, is just hats off.

Q/ The series has an immensely powerful support cast, though some like Chandrachur Singh remained grossly unutilised. How do you navigate the space between talent and screen time?

A/ Well, Chandrachur came in almost like a cameo. He fulfilled a very important role, and that's really the catalyst in a way. It truly set Aarya on her journey. Otherwise, Aarya could not have taken over the businesssomething that she never wanted to do. I am always worried about doing justice to the actors, but I also have to do justice to the characters. It's a tightrope that I am hoping we are walking well.

Q/ What about Aarya, according to you, has resonated with the audience?

A/ There are many things that resonated, I feel, with the audience. One of them is the idea that it's not really a crime show; it's a family show. Televisions are in living rooms, and not in the bedrooms in most homes in India, so it's a family audience that needs to see it. We are very cognizant of the idea that families are watching it together. We need to make sure it reaches out to the family, so we don't do anything that is not family-friendly. I think that's something that people have respected. The fact that it is a show about a family, not a show about crime or drugs.

The second thing is that in every show, we put in some kind of philosophy or something to elevate the show. In the first season, it was the Bhagavad Gita; in the second season, we had Digambar Khele Masane Mein Holi, and in the third season, we have poetry that Aru the daughter sings, which talks about sacrifice. So, I think that's the other thing that people have appreciated.

Q/ How was the idea of Aarya born and how much of the original idea has translated onto the screen? Will fatigue set in after an X number of seasons?

A/ The idea of 'Aarya' was born many years ago when I wanted to make it a feature film. It is based on 'Penoza', but we adapted it culturally to our context to make it feel believable.. We are not 'Greenlit' by Disney Plus Hotstar; we are 'Greenlit' because the audience wants more. We are hoping that we don't do the show to the extent that the audience tells us not to do it anymore. We are hoping to do it only when the audience asks us for more.

Q/ The reviews for this season have been a mixed bag. What is your take?

A/ Reviews actually do matter to me. It's the good ones you don't remember, but the mixed ones you do remember, and you do think about it. I think it's good to listen to what critics and the people are saying, and I think about what they tell us regarding what was right and what was wrong. It's not just the audience, but it's also the reviews, so I respect the reviewers.

Q/ Was the tone of the show - fewer dialogues, more action - a deliberate decision?

A/ As we go forward, it seems like Aarya herself, because of the business she has chosen, is in an action-driven industry. Therefore, she has to drive it through action and not through dialogue. That has been part of the nature of the work that she does.

Q/ Some things in the show appear very misplaced - the written art performances, the warm coats that the protagonist wears, for instance. Are these deliberate?

It is winter, Aarya is urban, and the show has been a placed in an urban environment. So, if we were shooting in the summer, which was in season 2, then the clothing reflected that. If we are shooting in winter, then the clothing does reflect that. As far as the poetry and performance go, we include them as thematic elements that we try to add to the show, which a lot of people have appreciated.

Q/ What do you think is that one binding force that criss-crosses your cinematic universe?

A/ Well, I try to incorporate some philosophy into everything I do, and there is always some Sanskrit influence. There are always spiritual and thematic ideas that cross my work. Whether it's in Neerja, where there were Sanskrit shlokas, or in Dhamaka, with the song that says Khoya Paya Tune Kya containing Sanskrit shlokas. In Aarya, there's also the Bhagavad Gita. So yes, it does derive from what life is about, and there are certain life questions that come up. The second thing that the work has is the moral choices the protagonist is put into, which revolve around Dharma and Karma, duty and action. Especially seeing a woman like Aarya or Neerja dealing with these moral choices and the roles that women havewhether they are a mother first, or a daughter, a wife, or a working womanthe juggling of those roles is also really what I am interested in.

Q/ What's next?

A/ We are in discussions regarding some international collaborations. When they come together, we will share more information with you.
In another major setback to the opposition INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday confirmed that it will contest all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and the one in Chandigarh.

Addressing an event in Khanna, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal sought people's blessing for the victory of his candidates.

"Two years back, you gave your blessings. Out of 117 seats, you gave us 92 seats. You created history in Punjab, Kejriwal said.

Today I again seek your blessing with folded hands. There will be Lok Sabha elections after two months. In Punjab there are 13 (Lok Sabha) seats, one is Chandigarh and there will be 14 seats. In the coming 10-15 days, the AAP will announce its candidates on all these 14 seats. I request you the way you blessed us two years back, get the party to win all these 14 seats," he added.

The Delhi chief minister also lambasted both Congress and Akali Dal, saying people cant even remember one good work they had done in the state.

"If I ask you today, in 75 years, the Congress ruled for so many years. Tell me one good work the Congress has done. (You) will not remember. If I ask you, Akali Dal ruled for so many years, tell me one good work the Akali Dal has done. (You) will not remember," he said.

Both AAP and Congress are among the major constituents of the INDIA bloc formed to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The two parties had held multiple rounds of talks on seat sharing in Punjab and contested the Chandigarh mayoral polls together.

Last month, AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had dropped strong hints that the party would go it alone in Punjab in the general elections.

"History will be created in the state by 13-0, where 13 seats will be a verdict in favour of pro-people policies of the state government and the Opposition will be badly renounced by people for their anti-Punjab stance, he had said in Chandigarh on January 17.
The violence in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, which has left six dead and more than a hundred injured, including policemen, so far, has sparked off a bitter blame game, with BJP calling it a 'conspiracy' and demanding strict action against the guilty, while Shiv Sena pinned it on the saffron party's 'polarisation' tactics for electoral gains.

"The incident in Haldwani is a conspiracy. Bombs, country pistols, and other weapons were used, and government officials and police were attacked, said BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harnath Yadav. There should be an order to shoot rioters at sight... There is no need to be lenient with them." The Uttar Pradesh MP said the Uttarakhand government should "search every house", and take action against the perpetrators.

Violence broke out in Uttarakhand's Haldwani a day after the demolition of an allegedly illegally-built madrasa. SP (City) Harbans Singh told PTI that six rioters were killed. A curfew was declared in Haldwani soon after the clashes broke out. Over 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area.

BJP MP and former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank condemned the attack on the police personnel. As the CM (Pushkar Singh Dhami) has said, strict action will be taken against the culprits." He added that the anti-encroachment drives to remove illegal structures is not a new thing.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi blamed the violence on "polarisation" created by BJP. "When the intention is just polarisation, this is what happens... curfews are imposed, look at the incidents in Manipur. In every state, BJP has created a situation where it will benefit from polarisation. Their tried and tested model is to polarise people for votes," she said.

"I am hoping the Home Minister will take cognisance," Chaturvedi said, adding, "if the police have been attacked it is shameful, it shows how hooliganism is prevailing in BJP-ruled states."

Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal termed the razing of the madrasa - after which the violence erupted - a just move. "Removing encroachment is right. Even on the mountains they have made 'mazars' (shrines)...," he said.

"Violence cannot be tolerated. Their ring leaders who planned it should be jailed under National Security Act and the Uttarakhand government will definitely do it. There is a conspiracy. It wouldn't have happened on its own."

BJP MP Ashok Bajpai called the incident unfortunate and a probable conspiracy.

"The incident is very unfortunate, it looks like a conspiracy because the encroachment was removed based on the order of the Supreme Court. Stone pelting, petrol bombs, and firing was done at a large scale. Police personnel have been hurt, strict action needs to be taken," he said.

He also alleged that the "opposition parties" were sheltering "anarchist" elements.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted raids across multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its crackdown on the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in a terror funding case.

According to a spokesperson, NIA teams raided five locations in Srinagar, three in Budgam, two in Kulgam, one in Anantnag, and four in Jammu. Incriminating documents and digital devices linked to JeI and its related Trusts in J&K were seized during the searches, along with the recovery of over 20 lakh rupees in cash.

The statement highlighted that NIA investigations revealed that JeI and its members continued promoting terrorist and secessionist activities in J&K even after the outfit was banned under the UA(P) Act in February 2019.

The banned organisation collected funds through donations from within India and abroad, such as Zakat, Mowda, and Bait-ul-Mal, ostensibly for charity and welfare activities. However, these funds were funnelled to violent and secessionist purposes, including support for other proscribed terrorist organisations like Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Moreover, JeI was found to be involved in recruiting new members and motivating youth to further its nefarious and secessionist agenda. The NIA had previously charged four accused persons in the case, with investigations ongoing.

The JeI is one of the largest Islamic and social organisations in Kashmir and has been active for decades. The organisation ran dozens of schools, Falah-e-Aaam which were shut down in the early 90s by the government.
Putting an end to rumours, Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary confirmed his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday. The BJP government in Centre announced Bharat Ratna for Chaudharys grandfather and former Prime Minister Charan Singh on Friday.



Jayant Chaudhary told ANI, After it was announced that Bharat Ratna will be given (to Chaudhary Charan Singh), my emotions were attached. What will be our next steps and how we will be contesting the elections- these questions will be answered at that time."

Earlier today, addressing the Rajya Sabha, Jayant Chaudhary praised the Modi government for conferring the former prime minister with Indias highest civilian award. Chaudhary said only a government rooted in ground realities could have taken such a decision.

"I am indebted. Only a government which is rooted to ground realities understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them, can honour 'Dhartiputra' Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna," Jayant Chaudhary said. He added, I have been in the opposition for 10 years. The working style of the present government also has a glimpse of the thoughts of Chaudhary Charan Singh. When PM Modi addresses the issues of toilets in the village, when the government makes women empowerment its platform and creates awareness in the villages, I remember Chaudhary Charan Singh ji's quote in it," ANI reported.
As the presidential election cycle enters a critical phase with the launch of the primary season, President Joe Biden has come across the biggest political challenge in the form of the report by special counsel Robert Hur on the presidents handling of confidential documents.

While it exonerated Biden, it portrayed him as an elderly, forgetful person. It provides ammunition to the core weakness ailing the re-election bid. Hur said one reason that he was sparing Biden prosecution was that any jury was unlikely to convict an elderly man with a poor memory.

Many observers refer to it as Bidens Comey moment--during the 2016 campaign, Hillary Clinton suffered a major setback when the Obama-appointed FBI Director James Comey severely criticised Hillary for carelessly handling classified documents. Hillary blamed Comeys intervention as one of the factors behind her loss to Trump.

It is difficult to blame the Republicans on the issue, as the remarks were made by a special counsel appointed by Bidens attorney general Merrick Garland. Also, it is interesting to note that Hur is a Republican who was a law clerk to former Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist (appointed as judge by Nixon and chief justice by Reagan).

It opens up a rift within the administration itself, as Bidens close aides blame Garland (who was Obamas nominee for the Supreme Court) for ordering a special counsel inquiry in the first place, and secondly for not reining him in sufficiently.

Unfortunately for Biden, it comes at a time when there are already problems in the smooth running of his cabinet--remember Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin kept his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalisation a secret from Biden and the administration, forcing him to apologise later.

The issue is unlikely to go away as there is some truth to the forgetfulness allegation. At a press conference held to defend himself, Biden called the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the President of Mexico, further proving the point. Someone like Trump is going to use this point a lot. A couple of days ago, he mixed up French President Macron with former president Mitterrand. Biden, he also called Mitterrand German.

Republicans are already using the issue to allege double standards, (apart from Bidens competency issue) saying Trump is being prosecuted for a similar charge.

While Democrats have rallied behind Biden, if the issue drags on, it will be a major headache for vulnerable down-ballot candidates. It could affect party unity. An NBC News poll a few days ago showed that nearly 75 per cent Americans are worried about the presidents mental and physical health.

The best news for Biden still is that his most likely opponent will be Donald Trump. He was elected last time for not being Trump, and that USP still holds for him. But the next few days are going to be tough for him as the campaign assesses the damage that has been done. There have not been voices of criticism from within the party, so the candidacy seems safe for now. While theoretically, the Democrats could still ditch Biden and choose a fresh candidate, it is almost practically impossible. It will require an amendment of multiple party regulations, and the party committees in charge of that are all controlled by Biden loyalists.

The other option left is for Biden to relinquish his re-election bid. The last president to do so was another Democrat, Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Johnson, however, was hugely unpopular because of the Vietnam War. He withdrew in March and a bitterly divided Democratic party put up vice president Hubert Humphrey. In the November election, Humphrey lost to Richard Nixon.

Democrats probably would not want to go down that path once again and would hope that Biden will be able to put his campaign back on track and catch up with Trump who is notching up victory after victory.
Ahead of the official declaration, Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) claims victory and looks forward to form the government. According to a senior aide of Imran Khan, the party plans to form the government and called on supporters to peacefully protest if the final results were not released by Saturday night.

PTI-backed candidates were leading the elections on Friday with PML-N and PPP trailing behind. Both Khan and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had declared victory on Friday. Sharif, who enjoys the military support, had called on other parties to join hand for forming a coalition government.

Meanwhile amid delays, President Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan could have avoided the crisis from delay if electronic voting machines were used.

"EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been available & printed within five minutes of closing of poll, said Alvi.

Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been  Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 10, 2024

Gohar Khan, the chairman of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) party, while taking to reporters, said the party would hold peaceful protests on Sunday outside government offices returning election results around the country if the results are not released by Saturday night.

Meanwhile Pakistan had responded to the concerns raised by the US, UK and the European Union about the electoral process. Amid rigging allegations, violence and delay, the world powers had raised serious concerns and called on for investigation to the irregularities, interference and fraud.

However, Pakistan's foreign office said they ignore the "undeniable fact" of Pakistan conducting elections successfully.

Despite Khans imprisonment under various charges including corruption, the independent candidates backed by PTI won the largest share in parliament. Reportedly, PTI had won 101 seats in the National Assembly. While, PML-N had 73 seats, and PPP with 54, followed by other smaller parties.

A party must win 133 seats out of 265 to form a government in the National Assembly.
With both former Pakistan prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claiming victory in the countrywide elections, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union on Friday separately expressed concerns about the electoral process and urged an investigated into the reported irregularities.

Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a party needs 133 seats for a simple majority. Referring to the allegations of interference, irregularities and fraud, the US and the EU both stated that these should be fully investigated. Khan is in jail and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been barred from the polls. Independents, majority of whom are backed by Khan, had won 98 of the 245 counted seats, while Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party had won 69 seats.

The EU statement noted a "lack of a level playing field", attributing that to "the inability of some political actors to contest the elections" and to restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and internet access.

The US State Department said there were "undue restrictions" on freedoms of expressions and assembly while noting violence and attacks on mediapersons. Democratic US Representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar also expressed concerns, with Khanna claiming "the military is interfering and rigging the result".

British foreign minister David Cameron's statement noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections".

The EU, the US and Britain said they would work with the next government and did not congratulate any candidate or party.

Khan was disqualified as a candidate and sentenced to prison over multiple legal cases. He has denied any wrongdoing. Khan's PTI won the general election in 2018, but he was ousted in 2022 after falling out with the military. He has been in jail since August, and was convicted in the leadup to the polls for 10, 14 and seven years in cases related to state secrets, graft and an unlawful marriage.

Sharif, 74, a three-time former PM, returned from four years of self-imposed exile in the UK late last year.

Sharif declares victory as largest party

In the elections marred by delayed results and militant attacks in which 28 people were killed, Sharif's party claimed win, with the most seats won by a single party, but Khan's supporters, who ran as independents after his party was barred from the polls, won the most seats overall.

Sharif said his party would talk to other groups to form a coalition government as it had failed to win a clear majority on its own.

The Pakistan People's Party of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated premier Benazir Bhutto, got 51 seats.

"Pakistan Muslim League is the single-largest party in the country today after the elections and it is our duty to bring this country out of the whirlpool," Sharif told his supporters outside his home in Lahore. "Whoever has got the mandate, whether independents or parties, we respect the mandate they have got," he said. "We invite them to sit with us and help this wounded nation get back on its feet."

Khan's PTI party released an audio-visual message created using artificial intelligence and shared on his X social media account. In the message, which is usually delivered by word through his lawyers, Khan, 71, rejected Sharif's claim to victory, congratulated his supporters on "winning" the election and urged them to celebrate and protect their vote.

(With agency inputs)
As Israel prepares for ground offensive in Rafah, where hundreds of Gazans took refuge following the war, panic has gripped Palestinians who have no place left to go. Presently, around 1.4 million Palestinians are seeking refuge in Rafah, which borders Egypt.

Israel's plans for a military offensive on Rafah in the Gaza Strip are "alarming", said European Union's foreign policy chief. "1.4 million Palestinians are currently in Rafah without safe place to go, facing starvation," wrote Josep Borell on X.

Focus to Rafah shifted from Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told military officials to come up with a combined plan for evacuating the population ahead of the ground offensive.

Meanwhile, overnight strikes in Rafah killed 28 Palestinians on Saturday. Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, north Gaza.

The Palestinian death toll has crossed 28,000, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Israel said that Rafah is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza. It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahu's office said on Friday.

With tensions increasing in the border, humanitarian aid for Gazans had suffered a major blow. Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Rafah crossing is the main gateway for the aid to enter Gaza.

Saudi cautions ahead of ground offensive in Rafah

Saudi foreign ministry has cautioned against the "extremely dangerous repercussions" of Israel targeting Rafah city. "This continued violation of international law and international humanitarian law confirms the necessity of convening the UN security council urgently to prevent Israel from causing an imminent humanitarian catastrophe for which everyone who supports the aggression bears responsibility," said the ministry.

Ahead of Rafah strike, Hamas has said the Israeli operation could result in "tens of thousands" of dead and injured.

Hamas said in a statement that any military action would have catastrophic repercussion that may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah  is invaded.

The statement added that it would hold the American administration, international community and the Israeli occupation responsible if that happened.

Earlier, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said a major Israeli offensive in Rafah can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy.
With sounds of shooting echoing in the background, Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl had rang up Gaza rescuers calling for help. Im scared. Please come help, she cried over the phone. And 12 days after the call, her body was recovered by relatives on Saturday.

Along with the girl, the bodies of five of her family members and two ambulance workers gone to save her were also found after being trapped under Israeli military fire.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) accused Israel of deliberately targeting the ambulance it sent to rescue the girl after she had spent hours on the phone to dispatchers begging for help.

"The occupation deliberately targeted the Red Crescent crew despite prior coordination to allow the ambulance to arrive at the site to rescue Hind," the Red Crescent said in a statement.

Hind's body along with the rest of the relatives was recovered fron the Tel al-Hawa suburb of Gaza City.

The audio clips released by the Red Crescent revealed her distress and fear. "Come and get me," Hind was heard crying desperately in another audio recording. "I'm so scared, please come."

According to PCRS, it was after coordinating with the Israeli military and getting a green signal that the ambulance had gone to rescue the child.

"In our last communication with the team, they said the occupation forces aimed a laser beam at them. We heard gunshots and then an explosion," said Red Crescent spokesperson in Ramallah, Nebal Farsakh, reported Reuters.

However, later contact with both the ambulance and Hind was lost by the team.
A 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive has died after suffering life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in the American capital here, the seventh death of an Indian or Indian-American in the country in recent months.



The victim, identified as Vivek Taneja, a resident of Alexandria, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, was attacked on February 2 in the 1100 block of 15th Street NW, which is seven blocks away from the White House.

The police reached the assault scene at 2am and found that he was suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result of the assault. He was transported to a trauma centre unconscious and with severe head injuries. On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, said the Metropolitan Police, Washington DC in a statement on Friday.

The picture of the suspect captured by a surveillance camera has been released by the police, which has offered an award of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information and leads to his arrest. No arrest has been made so far.

In its report, the police said Vivek Taneja was knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement. Taneja, the police said, had an altercation with another man at Shoto and Akedo, two sister Japanese restaurants in the Midtown Center building.

Taneja was the co-founder and president of Dynamo Technologies, a technology solutions and analytics product provider to the federal government. According to the company website, Taneja led Dynamo's strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena. A systems engineer by training, he led numerous technical consulting engagements across the public and private sectors.

Taneja received his B.A. in Economics and Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Virginia, his M.S. in Telecommunications from George Mason University, and his D.Eng. in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering from George Washington University.

Recently, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia state's Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.

Last week, a student at the Lindner School of Business in the US state of Ohio, identified as 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Beniger was found dead. However, local authorities have ruled out foul play.

Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student at Purdue University, was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana on February 5. Another Indian student, identified as Neel Acharya at Purdue University, Indiana, was confirmed dead days after being reported missing on January 28.

Akul B. Dhawan, an 18-year-old at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was found dead last month with signs of hypothermia.
MUMBAI, India, Feb. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan International School, Chembur, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking initiative, the "Ryan Creative Studio," powered by Faber-Castell, world's leading manufacturers of wood-cased pencils.





Aimed at fostering creativity and skill development among children. This unique concept is designed to provide a holistic experience where young minds can explore and create without any predefined boundaries.



The purpose of the Ryan Creative Studio is to offer a creative haven within the school premises, equipped with state-of-the-art creative products, providing children with ample opportunities to express and explore themselves in the realm of art. The initiative seeks to inspire and raise interest in the artistic spectrum among students through year-round workshops and activities.



The studio, catering to children aged 3 to 14, is designed as an experience zone, free from classroom constraints and syllabus regulations. Students will have access to a wide range of drawing and painting materials, enabling them to unleash their creativity.



Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan Group of Schools and an advocate for holistic education, shared his enthusiasm "I am thrilled to witness the realization of our vision for holistic education through the launch of the Ryan Creative Studio. At the Ryan Group of Schools, we believe in nurturing not just the intellect but also the creative spirit within each child. The Creative Studio, powered by our esteemed partner Faber- Castell, is a testament to our commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience. Through this initiative, we aim to ignite the flames of creativity and curiosity in our students, fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom. We aim to implement the creative studio concept across several Ryan International Schools in major cities across India. Let's embark on this artistic journey together, shaping young minds and inspiring a future filled with innovation and imagination"



Mr. Partho Chakrabarti,MD, Faber Castell, South Asia & Africa said " Creativity has been voted the 3rd most critical skill required to negotiate the world of the future.For nearly 3 centuries, Faber-Castell has been a creative companion to school kids and artists alike, providing products and tools that inspire them to unleash their creativity.



With this art room (the first among many), it is our privilege to partner with India's leading as well as the most prestigious group of schools. I can only imagine the creative energy that is going to be unleashed in this Creative Studio that we've created."



Launch Event:



The grand launch of the Ryan Creative Studio powered by Faber Castell took place at Ryan International School, Chembur, today. The inauguration was officiated by Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan Group of Schools and Mr. Partho Chakrabarti, MD of Faber Castell, South Asia & Africa.



The event will also showcase an exhibition of over 70 artworks by Ryan students, including 18 models and stone paintings from the Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024, running from February 9th to 11th. The exhibition will be open to the public on February 10th and 11th, 2024.



Join us in celebrating the journey of creativity at Ryan Creative Studio!

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:



Shabina Shaikh

Email: shabina.shaikh@ryangroup.org

Phone: +91 9833306967



About Ryan Group of Schools:



Ryan Group of Schools is a renowned educational institution committed to providing holistic education to students across India. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, Ryan Group has established a reputation for nurturing future leaders and global citizens.



About Faber-Castell:



Founded in 1761, Faber-Castell is one of the world's leading companies for high-quality products for writing, drawing and creative design as well as decorative cosmetic products. The company owes its leading position in the international market to its traditional self-commitment to the highest quality, environmental responsibility and the large number of product innovations



Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2338332/RyanGroupofSchools.jpg



Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2338333/RyanGroupofSchools_2.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. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As India stepped into the 'Amrit Kaal' on the country's 75th Republic Day and embarked upon the journey of realising the vision 2047 for a 'New India', the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has geared up to host the 6th edition of its signature event, the HAI Hoteliers' Conclave on 12 February 2024 at The Taj Palace New Delhi. Titled 'Hospitality  The Engine for GDP Growth and Employment', the daylong conference will be attended by hospitality professionals, including hotel owners and CEOs, policymakers and professionals from all across the country.





The conclave will be addressed in different sessions by Smt. Smriti Irani  Hon'ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India, lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, former CEO Niti Aayog, Ms. V. Vidyavathi IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The event will be led by Puneet Chhatwal, President, HAI and Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, and Mr. KB Kachru, Vice President, HAI and Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor (South Asia), Radisson Hotel Group.



Mr. Rohit Khosla, Conclave Convenor and Executive Vice President  Operations, North and West India, IHCL said, "The programme has been curated with the objective of bringing key decision makers in the hospitality sector together on a single platform to debate lessons learnt, assess future problems and opportunities, and determine a progressive growth path for the industry. The year has started well mostly on account of Events and domestic and we are really excited to discuss and grow together."



The inaugural address will be delivered by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, former CEO Niti Aayog and the architect of the brands God's Own Country and Incredible India. In addition to delivering a keynote address, Ms. V. Vidyavathi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India will interact with industry leaders in a plenary session. The grand finale will be a keynote address by Guest of honour, lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.



Commenting on the event, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of the Indian Hotels Company Limited and President of HAI, stated, "The 6th HAI Hoteliers' Conclave is a convergence of industry leaders and visionaries, charting the course for India's hospitality sector. It's an opportunity to unlock the immense potential of our tourism industry and set the stage for unprecedented growth."



Mr. MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, Hotel Association of India, said, "The sector has already crossed the pre pandemic levels and with domestic tourism on all-time high, the sector will play a key role in India's Vision 2047. All indicators of growth suggest that the momentum will be maintained and improve in 2024.As the industry welcomes the New Year, the platform will provide a great opportunity to discuss, share collaborate and reach greater heights as an Industry."



The session titled 'The View from the Top' during the event will be moderated by Mr. Nakul Anand, former- Executive Director of ITC Ltd. Esteemed panellists for this discussion will feature hotel veterans Dr. (Ms.) Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of Bharat Hotels Ltd, Mr. Vikram Oberoi, CEO and Managing Director, The Oberoi Group, Mr. Patu Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, and Sanjay Sethi Managing Director and CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited.



The Plenary sessions will highlight topics such as Operational excellence. Technology's role in the industry will be discussed in a fireside Chat with the CEO and Co-founder of MakeMyTrip and Mr. Patu Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.; Mr. Ajay Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. will moderate on employment challenges in hospitality with domain experts from hotels, skill council, hospitality institutes and human capital advisory. The States' Perspective will be presented by Mr. Achin Khanna, Managing Partner  Strategic Advisory, Hotelivatein a dialogue with state tourism officials and leader of regional hotel body. Mr. Harmeet Singh Bedi, Senior director, Hotels & Hospitality Group India Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) will provide a future industry outlook in a cutting-edge presentation.



The much-awaited sessions of the day will be the conversations with Smt. Smriti Irani  Hon'ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India Shri. Puneet Chhatwal  Managing Director and CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Limited to be moderated by Smt. Navika Kumar - Group Editor-in-Chief, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat.



The Event will conclude by Vote of Thanks by Secretary General, HAI.



HAI has been highlighting industry issues and has constantly striven to enable favourable policy interventions not just with the Central Govt. but across States. HAI has played an instrumental role in some key policy announcements and worked closely with other Industry bodies including CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FAITH, WTTCII, etc. The Conclave will also provide partner companies and solution providers an opportunity to network closely with Indian Hotel Industry's corporate decision makers and explore possibilities of developing long term business relationships.



About Hotel Association of India (HAI)



Established in 1996, Hotel Association of India (HAI) has evolved as an integrated hospitality industry platform to keep pace with the growing buoyancy ushered in by the liberalization of the Indian economy in the mid-90s. With its membership extending from major hotel groups; boutique, heritage and small hotels, HAI represents the entire spectrum of the industry. Its Executive Committee is potent combination of the commitment of hotel owners on one hand and hard-core professionalism of hotel managers on the other. As the apex Industry Body, HAI works in the areas of Promotion of Regional Cooperation and Hospitality Research; Education in addition to taking Industry centric initiatives. By launching Unprecedented 'Social Inclusion' initiatives, HAI also projects the 'Social Face' of the Indian hospitality industry.



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2337878/HotelAssociationofIndiaLogo.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
Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has added seasoned cinematographer Santosh Sivan to the team for his upcoming directorial "Lahore 1947".

Superstar Aamir Khan, who worked with Santoshi for classic comedy "Andaz Apna Apna", is producing the film, which will feature Sunny Deol in the lead role.

Sivan, known for his extensive work in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi cinema, will serve as the director of photography and cameraman for "Lahore 1947", a press release said.

"He is the topmost cameraman in the country right now. Before this, Santosh and I worked together in two films, 'Pukar' and 'Barsaat' in which he was cinematographer/cameraman.

"Interestingly, Santosh directed a film titled 'Halo' and that was the only film I acted in. We share decades of relationships with each other and this time we are reuniting with 'Lahore 1947'," Santoshi said in a statement.

The details of the plot of "Lahore 1947" have been kept under wraps.

The film will feature music by A R Rahman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Rafah (Gaza Strip), Feb 10 (AP) Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians in Rafah early Saturday, hours after Israel's prime minister said he asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from the southern Gaza city ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off widespread panic. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after being uprooted repeatedly by Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of Gaza's territory. It's not clear where they could run next.

Word of the invasion plans capped a week of increasingly public friction between Netanyahu and the Biden administration. US officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from ground combat in the city of Khan Younis, just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest three months old.

In Khan Younis, the focus of the current ground combat, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the area's largest, killing at least one person and wounding several, said Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry.

He said medical staff are no longer able to move between the facility's buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the hospital.

A RIFT WITH WASHINGTON

The steadily climbing Palestinian death toll  now at almost 28,000 after four months of war, according to Gaza health officials  has contributed to the friction between Netanyahu and Washington.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but US officials have pushed back, calling for more surgical strikes. President Joe Biden said this week Israel's response is over the top.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza after more than four months of war.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahu's office said on Friday. On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

It said he had ordered the military and security officials to come up with a combined plan that included both a mass evacuation of civilians and the destruction of Hamas' forces in the town.

It remains unclear where civilians can go. The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people do not have homes to return to.

In addition, Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians across the border into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a prewar population of roughly 280,000, and according to the United Nations is now home to some 1.4 million additional people living with relatives, in shelters or sprawling tent camps after fleeing fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.

An Israeli air and ground offensive has killed roughly 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and minors, according to local health officials. Roughly 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services. (AP) PY

PY
Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) Pakistan on Saturday expressed surprise over the negative tone of some of the statements by the international community about the February 8 elections and observed that mobile services curbs were needed to avoid terrorist attacks during the polls.

The polarised polls, largely peaceful, were held on Thursday, but the delay in the announcement of results became a major irritant for observers monitoring the elections.

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that the country took notice of remarks from certain countries and organisations on the general elections.

We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis, the FO said.

These statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism, the statement said.

The statement said some remarks were not even factually correct as there was no nationwide internet shutdown and only mobile services were suspended to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day.

The elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced, it said.

The FO maintained that Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society and while it values constructive advice from friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective.

Pakistan will continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity and every election and peaceful transition of power brings it closer to that goal, it said.

We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers, it concluded.

Cash-strapped Pakistan held elections amid sporadic militant attacks and an unprecedented stoppage of all mobile phone services.

The US State Department said that Thursday's vote was held under undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

The European Union has also said it regrets the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections.

In Thursday's vote, no political party gained a simple majority and independent candidates backed by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan took a lead in the vote count.

It forced Khan's main rival, three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, to announce plans to try to form a coalition government. Khan was disqualified from contesting because of criminal convictions.

Candidates backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) won 100 out of the 266 seats up for grabs in the National Assembly.
Colombo, Feb 10 (PTI) Sri Lanka's Marxist JVP party members who made their first visit to India at the invitation of the Indian government on Saturday said international cooperation was vital for the island nation and it cannot remain isolated in the world.

A delegation of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a MarxistLeninist communist party, which led an anti-India campaign in 1987-90 against the Indo-Lanka Accord, on Saturday returned from a five-day official visit to India.

On their return, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake gave a brief outline of the delegation's visit, including meetings with the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval among others.

He said the visit was important in the context of the presidential election in Sri Lanka to be held later this year.

People anticipate a turnaround in local politics at the presidential election. This visit was important as Sri Lanka can't remain isolated in the world," Dissanayake said.

International cooperation is vital for Sri Lanka, Dissanayake said.

Asked about their anti-Indian rhetoric against Indian investment in the island nation, Dissanayake said, Honouring an official invitation and having meetings doesn't mean we should change our political and economic policies.

Dissanayake said there was good awareness in India about Sri Lankas economic and political crisis prevailing.

The visit was useful for the JVP to gain studies of varying fields such as technology and investment, Dissanayake said.

The JVP met the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel and the Kerala government run by the left-wing alliance of CPI-M Kerala.

JVP, which entered mainstream politics in 1994 after leading two bloody rebellions in 1971 and 1987-90, is the third largest political group in the south.

They held ministries under the former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 2004 in a short-lived coalition. Dissanayake, an agriculture graduate, held the ministry of agriculture.

Later, they backed former President Mahinda Rajapaksas successful military campaign against the LTTE who ran a parallel state in the north and east regions in their quest to set up a separate Tamil homeland.

The Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord, signed in Colombo on July 29, 1987, between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayewardene, was expected to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War by enabling the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the agreement, Colombo agreed to a devolution of power to the provinces, the Sri Lankan troops were to be withdrawn to their barracks in the north and the Tamil rebels were to surrender their arms.

The JVP has continuously led in at least one public opinion poll while the NPP broader front has led in surveys, leaving the island nation's main parties trailing.

The surveys claim that in the post-economic crisis phase since 2022, the NPP has gained significantly in public support, particularly in anti-corruption perceptions.
Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) Declaring that it would form the government both at the centre as well as in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party on Saturday asked the election commission to announce complete results by midnight or face protests in areas where results were still awaited.

However, within hours of issuing this statement, party workers at Peshawar and Karachi embarked on loud protests complete with sloganeering and waving of party flags.

Springing a surprise, independents backed by jailed former prime minister Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party won the lion's share of 101 seats in the National Assembly in Thursday's election.

Two days after the polling was held, the results were not yet complete and the country appeared headed to a hung Parliament or a coalition government.

Addressing a press conference, PTI chief Gohar Ali Khan demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce complete results by midnight or face protests by his supporters in areas where results were still awaited and said, otherwise PTI supporters will stage peaceful protests outside offices of returning officers (ROs).

He also accused the ECP of failing to play its constitutional role to announce results on time.

Hours after announcing the move, party workers at many seats embarked on loud protests in front of the respective RO offices.

Protest Alert Peshawar! Huge protest in Peshawar against rigging & manipulation on NA28 & numerous other provincial seats of the city!, PTIs official PTI Politics Update X handle posted along with a video from the site.

It posted similar videos from Sialkot, Karachi and Balochistan.

PTIs main X handle kept posting constituency-wise results with the label Rigging Alert even as the partys secretary general & acting President of PTI Punjab, Hammad Azhar made an appeal from his official X handle: Our candidates should file an immediate FIR against those involved in the RO rigging. Please convey my message to all candidates.

Claiming that his party had won 170 seats including those seats on which the PTI was already declared as the winner, Gohar said, his party would form the government at the centre as well as in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

He also claimed that the PTI had the proof of Form 45 of polling stations that showed its supported candidates had won but the ROs declared them unsuccessful.

Gohar appealed to the institutions as well as the judiciary to accept the mandate of the people, who voted for PTIs slogan that slavery is unacceptable and asserted that the mandate of the people should be accepted.

The economy and county cannot afford the rejection of this mandate, he said.

Gohar was handpicked as chairman of PTI after Imran Khans conviction. The soft-spoken barrister from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has been trying to run the party affairs in the most difficult time when its founder has been convicted and all front-line leaders have left it. His leadership was also rejected by the ECP in a case related to intra-party polls and challenged by the party in the Supreme Court.
Rafah (Gaza Strip), Feb 10 (AP) Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 Palestinians  including more than a dozen children  in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Saturday, hours after Israel's prime minister said he had asked the military to plan for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people there ahead of a ground invasion.

Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but the announcement set off panic and warnings from diplomats. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after following Israeli evacuation orders that now cover two-thirds of the territory. It's not clear where they could run next.

Israel says that Rafah, which borders Egypt, is the last remaining stronghold for the Hamas militant group in Gaza after more than four months of war sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned that any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences, and asserted that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land.

Shoukry also said Egypt was working to bridge the gap between the warring sides to achieve a permanent cease-fire and free the remaining hostages taken on October 7 in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The negotiations are complex, he said.

There is increasing friction between Netanyahu and the United States, whose officials have said an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, even after telling civilians in recent weeks to seek shelter there from the current ground combat in Khan Younis just to the north.

Overnight into Saturday, three airstrikes on homes in the Rafah area killed 28 people, according to a health official and Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arriving at hospitals. Each strike killed multiple members of three families, including a total of 10 children, the youngest 3 months old.

Fadel al-Ghannam said one strike tore the bodies of his loved ones to shreds. He lost his son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

He fears even worse with a ground invasion of Rafah, and said the world's silence has enabled Israel to proceed. To this day, the world has not been fair to us, he said.

Later Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a home in Rafah killed at least 11 people, including three children, according to Ahmed al-Sawaf, head of Rafah municipality. The dead were taken to Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital, according to an AP journalist there. Two other strikes killed two policemen and three senior officers in the civil police, according to city officials.

In Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital, the area's largest, killing at least two people and wounding five, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders.

Israeli tanks reached the hospital gates Saturday morning, Ahmed Maghrabi, a physician at the hospital, said in a Facebook post.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said hospital staff are no longer able to move between buildings because of the intense fire. He said 300 medical personnel, 450 patients and 10,000 displaced people are sheltering there.

The Israeli military said troops were not currently operating inside the hospital and called the surrounding area an active combat zone.

Roughly 80 per cent of Gaza's people have been displaced, and the territory has plunged into a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and medical services.



GAZA DEATH TOLL TOPS 28,000

The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that the bodies of 117 people killed in Israeli airstrikes were brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours, raising the overall death toll from the offensive to 28,064, mostly women and children. The ministry said more than 67,000 people have been wounded.

Israel declared war after several thousand Hamas militants burst across the border into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,300 people and taking 250 others hostage. Not all are still alive.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths because it fights from within civilian areas, but US officials have called for more surgical strikes. President Joe Biden said this week Israel's response is over the top.

Netanyahu's office says it is impossible to eliminate Hamas while leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah.

Egypt has warned that any movement of Palestinians into Egypt would threaten the four-decade-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The Rafah border crossing, which is mostly closed, serves as the main entry point for humanitarian aid.

Rafah had a prewar population of roughly 2,80,000, and the United Nations says it is now home to some 1.4 million additional people who fled fighting elsewhere.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that an Israeli offensive on Rafah would be a humanitarian catastrophe in the making, adding on X that the people in Gaza cannot disappear into thin air.



MORE DEATHS IN NORTHERN GAZA

The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of people no longer have homes.

In the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, two medics from the Palestinian Red Crescent were found dead in a destroyed ambulance Saturday after going missing 12 days ago. They had rushed to rescue 6-year-old Hind Rajab, who had been traveling with family to heed evacuation orders.

The PRC previously released a recording of a call from Hind's cousin saying the car had come under fire and only she and Hind survived. The cousin went silent mid-call.

The PRC said the rescue mission was coordinated with Israel's military, which had no comment. (AP) NPK

NPK
Washington, Feb 10 (PTI) In yet another disturbing incident, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive died in the US, days after he was assaulted during an altercation outside a restaurant in downtown Washington.

According to investigators, officers responded to the 1100 block of 15th Street Northwest outside Shoto Restaurant around 2 am for an assault on February 2. Once officers arrived, they found Vivek Taneja on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A preliminary investigation found that Taneja and an unknown man were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical, WUSA, a television station in Washington, DC, affiliated with CBS, said.

Taneja was knocked to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

He died from his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. Police are now investigating Taneja's death as a homicide.

Taneja was the cofounder and president of Dynamo Technologies. According to the company's website, Taneja "leads Dynamos strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena."

Police continue to search for the man who threw the deadly punch. He was captured on surveillance camera.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the publics assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW on February 2.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result from an assault. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On February 7, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

MPD offers a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Earlier this week, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia states Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.

Four other Indian-origin students were reported dead in the US this year.
Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) Suburban train services on Central and Harbour lines were delayed between Byculla and Sandhurst Road stations on Saturday evening, inconveniencing commuters as several motormen went to attend the funeral of their colleague, a Railway official said.

The incident, however, raised questions about whether it was a planned protest as motormen in the past had raised the issue of workload.

The delay in services in the evening peak hour left a large number of commuters stranded at CSMT and other stations.

"The services were delayed as several motormen went to attend the funeral of their colleague Muralidhar Sharma in Kalyan who died between Byculla and Sandhurst Road stations on Friday while crossing the tracks," the official said.

Sharma's last rites were supposed to be held at noon but got delayed till 5 pm, he added.

"As a considerable number of motormen attended the funeral, they were unavailable for train operations, causing the delay," he said.

About 147 trains, including 88 local train services, were cancelled, the official added.

He also said the services were not disrupted but delayed. The situation is slowly becoming normal.

Arundhati P, a resident of suburban Mulund in Thane, told PTI that she had to wait 40 minutes at CSMT before boarding an overcrowded local train.
Agartala, Feb 10 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said a few people are trying to trigger riot in the northeastern state to fish in troubled waters.

The chief minister's assertion came a day after the student wing of Tipra Motha, the main opposition of the state, called for an indefinite road and rail blockade from Monday, demanding that students be allowed to write their Kokborok exam papers in Roman script.

Kokborok, an indigenous language spoken by nearly 24 per cent people of the northeastern state, does not have a script. Students generally write papers for the language in the Bengali script.

Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) said the examinees will have to write that paper in Bengali script in the exams next month, as it would be difficult for teachers to evaluate answer papers written in Roman script.

The rail and road blockade is set to commence across the northeastern state from January 12.

"At a time when law and order situation has improved significantly in Tripura paving the way for faster developmental activities, a few people are trying to create riot in the peaceful state. The aim is to create unrest to fish in troubled water," he said at a programme in Dhalai district's Ambassa.

Claiming that their ploy will not succeed, the chief minister said the peace-loving tribal and non-tribal people will foil any attempt to create unrest in the northeastern state.

Ahead of class 10 and 12 board examinations beginning March 1, the Tipra Motha has been putting pressure on the state government on its demand that students be allowed to write their Kokborok language papers in Roman script.

Earlier, Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya had sought the removal of TBSE President Dhananjoy Gonchowdhury if the demand was not met.

The partys student wing, Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF), on Friday announced that it will resort to a road and rail blockade for an indefinite period from February 12 to press for the demand.

During the blockade, movement of vehicles will not be allowed on national highways, state highways and railway tracks, TISF president Sajra Debbarma had said.

On Saturday, the chief minister said he made a strong demand for establishing a medical college at Ambassa, the district headquarters of Dhalai district, to boost healthcare during the recently concluded North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong and sought help from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private party to set up a medical college at Ambassa but the process is getting delayed. The government will rethink about the MoU if they delay the project," he said.

The chief minister said the face of the northeastern state has been changing rapidly under the Act East policy escalated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Prime Minister only focuses on development, growth and prosperity. Currently, the state is connected by 17-18 trains including Rajdhani Express and Kanchanjunga Express which was unbelievable before 2014," he said.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday attacked the BJP over incidents in Maharashtra where a leader was recently shot dead during a Facebook Live session and the car of a journalist assaulted, alleging that law and order have "collapsed" and "goonda raj" was being spread under the Eknath Shinde-led government.

Former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar (40), son of Sena (UBT) leader Vinod Ghosalkar, was shot dead by local businessman and social activist Mauris Noronha during the Facebook Live session on Thursday evening. Noronha later killed himself, according to police.

Earlier, BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad shot and injured a local leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at a police station in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai on February 2 over a land dispute and political rivalry.

Also, the car of journalist Nikhil Wagle was attacked on Friday allegedly by BJP workers in Pune while he was travelling to attend an event

In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge said, "Law and order has collapsed under the Maharashtra government formed by the BJP's stealing of mandate."

"A politician is being brutally murdered on Facebook Live. An outspoken journalist is being attacked by unruly goons of the BJP-RSS. A BJP MLA is openly shooting at another politician in the police station," Kharge said.

The Congress always maintained law and order in Maharashtra and only then the economic development of the state became possible.

"But the BJP government formed with the force of the Enforcement Directorate is playing with the security of the people of Maharashtra by spreading 'goonda raj'," the Congress president said.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Development of the Chabahar port as a "golden gateway" connecting the countries in the Indian Ocean region to Central Asia is a significant example of India-Iran engagement, Iranian ambassador Iraj Elahi has said.

The envoy said cooperation between the two countries in implementation of the ambitious International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is also important examples of the growing bilateral ties.

In an address at an event marking the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Elahi said the "cordial meeting" between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August last paved the way for a "new phase" in the "good cooperation" between the two nations.

"The cooperation of the two countries in the development of Chabahar port, as the golden gateway connecting the countries along the Indian Ocean to Central Asia and the Caucasus, and the cooperation in the INSTC are important examples of the growing cooperation," he said on Friday.

Located in Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India and Iran to boost connectivity and trade ties.

India has been pushing for the Chabahar port project to boost regional trade, especially for its connectivity to Afghanistan. India and Iran have projected the port as a key hub for the INSTC project.

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

The Iranian ambassador said the economic relations between Iran and India are developing in different sectors.

In his remarks Elahi, talking about historical linkages between the two nations, complimented India for preserving the Persian language in its "heart" throughout centuries.

"The relations between the two nations of Iran and India have a long history. Beautiful Persian poems are still read in every corner of India. India, like a kind nanny, has preserved the Persian language in its heart throughout the centuries," he said.

The envoy said Persian poets of India have made a great contribution to Persian poetry.

On overall ties, he said Iran and India are having important coordination and cooperation at the regional and international levels.

"The presence of Iran and India in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) shows the cooperation of the two countries at the international level," he said.

Talking about challenges facing Iran, Elahi described his country as a "victim of terrorism" which has been having a non-stop fight against terrorism.

"Iran has prevented ISIS from dominating the West Asian region," he said adding the country is "proud to have lost one of its national heroes" in the fight against terrorism, and the world will never forget the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.

Soleimani was killed in a drone strike near Baghdad in January 2020.

On the regional situation, the ambassador said Iran has always stood by the "oppressed" people of Palestine from the beginning until now.

"Iran, with its unique geopolitical position, plays an important role in international connections and in strengthening the peace and stability of the West Asian region," he said.

Highlighting Iran's development journey in the last four decades, Elahi said Iranian people and government have stood against many "fierce storms" such as terror, "economic sanctions or economic terrorism" but the country has been moving towards the "heights of victory".

He listed Iran's "extraordinary rise" in various scientific, economic and technological fields.

"Self-sufficiency in the production of agricultural products, industrial products, Nano technology, aerospace technology and peaceful nuclear energy are some of the successes and capabilities of Iran," he said.

"In the past month, Iran managed to simultaneously launch three research satellites into space and take steps towards becoming a space power," he said.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) A scuffle broke out late Friday night between RSS-affiliated ABVP and Left-backed groups at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus during a meeting on holding students' union polls, with both sides claiming some of their members were injured.

While the warring groups blamed the other side for the ruckus, there was no immediate reaction from the JNU administration.

The student groups clashed during the University General Body Meeting (UGBM) at the Sabarmati Dhaba on the campus to elect members of the Election Commission for the 2024 JNUSU polls.

Left-affiliated Democratic Students' Federation (DSF) alleged Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members obstructed the UGBM by encroaching upon the dias and heckling council members and speakers.

In videos shared by both the groups on social media, ABVP and JNU students' union members can be seen arguing, amid shouting and sloganeering as university security personnel try to control the situation.

"In response to the JNU Administration's announcement of the start of the JNUSU elections for 2023-2024, the ABVP has teamed up with the administration to obstruct the UGBM called by the students and halt the democratic process initiated for the conduct of JNUSU election 2024," the DSF said in a statement.

The Students' Federation of India claimed that JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was attacked by ABVP students and water was thrown at her during the ruckus.

"Aishe Ghosh, president, JNUSU was heckled and shamelessly attacked by ABVP lumpens. They can be seen throwing water on a her. Such disgraceful behaviour against a female student of JNU should not be tolerated at any cost," a statement said.

Texts and calls to seek a response from Ghosh on the claim did not elicit a response.

The right wing students group alleged ABVP-JNU secretary Vikas Patel was attacked by DSF activists. They said another student, Prashanto Bagchi, was thrashed during the ruckus to settle personal scores.

An MA final year student, Prafulla, was attacked with a sharp weapon, the ABVP alleged.

It also claimed a differently-abled student of BA Persian, Divyaprakash, was beaten by students from the left groups because of supporting ABVP.

Shifting the blame on the Left groups for the disruption, the ABVP said in a statement, "Today, the all-party organised a University General Body Meeting at Sabarmati ground at 9.30 pm. At first JNUSU had passed casteist slurs to the mic and sound workers as they did not want ABVP to participate in the UGBM.

"The workers felt humiliated and backed off. However, ABVP activists talked to them and influenced them to not take away the mic and sound system. When the Left-led parties (AISA, SFI, DSF and many more) saw that the UGBM will take place anyhow, they tried to disturb the GBM. However, the ABVP failed all their tactics. At last, they started beating ABVP activists," it added.

A large number of students had gathered at the Sabarmati Dhaba on the campus to cast their vote for electing members of the EC at the UGBM.

Earlier in the day on Friday, the JNUSU had collected quorum (signatures from students which is 1/10th of the university's strength) to start the process of UGBM.
New Delhi, Feb, 10 (PTI) A day after two people were shot dead inside a salon in Delhi's Najafgarh, police have identified both the attackers, who were suspected to have been involved in a dispute with the accused over a social media post, official sources said.

They said the two accused have been identified as Sanjeev Dahiya alias Sanju and Harsh alias Chintu, who shot Ashish and Sonu dead at Najafgarh's Indira Park on Friday. The victims had gone to the salon for a hair cut.

Purported CCTV footage also surfaced on social media where one of the victims is seen pleading with the assailants. He was hit in his head by bullets fired from a point-blank rage. In the footage, two women staff of the salon are also seen running away in fear.

A police official said it prima facie appears to be a case of personal enmity, which ensued over an abusive social media post. But the exact reason behind the blood bath will be ascertained once the accused are arrested, he added.

The sources said Dahiya practises law in a Delhi court but it is yet to be verified. Harsh alias Chintu, the brother of jailed gangster Yogesh Tunda, was recently released from prison on bail, the sources said.

At least half a dozen teams of the local police and crime branch have been formed to nab the accused.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said the teams are working to nab the accused. "Certain things will be clear once the accused are arrested," he said.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) The Editors Guild of India on Saturday condemned an attack on senior journalist Nikhil Wagle in Pune and urged the Maharashtra government to book the guilty.

The car ferrying Wagle in Pune was attacked on Friday allegedly by BJP workers, who were protesting his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and L K Advani after the BJP veteran was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

"The Editors Guild calls on the administration in Pune and the Maharashtra government to book the guilty," the Guild said in a statement here.

The Guild said it was also concerned that FIRs have been registered against Wagle at the Vishrambaug police station in Pune.

It voiced deep concerns on the "misuse of criminal laws against journalists in an effort to intimidate and harass them."

"We urge law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint before registering complaints against journalists as an FIR, lest the process of investigation becomes a punishment itself," the Guild said.
Jammu, Feb 10 (PTI) Anyone sharing information regarding anti-national activities in Jammu and Kashmir will receive between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, police announced on Saturday.

The highest reward, Rs 5 lakh, will be given to whoever locates the trans-border tunnel used by anti-national elements to transport terrorists, explosives, and contraband consignments into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border, police said in a statement here.

Rs 3 lakh will be given as reward to those providing information on drones flown from across the border to drop narcotics, arms or explosive materials, which leads to the recovery of the material, it said.

Whoever gives actionable intelligence about a person connected with receiving drone deliveries and or transporting arms, ammunition and narcotics from the internal border or Line of Control to hinterland or Punjab and the said intelligence gets corroborated during further action will get Rs 3 lakh, the statement said.

The police announced Rs 2 lakh for those who provide information leading to the busting of inter-state narcotic modules or giving accurate information about persons talking to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers or jailed separatists, leading to successful busting of modules during subsequent investigations.

Rs 2 lakh will be provided to those who give information about persons communicating with terrorist handlers across the border or with their agents within J&K and branding citizens as mukhbir (police informers) and passing on their personal details like photo, address, movements of off-duty policemen and other security personnel or government servants for their targeting and the information gets corroborated during investigation that are initiated on receipt of the information, the statement said.

Police said a reward of Rs 1 lakh will be given to whoever gives information about persons in masjids, madrasas, schools or colleges who are encouraging, inducing and inciting people to join terrorist ranks or to pick up guns and the information gets corroborated during investigation.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed all cabinet ministers to not be involved in blame-game during the Covid pandemic even as opposition parties were indulging in politics over vaccine production, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Friday.

Addressing questions at the 'Sushasan Mahotsav 2024', the minister said that the prime minister was pained by the opposition parties' criticism and attacks on the government over its efforts to develop an indigenous vaccine to vaccinate the countrys people.

"First they asked when the vaccine will arrive, and when it did, they questioned its efficacy and asked why PM Modi was not taking it. When the country was going through the Covid crisis, opposition parties indulged in politics over vaccine production.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time directed his ministers not to get into blame-game and continue working diligently towards protecting the people from the disease," Mandaviya said.

When Covid struck, the world doubted India's capability of handling the pandemic, he said.

PM Modi held meetings with scientists and encouraged them to develop indigenous vaccines besides putting in place a number of guidelines and protocols.

He said there was no dearth of manpower and brainpower in India and within a short period of time, two vaccines were available in India by January 2021 which is a "major success story of India's research".

He said that India sent medicines such as hydroxychlorine to 150 nations, including some developed countries, during the Covid crisis after fulfilling India's own requirement.

It is worth mentioning that pharma companies did not increase the price of medicines and the quality of medicines were not compromised," he said.

"For us health is not commerce but sewa," Mandaviya added.

Responding to a question about the achievements of the Modi government in the last 10 years when compared to all his predecessors, Mandaviya said the current government adopts a holistic approach in the health sector.

First, the government decided to make health accessible and affordable for which 1.64 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres were made operational, the health minister said.

MBBS seats have increased from 51,348 in 2014 to the current 1,08,940 and PG seats have risen from 31,185 in 2014 to 70,674 now, the minister said. Medical colleges have been doubled to have more doctors, he added.

Twenty-two new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have been approved by the government  of which seven are fully functional while 12 are partially functional and the rest are at various stages of operationalisation, Mandaviya said.

Around 6.22 crore hospital admissions have been authorised under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which aims to provide health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 12 crore families, the minister said.

Over 20 crore teleconsultations have been completed under the e-health initiative of Union Ministry of Health, eSanjeevani, he said.

He said that organ donation has received a boost under the government and that a central registry of blood banks has also been created. Drones are now being used to transport organs by some AIIMS, he added.

Vaccine manufacturing capacity has also gone up, Mandaviya said.
Chennai, Feb 10 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths on Saturday initiated searches in atleast 27 locations in Tamil Nadu related to the ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore in which 15 people were arrested.





The prime suspect identified as Jamesha Mubeen, whom the agency said was a suicide bomber, was killed when his vehicle carrying an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in October 2022.





The raids are simultaneously going on in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore districts, on the premises of those suspected to have links with ISIS or its sympathisers, a source said.

The searches commenced in the small hours today. Further details are awaited.





The case was initially registered by the Ukkadam police in Coimbatore city and subsequently handed over to the NIA, which officially re-registered it on October 27, 2022.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Tahanaseer, a resident of Coimbatore. He allegedly conspired with Jamesha Mubeen and Mohammed Thoufeek to commit the terror attack in front of the ancient Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Temple at Eswaran Kovil Street, Ukkadam in Coimbatore on October 23, the NIA had said.





The vehicle carrying the IED was driven by Jamesha Mubeen, with whom Tahanaseer and Mohammed Thoufeeq were closely associated, the agency said.







Investigations revealed that the deceased accused, Jamesha, was deeply inspired and motivated by the radical ISIS ideology.
FILE - Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee delivers his State of the State address to lawmakers and guests in the House Chamber of the Statehouse, Jan. 18, 2022, in Providence, R.I. McKee is weighing a bill that would set standards for cities and towns to regulate outdoor dining. The bill, approved by the General Assembly on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, would let communities limit the capacity of outdoor dining but would not let municipalities ban outdoor dining. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)
Dozens of rocket alert sirens were sounded in Israels north over Shabbos day as Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israel.

Toward the end of Shabbos, an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon scored a direct hit on a building in Kiryat Shmona.

The building was damaged but Baruch Hashem no one was injured.

In response, Israeli fighter jets attacked several Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

On Friday, Hezbollah fired a barrage of over 40 rockets at northern Israel. The Iron Dome intercepted many of the rockets and the rest fell in open areas. There were no reports of injuries.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
As an investor, you need sometimes to look beyond a wall of worry.

There is, for example, every excuse to be pessimistic about continental Europe at present.

The German finance minister Christian Lindner says his country is merely 'a tired man after a short night in need of a good cup of coffee'.

But the sundry woes of the eurozone's largest economy require more than caffeine.

The impact of higher energy and interest costs is being felt throughout the bloc, while farmers' protests in France and Holland reflect wider grievances about bureaucracy and policy.

But this unappealing background should not stop you from considering the individual merits of Europe's mega-businesses  whose balance sheet strength lies behind the forecast from Goldman Sachs that the pan-European Stoxx 600 index will rise by 6 per cent this year.

Europe's big names include ASML, the Dutch group which is the world's leading supplier of semiconductor equipment, luxury goods leviathan LVMH and Novo Nordisk, maker of the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.

Such is the call for these injectables that the $398billion Danish company was forecast this week to be worth $1trillion by 2030.

Oliver Collin, co-head of European equities at Invesco, argues that these businesses and Europe's other key players are 'global entities', whose fortunes are not dependent on the countries in which they are domiciled.

Companies that are listed in the eurozone derive less than a third of their revenues from this area.

Collin adds: 'These companies are universally unloved  and thus could be seen as 'compellingly-priced', or even 'hugely cheap'.

bIG NAMES: Europe's big names include ASML, the Dutch group which is the world's leading supplier of semiconductor equipment and luxury goods leviathan LVMH

'The opportunity set extends across a broad range of sectors  from Italian bank Unicredit with its dividends and share buybacks, to the French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi whose drug development is on an upward trajectory.'

The oil major Total, one of the stakes in the Invesco European Equity fund portfolio, is trading on seven times future earnings against 11 times for its US counterpart Chevron.

Zehrid Osmani, manager of the Martin Currie Global Portfolio trust, which holds shares such as ASML and L'Oreal, acknowledges the issues facing Europe. Its cyclical economy will be affected by the slowdown in China, although lessening the eurozone's dependence on this nation is one of the priorities of Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president.

But Osmani believes that, despite these headwinds, 'Europe could be a good place to be'.

Over the past year, the prices of US tech stocks have soared thanks to generative Artificial Intelligence excitement.

But Osmani says that ASML's technology is crucial to the delivery of the huge increase in computing power and data storage required for the AI revolution.

Marcel Stotzel, manager of Fidelity European Fund and Fidelity European Trust, says that two software companies, the French Dassault Systemes and the German SAP are among the other 'strong long-term winners' from AI innovation.

The Fidelity European trust owns ASML, Novo Nordisk and SAP. Their share prices have all risen strongly over the past year, with further increases expected by analysts.

Yet the trust's own share price is at an 8.78 per cent discount to its net asset value (NAV), reflecting the level of disaffection surrounding European stocks whose attractions have been eclipsed by the love affair with everything American.

There are even wider discounts  10.78 per cent and 10.73 per cent, respectively  at the European Opportunities and Henderson European Focus trusts, although both have substantial stakes in Novo Nordisk.

These discounts reflect British disaffection with Europe, regardless of the prospects of its companies.

Many investors withdrew cash from European funds and trusts in 2023. If they are minded to return, the trusts that are standing at a discount would seem to offer a bargain route not only to the eurozone, but also to the UK.

Our stock markets are also seen as unfairly overshadowed by US tech's dazzling glamour.

About 30 per cent of the European Opportunities portfolio is invested in the UK. Scanning factsheets (available online) I discovered that I have some exposure to Europe through such funds and trusts as Brunner and 3i Group, whose largest asset is a majority holding in Action, Europe's leading convenience store chain.

I did hope for short-term weakness in the prices of ASML, Novo Nordisk and SAP but this did not materialise. The sound you hear is me gritting my teeth and preparing to buy.
John Lewis boss Sharon White is facing the threat of workers going on strike over fears of mass job losses.

Staff have called for reassurance that jobs at the partnership, which owns John Lewis department stores and Waitrose, will be safe.

There have been reports that the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) plans to slash as many as 11,000 jobs. It is looking at cutting its 76,000 strong workforce by at least 10 per cent.

A bad sign: Staff have called for reassurance that jobs at the partnership, which owns John Lewis department stores and Waitrose, will be safe

In a letter to White, the GMB union said it could ballot workers to walk out if White did not urgently meet with them. Around 250 JLP staff are members of the union.

The union's national officer Nadine Houghton wrote: 'If workers do not get the answers they feel they deserve, they will not hesitate to request GMB begins a ballot of workers.'

A spokesman for JLP said last night that the letter had been received and they would reply 'in due course'.

The letter states that workers are 'deeply concerned' a recent reduction in redundancy pay amounted to 'the first step in a large round of job cuts'.

According to the GMB, this move was made with 'little to no consultation' with the employee body, known as the JLP Partnership Council.

An elected sub committee of the council made the decision, it is understood.

John Lewis Partnership has struggled for several years.

Last month White told employees there would be 'quite bold changes' as the business looks to return to profit this year.
The Body Shop's private equity owner is preparing to call in administrators for its British shops.

It is preparing to appoint FRP Advisory to oversee an insolvency process, leaving staff at its 200 stores in the lurch.

Administrators would most likely look at closing a significant number of its UK stores, City sources told Sky News last night.

In the lurch: The Body Shop was bought in November by private equity firm Aurelius in a deal it said was valued at 207m

The Body Shop was bought in November by private equity firm Aurelius in a deal it said was valued at 207million.

According to last night's reports, its new owner had decided The Body Shop was performing worse than it had initially thought.

The cosmetics company has struggled to keep up with its rivals as the High Street has faced a downturn.

Lacklustre sales at the skincare seller persuaded Natura, which also owns Avon, to ditch the brand last year.

The Body Shop was founded by Anita Roddick in 1976 in Brighton, and became a favourite among the middle classes.

Roddick, who died in 2007 aged 64, offered discounts to customers if they brought back empty containers and championed green causes.

In recent years the group has taken on social causes such as period poverty and refugee rights.

But analysts said that The Body Shop has lost its competitive edge.
Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $222.00.

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $220.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Eagle Materials from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Eagle Materials from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $200.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Eagle Materials from $234.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 29th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Eagle Materials from $186.00 to $187.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th.

Get Eagle Materials alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on EXP

Eagle Materials Stock Down 1.4 %

EXP stock opened at $255.05 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $224.41 and its 200-day simple moving average is $192.64. Eagle Materials has a 12 month low of $129.76 and a 12 month high of $261.41. The company has a market capitalization of $8.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.00 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 2.61 and a quick ratio of 1.13.

Eagle Materials (NYSE:EXP  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The construction company reported $3.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.56 by $0.16. Eagle Materials had a net margin of 22.24% and a return on equity of 40.05%. The firm had revenue of $558.83 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $537.23 million. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Eagle Materials will post 14.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Eagle Materials Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. Eagle Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.06%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Eric Cribbs sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $186.22, for a total value of $130,354.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,654 shares in the company, valued at $2,915,087.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, EVP Eric Cribbs sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $186.22, for a total transaction of $130,354.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,654 shares in the company, valued at $2,915,087.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Matt Newby sold 2,940 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $251.15, for a total transaction of $738,381.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 21,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,479,841.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 20,144 shares of company stock worth $4,545,243 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eagle Materials

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Eagle Materials by 9.2% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,727 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,377,000 after buying an additional 905 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its stake in Eagle Materials by 4.8% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 3,810 shares of the construction companys stock worth $511,000 after buying an additional 174 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Eagle Materials by 29.5% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 25,532 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,277,000 after buying an additional 5,821 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its stake in Eagle Materials by 7.4% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 14,478 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,858,000 after buying an additional 993 shares during the period. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its stake in Eagle Materials by 6.5% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 22,071 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,913,000 after buying an additional 1,347 shares during the period. 92.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Eagle Materials

(Get Free Report

Eagle Materials Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells heavy construction materials and light building materials in the United States. It operates in four segments: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Gypsum Wallboard, and Recycled Paperboard. The company engages in the mining of limestone for the manufacture, production, distribution, and sale of Portland cement; grinding and sale of slag; and mining of gypsum for the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboards used to finish the interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
One of Colorado's great nature shows is returning for its annual, brief run.

Later this month, greater sandhill cranes are due back en masse to the San Luis Valley, where they stop along their migratory path for the nutritious fields and wetlands. And also for a chance at love. The majestic birds famously mate for life, showing their affection through ancient dances.

Commonly standing 4 feet tall with wings spanning 7 feet, sandhill cranes are thought to be one of the world's oldest species. And many fans say there is no better place to view them and hear their songs than in the world's largest alpine valley.

From around the end of February through March, binocular-wielding watchers and photographers head to the area's wide-open refuges to behold mass flights backdropped by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is said some 20,000 cranes moving south to north are on the valley floor in early March.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The 41st annual Monte Vista Crane Festival is set for the weekend of March 8. It's a three-day celebration of ticketed tours and seminars, with free entry to arts and crafts in the Ski Hi Complex.

But anyone can drive themselves around lands set aside for the migrators: the most popular Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge along with the Alamosa and Baca national wildlife refuges. While the birds can be seen at all hours of the day, photographers know the best viewing to be around sunrise and sunset.

The San Luis Valley cranes arrive from their winter nests in New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. By April, they will have mostly left for breeding grounds around Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

While the Monte Vista Crane Festival celebrates "unmatched scenery" for viewing, Kearney, Neb. (about a five-hour drive from Denver) calls itself "the sandhill crane capital of the world." The town's viewing guide maintains 80% of the world's sandhill crane population gathers along the Platte River through central Nebraska from mid-February to mid-April.
fejsze tengely ezer tnf kabat puska Nagylelku szendvics

THE NORTH FACE Bakancsok 'Nuptse Bootie 700' feher / kek (45 db) - Divatod.hu

The North Face| SUPERSKLEP

The Nuptse Collection | The North Face

Jacket The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

The North Face Budapest - The North Face Kabat Olcson - The North Face 700 Melleny

The North Face Nuptse Magyarorszag - The North Face Webshop

The North Face | Engineered Outwear | Highsnobiety Shop

Women's The North Face Pikes Purple Nuptse Belted Mid 700 Down Jacket New $350 | eBay

Perovy kabat The North Face vel. S - Zelezna Ruda, Klatovy - Sbazar.cz

The North Face Kabat Noi Budapest - Brooklyn Zold

Jacket The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Supreme The North Face By Any Means Nuptse Jacket Black - FW15 - US

The North Face Teli dzseki - black/fekete - Zalando.hu

The North Face | Jackets & Coats | North Face Mens Vostok Parka In Black Size S | Poshmark

Men's Jacket The North Face M Lhotse Jacket TNF Black Marble Camo Print NF0A3Y2329K1

Damsky kabat The North Face Recycled Suzanne Triclimate Velikost: XS / Barva: cerna | 4camping.cz

Men's Puffer Jackets for sale in Budapest, Hungary | Facebook Marketplace | Facebook
The Mason City Fire Department added three new firefighters to its roster in a public ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Mayor Pro Tem Paul Adams swore in the recruits.

Firefighter Katrina Cornick, Firefighter/EMT John Laurin and Firefighter/Paramedic Emily Carolan were sworn in and received their badges. The three completed their training with the MCFD and were assigned to their battalions at the ceremony.

Laurin is a Santa Clarita, California, native who moved to the area when his girlfriend took a position at MercyOne North Iowa. He graduated from California State University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in management. Laurin joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2021 and received his EMT license from the Army that same year. He has an infant son and is pursuing his paramedic license.

Laurin's mother, Lorna, pinned his badge. Asked why he chose his mother for the pinning, Laurin's military posture softened and he said with a gentle smile, "I couldn't ask for a better supporter."

Katrina Cornick is a Mason City resident who attended Utica College in New York. She graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in health studies and a minor in psychology. She is enrolled in the EMT program at North Iowa Area Community College.

Cornick is an energetic and personable firefighter. Surrounded by family, including sister Kendall, she received her badge and battalion appointment with visible pride.

Emily Carolan was born and raised in Decorah, and took to the field early on. She graduated from Decorah High School in 2022 and earned her EMT license from Northeast Iowa Community College prior to her graduation. She followed up with an associates degree of applied science in paramedicine from Hawkeye Community College. She received her paramedic license in 2023.

Carolan's badge pinning was an emotional point of the afternoon. She chose her uncle, Assistant Deputy Chief Randy Elsbernd, for the task. Elsbernd has been with the Mason City Fire Department since 2004.

Carolan said her uncle inspired her journey in a way, but while he is highly educated in fire science, her focus has always been on her medic training.

MCFD Chief Erik Bullinger and Deputy Chief Aaron Beemer led the ceremony.
Has anyone else reached their tipping point and overload of hearing a daily dire and doom-and-gloom weather forecast for California?

Isn't it enough that most of the world believes the hype, and Californians themselves by the way, snarkily proclaim they have the most perfect climate on Earth to anyone who will listen?

This provision of the California manifesto is delivered to us Midwesterners when Californians are trying to justify why our hazard insurance rates soar in response to their property location decisions and lifestyle choices.

Come on, buck it up and open your wallets, Iowa. California is heaven and we can't pay for everything.

Then in true Californian schizophrenic fashion, we hear all 40 million cry out that they are experiencing Noah's flood; or next year, wandering 40 years in a parched drought-stricken desert with Moses; then back to the flood; then back to the drought; then back to the flood; and back to the drought.

I've never considered California a particularly smart place, so if anyone out there can read, maybe a few pointers are in order from a simple-minded hick from the Midwest.

From no-less-than-eminent, prestigious and diverse sources as NASA Goddard (climate/weather) and Harvard Business Review, we find that the real problem is not climate or weather at all.

The problem is the continuing misuse of the most dangerous word in any language: "average," or more specifically, "the flaw of averages."

An Iowan of the 1880s, in a moment of mania, decides to migrate to California. With true Iowa common sense and attention to minutia, the trip gets laid out on a map in great detail. All the way to California, the trip is flawlessly executed. At a ford on the south fork of the American River, the Iowan reviews his plan and sees that the average water depth at this ford is eight feet. Although on the upper end of the scale for safe passage of their wagon, he is good to go.

The Iowan tells his family that they have made it to California and proceeds to cross the American River. They all drown. You see that although the average, but never actual, water depth at the ford was eight feet, the high end variability was 20 feet, the depth at the time of the attempted crossing.

The Flaw of Averages states that "plans based on assumptions about average conditions usually go wrong." This basic but unseen and unacknowledged flaw shows up everywhere in everyday life.

Herein lies the problem with California  or at least some of the problem. We've had weather satellites circling Mother Earth for 60 years. Before that, there is a relatively accurate historic record of weather events going back 200 years.

With Silicone Valley being the location of some of the world's most powerful computers, plug in the freaking data and analyze it. By nightfall of the first day, your weather woes become predictable, and your hazard insurance companies can declare you uninsurable.

In deference to Californians who blame climate change for their homes sliding into ravines or being burned to a pile of pristine ashes, I am the first to get behind the fact that human beings are not and have never been good stewards of the natural gifts of the Creator.

Hell, my farmer grandpa dumped his trash into Rock Creek and my family, and your family as well, less than 40 years ago, burned their trash daily in a barrel out by the alley, right here in River City.

We get smarter. That's how it's supposed to work  unless you live in California.

In the 1958 series of tales "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White that was alchemized into the Broadway musical "Camelot," King Arthur decrees, "By my royal edict, Camelot has the most perfect climate in the world every day of the year!" There is a scene and song dedicated to the perfect weather bestowed upon the good people of Camelot.

If I didn't know better, I'd say King Arthur is from California.
Here's the tragic aftermath report as worsening danger confronts U.S. troops risking who are already risking their lives to protect Americans . . .

"The Marines said Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe; Sgt. Alex Langen, 23 of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, died when their helicopter crashed Tuesday in a remote snow-covered area in southern California.



"The group was flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter and were on a routine training mission between Nevada and California at the time of the crash.



"The Marines were stationed at Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based in Miramar, California.



"NBC News reports Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2019 and received a promotion to Lance Corporal just last month. He was a decorated Marine, having earned the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Olathe man among crew killed when U.S. Marines helicopter crashed outside of San Diego Five U.S. Marines were killed in the incident
The dater

Actor Supinder Wraich co-starred on the hit CBC series Sort Of and has appeared on The Good Doctor, The Expanse and Private Eyes. She currently stars in the new police drama Allegiance, airing Wednesdays on CBC and CBC Gem.

The dates

I actually met my husband Manu Mand when I was a teenager  we were high-school sweethearts! The first thing I noticed about Manu was his eyes; he has striking green eyes. Also, when I met him way back in high school he was playing pool, and hes an excellent shot. He still is.

I didnt particularly like dating, especially the whole get-to-know-you bit or surface chatter because I love to dive into deep conversations right away. Plus there were the occasional terrible dates. I was once on a really bad date and I excused myself to the ladies room to ring a friend and ask her to call me in five minutes with an emergency to get me out of the date. The guy called me out on it. He said, Did you just ask her to call you while you were in the bathroom? I admitted I had and we agreed to part ways. It was, at least, refreshingly honest.

After my father passed away I came back to Toronto from Los Angeles and Manu and I re-met. We had a long history and common friends, so building a familiarity with him was very easy  and no surface chatter!

For our second first date, we both love a dive bar, so we decided to pick a random one. When I got there, to Manus shock, I ordered the escargot which, in my defense, was fine, but hes never let me live it down. I think for us, no matter what we were doing, it was the conversations we were having that felt electric. We would forget everything around us. Once he invited me over for dinner and we just fell into an hour-long conversation and both forgot we had put the salmon in the oven on broil! It was burnt to a crisp so we ended up ordering a pizza.

When we started dating, I was going back and forth between Los Angeles and Toronto and we just missed each other so much during those times I was away that it was excruciatingly apparent to the both of us we needed to be together.

After our son was born that first year was so challenging. Lack of sleep, lack of time for one another: date night took on a whole new twist. Eventually we got into a really nice rhythm where, as often as we could, one of us would put him to bed and the other would make dinner and set the table and light a candle and ensure that we had quality one-on-one time to talk about our day and what we were both going through and thinking about.

It can be difficult to make that time for one another, especially because of the pressures of a tight shooting schedule. We really do battle to carve that time out for one another, whether its Manu helping me learn lines together over dinner or setting one whole day aside, usually a Saturday or Sunday, where I commit to not doing any work. I think the difficult thing sometimes is that I really love what I do, and sometimes I need to make that distinction that I do need to block time away from it because it is a job and that my focus on it can take away from the other things I love, like my family and friends.

We do love a good walk, or a nice picnic in High Park with our dog and our son. The park is such a nice respite in the city and we try to go as often as we can. And if we want to go further afield,we love weekend getaways, like Collingwood, Elora or Niagara Falls. While I was shooting in Vancouver wed get away to Whistler or the hot springs in Harrison. Theres something about getting out of your usual surroundings, getting out of our usual routine and being in mini-vacation mode that really helps remind us that our relationship is more important than work or to-do lists or the everyday mundane tasks we can get so engrossed in.
There are some places in Europe that still remain under the radar, away from the heavy flow of tourists. Europe, known for its history and stunning landscapes, offers much more than the iconic sights of Paris or Rome.

These lesser-known destinations in Europe are full of different experiences, from peaceful natural scenery to interesting historical sites. They allow you to dive into authentic local life, try traditional food, and explore old buildings without the crowds. The beauty of these places is found in their quiet streets, hidden spots, and the stories behind them.

As you plan your next trip to Europe, consider visiting less popular places. Find towns and regions where traditional lifestyles are common and nature is mostly untouched. This guide will introduce you to some must-visit spots in Europe. These places are currently secret escapes but may soon become well-known. So, get ready to explore these European secrets before they turn into famous destinations.

Kotor, Montenegro

Hidden along the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a striking combination of natural scenery and medieval structures. The Bay of Kotor, with its fjord-like appearance, provides captivating views of clear waters and high mountains.

The Old Town, recognized by UNESCO, is a network of stone streets, old churches, and lovely squares. Visit the maritime museum for insights into Kotor's sea history, or climb up to the Fortress of Saint Ivan for a sweeping view of the bay.

Ronda, Spain

Sitting high on a cliff in the province of Malaga, Ronda commands attention. This town in Spain is known for its Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge over a deep gorge, with impressive views of the Andalusian scenery. Explore the old town's narrow paths, see the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings, and try local dishes in the cliff-edge restaurants.

Related Article: Here Are Some Interesting Facts You Should Know About Mont-Saint-Michel in France

Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo, in Portugal, is a peaceful region, famous for its gentle hills, vineyards, and historic towns. Head to Evora, a UNESCO site, to witness well-kept Roman and medieval buildings. The region's coast has some of Europe's most unspoiled beaches. Alentejo is also great for food enthusiasts, offering hearty meals and fine wines.

Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv, often in the shadow of Kiev, radiates European charm. Its buildings reflect the diverse cultures that have influenced the city through the ages. The historic city center, also a UNESCO site, is filled with beautiful buildings, inviting coffee shops, and lively markets. The Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet, an architectural wonder, is a must-see.

The Azores, Portugal

This group of islands, in the mid-Atlantic, remains one of Europe's secrets. The Azores, with nine islands, are celebrated for their amazing landscapes, from volcanic craters and green hills to gorgeous beaches and clear waters. Activities include hiking, watching whales, and relaxing in hot springs. Sao Miguel, the biggest island, hosts the captivating Sete Cidades, a dual lake in a dormant volcano's crater.

Ghent, Belgium

While Bruges and Brussels draw most of Belgium's tourists, Ghent is less known. This city brings together medieval architecture and an active cultural scene. The Gravensteen, a castle from the 12th century, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral, with the famous Ghent Altarpiece, are landmarks to visit. The city's waterways and appealing streets are ideal for an evening walk.

Read Also: What Makes Europe's New Sleeper Trains a Must-Try for 2024
Many may known Palau for its pristine beaches, but did you know that it is also one of the go-to places in the world for divers?

In fact, Palau is home to over named 50 dive sites. It is also home to over 50 wrecks, including those from World War II. This includes the famous Jake Seaplane wreck, which was found by a fisherman in 1994.

Aside from these wrecks, 400 identified reef-building coral species and at least 1,450 species of fish call Palau home.

Here are some of the dive sites you must definitely explore when in Palau.

Big Drop Off

Head to Ngemelis Island if you want to dive at the Big Drop Off, a sheer veritical wall that drops down to around 275 meters (900 feet). Should you decide to make the dive, you will greeted with some of the most colorful marine life you'll ever see.

As there are moderate currents in the area (at times, there are no currents at all), this dive site is best for novice divers.

Blue Corner

Called one of the best dives in the planet, Blue Corner is known for its rapidly changing currents that bring different species of fish, sharks, and turtles to the area. In fact, multiple of schools of fish gravitate to the area, which in turn leads to predators heading their way as well.

This dive site can be paired with another dive site located in its northern part, which is known as the Blue Holes.

Related Article: These Dive Sites in Aruba are a Must for Any Wreck Diver

Blue Holes

The Blue Holes is an ampitheater-sized cavern meant for beginner to intermediate divers. If you're interested to dive here, make sure first that you are comfortable with overhead environments.

There are two exits you can find, and one of them leads to a cave known as the Temple of Doom. If you're wondering why this cave is named this way, it is because it's best to keep out of it unless you are a certified cave diver with the right gear and equipment.

Turtle Cove

Beginner divers will definitely enjoy Turtle Cove, which has a maximum depth of 30 meters (90 feet). It got its name from the marine turtles, which used to lay and hatch their eggs on the beach of Ngercheu Island. Ngercheu Island where you can find Turtle Cove.

While you may not be able to find turtles during your dive, you will still find a wide array of marine life. If you're looking for sharks in particular, you can find Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Sharks, and Leopard Sharks in the area.

Read Also: The Best Spots in the World for Diving with Sharks
Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

YOUTH SWEETHEART WALK: The Cherrystone Baptist Association Youth Ministry will hold a Youth Sweetheart Walk at 4 p.m. at the Cherrystone Baptist Association, 5551 Tom Fork Road, Ringgold. The keynote speaker will be Sister Mildred Richardson of Laurel Grove Baptist Church.

SUNDAY, FEB. 11

GUEST SPEAKER: North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, will celebrate a husband and wife service during the 11 a.m. worship service. The Rev. William Wilson Jr. from Bethsada Baptist Church, Mebane, North Carolina, will be the guest preacher.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

AGLOW TO MEET: Aglow monthly meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Gospel Worship Center, 3480 West Main St. Speaker will be Kenneth Irby. A meal consisting of spaghetti, salad, drink, dessert for $7 will precede the meeting that starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call Lora Blair at 336-388-5740.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25

BLACK HISTORY MUSICAL PROGRAM: The Eula P. Johnson Bible Class of Loyal Baptist Church (old Bibleway Church) will present a Black history musical program a 3 p.m.

ONGOING

GRIEFSHARE SESSIONS: GriefShare sessions meet on Mondays beginning Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through April 8 at Bibleway Cathedral. Facilitators are assistant pastor Larry Campbell and elder Katherine Harvell. All are welcome to attend. The cost is $20 for workbook.

SHOCKOE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 857 Java Road, Java, hosts a monthly Wellness Walking Ministry from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., meeting every fourth Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. The Health and Wellness Ministry will meet at 9 a.m. before each walking session. For information, contact Kathy B. Ramsey at 434-251-0379 or atbjrk@gmail.com.

Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and live on Facebook at www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC.

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Free books available anytime from a Little Free Library located on a post next to the driveway.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for hour of power on the first and third Sundays.

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.

Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, hosts in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch.

Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory.

Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836.

Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960.
Those people are our people too. The words of UNC Senator David Nakhid, following the deadly
Udaku Special

AJIRA ZA UHAKIKA NJE NJE, BONYEZA HAPA



Jowie Irungu Found Guilty of Murdering Monica Kimani







Jowie Irungu Found Guilty of Murdering Monica Kimani, Maribe Acquitted



In a ruling that captivated the nation, the High Court delivered its verdict on the high-profile murder case of Monica Kimani, with Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, found guilty of her murder.





The case, which unfolded over several years, drew significant public attention for its shocking details and the personalities involved.





Jacque Maribe, a former television presenter and Jowies ex-fiance, was acquitted of the murder charge, highlighting complexities within the legal proceedings.









The ruling, delivered by Judge Grace Nzioka, cited a lack of direct evidence tying Maribe to the crime scene, instead pointing to prosecutorial missteps in charging her.









Justice Nziokas ruling was anchored in a detailed analysis of the evidence presented, underscoring the gruesome nature of Monica Kimanis murder on the night of September 19, 2018. The court found that Jowie Irungu was the last person seen with the victim, placing him squarely at the scene of the crime.





The judge pointed out the expert manner in which the murder was executed, noting Monicas body was discovered in a chilling state, with her throat slit and her apartment left in a disarray designed to mislead investigators.





The court meticulously went through the evidence, which included the use of a stolen identity card by Irungu to access Monicas residence, his attire that matched witness descriptions from the night of the murder, and his undeniable presence at the scene.





Despite these condemning pieces of evidence, the court also acknowledged the imperfections within the identification process presented by the defense, highlighting the complexities of relying solely on circumstantial evidence.





While Maribe was absolved of the murder itself, the court criticized her for providing false information to law enforcement officials, an act for which she was not formally charged. This aspect of the judgment underscored the nuanced considerations the court had to navigate in determining her involvement. The directive to the Director of Public Prosecutions to reevaluate the charges against Maribe suggests potential future legal challenges and emphasizes the ongoing legal ramifications of the case.









The narrative of Monica Kimanis murder, her life cut tragically short upon her return from South Sudan, where she was involved in a family business, and the subsequent legal battle involving Jowie and Maribe, has been a saga of intrigue, sorrow, and legal intricacies.





The case shed light on the lives of those involved, from Monicas ambitions and her sudden, brutal murder to the tumultuous relationship between Jowie and Maribe, entwined with allegations, evidence, and legal arguments that captivated public and judicial attention alike.





As the verdict was read, the evidence against Jowie painted a damning picture: his attempted destruction of evidence, the suspicious circumstances of his arrest following a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and his and Maribes inconsistent accounts of the events surrounding the murder.





The prosecutions argument, built on a foundation of circumstantial evidence, sought to firmly establish Jowies guilt, while defense strategies aimed to disentangle him from the web of accusations.









The ruling, while providing some closure to the tragic loss of Monica Kimani, also leaves open questions about the implications for all those involved and the Kenyan justice systems ability to navigate complex, high-profile cases.
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan issued a statement of support for City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba on Friday afternoon in reference to an alleged assault that happened at Jaiyeobas home late last year.

No one has been charged in the Dec. 28 incident, which Jaiyeoba has described as a family disagreement. In her statement, Vaughan said that there is no active law enforcement investigation and that she has not received any information to cause her to question Jaiyeobas character or fitness to serve as city manager.

While the city council is a public body, and therefore strives to be transparent, that same transparency under State statute has limits, Vaughan wrote. I consider this to be a family matter, and Mr. Jaiyeoba is entitled to privacy, just as any family experiencing similar circumstances.

Vaughan concluded the statement by saying that there is no need to rush to judgment, and that the council supports the excellent work city manager Jaiyeoba continues to do for our community.

Two of Jaiyeobas daughters, ages 19 and 25, were listed as victims on a police report on the incident along with Jaiyeoba himself. The report, which appears to be written on paper and filed outside of the Greensboro Police Departments online database, doesnt list anyone as a suspect or perpetrator.

Jaiyeoba returned to work after the holidays and has appeared in an arm sling.

The transcript of a 911 call on Dec. 28 stated that there was a female on the line  stating that (redacted) is abusing them ... trying to say that she pushed him and broke his arm  active disorder in background.

The caller said that Jaiyeoba was hitting his children, Melanie Jones, the executive director of Guilford Metro 911, wrote in an email to Vaughan.

Vaughan told the News & Record on Friday that she felt it important to weigh in after seeing the story in different media.

The mayor also noted that she has received calls about the case from constituents.

Anything but transparency

Vaughans statement comes after the city council filed a court order for the limited release of police body camera footage associated with the incident.

The request, which Vaughan said was to confirm what members of the city council have already heard about the incident, is for footage recorded by eight police officers on the night of the incident, as well as footage recorded on Dec. 30 and Jan. 5, 2024, when officers escorted members of the family back to the house.

A court hearing for the councils request for the body-camera footage is scheduled for Monday morning at the Guilford County Courthouse in downtown Greensboro.

On Friday afternoon, Vaughan said that she had not yet seen the footage, and that there was no new information about the incident.

The News & Record also is seeking the footage and has filed a statutory action to seek a court order to release the law enforcement recordings of the incident.

Amiel Rossabi, the attorney for the Greensboro Police Officers Association, a union providing services and benefits to police officers, filed a public records request on Jan. 29 for text messages, phone records and emails associated with the Dec. 28 incident.

Kurt Brenneman, the citys public records request administrator, responded to Rossabi on Monday, a week after the attorneys request, but did not address the requests for phone records. Instead, Brenneman asked Rossabi to confirm a search for email records only.

In response, Rossabi wrote that he specifically requests that Brenneman modify the search to include cell phone records of involved parties.

It is significantly more likely that the involved parties would have communicated by cell phone, as opposed to email, in order to cover up their actions, wrote Rossabi.

Rossabi added handwritten or typed notes to his request, whether or not they are contained in or part of any email.

On Tuesday, Brenneman replied and said that he hopes to complete the request by Friday of next week.

The records request is an effort to get full disclosure, Rossabi told the News & Record on Friday afternoon. Weve had anything but transparency.

Rossabi said he was disappointed that the request is still unfulfilled and noted that it has been well past the five business days normally required to fulfill public records requests.

The News & Record has also made a request for emails from city staff and city council members regarding the Dec. 28 incident on Jan. 26, which is currently unfulfilled.

When asked about the open records requests, Vaughan said that she had fulfilled her portion of the records request and that she didnt know what could be holding the requests up.
Lefort joins CWG Architecture

CWG Architecture + Interiors welcomes architect in training Ben Lefort.

Lefort joins the CWG team from Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France. He has earned degrees in both architecture and engineering, which gives him a unique and global perspective on any project.

As a French architect, he is excited to learn more about the architectural practices in Montana and to discover and embrace the local culture. During his free time, Ben enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, as well as cooking and baking.

Nicolai promoted at Peccia

Sarah Nicolai, PE, PTP, has been promoted to Transportation Planning and Operations Group Manager at Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA).

In her new position, Nicolai will continue developing and managing projects for numerous state, federal and municipal transportation agencies, as well as private clients throughout the Northwest.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Nicolai has extensive knowledge and background with the development of highway corridor studies, transportation planning and safety assessments, statewide policy documentation, environmental evaluations, and public and stakeholder outreach. She has served on RPAs board of directors since 2022 and is the past president for the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Montana Section. Nicolai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in civil engineering from Carroll College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Carleton College.

RPA is an award-winning 100% employee-owned full-service civil engineering, planning and land surveying firm that prides itself on personalized service and its sterling reputation for designing practical and sustainable solutions for public and private clients. Founded in 1978, RPA is headquartered in Helena, Montana, with offices in Kalispell and Bozeman.

Invest in Helena to begin

Invest in Helena, a program of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, will be the second Tuesday of every month from February to May.

The first session on Feb. 13, from 4:30-6:30 pm, kicks off with "Community Visioning."

The event will dive into a brainstorming session to celebrate what makes Helena special and explore avenues for growth.

Invest in Helena is focused on fostering local community development. Participants will receive valuable insights from representatives of community organizations actively addressing and meeting the real-time needs for Helena's growth.

Monthly meetings held at Lewis and Clark Brewing Co.s Power Room offer a space for networking and addressing challenges. The following months topics will be, "Build Your Dream Team, Funding Your Vision, and Next Steps to Invest in Your Helena.

Invest in Helena originated as a platform for people to share a common goal to preserve the essence of Helena.

Register now at https://cvent.me/LNRDQE.

Helena chamber night coming up

The Helena Chamber of Commerce's combined Chamber Night + Awards Event, will be Feb. 16 at the Helena Civic Center.

This event is the primary fundraising drive for 2024, blending celebration with community support.

Along with the option of individual tickets and full tables, businesses can donate tables to non-profits, spotlighting their generosity during the event.

RSVP for Chamber Night: https://cvent.me/Eo9ymD
Thirteen months since the initiation of Florida Atlantic University's quest for a new president, the institution finds itself embroiled in controversy, with the search process marred by allegations of procedural improprieties and political interference.

The fallout from this prolonged and contentious journey has now led to the resignation of FAU Board of Trustees Chair, Brad Levine, as criticism from state officials reached a crescendo. Examining the intricacies of this unfolding drama unveils a complex narrative encompassing procedural issues, political maneuvering, and lingering questions about the university's leadership.

A Suspended Search and Political Undercurrents

Launched in January 2023, the presidential search at FAU hit a roadblock six months later when state officials suspended the process, citing "anomalies" related to the search committee's use of a straw poll. The committee anonymously ranked candidates, trimming the pool from 60 to 20 before identifying three finalists. Attorney General Ashley Moody later determined that the committee violated the state's Sunshine Law by anonymously communicating preferences to the search firm. Yet, some suspect the search's failure may be linked to the board's rejection of conservative lawmaker Randy Fine, reportedly encouraged to apply by Governor Ron DeSantis.

READ ALSO: New Research From University Of Florida Reveals Online Learners Less Likely To Finish Education Compared To Face-To-Face

Leadership Resignation Amidst Controversy

Brad Levine, the FAU Board of Trustees Chair, faced withering criticism from the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors. Levine defended the search process, clashing with fellow trustee Barbara Feingold, who questioned the qualifications of finalists and had donated to Fine's campaign. Levine's resignation, announced at a recent board meeting, followed a vote of no confidence from the Board of Governors. Despite lacking confidence from state officials, Levine garnered support from the FAU community, with various constituents expressing gratitude for his service.

Procedural Quandaries and Unanswered Questions

The controversy surrounding Levine extended beyond political disagreements to procedural issues. His request for a contract extension for interim president Stacy Volnick faced criticism for lacking an employment contract. The Board of Governors accused FAU of potential open meetings law violations, further complicating the extension approval process. While Levine contended that FAU had provided the necessary documents, the Board of Governors disagreed, leading to a vote of no confidence. As FAU moves forward, questions linger about the timeline for a new search and the potential influence of political figures like Randy Fine.

The Shadow of Randy Fine and Future Uncertainties

Randy Fine's failed bid for the FAU presidency continues to cast a shadow over the institution's leadership crisis. Fine, claiming Governor DeSantis assured him of an easy appointment, found himself unsupported by the community. Despite assertions of political interference, state officials dismissed claims of directed pressure on the university's selection process. As the FAU community debates the extent of political influence and questions persist about Fine's promised appointment, the university remains in limbo, awaiting guidance from the Florida Board of Governors.

The saga of Florida Atlantic University's prolonged presidential search underscores the intricate interplay between procedural integrity, political dynamics, and community expectations. With the resignation of Brad Levine, the university faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and charting a clearer path forward. As the Board of Governors prepares to provide guidance, the FAU community, along with stakeholders across the state, watches with anticipation, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes academic excellence and transparent leadership. The next steps FAU takes will not only shape its immediate future but also serve as a case study for navigating the delicate balance between academia and politics in higher education.

RELATED ARTICLE: Florida International University Ends Chinese Partnerships Amidst State Scrutiny
Davidson College, a prominent liberal arts institution in North Carolina, finds itself grappling with the aftermath of hazing incidents that transpired during the spring 2023 semester within the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

The college, along with the national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization, has taken swift action by suspending the chapter and revoking its charter. As details surrounding the nature of the hazing remain undisclosed, the incident raises questions about the prevalence of such practices and the broader implications for fraternity culture on college campuses.

The Silence Surrounding Hazing: Unveiling the Unknown

The Charlotte Observer reported on Thursday that Davidson College made the decision to suspend the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter due to hazing activities, but both the college and the fraternity have maintained a veil of secrecy around the specifics. The lack of information leaves the extent of the hazing, the number of students involved, and the nature of the incidents shrouded in uncertainty.

This silence highlights the challenges colleges face in addressing hazing issues transparently. Davidson's move to suspend the fraternity suggests a commitment to taking a strong stance against such practices, but the secrecy also sparks concerns about the efficacy of efforts to curb hazing and ensure student safety.

READ ALSO: Iowa State University Reacts To DEI Recommendations: Pronoun Disclosure Optional Amidst Debate

National Organization's Response: Charter Revoked and Standards Emphasized

In response to the hazing incidents, the national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization acted decisively by revoking the chapter's charter. The organization issued a statement emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and respect while providing a safe and supportive environment. This move underscores the fraternity's commitment to upholding standards and sends a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated within its ranks.

The decision to revoke the charter reflects a growing trend among national organizations to hold local chapters accountable for misconduct. As more institutions grapple with the impact of hazing on student well-being, the actions taken by national organizations play a crucial role in shaping the culture within individual chapters and the broader fraternity community.

The Ripple Effect: Implications for Campus Culture

While the immediate consequences of the suspension and charter revocation are evident, the incident at Davidson College has broader implications for the campus culture and the national conversation surrounding hazing. Fraternities, once synonymous with camaraderie and social bonds, now face increased scrutiny for fostering environments that may compromise student safety.

Davidson's commitment to addressing the issue head-on sends a strong signal to other institutions grappling with similar challenges. It prompts a reevaluation of the role fraternities play in campus life and the measures needed to ensure that these organizations contribute positively to the college experience rather than perpetuating harmful traditions.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Root Causes

As Davidson College takes steps to navigate the aftermath of the Sigma Phi Epsilon suspension, the focus shifts to addressing the root causes of hazing within fraternities. Educational initiatives, open dialogues, and increased transparency become imperative in fostering a culture that prioritizes respect and safety over harmful practices.

Institutions nationwide must engage in a collective effort to dismantle the allure of hazing and replace it with activities that foster genuine connections, leadership, and personal growth. The incident at Davidson becomes a catalyst for change, prompting a reevaluation of how colleges and national organizations collaborate to eradicate hazing and create a campus environment that prioritizes the well-being of all students.

Davidson College's decision to suspend the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about hazing within fraternities. The incident forces us to confront the prevailing culture that has allowed such practices to persist and raises questions about the responsibility of both individual institutions and national organizations in curbing these behaviors.

As colleges grapple with the aftermath of hazing incidents, the spotlight remains on the need for comprehensive, proactive measures to address the root causes. It is a collective responsibility to redefine the role of fraternities on campuses, ensuring they align with the values of respect, integrity, and genuine camaraderie that should be at the heart of the college experience. Davidson's actions prompt reflection not only within its own community but also across campuses nationwide, urging a commitment to building a safer and more inclusive college environment.

RELATED ARTICLE: Legal Storm Unleashes At Northwestern University: Students Charged Over The Northwestern Daily Parody Newspaper
In a powerful address at Alabama State University's Civil Rights Symposium, Adam Harris, an award-winning staff writer with the Atlantic, delved into the deeply rooted systemic issues plaguing America's higher education system, particularly in its treatment of Black students.

Harris, echoing sentiments from his book "The State Must Provide," asserted that the nation's colleges and universities have never provided equal opportunities for Black individuals to succeed. His narrative unmasked the historical disparities and chronic underfunding faced by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), shedding light on the urgent need for reform.

The Ongoing Legacy of Inequality

During his talk on "Exploring Inequality in Higher Education," Harris underscored the stark reality that the foundation of the American higher education system was not built on principles of equality or accessibility. Instead, it prioritized the education of white students, relegating Black students to an afterthought. Harris passionately detailed the long-standing history of imbalanced support for institutions enrolling high numbers of Black students and emphasized the unique legacy of HBCUs in the face of adversity.

Harris elucidated the underfunding predicament faced by HBCUs, attributing it to decades-long political and systemic obstacles erected against equitable education. He traced the origins back to Civil War-era legislation designed to bring agricultural education to the masses, leading to the creation of HBCUs as spaces where Black students found refuge when other educational institutions rejected them.

READ ALSO: Iowa State University Reacts To DEI Recommendations: Pronoun Disclosure Optional Amidst Debate

Inequities in Detail: Funding and Facilities

The discussion navigated through the intricacies of funding inequities, exposing the myriad issues HBCUs grapple with due to financial disparities. Harris pinpointed problems like poor campus housing conditions and inadequate facilities as common challenges rooted in a lack of available funds. As he unraveled these details, it became evident that the obstacles faced by HBCUs extended beyond monetary concerns, impacting the overall educational experience for Black students.

Harris emphasized the pivotal role HBCUs play in the lives of African Americans, serving as institutions founded post-Civil War to educate Black students who were systematically excluded from mainstream higher education. He called for the celebration of HBCUs, like Alabama State University, recognizing their historical significance and their ongoing commitment to producing history-makers.

A Historical Fight for Fairness: The Knight v. State of Alabama Case

Dr. John F. Knight, Jr., a retired administrator for ASU, made a significant appearance, sharing insights into his instrumental role in the landmark case, Knight v. State of Alabama. This lawsuit, spanning 25 years, sought remedies for desegregation in Alabama's colleges and universities, resulting in substantial financial awards for ASU and Alabama A&M University. Dr. Knight's dedication to fighting for fairness in higher education stands as a testament to the enduring struggle against systemic inequities.

As the symposium concluded with remarks from ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., the urgent call for change echoed in the air. Harris's exploration of the persistent challenges facing Black students in higher education is not just a revelation of historical injustices but a rallying cry for excellence and equity. Students are urged to understand that they walk into classrooms where history is made, and the fight for a truly inclusive and equal education continues. It is a collective responsibility to confront these ingrained inequities, dismantling barriers and ensuring that higher education truly becomes a realm of equal opportunity for all.

RELATED ARTICLE: Legal Storm Unleashes At Northwestern University: Students Charged Over The Northwestern Daily Parody Newspaper
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Feb, 2024) The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) hosted a reception to honor the remarkable achievement of two Polish women, Monika Witkowska and Joanna Mostowska, who have successfully completed the First Female Winter Ski Traverse of Deosai.

Deosai, the second highest plateau in the world after Tibet, witnessed this historic expedition as Monika and Joanna traversed its challenging terrain alone, enduring harsh weather conditions with temperatures dropping as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. Their ten-day journey from January 27th to February 5th, 2024, showcased extraordinary physical endurance and determination, said a news release.

Managing Director PTDC Aftab ur Rehman Rana congratulated the duo on their exceptional feat and highlighted the significant impact of their expedition on promoting winter tourism in Pakistan. He emphasized that such endeavors would attract more adventure tourists to explore Pakistan's mountainous regions during the winter season, traditionally considered an off-season for tourism.

Rana further elaborated on the beauty and biodiversity of Deosai, affectionately known as the "Land of the Giants," which has been designated as a national park. He mentioned the conservation efforts that have led to an increase in the brown bear population, making Deosai an ideal destination for ecotourism during the summer months.

In her remarks, Monika Witkowska expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reception extended by PTDC. As an avid traveller and K2 climber, she emphasized the challenges they faced during the expedition, starting from Shushar lake and concluding near Sadpara village. Joanna Mostowska, a ski expert and mother of four, echoed Monika's sentiments and praised the hospitality of the people, affirming that Pakistan is a safe destination for international tourists.

The reception concluded with the presentation of shields, ajraks, and souvenirs to the guests, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between Poland and Pakistan.
Brussels, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Feb, 2024) The European Parliament and member states reached an agreement early Saturday on reforms to EU budgetary rules aimed at boosting investment while keeping spending under control.

The text modernises the current rules, known as the Stability and Growth Pact, created in the late 1990s, which limit countries' debt to 60 percent of gross domestic product and public deficits to three percent.

"Deal!," the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU said on social media platform X after 16 hours of talks.

The European Union spent two years making an intensive effort to develop reforms supported by the more frugal member states like Germany and other countries, such as France and Italy, which seek more flexibility.

After much wrangling between Berlin and Paris, the 27 member states struck a deal in December, then began talks with negotiators from the European Parliament.

The text was criticised for its great complexity and derided by left-wing officials as a tool for imposing austerity on Europe.

The negotiators finally reached an agreement early Saturday, in time for the text to be voted on in Strasbourg this spring before the parliamentary break ahead of European elections.

The reforms will be formally adopted after agreement between lawmakers and states.

The agreement will allow member states to apply the new rules to their 2025 budgets.

"The new rules will help achieve balanced & sustainable public finances, structural reforms, foster investments, growth & jobs creation in the EU," the Belgian presidency said.

- Wiggle room -

The former budgetary framework was considered too drastic and was never really respected.

The rules had, however, been suspended since the coronavirus pandemic to give member states wiggle room to spend more during a period of great economic upheaval.

During the initial debates between countries, the battle was fierce over how much those old limits should be relaxed to give more room for investment.

With war raging in Europe and the EU making a green transition push, states led by France argued for allowing more space to finance these key areas, including, for example, supplying critical arms to Ukraine.

While confirming the previous limits on debt and budget deficits, the new agreement allows more flexibility in the event of excessive deficits.

The text provides looser fiscal rules more adapted to the particular situation of each state, allowing big spenders a slower route back to frugality.

The tailor-made approach means each country presents their own adjustment trajectory to ensure their debt's sustainability, giving them more time if they undertake reforms and investments and allowing a less painful return to fiscal health.

Monitoring would focus on expenditure trends, an economic indicator considered more relevant than deficits, which can fluctuate depending on the level of growth.

But Germany and its "frugal" allies managed to tighten this budgetary framework by imposing a quantifiable minimum effort to reduce debt and deficits for all EU countries, despite the reluctance of France and Italy.

These modifications have greatly complicated the text.

"We have a deal! A new economic governance framework was much needed," Dutch MEP Esther de Lange said on X.

"We have ensured that the new fiscal rules are sound and credible, while also allowing room for necessary investments," said de Lange, of the centre-right European People's Party Group.

The reforms are also supported by the EU's Renew liberals and a large majority of the Socialist and Democrat groupings.

The Greens and some S&D elected officials, however, reject it, as do the radical left.

These elected officials have denounced a return to austerity after three years of suspended budgetary rules due to the pandemic and war in Ukraine.

"We need investments in industry, in defence, in the ecological transition, that's the urgency today, it is not to bring economically absurd rules up to date," economist and S&D MEP Aurore Lalucq of France told AFP.

She denounced it as a "political error which will be used by populists to attack Europe".
BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Feb, 2024) To welcome the Year of the Dragon, a wave of festive celebrations sweeps across the globe, with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds joining in to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese Lunar New Year traditions.

Numerous iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building in New York to the London Eye, Tokyo Tower and the Sydney Opera House, have been illuminated in vibrant red hues and decorated with Chinese elements, creating a cheerful festival ambiance to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

The Empire State Building has shined red for the 24th consecutive year. "It's an annual tradition at the Empire State Building to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the heart of New York City. Our iconic Fifth Avenue lobby windows will feature a festive art installation to honor this year's animal, the dragon," said Christina Chiu, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Empire State Realty Trust.

Various entertaining and cultural events were organized in France, Slovakia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Central African Republic and elsewhere.

On Feb. 4, the Chinese community in France took center stage on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, hosting a series of vibrant performances to herald the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. The traditional dragon and lion dances, fish lanterns and Hanfu performances attracted over 50,000 people.

"Magnificent event. It's the first time I've seen an event like this. It feels good to see colorful events like this from another culture," attendee Jean-Baptiste told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese New Year can "touch everyone.

"

In celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year, a concert was held on the same day in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Musicians from the Chinese Chamber Orchestra of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music presented a performance featuring traditional Chinese music.

Addressing the event, Marek Estok, the country's state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, said that the concert "takes us through Chinese melodies into Chinese history and unique culture which has positively influenced and enriched mankind for thousands of years with its precious philosophy, literature and architecture."

The Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival celebration featuring all kinds of Chinese folk art in the country's capital of Abuja on Feb. 3.

Hailing the festive atmosphere as "electrifying," Adeshina Adegboye, a Nigerian mechanical engineer who attended the event for the first time, said, "As you can see, this celebration clearly shows the shared joy of the Chinese and their Nigerian friends."

Confucius Institutes in Rwanda and the Central African Republic held colorful activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Students learning the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute of the University of Rwanda engaged in various activities, including a lecture introducing the Spring Festival, paper cutting, and writing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and happiness.

With the dragon symbolizing wisdom and strength, Daguia Clotaire, Central African Director of Confucius Institute of the University of Bangui, said, "That's exactly what the Chinese people are doing, working hard to develop their country."
Manchester, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Feb, 2024) Erling Haaland scored for the first time since November as the Manchester City striker's double fired the champions to the top of the Premier League with a gritty 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side were well below their best as they laboured to break down stubborn Everton at a nervous Etihad Stadium.

But Haaland struck twice late in the second half to get back on the scoresheet for the first time since returning from an absence of nearly two months due to a foot injury.

They were the Norway star's first Premier League goals since he netted against Liverpool on November 25 and his first in five games in all competitions since he scored against Leipzig in the Champions League on November 28.

"Of course Erling is back. To have this player, when the ball is there from a corner, the finishing was amazing," Guardiola said.

City are back on top of the table for the first time since November 24, but Liverpool, who are one point behind in second place, will return to the summit if they beat lowly Burnley at Anfield later on Saturday.

Guardiola's men have won their last 10 games in all competitions, but the Spaniard might be a little concerned with the labourious way they took to the task against struggling Everton.

"Of course Everton are incredibly well organised. In the first half our body language was not good, we were always complaining. In the second half they were more positive," he said.

"If you want to give the best of yourself the body language has to be in the right position. Finally we took a massively important three points."

City are unbeaten in their last 22 league games at the Etihad, but third-from-bottom Everton didn't make it easy for them.

Everton's haven't beaten City since 2017 but Guardiola had painful memories of a 1-1 draw against the Merseysiders last season and had urged his players not to let their guard down.

City monopolised over 80 percent of the possession in the first half an hour, they found it impossible to prise open Everton's massed defence.

Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden had shots blocked as Everton threw themselves into tackles with abandon.

Haaland stretched to head over from Jeremy Doku's cross when Foden was lurking in a more dangerous position behind the striker.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Milan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Feb, 2024) Inter Milan continued their march to the Serie A title on Saturday after battling back to beat Roma 4-2 to extend their league lead over Juventus to seven points.

Marcus Thuram was key to Inter's win at a soaking Stadio Olimpico in Rome as, with his team trailing at half-time, the France attacker made it two goals each shortly after the break and forced the Angelino own goal which put Inter ahead in the 56th minute.

Alessandro Bastoni finished Roma off in stoppage time with a first-time strike at the end of a counter-attack as the hosts pushed for a leveller.

"They ate us alive in the first half... but in the second half we went out there and showed everyone who we are," Bastoni told DAZN.

"More than a tactical switch it was a mental change which changed things after the break."

It was the second week in a row that Thuram had made an opposing player push the ball into his own net after Federico Gatti's own goal in last weekend's win over Juve.

Simone Inzaghi's side now await the result of Juve's home fixture with struggling Udinese on Monday to see how far they will be in front after this weekend's fixtures.

Inter have won seven straight matches in all competitions as they aim to beat local rivals AC Milan to a 20th league title, with both teams stuck on 19.

Roma meanwhile missed the chance to move into the Champions League positions after Daniele De Rossi's first defeat since taking charge of his boyhood club last month.

They led at the break through Gianluca Mancini and Stephan El Shaarawy, taking control of the match after Francesco Acerbi's looping header had put Inter ahead in the 17th minute.

However De Rossi's team stay a point behind fourth-placed Atalanta who have two games in hand on the majority of their top-four rivals and are at Genoa on Sunday.

"If we want to go toe-to-toe with teams of this level we can't be distracted for a moment," said De Rossi.

"I think the match was basically even... but I'm proud of the attitude and the performance of my players. They gave everything.

"I think we're on the right track."

Earlier Ciro Immobile scored his 200th Serie A goal as Lazio warmed up for their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich by beating Cagliari 3-1.

Italy forward Immobile, who is Lazio's all-time top scorer, put his team two goals ahead three minutes after the break in Sardinia after Alessandro Deiola's first-half own goal handed them the lead.

Felipe Anderson rounded off the scoring in the 65th minute to move Lazio up to sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Atalanta in the race for next season's revamped Champions League.

Lazio host Bayern on Wednesday in the last 16 of Europe's top club competition.

Captain Immobile, 33, is one of just eight players to have scored 200 goals or more in Italy's top flight and the only one currently playing.
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is accepting comments on a proposal to reduce fuels forestwide through prescribed fire, mechanical and hand treatments, the agency announced said Friday.

"This project will speed up our ability to change how wildfires burn across our landscapes. It will improve our ability to protect communities and help our forests persist through wildfire and other disturbances such as drought," Forest Supervisor Emily Platt said in a news release.

Treatments would occur over the next 15 to 20 years in the proposed project area, which spans 2.3 million acres across seven mountain ranges and excludes designated wilderness and research natural areas in the forest, according to the agency.

Project activities would involve use of mechanical treatments, hand-thinning and prescribed fire to reduce excess forest fuels and better align forest conditions with the 2021 Helena-Lewis and Clark Forest Plan and USDA Forest Services efforts to confront the countrys wildfire crisis.

Many community members submitted feedback in the early comment period, and the Forest Service appreciates the feedback, the news release states.

A community meeting in Helena at the Lewis & Clark Library is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for those who are interested in learning more. Community members may request a link to join virtually by emailing chiara.cipriano@usda.gov.

Feedback on the draft proposal is due by March 11.

More information on the proposal and a comment submission form can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63783.
Side stepping with spins on the stage, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto looks his age of 72 as he dances, but the presidential candidates social media posts have helped endear him to Indonesias young voters. "He seems so friendly," said 19-year-old Putri Ayu Ramadianti on her way to a Prabowo campaign event.

Its quite a turnaround for the former three-star army general who once led Indonesias special forces and is accused of committing atrocity crimes. With Indonesias presidential election just days away, hes the front-runner.

Analysts point to several reasons, in particular naming as his vice presidential running mate the 36-year-old son of Indonesias popular president, Joko Widodo, along with social media posts that have gone viral showing Prabowo dancing at campaign rallies.

"In the past he was viewed as a militaristic person, a strongman, but now hes presenting himself as a chubby old grandpa and this attracts [much] support from [young] Indonesian people," said Yoes Kenawas, a research fellow at Atma Jaya Catholic University in Jakarta.

"When Prabowo named Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the current presidents son, as his running mate, his support from young people really shot up." Widodo must step down as president after his second term ends due to a constitutional term limit.

Approximately half of Indonesias eligible voters are younger than 40, and about a third are younger than 30. Thousands of them poured into a convention hall to hear Prabowo speak at a recent campaign event aimed at young voters.

"This world belongs to the you, belongs to the youth," Prabowo said during a speech that provided little in the way of policy details. But while Prabowo hopes to be Indonesias president in the near future, human rights activists are trying to derail him by informing the public about his past.

Across the street from Indonesias presidential palace, dozens of demonstrators recently shouted, "long live the victims, never be silent," referring to Indonesias dark history when the country was led by the dictator Suharto, who was Prabowos father-in-law.

But after Suhartos regime fell in 1998, then-Lieutenant General Prabowo was dismissed from the army for allegedly ordering the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists, of which more than a dozen remain missing and are feared dead. He was also accused of atrocity crimes when hundreds of civilians were killed in East Timor. Prabowo denies all the allegations of wrongdoing.

VOA reached out to Prabowos campaign multiple times for comment on the past accusations of human rights violations but received no response.

"I believe that its not proper that an activist abductor and a major human rights violator can run for president," said Petrus Hariyanto. Hariyanto was friends with Wiji Thukul, a fellow activist who has not been seen since 1998, a time when many anti-Suharto activists were abducted by government forces.

At the demonstration, Hariyanto wore a black T-shirt with a print showing Prabowo looking into a mirror and Thukuls image staring back at him. Words at the bottom of the shirt translate to "Bring back our friend."

Joining him at the rally was Stephanie Iskandar, a 21-year-old political science student at the University of Indonesia who held a sign that read "fight oppression."

"I have to say Im really scared that Prabowo is going to be elected," said Iskandar, adding that many young Indonesians know little about the countrys dark past and have been heavily influenced by the Prabowo campaigns social media posts. "They become very vulnerable with all of this political communication with the young way and with the TikTok and other social media."

At the Prabowo campaign rally, 19-year-old Putri Ayu Ramadianti said she has been learning about Prabowo through social media and downplays accusations of human rights violations. "We dont know who the real perpetrator is, yet Prabowo was accused," she said.

Philips Vermonte, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Indonesian International Islamic University, said that Prabowo has been working to clean up his image for years and that issues from the past carry little weight with many of the countrys millennials and Gen Z voters.

"They are very young, and that means in 1998 they were in kindergarten or elementary school, so they do not have or share the collective memories of the authoritarian government for 32 years of Suharto and probably the memories of 1998 reform period when the authoritarian government fell," said Vermonte. "As a result, this issue of human rights violations  do not really resonate with the majority of the voters."
A Catholic laywoman who lived in 18th-century Argentina and joined the Jesuits in their evangelical mission throughout the South American country will become the first female saint from the home country of Pope Francis on Sunday.

Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, more commonly known by her Quechua name of "Mama Antula," was born in 1730 into a wealthy family in Santiago del Estero, a province north of Buenos Aires. At the age of 15, she left the comfortable life of her home and the privileges of her family to join the Jesuits  at a time when womens options were limited to marriage or joining a convent.

"She was a rebel, just like Jesus," Cintia Suarez, co-author of the biography Mama Antula, the first female saint of Argentina, told The Associated Press. "She confronted her father saying, 'Im not going to get married or become a nun.' She just didnt want to follow orders."

Mama Antula collaborated in the performance of spiritual exercises based on the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Company of Jesus in 1534, according to her biographer.

When the Spanish crown expelled the Jesuits from America in 1767, considering them a threat to its interests, Mama Antula decided to take up the mantle and continue her work, even at the risk of being imprisoned.

She was a very astute woman who, against the prejudices of the time, had the ability to persuade parish priests and bishops to continue the spiritual exercises of the Jesuits despite the prohibition.

"Patience is good, but perseverance is better," is a phrase that is attributed to her in historical texts collected in Suarezs biography.

At a time when slavery still prevailed, masters and slaves, rich and poor were welcome in her spiritual exercises. It was within that space of reflection that she helped to erase social differences.

"Mama Antulas charity, above all in the service to the neediest, is today very much in evidence in the midst of a society that runs the risk of forgetting that radical individualism is the most difficult virus to overcome," Francis told a group of Argentine pilgrims Friday who are in town for this weekends canonization.

Despite her outstanding work, Mama Antula was not widely recognized due to her status as a lay woman until 2013, when Francis, also a native of Argentina, was elected pope and brought her back to the public eye.

Francis first authorized her beatification in 2016, after the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints recognized a miracle linked to Mama Antula. It was the inexplicable healing in 1905 of a seriously ill nun belonging to the religious order in charge of the House of spiritual exercises founded by Mama Antula in Buenos Aires.

The second miracle that opened the door to her canonization came in 2017, when a former Jesuit seminarian was left on the verge of death from a stroke. A friend brought a picture of Mama Antula to the hospital and stuck it on the vital signs monitor. The man improved and left intensive care.

The canonization of Mama Antula in a ceremony to be presided over by Francis at St. Peters Basilica marks not only the first time a female from Argentina will become a saint, but will bring together two antagonistic figures: Francis and the newly elected president of Argentina, Javier Milei, who once called the pope an "imbecile" for defending social justice and "the representative of malignance on Earth."

Francis, who had a long conversation with Milei after he was elected, has indicated he has forgiven him for the campaign rhetoric and even suggested he is considering visiting his native country this year.

Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, or "Mama Antula," died March 7, 1799, aged 69.
A Cambodian social commentator has been charged with incitement and jailed in a remote prison after criticizing a government minister on Facebook, sparking an outcry from human rights organizations amid other recent arrests of dissidents.

Ny Nak, a 46-year-old seller of organic fertilizers and other agricultural products, runs a popular Cambodian Facebook page called IMan-KH. Interspersed with sales deals and tips for growing healthy crops, Nak fires off posts about politics and the Cambodian government to about 425,000 followers.

The current incident dates back to a December 11 article published by the exiled online media outlet Cambodia Daily that identified Labor Minister Heng Sour as the recipient of a 91-hectare land giveaway. Nak speculated on Facebook the land would be used to build factories for Labor and Vocational Training Ministry officials. Over the next few days, both a Labor Ministry official and Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly denied that the minister had received the land and said it was intended for a different individual with the same name.

On December 17, after the denials, Nak posted again, asking: "What achievements has Heng Sour done for the Khmer nation, that the government gave him forest land as his personal property? RIP Khmer forests."

Nak was arrested on January 5, after Sour, the labor minister, filed a defamation complaint against him, ministry spokesperson Katta Orn told VOA.

His words "affected the fame and dignity of the minister" and disseminated "untrue information with ill intention to incite and confuse public opinion," Orn said. Nak, who has previous arrests, faces charges of defamation and incitement, punishable with up to three years of jail time, which could be doubled because of a prior conviction clause.

On January 28, he was transferred to Correctional Center 3, located more than 150 kilometers from Phnom Penh, near the Vietnamese border. A spokesperson for the Department of Prisons at the Ministry of Interior, Nuth Savna, told VOA that Nak was transferred because of overcrowding.

"Over there, freedom is tightly restricted. He has more psychological stress," Naks wife, Sok Synet, 42, told VOA. "His health is not good."

Human rights groups emphasized that defamation does not, on its own, carry a jail sentence under Cambodian law, and that citizens should be able to question official narratives without fearing imprisonment.

"Citizens shouldnt be thrown in jail for criticizing the actions of their government or publicly raising important issues," Naly Pilorge, outreach director at Cambodian human rights organization Licadho said.

"To throw Ny Nak in prison again over Facebook comments, and then transfer him to a prison far away from his family, is an abuse of the legal system," she said.

Phil Robertson, deputy director for Human Rights Watchs Asia division, struck a similar chord.

"The persecution of Ny Nak shows that Hun Manet will not tolerate any sort of critical public criticism from anyone, no matter how big or small," he told VOA. "He seems determined to intimidate everyone, ranging from individual activists to civil society groups and organized political opposition parties."

"Manet's message to ordinary Cambodians is sit down and shut up, or else," Robertson added.

The familys income has dropped by more than half since Naks arrest, Synet said, in part because police seized the phones the couple used to sell fertilizer products. She said she is worried about traveling so far to see him, as well as keeping up with payments for their daughters university education.

"Its far, and I need to spend more money when I go to visit him," she said.

Past troubles with the government

Nak has faced government backlash before. In 2020, he was arrested and ultimately served 18 months for parodying a speech by former prime minister Hun Sen, replacing words about a COVID-19 state of emergency with references to his chicken coop.

Last September, Nak and Synet were assaulted by a group of men wielding metal batons while driving their motorbike in the capital. Nak was heavily beaten in the head and said that he believed the attack was related to his criticism of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which the ministry denied.

The incident bore a resemblance to six other assaults against opposition members that occurred throughout last year, before Cambodias July national election, during which attackers allegedly beat supporters of the Candlelight Party with extendable metal batons on motorbikes.

Candlelight was considered the only viable opposition to Hun Sens ruling Cambodian People's Party but was barred from participating in the election. Hun Manet, Hun Sens son, became prime minister the following month in a dynastic handover and ushered in a wave of new officials, many of whom are family relations of the prior generation.

Pilorge told VOA that Naks arrest "reveals that the new government leaders appear the same as their predecessors in their willingness to misuse institutions to silence active, outspoken citizens."

She pointed to at least four other arrests in January of opposition figures from the Candlelight Party before the February 25 Senate election, when local officials are to vote for new senators. Three Cambodian human right activists were arrested in Thailand on February 2 after fleeing political persecution in Cambodia.

The Phnom Penh Appeal Court also recently upheld the conviction of former Candlelight vice president Thach Setha and rejected a request from another prominent former opposition leader, Kem Sokha, to review the conditions of his house arrest after he was convicted of treason last March.

The arrests also come as Hun Manet, about six months into his appointment as prime minister, tries to project an image of "certainness and strength" and repair Western relationships, Katrin Travouillon, a senior lecturer and Cambodia expert at the Australian National University, told VOA.

"Theyve invested a lot in lobbying efforts and changing their rhetoric and improving their image, but I dont see that its accompanied by any substantive changes, especially when it comes to handling domestic critiques," Travouillon said. "You just find repetition of the same patterns."

Robertson said Hun Manets "global charm offensive" drew a stark contrast with the recent spate of arrests.

"Whether he is continuing his father's repressive legacy or acting out of his own conviction doesn't really matter," Robertson told VOA. "The bottom line is virtually all civil and political freedoms are harshly restricted, and those daring to defy Manet get smashed with harsh criminal sentences."

Synet, Naks wife, said her husband had rejected her plea to apologize and join the ruling party, as other government critics have done in the past. In a Facebook update she posted on his behalf, Nak said he would stay firm.

"I will not apologize in order to be released," the post said. "I will be in jail until the sentence is finished."
The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

Joe Biden's Republican rivals are pouncing on questions about his mental acuity, following a verbal slip by the US president that exacerbated voters anxiety about his age. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Cuba has charged 30 people with stealing 133 tons of chicken and selling them on the street in a rare major heist at a time of food shortages in the communist-run nation.

Thieves took the meat, in 1,660 white boxes, from a state facility in the capital, Havana, and used the sale proceeds to buy refrigerators, laptops, televisions and air conditioners, according to a Cuban state TV broadcast late Friday.

The chicken had been earmarked for Cuba`s "rationbook" system introduced after the late Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution to provide subsidized staples for all.

Rigoberto Mustelier, director of government food distributor COPMAR, said the quantity stolen was the equivalent of a month`s ration of chicken for a medium-sized province at current distribution rates.

The amount of chicken available via the rationbook has fallen sharply in recent years as an economic crisis has brought scarcities of food, fuel and medicines.

Many subsidized products reach the populace days, weeks or even months later than scheduled, leaving people who make an average wage of 4,209 pesos a month ($14 at the informal exchange rate) to seek other ways to make ends meet.

Authorities did not say when the chicken theft took place but noted it likely occurred between midnight and 2 a.m., when they detected fluctuations in the temperature of the cold storage facility. Video surveillance captured trucks transporting the chicken off site.

The 30 charged included shift bosses and information technology workers at the plant, as well as security guards and outsiders not directly affiliated with the company, the TV report said.

The suspects, if found guilty, could face up to 20 years in prison.

Crime has increased alongside economic hardship since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, although reports of large-scale thefts are still a rarity on the Caribbean island.
In British history, the secrecy of the monarch's health has always reigned supreme. Buckingham Palace's disclosure that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer shattered that longstanding tradition.

On the heels of the shock and well-wishing that followed the official statement Monday came the surprise that the palace had announced anything at all. Indeed, the unprecedented missive was sparse on details: Charles, 75, had begun treatment for a cancer it did not name after being diagnosed during a recent corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. The king is stepping back from public duties but carrying on state business during his treatment, which he'll receive as an outpatient, the palace said.

"The King has cancer," The Times of London declared in a terse banner headline Tuesday. It was unlike any other in British history.

Never complain, never explain, as Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was known to say. Charles has withheld details of his illness and treatment, and in that way is carrying on her approach. But in beaming a sliver of light from inside the palace walls and his own life, the king has broken with his mother and royal tradition.

Royals' health a mystery

The world still does not know the cause of Elizabeth's death in 2022 at the age of 96. In the final years of her life, the public was told only that the queen was suffering from "mobility issues." Her death certificate listed the cause simply as "old age."

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 have claimed that the king himself wasn't told he was terminally ill.

Given that Charles rules in a media-saturated age, "I do think it's incumbent on him to reveal more than he's revealed," said Sally Bedell Smith, author of "Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life."

"He was admirably candid in what he said about being treated for an enlarged prostate, and his impulse was to be open and also to encourage men to have the necessary examinations," she added. "But then he reverted to the traditional royal form, which is mystery, secrecy, opacity."

On Tuesday, former royal press secretary Simon Lewis told BBC Radio 4 that Charles' openness about his cancer diagnosis has been his style as a monarch.

"I think 20 years ago we would have got a very abrupt, short statement, and that's about it," he said. The palace statement goes as far as possible, "given that the King has had a diagnosis of cancer and, as a lot of people know, processing that is a pretty tough process."

One reason for disclosing his illness, the palace statement said, was "in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer." Cancer patient advocates reported glimmers of success on that front, with Cancer Research UK reporting a 42% rise in visits to its cancer information page, according to Dr. Julie Sharp, the group's head of health and patient information.

The jump "reflects that high-profile cancer cases often act as a prompt to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health," she said.

But there was another pragmatic reason: To keep control of the information in the age of lightning-fast social media and misinformation. The palace statement said Charles "has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation."

Privacy part of past

In the annals of power, leaders and their advisers strive to maintain  or at least, not undermine  the perception of being strong and in control. Because to allow any perception of vulnerability or weakness could spark a fight for the gavel or the crown  or encourage a coup.

The former Soviet Union was famous for neglecting to mention when its leaders were sick or dead  think Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko, secretly sick and soon deceased, one after the other, in the 1980s. Each event sparked scrambles for succession.

In the United States, there's little to no debate about the public's right to know the health status of their leaders. It's a key feature of the 2024 presidential rumble between President Joe Biden, 81, and former president Donald Trump, 77, with other contenders, such as GOP hopeful Nikki Haley, arguing that they're both too old to preside.

And on February 1, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin  sixth in the presidential line of succession  apologized for keeping secret his cancer diagnosis and surgery. In a rare press conference, he acknowledged missing a key chance to use the experience as a teaching moment for those he leads across the Defense Department and, even more importantly, for Black Americans.

How much does the British public have a right to know?

Whether the monarch owes the world more information about his health than other Britons do is a tense subject.

Royals are private citizens but also, in a sense, part of the public trust given that they are subsidized by British taxpayers and play an important  although largely powerless  constitutional role. Unelected, they inherit their wealth under a 1,000-year-old monarchy that Republican activists have long tried to dislodge.

And although some polls show the public is friendly toward Charles, opposition and apathy to the monarchy are both growing. In a recent study by the National Center for Social Research, just 29% of respondents thought the monarchy was "very important"  the lowest level in the center's 40 years of research on the subject. Opposition was highest among the young.

Remaining relevant is part of what makes Charles' legacy and succession so urgent. Maintaining at least the appearance of vitality can be key to leaders' pursuit of and hold on power. The king, the palace was careful to note, would step away from public-facing duties during his treatment but continue to manage other duties of state.

In Charles' case, succession has long been set: Next in line is his son, William, the prince of Wales. But the king's illness makes William's preparation more critical at a time when he's also caring for his wife, Kate, princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

Charles' news was received with great sympathy in a country in which 3 million people live with cancer, according to Macmillan Cancer Support, a London-based charity. On average, it says, one person is diagnosed with cancer in the UK every 90 seconds. That's about 1,000 new cancer cases detected every day, according to the National Health Service.

That the king has joined those ranks  and, critically for a British monarch, shared that vulnerability with the world  heralded for some a new era of transparency in an era of social media and misinformation.
The day Kim Aris received a letter from his mother, Aung San Suu Kyi, marked a significant moment after almost three years of silence. Speaking on February 2 in an interview with VOA via Zoom from his home in England, Aung San Suu Kyi's youngest son expressed concern about his mother's health in prison.

Aris confirmed with VOA that he had received a letter sent by his mother through the British Foreign Office. "Originally, it was just a picture, but I now have the original as well, a hard copy in her handwriting," he said.

He said his mother  Myanmar's detained pro-democracy leader  isn't receiving adequate medical treatment. The handwritten letter detailed her suffering from dental and other health problems.

"She was thanking me for the things I sent her in the care package and sending love to the family," Aris said of the letter. "But she also said that she's still suffering from ongoing health problems. Her teeth are still bad, which makes eating very difficult at times, and she has osteoporosis, which is ongoing even though she is generally well."

He said he is concerned about the well-being of his mother. "She's 78 years old now and has been kept in horrible conditions without adequate health care. So, I'm worried about her," he said. "To the best of my knowledge, she is held in the Naypyidaw prison, separated from other prisoners in solitary confinement."

Ousted, convicted, imprisoned

Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested on February 1, 2021, after the military seized power from her elected government. The ensuing protests led to global outrage. Despite widespread belief that corruption charges filed against her were contrived for political purposes, she received a 27-year sentence.

"I sent a care package in September when we heard my mom was unwell," said Aris. "Although it arrived in Rangoon [Yangon] in September, she only received it at the end of December, and I received her reply in mid-January."

When asked about the unexpected permission for Suu Kyi to write to him, Aris speculated, "I'm sure they want to try and make themselves look better, but at the same time, they are allowing her property in Rangoon to be auctioned off."

On January 25, a court in military-controlled Myanmar ordered the auction of Suu Kyi's family home, where she spent 15 years under house arrest. This decision followed a lengthy legal dispute, granting half ownership to her estranged older brother, Aung San Oo, who holds U.S. citizenship. The auction is scheduled for March 20, with a floor price of 315 billion Myanmar kyats (about $90 million).

"The property that she lived in Naypyidaw was not her own property. That was government property," said Aris. "So, if she loses her house in Rangoon, she won't have any property of her own in Burma [Myanmar] at all."

He continued, "The military have already seized all her other assets, which she's built up for charitable works, and she wanted to use the house at University Avenue for the charitable works that she was setting up. Unfortunately, they've seized everything and along with the rest of the country. Everything has gone backwards."

"A lack of justice"

A Myanmar human rights lawyer close to Suu Kyi's family, speaking anonymously for security reasons, told VOA by phone Thursday, "There is a lack of justice in the so-called legal process, which has disregarded a longstanding decision by the Myanmar Supreme Court in 2018."

The country's highest court rejected Aung San Oo's appeal to auction off the house under the civilian government in 2018. However, the ruling from a Yangon district court, located in the nation's largest city, emerged approximately 18 months after the military-controlled Supreme Court approved a special appeal initiated by Aung San Oo.

This legal development grants him half ownership of the familial property in Yangon, covering a 1.9-acre area along Inye Lake and featuring a two-story colonial-style edifice.

The property holds profound historical significance, having been granted by the government to Suu Kyi's mother, Khin Kyi, following the assassination of her husband, the revered independence hero General Aung San, in July 1947.

Khin Kyi's passing in December 1988  shortly after a failed mass uprising against military rule in which Suu Kyi played a pivotal role as a co-founder of the National League for Democracy party  adds a poignant layer to the property's narrative.

The Myanmar human rights lawyer said, "The rushed decision to sell the house is particularly unjust, given that Suu Kyi, who is currently in prison, resides in this house. The court, however, did not take this into consideration at all."

Aris said, "Unfortunately, the military makes up the rules as they go along, and if it makes life harder for my mother, then they will follow this."

Despite the challenges, Aris maintains hope about future communication with his mother. "I'll be writing to her again and sending more care packages," he said. "I hope that they get through."
Israeli airstrikes targeted the Gaza Strip city of Rafah Saturday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an evacuation plan for civilians from the southern border city ahead of an expected ground invasion.

The Associated Press, citing health officials and eyewitnesses, reported at least 44 people were killed  including more than a dozen children  when airstrikes hit several homes in the Rafah area.

Netanyahus office said Friday the military was ordered to develop a plan to evacuate civilians in Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it said were deployed there.

It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war of eliminating Hamas by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah, Netanyahu said in a statement. On the contrary, it is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline for the Israeli offensive, but the announcement created widespread panic.

More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, many after evacuating two-thirds of Gaza's territory. It's not clear where these people could find shelter next.

Netanyahu said this week that Rafah and the city of Khan Younis are the "two last strongholds of Hamas." Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K. and the EU.

Rafah borders Egypt, and officials there have warned that any ground operation in the area or mass displacement across the border would undermine its 40-year-old peace treaty with Israel.

It is also the main entry point for humanitarian aid to Gaza; intense fighting could further hamper relief efforts.

Egypt's foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, warned that any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have disastrous consequences, claiming that Israel aims to eventually force the Palestinians out of their land.

The dire humanitarian situation has sparked Arab and U.N. concerns that Palestinians may eventually be driven over the border. Egypt has sent about 40 tanks and armored personnel carriers to northeastern Sinai within the past two weeks as part of a series of measures to bolster security on its border with Gaza, two Egyptian security sources said.

Meanwhile, Syria said Israeli airstrikes Saturday hit several sites outside the capital, Damascus. State media quoted Syrian military officials as saying the strikes came from the direction of Israeli-held Golan Heights. The Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three people were killed in the strikes.

The strikes come as tensions across the Middle East have intensified following the October 7 Hamas terror attack against Israel and a drone attack in January that killed three U.S. soldiers in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border.

U.S. warning

Netanyahus announcement came hours after U.S. President Joe Biden delivered some of his strongest criticism yet of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, calling Israels conduct in the military operation over the top during a news conference late Thursday.

The Pentagon said Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, Thursday. In their discussions, the U.S. defense chief reiterated the need to protect civilians as Israel conducts its operations against Hamas.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also issued a stern warning to Israel about Rafah.

"Absent any full consideration of protecting civilians at that scale in Gaza, military operations right now would be a disaster for those people, and it's not something that we would support," he told reporters Thursday.

His comments echoed those of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said there would be the risk of a "gigantic tragedy" if the Israel Defense Forces expanded its offensive into the town.

We would not support in any way forced displacement, which goes against international law, Guterres spokesperson told reporters Friday about a potential evacuation of Rafah.

The head of the U.N. agency that assists Palestinians said there is a growing sense of anxiety and panic in the city because people do not know where to go.

Any large-scale military operation among this population can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy that's unfolding," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said.

An escalation of the fighting in Rafah, which is already straining under the extraordinary number of people who have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, will mark another devastating turn in a war that has reportedly killed over 27,000 people  most of them women and children, said Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF.

Some information is from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on Donald Trumps appeal to prevent his removal from the presidential ballot in the state of Colorado, where the state Supreme Court ruled he was ineligible to run for office because of his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Joel Paul, professor of constituional law at the University of California Hastings Law School in San Francisco breaks down the arguments and what the Courts decision could mean for the 2024 presidential election. Israel pressed on with its bombing campaign as diplomats sought to salvage ceasefire talks after Netanyahu rejected a Hamas proposal that also envisaged the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. Nimrod Goren, Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute joins VOAs Steve Miller to discuss the latest developments in the conflict between ISrael and Hamas, as well as the impact on the region. Early Thursday morning, NASA, the US-space agency, launched its next climate and Earth monitoring satellite. NASA Atmospheric Scientist Kirk Knobelspiesse provides insights into the U.S. space agencys mission and what it hopes to achieve.
You know the nursery rhyme, "Three Blind Mice."

Written in the 17th century, the three mice represented bishops who refused to denounce Protestantism and accept Catholicism. Queen Mary burned them at the stake. Comforting story for a nursery rhyme. Three blind mice.

Montana has three blind mice. Sen. Daines, and Reps. Zinke and Rosendale. See how they run.

Just look at two events: the fiscal crisis and the way these three are pushing voters to accept an extremely dangerous presidential candidate, the past president, twice impeached and now facing four different felony indictments and civil damage suits over his misogynistic, sexual predator and defamatory actions and his openly fraudulent business practices.

In late September the House was barely able to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government open while Congress worked to fund government operations. House Republicans failed to keep commitments made last spring when the debt limit crisis took the U.S. to the brink of default, close enough to adversely affect our international credit rating, adding interest costs on all Americans.

Both Rosendale and Zinke voted against the initial continuing resolution. Then Rosendale joined a other radicals and voted to vacate the House speaker position with no plans moving forward. Almost three weeks passed before a new speaker was chosen, one of the most conservative people to serve in this position. By then a new CR needed to be passed, putting off the shutdown until after the first of the year. Zinke and Rosendale voted against this. This year both Rosendale and Zinke again voted against the CR, willing to shut down government at the beginning of the year. See how they run.

What does a government shutdown mean for Montana? Zinke has repeatedly voted to shut the government down because his plan to reduce all benefit programs by 30% failed.

Such a reduction passed would be devastating for all Montanans, especially seniors and the disabled.

What harm does a government shutdown cause in Montana?

Lets start with the national parks. The economies of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Columbia Falls and Kalispell all rely upon the shoulder seasons of the parks when ordinary citizens, especially from Montana, come to see the wildlife and the scenery. Close the gates and this economic boost to Montana would fail. Shut it down in the summer and these local economies are destroyed.

Our military forces at Malmstrom Air Base, at the missile silos, are vigilantly guarding our country against our adversaries. These troops would still report for duty; in any shutdown they will not be paid.

Finally there are the social service programs, helping those disadvantaged receive food and shelter to sustain their lives. All will be suspended.

All of these services, the assistance to Montanans and the support provided to our citizens, would be suspended if the position of our representatives prevail. Responsible leaders in the House so far have kept the government open. Will this common sense continue? Remember, in retaliation for working with Democrats during the first crisis, Rep. Rosendale joined seven others to trigger a vacancy in the speaker of the House, stalling the ability of government to function for almost a month.

All of these three blind mice support our former president, who wants to be installed as a dictator of America, planning to end our Democracy.

Sen. Daines has endorsed this man to return to the White House. Why? According to Daines, he has the best chance of all of the candidates to win. A pure power play. Win, regardless of the cost. Win the White House and destroy American democracy. Support a proven sexual predator, on trial and already found to have committed tax and business fraud. Sen. Daines, what do you tell your children about honesty, the respect for women, support for our Constitution, which you have sworn to uphold and defend? How do you reconcile those positions with supporting this candidate?

In the nursery rhyme, the three blind mice lose their tails. In real life, our three blind mice should lose their elected offices.

We must vote against them at the ballot box this coming election and when Daines stands for reelection.
The party of Imran Khan delivered what it said was a "victory speech" by Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Friday, using a computer-generated voice to simulate that of Khan.

"I congratulate you all for your election 2024 victory. I had full confidence that you would all come out to vote  and your massive turnout has stunned everybody," Khan's AI-generated voice said.

Official results from Thursday's elections showed that a group of candidates affiliated with Khan's opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, claimed the largest number of parliamentary seats.

The results trickled in after an unusually long delay and amid allegations that they are being manipulated to favor military-backed parties.

By Friday night, the Election Commission of Pakistan had released the results for 242 of the 266 National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, seats up for grabs. These results showed that PTI-backed candidates had won 98 seats, more than any other party, despite being targeted by a state crackdown before the election.

Candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, or PML-N, led by three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, had won 61 seats. Sharif is viewed as the powerful military's favorite.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was third with 52 seats, while smaller regional parties trailed.

Khan's speech was broadcast through the PTI social media platforms because mainstream media is banned from airing his name or images. His party said the text had been approved by Khan.

"According to independent sources, we were ahead in 150 National Assembly constituencies before manipulation of results began. And, at this time, we are ahead in more than 170 National Assembly seats," the 71-year-old politician claimed.

Thursday's vote occurred amid a nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services and sporadic violence, fueling doubts about the credibility of an already controversial election.

Just hours before Khan spoke, Sharif made his own victory speech despite being 30 seats behind PTI on the official results. His remarks, made in his native eastern city of Lahore, were broadcast live on state and private TV stations.

He claimed that his PML-N "has emerged as the largest party" in the country and would form a coalition government in Islamabad. Sharif suggested that all political parties should come together and form a government to navigate Pakistan out of the difficulties it is currently facing.

"PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif has declared victory. But final results haven't been announced, and results so far show PTI independents still in the lead," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington.

"The army, with its intervention in the electoral process, and now its preferred party have conspired to subvert the public will," Kugelman wrote on X.

Tallies disputed

Based on local constituency counts, unofficial overnight tallies from Pakistani media outlets showed PTI-backed candidates leading races nationwide, in some cases by as much as 30,000 to 50,000 votes. However, early official results released on Friday showed the party had narrowly lost or was trailing in some of those races.

The election commission blamed the delay in processing the results on an "internet issue," while the Interior Ministry defended the election day suspension of mobile phone and internet services as "a result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security" of the vote.

The services were reinstated Friday morning. "We knew there would be noise from every side over the decision, but I would take this decision again if I had to," Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz told a news conference in the Pakistani capital.

The suspension of phone and internet services sparked widespread allegations of an attempt by Pakistan's military-backed interim government to rig the polls, mainly to prevent candidates loyal to Khan's party from gaining an upper hand.

"Unfortunately, the integrity of the ballot has been trampled," said Asma Shirazi, a prominent prime-time political talk show host, during a live broadcast on her Urdu-language Hum news channel. "The way candidates, with some winning by huge margins overnight, have been declared losers has made this election even more contentious."

Pakistan's information and interior ministers told reporters Friday the election commission is the only authorized body to respond to allegations of rigging, claiming that "all major political entities are generally satisfied with the results."

Protesters allege election rigging

In the northwestern town of Shangla, police clashed Friday with angry PTI supporters protesting alleged election rigging. A PTI statement later said the clashes left four of its workers dead and many more injured.

PTI-led rallies also erupted outside election offices elsewhere in Pakistan.

The European Union urged relevant Pakistani authorities Friday to ensure a timely and full investigation into reported election regularities.

"We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists," said the EU statement.

The United States condemned restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunication services on Friday and expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process.

"We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller. "We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly."

Pakistan has nearly 190 million cellular subscribers, including 128 million using mobile broadband services. The suspension of service prevented many voters from accessing the election commission's data system to retrieve polling station locations and other details.

Journalists with mainstream Pakistani television channels said they could not promptly report rigging incidents and other irregularities from the field throughout the day because of the suspension.
Trenace Dorsey-Hollins' 5-year-old daughter was sick a lot last year. Dorsey-Hollins followed school guidelines and kept her home when she had a cough or a sore throat  or worse  until she was completely better.

Near the end of the year, the school in Fort Worth, Texas, called her in to talk about why her daughter had missed so much school.

During the pandemic, schools urged parents and children to stay home at any sign of illness. Even though the emergency has ended, she said no one has clarified that those rules have changed.

"It's extremely confusing," she said.

"In the past, if the child didn't have a fever over 100, then it's OK to send them to school," said the mother of a 5- and 13-year-old. "But now it's like if they have a cough or they're sneezing, you might want to keep them home. Which is it?"

Widely varying guidance on when to keep children home has only added to the confusion, which many see as a factor in the nationwide epidemic of chronic school absences. Some advocates and school systems  and the state of California  are now encouraging kids to come to class even when they have the sniffles or other nuisance illnesses such as lice or pinkeye.

Families need to hear they no longer must keep kids home at any sign of illness, said Hedy Chang, the executive director of Attendance Works. The national nonprofit aimed at improving attendance has issued its own guidance, urging parents to send kids to school if they can participate in daily activities.

"We have to now re-engage kids and families and change their thinking about that," Chang said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends staying home when there's fever, vomiting or diarrhea, or when students "are not well enough to participate in class."

But many districts go far beyond that, delineating a dizzying array of symptoms they say should rule out attendance. Fort Worth Independent School District, where Dorsey-Hollins' youngest daughter attends kindergarten, advises staying home if a child has a cough, sore throat or rash. A student should be "fever-free" for 24 hours without medication before returning to school, per district guidelines.

Austin Independent School District in Texas lists "eye redness," "undetermined rash" or "open, draining lesions" as reasons to stay home. Kids with lice can't attend class in New York City schools. Maryland's Montgomery County recommends keeping a child home with a stomachache, "pale or flushed face" or "thick yellow discharge from the nose."

Finding the right balance is difficult, and it's understandable that different places would approach it differently, said Claire McCarthy, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School.

"Each school or school district has a different tolerance for illness," said McCarthy.

It all leaves many parents feeling puzzled.

"It's a struggle," said Malika Elwin, a mother of a second-grader on New York's Long Island.

She doesn't want to expose other children or burden the teacher with her daughter's runny nose, so she's kept her daughter home longer even though she's feeling better because she still has cold symptoms. "Then I regret that because she just runs around here all day perfectly fine," she said.

For those who test positive for COVID-19, the CDC still calls for staying home and isolating for at least five days. But guidance from states and individual schools varies widely. In some school systems, guidance allows for students who test positive to go to school as long as they are asymptomatic.

Trenace Dorsey-Hollins said it is hard for parents like her to keep track.

"Is it actually OK to sit in school with a cough if you don't have a fever and haven't tested positive for COVID?" she said.

When schools closed during the pandemic, kids fell behind academically  and continued chunks of school absences have made it harder for them to catch up. So some authorities have re-evaluated their tolerance for illness. During the 2021-2022 school year, more than a quarter of students missed at least 10% of the school year, up from 15% before the pandemic.

Missing that much school puts students at risk of not learning to read or graduate. Absent students also lose out on meals, socialization with peers and caring adults, physical exercise, and access to mental health counseling and health care. In other words, missing school has its own health effects.

And when a class sees high levels of chronic absenteeism, it hurts the students who are there because a teacher has to spend time reorienting the students who've been away.

The state of California, where 25% of students last year missed 10% of the school year, took a new approach to sick-day guidance this fall. Instead of only saying when a child should stay home, the guidance describes circumstances when a child might be slightly unwell but can come to school.

Overall, students should stay home when their symptoms "prevent them from participating meaningfully in routine activities." But coming to school with diarrhea is all right as long as a child can make it to the toilet in time. Going to school with mild cold symptoms, sore throat, mild rash or pinkeye are all "OK."

What's more, California doesn't insist on waiting 24 hours after a fever or vomiting before returning to school. Going fever-free or without vomiting overnight is enough.

Boston Public Schools took a similar stance in its online recommendations for parents. "Respiratory infections are common," reads the online guidance. "If the child does not have fever, does not appear to have decreased activity or other symptoms, it is not necessary for the child to stay home."

The shift in guidance could have a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and people of color, said Noha Aboelata, who leads the Roots Community Health Center in Oakland, California. People in those communities might be more likely to live in multigenerational homes, take crowded public transportation or have poor ventilation in their homes, she said. When people are out and about while sick, vulnerable loved ones could be put at risk.

She had hoped the pandemic's lessons about staying home when contagious and taking care of yourself and your family when sick would outlast the public health emergency. Instead, she said, "it feels like the pendulum is swinging fiercely back in the other direction."

But changing the culture around school absences goes beyond just issuing guidance.

Some schools in San Diego County seem unaware of California's new guidance allowing kids to attend school while mildly sick, said Tracy Schmidt, who oversees attendance for the county Office of Education.

Still, others have adopted it and have begun talking through symptoms with parents who call to report their children are sick, urging them to bring them in and see how it goes. It gives her hope that as more schools and parents learn about this guidance, students will miss less school.

"The most important place for our kids to be is school," she said. "We need to leave behind this mindset that we had to adopt during the pandemic because we were in a public safety emergency."
The U.S. Senate is working through the weekend on a $95.3 billion military aid package, of which about $60 billion would go to support Ukraine's defensive war against Russia.

Late Friday, 64 senators voted in favor of the bill while 19 voted against it. Fourteen Republicans joined Democrats to move the proposal toward the next stage while facing objections from a group of Republicans more closely aligned with the GOP's presidential front-runner, Donald Trump, who don't consider U.S. support of Ukraine against Russia a priority.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told the senators he would be willing to amend the package to win over more support, but the New York Democrat also warned they would stay in session "until the job is done."

Even if the foreign aid package clears the Senate with possible Sunday voting, the package still faces an uncertain fate in the House. In that chamber, the Republican majority is even more hostile to helping the U.S. ally in Europe, as the war between Ukraine and Russia enters its second year.

On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden decried a Republican delay on approving new U.S. aid to Ukraine.

"The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine is close to criminal neglect. It is outrageous," Biden said in the White House Oval Office alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Scholz made a whirlwind stop in Washington to support Biden's efforts to gain funding for Ukraine.

Scholz addressed growing concerns in Europe about the standoff between the Democratic president and House Republicans on Ukraine funding.

"Without the support of [the] United States, and without the support of the European states, Ukraine will have not a chance to defend its own country," Scholz said.

US lawmakers debate bill

In Washington, VOA's Ukrainian Service asked senators Thursday if the Ukraine bill has a chance to pass.

Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat and member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said, "It's up to Republicans. Obviously, Democrats are ready to support Ukraine aid in any way, shape, or form. Republicans said last fall they would not vote for Ukraine aid unless we fixed the border. We did that. We got a bipartisan bill to fix the border. Republicans all voted against it yesterday. They all voted against Ukraine aid."

Republican Senator Roger Marshall told VOA, "I'm not going to vote for any further military funding, supplemental funding, or anything else until we pass something that actually secures the border."

Another Republican Senator, Bill Cassidy, defended the bill, telling VOA, "The United States needs to support allies, because there are bad countries out there attempting to stop, hurt the United States. It is in the United States' interests to support our allies."

Senator Tommy Tuberville, also a Republican, and a member of the Armed Services Committee, said he stood against the bill. "I haven't supported any Ukraine money to this point," he told VOA. "I haven't decided where we're going to go with this. We do need more munitions."

The United States has been Ukraine's largest supplier of military assistance in the war, but that help is stalled while Congress wrangles over a bill providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Zelenskyy thanks 'American partners'

In his nightly video address Friday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Washington's help in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy from the beginning of the war.

Zelenskyy underscored, however, that Ukraine continues to face extraordinary challenges in this war. "In Europe, there are increasing voices about how the Kremlin is preparing to expand aggression. The continuation of American support is necessary. And I thank all our American partners who understand this."

Zelenskyy added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "sobers up only when he sees strength before him."



Ukraine says Russian drone attacks Saturday on the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, killed at least seven people, including three children, and triggered fires that damaged homes and other civilian infrastructure.

Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram that drones had damaged civilian infrastructure in the city's Nemyshlyan district. The attack by the Iranian-made Shahed drones caused a fire that destroyed at least 14 private homes. Reporters from Suspilne public television observed the glow of a fire over the city. Ukraine's air force said it downed 23 of the 31 Russian-launched drones.

Viktor Tereshchenko, the top military official in Velykyi Burluk, a town east of Kharkiv, told Suspilne that drones had damaged a hospital and a restaurant.

Officials reported an attack on a hospital in the town last week, prompting the evacuation of dozens of patients.

In the Black Sea port of Odesa, the regional governor said a drone attack had injured one person.

Three people were reported killed in shelling earlier in the day in a village in Sumy region, on the border with Russia.

VOA Ukrainians Kateryna Lisunova contributed to this story. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The U.S. and Japan wrapped up a joint command post exercise late this week that analysts said was aimed at improving the coordination of their capabilities in dealing with threats from China.

The Keen Edge 24 computer simulation exercise was intended "to practice responses in the event of a crisis or contingency," said the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as it began the exercise on February 1. It ended Thursday.

It is part of an annual bilateral exercise that alternates with field training exercises Keen Sword. The Australia Defense Force participated in Keen Edge for the first time this year.

The U.S. and Japan named China as a hypothetical enemy for the first time in their exercise instead of a provisional name used previously, the Kyodo News reported Sunday, citing unnamed government sources.

The Japanese Defense Ministry reportedly classified the exercise scenarios under the country's secrecy law, Kyodo reported.

Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Martin Meiners told VOA's Korean Service on Wednesday that "we do not discuss specific exercise scenarios" and that "Keen Edge 2024 provides a realistic training environment" for the U.S., Japan and Australia to respond to various crisis and contingency situations.

Lawrence Korb, former U.S. assistant secretary of defense and now a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, said in a telephone interview, "The United States is working with our allies in the region to basically deal with threats from China" and to warn Beijing against using military force to achieve its objectives in the region.

"Gravely concerned"

In response to the Kyodo report, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said via email that authorities in Beijing "noted the relevant report and are gravely concerned over the United States and Japan stuck in the Cold War mentality, putting together exclusive military blocs, and deliberately seeking bloc confrontation."

He continued, "Taiwan is part of China," and "if anyone insists on interfering in China's domestic affairs and obstructing China's reunification, it will not only be a problem of 'imaginary enemy,' but it will pay a heavy price for that."

China has been making assertive moves in the South China Sea since then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longtime foe of Beijing, visited Taiwan in August 2022.

China often flies its jets in a show of force over the self-governing island that it claims as its sovereign territory.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for reunification with Taiwan in his New Year message delivered on the last day of 2023.

The U.S. and Japan held several naval exercises in the region recently.

They held a Multi-Large Deck Event in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan, according to the U.S. Navy. The joint exercises were held January 29 to February 1, according to a statement by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, or JMSDF, on January 31.

The drills involved the nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Theodore Roosevelt, seven U.S. guided-missile destroyers and two U.S. cruisers joined by JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Ise.

The U.S. and Japan also held trilateral naval drills with Australia in the South China Sea on February 7 and 8.

Ralph Cossa, president emeritus and WSD-Hana Chair in peace studies at the Pacific Forum, told VOA in an email on Tuesday that the command post and naval exercises were "aimed at improving defensive (and offensive) capabilities against whatever threat comes along."

He continued, "In the case of U.S.-Japan, the most likely threat is China and North Korea, but the exercises are only 'against' them if they do something hostile toward the allies."

He said it was important for the U.S. and Japan to demonstrate to potential adversaries such as China and North Korea that they have significant military capabilities "to deter or defeat potential intended actions."

The U.S. and Japan named China as a major threat alongside North Korea and Russia in a joint statement released after their Security Consultative Committee convened in Washington in January 2023.

They view Beijings strategy as "aimed at reshaping the international order" and oppose China's moves to seize Taiwan as well as Japan's Senkaku island chain, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands.

Japan's Coast Guard said on Tuesday that it had urged four Chinese vessels to leave its territorial waters near the islands.

The U.S. and Japan have been ramping up their efforts to deal with threats in the region, including any potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

In addition to increasing its defense spending, Japan has been working with the U.S. to update command-and-control arrangements by establishing a permanent joint headquarters as well as improve allied capabilities in the southwest islands, according to Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who served as a special assistant to the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy at the Defense Department during the George W. Bush administration.

"Each of those efforts would be useful in a Taiwan-related contingency but are also vital regardless of what the exact scenario is that might involve Japan," Cooper said.
Gaza's Hamas rulers warned on Saturday that Israel's planned army operation in overcrowded Rafah could cause "tens of thousands" of casualties in the city, the last refuge for displaced Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the army to set its sights on Rafah. He told military and security officials late Friday to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Hamas in the southern city.

Hamas said in a statement that any military action would have catastrophic repercussion that "may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah... is invaded".

Netanyahu's announcement, coming after US President Joe Biden had issued his strongest criticism of Israel's response to the October 7 attack, sparked concern among world leaders and the United Nations.

"The Israeli occupation's move threatens security and peace in the region and the world. This is a blatant violation of all red lines," said the office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borell posted on X, formerly Twitter, Saturday: "I echo the warning by several EU member states that an Israeli offensive on Rafah would lead to an unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe and grave tensions with Egypt.

"Resuming negotiations to free hostages and suspend hostilities is the only way to avert a bloodshed."

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned "another bloodbath in Gaza cannot be allowed", in a post on X.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he was "deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah.

"The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out," he posted.

- Biden frustration -

The war in Gaza was sparked by Palestinian Islamist group 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.

Vowing to eliminate Hamas, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza that the territory's health ministry says has killed at least 28,064 people, mostly women and children.

Militants seized 250 hostages, 132 of whom are still in Gaza although 29 are presumed dead, Israel has said.

The United States is Israel's main international backer, providing it with billions of dollars in military aid.

The US State Department has said it does not support a ground offensive in Rafah, warning that, if not properly planned, such an operation risks "disaster".

In a sign of growing frustration, Biden issued his strongest criticism of Israel yet on Thursday, describing the retaliation for Hamas's October 7 attack as "over the top".

Biden said there are "a lot of innocent people who are starving... in trouble and dying, and it's got to stop."

But Netanyahu's office said it would be "impossible" to achieve the war's objective of eliminating Hamas while leaving four of its battalions in Rafah.

- Pressure on UNRWA chief -

The Israeli military said it had killed two "senior Hamas operatives" in an air strike on Rafah Saturday.

It was part of a wider bombardment that killed at least 25 people in the city, according to the health ministry.

Israel's military claimed that troops had uncovered a Hamas tunnel under the evacuated Gaza City headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for its head, Philippe Lazzarini, to quit.

Lazzarini said the agency had not operated from the compound since October 12 when staff evacuated it under instruction from Israeli forces.

Already under pressure after Israel claimed 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack, he called for an independent investigation into the latest Israeli accusations.

An AFP photographer was among a number of journalists taken to the compound and tunnel by the Israeli military on Thursday.

UN premises are considered "inviolable" in international law and immune from "search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation and any other form of interference".

Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli accusations that it has dug a network of tunnels under schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure as cover for its activities.

- 'Between life and death' -

Fears are mounting over the fate of more than one million displaced Palestinians who have taken shelter in Rafah, many of them in plastic tents pushed up against the border with Egypt.

"We are between life and death," said one of them, Bassel Matar. "We don't know if there will be hope tomorrow for a truce or there will be changes on the ground."

Rafah is the last major population centre in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter and also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.

Humanitarian organisations have expressed alarm at the prospect of a ground incursion.

The UN children's fund, UNICEF, warned this week that "thousands more could die in the violence or lack of essential services".

Netanyahu announced the plan for a ground operation in Rafah only days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel seeking a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange.

The impact of the war has been felt widely, with violence involving Iran-backed allies of Hamas surging across the Middle East.

A senior Hamas officer survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Lebanon, Palestinian and Lebanese security sources told AFP, but two other people including a Hezbollah member were killed in the attack.

And in Syria, Israeli strikes near Damascus killed three people, a war monitor said, adding the targeted neighbourhood hosted villas for top military and civilian officials.

burs-jj/caw
Following President Volodymyr Zelenskys trip to Washington in mid-December, the Anglo-Americans decided to change their strategy in Ukraine after the failure of the "counteroffensive". The Ukrainian army now has serious logistical problems because it is equipped in a heterogeneous way by donations from the Allies, and not by the acquisition of its own arsenal in a coherent fashion. In addition, it has serious staffing problems. It is no longer able to mobilize and many of its current soldiers are old and sick. Above all, it suffers from a severe lack of training. Its soldiers may have been trained in combat, but they dont know the basics of their profession. On the contrary, the Russian army has an impenetrable line of defense and new weapons that allow it to strike beyond the LOC and, above all, to disrupt NATOs communications and commands. In addition, Russia relies on an unrivalled arms industry and a thriving economy.

Under these conditions, the Anglo-Americans were forced to give up hope of recovering the lost territories. They must therefore focus on preserving their current territory (including preparing for a Russian attack on Odessa) and turn to sabotage operations inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington on January 11 and 12, but was unable to convince Congress to vote new subsidies for Ukraine. Republicans think he lost the war and that investing in his country is a waste of money.

Immediately, the Anglo-Americans changed their strategy. The State Department has therefore turned to the EU to compensate for US donations, while the Pentagon has developed an "Athens formula" to indirectly supply weapons (see 0351).

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Kiev where he addressed the Verkhovna Rada on 12 January. He signed a new security agreement for the next 10 years and announced an increase in Ukraines military funding for the purchase of aerial and maritime drones. He announced that London was embarking on a long war against Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Deputy secretary of state Victoria Nuland rushed to Kiev this week to resolve the military and political crisis. She gave an impromptu press conference and no photographs of her interviews have been published.

Commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces General Valery Zaluzhnyi whom Volodymyr Zelensky considers a rival, has agreed to resign and to serve as ambassador to London. He was, in fact, held responsible for the failure of the "counter-offensive", which everyone had decided on together. However, before his departure, he published an op-ed on CNNs website stating that the war cannot be won by conventional means, but requires adapting to Russias new weapons, particularly its drones and its means of electronic jamming of communications and obliteration of NATO commands.

However, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on television. He announced a vast reorganization of the armed forces and his government, without specifying what would happen next.

EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also rushed to Kiev. He asked about the changes in military requirements imposed by this new strategy and assured the Ukrainian president that the EU would provide him with one million shells during the year 2024. The various European bodies have agreed on 50 billion in aid (33 billion in loans and 17 billion in grants) for the next three years. This is obviously far from enough to compensate for US donations.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Kiev soon and to reveal his countrys role in the Anglo-American strategy.
Photo: Michele K. Short/HBO

Spoilers ahead forPart Five of True Detective: Night Country, now streaming early on Max. It will air on HBO Sunday night in its normal time slot.

The penultimate episode of True Detective: Night Country understands that were running out of time to finish this story  and, possibly, for Danvers and Navarro, to solve the mysteries behind the deaths of the Tsalal scientists and Annie K. So it doesnt mess around, mince words, or hold back any bullets. Specifically, bullets that kill two crucial people: Otis Heiss, the drug-addicted victim of a mysterious attack who, thankfully, shows Danvers how to get to the ice caves before he dies; and Hank Prior, who is shot in the head by his own son, Pete, before Hank can shoot Danvers.

Even though Navarro insists that she and Danvers have to get to the ice caves right away  We are this close  but thats why we have to go now!  the show does take a beat to sit with the mess thats just been made in Lizs front hallway. Poor Pete is now stuck with two dead bodies to get rid of, a ton of spilled blood to mop up, and also the traumatizing reality that he just murdered his own father, albeit justifiably. Navarro offers assistance with one aspect of that to-do list, advising Pete to bring the bodies to Rose Aguineau, then tell her to take me to Julia, a reference to the isolated area where the ice was thin enough to break through so Navarro can place her sisters ashes in the water.

The supernatural continues to ooze through Night Country, but practicality is also a running theme in Part Five. We can see it in Danverss attempt at pragmatism when she initially tells Navarro the Tsalal case is dead and that they both need to let it go; in much more sinister matter-of-factness from Kate McKitterick, who owns and operates Silver Sky Mining and instructs Hank to make sure Danvers cant find that cave; and even in the episodes focus on the various ways that the people of Ennis deal with laying their bodies to rest, as if any body ever really rests around here. Lets start there.

.

This episode considers what happens after death through three different approaches to handling a corpse. It opens with a detailed sequence of an woman going through the process of cleaning out a furnace, cremating Julias remains, and packaging the ashes to hand to Navarro. The way the woman goes about her work is businesslike  you can tell she does this many times a week  but also reverent. Its especially heartbreaking when she warns Navarro that the urn is hot and Navarro hugs it tight to her chest anyway, as if she is giving her sister one last, warm embrace.

Later in the episode, Danvers goes to a holding facility for dead bodies that cant be buried until the ground starts to thaw in the spring. Many of the caskets are tiny because they contain the infants who have been dying because of the poisonous water supply. Seeing those small coffins convinces Liz she cant drop the Annie K. or Tsalal cases, even if Connelly does make good on his threat to reveal that Navarro actually killed William Wheeler and covered it up with Lizs help. Those dead babies remind her too much of her own.

Holding facilities like the one Liz visits are based on reality. As this L.A. Times article explains, its common practice in Alaska to schedule interments for the spring months since it is so difficult to dig graves during the winter. The article also notes that many Alaska Natives choose not to wait to bury their dead and use fire and pickaxes to break through the ground so they can dig a proper hole, which is somewhat similar to what Rose and Navarro do when they lay Julia to rest.

On True Detective, theres also a third burial option: Head to Rose Aguineaus and drop your loved ones into the sea in a place where no one will ever find them, as Navarro tells Peter to do after he kills Hank. One wonders how many times Rose, or anyone else, has done this here in Ennis, which seems like an ideal place for people to cover up murders, especially at this time of year. Its dark, isolated, and, assuming you dont mind putting in some serious effort in subzero temperatures, a location that makes it relatively easy to make sure a corpse disappears for good.

Its interesting that these three methods  cremation, holding a body in storage, and dumping a body into the ice  constitute a sort of trinity, if you will. True Detective has always been attracted to things that happen in threes: the narratives in seasons one and three took place across three different timelines; season two focused on cops from three different departments; and in season four, Navarro believes she is the third person in her family, in addition to her mother and sister, who is cursed by visions that will eventually lead to her death.

So does this trinity of rituals add up to a real theory, or is it just eerie? Im not sure it adds up to a theory so much as provides an opportunity to show three  again with the threes!  principal characters (Danvers, Navarro, and Peter) confronting mortality and the sobering realities that come with trying to put dead bodies in the ground.

.

Weve been asking this question since the first episode, when we saw Clark say Shes awake just before his seizure, and Danvers and Navarro hear the same message. When Danvers questions Otis at the rehab facility, he tells her that the last time he saw Clark, he said Shes awake a bunch of times. He mentions that Clark also said, Shes out there.

The most logical explanation is that she refers to Annie K., whose spirit may have haunted the Tsalal scientists, has definitely been haunting Navarro, and is finally haunting Liz thanks to the words Navarro says to her. You carry her now, like I did all this time, she says, handing Annies file to Danvers as if shes just placed a curse on her former partner. Navarro also sees a vision of Annie during the mine protests, suggesting her ghost is definitely still hanging around.

I get bigger and deeper vibes from the way people are using she, though, almost as if the word refers to the spirit or spirits that make Ennis essentially a gateway to the other side. Once again, we see Navarro flash to all the people who have pointed at her in her visions: Holden, the scary-ass wet woman who confronted Julia, Anders Lund, and a fourth woman who could be Navarros mom. Do these images collectively represent some metaphysical she? Otis also recalls that he and the other men who fell through the ice on the night of his accident heard screaming. Could that have come from she?

Does the she question add up to a real theory, or is it just eerie? Its definitely eerie, and knowing who she refers to will explain a lot. The finale really needs to answer this question more definitively.

.

Remember in episode three when Navarro was like, Hey, Danvers, the mine is totally connected to Tsalal and Annie K., and Hank is probably involved in the cover-up and Danvers was like, Hahaha, oh my God, youre a crackpot? Well, whos the crackpot now??

Navarro was absolutely right, and we know this for two reasons. The first: because Pete continued to follow the money like a good little Woodward and Bernstein, uncovering tax records showing that Tuttle United, the company that is helping to fund Tsalal, does deals with Norbank Securities, a founding partner of Silver Sky Mines. In case those details fly over the audiences head, Danvers offers this very helpful and explanatory piece of dialogue: The mine bankrolls Tsalal and then Tsalal pushes out bogus pollution numbers. This is evidence.

The other reason we know the mine is involved is because McKitterick tells us so during her meeting with Hank. While asking him to basically kill Otis and Liz to keep the truth a secret  I never said those words, she protests when Hank implies shes asking him to commit murder, a thing she absolutely is doing  she lays out the terms of their whole arrangement. She paid off Hank and promised him the job of police chief in exchange for his assistance in squashing the investigation into Annies death.

He didnt get the chief job because Connelly unexpectedly stuck Danvers with it, and he blew all the cash on a mail-order-bride scam. So he still needs money and this time, if he can make Annie K. and Tsalal go away, McKittrick promises he will become chief. Thats why he shows up at Lizs place, attempting to track down Otis, who happens to be shooting up some quality police-evidence heroin in Lizs bathroom.

Would Hank really be willing to risk so much just for some cash and a job as chief of police in a very small Alaska town? Night Country has crafted his character to suggest that he would. His Achilles heel is his need to prove his own masculinity and authority, whether this means marrying and rescuing a beautiful Russian woman, going hunting for fugitives with his hillbilly buddies, or smacking his son around.

I can buy that he would be that much of an asshole. I find it harder to believe that, until Peter started digging around, no one had discovered the connections between Tsalal and the mine. The mine is obviously a controversial presence in Ennis. One would think that an activist or a journalist  assuming any journalists live near Ennis in this era of dying journalism  would have looked into this. Prior is diligent, but its not like he needed to do magic tricks to find this documentation. Its all there to be found for anyone who wants to look. All the business with the funding of Tsalal feels deliberately drawn out so that its revelations come at exactly the right point in the narrative, which: Okay, I guess.

Is the mine theory a theory or just eerie? Oh, its all of it. Its eerie, a theory, and now, its fact.

.

Peter told Leah in a previous episode that his dad wanted to be a musician but it didnt pan out. When she asked if hed ever heard Hank sing, Peter said no, cringing at the prospect. Well, Peter finally does hear his dad sing in this episode when he gets kicked out of his house, heads to Hanks, and overhears him strumming out a number on his guitar.

An HBO rep confirmed that John Hawkes, who plays Hank, wrote and performed the song, called No Use, specifically for the show. In addition to proving that Hank actually has legitimate musical talent  and might have been a nicer guy if he had gotten to pursue it  the song sonically connects Hanks private moment at home to the angry protests taking place at the mine.

There is no place/ To get unwound/ You will not sing/ You lost your sound, go some of the lyrics. There is no God/ No hallowed ground, say others. Its clear Hank wrote this about himself and the lost promise of his own life. But the lyrics apply even more keenly to the plight of the people outside the mine screaming, We were here before, gonna stay when youre gone! while troopers move in to silence them. No hallowed ground, indeed. The black paint across the mouths of Leah and her fellow resisters illustrates the real tragedy in Ennis  that their voices arent being heard  and Hanks need to compensate for his inadequacy by hiding what happened to Annie is only making matters worse.

The last thing Hank says to Peter before he dies is Blood is blood. He believes he is reminding his son that their familial bond supersedes everything and that Pete wont kill him because of that. But Blood is blood can also be interpreted another way: All blood is the same, and Annie deserves justice just like anyone else. That comment underlines the rift between Enniss white and Native residents, a huge theme in the series but one particularly notable in this episode. A lot of white people are not allies of the people who were here before (wasnt it sweet how Sheri completely ditched Leah in her time of need?), but maybe Peter and even Liz still can be.

Does the song add up to a theory? No, its just a cool and illuminating detail in a series that does an excellent job with its needle drops.

.

This thing does not want to go away, does it? Qavikk tracks down Navarro to return the rock with the symbol that she left at his place and brings some random dude with him who remembers seeing the iconography around Ennis when he was a kid. He says the spiral symbols were often left as a warning for hunters in places where the ice would swallow them whole. Perhaps in a place near those ice caves, for example.

Weve talked before about how this iconography relates back to True Detective season one and also how some version of a spiral exists in many, many cultures throughout history. The Symbolikon website notes that in Taino art, spirals can symbolize cosmic energy or sweet water. Perhaps in Ennis, the symbol originally was connected to water as well.

Given the connections to Ireland in this season  remember when we talked about the significance of the name Ennis three Clue Detective columns ago?  Im also intrigued by the Celtic symbol called the triskelion, which is composed of three linked spirals. (Whats that, a trinity, you say?) The meaning of a triskelion may be different depending on the way in which its drawn: As this website notes, when the spirals in it are drawn clockwise, they suggest a connection to harmony or earth. If theyre drawn counterclockwise, they are thought to be pagan symbols that manipulate nature. In other words, the meaning of this symbol may change depending on the context.

Does the symbol add up to a theory or is it just eerie? Oh, its been eerie, but I still dont know if it necessarily tells us anything about the deaths of Annie and the scientists.

.

After Danvers tells Navarro about the bogus forensics report from Anchorage and tries to convince her the case is being shut down, she repeats one phrase over and over: Let it go. If you were the parent of a young child in 2013, the year Frozen came out, or honestly any year since then, you are incapable of hearing those words without immediately thinking of that hugely successful Disney film.

Which made me consider the similarities between Frozen and Night Country. Seriously, think about it: Frozen tells the story of two sisters joined and driven apart by a traumatic experience. Its about losing loved ones and a woman with magical powers that manifest themselves in snowy, icy climates. Its about a town that gets stuck in an infinite winter. In Frozen, Olaf the snowman sings a delightful musical number called In Summer, which is exactly what Anders Lund does when he suddenly comes back to life after being frozen to death in Night Country! Okay, Lund doesnt do that, but, wow, imagine how much scarier that scene would have been if he did!

Is this actually a theory or just eerie? I contend that it is a little eerie, and also the stupidest thing I have written in this column so far.
Hainan, south China's tropical island province, has released a biodiversity conservation strategy and action plan, calling for the restoration of 30 percent of its degraded ecosystems by 2030.

It is the first provincial strategic plan on biodiversity conservation, following China's biodiversity conservation plan issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment last month.

Hainan is poised to ensure a natural coastline retention rate of more than 63 percent, according to the plan.

The plan also proposes that Hainan will complete the terrestrial biodiversity background survey by 2030, and build a biodiversity monitoring network and supervision platform covering the whole province. Thirty percent of terrestrial, inland-water, coastal and marine ecosystems will be effectively protected.

Hainan has set a good example for biodiversity conservation in China thanks to its conservation initiatives over the years.

The province is one of 34 biodiversity hotspots globally, and boasts the most well-preserved and extensive contiguous tropical rainforests in China. It is also the sole habitat of the Hainan gibbon, the rarest primate worldwide, which has been declared critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

According to preliminary statistics, there are 4,367 species of higher plants and 651 species of wild vertebrates in the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, one of the first five national parks established in China.

Previously, the tropical island issued relevant measures to improve marine natural reserves, including strengthening the preservation of concentrated distribution areas of natural coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, as well as enhancing the protection level of rare and endangered species, such as Chinese white dolphins, green turtles, hawksbill turtles and tridacna.
DECATUR  The Harristown Foursquare Church will be hosting New Creation in concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 7570 W. Main St., Decatur.

A freewill offering will be collected.

For further information contact Brian Canaday at 217-454-4551.

***

ELWIN  Elwin United Methodist Men will be hosting Jim Warnick Pancake Day on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7-11 a.m. at 1260 W. Elwin Road, Elwin, IL 62532.

The event will include homemade pancakes, country fresh sausage and biscuits and gravy. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for ages 6-12.

For further information contact Roger Peterson at 217-865-2343

***

Deadline for items in Faith Notes is noon Monday for publication in Saturdays section. Send information to: Herald & Review, 225 S. Main St., Suite 200, Decatur, IL 62523, lmargerum@herald-review.com, or fax (217) 421-7965. Please include a contact phone number for verification.
DECATUR  When tragedy strikes a school community, the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education's Crisis Flight Team is ready to respond immediately.

We encourage the building to connect with central administration so there's an awareness there, said Carrie Hogue, director of culture and climate for the Regional Office. Then the superintendent isn't taken by surprise that something is going on, so they remain in the loop. Then after that they reach out to us, and we have a process.

Usually, a school will contact Regional Superintendent Jill Reedy to get the process started, said Sarah Smith, professional development coordinator. Hogue and Smith send text messages to the volunteers who make up the team to let them know they're needed, and the team meets over Zoom to discuss what the incident is and what they need to know. Meeting via Zoom speeds up the process of briefing the team.

One example is when Tabitha Lourash, 41, was shot by her husband, Jeffrey, in their Warrensburg home in November 2022. She was a teacher at Hope Academy in Decatur and the couple's children attended Warrensburg-Latham schools. The team visited all the schools affected, Hogue said. Jeffrey Lourash was sentenced in May 2023 to 45 years in prison.

Smith said an important part of the first meeting with school staff, which comes before they meet with students, is to help teachers prepare for what they will say to students, adjusted for the kids' age.

They need a statement that I can tell to my kindergartners, or my fifth graders, or my high school students, she said. Part of this team preparing for coming to the school is really thinking ahead and being prepared and helping the teachers be prepared.

The team tries to think of everything that might come up, and whether another building might also be affected and need a visit from the team.

This area, we know a lot of the other schools and the communities connect, Smith said. There's a lot of connection. It's not usually just one school that might need something.

They also work with PawPrint Ministries, which provides comfort dogs. Kari Michalek, one of the PawPrint volunteers, said her most recent such visit was to a preschool, where she told her dog, Joy, to lie down among the kids. Joy knows the difference between interacting with children and with adults, and she let the kids crawl all over her, Michalek said. She also senses when someone needs her but hasn't approached her, and she'll go to them.

I just think for her, she just knows the gravity of the situation, Michalek said. It's not all fun and games. This is her calling. I met the first comfort dog when I was getting treatment with Cancer Care. We'd met a couple of dogs there and we said we have the perfect dog for this.

PawPrint dogs go through extensive training and their only job is to let people love on them and give love in return. Watching people draw comfort from petting Joy, who is a Labrador/Staffordshire terrier mix, is Michalek's reward.

I always say everyone needs a little Joy in their lives, she said.

They always ask the school before including the dogs, Smith said, but no one has ever said no.

What the dogs do is kind of help the situation kind of defuse for the kids when they're upset, Smith said. I've seen kids come into the room bawling and crying and they see the dog and they will just go straight over to them. Once they've had some time with the dogs, one of our folks will go over and do their part, and walk them through the situation and help them with some coping in the moment.

The team also brings along fidgets, coloring books, Play-Doh and other busywork if the kids want to use them. Sometimes it's easier for a child to talk if they don't have to look at the counselor, and the coloring sheets, for example, give them something else to focus on, and are calming as well. A sheet with emojis for various emotions, such as a doctor might use with a small child, can help the youngest students express how they feel if they don't have the words.

If they can busy their hands, it kind of brings them back down to where they can talk about things, said Jessica Dalby, a social worker for Meridian schools who is part of the team. It's easier for them to process their thoughts when they're busying their hands.

The PawPrint dogs are in the Safe Space, a room where kids can come talk to someone if they're struggling. The team's volunteers include counselors and social workers from schools in the region, and the team stays all day if necessary, and comes back a second day if they're needed. They also connect with Critical Incident Stress Management Decatur Area Team if they think the adults in the building would benefit.

The team has had training through Crisis Management Institute as well. Their trainer, Cheri Lovre, has experience all the way back to Columbine shooting and she knows what to do when a crisis strikes, Smith said. Lovre provided them with a manual that they can give to school staff that will help them after the team leaves, such as what to say to a grieving child.

It's so they can feel more comfortable in a situation, such as 'What if they ask me about death?' Teachers don't know what to say, Smith said.

The manual helps them not only know what to say but gives them guidance in checking in with families later and knowing what to say after the first shock is over. They also have books on grief that they can leave at the school as resources for the staff.

The Regional Office's job is to support schools, whether that's students, teachers, administration or teaching assistants. In a crisis response, the team has even contacted the bus drivers, who will be the first adult the children encounter during the school day, to ensure they, too, are prepared to handle students' questions and emotions.

When we're thinking about this team, we're thinking through that lens, Smith said.

Hogue and Smith are both teachers and administrators by training, but they are not counselors, Smith said, so their job is to organize the response while the counselors and social workers, who are trained specifically for such situations, handle the actual counseling.

It's like magic, Hogue said. It's amazing to watch. Obviously it's a crisis team, and we've never met under pleasant circumstances. To have them come together, I've been so proud of our school districts being willing to work together. If we call and ask Jessica to come, that means somebody in her district isn't having her services at that time, but everybody has been so supportive to let everyone work as a team.

Teens are facing a rising mental health crisis. Who is most at risk? Teens are facing a rising mental health crisis. Who is most at risk? What do teen mental health trends show? How the CDC recommends improving teen mental health Sources
Money editor Dominic Powell and our experts share tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money.

Real Money, a free weekly newsletter giving expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money, is sent every Sunday. Youre reading an excerpt  sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox.

Weve all heard the saying if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and we generally accept it. Unfortunately, its human nature to selectively ignore this wisdom when we come across something we really want to be as good as it sounds, and all our acumen gets thrown out the window.

The ATO messaging you about a $20,000 tax refund? Sounds good! Someone wanting to buy your dusty old couch for $400 on Facebook Marketplace? Sure!

Australians lose hundreds of millions of dollars every year to scams. Credit: Michael Howard

This, and many other reasons, are why Australians lose hundreds of millions each year to scams, with the ACCCs Scamwatch division reporting that in 2023 we gave away $480 million to scammers  though this is down on the whopping $569 million in losses reported in 2022.
Sandra Brewer has won the Liberal Partys preselection for the state seat of Cottesloe, ending David Honeys fight for reelection and shutting the door on his political career at the next election.

Brewers shock win comes after a campaign by Honey to convince preselectors he was the best man for the job to fight overdevelopment in his electorate.

Property Council of WA executive director Sandra Brewer has won the preselection seat of Cottesloe for the Liberal Party.

Brewers role as executive director of the WA Property Council put her on the other side of the debate.

Honey, 65, was thought to have more support from Cottesloe party members heading in to the preselection battle.
Ask any Tokyophiles for their must-do experiences in the Japanese capital, and they will probably cite teamLab amongst them. A Japanese-born digital art collective, in a nutshell teamLab creates immersive installations which utilise cutting-edge technology. With offshoots in Osaka, Macao, Beijing, Singapore, and exhibitions so far in Melbourne, New York and Taipei, teamLab is consistently a major drawcard for international tourists.

TeamLab Credit: Alamy

TeamLab Planets in Tokyo recently ranked in the top five of the Most Popular Museums in the World in Googles annual search rankings for 2023, while after four hugely successful years of operation including hosting 2.3 million visitors in its first year, the flagship, teamLab Borderless closed in 2022. However, it has just reopened, relocated to the Mori JP Tower in Tokyos new Azabudai Hills district. And the buzz is already loud.

Visitors can expect the trademark teamLab projections and light shows that move dynamically with the presence of humans. Sound and smell are as much a part of the art as sight, and a teahouse takes care of taste.

And if you need a good lie down after all that, in the same building, the hotel, Janu Tokyo is set to open in March.
Indonesias presidential candidates, (from left) Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan. Credit: Aditya Irawan Prabowo is Prabowo Subianto, an ex-special forces commander once so unpalatable to the Americans human rights sensibilities that successive administrations barred him from entry. Loading If the name sounds familiar, its because we have been here before. The former son-in-law of the dictator Suharto years ago formed his own political party, Gerindra, as a vehicle to power. He has twice lost presidential elections to Jokowi; first as a fire-breathing nationalist in 2014 and again in 2019 as the impassioned Islamist. This campaign, the 72-year-old is claiming a softer side: an animal loving, sensitive modern man; an affable uncle  with adorably dorky dance moves to match.

Respectable polls have him leading both of his rivals, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, by well over 20 points. Marcus Meitzner, an associate professor at the Australian National University in Canberra, believes that if Subianto does not finish both of his rivals on Wednesday by scoring a 50 per cent majority, he will cruise past the survivor in a June run-off. The more interesting question is what kind of Prabowo will show up in the palace in October, he says. A man walks past a General Election Commissions banner showing the presidential candidates, from left, Anies Baswedan and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo and his running mate Mahfud MD in Jakarta. Credit: AP There are rational reasons to believe that he will simply try to replicate Jokowis success formula: sitting atop a big coalition, using the state apparatus to dish out rewards and punishments, and distributing patronage to elites.

This would mean that, unlike in his 2014 plans, he will not try to dismantle democracy  rather, he will tightly control the existing formal democratic processes. But then there is the issue of his temper  and thats where the analytical power of political rationality comes to an end. Nobody can with any kind of certainty predict whether he will be able to control his short fuse once he has full power, Meitzner says. Loading My guess is that he will be surrounded by family and loyalists whose task it will be to keep any such episodes behind closed doors. Though absent from the presidential ballot papers, Jokowi looms over the outcome as anything but yesterdays man. His enduring popularity with voters has made him the kingmaker and, by extension, the ostensible master of his political legacy.

Only Anies, the Islamist former governor of Jakarta, has dared propose meaningful policy alternatives should he be elected, notably threatening to bin Jokowis $US34 billion ($51 billion) vision of a new capital city in the remote jungle of Borneo. Former Central Java governor Ganjar, anointed by Jokowis own party and once his presumed successor, has struggled to differentiate himself while remaining broadly supportive of the president. Jokowis man is Prabowo, who, despite their historical political enmity, is doing all he can to realise his decades-long dream of high power. He has not only publicly endorsed the presidents policies, but selected Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the outgoing presidents 36-year-old son and mayor of Solo, as his vice presidential candidate. Prabowo shakes hands with his running mate Gibran, the eldest son of Jokowi, at the end of a televised vice presidential candidates debate. Credit: AP The pairing was made possible last year by curious goings-on inside the Indonesian Constitutional Court, which ruled that Gibrans successful election in Solo excused him from the vice presidential minimum age of 40.

The man casting the deciding vote on the nine-member panel was Chief Justice Anwar Usman, Jokowis brother-in-law and Gibrans uncle. Usman and Jokowi have denied accusations of familial meddling. Indonesians frown on overt presidential advocacy during elections, and Jokowi has been careful to not to explicitly endorse Prabowo. The message has been more subtle: dining together near a street-facing window, for example, the photograph of which soon appeared on Prabowos own social media accounts. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) has dinner with Subianto on January 5. Academics from dozens of Indonesian universities joined forces this week to protest Jokowis perceived manipulation of state institutions to engineer political outcomes. Students also rallied on Wednesday, demanding Jokowi keep his nose out of the campaign. Wilson, who is on the ground in Indonesia to witness the campaigns, believes Jokowi may have erred in staking his legacy on the shape-shifting form of Prabowo. Im convinced that when Prabowos in the presidency, and hes already used Jokowis popularity to get there, hell have a very clear agenda of his own, he says.
The implications for Victoria were immense: surely this helps explain why she had to be carried so much towards the end of her life, why she relied on strong servants  and her ghillie John Brown  why she wrote so blackly about childbirth, and perhaps why she was in a stinking mood much of the time. When her diamond jubilee was celebrated, she was 78, and she stayed in her carriage for the entire celebration outside St Pauls Cathedral. It has long been assumed this was because she was old or arthritic  but has anyone tried walking around with an advanced prolapse?

Loading

To be seeking answers to this, on one level, seemed prurient, and intrusive. On the other, it explained so much. And to consider such things secret, even more than a century after ones death, seemed to be to underline the assumption that such things were shameful, or deserving of stigma, not something millions of women regularly suffer after giving birth.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, almost half of all women between 50 and 79 have some degree of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, or some other form of pelvic organ prolapse. Victoria gave birth nine times. Carrying extra weight doesnt help, and it would be hard to shift if your mobility is impaired. No one knew the burden she was carrying.

This is not something that would need to be published at the time  imagine her horror at having the world dissect the state of her pelvic organs  but knowing this after her death gives historians a deeper understanding of her struggles. It also helps explain Victorias hostility towards childbearing, despite the fact she was an avatar of domesticity and wifehood. She wrote that: all marriage is such a lottery  the happiness is always an exchange  though it may be a very happy one  still the poor woman is bodily and morally the husbands slave. That always sticks in my throat. She wrote to her eldest daughter, Vicky, who was pregnant, in 1858: What you say of the pride of giving life to an immortal soul is very fine, my dear, but I own I cannot enter into that; I think much more of our being like a cow or a dog at such moments.
DECATUR  Decatur Public Schools Superintendent Rochelle Clark addressed concerns of families and staff through a Saturday morning email and link to a YouTube video.

The topics included responses shared on social media accounts regarding altercations between parents and students at two schools on the Stephen Decatur Middle School campus on Jan 25. The school district is also aware of allegations involving a teacher who may have made adult videos for the websites OnlyFans and Chaturbate.

Personnel issues involving DPS staff are not often discussed, according to the superintendent.

"However, I want to make a couple things clear," she stated in the email.

For the first topic, Clark said the school district does not have policies to regulate what staff can or can't do during their personal time.

"The State Board of Education does have an Illinois Educator Code of Ethics that all educators are expected to abide by that establishes a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities," she said.

The next topic addressed the policies, procedures and contractual language for staff discipline.

"Just because you dont see an immediate action taking place does not mean that we are not addressing issues and working to find the best solution possible," Clark said. "I assure you, Decatur Public Schools prioritizes the safety of both our students and staff at all times."

To view Clark's address, visit the YouTube account.

21 photos of Decatur high school activities through the years
DECATUR  Four students were expelled Friday by the Decatur Public Schools Board of Education, bringing the total number of expulsions for this school year to 27.

The expulsions, as well as 22 during the last school year, are part of Superintendent Rochelle Clark's ongoing effort to address fighting and violence in schools. They come nearly a year after Clark announced that the district would crack down on such behaviors and appealed to the community for help, saying suspensions and expulsions would result if they continued.

All four students were expelled for the remainder of this school year and all of the 2024-25 school year. They will be allowed to return in 2025-26 school year.

The board did not grant any of the students a stay that would have allowed them to enroll in alternative education, either through the DPS Alternative Education Program or the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education's Milligan Academy. The district will inform the families of students not eligible for those programs about other options for the students' education.

Board member Al Scheider said he would encourage the board to consider allowing the third and fourth students expelled on Friday to enroll in alternative education for the 2024-25 school year if there is available space, but the board did not discuss that option or vote on it.

Clark hosted a forum Feb. 1 at which she and community leaders, including pastors, youth outreach program directors, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel, expressed a desire to work together to help troubled families.

That discussion took place one week after parents and students were involved in what Clark described as "an unfortunate physical altercation" in two schools that involved both parents and students. She promised in a statement on Jan. 26, the day after the fights, that the district would discipline the students and seek charges where appropriate.

On Friday, district spokeswoman Denise Swarthout reiterated that the district is "committed to providing a learning environment that ensures student and staff safety."

"The district continues to consistently enforce the Student Code of Conduct and board policies," she said. "Today's student expulsion hearings are a result of addressing inappropriate student behaviors that violated these policies.

"The district will continue to communicate behavior expectations with students and families, as well as take necessary actions to ensure a positive, safe, and secure learning environment."

Under Illinois guidelines, expulsion is to be used as a last resort when a student displays gross disobedience or conduct and other options have been exhausted.

The newest form of school discipline: Kicking kids out of class and into virtual learning The newest form of school discipline: Kicking kids out of class and into virtual learning 'Virtualization' has been employed in several school districts; its effects are a source of much debate The education provided via virtualization is inconsistent, and most schools using it are not able to track student progress or even how many students are subject to it The return to in-class learning after virtualization presents an additional burden on students already struggling to keep up
CHARLESTON  Police are still investigating the death of a missing Edgar County man whose body was located in southeast Coles County following efforts by multiple search groups to locate him.

Coles County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Tyler Heleine said on Friday that their investigators found the body of Chad N. Brooks at approximately 2:55 p.m. Thursday near the Westfield Road in rural Charleston. This roadway was briefly closed from Whetstone to Hutton roads at that time.

"I cant provide much more information at this time," Heleine said. "I want to make sure our investigation is complete before we release any further details."

The sheriff's office reported that a missing person report for Brooks had been filed Feb. 4 in Edgar County, where the sheriff's office took the lead on the missing person case. He lived in rural Marshall in southern Edgar County.

Heleine said on Thursday that law enforcement officers and more than 45 other searchers spent Tuesday combing through approximately 400 acres in the vicinity of where Brooks was last seen on Jan. 31 outside of Westfield in Coles County.

Brooks was seen at the time walking away from his white Dodge pick-up truck, which was subsequently recovered.

"We have put a lot of resources into trying to locate this individual," Heleine said of this missing person case.

Tuesday's search party included personnel from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and search and rescue teams from McLean and St. Clair counties.

Heleine said they also fielded four drones, three canine units, and the Lincoln Fire Protection District-based dive team, which searched ponds and other small bodies of water. He said family members of Brooks helped with the search, including by posting flyers throughout Coles County.
An increasing number of taxi drivers will be forced to quit the profession if the licensing system is not reformed, a Mayo driver has warned.

Westport-based hackney driver Pat OMalley, of Swift Cabs, has worked in the industry for 26 years but does not know how much longer he will be able to continue.

Since the National Transport Authority (NTA) took over the sector, it is nothing but regulations and they have driven people out of the business completely.

Mr OMalley said one of the most contentious rules relates to the age of vehicles used by taxi drivers (vehicles must be less than 10 years old to qualify for a licence). The rules were relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic but that scheme finishes up next December, leaving many taxi drivers in a very precarious position.

If your vehicle is up for renewal at any time this year they will extend the licence for three years (even if it is older than ten years), but my licence is up in March next year, so I do not qualify, explained Mr O'Malley. There are vehicles older than mine which will still be operating whereas I will have to get a new vehicle.

Mr OMalley, aged 62, has just finished paying for his eight-seater 2015 Ford Tourneo, which is subject to an NCT test each year but won't qualify as a public service vehicle next year.

When it is 10 years old you cannot use it anymore - it is a crazy system, he said. I have to replace this minibus now before next year or I will lose my licence. I will get about 6,000 trading it in but the price of new vehicles has gone through the roof and a brand new van like this is 80,000 and there is no way I could justify it as the business is not there. This is the quietest January I have ever had."

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon says the Government must look at reforms to the taxi industry in Ireland. He has backed party colleague Senator Tim Lombard who led the Taxis for Ireland Coalition at Leinster House last week to urge for change.

Capacity needs to be built back into the system," said the Mayo TD, adding that there is such a shortage of taxis that people can no longer enjoy a night out without booking a taxi first.

Deputy Dillon believes the likes of ridesharing service Uber would be a viable solution, especially in rural areas, but the NTA regulations are quite strenuous compared to other EU countries. Uber can operate in Ireland but drivers must also hold a taxi license, which is not the case in Northern Ireland or many parts of Europe.

I think we need the NTA to review the obstacles for the likes of Uber, especially on the basis that we are an all-island economy and the fact that Uber is licensed in Northern Ireland, the Castlebar-based TD said. I think once a driver is registered, vetted and their car is up to the required standard that should be sufficient. Young people would certainly have an appetite to provide a service to earn that bit more money.
The recently deceased Western People photographer Henry Wills was remembered at the annual AIB Press Photographer of the Year awards ceremony, which was held in the RDS in Dublin on Friday, February 2nd.

An Tanaiste Micheal Martin TD was guest of honour at the event, the 46th annual awards of the Press Photographers' Association of Ireland (PPAI). Ballina native Henry was a member and former president of the PPAI, with current president David Branigan describing him as the "backbone" of the association, which represents press photographers across the island of Ireland. The 200-strong attendance watched a short tribute video to Henry, which was filmed in Ballina recently.

An Tanaiste said he had been taken aback to learn of Henry's passing on January 4th last. Mr Martin said he always enjoyed meeting Henry during his visits to Mayo and paid tribute to his talents as a photographer.

For many years, Henry played a leading role in organising the annual awards competition and was hugely regarded by members of the PPAI who travelled from all over the country for his funeral in Ballina last month.

Alan Betson, of The Irish Times, was named the AIB Press Photographer of the Year 2024.
There have been warm tributes from politicians in Mayo to former Taoiseach John Bruton who passed away last week after a long battle with illness.

Mr Bruton, who served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and as Fine Gael party leader from 1990 to 2001, had strong connections to Mayo through his wife Finola (nee Gill), who is a native of Westport. He and his wife were regular visitors to Westport over the years.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who served with Mr Bruton in the Dail for almost 30 years and was in his Cabinet during the Rainbow Coalition in the mid-1990s, said he had learnt "with deep sadness" of his former colleague's passing.

"Ireland has lost a true patriot; and we have all lost a good friend.

"I had the privilege to serve with John in Dail Eireann and in Government over many years. He was a distinguished parliamentarian who became a great Taoiseach, always guided by his passion for social justice. As Taoiseach, he laid much of the groundwork for future positive progress in the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

"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."

Former minister and current Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michael Ring, also expressed his sorrow at the passing of the former Taoiseach.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the wonderful John Bruton. John was a thorough gentleman with an incredible mind and work ethic.

John will be a tremendous loss to his family. He was a decent, hardworking man."

Deputy Ring continued: In 1994, I was elected in a by-election. This seat resulted in Fine Gael being able to go into Government with John becoming Taoiseach. It was an honour to serve under Johns leadership. He was an excellent Taoiseach and statesman. He carried out tremendous work in relation to Northern Ireland.

John was also ambassador of the European Union to the United States from 2004 to 2009. He served this role with distinction. John had great vision.

We became wonderful friends and I valued his friendship. We had a great connection and we maintained this friendship through the years.

John will be a huge loss to his family and this country. John will be remembered very fondly by all who knew and loved him."

Tributes were also paid to Mr Bruton at a meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District last Tuesday, just hours after news of his death was announced.

Fine Gael Cllr Michael Burke said the news had come as a shock even though Mr Bruton was ill for a lengthy period.

He served this country very well. Listening to tributes this morning, the one thing that came through was he was very much a statesman at home and abroad, he said.

Cllr Burke said he understood Mr Bruton made a great impression in his role as the European Unions ambassador to Washington and was excellent at explaining to American politicians how the EU worked.

He had strong views, he had an idea every morning he woke up and he had a brilliant brain, he added.

Cllr John Cribbin offered his condolences to the Bruton family and said John was a national politician who served his constituents well at local, national, and European levels. He recalled how he met Mr Bruton last when he was a guest speaker at the 2019 Knock Novena.

The name Bruton is synonymous with agriculture in the West of Ireland long before John and his family got into politics and all of his extended family members came from the West of Ireland many years ago, Cllr Cribbin added.

Cllr Tom Connolly, who also conveyed his sympathies, said Mr Bruton was a regular visitor to Mayo with his wife Finola, while Sinn Fein Cllr Gerry Murray paid tribute and praised Mr Brutons long and distinguished career in public life.

Mr Bruton is survived by his wife Finola; daughters, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth; son Matthew; sister Mary; brother Richard; extended family and many friends.
Deborah Kilroy has a love of chocolate  the difference between her and other lovers of the sweet treat is that she has made a business out of it with her husband Rob.

A native of Carracastle, Deborah and her Dutch-born chocolatier husband Rob have moved back to Mayo in recent years. While in Amsterdam, they set up Van Velzes Chocolates and have now transferred that business to Ballinrobe. They make their artisan chocolate creations in their premises in the South Mayo town and are now incorporating local ingredients into the final product.

I sat down with Deborah in her chocolate heaven, while she had a break from busy Valentines preparations.

Angelina: Deborah, thank you for talking to me - can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Deborah: I'm from Carracastle and I went to the local national school before going on to secondary school in Charlestown. From there I went to college in Dublin to study hotel and catering management. I always wanted to have my own business in the hotel and catering sector, making cakes or that kind of thing.

Angelina: Where do you think that love came from?

Deborah: Well, I always liked baking, but I don't know if I was very good at it! And I worked as a waitress for a time and I think that catering environment rubbed off on me. I worked through college and then I ended up just travelling the world with that experience. You can go anywhere with that experience and qualification in hotel and catering. I went to France for a summer when I was around 19 and I loved it. I worked for a while in Dublin when I finished college. And then I thought, I'm too young for this. So off I went to Australia and I had a great time.

Angelina: How long did you spend in Australia?

Deborah: I only got the visa for a year. And then I did everything but hotel and catering! It was great. I worked on a cattle farm and I had the best time ever. I met my now husband Rob in Darwin back in 2002, and he is Dutch, so that caused another problem because I was planning to go home to Mayo and live there, but then obviously that changed.

We went to New Zealand for a period and then he was staying in New Zealand, so I came home and worked at home for a while, and then I wanted to go back to New Zealand to be with Rob. When we did come back to Ireland, we lived in Galway. But he was still kind of travelling and wanted to go home to Holland. So then I stayed a little while in Galway and worked there and, eventually, I went to Holland to be with him.

We both wanted our own business. But it doesn't happen just like that. I had the language barrier to contend with for one thing.

Angelina: So what did your business look like, and when you did start it, Deborah?

Deborah: I wanted cakes and Rob wanted chocolate. But the idea of a cafe and cakes, like we know here in Ireland, doesn't work really in Holland. So we compromised! Rob wanted to make chocolates and I wanted to make gifts.

We found a premises. Rob's cousin was an accountant. We did the bank thing and made it look professional. I just call it winging it. His cousin made a great big plan for us, how it's all going to work. And then the reality hits. You've got to go and get your loan from the bank. You've got to pretend you can speak Dutch and sign everything and say, yes, I agree, I understand.

The locals were very nice to us in Amsterdam. We started in an area that wasn't very urbanised at the time. The locals were amazed and they were like, 'Who are these crazy ones coming and starting a fancy chocolate shop in the middle of nowhere?' It turns out that area is very hip now. We had loads of friends and they all helped us.

Angelina: So how long were you in business there?

Deborah: We were in that unit from 2008 to 2019 and then the unit was sold. I wanted to move home anyway at that stage. I hadn't been at home since I was younger and I just wanted to live in Mayo. Then Covid happened and we stayed in Holland during that period. We had a pop-up shop for Covid in the city centre of Amsterdam and that was just amazing. We were so busy online.

Angelina: So when did you make the move home?

Deborah: We did the pop-up shop from October until April. It was actually an ice-cream shop that closes in the winter. So we moved in and they moved out, it was perfect.

But I knew in my heart that it was time to come home but because of our online presence, we could do that seamlessly because we can still supply our clients in Holland with what we produce here. Like, I can go back to Amsterdam now and people don't even know I've gone.

But now I'm trying to build it up again in Mayo. We moved back in 2022. But we went back then for six months to live and to keep moving our stuff over here gradually.

Angelina: You're very passionate about your business and the product Deborah - you put a lot of love into it.

Deborah: The thing I like about it is that Rob is very particular, which is very annoying sometimes, but it's absolutely brilliant when he makes the product. And I do the packaging and the finish - the gifting part. So we are a good team and we do want the end result to be perfect for people.

Angelina: If I asked you what makes your product unique what would you say?

Deborah: What you can't see is the quality of the cocoa bean - it's Trinitario Cacao and a little bit of Creola - just a small percentage of the world's cocoa is that quality of bean. So it looks lovely like other products look lovely, but what happens is when you taste this, you can taste it forever. And you remember that it was that nice. So if you give this as a gift to someone, they'll remember that it was nice and lovely. It's the feeling of love that you get when you get a nice product.

Angelina: Since you moved into the premises in Ballinrobe, you've been using local Mayo produce in the chocolate?

Deborah: Yes, we do. We wanted sea salt chocolates and Rob was using fleur de sel from France. But you've got Achill Island Sea Salt produced near us and it's so cool. And we use local honey, the milkman comes with the local cream. It's just lovely.

We put so much research into our chocolates - we actually went to Costa Rica to visit the farmer there and he showed us around. In the beginning, we only got cocoa from Costa Rica on that farm, and it was a lovely experience to visit. Our logo represents the cocoa fruit cut in half. It's very unique, I think, and it sums up an awful lot about the product.

Angelina: What continues to drive you Deborah?

Deborah: The joy that people will get when they get this gift - it's very simple. And the fact it's now on their doorstep. You can have a beautiful product. I suppose I'm a hard worker and I don't mind working. I love projects, so Valentine's Day and Easter are two of my favourite times of the year because I can get stuck into a theme.

I go a bit crazy at Valentine's. We've put various things into chocolate to mark special occasions. I had a lady - her husband qualified as a doctor - and she got a kid's stethoscope and put it in the egg and she was delighted with herself. Nike launched a new shoe and at the launch, the new shoe came out of the egg. A company that was merging with another had a milk chocolate egg and a dark chocolate egg, and they joined them together, and then they put the names of the staff on them to make them feel like they were part of something going forward.

Angelina: What are your hopes for the business in Ballinrobe?

Deborah: We kept the name Van Velzes because I wanted people to remember the quality from Holland and bring that through. We've built that up for many years so people remember and people order because they know it's high quality. Someone ordered from Spain today for someone in Mayo. We had a couple who live in Amsterdam and they were coming home to Clare and they wanted to order the chocolates in Holland, but we weren't there. And then they rang us here and we could send it to Clare. So I want everyone to know that they can get a lovely chocolate gift in Mayo, proper European-style chocolates.
Today

Partly sunny, breezy, and noticeably colder; gusty winds add a chill. A sprinkle or flurry possible, mainly north and west.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, windy, and cold. Brisk winds add a chill. There could be an early flurry, especially north and west.

Tomorrow

Partly sunny but brisk and chilly with wind chills near or below freezing for much of the day. A sprinkle or flurry possible, mainly north and west.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A miraculous story of resiliency for a 6-month-old puppy and its foster mom: The two were hit and injured by a car earlier this week in Bethlehem.

Six-month-old Dexter is described as a resilient rescue, having spirit and spunk.

"He was found as a stray in Philadelphia, just living on the streets," explained Carlee Nelson, president of Freedom First Rescue. "He was hospitalized for a week or so with pneumonia, and he was throwing up foreign materials. Having that kind of attitude totally saved his life."

Monday, Nelson, president of Freedom First Rescue, says she received one of the worst phone calls of her life from one of her fosters.

"I will never forget this, like, gut wrenching screams, saying, 'They're not okay. They're not okay. I'm sorry,'" explained Nelson. "She said, 'There's a car. Cooper and Dexter have been hit by a car.'"

A police report shows the heartbreaking scene that unfolded around 7:45 a.m. at the intersection of West Taurus and Main Streets in Bethlehem, after a driver told police she did not see the three.

"She [Julie] did nothing wrong. The driver turned into her while she was crossing the street," stressed Nelson.

The driver stopped. Nelson says she believes it's a miracle nothing worse happened.

"They [Dexter and Cooper] took the brunt of that hit. If it wasn't for them, I don't know if Julie would be here," she said. "Those dogs saved her life."

Cooper spent some of his last moments with his mom.

"Cooper ran into her lap and just laid there to check to see if she was okay," explained Nelson.

Dexter required immediate rescuing.

"Dexter rolled under the car and was stuck under the car. That very well may have saved his life," Nelson added.

Firefighters used tools to lift the vehicle and pull Dexter out; then, he was rushed to Valley Central Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center.

"Dexter was pretty severe upon presentation," explained Dr. Louis DelGiudice.

Thankfully, the puppy had no orthopedic injuries, but DelGiudice says Dexter had extremely low blood pressure. He was also in need of oxygen and chest tubes.

"He's laying there on the table, fighting for his life and wagging his tail, and that's just like, oh, God, it's so heartbreaking," Nelson said.

With constant care from medical professionals and a spirit that wouldn't let up, Dexter has prevailed.

"No oxygen and no air buildup in his chest. He's happy, healthy, wagging his tail," explained DelGiudice.

"We are guessing this bill is going to be around $10,000," explained Nelson.

The challenges, now, are paying for his bill and ensuring Dexter doesn't reinjure himself.

"He may need to be crated, to be kept confined, not running around the house, jumping, trying to be an active puppy," explained the veterinarian. "We'll use pain medication, make sure he's comfortable."

Dr. DelGiudice says Dexter's journey has helped staff feel better about the situation.

"There's a lot of cases that we've seen, unfortunately, that don't go home. so coming in as injured as he was, being able to go home, I think, has done a huge emotional lift for the entire staff," he added.

People can support Dexter's journey by donating to the nonprofit.

A full recovery will take time -- physically for Dexter, mentally for Julie, who lost her best friend.

"They have been inseparable, absolutely inseparable. She fostered him as a puppy and ended up adopting him, and that was her ride or die guy," explained Nelson.

As Dexter heals, Nelson hopes Julie will, too. She'll take Dexter back in before the pup goes with his forever family.

"I hope she finds healing in all these dogs that she's saved and all the success stories that she's been a part of," added Nelson.

Nelson says Dexter's adoptive family is extremely eager to be reunited with him.
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. - To the naked eye, the material at a Lehigh County company probably looks like some kind of straw, but it's actually the base of a new and innovative building material that's now getting the attention of the federal government.

It's called Hempcrete, a spray-applied insulation made from industrial hemp, mixed together with a lime binder.

It's different from the hemp that's used to make CBD.

Owners Cameron and Melissa McIntosh started Americhanvre Cast Hemp in 2019. So far, they've installed the product in over 30 homes.

"This is not a gimmick, we're not doing this just because it's hemp. There are real performance benefits, health benefits," Cameron said.

Last week, the company was awarded nearly $2 million from the U.S. Army Small Business Investment Research Office focused on reducing the carbon footprint of military operations.

The research will analyze the energy efficiency and cost savings of already completed projects, its fire rating, as well as developing new domestic production and creating new, smaller machinery to apply it.

"A majority of that goes towards research that is necessary for us to continue commercializing this product, this material, these methods. It's really exciting for us obviously as a small business to have that validation from the federal government and the Department of Defense none the less," Cameron said.

"They want to see the businesses they're funding succeed both public and privately if possible."
EASTON, Pa. -- A Match Made in Easton kicks off Friday. It's one of several initiatives led by the Greater Easton Development Partnership to make the city the ultimate destination for Valentine's Day.

Twenty-four businesses are paired off into a dozen "couples" for a Match Made in Easton.

They're offering deals and promotions for receipt swaps.

"If you bring a receipt from Belleville Market to Three Birds, you'll get a free drip coffee, and if you bring a receipt from Three Birds to us, you get a free sample of one of our salted caramel candles," said Warren Clark, the co-owner of Belleville Market. "This is one of our traditional best selling fragrances."

Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House's other half this season is Yellow Balloon Consignment Shop.

"If they come in here, with a receipt from Yellow Balloon Consignment, we're going to give them a choice of a fresh brewed cup of coffee iced or hot, or 10% off a book sale," said Jo Moranville, the owner of Quadrant Book Mart & Coffee House.

"When the Quadrant receipt comes into the Yellow Balloon, if they make a purchase over $25, they get a $5 off coupon," said Erica Fisher, the owner of Yellow Balloon Consignment Shop.

The program runs through Feb. 18.

The businesses involved are spreading the love and propping each other up by getting more feet on the street.

"I'm at this end of the block. She's at that end of the block. We can get people crossing back and forth and passing all of our neighbors in the process," said Moranville.

Also all new in Easton this year is the Sweet Stroll event. It's like a pub crawl but with local bakeries.

"We're selling tickets up until Feb. 20," said Kathryn Gaffney, the owner of The Modern Crumb, who came up with the idea for Sweet Stroll. "The event is happening on Friday, February 23."

The event will run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You can buy $20 tickets online.

The goal is to showcase Easton as a dessert destination.

"Everywhere from chocolate shops, to fancy macaroons to really great scones and cookies, cakes," said Gaffney. "People are going to come here to the Easton Public Market. They're going to check in. They're going to get their little map and passport card."

There will also be baking demos and a cupcake decorating station at the market.

There and throughout your stroll around the city, you'll notice the Love Easton project surpassed its goal of creating more than 28,000 hearts, one for each Easton resident.

All of the businesses 69 News spoke with were excited to participate in the community initiatives.

"Shopping small and shopping local is more important now than ever, and when you have a business community that works together, and that is collaborative, it just makes everything easier, and it's better for our customers so they have a more pleasant shopping experience and more places to go," said Clark.

"We have a terrific business community in downtown Easton. We know each other. We support each other. We all want each other to succeed," said Moranville.

"If everybody's going like that back and forth, it just makes a really pretty spider web," said Fisher.

"I really feel like we are stronger together because each of us has our own little specialty that something's different that sets us apart," said Gaffney.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania officials are warning residents about a potential scam targeting people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said the scam involves a person getting a phishing email in order to obtain their personal information.

The scam involves an email from a experience@travelfoodstampassistanceforyou.com address and implies that SNAP recipients may be eligible for a settlement payment if they fill out their personal payment information, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam, said Secretary Arkoosh. Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious call or text asking you for information about your benefits or for your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate.

People can report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller added, "The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) remains steadfast in our commitment to preserving public trust in assistance programs, and we need your help. Pennsylvanians should remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes targeting SNAP recipients, and this phishing email scam is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information. Please report to OSIG anyone trying to steal or exploit benefits."

The public can make such reports through OSIGs website or by calling the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.

DHS says it does send informational text messages and phone calls to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. However, DHS' text messages will not include:

Details about a persons benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive,

A request for specific personal information, and/or

Links to unofficial sites; most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.

DHS says it also, at times, makes phone calls to people receiving benefits to let them know about changes that could affect their benefits or upcoming renewal dates. These texts and calls are meant to be informational and will not reference specific account numbers, DHS says.

Because of federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid, text alerts have been part of DHS statewide outreach plan to reach Pennsylvanians and inform them of the changes. Outreach to Medicaid recipients is ongoing and will continue to include those texts, mail, email, and phone calls to make certain they are aware of the federal action affecting their benefits, DHS said.

A schedule and copies of legitimate communications is available on DHS website.

Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS Office of Income Maintenance.

Applications for public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Former President Donald Trump was in Pennsylvania's capital Friday to talk to members of the National Rifle Association.

He was scheduled to speak at the group's annual gathering at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.

Trump consistently supported the NRA throughout his 2016 campaign and subsequent presidency.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex was already a sea of Make America Great Again hats and other Trump campaign memorabilia early Friday afternoon. People started showing up more than six hours in advance to hear the former president speak.

"I'm a huge supporter of President Trump, and I look forward to getting to share his message and see him live today," said Kaytee Isley.

For Isley and Lou Capozzi from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, their support doesn't have to do with the NRA or the Second Amendment.

"I'm really more interested in hearing him talk about how he's going to limit some of the government overreach that we've seen, particularly within the Biden administration," Isley said.

"I really want to hear how he's going to unite our country and bring freedom back to this country again," said Capozzi.

Pennsylvania is a swing state for this upcoming presidential election in November, and in a press call we heard Democratic Sen. John Fetterman admit Trump has a strong base in the Keystone State.

"Trump is going to definitely strike and connect in Pennsylvania. He is popular, it is my home state," Fetterman said.

Isley says she hopes that support leads to a change in the Oval Office next year.

"I think that there are so many other moms just like me who look at the future of this country and are worried and know that they felt a difference when it was Trump four years ago," Isley said.

We will have more on Trump's remarks and the Democratic response coming up Friday night on 69 News at 10.
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Former President Donald Trump made a stop in Pennsylvania Friday night.

He spoke to a crowd in Harrisburg for more than an hour. The event was hosted by the NRA, the National Rifle Association, and Trump spent much of his speech focused on Second Amendment issues.

Trump took some time to relish in the cheers from thousands at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex before finally stepping up to the mic and greeting the crowd for the 8th time at an NRA event since 2015.

"We love Pennsylvania, I went to school in Pennsylvania," said Trump.

That part is true. Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, but his next attempt to appeal to Pennsylvanians missed the mark.

"We ran twice, we won Pennsylvania twice, we won it twice," said Trump.

Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016, but actually lost the state in 2020. He then took some time to highlight his actions in office that loosened gun restrictions across the country.

"I stood up for our hunters, fishers, and sportsmen like no one has ever done before, opening up millions and millions of acres of federal land and rolling back Obama's assault on hunting, fishing, trapping, and ammunition," said Trump. "My administration also petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn New York City's unconstitutional ban on transporting handguns outside of the home."

Trump promised to loosen restrictions even more if elected in November. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said in a press call Friday that's something that has to be avoided.

"Do you want your next president more assault weapons and more deaths of gun violence in our nation, or do you want a president that wants fewer assault weapons and fewer tragic gun deaths?" said Sen. Fetterman.

Near the end of his speech, Trump took the time to downplay the charges he's facing for storing confidential documents in his Mar-a-Lago estate, while also making fun of President Biden.

"This is nothing more than selective persecution of Biden's political opponent, me, and I don't know that it's Biden, because I don't think he knows he's alive," said Trump.

President Biden became the target of attacks on his mental acuity Thursday after a special counsel report described his memory as hazy, fuzzy, faulty, and poor. Biden held a televised response Thursday saying in part My memory is fine."

We have now had a visit from both President Biden and former President Trump in just the past month, which shows how important both candidates believe the Keystone State will be in the election coming this November.
A former news reporter is making a run for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey.

Alex Zdan is looking to take the seat of Sen. Bob Menendez.

Menendez is facing federal corruption charges, but the Democrat has yet to resign.

Zdan is running as a Republican.

He's known for his aggressive demeanor on News 12 New Jersey.

In his campaign announcement video, Zdan stood at the U.S. Mexico border. He called for an end to illegal border crossings.
FORT FISHER  Saving species at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) means partnerships and collaborations throughout the world, including Hong Kong. A NCAFF team of animal care experts transported two Asian small-clawed otters, Milli and Shiny from New York to North Carolina, as the final leg of their long journey from Hong Kong on Jan. 22.

Milli, a female, and Shiny, a male, are among pups born at Ocean Park Hong Kong in 2018 and 2020 to parents Si and Fun. Ocean Park animal experts provided shelter and care for Si and Fun in April 2018 after they were confiscated by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Both NCAFF and Ocean Park are accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), meeting the highest standards in animal care and welfare.

Shiny

Caring for these Asian small-clawed otters advances the Aquariums goals to save this species, as they are among the nearly 300 programs in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program. The SSP identifies population goals and breeding recommendations to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population. Bringing Milli and Shiny to the US greatly enhances the ability of the SSP to achieve populations goals for Asian small-clawed otters.

While AZA experts along with NCAFF strategize how to best support the well-being of Milli and Shiny, the Aquarium team is caring for them behind the scenes. Milli may stay at NCAFF, while Shiny will move to another AZA accredited zoo or aquarium. The otters began a 30-day quarantine when they arrived at NCAFF.

Milli

Although Milli and Shiny will not be visible to our public, they are receiving individual attention to ensure they are adjusting well and that we are meeting all their physical and behavioral needs. We are honored to care for them while we work with other zoos and aquariums and the SSP to make decisions on the best home for them, said Shannon Anderson, lead otter keeper, NCAFF.

The story of Milli and Shiny underscores the importance of the work that both Ocean Park Hong Kong and the NCAFF are doing every day to save this species. One of the threats to Asian small-clawed otters is the illegal pet trade. Native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines, they are the smallest of the otter species and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species. Other threats leading to their population decline are residential and commercial development, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and poaching.

This collaborative effort between Ocean Park and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher aligns with the shared goal of conservation and promoting the well-being of these amazing otters, said Elke Wu, Assistant Curator of Zoological Operations Waterfront. We are optimistic that Milli and Shiny will thrive in their new home and make valuable contributions to the breeding program, ultimately helping to secure the future of their species.

Otters journey: International transport

To ensure success of the otters journey, NCAFF staff worked in collaboration with a global animal transport company that specializes in the international transport of animals.

The otters are listed as Appendix 1 with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which provides the greatest level of trade protection for this species that is threatened with extinction. This status requires special permits, a veterinary exam, and flight arrangements for the animals to clear US customs and join the Aquarium collection as part of the SSP.

NCAFF otters

Visitors are already familiar with Asian small-clawed otters at the Aquarium with a family of seven and a second family of two delighting all who peek in on them in Otters on the Edge. The family of seven is a success story for the Aquariums work in the SSP, with parents Leia and Quincy having two litters of three pups in less than a year in May 2022 and January 2023. One of the pups, Mae, showed signs of being ready to leave the nest, and the Aquarium transported her to another AZA accredited facility to be a companion to a solo male.

Continuing to work with the SSP, we are focused on caring for these new otters and supporting their long-term success as we all work collaboratively to achieve population goals, said Ryan McAlarney, husbandry curator, NCAFF.

What can individuals do?

Buy Bird Friendly coffeeits produced on farms with a shade cover that provides important habitat for different species, preventing deforestation and destruction of homes for animals like Asian small-clawed otters.

Dont ever support illegally traded wild animals as pets.

Think before buying furs.

Support Aquarium conservation priorities by visiting North Carolina Aquarium Society.

More green actions

For the Aquarium, the most important takeaways are that individual actions can make a difference to provide a brighter future.

Some green steps that anyone can take are switching from single-use plastics to reusable water bottles, shopping bags and straws. More sustainability information is available at Green and Getting Greener.

About the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Admission: $12.95 ages 13-61; $10.95 children ages 3-12; $11.95 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members.
The Supreme Court seems poised to reject attempts to kick former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot. The justices could act quickly, possibly by Super Tuesday on March 5, when Colorado, Maine and 13 other states will hold primaries.
URBANA  A Clinton, Indiana, woman has been indicted on two federal charges alleging a murder-for-hire scheme.

Davetta Cox, 31, was arrested in Charleston on Jan. 26, follow a meeting with an undercover law enforcement officer during which authorities say she offered to pay $6,000 to have a man killed.

A police affidavit said that during the meeting with the undercover officer, Cox said she wanted the target dead or disappeared and provided information on where to find him and directions on when and where not to do it.

The investigation began Jan. 17 when a confidential informant notified the Edgar County Sheriffs Office that they had been contacted by Cox the day before asking them to kill the man.

The informant provided recordings of two conversations with Cox seeking the informants help.

I want to find somebody who will kill him and not trace it back to me, or you or anybody  I just cant do it because I'll be the number one suspect. Cox is quoted as saying in the affidavit.

The affidavit said the informant then took part in another conversation, which was recorded by authorities, during which they agreed to put her in touch with someone who would perform the act.

That led to the meeting and her subsequent arrest in Charleston.

Cox is being held in the Macon County Jail awaiting trial.

Most of the federal inmates that are being tried in Central Illinois are held in Macon County, Macon County Sheriffs Sgt. Scott Flannery said. We have about 50 federal inmates that are in our facility.

Macon County is centrally located between two federal courthouses, one in Springfield, the other in Urbana.

They send them to us; we hold them; and then we transport them back and forth, Flannery said.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are up to 20 years imprisonment; up to a $500,000 fine; and up to a six-year term of supervised release.

Agencies participating in the investigation include the FBI's Springfield field office and the Illinois State Police.

How cybercrime losses have more than doubled in 2 years How cybercrime losses have more than doubled in 2 years Total and average losses among cybercrime victims are rising
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) insider Douglas Richard Deschutter sold 22,722 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.00, for a total value of $4,521,678.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 44,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,891,320. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Price Performance

BR stock opened at $198.98 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $200.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $186.95. The firm has a market cap of $23.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.67 and a beta of 1.01. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $133.97 and a 12 month high of $210.24. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77.

Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts:

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.03. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.82% and a return on equity of 41.12%. The firm had revenue of $1.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.91 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Broadridge Financial Solutions

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 10.7% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 8,155 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,270,000 after buying an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 15,625 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,433,000 after purchasing an additional 992 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 126.2% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 3,384 shares of the business services providers stock worth $527,000 after purchasing an additional 1,888 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1,851.9% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 527 shares of the business services providers stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 13.2% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 12,722 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,981,000 after purchasing an additional 1,487 shares during the last quarter. 89.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on BR shares. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. StockNews.com raised Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Wolfe Research upgraded Broadridge Financial Solutions from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $203.17.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Broadridge Financial Solutions

About Broadridge Financial Solutions

(Get Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
LEXINGTON  Fearing that Zackary Plowman may try an insanity defense in his trial for the murder of 48-year-old Rigoberto Mejia Gonzalez last Saturday night, family members and sympathizers gathered in downtown Lexington Friday to demand that Plowman stay behind bars for the crime.

More than a dozen people held signs aloft on the steps of the old Davidson County courthouse on the central square of the city, also asking for prayers and assistance for a family thats still waiting to find out if the son of the dead man will pull through from a brain injury he suffered during the same shooting.

Miguel Mejia Couto, 26, and his father were both shot while they were in the front yard of the family home on Virginia Drive.

Cynthia Couto, the dead fathers niece and cousin of his injured son, said the family believes the shooting was a hate crime.

Couto said the third man shot, a white male in-law, was shot only once in the back, while the two Hispanic victims were shot multiple times including specifically in the head.

Based in the information that we have gathered, that the police have mentioned to us, it seems that (Plowman) targeted these people, she said. He knew who he was shooting for. He knew what he was doing.

The man shot in the back, Anthony Frits Jr., 25, was treated for his injuries and released.

It was not possible to independently confirm the new details mentioned by family members. Plowman remains in the Davidson County jail with no bond allowed.

Couto said shes learned Plowman will be in court next on Feb. 19.

We need to fill the courtroom up. We need to fill the halls up, she said. The more supporters, the more we can possibly get the justice that we are demanding.

Rigoberto Mejia Gonzalez of Virginia Drive was in his front yard Saturday night, family members said, when he was shot by gunfire from a car that drove away.

The mans son, Miguel Mejia Couto, remained in Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist after he was critically injured during the same shooting.

Plowman, 39, of Rural Hall, is being held without bond in the Davidson County jail on a murder charge in the case, plus other multiple offenses stemming from the shooting and a later incident on Sunday when Plowman allegedly held a knife on a pastor and his wife in the town of Welcome.

Mariana Mejia, the daughter of the slain man, said her father was shot at least three times, with one bullet passing into his brain. That led to complications causing brain death that led to the victim dying Monday night.

Family members said the father and his 26-year-old son were out in the front yard when the shooting occurred, and were near a fire they had built because of the cold night.

Accounts from police and family show Plowman allegedly used a long gun to fire from his Dodge Challenger as he passed the house.

Earlier the same evening, police said, Plowman had damaged two vehicles in the parking lot of the Jerry Hunt Supercenter, an auto dealership close by the scene of the shooting. Plowman is charged with those offenses as well as the murder and assault charges stemming from the Virginia Drive shooting.

The Mejia family were hosting a small gathering at the time of the shooting with perhaps a dozen people on the property, family members said.

When Plowman made his first appearance in court, Mariana Mejia said, people familiar with tattoo symbolism told the family that Plowman sported racist tattoos. Police did not confirm this but did agree with family members that Plowman appeared to show no remorse for the shooting during his first appearance.

Family members, who are Hispanic, believe the shooting was a hate crime. Police have not confirmed that either, although they have said it is among the things they are checking.

Shortly after the the Virginia Drive shooting, authorities said, the Davidson County Sheriffs Office received a report of shots fired on the Old Greensboro Street Extension just outside the city limits. Police said they believe Plowman was the person firing those shots, which apparently resulted in no personal injury.

When authorities sighted Plowman driving his car later on, they tried to stop him. Plowman abandoned his car and escaped arrest, leaving behind a weapon that authorities recovered.

After ditching his car, Plowman reportedly broke into Community Fellowship Moravian Church in the town of Welcome and surprised the pastor and his wife that Sunday morning when they showed up to get ready for church.

The suspect allegedly carjacked the couples car at knifepoint. Plowman let the couple out unharmed on Sink Road, authorities said, and later abandoned their car.

Plowman was arrested by Davidson County sheriffs deputies without incident Sunday night.

Court records show Plowman was released from state prison in February of 2023 after serving a 15-year sentence for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend in 2006.

Prosecutors said Plowman gave his girlfriend cocaine, and woke up later to find she had died. Plowman pleaded guilty as part of a plea arrangement that included unrelated offenses.

After his release from prison, records show he was on probation until last November.

The family gave funeral plans Friday along with information on how people can help.

The funeral for the late father will be at noon Saturday at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church on S. Main Street in Lexington. The burial will take place afterward in Lexington City Cemetery.

Sympathizers sold food Friday afternoon at Templo Emanuel church in Lexington to raise money for the family. A GoFundMe page is set up for Rigoberto Mejia Gonzalez. People can text to 336-997-7258 for more information on how to help.
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee on Friday delivered a Chinese New Year message, wishing the people of Hong Kong a full house of happiness and harmony in the Year of the Dragon.

"The dragon is an auspicious symbol signifying nobility and good luck. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, Hong Kong is nurturing fresh vitality and prosperity. We will seize each and every new opportunity, showcase the charm of our city, and write a bright new chapter for Hong Kong," Lee said.

The chief executive said the Chinese New Year is a time for reunions, a time for families and friends to get together, and cherish the joy and warmth of the festive season.

"We share our wishes for children to grow strong and healthy and for grown-ups to be blessed with good fortune," Lee said.
Forsyth Technical Community College has received $309,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation to convert two classrooms into emergency-service simulation labs, the college said Friday.

The labs will be used to expand Forsyth Techs emergency medical services programs, addressing the demand for skilled paramedics and emergency medical technicians, Forsyth Tech said.

The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to support Forsyth Technical Community Colleges strategy to provide training for the workforce that will fill high demand healthcare positions in the region, said Scott T. Hamilton, the foundations president and chief executive. The simulation labs will help the college expand its number of students served and provide realistic clinical experiences.

The foundations money will provide resources for equipment, supplies, construction and technology hardware/software to create simulation environments, the college said. These enhancements will provide students learning experiences, mirroring real-world emergency situations.

The labs are expected to be prepared for the upcoming academic year, the college said.

Forsyth Tech wants to prepare students for the complexities and challenges of emergency medical care, the college said.

This transformative project underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and relevant education opportunities, said Janet Spriggs, the president of Forsyth Tech. Thanks to the Golden LEAF Foundation, we are poised to significantly enhance our emergency medical services programs, ensuring our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

The simulation labs will support the training of future paramedics and emergency medical technicians as well as addressing the need for skilled professionals in hospitals, private medical practices and emergency response environments, Forsyth Tech said.
The 35th annual meeting of the Great Plains Trails Network (GPTN) will take place at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 10, in the Community Room at Cornhusker Bank, 8310 O St.

The public is welcome to attend. Enter the north side of the building.

As Bike Walk Nebraska celebrates a decade of progress, Julie Harris, the organizations executive director, will reflect on its achievements, commitment and years of advocacy to the cause of active transportation, and outline goals for the future.

Allison Speicher, Trails and Natural Resources coordinator for Lincoln Parks and Recreation, will give a State of the Trails overview of Lincolns trails system. Her comprehensive report will highlight current projects and whats next for the trails system in the future. The system consists of 134 miles of paved trails, which connect to rural routes that add another 100 miles between northern Kansas and the Omaha area plus additional miles of dirt and mowed trails in wilderness and natural areas.

Following the presentations, GPTNs annual awards program and election of the 2024 Board of Directors will take place. Refreshments will be provided.

GPTN is a nonprofit organization that advocates and supports a network of trails in Lancaster County and across Nebraska. GPTN is a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving and using Nebraska trails for hiking, biking, walking, running, horseback riding and transportation.

For more information about the annual meeting or GPTN, contact board member Mary Torell at 402-429-5753 or visit gptn.org.
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lessened its holdings in W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 62,665 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 2,505 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 0.13% of W.W. Grainger worth $43,354,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of GWW. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in W.W. Grainger in the first quarter valued at $30,000. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 2.2% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 1,067 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $550,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 67.9% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 789 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $407,000 after acquiring an additional 319 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 33.6% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 26,661 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $13,947,000 after acquiring an additional 6,705 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its stake in W.W. Grainger by 212.9% in the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 25,798 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $13,306,000 after acquiring an additional 17,553 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.24% of the companys stock.

Get W.W. Grainger alerts:

Insider Activity at W.W. Grainger

In related news, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $801.50, for a total value of $200,375.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 911 shares in the company, valued at $730,166.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other W.W. Grainger news, VP Laurie R. Thomson sold 250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $801.50, for a total value of $200,375.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 911 shares of the companys stock, valued at $730,166.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP Paige K. Robbins sold 3,122 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $950.22, for a total transaction of $2,966,586.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 4,909 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,664,629.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 5,850 shares of company stock worth $5,121,311 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 9.90% of the companys stock.

W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of GWW opened at $959.01 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 2.88. The company has a market capitalization of $47.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 1.13. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $625.97 and a fifty-two week high of $978.95. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $852.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $771.07.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The industrial products company reported $8.33 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.05 by $0.28. The firm had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.04 billion. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 11.10% and a return on equity of 56.54%. The firms revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $7.14 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 39.24 earnings per share for the current year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Monday, February 12th will be given a $1.86 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 9th. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.78%. W.W. Graingers payout ratio is currently 20.55%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

GWW has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $800.00 to $925.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com downgraded shares of W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $825.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Oppenheimer upped their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $800.00 to $930.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, Stephens increased their target price on shares of W.W. Grainger from $775.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $842.22.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on GWW

W.W. Grainger Profile

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services in the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety and security supplies, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance supplies, and metalworking and hand tools.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
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.
Aubrey Trail, who chose not to go through with a state court appeal of his death sentence for the killing and dismemberment of Sydney Loofe, has gone forward instead with a federal challenge.

In it, his federal public defenders out of Kansas City, Missouri, raised two dozen claims, among them that Trails sentence amounts to cruel and unusual punishment because he is severely mentally ill and his previous counsel was ineffective for failing to raise the issue earlier.

Attorney Laurence Komp, chief of the Capital Habeas Unit, said: Mr. Trails case provides an example of what happens when the death penalty is obtained in proceedings that are bereft of the process that is constitutionally required. The means matter in a justice system  the ends should always be the product of a fair and meaningful process. Here, that has not occurred.

In 2021, Trail was sentenced to death for Loofes murder.

The Lincoln store clerks disappearance the night of Nov. 15, 2017, led to a multistate manhunt for Trail and his girlfriend, Bailey Boswell, who in Facebook videos claimed to know nothing about it. Their cellphone records, though, led police, deputies and the FBI to fields and ditches in Clay County, where they made the grisly discovery of Loofes remains left scattered in trash bags.

At trial in June 2019, jurors found Trail guilty. Two years later, he was sentenced to death. Boswell later got a life sentence.

In the court filing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln, Komp said Trails attorneys at trial failed to conduct a pretrial investigation into Trails mental health and psychological history or consult with relevant mental health experts despite red flags suggesting he suffered from mental health struggles.

This prevented trial counsel from being able to raise available defenses to the first-degree murder and conspiracy charges, including diminished capacity and other potentially relevant mental health defenses, he said.

He said Trail has a long history of symptoms of mental illness that included uncontrollable mood fluctuations, cognitive impairments, and reality distortion, as well as a history of anxiety and a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Komp said Trails mental and emotional impairments led to him slitting his own throat in a mid-trial suicide attempt in front of the jury.

The scene was chaotic and charged. It presented such an unusual circumstance ... the trial courts on-the-record comments that there was nothing to see here ring absolutely hollow, he wrote.

Komp took issue with the trial judges handling of it, saying the shocking move should have prompted an evaluation to determine if Trail was competent to continue with trial and her assurances to jurors should have been on the record.

He took issue, too, with the fact that Nebraska is the only active death penalty jurisdiction that places the determination of whether someone gets a death sentence exclusively in the hands of judges.

The state hasnt yet responded to the filing, which comes less than two months after Trail purposely passed up a deadline to file a post-conviction challenge in state court days after Saline County District Judge David Bargen denied his attorneys request to hire a mitigation expert to help her flesh out potential claims.

And in the summer, Lancaster County District Judge Kevin McManaman threw out a petition in which Trail sought to force the state to set an execution date, which the judge called frivolous because Trail does not have the right to dictate when the state will execute him.

Trail, 57, previously had said he didnt wish to file anything that would stay his execution, and he told the Journal Star he sent a letter to Gov. Jim Pillen saying that if Pillen showed effort he was going to try to fix the death penalty this legislative session, then Trail would wait.

Although Im guilty as hell, I will sit here till I die of old age manipulating the system and denying the family justice, he said, blaming the state for not finding a way.

In 2015, state lawmakers abolished capital punishment, but voters reversed the decision through the referendum process in 2016. In 2018, the state executed Carey Dean Moore by lethal injection but hasnt since been able to secure the drugs necessary to carry out another execution.

A bill proposed this year in the Legislature would require the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to develop a protocol for nitrogen hypoxia in addition to the existing method of lethal injection.

The inmates on Nebraskas death row and their crimes Raymond Mata Jr. Jose Sandoval Jorge Galindo Erick F. Vela Jeffrey Hessler John L. Lotter Roy L. Ellis Marco E. Torres Jr. Anthony Garcia Nikko Jenkins Aubrey Trail
World Socialist Web Site reporting teams spoke with students taking part in Wednesdays Stand With Gaza protests across the UK, distributing the International Youth and Students for Social Equality statement, The trade unions, the working class and the UK's day of action for Gaza.

At protests in London and Sheffield, students taking part in the walkouts and rallies expressed their concern over the integration of universities into the war machine through the funding accepted from leading firms in the arms industry, including BAE Systems and Rolls Royce. They were alarmed that their institutions of learning are linked to companies directly profiting from the supply of missiles, bombs and other weapons to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) being used in a genocidal war against the Palestinians.

Sheffield

Around 50 students joined a protest on the main concourse at the University of Sheffield and were joined by students from Sheffield Hallam University. They marched around the campus drawing support as they led chants including: Tory Party, Labour Party, Republican Party, Democratic Party, Sunak, StarmerBlood on your hands!

Zain explained, We want to ensure that the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are not complicit with the genocide against Palestinians. As we all know the University of Sheffield has ties with the arms trade to Israel. The money being made by the weapons manufacturers is coming from killing Palestinians. It is our most urgent duty to ensure no more innocent civilian lives in Palestine are lost because of this. There is also a student from the University of Sheffield trapped in Gaza with his family since September and we want to ensure they receive urgent help so they get out alive.

Zain

If anything is a powerful message it is workers getting together. If NHS [National Health Service] workers, government workers, those in the arms industry stand together they could overrule this government and get a ceasefire. We all know what Prime Minister Sunak is like, he has smeared protestors who chant From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, saying we want to wipe Israel off the map. Correct me if Im wrong but is that not what Israel is doing to the Palestinians? Since October 7, over 25,000 Palestinians have been killed probably many more than that, over half of them women and children. I was at a vigil the other week and they had a list of Palestinians killed and they started off with people aged zero reading the names and that lasted 30 minutes. I cant find the words.

[Labour leader] Starmer is not listening. He should be forced out. He is a war criminal. We must make sure we dont have these leaders in our system. We must think about the future of our children if these lot are still in charge.

Phoebe and her friends who are studying English said, The situation in Gaza is awful where people are being treated less than human. The government are getting away with not calling it a genocide when its clear thats whats going on. They only speak out against things when they start losing moneyit is all about the money for them.

It needs to change but it feels like it wont unless we the working class do something. Theres a lot of discussion among young people and its strange how its not spoken about on the news, you dont hear about it unless you go searching for it. Things are brushed under the carpet like nothings going on.

Kaydian, a politics student said, I think what is happening in Gaza, which has been happening in Palestine since the late 1940s, is a genocide and its been a genocide since day one. We need to help these people. The whole system we live in, nation state capitalism, is complicit in genocide. Its a neo-colonial system that has genocided people in Congo, in Sudan and they will continue with this until the system comes down. Im hoping this will be a turning point so people can finally see thats what our governments are carrying out.

London

A group of around 40 students and staff protested outside Imperial College London. They issued an open letter, Imperial Research and Investments Fuel Genocide and Occupation which criticised the university authority. It read, While the administration has claimed to recognise the emotional impact of current events on staff and students, nothing has been said to recognise, or done to rectify, the direct and critical complicity of College research in ensuring the military capability required for Zionist occupation and aggression.

It notes that the College has conducted millions of pounds worth of research for BAE Systems and Rolls Royce and has granted access for Caterpillar to its Turbomachinery Lab for research which enables the operation of ever heavier, armoured bulldozers currently and historically used to carry out policies of occupation, apartheid, and genocide.

A physics student told WSWS, Im here today to show my support for this campaign Nearly 13,000 children are dead. And the fact youve got institutions like the government, like Imperial, still supporting this war, still giving them weapons, still giving them money to self-defend against children, its sickening to see.

We have to do our bit; do what we can to stop Imperial, stop all institutions facilitating this genocide.

Describing how Imperial supports Caterpillar, Rolls Royce and Boeing, the student continued, In our career events, plenty of defence companies come to Imperial. Research done here at Imperial is directly contributing to and directly responsible for bombing children.

Imperial cutting ties with them would have a real material impact. It would save lives, its very simple.

Speaking about the response of UK political parties to the genocide, the student replied, Im a Muslim whos been born and raised here. I was very strongly Labour Party. I think it is absolutely disgusting how Starmer refused to criticise Israel and claimed they were acting in self-defence.

The Conservatives were one thing, but Labour is an even bigger disappointment. Its shocking they refuse to acknowledge any of the atrocities that are going on, and they refuse to stop it. They call for humanitarian pauses, not a ceasefire.

With the election coming up, I wont be voting for the Conservatives, and I wont be supporting Labour either.

He described accusation of antisemitism levelled against protestors as Shocking. To put all Jewish people under a single banner against a ceasefire with these false accusations of antisemitism, it only spreads antisemitism. It suggests all Jewish people should be blamed for Israels actions when Israel as a state, Zionism as an ideology, does not represent Judaism or Jews.

Its really upsetting, because Jewish people end up bearing some of the brunt of this when they dont deserve to. Antisemitism is a problem that should be addressed. But criticising the government of any country should not be off limits. If I criticise the government of Saudi Arabia, that doesnt mean Im Islamophobic, that doesnt make any sense.

Asked about the way forward for the protest movement, he replied, Boycotts have been working; McDonalds and Starbucks have been missing their targets. Were limited in what we can do, but we have to keep going. Strikes and protests have an impact.

A researcher explained, I decided to come and raise my voice against the atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. Its clear they are attacking civilians, kids and women. Killing and displacing them and harming them in any possible way they can.

What they have done this time has really opened the eyes of people around the world. They really understand how bad it is now, how extreme it is. The complicity of the Conservative and Labour parties had changed my perspective on UK politics.

Imperials involvement with the arms companies providing services to the IDF should be stopped. We should not help the government and armed forces carrying out these crimes.

The Socialist Equality Party/International Youth and Students for Social Equality (UK) are holding a series of public meetings this month titled, How can the genocide in Gaza be stopped. Make plans to attend.
The Stand with Gaza protests organised around the UK on Wednesday drew support from school and university students as well as teachers, lecturers, civil servants, National Health Service (NHS), media and postal workersamong othersdemonstrating their opposition to the four-month-long genocide by Israel against the Palestinians.

The Stop the War Coalition (STWC) played the lead role in organising Stand with Gaza and billed this as a day of workplace action.

Protesters at the University of Sheffield during the day of action

On social media, STWC reported that hundreds of workplaces took part. But while thousands of students and workers joined rallies and marches across the UK, not a single trade union called industrial action. Workers were instead invited to attend lunchtime rallies or walkouts on their own time, or to join evening vigils and protests that caused zero disruption to the government or the corporations profiteering from the bloodshed.

Such workplace action was largely restricted to education settings and the civil service. STWC could cite official backing for their day of action from just three unions out of the forty-eight affiliated to the Trades Union Congress covering 5.5 million workers: the National Education Union (NEU), University and College Union (UCU) and Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.

Token protests organised by the education and public sector unions, along with PR stunts held by Unite and Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) officials, were aimed at deflecting workers anger over the unions refusal to heed the urgent call by the Palestinian trade union federation last October for industrial action to paralyse Israels war machine and stop the slaughter.

Wednesdays limited outcome stands in stark contrast to the ongoing mass opposition to genocide by workers and youth in Britain and around the world. Last Saturday saw the eighth national demonstration in London, with a quarter of a million turning out to demand an immediate ceasefire, protesting the British government and the Labour Partys unconditional backing for Israels war crimes.

For more than four months, the leadership of the STWC has invited Labour MPs and trade union officials onto the platform at mass rallies to make holiday speeches about peace without lifting a finger to mobilise workers against the Tory-Labour warmongers.

What has been served up is precisely the type of empty solidarity criticised by the Palestinian unions when they appealed for concrete action to stop arms production and shipments to Israel by the imperialist powers. For months British union leaders have maintained a criminal silence over this appeal.

Schools and universities were chosen as the focus for Wednesdays day of action because students have been at the forefront of civil disobedience since the beginning of the slaughter in Gaza, taking part in large scale walkouts and sit-ins. These have exposed the failure of the education unions to organise their hundreds of thousands of members in joint action with students.

Left isolated, students have faced a battery of repressive attacks, ranging from suspensions to dawn police raids under the Terrorism Act for defending the Palestinian people and their right to resist Israels military occupation. Students as young as eight have been smeared as pro-terrorist for wearing the colours of the Palestinian flag on Children in Need Day.

The leaders of the NEU and UCUlike their fellow TUC bureaucratsjustify their refusal to organise industrial action on the grounds that anti-strike laws prohibit strikes against the government. These anti-democratic laws should have been challenged long ago. Their rigorous policing by the unions at a time when genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza backed by Britain and the US is an act of fealty by the bureaucracy to imperialism which must be defeated by the working class.

STWC is led politically by Labour lefts such as Jeremy Corbyn, public schoolboy Stalinists from the Communist Party of Britain such as Andrew Murray, and pseudo-left outfits such as Counterfire and the Socialist Workers Party, many of whose members are also trade union officials. Their sponsorship of Wednesdays day of action has the character of a false flag operation, providing the illusion of a fight by trade union bureaucrats who are policing their members to prevent any action that would threaten the vital interests of British imperialism, and which might jeopardise the election of a Labour government led by war-monger Sir Keir Starmer.

The lefts in the trade union bureaucracy, led by the RMTs Mick Lynch and the Stalinist Alex Gordon are playing a pivotal role in this political pantomime. Posturing as opponents of Israels genocide, they are blocking any action by their members on the rail and ports which could halt the supply of arms to Israel and challenge Britains military build-up in the Middle East.

RMT leader Mick Lynch addresses the London protest, February 4, 2023

The RMT leadership has sought to conceal the role of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) where it has members, who have been dispatched to support Britains armed forces, backing the siege of Gaza and helping to supply the vast military build-up in the region targeting Yemen, Lebanon and Iran. Stalinist official Eddie Dempsey has sought to portray the RFA as providing humanitarian assistance!

At Saturdays rally in London, Lynch was again on the speakers platform, calling on our Labour Party to stand with our people. This is the same Labour Party currently under investigation by Scotland Yard for war crimes based on evidence submitted by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP). The ICJP has served prosecution notices against Starmer, Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry and Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy following their statements supporting Israels collective punishment of 2.3 million Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The RMTs contribution to the day of workplace action was farcical. According to tweets by STWC this consisted of a charity bake sale outside Kings Cross station raising 1,000 for humanitarian aid, and a delegation of RMT full-timers, led by Gordon, standing outside RMT headquarters at lunch time with a Ceasefire Now banner alongside representatives of the GMB union. This was enough to win the STWCs accolade of Solidarity, accompanied by a fist bump emoji and Palestinian flag.

A similar PR job was provided for Unite, with a tweet showing London and Eastern Officers gathered outside the unions regional headquarters stating they had come out to support the Palestinian people, as if this was a major show of strength by the largest private and public sector union in Britain with over a million members. Led by General Secretary Sharon Graham, Unite has prevented any action by its members employed at UK arms manufacturer BAE Systems which supplies 15 percent of components to the F35 Lockheed Martin aircrafts used by the Israel Defence Forces to reduce Gaza to rubble.

While BAE Systems sites in Britain have been the focus of protests by members of Unite and other unions to oppose the export of weapons to Israel, industrial action has been prevented. Graham was quite prepared to stage unofficial action at the docks against Russian oil and gas tankers, portraying NATOs proxy war in Ukraine as a humanitarian cause, but in the face of the British government and Labours support for Israels genocide action to stop the trade in weapons used to kill and maim Palestinian men, women and children is ruled out.

A statement issued by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) for Wednesdays day of action outlined the type of political struggle that is needed, based on the mobilisation of the working class against the apologists for war in the Labour and trade union bureaucracy:

The task before those involved in the protest movement over Gaza is to mobilise workers independently of these organisations, against their efforts to restrain action and drag their members into the political cesspit of the Labour Party.

It concluded: Ending the mass murder and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians and opposing the expanding war waged by the NATO powers and their proxies demands a global, socialist anti-war movement. Students and young people must take the lead in turning out to factories and workplaces, arguing for working-class action, including strikes and boycotts of arms companies, docks and airports, and for a political struggle against the Tory government and the equally criminal Labour Party.

The Socialist Equality Party/International Youth and Students for Social Equality (UK) are holding a series of public meetings this month titled, How can the genocide in Gaza be stopped?. Make plans to attend.
The AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. [Photo: Matt Popovich]

On Thursday, the AFL-CIO issued a terse, one-sentence statement on Gaza. It reads in full:

The AFL-CIO condemns the attacks by Hamas on October 7th and calls for a negotiated cease-fire in Gazaincluding the immediate release of all hostages and provision of desperately needed shelter, food, medicine and other humanitarian assistance to Gazansand reaffirms our support of a two-state solution for long-term peace and security.

This statement has generally been presented by pseudo-left and liberal outlets, such as the radio show Democracy Now! and the Democratic Socialists of America, as indicating the American union federations support for a ceasefire and end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. For months, rank and file workers across the US have organized their unions to demand permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a post from the DSAs official Twitter/X account declared. That message has now filtered up to the AFL-CIO, representing 13 million workers. Workers will keep raising expectations for internationalism & justice in Palestine!

To be blunt, among those who have actually read the statement, this claim will fool only those who want to be fooled, or are trying to fool others. Notwithstanding the passing reference to a ceasefire, this is a pro-war resolution. It is virtually identical in both substance and form to countless statements made by the White House claiming to support a humanitarian pause which are meant to screen the Biden administrations active support for the genocide.

It is also nearly identical to an earlier statement released by the AFL-CIO in October, after its Executive Council explicitly rejected calls for a ceasefire and as it was suppressing pro-ceasefire resolutions by local union bodies. Both statements begin by explicitly denouncing Hamas without even naming Israel, effectively blaming the Palestinians as the aggressors. The words genocide, mass murder and ethnic cleansing do not appear. Both refer to a humanitarian crisis without indicating that this crisis was deliberately created by the Israeli militarys policy of mass starvation and its targeting of civilians and humanitarian aid workers.

The ceasefire which the statement calls for would be entirely on Israels terms. One could even conclude, on the basis of the most recent statement, that the AFL-CIO is blaming Hamas for the humanitarian crisis, and placing the onus on them to release the hostages before Israel makes things worse for Gaza.

As for the reference to a two-state solution, this ignores the fact that Israel has made clear that its solution is the extermination and expulsion of Gazas pre-war population of 2.2 million people. Sections of the American political establishment have raised a two-state solution as an alternative endgame to the war. In reality this would mean the total colonial subjugation of the survivors of Gaza through an Israeli-imposed government administered by the Palestinian Authority, hated in the West Bank for its collaboration with Israeli security services.

The American trade union bureaucracy has released this statement in defense of the genocide, not in opposition to it. It was issued in advance of the main Israeli assault on the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians have been herded by Israel with nowhere else to run. This attack, which the AFL-CIO does not even mention, will portend massacres on an even larger scale, even though the Israeli assault is already the bloodiest war, in terms of the rate of civilian deaths, of the 21st century.

The trade union bureaucracy functions as an extension of the American imperialist state. It has long supported the CIAs regime change operations in Latin America and around the world. It also has supported the state of Israel since its founding in 1948 on the basis of ethnic cleansing.

The AFL-CIOs support of the Israeli apartheid state continues to the present day, including through the recent visit of teachers union president Randi Weingarten to Israel. Weingarten has also criss-crossed eastern Europe for years, meeting with the extreme right-wing and antisemitic forces with whom the US is allied in its proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

It is worth comparing the two brief press releases by the AFL-CIO on Gaza to its endless statements denouncing governments targeted for regime change by the US.

In March 2022, the AFL-CIO released the first of many statements denouncing Russia, End the Violent Invasion of Ukraine. That statement declared that the invasion flagrantly violates international law and undermines the right of Ukraine and of all nations to self-determination free from the threat of violence. The consequences of the attack on Ukraine are vasttens of thousands of lives may be lost, millions may be displaced. Countries will need to house, feed and support the many refugees fleeing the violence.

It goes without saying that the AFL-CIO has never made similar statements of concern for the human and national rights of the Palestinians.

While it now ignores the Palestinian trade unions call for industrial action to halt the flow of weapons into Israel, the AFL-CIO declared then, We join the global labor movement [in reality, the pro-imperialist labor bureaucracies of Europe] and our allies in calling for an immediate end to President Vladimir Putins military aggression and we support extensive economic sanctions. It added that the AFL-CIO would place itself at the disposal of the US proxy war, declaring, We stand ready to assist the Biden administration in its efforts to implement and strengthen these measures.

The AFL-CIO has also released countless statements denouncing the cultural genocide of the Uighurs by the government of China. Unlike the real genocide unfolding in Palestine, China has been accused of genocidal action by the United States, without any credible evidence, to justify trade war and eventual military conflict. But in a statement from June 2020 The AFL-CIO claimed China was engaging in the largest internment program of an ethnic and religious group since the Holocaust.

China [but not Israel!] has a long record of documented worker and human rights violations, the statement declared. But even in this horrendous context, the extreme gravity, scale and scope of this program to consolidate state power and enrich companies through a model that rests on massive human rights violations stands out. The statement called for U.S. trade action and legislation to end these abuses, as well as a change to corporate purchasing practices in global supply chains to circumvent China.

The trade unions also have no qualms with backing human rights violations within the United States itself. As the Biden administration moved to adopt wholesale the Republican rights anti-immigrant policies in exchange for funding for Israel and Ukraine, the AFL-CIO issued a statement praising the Department of Homeland Securitys supposed efforts to ensure that immigrant workers who take action to help enforce our labor laws will be protected from retaliation.

The union bureaucracys longstanding support for imperialism, as well as its virulent nationalism and anticommunism, arise from its social interests. The pro-corporate union apparatus is hostile to the working class and totally dependent both politically and financially on its ties to the capitalist state.

The trade union bureaucracies objectively support war at the same time as they are helping carry out massive job cuts. Huge layoffs this year at UPS and in the auto industry were made possible by sellout contracts reached in 2023 by the Teamsters and United Auto Workers. The bureaucrats have been working closely with the Biden administration, the so-called most pro-labor president in US history, to sabotage strikes and limit wage growth.

The primary role of these social interests in determining the policy of the unions cannot be altered even by the most radical-sounding statement. Even if, at some point in the future, the AFL-CIO were to issue a statement describing Israels actions as genocide, this would only be aimed at getting out in front of rank-and-file opposition before it begins to escape their control.

Thus, the UAW executive board adopted a cynical and insincere pro-ceasefire resolution late last year. Its posturing collapsed within weeks, when the UAW endorsed Genocide Joe Biden and threw out antiwar protesters at his speech accepting the unions endorsement. Later, behind a phalanx of riot cops, UAW President Shawn Fain met with Biden in Detroit, where he declared he would send the UAW membership to war for him.

A genuine fight against the genocide in Gaza has to be based on the independent mobilization of the working class, in a rebellion against the pro-corporate trade union apparatus. The establishment of rank-and-file committees, controlled by the workers themselves, is necessary to organize industrial action, including strikes and other forms of protests, to stop the genocide in Gaza.

At the same time, the fight against war must be connected with the fight against its source: the capitalist profit system, on the basis of the principles of socialist internationalism. The bureaucracy, meanwhile, directs all of its efforts to defending capitalism from the danger from below.
Disco Boy, the first feature film from Italian writer and director Giacomo Abbruzzese (born 1983), premiered at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. At that event, the film garnered a Silver Bear award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution in the category of cinematography (Helene Louvart) and has received nominations at the Cesar Awards, International Cinephile Society and Lumieres Award, where it won for Best Music. The WSWS published a full review last year. The movie opened in theaters in several US and Canadian cities this month.

The film tells the stories of two young men, Alex/Aleksei (Franz Rogowski), a Belarusian who joins the French Foreign Legion in hope of eventually gaining French citizenship, and Jomo (Morr Ndiaye), who is battling the huge oil companies in Nigeria as a member of MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta). The giant firms, in league with the thoroughly corrupt Nigerian government, are ravaging the region and brutally exploiting its inhabitants.

Franz Rogowski in Disco Boy

As the WSWS explained: After executives of an oil company are taken hostage, the fates of Aleksei and Jomo become intertwined. During a mission by the French Foreign Legion, the two are pitted against each other. Tragic and telling events ensue.

We described the work as a remarkable anti-war film. It offers, the WSWS wrote, an appeal for international unification and against nationalism. War serves only to further the interests of the super-rich minority in corporations and financial markets, like the international oil industry in the film.

Disco Boy also defies the banality of Hollywood narratives and depictions, returning to the cinema the humanity and richness that belong in the arts and that audiences deserve.

The WSWS interviewed Abbruzzese recently during his North America tour.

Marc Wells: What inspired you to make this movie?

Giacomo Abbruzzese: It was the need to make an atypical war movie. Even in the war movies I love, the Other never exists, whether the enemy or the victim. One may perceive it for an instant, but you never have that Otherness. Typically, you have only one perspective.

Weve been accustomed to this single view to make us feel were on the right side of the conflict. But this is also why conflicts never end, in the sense that it is indispensable to be able to look at the world also from the other side, with eyes that uphold different values and history. You make peace with the enemies, not with your friends. This was my basic conception.

There was also a practical cause: one night I was at a club, Divinae Follie in Bisceglie [in Italys Apulia region], and I met a dancer who had been a soldier. This double vocation and definition was very interesting to me, especially how a person could contain such disparate and apparently distant components. At the same time, there were some interesting affinities: the body of the dancer and the body of the soldier both have senses of discipline, even choreography, a strange need to get to the end of the day feeling exhausted. On such a basis, I came up with the character of Alex, as well as Jomo.

Giacomo Abbruzzese [Photo]

MW: What made you choose such diverse worlds? A migrant from Belarus and a fighter from the Niger Delta?

GA: This movie has a long history. Ten years ago, I went to Kiev for a screening of my short film Fireworks, a movie about international eco-terrorists who blast the heavily polluting ILVA steel mill in Taranto, Italy on December 31 in the middle of the New Years Eve fireworks.

A group of dissidents from Belarus invited me to screen the movie at an underground festival in Minsk. I accepted and it turned out to be an incredible experience. There I met many interesting people, I learned of many leaving for the French Foreign Legion to get EU [European Union] papers and never coming back. What struck me is that these were not stereotypical soldiers, they were people like me who read books, watch movies. But their Belarusian passport limited their aspirations.

There was also an element of adventure that still exists in Eastern Europe, pretty absent in Western Europe nowadays. So, about twelve years ago is when I started developing Alex, the Belarusian character. Then I started reading up on the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta [MEND]. I was attracted to it because it was an ecological vanguard coming from the Niger Delta in Africa, one of the most polluted locations on earth.

I was also attracted by their self-awareness in their look, their communication. They have an almost performative character to their operations. So, this was the original triangle from which Disco Boy was born.

MW: The movie explores the issue of migration: from Belarus to France in search of a better life. How did the theme of immigration operate in the development of your script?

GA: Ive always been interested in the foreigner, in his most ample and abstract dimension: the strangers gaze sees things we no longer see or perhaps have never seen. I like the foreigner as a possibility to see more and better, especially through listening to him. Clearly, this is also a highly political and central issue, like climate change: how are these issues being tackled?

What has always fascinated me is the question of universality: in struggle, in the human condition. What I could never stand is the tendency to relativize life and death, limiting it to the people closest to us culturally, geographically, nationally. As if other lives were worth less. Color, religion, geopolitical convenience, sensitivity to a certain type of suffering, or certain deaths instead of others: deaths of convenience, while the others count only as mere numerical terms.

In my short Fireworks, I developed this theme in the way of an international revolutionary brigade, if you will, a la the Spanish Revolution and the issue of international solidarity was central. Politics must be as international as possible. In this sense, the internationalism of socialism worked, as it reduced the question of colonialism, creating more equality among nations.

MW: Your depiction of MEND contained a more humanized approach to a rebel group, quite different from the traditional narrative that seeks to demonize the bad guy.

GA: Generally, the image we are given of groups that choose the armed struggle is often one of face-covered people. But behind that balaclava theres always a complexity, a story which the media dont care to probe further. The definition of terrorist is used conveniently by all governments quite freely, it may mean everything and nothing. For groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, Im far from their ideas. However, there is a difference between an armed struggle in Palestine, where there is an occupation, or in Italy, where there is no occupation and a different history. From our comfortable position its easy to say no to armed struggle.

But in a context where survival, existence, dignity and military occupation are concrete issues its different. I cannot condemn the Palestinian people choosing the armed struggle, how could I? I dont know whether that struggle will lead to real emancipation. The history of at least the last 50 years didnt go well in that direction, as Palestinians know. It is desperation that leads to embracing violence. It makes me laugh that we are told it all started on October 7. That situation was determined well in advance. Those who create a situation of constant tension, non-resolution of the conflict also build colonies, implement embargoes and seek to find a cover in the status quo.

Then there is the enormous hypocrisy and myopia of the international community that should intervene directly. I see [EU foreign policy chief Josep] Borrells interviews where some things are said, but then you have twelve Israeli ministers who meet to discuss settlements in Gaza and, aside from generic criticism, there is never any consequence, or real sanctions. This is how the international community has lost any credibility. Only those in bad faith can defend the current situation.

MW: Your depiction of Alexs struggle with Jomo and eventually Jomos death are dealt with extraordinary sensitivity. Alex clearly goes through a deep trauma. What allowed you to present these elements so empathically?

GA: I was influenced by important books such as [Joseph Conrads] The Heart of Darkness, [Louis-Ferdinand Celines] Journey to the End of the Night and [Swiss-born Blaise Cendrars] Jai tue. This last writer was himself in the French Foreign Legion where he lost his right hand and learned to write with his left. In Jai tue he describes the total abyss of killing a person you know nothing about. This inspired the struggle between Alex and Jomo. Also, I decided to shoot this scene in the same location where Mikhail [a friend of Alexs] disappeared in the water. I wanted to create the feeling that this is always the same water, the same leaves, the same mud. No escape. But because Alex was not able to bury his comrade, he will have mercy for Jomos body and will bury it.

So, when the ghost of Jomo comes back, its not for haunting Alex, but to give him a gift. The most precious thing he had, the dance he shares with Jomos sister Udoka.

MW: The struggle scene was very unique: it deliberately avoided graphic images that often characterize films and chooses to use a thermal camera. What was behind this choice?

GA: It is precisely because of the pornographic use of violence in war images, both on television and cinema, that I felt the need to make a different choice. I could not totally avoid violence. After all, in a war movie you have combat scenes. But I decided to limit the violence to sound and use images that would take us elsewhere and depict a sort of emotional and social reciprocity between the two characters. The struggle was, in a way, already an initial form of the dance later developed between Udoka and Alex.
Protesters hold a DSA banner during a march for voting rights, marking the 58th anniversary of the March on Washington, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. Jose [AP Photo/Luis Magana]

Last month, Maria Svart, the national director of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), published a statement announcing her resignation from the position. Svarts decision to step down from the top post in the DSA, one she has held for over 12 years, is one of many indications of a major political crisis within the organization.

In her statement (A Farewell from the National Director), Svart stated that hundreds of members join each month, but more members leave or let their dues lapse, producing what she referred to as a period of membership shrinkage and increasing financial stress. While Svart did not give figures on recent membership, according to Socialist Majority, a caucus within the DSA, it has fallen by 30 percent in the last two years.

On our present course, we will be unable to pay all our bills in a few months without a change in direction, Svart wrote. With regard to the organizations 2024 budget, she continued, It will require very hard choices, and longer term, a reckoning with our structure and our definition of democracy. The organization has racked up a $1.7 million budget deficit that it does not have the funds to pay off.

Various factions and caucuses within the DSA have published statements over the past month presenting their solutions to the financial deficit through cuts and other actions. What is notably absent, however, is any attempt to explain the organizations crisis politically. This applies in particular to Svarts own letter, which is devoid of any concrete reference to the political situation. It does not refer to the emerging global war, which began in 2022 over Ukraine and has now extended to the Middle East, the pandemic which has claimed almost 30 million lives since 2020, the elevation of fascistic tendencies and the political crisis in the United States, or the growth of class struggle throughout the world.

The genocide in Gaza is cited only in relation to Svarts decision to delay her departure by two months in order not to disrupt our critical Palestine solidarity work, which has consisted of organizing almost 400,000 calls to Congressthat is, appeals to the same Democrats and Republicans that fund and arm the Israeli regime in its onslaught on the Palestinian people. Svart refers to Biden only once, and only to remark that in the wake of his election, there was a worldwide slowdown in donation income and volunteer engagement at nonprofits and other civic organizations, which is her only effort to explain the decline in DSAs membership.

The crisis in the DSA is one expression of the crisis of the Democratic Party under conditions of an emerging world war, a sharp shift to the right by the entire ruling class and growing popular opposition. The coming to power of the Biden administration is significant in relation to the DSA not because it produced a decline in volunteer engagement, but because it has exposed the reactionary character of the Democratic Party and with it the DSA.

In reviewing the political work of the DSA since she became national director, Svart lauds the various campaigns to support Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democratic Party politicians.

The DSA endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in his first presidential run and we began to grow, she writes. With the election of DSA member Ocasio-Cortez to Congress in 2018, Svart states, the DSA grew further. It was our largest new member month in history. This was followed by the second campaign of Sanders for president. Tens of thousands of Bernie supporters found us, and DSA was invited to the People Power for Bernie coalition with base-building national organizations.

In fact, the DSA and figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were built up systematically by sections of the Democratic Party, the media and the state apparatus as state socialists: their function was and is to trap young people and workers moving to the left, and keep them within the framework of capitalist politics, above all the Democratic Party.

But with these very campaigns, the DSA has now discredited itself in the eyes of left-wing workers and youth. Both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have provided political cover for Biden as he backs the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Not only have they both endorsed Biden in the 2024 election, but they attack any criticism of the Democratic Party from the left. Ocasio-Cortez has called socialist opponents of Biden privileged and bad faith actors. In a recent interview, when asked about her support for Biden as he funds genocide, she said, We just got to be adults about the situation.

The DSA in Los Angeles, meanwhile, has been thrown into crisis over its endorsement of Los Angeles Council member Nithya Raman, a DSA member who has received the support of Zionist organizations along with the Democratic Party establishment.

The DSA has also played a central role in the Democratic Partys strategy to bolster the union bureaucracies to suppress working class opposition to austerity and imperialist war. Toward the beginning of her letter, Svart writes, Outside of unions, there are too few places where working class people can decide together the direction of our lives and fight for it rather than sit at home alone while the whole world burns and the authoritarians rise. She writes later of the DSAs role in supporting the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Teamsters.

When Svart speaks of the unions, she means not the rank-and-file workers, but the bureaucracies, in which the DSA has secured high positions for itself. In both the Teamsters and the UAW, DSA members have been elevated into the upper echelons of the apparatusled by Sean OBrien in the former and Shawn Fain in the latter. During the UAW election in 2022, the DSA supported the long-time bureaucrat Fain against rank-and-file socialist Will Lehman, while covering up the systematic campaign of the apparatus to suppress the vote. It then proceeded to sell Fains phony stand-up strike last year, which involved calling out only a tiny fraction of the membership, as a historic advance.

With the DSAs assistance, both the Teamsters and the UAW have implemented pro-corporate contracts, working with the Biden administration to suppress the class struggle and subordinate it to the ruling class policy of war abroad. In the first month of 2024, the auto companies and UPS have begun implementing mass layoffs, facilitated by the trade union apparatus.

Fain has also endorsed Biden for reelection, despite a toothless resolution promoted by the DSA nominally calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. At the recent UAW event where Biden accepted the unions endorsement, several pro-Palestinian UAW members were forcibly thrown out of the meeting for protesting against the genocide, while Fain pledged to Biden backstage, Mr. President, its time for us to go to war and put the power of the membership behind you. Im looking forward to it. And were going to do it. OBrien, meanwhile, is contemplating endorsing Trump.

Since its founding in 1982 by Michael Harrington, the DSA has served as a faction of the Democratic Party. Under Svart, however, it has increasingly been brought into positions within the state apparatus. In the process, it has become a broad catchment for various reactionary middle-class formations, including outright Stalinists, whose main common denominator is hostility toward the working class and revolutionary internationalism.

This found its most overt expression in the campaign of threats of political violence and assassination against Trotskyists by leading YDSA and DSA members in 2021, involving the posting of ice pick images, a reference to and an endorsement of the assassination of Leon Trotsky by a Stalinist agent in 1940. David North, National Chairman of the Socialist Equality Party, responded by writing an open letter to Svart in 2021, demanding that the DSA repudiate the violent threats, to which she never responded, thus endorsing the attacks.

All of this underlies the crisis within the DSA. The decline in membership certainly expresses the fact that many of those who joined or sympathized with the DSA have become disillusioned in the organization and its adamant support for the Democratic Party. At the same time, the DSA is also riven by increasing factional conflicts by the various middle class tendencies that have joined and promoted it.

Moreover, while the DSA endlessly promotes the Democratic Party, sections of the Democratic Party are not necessarily keen on utilizing its services.

Shortly after Svart announced her resignation, the New York Times reported that an organization set up by the DSA to elect Democrats, DSA for the Many, has been targeted by the State Board of Elections in New York for alleged campaign violations and could face $300,000 in finesseven times the organizations cash reserveson top of their budget crisis. The New York Times hinted that there was a connection between this apparent attempt by sections of the Democratic Party to ruin the DSA and the backlash over the New York DSAs initial and timid support for a Gaza protest last October.

To what extent these different elements of the crisis within the DSA motivated Svarts resignation is not known. She also may simply be looking to move on to a better position within the Democratic Party itself. In any case, young people and workers attracted to the DSA need to draw the necessary conclusions from the experience of the past decade.

The DSA is not a socialist organization. It is a faction of the Democratic Party. It represents the interests of privileged layers of the upper middle class, not the working class. As with all organizations of the upper middle class, it is thoroughly nationalist, supporting American imperialism while promoting the politics of racial and gender identity.

For those that mistakenly joined or oriented to the DSA believing it presented an alternative to capitalism and are now leaving the organization seeking genuine socialist politics, the next step must be a total break with all the politics of the middle class and a turn towards genuine Marxism, presented by the International Committee of the Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Party.
Following a year-long investigation, Special Counsel Robert K. Hur released a more than 300-page report Thursday in which he recommended that President Joe Biden not be charged over his handling of classified documents. Hur was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023 to investigate Bidens retention of classified documents at his home.



In his report, Hur, a former prosecutor in the Trump administration, repeatedly emphasized that part of his reasoning in not charging Biden was due to the presidents hazy and limited memory.

President Joe Biden pauses after speaking in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Hur referred to Bidens diminished memory nine separate times. Citing interviews recorded by Mark Zwonitzer who was ghostwriting Bidens memoirs, Hur wrote that Mr. Bidens memory was significantly limited, both during his recorded interviews with the ghostwriter in 2017, and in his interviews with our office in 2023.



Later on, Hur wrote that Bidens memory also appeared to have significant limitationboth at the time he spoke to Zwonitzer in 2018, as evidenced by their recorded conversation, and today, as evidenced by his recorded interview with our office.



Hur described Bidens recorded conversations with his ghostwriter in 2017 as often painfully slow, with Mr. Biden struggling to remember events and straining at times to read and relay his own notebook entries.



However, when Biden interviewed with Hurs office in 2023, Mr. Bidens memory was worse, Hur wrote, adding that Biden did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended (if it was 2013when did I stop being Vice President?). And forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began (in 2009, am I still Vice President?).



Hur wrote that Biden did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died. And his memory appeared hazy when describing the Afghanistan debate that was once so important to him. Among other things, he mistakenly said he had a real difference of opinion with General Karl Eikenberry, when, in fact, Eikenberry was an ally whom Mr. Biden cited approvingly in his Thanksgiving memo to President Obama.



Underscoring Bidens cognitive decline, Hur added that for jurors, Mr. Bidens apparent lapses and failure in February and April 2017 will likely appear consistent with the diminished faculties and faulty memory he showed in Zwonitzers interview records and in our interview of him. Therefore, we conclude that the evidence does not establish that Mr. Biden willfully disclosed national defense information to Zwonitzer.



Hur concluded that if he brought charges against Biden, which could only occur after he is no longer president, it would be difficult to convince a jury that they should convict himby then a former president well into his eightiesof a serious felony that requires a mental state of willfulness.



He added that Biden would likely present himself to a jury as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.



Republicans have seized on Hurs report to demand that Biden step down. In a statement signed by the House Republican Leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson (Louisiana), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (Louisiana), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (Minnesota) and Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (New York), the Republicans charged that a man too incapable of being held accountable for mishandling classified information is certainly unfit for the Oval Office.

There are also indications that sections of the Democratic Party may be concerned that Biden is not a viable candidate. Following the release of the report, the Democratic Party-aligned New York Times ran several prominent articles dedicated to Bidens diminishing cognition.

The primary concern within sections of the Democratic Party is not over Bidens cognitive state, however, but his deep unpopularity. Bidens support has been in free-fall among large sections of the population due in large part to his unwavering military, political and economic support for the genocide in Gaza and war in Ukraine against Russia. Polls currently show that he would lose in a contest with Trump by significant margins.

In an attempt at damage control, Biden conducted a hasty and rare Thursday evening press conference following the release of the report in which he attacked Hur for impugning his memory.



I know theres some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events, Biden said. Theres even a reference that I dont remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that?



Despite his best attempts to refute Hurs charges, later on in the brief press conference Biden confused the countries of Mexico and Egypt and claimed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the president of Mexico. He also falsely stated that all of the classified documents were locked up in filing cabinets, when some of them were found sitting in his garage in a box.



On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris was deployed by the administration to reassure the US military-intelligence apparatus and US allies abroad that the Biden-Harris administration could still carry out the aims of global imperialism. Harris attacked Hurs comments as gratuitous, inaccurate and inappropriate, before citing Bidens leading role in military operations in Israel and Gaza as a positive example of Bidens mental acuity.



On, October 7th, Harris said, we got the calls, the President and myself, in the hours after that occurred. ... And I was at almost every meeting with the president in the hours and days that followed.



Countless hours, with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the heads of our intelligence community. And the president was in front-of and on top of it all. ... He was in front of it all, coordinating, and directing leaders, who are in charge of Americas national security, not to mention our allies around the globe. For days, and up until now, months.



That Harris felt compelled to make such a public declaration is a testament to the deep crisis within the Biden administration and ruling class more generally.



It is not out of the question that Biden could be replaced on the Democratic Party ticket. On March 31, 1968, incumbent Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he would not seek the nomination of the Democratic Party after previously vowing to run.
Workers at the Stellantis Mirafiori plant on a wildcat strike, February 8, 2024. [Photo: Officine Maserati Grugliasco Fiom ]

Friday marked the third consecutive day of wildcat strikes and protests by Italian autoworkers at the historic Stellantis Mirafiori plant in Turin in response to the threat of the plants closure. Walkouts began on the second shift on Wednesday, at the end of a FIOM-CGIL union meeting, when Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares announced that the Mirafiori and Pomigliano dArco plants are at risk of being shut down.

The transnational firms next step is the extension of a temporary layoff next Monday, now effective through March 30, which will affect 2,260 workers. Workers have been placed on redundancy pay. The affected lines produce the electric version of the iconic Fiat 500 car as well as upscale Maserati models.

Fears that these are not temporary measures are more than justified. The move is part of an acceleration of job cuts being implemented across the global auto industry. At the beginning of February, Stellantis already shut down the third shift at its Detroit Assembly Complex-Mack plant, with similar claims that the 2,455 layoffs are just temporary. Hundreds of workers have also been laid off at the Toledo Jeep assembly complex in Ohio, forced to choose between transfers to factories in other towns and unemployment. Frances Stellantis Mulhouse plant is also planning the slashing of 600 jobs.

Stellantis CEO Tavares has engaged in what amounts to extortion of state and national governments in the countries in which the company operates, demanding massive incentives to subsidize the production of electric vehicles (EV), so that the company can compete with Chinas rapidly developing auto industry.

In a recent statement, Tavares blamed the Italian government for not providing more funding for the nascent EV market, issuing a not-so-thinly veiled threat to reduce the companys operations in the country: If you dont want EVs to progress, you just have to stop the subsidies, he said. Its obvious that the Italian government has been doing that. The EV market in Italy is very, very small. Its a direct consequence of the fact that the Italian government does not subsidize the purchasing of EVs.

There is enormous pent-up anger among the workers at Mirafiori. One commented on FIOMs Facebook page: We are just a drop, we need to block highways, freeways etc. Striking outside the plant is no longer sufficient. Look at the tractor ones [referring to farmers protests]. Another suggested: As soon as Mr. Tavares shows up, we must block everything to disrupt him.

Another worker commented on the increasingly precarious character of many jobs: In 2022 and 2023 workers only worked 7-8 weeks a year, no one is talking about this. These are people with health issues, they are discriminated against. They have a right to live and not starve to death!

In one interview, a worker described how the situation is very serious. Weve been dealing with redundancy pay for 17 years, production is at a historic low, we are really fed up. A union assembly that was supposed to be cool shifted into a real strike.

An examination of the role of the political establishment in Italy as well as the trade union bureaucracies further underscores the need for workers to mobilize independently of all these hostile forces.

First, the recent criticisms by fascist prime minister Giorgia Melonis government of Stellantis corporate executives have nothing to do with defending the interests of workers in Italy. Rather, Melonis government is seeking to funnel a greater share of Stellantis profits, produced by autoworkers globally, towards the Italian ruling class.

Minister for Business and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso stated that Stellantis had an unbalanced, absolutely not equal shareholding structure between its French and Italian stakeholders. In other words, so long as Italian capital is in charge of exploiting workers, everything would be fine.

The so-called opposition is in full agreement. Democratic Party (PD) Secretary Elly Schlein appealed to the government of Meloni to become a stockholder: Tavares launched a challenge: the government must accept it and not miss Stellantis provocation. The option of an Italian participation in Stellantis must be taken seriously as balance to that of France.

The union FIOM-CGIL assumed a similar tone. Giorgio Airaudo, head of CGIL in the Piedmont region where Mirafiori is located, anticipated the unviability of the plants future: For what we know today, Mirafiori will no longer produce any line by 2027. Unless new products arrive and the tendency on the European market shifts, the plant will be reduced to a flickering light.

Similarly, Samuele Lodi, national secretary of autoworkers for CGIL, appealed to the fascist Meloni government as well as Tavares: After [all the autoworkers unions] FIOM, FIM and ULIMs joint request to the prime minister and CEO Tavares, workers ask for initiatives that push the institutions to protect production and jobs. FIOM National Secretary Michele De Palma issued a similar appeal for a joint meeting between unions, government and Stellantis executives.

Mirafiori workers know too well what to expect from a fascist ultra-nationalist government: loyalty to big capital and repression of workers. Melonis political ancestor, Benito Mussolini, presided over the opening of the plant in 1939 in front of 50,000 workers, who compelled the Duce to leave the stage after they showed contempt for his words.

Melonis government has been carrying out ruthless attacks on the working class and the poor, and working to ensure continued funds for the war in Ukraine. A few days ago, the prime minister was praised by all European leaders for convincing Hungarian President Victor Orban to agree to a European Union fund for Ukraine. While there are plenty of resources for war and genocide, an intervention of the Italian state in Stellantis would only mean the subordination of workers to the harshest austerity measures in the name of the national interest.

Workers also know what to expect from Stellantis in light of the slew of layoffs that are taking place at virtually every plant around the world. Under capitalism, the transition to EVs, like the use of artificial intelligence (AI), will be at workers expenses: thinner assembly lines, smaller workforce and flexible contracts have already been planned in Stellantis corporate offices.

The union bureaucracies are playing a crucial role in aiding the corporations and the capitalist states in forcing through job cuts and attacks on workers living standards. The lessons of last years United Auto Workers sellout contract should be assimilated by all workers.

The administration of self-proclaimed reform president Shawn Fain orchestrated a fraudulent stand-up strike which kept the overwhelming majority of autoworkers at Ford, GM, and Stellantis on the job and producing profits for the companies. The UAW leadership then shut down the limited strikes after announcing tentative agreements with the companies, before holding votes or even showing workers the contracts.

The dealsworked out between the companies, the union apparatus and the Biden administration behind workers backswere hailed as historic and job-saving by the UAW leadership. But only weeks later, a wave of mass layoffs and firings of temporary workers have begun.

We should have a global strike

IYSSE members distribute statements opposing Gaza genocide to Stellantis workers at Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan on December 21, 2023

Stellantis workers in the United States responded to news of the walkouts in Italy with enthusiasm. The Italian workers are showing real solidarity, said Hannah, a former Warren Truck worker in suburban Detroit who was one of the hundreds of supplementary (temporary) workers terminated last month. The workers at the Mirafiori plant are seeking answers and not getting any from the union leaders, just like us. So, they are taking matters into their own hands.

Hannah, who is a member of the recently formed Rank-and-File Committee to Fight Job Cuts, said, When I posted news about the strike on our Facebook page lots of workers liked the posts. They posted replies like Lets go out too, Why werent we the first ones to walk out? and Only if we show them our strength can we do anything.

The UAW reps are saying thats over in Italy, it doesnt have anything to do with us. Wellhello...we all work for the same company! We should have a global strike. It was choice of the workers in Italy to fight, not the apparatus. The UAW officials are always trying to woo the membership with false hopes. But these job cuts are not just threats, they are happening all over, and workers are on the verge of taking matters into our own hands here too.

Italian autoworkers, like their brothers and sisters in the US, are ready to fight. But the union bureaucracies are curtailing the struggle to what is acceptable by Tavares and the fascist Meloni. The one-hour wildcat strikes for three consecutive shifts instead of an all-out general strike are the unions attempt to control a situation that is threatening to escape their grip.

It has never been more urgent for workers to mobilize independently, on the basis of their common interests as an international class.

A new, global form of struggle is being spearheaded by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), a network of militant workers organizations. The IWA-RFC is coordinating the fight against job cuts and for workers interests across national borders.
A Newsweek article published on Thursday reported for the first time that US special forces troops would be stationed in Taiwan on a permanent basis, rather than as part of a temporary or rotational arrangement. The deployment of any American troops to Taiwan is a breach of the One China policy, under which the US de facto recognises Beijing as the legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan.

Two Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopters approach during the annual Han Kuang military exercises at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. [AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying]

Citing the Taiwan-based United Daily News (UDN), Newsweek stated that Army Green Berets of the 1st Special Forces Group are this year permanently stationed at two bases of the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, a Taiwanese army special operations force.

The US deployment is particularly provocative as some of the US special forces are based on Kinmen, a group of fortified Taiwanese-controlled islands just 10 kilometres from the Chinese port city of Xiamen. Another group is stationed on the Pescadores islands off the Taiwanese coast in the Taiwan Strait.

Nominally, the US troops are involved in training Taiwanese forces, but their positioning also facilitates intelligence gathering of movements in the Taiwan Strait and on the Chinese coast. Xiamen has naval and air force bases.

According to UDN, American troops are also present at a military base in Taoyuan, in northern Taiwan. They are involved in training in the use of drones that the Taiwanese military is seeking to buy for its Airborne Special Service Company, an elite special forces unit.

Neither Washington nor Taipei has provided details of the number of US trainers or the training involved. It was only in 2021 that Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen officially confirmed that American special forces were in Taiwan and training local forces. The US Defence Department acknowledged that 30 US troops were present, but only to guard the American Institute in Taiwan, which functions as an unofficial US embassy in Taipei.

At the time, Taiwans defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told the countrys parliament lawmakers that American instructors had worked with Taiwanese forces over successive administrations. He did not consider the deployment to be a permanent US military presence on the island.

The permanent presence of US special forces in Taiwan is part of far broader preparations by US imperialism for war with China. By deliberately violating the One China policy, Washington is inflaming tensions with China over Taiwan in a manner akin to the way in which it goaded Russia into invading Ukraine.

When Washington established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1979, it closed its embassy in Taipei, ending formal diplomatic ties, and maintained only low-key unofficial contact. While it continued to sell arms to Taipei, the US ended its longstanding military pact with Taiwan and withdrew all its military forces.

Under Trump and now Biden, the US has torn up longstanding diplomatic protocols limiting contact between Taipei and Washington, boosted arms sales, including of offensive weaponry, and now stationed US trainers in Taiwan. The Biden administration welcomed last months election of Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as Taiwanese president.

In establishing diplomatic relations with Washington, Beijing put off reunification with Taiwan but made clear that it would not do so indefinitely. While offering peaceful reunification under the one China, two systems principle, Beijing has repeatedly made clear that it would respond with force to any formal declaration of independence by Taipei. By moving to integrate the economically and militarily strategic island within its sphere of influence, the US is recklessly plunging the region toward war.

The permanent stationing of US special forces in Taiwan is just one aspect of the growing American military presence. While the US Defence Department has only admitted the deployment of a handful of military personnel, the Wall Street Journal reported last February that the US planned to send between 100 and 200 troops to Taiwan in the immediate months ahead.

According to unnamed US officials, the planned increase was the largest deployment of forces to Taiwan in decades. Moreover, a Taiwanese military contingent was to travel to the US for training by the Michigan National Guard. That included involvement in annual exercises with multiple countries at Camp Grayling in northern Michigan.

US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the American troops in Taiwan were not only involved in training local forces in the use of US weapons, but engaged in military manoeuvres aimed against a potential Chinese offensive. Taiwans Defence Minister Chiu confirmed to the newspaper that the Taiwanese troops in the US were receiving training in basic combat skills as well as advanced training focussed on staff operations and troop deployment.

Last April, the Taiwan Times confirmed that the US Indo-Pacific Command had dispatched more than 200 military trainers to Taiwan, of which 80 percent were from the US Army. Most were stationed at new training centres and with the reserve brigades of Taiwans army.

The expansion of US trainers in Taiwan is partly in preparation for this years extension of compulsory military service for young men on the island from four to 12 months as a component of its military build-up against China. Washington, which is seeking to weaken and destabilise China in any conflict, has pressed Taipei to adopt a porcupine strategy aimed at inflicting maximum damage on Chinese military forces.

The Taiwan Times article last year noted that although some American instructors trained Taiwanese special operations troops, the US military has determined there is a gap between the training of the Taiwan Armys grassroots units and combat tactics instruction. More than 160 of the US trainers were non-commissioned officers with combat experience, sent to check on overall combat effectiveness and propose training methods to improve it.

The article underlined the fact that US forces were assessing Taiwans overall preparedness for war. Last April, US instructors reportedly entered the Chiashan Air Force Base to re-evaluate the safety of the bunkers, such as explosion-proof and protective facilities, especially the safety of areas where fighter planes and ammunition are stored.

While the reported numbers of US troops on Taiwan are still comparatively small, their activities and increasing size indicate that Washington is intent on preparing the island as a military trap for China in the not-too-distant futurenot decades down the track. Already at war with Russia in Ukraine, backing Israels genocidal war in Gaza and widening the conflict in the Middle East, the US is deliberately drawing China into a global war with catastrophic consequences.
When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that the government couldnt take a persons property for owing back taxes without compensating them for it, it looked as if a Lincoln woman and Scottsbluff man might finally get the compensation they had been seeking in separate legal battles.

One had owed $3,800 on property taxes, the other $5,300.

Investment companies bought the tax liens, then got Lancaster and Scotts Bluff counties to give them the deeds to their houses worth around $60,000, leaving Sandra Niveen and Kevin Fair with nothing.

It was a process allowed by state law.

Then came the decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County last May, where all nine justices agreed that Minnesotas tax sale process violated the Fifth Amendments takings clause, barring the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation.

But in Nebraska nine months later, its still not so clear who owes Niveen and Fair compensation for the homes they lost.

Unable to dispute that its a taking, they instead argue about who is liable for the taking, attorney Christina Martin told the Nebraska Supreme Court this week during back-to-back arguments in the cases. The investor says the county is liable. The county says the state is liable. And the state says the investor is liable.

Martin, of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest legal organization that fights for property rights, said Niveen and Fair will accept just compensation from any of them.

She said fairness and justice require both the county and investors  Tax 106 in Niveens case and Continental Resources in Fairs case  be held liable.

Tax 106 received the whole windfall from the taking, Martin said in Niveens case.

And it couldnt have done it without Lancaster County deeding her entire property to the company over a $3,800 debt.

Justice Jonathan Papik asked if the county had any choice under state law but to do that and if that mattered.

Martin said it didnt matter if the county was just following requirements of state law. What mattered was whether the government took private property without just compensation.

Unlike the Minnesota case  where Hennepin County sold 94-year-old Geraldine Tylers home for $40,000 and kept all of the money after she failed to pay $15,000 in property taxes, interest and fees  in the Nebraska cases neither of the counties got anything more than the back taxes, interest and fees.

The private companies that bought the tax liens did.

Attorney Chris Blunk, who represented Tax 106 and Vintage Management LLC, denied there was a taking at all in Niveens case.

To which Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman asked somewhat incredulously: Not a taking by anybody?

Blunk said its apples and oranges. Minnesotas law was the clear definition of taking. The government took the property and kept the money above what was owed.

Thats law school 101, he said. Our statutory scheme is different than Minnesota.

Justice John Freudenberg asked Blunk, if the justices were to find that it was a taking, who owes the money?

Well, certainly not my client. My client made a bargain with the county and for the purchase price of the taxes that were delinquent and all the subsequent taxes that they paid for the next three years. Their bargain was, from the county, they were to get a tax deed, he said.

Blunk said nothing in the statute said they had to sell the property or give excess to anyone.

Attorney Greg Scaglione, who represented Continental Resources in Fairs case, said the company was an innocent purchaser promised interest and the potential for equity.

Now the county wants to renege on the deal as it is obligated to by the Legislature. And thats not right, he said.

Scaglione said the county needs to make it right with the owner if there is a surplus.

Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Dan Zieg, who represented both counties, said their position, very simply, is they followed the law. Counties dont get to pick and choose which laws to follow.

It keeps coming back to what did the county actually do wrong in all of this? Other than follow the law. We did nothing wrong, Zieg said.

From the time the taxes became delinquent to the time the deed was issued, every step the county took was required by law, ordered by the Legislature, he said.

Its still a taking. Its just that we did not do the taking. It was the state of Nebraska that did the taking by enacting those laws, Zieg said.

But, Zieg argued also that the state was right, the investor was responsible, too. The investor came to a fork in the road and couldve foreclosed on its lien. Then, the property owner would get any excess funds that are made through the auction.

Instead, they chose to go to the path of the tax deed and try and opt for that obscene windfall from all of this, he said.

Solicitor General Eric Hamilton took issue with Blunks argument that by having to pay any excess profit on the property now would be to deny them the bargain they reached with the county.

Under this statutory scheme, investment companies receive 14% interest when property owners pay the liens. Or if they could choose to take the judicial foreclosure route theyre entitled to that interest and fees as well.

So there is still plenty for Tax 106, and similarly situated firms, even if they are denied this jackpot opportunity where they receive a tax deed on a property that has surplus equity, Hamilton said.

The court is expected to rule later in the cases.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
Less than 24 hours after the Republicans in the US Senate blocked additional military aid to Ukraine once again, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz flew to Washington on Thursday. Scholz is on a war mission. He intends to strengthen his support for President Joe Biden and ensure that the costly and dangerous war against Russia continues at all costs.

President Joe Biden, right, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, February 9, 2024 [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik]

One day before his trip, Scholz stated in a guest article for the Wall Street Journal: We have to do our utmost to prevent Russia from winning. Directly addressing the billionaire investors of the worlds largest stock exchange, he wrote, The long-term consequences and costs of failing to stop Mr. Putins aggression would dwarf any of the investments that we are making now.

Scholz boasted that  the European Union and its member states have been Ukraines largest financial supporter, having contributed more than $91 billion since the beginning of the war, followed by the U.S. and Germany.

Germanys military support comes second to that of the US: Since the war began, my government has earmarked, procured and delivered military equipment, including tanks, artillery and high-value air-defense systems, worth more than $30 billion. This has come on top of Germanys nonmilitary support, including welcoming over one million Ukrainian refugees, and our share of the EUs support.

Scholz met with politicians from both parties and business representatives in Washington to press for more US billions for the Ukraine war. This work is expected to continue next week at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where high-ranking US government officials and around 70 members of Congress are expected to attend.

On Friday afternoon, Scholz held a one-on-one meeting with President Biden, whichlike a similar meeting in March 2023was not followed by a press conference. Scholz and Biden do not want the public to know what they are secretly agreeing to.

Scholzs war mission is morally, politically and legally criminal. He is committed to the escalation of a war that has already killed and crippled hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both the Ukrainian and Russian sides and threatens to destroy Europe with nuclear weapons.

Scholz does not even hint at the idea of a negotiated solution or a ceasefire. Like Hindenburg, Ludendorff, Joffre, Petain and other World War I generals who were willing to sacrifice the last man to achieve their imperialist goals, NATO today accepts any risk to subjugate Russia. Only there were no nuclear weapons in the First World War!

Scholz claimed in the Wall Street Journal that a Russian victory in Ukraine would mean the end of Ukraine as a free, democratic and independent state and would deal a severe blow to the liberal world order. Who is he trying to fool?

The fact that Ukraine is neither free nor democratic or independent is proven by how its state budget and the war are fully financed by the NATO powers. As in Russia, corrupt oligarchs dominate the economy and politics. The government erects monuments to fascists and Nazi collaborators, such as Stepan Bandera. Media outlets and parties that make even the slightest criticism of the war are banned and suppressed.

Even in the event of a military victory, Ukraine would not be free. It would have to repay war debts to international banks for decades, its cheap raw materials and labor would be exploited by global corporations, and it would be a military base for NATOs further expansion to the east.

As far as the threat to the liberal world order is concerned, there is an essential truth in Scholzs statement when the word liberal is replaced by imperialist. The war against Russia follows more than three decades of imperialist wars in which the US and its European allies destroyed large parts of the Middle East and North Africa after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

As in the First and Second World Wars, at stake is the redivision of the world among the imperialist great powers, for whose economy the existing nation-state system has become too narrow. The US is trying to make up for the loss of its economic hegemony through military force, while Germany is returning to its old great power policy.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, then foreign minister and now federal president and, like Scholz, a member of the SPD, had already announced in 2014 that Germany was too big to merely comment on world politics from the sidelines. He was personally involved in organizing the coup that brought a pro-NATO regime to power in Kiev that same year and set the course for the current war.

And the Ukraine conflict is not the only war in which Germany and the US are cooperating closely. Scholz also discussed with Biden two other topics, according to the Chancellors official website: the situation in the Middle East and the future of NATO, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Washington in July.

Washington and Berlin are the main supporters of Israel, which could not carry out the genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza without their military, financial and political aid. Germany is also supporting the US in expanding the war against Iran and its allies and sparking a conflagration across the region.

A few hours before Scholz flew to Washington, the largest German warship, the frigate Hessen, set sail for the Red Sea. It is to participate in the EU military mission Aspides, which so far neither Brussels nor the Bundestag have definitively decided, and to support the fight against the Houthis in Yemen. The deployment was deliberately chosen so early to strengthen Scholzs position in the US.

The topic of NATO is above all about securing the future of the military alliance. Officially, Scholz and Biden do not want to talk about the elephant in the room at their meeting, Handelsblatt writes. So what happens if Trump wins the election, what precautions need to be taken, especially within the NATO alliance. But the conversation will also revolve around these questions, insiders say.

According to Handelsblatt, if the US withdraws its support for Ukraine, Scholz would also have a completely new role to play. All eyes in the Western defense alliance would be on the head of government of the largest European country, especially when it comes to supporting Ukraine.

Scholz has already made it clear that Germany is prepared to invest even higher sums in the war against Russia, and has called on other European governments to do the same. In an op-ed for the Financial Times on January 31, he wrote, We need to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts to ensure we maintain our support for as long as necessary.

This disastrous course can only be stopped by an independent movement of the international working class against war and its cause, capitalism. The enormous costs of war and rearmament are paid for by spending cuts to education, health, the environment and social welfare. The working class and the youth bear the brunt of militarismin the form of wage cuts, social cuts and layoffs, as cannon fodder and casualties of war. The struggle against this must develop into a conscious socialist movement, and the Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International must be built as a party of the international working class.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak released a one-minute video statement pledging a crackdown on the mass protest movement against the genocide in Gaza.

Sunak, whose own hands are dripping in blood, denounced protesters for appalling examples of antisemitism, violent intimidation and the glorification of terrorism. He threatened that he had asked the police what powers they need to bring order to our streets.

Announcing initial measures targeting the use of flares and fireworks on demonstrations, face coverings and climbing on war memorials, he concluded, Those who abuse their freedom to protest undermine public safety and our democratic values. And I will give the police the powers they need to crack down on this intimidating and appalling behaviour.

These are comments worthy of a police state. They signal a further assault on democratic rights in the UK, the corollary to ruling elites support for Israels war of annihilation against the Palestinians.

Police mobilise on Whitehall following the demonstration after calling for its early dispersal

Arrests and detentions carried out in recent months under hate crime and anti-terror legislation make clear the right-wing, dictatorial agenda of the Conservative government, which is backed to the hilt by the opposition Labour Party.

Among those affectedall in connection with actions taken over Gazaare journalist Craig Murray; co-founder of the Palestine Solidarity Committee Tony Greenstein; founder of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Committee Mick Napier; and members of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist), Revolutionary Communist Group and International Marxist Tendency. Many had their homes raided and electronic devices seized. Stringent bail conditions have been imposed.

These arrests, targeting members of left tendencies, are not only acts of political intimidation. They are preparation for a much broader campaign of political repression of the type announced by Sunak.

The arrests made, especially on protests in London, have relied on a sophisticated and expensive system of state surveillance. Roughly 22 million has been spent so far on Operation Brocks, the Metropolitan Polices response to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza and its impact on London.

At each major demonstration, information from facial recognition-enabled CCTV, police spotters and undercover officers is fed back to the Special Operations Room in Lambeth, where the police have provided senior prosecution lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service their own operational desk. The Home Secretarys Lead Special Advisors for Hate Crime and Media and Communications have also been given weekly access.

An open letter sent by the Islamic Human Rights Commission raises serious concerns about this front-loading of the charging and prosecution process, which it understand[s] is the first time measures such as these have been put in place by the Metropolitan Police.

The intention is to outlaw opposition to British imperialism and its support for the genocide in Gaza, criminalising opinions held by millions by making an example of selected individuals and organisations. A key part of this campaign is to brand left-wing politics as extremist, subjecting activists to surveillance, harassment, censorship and arrest with the use of deeply anti-democratic counter-terror legislation.

Years have been spent preparing these plans, which have now been activated and centred on the eruption of protest over Israels war, amid an explosive social and economic crisis.

In 2019, the UK governments Commission for Countering Extremism published a report on Violent extremist tactics and the ideology of the sectarian far left.

Declaring revolutionary workerist sentiment extremist, the report listed as examples the beliefs that The greatest threat to democracy has always come from the far right, Zionism is a form of racism, Mainstream newspapers and TV channels tell lies to protect the ruling class and Protesting against the Government makes the world a better place.

The authors concluded that the beliefs of [far-left sectarian groups] could plausibly provide a motivation to break the law, including with lethal terrorist actions.

Less than a year later, a Counter Terrorism Policing guidance document on extremism was leaked which included groups like the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), Socialist Party (SP), the Stop the War Coalition and Extinction Rebellion alongside fascist terror groups.

In 2021, the government announced a review into left-wing extremism to be conducted by former Labour MP John Woodcock, who was recruited by the Tories after resigning from the party and insisting that then-leader Jeremy Corbyn would pose a clear risk to UK national security as prime minister.

Woodcock specifically named the SWP as a threat and warned of a blind spot in Britain to the prospect of progressive extremismthat is, unacceptable disruption or even violence carried out in the name of progressive causes.

Late last year, it was reported that Communities Secretary Michael Gove is close to finalising a review of non-violent extremism, which will be defined as the promotion or advancement of any ideology which aims to overturn or undermine the UKs system of parliamentary democracy, its institutions and values or to threaten the rights of individuals or create a permissive environment for radicalisation, hate crime and terrorism.

These blanket definitions make clear the widespread repression planned for the Gaza protests and also for broader opposition to capitalism and war.

Government ministers, echoed by their Labour counterparts, have been demanding as much since the first national demonstration last October.

The police initially refrained from launching such a frontal assault, not out of any concern for democratic rights, but out of fear that the political and legislative preparations have not yet been made. They told the government so, and the prime minister has listened. Sunaks speech Thursday is a signal that the ruling class will provide all the support necessary for a rapid expansion of the police-state measures already in place.

This is above all in recognition of the fact that the principal restraint placed on the anti-war movement to this pointthe perspective of its current Stop the War Coalition leadershipis wearing thin. Directions to the millions of workers and youth searching for a way to stop the genocide to appeal to their MPs, above all the Labour Party, and the trade unions, as well as to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, have proved to be futile in the face of Israels escalating assault.

The bankruptcy of these forces confirms the essential experience of millions of workers during last years strike wave, as they saw Starmers Labour Party come out openly against them and the trade union bureaucracy sell out one struggle after another.

The ruling class depends on the Labour and trade union bureaucracy to act as its industrial and political police force. They know that its discrediting, including left representatives such as Corbyn who have refused to fight a single attack launched by the Labour right-wing, raises the prospect of explosive class conflicts outside of its control.

It is in anticipation of anti-war protesters and ever broader sections of the working class, especially its younger generation, looking for new avenues of struggle that the state is preparing savage repression.

Even before the outbreak of the Gaza protests, the UK government had passed the dictatorial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022) and Public Order Act (2023) eviscerating the right to protest, under which hundreds of climate activists were arrested and charged over just five weeks last year.

These were followed by the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act (2023), giving employers the tools to break strikes in key sections of the economy by forcing workers to cross picket lines on pain of dismissal.

The mass movement against the Israeli genocide has accelerated these moves toward police state rule.

The same issue confronts workers and youth in country after country, where the police have carried out vicious assaults on demonstrators amid a relentless propaganda campaign slandering opponents of Israels genocidal war as antisemites. This must be met by the building of an international, socialist, anti-war movement in the working class. Only such a movement can take on and defeat the imperialist ruling elites that are backing Israels genocide, waging war against Russia in Ukraine and preparing for war against Iran and China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially dismissed General Valery Zaluzhny as Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines armed forces, marking a significant turning point in the nearly two-year long NATO proxy war that has claimed the lives of at least 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Ending speculation about Zaluzhnys imminent dismissal that first began over 10 days ago, Zelensky announced the move on his X/Twitter and Telegram channels on Thursday night.

I met with General Valery Zaluzhny. I thanked him for the two years of defending Ukraine. We discussed the renewal that the Armed Forces of Ukraine require. We also discussed who could be part of the renewed leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The time for such a renewal is now. I proposed to General Zaluzhny to remain part of the team. We will definitely win! Glory to Ukraine!, Zelensky wrote.

Zelenskys announcement was accompanied by a photo of both Zaluzhny and Zelensky shaking hands and smiling, clearly intending to signal a friendly exchange between the two despite a well-documented, extremely strained relationship.

As Seymour Hersh reported last week, Zelensky feared having mutiny on his hands from both the armed forces and the countrys far-right political groups who are the most vociferous backers of the war and play a vital role, most notably in Ukraines special operations. One American official cited by Hersh called Zelensky a dead man walking should he fire Zaluzhny. Hersh also reported that Zaluzhny had been meeting with American and Western officials on negotiating a ceasefire with Russia, angering Zelensky.

Zaluzhny will be replaced by General Oleksandr Syrsky, who previously served as head of the Ukrainian Ground Forces since 2019.

Prior to Zaluzhnys firing, both Ukrainian and Western outlets had reported that Zelensky often purposely communicated his orders directly with Syrsky, bypassing Zaluzhny. Syrsky is also notorious for leading the defense of Bakhmut, which cost the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in a battle that became known as a meat grinder due to high casualties on both sides.

Similar tactics are now being employed in the eastern city of Avdiivka, which Zelensky has reportedly ordered to be held despite the high-risk of encirclement of Ukrainian forces and heavy casualties as earlier in Bakhmut. Syrskys appointment will thus likely result in continued high casualties and growing resentment from the frontlines towards Zelensky.

Reporting on the initial reaction to the move, the Financial Times wrote, Ukrainian troops and western officials speaking on condition of anonymity told the FT that Syrskys appointment as top commander bodes ill for the war. Soldiers who have criticized him in interviews say that he has callously thrown away troops. Some have dubbed him the butcher.

The Financial Times also quoted a Ukrainian soldier on X/Twitter as saying We are all screwed. He added that this was the sentiment among troops in a private chat group who went through all stages of the defense of Bakhmut with Syrsky.

Illia Ponomarenko, a right-wing war reporter for the pro-NATO Kyiv Independent who was previously embedded with the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, signaled his resentment with the switch to Syrsky from the standpoint of Ukrainian nationalism, stating on X/Twitter: Yes, Ukraines new top commanding general in its war against Russian invasion is an ethnic Russian born and raised in Russia. He studied military affairs to be commissioned as an officer in Moscow. He moved to Ukraine as a teen in 1980.

Ponomarenko also reported that he believed Zaluzhny would soon retire from the military to start his political career, which served as the alleged initial source of tensions between Zelensky and Zaluzhny.

Despite the failed counteroffensive that cost the lives of over a reported 125,000 Ukrainian soldiers this past spring and summer, Zaluzhny remains a popular figure as a war hero in Ukraine and was rumored to be Zelenskys main rival in presidential elections originally scheduled for 2024. Zelensky canceled the elections as tensions with Zaluzhny escalated last fall.

Zaluzhny has been polling higher than Zelensky in almost every major poll. Above all, he has established a close relationship with the countrys far-right. He has publicly expressed admiration for the Ukrainian fascist leader Stepan Bandera and has been photographed repeatedly with far-right paraphernalia.

Last week, following rumors of impending dismissal, a picture of Zaluzhny meeting with the commander of the neo-Nazi Right Sector Andriy Stempitsky was posted to Facebook with a portrait of Bandera in the background. Such photos are clearly meant to send a menacing political message to anyone opposing Zaluzhny within Ukrainian politics, and especially Zelensky.

Organizations like the Right Sector have been armed for over a decade by the imperialist powers and had played a central role first in the US- and EU-backed far-right coup in Kiev in February 2014, and, since 2022, in the NATO proxy war against Russia.

Valery Zaluzhny (left) with Andriy Stempitsky, a commander of the fascist Right Sector during his last days in office. Both men are photographed in front of a portrait of Ukrainian fascist leader Stepan Bandera

In an attempt likely intended to keep Zaluzhny under Zelenskys control, he was reportedly first offered several different lesser positions within the Ukrainian government, including ambassador to the United Kingdom and head of the National Security and Defense Council, both of which he apparently refused. According to Ponomarenko, Zaluzhnys refusal to accept these positions under the Zelensky government could signal his turn toward direct involvement in Ukrainian politics in opposition to Zelensky.

Despite the crisis within the Zelensky government, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby signaled that Washington would continue to back Kiev stating were not concerned about Ukraine stability as a result of the move.

On the same day that Zaluzhnys firing became official, the US Senate voted to advance a $95 billion foreign aid package for both Ukraine and Israel, signaling that it views both states as essential outposts from the viewpoint of American imperialism. According to the initial version of the bill, Ukraine would receive $60 billion of the $95 billion in aid.
Palestinians bury the bodies of people who were killed by the Israeli military, during a mass funeral in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. [AP Photo/Fatima Shbair]

On Friday, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement asserting that the prime minister had ordered the Israeli military to submit a plan for the forced evacuation of the southern town of Rafah, where one million refugees from other areas of Gaza have been driven.

Israels attack on Rafah would be a massive operation, Netanyahus office said.

Given that Israel has ordered the people of Gaza to evacuate effectively all other areas of the region, the clear implication is that the population will be expelled into the Sinai Desert, with or without the permission of Egypt.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Permanent Observer to the UN, said Friday that if the Israeli army  begins the so-called evacuating [of] the people from Rafah, where would they go?

Theyre saying theyre not allowing them to go to the north. They dont want them to stay in Rafahit doesnt require a nuclear physicist to come to the conclusion that there is only one place for them to go, which is the Sinai Peninsula.

In October, Israel ordered over one million people in northern Gaza to the south, calling it a safe zone and assuring them that they would not be bombed there. Then, in November, Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of the city of Khan Younis, forcing civilians in the area to flee south to Rafah. One after another, each of these safe areas have been bombed and then attacked by ground troops.

As a result, approximately 86 percent of Gazas population1.7 million out of 2.3 million peopleare internally displaced, with the majority of those sheltering in Rafah. The trapped refugees are facing famine and lack access to clean water, hygiene and medical care.

In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated, We would not in any way support forced displacement, which goes against international law. This statement effectively declares that the Netanyahu government has expressed intent to carry out ethnic cleansing.

The determination of the Netanyahu government to carry out the forced expulsions of the Palestinians from Rafah has produced hypocritical statements from the imperialist backers of the Israeli genocide. US President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters, said that Netanyahus conduct of the response in Gaza in the Gaza Strip has been over the top.

The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borell stated, Reports of an Israeli military offensive on Rafah are alarming.  It would have catastrophic consequences, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation and the unbearable civilian toll.

Regardless of such statements, the United States and European imperialist powers have systematically enabled Israel to carry out the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gaza, with the United States repeatedly declaring that there are no red lines for the number of Palestinians allowed to be killed.

Reuters reported Friday that Egypt has massively expanded the number of military personnel stationed on its borders with Gaza, deploying 40 tanks and armored personnel carriers to the area over the past two weeks.

Ahead of the expected ground offensive, Israeli forces intensified their aerial bombardment of the city.

There is a sense of growing anxiety, growing panic in Rafah, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNRWA agency, said Friday, adding, People have no idea where to go.

Gazas Ministry of Health said Friday that 27,947 Palestinians have been killed over the past three months, with thousands more unaccounted for. Between the afternoons of February 8 and 9, 107 Palestinians in Gaza were killed, the ministry said.

Even as Israel presses its assault on Gaza, it is systematically destroying buildings throughout the Gaza Strip, targeting in particular all structures that are near the Israeli border.

In a statement Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk declared, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are reportedly destroying all buildings within the Gaza Strip that are within a kilometre of the Israel-Gaza fence, clearing the area with the objective of creating a buffer zone. Destructions carried out to create a buffer zone for general security purposes do not appear consistent with the narrow military operations exception set out in international humanitarian law. Since late October 2023, my Office has recorded widespread destruction and demolition by the IDF of civilian and other infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, and universities in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place.

The statement added, Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas prior to the escalation in hostilities and appears to be aimed at or has the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible. I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime.

But this is precisely the plan of the Israeli government, operating with the full military and logistical support of the Biden administration and the European governments. Having seized upon the October 7 attacks as a pretext, Israel has moved to implement a long-term plan to render Gaza uninhabitable and either kill or expel its population. The assault on Rafah will mark a new stage in this vast crime.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its parliamentary front, the National Peoples Power (NPP), travelled to India on Monday for an official five-day visit. He was accompanied by MP and JVP propaganda secretary Vijitha Herath, NPP secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe and Professor Anil Jayantha.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, left, discussing with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Delhi on February 5, 2024 [Photo: Facebook/Sunil Handunneththi]

The trip signifies a further rightward shift by the pro-imperialist NPP/JVP as part of its effort to develop relations with reactionary regimes throughout the region and internationally.

New Delhi invited Dissanayake in the wake of an opinion poll by the Sri Lankan Institute of Health Policy indicating that 50 percent would vote for him in a presidential election. According to the poll, Dissanayake is considerably ahead of other possible candidates, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya leader Sajith Premadasa. The presidential election is due in late September or early October.

Referring to the Indian tour, sections of the media claim that the JVP had changed from a die-hard Marxist line to flexible Marxism, or made similar comments. Others noted the JVPs anti-Indian chauvinism; the organisation having previously denounced Indian-origin estate workers as a fifth column instrument of Indian expansionism.

The JVP was never a Marxist party but emerged in the 1960s as a radical nationalist movement based on a toxic mixture of Sinhala populism and Maoist and Castroite peasant guerrillaism. Recruiting disaffected Sinhala youth in the islands south, its armed struggles resulted in one bloody disaster after another.

The JVPs lurch to the right in the 1980s accelerated following the signing of the 1987 Indo-Lankan Accord under which India sent peace-keepers to the islands north to disarm the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The JVP denounced the Accord on a chauvinist basis claiming India was planning to divide the country and waged a violent campaign of thuggery and assassination against it. The government seized on the JVP violence to wage a brutal campaign against social unrest among unemployed rural youth, murdering some 60,000.

The JVP leadership reassembled in 1994 and, with the backing of a section of the ruling class, largely dropped its empty socialist phrasemongers and transformed itself into a parliamentary party that supported the brutal communal war against the LTTE and assisted in containing the rising opposition among workers, poor and youth.

Discredited by its support for the war and its participation in or political support for various bourgeois governments, the JVP established the NPP in 2015 as a parliamentary front. The NPP largely consists of academics, professionals, some artists, small businessmen, retired military officers and the JVPs affiliated organisations. The JVP/NPP has cultivated close relations with diplomats in Colombo from all imperialist countries, including the US, as well as India, the major regional power.

The far-right Bharatiya Janatha Party government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to invite Dissanayake on a five-day tour to make clear that whoever is elected the next Sri Lankan president, they must follow an India First policyi.e., line up with New Delhis geo-strategic and economic interests.

In the recent Maldives elections, the pro-Chinese Mohamed Muizzu was elected president, ousting the pro-Indian president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In this context, India, which has developed considerable influence in Sri Lanka following the islands unprecedented economic crisis, is keen to maintain and strengthen its relations.

The Modi government scheduled a series of meetings between Dissanayake and senior government figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and a section of big business.

After his meeting with Dissanayake, Jaishankar noted in his X/Twitter account: A good discussion on our bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits from its further deepening. The media also reported that the minister stressed that New Delhi, with its neighbourhood first and SAGAR [Security, Growth for All in the Region] policies, will continue to be a reliable and trusted partner to Sri Lanka.

While little is known about what Dissanayake discussed with Jaishankar and other senior Indian officials, the JVP leader declared in an interview with the Hindu on December 9: We do know that India, who is our closest neighbor, has become a major political and economic centre. So, when we take economic and political decisions, we will always care about how it will impact India.

In other words, Dissanayake had already made clear his willingness to side with New Delhi, a major ally of US imperialism and actively involved in Washingtons military buildup for war against China. Last year, Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe signed a Joint Vision statement with the Modi government, enhancing its investments, providing financial assistance and indicating their close defence ties.

On Wednesday, Indian officials arranged for Dissanayake to visit Ahmadabad, the Gujarat capital, to meet the state chief minister and local big-business figures, and watch a presentation on the Gujarat Model.

Lankatruth, a JVP website, published an article describing the Gujarat model, as a market-led economic reform program. In fact, the Gujarat model is a brutal development policy to boost big business profits through the fire-sale privatisation of state-owned ventures to business tycoons. Gautam Adani, now the richest man in India, was one of those who benefitted from this market-led model.

In 2002, one year after Modi was elected Gujarat chief minister, he and his gang of Hindu fundamentalist politicians provoked anti-Muslim riots throughout the state, resulting in the massacre of about 2,000 Muslims. Using various autocratic powers Modi began implementing the Gujarat model, viciously suppressing workers strikes and other resistance to these attacks. Following his election as Indian prime minister in 2014, Modi ruthlessly moved to implement the same market-led policies throughout the country.

The JVP and its NPP parliamentary front have previously hailed the economic policies adopted by Singapore and Vietnam as models to develop Sri Lanka. In essence, all these models are directed at fattening the profits of big business by intensifying the exploitation of all working people. Whatever its final form, these are the foundations of the program Dissanayake is preparing to impose in Sri Lanka.

For its part, the NPP/JVP has published reports and social media posts hailing Dissanayakes Indian visit and his high-level discussions as proof of his partys international recognition and certainty that it will win the presidential election.

Anger among Sri Lankan workers and the poor is at boiling point over the Wickremesinghe governments austerity measures and the associated rise in poverty, hunger, malnutrition and the collapse of public health and other essential services.

While the NPP/JVP is cynically attempting to exploit this rising mass opposition to win the presidential election and establish its own regime, it will implement the same savage policies no less ruthlessly than Wickremesinghe. Like all other opposition parties, the JVP is committed to the IMFs demands.

Last month, IMF officials led by its Sri Lanka mission chief Peter Bruere visited the JVPs head office and met with leaders. Neither the IMF mission nor JVP leaders have revealed anything about their discussions.

On January 8, Dissanayake appeared on Siyatha TV presenting the NPPs pro-capitalist economic program. Following the show, he was asked whether an NPP government would seize the wealth of the rich. Dissanayake angrily rejected the question, praising Sri Lankas LOLC Group, one of Sri Lankas largest conglomerate corporations and its investment in South Africa.

Dissanayake went on to commend Sri Lankan companies who have invested in India and Bangladesh, saying, These entrepreneurs are making us proud. The task of a future NPP government, he said, would be to encourage such companies, providing them with modern technological knowledge and finding markets for them.

Dissanayakes constantly repeated message to working people has been that Sri Lanka must be rebuilt: We have to change our lifestyle for a brief period. If we want to come out from this crisis, we must do it. We will be forced to take painful actions. In line with this profit-driven, market-led agenda, the JVP is preparing its trade unions to impose the required austerity measures and police the working class.

Addressing an All-Ceylon Port Workers General Union in early November, senior JVP union leader Wasantha Samarasinghe declared: There will be an operation process uniting minister of ports and all trade unions Workers have a responsibility of developing good productivity for the country. In plain language this means the trade unions will work with the state to boost output and witch hunt all workers resisting these policies.

From the left US Embassy's political officer Matthew Hinson, Ambassador Julie Chung, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath during the meeting at JVP head office on 19 October, 2023. [Photo: X/Twitter @anuradisanayake]

Since early last year the JVP has been mobilising retired military officers and lower-rank soldiers into a Tri Forces Collective which has held conferences in all districts, apart from the North and the East where Tamils are the majority. Dissanayake has announced that Aruna Jayasekera, a retired major general and former commander of the Eastern Province, would be appointed defence minister in a future NPP government.

The JVPs establishment of this sort of paramilitary force is unprecedented for any Sri Lankan capitalist party. It is a sharp warning to the working class and the poor that Dissanayake, like President Wickremesinghe and all sections of the Sri Lankan ruling class are preparing for dictatorial forms of rule.

All these developments emphasise the urgency for workers and youth to fight for the program advanced by Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and to join its ranks.

In opposition all capitalist parties, including the JVP and its NPP parliamentary front, the SEP, the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, has advanced a revolutionary Marxist perspective for workers and youth. Its program is based on Leon Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution that guided the 1917 October Revolution in Russia.

We have called for the building of independent action committees of workers in every workplace and major economic centres to mobilise the working class as an revolutionary force and win to its side the oppressed rural masses in a unified struggle against the capitalist onslaught.

These action committees need to fight for a democratic and socialist congress of workers and the rural masses as the means to mobilise workers and the poor to bring down the Wickremesinghe regime. This will open the way for the coming to power of a workers and peasants government and the implementation of socialist and internationalist policies.
Margaret Reist Local government reporter Follow Margaret Reist 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

City officials say plans for a permanent supportive housing program in what is now a parking lot at Eighth and J streets will not only help chronically homeless people find stability but will substantially reduce costs to the community.

The citys plan  highlighted last week during a news conference about Housing and Urban Development awards to city agencies  is to build a 24-bed apartment building with wraparound services.

The city will get $300,000 of the $5.1 million in awards announced last week to operate the program, an amount that's renewable on an annual basis.

Earlier, the city got a $4.1 million grant from HUD for construction of the apartments. That award came from American Rescue Plan Act money funneled through HUD, said Wynn Hjermstad, community development manager in the citys Urban Development Department. The city also got $1.1 million from the state Department of Economic Development for construction.

Jeff Chambers, with the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Center for Children, Families and the Law, said federal stimulus money made such a housing program possible. The city contracts with the UNL center to manage applications for Lincolns HUD dollars.

We knew the need was there, we just never had the opportunity before, he said. There was no funding for cities to do this.

There is similar supportive housing in Lincoln, including apartments at CenterPointes new campus in what was formerly Trabert Hall.

But this will be the first time the city has such a program, which a report submitted to HUD for the stimulus money estimates will save substantial dollars in emergency services costs.

Those costs include services such as emergency shelters, police time, jail costs, hospitals, ambulances and crisis centers.

Chambers said they modeled the program after a 24-bed facility in Iowa City, and thought 24 beds was a manageable number for a population with high needs. The majority of them have substance abuse and mental health issues, and many have chronic health problems or disabilities.

The center's study of 24 chronically homeless people in Lincoln found that the housing program would reduce acute service costs anywhere from $340,478 to $510,717 annually.

Over three years, the study estimated a reduction in costs ranging from $1 million-$1.5 million. The annual cost of housing ranges from $15,651 to $25,567 per person.

The report concludes those savings would decrease the strain on emergency services, improve the quality of life of the chronically homeless and improve the community overall.

The city is in the process of choosing an organization or agency to provide the services and is working on a design of the building.

Testing the waters

Lincoln City Libraries is testing residents' willingness to approve a $70 million bond issue to upgrade two existing library branches, build a new central library downtown and make systemwide upgrades.

Some months ago, city library officials jump-started the discussion about building a new downtown central library, one thats been going on for well over a decade. The city had hired an architecture and design firm, did surveys and landed on a location but ultimately pushed back plans to float a bond issue, at least until the 2025-26 year.

The issue was on the back burner until Pershing Auditorium  the preferred site for a new downtown library  was reduced to a big hole in the ground and Ryan Wieber took over for retiring Lincoln City Libraries director Pat Leach.

When discussions began in September, Wieber said he wanted to look at the possibility of a new downtown library as part of a bigger discussion about the needs of the entire library system.

Using the same firms the city worked with earlier  BVH Architecture and the Minnesota-based MSR Design  library officials did surveys and held community meetings, with hopes that there would ultimately be recommendations on how to proceed.

Now the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries has launched an online poll, which asks respondents how likely they'd be to support a $70 million bond issue to update and expand the Anderson branch library in northeast Lincoln and the Gere branch at 56th Street and Normal Boulevard; replace Bennett Martin library downtown; and improve programs, access and materials systemwide.

The poll says a bond issue of that size would add roughly $37 a year in property taxes to the owner of an average-priced home in Lincoln. Last year, that was $281,614.

The poll floats another option: a $90 million bond issue that would include building a new neighborhood branch in southeast Lincoln. That would increase that average homeowners bill by $47 annually.

Wieber said in an email library officials have no plans as far as a timeline for a bond issue, and the poll results will help them determine how to proceed.

City, county officials weigh in

City and county officials from Lincolns urban centers sent a letter to the Legislatures Revenue Committee urging it to support property tax exemptions for public safety, community growth and Consumer Price Index increases as part of proposed property tax caps on local governments.

The letter is signed by the mayors of Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna and Springfield, and the chairpersons of the Lancaster, Sarpy and Douglas county boards.

The Revenue Committee is considering a proposal to tighten limits on property taxes collected by schools and other local governments, which committee members said could become part of a broader plan to reach Gov. Jim Pillens goal of cutting state property taxes by 40%.

It would require local governments to drop their property tax levies in proportion to valuation increases, meaning property tax collections would be held flat from year to year. The senator who introduced it said it was intended to prevent local governments from getting windfalls when property valuations rise.

Those exceptions, the letter said, need to be at the forefront of negotiations and the public safety exemption is critical for their support. It also said hard caps dont account for population and economic growth.

The public safety exemption is playing into negotiations with the Lincoln Firefighters Union, which has yet to reach an agreement on a new contract. The old one expired in August.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
Despite the pleas of theater faculty and students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Board of Regents approved a plan to end degree programs in theater and musical theater on Friday.

Regents also gave approval to plans to begin winding down degree programs in geography and recreation management at the boards first meeting of 2024.

The reductions are part of an effort to cut $5 million from UNKs budget, symptoms of a larger shortfall administrators attribute to declining enrollment, muted growth in state support and increased costs of doing business.

But the decision to no longer offer bachelors degrees in those areas also reflects what administrators say has been a loss of interest in recent years, meaning those programs had fewer students than the benchmark set by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

When we fall below those thresholds, we can either take responsibility for our own program or have the program elimination forced upon us, said Interim NU President Chris Kabourek.

Faculty and students in the theater program asked for a reprieve and time to turn things around. Speaking during the public comment portion of Fridays meeting, several people told regents UNKs theater program was a lifeblood for the arts in central Nebraska.

Sharon Campbell, who became the chair of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance in 2021, said faculty had embarked on a plan to grow enrollment within the degree programs by transforming the curriculum after several years of turnover among leadership.

Most parents dont often let their freshmen enroll as theater majors, Campbell told the board. Their interest begins by auditioning for a production or taking a couple of classes. That student might add a minor, and those students might become a major.

Campbell said the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance believed it could raise its average annual graduates above the 7 needed for the Coordinating Commission to consider it a healthy program. There are currently 19 students in the program.

We believe we could meet that target in two years and exceed it in three years, she said, adding students in the department emerged with skills that prepare them to enter the workforce, such as collaboration and communication, problem-solving, empathy and leadership.

Darin Himmerich, an associate professor of theater at UNK, told the board he came to Kearney 17 years ago after working in every capacity of the theater world, from technical theater all the way to Hollywood productions.

He said UNK theater graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers across the country, including as talent agents in Chicago, tour managers for Disney, on productions in Las Vegas and as teachers across Nebraska.

I know there are other theater programs, Himmerich said. Each is unique and all are valid, but this would take away opportunities from students from rural Nebraska, who are just as talented and need just as many opportunities as anyone else in the state.

And Laney Schmeits, a third-year social science and theater education major from Kearney, said the theater department made her feel welcome and accepted after many of her friends went to college elsewhere.

I would be lost if the UNK theater department were eliminated, Schmeits said.

UNK Student Regent Temo Molina, who voted for eliminating degree programs in geography and recreation management, said the decision to terminate the theater degrees was more complex, and asked the board to take another look at the program, which will save an estimated $600,000 annually.

Molina was the only student regent to vote against ending the theater degree programs. Student Regents Paul Pechous of UNL and Katie Schultis of UNMC voted in favor, while Student Regent Hakim Lotoro of UNO abstained.

UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said the theater degree program, as well as the degrees in geography and recreation management, would wind down over time, giving current students a chance to finish and keep faculty employed for a time.

Those programs will be supported with UNKs cash reserve in the meantime, he added.

Kristensen said it was difficult, however, to justify keeping a degree program on the books that had an equal number of faculty and students. While he said he hoped that the program could come back in the future, he did not believe it would make an immediate turnaround.

You asked me to make it work, he told regents. I have a $5 million target to reduce. If not here, where?

The cuts were each approved on an 8-0 vote.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
LAS VEGAS - Super Bowl week is always exhilarating and exhausting.

But this is Las Vegas, so multiply that by a few thousand.

The number of parties, concerts, red carpets and VIP events packed with celebs and athletes is so overwhelming that by the time Sunday rolls around, it takes a moment to remember why you traveled here anyway.

Oh, right. The football game.

But there's still time to prepare for Super Bowl 58. In the meantime, here's are some of the highlights of the pre-game-palooza that took over venues from the Las Vegas Strip to downtown to quickly accessed off-Strip joints.

More: Super Bowl 58: Vegas entertainment from Adele and Zach Bryan to Gronk and Shaq parties

Luke Combs

Luke Combs, shown performing at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Feb. 6, 2024, perfomed during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas Feb. 10.

A few months ago, Luke Combs became a bona fide crossover star.

Hes a chart monster with his own megahits, but his faithful rendition of Tracy Chapmans Fast Car climbed to No. 1 on Billboards country airplay chart, No. 1 on the Adult Top 40 and No. 2 on the Hot 100.

At his BetMGM Big Game Bash Saturday, Combs introduced his ever-so-slightly different version with a backstory about first hearing the song when he was 4-years-old, playing it to fill out his set of originals in his club days and finally, on the Grammy Awards earlier this month, I got to sing with one of my idols.

The Combs/Chapman duet was a highlight of the awards show, and the audience at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan erupted in cheers when Combs picked out the opening guitar notes of the resurrected song.

But the cuddly Combs, smiling as he strolled the stage with a red Solo cup and clad in his uniform of trucker hat and dark work shirt, had an abundance of singalongs to unroll.

He and his sharp band took the stage with Lovin On You with just a bit of the Marshall Tucker Band influence tucked into it.

Combs, who will embark on a stadium tour in April, presents a mix of outlaw country, Southern rock and everyman decorum. Whether belting Hannah Ford Road or leading the swoopy chorus of ballad One Number Away, the affable singer, 33, knows how to relate to an audience.

His story about meeting his wife  the influence behind Houston, We Got a Problem  in Texas was heartfelt, while his rugged voice turned gentle for Love You Anyway, filled with pensive fiddle and a slowly rolling snare drum.

Combs always seemed happiest when the band banged into a guitar-heavy song, such as the chorus of Mustve Never Met You, but there was no denying the appeal of Beautiful Crazy, another touching entry in his barrel of ballads.

Fanatics Super Bowl Party

Travis Scott performs onstage during Michael Rubins 2024 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Feb. 10, 2024 in Las Vegas.

On one end of the red carpet Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is chatting and looking dapper. On the other, The Chainsmokers (aka Alex Pall and Drew Taggart) are patting Jelly Roll on the back and telling him, You sound incredible.

Saturday afternoon at Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan, Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin hosted his annual mega-bash, the Fanatics Super Bowl Party. The blue carpet teemed with sports, music and food celebrities who often greeted each other warmly, such as when Bobby Flay hugged Gayle King and she gave New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft a peck on the cheek.

King, a longtime Kansas City Chiefs fan, said she is 150% on board with the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce storyline.

Theyre two very attractive people at the top of their game doing what they love, King said. Its like watching a love story and who doesnt want this to have a happy ending? I do. And more girls are watching football because of it.

Also at the event was one of Las Vegas most notable ambassadors is Guy Fieri, who sucked on an unlit cigar with son Hunter, a student at dads alma mater, University of Nevada Las Vegas, beside him as he talked about his love for the city.

Travis Scott, one of the performers at the private soiree, arrived in his Korn T-shirt with a small entourage, including two police officers. He later performed inside.

Maluma

The Colombian heartthrob capped a busy week of performing at Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala and presenting a Grammy Award to fellow countrywoman Karol G with a seductive display at The Theater at Virgin Hotels.

SiriusXM and Pandora sponsored the free subscriber concert Thursday and a packed crowd of more than 4,000 eagerly consumed the urbano-pop of new favorites such as Coco Loco with its enticing sample of Daft Punks Veridis Quo, and older fare including "Corazon."

In a white suit festooned with red trim and the number 23  in reference to his 2017 song of the same name  emblazoned on a pant leg, Maluma grinned as he slid his feet in rhythm and outstretched his arms.

Maluma performed songs from his "Don Juan" album as well as other favorites at Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for SiriusXM and Pandora on Feb. 8, 2024 in Las Vegas.

With his hair in a bun and a black bandanna dangling from his back pocket, swaying with his gyrations, Maluma strolled the stage for 11 PM and swung from a lilting delivery to rapid-fire punch on the reggaeton-flavored Borro Cassette.

The mass of fans crowded the venue floor, their arms raised in unison as Maluma  backed by a five-piece band and team of eight female dancers in black suits and bustiers  liberated his charm.

More than 4,000 fans came to watch Maluma perform at the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for SiriusXM and Pandora on Feb. 8, 2024.

Though many songs among the 13 performed stemmed from Malumas most recent album, Don Juan, his strongest vocal of the show came on his 2020 hit, "Hawai. Gentle keyboard notes introduced the ballad, which Maluma sang with eyes closed and hands punctuating lyrics. He looked genuinely touched by the deafening crowd singalong and paused appropriately before the song kicked into its loping rhythm.

The performance will air in its entirety on SiriusXM's Latin Music channels Hits Uno (151) and Caliente (153). Portions of the show can be heard on demand on the SiriusXM app and Pandora listeners can access the Maluma Radio station.

Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan hit the stage at The Theater at Virgin Hotels on Feb. 9, 2024, opening night of their new Las Vegas residency.

Its only four dates to start, so technically more of a special engagement than a residency, but Wu-Tang Clan is still making history as the first hip-hop act to claim a regular theater gig in Las Vegas.

At opening night Friday at The Theater at Virgin Hotels, the nine-piece collective hit the stage just past 9:30, first with leader RZA proclaiming from behind a white mask, Hip-hop culture is spreading worldwide! followed by the rest of the group for Bring da Ruckus.

RZA and the guys  GZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa and Cappadonna  weaved among each other with ease on the lowest level of a three-tiered stage.

Above them, six dancers intermittently appeared while a nine-piece band featuring a drummer and percussionist played from atop the sleek set.

From the irresistible funk of Da Mystery of Chessboxin to the low-key thumper Can It Be All So Simple, which samples Barbra Streisands The Way We Were, Wu-Tang looked loose and sounded taut.

While the massive video screen behind the stage spotlights riveting visuals  the group in masks and hoods, anime, floating red and black W symbols  the two large screens flanking the stage guarantee an ideal view whether in seats on the floor or toward the back in standing-only, general admission territory.

Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues  The Las Vegas Residency follows last year's worldwide N.Y. State of Mind tour and while much of the set list remains the same, the show offers a unique playground for the group.

The hip-hop icons perform again Saturday, as well as March 22-23.

Fred Minnick's Big Game Bourbon

Bourbon authority Fred Minnick raises a glass at his signature Big Game Bourbon event, held Feb. 7 this year at The Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The multihyphenate who is Fred Minnick  bourbon authority, author, war veteran, host of The Fred Minnick Show podcast and co-creator and curator of the annual Bourbon & Beyond music festival in Louisville, Kentucky  knows how to throw a classy bash.

At The Foundation Room on the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Wednesday, cigar smokers congregated on the balcony overlooking the Las Vegas Strip while bourbon fans flocked to a bar offering high-end spirits such as Barrell Bourbon and Wild Turkey Voyage.

Minnick led the intimate crowd in a Blind Bourbon Live tasting. Tips: Analyze the color, swirl and bring to your nose and open mouth, sip, determine where the taste is most prominent on the tongue and how long you feel it  aka, the finish.

Among the sippers was Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval, who gamely posed with selfie seekers, and Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars.

"Vanderpump Rules" star Tom Sandoval shares a toast with Fred Minnick at the Feb. 7 Big Game Bourbon event at The Foundation Room in Las Vegas.

Minnick, who returned from Iraq as a war veteran in 2005, is also a proponent of mental health. He briefly discussed his struggles with PTSD and advocated for therapy before noting that proceeds from the event, which raised more than $25,000, would benefit the Forgotten Not Gone charity, which works to prevent veteran suicide.

A silent auction for the organization included a signed Jim Brown helmet ($2,500), a Taylor Swift suite experience for 20 people at a New Orleans show in October ($250,000) and autographed memorabilia from Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Joe Burrow, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Michael Jordan, among others. Bidding remains open until Monday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Super Bowl events: Best of Las Vegas parties, concerts and more
BURLINGTON  Despite concerns about the cost, aldermen have approved an Echo Lake project management contract with a price tag of more than $650,000.

The Burlington City Council agreed Tuesday to hire Ayres Associates Inc. of Eau Claire, the same engineering firm that has been working with the city to study Echo Lake restoration.

A contract calls for Ayres Associates to handle planning and management of rebuilding the Echo Lake dam and dredging the lake bottom.

Ayres Associates bid $652,953 to perform the work. The lowest bidder for the contract was Barr Engineering Co. of Minneapolis, which offered a price of $447,700.

Some council members expressed reservations about approving the more expensive proposal.

Alderman Tom Vos said he was concerned about possible backlash from those in the community who prefer the less-expensive option of removing the dam and draining the lake.

Were talking about substantial taxpayer dollars, Vos said during Tuesdays meeting. I just want us to be mindful.

The Ayres contract is the first of many that will be awarded for a city-funded project expected to cost $9 million or more.

Alderman Tom Preusker said he, too, was hesitant about spending substantially more than the lowest bid.

Preusker said that contracts still must be awarded for construction work on a new dam and for dredging tons of pollutants from the 70-acre impoundment.

We dont want the cost of the combined project to get too out of hand, he said.

City staff recommended Ayres Associates because, among other things, the firm has been working on Echo Lake the past two years and is familiar with the troubled lake.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has found that Echo Lakes dam no longer meets state safety standards. The state has given the city until 2025 to upgrade the lake or remove the dam and drain the manmade pond.

Removing the dam and draining the lake would cost much less, but voters approved a referendum to invest $9 million to preserve the lake and make other improvements.

By June, Ayres Associates must submit a final plan for approval to the DNR, although city officials have said the deadline might be pushed back a few months.

After DNR approval is received, another round of competitive bidding is planned, with construction contractors scheduled to be selected in January 2025.

Photos: The Mendota Yacht Club E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Kelly Rizzo cannot get enough of her new beau!

Shortly after the producer confirmed her first romance since her husband Bob Saget's death to the world, she returned to the public with the lucky man.

Rizzo and actor Breckin Meyer were recently seen holding hands and gazing passionately at each other while strolling through the sunlit streets of Los Angeles, California.

Kelly Rizzo & Breckin Meyer Are Publicly Affectionate After Red Carpet Debut

MEGA

Less than one week into Rizzo and Meyer's newfound romance, which emerged two years after the tragic passing of the former's spouse, the pair seemed at ease while openly flaunting their bond.

For their Los Angeles date, the actress opted for a laid-back look, sporting a brown leather jacket paired with a white tank top and lightly distressed jeans.

Adding a touch of casual elegance, she accessorized with a black Prada purse adorned with a gold chain and a pair of white-and-brown sneakers completed her ensemble. Her man matched her relaxed look with a denim jacket over a grey hoodie, a graphic t-shirt, and Nike sneakers.

Meyer and Rizzo's connection seemed palpable as the latter looked lovingly at her man as they walked hand in hand from the parking lot to their lunch destination. Photos of their walk can be seen here.

The latest view of the lovebirds comes after they debuted their blossoming romance during a Grammys viewing party on February 4, 2024. Despite the air of newfound happiness around Rizzo, she disclosed that it was a journey for her to regain comfort in dating after the tragic passing of her husband in a Florida hotel room back in 2022.

As the "Unfiltered with Kelly Rizzo" host disclosed, "It took a while to get to the point where I'm like, 'OK, I think he'd be happy with it.'"

MEGA

However, having the support of Saget's daughters, Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer, whom he shared with his ex-wife Sherri Kramer, was also instrumental in Rizzo's journey towards embracing her new romance. On that, she gushed:

"It's wonderful, it just meant so much to have their blessing. They're just angels. And to have them support is so meaningful."

While previously explaining the significance of having input from those who "knew him best," the blogger said, "I'd love to think that Bob would want me to be happy too but to hear it from them is just a totally different level. And it meant the world just to hear, 'Hey, we trust you. We love you. We know you're going to do what's right, and we want you to be happy.'"

Rizzo Acknowledged Her Interest In Return To The Dating Scene Last Year

MEGA

Although the "FabLife" star seems to be thriving in her newfound romance, she discussed her readiness to start dating again during an October 20203 interview. At the time, she admitted that she was "open to it" and willing to go on a date if the opportunity presented itself.

The 44-year-old also dished about experiencing "survivor's guilt" in the wake of Saget's passing at 65. She candidly admitted grappling with feelings of guilt when encountering moments of happiness.

She expressed, "You feel guilty if you have happy moments or if you're not feeling sad all the time. You feel guilty about that, but then I learned that's very normal. Now that enough time has passed, even his girls are always like, 'That's silly. Heavenly Bob wants you to be happy.'"

The Eat Rock Travel founder amusingly pondered how her late partner's "earthly" and "heavenly" selves might perceive her happiness. She quipped, "Earthly Bob would've been like, 'Not too happy.'"

Saget and Rizzo's love story began in 2015 when the comedian made a bold move by sliding into her Instagram DMs. Fast forward a year, and they were proudly announcing their relationship to the world.

Their journey peaked in 2018 when they walked down the aisle in a sweet ceremony at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California.

Sadly, their love story took a devastating turn when Bob Saget tragically passed away in January 2022. He was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida. Authorities later revealed that his death was due to head trauma.
The best histories are, well, made of stories.

As readers of every background seize the moment that is Black History Month, it's worth digging into work by writers who share their own stories and, in doing so, shed a greater light on the world around them. Here are just five such titles by gifted, trustworthy authors.

Hanif Abdurraqib, "A Little Devil in America" (2022)

"A Little Devil in America"

Among the most gifted and versatile authors of our moment, Abdurraqib's book bears the subtitle "In Praise of Black Performance" and arrives as a cultural exploration of the worlds around Whitney Houston, Merry Clayton, Dave Chappelle and more. But Abdurraqib's writing can never help but be personal, drawing on his remarkably soulful and tender perspective, and showing how we all are part of one another's stories.

"Notes of a Native Son"

Perhaps our greatest American writer, Baldwin deserves all the attention we have to spare  and then some. Many readers will suggest breaking the spine on his catalog with "The Fire Next Time" or "Go Tell It On the Mountain," the latter a novel that still feels nakedly autobiographical. And, with Baldwin, there are no bad starting blocks. But "Notes of a Native Son" allows you to walk beside him through neighborhoods in Atlanta, Harlem and Paris, around sensations of displacement and belonging, and headlong into very thick, very distinct family grief.

Eve Ewing, "Electric Arches" (2017)

"Electric Arches"

Part poetry collection, part memoir, part visionary experiment, Ewing's work here is both a coming-of-age and coming-into-your-own tale. On these pages, readers are plunged into the emotional truth and elemental details of girlhood, while also navigating Chicago landmarks and even fixing their faces ahead toward some embodied future.

"The Selected Works of Audre Lorde"

The inimitable Roxane Gay does the selecting here, gathering essays, criticism and poetry across Lorde's rich career. These works are personal enough, exhibiting and enfleshing the gifted thinker's perspective. But Gay takes us a step closer to Lorde, devoting a significant middle passage to correspondence written from life shrouded by a cancer diagnosis. These deeply intimate dispatches complete a portrait of the artist as a three-dimensional human being.

"Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts"

Go on and reserve every kind of award for Crystal Wilkinson's latest. It's a cookbook, a family history, a book-length poem about the elemental details that bind us, that we pass down as an inheritance. The former Kentucky poet laureate shares recipes for hot milk cake, sauteed fiddleheads, pimento cheese and more; but what lingers are the generational connections Wilkinson treats readers to.

Columbia readers can engage with Wilkinson's work in even more intimate fashion when the author visits this year's Unbound Book Festival in April.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 5 deeply personal books to read during Black History Month
Claim:

The biological mother of ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson left him $1 in her will.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

A South Carolina probate court affirmed the validity of a hand-written will from Lisa Lombardi, Tucker Carlson's estranged biological mother, that leaves Carlson and his brother "one dollar each." The document was discovered after a California court had already settled portions of the Lombardi estate in a manner that left it equally split among three people: Lombardi's surviving husband, Carlson, and Carlson's brother.

When Tucker Carlson goes viral, long-standing claims about his personal life and past often go viral, too. Following a February 2024 announcement that he would be interviewing Russian president Vladimir Putin, social media saw renewed attention on an old claim that Carlson's mother left him only $1.

The claim stems from documents produced amid a multigenerational legal dispute over the inheritance of mineral rights that had been left to Lombardi by her mother. Here, Snopes explains the controversy and the basis for rating the claim "True."

Lisa Lombardi: Carlson's Biological Mother

Tucker Carlson's parents were Richard Carlson and Lisa Lombardi. Lombardi, an artist described by contemporaries as a "bohemian," came from several wealthy "pioneer families," including a man, Henry Miller, dubbed the "The Cattle King." At the time of Miller's death in 1916, he owned 3 million acres of rangeland in California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.

Her family's ownership of this vast expanse declined over the years, but the family retained much of the land's mineral rights. In some cases, real estate transactions allow a person to sell land but retain rights to any profits generated by mining or drilling on the land. Lombardi inherited a portion of her family's mineral rights, which pay or paid out royalties in 1993, when her mother died.

Carlson's dad and Lombardi divorced in 1976, when Tucker was 6 years old. The elder Carlson was awarded full custody of both of their children, and Carlson had little to no relationship with his mom after the divorce. As reported in a profile of Carlson published by Insider, Lombardi "disappeared from her sons' lives," according to Carlson's childhood friends.

Carlson was later adopted by his father's second wife  Swanson frozen chicken heiress Patricia Swanson.

A Dispute Over Mineral Rights

Lombardi died on Oct. 14, 2011, while abroad in France with her husband. Just shy of a year later, a lawyer for Tucker and brother Buckley Carlson filed a petition in Kern County, California, for a court to rule on the succession of property owned by Lombardi. That court was entitled to rule on such a matter due to Lombardi's ownership of mineral rights in that county.

With the agreement of Lombardi's surviving husband, Michael Vaughan, the court finalized a settlement ruling that Lombardi died "intestate" (without a will), and that property with mineral interests and royalty shares totaling about $129,684 would be distributed evenly between Vaughan and the two Carlson brothers. That ruling went into effect in July 2013.

After finding a hand-written will in 2013 leaving virtually all of her estate to Vaughn, however, Vaughan's family filed a petition in South Carolina, Lombardi's legal residence at the time of her death, to become the legal representative of Lombardi's estate and officially enter the will into probate. This handwritten document contains the instructions that Tucker and Buckley Carlson receive "one dollar each" at issue in viral claims:

The Carlsons at first objected to the admission of this will into the South Carolina probate case, describing it as a potential forgery. In addition to instruction to give $1 to each of her estranged sons, the will also provided that Vaughan get all her property, including the aforementioned mineral rights:

The Carlsons dropped their challenge to the will's admission in South Carolina probate court. Kern County ultimately ruled that the will, while legally valid, could not affect the past distribution of settlement funds due to California probate law.

Copies of this will were included as exhibits in multiple attempts by Vaughn and other Lombardi family members to overrule the Kern County settlement based on several legal theories, including that the above will invalidated the previous settlement, that Lombardi never gained possession of some or all of the mineral rights in question, and that they were never part of her estate.

This latter claim required lawyers for the estate of Lombardi's long-deceased mother to get involved in the dispute. Ultimately, Kern County denied these attempts, finding Vaughn bound by prior admissions in the original case and that the lack of timely admission of the will to the Kern County court was not the fault of the court system.

In other words, the Carlson brothers got more than the $1 Lombardi's August 1995 will stipulated, and this decision has been affirmed several times.

Is the Will Legit?

Just because the will did not affect the Kern County settlement does not mean the document is not valid or not Lombardi's authentic wishes. According to court testimony, Isabell Vaughan, one of Michael's daughters from a prior marriage, "discovered Lisa's handwritten will in Lisa's painting room and office" in the Fall of 2013. As described in the Insider profile:

"Lisa was basically sort of a hippie and a free spirit," said one attorney who represented the Vaughan family and recalled having conversations about the case. "She was very liberal and she did not agree with Tucker's politics. But she stuck the will in the book, everyone forgot about it, and then she passed away."

The Carlsons originally challenged the admission of that will in the South Carolina probate case, arguing that the will "was a forgery" and that Vaughn had already signed documents in Kern County indicating Lombardi left no will. Vaughn's lawyers hired a handwriting expert who concluded it was "highly probable" that the will was authored by Lombardi. The Carlsons voluntarily dropped their objection.

This left the admission of the will in Lombardi's South Carolina probate case without any objections or challenges. Legally speaking, then, that handwritten document is the last will and testament of Lombardi, and it effectively cut her estranged sons out of her inheritance. For that reason, the claim at issue in this story is true.

In practice, however, the Kern County challenges made by Vaughan and their subsequent appeals  some of which were based in part on that will  have all been denied, and the Carlson brothers inherited a third of their estranged mothers mineral interests in spite of it.

Sources:

Bickel v. Carlson (In Re Estate of Vaughan), F077628 | Casetext Search + Citator. https://casetext.com/case/bickel-v-carlson-in-re-estate-of-vaughan. Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.

Case N0. S-l 501-PB-62045: REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO VOID AND VACATE ORDER DETERMINING SUCCESSION. https://nimbus.kern.courts.ca.gov/case-file/Reply%20to%20Opposition?documentId=qx1M8G.

Case No. S-1501-PB-62045 OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO VOID AND VACATE ORDER DETERMINING SUCCESSION FILED BY REPRESENTATIVE OF ESTATE OF THE MOTHER OF DECEDENT. https://nimbus.kern.courts.ca.gov/case-file/Opposition%20to%20Motion?documentId=rk0JvW.

KCSC Portal -- S1501PB62045 LISA M LOMBARDI DECEASED. https://portal.kern.courts.ca.gov/case-details/mYAlG. Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.

"Mineral Rights on Property." Home Guides | SF Gate, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/mineral-rights-property-7961.html. Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.

Sherman, Gabriel. "Tucker Carlson Was Blindsided by Fox News Firing." Vanity Fair, 24 Apr. 2023, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/04/tucker-carlson-fox-news-fired.

Short, Aaron. "The Tucker Carlson Origin Story." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/the-tucker-carlson-origin-story-2022-5. Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.

---. "Tucker Carlson's Mother, Lisa McNear Lombardi, Was a Free-Spirited Artist Who Mostly Disappeared from His Life When He Was Six Years Old." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-tucker-carlsons-mother-the-artist-lisa-mcnear-lombardi-2022-5. Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.
An upswing in Grammy broadcast ratings and the power of stars in social media each played an integral role in the Red Carpet Power Rankings just released by Launchmetrics and The Hollywood Reporter, with Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Maluma among the music artists scoring big bucks in earned exposure for the high-end brands they wore at the Feb. 4 event at L.A.s Crypto.com Arena.

Cyrus and Swift won two Grammys apiece  for record of the year and best pop solo performance, and for album of the year and best pop vocal album, respectively  while they also proved to be winners on the red carpet, earning millions in brand exposure for sporting looks that quickly caused a social media frenzy.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Throughout this awards season, Launchmetrics and THR are partnering to exclusively produce the Red Carpet Power Rankings, which analyzes the brands seen at the major awards shows of 2024. Launchmetrics employs its proprietary Media Impact Value (MIV) algorithm to analyze and rank the brands and stars seen on red carpets, spanning five categories: fashion, watches, jewelry and accessories, as well as the top five women and the top five men at each event. The Launchmetrics MIV algorithm assigns a monetary value to every post, social media interaction and editorial story to determine a brands influence and has been recognized industrywide as the solution to modern brand measurement.

Among the most thrilling results that emerged from the Grammys: While powerhouse brands that have become staples of high-wattage red carpets performed largely as anticipated, a few surprises also made the cut  thanks largely to the stars who wore them, like Dua Lipa in Courreges. Similarly, a simple mention on the red carpet or in an Instagram post by a star also unexpectedly vaulted some brands into top spots.

Check out the charts below to see how luxury brands seen at the Grammy Awards measured up and which stars look was the most talked about of the night:

Fashion: Miley Powers Margiela and Bob Mackie Into Top Spots

Top 10 Fashion Brands bar chart and Victoria Monet

Without a doubt, among the ceremonys most joyful moments was Cyrus improvising, I just won my first Grammy! during her performance of the award-winning Flowers. Moments after she left the stage, it quickly emerged that she did so wearing a vintage Bob Mackie beaded bodysuit. Cyrus is a known fan of the legendary designer  creator of showstopping looks for Cher, Diana Ross, Pink and Tina Turner, to name just a few  and thats why she requested archive pieces from Mackies 2002 To Broadway With Love collection. That included Mackies silver beaded and fringed bodysuit with a bandeau top and bare midriff, a costume that worked to spectacular effect as Cyrus sang her winning song. Social media and post-show editorials agreed, vaulting Mr. Mackie into the No. 10 position on the chart.

Another fantastic backstory contributed to Versaces top position on the fashion chart, as Rodrigo noted on the red carpet that she had fallen in love with an image of a white Versace gown, worn by Linda Evangelista on Gianni Versaces 1995 runway, and the Italian house soon granted her wish to wear the archived piece. Fold in Victoria Monets highly successful evening wearing a bronze Atelier Versace corset gown as she picked up three Grammys, including best new artist, and its little wonder the label enjoyed an MIV of $10.3 million from those appearances, winning the category.

Yet, its likewise pretty terrific to see brands that arent necessarily household names ascend to the top positions on the chart. Fashion fans undeniably know Daniel Roseberrys artful work as creative director of Schiaparelli, while John Gallianos most recent haute-couture collection for Maison Margiela has been met with raves for its overtly Parisian vibe, inspired by the work of Hungarian-French artist Brassai. But then two of the most popular and powerful women in music placed these labels squarely in everyones living room, with Swift in a beautifully draped white strapless Schiaparelli gown and Cyrus in a naked dress crafted of 14,000 strategically hand-placed gold safety pins, inspired by a 1997 Galliano design. The two stars sparked conversation and a barrage of social media posts. The end result: Schiaparelli earned a media-impact value of $8.6 million, while Maison Margiela was close behind with an MIV of $8.3 million, giving the brands the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the chart.

Top Five Women at the Grammys: It was Miley and Taylors Night

Top 5 Women bar chart and Miley Cyrus

Exactly zero surprises are found among the top five women and the brands they wore at the 66th annual Grammys  OK, perhaps one sort-of surprise is among the list. Beyonce eschewed the red carpet and was only briefly seen during the broadcast, cheering on her daughter and husband as Jay-Z accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. But the power of Queen Bey, wearing a custom Louis Vuitton Damier-patterned skirt suit by creative director Pharrell Williams, was much in evidence, placing her and the French house among the top five and earning an MIV of $3.1 million.

The winner of the womens ranking was Cyrus in Maison Margiela with an MIV of $7.2 million  sparked partly by interest in how the dress was constructed from all those safety pins  followed closely by Swift (and her elegant Schiaparelli) with an MIV of $6.8 million.

Top Men at the Grammys: Maluma Instagrams His Way to No. 1

Maluma in Dolce and Gabbana, Jacob & Co. and Christian Louboutin

Some stars excel at doing right by the brands theyre wearing, and at the Grammy Awards, no one accomplished that better than Maluma in Dolce & Gabbana with a Jacob & Co. watch and Christian Louboutin shoes. So, its no surprise he earned the No. 1 mens position, with $1.5 million in media-impact value.

That number and all those that follow on the mens list also point out a salient fact seen throughout the Red Carpet Power Rankings this season: Women are without question the higher earners (thats a beautiful sentence, isnt it) in media-impact value. Case in point: Cyrus exceeded Malumas MIV by almost 500 percent, wearing a brand that doesnt enjoy the mainstream awareness of Dolce & Gabbana, which makes the comparison all the more impressive.

Speaking of the power of fantastic women, Mark Ronsons No. 2 position, wearing Gucci and earning an MIV of $1.2 million, could partly be due to his onstage banter with Meryl Streep  aka his mother-in-law. Ronson won a Grammy during the pre-broadcast for best compilation soundtrack for visual media, but his pairing with Streep was undoubtedly Ronsons most high-profile moment at the Grammys, as well as one of the nights most amusing segments. (Streeps fab white silk lounging pajamas accented with feathers, meanwhile, was a custom look by Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino and among the reasons that brand earned the No. 8 position in the overall fashion category, with an MIV of $3.1 million.)

Finally, the power of Lenny Kravitz likewise made itself known in the rankings, as the rock icon fearlessly mixed brands in his clothing, a blend of Chrome Hearts and Rick Owens  which, make no mistake, is unusual in a time when many stars wear head-to-toe looks on red carpets. Kravitzs popularity and his thoughtful approach to style combined to propel him into both the No. 3 and No. 5 positions on the mens chart.

Accessories: Welcome to the Party, Larroude

Top 5 Accessory Brands and Taylor Swift

Giuseppe Zanottis top five placement among accessory brands is surely a result of Swift wearing the brands Lilibeth slingback sandals in black velvet  a beautiful pairing with her black opera-length gloves  resulting in an MIV for the footwear brand of $196,000. But the surprise of the night was Blue Ivys appearance onstage with her dad (Jay-Z, in case youve been living in a closet), looking princess-like and perfect in a white Vivienne Westwood dress, paired with Larroudes Dolly Boot, a platform style in ivory leather. The Brazilian-made brand, designed by Marina Larroude, took the No. 3 spot among accessories with an MIV of $375,000.

Christian Louboutin, meanwhile, continues to reign supreme among accessory designers on the Red Carpet Power Rankings  and here Maluma also can be credited with an assist, name-checking the brand on social media while showing off his Aiglon pointed-toe loafers in black and white patent leather. Jon Batiste also wore Louboutin boots on the Grammys red carpet, while Cyrus Maison Margiela look included Tabi heels that Louboutin designed for Gallianos collection. The combined appearances resulted in a media-impact value of $3.4 million for Louboutin.

Watches & Jewelry: Dua Lipas Stunning Necklace was a Winner

Top 10 Watch & Jewelry Brands bar chart and Dua Lipa

An early arrival on the Grammys red carpet  because she was among the first performers of the evening  Lipa quickly set the tone for the nights metallic trend in her silver fringed Courreges gown, a moment that also contributed to that labels No. 6 position on the fashion chart and an MIV of $4.2 million. But any viewer who couldnt take their eyes off her necklace surely wasnt alone. Tiffany & Co. lent the nights double Grammy nominee for Dance the Night a trio of stunning pieces from the houses 2023 Blue Book Collection, its moniker for high jewelry. The highlight was without question her Pisces necklace, an exquisite handcrafted piece of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold and embellished with sapphires, rubellites and diamonds, including an orange sapphire that weighed more than 23 carats. Cyrus, likewise, wore Tiffany & Co., an Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff with her Tom Ford jumpsuit, and together they contributed to the houses top position with $5 million in media-impact value.

For anyone wondering about the No. 2 and No. 3 positions on the list, look no further than the stars who wore them. Swift surely catapulted Lorraine Schwartz into the third spot, with the jeweler providing the Grammy winner with more than 300 carats of black and white diamonds, including a custom piece that spawned a multitude of searches for watch choker. Maluma, on the other hand, did an outstanding job showing off his Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette Rose Gold Ruby watch both on the red carpet and in an Instagram post that drew roughly 2.2 million likes from his 63.9 million followers. The price-upon-request watch is limited to nine pieces and is adorned with more than 420 diamonds and 257 rubies; so its easy to wonder whether the media-impact value of $1.9 million for Jacob & Co. would be enough to buy the piece  or if it would be merely a down payment.

Next up for the Red Carpet Power Rankings: The Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will stream live on Netflix for the first time on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Expect to see some familiar faces returning to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital soon.

Jessica Capshaw is set to guest star in Season 20 of Greys Anatomy, reprising her beloved role as Dr. Arizona Robbins. Also Alex Landi will return as Dr. Nico Kim.

More from Deadline

No word yet on how, exactly, these two will make their way back to Grey Sloan. Capshaw joined the cast in Season 5 and remained until Season 14, when Arizona left Seattle during the finale to move to New York so that her daughter Sophia could be closer to her other mom, Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez).

Landi recurred on the show from Seasons 15 to 18, before exiting in May 2022. While he was on the show, he was in an on-again off-again relationship with his co-worker Dr. Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli), who is still on the show.

Additionally, Greys Anatomy is also adding two new faces, Natalie Morales and Freddy Miyares.

Natalie Morales (Catie Laffoon), Freddy Miyares (Sami Drasin)

Morales will guest star as Monica Beltran, a pediatric surgeon whose pragmatism and level-headedness have made her one of the best in her field. Her willingness to push boundaries can be admirable and aggravating, but its always aimed at providing top-quality care to her patients.

Miyares joins the cast in a recurring role as Dorian, an intelligent, warm and likable patient who is involved in a serious accident and is struggling with his future.

ABC says to stay tuned, as additional guest star announcements will follow. Fingers crossed for more returning cast members.

Greys Anatomy Season 20 premieres on ABC on March 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with next day streaming on Hulu.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jessica Capshaw is checking back into Grey Sloan.

The actress, who spent 10 seasons playing Dr. Arizona Robbins from 2009-2018, is returning to reprise her role in the upcoming 20th season of ABCs Greys Anatomy. Capshaw will be joined by Alex Landi, who returns as Dr. Nico Kim, and franchise newcomers Natalie Morales and Freddy Miyares as guest stars in the milestone season of the Shonda Rhimes-produced medical drama. Additional guest stars are expected to be announced as the show inches closer toward its strikes-delayed return on March 14 at 9 p.m.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Capshaw exited Greys in 2018, at the end of its 14th season when Arizona moved from Seattle to New York so her daughter, Sofia, could be in the same city with her other mother, Callie (former series regular Sara Ramirez), as the fan-favorite former couple Calzona appeared poised for a reunion.

Capshaw was written out alongside Sarah Drew (April). Both actresses have since returned to Greys as the series has made it a point to provide closures for some of its most beloved characters. At the time of their exits, producers said their departures were creative decisions, though sources maintained both Capshaw and Drew attempted to negotiate a higher payday together.

Morales (Dead to Me, Self-Reliance) will play Monica Beltran, a pediatric surgeon whose pragmatism and level-headedness have made her one of the best in her field. Her willingness to push boundaries can be admirable and aggravating, but its always aimed at providing top-quality care to her patients.

Miyares (DMZ, Evil, When They See Us, The L Word: Gen Q) will be credited as a recurring guest star and play Dorian, an intelligent, warm and likable patient who is involved in a serious accident and is struggling with his future.

Meg Marinis takes over the role of showrunner from Krista Vernoff for season 20 of Greys. Marinis has been with Greys Anatomy since its third season and has worked her way up since beginning her tenure there as a writers production assistant. She then worked as a writers assistant and medical researcher before moving up the chain of command to executive producer, a title shes held for the past four seasons. Marinis has written more than 25 episodes of the show.

Heres a teaser for the new season:

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Director Andrew Cummings new horror film Out of Darkness is a survival movie that recalls classics of the genre like Wes Cravens The Hills Have Eyes, John Carpenters The Thing, and Tobe Hoopers The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in its tale of a small group under siege by a malevolent force in a hostile, isolated environment. What makes Out of Darkness unique is its time period: Its heroes and the unseen monster theyre fleeing exist in a pre-historic world.

This meant Cumming and screenwriter Ruth Greenberg had to figure out how people living in 43,000 BCE would talk, fight, and dress and what kinds of weapons and tools they would use. One of the first people Cumming consulted during the writing phase was Palaeolithic archaeologist Rob Dinnis, who liberated Cumming and Greenberg to create characters to whom modern audiences could relate. There seem to be two schools of thought within this field, Cumming told IndieWire. The old school method says that if we didnt dig it out of the ground, we cant prove it, which is reasonable. But Rob is part of a newer school that says that if we can do it, early humans could do it, they just did it differently.

More from IndieWire

According to Dinnis, The view of primitive, club-wielding cavemen is a hangover from more than 100 years ago and has been rejected in scientific circles for many years now. Humans at this time would be perfectly recognizable as like humans in the modern day: They created colored, carefully tailored and decorated clothes; their tools were extremely complex and allowed them to impressively exploit their environments; they had fully formed language, and created art and music in a way familiar to us now. Dinnis turned Cumming on to numerous locations and books that helped him build the world and informed Cummings ideas regarding casting.

He said theres certain data and patterns of movement that would suggest that these people had dark skin, Cumming said. So from very early on, I was imagining, OK, this is going to be unlike a lot of films set in this time period because were not going to be casting Caucasian actors. The casting director and I only looked for actors that identify as mixed heritage, mixed race, because it felt the closest to the research. Although the audition process began conventionally, as the filmmakers got closer to making their final selections, the actors had to audition in a completely fictional language created for the movie  a decision Cumming had arrived at with no small amount of anxiety.

I really got afraid that the film was already such a big ask of the audience, and I was worried that tiny words on the screen might put people off what was already such a big swing, Cumming said. As he and Greenberg worked on the script, however, they realized that if the characters spoke English, it would feel phony and distracting. Also, we ended up casting actors from the U.K., Switzerland, and Germany, and those accents together would have ruined the illusion I was trying to create, that this was a cohesive tribe.

To create the fictional language that the characters would speak, Cumming relied on poet, historian, and linguist Daniel Andersson, who approached his task from a thematic perspective. The film is basically about how one thing is or is not like another, Andersson told IndieWire. The question for me was, what is going to be the balance between engagement and alienation, between something that you know and something that you dont know when the language is presented. Anderssons goal was to create a few keywords that the audience would ultimately recognize and carry associations with by the end of the film; by the time the climax arrives, we know the word for monster, for example, and this awareness aids in the creation of suspense.

Out of Darkness Courtesy Everett Collection

One challenge of creating a new language for a film is that the audience doesnt perceive it in a completely pure way; as Andersson points out, peoples eyes are moving back and forth between the action and subtitles, something that needs to be taken into account when building the language. Theres clearly going to be an interplay, so how do we engage with it? Andersson said. Knowing that audiences would be able to, at a very limited level, learn the new language by connecting the spoken words with the subtitles as well as with the action on screen, Andersson tried to associate a handful of words and sounds with certain themes and images, whether it be movement restriction or the monster. The idea is to create a bit of brain memory that serves the broader purpose of the film.

Cumming says that initially the invented language, known as TOLA (for The Origin Language), was extremely challenging for the actors, who essentially just listened for the final words of each others dialogue so they knew when they could start talking. As production progressed, however, they became more comfortable and familiar with the language  much as the audience does over the course of the film  and the acting process began to resemble something more traditional. By the end of the shoot, they were actually starting to improv in TOLA, Cumming said, noting that when he realized the actors had made the language their own and believed in it, it gave him hope the audience might believe in it as well.

Another key to making the audience believe in the world is the cinematography, which created tricky lighting challenges for Cumming and director of photography Ben Fordesman. There are no cheats, right? You cant put on the car headlights or anything like that, Cumming said. The daytime scenes are, in a way, the easiest, but even then we didnt use any artificial light. Everything was just bouncing stuff off polyboards and putting in ND filters to give more shape and more contrast to the faces. And then you work with the grader down the line to inject color and more of a look later. I think Ben did a really great job on those scenes to make the Scottish Highlands look bleak yet completely beautiful and awe-inspiring, which is exactly what I wanted.

Out of Darkness Courtesy Everett Collection

For the nighttime scenes, the lighting was motivated almost entirely by fire, which is not only a key visual element but also a vital part of the story. If they dont have fire, they die, Cumming said. They dont eat, they dont stay warm. I remember we used to joke because most of Bens direction to his team was either more gas or less gas, just to bring the fire up or down just to get the right amount. Even in the films most striking visual effect, an Aurora Borealis scene, Cumming and Fordesman kept the lighting simple. Its just one sky panel up high, and I think we programmed it on an iPad to give it a sort of strobing effect.

The films composer, Adam Janota Bzowski, created an additional layer of period authenticity by rigorously researching ancient instruments and applying their sounds to his score. Again, it was all about taking inspiration from what we know about these people from that time period, Cumming said. Bone flutes have been discovered at various dig sites, so he used bone flutes. He also spoke to a conch flute expert in Australia and had him record sounds that he could then sample and process and pitch up and down, and there are kudu horns. Basically, it was just taking any sort of percussive instruments or wind instruments from that time period and then going to town with them and putting them through various filters. I think Adam was surprised himself at how violent he was able to make these things sound.

All of these elements give Out of Darkness a mesmerizing quality that Cumming strove for even as he was terrified it wasnt achievable on his first feature. Especially in your debut, there are a lot of high-wire moments where youre worried that its not going to work. The world building is such a crucial part of a film like this. But ultimately I said to my heads of department throughout the process, were not making a documentary. Were not making a Discovery Channel reenactment. This is a movie, and its got to do certain things that a movie has to do. So, you know, do the research, but dont become beholden to it.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman dazzled Grammy viewers with their duet of "Fast Car" and now the country singer is paying tribute to the music legend.

"Tracy, I want to send my sincerest thanks to you for allowing me to be a part of your moment," Combs captioned an Instagram post Friday. "Thank you for the impact you have had on my musical journey, and the musical journeys of countless other singers, songwriters, musicians, and fans alike."

"I hope you felt how much you mean to the world that night. We were all in awe of you up there and I was just the guy lucky enough to have the best seat in the house," Combs ended the post, which recapped his Grammys night.

Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs hug after performing "Fast Car" during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024.

Tracy Chapman, Luke Combs perform moving duet of 'Fast Car' at the 2024 Grammy Awards

The duet was a moment of deeper significance for Combs, who first heard Chapman's "Fast Car" in his father's truck on a cassette tape when he was growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. The performance was also notable considering the intensely private Chapman has tapered off public appearances since her most recent tour in 2009.

The five-minute Grammys performance began with a person, later revealed to be Chapman grinning, playing the guitar as the crowd cheered when she began to sing the iconic track. Both Chapman and Combs took to the stage donning black, standing in place in front of a backlit wall of spotlights that looked like car headlights.

Tracy Chapman attends the Beverly Hills Bar Association's Entertainment Lawyer of the Year Dinner at Beverly Hills Hotel in 2014.

The whole crowd sang along as Chapman and Combs crooned, "You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away? / You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way." As the performance ended, Combs bowed towards Chapman who bowed back, and the star-studded audience gave the duo a standing ovation.

An exclusive Rolling Stone article detailed the lead-up to Chapman and Combs' viral performance. The duo met at an L.A. recording studio to rehearse "Fast Car" just five days before the Grammys ceremony last Saturday, according to the outlet. The story said that after the two music superstars hugged on stage after their performance, Chapman went back to her dressing room and then, her private life in San Francisco the next day.

Grammys performance with Tracy Chapman follows year in the fast lane for Luke Combs

Combs' rendition of the original 1988 radio hit garnered widespread critical and commercial acclaim after its release last year.

Combs' version soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination for best country solo performance for his rendition of Fast Car. It was also No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart for four weeks. 35 years after the song's debut, Combs was awarded single of the year and Chapman became the first Black woman to ever win a trophy at the 2023 CMA Awards in November.

I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but Im honored to be there. Im happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced Fast Car,'" Chapman told Billboard in July.

Contributing: Marcus Dowling, The Tennessean; Audrey Gibbs

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luke Combs thanks Tracy Chapman after Grammys 'Fast Car' duet
The crew member who died on the set of Marvels Wonder Man this week was an Army veteran who once survived a catastrophic IED explosion while serving in the Middle East, according to sources who knew him well.

Juan Spike Wu Osorio died on Tuesday while working as a rigger on the Wonder Man set at CBS Radford Studios in Los Angeles. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is currently investigating his death.

Dave McGrory, a rigging gaffer who was Osorios boss for five years but who was not working on Wonder Man, told The Daily Beast that Osorio was a combat veteran who decided to join the U.S. Army after 9/11.

The man made it out of Afghanistan, and didnt make it out of the studio system, McGrory said, before relaying a story about how Osorio once survived a bomb in Afghanistan.

He was in a Humvee that drove over an IED which exploded. And he basically watched his closest guys die in front of him, McGrory said. And there was another firefight in a cave in Afghanistan, where he was wounded with some shrapnel. I know that because he got a scar under his left eye, from rock fragmentation.

For him to get out of that place, hes a veteran, hes a hero, McGrory added.

Alex Ojeda, another colleague and a close friend of Osorios, relayed the same Humvee story to The Daily Beast, adding that Osorio did three tours in Afghanistan during his time in the Army.

After Osorio left the military, McGrory said, he did his best to kind of take the anger out of it and try to enjoy all the living things; try to shift that into more positive elements. He really enjoyed cultivating succulents. That was kind of his passion. And he had a passion for dogs and growing and breeding cactus, which he would sell at the farmers market in Temple City. Basically, loved his country, loved his friends, loved his union, and loved his wife.

McGrory also described Osorio as the most safe human being Ive ever met, especially when it came to being conscious of safety measures on set.

No one in my local IATSE [union] is more concerned about the safety of himself and the safety of others. He was the guy that was most concerned, McGrory said, adding, I was his boss. He was my second in command. He was the mama bear. Everybody loves his man I had [a colleague] tell me yesterday that their wife was crying, saying, I dont want you ever going up there ever again. And he told her, I cant say yes to that, because thats just the job.

Marvel Crew Member Dies After Accident on Set of Wonder Man Series

According to his IMDb page, Osorio, who was 41, worked as a technician on dozens of film and television projects dating back to 2006, including The Conners, Goliath, Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp, and the Disney+ series American Born Chinese.

Osorio was a member of IATSE Local 728, representing below-the-line workers. On Friday, IATSE shared a remembrance on behalf of Osorios family that includes mention of his military service:

He was the best person who cared for all living things, a person that we all should strive to be. J.C. Spike Osorio was taken away from us too soon on February 6, 2024. He was the most wonderful, thoughtful, and loving husband, a caring son, a wise brother, a strong friend, a brave veteran, a euphorbia enthusiast, a meticulous lighting technician, and a stickler for safety at work.

The remembrance continues, He is survived by his wife, Joanne Osorio-Wu, his mother, Zoila Osorio, and his two schnauzers, Murphy Pastrami and Sirius Pickle. To paraphrase a line from one of his favorite podcasts, He was Spike, he lives forever in every moment he existed, and swore to every star in the cosmos, that he never forgot it was a gift, not for one second.

GoFundMe

Following Osorios death, his colleague Bill Martel organized a GoFundMe to support Osorios wife, Joanne, who also works in production as a boom operator. As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe had collected over $166,000 from more than 1,500 donors.

Martel wrote in the fundraisers description, On February 6th, 2024, our friend Spike lost his life on the set of Marvels WonderMan shoot at CBS Radford studios due to a potential structural failure. We are hoping the Production Company, The Facility, MBS, Marvel Studios handles things properly, but expect a long road fraught with attorney fees and expenses. In the mean time, bills will be mounting and the widow, Boom Operator Joanne W. will be left to deal with everything. Help if youre able, its greatly appreciated.

Disney did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment on the alleged potential structural failure that may have led to his death.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The pair, who share three sons, wed in a private ceremony in 2011

Walter McBride/WireImage Simon Halls and Matt Bomer.

Matt Bomer and his husband have a special plan in mind for this Valentine's Day.

While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the SCAD TVFest in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this week, the Fellow Travelers star, 46, also opens up about how he will celebrate the annual holiday with his longtime love, Simon Halls.

"We're going to try to get out of town, which we haven't been able to do together in a really long time because, thankfully, we've been doing all these kinds of things," Bomer says, referencing his hectic schedule.

"We're going to have a nice moment out of town together, which will be a great way to reconnect amidst all the busyness that's been going on," he continues.

When asked to specify what exactly the couple's celebrations will include, Bomer  who received The Hollywood Reporter's trailblazer award at the festival  adds: "It's a favorite beach spot that we like. It's just easy, not too far from the kids. We have three teenagers now, so you don't want to stray too far from home."

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.



Vivien Killilea/Getty Matt Bomer poses with 'The Hollywood Reporter' 's Trailblazer Award at the SCAD TVfest on Feb. 7 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Related: Who Is Matt Bomer's Husband? All About Simon Halls

Bomer has been married to Halls since 2011. The pair wed in a private ceremony with just their "nearest and dearest" in attendance, the American Horror Story actor previously told PEOPLE.

The couple didn't announce their union publicly until 2014, however, when Bomer revealed the news in an issue of Details.

Bomer and Halls, a top Hollywood publicist, share three sons together  Kit, born in 2005, and twins Henry and Walker, born in 2008.

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage Simon Halls and Matt Bomer with their 3 kids.

Related: Matt Bomer Says He's Raising His Three Sons in an Intersectional Environment: 'Let Them Find Their Own Way'

Back in 2016, Bomer told PEOPLE that he and Halls take their relationship "one day at a time" and draw inspiration from his grandparents' love.

"[My grandparents] just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, so I always look to them and I see how every day they express their love for each other and I try to follow," he said at the time. "They've set a pretty good model for me to follow."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
RACINE  Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez visited NAMI Racine County on Monday to talk with the organization about the state of mental health across the county.

In January 2023, Governor Tony Evers declared 2023 as the year of mental health. A year later during his 2024 State of the State address, he announced he was creating the governors interagency council on mental health.

Bridget Munson, executive director of NAMI Racine County, said the organization was able to meet with every legislator representing Racine County in 2023.

Every year is the year of mental health for us, so I thought it was fantastic that there was such a focus on it, Munson said. This interagency council is a follow-up to that focus, and it supports the overall mission that NAMIs across the country have.

The interagency council will work to expand access to mental and behavioral health services, reduce stigmas and build capacity among healthcare providers and community partners. Munson said she hopes the council will also make it easier to navigate services that already exist.

One of the things discussed with the lieutenant governor Monday was the number of mental health providers and rate of emergency room visits related to mental health countywide, Munson said.

According to the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment Report from Aurora Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, the mental health provider rate in Racine County is 170.8 providers per 1000,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the statewide rate, which is 272.2 providers per 100,000 residents, according to the study.

The rate of emergency department visits for mental health reasons in Racine County was 1,046.8 per 100,000 resident, which is higher than Wisconsins rate of 908.4 per 100,000 residents.

The highest rates for emergency room visits due to mental health in the county were in the non-Hispanic Black population at 1,907.9 per 100,000, female residents at 1,172.9 per 100,000 and young adults ages 19-39 at 2,022 per 100,000.

Rodriguez was named as the chair of Governor Evers task force on the health care workforce on Jan. 29.

During her visit to NAMI Racine County, she said she was working on finding out how to better bolster the healthcare workforce, including therapists and behavioral heath providers.

Its really, really important that we have access in Wisconsin, Rodriguez said. COVID really shone a light, especially on our children, that they are really struggling with mental health issues, so we need to make sure they have the resources that they need.

Patrick Bohon, NAMI Racine County board president, said the countys plans to build a mental health center at 1720 Taylor Ave. will be a game changer for residents accessing services.

Bohon has been involved with NAMI Racine County for several decades and said while there is still work to be done, hes seen positive developments for the mental health space.

Theres much greater awareness of mental illness, Bohon said. The stigma is diminishing and more people are willing to talk openly about mental health needs and mental illness and potentially seek support and treatment.

Five photos of residents raising awareness for mental illness Raising awareness for mental illness About 15 people gathered Monday to raise awareness for mental illness at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Ohio Street. Monday was the Cindy Wurl Cindy Wurl holds a sign saying, 'Be kind to yourself" Monday during a mental illness awareness demonstration at the intersection of Washington Lane and Sacotte Krystan Sacotte, right, and Christopher Lane hold signs Monday during a mental illness awareness demonstration at the intersection of Washingt Hess Sheri Hess, right, talks with another demonstrator Monday during a mental illness awareness demonstration at the intersection of Washington Av "Mental illness is not a crime" Melissa Ramirez with the Racine Friendship Clubhouse holds a sign Monday during a mental illness awareness demonstration at the intersection o Mental illness awareness demonstration
Since King Charles IIIs cancer diagnosis, all eyes have been on the British royal family. There have been a number of developments in the House of Windsor over the course of the last few days alone, including Prince Harrys recent trip to the United Kingdom to visit his father. The father-son meeting, however, was extraordinarily brief. And one royal expert believes this significant family members presence may have been part of the reason for the meetings length.

According to royal expert Robert Jobson, Queen Camilla might have played a part in the quick meeting. The Queen was with the King, Jobson said, per Marie Claire via The Sun. Lets be honesthe [Harry] wasnt too complimentary about Queen Camilla in his book, Spare. He wasnt very complimentary about her on Netflix. They dont get on.

More from SheKnows

Queen Camilla gives an encouraging update on King Charles III's health amid cancer diagnosis. https://t.co/rOYaE9KZTd  SheKnows (@SheKnows) February 9, 2024

Indeed, there may have been a lot of tension in the room if Queen Camilla was present for Harrys reunion with his father. But theres also more to it. The royals do stick to a pretty military clock, Jobson said. You have to get the helicopter pilot there, all these things. So his plans had to be changed. The one thing the King doesnt like is changing his plans. He gave him long enough for a kiss and a hug and wished him all the best. King Charles and Queen Camilla reportedly left Clarence House for Sandringham after the meeting.

Jobson also conceded there simply has not been a lot of contact between Harry and his father over the course of the last few years. As much as wed like to believe that, in a moment like this, those feelings can be put aside, it is much easier said than done. The important element of this entire story, though, is that Prince Harry was there for his father, even if only for a brief meeting.

Other royal experts feel that Harry and King Charles reunion could spell the end of the royal feud, at least between the father and son. Whether the relationship between Harry and his older brother Prince William will ever recover is another concern all together. But this royal experts insight may clue us in just a bit more as to why this reunion was so short-lived.

Click here to see a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles feud with the royal family.



Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle

Best of SheKnows

Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The actor received the Maltin Modern Master Award at the 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival on Friday

Tibrina Hobson/Getty;Jason Kempin/Getty Robert Downey Jr., Ryan O'Neal

Robert Downey Jr. is reflecting on an impactful conversation with Ryan O'Neal from "the first day of rehearsals" for their 1989 film Chances Are.

Speaking with Maltin Modern Master Award namesake Leonard Maltin at the 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival on Friday, the 58-year-old Oscar nominee revealed that he and the late O'Neal  who died in December at age 82  had an eye-opening conversation while making Chances Are.

After having shown what he called "the dark side of Hollywood" in 1987's Less Than Zero, Downey Jr. detailed one specific memory from Chances Are two years later.

Related: Robert Downey Jr. Thanks Wife Susan, Rob Lowe, Cillian Murphy as He Accepts 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival Honor

Moviestore/Shutterstock Robert Downey Jr. and Ryan O'Neal in 1989's 'Chances Are'

"We were in Washington, D.C. I met some friends, went out back at the hotel, we ordered some champagne," Downey Jr. said of his first day of rehearsals.

"One thing led to another, and then the read-through was at 11:00 a.m. and it was about 2:45 p.m. and I was just sleeping it off and the door came off the hinges and it was Ryan O'Neal. And it was like, 'I'm here telling you, you're f------ up. Oh my God, you're f------ up.' And I was like, 'Wow. People seem pretty uptight,' " he said. "Not that I knew I was late, but it was a bit of a warning sign there."

As Downey Jr. shared, he loved "shooting the movie," but questioned why after Less Than Zero he was making what he at the time considered a "dumb a-- romantic comedy."

"Because that's what people want to see you do. We don't want to see you dying in Palm Springs and bumming everybody up. I was like, 'Oh, okay. Don't worry.' [I'll] wake up on time for the next read through. Don't worry about it. I'll just start earlier,' " he recalled saying.

Related: 2024 Oscar Nominations: Barbie, Oppenheimer and American Fiction Among Nominees  See the Full List

Rebecca Sapp/Getty Robert Downey Jr. joined by Cillian Murphy and Rob Lowe at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival

As previously reported, Downey Jr. accepted his latest award on Friday while being celebrated with speeches from friends Rob Lowe and Oppenheimer costar Cillian Murphy. The award, named after Maltin, was first created in 1995 to honor an individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry," per the festival.



After describing Lowe as "someone who has demonstrated so much to me" and Murphy as "a f------ force of nature," Downey Jr. made sure to wrap up his speech with a message for his wife, Susan Downey.

"And as always, I will never finish any thank you, even though she's probably just getting ready to put the kids to bed soon, without thanking my dearest associate, Susan Downey," he concluded.

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.



Downey Jr.s list of upcoming projects includes the HBO miniseries The Sympathizer. He's up for best supporting actor at the Academy Awards on March 10, thanks to his role in the latest Christopher Nolan blockbuster.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
"I believe the Grammys also missed an opportunity to remind the world that there was another great artist and humanitarian," wrote Shari in an essay

Michael N. Todaro/FilmMagic Harry Belafonte and Shari Belafonte in New York City in October 2010

The 2024 Grammy Awards honored the late musicians Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor and Clarence Avant with tribute performances during the ceremony's "In Memoriam" segment. But Shari Belafonte thinks her late father, the legendary Harry Belafonte, deserved more of a moment.

The actress and musician opened up about her feelings in an essay for Deadline on Friday, detailing Harry's many cultural accomplishments and advocating for a more substantial tribute for the Grammy-winning calypso artist, who died of congestive heart failure at age 96 in April 2023.

"So many talented, wonderful people left us this past year. But to me, the standout obviously would be my father, Harry Belafonte," wrote Shari, 69, whose father was included in a slideshow at the ceremony but not specially highlighted.

SGranitz/WireImage Harry Belafonte and Shari Belafonte in Los Angeles in 2006

Related: Stevie Wonder Leads 2024 Grammys 'In Memoriam' Segment with Posthumous Tony Bennett Duet

"There have been numerous homages made to Harry since his passing in April of last year. There will be many more," she added. "But the one you would immediately imagine to be grand wouldve been the one the Grammys would have done. And yet, a two-second picture of him on the screen was all that was allotted."

Shari continued, "Now dont get me wrong. While the folks who had a bit more of a shout-out this year were absolutely deserving of the accolades, Im a bit appalled that Harry was not included in a 'Special Tribute' section. And Im not just saying that because he was my father."

The Morning Show star explained that Harry was the first Black man to win an Emmy, holds EGOT status and became both a Kennedy Center honoree and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee throughout his career. He also pitched the idea for 1985's charity hit "We Are the World," as chronicled in the recent documentary The Greatest Night in Pop.



Archive Photos/Getty Harry Belafonte

Related: Harry Belafonte, Musician and Activist Who Brought Calypso Music to the World, Dead at 96

In addition to introducing calypso music to a wide audience, Harry was a dedicated activist in the civil rights movement and helped organize many participants of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

"He is the one that created Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid bringing light to the plight of apartheid and the incarceration of Nelson Mandela in South Africa," wrote Shari. "He was the ambassador to Unicef for well over 30 years; received accolades from around the world for not just participating, but for starting movements for the betterment of humanity."

"While no doubt Tony Bennett, Tina Turner and others were special indeed and deserved a spotlight on the Grammys, I believe the Grammys also missed an opportunity to remind the world that there was another great artist and humanitarian," concluded her essay. "But he was sadly overlooked  as so many people of color still are."

Getty Harry Belafonte

Related: Harry Belafonte Remembered by John Legend, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bernice King and More After His Death

During the 2024 Grammys' "In Memoriam" segment, musicians Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Wendy & Lisa, Jon Batiste, Ann Nesby, Cory Henry, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone delivered performances in tribute to Turner, Bennett, O'Connor and Avant.

Reps for Harry confirmed in an April press release that Belafonte died "of congestive heart failure at his New York home at the age of 96, his wife Pamela [Frank] by his side."

Following his death, stars including John Legend, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bernice King, Tiffany Haddish, Patti LaBelle, John Travolta, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more paid tribute to Harry on social media.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Viewers of Tokyo Vice Season 2 are wondering how many episodes are in the series and when each new episode comes out. Set in the 1990s, this series chronicles the journey of Jake Adelstein, who became the first foreign-born journalist at a major Japanese newspaper. As he delves deeper into his work, he faces formidable challenges and dangers while navigating the treacherous criminal underworld of Japan. This series is inspired by Jake Adelsteins 2009 book of the same title.

Heres how many episodes are in Tokyo Vice Season 2 and on what day new episodes come out.

How many episodes are in Tokyo Vice Season 2?

Tokyo Vice Season 2 has 10 episodes.

The episode list is as follows:

Episode 1: Dont Ever F**king Miss

Episode 2: Be My Number One

Episode 3  Episode 10: TBA

Season 2 premiered on February 8, 2024, on HBO Max. It is produced by Ralph Winter and Satch Watanabe. John Grillo, Diego Garcia, Katsumi Yanagijima, and Daniel Satinoff serve as cinematographers of the series.

HBO Max offers three subscription plans to viewers. The ad-supported Max subscription plan costs $9.99 a month and $99.99 a year. The ad-free Max subscription plan costs $15.99 a month or $149.99 a year. HBO Max also offers a premium subscription plan that costs $19.99 a month and $199.99 a year.

The cast of Tokyo Vice includes Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein, Ken Watanabe as Hiroto Katagiri, Rachel Keller as Samantha Porter, Hideaki Ito as Jin Miyamoto, Show Kasamatsu as Sato, Rinko Kikuchi as Emi Maruyama, Ella Rumpf as Polina, Tomohisa Yamashita as Akira, Kosuke Toyohara as Baku, Masato Hagiwara as Duke, Shun Sugata as Hitoshi Ishida, Eugene Nomura as Kobayashi, and more.

When do new Tokyo Vice episodes come out?

New episodes of Tokyo Vice Season 2 typically come out every Thursday.

The official synopsis for the series reads:

A first-hand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat following Jake Adelstein, an American journalist who embeds himself into the Tokyo Vice police squad to reveal corruption. Based on Jake Adelsteins non-fiction book of the same name.

A dream collaboration between Tom Cruise and Quentin Tarantino could be coming to fruition after the duo almost worked together

Movies Tyler Treese 6 hours ago

Fans of The Bear wont have to wait long for the third season, as FX confirmed when The Bears Season

TV Anthony Nash 9 hours ago

ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive My Bloody Galentine trailer, showing off the upcoming Tubi original horror thriller movie. The movie

Movies Spencer Legacy 9 hours ago

With the Super Bowl just a few days away, Paramount Pictures has released one of their TV spots for the

Movies Anthony Nash 9 hours ago

The post Tokyo Vice Season 2: How Many Episodes & When Do New Episodes Come Out? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
There would be a hole in Manhattan's heart without its Chinatown. The buzzy, crowded lower tip of the borough is home to the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere, as well as more than just a few culinary landmarks in the city. It's a self-sustaining enclave of Chinese people, culture, traditions, and food that is actively resisting gentrification and the rise of property ownership changes against the favor of longtime locals. But as Chinatown changes and modernizes for better or for worse, plenty of the neighborhood's small, family-run noodle shops  new and centuries old  are still holding strong.

What is the most beautiful thing about noodles? Hard to say, but they're an important vector of flavor. Noodles do the heavy lifting of carrying a painter's palate of flavors and ingredients to our tongues, warming and filling the insides as they go down. In this guide, we factor in each menu's authenticity and consistency, as well as the restaurant's word-of-mouth reputation. Let's take you inside the labyrinth of narrow streets, steamy windows, and late-night haunts to steer you to some of the best noodles Manhattan's Chinatown has to offer.

Read more: Restaurant Foods That Always Taste Better Than What You Make At Home

Xi'an Famous Foods

Plates of noodles - Xi'an Famous Foods /Facebook

Xi'an Famous Foods opened its first location in Flushing, Queens in 2005. It claims to be the first restaurant to introduce the U.S. to the cuisine of Xi'an, a city in the Shaanxi province of northwestern China known for its unique blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern influences. The first Chinatown location of the restaurant opened in 2011, and today, the Xi'an Famous Foods empire is 13 outposts strong. It also happens to be one of our favorite spots for vegan noodles in NYC.

The menu at Xi'an Famous Foods is chock full of hand-torn biang-biang noodles, a type of fat, thick noodle characteristic of the Shaanxi province. One of the most popular iterations of the noodle at the restaurant is the liang pi, or cold-skin noodles: The chewy biang-biang noodles are tossed in chili oil, soy sauce, black rice vinegar, and garlic with cilantro, bean sprouts, cucumber, and house-made gluten cubes, which have a texture akin to springy tofu. The liang pi is vegetarian, but it has the umami and depth of flavor of a hearty, meat-forward dish. If you're missing the meat, get your biang-biang with spicy cumin lamb for a gamey and piquant kick in the tongue.

xianfoods.com

(212) 786-2068

45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

Mei Lai Wah

Wontons with brown sauce - Petra Baars/Facebook

Mei Lai Wah has been a Chinatown bakery staple since the 1960s, but it's more than just a bakery. When the original location closed in 2008, it shook locals and food-seeking tourists alike. But the reopening eight years later has led the bakery on a solid path  in the summer of 2023, Mei Lai Wah opened a second location, called Mei Lai Wah Wonton Noodle, on Pell Street.

While the pork buns are still all the rage, Mei Lai Wah's noodles are certainly deserving of their roses, as well. The wonton noodle soup features spools of yellow egg noodles in a rich but super clean chicken broth with soft wontons and scallions. Not feeling soup? Opt for the pan fried rice noodles coated in funky and umami-laden XO sauce with bell peppers and mung bean sprouts, or the curried, earthy Singapore rice noodles.

meilaiwah.com

(212) 966-7866

62 Bayard St, New York, NY, 10013

Yi Ji Shi Mo

Rice noodles in tin - Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation (CPLDC)/Facebook

There are plenty unassuming, plain-signed duck-downs scattered around the corners of Manhattan's Chinatown. Often, these spots are the neighborhood's best kept secrets. Yi Ji Shi Mo on Elizabeth Street is one of them, and it focuses on steamed rice noodle rolls: A traditional Cantonese item from the Guangdong province that you can typically find rolling around on dim sum carts worldwide. Steamed rice rolls, also known as cheung fun, are made from a mixture of rice flour and tapioca starch and can be filled with a variety of vegetables and proteins.

At Yi Ji Shi Mo, steamed rice noodle rolls are made from scratch from rice flour that is freshly milled each morning. The slurry of rice flour and starch is steamed to order, and the resulting noodle is served paper thin and steamy, teeming with the ingredients of your choice, and covered in savory-sweet black soy sauce.

(646) 233-6311

88 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

Plates of noodles and dumplings - @xx.shawty_/Instagram

If you're jonesing for a variety of noodles, or you're hopelessly undecided on what kind of noodles you want, Shu Jiao Fu Zhou is the place to be. This cash-only joint slings Fujianese noodles of all sorts, but it's known for its signature peanut butter noodles. These babies aren't much more than a disposable white plate full of wheat noodles and peanut butter soy sauce, but they're dangerously addicting and only $3  a literal pittance these days in New York City.

Fujianese cuisine has a reputation for being light, clean, and flavorful, and this holds true at Shu Jiao Fu Zhou. The food here is so modestly-priced and delicious that it would be a shame to not get a few different things to try. Grab some minced beef or beef tripe soup with thick rice noodles, and maybe even a heaping plate of chicken and mushroom dumplings without spending more than $20.

shujiaofuzhou.com

(212) 625-2532

295 Grand St, New York, NY 10002

Spicy Village

Meat and broth in bowl - Spicy Village/Facebook

If you're looking for something to keep you warm against the often-brutal New York winters, look no further than Spicy Village, a Henan-style noodle house with chili oil practically oozing from its walls. Opened in 2010 as Henan Feng Wei, Wendy Lian and her husband, Ran Fu Li, have since been putting the food of their homeland on the map. The Henan province is famed for being the starting place of the ancient Silk Road trading route, but it's also renowned for its harmonious balance of all five tastes, especially in its fried and stewed noodles.

At Spicy Village, there many of such varieties, but one reigns supreme  the da pan ji, or "big tray chicken." This behemoth of a meal is a nest of hand-torn wheat noodles served in a spicy chili oil-laden broth with a mountain of bone-in chicken and cilantro. The noodles are delicately textured, chewy, and satisfying, soaking up the savory, anise-y numbing broth they wade in. The chicken is tender at the bone gristle in some parts, but in the best way possible.

Instagram.com/spicyvillagenyc

(212) 625-8299

68 Forsyth St, Unit B, New York, NY 10002

Super Taste

Meat and cilantro in broth - Joshua Carlucci/Tasting Table

One of the best (or worst, depending on who you are) kept secrets in New York's Chinatown noodle lore is Super Taste, an impossibly tiny and narrow shop on the edge of the neighborhood, which also opened a second location on the Upper East Side in 2023. The Chinatown spot, which conveniently borders Two Bridges and the Lower East Side, serves cure-all, sinus-clearing Lanzhou fare.

The terse menu is relegated to a few noodle soups and dumplings, all of which are unbeatable. The most popular, though, is the Mount Qi beef noodle soup. The name is referential to the Battle of Mount Qi, which occurred during the Three Kingdoms era around the modern-day Gansu province, where Lanzhou is the capital. The beefy broth is dazzled with chili oil, peas, and corn, and is made fragrant by fistfuls of cilantro and chopped scallions. Down under await chewy, round wheat noodles that seem to have infinite length.

noodle5888.com

(646) 283-0999

26 N Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Noodle Village

Tripe noodles and vegetables in broth - Noodle Village /Facebook

While Chinatown is known for its hyper-specialized, hyper-local restaurants, there are some that do a little bit of everything really well. Noodle Village is one of those places, serving up Cantonese noodles, xiao long bao, wonton soup, and congee in a cozy spot tucked away on Mott Street. It is even said by some that Noodle Village has the best wonton soup in Chinatown.

There's a lot to love at Noodle Village, so bringing a few friends will behoove you: You get to try a bunch of stuff with your pals. First, definitely order the wonton soup, but the way you choose is up to you. The wontons are silky smooth and ultra-thin without succumbing to the rich broth they soak in. The wonton noodle soup brings on the addition of a nest of egg noodles, which adds a bit of textural variety in the bowl. Also delicious are the Shanghai soup dumplings and the various warm and stew-y congees to pick from.

nynoodlevillage.com

(212) 233-0788

13 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Wo Hop

Close-up of noodles - Wo Hop 17 Restaurant/Facebook

Right next door to Noodle Village is Wo Hop, a restaurant that has become rather famous after being named America's Classics Winner by the James Beard Foundation in 2022. This basement-level joint opened to the public in 1938 and has been wall-to-wall crowded ever since, but especially now.

Much of the fare at Wo Hop is Chinese American, reflective of the ingredients available in the United States during the early days of immigration. Steamy and savory chow fun and lo mein share the menu with Hunan-style crispy sea bass and Sichuan-style string beans. Try the jajangmyeon  Korean-Chinese noodles with black bean sauce  which are thick, hearty, and coated in a dark and umami-rich sauce made of the fermented black beans. Wo Hop is also renowned for its dumplings, which are made fresh daily, boiled, and pan fried to a crispy golden brown.

wohop17.com

(212) 962-8617

17 Mott St, Basement, New York, NY 10013

Great NY Noodletown

Soup with meat and side dish - The Great New York Noodletown (chinese food)/Facebook

In 1981, Chinatown was graced by the presence of a new Hong Kong-style institution: Great NY Noodletown. Canonized food writer and former food critic of The New York Times Ruth Reichl wrote a gushing review about Noodletown in 1994, praising its wok chi, or "the elusive energy that comes from cooking food very fast at very high temperatures." This bustling spot is still as busy, quick-serving, and full of finesse as it was in the '90s, purveying some of the city's most delectable Cantonese cuisine.

Carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, picky eaters, and the adventurous among us will all fare equally well at Great NY Noodletown, with  you guessed it  noodles as the common denominator for mutual pleasure. Try the dainty-thin wontons in rich, translucent broth, the cracker-crisp pan-fried seafood noodles with yu choy and a light gravy, or some of the many barbecued meats hanging succulently in the window.

greatnewyorknoodletown.com

(212) 349-0923

28 Bowery St, New York, NY 10003

Joe's Steam Rice Roll

Fat rice noodle rolls with chili - Joe's steam rice roll /Facebook

The press and internet alike have been kind to Joe's Steam Rice Roll over the years. YouTube videos of the custardy slurry of rice flour and starch coagulating in great metal steam trays behind the counter at Joe's have gone viral, for example, while The New York Times gave the restaurant a rave review. The way the cheong fun are scraped up effortlessly, folded with ingredients, sliced, and plated up in seemingly one swift motion, is as mesmerizing as the result is delicious. Joe Rong, owner and chef of Joe's Steam Rice Roll, opened his first food stand in 2017. These days, he's got three locations around the city: two in Manhattan and one in Flushing, Queens.

The Chinatown location of Joe's Steam Rice Roll opened in November 2018. The restaurant stone-mills its own rice flour daily to make the batter for the jiggly and tender (and almost French omelette-like) rice rolls. Arguably the best thing on the menu is the chef's favorite: The Joe's Signature Rice Roll, which is a combination of pork, beef, dried shrimp, egg, and lettuce. Get it doused in sweet soy sauce and chili oil.

joessteamricerolltogo.com

(718) 878-0828

261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013

Congee Village

Dumplings with flower - Congee Village/Facebook

Home to the delightful, stick-to-your-ribs Cantonese breakfast favorite is the eponymous Congee Village. Though technically inside of the border of the Lower East Side, Congee Village is still an OG in the world of Chinatown necessities. As the restaurant's website states, "Cantonese people are very particular about the cooking of congee," and Congee Village has taken its craft seriously since opening in 1996, and then launching a Flushing, Queens location two decades later.

Congee Village's rice gruel is a subtle, sticky, and perfectly textured backdrop to various ingredients one might choose to throw into the mix, like pork floss or dried shrimp. That said, congee isn't all that's up to snuff here. Plenty of noodles of all varieties grace the menu at Congee Village, which serves heaping piles of chow mein and lo mein by the plate-load. Choose from an array of proteins, like beef, chicken, pork, or seafood, or even take a left turn toward the noodle soups. The soups are even more customizable with the added options of wontons or mushrooms.

congeenyc.com

(212) 941-1818

100 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Vanessa's Dumpling House

Dumplings on plate - Vanessa's Dumpling House/Facebook

Vanessa Weng opened her self-titled dumpling house on Eldridge Street in 1999 to fill a niche she felt was missing from the canon: dumplings. Technically another Lower East Side border-rider, Vanessa's Dumpling House is undoubtedly still an off-Chinatown classic. Weng's brand has since expanded exponentially, opening locations across the boroughs and the border into Jersey.

There is plenty in the way of crispy and supple pan-fried and boiled dumplings, with a little something on the menu for everyone. But the noodles at Vanessa's are not to be missed, either. Sichuan's classic dan dan noodles make a guest appearance on the menu, in all their chili-oil-drenched goodness, but are made with a spicy beef sauce (there's even a veganized version as an option) instead of the traditional minced pork. A bounty of noodle soups, from beef to hot and sour are also available. The thick and round wheat noodles are steamy, comforting, and just fine to eat right out of the quart deli container on a mid-afternoon winter walk.

vanessas.com

(212) 625-8008

118A Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Cafe Himalaya

Momo and noodles with vegetables - Joshua Carlucci/Tasting Table

Cafe Himalaya is a little against the grain in the way of Chinatown noodle shops for a few reasons: It's not Chinese, and it's technically not in Chinatown. It is, however, adjacent enough in both areas; but more importantly, its noodles are fantastic. Cafe Himalaya is a Tibetan hole-in-the-wall conjuring up some of the best cheap late-night eats in the East Village.

Known mostly for its momo  rounded little dumplings filled with chicken, beef, or vegetables  this spot has a few limited but choice noodle dishes that are integral to the menu. Vegetarians will rejoice at the tsel gyathuk ngopa, thin and flat sauteed wheat noodles with tofu, wilted greens, and scallions. The sauce is subtle, but you can choose your spice level. For a heartier meal, opt for the thukpa, a traditional Tibetan noodle soup chock full of veggies, with the option to add beef, chicken, or shrimp.

cafehimalaya.weebly.com

(212) 358-0160

78 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009

Mam

Vietnamese plate of various food - Joshua Carlucci/Tasting Table

One of the newer players in the Chinatown noodle game is a buzzy Vietnamese spot on the edge of the Lower East Side. Mam started as a pop-up by husband-and-wife duo Jerald and Nhung Dao Head. The name Mam means "sauce" in Vietnamese but refers to Mam tom. This fermented shrimp paste is used as the cornerstone of the menu item that put the restaurant on the map: bun au mam tom, a beautifully sectioned banana leaf-lined platter of silky fried tofu, pressed rice vermicelli noodles, various sausages and offal, and herbs galore.

The use of the noodle in bun au mam tom is notably a left turn from the other restaurants in this list, but it works, like the others, as a vector for the more concentrated flavors of the whole plate. It allows the palate to taste the intensity of the shrimp sauce, the silken brevity of the tofu, and the fragrance of the mountain of herbs. In more recent months, Mam has been venturing out into a rotating menu, switching from hearty and clean Hanoi-style beef pho, spicy and aromatic bun bo hue, and sometimes a special few seatings of lau rieu cua  Vietnamese crab hot pot.

hotplate.com/mamnyc

70 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002

Wu's Wonton King

Small bowls of wonton soup - Wendy Pong (via Ted Teng/Facebook)

Any list about Manhattan's Chinatown would be hopelessly incomplete without spotlighting Wu's Wonton King. Opened in 2016 on the border of Chinatown and the Lower East Side near Dimes Square, this enormous restaurant is a godsend for groups looking for quick, reservation-less tables on any night of the week. With breezy seating and service inside or out, Wu's has a novel-length menu of Chinese classics, from peking duck to enormous Alaskin king crab, cooked fresh to order.

Wontons are, as you may imagine, king at Wu's. The wonton soup is some of the best and brightest in the city, and it's doled out by the ladleful tableside. But noodles swath across the menu in many fashions, from braised to pan-fried to souped-up. Try the saucy braised noodles with crab meat or the super-fine tai pang rice noodles with seafood -- to share, of course.

wuswontonking.com

(212) 477-1112

165 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Methodology

Crowd walking in Chinatown - Peeter Viisimaa/Getty Images

This list was carefully curated with a few things at the forefront of the mind  authenticity, consistency, and reputation. We looked for restaurants that are purveying not only a sense of authenticity in its food, but actual, tangibly authentic cuisine that is representative of a particular group, region, nationality, or ethnicity. Authenticity spans from hyper-specific regional eats from Lanzhou to Hanoi, or Chinese-American hybrid classics.

Consistency is equivalent to a restaurant's dedication to quality and replay value. A restaurant that scores high in this category is undying in its commitment to delicious, honestly prepared food that never deviates from its flavor or quality. Finally, as arbitrary as reputation might be, it is a necessary evil to judge the "popularity" of a restaurant. How much buzz has the restaurant generated online and via word of mouth? Even the most underground and unmarked, frill-less haunts in New York will be quickly discovered, as this city's unbridled appetite for the next best spot is never satiated.

We hope you will use this guide as a means to patronize some of the most wonderful food in Manhattan's Chinatown, but by no means is it exhaustive. Use it as a reference point, not a framework  and do look beyond these restaurants to find others nearby that are just as delicious.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
When we worked at a wine shop in New Orleans, loyal patrons enjoyed private tastings and the care with which the store proprietor selected wines and local spirits. We saw how he made sure that only products he truly loved landed on his shelves. Regulars appreciated our attention to their preferences and eagerness to share why we were passionate about a certain bottle.

As a cocktail enthusiast, we'll drive the extra mile to go to a store we know is well-stocked, has fair prices, and has excellent customer service. If a store specializes in something in particular, even better. If you're interested in a new spirit but don't know where to start, a well-stocked liquor store with passionate staff can steer you in the right direction. Perhaps you're looking to make a Manhattan but don't know what's the best whiskey to buy. Or maybe you want some expert guidance in what gin to serve in a gimlet. While creating a surefire best liquor stores in the U.S. is a tall order, we rounded up ones that locals raved about for customer service and knowledgeability. I looked for stores that bartenders frequented (some of these were opened by veteran bartenders) and if they specialized in anything in particular. Lastly, I focused on independent liquor establishments rather than big-box stores, to showcase the best in local booze experts.

Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have

K & L Wines - Redwood City, San Francisco, & Los Angeles, California

K&L wine staff posing with inventory - @klwines / Instagram

Open since 1976, K & L has stores in Redwood City, San Francisco, and Hollywood. Located in the middle of Hollywood, the folks at K & L are no strangers to parties and particular tastes. Hollywood assistants might frequent the store to fulfill requests and fill gift baskets, but it's not about celebrities here, it's about quality wines. The people at K&L pride themselves on sourcing wines and spirits from around the world and offering them at decent prices for a loyal customer base. The staff are experts in their field, traveling abroad to buy directly from producers, which means they aren't paying for middleman fees, and thus offering the wines at a better price.

The store trades in fine wines, as well, buying well-stored vintages and auctioning specialty bottles online. K & L also offers wine clubs for multiple levels, be it based on price or region, with clubs like "Le Club Francais" or the "Champagne Club." It's well worth a stop either in Southern or Northern California whether you're a novice looking to start with the classic wines, or a wine-lover eager to scoop up a deep cut.

klwines.comMultiple locations in California

Five Star Liquor And Wine - Longwood, Florida

Bottles of vodka and whiskey - @fivestarliquorandwine / Instagram

The daiquiri is an elusively difficult drink. It's only a blend of three ingredients, but striking the right balance of acidity and sweetness is an art. Selecting the right rum is paramount to the equation as well. But there are so many types of rum: dark rum, white rum, specialty flavored rum, etcetera. One shop that can steer you in the right direction is Five Star Liquor and Wine, run by Sam Patel.

In addition to rum, the store also offers an outstanding bourbon selection and specialty mixers you might not find in bigger stores or grocery stores. Stop by for a tasting in the small but mighty shop, where you can learn from the staff about new items that have arrived in the store, which includes rare releases from producers like Binder's Stash. Customers note the fine wines are not to be missed, and thankfully, Five Star Liquor and Wine's social media account alerts followers to new inventory.

instagram.com/fivestarliquorandwine(407) 389-07103861 Wekiva Springs Rd, Longwood, FL 32779

Red Spirit And Wine - Nashville, Tennessee

many whiskey selections - @redspiritswine / Instagram

Red Spirit and Wines has customer service at the forefront. It's the little things that go a long way at Red: The preferences of regular customers are remembered, be it putting a couple of chilled bottles into a regular case order of white wine, or patiently helping someone find the right bottle for their dinner party. Oftentimes, liquor stores are a go-to for a big event, but not often is there a program so readily in place.

At Red, the staff will work with you for a big party or wedding, even prepping a "signature cocktail" for the event. Besides being one of the top places in town to get hard-to-find bourbon, it also partners with Drizly to deliver around the Bellevue neighborhood, so you could order from one of Nashville's signature barbecue spots and pair a whiskey alongside. The store offers thoughtful staff picks and a newsletter for customers to learn about new products or venture into a new liquor (like maybe a local Tennessee Moonshine).

redspirits.com(615) 646-14007066 US-70S, Nashville, TN 37221

Julio's Liquor - Westborough, Massachusetts

shelves at Julio's Liquor - @juliosliquor / Instagram

This year will be Julio's 50th in business. And Ryan Maloney, who worked at Julio's first as a stockboy, has owned it since 2000. The business is successful in part due to its employee loyalty and its commitment to educating customers. Located in a 20,000-square-foot space in Westborough, Julio's Liquor was named "Whisky Retailer of the Year" by Drink Insider for three consecutive years.

The staff at Julio's locates hard-to-find spirits and boasts a robust beer section, with local brews and imports and a large selection of Belgian and Trappist beers. The store has also tapped into the non-alcoholic spirits market, offering an abundant selection for dry January. Plus, the store has hot sauces and tobacco. The expansive space is home to two tasting rooms -- the Angel Share Tasting room, with over 40 wines on tap, and the Jim Beam Cold Storage Warehouse, a spirits tasting room in a speakeasy style.

juliosliquors.com(508) 366-1942140 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Ewa Pantry - Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Ewa Pantry sign - @ewapantry / Instagram

A local favorite, Ewa Pantry is tucked inside a strip mall in Ewa Pointe Marketplace. Its hole-in-the-wall demeanor is misleading, however, and the shelves inside are packed. The owners of Ewa Pantry stock quality scotch, tequila that's difficult to come by, and local craft beer like Hana Koa Brewery. The place is a reprieve from big stores like Costco that can have a monopoly on the island liquor market.

With flavored liqueurs like lychee and melon and shelves of obscure bottles, customers note it's a fun place to take a peek and look around, as you're sure to find something surprising, or exactly what you need. Many reviews note that Ewa Panty was the only place that had a specific whiskey or rhubarb liqueur that they were looking for. They also stock other provisions, like tobacco and cigars, candies, and seltzers.

instagram.com/ewapantry(808) 689-0000 91-1001 Kaimalie St, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Leon & Son - Brooklyn, New York

Shelves of red wine at Leon and Son - @leonandsonwine / Instagram

In a city full of liquor stores, Leon & Son stands out with a deeply knowledgeable staff and intention to source from environmentally sustainable brands. The result is a packed shop highlighting the best liquors, wines, and specialty drinks from small producers in both the U.S. and abroad. This Clinton Hill gem has a wide selection of vermouth and natural wines packed into its storefront. If you're interested in learning more about wine, Leon & Son is an excellent resource both in person and online.

The website keeps an up-to-date online "journal" highlighting producers and vintages. Some posts give a first-hand account of trips to Germany or Portugal for tastings, and others interview innovative vintners. "Leon Circle" is the store's monthly wine club where staff will select three bottles (often difficult to find elsewhere) for club members to enjoy. But if you're a casual sipper, Leon & Son has an under $25 section of wines.

leonandsonwine.com(347) 689-9253 995 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

The Austin Shaker - Austin, Texas

Natural wines in wine cooler - @theaustinshaker / Instagram

The Austin Shaker was opened by former bartenders Kirstyn Litchfield and David Maguire, after seeing a "for rent" sign in an old building (which happened to once be home to a liquor store in the '60s). They refurbished the building to open the first Austin Shaker, and have since expanded to Pleasant Valley and Oak Hill. Since Litchfield and Maguire are Austin bar veterans, specialty ingredients and barware are a focus at the Austin Shaker. Industry professionals and home bartenders come to stock up and test out new wares at the three locations.

With two bartenders at the helm of the shop, details matter. The Austin Shaker carries multiple kinds of salts for margaritas and plenty of bitter options that can add a je ne sais quoi to an otherwise straightforward cocktail. Customers are impressed by the breadth of options and the passion the staff displays for creating a meaningful cocktail experience.theaustinshaker.comMultiple locations

San Francisco Tequila Shop - San Francisco, California

San Francisco Tequila Shop - San Francisco Tequila Shop / Facebook

While it's easy to find liquor stores that specialize in bourbon and whiskey around the country, fewer are focused on specialty tequilas and mezcals. Thankfully there is the San Francisco Tequila Shop. Davinder Singh Malhi and his father Nirmal Singh Malhi saved up to open a liquor store in Modesto, California in 1993. Over the years, the shop took a tequila focus, and when Davinder's son took over, the shop moved to San Francisco and became San Francisco Tequila Shop.

The shop sells sotol and raicilla as well as tequila and mezcal. Sotol is derived from a palm plant and is produced in Northern Mexico, while raicilla is derived from the agave plant's stem and produced in Jalisco, and both are worth exploring as unique expressions of agave and Mexico. At San Francisco Tequila Shop, there are many varieties of tequila and unique bottles to choose from to start the agave journey, with a dedicated staff ready to guide.

sftequilashop.com(415) 361-6588801 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

Keife And Co. - New Orleans, Louisiana

Keife & Co rainbow colored wine openers - @keifeandco / Instagram

In a city of 24-hour bars, and home to "Tale of the Cocktail," where bartenders from around the country descend for a week of industry talk and tasting (and partying), there are quite a few well-stocked stores in New Orleans. It's a town built off of the hospitality industry and drinking lore, home to the Sazerac, the French 75, Peychaud's bitters, and hallowed halls of absinthe and whiskey. The cocktail experts at Kiefe & Co take their lineage seriously, and many a bartender in the city, from those who have worked the thirsty Mardi Gras crowds to the cocktail connoisseur crowd, will point you to their shop for all your cocktail needs.

In addition to picking up a rare bottle, you can rent stemware, place specialty orders, and create a customer profile so the staff knows your preferences and lets you know of something new you might enjoy. For a party or gathering, Keife & Co can also put together a cheese and charcuterie plate. This New Orleans institution's inventory is artisanal and refined.

keifeandco.com(504) 523-7272801 Howard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113

Independent Spirits Inc. - Chicago, Illinois

Wines Independent Spirits Inc - @independentspiritsinc / Instagram

Located in Edgewater, Independent Spirits Inc. focuses on the rare and interesting when it comes to spirits and wines, but that doesn't mean owner Scott Crestodina doesn't keep well-stocked shelves. Independent Spirits fills a niche that bigger liquor stores overlook by offering craft brews and rarified bottles, and Crestodina, who opened the shop in 2013, and his staff are excited about what they sell.

The tasting notes written on highlighted wines and spirits are thoughtful, even downright poetic, and spot on. Above the sections are drawings of the various wine regions made by Crestodina himself. Wines range from New to Old World, and customers can stop by for a weekly tasting to check out what's new at the store. Passion and a desire to share is what drives the staff here, so for an elevated cocktail experience, trust in the folks at Independent Spirits Inc. to help you out.

shop.independentspiritsinc.com(773) 989-21155947 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Hollywood Beverage - Portland, Oregon

shelves of liquor Hollywood Beverage - @hollywoodbvg / Instagram

Hollywood Beverage is a Portland stalwart, and is purportedly the oldest liquor store in Oregon, opening shortly after Prohibition ended. It has existed in iterations since 1934, and proudly stocks Oregon wines, beers, and liquors. Owner Dan Miner seeks out brews and vintages from the Pacific Northwest to highlight the best the region has to offer.

Though the store prides itself in being locally focused, Hollywood Beverage also keeps a robust inventory for a wide spectrum of tastes, from big-company beers to imports from Belgium, and a selection of cigars, tobacco, and mixers that regularly beat out big-box stores on prices. The Gladstone location has beer and mead on tap, and with tastings every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Hollywood Beverage remains focused on its Portland clientele.

hollywoodbeverage.comMultiple locations

Surdyk's - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Surdyk's liquor wine deli cheese sign - @surdyksliquor / Instagram

The Mid-Western powerhouse Surdyk's has been serving Minneapolis since 1934 when Joseph Surdyk opened the shop shortly after Prohibition. Now in its 4th generation, Surdyk is an expansive store where liquor is just one part of the equation. Over the years, the shop has expanded and changed locations to accommodate expansions into cheese and New World wines (Jim Surdyk spearheaded an expanded wine selection to include South American and South African wines in the '80s). It's quite an emporium. Even "cheese shop" is an understatement, it is a section that includes specialty meats, olive oils, and snacks.

Surdyk's is a gem because it keeps a pulse on beverage and culinary trends. It's one of the few liquor stores we found that had a dedicated sake section, a drink that has thankfully been released from the confines of sushi bars and is now recognized in the craft drink sphere. Customers appreciate the atmosphere -- chandeliers made from French antique bottle dryers hang from the ceiling -- and wide selection. But like with most family-run stores, it's the customer service that has kept the lights on all of these years. Wine consultants are on the floor to assist in buying, and the staff are knowledgeable and ready to help. If you missed a chance to go, you can still go to Surdyk's Flights Wine Market and Bar in the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.surdyks.com(612) 379-3232303 E Hennepin Ave #2, Minneapolis, MN 55414

LeNell's Beverage Boutique - Birmingham, Alabama

lenell's wine opener - @lenellsbham / Instagram

Going from Brooklyn to Birmingham might be a big change, but perhaps that's what LeNell needed to live out the shop's saying: "Better drinkin' for better livin'." Owner and Alabama native LeNell Camacho Santa Ana first opened LeNell's in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, when the area was still considered off the beaten path. She curated specialty items and even bottled her own whiskey for two years.

After a spell in Baja, California, she returned to the South, ready to embrace the South, Birmingham, and the new energy pouring into it. Industry professionals note her impeccable taste and appreciate the verve she brings to the new LeNell's in Birmingham. The shop stocks small-batch whiskeys and biodynamic wines, and LeNell is passionate about being at the shop and serving the community that comes to buy a bottle and swap a story.

lenells.com(205) 536-35571208 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35234

Housebar - Washington, D.C.

Housebar Washington D.C. - @livehousebar / Instagram

One of the newer contenders on this list, Housebar is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of D.C. and was voted "Best Neighborhood Liquor store" by Modern Luxury D.C. Housebar believes "everyone at any time deserves a better drinking experience at home," and owners Clyde Davis and David Jones seemed to have pulled that off. The neighborhood has taken to the shop, enjoying the weekly tastings and dedicated staff who are eager to help direct them toward a unique bottle.

A Black-owned business, Housebar features women and minority-owned brands. Non-alcoholic drink enthusiasts are pleased to find a wide selection of NA offerings, making it, again, something for everyone. The store offers tastings, a stocked snack section (including a freezer with local products like boozy ice cream and empanadas), and even its own app to create a streamlined ordering experience. Customers also note the music and atmosphere. It's a shop made for hanging out.

housebar.com(301) 778-78931299 First St SE Suite 101, Washington, D.C. 20003

Argonaut Liquors - Denver, Colorado

Argonaut staff pouring whisky - @argonauthasit / Instagram

For a huge store (40,000 feet!), Argonaut keeps its customer service and staff knowledge at the forefront of its business model. That's maybe because it's a family-run business that has been operating for over 50 years. As the largest liquor store in Denver, Argonaut has also made environmental friendliness a priority, installing solar panels on the roof.

But back to the booze: the store carries wines, beers, and spirits with weekly rotating sales lists. In-store events like a holiday wine and cookie pairing or a session on biodynamic and organic wines showcase items from the vast inventory, but you can always ask the sales staff on the floor to help you in your search. Argonaut seems to have a community bent, sponsoring quite a few local organizations, so although it's as big as the chain stores, it also focuses on the local Denverites who rely on it for their special occasions and everyday drinking.

argonautliquor.com(303) 831-7788760 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Westport Whiskey & Wine - Louisville, Kentucky

westport whiskey and wine - @westportwhiskeyandwine / Instagram

If you're in Kentucky and looking for whiskey, chances are you'll have a plethora of options to choose from. Whiskey production has been a defining feature of the state since the 1700s, when immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and Germany brought over their expertise. The Bourbon Trail takes you to the defining bourbon distilleries in the state, but if you're in Louisville and looking for a good bottle, check out Westport Whiskey & Wine.

In the tasting room, winemakers and distillers frequently host events to teach about their products. A number of wine clubs, based on price point and red or white preference, are available for customers to try out new options. The shop carries a solid collection of wine and other spirits, so while it can satisfy the Bourbon-head's cravings, it has plenty to offer those in Kentucky looking for a whiskey break.westportwhiskeyandwine.com(502) 708-13131115 Herr Ln #140, Louisville, KY 40222

Liquor Dan - Tucson, Arizona

bottles and tecate at liquor dan - Liquor Dan Website

If you're in Tucson, Arizona, and looking for a select bottle of tequila, then -- as the store's slogan goes -- "Liquor Dan is Your Man!" The store has kept a loyal customer base for over 50 years. Dan Don opened Liquor Dan in 1965, and while he has since passed the reins to Nil Kay, it continues to serve the Tucson area.

It's a family-run establishment that has thrived over the years thanks to its attention to guest satisfaction and fair prices. Customers praise this establishment for its packed inventory and dedicated staff and rave about the selection, making it a go-to for party stocking and home bartending. A few note the hard-to-find tequilas the store keeps stocked. It's hard to beat winding down with a Tucson sunset, the desert mountains in the background, and a unique bottle of tequila or mezcal picked up from a local shop.

liquordan.com(520) 294-43136121 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706

Methodology

brown liquor bottle selected at store - Casarsaguru/Getty Images

This list was compiled based on personal visits, recommendations from industry folk, and store reviews. Gathered from reviews and research, we featured independent stores that had high local praise for customer service, an established presence in the community, and staff expertise. Stores with strong selections of specialty spirits also factored in to rankings.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Alexander the Great was one of historys greatest generals, but his fatherPhilip IIwas no slouch either. His rule gave rise to Macedonia and its impressive army.

While archaeologists have known that Philip IIs final resting place was in a tomb located at Aigai (now Vergina, Greece), they couldnt determine which tomb contained his remains.

Now, a new study from an international team of archaeologists confirms the location of Philips final resting place using both scientific data and anthropological sources.

Although he only lived to the age of 32, Alexander the Great consistently tops  best of  lists when it comes to military greatness (though, if you were on the receiving end of his greatness, you might disagree with the title). With his defeat of the Persian army at the Battle of Guagamela , he became King of Babylon, King of Asia, King of the Four Quarters of the World and his battle tactics are still studied to this day.

Of course, Alexander the Greatalso known as Alexander III of Macedonwas set up for success. For one, his tutor was none other than Aristotle (yes, that Aristotle). But his biggest military boost came from the fact that his father was King Philip II, who facilitated the rise of Macedonia and created its incredible army that Alexander eventually marched around the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Asia.

Although Philip II isnt quite the household name like his famous offspring, the king is now getting some much-deserved time in the limelight some 2,350 years after his assassination in 336 BCE in Aigai (present day Vergina, Greece).

In a new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, archaeologists have finally confirmed that the remains of Alexander the Greats half-brother, son, and father Philip II indeed rest in the family tomb located in Vergina, Greece.

For two millennia, the town of Aigai was lost to history. But in 1977, Greek archeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered the final resting place of Philip II, and the archaeology site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 . However, while archaeologists were pretty sure that the remains of Alexanders father lie in this newly discovered tomb, controversies and disagreements ensued as to who was in which of the three tombs located in the archeological complex.

To solve this mystery, an international team of archaeologists from the U.S., Madrid, and Greece drew data from multiple methods of scientific investigationosteological analyses, dissections, X-rays, and moreand consulted historical sources. This finally determined that Tomb I contained the remains of Philip II, along with his wife Cleopatra (not that Cleopatra) and their infant son, who were both killed after Philip IIs assassination.

Additionally, Tomb IIwhich scholars debated mightve actually contained Philips remainsinstead belongs to King Arrhidaeus (Alexanders half-brother) and his wife, a warrior named Adea Eurydice. Finally, Tomb III belongs to Alexander IV, the great Macedonian generals teenage son.

We evaluated the hypothesis of Philip II in Tomb II and demonstrated why it cannot be supported, based on a full review of the available evidence, the paper reads. Unfortunately, all of the evidence is not yet available. We await the publication of the excavation diaries of Tomb I.

Few father-son military duos have been so historically transformative as Philip II and Alexander the Great. And now, 2,360 years later, anthropologists and archeologists are finally piecing together the closing chapter of the duos first act.

You Might Also Like
Being surrounded by your work all the time can make you kind of averse to it, and believe it or not, this is even true of bartenders. All day they're throwing drinks together, complex or not, and by the end of their shift, they just want to relax and keep it simple. On a celebrated day off, they tend to know exactly what they want when they're on the other side of the bar. Once bartenders are done working they want one of two things: some peace and quiet, or to join the party. I've personally never seen anything in between and definitely didn't have a middle ground during my bartending and serving days.

There are a few types of post-shift bartenders, but generally speaking, there are those who will throw back a sip of just about anything the moment they plop down at the bar, and then there are those who will only be satisfied by one drink, whatever that may be. It's perfectly reasonable for bartenders to be particular, as they're essentially professional taste testers. There's a certain camaraderie that comes with working in the restaurant world, which means off-duty bartenders reserve their requests for complicated cocktails to slow nights. But under the ideal circumstances, whether it's chilled tequila, a Coors Light, or some seltzer and lime, every bartender has a drink of choice.

Read more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients

Boilermaker

Beer and a shot - Bhofack2/Getty Images

A boilermaker, or a beer and a shot, is the harmonious duo that bartenders are hard-pressed to resist. It provides a little taste of everything and the best of both worlds. The unique term is derived from just what one would guess: boilermakers themselves. The drink (or technically two) was allegedly a beloved choice of 19th-century miners after a hard day's work.

Bartenders are serving up drinks and dropping checks regularly, so they're well-versed in where the profit margins lie in the bar world. They can spot "boilermaker" and know it's likely the best deal on the menu without even reading to the end. Being indecisive is expected from someone who's had their hands in about twenty different liquors on any given night. When you see hundreds of people sip their drinks and react with "ooohs" and "ahhs," how are you supposed to decide what drink will make your eyes light up? The beauty of a boilermaker is that you don't have to choose just one.

The drink pairing has developed a few nicknames over the years, varying from region to region. Some call it a "happy meal," rightfully so, while others order it as a "one and one." It's so prevalent in Philadelphia it's referred to as the "Citywide Special."

Cheap Domestic Beer

Coors light cans - Bloomberg/Getty Images

There's comfort in consistency, and comfort is exactly what bartenders crave after a night of mayhem at the bar. Say what you want about cheap beer, but it will always deliver the same taste. The price point does have a pull, but the domestic beer craving is rooted in more than just a bargain. There is a reason so many domestic beers rank high on favored lists, and that's familiarity. Domestic brew is typically mass-produced and with a production line so mainstream, processes are locked in, helping to produce the same flavor each time. Budweiser is a shining example, as it's been a mainstay since 1857 and fans can still recognize that distinct taste anywhere.

Whether that first sip is nostalgic or simply thirst-quenching, basic beer is certainly one of the more popular drinks, especially for bartenders. Some will be satisfied with a Budweiser served in any vessel, while others believe the beer should only be consumed from a bottle, and they're willing to die on that hill. At the same time, we also have those who are satisfied with whatever's on tap, and the bartenders who will happily crack open the first thing they grab in the cooler. It can be difficult, or sometimes impossible, to meet every customer's expectations, so there's something extremely satisfying about meeting your own.

Eau De Vie

Plum brandy - Dejan82/Shutterstock

Eau de vie, or "water of life," is a French fruit brandy deeply rooted in Western Europe's identity. Aside from a few anomalies, Eaux de vie are brandies made with fruits other than grapes. There are a few exceptions to the rule, like Marc de Bourgogne, a grape-made Eau de vie famously used to brine the pungent Epoisses. Its success as a wash for cheese rinds makes sense given the brandy's rich, fruity flavor. Eaux de vie are more commonly fermented from pears, plums, raspberries, and cherries, with dozens of more fragrant blends. Regardless of the fruit being used, Eau de vie has recently become beloved by bartenders for its fruity flavor without being overly sweet. These brandies are typically unaged, giving them a crystal clear look and a warm finish. From what we've seen, Eau de vie is becoming the new Fernet for industry folks, kicking that digestif to the curb, which seems to be past its heyday.

Nicky Auletta of Bar Futo in Portland, Maine shares his coworkers' love of Eau de vie -- St. George's Aqua Perfecta Basil, to be exact. It's still fruit-forward but with complex layers of Genovese and Thai basil that give it an incredibly unique bite. At Bar Futo, it's the staff's go-to companion alongside a Coors Light. This is an unexpected match made in heaven, according to Auletta.

Dos Equis With Lime Juice

Dos Equis and glass - Noderog/Getty Images

While creating new concoctions isn't every bar's forte, it doesn't mean the staff can't get creative, even if only for their own benefit. Those working in more divey bars with limited options are pros at thinking outside of the box. If they have a hankering for a sour beer but the menu is lacking, they'll make it happen.

The absence of sour beer at Tomaso's, a friendly watering hole in Portland, Maine, has never stopped staff from scratching that itch. Longtime bartender Ben Poland shared what they dubbed the "poor man's sour beer," which involves Dos Equis and a ridiculous amount of lime juice. The result is refreshing, easy-drinking, and shockingly similar to a light, funky sour. The beauty of having the means to experiment means exactly that: endless experimentation. Oftentimes those trials turn out surprisingly successful and don't just make it on the bar's menu, but menus all over the world. We've never seen the "poor man's sour beer" specifically featured on any menus, but we've definitely noticed folks pouring hefty amounts of lime juice into their beer and thought, "Hmm ... they may be in the industry."

Silver Tequila, Neat

silver tequila and limes - Photo by Denys Gromov

Tequila is a liquor with depth and variety, making it an attractive drink of choice with a lot to offer. One small sip can linger on right up until the next, with powerful tingling properties. The Mexican liquor is a go-to for cocktails like margaritas and palomas, but with such a distinct flavor it can (and should) be enjoyed solo as well. When chatting with current bartenders about their go-to liquor, tequila was one of the first options out of their mouths. If not whiskey, the majority of them opt for a nice, clean tequila to sip on, and always a blanco. Gold tequila often has a more potent flavor due to the aging process, whereas silver tequila is younger and a bit more delicate, making it a nice spirit to slowly savor. Cazadores and Espolon are excellent brands to consider, and bartender approved. Sauza is also a nice bottom-shelf option with a middle-shelf flavor.

When we worked excruciating doubles with only thirty minutes or so to decompress before the dinner shift began, a coworker would always recommend a shot of espresso, a cigarette, and a shot of tequila as a "pick me up." Certainly not advised for a multitude of reasons, but we'd be lying if we said we never gave it a whirl (minus the cigarette). It's a surefire way to awaken the senses, but best when work isn't on the horizon.

Mezcal

Glass with citrus - Photo by Airam Dato-on

We can see Mezcal battling an identity crisis with how often it gets jumbled in with tequila. While certainly a member of the tequila family, it is without a doubt a spirit of its own. Due to its popularity, many assume tequila is the older of the two, but tequila is actually just a type of mezcal. Both liquors are derived from agave, but mezcal has a lot fewer rules, which means the flavor profiles can go a lot farther. In order to dub itself tequila, a liquor has to be made with agave tequilana Weber or Weber blue agave, whereas mezcal can take advantage of practically any variety of the agave plant.

Eric of Doris in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn has been reaching for Zacate Limon and 5 Sentidos Pechuga de Mole Poblano as of late, sipped alongside a beer of contrasting quality. He's a great advocate for five-stars and dive bars, with a steadfast love of both elite mezcal and cans of Natty Daddy. To be a bartender is to have vast tastes and somehow extremely particular preferences at the same time. When you've tasted it all, you know what you like.

Flavored Seltzer Water

Seltzer with lime - Charles Brutlag/Shutterstock

It can be hard to remember as you shoot the breeze with a bartender that they're at their job, working, just like anyone else. Bars often feel like a party, welcoming you the moment your butt hits the bar seat -- that's their design, to make you feel great. But if bartending has taught us one thing, it's the truth in the saying, "You don't need alcohol to have fun." A good amount of bartenders we chatted with had a lot to say about drinking, but today their drink of choice often doesn't provide a buzz. They bid adieu to the party lifestyle of their younger days, but never the industry.

There's a difference between enjoying a few drinks and letting a few drinks enjoy you, a line that bartenders have a keen detection for as a huge (unwelcomed) aspect of their job. As a dedicated Portland bartender, Ben has bounced between a few of the city's favorite establishments and currently works at Tomaso's, slinging wings and drinks to the busy crowd. These days, he chugs seltzers on the daily, preferably Polar pink apple or lemon. Plain old soda can get repetitive fast, and there are only so many Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple's one can take. If Ben wants a little kick, his preferred nonalcoholic beer is a Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher.

Gin Martinis

Martini wih twist - Bhofack2/Getty Images

After a long week of shaking cocktails for others, bartenders often crave a flawless martini. It's second nature to just grab something ready-made or quick to pour, but bartenders deserve drinks made with love too. Everyone has differing taste buds, but gin seems to be the proven alcohol of choice among bartenders. While not a bartender, the late playwright Noel Coward knew his martinis and enthusiastically vouched for gin, once famously quipping, "A perfect martini should be made by filling a glass with gin then waving it in the general direction of Italy." A well-crafted gin martini can do wonders and is commonly a bartender's day-off treat.

Just like different beer and wine varieties, cocktails can be perfectly paired with types of cuisines. As far as martinis go, seafood is often on the table. Perhaps it's the elite quality that both allude to, often being seen as the most expensive option on the menu and, in turn, the most exquisite. Maine-based bartender Sofia Proia says that at Scales, a five-star seafood establishment tucked away on Portland's pier, they enjoy wet martinis with a very good vermouth such as Miro Dry Vermouth or Carpano Bianco Vermouth.

Classic Daiquiris

Daiquiri on cutting board - etorres/Shutterstock

Hearing "daiquiri" can often spark visions of swim-up bars, tall hurricane goblets, fruity garnishes, and frozen swirled berries. After hearing the unanimous daiquiri praise from bartenders, we quickly realized frozen strawberry daiquiris were our main point of reference. They're so often seen as a beachy summer drink, but a classic daiquiri is actually quite elegant and doesn't require any fancy equipment. Despite the ultra-sweet evolution of the daiquiri, the original isn't that sweet, or even fruity. The cocktail is rather subtle and has more tartness than anything else. With just three simple ingredients  rum, lime juice, and simple syrup this cocktail is a bartender's dream. It's easy to make, easy to drink, and doesn't include any pricey top-shelf elements.

Allegedly conceived in 1898 by an American living in Cuba, the daiquiri made its way to the U.S. in the early 1900s, and it didn't take long for it to be embedded into the bartender's bible. When it's not the tropical counterpart to Pain Killers and Hurricanes, the lime cocktail is more reserved and sophisticated.

Daiquiri Time Out (DTO Shots)

Daiquiri with lime - Lauripatterson/Getty Images

Even strict beer drinkers will break out and try a fun cocktail every now and then, but it's not something they gravitate towards. What steers most away from a delicious cocktail like a daiquiri is often the heavy sugar content. Whether the taste itself is too candy-like or they fear a hangover, seeing 16 ounces of sugary mixed drink can be off-putting. That being said, everyone still wants a little taste, and that's when DTO shots come in. Abbreviated from Daiquiri Time Out, the concept is basically a mini daiquiri.

This drink is nothing new, as Metro talked it up back in 2016, noting it as the industry's drink of choice in Boston. Allegedly it came about as a solution to defuse a heated exchange, as a literal time-out. The quick daiquiri sip was a means to an end, but now it's an invitation to pause and savor the delicious sweetness with friends. The origins of the cocktail are fuzzy, but the concept was born somewhere in Massachusetts and flourished in Boston, particularly within the restaurant industry. The hype made its way up the coast, even years later. DTO shots may not be trending all over the globe, but they certainly are in southern Maine, where bartenders throw them back regularly at Room For Improvement.

Wine

wine glasses and bottles - Susanna Juers/Shutterstock

You can never go wrong with the classics. A nice glass of wine can be the most comforting reward after a grueling day. Given the endless varietals, the flavors are extremely diverse, and there's something for everyone. Even those who generally avoid wine always seem eager to try a recommended glass or pair something special with dessert. There's always an occasion for wine, and most bartenders would tend to agree. Those who don't drink very regularly often opt for a glass of wine on special occasions. Like Nicky, who often looks forward to a tiny glass of red wine to sip on as he closes out his night at Bar Futo.

We've found bartenders to be picky when ordering drinks in some instances, and aggressively lenient in others. Unless it's paired with a gourmet meal, wine is often one they leave up to chance. Even the acclaimed wino bartenders in our circle will simply order a "white wine" with no specifics. Typically that will get you a house pour that's perfectly acceptable and budget-friendly. These wine-loving bartenders can recognize a great wine, a good wine, and a mediocre wine, and they love them all the same.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
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
One seasoned storm chaser is on a new mission: to build a home that can withstand Category 5 hurricane winds in a town he calls ground zero for these storms.

Josh Morgerman, a storm-chaser who has experienced more than 60 tropical cyclones, set out to construct a hurricane-proof home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a town that has been hit by a number of devastating hurricanes over the years, including Katrina and Camille.

Speaking with Fox News, he painted a picture of what happens to a home during a strong storm.

Everything is fine until one window breaks and the wind gets in, and its like a balloon it gets in and starts to sort of like wreak havoc and maybe blow the roof off, Morgerman told the news outlet.

To create a home that can withstand a Category 5s winds (157 miles per hour or stronger, according to the National Hurricane Center), he teamed up with a contractor to bolt down the frame to the foundation and ensure that the roof was firmly secured to the top plate.

And really focusing on those connecting points with straps with clips and using a lot of them  its just a simple thing that anyone can do, he told Fox News.

The outside of his home also has a metal roof rated for winds over 200 miles per hour. Because it sits 23 feet above sea level, it will be safe from storm surge flooding, according to Morgerman (@iCyclone), who shared other details of his building journey on X, formerly known as Twitter.

For instance, as his home neared completion in January 2024, he showed off his window setup.

A thick plexiglass layer (visible only when the shutters are closed) adds extra protection, and two thick metal bars brace them shut, he tweeted. Aint no wind getting in this house. Each window takes only a couple minutes to secure.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Of all recorded weather disasters in U.S. history, tropical cyclones  known as hurricanes when occurring in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific Oceans  have caused the most deaths and destruction.

From 1980 to August 2023, they resulted in a collective $1.3 trillion in damages and 6,890 deaths.

And it could get worse, as the majority of climate experts agree that extreme weather events like hurricanes will pick up in frequency and intensity if our planet continues to warm.

Morgerman joins many others in a quest to amp up the potential of hurricane-proof homes. For instance, one company is using plastic waste to create a building material that it says can withstand Category 5 storms. Another company has homes that can withstand winds of up to 190 miles per hour, thanks to a curvilinear shape.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, is all for Morgermans hurricane-ready house.

Hes building a home, and hes using our nations highest standard to do so, she said, per Fox News. Whether a home is hurricane-proof, time will tell. But if any house has a shot at being hurricane resistant or hurricane proof, this one does.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Ron Tom/Getty Images

Ever since Sarah Drew made her triumphant return in season 17 of Grey's Anatomy as Dr. April Kepner, fans have been waiting for an update on Dr. Arizona Robbins. Three years later, ABC has announced that Jessica Capshaw will finally return as a guest star in season 20.

Both actors exited the series in 2018, sparking major backlash from fans. Its always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters, Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes said at the time. Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconicboth the LBGTQ and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV. I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performances and for inspiring women around the globe.

In Capshaw's final episode, the pediatric surgeon broke up with Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato) to move to New York with her daughter Sofia. Now fans are hoping Capshaw's return will bring updates about Arizona's relationship with ex-wife Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez), as well as some closure between Arizona and Carina.

Meanwhile, some other fans who had stopped watching the series have promised to tune back in for Arizona's return, though they may have some catching up to do.

With Alex Landi also reprising his role as Dr. Nico Kim in season 20, there are only a few Grey's Anatomy alums that have yet to pop back into Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. My next bet is on Katherine Heigl, who recently made her first Emmy Awards appearance in years to present with her former Grey's costars Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers, James Pickens Jr., and Chandra Wilson.

Though Heigl quit the show in 2010 following a couple of behind-the-scenes controversies, she later said she wished she'd taken a breath before exiting the medical drama in a panic.

I think with Greys at that time, I didnt feel I had any other choice [but to leave], she told Sirius XM's Bevy Smith in December 2022. I was breaking, it was breaking me, and I was young. I hadnt garnered enough experience and wisdom yet to get myself through it with less heightened anxiety. I was vibrating at a level that I was gonna get sick and I did get mentally sick.

In 2021, Heigl said she'd never say never to a Grey's Anatomy cameo, even if it was not likely to happen. Meanwhile, that same year, Sara Ramirez told Glamour that they would absolutely be open to revisiting Callie Torres.

I imagine that Callie is in New York. Im not really sure what else is going on for Dr. Callie Torres, but Im just as curious as the fans are, Ramirez said. I think it would be really exciting to see what Dr. Callie Torres is doing these days. So yeah, Im definitely open to it. I would love to see it. Consider our fingers crossed.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
Here's how Carnival is celebrated across the Caribbean, from Trinidad to Barbados.

Mario Gilbert A

Every year around this time, I get a feeling of slow and steady anticipation  an excitement so tangible, I can close my eyes and instantly be transported to electric moments in Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, Anguilla, and all the way over the pond to Notting Hill. Covered in paint, powder, sweat, and splashes of rum, Ive gotten the closest Ill ever get to completely letting go (no small feat for an adult) at Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. Ive looked into crowds in the thousands and seen that Im not the only one experiencing this infinitude of joy, buoyed by music, dancing, and chants  and Ive learned this sense of freedom is deliberate, having been passed on and preserved for nearly 200 years.

Carnival in the Caribbean is a longstanding tradition rooted in Black rebellion. In 18th-century Trinidad, enslaved Africans who were not allowed to participate in the pre-Lenten traditions of masquerade balls by European colonizers created their own celebrations of defiance. Centuries later, my hope is that the importance of these traditions is not lost in the rising commercialization of Carnival. Caribbean people have always proudly crafted costumes, attended lively music and color-filled costume competitions, and produced the sounds of soca  the soundtrack of Carnival derived from calypso that combines East Indian and African instrumentation.

Ive been lucky enough to be immersed in these commanding traditions for more than a decade now. The spellbinding glow of the Jab Jabs painted Black skin in Grenada; the symphony of feathers crisscrossing down Port of Spain in Trinidad on Carnival Tuesday; the crowning of the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch in Barbados, a competition showcasing the islands best calypso musicians. These diasporic connective fibers have brought me back to the Caribbean to "get on bad" (simply be free) and honor the legacy of a people whose ingenuity has sparked Carnival celebrations in countries as far as Japan and Sweden.

This year, Ill be heading to one of my favorite Caribbean islands, Dominica, to experience Mas Domnik for the first time. One of the great things about Carnival is that you not only get to attend so many events, but you also get to admire the beauty of the location. Weaving through Dominica  aptly called Nature Island thanks to its teeming marine life, cloaked rain forests, bubbling hot springs, and black-sand beaches  will be no exception. Ill play mas (a shortened expression for masquerade groups) with the popular band Amnesia, set my alarm clock early for Jouvert celebrations with Lumi-Nation and Triple Kay International, a group that brings the sounds of Dominicas bouyon music to the world. Ill have dinner in the quaint courtyard of Lacou, where a passion fruit marlin ceviche and rum punch offer the perfect pairing. And Ill check into the newly renovated Fort Young Hotel and celebrated cliffside retreat, Secret Bay, voted by Travel + Leisure readers as their favorite Caribbean hotel in the 2023 World's Best Awards.

There are a handful of other Carnivals I still have to experience, like St. Lucia and its up-tempo Dennery segment soca, as well as Martiniques celebration, which features some of the strongest and longest-standing folklore and costumes in the Caribbean, including a giant puppet called Sa Majeste Vaval (the King of Carnival) that leads revelers down the road. And while Im always ready to enjoy a new Carnival, here are a few that remain among the best Ive attended to date.

GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

Grenada

Ive been to Grenadas Spicemas Carnival three times, and hope to make it four this year. What draws me back  in addition to those mesmerizing sunsets over St. George's, the inky sand of Black Bay Beach, and world-class spices and chocolate  is the power of the Jab Jab. Hours before the sun rises, deep in the countryside parishes of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, a sound of a conch shell blares, signaling that its time to congregate. Covered in black oil, mud, or grease, revelers reenact a tradition inspired by enslaved Africans who were determined to claim their freedom. The sight of glistening Black bodies, the sound of cow horns, and the chants of rebellion that flood into the streets of St. George's on Jouvert morning in Grenada has always left me in awe. To join the crowds and gently spread black oil on a strangers cheek  these moments of communion are the ethos of Carnival. Be sure not to miss the power of Jab Jab in Grenada or Soca Monarch, a highly anticipated soca music competition held on Carnival Friday.

Where to Stay: The 64-room Spice Island Beach Resort has always been my favorite place to call home during Spicemas, particularly for its prime location on Grand Anse Beach, where white sand is skirted by palm trees and lulling turquoise waves call. The hotels Creole Caribbean-inspired restaurant, Oliver, also has some of the best food on the island.

While Youre There: Indulge in a chocolate body wrap at Blue Haven Spa or learn about the islands cocoa bean production at the Museum of Chocolate. For a tour of the island that includes landmarks like Annandale Waterfall and Belmont Estate, I recommend Roger Augustine of Ambassador Tours, whose love of the destination shines through with every stop. Dont miss the islands national dish, oil down, a hearty bowl of stewed meats and provisions that can cure any hangover. Or, head to my favorite restaurant on the island, BBs Crabback, for a taste of crab meat baked in spices and parmesan.

Holger Leue/Getty Images

Barbados

Barbados Crop Over will always hold a special place for me as it's the first Carnival I attended. Its where I got my first taste of a Caesar's Army celebration, watching the sunrise in the middle of a wide-open field and seeing people covered in paint and powder chant soca songs from Bajan artist Lil Rick. Could we always feel this free? I asked myself as I looked around. Crop Overs summer fete is tied to when enslaved people celebrated the end of sugarcane season or the crop was over. Soca and calypso competitions, street fairs, and booming fetes on both land and sea culminate at Grand Kadooment Day, where nearly 20,000 revelers take over the streets of St. Michael each year.

Where to Stay: The recently opened Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord Castle All-inclusive Resort houses 422 rooms, lagoon-style swimming pools, and more than 10 restaurants.

While Youre There: Have an alfresco lunch of jerk chicken at the oceanside bistro, La Cabane, a place I often return to for the easygoing vibes. Then, head to Cutters for one of the best rum punches on the island. Speaking of rum  Barbados is considered the birthplace of the spirit, after all  youll have ample opportunities to imbibe thanks to the nearly 1,500 watering holes.

Courtesy of Ismail Salahuddin

Trinidad

Considered the birthplace of Carnival, Trinidad draws travelers from around the world to its hillsides, coastlines, and bustling downtown streets to lime (party), wine (dance), and test the limits of endurance. Over the years, Ive learned to pace myself in Trinidad because there is quite literally a fete every hour. You won't want to miss anything Caesar's Army is throwing, but especially not their A.M.Bush party, which features live DJs, food trucks, and even a waterslide. After the explosion of feathers in Port of Spain on Carnival Tuesday, theres nothing I love more than cooling down on Maracas Beach with a sandwich from Richards Bake & Shark or some piping hot doubles from any street vendor. The latter  handheld snacks made with curried chickpeas between two fried pieces of flatbread  has been my lifeline between celebrations more times than I can count.

Where to Stay: During Carnival, the place to be is the Hyatt Regency in downtown  but you must book early. After a day of partying, theres nothing like relaxing by the property's rooftop pool.

While Youre There: Food is an integral part of Carnival in Trinidad, with many dishes having a story of their own. Head to the food stalls on Ariapita Avenue, and dont miss a chance to try pholourie, a split pea fritter seasoned with Indian spices, or corn soup, filled with split peas and dumplings.

Courtesy of United States Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

Carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands includes celebrations across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix  all great primers for newbies seeking comparatively fewer crowds. I attended the festivities on St. Thomas for the first time last year and appreciated not having to navigate overcrowded spaces. Soca concerts were full of eager fans, and hearing soca artist Bunji Garlin perform his hit Hard Fete was unforgettable. Theres also a Carnival village, similar to a mini amusement park, with food and games to enjoy into the early hours of the morning.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has 180 rooms spread across 30 acres of palm-fringed sand. The contemporary retreat is a nice change of pace from the downtown streets of Charlotte Amalie, particularly during Carnival.

While Youre There: The Skyride aerial tram is a 10-minute trip that leads to panoramic views of the island from Paradise Point. Head to Magens Bay on the north side of the island, and dont miss a meal at the oceanfront Cutlass & Cane, especially the braised oxtails.

Courtesy of Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Cayman Islands

Though Carnival in the Cayman Islands first launched in 1983 as a celebration of the destination's turtling heritage and the tracks left by sea turtles, called Batabano, the events here still reflect the same ancient African traditions  from masking to folklore. Quite an international affair, I've partied with people from all over the world who call Cayman home. Last year, designer Marika-Ella Ames partnered with Grand Cayman hotel Palm Heights to design innovative costumes for the road. The neon-colored wigs, foraged palm leaf tops, and ballooned skirts on display symbolized new and refreshing ways to interpret Carnival costumes, and Im excited to see whats next.

Where to Stay: Located on the islands famous Seven Mile Beach, the 266-room Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa stands out for its spacious spa and beachside Coccoloba restaurant.

While Youre There: Plan a trip in January or February to attend the Cayman Cookout, a top food festival in the Caribbean. Prime snorkeling spots include Eden Rock and Spotts Beach, where you just might see a few sea turtles.

What to Know

Carnival is a joyous celebration that attracts people from around the world. It's not only safe, but also one of the most welcoming environments youll experience.

Most Carnival costumes sell out quickly, especially for larger celebrations on islands like Trinidad and Barbados. Tip: Follow Instagram accounts of bands to stay up-to-date on announcements. This goes for event tickets as well.

Airfare notoriously skyrockets during any Carnival, so the earlier you buy your plane tickets, the better. Prices can be cheaper if your dates are flexible. I will often fly from Los Angeles to Miami, and spend a night or two at the oceanfront, adults-only National Hotel, before continuing on a better-priced flight.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
On Saturday, Margot Robbie attended the 13th Annual AACTA Award in Australia, one of the country's biggest nights for film, continuing her record of amazing red carpet looks with a piece from Vivienne Westwood Couture. The gown was made from iridescent silver and pink crystal encrusted fabric that shimmered as she posed in front of the camera.

The gown featured a corseted bodice with an off-the-shoulder neckline, before segueing into a skirt that brushed the floor, ruching around her hips and bust. Her long blonde hair was down and parted in the middle, and she wore a natural makeup palette with pale pink lipstick.

Chris Hyde - Getty Images

The dress was inspired by a different gown that first appeared in the Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 1998 collection titled Tied to the Mast. That piece was called the Pirate Bride Long Cocotte gown and was covered in silver Swarovski crystal, according to a press release.

Penske Media - Getty Images

At the event, Robbie received the AACTA Trailblazer Award, which highlights the achievements, abilities and successes of an Australian screen practitioner who inspires others with their portfolio of work.

Robbie is herself Australian, of course, and was offered some of the country's popular chocolate cookies, Tim Tams, on the red carpet. As a special twist, they were Barbie-themed in pink packaging. After receiving them, she exclaimed, This is wild, I'm gonna keep this forever!

During Barbie's big release last summer, Robbie attended event after event in outfits inspired by the Mattel toy that were put together by her stylist, Andrew Mukamal. On Monday, Mukamal posted that he and Robbie collaborated on a fashion book about the big tour.

Expected to come out in March, Barbie: The World Tour will chronicle their work together. In his post, the fashion stylist wrote, This book is a labor of love, dedicated to all the Barbie lovers and fashion fans around the world.

You Might Also Like
Food is so personal and nostalgic, sometimes it's hard to believe the dishes we grew up eating are actually a little strange to others. I'll admit that as a former picky eater, my go-to snack was cheese sandwiched between two slices of banana (please don't judge me, it was really good). So when redditor u/kerker1717 asked the r/Cooking community to share the odd food combinations they grew up with, I was excited to see what my fellow weird-eaters had to say. Here are the foods people didn't realize were a little odd until they got older.

1."As newcomers to Canada in the '90s, ketchup wasnt really a thing in my home country. So we became obsessed with it when we got here. As a kid, I used to put ketchup on everything, but my favorite was ketchup sandwiches (ketchup plus bread) and ketchup sandwiches with bologna or sliced ham."

2."Whenever my mom used an egg wash and breadcrumbs there would be leftovers from the breading station. So she used to mix them together, add a little water if there was too little of the egg left, and let the breadcrumbs hydrate. Then the mixture went into a skillet with heated olive oil to be fried like a breadcrumb pancake. There was no way she was going to throw out those breadcrumbs."

u/CatfromLongIsland

3."Eggo waffles with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It was such a regular breakfast in my family, I literally didnt realize it wasnt a thing until I had my first apartment. I told my roommate she was welcome to the Eggos and cheese, and she was like, 'Im sorry, what?'"

4."Our Thanksgiving leftover meal was turkey with gravy over waffles. Delicious. But when I got to high school/college, people told me it sounded gross and weird."

u/shmouli

5."I grew up poor and my mom used to put cut up hot dogs in everything. Cut up hot dogs in scrambled eggs, in boxed mac 'n' cheese, in stir fries with vegetables to eat on top of rice, in fried potatoes to make some kind of hot dog hash, etc."

6."Shepherds pie, but instead of mashed potatoes, mac 'n' cheese on top!"

u/Isis_J

7."My grandmother always put grape jelly on her grilled cheese, so I also like to. Apparently that is not something people normally do."

8."Grew up super poor. We ate flapjacks, which in our house were just flour, salt, and water pan cooked into flabby flavorless pancakes and then my mom would try to make syrup by cooking down sugar and water. Another regular was toast with ketchup, and yet another was spaghetti noodles with canned beans. I dont know that I can say  I thought it was normal and it was what there was to eat."

u/Leoliad

9."Strawberry jelly on a sausage biscuit. Learned that working fast food at 15."

10."Unsweetened shredded wheat (it was large size, not spoon-sized) toasted in the oven with sharp cheese and fried bacon served with a bit of maple syrup on the side. It was, I think, a recipe on the cereal box, but seriously good. I never see those big shredded wheat squares around any longer, so I can't make this."

u/chachalatteda

11."My grandpa used to make peanut butter toast (crispy bread, like just under burnt, smooth PB, and he always buttered the bread before putting on the PB) and hot chocolate and would dip the toast in the hot chocolate. Didn't realize it was weird until I got to college, did it in the dining hall, and got some weird looks."

12."Growing up in the Midwest, chili and cinnamon rolls were a common combination. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned this is pretty much only a Midwestern thing."

u/kinetic_cheese

13."Kraft mac 'n' cheese with sugar over the top of it. My dad and sister did this. YUCK!"

u/Kimchi_boy "I have never seen anyone else do this, but my babysitter in the '60s taught me to eat it this way. Not necessarily Kraft, just any mac 'n' cheese. Still enjoy it, though these days Im more likely to top it with hot sauce." u/abstractdirection1 u/rockn4 / Via reddit.com

14."My husband taught me to scramble leftover French toast batter once the bread is gone. Its eggs, milk, and vanilla and its delicious. Now, I sometimes just make that. Best served with maple syrup."

u/rachelnc

15."Sliced pickle and Kraft singles sandwiches. Did not ask for and did not want these, but got them in lunches regularly."

16."My mom didnt realize that you were supposed to create a broth with the ramen noodle spice packet. She would drain the noodles, then stir in butter and season it to taste with the flavor packet (usually about 1/4 of the packet). It was delicious!"

u/gameface23

17."We were kinda poor, and my mom used to take a package of uncooked hot dogs, grind them up, and mix them with sweet relish and mayonnaise. That was our 'ham salad.' My friends all loved the stuff!"

18."My little old great-grandmother used to wake me up at 3 a.m. every morning and give me an Eggo, cheese, and ham sandwich with a gigantic 40-ounce mug of hot cocoa and tell me that I hadn't eaten anything all day and I had better eat."

u/Konoha7Slaw3

19."When it was dad's turn to cook...S. O. S. Ground beef browned with salt and pepper, thickened, and creamed. Essentially just hamburger gravy on toast. Meh."

u/We-R-Doomed "Shit on a shingle (military dish)! Its cousin is biscuits and gravy." u/manicjellyfish u/[deleted] / Via reddit.com

20."When I was young and my dad was a single parent, he'd try to have 'fancy' dinners for my sister and me. His go-to appetizer for us was a slice of bologna covered in peanut butter, then rolled up into a log. He'd then cut it into sections and each would have a toothpick in it. Voila! Appetizers. Whenever I start missing my dad, who passed away when I was 24, I make those appetizers."

u/FiddyWall

21."Cubed-up baguette tossed in Greek yogurt and chopped mint. Sometimes, some honey to make it a sweet treat. This was strictly an after-dinner snack for some reason."

22."The weirdest thing I can think of is my grandma taught me to eat coffee and crackers. Basically, you take a plate and line it with saltines, pour-over coffee until they're softened, then spread some sugar to taste and eat with deli ham. It's basically a poor man's country ham biscuits and red-eye gravy. It's not the most filling breakfast in the world, but it hits the spot every once in a blue moon."

u/BuckeyeBentley

23."Having milk to drink with spaghetti, super refreshing. It counters the acidity perfectly, but my Italian-American friends think it's bizarre."

24."Grilled cheese with a side of cinnamon sugar rice."

u/NoLadder2430

Are there any slightly odd food combos you grew up eating? Let us know in the comments below or fill out this anonymous form!

Note: Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
While searching for a Southern California residence to call her own, Amber Sokolowski, the founder of Soko Design, fell for a suburban home with mid-century bones and an abundance of sunlight. She knew that she could customize the space to best suit her family's needs.

"One of the first places I visited that inspired my love of mid-century architecture was Palm Springs," the designer says. "I feel like the desert and midcentury architecture are a great match."







Meet the Expert

Amber Sokolowski is the founder of Soko Design.







The 2,350 square foot, one-story home houses Sokolowski, her husband, and their two young children, ages six and three. While Sokolowski liked certain characteristics of the space, she wasn't exactly captivated by the existing interior design.

"It was covered in wall-to-wall mirrors and white fluffy carpeting which was not to our liking," she says.

Sokolowski bought the home knowing that she wanted to remove all the mirrors, change the flooring, and get rid of the kitchen and baths while still honoring the mid-century feel and original architecture.

There were a few larger structural changes that she wanted to address as well. For one, the primary bath and closet weren't optimal, and there wasn't a laundry setup inside of the home. However, it didn't take much in the way of square footage to resolve these issues.

By simply adding 215 square feet to the front of the house, Sokolowski was able to cater the primary suite to her liking and incorporate a laundry room.

Sokolowski made some changes to the outdoors, too, and removed an enclosed patio in favor of more play space for her children in the backyard. Additionally, she worked to fuse indoor and outdoor living in her home by removing the sliding glass door leading to the outside and replacing it with an accordion door instead.

It was the desert-themed photograph hanging in the entrywaySokolowski's first purchase for the housethat shaped the home's design and color palette.

"In California, the weather is so mild for most of the year, so its really great to be able to take advantage of that," Sokolowski says.

"I wanted the viewer to be wowed immediately upon entry," she says. "I chose the color of the sofa to complement the photograph, along with the pops of blue."

The designer was also mindful to weave in browns, creams, and greens, which are all neutrals she loves and can't get enough of.

Sokolowski appreciates rooms that are home to contrasting textures and followed suit in her own space. "We have velvet, boucle, leather, wood, and acrylic all within eye distance from each other," she says.

It was important to the designer that her home wasn't just stylish but was practical as well.

"We didnt want to sacrifice having a TV in the living room just for the aesthetic, so Im glad we were able to incorporate the Frame TV," she says. This way, when the TV is not in use, it seamlessly blends in with the rest of the decor.

Sokolowski also bought a rope similar to the one hanging in her dining area from a fellow designer's studio space to originally hang from the bar area ceiling, but after trying it out, she realized it was too large in person.

Sokolowski instead turned to artist Jim Olarte, from whom she commissioned a custom pieceseen herethat better suits her home.

"We love how it turned out and we feel like its a perfect example of the desert meets ocean vibe," she says, and maintains that the rope installation is her favorite decorative item in the home.

Sokolowski especially loves it because it can be seen from many rooms and makes her happy whenever she walks by it daily.

The kitchen is home to plenty of functional luxuries, too, including a large built-in refrigerator, appliance garage, instant hot water tap, and pebble ice maker, all of which Sokolowski considers wonderful treats.

Instead of committing to real marble on the countertops, she incorporated the material on the kitchen backsplash and hood wrap. She also added a bar area and pantry which has brought extra storage space. This has been ideal for her family since they tend to keep a lot of stuff that can be thoughtfully organized.

When it came to designing the bedroom, Sokolowski custom designed the headboard in the primary suite.

"I first fell in love with the ombre grasscloth wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries that I used on the wall behind it," she says.

She then turned to her fabric library in search of something to complement the wall covering, landing on a burgundy Schumacher velvet. Sokolowski liked the idea of the headboard going all the way behind the nightstand shown below.

For now, she sleeps in a California King, but she is looking to upgrade to an Eastern King and appreciates that the headboard will work in that event, too.



Sokolowski, who is of Korean and Mexican heritage, incorporated many pieces of art from creators of color and elaborates on the significance of the art within her space.

"I love sourcing art from everywhere, and its especially great when I feel a connection to the artist," she says.

Sokolowski adds that one of the biggest challenges of the project was creating visual interest in a home with so many large walls and high ceilings.

"I wanted to create several eye-catching moments that would be 'wow factor' but not overwhelming,'" she says, noting that incorporating various types of art and decor helped to achieve this goal.

"There is a diverse set of items at different heights to keep the eye moving and visually stimulated."

Sokolowski mostly appreciates that the finished home is so conducive to her family's needs. She explains how they have everything they need and the space feels very functional and safe which are perfect for her two young children.

"Everything is so open our kids can run around the house without fear," she says.

Read Next: This Virginia Family Home Is Full of Vintage, Heirloom and Custom Pieces

Read the original article on The Spruce.
As Valentine's Day approaches, a new survey has calculated what dating app Louisianans are searching for the most.

No Deposit Bonus Codes Guide is a website geared toward connecting people with no deposit bonuses, "a marketing initiative designed to entice new players. In return for creating an account, a new player will receive a free trial with no deposit required."

Despite major past controversies, Ashley Madison is still popular, ranking second on a list of most googled dating sites in Louisiana.

The site analyzed Google search data for 2023 for 81 dating platforms to see which are most frequently searched for in Louisiana.

Tinder ranked at the top of the list with more than 16,000 monthly searches, however, the surprise of the data is that the controversial website Ashley Madison came in second.

Created in 2002, Ashley Madison is marketed toward those in committed relationships and looking to have an affair.

Zoosk came in third.

Recent surveys have found online dating is the most popular way of meeting someone in recent years.

Table showing the top 10 most searched dating platforms in Louisiana in 2023

Rank Dating Platform Average Monthly Searches 1. Tinder 16,856 2. Ashley Madison 8,120 3. Zoosk 8,037 4. Plenty of Fish 6,703 5. Badoo 5,990 6. HER 5,932 7. BlackPeopleMeet 5,640 8. Grindr 5,300 9. Match 5,180 10. Seeking 4,861

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What's the most googled dating site in Louisiana?
The Valparaiso region of Chile is wealthy and densely populated, but last Friday there was little to warn residents living in the green hills and valleys that a firestorm packing the power of several hydrogen bombs was to hit.

Fabiola Camilla, a 31-year-old mother of two, watched her seven-year-old daughter playing at her birthday party. She recalled nothing out of the ordinary, other than the warm, dry weather the currents of El Nino had brought to an area known locally as the Jewel of the Pacific.

There was also a fierce wind, said Misael Vergara Tapia, a resident of the neighbouring village of Achupallas. A hot wind  a wind we had never felt before.

From this idyll erupted hell. Moments later, fire was leaping from house to house, setting entire neighbourhoods ablaze and threatening the lives of thousands. It was like a tornado of fire, said Misael, 67. In five minutes, you couldnt see more than half a metre in front of you. Everyone was shouting, calling for their family. People died on the streets, in their cars.

The wildfire is the worst disaster to hit Chile for more than a decade. At least 131 people have died, with a further 370 still missing. The hillside neighbourhoods it ripped through, destroying more 15,000 homes, are now a scorched wasteland of broken cement and steel.

Flames leapt from house to house, setting entire neighbourhoods alight - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Misael searched throughout the night of the fire for his brother. I was turning over the bodies to see if I knew them. I saw children who had died hugging each other. Later, animals were eating the bodies, he said. We didnt find my brother Patricio until the next day. The roof had collapsed and he had become trapped inside. We found him hugging his dog.

Firestorms of this magnitude are a terrifying phenomenon, moving so fast and with such energy that they can kill people hundreds of metres away through radiant heat alone. But it is not unique.

Hawaii, California, France, Portugal, Canada, Greece and Australia have all been hit in recent years. In July 2022, when temperatures reached 40C for the first time in the UK, the residents of Wennington in east London witnessed nearly 20 houses burn down in a matter of minutes. The spark was a compost heap that had spontaneously combusted.

Experts are now asking: Whats causing these infernos? And is there anything that can be done to stop them?

Misael Vergara Tapia's brother perished in the fire. He was found trapped in their business holding his dog - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Chiles forest fire, like most, was preceded by unusually high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

The blaze started at midday in forested mountainous areas, and by the afternoon had swept northwards into the city of Vina del Mar, home to 330,000 people, and the smaller urban areas of Quilpue, Limache, and Villa Alemana.

Locals say they received no official warnings or alerts, or that they came too late. Chiles national disaster response service said alerts were sent but that they did not order people to evacuate. By 5.30pm, the fires were igniting peoples homes.

The electricity went off and alarms started ringing, recalled Fabiola. We started to see smoke and ashes were falling everywhere. It happened in minutes.

Viviana Mateluna, 44, lived next to a bus station. All the buses began exploding and the electricity cables. We thought we were being bombed, she said.

The former bus station neighbouring Viviana's home - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

At the botanical gardens, which are closer to the forested areas, four people died; employee Patricia, along with her 92-year-old mother and two grandchildren, aged one and nine - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

The hills are characterised by narrow roads and cul-de-sacs, and have few exits. As people jumped into their cars to escape, deadly traffic jams quickly formed. Firefighters couldnt get in, while the valleys magnified the winds, fanning the storm.

Our home is in a dip and we didnt have time to leave. We were trapped in, said Fabiola. The flames were coming. It was all black, we were like blind people.

Some did not want to leave, choosing to stay and protect their homes with buckets of water. Many were also elderly, unable to move quickly on foot.

My fiances grandfather Osman didnt want to leave, and my fiance was trying to convince him, said Nicolas Carrallo Gontalez, aged 24. But our five-month-old daughter was struggling to breathe, she lost consciousness  I picked her up, wrapped her in a blanket, and ran.

Dozens of people were found incinerated in the streets, in their homes, and in their cars.

Nicolas returned to find his fiances grandfather, Osman, dead on the stairs outside his home. We never saw the body of his wife, but the authorities said they found her trapped by some cars, he said.

There was a lot of death here. My neighbour lost two children, they were seven and five, and her father, said Fabiola.

Fabiola said she did not receive any warning, until smoke and ashes began falling around her - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

The aftermath of the fires in Vina del Mar - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Wildfires have become three times as common in Chile in recent years, according to a recent report in Nature.

Officials say some are started intentionally and that extreme weather conditions  fire weather  are responsible for their rapid spread.

Fires are increasing due to the combination of El Nino and global warming, said Dr Raul Cordero, climate professor at the University of Groningen and the University of Santiago.

The years where fires are more frequent are the years of El Nino. The effects of global warming on the weather cannot be ignored anymore.

Dr Cordero says that the main anomaly on the day of last weeks inferno was the extreme temperatures. In the epicentre, on Friday and Saturday, it was 36 degrees  a likely all-time record for this city, he said.

Valparaisos mountainous terrain also drives the winds, with speeds last Friday exceeding 40 km per hour.

These ravines accelerate the wind, said Marcelo Ruiz, an urban planning expert who lives in the Valparaiso region. They function as a chimney, reducing the space in which the wind can move.

Residents attempt to douse flames on a house - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Large forests  which are dominated by non-native and highly flammable trees  have also been planted nearby for logging and paper production, and quickly became engulfed.

Chile has invested heavily in its fire service in recent years but  as other countries have also found  it is not enough.

Its impossible to stop fires while the weather conditions are increasing, Dr Cordero said. California, where resources are not a problem, has been unable to stop the fires. Canada, where resources are not a problem, has been unable to stop the fires.

What can be done, he said, is improving urban planning for the new age of fire weather and the emergency response.

Mr Ruiz agreed: When people were trying to escape, all the exits were blocked with cars trying to escape. The neighbourhoods were traps.

We need to build roads and fire departments in the borders of the neighbourhoods, we cant expect private developments to do this.

Firestorms of this magnituds can kill people hundreds of metres away through radiant heat alone - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Little remains of Valparaisos scorched neighbourhoods.

Thousands are living in tents or under tarpaulin. Chilean flags mark former homes, and lists of names and ages of occupants hang on surviving gates. For those searching for relatives there are lists of the missing and the known dead.

Standing on the foundations of her former home, Ruth Gonzalez Jara, 65, said she is astounded by the support of Chilean people.

Ruths home of 30 years has been decimated. All that remains of her dog, Toribio, is his teeth and a burnt paw, while the cages of her eight yellow canaries melted together.

People from Santiago [the capital] come every day to help us. They are anonymous people, they are strangers. They dont know us but they come every day to help, she said.

Ruth Gonzalez Jara, 65, whose house was destroyed - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

People from Santiago travel into the neighbourhoods delivering food and construction materials - Cristobal Basaure/The Telegraph

Chile is a high-income country, with the highest GDP per capita in Latin America.

Nonetheless, on Thursday president Gabriel Boric called for financial support and announced a national reconstruction fund. Reconstruction wont be easy. We are going to need a lot of economic help, he said. The state is going to put everything it has into it, but cooperation  from Chile or abroad  is welcome.

But for now, and for many, the priority is to find and identify the dead.

Families wait desperately at the forensic medical service for news and to give their DNA. Every thirty minutes, someone comes to collect a body.

Rafael Gallard, from El Olivar, arrived on Thursday afternoon to collect his fathers remains.

I ran to find my daughter and left my car at home. My father went to find me; we crossed paths, he said, his voice cracking. He saw my car, thought I was inside the house and went inside to get me. Then he couldnt escape and burnt.

He gave his life trying to save me.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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.
For many, food is a happy afterthought when booking a holiday. Sun, sea and sand, naturally, tend to take precedence. Thoughts of pasta, paella and pad Thai come later. But what if you wanted to mix things up in 2024 and orientate a holiday around a special meal at one of the best restaurants in the world? Is it even possible?

To find out, Telegraph Travel dived into the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list and traced the next available table at each of them, taking note of the booking fee required to reserve a spot.

What we found is that credit card commitments are predictably (and understandably) high, but availability is surprisingly good at many of the worlds finest restaurants  many have plenty of spare tables in the spring and summer, and some are offering space as soon as next week. A small minority, however, are booked up indefinitely.

Heres everything you need to know about grabbing a table at one of the worlds very best restaurants on your next holiday.

Youll need a credit card (with funds available)

Usually, when booking a table at a top restaurant, they will take a credit card holding deposit based on the number of customers on the booking.

Sometimes that set amount will be taken off your final bill, or it may be held but never touched; however, if you cancel close to the day of the booking that amount might be charged to your account. Some restaurants will incur a charge if you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, others have a stricter 72-hour cancellation policy.

Of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants, 36 requested credit card details, six allowed a booking with no card details, and the other eight were either temporarily closed, were not accepting bookings, or required an email correspondence to book. The average credit card commitment, of those that charged, was 133.50 per head or 267 for two.

Not all of these top restaurants require a credit card for booking - try Rosetta in Mexico City - Maureen Evans

The biggest booking commitment is at Frantzen, Stockholm. At the point of booking you agree to pay 4,800 SEK (363) per person for the set menu. If you dont turn up for your reservation, or cancel within 72 hours, that amount will be taken from your credit card, per guest. For a couple, that amounts to 726.

The other restaurants with high credit card commitments include Diverxo, Madrid (790/674 for two); Alchemist, Copenhagen (DKK 6,000/686 for two); Gaggan Anand, Bangkok (THB 28,248/624 for two) and Hisa Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (650/555 for two).

The minority that require no card details at all

If the idea of committing many hundreds of pounds to a table reservation doesnt tickle your fancy, then you might want to consider one of the following. Of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants, we could get through to the point of reservation without entering card details for Pujol, Mexico City; Le Du, Bangkok; Steirereck, Vienna; Elkano, Getaria, Spain; and Rosetta, Mexico City. All have availability in the coming months.

The easiest to bag a table

You may well assume that it is extremely hard to secure a reservation, but on our attempt, we could find tables in February at more than half (27) of the 50 restaurants surveyed. At Asador Etxebarri in Spain, for example (number four on the list), there were lunch bookings available on February 12. Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris (10th on the list) has dinner reservations available on February 20.

Go fishing: you can catch a table for this month at The Clove Club in London - Neil Juggins / Stockimo / Alamy

The UKs top restaurants are also good for same-month availability. Kol in London had room for lunch on February 15. The other two British restaurants on the list also had availability this month: Ikoyi in London (dinner on February 28) and The Clove Club in London (lunch and dinner tables on February 15).

Obviously these top restaurants are likely to fill up as spring and summer draw closer, so you would be wise to book further in advance if visiting during the peak season.

The most exclusive restaurants in the world

A number of restaurants, however, had no availability at all. Telegraph Travel drew a blank when trying to book a table at the uber experimental Alchemist in Copenhagen, Lido 84 in Italy, Atomix in New York City, Septime in Paris. Florilege in Tokyo and The Chairman in Hong Kong.

Alchemist, in Copenhagen, operates a waiting-list only system - but your reward is sights like Gammelmark Rasmus Munk in front of the Wall of Taste

Increasingly, restaurants operate a Glastonbury-style ticketing system, where tables go live at a specific time each day or on a specific date. Alchemist in Copenhagen (which featured on the most recent series of BBCs Masterchef: The Professionals) operates a waiting-list only system, with tickets issued every three months.

At Septime, in Paris, bookings are only available for the next 21 days and become available at 10am every day. The Chairman in Hong Kong is fully booked until June, with no option yet to book beyond that date (although it says that any cancellations will be announced).

The restaurants to book now

If youre feeling organised, and act fast, you will be able to secure a seat at just about any of the worlds best restaurants in time for the summer. Number one on the list, Central in Lima, has availability from early June. Diverxo, Madrid (number three) will host you from early May and Mugartiz, San Sebastian (number 31), can squeeze you in late April if you dont dilly-dally. The longest wait of them all, however, is Disfrutar in Barcelona (number two): the next booking we could find is for five people on February 5 2025.

Look ahead: the three-Michelin-starred Diverxo, Madrid, can host you from early May - ruelleruelle / Alamy

Three culinary holidays for 2024

If you would rather leave the organisational details to somebody else, here are three foodie holidays with availability for this year.

Florence

Abercrombie + Kent has a seven-night itinerary in Florence (departure dates May to October), including cookery lessons, vineyard tours and exclusive wine and olive oil tastings. Prices from 4,995 (01242 386 464; abercrombiekent.co.uk)

Mexico

Intrepid has a nine-day itinerary exploring Mexicos famous culinary regions, taking in the markets of Oaxaca, taco tasting in Mexico City, plus lessons by the coast on how to cook fresh seafood. Prices from 1,512 (flights not included; 0808 274 5111; intrepidtravel.com).

Morocco

Explore has a nine-day Taste of Morocco tour, taking in the souks of Rabat, Fes and Marrakech, with plenty of opportunities to sample street food and tagines, to buy fragrant spices and sip on refreshing mint teas. Prices from 1,075 (flights not included; 01252 391 103; explore.co.uk).

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.
Concerns about age and mental fitness have been a recurring theme through the past two presidencies and are set to only mount in 2024 with two frontrunner candidates nearing or exceeding the age of 80.

If re-elected in November, President Joe Biden would remain in the White House until he is 86. Former President Donald Trump would be 82 at the end of his second term.

Both men have a history of speaking blunders. In a speech this week, Biden referenced dead European leaders and confused the presidents of Mexico and Egypt. And Trump stumbled in a January speech when he mixed up Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

An NBC News poll in January found that 76% of registered voters say they have major or moderate concerns about Bidens mental and physical fitness for a second term. About 48% say they have major or moderate concerns about Trumps mental and physical fitness for a second term.

But what does science tell us about aging and what typical cognition looks like at 80?

How we change as we age

A decline in cognitive abilities is a normal part of healthy aging, said Dr. Emily Rogalski, Rosalind Franklin Professor of Neurology at the University of Chicago. Overall, cognition peaks in our 30s and gradually declines over time.

Common changes in thinking as people age include slower word and name recall, difficulty with multitasking and mild decreases in attention span, according to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. These skills are part of what scientists call fluid abilities, which decline steadily throughout our lifetimes.

Fluid abilities are things like processing speed, attention, working memory. This stuff requires cognitive efficiency, said Dr. Molly Mather, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. Its thought that general wear and tear happens as we get older and chips away at cognitive efficiency.

Natural changes happen in the brain as someone ages. Certain parts that are important to learning and other complex mental activities shrink, connectivity between neurons may become less effective, blood flow may decrease, and inflammation may increase, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Mixing up names or having difficulty retrieving names, especially if the names are similar in their structure or if youre linking two people together in your mind, is not necessarily unusual as we get older, said Dr. Angela Roberts, an assistant professor of communication sciences and computer science at Western University who researches aging and speech signatures that detect cognitive decline.

Although these tip of the tongue experiences can be frustrating, they do not necessarily indicate a broader problem with cognition or memory on their own if they happen occasionally, Roberts said.

Even from day to day, our thinking abilities can change drastically, and theyre influenced by factors other than age: Illness, stress, distraction and lack of sleep are all reasons why our thinking abilities might be worse one day and better the next, Roberts added.

A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment is made clinically when cognitive difficulties become frequent and fall outside what is considered normal aging. If these difficulties become so pronounced that they affect everyday abilities like getting dressed or going to the bathroom, then a clinical diagnosis of dementia can be made, according to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. There are many causes of dementia, but Alzheimers disease is the most common.

In contrast to fluid abilities, certain crystallized abilities improve with age. This comprises knowledge that comes from learning and experiences, such as vocabulary and knowledge of how to do things, Roberts said.

Theres not a whole lot of good evidence that theres anything special about age 80 that leads to a drop-off in cognitive abilities, Mather said.

How cognition is tested

Assessing cognition can be difficult, even for doctors.

They can employ a few different methods to determine whether someone has cognitive problems that fall outside the realm of normal aging. Ideally, they already have a clinical relationship with their patient, so they can assess any unusual changes or ask close relatives or friends whether they have noticed changes.

They order brain imaging and other medical tests, such as blood work, to rule out other factors that could lead to worsening cognition, such as infections or vitamin deficiencies. And they use cognitive tests, such as the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), to assess performance in different cognitive areas.

The 11-question MMSE asks patients to recall the date and where they are, and they get three words to learn and recall after a few minutes. Their attention is assessed by asking them to spell world backward. Additional tasks test language skills, including following commands, repeating words, reading and writing.

The MOCA exam is slightly more complex and tests additional cognitive domains such as abstraction, the process of generalizing from specific examples.

Were not able to [assess cognition] just by observing someone speaking in public. That would require a very thorough investigation, Mather said.

Neither Biden nor Trump has released recent medical results that would offer more information about their cognitive functioning. Under federal health care laws, they are not obligated to disclose personal medical information.

Different aging trajectories

There is vast variation in how people age, experts said.

Chronological age does not necessarily reflect biological age, said Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and scientific director of the American Federation for Aging Research.

Although population-level data associates aging with cognitive decline, the actual manifestation of aging is very diverse on an individual level, Rogalski said.

Several decades ago, we used to think that there was really only one trajectory for aging, she said. Weve learned that there are different trajectories of aging: There are pathologic trajectories of aging associated with disease, then theres normal aging, and there are people who seem to be defying that average trajectory.

Rogalski leads a research study that collects data on superagers, people in their 80s who have brains as sharp as those 30 years younger.

Researchers have been studying superagers to try to understand genetic and environmental protective factors that could help stave off aging.

They have found on brain scans that superagers have more gray matter volume than typical older adults in areas of the brain responsible for cognitive functioning and memory. They also on average have bigger, healthier cells in the entorhinal cortex, one of the first areas of the brain affected by Alzheimers disease.

In terms of lifestyle, superagers tend to report strong social relationships, live active lifestyles and continue to challenge themselves.

Publicly available medical data is not enough to conclude whether Biden  or Trump in a few years  would qualify as a superager, but Barzilai says they might both have a genetic advantage.

Both Biden and Trump had parents that lived over 90. When it comes to exceptional longevity, there is a genetic component, he said. It means to me that their aging is a little bit slower than people who dont have longevity in their family.

Assumptions about age

It is valid for voters to be concerned about people who have large amounts of power having intact cognitive functioning. As people age, probabilistically, the risk for certain types of decline do increase, Mather said. But there is really such variability as people age. I think its unfair in many ways to assume the worst.

A special counsel report on Bidens handling of classified documents, released Thursday, mentioned apparent memory lapses, which Biden and his lawyer later rejected as inappropriate and incorrect. Roberts described the reports claims as very troubling and not rooted in science.

Its not the comments I have concern with; its the attributing it to age and what that does from an ageist perspective in society, she said.

She also said that trouble with word recall is not automatically indicative of memory problems.

We have a special counsel describing this as a memory issue, and it may or may not be a memory issue. It may be that, in that moment when the question was asked, the individual just had difficulty retrieving the word or didnt retrieve it fast enough, Roberts said. Whether or not its a memory issue is really a clinical judgment.

Society has spent a lot of time shifting how we talk about one another from a racial, cultural or gender perspective, Roberts said, but ageism remains very much codified.

Ageism is not just what people do to each other. Ageism is also a mindset that you carry within yourself, she said. It actually impacts your health negatively.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The car that six-year-old Hind Rajab was riding in when Israeli tanks attacked, killing her and her family (Palestinian Red Crescent/AFP/Getty)

A six-year-old Palestinian girl who called authorities begging for help as the lone survivor of an attack in Gaza City has been discovered dead. She died alongside a pair of paramedics who were trying to save her.

The girl, Hind Rajab, was with family members  her aunt, uncle, and her three cousins  racing in their family car to outrun Israeli tanks and escape the city.

Tanks ultimately fired on the car, killing Hind's relatives. The little girl survived the initial assault long enough to call emergency operators to try to find help. Gunfire can be heard just before Hind's call abruptly ends, the BBC reports.

On Saturday, paramedics with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society managed to reach the area where Hind's relatives were killed. Prior to that, the area had been closed off due to it being an active combat zone.

(Family Handout/AFP/Getty)

They eventually found a black Kia, its windows blown out, its doors riddled with bullets. That was the car Hind and her family were in when they attempted to flee the city.

A paramedic reported that Hind's remains were found among the bodies of her family members. She appeared to have died from gunfire and shelling.

The black Kia was not the only vehicle destroyed on the street; the paramedics also discovered the remains of an ambulance just a few meters away. The Red Crescent said that an ambulance was sent to answer Hind's call for help, but never returned.

The PRCS has accused Israel of intentionally destroying the ambulance and killing its paramedics.

"The [Israeli] occupation deliberately targeted the Red Crescent crew despite obtaining prior coordination to allow the ambulance to arrive at the scene to rescue the child Hind," the organisation said in a statement.

The group told the BBC that it had previously coordinated with the Israeli army to obtain assurances that they could safely retrieve Hind. Those alleged agreements were reportedly not honoured.

(Family Handout/AFP/Getty)

Nibal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the PRCS, told the BBC that their paramedics could see the spot where Hind was trapped, but that there was nonstop gunfire making a rescue impossible.

Hind's mother is also calling for accountability for Israel.

"For every person who heard my voice and my daughter's pleading voice, yet did not rescue her, I will question them before God on the Day of Judgement," she told the BBC. "Netanyahu, Biden, and all those who collaborated against us, against Gaza and its people, I pray against them from the depths of my heart."

Israel has not released an official statement regarding Hind, her family, or the deaths of the paramedics.

The Independent has reached out for comment.

In the past, Israel has accused Palestinians of using ambulances to transport weapons and fighters, and hospitals as hideouts. This has allowed the Israeli military to justify attacks that would typically be considered war crimes under the International Criminal Court's standards.
The Republican National Committee joined with the state and Yavapai County GOP in a lawsuit filed Friday to stop new voting rules they say will allow election fraud.

The new suit against Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is the second his office is facing by Republicans complaining about the Elections Procedures Manual issued in December. The manual provides detailed guidance for county officials on how to run elections.

State Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma sued Fontes on Jan. 31 over five provisions in the manual they say undermine previous Republican "voter confidence measures."

The latest lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, adds nine other complaints.

"The new EPM weakens safeguards against non-citizen voting during a time of unprecedented illegal immigration on Arizonas southern border, unlawfully limits the ability to challenge early ballots, and violates numerous provisions of Arizona law meant to protect election integrity," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who's stepping down from her position this month, said in a statement about the lawsuit.

A statement by Gina Swoboda, the new chair of the Republican Party of Arizona who previously worked in the Secretary of States Office, accuses Fontes of releasing the manual "at the last second during the holidays" to avoid scrutiny.

"This is a blatant attempt to rewrite election law and hollow out basic safeguards that are designed to preserve election integrity in our states elections," she said.

Fontes is reviewing the lawsuit, according to spokesman Aaron Thacker. The office declined other comment for now. The office put out a statement after the Jan. 31 lawsuit filing saying Fontes was "prepared to defend the EPM that was created to provide uniformity and clarity for elections officials, so they can administer free and fair elections for the people of Arizona."

Election integrity is a dominant concern of Republicans in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election lost by former President Donald Trump. Petersen and Toma intervened last year in a 2022 law signed by former Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey that enhanced proof-of-citizenship requirements for voters.

One of the provisions of the new lawsuit demands the new elections manual adhere to that law, though a federal judge is set to rule on a separate, ongoing lawsuit over the same law filed by civil rights groups.

In the federal lawsuit, lawyers for Democratic Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes have filed briefs agreeing with civil rights groups that the state would have to accept and use federal voter registration forms for people voting in presidential and other federal elections. But the Republican lawsuit demands the elections manual instruct county officials to adhere to the 2022 law, denying federal-only voters the right to vote or use mailed ballots when the voter hasn't shown proof of citizenship.

The lawsuit also challenges rules including excusing county recorders from complying with a state law to check "alternative databases" for evidence of noncitizens in voter rolls and barring challenges to early ballots before they are put in a ballot box. A provision demanding county recorders cancel the registration of people who indicate on jury forms they are not Arizona residents also is mentioned in the January lawsuit by legislative leaders.

Besides specific procedural complaints, the Republican plaintiffs accuse Fontes of creating an "artificially short period for public comment" and ignoring an August warning by the GOP about the plan in a draft of the manual.

"The secretary skipped almost every step in the notice-and-comment rulemaking process under the" state's Administrative Procedure Act, the lawsuit claims.

The three Republican party groups seek a ruling that the new manual is invalid and an injunction that prohibits Fontes from enforcing it unless he "complies with the rulemaking process" in state law.

The presidential preference election is set for March 19 in Arizona. Lawmakers approved a new law on Thursday that moves the primary election date up to July 30 and provides other measures intended to ensure that stricter recount procedures don't interfere with elections.

Problem solved: Hobbs, GOP, Democrats find compromise as fix to AZ's election calendar clears Legislature

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: RNC, state GOP sue Fontes over Arizonas election procedures
President Joe Biden called Israels U.S.-backed military operation in Gaza over the top at a White House press conference Thursday night. Shortly before that, his administration released a new policy it claimed would ensure foreign countries dont use U.S. military assistance to break international and U.S. laws protecting civilians.

But then Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his forces will soon invade the most populous section of Gaza that they dont yet control: the southern town of Rafah. Close to 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking shelter there and on the narrow strip of land that runs from Rafah to the Mediterranean Sea, many of them after fleeing from northern areas after Israeli evacuation orders. Netanyahu said Israel plans to evacuate people from Rafah ahead of a massive attack.

Experts and officials tell HuffPost they are extremely skeptical of suggestions this week from the Biden administration that it is adjusting U.S. policy to prevent further devastation in Gaza, where, according to health officials there, at least 28,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its campaign following the Oct. 7 attack by Gaza-based militants that killed 1,200 Israelis.

Bidens Thursday night rebuke of Israel did not come with any indication that he will reduce U.S. military and diplomatic support for Israel if it continues on its current trajectory. And though his new memo directing officials to ensure U.S. weapon transfers abide by the law sounds nice on paper, the administration is unlikely to actually enforce it in this case because Washington is so wary of steps that appear unsupportive toward Israel. Even in the best-case scenario, the memo would not affect hostilities in the days ahead.

In Massachusetts on Friday, Heiam Alsawalhi read Netanyahus announcement about pushing civilians out of Rafah and was left with a question: Where will they go?

Alsawalhi is a Palestinian American whose sister and her family of eight are living in a one-room shelter in Rafah. Hundreds of U.S. citizens remain trapped in Gaza despite promises by the Biden administration to help them leave through the tightly controlled southern border crossing into Egypt, and thousands of Americans have close relatives who are also stuck in the region, many of whom are eligible for U.S. assistance with evacuations but have yet to leave.

Unfortunately, our government only provides funds to the aggressors, Alsawalhi told HuffPost. As a taxpayer, my money goes into killing my people, the indigenous people of Palestine. I feel so ashamed.

The new policy of oversight on U.S. military assistance, crafted in collaboration with Democratic senators led by Chris Van Hollen (Md.), creates some useful hooks to hold the administration accountable in a few months  but does nothing for the Palestinians who are suffering today, said Josh Paul, a former State Department official overseeing arms transfers who is now at the Democracy for the Arab World Now nonprofit. The laws that this policy refers to are already on the books and are not being enforced.

Israel is already preparing for a fresh surge of tough international scrutiny this month because of the International Court of Justice case over its conduct in Gaza. Israel must submit a report to the so-called World Court in The Hague, Netherlands, by Feb. 26 to show what it is doing to obey measures to shield civilians that the judges had ordered when on Jan. 26 they dealt Israel and the U.S. a blow by refusing to dismiss a claim that Israel is committing genocide. While Israel is preparing a response, which is expected to note steps such as investigations of war crimes by soldiers, as recently revealed by Haaretz, its report will likely be unable to show significant improvement. Aid groups say Gaza continues to deteriorate dramatically amid bombardment and a siege.

Palestinians survey the aftermath Friday from Israeli attacks in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. A building targeted in the attack and structures around it were damaged.

Palestinians survey the aftermath Friday from Israeli attacks in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. A building targeted in the attack and structures around it were damaged.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently concluded a trip to the Middle East to try to advance negotiations between Israel, the chief Gaza-based armed group Hamas and regional governments to reach a truce in the fighting that would involve the release of Israeli hostages captured on Oct. 7 by Palestinian militants. Speaking to HuffPost on Friday, two foreign officials expressed skepticism that the diplomatic effort would bear fruit soon, saying they see it as important but extremely tenuous.

As long as there is a dialogue, I think its helpful.  We are probably reaching a moment where a tough decision needs to be taken, a European official said. The other foreign official said the current positions of Israel and Hamas suggest that even if an agreement is reached, it would collapse very quickly.

The Biden administration is seen worldwide as the most important factor in ongoing truce talks and managing the risk of a possible massacre in Rafah, given its influence over Israel. Blinken on Thursday said Israel must keep civilians first and foremost in mind in considering its next military move.

The U.S. is in a position to prevent such a decision [on invading Rafah] to greenlight it or to yellow-light it, said Eran Etzion, a former deputy national security adviser for the Israeli government. All it takes is a [U.S.] phone call with the right wording, and both sides know it Israel is totally dependent on U.S. material support, arms shipments and its diplomatic umbrella at the [United Nations] and elsewhere.

If Etzion were advising the Biden administration, he said, he would recommend pushing Israel to be more serious about the possible truce-hostage release deal rather than focusing on tactical questions, such as its next military maneuver, calling that approach more strategic.

Theres no question the U.S. has leverage, Etzion said. There is a question of when and how it will choose to use it.

Lipstick On A Pig

Meaningful U.S. pressure on Israel to abide by human rights norms and American foreign policy goals has always been rare, and current U.S. officials have told HuffPost that the Biden administration has been particularly resistant to that idea, given the trauma of the Oct. 7 attack and the presidents traditionalist views.

Despite the fanfare around Bidens moves this week, former Pentagon attorney Sarah Harrison argued on X (formerly Twitter) that his policy on U.S. military aid for countries including Israel appears likely to perpetuate old tendencies that are unhelpful.

Saying Bidens new memo may amount to lipstick on a pig, Harrison warned against another performative measure stirring up busy-bodied lawyers and policymakers in the bureaucracy, ultimately resulting in business as usual [on] arms transfers to Israel.

My skepticism is fueled by the administrations knee-jerk decision to suspend funding to UNRWA [the chief U.N. agency supporting Palestinians], support a $14 billion weapons package to Israel and refusal to condition military assistance as the [Israeli military] prepares for operations in Rafah, she wrote.

Asked whether Blinken raised concerns about U.S. citizens stuck in Gaza in recent discussions with Israel, a State Department spokesperson pointed to remarks Thursday that cast a Rafah offensive as unlikely. The spokesperson also said the U.S. does not have an updated count of those U.S. citizens and others eligible for evacuation support since a Jan. 4 press briefing that gave a broad estimate of several hundred.

Bidens choices over whether and how far to challenge Netanyahu have particular significance for Israelis who worry about the consequences of their leaders approach.

Etzion told HuffPost he believes a final decision on attacking Rafah has not yet been made by Netanyahus war cabinet and noted complexities Israeli officials have to account for, from the situation of displaced Palestinians to the risk of angering Egypt and the U.S. The move also will have negative implications on any chances of negotiations with Hamas in Cairo and elsewhere on the hostages and the ending of the war, he said.

Gili Roman, whose sister Yarden was captured by Gazan militants then released during the first pause in the war in November, told HuffPost that he sees American leverage as critical for the remaining hostages, estimated to be about 100. Many families of hostages have accused Netanyahu of deprioritizing their plight.

During a visit to Washington last week, Roman said sustaining a U.S. emphasis on a possible truce-release deal is important because it would put a lot of positive pressure on the mediators and makes everyone work on it nonstop.

Gili Roman and other family members of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza have repeatedly traveled to the U.S. seeking support amid fears their own government is not prioritizing their release.

Gili Roman and other family members of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza have repeatedly traveled to the U.S. seeking support amid fears their own government is not prioritizing their release.

His sister had her first breakdown since her release on the day the last truce collapsed and she realized her sister-in-law Carmel Gat, who had also been kidnapped, had not been freed, he told HuffPost. We didnt imagine its going to take more than double the time that [Yarden] was in captivity She asked us to continue to speak on her behalf and advocate for Carmel.

For Palestinians in Rafah, airy debates on diplomacy and strategy are moving nowhere near quickly enough.

Ahmed Abushaban is living in the city with a group of 30 family members in a tile shop of about 650 square feet that has a single toilet. Last night, an Israeli airstrike hit a house less than 7 feet from their building, he told HuffPost on Friday. His children are sick most of the time because they lack clean water, and he worries they will never be able to forget seeing and smelling corpses on their long walk to the south earlier in the war.

We are living in a cold place with no clean water and very expensive food, he said. Most Gazans are relying on the minimal humanitarian aid allowed in. Severe limits on shipments into the Gaza Strip imposed by Israel and Egypt mean those supplies are insufficient while the flow of commercial goods has been reduced to a trickle. People claiming to be able to buy exit permits to leave for Egypt have told Abushaban he should expect to pay $70,000 to $90,000 to get his family to safety. Meanwhile, attempts by his sister, a Canadian citizen, to help him have yet to bring results.

We lost our homes, my company was bombed  . We will need years to get back to the same point we were before the 7th of October, Abushaban said.

Related...
This is the least important election of our lifetimes.

Thats a taboo sentiment in politics since publicity, donations and votes depend on an electorate scared out of its collective mind. Consultants need to convince people that the nation will collapse if the other guy wins.

But it will be tough for voters to stomach this message of doom and gloom. Weve had enough of both for the past decade.

We can expect little but negative campaigning this year because both front-runners have so few positives worthy of gloating over.

Instead of worrying what will happen if the other guy wins, most Americans are worried about either of them winning.

2024 election offers choices few want

This combo image shows President Joe Biden, left, Jan. 5, 2024, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, right, Jan. 19, 2024.

A Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll asked registered voters if theyre happy with another Biden-Trump matchup. Neither campaign will be happy with the results.

Only about a third of respondents said this is a good choice for voters, while 64% said the country needs another alternative.

While 50% of Republicans seem satisfied with Trump, a whopping 71% of Democrats oppose this rerun of 2020.

Nikki Haley, who technically remains in the GOP race, said, Most Americans do not want a rematch between Biden and Trump  The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election.

She tested this message in the recent Nevada primary and came in second place. Who won first? None of the above.

Trump wasnt even on the ballot.

Most voters want neither Trump nor Biden

While the two parties hardcore bases seem content with their picks, most Americans look longingly toward a third option.

When pollsters asked voters if they would consider an independent moderate candidate running for the presidency, 55% answered yes.

Supporting a generic moderate usually fails once a flesh-and-blood candidate throws his or her hat into the ring. (My idea of a centrist is Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, but I assume most disagree.)

Why no presidential candidates: Want to debate anymore

Still, its striking how little passion most Americans have for either candidate with an election just nine months away. Instead of putting out yard signs and slapping bumper stickers on cars, people want to avoid our depressing politics as much as possible.

According to the same poll, 55% of voters think Biden is unable to run a successful campaign while 50% believe Trumps legal troubles make it impossible for him to run for president.

A few outside possibilities could change one of the major party candidates, but all are ugly to contemplate. As bad as the current choice is, no one hopes for a major health crisis or a black swan event such as war or terror.

What will down-ballot candidates do?

If voter apathy holds, 2024 could mark a significant drop in election turnout. A record-breaking number of ballots was cast in 2020, resulting in a turnout of 66.6%. (An apt number, if you think about it.)

Given Americans political malaise, November will likely show a collapse in overall votes, along with reduced viewership of party conventions. Debates will go unviewed because they will never be held.

Biden will claim he cant appear on the same stage as a threat to democracy, and Trump will claim hes too busy fighting his latest indictment. The real reason is that theyre both too old, but hardcore partisans will accept the lame excuses.

Voters would rather watch Netflix, anyway.

The real challenge falls upon down-ballot candidates who will get lost in the shuffle. They need to motivate a tuned-out electorate, hopefully with a few positive messages that can cut through the angry noise at the top of the ticket.

Jon Gabriel, a Mesa resident, is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. On Twitter: @exjon.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Biden vs. Trump could make the 2024 election the most inconsequential
Editor's note: The Courier & Press and The Gleaner are marking Black History Month with a collection of stories about people, places and events from local Black history.

Three generations of men of the Brown family plied their trade as blacksmiths in Henderson, Kentucky, over the course of 93 years.

Mike Brown arrived in Henderson in 1860 as a slave of the mayors wife. He was allowed to keep his earnings as a blacksmith and soon purchased his wife for $1,000. After the Civil War, he opened his blacksmith shop on First Street and became the leading blacksmith in the city.

Son Edward Hall Brown, born in 1861, learned the trade from his father, particularly learning how to handle skittish horses. In 1898, he went into business for himself and proved to be a successful businessman. According to a Whos Who publication in 1915, Brown owned a number of homes, including his own home and blacksmith shop, and had stock in other interests. He served as a juror in the U.S. District Court and was a member of the National Horseshoers Association.

By 1905, he and other African-American community leaders had established Douglass High School for black students.

Edwards son Sneed learned the trade under his father and smithed for 51 years, retiring in 1959. By then, Browns Blacksmith Shop was the oldest business in Henderson operating under its original name.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Black History Month: 3 generations of Browns were successful blacksmiths
EVANSVILLE  Community members needing legal assistance with a civil issue have an opportunity to receive free assistance locally.

There are multiple clinics throughout the year to assist with family law issues, eviction and debt.

According to information shared by the Volunteer Lawyer Program of Southwestern Indiana, the family law clinics are funded by the Indiana Supreme Court and its family court project.

The eviction clinics are funded by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through the Indiana Bar Foundation, and the debt clinic is a service of VLP and the William H. Miller Law Library.

The Evansville Bar Foundation also helps with funding.

Family law clinic for low-income residents in Evansville

The family law clinic operates on an appointment only basis and there are financial requirements. Staff can help with divorce, custody and child support issues.

Scheduling can be done by calling 812-402-6303. The clinic runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month.

The remaining dates for 2024 are:

March 7 and 21

April 4 and 18

May 2 and 16

June 6 and 20

July 18

Aug. 1 and 15

Sept. 5 and 9

Oct. 3 and 17

Nov. 7 and 21

Dec. 5 and 19

Second chance and debt clinic in Evansville

This clinic is done on a walk-in basis to help with basic information about driver's license reinstatement, civil issues and debt collection expungement.

It takes place from 11 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Thursday in Room 207 of the Civic Center.

The remaining dates for 2024 are:

Feb. 22

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

May 9 and 23

June 13 and 27

July 11 and 25

Aug. 8 and 22

Sept. 12 and 26

Oct. 10 and 24

Nov. 14

Dec. 12

Eviction legal help in Evansville

This walk-in clinic is set up to discuss residential evictions. Attorneys are available to discuss potential defenses, rental assistance, damages and sealing evictions.

The clinics are from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in Room 207 of the Civic Center.

The remaining dates for 2024 are:

Feb. 22

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

May 9 and 23

June 13 and 27

July 11 and 25

Aug. 8 and 22

Sept. 12 and 26

Oct. 10 and 24

Nov. 14

Dec. 12

Eviction help desk set up in Evansville

An attorney offering free help will be set up at the small claims court desk in Room 207 of the Evansville Civic Center.

They can help people who are representing themselves in their eviction cases. No appointments are needed.

The desk is staffed from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Want to talk to a lawyer for free over the phone?

For civil issues, residents can talk to a lawyer for free by calling 812-618-4845 or 888-594-3449.

This services is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: How can I get free legal help in Evansville?
Denmark's King Frederik X (L) and Queen Mary (R) kiss on the balcony after the proclamation of the accession to the throne at Christiansborg Palace Square in Copenhagen in January. Their son, Crown Prince Christian, 18, may again act as Denmark's leader during his parents state visits which start in May. File Photo by Bo Amstrup/UPI

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The royal palace in Copenhagen announced Friday that Denmark's new king and queen will tour their realm and neighboring countries in their first official state visits to the two other nations as Denmark's new heads of state.

King Frederik X and Queen Mary will first visit Sweden, Norway, then Greenland and the Faroe Islands which are also two territories of the Danish kingdom.

"The first state visits will provide the occasion for the new king and queen to meet with the sovereigns in Sweden and Norway, and they will thus mark the close relations between the Nordic monarchies.

The royal couple will travel aboard the Royal Yacht Dannebrog which will serve as their primary residence for the duration of the trip through Sweden from May 6-7, Norway May 14-15, and their "tentative" visit to the Faroe Islands June 11-14 and then Greenland June 29-July 8.

Frederik took the throne in January after his mother the former Queen Margarethe II's surprise announcement that she would step down from the throne after gaining the distinction of being Denmark's second longest-serving monarch when she took the throne from her father -- the late King Christian X -- in 1972.

King Charles III (L) speaks to then-Crown Princess Mary and then-Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at Buckingham Palace while attending Charles' May 2023 coronation in London, England. Charles and Frederik are cousins by blood along with multiple other European royal houses such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Norway. Photo by The Royal Family/UPI

Following the 2022 death of Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II and the assumption of the throne by now King Charles III -- also cousins to the royal families of Denmark, Sweden and Norway -- Margarethe's abdication in Denmark followed a series of royal recusals in recent years after Japan's now ex-Emperor Akihito in 2019 and Spain's former King Juan Carlos in 2014.

While the former queen Margrethe continues to be addressed as "Her Majesty" and is able to step in for King Frederik X to act as the country's regent, or acting head of state, the new king's son -- Crown Prince Christian -- is likely to act as the country's leader in his father's place during his parents trip which will start at the beginning of May.
Turkeyfoot Lake, then known as Turkey Foot Lake, is featured in an 1874 Summit County atlas.

The question seemed easy enough. In fact, I thought I already knew the answer. I didnt think Id be falling down a rabbit hole.

My former Beacon Journal colleague Kathy Antoniotti and her friend Maggie Frost wanted to know: What is the origin of the name Turkeyfoot?

Turkeyfoot Lake, Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Turkeyfoot Road and Turkeyfoot Island are among the topographic features at Portage Lakes in Summit County.

I distinctly remember being told as a kid that Turkeyfoot Lake got its name because, when viewed from the air, it looks like the three-toed foot of a turkey. Decades later, I began to wonder: When viewed from the air?!?!

Mark J. Price, Beacon Journal reporter.

Turkeyfoot Lake, originally spelled Turkey Foot Lake, is eons older than the aviation age. How did Ohio settlers know what the lake looked like from the air? They certainly didnt admire the view from Western Reserve blimps.

But thats OK. For thousands of years, cartographers have drawn maps without floating above the planet to check their work.

When I view Turkeyfoot Lake on a map, I see a turkeys footprint. Full disclosure: When I look at cloud formations, I think I see Bugs Bunny, Albert Einstein and the Mona Lisa  sometimes at the same time.

Maybe theres another origin.

Is Turkeyfoot an Indian name?

We cant find anything online although a very well known lake and road are named Turkeyfoot, Antoniotti wrote. That seems strange. My imagination conjures up lots of interesting speculation, but the internet only notes a fictional Chief Turkeyfoot who allegedly lived in Pennsylvania. A shallow dive through Ancestry.com tells me the origin could be either Northern Europe or Syria.

Antoniotti joked that she and Maggie have decided to make up a really juicy story if we cant get an answer.

I asked my uncle, Al Bollas, the former New Franklin mayor who serves as a captain on Portage Princess cruises. He said Portage Lakes historian Carol Eubank told him that Turkeyfoot was an American Indian chief who walked softly through the woods like a turkey.

History books lend credence to the Indian name.

According to William Henry Perrins History of Summit County (1881): Turkey Foot Lake, probably the largest body of water in the county  is said to have been named for a noted Indian chief. Its outline is very irregular, the lake consisting of several distinct bodies of water joined by straits of different widths.

In the 1868 volume The Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812, U.S. historian Benson John Lossing links the name Turkey Foot to the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794) in which Maj. Gen. Anthony Waynes troops defeated a confederation of Indian tribes near present-day Maumee in Northwest Ohio.

Among the brave warriors in the battle who were the last to flee before Waynes Legion was Me-sa-sa, or Turkey-Foot, an Ottawa chief, who lived on Blanchards Fork of the Au Glaize River, Lossing wrote. He was greatly beloved by his people. His courage was conspicuous.

According to tradition, Turkey Foot climbed onto a boulder near the Maumee River to rally his men in battle, but was struck by a musket ball and died on the rock.

Long years afterward, when any of his tribe passed along the Maumee trail, they would stop at that rock, and linger a long time with manifestations of sorrow, Lossing noted.

A 1908 postcard shows the original location of Turkey Foot Rock near the Maumee River in Lucas County. The rock is now part of the Fallen Timbers State Memorial.

In Historical Reminiscences of Summit County (1854), historian Lucius V. Bierce further explained: The Indians have carved a rude resemblance of a turkeys foot on that rock, and to this day in passing it, they deposit on it a piece of tobacco as an offering to the spirit of Turkey Foot, their favorite chief.

The original Turkey Foot Rock, or at least a section of it, is on display near Maumee at the Fallen Timbers State Memorial, which was dedicated in 1994 on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The monument pays tribute to all the American Indians who gave their lives at this place.

A myth that became history?

Not everyone agrees with the legend of Turkey Foot  or whether the chief even existed. Author John Rose, a member of the Waterville Historical Society in Lucas County, thinks the story of Chief Turkey Foot is a myth that was repeated so often that it became history.

The historical literature about the Indian Confederation does not mention a chief named Turkey Foot and, finally, folks who are experts in Indian affairs say that Indians did not name their sons after body parts but only after an admired animal, he argued in 2019. In other words, there never would have been a chief named Turkey Foot and the whole story is a fabrication.

Swimmers frolic in the water at Turkeyfoot Lake on a summer day at Portage Lakes State Park in New Franklin.

Ultimately, it remains unclear why a Summit County body of water would be named for Me-sa-sa. Its been known as Turkeyfoot Lake since at least the 1820s.

Frank S. Lahm, who built the historic clubhouse on Turkeyfoot Island in 1876, doubted there would ever be a definitive answer.

The mystery of the name Turkeyfoot remains unsolved nor is there any one living old enough to unravel it, he wrote in 1930.

There was in former times in Northern Ohio an Indian chief called Turkeyfoot; in the native tongue Me-sa-sa, but there are no records to prove he gave his name to the lake. Whether it was so called by the Indians and translated into English by the whites, or whether owing to its peculiar shape it was named Turkeyfoot by the early settlers will likely never be known.

I still think the lake looks like a turkeys foot.

Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com

Local history: See Cathedral Tower in Cuyahoga Falls as the Rev. Rex Humbard intended

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How did Turkeyfoot Lake get its name?
This combo image shows President Joe Biden, left, Jan. 5, 2024, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, right, Jan. 19, 2024.

WASHINGTON  Coming off an expected win in Nevada, former President Donald Trump began his South Carolina campaign Friday at a gun rights event in Pennsylvania  and spent much of his time attacking President Joe Biden over classified documents.

Trump, riffing on special counsel Robert Hur's decision to clear President Joe Biden over his handling of classified documents, called his own documents-related criminal case nothing more than selective prosecution of Bidens political opponent: me."

Trump was peanuts by comparison," he said Friday night at a National Rifle Association event in Harrisburg, Pa., that veered into complaints about immigration and Biden. A separate special counsel, Jack Smith, has charged Trump with hoarding classified documents at his private Florida club and defying a grand jury subpoena for their return.

It was Trump's eighth speech before the NRA. "You have a right to self-defense," Trump told the crowd.

More: Did special counsel cross the line in bashing Biden's memory? Even some Republicans think so

While pledging fidelity to the NRA and gun rights, Trump also criticized Hur's decision this week refusing to prosecute Biden for retaining classified documents from his years as vice president; Trump faces a criminal trial in Florida later this year in his documents case.

Trump also made references to Biden's age and mental acuity, issues that Special Counsel Hur cited in deciding not to prosecute Biden.

In his NRA speech, Trump did not discuss his remaining Republican opponent, Nikki Haley, who is seeking to derail his drive to the nomination her home state primary on Feb. 24.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump wait to hear him speak at the NRA Presidential Forum at the Great American Outdoor Show on February 09, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In the wake of criticism over Biden's age, Democrats and some Republicans  including Haley  reminded Trump of his own cognitive lapses in recent months.

"I have long said the first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate will win the White House," Haley said in a statement on the Hur report. Biden is 81 and Trump is 77.

Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said voters will stick with Biden's steady leadership over Trump's chaotic approach.

"Do we want order over chaos?" Fetterman said. "Do we want the truth over lies?"

Trump promotes gun rights

Trump told NRA members his administration "didn't yield" on gun rights during his one-term presidency, while the Biden administration seeks to put the firearms industry "out of business."

"Your Second Amendment will always be safe with me as your President," Trump said.

In terms of politics, Trump all but demanded that the NRA help him, saying "they better endorse me."

More: NRA Executive Wayne LaPierre survived years of criticism. Now he's stepping down.

Democrats who participated in a conference call set up by the Biden campaign said they support "common sense" gun regulations that can help prevent mass shootings  proposals that Trump blocked when he was president.

"He's bought and paid for by the NRA," Fetterman said.

Trump, Biden, and classified documents

As for the classified documents flap, Fetterman denounced the special counsel's report as a "smear" filled with "cheap shots" about Biden's memory and mental ability.

Democrats  and Haley  pointed out that Trump has confused the names of foreign leaders and their countries, and once mixed up Haley with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a rant over pre-insurrection security at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

During Trump's NRA speech, the Biden campaign noted in a social media post that Trump had slurred some of his words.

Trump's other campaign opponent, Haley, compared Biden's age problems to those of Trump.

"Donald Trump has his own mental deficiencies," Haley said in her statement, and "is prone to temper tantrums and wild rants, and confuses countries and who was in charge of Capitol security on January 6th."

More: Biden turns confrontational over alleged memory loss in DOJ report: 'How in the hell dare he'

Trump faces his own classified documents trouble

Trump said he plans to ask a federal judge to dismiss the classified documents case against him, saying the decision in the Biden matter demonstrates "selective prosecution."

There are differences between the Trump and Biden cases, however.

For one thing, the former president is also accused of obstructing grand jury subpoenas for his documents, while Biden cooperated with the special counsel investigation.

Related: More trials than Al Capone? Trump dominates the GOP primary field, but his legal battles are intensifying

On to South Carolina

Trump picked up all 26 Republican convention delegates available in Nevada, winning caucuses organized by his supporters and in which he was the only major candidate.

Trump has said he wants to end Haley's campaign in her home state of South Carolina, which holds its Republican primary two weeks from Saturday. The former president enjoys big leads in polls in the Palmetto State.

Trump travels to South Carolina on Saturday for a campaign event at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, near Myrtle Beach.

Haley, meanwhile, is spending the weekend on a bus tour of the state she once governed.

In his NRA speech, Trump said: "We're going to do great in South Carolina."

Related: Kamala Harris slams DOJ report on Biden documents as White House works to control damage

More: 'We have sharp elbows': Nikki Haley braces for home-state dirty tricks in Trump fight

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump begins S.C. campaign by talking gun rights and attacking Biden
 Flash

To welcome the Year of the Dragon, a wave of festive celebrations sweeps across the globe, with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds joining in to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese Lunar New Year traditions.

Numerous iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building in New York to the London Eye, Tokyo Tower and the Sydney Opera House, have been illuminated in vibrant red hues and decorated with Chinese elements, creating a cheerful festival ambiance to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

The Empire State Building has shined red for the 24th consecutive year. "It's an annual tradition at the Empire State Building to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the heart of New York City. Our iconic Fifth Avenue lobby windows will feature a festive art installation to honor this year's animal, the dragon," said Christina Chiu, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Empire State Realty Trust.

Various entertaining and cultural events were organized in France, Slovakia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Central African Republic and elsewhere.

On Feb. 4, the Chinese community in France took center stage on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, hosting a series of vibrant performances to herald the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. The traditional dragon and lion dances, fish lanterns and Hanfu performances attracted over 50,000 people.

"Magnificent event. It's the first time I've seen an event like this. It feels good to see colorful events like this from another culture," attendee Jean-Baptiste told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese New Year can "touch everyone."

In celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year, a concert was held on the same day in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Musicians from the Chinese Chamber Orchestra of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music presented a performance featuring traditional Chinese music.

Addressing the event, Marek Estok, the country's state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, said that the concert "takes us through Chinese melodies into Chinese history and unique culture which has positively influenced and enriched mankind for thousands of years with its precious philosophy, literature and architecture."

The Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival celebration featuring all kinds of Chinese folk art in the country's capital of Abuja on Feb. 3.

Hailing the festive atmosphere as "electrifying," Adeshina Adegboye, a Nigerian mechanical engineer who attended the event for the first time, said, "As you can see, this celebration clearly shows the shared joy of the Chinese and their Nigerian friends."

Confucius Institutes in Rwanda and the Central African Republic held colorful activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Students learning the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute of the University of Rwanda engaged in various activities, including a lecture introducing the Spring Festival, paper cutting, and writing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and happiness.

With the dragon symbolizing wisdom and strength, Daguia Clotaire, Central African Director of Confucius Institute of the University of Bangui, said, "That's exactly what the Chinese people are doing, working hard to develop their country."
One look at the iconic cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, and its easy to imagine the lives that once bustled within them.

In a free audio tour visitors can download, park ranger Thelma Jean Atsye, who is Laguna Pueblo, says, I hope that when you hear our stories, you will begin to see these places as we do  not as ruins, but as homes.

There are more than 600 cliff dwellings within the park, which visitors can appreciate from a distance or up close on tours.

Heres what travelers should know about Mesa Verde, the latest national park in USA TODAYs yearlong series.

Why is Mesa Verde so famous?

Mesa Verde is famous for its Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, like Cliff Palace.

Theyre some of the most magnificent examples of architecture in our country from (nearly 1,000) years ago, the parks Chief of Interpretation, Kristy Sholly, told USA TODAY.

But theyre not the only places people lived. According to the parks website, the Ancestral Pueblo lived on the mesa tops for 600 years before moving into the cliffs and continued to farm on mesa tops even afterward.

Long House is located in the western part of Mesa Verde National Park.

Why was Mesa Verde abandoned?

We don't really have a lot of answers to why they might have left the Mesa Verde region; we have ideas, Sholly said. But obviously the people that were living in the Mesa Verde area are still in the region today. They just moved to areas south.

There are 26 Native tribes historically tied to Mesa Verde:

The 19 Pueblos of New Mexico: Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Sandia, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia and Zuni

Hopi Tribe in Arizona

Jicarilla Apache Nation in New Mexico

Navajo Nation in Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico

Northern Ute in Utah

Southern Ute in Colorado

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Colorado

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in Texas

With 130 rooms, Spruce Tree House is thought to have housed 60 to 80 people, according to the park.

Can you go inside Mesa Verde?

Yes. From Oct. 23 through April 30, the park entrance fee is $20 per private vehicle. From May 1 through Oct. 22, that fee goes up to $30. Travelers can buy passes in advance online. Those who prefer to pay in person should know that only debit cards and credit cards are accepted at the park entrance.

Plastic please: What to know as more national parks go cashless

Can you drive through Mesa Verde?

Visitors can drive into Mesa Verde, but not all the way through it.

Its an out and back, Sholly said. You really have to drive the full like 20 miles up into the park to really get into the ancestral sites and then you're going to be driving the same amount of time out.

Visitors who are tight on time should budget for at least an hours drive, each way.

Mesa Verde's Balcony House is only accessible by ranger-led tour.

Can you see Mesa Verde cliff dwellings from the road?

Yes. Visitors can see various cliff dwellings along Cliff Palace Loop Road and Mesa Top Loop Road.

It's been set up to really see 700 years of architectural history on Mesa Top Loop, Sholly said. And there's accessible overlooks where you can just get out of your car, look down into the canyon and actually see them there along the drive.

Can you do Mesa Verde in a day?

Sholly recommends spending one to two days in the park, noting that there are lots of other things to see nearby.

Visitors who want to spend the night in Mesa Verde can camp or between April and October, stay at Far View Lodge onsite.

Cliff Palace is Mesa Verde's largest cliff dwelling with 150 rooms, according to the park.

What is the closest city to Mesa Verde?

The town of Mancos is the closest community to the park, but Sholly said, There's not as many hotels and restaurants there.

Cortez is about 10 miles away. Durango, which is larger, is about 35 miles away. Both offer numerous visitor services.

Durango-La Plata County Airport offers regional service on American Airlines and United Airlines.

What is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park?

It's great to come (in summer) when everything's in full swing, but I would say probably early June or September when it's a little bit cooler, Sholly said.

She said the summer heat combined with the parks elevation can be challenging for people who arent used to it.

People will come from sea level  and then suddenly they're at 7,000 feet. There's less oxygen, she said. They get a lot more dehydrated more quickly, and we do find that there's a lot more medical issues when people are trying to adjust to the elevation and the heat.

She recommended all visitors drink plenty of water and avoid traveling during the hottest times of day.

Square Tower House glowed for 2018's Luminaria Holiday Open House at Mesa Verde National Park.

What do I need to know before going to Mesa Verde National Park?

There's a lot of really great self-guided experiences at Mesa Verde, Sholly said. We do offer talks every day that are free to the public.

But the only way visitors can enter cliff dwellings is on a ticketed ranger-led tour. The 2024 tour season begins on May 12. Prices will be posted on Recreation.gov when tickets go on sale, two weeks in advance.

I think that even without the ranger-led tour, there's still a lot to experience at Mesa Verde, Sholly said, calling out hiking opportunities and noting that the park was actually set aside for some of its scenic wilderness, not just cliff dwellings.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mesa Verde National Park is a snapshot in time. What travelers find.
One North Carolina aquarium is looking to solve the mystery of a female stingray's solo pregnancy that has sparked confusion.

The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team Ecco is located in Hendersonville, 103 miles west of Charlotte. Staff there say the female stingray is expecting pups but there's one problem. The aquarium has no male stingrays.

So how could the female stingray become pregnant without a male mate?

There are two possible explanations for the rare pregnancy.

Rare virgin birth': Baby shark asexually reproduced at Brookfield Zoo, second in the US

Asexual reproduction is common among stingrays

Research has shown that animals, especially stingrays, have the ability to asexually reproduce when there is a lack of reproduction for that species.

"First, you should know that parthenogenesis is asexual reproduction of an organism in which a female produces an embryo without a male present to fertilize the egg," wrote Dr. April Smith, executive director the North Carolina Science Trail in a blog post. "This means the offspring are, typically, all female, and this occurs in a situation where there are no males present (i.e., zoo/aquarium usually, or perhaps a secluded natural environment like the deep sea). Its a survival mechanism that allows for the preservation of a species."

Female stingray could have been impregnated by male shark

The Hendersonville aquarium tells FOX Carolina they were afraid their female stingray named Charlotte had cancer when she began to swell.

In order to confirm or deny their suspicions, an ultrasound was conducted. The results revealed the multiple growths within her body were later proven to be eggs.

The aquarium found bite marks on Charlotte, a common sign that are left on mating sharks.

In July 2023, two young white-spot bamboo sharks were moved into Charlotte's tank.

We have definitive video of the most current ultrasound showing two if not three pups, Team Ecco told FOX Carolina. DNA will need to be done after the pups birth  unless we have visual cues about a mixed breed.

Charlotte is expecting to give birth soon, the aquarium confirms.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Female stingray's mysterious pregnancy: Male shark could be culprit
Protesting doctors and medical workers accused Israel of genocide as they marched through London carrying bundles symbolising dead babies.

Placards reading Stop the genocide and Stop Israels Gaza genocide were carried by dozens of healthcare workers marching from St Thomas Hospital to Downing Street calling for a ceasefire in the conflict.

Several held dolls wrapped in bloodstained bandages to represent the babies killed in Gaza by Israeli bombing.

Many of the marchers were dressed in hospital scrubs and wore Palestinian keffiyeh scarves, while others wore press helmets and shrapnel vests to symbolise members of the media killed in the conflict.

A young woman held a hand-drawn poster reading: When injustice becomes normal resistance becomes a duty

At one stage there was a brief scuffle in Whitehall when some protesters objected to the presence of a man filming them.

The march was called by Health Workers 4 Palestine, which describes itself as a global non-partisan group of health workers/agencies/NGOs all working together for peace and prosperity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Placards reading 'Stop the genocide' and 'Stop Israels Gaza genocide' were carried by dozens of healthcare workers - Lucy North/PA Wire

Protesters in Leeds

Protests were also held in Leeds, where there were also placards reading From the river to the sea, Palestine must be free, a slogan that has been condemned as a call for the destruction of the state of Israel.

The London medical workers march followed a clash between a pro-Palestine activist and a counter-protest saying Call Hamas for a ceasefire.

Tore up a poster

The activist tore up a poster blaming Hamas for the Israel-Gaza conflict which was being held by a counter-protester near Centrepoint.

Footage showed a man standing among pro-Palestine activists outside a branch of Barclays Bank, holding a poster with the words For a ceasefire call above the name, photograph and apparent telephone number of Hamas leader Yaha Sinwar.

A masked man wrapped in a Palestinian flag is seen stepping forward and snatching the poster before scrunching it up in his hand.

The counter-protester then stepped forward to retrieve it as activists around him shouted: Shut Barclays down over its investment links with Israel.

Police officers at one point appeared to intervene to separate the two men, with one of the officers talking to the counter-protester who pointed out the man allegedly responsible for grabbing his poster.

He is then led away from the group of pro-Palestine activists by another officer.

Scotland Yard said it was looking into reports of the confrontation.

Heckled by pro-Palestine activists

A woman understood to have lost a teenage relative when Hamas launched its attacks on Israel on Oct 7 said she was heckled by pro-Palestine activists outside a candidate meeting being held by her local Labour party.

Footage showed Heidi Bachran being baracked, with protesters shouting Shame on you and Youve got blood on your hands at her outside the meeting in Brighton.

Ms Bachran, who is also thought to have had another relative taken hostage on Oct 7 attacks, wrote on X: I just tried to attend my local Labour campaign to see what the MP candidate was about. The pro-Pals blocked me, yelled my name, shouted shame on you and youve got blood on your hands. I didnt go in. They are schoolground bullies disrupting democracy. Shame on them.

The activists said they were protesting against Labours policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Pro-Palestine activists in Birmingham forced a Barclays Bank branch to temporarily shut its door after staging a die-in on the premises on Saturday morning.

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.
WASHINGTON  Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) on Thursday tried to smear one of President Joe Bidens judicial nominees by repeatedly calling her a Marxist, an accusation rooted in nothing other than this nominee being a Democrat.

But his effort backfired spectacularly when the Louisiana Republican was reminded that he, too, used to be a Democrat.

Are you still a Marxist? Kennedy asked Melissa DuBose, Bidens nominee for a U.S. district court in Rhode Island. It was his very first question in DuBoses nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and he gave zero context.

I am not nor have I ever been a Marxist, replied DuBose, who is now a state district judge.

They went back and forth. Kennedy suggested she was lying under oath about being a secret Marxist, citing an interview she did in 2000 when she was working at a coffee shop and said she was in my Marxist phase.

DuBose replied that she was interviewed 24 years ago by an undergraduate student who wanted to become a teacher, and DuBose, who was then teaching civics and history in Providences public schools, told her she was considering teaching a course on political theory. I immersed myself in a ton of political theory, she said, citing the works of philosophers Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and, yes, Karl Marx.

DuBose also said she didnt know the interview had been published, which is why she didnt turn it in to the committee.

Kennedy acted as if she hadnt said any of that.

My question is real simple, he said. Are you still a Marxist?

I am not a Marxist, DuBose said again, as Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) made the same allegation. I do not espouse Marxist theory or ideology. I never have, I never will. Im a very proud Democrat.

And then Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) reminded Kennedy that even if it were true that DuBose had been in a Marxist phase, people sometimes take new positions on issues over time. Even him.

This was many, many, many, many, many years ago, Whitehouse said of DuBoses interview. Perhaps during the time when my colleague Sen. Kennedy was a Democrat, showing that people can change their views, even if it were true that you were in a Marxist phase.

Whitehouse smiled. Laughs were audible in the room. Kennedy was furious.

Ive never been a Marxist! he shouted. Ive never been a Marxist! And Ive never admitted I was a Marxist and then not turned a document over to this committee!

Whitehouse was right about Kennedys long career as a Democrat, though. He unsuccessfully ran for state attorney general in 1991, as a Democrat, and was elected state treasurer in 1999. Still a Democrat, he was reelected to that position in 2003 and unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2004. He became a Republican in 2007 and was reelected three more times as state treasurer. He ran for U.S. Senate again in 2008 and lost but ultimately won his current seat in 2016.

The hearing got a bit awkward after Kennedys outburst, so Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tried to cut the tension before moving on.

Lets agree on the following, Graham said with a weak laugh. A Louisiana Democrat is probably not a Marxist.

"I am not a Marxist!" Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) shouted as he tried to baselessly accuse one of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees of being a Marxist.

The reality, though, is that Republicans have spent years baselessly accusing Bidens nominees of secretly being Marxists or communists.

They dont listen when these nominees insist they are not. The idea is that because they are Democratic appointees, there must be some Marxist ideology in there somewhere, so why not bring back a dose of McCarthyism to suggest theyre not loyal to American democracy.

Are you a Marxist? Blackburn abruptly asked Oregon district court nominee Mustafa Kasubhai in an October hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

No, senator, Kasubhai said. I have not praised Marxist ideas and I would disavow any other system than that would be supported by our U.S. Constitution and our laws.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said he had evidence that Kasubhai was secretly a Marxist: a corny poem that he wrote 30 years ago, titled Sensualized Property Theory.

Intimate knowing, the lovers kissed, familiar and ever-exciting, passionate transcendence beyond the physical exhilaration lies a burning light and our limbs are hearts. Floating, flying, falling in every direction, amorphous and wonderful, time-stretching, space-curving, exquisitely explosive eros, and yet, I timidly tremble every time, Cruz read aloud to the committee.

What the hell does that mean? the Texas senator demanded to know.

The poetry was definitely not good, Kasubhai said, horrified in the way that any English major would be if a decades-old poem was read aloud in a Senate hearing.

Ive never been a Marxist!Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, former Democrat turned Republican

Kennedy has been fine with throwing around these kinds of accusations, too.

I dont know whether to call you professor or comrade, Kennedy told Saule Omarova in a particularly offensive November 2021 hearing. Omarova, who was Bidens pick for a key banking regulator job, was born in the Soviet Union and came to the United States in 1991.

I am not a communist, she said. I do not subscribe to that ideology. I could not choose where I was born. Omarova eventually withdrew her nomination amid bipartisan criticisms.

A Kennedy spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on whether Marxist ideologies ever resonated with the Louisiana senator when he was a Democrat.

Related...
Smoke pours from the downed Bombardier Challenger 600 jet that crashed on Highway I-75 near Naples.

More details of a doomed flight from Columbus that crashed in southern Florida on Friday are available through an online flight-tracking service.

FlightAware shows the entire path of the chartered Bombardier Challenger 600 jet that crashed near Naples on Friday afternoon after taking off from Ohio State University's airport with five people aboard.

Read More: How often do jets like one that took off from Ohio State and crashed in Florida go down?

At least two people died in the plane crash and three survived. The plane collided with two cars on the ground and all of those in the ground vehicles survived, according to authorities.

Here's what the flight tracker shows us about how the ill-fated flight unfolded.

How did the flight start off?

The FlightAware plane-tracking service shows that the aircraft had not begun its trip in Ohio, but had flown over 1,000 miles to Columbus that morning from Florida.

Just days earlier, the same jet had made a round-trip flight from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico, a resort island near Cancun. That trip, on Wednesday, took about 80 minutes each way, according to FlightAware.

By Friday, the jet was back in Florida before it took off from Fort Lauderdale at 9:35 a.m. and arrived at the Ohio State airport in just under two and a half hours, at 11:57 a.m.

The plane then took off again on a return flight to Florida, with a stop in Naples, which is home to one of the wealthiest zip codes in America, reports the Naples Daily News.

Read More: Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft has history of fatal crashes, records show

The flight-track data shows that the jet climbed to 40,000 feet over West Virginia within about half an hour after departing Columbus, and continued due south while cruising at just under 540 mph.

What happened when the plane reached Florida?

Around 90 minutes into the flight, the plane crossed the Florida panhandle and headed out over the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles west of the Florida peninsula. Shortly afterward, the plane started a steady descent from 37,000 feet and when it reached an altitude of about 4,800 feet, it turned east just past Sanibel Island and headed inland toward Naples.

Naples was just minutes away, but the plane would never make it to the airport.

The flight tracker shows the jet made a final hard right turn over Interstate 75 the highway it crashed onto about 5 miles north of the Naples Municipal Airport. The National Business Aviation Association described the airport as a "little" airport that since the mid-1990s has served only "general aviation," or non-commercial flights, and "today has almost no airline service."

Within a span of roughly two minutes, the plane dropped from 1,800 feet at a speed of 188 mph to 500 feet and 130 mph, before suddenly recording zero feet, according to FlightAware. A recording shows that the pilot had reported to air-traffic controllers having lost both engines moments before crashing.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: FlightAware offers clues to how chartered Ohio jet crashed in Florida
CHICAGO  Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel used an Illinois GOP fundraiser Friday night to deliver a valedictory address of sorts as she prepares for her ouster from the party post later this month under pressure from former President Donald Trump.

Appearing at an event aimed at encouraging Republicans to vote early and by mail, a Bank Your Vote program she initiated despite criticism from Trump and other GOP leaders that the practice Democrats have used successfully has been littered with fraud, McDaniel made no mention of the former president or her imminent departure as RNC chair.

She exhorted a crowd of more than 700 people in a ballroom at the Westin OHare hotel in Rosemont to pledge to vote early, avoid an Election Day vote deficit and save the party from the expense of pushing them to vote in the campaigns final days.

Why bank your vote? We in the party must start utilizing mail-in and early voting, she said. Please raise your hand and you will pledge to vote early this election. Everybody, we got to do it.

Recounting how Michigan, where she was state party chair, voted Republican for the presidency in 2016 for the first time in decades after being told the state was unwinnable, McDaniel said, We turned it red and you can do it here, too.

Democrats in Illinois have had a long history of successful early vote and vote-by-mail organizing, which has put the states declining Republican Party at a deficit on Election Day. The state Democratic Party in a statement called the RNCs effort a case of ballot hypocrisy and noted its support for legal efforts to curb the counting of mailed in ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day after the day of election.

McDaniels appearance came after she met Monday with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida property. Afterward, he called her a friend but said changes to the RNC would be coming after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24.

Serving in her fourth two-year term as RNC chair, McDaniel had spent her tenure trying to satisfy Trump, most notably even dropping her maiden name, Romney. Shes a niece of Trumps GOP nemesis, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah.

She also moved to convert a rooted establishment party organization into one more reflective of Trump, and backed him even as he falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen.

But party fundraising slowed and the GOP track record has not been stellar, with Democrats taking control of the White House and Congress in 2020 while Republicans underperformed in the 2022 midterm elections.

Attending what she said was her first state party celebration of the Bank Your Vote program, McDaniels message was a sharp reversal in strategy of urging GOP voters to cast their ballot on Election Day and shun early voting.

The events keynote speaker, Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, appeared to step on the evenings message when he declared to loud applause, I believe that we should have an Election Day, not an election month.

Kennedy also made the only reference to McDaniels departure.

She is a rock star. She is star-spangled awesome. Shes been one of the best chairs we have ever had and I want to thank her for that, Kennedy said.

Kennedy also made no mention of Trump but heralded Republican policy achievements during his tenure as president, while giving a blistering critique of President Joe Biden and Democrats.

I believe Republicans are not perfect, but the other side is crazy as hell, he said. The American people do not deserve to be governed by a deeply weird, hopelessly woke people who hate George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head.

The Biden administration sucks, Kennedy said. President Biden has been spectacularly off. For three years now, hes been pushing on a door thats clearly marked pull.
Emergency officials work the scene of plane crash on I-75 in Naples near exit 105 on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Two people were confirmed dead.

"We're not going to make the runway, we've lost both engines," the pilot of a twin-engine jet that took off from Columbus radioed just before crashing onto a busy Florida highway near Naples on Friday.

The pilot, Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park, Florida and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach, Florida both died in the crash, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Florida. Survivors included crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, of Jupiter, Florida; and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, both of Columbus.

The 68-foot-long Bombardier Challenger 600 had five people on board when it took off from Ohio State University's airport at 12:30 p.m. Friday on its way to the Naples Airport. It was scheduled for a subsequent departure to Fort Lauderdale, said Robin King, director of communication with the Naples Airport Authority.

Read More: How often do jets like one that took off from Ohio State and crashed in Florida go down?

The plane, which crashed onto southbound Interstate 75 at about 3:10 p.m, destroyed at least two vehicles in a fiery explosion, roughly 4.7 miles from the airport. Officials at Ohio State said the aircraft was not affiliated with the university.

Friday night, the Hop-a-Jet charter company released a statement saying it had "received confirmed reports of an accident involving one of our leased aircraft near Naples" and that it would dispatch a team to the crash site. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

"It was coming in for a landing," King said. "We received word that it had possibly lost an engine, we have not confirmed that, then we lost contact" just before the plane went down."

The Naples Airport Authority was unaware of who was on the crashed jet or why they were headed to southwest Florida, King said.

In a recording of the final radio communications with the aircraft, the pilot says: "OK, Challenger, Hop-A-Jet 823, lost both engines, emergency. I'm making an emergency landing."

The incident was at least the seventh fatal crash involving that series of Bombardier private jets since 2000, a Dispatch review of NTSB records found. Bombardier Inc., a private business jet manufacturer based in Montreal, Canada, could not be reached for comment.

The conditions of the three other people aboard the jet who were not killed remain unclear. Two ground vehicles were damaged in the crash: a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2023 Nissan Armada SUV.

The driver of the Silverado, a 48-year-old Naples man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital, FHP said. The driver of the Nissan, a 66-year-old woman, and her two passengers, an 85-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman, escaped with no injuries.

Witnesses to the crash described a chaotic scene.

"All of a sudden I saw a lot of black smoke," said Naples-area resident Jinny Johnson, who happened upon the crash just minutes after it took place. "It was pitch black. As I got closer, the smoke got a little lighter. And then I saw flames."

Read More: What happened? Flight tracker details doomed jet that took off in Ohio, crashed in Florida

Flames shot into the air, eating into the plane, and there was a damaged car sitting on the median, Johnson said. As she crept north, sticking to the curb lane on the far side of the road, she watched everything unfold.

Emergency vehicles had not yet arrived, and as traffic crept along, she watched a helicopter land near the wreckage. Ambulance, fire and police vehicles sped north up the sides of the interstate on the southbound side, she said. She thought it had hit a side wall along the highway, but wasn't sure.

Naples Airport dispatched firetrucks with a special foam-type substance that can help control jet fuel fires.

"Our immediate concern is for the well-being of our passengers, crew members, and their families," the company that leased the jet said.

Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press journalists Liz Freeman, Kendall Little, Bill Smith, Andrew West, Stacey Henson, Dan Glaun and Alex Martin and Jim Wilhelm of the Columbus Dispatch contributed to this report.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Crew, passengers identified in jet that crashed on I-75 in Florida
Even in a James Bond film, it might seem a little far-fetched: a laser that can shoot enemy missiles out of the sky. But in a country at war, where self-preservation is the mother of invention, Israels military has successfully tested a new defence system that destroys incoming rockets using beams of light.

The project is the brainchild of Dr Danny Gold, Israels equivalent to MI6s Q, the scientific genius behind the Iron Dome air-defence system that casts a protective shield over a country that is regularly bombarded by Hamas from the south and Hezbollah to the north.

This is where the brains sit, close to the clouds, said our escort, guiding us through layers of security and up in the lift to Dr Golds office on the top floor of Israels ministry of defence, with expansive views across Tel Aviv.

Dr Gold, a brigadier general who heads up Israels Defense Research and Development Directorate inside the defence ministry, said the new laser had been played with during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The Iron Dome, he explains, is only a part of the shield that envelopes Israel. Above it sits Davids Sling, designed to knock out enemy aircraft and medium- to long-range rockets such as cruise missiles fired from up to 200 miles away. Above that are Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, offering protection from ballistic missiles fired at the country by the likes of Iran.

Arrow 3 was deployed successfully for the first time back in November, intercepting a missile fired at Israel by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The new defence system is Iron Beam. Now we add a new dimension. It is a laser, said Dr Gold.

With a war looming in the north and with 160,000 Hezbollah rockets pointed in the direction of Tel Aviv, Israels air defences could soon be tested like never before.

On a screen projected in his office, Dr Gold demonstrates Iron Beams effectiveness, playing a video of a test run. It shows a drone taking off and the Iron Beam laser being pointed at the target. A beam of light is fired at the drone, cutting through its wing and sending it to the ground.

It was a very good test, he said. We got authorisation one year ago to go to full-scale development and bring the system to the field. We will finish the job in numerous years... I cant tell you exactly when. And once in a while we play with the current toolkit that we have. If we have the opportunity of people shooting at us, we can expand the testing.

Only in Israel (such is the collective resilience) can war ever be seen as an opportunity to make the Jewish nation safer in the future. Oct 7, admitted Gold, was a disaster but not, he adds ruefully, a technology disaster.

Dr Gold, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, took Iron Dome from drawing board to deployment in record time. The dome, he explains, is 90 per cent successful at stopping incoming attacks. The new laser system will not replace Iron Dome but work alongside it. Not least, as Dr Gold admits, the system doesnt work through clouds. It needs clear skies. Luckily, Israel has those.

Dr Gold is a brigadier general who heads up Israels Defense Research and Development Directorate inside the defence ministry - Julian Simmonds

The advantages are obvious. Cost. Each missile fired by Iron Dome costs in the region of $100,000 (80,000). To shoot light is nothing. It is the price of electricity.

Not that by weapons standards Iron Dome is expensive. On the contrary, it is very cheap and it is also the best.

Naftali Bennett, Israels former prime minister, in 2022 estimated that each Iron Beam interception would cost around $2.

Iron Dome is designed to destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of as little as a couple of miles. The system, he said, is working well but you never sit still.

We are thinking all the time, added Dr Gold. Every point of attack is investigated. Underwater, underground, space. Underground is particularly a problem in Gaza, where Israel has been hunting down Hamas fighters in the complex system of tunnels. But cyber warfare (the soft dimension he calls it) is also now a top priority; Israel is cognisant of the threat posed by Irans army of sophisticated computer hackers.

I wonder if the threats keep him up at night, the worry of keeping Israel safe. We think all the time. But if I was awake for every signal, every noise, I would never sleep. But we defend Israel. That is our main cause.

The Iron Dome missile defence system in action - Julian Simmonds

Dr Gold takes us through videos showing just some of the many other innovations he presides over.

One includes an El Al passenger jet fitted with its own laser beam that can shoot down missiles. The laser is fitted to planes on only certain high-risk routes. He wont say what but I dont think London is one of them.

I leave Dr Gold, wondering if an all-out attack by Hezbollah will breach his defences. I know that politicians in Israel are weighing up the risk to civilian life should they launch an all-out attack on southern Lebanon. The reality is some missiles will get through and some will likely hit the expensive high-rise residential blocks that have sprung up in Tel Aviv during years of boom.

If the war on a new front comes, it will be horrific. But Dr Gold will know he did all he can to keep his people safe.

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.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Robots were on the march in the winter of 2023-2024. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces began using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) on a large scale for the first time in the bloody battlefields around the city of Avdiivka. Unlike the gun-toting robot phalanxes of the Star Wars prequals, these wheeled drones were delivering badly needed supplies and ammunition to human soldiers in frontline positions.

Video of a Russian UGV used to transport supplies and evacuate casualties from the front line in the Avdiivka area. The video shows attempted FPV strikes and a Volnorez C-UAS EW jammer. https://t.co/lgSEg9f6mV pic.twitter.com/VKE9N8Q9IB  Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 3, 2023

But Ukraines skies are already saturated with flying dronesespecially cheap but fast loitering munitions guided by operators and used to ram targets. And so, each sides flying robots have been the others ground robots.

   FPV-      ,   .



       .https://t.co/mp611QDjHQ pic.twitter.com/Sv8M7JLki6    (@HromadskeRadio) December 9, 2023

The war of robot versus robot that was first envisioned by science fiction is becoming a reality. But as drones take on a growing share of military tasks, they will likely not only fight other drones, but help friendly ones perform their missions.

Thats the idea behind the new Elistair Khronos tethered surveillance drone, tested this January in conjunction with a Mission Master-SP ground drone before observers from European militaries.

Weve performed a demonstration for European forces. The concept is very simple, Elistairs Guilleme de Marliave, with company co-founder Timothee Penet, told Popular Mechanics. We combine ground and air robots to have this very discrete fully automated reconnaissance system for border patrol and defense use. Its specifically designed to be integrated into vehicles for convoy protection, patrols, and reconnaissance.

Elistair is a French company specializing in tethered drones. Their machines are literally tied to a ground control station by a cable that serves both as a power cord and data/command link. Tethered aerial systems trade freedom of movement for very long endurance, as well as fast and reliable data transmission.

Yvens B. - Wikimedia Commons

While Elistair has previously offered tethered drone boxes that can be attached to vehicles, the carrier vehicle for the 66-pound Khronos can actually move while the drone is deployed. Rather than being tugged, the drones propulsion allows it to safely follow at 50 meters altitude and speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.

Thats not exactly highway speed, but it may be enough for ground drones intended to accompany dismounted infantry on foot, or for escorting vehicles in a large, slow convoy. Additionally, given adequate electrical supply from its carrier, it can stay in the sky for up to 24 hours at a time before its recommended that the engines are given a break.

The all-weather quadcopter drone (it has an IP-54 waterproof rating) takes two minutes to deploy, and can operate without access to satellite navigation if necessary. Its 70-meter-long tether, which transfers data at 100 megabytes per second, allows lights off operation without radios signals that could make it susceptible to detection and potential jamming by opposing forces.

Once mission data is input through its T-Planner 2 software, Khronos can pilot itself autonomously, including fully automated takeoff and landing out of and into its drone box. Furthermore, the drones AI was designed by Jetson Physics to automatically pilot the drone should the command link be interrupted for whatever reason.

The Mission Master UGV

The eight-wheeled MissionMaster SP (for Silent Partner)by German defense giant Rheinmetalls Canadian branchis foremost designed to serve as a hi-tech mule. Its meant to quietly accompany infantry squads on foot, carrying burdensome weapons and sensors and performing dangerous last mile resupply runs.

Yvens B. - Wikimedia Commons

Optimized for stealth with its low profile and low-noise propulsion, it can lug a 1,322 pound payload for up to 8 hours, accelerate to a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour unloaded, and even swim at 3.7 miles per hour. An autonomous AI navigation system called PATH helps the vehicle detect and avoid obstacles. Its also light enough for air transportation by CH-47 or CH-53 heavy lift helicopter.

Angela Blattner - Wikimedia Commons

Modular mission payloads also allow Silent Partner to perform stealthy surveillance missions, serve as a radio relay or chemical/biological/radiological detection platform, and carry out medical evacuations by lifting two wounded soldiers in stretchers from the battlefield.

In 2019, the Royal Canadian Army procured the SP from Rheinmetalls Canadian branch for testing. The British Army ordered four SPs in 2019, with two medevac modules.

Theres also an Armed Reconnaissance subvariant of the SP, equipped with a FieldRanger remote-control 7.62-millimeter machinegun turret, a surveillance radar, 360-degree cameras, and laser rangefinder and designatorall mounted on a mast that can extend up to 3.5 meters high, allowing for scouting and sniping while the vehicles hull is behind cover.



Making the UGV/UAV robot team work

de Marliave and Penet emphasized that Khronos is currently focused on the intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR) role. With a max payload of 1.3 pounds, Khronos comes with two standard camera options: the lighter quarter-pound DragonEye electro-optical/infrared camera, and the premium Raptor, which boasts up to 80x magnification (40x optical, 2x digital) at day and 4x magnification at night. Both of these cameras by NextVision have 1280x720p daylight resolution (the Raptor has the same at night) and are gyrostabilized.

With Raptor, a Khronos drone hovering at 60 meters altitude can track the movement of humans within a 6 miles radius (2.8 miles at night), or a car-sized vehicle out to 25 miles away (3.7 miles at night). Thats highly useful on the tactical levela Ukrainian drone pilot stated that providing early warning of enemy ground attacks has proven a life-saver for frontline soldiers.

Khronoss Jetson AI, which de Marliave described as highly evolutive, also allows people and objects to be identified and classified at shorter distances.

But just how robust is Khronos if used the wrong way at excessively high speedsor, say, dragged into a forest where its cable risks getting tangled up in foliage? Penet said the drone has margins, meaning it can tolerate a degree of usage outside the usual safe parameters. He added that he has tests planned to figure out just how hard Khronos can be pushed (speed-wise) in an emergency.

Some of Elistairs earlier tethered drones had the ability to ditch the tether and move freely via command link in the event of an urgent operational need. However, Penet explained that they discarded that approach for Khronos. What we quickly found out is that when you build such a [detachable tether] system, it will not be very good at tethered flights and not very good at free flight (which require heavy batteries). We chose to focus on making a very good tethered drone.

An affordable drone which can persistently accompany moving ground vehicles also has hypothetical applications beyond ISR. That could include relaying command links and videofeeds to the UGV carrier should the latter lose its command link due to complex terrain, helping spot anti-tank mines before ground vehicles roll over them, and providing early warning of approaching enemy dronesa particularly urgent need for soldiers in Ukraine.

Yvens B. - Wikimedia Commons

Captive drones also may have appeal on manned combat vehicles, the next-generation of which will likely come with their own integrated small drones. Already, cheap civilian drones have proven remarkably useful to Ukrainian tank units for facilitating command control and spotting the exact position of enemy infantry in trenches.

Of course, an un-tethered small drone can roam well ahead of its carrier, but a tethered one would benefit from much greater endurance and less susceptibility to jamming. French manufacturer Nexter has proposed a tethered drone for its Titus MRAP-style vehicle, while Spains VAMTAC S3 4x4 reconnaissance truck features a large SDLE hexacopter tethered by a 150-meter long cable.

Time will tell whether long-endurance tethered drones are integrated into additional ground vehiclescrewed and uncrewed alike.

Without disclosing [client information], lets just say that the PR and news of our tests with Rheinmetall have already brought quite a large number of interested inquiries, de Marliave told Popular Mechanics.

He also noted that Khronos can already be used by civilians under certain conditions, and that theyre working through the right channels for eventual certification for broader civilian use. Furthermore, trials should be held soon to evaluate Khronos use in a border control role.

You Might Also Like
Gov. Gavin Newsom has limited the timeframe for opponents to appeal a controversial solar energy project off Interstate 10 in Riverside County.

He granted a request by Intersect Power to limit appeals of its Easley Renewable Energy Project under the California Environmental Quality Act to 270 days, or less than a year, if the project is approved by county officials. Newsom has made tightening up permitting processes a high priority for housing and infrastructure projects.

If built as planned, the Easley project is expected to deliver power to up to 400,000 homes, and store enough power for up to 650,000 homes. It is also expected to invest $300 million in California and employ hundreds of construction workers, state officials said.

Solar panels produce energy at the Desert Sunlight Energy Center near Desert Center, Calif., on Dec. 19, 2019.

Key to state climate and clean energy goals

"California is building more, faster to make our communities cleaner and greener." Newsom said in a statement. "With this project, we can deliver clean power to hundreds of thousands of homes and create good paying jobs."

Sam Assefa, director of the state's office of planning and research, which oversees the certification program and decides whether to recommend streamlined appeals, stressed in an interview with The Desert Sun that the certification in no way shortcuts required environmental reviews and approvals by local planning agencies, in this case Riverside County. In fact, he said, it deepens those reviews by adding another layer of scrutiny, and can lead to more upfront concessions by developers to affected communities, in exchange for the cap on legal appeals to under a year.

The Easley project, which would sit on federal and private land, is currently being weighed by both the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Riverside County planners. A public comment period on the state-required environmental impact report is open until March 11, and local residents continue to raise a host of concerns. Two said they had heard nothing about the streamlining application or the governor's approval.

Assefa said the state is committed to being transparent, is aware of rural concerns across the state, and had just hired a public outreach staff person. But he said it is largely up to permitting agencies to keep local groups informed. He said bringing clean energy online as swiftly as possible to replace polluting fossil fuel energy and slow climate change is a major California priority.

Nationwide concerns are delaying or scuttling projects

But renewable energy projects are increasingly being contested across the nation by both oil and gas companies, and by rural residents and counties fed up with large-scale projects. A USA Today investigation recently found 15% of counties have partially or completely banned renewable projects. Like affordable housing developments and other controversial infrastructure projects, including highways, reservoirs and dams, they can be delayed for years by court appeals.

Assefa said in California, "on average, a similar energy or major infrastructure project can take an additional three to five years because of litigation. Almost every major project is challenged, and a significant amount of cost is added. And often these projects are critical for meeting our climate goals."

A representative for Intersect Power did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shannon Eddy, director of California's Large-Scale Solar Association, praised Newsom's decision, saying the project is located in an identified renewable energy development zone, and that 70,000 megawatts more of commercial solar is needed o meet state clean energy and electrification goals

"I love that the governor did this," she said. "This is a good thing, it shows the program is working."

Pushback in Desert Center: Enough is enough

But residents of the closest local community, tiny Desert Center, which has 18 current or proposed large solar projects totaling about 25,000 megawatts nearby, said they had no opportunity to offer input, and disagreed with the decision.

Lights from a solar transfer station taken at night from Lake Tamarisk retirement community in Desert Center, CA. December 2022

They said they are not opposed to the Easley project overall, but as proposed, it would sit 25 feet from the nearest home, and they are concerned about hazardous construction dust, piercing night lights that could blot out desert skies, potentially deplete water wells and permanently mar the scenic desert landscapes that were a primary reason they'd moved there, and a potential reduction in property values.

Already surrounded on three sides by large solar and battery storage projects that add up to miles of solar panels, they say enough is enough. They're seeking a mile buffer between their homes and any future development, including the Easley project.

Mark Carrington, a resident of Lake Tamarisk retirement community in Desert Center, and head of a local group that has hired a law firm, is raising funds for possible legal appeals of the Easley project. He said moving the project or a portion of it to mile away would only reduce area solar production by 100 megawatts, and a private landowner has offered to sell land to Intersect Power to build 100 megawatts there instead, "out of sight."

"So the governor needs perspective," Carrington said. "One hundred megawatts out of 25,000 is not worth it to destroy an entire community."

The group's lawyers, Angel Law of Santa Monica, were critical of the proposed project and the governors' decision.

"We are not against sensitively planned solar development that preserves the deserts environmental resources and doesnt further sacrifice Riverside Countys already overburdened human communities," he said by email. "This project does not fit that bill. The human communities in the Desert Center and Chuckwalla Valley area are surrounded by utility-scale, industrial solar farms, with dozens more desert-shredding projects lining up. If anything qualifies as a leadership project in this region, it will be decentralized solar.

Teresa and Skip Pierce, retiree residents of Lake Tamarisk Resort retirement community in Desert Center, CA

Kevin Emmerich, a retired National Park Service biologist and co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, monitors renewables projects in sensitive desert habitats. He had harsh words for Newsom.

"The governor has really pandered to large-scale renewables over rooftop solar and distributed generation. And I believe it's cold hearted of him to throw local people under the bus," Emmerich said. "I am very sorry that governor Newsom is using this tactic."

He said important wildlife corridors for several species could be impacted, and desert dry wash woodland destroyed. In this case he said he is also concerned about the humans living there.

"The company does not want to even give them a small buffer," he said. "They're going to be completely surrounded by the solar installations. They're essentially taking away their quality of life, their future and their local environment."

A company has said in the past that it would not be technically feasible to move the project. It has offered to mask fencing and limit construction hours, will implement dust control and has set aside mitigation land off-sit for rare species. But the project EIR says scenic views will be lost, and there's no way to avoid it.

Solar projects have in some cases received permissions for streamlined approvals for more than a decade, but an earlier law allowing it was going to sunset out of existence, and did not include transportation or water projects. The new law continued and expanded the old measure. Laws passed and signed in 2021 and 2023 extended and expanded the ability to cap appeals. In November, Newsom also streamlined appeals of the proposed Sites Reservoir  the first project certified by him under the new law. But Thursday's action is the first under last year's law for a renewables project, a state spokesman said.

Janet Wilson is senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun and co-authors USA Today Climate Point. She can be reached at jwilson@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Newsom limits appeals of controversial desert solar project
The graduate workers union at New Mexico State University celebrated a ruling from the New Mexico Public Employee Relations Board on Tuesday, Feb. 6, which found the university hadnt responded to an information request in a timely manner in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.

Graduate workers and supporters gathered in front of Hadley Hall, the universitys administrative building, to emphasize frustration with school leaders for not living up to their end of the agreement.

Workers in attendance spoke up about the on-going struggle to negotiate solutions for improving the quality and compensation of graduate student employment. Those in attendance said it has been nothing but a challenge since the agreement was adopted two years ago.

We really do want to work together, we really do want to better work conditions and make progress, and that has to be done together, right? We can't do it alone and neither can they, so that's got to be a unified thing, said Alexander Allison, president of the union.

Adam Smith, another graduate worker who has fought with the union since 2020, spoke about the lack of cooperation in bargaining meetings specifically regarding complaints. He said the unions concerns have been dismissed with school leaders ending meetings abruptly and walking out.

The whole goal is to find a solution and that's not the reality. That is not how this administration has treated these agreements meetings. They expect us to provide all the evidence, they don't give us anything. They treat the entire meeting as if it was an appeal to their authority, to give us a handout, Smith said. They walk out of the room while we're still talking to them, we will be mid-sentence, and they'll just say this meeting is adjourned and walk away.

Sometimes later, they'll send us an email, handed down from above, a decision about whether or not a violation even occurred, let alone what the solution would be, if anything, Smith continued.

Workers at the protest were most upset with the timeliness of their requests and complaints being addressed by the university. The state public employee labor board had the same qualms when discussing a failed response to the unions 2023 complaint during a Feb. 6 meeting.

New Mexico labor board issues default to NMSU

Under the collective bargaining agreement, complaints may be escalated to the state employee relations board as a last resort if either party has not made a reasonable effort to solve them. Per the boards rules, the required timeframe to submit a response after a complaint has been filed is 15 business days. However, an October 2023 complaint, pertaining to the union asking for scholarship information for its members, did not receive a response from the university until Feb. 6, 2024, when one was submitted to the labor board minutes before it took up the case.

There are some interesting questions raised in that answer (even though it was late) and as to what they (the university) are able to provide to the union under various other applicable law. That will at some point, I believe, have to be addressed even if the default determination is entered as an order of this board, said Board Director Thomas Griego.

Attorneys representing the union and NMSU were given the chance to comment during the meeting. Both presented differing sides to the complaint with the unions attorney Margo Nikitas arguing that it was a simple failure on NMSUs part to follow the bargaining agreement.

NMSUs attorney Jeffrey Jensen argued the university is still trying to accommodate for the bargaining agreement despite decentralized staff handling the unions requests. He also noted some complexities with graduate student workers holding dual classifications for payment/scholarship purposes.

I think present for not only us, for union representatives but also maybe this board, are some unusual aspects because of the representative members having sort of dual status, which is the case with graduate assistant unions across the country. Obviously, for our university and the people managing, this has been challenging, Jensen said.

Nikitas, responding to Jensens argument, reiterated that NMSU still did not comply with the necessary procedures to address requests and complaints in a timely manner.

As you all know, under the board's rules, there are 15 business days that the respondent has to answer a complaint. That did not occur in this case, and in fact, did not occur until this morning, Nikitas told the board. The union's position would be that this answer should be stricken as untimely, and the default judgment should be affirmed by the board today.

Ultimately, the labor board affirmed the default ruling with Griego explaining that in his long tenure with the board, he had only been required to submit a default twice.

Because of Tuesdays ruling, NMSU will be forced to comply and provide the union with the requested information in the coming weeks.

NMSU responds to graduate workers union claims

The Sun-News reached out to the university for comment regarding the graduate unions claims of untimely responses to requests and abrupt walkouts during bargaining agreement meetings. Like other media outlets requests for comment, the university issued the following statement.

New Mexico State University continues to negotiate in good faith with our grad student union. The information the union requested was delivered last month. Unfortunately, because that information is gathered across multiple, non-connected platforms, and because the teams tasked with gathering this information have been operating shorthanded in recent months, that information wasnt delivered as quickly as the university would have liked. Were confident this information will be gathered and shared with the union in a more timely manner going forward, the statement read.

Ernesto Cisneros is a reporting fellow with the UNM/NM Local News Fund program. He covers education for the Sun-News and can be reached at ECisneros@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter at @_ernestcisneros.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NMSU Graduate Workers Union takes grievance to state labor relations board
Florida Highway Patrol says a small airplane with five people from The Ohio State University's airport collided with a vehicle in Collier County on Friday afternoon creating a fiery debris field and closing Interstate 75.

Collier County Sheriff's Office confirmed at least two people are dead. They were identified Saturday as pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park; and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach.

All the occupants of the automobiles damaged in the crash survived, FHP said Saturday.

Two ground vehicles were damaged in the crash: a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2023 Nissan Armada SUV. The driver of the Silverado, a 48-year-old Naples man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital, FHP said.

The driver of the Nissan, a 66-year-old woman, and her two passengers, an 85-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman, escaped with no injuries. The occupants of the Nissan were all from Massachusetts.

Witness sees plumes of black smoke minutes after crash

Naples-area resident Jinny Johnson happened upon the crash just minutes after it took place, heading north on I-75 around 3:20 p.m.

"All of a sudden I saw a lot of black smoke," Johnson said. "It was pitch black. As I got closer, the smoke got a little lighter. And then I saw flames."

Flames shot into the air, eating into the plane, and there was a damaged car sitting on the median, Johnson said. As she crept north, sticking to the curb lane on the far side of the road to give herself as much space from the plane as possible, she watched everything unfold.

Emergency vehicles had not yet arrived, and as traffic crept along, she watched a helicopter land near the wreckage. Ambulance, fire and police vehicles sped north up the sides of the interstate on the southbound side, she said. She thought it had hit a side wall along the highway, but couldn't be sure. Johnson added that she saw a first responder was sitting next to a person on the median, who appeared to have been in the car.

Naples Airport dispatched firetrucks with a special foam-type substance that can help control jet fuel fires.

As firefighters hosed down the plane, the smoke changed from black to gray to white.

FAA confirms crash of plane from Columbus, Ohio

A plane crashed on Interstate 75 in Naples on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Bombardier Challenger 600 jet crashed on southbound Interstate 75, near mile marker 107, Pine Ridge Road, at about 3:10 p.m. Friday. At least one vehicle was destroyed.

The plane crashed roughly 4.7 miles from the airport.

The plane was coming from Columbus, Ohio, to the Naples Airport and scheduled for departure to Fort Lauderdale, said Robin King, the director of communication with The Naples Airport Authority.

It left Ohio at 12:30 p.m.

King said the airport lost communication with the plane just before the crash.

"It was coming in for a landing," she said. "We received word that it had possibly lost an engine, we have not confirmed that, then we lost contact."

In a tape released of the final call from the pilot, the pilot tells an airport controller they won't make the runway.

Pilot: "Okay, Challenger, Hop-A-Jet 823, lost both engines, emergency. I'm making an emergency landing." Controller: "I've got an emergency. Clear to land Runway 23." Pilot: "We're clear to land but we're not gonna make the runway. We've lost both engines."

Smoke pours from the downed Bombardier Challenger 600 jet that crashed on Highway I-75 near Naples.

Naples airport had no information on who was on plane

King did not have a time for departure to Fort Lauderdale.

"We don't have anybody here at the general aviation terminal waiting for them," she said. "We don't know who they are, the nature of the business. We don't know why they are coming here."

Friday night, the Hop-a-Jet charter company released a statement saying it had "received confirmed reports of an accident involving one of our leased aircraft near Naples" and that it would dispatch a team to the crash site.

"Our immediate concern is for the well-being of our passengers, crew members, and their families," the statement said.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.

An NTSB investigator arrived at the accident site Friday afternoon and several others were expected to arrive Saturday.

The NTSB said it would move the plan to "secure facility" for further evaluation. A spokesperson said its investigations involve the pilot, the airplane and the operating environment.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers remained on the scene Saturday. By 7:40 p.m. Friday, northbound lanes of the interstate had reopened. Southbound lanes remained closed Saturday as the investigation continued.

Troopers advised drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. The FAA also restricted airspace in the area around the crash.

Firefighters hose down the jet that crashed Friday afternoon on I-75 outside Naples. At least two are confirmed dead in the crash.

Officials at OSU said the Columbus, Ohio airport is fully commercial, and the plane is not affiliated with the university.

Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press journalists Liz Freeman, Kendall Little, Bill Smith, Andrew West, Stacey Henson, Dan Glaun and Alex Martin and Jim Wilhelm of the Columbus Dispatch contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Plane crash Naples, Florida: Small plane collides with vehicle on I-75
In my numerous writings advocating for sustained support for Ukraine, the thought that haunts me most is the idea that we might turn our backs on Ukraine. Not because of strategic calculations or justifiable national interests but owing to the whims of a profoundly flawed individual and some of his followers. This is not just disappointing; it's downright frightening.

Faced with a critical choice, Americans must decide: Do we re-elect Trump, using him as a disruptor of the existing political landscape, or do we opt for the path of stability and reasoned governance? Putting this into clear perspective, how at ease are we with the idea of representatives such as Marjorie Greene and Lauren Boebert, known for their ill-informed controversial stances, being influential in shaping our foreign policy? This isn't a hypothetical concern  as prominent members of the Freedom Caucus, they and their cohorts have significant control over foreign aid allocations.

Roger Soldano

As we stand at a crossroads in international diplomacy and military strategy, the potential for the United States to withdraw its support from Ukraine poses a threat not just to a distant ally but to the fabric of global stability and our national security.

Let's paint a picture of the world that could emerge from the shadows of American retreat. Russia's unchecked advance into Ukraine would not simply redraw the map of Eastern Europe. It would shatter the post-Cold War security architecture that has preserved peace and deterred aggression in Europe for decades. The ripple effects of this shift would touch every corner of the globe, forcing the United States to respond with concrete actions to stop the bleeding.

The first and most immediate response would be bolstering NATO's eastern flank. Imagine American troops, alongside NATO forces, reinforcing the defenses of Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania. This isn't about provocation; it's about protection. Deploying additional forces, conducting large-scale military exercises, and pre-positioning equipment would be strategically necessary.

But the challenge continues beyond conventional forces. The threat of Russian air and sea aggression would necessitate significantly enhancing air and missile defense systems across Eastern Europe. From Patriot to THAAD missile systems, America would attempt to shield our allies from the skies above. Similarly, the Black Sea, a strategic linchpin for Russia and NATO, would become a focal point of our naval presence, safeguarding vital trade routes and preventing amphibious military operations.

In the domain of cyber warfare and intelligence, the battle is equally critical. Strengthening our cyber defenses and enhancing intelligence sharing within NATO are not just strategic imperatives; they are necessities in a world where conflicts are increasingly fought in the digital realm.

As a nuclear power, the U.S. maintains a strategic deterrence policy. In the face of a nuclear threat from Russia, the U.S. would likely reinforce this stance, signaling its readiness to respond to any nuclear aggression. This response would be grounded in the principle of mutual assured destruction (MAD), which has been a cornerstone of nuclear strategy since the Cold War, serving as a deterrent against the first use of nuclear weapons.

Beyond the military, the U.S. would also need to provide diplomatic and economic support to our NATO allies. Increasing energy security, expanding economic ties, and isolating adversaries through diplomatic channels are all critical components of a comprehensive strategy to deter further Russian aggression.

As Americans, we must recognize that our security is inextricably linked to the stability of Europe and the integrity of NATO. The cost of abandoning Ukraine would be measured not just in dollars and cents but in the erosion of international norms, the emboldened authoritarian regimes, and the potential for future conflicts that could draw us in with far more significant consequences.

For bolstering manpower, the U.S. would likely explore a range of alternatives to meet its needs before considering conscription as a viable option. Yet conscription is not out of the question if the US is forced to fight a two-front war with Russia and China.

Considering the extensive range and depth of necessary military upgrades, a thorough initiative to strengthen the U.S. military in the wake of a Russian triumph over Ukraine could see our annual defense budget soaring beyond $1 trillion. It's almost beyond belief that we find ourselves doing the math  weighing a mere 5 percent increase in our current military spending to stop Russia against the staggering cost of trillions in the event of a Russian victory. But here we are, sleepwalking into the gates of hell, knowing Trump will be the worlds salvation 24 hours after being elected.

 Roger Soldano is a retired Army National Guard Colonel. Comments can be sent to: skybox53@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Roger Soldano: Aftermath of a Russian victory
A Tennessee man was accused by the federal government of plotting to attack immigrants at the southern border (AP)

A Tennessee man accused by the federal government of plotting to attack immigrants at the southern border just talks a big game and did not intend to harm anyone, his son has said.

Paul Faye, 55, was arrested on Monday and charged with selling an unregistered firearm suppressor, following a nearly year-long investigation into his alleged activities concerning illegal immigrants and the US-Mexico border.

A criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors in Nashville, Tennessee, alleged he unwittingly told an undercover FBI agent he was coordinating with far-right militia groups from Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee and planned to travel to the southern border with an arsenal of weapons and explosives.

The complaint added that he intended to stir up the hornets nest by acting as a sniper  seemingly targeting immigrants and US border officials.

However, his son, Joseph Faye, 30, called the governments claims ridiculous and insisted his father did not intend to harm anyone.

They think my dad is a terrorist, he told NBC News. Hes not a terrorist. He talks a big game, but its all lies.

He added that his father is not a sniper.

We went hunting and my dad had to shoot at a deer standing still three different times before he hit it. Hes not a sniper, he said.

Joseph Faye went on to describe his father as a compulsive liar with mental health issues, adding that he would often watch and share videos from anti-government channels on TikTok, where people talked about the country being invaded by immigrants.

Mr Fayes arrest this week came after a year-long undercover FBI operation. Court documents allege the 55-year-old first made contact with undercover agents when he was contacted by one on TikTok in March 2023, with whom he discussed details of the attack he was apparently planning.

Three undercover FBI agents then met with Mr Faye in April, court documents added, at which point he discussed his belief that the government was training to take on its citizens and, more specifically, that the federal government was allowing illegal immigrants to enter the United States to help the government.

The next month, Mr Faye allegedly spoke with an undercover agent again in a phone call and warned: The patriots are going to rise up because we are being invaded. We are being invaded.

Mr Fayes son described the FBIs investigation as government overreach, adding that undercover agents constantly contacted his father and met with him in person at least four times.

Joseph Faye said he was present for at least three of the meetings and repeatedly warned his father that the men he was meeting with were undercover agents.

I said, theyre feds, theyre undercover cops, and he said, no theyre not, Joseph told NBC. Every time they came to see us, theyd be in different vehicles. They always brought ARs. Once, we went out camping with my family and the next thing I know they show up. I told my dad, theyre feds, no doubt about it.

He added that the undercover agents gave his father food and gifts, including Second Amendment patches and a Dont Tread on Me Gadsden flag.

According to the criminal complaint, Mr Faye met with the undercover agents for the last time in January when he invited them to his war room at his home, which was filled with guns, ammunition, and tactical gear.

Joseph told NBC the guns in his fathers trailer belonged to him, explaining that he keeps his firearms at his fathers country home, where they hunt and target practice. Im a deer hunter. I have hunting rifles. The only gun my father owns is an old shotgun he got from his dad before he died.

FBI agents were first alerted to Mr Faye following the October 2022 indictment of Brian Perry, a militia member from Tennessee who, with another militia member, allegedly conspired to go to war with border patrol and murder migrants at the border.

Investigators said Perry had had extensive contact with Mr Faye in the lead-up to his arrest.

Joseph Faye said his father met Perry on TikTok, which led to the two men meeting at his fathers property to target shoot.

At this point, Joseph said, Perry showed an interest in joining a small survivalist group to which he, his father and four other men belonged.

Our group is about being able to survive in the wild, just good old country boy stuff, Joseph told NBC. He added that the focus of the group is not on surviving government overreach or a civil war, but on a Walking Dead situation, referring to the post-apocalyptic TV series. We arent trying to hurt anybody, and it damn sure isnt some militia, he said.

Joseph Faye said he told his father to stop talking to Perry after he began talking about the president and the border constantly.

I got bad vibes, he said, adding that his father ignored his pleas and continued talking to Perry. Now hes guilty by association, he said.

Mr Faye was eventually charged this week after he allegedly sold an undercover FBI employee an AK-47 rifle suppressor for $100 that was not registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Spy camera footage of South Koreas first lady Kim Keon-hee accepting a $2200 (1742) Dior bag from a pastor in 2022 has ballooned into a major political controversy in the country.

Just months ahead of crucial parliamentary elections, president Yoon Suk-yeol is faced with yet another controversy after the video stirred unrest within his party. The opposition has demanded an apology from him and the first lady, who was dubbed Marie Antoinette of Seoul after the notorious French queen.

After weeks of facing fire from the opposition, Yoon addressed the controversy in a TV interview on Wednesday. He did not deny that his wife had accepted the Dior bag but alleged that the footage was part of a political plot to undermine him, and said the first lady had felt unable to cold-heartedly reject the item when it was offered by the pastor. He stopped short of an apology.

How it started

A YouTube channel called the Voice of Seoul recently posted the footage recorded by a Korean-American pastor named Choi Jae-young using a spy camera hidden inside a wristwatch. The video, taken in September 2022, shows Kim apparently accepting a Dior pouch from him. The footage, released by the left-leaning YouTube channel, went viral in January.

The Korea Herald later reported that the presidential office confirmed the receipt of the Dior bag and said that it was being managed and stored as a property of the government.

In South Korea, government officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts that are worth more than $750. The law mandates this even if there is no seeming conflict of interest.

The video captures Choi meeting Kim in her private office, away from the presidential premises, and offering her a gift. The 51-year-old is heard saying Why do you keep bringing these? Please, you dont need to do this.

Choi has said that he got acquainted with Kim during the presidents campaign and was later invited to the inauguration in May 2022. A month later, he visited her private office to thank her and that is when he claims he heard Kim discussing the appointment of a high-ranking official.

Upon hearing this, he said he felt the need to expose her involvement in government affairs.

A few months later, a Voice of Seoul reporter handed him a spycam fitted into his wristwatch and sent him to Kims office. Choi says he sent the photo of the Dior pouch to the first lady. He alleged that only after she realised he was bringing an expensive gift did she grant him an audience.

What happened next

After the footage was released, the opposition started attacking the president who was already battling several domestic issues, including the slowing economy, the Halloween crush probe fiasco, and the issue of an increasingly noisy neighbour in North Korea.

Several polls in the country characterised Kims behaviour as inappropriate. Many observers said they were embarrassed by controversy. A more recent poll showed that about 70 per cent of voters in South Korea want an explanation from the president about his wifes actions.

Soon after the scandal broke, the first lady avoided public meetings.

But the rising anger of voters, especially just before elections, is something Yoon can no longer afford to ignore.

This is the first time the first lady has been caught on camera accepting a luxury gift amid rampant allegations about her wrongdoing, Choi Jin, head of the think tank Institute of Presidential Leadership in Seoul, told the South China Morning Post.

This is a bitter pill to swallow for president Yoon, but he would have no alternatives but to publicly apologise over the incident which has riled up the people.

The political disquiet

Officials from Yoons People Power Party (PPP) labelled the pastors actions as exploitative and claimed that he victimised Kim through the secret recording. Some have asked for an official apology, while others said an apology might give more ammunition to the opposition right before the elections.

The scandal also led to a public rift between Yoon and his longtime ally and ex-justice minister Han Dong-hoon, who was recently positioned as the interim head of PPP and touted as a future key figure in leadership.

Recently, Han revealed that he had resisted pressure from the presidential office to resign from his interim leadership role after he implied that the Dior bag situation could have been managed more effectively. However, reports later said the discord between the two men was resolved.

Another key leadership figure, Kim Kyung-yul, told broadcaster JTBC that though there are several controversies, the president or the first lady should at least speak about the bag controversy to address the public sentiment.

He added: The French Revolution was an outcome of public uproar over Marie Antoinettes luxurious life and disorderly privacy. There is no way of defending the first lady from this controversy. The only option is begging for the peoples mercy.

    pic.twitter.com/QHwa9Q6cwl   (@dr_t_sw) January 26, 2024

Lee Soo-jung, a PPP preliminary candidate, also weighed in on the controversy and said that there is an easy way of solving this issue  Kim should explain the situation, return the gift if she still owns it and apologise to the public.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea has, meanwhile, used the controversy to attack the president. It accused Kim of manipulating government affairs and has called on the presidential office to explain his wifes alleged violation of the countrys anti-graft law.

What the president said

In an interview to broadcaster KBS, the president addressed the controversy for the first time on Wednesday.

The video [was made public] at a time when the general election is drawing near, a year after the issue happened, so we can see this as a political manoeuvre, he said. The fact that she was unable to cold-heartedly reject him was the problem, if one can call it a problem, and it is a little regrettable.

However, its not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not, he said.

Whats important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future.

It is very difficult for the president or the presidents wife to treat anyone harshly, he was quoted as saying by Korea JoongAng Daily.

Yoon mentioned that the pastor had intentionally sought out his wife, purportedly flaunting a connection with her deceased father, who had died during her middle school years.

But his response has not satisfied the opposition and the citizens. Some pointed out that there was no apology for the first ladys inappropriate behaviour. The Democratic Party swooped in to attack the president for being shameless. Partys spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung said: The presidents shameless attitude is hopeless.

Yoon told the broadcaster during the 100-minute interview that the encounter between his wife and the pastor took place prior to the couples relocation to their official presidential home in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. He said at the time, they resided in their personal apartment in the Seocho District, located in southern Seoul and Kim had set up an office in the basement of the apartment, where security measures were not as stringent.

Will the controversy hurt the presidents election prospects?

It is a political bombshell, Rhee Jong-hoon, a political analyst, told Reuters recently. The Kim Keon-hee risks are only going to get bigger.

Ahn Byong-jin, a political scientist at Kyung Hee University in Seoula, believes that this controversy reminds South Koreans of the recurring corruption of most of the countrys former presidents. He told The New York Times: This is an explosive issue.

Previous allegations against first lady

The first lady of South Korea is no stranger to controversies. Even before Yoon became president, Kim issued a public apology in 2021 during his campaign for inflating her resume. There were instances where I inflated my qualifications and falsely listed things in order to make myself look better. All of this was my own fault and carelessness, she said, according to Hankyoreh Shimbun.

Im constantly fearful that I will become a stain on my husbands wishes for the South Korean public, she said at the time. There were mistakes on my part in the process of combining work with my studies.

In the past, when asked about the claims of her inflating her resume, she had told reporters: Believe it or not, but I really dont remember, adding: I wanted to stand out. If thats a crime, then so be it.

There were other controversies too, including accusations of plagiarism in her academic work.

According to the Korea Times, Kim was cleared of the allegations in August 2022 after Kookmin University, where Kim received her PhD, probed the allegations of plagiarism for about eight months and found no serious violation of the academic code of conduct. The university stated that the statute of limitations of five years for verifying the papers has expired.

However, a group of professors reignited the controversy. The group of 16 professors from 14 academic associations, called the Pan-academic National Verification Group for the Verification of Suspicions of Plagiarism of First Lady Kim Keon-hee revealed in September 2022 that all of Kims academic works are indisputably entangled with plagiarism.

The first lady has not address these allegations publicly.
Former President Donald Trump delivered an alarming message to U.S. allies during a Saturday rally where he outlined a scenario in which he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to other NATO members.

Speaking to a crowd in Conway, South Carolina, Trump told a story that cast himself as a tough-talking negotiator.

NATO was busted until I came along, he began. I said, Everybodys going to pay. They said, Well, if we dont pay are you still going to protect us? I said, Absolutely not. They couldnt believe the answer.

He rehashed the story a few moments later.

One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, Well sir, if we dont pay and were attacked by Russia, will you protect us? I said, You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? He said, Yes, lets say that happened. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want, Trump said.

You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills, he added.

The audience cheered loudly for the former president, who is notorious for failing to pay bills on the campaign trailand in his past business endeavors.

It is not clear whether the scenario Trump described actually happened. Trump frequently takes credit for supposedly pressuring other NATO members into contributing more funding during the course of his first term.

But its a flawed claim.

Trump: One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, Well, sir, if we don't pay and were attacked by Russia, will you protect us? I said.. No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. pic.twitter.com/2RPVDFZIXy  Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2024

As The Washington Postand other fact-checkers have noted, NATO member nations pledged to boost their funding over a period of 10 years at a 2014 summit held to address Russian aggression. Direct NATO funding has been increasing since then  although not at the pace needed to reach the goal set in 2014.

The alliance, however, is primarily strengthened through indirect funding, which is funding that member nations spend on their own individual militaries that could be called upon to assist the group if needed. NATOs Article 5 states that member nations must treat an attack on one as an attack on all.

As of last year, Trump would not have the power as president to unilaterally withdraw the United States from NATO.

While he has made various comments about potentially doing so in the past, Congress passed legislation in December barring any president from withdrawing the U.S. from the organization without congressional cooperation.

The move came amid ongoing efforts by a far-right faction of Republicans to cut back or stop U.S. funding to Ukraine. The Eastern European nation, which is seeking NATO membership, has been fending off a Russian takeover for nearly two years.

On Saturday, Trump suggested the $95 billion aid package to Ukraine and Israel currently making its way through the Senate should instead take the form of a loan. He successfully pressured Republicans to kill a larger aid package that would also address U.S. immigration earlier this month.

Related...
Statement: Since Russia invaded Ukraine, not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview Putin.

When former Fox News anchor and current web show host Tucker Carlson announced he would be interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin, he leveled an accusation of journalistic carelessness.

"Since the day the war began in Ukraine, American media outlets have spoken to scores of people from Ukraine and theyve done scores of interviews with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy," Carlson said, noting that hed requested an interview with Zelenskyy, too. "At the same time, our politicians and media outlets have been doing this  promoting a foreign leader like hes a new consumer brand  not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview the president of the other country involved in this conflict, Vladimir Putin."

Carlsons claim that journalists have not made any effort to interview Putin prompted some journalists who have covered the war since Russias Feb. 24, 2022, Ukrainian invasion, to describe the situation very differently.

"Interesting to hear @TuckerCarlson claim that no western journalist has bothered to interview Putin since the invasion of Ukraine," BBC News Russia editor Steve Rosenberg wrote Feb. 6 on X, formerly Twitter. "Weve lodged several requests with the Kremlin in the last 18 months. Always a no for us."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov disputed Carlsons claim, too. "Mr. Carlson is wrong," Peskov said in a Feb. 7 press briefing. "We receive many requests for interviews with the president."

Peskov said the Kremlin regularly declines interview requests from large Western news outlets, but it granted Carlsons request because "his position is different" from the major "Anglo-Saxon media," The Washington Post reported.

This is not the first time Peskov has described the many requests the Kremlin receives from journalists seeking to talk to Putin. In September 2023, he said on his daily call with journalists, "We receive dozens of requests every day from international media, including American media, asking Putin for an interview." Those requests were declined, Peskov said, according to The Washington Post, because "hardly anyone is able to soberly perceive Putins analysis" of the war because of what he called rampant anti-Russia sentiment.

Journalists have repeatedly contacted Putin for stories

Journalists who have repeatedly, unsuccessfully asked to interview Putin challenged Carlsons statement.

"Does Tucker really think we journalists havent been trying to interview President Putin every day since his full scale invasion of Ukraine?" CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour wrote Feb. 6 on X. "Its absurd  well continue to ask for an interview, just as we have for years now."PolitiFact has also tried to get comments from Putin and the Kremlin, most notably in 2022, when we named "Putins lies to wage war and conceal horror in Ukraine" our Lie of the Year. We did not hear back.

Journalists from The Atlantic, Financial Times and some Russian journalists also pushed back on Carlsons claim.

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic who studies disinformation and propaganda, said in an X post, "Many journalists have interviewed Putin, who also makes frequent, widely covered speeches."Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is an American, has been detained in Russia for nearly a year after being arrested during a reporting trip, accused of spying  charges The Wall Street Journal said it "vehemently denies" and that the Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned. Gershkovich is not the only journalist detained in Russia.

John Watson, an American University journalism professor who studies journalism ethics, told PolitiFact "its Journalism 101" to reach out to the leaders of both nations when reporting on something like the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Every news story has at least two sides; professional responsibility requires outreach to both," he said. If someone declines to speak with a reporter, that journalist has failed to provide the full story, "but as a matter of ethics, the effort to get the full story is what counts."

Jane Kirtley, professor of media ethics and law at the University of Minnesotas Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said its extremely common for political figures to decline interviews or refuse to provide statements, particularly "in authoritarian or autocratic countries, where concepts of freedom of the press are very different or nonexistent."

In many cases, it would be "unethical to allow a news source to kill or unreasonably delay a news report by refusing to comment," Watson said.

Kirtley also said Western journalists have tried to interview Putin, both before the 2022 invasion and since.

"Very few have succeeded," Kirtley said, "and when they did, I think it was mostly when Putin thought it was to his advantage."

PolitiFact's ruling

Carlson claimed that "not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview Putin" since Russia invaded Ukraine.

This was disputed by the Kremlins spokesperson and numerous Western journalists. Journalists across the world have "bothered" to seek interviews with Putin. The Kremlin declines.

We rate Carlsons claim that no one made efforts to interview Putin Pants on Fire!

Our sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Carlson is wrong; many Western journalists tried to interview Putin
Two men have been charged with murdering a Franklin man and then taking the body to Brooklyn.

Andrew Mumby, 47, of New Brunswick, and Daniel Matthews, 44, of Brooklyn, were charged with murdering Artis Young, 46, on Dec. 29, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said.

Though Mumby has been taken into custody, Matthews remains at large, McDonald said.

The case began in the late afternoon of Dec. 30 when township police received a missing persons report from a family member about Young.

The family told police Young was last seen the previous day. Franklin detectives then discovered that Young was planning to meet Matthews in the township.

The case took a twist when an unidentified man was found dead in Brooklyn in the early morning hours of Dec. 30. New York authorities identified the man as Young.

Franklin police were notified of the identification on Jan. 3 and the New York City Medical Examiners Office ruled that the death was a homicide.

Crime: Somerville man charged with 'violent and horrific' murder will remain in jail until trial

Franklin detectives and the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes and Crime Scene Investigation units then began the homicide investigation and identified Mumby and Mathews as the suspects. Detectives also determined that after the killing, the two took the body to Brooklyn, McDonald said.

Mumby was arrested Feb. 7 in New Brunswick without incident and charged with murder. disturbing or desecrating human remains, conspiracy to disturb or desecrate human remains, hindering prosecution and hindering the prosecution of another. He was placed in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Matthews has ties to Franklin as well as Brooklyn.

McDonald thanked detectives from the New York Police Departments 75th Precinct and agents from the FBI Newark Field Office-Branchburg for their assistance with the investigation.

Authorities are asking for the public's help with any information about the whereabouts of Matthews.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Two charged with killing NJ man, taking body to Brooklyn
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

As the two-year anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine approaches, it feels like everyone has been sucked into a bizarro world.

 Two years ago, in February 2022, Tucker Carlson was a Fox News host, still adjacent to mainstream US politics.

 US support for Ukraine seemed ironclad and unflappable as Russia invaded.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin was about to be isolated worldwide as a pariah.

 Elon Musk would soon commit to helping Ukraine with his Starlink satellite internet system.

 Former President Donald Trump was still plotting his way out of the political wilderness, his presence rarely felt by most of the country.

What a difference two years makes

Some developments this week:

 Putin got a platform, thanks to a softball interview by Carlson, who was banished from Fox News last year and has turned to Twitter, the platform Musk bought and renamed X, to spew right-wing conspiracy theories.

 American aid for Ukraine is in real question as US politicians, led by Republicans in the House of Representatives, question the investment. Note: When Trump helped kill a bipartisan border policy bill this week, it also put Ukraine aid sought for months by President Joe Biden in jeopardy.

 Trumps emergence from the wilderness is complete. He has all but erased any question he will be the Republican presidential nominee for the third time and is plotting his return to the White House.

The Pentagon, by the way, is now paying Musks SpaceX for Ukraine to use Starlink.

A propaganda broadcast on X

Carlson was walked on by Putin during the interview in Moscow. CNNs Oliver Darcy called it a propaganda victory for Putin.

From Darcy:

Instead of pressing Putin on the many topics at hand, including credible accusations Russia has committed war crimes and the imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Carlson allowed the autocrat a free lane to manipulate the public and tell his version of history, no matter how deceptive it may have been.

At times, between the airing of grievances, Putin appeared to school Carlson on historical events as the host looked on in bewilderment. Or to put it more plainly, Carlson provided Putin a platform to spread his propaganda to a global audience with little to no scrutiny of his claims.

In one notable exchange, Carlson did push back on the idea that Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia since last March, is a US spy. According to CNNs reporting, Russia rejected an offer to exchange a large number of Russian nationals detained abroad for both Gershkovich and another American, Paul Whelan, who has been detained in Russia since 2018.

Putin told Carlson that perhaps Gershkovich could be exchanged for Vadim Krasikov, a former colonel in Russias domestic spying service who was convicted for murdering a former Chechen fighter in Berlin in broad daylight in 2019.

CNNs Nathan Hodge, Katharina Krebs and Helen Regan have more details. They also fact-check Carlson on his assertion that US media organizations have not tried to interview Putin. From their report:

In fact, journalists have repeatedly been requesting interviews with Putin, but the Russian president had declined to grant access. And Putin not only has declined to participate in interviews with the free press, but over the past two years he has waged a war against the media, locking up journalists, fining Big Tech companies for hosting fake information about the Ukraine invasion, and pushing through censorship laws that clamp down on news organizations.

Putin, despite the free platform from Carlson, still faces isolation in the West. The CNN reporters note the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin regarding an alleged scheme to take Ukrainian children to Russia. And there was a new call Thursday for Putin to face a war crimes inquiry for Russias assault on the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which killed thousands.

The reporters also used the word revanchist, which I had to look up and which perfectly describes Putins warped view of history and his obsession with occupying Ukraine.

From Merriam-Webster: (revanchist) of or relating to a policy designed to recover lost territory or status.

Shakeup in Ukraine

Meantime, there are major developments in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky this week replaced his top military commander, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

From CNNs report: The presidents move follows tensions between Zelensky and his hugely popular military chief after the failure of Ukraines much-vaunted counteroffensive, and with Ukraine facing a renewed Russian onslaught, manpower and ammunition shortages, and US aid stalled in Congress.

Major choices for Americans

But among the many, concrete choices Americans face in November, assuming the presidential election is between Trump and Biden, is how the US president will approach Putin.

Biden has his built his presidency around the idea of a worldwide struggle between democracies and autocracies. Trump frequently expresses admiration for autocrats and his frustration with democratic alliances like NATO.

Ukraine funding has run dry

The Pentagon has essentially exhausted the money Congress allocated for Ukraine over the past two years.

Its unclear when more might be on the way, particularly after the proposal to tie US border policy to Ukraine funding met its end this week.

In the Senate, there is support for Ukraine aid. A bipartisan group of senators on Thursday cleared a 60-vote threshold to move toward a $95 billion aid bill for Ukraine and Israel. One Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, plans to use arcane procedural tactics to stall a final vote for days.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader, pushed back against criticism from right-wing lawmakers that the money is charity for Ukraine. Most of the funds would be spent on production of military hardware in the US, he said.

This is about rebuilding the arsenal of democracy and demonstrating to our allies and adversaries alike that were serious about exercising American strength, he said on the Senate floor on Friday.

The House is a more formidable roadblock to additional Ukraine funding. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has not ruled out the idea of approving a Ukraine bill, either as a stand-alone proposition or in conjunction with aid to Israel. But he has certainly not endorsed it either.

Johnson, along with other Republicans, has demanded more transparency and accountability for how the money is spent. And to get more aid passed into law, he would likely need Democratic votes  which will anger hard-line Republicans who have the power to oust him.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Two people have been arrested in Nigeria and Malta as US authorities launched a crackdown on a prolific global cybercrime network known for stealing and selling data from Americans and small businesses, the US Justice Department said Friday.

FBI agents in Boston seized computer servers used by the group as part of the crackdown, the Justice Department said.

The crime group allegedly sold a popular hacking tool known as Warzone RAT for less than $200, which made it easier for people all over the world to steal personal and financial data that could be sold on the dark web. At least 7,000 customers have bought the malicious software, and foreign governments have also used it in their own hacking operations, Brett Leatherman, the FBIs acting deputy assistant director of cyber operations, told CNN. He declined to identify the governments.

It doesnt eradicate [the hacking tool] from the internet, Leatherman told CNN. It does significantly degrade anybodys ability to get it and use it right now.

The announcement is another effort by US law enforcement to put a dent in the multibillion-dollar business of cybercrime that affects Americans of all ages and backgrounds.

Cybercriminals extorted a record $1.1 billion in ransom payments from victim organizations around the world last year despite US government efforts to cut off their money flows, the crypto-tracking firm Chainalysis estimated in a report released this week.

As part of the crackdown announced Friday, authorities in Malta arrested 27-year-old Daniel Meli at the request of the Justice Department, the department said. Meli is accused of being active on cybercriminal forums since he was a teenager and of selling multiple hacking tools, including Warzone RAT. In 2022, Meli sold one of those tools to an undercover FBI employee for $180 in cryptocurrency as the bureau built a case against Meli, according to an indictment unsealed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Joseph Giglio, a Malta-based lawyer that local media reports identified as Melis lawyer, did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment.

Nigerian authorities have also arrested a 31-year-old man, Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, whom the Justice Department accused of providing customer support for people who bought the Warzone RAT hacking tool. CNN could not identify a lawyer representing Odinakachi.

The US is seeking the extradition of Meli and Odinakachi.

The crackdown is a blow to the criminal group but not necessarily a death knell.

Our goal is to get to the dismantlement of the criminal enterprise, Leatherman said. But we also want to stop the attacks on US and international victims.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Unified Police Special Victims Unit Sgt. Rob Scott shakes hands with Rep. Anthony E. Loubet after Loubets bill, HB432, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Amendments, passed a House Judiciary Committee meeting in the Senate building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The committee voted unanimously to advance the bill to the House floor. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Utah House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously Friday for a bill that would shield clergy from criminal and civil liability if they report ongoing child abuse and neglect discovered during religious confessions.

Without this protection, this clear path for clergy, there will be abused children who are not going to receive justice, said Will Carlson, chief policy adviser for the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office.

The only opposition to HB432 during a public hearing Friday came from two defense attorneys who suggested possible improvements that the bills sponsor, Rep. Anthony Loubet, R-Kearns, said he would consider.

Utah law requires clergy and all other adults to report child abuse and neglect to child welfare services or police. But similar to clergy-penitent laws in most U.S. states, Utahs law also exempts clergy from reporting information about abuse obtained through private confessions.

Related

Crystal Young, right, congratulates Rep. Anthony E. Loubet, R-Kearns, after Loubets bill HB432, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Amendments, passed a House Judiciary Committee meeting in the Senate building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The committee voted unanimously to advance the bill to the House floor. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Many faiths maintain the confidentiality of those confessions based on canon law, church doctrine or practice, Loubet said, and Utahs exemption acknowledges the significance of religious freedom and the confidentiality that exists within sacred spaces.

The proposed bill, which now goes to the House floor, makes it clear that Utah law allows clergy to report private communications without penalty.

It is in large part educational, said Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City. It tells the public and it tells members of the clergy, When you receive information from a perpetrator and you believe that their actions are leading to ongoing abuse or neglect, you may report it. You dont have to report it. But you may report it. This moves us forward appropriately and properly in the direction of putting to an end continuing abuse of children.

Loubets bill would provide additional protections for clergy who do report abuse obtained through confessions. He characterized those protections as new incentives to report.

If a member of the clergy adheres to the reporting requirements which outline this bill, they will be granted civil and criminal liability protections, Loubet said. This safeguard aims to encourage reporting, while acknowledging the potential conflicts that may arise within religious institutions.

Faith leaders in Utah have not opposed the bill, in large part because it does not require clergy to report.

There are hundreds and hundreds of my brothers and sisters of the cloth across the state that support this bill, said Rabbi Avremi Zippel, program director at Chabad Lubavitch of Utah and chair of the Utah Crime Victims Council.

Rabbi Avremi Zippel speaks in support of HB432, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Amendments, during a House Judiciary Committee meeting in the Senate building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The committee voted unanimously to advance the bill to the House floor. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

He said most people struggle when confronted by the possibility that someone they know and maybe like or revere has committed abuse. HB432 gives clergy the ability to turn that information over to objective fact-finders to make a determination, he said.

To kick those situations to an objective outsider is a gift that so many of our clergy across the state approve of, Rabbi Zippel said.

Spokespersons for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City have said they dont oppose the bill as currently written.

Catholic canon law forbids a confessor to betray a confession in any manner, and the diocese has maintained a close watch on HB432.

We remain concerned about the possibility that the language could be changed to require that Catholic priests report such abuse even if they have learned about the abuse solely during the Sacrament of Confession, the diocese said in a statement. If this requirement were to become law, Catholic priests would face the untenable choice of breaking the law or being excommunicated.

Loubet said clergy would be exempt from being forced to testify in court, because the priest-penitent privilege belongs to the confessor. But allowing clergy to report in cases with exigent circumstances would allow law enforcement to begin investigations independent of the clergys report.

Latter-day Saint policy directs leaders who learn about abuse from a confession to first assess if victims or potential victims are safe, and then urge the confessor to report their crime to law enforcement. It also directs leaders to call a help line which assists in informing leaders about their own legal reporting obligations.

Regarding the safety of individuals, the churchs handbook states: ... the duty to protect others is more important than the duty of confidentiality. Leaders should contact civil authorities immediately.

Eight of the 10 people who spoke during the hearing supported the bill, though some wanted it to go farther.

While this bill is not perfect, it takes a solid step in the right direction by explicitly protecting the clergy-penitent privilege under the Utah rules of evidence, said Goud Maragani, chair of the Utah Gay Straight Coalition. We are hopeful that this law will increase the number of clergy members who voluntarily report child abuse they learn about through confessions from perpetrators. If this works, we will be able to stop the abuse of more children in Utah. This is a noble, noble goal and one that I think we can all agree on.

Three women spoke during the hearing about being abused or seeing abuse as children. A woman from Bluffdale who joined the hearing via Zoom said she was abused for two years as a teenager by someone she loved who had responsibility for her safety and well-being. He confessed to a religious leader she called a good man unequipped to help the abuser or stop the abuse.

It was in my best interest to have my abuse reported, she said. Im now in my 50s and my abuse has impacted almost every aspect of my life for decades. Im asking that you support this bill to help protect those children who are currently being abused and will be in the future.

Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo, called the bill important for children.

Children cannot advocate for themselves. They need systems in place to help them, he said. To Loubet, he said, I respect the work youve done on this and you know if its one inch in the right direction, Im 100% behind it.

Two defense attorneys asked Loubet to amend the bill to take into consideration the needs of those who confess abuse to ecclesiastical leaders.

If they go to their best friend, if they go to their wife, if they go to a doctor, if they go to a therapist or a psychiatrist, all of those people are mandatory reporters, Mark Moffat said. The one place that they can go and that they have traditionally gone is theyve gone to their ecclesiastical leaders to attempt to get some help, to attempt to start the process of reconciliation, to start the process of forgiveness.

Moffat expressed concern the bill wont protect ecclesiastical leaders from lawsuits for reporting a confession and raises other questions.

How do they report? he said. What did they report? Do they report the confessors name? Do they report the victims name? What constitutes a good faith belief the abuse is ongoing?

Steve Burton, Utah Defense Attorney Association director, speaks in opposition to HB432, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Amendments, during a House Judiciary Committee meeting in the Senate building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The committee voted unanimously to advance the bill to the House floor. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Steve Burton, director of the Utah Defense Attorney Association, echoed Moffats concerns and said that as written, the bill doesnt take into account a victim who might not want the abuse reported to law enforcement.

He suggested the bills language could be changed to say clergy are allowed report abuse only if they believe it will continue if not reported and if they believe it is in the best interest of the victim.

There were a couple of suggestions made to make the bill more tailored towards the child, Loubet said. Im going to think about them and see if maybe they might be able to help make the bill better.

Loubet said he will start talking to other House members to address possible concerns before a vote that could send the bill to the Senate.
LONG BRANCH  Tammy Murphy, New Jersey's first lady and a candidate for U.S. Senate, pledged Saturday at the Monmouth County Democratic Party convention to be a bring-home-the-bacon representative if sent to Washington.

But in a stunning rebuke, the pitch to her hometown county failed to win over the majority of the 466 voting committee members, who gave their endorsement to upstart Andy Kim, a Burlington County congressman who is seeking to tap grassroots discontent with the Democratic Partys closed-door nominating process  and with Murphys candidacy.

Kim captured 265 votes, or 57% of the vote, with Murphy grabbing 181 votes, or 39%, and Patricia Campos-Medina, a Latina activist, winning 20 votes, or 4%.

It gives Kim, a third-term congressman and a former national security official in the Obama administration, the partys endorsement and means he will be bracketed on the "line" with other county-endorsed candidates on the June primary ballot.

Its a coveted position that confers an enormous competitive advantage in Monmouth County  candidates who win the line typically win the primary.

The race is far from over: Monmouth Democrats comprise about 6% of all Democrats in New Jersey, and Murphy has already wrapped up the endorsements of county leaders in the Democratic fiefs of Essex, Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties, which traditionally would translate into a cruise-control victory to the nomination.

But Saturdays outcome calls into question whether the top-down management of those big Democratic counties can wield enough power to avert Kims insurgency.

After being congratulated by Murphy when the vote was announced, the low-key Kim said he now has momentum heading into the larger nominating contests.

I think this very clearly  shows that there's nothing inevitable about this race, Kim said to reporters inside the Long Branch Portuguese Club. There's nothing. There's no sense that anybody is destined to be able to win this thing. And this confirms what I've always thought, which is we're the campaign that has the momentum, that we're the campaign that has the energy.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3, makes his pitch as a Senate candidate to Monmouth County Democrats on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

Murphy and her entourage, which included her husband, Gov. Phil Murphy, a voting committee member, quickly left the hall without talking to reporters. But her campaign released a statement noting that she is thrilled with the groundswell of support, including winning the ballot line from the Passaic County Democratic County screening committee earlier in the day.

Tammy is grateful for all the votes she received today from Monmouth County and is thankful for all the delegates that stayed in the room during the long day, campaign spokeswoman Alex Altman said in a statement. Tammy congratulated Andy on a hard fought win today in Monmouth and she looks forward to continuing her work to build a strong coalition across the state and earning the support of New Jersey voters. New Jersey needs a senator that will stand up to MAGA Republicans and their harmful agenda.

Murphy's candidacy not without controversy

The primary fight began last fall after federal prosecutors indicted sitting Sen. Bob Menendez on charges that he took bribes from the Egyptian and Qatari governments in exchange for official actions on their behalf. The Democrat has denied the charges.

He has not said whether he will seek reelection, but his name was not submitted for the endorsement competition Saturday. He has resisted calls from Democrats in Washington and New Jersey to resign.

Kim was the first to jump into the race after the indictment in September, but Murphy won endorsements from some of the powerful party leaders shortly after entering the race in November. That incensed some of the liberal activists and grassroots groups who have been campaigning in recent years to break the power of the county parties and the use of the endorsement process to protect incumbents and squelch competition.

But Murphys entry fueled another dimension of discontent. Many see the swift support from the large Democratic counties as a blatant form of dynastic nepotism.

Tammy Murphy addresses the Monmouth County Democratic organization on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

As a first-time candidate for office, Murphy, they argued, benefited from the enormous power at her husbands disposal  the ability to shut down appointments, patronage, funding and legislation that many of the county leaders covet. Several also are lobbyists whose firms have business before the state government.

The governors power provided an unspoken incentive for many county bosses to throw their support to his wife.

That hasnt sat well with the partys rank and file who vote to award the line. But it was unclear how deep that discontent ran until Saturday, when Murphy failed to use her hometown bona fides and contacts to assuage the anger. Aware of the challenge, Murphy personally sought to round up votes with phone calls to members.

She had behind her a platoon of powerful Monmouth leaders including longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, a Monmouth County powerhouse for nearly three decades, who introduced Murphy to the convention. Also on hand were an array of party operatives, including Peg Schaffer, the Somerset County Democratic Party chairwoman and the vice chair of the state Democratic Party.

But that show of force could not overcome doubts about Murphys experience when contrasted with Kim, who flipped a Trump district in 2018 and went on to defeat two wealthy Republican challengers in 2020 and 2022. The Kim campaign has also stressed Murphys past political life as a registered Republican until 2014, long after her husband served as an ambassador to Germany under the Obama administration.

She used to be a Republican, said Margaret Beekman, a committee member from Freehold Township. I dont know if I can trust her.

Murphy, meanwhile, doubled down on her appeal to women voters, saying Washington needs a Jersey girl with grit and that a woman senator can better be entrusted to crusade for reproductive rights than a male. Both Murphy and Kim support a national law that would ensure abortion rights.

"Little girls are growing up with fewer rights than I did,'' she said, referring to the Supreme Court's ruling that dismantled a constitutional right to an abortion in 2022.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What's next for Tammy Murphy's Senate campaign? | Stile
People assess the damage caused by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip - Mahmud Hams/AFP

Yemens Houthi militia held a funeral on Saturday for at least 17 militants killed during joint US-British air strikes targeting the Iran-backed militants, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said.

The Houthis have launched waves of exploding drones and missiles at commercial ships since Nov. 19 in what they say is a response to Israels military operations in Gaza, prompting Britain and the United States to start retaliatory strikes last month.

These crimes will not discourage the Yemeni people from continuing their support and backing of their brothers in the Gaza Strip, Saba said in its coverage of the funerals.

Besides the air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the US and Britain have returned the militia to a list of terrorist groups as turmoil from the Israel-Hamas war spreads through the region.

05:00 PM GMT

That's all for today. Thanks for following the Telegraph's live blog.

Well be back tomorrow with the latest updates on the war.

04:50 PM GMT

Iran in contact with US since October 7 attack

The Iranian foreign minister said on Saturday his country had exchanged messages with the United States throughout the conflict since Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7, including about Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

During this war and in the recent weeks, there was an exchange of messages between Iran and America, Hossein Amirabdollahian said during a visit to Beirut, adding that the U.S. had asked Tehran to request Hezbollah not to get widely, fully involved in this war against Israel.

04:28 PM GMT

Tehran: War with Lebanon would be Netanyahu's 'last day'

The Iranian foreign minister said during a visit to Lebanon on Saturday that a political solution was the only way to end the Gaza conflict, and that Tehran was in talks with Riyadh on the issue.

He also warned Israel against taking any steps towards a full-scale war against Lebanon, saying that would be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus last day.

03:41 PM GMT

Israeli drone kills two people in Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike hit a car near Lebanons southern port city of Sidon on Saturday, killing at least two people and wounding two others, security officials said.

The strike came as tensions across the Middle East grow with the Israel-Hamas war, a drone attack last month that killed three U.S. troops in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border and attacks by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels on vessels passing through the Red Sea.

The drone strike near the coastal town of Jadra took place about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Israeli border, making it one of the farthest inside Lebanon since violence erupted along the Lebanon-Israel border on Oct. 8, a day after Hamas attack in southern Israel.

03:10 PM GMT

Yemen's Houthis hold funeral for militants killed in US-British airstrikes

Yemens Houthi militia held a funeral on Saturday for at least 17 militants killed during joint US-British airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed militants, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said.

The Houthis have launched waves of exploding drones and missiles at commercial ships since Nov. 19 in what they say is a response to Israels military operations in Gaza, prompting Britain and the United States to start retaliatory strikes last month.

These crimes will not discourage the Yemeni people from continuing their support and backing of their brothers in the Gaza Strip, Saba said in its coverage of the funerals.

Besides the airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the US and Britain have returned the militia to a list of terrorist groups as turmoil from the Israel-Hamas war spreads through the region.

02:55 PM GMT

Iran is not attempting to 'expand' conflict, says Tehran

The Iranian foreign minister said on Saturday neither Iran nor Lebanon had sought to expand hostilities in the region, four months after Hamas attack on Israel set off a series of flare-ups across the Middle East.

Iran and Lebanon confirm that war is not the solution, and that we absolutely never sought to expand it, Hossein Amirabdollahian told a press conference alongside his Lebanese counterpart in Beirut.

02:35 PM GMT

Hamas affiliate survives Israeli strike in Lebanon

An Israeli strike about 60 km inside Lebanons southern border on Saturday targeted a Palestinian figure close to Hamas but he survived, four security sources said.

Three other people were killed, including one member of the powerful, Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, the security sources also told Reuters.

One source said the person targeted was close to Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas deputy chief killed last month in a suspected Israeli strike on a suburb of Beirut.

Saturdays strike was much deeper into Lebanese territory than the usual exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israels military, which have been mostly limited to the border region.

02:10 PM GMT

Egypt will not allow displaced Palestinians into its territory

Egypt has said it will not allow any mass displacement of Palestinians into its territory following Israels assault on Rafah, near the Egypt-Gaza border. Palestinians fear that Israel means to drive them from their homeland then forbid their return.

There is limited space and great risk in putting Rafah under further military escalation due to the growing number of Palestinians there, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Saturday, warning that an escalation would have dire consequences.

01:49 PM GMT

Hezbollah claims it has seized Israeli drone

Lebanons Iran-backed armed faction Hezbollah said on Saturday it had seized an Israeli Skylark drone over Lebanese air space in good condition.

The Skylark is a small, unmanned aerial vehicle typically used for surveillance and produced by Israel-based weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.

01:28 PM GMT

War in pictures

A firefighter extinguishes a burning car hit by an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas - Bassam Masoud/Reuters

People inspect the damage to their homes following Israeli air strikes - Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images Europe

12:52 PM GMT

Israeli strike hits Lebanon's southern border

An Israeli strike about 60 kilometers inside Lebanons southern border on Saturday targeted a Palestinian figure close to Hamas but he survived, four security sources told Reuters.

Three other people were killed, including one Hezbollah fighter, the security sources said.

The strike was much deeper into Lebanese territory than the usual exchanges of fire between Hamas ally Hezbollah and the Israeli military, which have been mostly limited to the border region. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

12:28 PM GMT

Israeli air strikes hit Damascus

Israeli air strikes on Saturday hit several sites on the outskirts of Syrias capital, Damascus, the Syrian military said.

The strikes came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing an unnamed military official. It added that air defenses shot down some missiles and those that landed resulted in some material losses.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

12:09 PM GMT

Saudi Arabia: Rafah invasion will cause 'humanitarian catastrophe'

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that Israels planned army operation in overcrowded Rafah would cause a humanitarian catastrophe and called for the United Nations Security Council to intervene.

The kingdom warned of the extremely dangerous repercussions of storming and targeting Rafah and affirmed its categorical rejection and strong condemnation of their forced deportation, in a foreign ministry statement carried by state media.

This continued violation of international law and international humanitarian law confirms the necessity of convening the Security Council urgently to prevent Israel from causing an imminent humanitarian catastrophe, the statement added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered the army to prepare to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against Hamas in the city.

11:50 AM GMT

Body of six-year-old Palestinian girl found

Relatives found the body on Saturday of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl who had begged Gaza rescuers to send help after being trapped by Israeli military fire, along with the bodies of five of her family members and two ambulance workers who had gone to save her.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society accused Israel of deliberately targeting the ambulance it sent to rescue Hind Rajab after she had spent hours on the phone to dispatchers begging for help with the sound of shooting echoing around.

The occupation deliberately targeted the Red Crescent crew despite prior coordination to allow the ambulance to arrive at the site to rescue Hind, the Red Crescent said in a statement.

Israels military did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the Red Crescent statement.

11:28 AM GMT

Three senior Hamas officials killed in Rafah

Three senior Hamas officials have been killed after an attack on their vehicle in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah, Israeli media reports.

Those killed were members of Hamas police force, including the director of investigations Ahmed al-Yakoubi, his deputy Ayman al-Rantisi, and Ibrahim Shatt.

It comes as Israeli air strikes pounded densely crowded Rafah on Saturday, despite warnings from the US that the operation would be a humanitarian disaster.

10:58 AM GMT

Its time to stand up to China over the Red Sea

This week marks the one-month anniversary of the UKs involvement in an international coalition involved in airstrikes against Yemen, repelling attacks from Houthi militants against cargo ships, and keeping the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea open, writes Sam Goodman.

As we reflect on this anniversary the question that should loom large is why the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), the worlds largest exporter of goods, remains unwilling to offer financial, diplomatic, or military support in defending this vital global trade route.

10:28 AM GMT

Hamas says thousands could die if Israel attacks Rafah

Hamas on Saturday claimed that there could be tens of thousands of dead and injured if the Israeli military attacked Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said he had ordered troops to prepare to go in to the city, crowded with displaced Palestinians, as it hunts down those responsible for the deadly October 7 attacks on southern Israel.

It is understood that four Hamas battalions are currently stationed there. Hamas said in a statement that any military action would have catastrophic repercussion that may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah... is invaded.

The announcement has prompted concern from foreign governments including the United States and aid agencies grappling with a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the war.

10:05 AM GMT

Israel deploys AI technology in Gaza for first time

Israels army has deployed some AI-enabled military technology in combat for the first time in Gaza, raising fears about the use of autonomous weapons in modern warfare.

The army has hinted at what the new tech is being used for, with spokesman Daniel Hagari saying last month that Israels forces were operating above and underground simultaneously.

A senior defence official told AFP the tech was destroying enemy drones and mapping Hamass vast tunnel network in Gaza.

New defence technologies including artificial intelligence-powered gunsights and robotic drones form a bright spot in an otherwise dire period for Israels tech industry.

09:38 AM GMT

Israeli air strikes pummel Rafah

Israeli air strikes pummelled densely crowded Rafah on Saturday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to prepare to operate in the southern border city that has become a last holdout for displaced Palestinians.

Netanyahus planned offensive on Rafah, where an estimated 1.3 million people have sought refuge, has drawn condemnation from rights groups and Washington, while Palestinians have said they have nowhere left to retreat.

Witnesses reported new strikes on Rafah early Saturday, after the Israeli military intensified air raids, with fears rising among Palestinians of a coming ground invasion.

We dont know where to go, said Mohammad al-Jarrah, a Palestinian who was displaced from further north to Rafah.

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.
Apple has reached a possible settlement with Rivos, the Mountain View startup it accused in 2022 of poaching its employees and stealing its trade secrets. In the companies' filing seen by Bloomberg and Reuters, they told the US District Court for the Northern District of California that they have signed an agreement that "potentially settles the case." Their deal would allow Apple to conduct a forensic examination of Rivos' systems, as well as of its activities.

When Apple sued Rivos, it said the startup led a "coordinated campaign" to hire away employees from its chip design division. Apple also accused the defendant of instructing the employees it hired away to steal presentations and other proprietary information for unreleased iPhone chip designs that cost billions of dollars to develop. Rivos countersued Apple last year, accusing the larger company of restricting employees' ability to work elsewhere and of hindering emerging startups' growth by using anticompetitive measures.

The court dismissed Apple's trade secret claims against Rivos in April 2023, though the company was allowed to file a revised complaint. Apple already settled with its six former employees who filed a countersuit against Apple along with Rivos after they dropped their claims against each other last month. Both companies are now requesting the court to put their cases on hold until March 15, when they expect the settlement to be completed.
When I first heard that Apple was putting ARM into its MacBook lineup, I was more than a little skeptical. Theres no way, I thought, that smartphone chips could compete with Intel CPUs, despite Geekbench scores that argued otherwise. Since then, all my assumptions have been proven wrong.

And theres a reason: ARM can be really fast when built the right way and integrated with the OS, and its also incredibly efficient. My MacBook Pro 16 with the M3 Max chipset is superfast and lasts me two days between charges. With that in mind, my hopes are sky-high for this next generation of Windows on ARM laptops.

Not so special so far

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Windows on ARM has a checkered past, at best. The last Windows laptop we reviewed running an ARM chipset was the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s in 2022. It was a machine built around Qualcomms latest ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) for laptops, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. The ThinkPad X13s runs Windows 11 ARM and can still be purchased from Lenovos website.

I didnt love the laptop when I reviewed it. While it provided very good battery life, ran cool and quiet, and was thin at 0.53 inches and light at 2.53 inches, it was slow and suffered from a lack of application compatibility. That last part is particularly important because Windows on ARM runs legacy applications in emulation unless specific ARM versions have been written. Those applications are few and far between, and limited primarily to Microsofts suite. I could run some of our benchmarks on the ThinkPad X13s, but they ran very slowly and suffered from a lack of optimization or overhead from the emulation engine.

Compare that to Apple Silicon, which has a plethora of native apps. And the latest M3 series of chips is incredibly fast. Looking at the benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 just doesnt cut it. This also applies when comparing it against Intels latest 14th-gen Meteor Lake chipsets.

Geekbench 5

(single / multi) Handbrake

(seconds) Cinebench R23

(single / multi) Lenovo ThinkPad X13s

(Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3) 1,087 / 5,643 505 594 / 2,506 Apple MacBook Air

(M2) 1,925 / 8,973 151 1,600 / 7,938 iMac

(M3) N/A 112 1,905 / 9,754 Asus Zenbook 14 OLED 2024

(Core Ultra 7 155H) 1,721 / 12,575 80 1,793 / 12,745

The thing is, while the performance of the ThinkPad X13s lags, battery life wasnt a revelation. The latest Snapdragon chipset provided good but not great battery life, falling behind the MacBook Air M2 and earlier, slower Snapdragon chipsets like the original Snapdragon 8cx.

Even the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED with the Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H lasted nearly as long looping our test video, while its web-browsing longevity was shorter. But other, still faster Intel chips run longer in this test and rival the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3.

Web browsing Video Lenovo ThinkPad X13s

(Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3) 11 hours, 48 minutes 19 hours, 39 minutes Apple MacBook Air M2

(Apple M2) 17 hours, 59 minutes 21 hours, 9 minutes Lenovo Flex 5G

(Snapdragon 8cx) 17 hours, 17 minutes 27 hours, 57 minutes Asus Zenbook 14 OLED

(Core Ultra 7 155H) 7 hours, 9 minutes 19 hours, 5 minutes

Whats special this time?

Fionna Agomuoh / Digital Trends

So, given that experience, why am I more excited this time around?

First, Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite promises performance thats a lot more competitive. The SoC mates the companys 12-core Oryon CPU with its latest Adreno GPU, which Qualcomm promises will provide significantly faster performance. In addition, the Snapdragon X Elite uses Qualcomms AI Engine with its Hexagon Neural Processing Unit (NPU), matching up with Intels Meteor Lake NPU and Apple Silicons Neural Engine. As on-chip AI looms, all three chipsets will be well-positioned.

Its still early, but Qualcomm promises faster single-core performance than the Apple M3, and 21% faster multi-core performance. Thats quite a claim. Qualcomm also says its Oryon CPU is faster than Intels Meteor Lake processors, and in October 2023, it stated that its SoC used 30% less power than Apples M2.

Perhaps just as important, the first laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite will roll out with the next version of Windows, code-named Germanium. That lines up with rumors that Microsofts next version of Surface laptops, which will feature Qualcomms chipset, will also be released at the same time.

We dont have specifics, but its reasonable to assume that Microsoft will include Windows on ARM enhancements to ensure its Surface devices are strong performers. And that integration will be key: One of Apples biggest advantages is that it controls both the software and the hardware and so can optimize both.

Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

We dont know how the Snapdragon X Elite will perform in terms of its GPU. The base M3 includes that chipsets GPU improvements with Dynamic Caching, mesh shading, and hardware-assisted ray tracking, while Intels Arc integrated graphics offer roughly twice the performance of its previous Iris Xe graphics. Neither offers the speeds of faster discrete Nvidia and AMD GPUs, nor Apples M3 Max with its 30 or 40 GPU cores. but then again, theyre aimed primarily at productivity users and media consumers, not gamers and creative professionals.

I hope that, finally, Qualcomm and Microsoft will succeed in building a Windows on ARM hardware and software platform that can provide enough performance and battery life to be viable competitors, while running without tons of heat and noisy fans. If so, they should be able to attract developers and end the platforms dearth of application support. Such machines wont offer the sheer performance of faster Intel chipsets and Apples M3 Pro and Max. But they dont have to in order to be successful.

Id like to see Windows laptops that offer more than all-day battery life while meeting demanding productivity needs. The next step after that would be a Windows on ARM platform that can compete with Apples fastest chipsets, the Pro and Max models  keeping in mind that Apple wont be standing still. Challenges remain, but thats always a good thing, isnt it?
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.
Primarul Cristian Gentea: Promenada de langa raul Arges va intra in circuitul traseelor de timp liber

In scurt timp, zona de promenada de langa raul Arges va fi la dispozitia pitestenilor. Promenada de langa raul Arges se schimba in fiecare zi! Prin finantare externa bugetului nostru (bani [citeste mai departe]
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu had a meeting, on Thursday, at the Victoria Palace, with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, with whom he agreed to intensify cooperation in order to increase joint influence at the European and international level in order to protect the legitimate interests of the two

- Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu met on Wednesday morning with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss Romania's European priorities, full accession to the Schengen area and the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). "This morning I discussed

- In curand, Romania va inregistra cel mai mare grad de absorbtie al fondurilor europene. Suma alocata este una mare, lucru care ar putea baga tara noastra in istorie. Anuntul a fost facut de Marcel Ciolacu. Ultimul exercitiu financiar european a fost inchis cu absorbtie de 54%. Adrian (ministrul Adrian

- Intrebat cand va face publice documentele privind Rosia Montana, Marcel Ciolacu a raspuns ca atunci cand va exista o decizie. Cred ca romanii trebuie sa stie intotdeauna adevarul. La fel ca si cazul cu vaccinurile, asteptam si adevarul in urma raportului Curtii de Conturi din perioada cand si eu,

- Liderul PSD, Marcel Ciolacu, se asteapta ca, odata ce va incepe campania electorala, sa fie readuse in discutie subiecte ca Ardealul si integritatea teritoriala, transmitand de pe acum un mesaj. Va veni campania, acum iar o sa inceapa cu vandutul Ardealului, cu ruptul teritoriului. Oameni buni, nu

- Presedintele PSD, premierul Marcel Ciolacu, sustine ca odata ce va incepe campania electorala vor fi readuse in discutie subiecte ca Ardealul si integritatea teritoriala. Seful Executivului spune ca nu are curaj nimeni sa se puna cu Romania in acest moment.Va veni campania, acum iar o sa inceapa

- Vietnamese PM to meet with President Iohannis, PM Ciolacu, participate in economic forumVietnamese prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, on an official visit to Romania until Monday, will meet with prime minister Marcel Ciolacu and president Klaus Iohannis and will participate in a bilateral economic forum,

- Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu declared on Thursday night for Romania TV private broadcaster that starting from 2024, small pensions will rise following recalculation, while large ones will stagnate, calling on retirees to compare the amount stated on the pay slip with the nationwide average pension,
Risks and opportunities worth noting

Risk and strategy are evergreen areas of priority for board oversight. Accordingly, many of the matters discussed below fall into one or more of those categories, as risk often goes hand in hand with opportunity, and vice versa.

Geopolitical upheaval and economic uncertainty

As 2024 begins, the world is dealing with a series of major geopolitical conflicts. These confrontations have interacted with and amplified economic uncertainty in ways that have reverberated across the globe.1 To greatly oversimplify matters, the array of risks associated with such events may be hard to anticipate. For example, conflicts that involve embargos can result in price uncertainty, which may be a concern for any industry using commodities in their manufacturing processes.2 Other forms of instability, like political uncertainty, may also be considerations because of their effect on capital flows and cross-border investment.



These (hopefully) short-term issues could also interact with climate change a challenge with a much longer time horizon. As a result of these macro-level risks of with varying timelines, companies could benefit from managing debt levels, costs, and margins. Strategies for this might include divesting or restructuring operations that are not providing sufficient returns, reducing the workforce, and similar actions.

Regulatory scrutiny and enforcement

Staying up to date on changes to regulations and compliance reporting is foundational for effective board oversight.3 Alterations to scrutiny and enforcement patterns in either direction can inject uncertainty into governance processes. When any regulatory action is taken, it can take some time to fully understand its longer-term impacts.

There are a few crosscutting regulatory updates in 2024 that may be worth a boardroom discussion, though priorities in this area often vary by industry. Of note, the start of the new year brings an array of new or updated rules in areas including disclosures on cybersecurity,4 10b5-1 trading plan requirements,5 recoupment of incentive compensation in the event of financial restatements,6 and the need for certain entities to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.7

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity oversight is frequently listed as a top priority by board members and it seems likely to remain there in 2024.8 Such popularity could be ascribed to the many flavors of risk that arise from cyber-related issues. For example, in the wake of adopting generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and similar technologies, a companys cyber assets may become even more appealing to malicious actors.

On a different front, regulatory scrutiny may be rising along with the volume of cybersecurity attacks.9 The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently adopted rules requiring public companies to disclose their cybersecurity risk processes and details of certain cyber incidents.10 The regulations do not require disclosure on board cybersecurity skills (or the lack thereof). But as a practical matter, this type of skillset is highly sought after by boards across a variety of industries. Consider a recent survey of audit committees, where a minority (41%) of respondents said the committee had sufficient cyber expertise while a majority (63%) ranked it as a top priority.11

Generative artificial intelligence

Any discussion of 2024 seems incomplete without the mention of artificial intelligence. For boards, finding the right mix of governance processes, policies, and standards to use the technology responsibly at the enterprise level is a persistent challenge. Thats particularly true for GenAI, which seems to be the technology du jour of the moment.12

To be sure, its seeming omnipresence in business dialogues may be for good reason. With appropriate governance, the innovation opportunities for companies may offer a suite of benefits.13 There can be tremendous value in leveraging GenAI for efficiencies in everything from day-to-day operations to monitoring internal controls and beyond. At the same time, the challenges associated with GenAI are numerous and can have many layers. The potential for bias and hallucination that can occur when the technology is used, for instance, may create an array of induced risks.14

Data transformation

From operational improvements to customer acquisition strategy, the business world has long understood the value of big data. Historically, acquiring sufficient computing power to engage in this type of analytics carried a high price tag. For some organizations, the large upfront investment could be a challenge. But as big data has become a core component of emerging technologies like GenAI, such obstacles are getting smaller.15

In 2024 and beyond, a greater number of companies are likely to integrate their use of technology and data. For boards, the result of such efforts generally varies by company and sector. For example, it could be helpful to assess the benefits and risks of using it to simulate multiple scenarios across a range of business matters. Similarly, there are a number of notable benefits and risks to use of big data for transformative initiatives.16
New Delhi: The buzz for Kiran Rao's next directorial, 'Laapataa Ladies', is peaking the momentum day by day. The trailer of the film featuring the promising lead cast of Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Nitanshi Goel opened with a fantastic draw from the fans and the audiences. It has also piqued the masses' interest in the entertaining world set by Kiran Rao, where she has presented the story rooted in the Indian template.

Following the roaring response to the trailer, the makers recently hosted a grand screening of the film in the City of Lakes, Bhopal. During the Bhopal screening, Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao along with the lead cast Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Nitanshi Goel were presented at the screening and it got unanimously love and praise from the attendees who watched the film.

The comedy-drama got cheers and standing ovation from everyone and it impressed the audiences with its writing, comical social commentary, the performance of the cast, etc.

It has also won hearts by reminiscing the vibes of 90s rom-coms. This is not the first time, the film has set the victory feet and the audiences' hearts as it also got the standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The film is presented by Aamir Khan Productions which has a 100% track record of delivering quality and content-oriented films that includes 'Lagaan', "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na', 'Peepli Live, 'Dangal', 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Ghajini', 'Secret Superstar' and 'Delhi Belly'.

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.
After Thursday's clash, tension is still prevalent in Uttarakhand's Haldwani. Amid the heavy deployment of security forces in the Banbhulpura area, police are investigating CCTV footage to identify the culprits. According to reports, petrol used in making petrol bombs was taken from parked bikes by cutting the fuel pipe and later the bikes were set on fire. Uttarakhand police suspect the involvement of outsiders as well in the clashes and all angles are being probed. A curfew remains imposed in the Banbhulpura area while the situation is normal in the surrounding regions.

Authorities have arrested five people and named 19 people in three FIRs registered against 19 named persons and a total of 5,000 unidentified people, in the February 8 violence that broke out after an anti-encroachment drive in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area. Five people died in the violence that erupted after the anti-encroachment drive on Thursday, following which a curfew was imposed in the area. The three FIRs were registered on Friday, and police stressed that there was no fresh violence and that the situation was under control.

The Uttarakhand Government has said that the culprits will be booked under the National Security Act. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Haldwani yesterday and took stock of the situation. He also inquired about the condition of the women police team and other policemen, administration, municipal corporation personnel and journalist colleagues who were injured in the incident.

The Chief Minister announced that comprehensive video footage and evidence of individuals who violated the law and caused damage to government property are accessible. The ongoing effort involves identifying all perpetrators linked to this incident and initiating legal actions against them. To ensure peace law and order in Banbhoolpura, the Chief Minister has instructed ADG Law and Order A.P. Anshuman to camp in the affected area.

Chief Minister has appealed to the local people to maintain peace and has given instructions to take strict action against the unruly elements. He gave clear instructions that no one would be allowed to play with law and order in the state.

Haldwani witnessed violent clashes in which six people lost their lives and over 100 were injured. A team of police and administration has gone there to demolish an illegal mosque but the violent mob attacked them while pelting stones and throwing petrol bombs at them. Nainital DM Vandana Singh said that attempts were made to burn police personnel alive. She termed the incident a challenge to state machinery.
Jind: As the Punjab farmers gear up for their 'Dilli Chalo' march on February 13, the Haryana Police has sprung into action, initiating extensive measures to seal the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts. The farmers have rallied behind the 'Delhi Chalo' call scheduled for February 13, aiming to mount pressure on the Centre to address their diverse grievances.

Haryana Police Issues Traffic Advisory

Anticipating potential disruptions on major routes from Haryana to Punjab, the Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to restrict travel on the state's main roads to urgent situations on February 13.

#WATCH | Haryana | Barricading by Police and local administration being done, security being enhanced in Ambala in view of farmers' call for march to Delhi, scheduled for 13th February. pic.twitter.com/zeo2pFFrlE  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

Stringent Measures Implemented At Border Checkpoints

In a bid to deter the influx of Punjab farmers, the authorities have enforced a blockade on one side of the Patiala Delhi national highway at the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border. Heavy police deployment, including women personnel, has been stationed to maintain order.

#WATCH | Security being heightened in Ambala, Haryana ahead of the farmers' march to Delhi scheduled for 13th February. pic.twitter.com/Lbhrs180Yz  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

Internet Services Suspended Ahead Of Protest

With tensions escalating, the Haryana government has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, in anticipation of the farmers' proposed march to Delhi.

Police Tighten Grip, Commuters Voice Concerns

The imposition of barricades and intensified police presence has left commuters grappling with disruptions and delays. SHO Joginder Singh emphasized the need for extensive barricading to prevent further advancement, with travellers voicing their frustration over increased travel hardships.

Authorities Remain Mum As Police Fortify Borders

While police officials remained reticent on the issue, Jind police SP Sumit Kumar asserted that comprehensive arrangements had been put in place to thwart the entry of Punjab farmers into Haryana. Media access to the border areas has been restricted, yet reports suggest that police reinforcements are bolstering border defences.

Farmer Unions Brace For Confrontation

In response to the heightened security measures, farmer unions in Haryana convened a clandestine meeting in Jind, strategizing to amplify their protest efforts. A dedicated team has been formed to coordinate with unions in the event of an emergency, underscoring the resolve of the farmers in the face of adversity.

The fortified borders and stringent security measures echo the scenes witnessed during the prolonged 2020-21 protests at Delhi borders, underscoring the gravity of the current standoff between farmers and authorities.

Farmer Unions Warn Of Escalation

Farmer unions have issued a stern warning, vowing to escalate their protest actions in Haryana should the authorities resort to force or any form of oppression against their counterparts.
New Delhi: In a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday responded to Congress MP's recent claim questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's caste. Speaking at an event, Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of distorting facts and creating unwarranted controversies. "Rahul Gandhi has a policy, lie publicly and lie again and again. As far as PM Narendra Modi's caste goes, I doubt the Congress knows the difference between bloc and caste. PM Modi said he is an OBC, OBC is bloc not a caste. Maybe Rahul Gandhi's teachers did not tell him this. This is extremely sad that questions on the Prime Minister's caste are being asked" Amit Shah said.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says "Rahul Gandhi has a policy, lie publicly and lie again and again. As far as PM Narendra Modi's caste goes, I doubt the Congress knows the difference between bloc and caste. PM Modi said he is an OBC, OBC is a bloc, not a caste. Maybe pic.twitter.com/4hTcTH5ywP  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

Congress Misinterprets Caste: Shah On Rahul's Claims

Shah refuted Rahul Gandhi's assertion that PM Modi is not an OBC by birth, stating that the Congress seems confused about the difference between bloc and caste. He criticized Gandhi's habit of publicly lying and emphasized that OBC (Other Backward Class) was a bloc, not a caste.

Historical Perspective: PM Modi's OBC Recognition

Amit Shah provided historical context, noting that PM Modi's OBC community was listed in 1994 under the Congress government of Gujarat. He clarified that PM Modi was not in any elected position at the time. Shah highlighted Congress's role in recommending OBC listing to the central government in 2000, which was accepted. "Modi ji's community (jati) was listed as OBC on July 25, 1994, when the chief minister of Gujarat was Chhabildas Mehta and the party in power was Congress. Modi ji had by then not even fought an election, and was mostly working for the party. The state government run by Congress listed the community under OBC. In 1994 itself, Congress had made recommendations before the central government, which the latter accepted and listed in the year 2000. Even in 2000, Modi ji was nowhere in the government, not an MP, MLA, or a sarpanch. Modi ji became CM of Gujarat in 2001," Shah added.

Congress Anti-OBC: Shah Highlights PM Modi's Contributions

Continuing his attack, Shah accused the Congress of being an anti-OBC party and commended PM Modi for giving constitutional recognition to OBC communities. He pointed out Modi's establishment of an OBC commission and successful implementation of OBC reservations in central government jobs.

Shah also dismissed Rahul Gandhi's argument about the proportion of OBC secretaries in central government ministries, stating that most were commissioned during the Congress regime. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the OBC background of the Prime Minister.

Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha Resolution: Shah Reflects On Historic Day

Shifting gears, Shah spoke about the historic resolution on Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Parliament. He highlighted the decades-long belief in building the Ram Mandir at the revered location and praised the PM's devotion to ensuring the process adhered to the scriptures.

Bharat Ratna Awards: Shah Defends Political Awardees

Addressing criticism of the recent Bharat Ratna awards, Shah defended the awardees, citing their significant contributions. He acknowledged Chaudhary Charan Singh's fight for farmers' rights, Narasimha Rao's institutionalization efforts, and Swaminathan's contributions to the green revolution.

In a final salvo, Shah criticized the Bharat Ratna awards under Congress, suggesting they were either compelled or bestowed upon family members. He underscored the genuine contributions of recent awardees to the nation's progress.

In a comprehensive response, Amit Shah dismantled Rahul Gandhi's claims while highlighting the government's achievements and the historic significance of recent parliamentary discussions.
CHANDIGARH: In a significant setback to the opposition INDI bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that his party would independently contest all 14 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and Chandigarh.

No Alliance With Congress: Kejriwal

Categorically ruling out any alliance with the Congress in the state, Kejriwal affirmed that the party would unveil its candidates for all 14 seats within the next 10-15 days. "I would like to seek your blessings on one more thing. In the next two months, the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled. In this election, Punjab has 13 seats and one in Chandigarh. In total, there are 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, the Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all the 14 seats. Just like you had supported us two years back, I would like to seek your blessings to let Aam Aadmi Party win in all 14 seats by pressing on the 'broom'," Kejriwal urged the public to rally behind his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

#WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal says, "Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab. I have come to you with folded hands, asking for one more blessing. Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/3pBzzvVl0P  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme Kejriwal's Vision For Punjab

Addressing the audience during the launch of the Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme in Punjab's Amloh, Kejriwal reminisced about the overwhelming support received two years ago, emphasizing the need to replicate that success on a grander scale.

AAP Seeks Support Of Voters For Clean Sweep In Punjab

Drawing attention to the party's election symbol, the Delhi Chief Minister urged the people to "sweep Punjab" with full force. "We have to sweep all the 14 seats with an overwhelming majority and let Aam Aadmi Party secure victory. All of us need to sweep with full force," Kejriwal declared.

Kejriwal's Move Signals Fragmentation In INDI Bloc

Kejriwal's announcement follows Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's earlier declaration that his party would go solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, adding another blow to the INDI bloc. This move came shortly after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced her party's decision to contest all seats in West Bengal independently.

Punjab CM had previously stated in January that there would be no alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AAP will get 13 seats (in Punjab)," Mann asserted during a media briefing.

AAP To Go Solo In Haryana

In a conversation with ANI, AAP leader Sushil Gupta confirmed the party's decision to go solo in all 90 assembly seats in Haryana and expressed confidence in their ability to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently or in alliance, with the final decision resting with the party leadership.

AAP's Decision Amidst Nitish Kumar's U-Turn

AAP's announcement coincides with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's surprising shift, leaving the Mahagathbandhan alliance and aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kumar, a prominent figure in the INDI bloc, follows the path of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, adding complexity to the political landscape.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress secured eight seats, the Shiromani Akali Dal won in two seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed two, and the AAP clinched one seat in Punjab, reflecting the dynamic political scenario in the region.
Amid the Ram Temple fervour that has gripped the nation, Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur witnessed a grand event led by BJP leader Ramesh Awasthi and The Great Khali. The Sanatan Yatra, which spanned a distance of approximately 40 kilometres, started from Ramlala Mandir, Rawatpur Goan, drawing the participation of over 300 cars and several Rath, along with a multitude of people.

As the yatra traversed through the streets of Kanpur, the enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable, with people welcoming the procession with open arms and showering flowers along its path. Free diyas, Ram calendars, and copies of the Bhagavad Gita to the public were distributed during the yatra symbolizing messages of peace, harmony, and spiritual wisdom.

BJP leader Ramesh Awasthi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the celebration of rich cultural heritage and spiritual values. The yatra also featured a special Ram Darshan Rath, showcasing Ram Darbar and notable political figures such as BJP National President JP Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Earlier, Shri Ram Seva Mission's national co-ordinator Sachin Awasthi had written to PM Narendra Modi to declare 22 January as Sanatan Divas every year. Ram Temple's consecration ceremony was held in Ayodhya on January 22.
PATNA: In a surprising turn of events, Bihar appears to be gearing up for more intense political drama as the atmosphere heats up ahead of the floor test on February 12. Former Bihar deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, in a strategic move, has instructed all his party MLAs to camp at his residence before the crucial floor test, said sources on Saturday. This directive includes bringing their belongings to the residence, marking a calculated approach by the RJD to counter any poaching attempts. Meanwhile, JD(U) legislators are also set to gather at Minister Vijay Choudhary's residence on Sunday, with a meeting scheduled at noon, where Nitish Kumar is expected to be present.

All this began after Tejashwi Yadav earlier hinted at many unexpected developments in the state. "'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain" (The game is yet to begin in Bihar)," Yadav had reportedly said at a party meeting in Patna. RJD MP Manoj Jha said that the party did not start the game, but it will finish it. "For us, February 12 is an ordinary date...Our MLAs had decided that for the next 48 hours, they would stay together and discuss various issues. You will find it very interesting that they are playing 'antakshari' inside...February 12 is a small episode,'' Jha said.

Political Chess: RJD MLAs Converge At Tejashwi's Citadel

Remarkably, all RJD MLAs are currently stationed at 5, Deshratna Marg, the residence of Tejashwi Yadav, creating a formidable assembly. The plan is for the legislators to depart from here for the floor test, adding a strategic advantage to Tejashwi's game plan. On the other side, BJP legislators are set to arrive in Patna on the night of the 11th, proceeding to the assembly on the 12th. A whip has been issued by all parties, underlining the intense political climate. Notably, 78 out of 79 MLAs are present at Tejashwi's residence, with only 'muscleman' Anant Singh's wife, Neelam Devi, absent from the meeting. Legislators have been advised to procure warm clothes and medicine from their homes.

#WATCH | Bihar | Luggage of RJD MLAs being brought to the official residence of party leader and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in Patna. A meeting of RJD MLAs and MLAs of mahagathbandhan was held here this evening ahead of the Floor Test. The leaders are reportedly staying back pic.twitter.com/nrp212bYaJ February 10, 2024

RJD Firm: No Walkover

Contrary to speculation, the RJD is not in the mood for a walkover. While HAM leader Jitan Ram Manjhi mentioned that all four members of his party would vote in favour of Nitish Kumar's government. The whip was deemed unnecessary but issued to dispel any misconceptions. Manjhi emphasized unity behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

JDU Issues Three-Line Whip To Its MLAs

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal-United JD-U has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present during the floor test. The MLAs were today called to the residence of JDU leader and Bihar Minister, Shrawon Kumar in Patna. The move is seen as an attempt by the ruling coalition to keep its flock together and preempt poaching attempts by the principal opposition player, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

On the speculations of poaching attempts by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a JD-U MLA said that there is no question of 'Khela' (game). "All the MLAs are present at the meeting. There is no question of 'Khela'", a JD-U MLA told ANI.

Crucial Floor Test On 12th February

Nitish Kumar, earlier this month, had dumped the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) and the INDIA bloc to form a new government with the support of the BJP in Bihar. At present, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-bloc led by the Bharatiya Janata Party has 128 seats in the Bihar assembly, out of which the BJP holds 78 seats, the JDU has 45 seats, the Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has four, and an independent MLA holds one seat. The opposition holds 114 seats. The grand alliance includes the RJD, Congress, RLSP, CPI(ML), and CPI(M).

The floor test for the Nitish Kumar-led government is scheduled for 12th February. For a majority, 122 seats are required. Meanwhile, the power play continues as both the ruling and opposition camps are mobilising their legislators for this decisive political manoeuvre.
A day after the BJP government announced Bharat Ratna for former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, Jayant Chaudhary today said that the working style of the Narendra Modi government has imprints of the former PM and farmer leader. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jayant said that be it work of building toilets for women or initiatives for farmer welfare, these all reflect the ideologies of Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Jayant emphasised that the joy of Bharat Ratna was not confined to Singh's family alone but shared by the entire farming community. "The decision taken to award Chaudhary Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna, it is a big decision...Yesterday, people celebrated Diwali after the announcement...Yesterday, the farmers distributed sweets in Connaught Place. This only shows that the decision was not only limited to his family members but is a decision to strengthen the farmers," the RLD chief said in Rajya Sabha today.

He said that the current government's style of work over the past 10 years also reflects Chaudhary Charan Singh. He further added that recognizing Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, has sparked a renewed interest in his legacy among the nation's youth and policymakers.

Jayant Chaudhary further said, "I have been in the opposition for 10 years, I am sitting on this side of this house for some time, the working style of the present government also has a glimpse of the thoughts of Chaudhary Charan Singh. When PM Modi addresses the issues of toilets in village, when the GoI makes women empowerment its platform and creates awareness in the villages, I remember Chaudhary Charan Singh ji's quote in it."

RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said that only a rooted government could have given Bharat Ratna to Charan Singh.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the past five years of BJP-led government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country and it is rare that transformation due to these measures can also be experienced in the same period. Addressing the 17 Lok Sabha on the last day of its last session, PM Modi greeted the members and lauded the role of Speaker Om Birla in running the House.

Highlights Of PM Modi's Last Parliamentary Address Before 2024 Polls

-These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes...The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha: PM

In Lok Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country." pic.twitter.com/ostO4MiRAs  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

-I thank you all as a Leader of the House and as a colleague. I thank you, the Speaker. Youve always worn a smile on your face. Youve dealt with every situation with patience and independence: PM

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi speaks to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tells him, "...You were ever-smiling. Your smile never faded. You guided this House in a balanced and impartial manner in several instances, for this, I appreciate you. There were moments of anger, allegations but pic.twitter.com/sWGhdgbzLM  ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

-Over the last five years, humanity has dealt with the biggest challenge of the century and the situation was such that even coming to the House was a challenge: PM.

-Speaker Sir, you ensured all measures were taken and the work of the country never stopped: PM Modi

-I want to thank members that during that challenging time, you decided to donate 30% of your salary to help the country. The members used to draw flak about the rates at your canteen. And then we decided to go for the same rates. And you never protested. I want to thank you all for that, says PM Modi.

-Everyone said that we needed a new building. Everyone wanted it but there was never a decision on it. We decided on it and owing to that we are sitting in the new Parliament today: PM Modi

-India got the presidency of G20. Every state demonstrated the strength of the country and the identity of the state in front of the world. And, under your leadership, P20 took place, says PM Modi

-You organised essay and oratory competitions about the biggest personalities. You took a major step to connect the students with the House proceedings. You opened the Parliament Library to common citizens. This is a big service and I want to thank you for that: PM

-Your skill and the members' awareness led to nearly 90% productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha. But we should pledge that our productivity should be more than 100 per cent. In the first session, both Houses passed 30 bills. The whole country celebrated its 75th year of Independence and the members have a big role to play in it: PM Modi

-In the first sitting of the 17th Lok Sabha, 30 bills were passed in both Houses of Parliament. This was a record in itself. The 17th Lok Sabha had 97 per cent productivity and the percentage was over 100 per cent in seven sessions: PM

-Many reforms, that were game-changers, happened during this year. The country is moving towards a change. Works that many generations were waiting for happened in this Lok Sabha: PM

-Many generations dreamed of one Constitution but this house scrapped Article 370. People who had a role in creating the Constitution must be blessing us today. The people of Kashmir were distant from social justice. Today, we took it to them. We made tough laws to fight terrorism. The new House witnessed a big reform - Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: PM Modi

-Speaking on Triple Talaq, the PM says, ''The court ordered in favour of the Muslim women but they couldn't enjoy the benefit of it. This Lok Sabha helped end the injustice of generations.''

-The whole world is talking about data. By bringing the data protection bill, we have secured the whole generation. It's a tool for our youth. There are also guidelines in it on how to use data, says PM Modi

-We removed over 60 unnecessary laws. This was necessary to facilitate ease of business. Some laws meant that jails should be filled at all times. We trusted our citizens and this Lok Sabha worked towards that. Through the Jan Vishwas Act, we decriminalized several laws. We worked to solve disputes outside court: PM Modi

-We worked towards minimum government and maximum governance, PM Modi says

-Elections are not very far, a few might be nervous. But this is an essential aspect of democracy. We all accept it proudly. I believe that our elections will increase the pride of the country and follow the democratic tradition - which surprises the world: PM

-PM Modi concludes his speech.

-Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, as the Budget Session of Parliament concludes.

The budget session of Parliament began with the address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 31. It is scheduled to conclude today. This is the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha before the general elections expected in April-May this year. The discussion on Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya saw a lot of MPs expressing their views in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the Budget Session of Parliament. BJP MP Satya Pal Singh initiated the discussion and said that Lord Ram belongs to everyone and not Hindus alone. He also said the construction of the temple was "historic". "I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram on January 22 inside the Parliament," Singh said in Lok Sabha.

Addressing the Lower House earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that January 22, the day of the Ram Mandir's opening, marked the "beginning of Bharats new era". He highlighted that the event ended 300 years of waiting for millions of devotees.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha discussed the White Paper brought by the central government on the alleged financial mismanagement of the UPA government.
Kolkata: Sandeshkhali, a village in West Bengal, has become the latest flashpoint of political tension as Governor CV Anand Bose has now demanded a report on Friday's violence from the Mamata Banerjee-led government. The Raj Bhavan's directive, coupled with calls for action against the perpetrators, underscored the simmering discontent and accusations swirling around the incident.

Expressing grave concerns over the situation, Governor Bose said, ''This incident shows the worst that can happen in a civilised society...The established govt has to act firmly and effectively. No one will be allowed to take laws into their hand...The government has a responsibility to put an end to this...Bengal is the land of peace..."

At the heart of the unrest lies a land dispute allegedly involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shivprasad Hazra. Angered by claims of forced land acquisition, villagers, including women leading marches, torched Hazra's poultry farm. They were demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of orchestrating a land ration allotment scam.

The heavy police presence deployed to quell the protests proved insufficient to contain the villagers' fury. The fiery act raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and fueled public outrage. "Investigations are underway to determine the cause behind the disturbances in Sandeshkhali over the past three days. All complaints received in the last two days are being thoroughly examined. It is not appropriate to make any statements at the moment, as the matter is under investigation. Adequate police forces are deployed in the area, and the situation is currently under control," said ADG Law and Order for West Bengal, Manoj Verma.

While investigations are underway, the blame game has already begun. TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh, pointed fingers at the opposition, claiming CPI(M) and BJP instigated the violence. Two arrests have been made, and Ghosh alleged the unrest is a ploy to divert attention from Mamata Banerjee's upcoming announcement for MGNREGA workers.

However, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari painted a different picture. He called the incident a repercussion of the state government's actions, highlighting concerns about alleged suppression of democracy and silencing of dissent. Adhikari claimed the violence reflects the pent-up anger of the people simmering for years. "We do not support taking the law into one's hands. What has been happening in the last 12 years there, it seems that democracy is over there. The right to vote and the right to voice one's opinions is over. Whatever is happening is a normal turn of events. People were angry for a long time and that has come out," Adhikari said.

Amidst these opposing narratives, the truth remains under investigation. The Governor's demand for a report indicates a seriousness to understand the root cause and ensure accountability. However, the political mudslinging threatens to overshadow the voices of the villagers and their grievances.

Key questions linger: Was the land acquisition legitimate? Did authorities adequately address the villagers' concerns? Was the violence pre-meditated, or a spontaneous outburst of frustration? Only a transparent and impartial investigation can provide answers and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
Parliament rarely functions on Saturdays in India. In fact, the current budget session was scheduled to end yesterday but thanks to the hasty addition of an additional day, Parliament will function today and has been especially designated for discussions on the Ram temple construction and consecration ceremony. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs will bring a motion on the Ram Temple in both houses today under Rule 193 and Rule 176. In the Lok Sabha, the motion will be moved by BJP MPs Satya Pal Singh, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, and Santosh Pande while Shrikant Shinde and Singh will raise the discussion. In Rajya Sabha, the Motion will be brought under Rule 176 and will be moved by BJP MPs K. Laxman, Sudhanshu Trivedi and Rakesh Sinha.

What Is Rule 193?

Rule 193 pertains to discussions in the Lok Sabha that fall outside the scope of typical or formal motions presented to the House. Unlike conventional motions, Rule 193 discussions do not entail voting.

Why A Discussion on Ram Temple?

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla was held at the Aodhya's historic temple on January 22. Almost all opposition parties did not attend the event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest, terming it a program of the BJP-RSS. Since there is no voting, this is likely another attempt by the BJP to trap opposition INDIA bloc parties especially Congress in a quandary and put them in a politically awkward situation.

While Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has already said it won't participate in the discussion, Congress is yet to clear its decision. Prime Minister Modi is likely to speak on the motion towards the end in the Lok Sabha where he may corner Congress once again on the issue.

The government is expected to advocate for a unanimous resolution to be embraced by both Houses of Parliament, praising the construction of the Ram temple and emphasizing the socio-cultural significance of Lord Ram. The resolution is likely to commend Prime Minister Modi for his role in facilitating the realization of this undertaking.

The BJP has already termed Congress 'anti-Ram' for not attending the consecration ceremony and if the Congress chooses to oppose or abstain from the resolution, which is likely to be adopted anyway, the BJP will get yet another chance to portray Congress as 'anti-Ram' dealing another blow to the grand old party just ahead of the polls. This will further alienate Congress from Hindi belt voters reducing their poll prospects.

Cabinet Resolution On Ram Temple

In the January 25 meeting of the Union Cabinet which was held three days after the January 22 consecration ceremony, the cabinet endorsed a resolution extending congratulations to Prime Minister Modi for the consecration ceremony. The resolution underscored that while the physical independence of the nation was achieved in 1947, the spiritual consecration of its soul took place on January 22, 2024.
LINCOLN  A last-ditch effort to get federal food benefits to Nebraska children stalled Thursday, with supporters complaining that the delay in voting on the proposal was really an attempt to kill it.

I dont think we should be delaying this a second longer, said Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.

The Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee was considering Legislative Bill 952, which would require Nebraska to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program (EBT). Gov. Jim Pillen has turned down the program, which would have provided an estimated $18 million in federal food aid in Nebraska during school vacation months to low-income families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha, who introduced LB 952, has pushed colleagues to move quickly on the bill. Although the deadline for states to claim their participation in the program has passed, supporters of the bill say theres still a chance for Nebraska to participate this summer if the state changes its position.

On Thursday, the committees chairman, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, proposed what he framed as a compromise. While Hansen opposes LB 952, he proposed amending it into one of his bills, LB 1381, which would make mandatory a voluntary career training program for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps.

Merging the bills, Hansen said, would produce a greater show of bipartisan support for the summer food program and reduce the chances of a Pillen veto.

But since the Hansen bill doesnt have its public hearing until next week, the committee will have to wait at least until next Wednesday before it can vote on sending the merged measure to the floor.

Day argued against a delay, saying her bill already has significant bipartisan support that would lead to its passage. Sen. Raymond Aguilar of Grand Island, a Republican, made LB 952 his priority for the session, while Day is a Democrat. The bill also has 17 other co-sponsors, including both Republicans and Democrats.

During LB 952s public hearing last week, 17 people testified in support of the bill, with an additional 153 people submitting written comments in support of it. No one testified or submitted comments in opposition.

Cavanaugh said that merging with LB 1381 could be a poison pill that would jeopardize the summer food program measure.

I dont want to tether the health, well-being of children to anything, Cavanaugh said, who pushed for a Thursday vote on LB 952.

Committee members Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln and Merv Riepe of Ralston, who previously said they supported LB 952, were hesitant to vote yes on the bill with Hansens option on the table.

Ballard pointed out that the bill is less time sensitive because it includes a fiscal note, which means the legislation cant officially pass until the Legislature finalizes the state budget in March. Cavanaugh and Day said it was still important to move the bill to the floor as soon as possible to ensure it is scheduled for debate.

Riepe said he liked Hansens bill to require career training and questioned whether the parents of all the children who would benefit from the EBT program currently have jobs. He also pushed back on Cavanaugh and Day for putting pressure on the committee to vote.

I dont like a gun to my head to vote one way or another, Riepe said.

Cavanaugh accused Hansen of abusing his power as chair to slow-walk the bill, and Day said she felt like Hansen was quietly trying to kill LB 952 through his proposal.

By the end of the exchange, Cavanaugh was in tears, and both she and Day left the meeting room before the committee officially adjourned.
New Delhi: Actor Ranveer Singh sets the industry ablaze yet again. Bollywood's leading star partners with 'Bold Care', a key player in Indias landscape for mens sexual health and wellness.

Breaking stereotypes, this comes in as a significant move since sexual health and wellness, a brand category which is otherwise considered unconventional, gets mainstream attention with this announcement. Its the first step to normalise this taboo topic in society.

'Bold Care' provides science-backed solutions for intimate health issues, including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Beyond this, Bold Care's product portfolio includes Indias fastest-growing condom range, water-based lubes, and a selection of wellness products.

This is not the first time that Ranveer Singh will be spreading awareness about sexual wellness. He has in fact been committed to this cause for a long time. Back in 2014, he surprised everyone when he appeared in a series of condom ads, becoming the first ever Bollywood actor to do so, for which he won immense praise.

Rajat Jadhav, CEO at Bold Care shares, We're absolutely thrilled to finally announce Ranveer as a co-owner at Bold Care! His involvement over the past year has been nothing short of incredible, deeply engaging in every facet of our business. This is going to be an iconic partnership, something India hasnt seen before!"

He further adds, Bold Care has always championed the cause of normalizing conversations around men's health issues, especially sexual health. We're truly dedicated to offering effective and stigma-free solutions. From the very beginning, Ranveer has been passionately aligned with this vision and now, as we embark on this exhilarating new chapter together, we're more energized than ever to make a significant impact. Here's to the next big leap with Ranveer on board  it's going to be an amazing ride!

Co-owner Ranveer Singh shares, I am pleased to come on board as the face and co-owner of Bold Care. Together we are committed towards normalising conversations about sexual health and wellness, a topic that traditionally comes with stigma and taboo. People, especially men are misinformed and shy to seek help. With this, we are doing our bit to help to bring about a positive change in society.

He further adds, I have always felt that this category needs more of openness and acceptance in our society. That thought led to me endorsing a condom brand at a relatively early stage of my career. This time around its a greater investment that one is making. We are probably one of the most sexually active societies in the world. This needs to be done. 

Since its launch, Bold Care has successfully processed more than 15 lakh orders, demonstrating its growing trust and innovative presence in the men's health sector. This customer trust reflects the company's status as one of India's rapidly evolving new-age brands.

Shop their range of sexual health & wellness products at www.boldcare.in and all leading marketplaces.
New Delhi: Licious, a prominent omnichannel meat brand based in Bengaluru, has recently made the decision to lay off 80 employees, constituting approximately 3 percent of its workforce. The move is described by the company as an "operational reset" aimed at sharpening its focus on growth.

Strategic Shift

The Bengaluru-based company, which boasted a workforce of around 3,000 employees as of January, stated that this strategic realignment is part of its efforts to streamline operations and drive expansion. (Also Read: Latest SBI FD Rates 2024: How Much Return Will You Get From Fixed Deposit? Check Here)

Financial Standing

Licious emphasized its robust financial position, revealing that it holds more than Rs 800 crore in cash from previous fundraising endeavors. The company highlighted the positive operating margins of its online business and projected to achieve EBITDA profitability by the end of the fiscal year 2025. (Also Read: From Investment To Income: A Rs 5-7 Lakh Investment In This Business Idea Could Yield Rs 1.5 Lakh Monthly Returns)

Industry Challenges

The decision reflects the broader challenges faced by startups, with dwindling funding prompting a renewed emphasis on sustainable growth and profitability. Many startups have been compelled to recalibrate their strategies to ensure long-term viability without relying excessively on investor capital.

Financial Performance

Despite experiencing a revenue uptick from Rs 682.5 crore in the fiscal year 2022 to Rs 748 crore in the fiscal year 2023, Licious also witnessed an increase in losses, which expanded from Rs 485 crore to Rs 500 crore during the same period.

Compensation And Support

In an effort to mitigate the impact of the layoffs, Licious has offered laid-off employees two months' worth of compensation along with variable payouts for the fiscal year 2024.

Future Plans

Despite the workforce reduction, Licious remains focused on its growth trajectory. The unicorn startup intends to unveil a renewed market expansion plan in the coming weeks.
New Delhi: OpenAI acknowledges the importance of transparency regarding AI-generated images, particularly those produced by its DALL-E 3 platform and has responded by introducing watermarks. The company committed to adhering to the open standard established by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA).

As a result, AI images created using DALL-E 3 will include metadata detailing the specific AI tool employed in their creation. This initiative aims to provide viewers with essential information about the origin and authenticity of AI-generated content. (Also Read: Bengaluru Techie Laid Off A Day After Tweeting About Recession In Tech)

The timing of OpenAI's introduction of its watermark is intriguing, coinciding with Meta's discussions on regulating AI-generated content and ensuring clear identification for viewers. (Also Read: Licious Is Latest To Join Layoffs Spree; To Cut 3% Of Its Workforce)

As DALL-E 3 is integrated into ChatGPT for generating AI images, OpenAI plans to incorporate the new metadata details into the AI chatbot by February 12. Although including information about the image's origin may slightly increase the file size, OpenAI assures that this will not impact the visual quality which is often a primary concern for users.

While it is commendable that OpenAI is implementing these changes for AI-generated images, the company has raised concerns about a significant loophole associated with the feature which individuals can potentially exploit.

OpenAI has highlighted the issue of social media platforms often removing metadata associated with AI-generated images. Furthermore, Details may be lost if a screenshot of the image is taken making it relatively easy to erase its origins, particularly with AI-generated content.

OpenAI's initiative to watermark AI-generated images using DALL-E 3 marks a significant step towards enhancing transparency and authenticity in the digital landscape. While challenges such as social media platforms removing metadata persist, it highlights the urgency for stringent regulations and collaborative efforts among tech companies to safeguard the integrity of AI-generated content.
Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, Khan's close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported.

Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail.

Imran and Qureshi were indicted as per charges on February 6. The duo was brought before the court, and the former prime minister informed the judge that he had been unjustly arrested on May 9 from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), according to The Express Tribune.

Imran was booked in many cases relating to the rioting that erupted throughout the country on May 9, following his detention in a corruption case. The complaints filed in Rawalpindi included an attack on the gate of General Headquarters (GHQ), rioting at a sensitive institution's office, and other incidents.

He rejected the claims included in the cases' first information reports (FIRs). It should be mentioned that, following his release from Adiala jail, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi was hauled away by Punjab police in connection with the attack on the GHQ, according to The Express Tribune.

In July last year, a high-level joint investigative team (JIT) looking into the May 9 violence decided to designate the former premier in two terrorist cases, including an attack on GHQ.

With the inclusion of new sections to the proceedings, the PTI head was charged with planning and inciting violence. The bail has been granted to Imran Khan at a time when the results of the Pakistan General Elections that took place on February 8 are highly anticipated.

The counting for the elections held on Thursday is underway, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the single-largest party but is trailing behind the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

Meanwhile, amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice, saying that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day, as he also claimed victory in the general elections.

Moreover, Nawaz Sharif also announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies - Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fractured mandate.

Nawaz and his brother Shehbaz Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form a coalition government in the Centre and Punjab, Geo TV reported on Saturday.

Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 133 seats for a simple majority. Voting in Pakistan concluded at 5 pm on Thursday amidst escalating militant attacks and allegations of electoral misconduct.

After the parliamentary polls, the newly elected parliament will select a prime minister. If no single party secures a majority, the party with the largest portion of assembly seats can form a coalition government.

Meanwhile, a senior aide of Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan said if complete poll results are not announced by tonight, we will hold peaceful protests tomorrow, Reuters reported.
Pakistan election results have been delayed by over 30 hours and the full result is yet to be out. While Imran Khan's PTI-backed independent candidates are emerging as the single largest bloc, Nawaz Sharif has urged other parties to join hands with his PMLN to form a government to take Pakistan out of the economic crisis.

Nawaz Sharif announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies - Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a possible fractured mandate. On the other hand, Imran Khan released an AI-generated speech video in which he thanked people for their support. Khan said that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day.

Despite allegations of rigging and electoral malfeasance by the PTI, Independents backed by the party founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan were leading the vote count in maximum seats.

As per the latest tally, PTI-backed candidates have won 99 seats while PMLN has bagged 70 seats and Bilawal Bhutto's PPT got 53 seats. Of the 266 seats that went to the polls, 134 is the majority mark. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat-e-Ulami-Faizal (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) reported winning 15, 3 and 2 seats respectively.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting in Lahore. The PPP and PML-N were both part of the PDM government that took over from PTI after Imran Khan's ouster from the prime minister's office in 2022.
Islamabad: The recent elections in Pakistan have left the political landscape in uncertainty, with no clear winner emerging as the counting of votes nears completion. Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, major political parties have already begun negotiations and discussions in an attempt to secure enough support to form governments at both the national and provincial levels.

PML-N Takes Initiative

Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has assigned his brother, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate talks with key parties like the PPP and MQM-P to explore possibilities of forming alliances.

Previous Coalition Dynamics

Interestingly, the PML-N and PPP were previously part of the ruling coalition government following Imran Khan's removal in April 2022. However, tensions between the two parties escalated during the election campaign, complicating the path to coalition-building.

Independent Candidates In The Lead

Preliminary results suggest that independent candidates, largely supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), are leading on a significant number of seats. This has added complexity to the political equation, requiring parties to negotiate and strategize effectively.

Coalition Building Efforts

Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly met with PPP leaders - Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto - at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the election results and potential post-election scenarios, indicating a willingness to explore coalition possibilities.

MQM-P's Exploring All Options

The MQM-P, initially inclined to support Nawaz Sharif, is reassessing its options in light of the electoral outcomes. The party's convener, Siddiqui has extended invitations to independent candidates to join forces, signaling a shift in strategy.

Delay In Declaring Election Results

While political manoeuvring unfolds, concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of the electoral process. Criticisms from international actors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, highlight issues such as violence, alleged lack of fairness, and disruptions like internet outages during the voting process.

Imran Khan's Victory Speech

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite facing criticism over the handling of the elections, has released a statement claiming victory, citing a high voter turnout as evidence of the failure of his opponents' strategies. In his AI-enabled voice, Khan said that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day.

In a related development, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, Khan's close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was also granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported.

Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail.

With no clear winner emerging from the elections, Pakistan finds itself in a phase of political uncertainty and negotiation, as parties strive to form viable coalitions amidst concerns about the electoral process's integrity.
CHARMING 2-STORY TOWNHOME/CONDO IN NEW COMMUNITY FEATURING: OPEN CONCEPT GREAT RM W/LOVELY FIREPLACE (DISPLAY/TV SPACE), MODERN KITCHEN (2-TIER BREAKFAST BAR, QUARTZ, STAINLESS APPLCS, SUBWAY TILE), AMPLE DINING, CONVENIENT MN FLR LAUNDRY, SOLID SIX PANEL DRS, 9' CEILINGS, SPACIOUS MN FLR BR, COVERED PATIO TO ENJOY MORNING COFFEE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, ATTACHED GARAGE W/BUILT-IN STORAGE. COMMUNITY AMENITIES: SNOW REMOVAL, LAWN CARE, ON-SITE MAINTENANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER (HOST YOUR OWN PARTY OR BUSINESS MTG), FITNESS CENTER-FULLY EQUIPPED; SKIP THE GYM MEMBERSHIP, BBQ/PICNIC PATIO). EVERYTHING IS WITHIN REACH: DINING, WALKING TRAILS, UNIVERSITIES, HOSPITALS, SHOPPING & MORE! NO MORE SHOVELING OR MOWING-IT'S TIME TO ENJOY SIMPLE LIFE IN THE 5TH WARD CONDO TOWNHOMES!
Viterbo University biology, biochemistry and neuroscience students are flush with opportunities to work with professors on research projects in a wide range of topics, from studying new microbial treatments for cancer to organic synthesis.

Some Viterbo science majors are using their required three-semester research projects to dip into the burgeoning field of wastewater-based epidemiology, which one day might be widely used for predicting and preventing disease outbreaks and assessing trends in community drug abuse levels.

The La Crosse County Health Department, for example, monitors COVID-19 virus levels detected in wastewater from the La Crosse treatment plant. A study published in the journal Nature late last year indicated this kind of testing could be relied upon to predict surges in case levels, giving hospitals between one and four weeks to prepare for an increase in patient population.

Wastewater-based epidemiology goes back at least to the 1940s, when some communities tested for the virus causing polio. Since the pandemic started, it has become more common in this country, but Kyle Backstrand, a Viterbo chemistry professor since 2001, noted that Australia and Europe started employing the techniques two decades ago.

The advantage of WBE in disease and drug detection is it eliminates the need for widespread community testing of individuals and removes the potential for skewed results from dishonesty inherent in drug use surveys.

Backstrand has partnered with Viterbo student researchers on drug-related WBE projects since 2019. Katie Meyer, who graduated from Viterbo in 2020 with a biology degree, was the first to work with Backstrand on such research, looking at the levels of methamphetamine.

Based on the levels of meth metabolites found in wastewater samples coming from 83,000 people served by the La Crosse treatment plant, Meyers 2019 analysis estimated there were an average of 15 to 18 daily doses of meth used per 1,000 people. That translates to at least 1,245 doses of meth per day in the area served by the La Crosse plant, a level Backstrand said was about in the middle of the community use range.

Since Meyers WBE research, Backstrand also has worked with other students testing for traces of cocaine and heroin, and now Amanda Bogdonovich, a senior biology major from Greenwood, is nearing completion of her WBE research that revisits meth levels.

Like all science majors at Viterbo, Bogdonovich began the process by listening to pitches from faculty members about their research and potential projects the students could undertake related to the faculty studies. Bogdonovich, who plans to go to graduate school for physical therapy, chose to work with Backstrand and with his help she designed a research project that she then presented to a faculty panel for review at the end of spring semester last year.

Bogdonovichs research was much like Meyers, but with a twist. She wanted to see how much of the meth metabolites were removed in the water treatment process, so she got raw wastewater samples (influent) as well as samples of the treated water discharged into the Mississippi River (effluent).

During fall semester, Bogdonovich acquired wastewater samples, then filtered and concentrated them in Viterbos laboratory. For the final analysis, a mass spectrometer more advanced than the one at Viterbo was needed to detect the meth metabolites, so Backstrand took the samples Bogdonovich prepared to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

This semester, Bogdonovich is doing the final statistical analysis for her research, which she will present at Viterbos annual Scholars Day event April 26. So far, her analytical work indicates that 83% of the meth metabolites are removed in the wastewater treatment process.

She also found a major drop in average daily doses. Her analysis found evidence of an average of 7 meth doses per day per 1,000 people, a drop of more than 50 percent from 2019. Thats only two data points but it could be evidence of a decrease in meth use, she said.

As Bogdonovich nears completion of her research, two more Viterbo students are starting the second semester of their projects, both of them looking at concentrations of drug metabolites.

Skyla Geller, a junior biology major from Illinois considering graduate school to study environmental sustainability, is looking at traces of THC, while Isabel Torcivia, a junior biochemistry major from Port Washington who plans to become a pharmacist, is testing for fentanyl. Backstand said they are the first Viterbo students to do WBE research on these drugs, so their work will determine whether there are measurable concentrations.

They also are getting weekday and weekend samples to compare the levels, hypothesizing that the weekend samples will show higher drug use.

Many Viterbo students have gone into careers as researchers after working with professors on their projects. But even if they dont do heavy duty research projects in their day-to-day work, knowing how scientific research is supposed to be done will at least help them better evaluate the validity of study results they encounter, and theyre findings can be valuable in advancing faculty members scholarly work.
Theres news this week about a new barber academy, expansion of a local Kwik Trip store, openings of Riverside Coffee and an Aldi store, and the sale of a century-old building in Coon Valley.

Raciel Luigi Espana and Matthew Maus-Gillespie are looking forward to careers in barbering, after they graduate from the new Polite Barber Academy in downtown La Crosse and pass tests to get their state licenses.

Theyre the first students in the academy at 705 State St., where they began logging 1,000 hours of training in October and expect to finish around April 23. Mike Rude opened his Polite Barber Shop in June in its new location, before starting the academy in the same building. He chose the Polite name for the barber shop and the academy because its the opposite of his last name.

Rude now is looking to enroll a second group of up to four students, who would begin training in mid-May and finish about 29 weeks later. Tuition is $10,000.

As students in the barber academy, Espana and Maus-Gillespie offer $20 haircuts to walk-ins only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Rose Coleman is their instructor.

Customers who want an appointment can get one to have their hair cut by Rude.

I do some walk-ins, Rude said. But (Espana and Mausa-Gillespie) offer $20 haircuts, whereas mine are $45. College kids are more apt to take a walk-in $20 haircut versus $45. My more established clients that Ive had for awhile might like to have me (cut their hair) or sometimes like to have appointments.

Rude, who has been a barber for 13 years, said he started his academy because I think barbering is coming back in a big way. And theres not that many barbers.

For more information, call 608-385-6050 or visit the academys Facebook page.

Construction began Monday on a major expansion and remodeling of the Kwik Trip convenience store at 921 Losey Blvd. S. in La Crosse. The projects estimated cost is $2.8 million, according to a city building permit.

The project will add about 1,400 square feet to the store, which now has about 3,500 square feet of space, said Ben Leibl, a Kwik Trip spokesman. This remodel allows us to expand the kitchen and remodel the bathrooms in this store, he said. We will also be adding fresh fried chicken at this location due to the remodel.

The chicken that we serve (at the Losey Boulevard store) is made in our ovens that we have at the store, Leibl said. With the addition, we will be adding fryers to the store, and now we will have the capability to fry the chicken instead.

The entire building and the entire fueling system will be upgraded.

The store will be closed for a few weeks during construction, Leibl said. We have an anticipated close date of April 1 and reopening in early May, he said. The company plans to complete the project by May 10.

Asif Shahzada opened the Riverside Coffee shop about three weeks ago in the former River Rocks Coffee location on the first floor of the Riverside Center South building at 332 S. Front St. in downtown La Crosse. Enter from the buildings north side.

The new business sells a variety of coffee drinks, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit smoothies, soda pop and other beverages, as well as sandwiches, muffins and other baked goods.

Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and other times are available during the week for special events such as birthday, retirement and anniversary parties, Shahzada said. He plans to hold a grand opening celebration sometime in March.

For more information, call 608-881-2496. Riverside Coffee soon will have a Facebook page and eventually will have a website, Shahzada said.

The Aldi discount grocery chain said Thursday it will open its new store at 1650 W. Wisconsin St. in Sparta on Feb. 22. The new store is at the northwest corner of Alpine Drive and Highway, 16, southwest of Walmart, on the citys west side.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 8:25 a.m., about 30 minutes before the store opens.

Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The company said the new store will offer fresh, organic produce delivered daily, a large selection of cheese and wine, food for every taste and lifestyle (such as gluten-free and plant-based), and curbside pick-up and grocery delivery options.

To celebrate, the first 100 customers will receive a gift card. Shoppers also can enter a sweepstakes during the grand opening weekend Feb. 22-25 for a chance to win a $500 Aldi gift card.

For more information, visit https://stores.aldi.us/wi/sparta/1650-w-wisconsin-street.

Doctors Carl and MaryPat Peterson said in a press release this week that they have sold a historic building at 113 Central Ave. in Coon Valley to Dale and Nancy Wedwick. They also said their Coon Valley Chiropractic practice will continue to operate in the building, which was sold in October.

The sale allows the Petersons to continue helping people in their chiropractic practice and restores the buildings ownership to the family that built it more than 100 years ago, the Petersons said.

It was built by Edward Carl Anderson in 1904 and his family lived there until 1921. One of the Anderson children, Einar, was Nancy Wedwicks grandfather.

MaryPat will continue caring for patients on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Carl will continue his schedule of practice in Coon Valley on Tuesday afternoon and at the couples La Farge office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

To see the press release, visit the practices Facebook page.

La Crosse region business openings, developments Steve Cahalan reports on local business developments every Saturday.
Telemedicine's early days of handling mostly mild illnesses like sinus infections or pink eye are fading fast.

The frontier involves connecting patients more routinely with their regular doctors and using artificial intelligence to keep tabs on their health, according to Dr. Roy Schoenberg.

He's seeing this develop as co-CEO of Amwell, a Boston-based company that provides telemedicine software and technology for health systems and insurers. The company works with more than 55 health plans and health systems representing over 2,000 hospitals.

Schoenberg spoke recently with The Associated Press. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: The COVID-19 pandemic pushed people into telemedicine. Did that lead to any permanent care delivery changes?

A: In a very profound way. We're just beginning to unravel how deep the impact is. When people started buying books on Amazon, they didn't notice that they were beginning to embrace online retail. We're going through the same thing with telehealth. People have opened the door for getting care through technology.

Q: What is some care patients seek in-person now that you expect will become largely virtual in the future?

A: Early generations of telehealth have really been about convenience  how a patient can quickly get a simple prescription or solve a problem with a sick child. The revolution that's going on right now is where people are beginning to utilize these technologies to interact with their regular caretakers. These are regularly scheduled appointments. Patients with very difficult conditions like cancer and deep chronic conditions are becoming the frequent flyers of telehealth. That's going to continue to evolve.

Q: What's the biggest way your technology uses artificial intelligence?

A: AI is not in any position to replace clinicians. However, these technologies can help check on a patient regularly. If you have a patient who was discharged from a hospital or has a chronic condition at home  we can check every day to see how they're doing. If the patient is not doing well, (the technology) will have the smarts to escalate that patient right back in front of (a nurse or doctor). You get a text message that begins the interaction. It switches over to a secure platform, essentially an application on your phone.

Q: You're co-CEO with your brother Ido. How do you handle disagreements?

A: Ido is focused on business making. My heart is about developing technologies that solve big problems in care. We respect the fact that each of us has his own special skills. When disagreements arise  the right decision-maker is whoever really is proficient in that domain. We've been doing this for 30 years now.

The highest-paying metro for nurses in every state The highest-paying metro for nurses in every state Alabama: Daphne Alaska: Fairbanks Arizona: Yuma Arkansas: Little Rock California: Santa Cruz Colorado: Pueblo Connecticut: Danbury Florida: Sebastian Georgia: Rome Hawaii: Urban Honolulu Illinois: Kankakee Indiana: Michigan City Iowa: Sioux City Kansas: Lawrence Kentucky: Owensboro Louisiana: Shreveport Maine: Bangor Michigan: Flint Minnesota: St. Cloud Mississippi: Hattiesburg Missouri: St. Louis Montana: Missoula Nebraska: Grand Island New Hampshire: Manchester New Jersey: Ocean City New Mexico: Las Cruces New York: New York City North Carolina: Fayetteville North Dakota: Fargo Ohio: Canton Oklahoma: Lawton Pennsylvania: Chambersburg Rhode Island: Providence South Carolina: Spartanburg South Dakota: Rapid City Tennessee: Cleveland Utah: Provo Vermont: Burlington Virginia: Winchester West Virginia: Huntington Wisconsin: Racine Factors for nurses beyond salary
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages anyone considering hunting for the first time in 2024 to enroll in a hunter education course now, before courses begin filling up in spring.

Those who complete a hunter education course play a vital role in keeping Wisconsin a safe place to hunt.

Many hunting incidents in Wisconsin involve hunters older than 40, decades after learning firearm safety rules in their hunter education courses. It may be time for veteran hunters to refresh these valuable lessons.

As part of the program, hunter education graduates receive a certificate accepted in every U.S. state, Canada and Mexico. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/mentor).

The DNR offers multiple hunter education course options and locations, so hunters can choose the best format for how and where theyd like to learn. More than 20,000 people take hunter education courses in Wisconsin each year, making early enrollment important for anyone interested in taking a class.

Traditional Course

Students attend a multi-day, in-person course where students learn hunter responsibility and safety through lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, practical exercises and individual study. The students then take a multiple-choice exam and complete a hands-on, skills-based assessment based on information found in the printed student manual and taught during class.

Internet + Field Day

Students must enroll in an in-person field day course and then complete the online portion before attending the field day. Upon completing the online course, students will receive a field day voucher, which is required to participate in the in-person field day course they enrolled in. Students will reinforce what they learned online through hands-on safe firearm handling, demonstrations from experienced hunters and practical exercises. The students then take a multiple-choice exam and complete a hands-on, skills-based assessment.

Online-Only (Ages 18+)

The online-only course has the same general content as the other course options but is entirely online. Students work through online units, take multiple-choice quizzes and take a final multiple-choice exam. This course is specifically for students with prior hunting or firearms handling experience. It is only for those 18 years of age or older.

Search for upcoming courses at https://gowild.wi.gov/customers/safetyedclass.

Help train next generation of hunters

All courses are provided by volunteer instructors who are dedicated to promoting safety, ethics and the future of hunting in Wisconsin. The hunter education program is always looking for volunteer instructors who possess this same dedication and passion.

Becoming a volunteer instructor is a rewarding way to connect with your community and share your knowledge and passion for hunting.

For more information about becoming a volunteer instructor, contact the Outdoor Skills Trainer in your area by visiting https://widnr.widen.net/s/sgbvkbx95s/outdoorskillstraineradministrativemap.

In 76 Photos: Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Walworth County IAT American Pokeweed.jpg Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Boardwalk in Whitewater Lake Segment IAT Bridge and Boardwalk.jpg IAT Common Selfheal.jpg IAT Creeping Bellflower 2.jpg IAT Delicate Fern Moss.jpg IAT Erect Hedgeparsley 2.jpg IAT Giant Chickweed.jpg IAT Motherwort.jpg IAT Pine Cones.jpg IAT Sign.jpg IAT Tall Hairy Agrimony.jpg Ice Age Trail yellow blaze marker IAT Trail View 2.jpg IAT Trail View.jpg IAT Whitewater Creek 2.jpg Ice Age Trail Ascent.jpg Ice Age Trail Bird's Foot Trefoil.jpg Ice Age Trail Black Raspberry.jpg Ice Age Trail Black-Eyed Susan.jpg Ice Age Trail Boletes fungi (mushroom) on forest floor.jpg Ice Age Trail Wild Parsnip.jpg Ice Age Trail Yellow Blaze with Trail View in Pine Plantation.jpg Ice Age Trail Yellow Blaze with Trail View.jpg Ice Age Trail Common Chicory (Blue Dandelion).jpg Ice Age Trail Common Crownvetch.jpg Ice Age Trail Common Mullein (Aaron's Rod).jpg Ice Age Trail Common Yarrow.jpg Ice Age Trail Creeping Thistle.jpg Ice Age Trail Deptford Pink.jpg Ice Age Trail Emerald Ash Borer .jpg Ice Age Trail Emerald Ash Borer 2.jpg Ice Age Trail Evening Primrose.jpg Ice Age Trail Fallen Tree .jpg Ice Age Trail False Solomon's Seal.jpg Ice Age Trail False Sunflower.jpg Ice Age Trail Flowering Spurge.jpg Ice Age Trail "Flowing Well" in Town of Whitewater.jpg Glacial deposits on Ice Age National Scenic Trail Ice Age Trail Gray Dogwood.jpg Ice Age Trail Hoary Verbena.jpg Ice Age Trail Illinois Tick Trefoil 2.jpg Ice Age Trail Panicledleaf Tick Trefoil.jpg Ice Age Trail Marker Post.jpg Ice Age Trail Mile Marker Post.jpg Ice Age Trail Morrow's Honeysuckle.jpg Ice Age Trail Nodding Thistle.jpg Ice Age Trail Northern Catalpa.jpg Ice Age Trail Oriental Ladies Thumb.jpg Ice Age National Scenic Trail overlook view Ice Age Trail Oxeye Dairy.jpg Ice Age Trail Perennial Sowthistle.jpg Ice Age Trail Pine Forest.jpg Ice Age Trail Pine Plantation.jpg Ice Age Trail Pinnate Prairie Coneflower.jpg Ice Age Trail Prairie Fleabane.jpg Ice Age Trail Prarie Clearning Under Power Lines.jpg Ice Age Trail Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot).jpg Ice Age Trail Rock covered with Schreber's Big Red Stem Moss.jpg Ice Age Trail Rock Deposits.jpg Russulaceae fungi on the forest floor along the Ice Age Scenic National Trail Ice Age Trail Scenic Lake Overlook 1.jpg Ice Age National Scenic Trail overlook Ice Age Trail Shrub Lespedeza.jpg Ice Age Trail Smooth Sumac.jpg Ice Age Trail Soapwort.jpg St. John's Wort blooming along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Ice Age Trail Steep Climb.jpg Ice Age Trail Thistle Field with feeding Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly.jpg Ice Age Trail Trichaptum fungi on tree.jpg Ice Age Trail View from Bench.jpg Ice Age Trail Walking Path in Forest.jpg Ice Age Trail Whitewater Lake.jpg Ice Age Trail Wild Bergamot.jpg Ice Age Trail Red Spotted Purple Butterfly.jpg
Lake Geneva officials are in a glass half full, glass half empty situation when it comes to installing a proposed traffic signal at a busy intersection.

Representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have determined that a traffic signal is warranted near the intersection of North Edwards Boulevard and Townline Road; however, Lake Geneva officials would have to pay for the project.

Naomi Rauch, project engineer for Kapur & Associates, said during the Jan. 22 City Council Public Works Committee meeting that Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials have deemed that the intersection meets the warrants for a traffic signal, but they are not contributing to the cost of the project. However the traffic signal could be incorporated as part of the departments Highway 120 road project, which could be worked on in 2026 and 2027.

I know this is an intersection that the city has talked about several times in having a signal there, Rauch said. Previously, it was not warranted so with this warrant it allows the city to possibly put that in. I think thats exciting in some ways but also the funding is not secured for that.

Rauch said city officials may want to consider installing a traffic signal in that area because several developments have been proposed near the northwest corner of that intersection.

Representatives from Continental Properties in Menomonee Falls presented plans to construct a residential development on about 21 acres of land near the northwest corner of North Edwards Boulevard and Townline Road to the Lake Geneva Plan Commission members last October, but the project has not been discussed since that time.

I dont know where that stands. They had a concept plan come to the council, Rauch said. I havent heard anything on that for awhile. That would obviously have an impact on that intersection.

Public Works Director Tom Earle said installing a traffic signal at that intersection could cost the city between $250,000 and $400,000.

Edwards Boulevard is pretty wide there, so were just thinking Townline would need some changes, Earle said.

Rauch said the city could apply for a Signals and ITS Standalone Program grant to help fund the project, but if the grant is awarded the city would have to use the funding within a certain amount of time.

So I guess kind of the take away is if the city wanted to move forward there could be possible funding through the SISP grant, Rauch said. That could be something the city could apply for and do the work in advance of the Highway 120 construction.

Earle said representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have advised the city not to apply for the grant too soon, because the exact timeframe for the Highway 120 project has not been determined.

He said city officials could ask a developer to help pay the cost of the project.

Were not sure what the potential would be to get a developer on the northwest corner to throw money at that, Earle said. I dont know, but I think that should be explored at least.

Alderwoman Cindy Yager asked if the city could lower the speed limit in that area instead of installing a traffic signal.

City Administrator Dave Nord said officials from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation do not recommend lowering the speed limit near that intersection. He said if the city lowers that speed limit in that area then the Wisconsin Department of Transportation may determine that the traffic signal is not warranted.

Essentially WISDOT is saying based on their information they do not recommend lowering the speed limit and theres no justification for it and if push comes to shove, they have indicated that if speed limits are lowered the signal no longer meets the warrants. It would not meet the criteria for installation, Nord said. So you got two things going. One of them is if you lower the speed limit the state says the signal is no longer warranted.

Nord also said an area near the intersection is located in the Town of Bloomfield and town officials have indicated that they are not interested in lowering the speed limit.

For the portion of the road thats in the city you could do that, but a portion goes to Bloomfield, Nord said. They said absolutely no way theyre involved in this. They have no interest in lowering the speed limit.

City officials are set to discuss possible funding options for the traffic signal again during an upcoming meeting.

Earle said if the city applies for the grant and does not receive the funding it is not committed to the project, but he feels most city officials are in favor of having the traffic signal installed.

I would think just reading the temperature of everybody moving forward and in the past, I would think the city is pretty adamant about getting the signal there one way or another, Earle said. So I dont think it would be something that would go by the wayside. For the DPW and certain council members, it has been a goal.


VOA Learning English presents America's Presidents.

Today we are talking about George Washington.

He was the first president of the United States. He served from 1789 to 1797.

But he had many other accomplishments, too.

He owned thousands of hectares of land in his home state of Virginia.

He was a famous general, who led the American colonists to freedom from British rule.

And he presided over the convention that created the U.S. Constitution.

For Washington, that was enough. He said he wanted to retire from public service and return home.

But the countrys new electors had other ideas. They wanted him to move to New York and invent the American presidency.

Washington accepted the job as his duty.

Washington as president

Washington was sworn in as president in 1789. At the time, a truly united states was still just an idea. Americans were unconnected groups. They came from different countries, had different religions, and spoke different languages. For example, a quarter of the people in the state of Pennsylvania spoke only German.

Doug Bradburn is the founding director of the Washington Library at Mount Vernon. He says when Washington took office, the country was fragile.

The chances that it would even survive were probably very, very slim.

Bradburn explains that Washington had to establish social and political unity. But the Constitution did not say how the president could do that.

So, Bradburn says, George Washington invented the job for all future presidents.

He established a group of advisors  called the cabinetas well as the nations official money. He appointed a six-member Supreme Court. And he created the Department of Foreign Affairs, now called the State Department.

However, Washington said it was the presidents responsibility to set foreign policy.

Historian Doug Bradburn explains that Washington established the president not just as a figurehead, but as a decision maker.

But he always used the Constitution as his guide.

He wasnt just trying to establish an office and then figure out a way to justify it, he was trying to work with his Constitution.

Washington as a young man

George Washington was born in 1732 in the colony of Virginia. His father died when George was 11 years old. As a boy, he learned reading, writing and math. Then he worked as a land surveyor in western Virginia.

Historian Joseph Ellis points out that Washington did not have a formal education. Instead of going to college, Ellis says, Washington went to war. He fought against the French and Indians as a British Army officer.

That experience informed Washingtons world view. Ellis describes the first president as a realist. At the same time, Washington was a very passionate man with extremely strong emotions. He was known to get angry, but he showed his temper to only a few people.

Washington not only acted like a great leader  he looked like one. George Washington stood about 1.9 meters tall. That was a head taller than the average man of his time.

He was very strong, and very graceful. He was known as one of the best horseback riders and best dancers in Virginia.

But he had a problem: bad teeth.

Unlike his wife, Martha, who was known for her lovely smile, George Washington began losing his teeth in his twenties. When he was sworn in as president, he had only one tooth left.

Washington as a myth

Washington remains an important figure in the American imagination. Even today people tell stories about him.

One popular story, that he had wooden teeth, is not true. But he did wear dentures. They were made, in part, from hippopotamus ivory.

And he did not chop down a cherry tree as a child and then admit it by saying, I cannot tell a lie. In fact, historian Joseph Ellis says George Washington lied many times.

But it is true that as Washington became more famous, his reputation grew. People thought of him as a man who always did the right thing.

Joseph Ellis says even Washington understood people would look at his writings and judge him.

Washington went from being a man to a monument. He was aware of the fact that he had a role to play and that all emerging nations need mythical heroes.

Washington became very protective of his personal thoughts. His wife burned most of their letters.

Yet we know a little bit about George Washingtons thoughts from other writing. One of his regrets, he said, was that he had not done something to end slavery.

Like many plantation owners, Washington was a slave holder. More than 300 enslaved people lived on his property.

By the end of his life, Washington opposed slavery. He left a will ordering his survivors to free his slaves after his wifes death.

Washingtons will became relevant sooner than he might have liked.

Three years after he finished his second term as president, Washington fell ill. He had been outside riding his horse on a cold, wet day. When he came home, he complained of a sore throat.

Over the next two days, his condition became worse. On December 14, 1799, he died in his bed, surrounded by his wife, enslaved maids, and friends. He was 67.

Washingtons legacy

Historian Joseph Ellis says one of the best things about George Washington was his ability to give up power. At the end of the Revolutionary War, General Washington returned his sword. And at the end of his administration, President Washington simply returned home.

You could trust Washington with power because he was so conspicuously willing to give it up.

Doug Bradburn says Washington was the right man at the right time. Bradburn, like many historians, calls George Washington the indispensable man.

In other words, Washington was essential to the American experiment in self-government. He made ideas about American freedom real, and he showed that even the president would operate under the rule of law.

I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.

See how well you understand the story by taking this listening quiz. Play each video and choose the best answer.

Quiz: George Washington: The President Who Did Not Want to Be President Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

accomplishment  n. something done or achieved successfully

figurehead  n. a person who is called the head of something but who has no real power

surveyor  n. a person whose job is to measure and examine an area of land

temper  n. the tendency of someone to become angry

graceful  adj. moving in a smooth and attractive way

denture(s)  n. a set of artificial teeth

will  n. a legal document in which a person states who should receive his or her possessions after he or she dies

conspicuously  adv. very easy to see or notice

indispensable  adj. extremely important and necessary
On February 10, Asian American communities around the world will ring in the Year of the Dragon. Some Lunar New Year celebrations will be public, like parades and fireworks. But, families will also gather for private parties.

What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year is a major holiday in several Asian countries. And people celebrate over several days or even weeks.

It is called the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea.

The holiday begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because the holiday is based on the moon, it falls somewhere between the end of January and the end of February.

The lunar calendar is based on 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In the Vietnamese zodiac, the cat replaces the rabbit and the buffalo is in place of the ox. For 2024, it is the year of the dragon for both.

What are some traditions around the Lunar New Year?

One well-known ancient story speaks of Nian, a terrible monster that eats human flesh on New Years Day. But Nian has some fears that weaken him. He fears the color red, loud noises and fire. So, Lunar New Year activities include putting up red paper dragons on the doors of homes. People also burn red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to chase away the monster.

To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centered on removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and successful. Red is considered a lucky color to ring in a new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes a good future and joy. People wear red clothing, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns and use red envelopes to present loved ones with gifts of money. Gambling and playing traditional games are common during Lunar New Year among celebrants around the world.

Ancestor worship is also common during this time. Many Korean families take part in a ceremony called charye. Female family members prepare food and male members serve it to ancestors. The final act involves the entire family sharing a meal and asking for help from their ancestors for the coming year.

Vietnamese culture holds a similar tradition. People cook traditional dishes and place them on a home altar in honor of their ancestors.

How do diaspora communities celebrate?

Members of Asian American communities around the U.S. also organize parades, parties and other events around the Lunar New Year. Lion and dragon dances are common, as are fireworks, traditional food and cultural performances. People do special cleanings of their homes and decorate using orchids and other brightly colored flowers.

What are some special foods for the New Year?

Each culture has its own special foods for New Year celebration, including dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, tangerines, fish and meats.

In Chinese culture, for example, changshou mian" or long-life noodles are eaten with a wish for a long, healthy and happy life. Koreans celebrate with tteokguk, a soup that contains thinly sliced rice cakes.

And Vietnamese culture has banh chung, a traditional dish made from rice, mung bean and pork belly. The dish is usually covered with banana leaves, shaped into a square and tied up with strings for steaming.

Im Caty Weaver.

Caty Weaver adapted this story for VOA Learning English from an Associated Press report.

_______________________________________

Words in This Story

diaspora  n. people settled far from their ancestral homelands

calendar  n. a system for fixing the beginning, length, and divisions of the civil year and arranging days and longer divisions of time (such as weeks and months) in a definite order

monster  n. a strange, frightening and/or horrible creature

lantern  n. a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings

decorate  n. to make more appealing or meaningful by adding something beautiful, symbolic, interesting etc.

altar  n. a table or place which serves as a center of worship or ritual
Waypoint Bank welcomed Cozad resident Tim Sladek as its new president and chief executive officer Feb. 1. With an extensive background in banking and commitment to community service, Sladek brings a wealth of experience and a vision for growth to his new role.

Originally from Bartley, Sladek has shaped his knowledge in the field of banking over the years before moving to Cozad.

I would say the inspiration came from my dad, he was a 20-plus-year banker, Sladek said. Encouraged by his fathers example, Sladek embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others through financial services.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Sladek earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus on management in 2007. His journey into the world of finance began in 2008 as a credit analyst at State Bank Riverdale, now known as Heartland Bank in Riverdale.

Sladek earned his masters degree in business administration from UNK in 2012. Before completing his masters, Sladek served as a bank examiner at the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance from 2011 to 2014, gaining insights into regulatory compliance and industry best practices.

Sladek attended the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado, graduating in 2015.

Over the years Sladek has made several contributions to Waypoint Bank, initially serving in Clay Center and later assuming the role of branch president following the retirement of Dave Higbea.

Alongside his wife Kelly, he is the proud parent of two daughters, Hailey and Kenzie, and treasures the moments spent together as a family, including memorable road trips to Disney World.

Sladek admits that his career path has required him to travel a lot over the years. He credits his wife for being a great mother and being patient with him while he does his best to balance his work and family life when hes not home.

As he assumes the role of president and CEO of Waypoint Bank, Sladek expressed gratitude for the guidance and mentorship of his predecessor, Kirk Riley.

Kirk said Ill have a lot of decisions to make and some are going to be easier than others, Sladek said when asked what advice Riley gave him before going into retirement.

Riley encouraged Sladek to make decisions for Waypoint Bank that wouldnt foreshadow any doubts in the future.

Kirk told me if you can look yourself in the mirror and say you made a decision that was fair to the business, whether its an internal or external decision, youll be able to sleep at night and truly say you made the right decision, Sladek said.

Sladek shared his goals for Waypoint Bank, emphasizing the importance of customer support and sustained growth.

Short term is to continue to support our customers in all our locations, Sladek said. We want to do everything to be that full-service bank for our customer and offer that service to new customers that might be looking to work with us and reach their financial goals.

Sladek hopes that Waypoint Bank remains available for a long time. Long term is to continue to grow. We recently celebrated our 140th anniversary and we want to continue to be in business.

Sladek said he is grateful to have worked in the banking field for many years, and he highlighted one memory of working with a longtime customer who was once Sladeks classmate in preschool. Because he works many hours each week, Sladek also cherishes the connections hes made with the individuals he works with.

To those looking to work in banking one day, Sladek offered his advice: Never stop learning, dont be afraid to ask questions and find yourself a good mentor.

Sladek uses Riley as an example of someone who has been a good mentor to him and credited his wisdom over the years as a big reason why Sladek felt confident leading up to his first day in his new role.

He expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome received from the Cozad community.

The short time my family and I have lived in Cozad, weve enjoyed the community here, Sladek said. Cozad is a very giving community. Weve built very solid friendships over the years.
One of the two men shot and killed by off-duty Omaha Police Department officers on Saturday fired a single shot at the officers before they shot 21 times at the mens vehicle, authorities said Thursday.

At a Thursday afternoon press conference, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer was joined by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert to tell reporters and the community about the fatal shooting in South Omaha. The officers will not be charged with a crime, and Schmaderer said they acted in accordance with department policy.

Schmaderer showed a 17-minute video that spliced together security footage from multiple businesses near 32nd and L Streets with details from witness statements and interviews with the involved officers.

Both Schmaderer and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine concluded that the officers use of deadly force was justified after reviewing all available evidence. Under state law, a Douglas County grand jury also will be empaneled to review the case.

The press conference was held five days after the two officers, identified as northeast precinct Capt. Jay Leavitt and Officer Robert Soldo, shot and killed the two men while working as security personnel for a nightclub. The men have been identified as Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, 26, and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales, 28.

Before the press conference, authorities had said little about the circumstances that led to the early morning shooting. Much of the interaction was caught on various surveillance videos, and the aftermath was captured on Soldos body camera. Soldo did not activate his camera until after all of the shots had been fired, Schmaderer said.

Stothert and Schmaderer offered their condolences to the families of Rodriguez-Juarez and Hernandez-Rosales. Schmaderer said he knows the shooting may have an impact on police-community relations in South Omaha, and he plans to continue to answer questions that community members may have.

I think weve taken measures here by transparency and accountability to catapult us into the next phase of re-establishing and re-instilling the police-community relations, Schmaderer said. Ill be meeting with a group representing Latinos, and we will meet Monday, and Im gonna give them an expanded explanation as to what took place.

According to the video and statements from officials:

Rodriguez-Juarez and Hernandez-Rosales were at the Extasis Nightclub, located at 3050 L St., until the bar closed at 2 a.m. Saturday. Leavitt and Soldo were working as off-duty security for the nightclub, and they were wearing Omaha police uniforms. Soldo had a body camera attached to his uniform, but Leavitt did not because he is a command officer.

Surveillance video showed Rodriguez-Juarez and Hernandez-Rosales walk past the two officers and out the front door of the bar. Outside the bar, the two appeared to engage in a physical confrontation with a large group of people who had gathered outside. Leavitt approached the group with his flashlight at 2:01 a.m., and the parties began to scatter.

The two men left with the rest of the crowd and went to the back parking lot of Extasis, where they entered a black Jeep Cherokee. Rodriguez-Juarez entered the drivers seat, and Hernandez-Rosales sat in the passenger seat. At 2:03 a.m., the Jeep exited the Extasis parking lot and headed west on L Street.

At the same time, according to video footage, a group of patrons were walking through the parking lot of Sols Jewelry and Loan, which is located directly to the west of Extasis. Some of the people in the group had been involved in the altercation outside of the nightclub minutes earlier.

Leavitt and Soldo were walking behind the group to clear the parking lot, which is a normal part of their duties. At about 2:05 a.m., the Jeep Cherokee is seen on surveillance footage pulling into the west entrance and slowing down to confront the group.

A grainy surveillance video appears to show Rodriguez-Juarez, the driver, reaching across Hernandez-Rosales and pointing a gun in the direction of the group. According to police, Rodriguez-Juarez fired one shot towards officers. Police also showed a video with audio from the interior of Anytime Laundry at 3120 L St., a little farther west, in which a single gunshot is audible before a long volley of shots seconds later.

Leavitt began shooting into the passenger side of the vehicle as Soldo crossed in front of the Jeep, narrowly escaping being hit by the moving car, and shot into the front of the vehicle. According to Schmaderer, Leavitt fired 12 times and Soldo fired nine. Hernandez-Rosales and Rodriguez-Juarez were each hit three times.

After the men were shot, the car began to roll down the alley before it crashed into a utility box and came to a stop. The officers yelled at the men to stop the car as it rolled away, according to video caught on Soldos body camera. That footage will be released after the grand jury process is completed, Schmaderer said. Police shared still photos from the body camera at Thursdays press conference.

Officers continued to yell at the men to get out of the car after it came to a stop. Hernandez-Rosales and Rodriguez-Juarez did not exit the vehicle. Its unclear if they were physically able to do so, given the extent of their injuries. At one point, one of the men yelled that he needed an ambulance.

Backup officers arrived with bulletproof shields to approach the car within minutes of the initial shooting. Medics were allowed into the scene about eight minutes after shots were fired, and both men were transported to the Nebraska Medical Center, where they died.

Officers did not want to approach, Schmaderer said when asked Thursday about the delay in allowing medics into the scene. They had to wait for a shield to approach. The car was still running, so that was approximately eight minutes.

A single 9 mm round was recovered from inside of the Jeep in the backseat, as was a semi automatic 9 mm Taurus handgun. Michael Pecha, a public information officer at OPD, said in the video that the location of the spent casing is consistent with the positioning of the handgun at the time it was fired, as it fired out of the front passenger window.

In addition, according to Schmaderer, Hernandez-Rosales had stippling burns, which are caused by unburned gunpowder striking the skin, on his face and neck  a sign that a gun had been fired within close proximity to his face.

Schmaderer also said at the press conference that Hernandez-Rosales and Rodriguez-Juarez were in the country illegally, but he said their immigration status was shared only for background purposes and was by no means to be used as a justification for the shooting. Hernandez-Rosales, who came to the U.S. from Nicaragua, was involved in immigration proceedings. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had no record of Rodriguez-Juarez.

The League of United Latin American Citizens released a statement Thursday seeking a federal investigation into the shooting.
Days after Nebraska tourism officials announced they were getting rid of a controversial state slogan, lawmakers advanced a bill that would change the structure of the state tourism board.

The bill (LB624) advanced Thursday on a 36-0 vote, the first of three rounds of debate. It would give the Department of Economic Development director a seat on the Nebraska Tourism Commission.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, would shift the commission from its current 11 members to 13 members, including the DED director, a gubernatorial appointee and a representative of a state chamber of commerce.

McDonnell said he offered the bill because he was displeased with the tourism slogan the commission selected five years ago: "Nebraska. Honestly, it's not for everyone." Earlier this week, commission executive director John Ricks told lawmakers that the slogan was going to be dropped.

While the slogan is going to change, McDonnell said it's important to improve communication between two agencies that handle similar issues.

No one voted against LB624 Thursday, but Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha said he planned to filibuster the bill during its second round of debate. He also said he would introduce multiple amendments to address aspects of the bill he disagreed with, and said the tourism commission needs to represent more regions and perspectives in Nebraska.
A woman who claimed that her husband was driving their SUV while she was in the passenger seat when it struck and killed a man walking across East Washington Avenue in 2021 was sentenced Friday to 2 years in prison.

Janessa L. Cardenas, 27, of Madison, again told Dane County Circuit Judge Mario White that it was her husband, Jonathan Vazquez, not her, driving their Chevy Trailblazer on April 3, 2021, when it struck Ashley Cam Taylor, 37, a much-beloved bartender and server, as he crossed East Washington at Mendota Street.

Despite her testimony, a jury found Cardenas guilty of second-degree reckless homicide and homicide by driving under the influence of a controlled substance after a trial in December. She also could not convince White she was telling the truth.

According to a data recorder in the vehicle, it was going 75 mph one second before the crash after accelerating away from a red light at Stoughton Road. Cardenas and Vazquez were working for DoorDash at the time and were headed to East Towne to pick up another order.

In court Friday, Vazquez took the blame for the crash, telling Taylors family that he was the driver. Because a legal issue did not allow it, he did not testify at Cardenas trial.

I cannot tell you how deeply sorry I am, he said. I accidentally took your son away from you that night, and, in the process, my wife. Im sorry to everyone today because I actually was the one who was driving and I feel horrible.

Vazquez said his wife first took the blame because she was frightened that, as an immigrant from Mexico without a drivers license. he would be deported. She had a drivers license.

In court, Cardenas apologized to the Taylors for what theyve experienced and said shes experienced second-hand pain for them. She said she accepts full accountability for the courts decision, but I hope everyone understands why I made the choices I did.

She said that immediately after hitting Taylor, I felt the severity of the situation and the choices I needed to make were very clear.

Disbelieving judge

Before sentencing her, though, White said he needed to address the elephant in the room.

I do not believe you, Ms. Cardenas, when you tell me you were not the driver, White said. I dont.

To believe that, he said, he would have to believe that from the moment after the crash, when she was in shock at what had happened, her first thought was her husbands immigration status, and to get out of the vehicle and say over and over that she was the driver.

In a bystanders cellphone video taken at the scene, White said, taken before police arrived and as Taylor lay in the road, still barely alive, Cardenas could be heard saying emotionally, Im going to jail.

That was the truest thing you have said throughout this entire case, White said.

For her husband to allow Cardenas to take responsibility at first also reflects poorly on him, White said, and does not speak kindly for the kind of man he is.

Cardenas lawyer, Anthony Delyea, said city street camera video, frozen at a spot when the SUV passed the camera, shows the driver wearing light-colored clothing, which he said Vazquez was wearing, not black, as Cardenas was wearing that night.

He said the image didnt show up clearly enough when projected on a screen to jurors. Delyea said he should have taken laptop screens to jurors so they could see the image more clearly, something he said he now regrets.

But White said the sentencing hearing was not the time to relitigate the trial, telling Delyea later that the hearing wasnt about Delyea and the decisions he regrets making during the trial.

Delyea said after the hearing that he absolutely intends to appeal.

Dad remembers

After her release from prison, Cardenas will be on extended supervision for five years. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the Taylor family totaling $7,985.

Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison sentence while Delyea asked for 1 years. White said he did not impose a presumptive five-year minimum sentence for the controlled substance conviction because the speed Cardenas was driving, not the small amount of marijuana in her system, was the leading factor in the crash.

Taylors father, Jeff Taylor, remembered his son as one of those people others were drawn to, like a magnet. He said about 400 people came to his sons funeral. Taylor lived with his parents near where he died. Before he was struck, he was walking from work at the Lazy Oaf Lounge to HyVee, then home.

Now with him gone, were left with a void in our lives that can never be filled, Taylor said. What happened that night when our son died was not an unfortunate accident. Lets call it what it is. It was homicide.
Power and road issues will be among the major talking points of a community meeting this afternoon for residents in the town of Porter in Rock County following powerful storms and a tornado Thursday night.

The 5 p.m. meeting will be held at the Evansville Fire District station at 425 Water Street in Evansville because area roads around the town hall remain closed and power has been in and out at the hall, said Anne Remley-Haines, the town clerk.

"We want to talk about what's going on and about expectations related to power," she said.

While it remains unclear how many of the town's 967 residents are without power, it's possible that power for some may not be restored until Tuesday, Remley-Haines told the Wisconsin State Journal Friday.

A press conference will also be held at 3 p.m. Friday by the Rock County Sheriff's Office at the Ace Hardware in Evansville at 755 Brown School Road.

The tornado and severe storm that tore through the area Thursday caused damage ranging from major to minor "at several locations in and around Evansville," the Rock County Sheriff's Office reported Friday, with debris closing roadways and power outages spanning from west of Edgerton to Footville.
EVANSVILLE  Some lost their homes.

Others barns, sheds, tractors and even livestock.

Many have no power and some may have to wait until Tuesday for it to be restored.

About 15 residents from the town of Porter, a farming community east and northeast of Evansville, gathered here Friday evening in the Evansville Fire District meeting room to listen, learn and ask questions after what may ultimately be an EF3 tornado tore through the town Thursday evening.

Media were not allowed in the room for the second half of the meeting, when overwhelmed residents spoke with sleep-deprived Rock County Emergency Management Director Kevin Wernet to tell him what they need.

So that we can leverage some of the resource providers in the room and to help figure out how to get you through the weekend to next week while we figure the rest of it out, Wernet said.

More than 20 properties have been assessed with damage, but a few have not been evaluated because investigators have not been able to safely gain access, something that could happen in the coming days.

At least one home was completely destroyed and there could be a couple more, Wernet told the crowd, which included firefighters, law enforcement, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and media from Madison, Milwaukee and Janesville.

Eleven structures sustained major damage, nine had minor damage and four were affected. There have been no dollar estimates on damage, but already some residents have reported solicitors approaching their homes, some with out-of-state license plates.

But just prior to the closed session, town of Porter Chair Dave Viney, who has been on the town board for 50 years, summed up the feelings of his residents.

This is a somber time for many people, Viney said. Its very devastating.

The town was recognized by the state in 1846 as the town of Oak, due to the large oak trees on the prairie. However, at the next session of the Legislature the name was changed to Porter to honor Dr. John Porter, one of the towns early settlers who had come from Massachusetts.

The town includes Gibbs Lake Park, access to the southern reaches of the Yahara River and Rustic Road 68, which passes through woodlands, rolling meadows and lowland marshes and goes by the Richardson Grout House, a cottage constructed between 1848 and 1850. The town of Porter is also home to Cooksville, an historic southern Wisconsin settlement.

But tornadoes ignore history and community and pay no heed to those who need electricity to power wells, refrigerators and freezers and milking operations. Transmission and distribution lines along Highway 59 sustained pretty significant damage, according to Wernet. Poles are included in the damage, and debris must also be removed before repairs can begin.

Theyre going to work tonight and get as much done as they can, Wernet said of utility crews. Theyll come back tomorrow (Saturday) and over the weekend to finish that up.

Wernet said specialty crews will arrive Monday to restore the more difficult-to-repair transmission lines.

So it could be Monday for some of you, as late as Tuesday for the rest, before we get your power back on, Wernet said.

But getting the power back will mark only the beginning for many. There are damaged buildings to remove and rebuild, others in need of major repairs; insurance adjusters to meet and claims to file; roofs to repair, landscapes to mend and farm machinery to either sell for scrap or undergo expensive repairs.

Viney, who has had tornadoes and a fire on his farm but escaped without damage this time around, was asked how long it will take the town to recover from the brief but powerful and rare February storm.

I dont know how to answer that. I mean, if I look in the right places, I can still find debris in the fields from the 1963 tornado, Viney said. There are people that are going to be recovering for a long time. The tree damage, which is significant in some places, is a lifetime thing.

Photos: Tornadoes sweep through southern Wisconsin
Eighteen horses that were recently rescued by the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office will soon be sold at auction.

The rescue also involved 26 dogs, and a decision by the Twin Falls County commissioners to euthanize most of them has been put on hold as there will be more evaluation performed to see which ones are adoptable.

The animals were seized in early December in northwestern Twin Falls County from Wade Gridley, as they were determined to be neglected, and Gridleys health problems prevented him from caring for them.

At a Jan. 30 court hearing, Gridley, who is facing 20 misdemeanor counts of allowing an animal to go without care, was given 72 hours to pay an $18,000 bond for the county to care for them for the next six months.

Gridley didnt meet that deadline, and the horses will be sold at noon Feb. 17 at the Twin Falls Livestock Commission, 630 Commercial Ave.

Some of these horses were in pretty rough shape when they got here, Twin Falls County Sheriff Tom Carter said. I would love to see them get a second chance and go to good homes.

To be auctioned are five mid- to older-age mares, three 2- to 3-year-old fillies, five yearling or younger fillies, two yearling colts, one approximately 2-year-old stud and two studs 4 to 6 years old.

As the horses were all kept together, there is a good chance several of the mares could be in foal, said a news release from the Sheriffs Office.

Euthanasia still looks to be in the future of many of the dogs. They were on the verge of having a court order signed by a judge to be destroyed, but have been given a temporary reprieve.

In addition to eight puppies, a female and adult male were taken to the countys animal shelter for possible adoption, but new information came to county commissioners, indicating that a portion of the rest might be able to be rescued after all and saved from a sad fate.

Seized: Horses, dogs taken by Twin Falls County after care issues The initial visit led to an effort by law enforcement and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to make sure the animals received the care they needed.

Honestly, it is OK to pull back and reassess situations, said Don Hall, commission chairman.

The commissioners initial decision to euthanize the animals wasnt easy, Hall said.

We are animal lovers, he said.

The canines, which are mostly border collies and Australian shepherds, are being kept on county property and the situation isnt ideal, said Debbie Blackwood, animal shelter director.

Dogs have been maimed, and even killed, by some of the others, Blackwood said.

She said her staff has been spending time caring for the dogs, and continue to evaluate which dogs might be adoptable. No final decision has been made.

There are liability questions in making the decision. Dogs that are adopted cannot be at high risk for attacking people or other animals.

They have two strikes against them, Blackwood said, as the dogs are inbred, which can increase aggression, as well as possibly having behavioral problems due to them being underfed for a long period of time.

Court records said the dogs were so hungry they were eating the remains of Gridleys dead horses.

The real tragedy is this getting out of control, Blackwood said.

The initial order calling for euthanizing of the dogs, which was later withdrawn, called for Gridley to be held liable for $1,432 to care for the dogs up to Feb. 5, along with $3,900 to euthanize them.

At the Jan. 30 court hearing, it was determined that proceeds from the horse sale would be put in a trust.

And although the animal shelter is already very crowded, Blackwood said a border collie rescue group might be able to take some of the dogs.






Day of Remembrance Exhibit Opens Feb. 13 in Wood River Valley

The Wood River Museum in Ketchum invites the community to explore a new pop-up exhibit, Only What We Could Carry, to honor the annual Day of Remembrance, which commemorates the 1942 signing of Executive Order 9066.

The exhibit will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Feb. 13 to 24 at The Wood River Museum, 580 Fourth St. E. Admittance is free.

There is power in remembering the history and legacy of Japanese American incarceration during WWII, said Brigid Miller, community engagement manager at the Wood River Museum of History and Culture. It is a period of U.S. history that should never be forgotten, and one that is relevant to contemporary issues in our country and beyond.

The interactive exhibit features four suitcases, three of which include items that prisoners might have taken with them, ranging from clothing to canned goods.

The fourth suitcase invites community members to consider what items you might take, should you be forcibly removed from your home and taken to what the National Park Service terms, an American Concentration Camp.

The Community Library will also host acclaimed Japanese American musician Kishi Bashi and his award-winning Omoiyari: A Song Film, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Lecture Hall.

For questions call the Wood River Museum of History and Culture at 208-806-2635 or email bmiller@comlib.org.

Also:

The Hailey Public Library will host the Wanderlust: Greenland  Land of Contrast and Imagination, second in a monthly series inviting the community to travel the world virtually. Cindy Hamlin, BCRD Nordic Ski Courtesy Patrol Supervisor, will talk at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 15, at Town Center West, 116 S Croy. For more information about this and other talks, call 208-788-2036 or visit www.haileypubliclibrary.org

.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved territory allocation agreements between Idaho Power and United Electric co-op that will allow customers to receive service from United Electric for an irrigation pump and residence. A territory allocation agreement can be approved as long as it doesnt conflict with the Electric Supplier Stabilization Act. The act is designed to promote harmony between electricity suppliers, prohibit the pirating of customers, discourage duplication of electric facilities, stabilize service territories and stabilize consumers. Additional information is available at puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7210 and puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7211

.

Jerome Academy K-6th graders can receive free dental sealants and fluoride varnish, after Feb. 12, to help prevent cavities, as part of Delta Dental of Idahos Grins on the Go program. To receive these free cavity-prevention treatments, children must attend Jerome Academy and have a parent or guardian sign a health history and permission form. Grins on the Go clinics take place on-site at schools as part of Delta Dental of Idahos Community outreach efforts. For more information, call Delta Dental Community outreach at 1-866-894-3563.
Its been less than two years since University of Idaho Extension weed scientist Albert Adjesiwors fears were realized and a pair of problematic pigweeds  Palmer amaranth and waterhemp  were first found in Idaho.

Yet its already clear to Adjesiwor that the weeds have established a firm foothold throughout the Magic and Treasure valleys. He acknowledges the window to eradicate the two invaders has closed, and his focus must shift toward educating farmers about how to manage them. And managing Palmer amaranth and waterhemp is no easy task.

The weeds tower over crop canopies  Palmer amaranth can grow more than 10 feet tall  and both species have developed broad resistance to common herbicides, making them extremely tough for growers to kill. Their seeds can survive in soil for up to five years, making it critical for farmers to make certain weeds that escape herbicide application are killed using any means possible before going to seed.

In potatoes, a density of one Palmer amaranth plant per three feet of crop row can cause yield losses of about 50%. Adjesiwor saw one heavily infested potato field patch in Bruneau that he suspects was a total loss.

If the weeds are too rampant in a field to be hand pulled, Adjesiwor advises mowing them, before applying mixtures of herbicides. Adjesiwor has seen evidence that the weed seeds entered Idaho in birdfeed, in cottonseed meal fed to cattle and on farm equipment brought in from surrounding states.

These weeds are tough to control, and they develop resistance to most herbicides we use, Adjesiwor said. My fear is they might have come in from states where they have already developed resistance to the herbicides we use in Idaho. Even if they are not resistant to most of the herbicides we use, it will not take long for them to develop resistance in the state because we apply the same herbicides every year.

Sounding the alarm

From Burley in the Magic Valley to Parma in the Treasure Valley, Palmer amaranth has become widespread, even growing in roadway medians.

Adjesiwor couldnt find Palmer amaranth or waterhemp when he drove throughout the region scanning farm fields shortly after he started working at the UI Kimberly Research and Extension Center in 2020. He had a suspicion, however, that it would only be a matter of time before one or both of the weeds would be discovered in Idaho, knowing they were present in surrounding states.

Hoping to keep the problem at bay for as long as possible, he published an Extension bulletin in 2021 offering background and physical descriptions of the plants. Palmer amaranth egg-shaped leaves and especially long leaf petioles. Waterhemp has slender foliage. Both weeds have separate male and female plants.

In 2022, Adjesiwor brought potted samples of the weeds to field days, seeking to raise awareness among growers and agronomists. After one of the field days, he got a call from a Glenns Ferry farm about a pigweed that couldnt be killed by glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. The weeds proved to be Idahos first known waterhemp. He received another call a short while later about pigweeds in Homedale, which Adjesiwor confirmed as the states first known Palmer amaranth.

Probably they were here for a while, but people needed to know what they looked like, Adjesiwor said.

U of I institute a big fish in aquaculture In 1996, U of I leased a mothballed fish nutrition lab and 4 acres of property in Magic Valley

Reports of the two pigweeds began to flood in after Clarke Alder, an Amalgamated Sugar Co. weed scientist, investigated a company crop consultants report of a glyphosate-resistant pigweed in an Owyhee County farm field in late July 2023.

As soon as I got there, I knew what I was looking at and I called Albert Adjesiwor immediately, Alder recalled.

Alder, Adjesiwor and Oregon State University (OSU) weed scientist Joel Felix collaborated to develop an identification guide for the weeds and launched a regional scouting effort. Alder recruited 20 Amalgamated Sugar crop consultants to keep an eye out for the weeds and report GPS locations of anything suspicious. Theyve also encouraged agronomists from other companies to assist. As a result, theyve now located 71 populations of the two pigweeds in southern Idaho.

Resistance challenges

Adjesiwor has been collecting seeds from mature Palmer amaranth and waterhemp plants throughout the region, planting them in a greenhouse to increase seeds and evaluate the populations for resistance to common herbicides.

None of the waterhemp seeds germinated, as they were likely harvested before they are ripe and viable. Hes been screening Palmer amaranth samples, however. Hes already confirmed they have broad resistance to glyphosate, and he anticipates hell also find resistance to Group 2 herbicides, which include imidazolinones, sulfonylureas, sulfonamides and triazolopyrimadines.

Glyphosate resistance is especially concerning to Adjesiwor, given that all of the sugar beets raised in Idaho have been engineered to withstand glyphosate applications. Adjesiwor emphasized that both weeds are most effectively managed with pre-emergence herbicides.

Growers are not used to managing these weeds, Adjesiwor said. My fear is they will not know they have them until they come up. In potatoes there are only a few options to manage Palmer amaranth and waterhemp once the potato plants come up. When sugar beets come up, growers have no options.

Responding to the threat

Adjesiwor, Pamela Hutchinson, a cropping systems weed scientist at the UI Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, and collaborators from OSU and Washington State University have applied for a $27,000 grant through the Northwest Potato Research Consortium.

The funds would launch a tri-state effort to scout for the two pigweeds, gather seeds and raise plants from them to screen for resistance to common potato herbicides. They would also support a graduate student to help with spraying and evaluation. Hutchinson will aid in the search for Palmer amaranth and waterhemp in eastern Idaho, where its possible the weeds havent been found only because people havent looked for them.

Weve seen it in southcentral Idaho and we expect it will move over here, Hutchinson said. Thats why were doing this survey. Were trying to get ahead of it.

Adjesiwor and other stakeholders will request additional funding from chemical companies to collect, store and test weed tissue samples, which would provide growers quicker, in-season herbicide-resistance results while also enabling them to record data without allowing weeds to go to seed.

On Jan. 10, Alder and Amalgamated Sugar petitioned the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to have Palmer amaranth and waterhemp listed as noxious weeds. Palmer amaranth is native to the desert Southwest, and waterhemp is native to the Midwest, which is why they havent been listed federally as noxious weeds. Theyre both designated as noxious weeds in several other states, however.

Learning to farm better: Farmers see U of I research in person Visitors stopped at different trial plots to learn about tools for controlling weeds, best methods of potato storage, cover crops, irrigation techniques, potato virus Y, and new insecticides for common pests.

A noxious weed designation would enable the state and counties to devote resources toward aiding growers in the weed battle, including spraying the weeds on roadsides.

Glyphosate has been a massive tool for us since 2008. The problem is these weeds are already resistant to glyphosate, and they need to be controlled at a young stage of their lifecycle, Alder said. We have to be very proactive with these weeds in particular because of the limitations of control measures and because of their lifecycle, otherwise the repercussions can be quite detrimental to sugar beet crops  70%-plus yield losses in the worst-case scenarios.

PHOTOS: A fascinating day of crop science Close Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Nora Olsen, potato specialist, talks about storage during the University of Idaho Field Day Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees walks through a corn field study during the University of Idaho Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Albert Adjesiwor, weed specialist, talks about his trials and studies during the University of Idaho Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Graduate student Tyler Spence talks during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Graduate student Kelie Yoho speaks during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Graduate student Beck Akhiwu, center back, speaks during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Mario de Haro Marti, extension educator, talks about some of his trials during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Eric Wenninger, entomology specialist, talks about insects during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Nora Olsen, potato specialist, talks about storage during the University of Idaho Field Day Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. A potato exhibiting virus symptoms is passed around during the University of Idaho Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. U of I's Albert Adjesiwor, a weed specialist, talks about his trials and studies during the University of Idaho Field Day on Thursday at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Graduate student Tyler Spence speaks during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. Attendees take part in the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. A Colorado potato beetle is shown during the University of Idaho Field Day held Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the Research and Extension Center in Kimberly. +20 +20 +20 +20 +20 +20 +20 +20 +20 +20

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.
Investments in public education benefit all Idahoans. Regardless of whether we have children attending school at any given moment, the advantages of strong public education resonate throughout our communities. Unfortunately, the latest effort by the out-of-state voucher lobby and a faction of Republicans to implement a school voucher scheme poses a grave threat to our already underfunded schools and the state budget.

House Bill 447 would start as a $50 million proposal to siphon public tax dollars to private, religious, and even for-profit institutions with zero accountability. What is particularly concerning is that the bulk of the money has no limits on eligibility. That means a working family in rural Idaho could subsidize private school tuition for millionaires in Boise. Data in states like Iowa back this up, showing voucher programs most often serve students from well-off families already enrolled in private schools. This not only creates a new budgetary obligation but also jeopardizes public school funding in future budgets.

Additionally, voucher costs have a frightening propensity to explode, absorbing larger portions of the state budget. A recent analysis of vouchers in seven states between 2008 and 2019 revealed hundreds of millions of dollars being redirected to fund vouchers at the expense of local schools, despite a rise in public school enrollment. In Arizona, where only 8% of kids receive a voucher, the program is projected to cost a staggering $950 million next year, $320 million of which is unbudgeted. Utahs original voucher bill had a $42 million price tag. Less than a year later, vouchers are projected to cost $150 million.

Vouchers are too costly on their own. They are unfathomable in the context of our limited budget and the investments were failing to make in our children. Idaho already ranks last in the nation for per-pupil spending. Schools are struggling to retain qualified staff and we have over $1 billion in neglected facility needs.

Were also ignoring opportunities proven to boost student success. For example, almost every other state invests in preschool because every $1 invested returns up to $16 to the economy, and kids are more likely to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Today, 47% of Idahos children enter kindergarten already behind according to our Idaho Reading Indicator.

Preschool is just one example of a proven investment that would increase student success. Vouchers, on the other hand, cut funding available to schools without generating any new educational services.

HB 447 would largely serve as a giveaway to families who need it the least. We dont have a dime to spare, let alone $50 million for a voucher subsidy scheme. For the sake of our children, our schools, and our future, Idaho must reject vouchers.
This is an exciting time to root for your team. College Bowls, Super Bowl season, March Madness. Much of the nation has been, is now, or soon will be in the thrall of these or other sports.

Theres something special about being loyal to your team, that feeling of camaraderie, of belonging. When this sense of solidarity becomes intense enough, its sometimes called tribalism. This incredibly strong force is powerful enough to cause otherwise normal people to do crazy things.

Its one thing to stick with your team through thick and thin. When tribalism takes hold, however, you stick with them not just through thick and thin but also through right and wrong. Its not even so much about whether your team is doing well this season; its that your team is good and the other teams are not good.

In fact, when tribalism fully flexes its muscles, the other side is not just wrong, it is evil.

That moral relativism shows the irrational force of tribalism  and its danger. As Jean-Jacques Rousseau warned, it is impossible to live at peace with those we regard as damned.

This is also Lincoln Day season, the time of year when counties throughout Idaho and the nation host Lincoln Day Dinners, which essentially serve as pep rallies and fundraisers for the Republican party.

Republicans are rightfully proud to claim Abraham Lincoln as the founder of their party. This board reflected recently on the connection between President Lincoln and todays GOP.

Sometimes tribes change, and this one certainly has.

For example, Lincolns GOP in many ways embodied big government. It provided the moral leadership  and strong federal intervention  to overcome slavery. It brought an explosion of government spending to fund the Civil War and the Transcontinental Railroad. It brought us the first income tax, the first national banking system, and big federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lincoln also signed the Morrill Act which funded the land grant universities.

All of these things were progressive and they fundamentally changed America.

Republican President Theodore Roosevelt was known as a conservationist. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he created 150 national forests, the first 55 federal bird reservation and game preserves, five national parks, and the first 18 national monuments on more than 230 million acres of public lands.

Over time, the party changed. Parties do. One monumental shift occurred with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat. Many who had been lifelong Democrats began migrating to the Republican Party.

Republican presidents also presided over the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Clean Air Act. Ronald Reagan helped inspire a generation with a noble struggle for freedom and overcoming authoritarianism around the world.

Yes, once upon a time, the Republican Party held up inspiring ideals which motivated us to aspire to something greater than ourselves. Better angels of our nature. A shining city on a hill.

Much has changed in the Republican party in a short time. Very much.

What does todays Republican Party stand for? Although there are some very notable exceptions  including among some of our local Republican state legislators  heres a quick stab at trying to answer that question:

If todays Republican Party stands for anything, then above all else it is a singular issue: the reverent adoration of and subjugation to the whims of The One.

And on any other issue, what the GOP stands for now is just as likely to be the exact opposite of what it stood for not long ago  no matter whether it helps or hurts people, irrespective of whether it is based on the truth, or whether it tears the country apart and threatens to destroy democracy. Far too many in the party have been cowed into submission.

Then again, maybe the issues dont really matter. Maybe its just the tribe.

The One who now rules the GOP motivates his followers in a way quite different from Lincoln and Reagan. Many would say he embodies certain distinctive characteristics  or inspires them in others. Anger. Fear. Chaos. Cruelty. Adulation of authoritarians. Embrace of white supremacists. Violence. Vulgarity. Vengefulness. Division. Dishonesty. Demagoguery. Shrewd manipulation by propaganda.

Whats not to love?

In reality, though, relatively few people  thankfully  actually do rejoice in this approach. But an awful lot of people have become willing to accept it, and to go along.

Why?

Largely its because most Americans would rather support their team, or tribe, than open their minds to the big political picture and deeply consider the issues.

There is a villainous superpower in tribalism, especially when youre consumed with fighting against the other tribe. The people who rely on us to keep them in power understand this very well. You can be sure of that. And so they manipulate our tendency towards tribalism to make us into their marionettes.

We are tired of these characteristics in the leader of the Republican Party, and were confident that were not alone. We remember a time not long ago when the Republican Party insisted that character mattered. We still agree.

We want a Republican Party that has inspiring ideas. We want a party that is confident enough in itself that it can win hearts and minds (and respectful arguments) without juvenile bullying and petty meanness that we wouldnt tolerate in our grade-school-aged children. Manipulation, intimidation, and threats of violence also should not be tolerated.

We want Republican leaders with honorable character and noble virtues  or, at the very minimum, decency. We want to be motivated by leaders who are honest, wise, and clear-thinking and have integrity and earn respect. We deserve to have leaders in the GOP who can inspire and lift rather than degrade and disgrace.

But good leaders in todays GOP are being pounded into submission or hounded out altogether. The takeover is almost complete. The Republican Party has become whatever a certain self-centered strongman says it is.

The Party of Lincoln? Abe wouldnt recognize it anymore.

The tribe may still be called Republican but in a very real sense, todays GOP is, to borrow a phrase, Republican in name only.

Perhaps its time for another shift; time to reassess what is really important in our lives, and whether this tribe as it is now still deserves undying loyalty.

Many people will not feel right changing parties. The other option, then  and its impossible to overstate how much work this will take  is to change the party itself.

Because Republican may be your tribe; but is it really still your party?

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Advertisement -

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. waxed optimistic Saturday as he greeted the Filipino-Chinese community and the rest of the nation this Chinese New Year. He said he is looking forward to the Year of the Dragon, which brings endless possibilities.

This occasion brims with infinite opportunities as we gather to pay homage to the heritage of the dragon, a timeless symbol of power, wisdom, and courage, the Chief Executive said in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Let us reflect on our accomplishments in the past year, cherishing the triumphs that elevated our spirits and nourished our souls. Let these victories enkindle our enthusiasm and optimism as uplift our communities and steer our nation to greater heights, he added.

Mr. Marcos also noted that while good fortune awaits us, it is important to remember that it is only through our firm commitment and resolve that we can transform our dreams into reality.

As one diverse yet united community, may we immerse ourselves in the richness of our cultural identity and lay the groundwork for a more peaceful, harmonious, and progressive Philippines. I wish everyone an auspicious and bountiful Chinese New Year, the President said.

- Advertisement -

According to Chinese belief, the Year of the Dragon epitomizes authority, potency, and imperial influence over all aspects.
- Advertisement -

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Saturday dispatched a team to investigate the case of an aircraft that crash-landed in Malolos, Bulacan.

The agency received a report from the Plaridel Tower regarding a crash-landed Cessna C152 type aircraft operated by Fliteline Aviation in a ricefield in Malolos, Bulacan around 2:15 pm. Saturday.

According to the initial report, the aircraft with registry number RP-C2673 was on a touch-go training flight with a route from Plaridel to Subic and back to Plaridel. It performed an emergency landing procedure due to an engine failure southwest of North Luzon Expressway.

The pilot and student pilot on board survived the emergency landing and were reported safe.

The Operations Center and the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center of CAAP have been alerted to the incident, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board has been dispatched to the crash site to investigate.
- Advertisement -

Israeli air strikes pummeled densely crowded Rafah on Saturday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to prepare to operate in the southern border city that has become a last refuge for displaced Palestinians.

Netanyahus planned offensive on Rafah, where an estimated 1.3 million people have fled, has drawn condemnation from rights groups and Washington, while Palestinians have said they have nowhere left to retreat.

Witnesses reported new strikes on Rafah early Saturday, after the Israeli military intensified air raids, with fears rising among Palestinians of a coming ground invasion.

We dont know where to go, said Mohammad al-Jarrah, a Palestinian who was displaced from further north to Rafah.

The city is the last major population center in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter and also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.

- Advertisement -

Netanyahu told military officials on Friday to submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions of Hamas militants holed up in Rafah, his office said.

The US State Department said it does not support a ground offensive in Rafah, warning that, if not properly planned, such an operation risks disaster.

The United States is Israels main international backer, providing itwith billions of dollars in military aid.

But in a sign of growing frustration, US President Joe Biden issued his strongest criticism of Israel yet, describing the retaliation for Hamass Oct. 7 attack as going too far.

Im of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza, in the Gaza Strip, has been over the top, the US president said.

There are a lot of innocent people who are starving in trouble and dying, and its got to stop.

Displaced Palestinians have flooded into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands are sleeping in tents pushed up against the Egyptian border.

AFP images showed scenes of devastation, with people queuing for increasingly scarce water.

Rights groups have sounded alarm at the prospect of a ground incursion.

Israels declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic andmust not proceed, Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. There is no place that is safe in Gaza and no way for people to leave.

The Hamas-run territorys health ministry on Saturday said that at least 110 people were killed in overnight bombardment, including 25 in strikes in Rafah.

The previous day, the Palestinian Red Crescent said that three children were killed in a strike in Rafah.

We heard the sound of a huge explosion next to our house we found two children martyred in the street, said Jaber al-Bardini, 60.

There is no safe place in Rafah. If they storm Rafah, we will die in our homes.

Israeli forces raided Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gazas biggest city, on Friday after a weeks-long siege during which the Palestinian Red Crescent reported intense artillery shelling and heavy gunfire.

The medical organisation said Israeli forces had arrested eight of its team members at the hospital, including four doctors, as well as four wounded individuals and five patients companions.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said any Israeli push into Rafah would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare.

But Netanyahus office said it would be impossible to achieve the wars objective of eliminating Hamas while leaving four of the militants battalions in Rafah.

Hamass unprecedented Oct. 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

In response, Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas and launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Militants seized 250 hostages, 132 of whom are still in Gaza, but 29 are presumed dead, Israel has said.

State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said an Israeli ground operation in Rafah was not something wed support.

To conduct such an operation right now with no planning and little thought would be a disaster, Patel warned.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had conveyed Washingtons concerns to Netanyahu directly during talks this week in Jerusalem, he added.

On the ceasefire talks, Blinken said he still saw space for agreement to be reached to halt the fighting and bring home Israeli hostages, even after Netanyahu rejected what he labelled Hamass bizarre demands.

Hamas negotiators left Cairo on Friday after what a Hamas source described as positive and good discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

The delegation left Cairo tonight (Friday) and is awaiting Israels response, a Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the issue.
- Advertisement -

Canada has approved a total of CAD28.15 million or approximately P1.1 billion in development assistance to support the Philippines health care, disaster resilience, and climate adaptation efforts, the Canadian Embassy in Manila announced Saturday.

The funding includes a new CAD12.5 million commitment for disaster resilience on top of the CAD15 million that Canadian Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced when he visited the Philippines in January.

An additional CAD650,000 was set aside for the monitoring and evaluation covering all three initiatives, bringing the total to CAD28.15 million.

Canada and the Philippines share a close relationship. During my recent visit to the region, I met with local leaders to discuss our important shared work on improving biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, womens empowerment, and health care services  all areas that Canada is supporting through its development assistance, Hussen said.

By working together, well build healthier and more resilient communities in the Philippines and here at home.

- Advertisement -

Forest Foundation Philippines will get CAD8 million of the funding to support gender-responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss in vulnerable communities.

Alinea International will implement a CAD12.5-million project to enhance climate resilience in six vulnerable provinces in the Philippines.

Plan International Canada, on the other hand, will implement a CAD7-million project for health promotion campaigns and increased healthcare services in remote communities.

This project will also provide training for local health professionals in partnership with the University of Montreal School of Public Health, the embassy said.

The projects announced today demonstrate Canadas commitment to addressing global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The Philippines and Canada have shared a close partnership, built on shared values and close people-to-people ties, for decades, said Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Our government will continue to be there for the Philippines through our development programming.

Canadas first Filipina Cabinet minister Rechie Valdez said the funding announcement further underlines the strength of the bond between the two states.

By continuing to work together on our shared goals of battling climate change, improving the quality of health care services, and womens empowerment, our incredible relationship will only continue to get stronger. This is great news for Filipinos here in Canada and abroad, she said.
- Advertisement -

The United States and the Philippines held their third joint sea and air patrol in three months in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, the allies said.

The latest sea and air patrols came as Washington seeks to strengthen its defense ties in the region in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

The sea and air patrols involved the US combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords and an MH-60S SeaHawk helicopter, along with the Philippine Navys BRP Gregorio del Pilar warship and an AW109 helicopter.

The Philippine military said the patrol was held in its exclusive economic zone but did not provide an exact location.

Sailing and operating together demonstrates our commitment to improving our interoperability and continued coordination, Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore of US Destroyer Squadron 7, said in a statement.

- Advertisement -

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said the patrol fosters closer cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities.

Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, commander of the Western Command, lauded the completion of the latest maritime cooperative activity (MCA).

These cooperative ventures serve not just as training for our forces at sea but as a clear signal of our shared resolve to maintain regional peace and security, Carlos said

The first joint sea and air patrol of the two allies was held in November and was followed by a second round in January, as China held military drills in the same waters.

That came weeks after tense standoffs between China and the Philippines around disputed reefs in the South China Sea that saw a collision between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats.

In separate exercises, the US and Japanese navies also held joint drills in the West Philippine Sea this month.

Washington, which has a mutual defense pact with Manila, has denounced aggressive Chinese actions towards its ally and vowed to keep open the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars worth of trade is shipped every year.

Beijing claims almost the entire waterway and has ignored an international ruling that its claims have no legal basis.

China also claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has vowed to seize the island, by force if necessary, ramping up pressure with major military drills in the Taiwan Strait.
- Advertisement -

Social media TikTok on Friday lost a court bid to suspend strict new EU rules designating it a market gatekeeper, pending a final ruling on the video-sharing apps legal challenge to the law.

The landmark European Union law would force major tech firms to change their ways in a way that regulators hope will create a fairer market.

Coming into force next month, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) designates six gatekeepers facing the curbs: Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft  and ByteDance, the only non-US company.

TikTok filed a legal challenge against its designation in November.

The platform owned by Chinas ByteDance asked the Luxembourg-based General Court last year to suspend its obligation to comply with the DMA while its case is ongoing.

- Advertisement -

ByteDance has failed to demonstrate the urgency required for an interim order in order to avoid serious and irreparable damage, the court said in a statement.

The company had argued that complying with the contested decision risks causing the disclosure of highly strategic information concerning TikToks user profiling practices, which is not otherwise in the public domain, the court added.

A TikTok spokesperson said the company was disappointed with the decision but added: We look forward to having the substance of our case heard on an expedited basis.

TikTok has been preparing for compliance and will continue to do so, the spokesperson said in a statement.

The DMA also identified 22 core platforms provided by companies including Facebook, Instagram and several Alphabet products including YouTube.

TikTok is not the only firm that is challenging the EU in the courts over the labels.

Meta is also contesting the designation of its instant messenger service Messenger as a core platform service, and its Facebook Marketplace.

TikTok and Meta this week also said they would take legal action against the EU over a fee that the worlds biggest tech companies must pay under a content moderation law.
- Advertisement -

Astara has been granted the exclusive rights to import and distribute JAC cars and pick-ups in the Philippines, marking a significant partnership between Astara and the renowned brand on a global scale. This collaboration will bring JACs diverse range of SUVs and pick-up models to the rapidly expanding Philippine market, catering to the evolving demands of both consumers and commercial customers. Additionally, JAC has plans to introduce electrified models, including fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), with the goal of establishing itself as the benchmark for the local market.

Jorge Navea, CEO of Astara, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of JAC in their global portfolio and the exclusive distribution rights in the Philippines. He highlighted JACs standing as a prominent brand operating in over 100 countries, emphasizing the companys commitment to quality and dedication to electrification, which aligns perfectly with Astaras vision for the future of mobility. Navea also emphasized the strategic importance of the Philippine market for Astaras international expansion plans, expressing confidence in showcasing their capabilities through JACs distribution.

David Zhang, Vice President of JAC MOTORS, emphasized the significant strategic and practical value of the Philippine market for JAC. He stated that JAC will adhere to a user-centric business philosophy and work closely with Astara to provide Filipino users with superior products and service experiences.

The partnership between Astara and JAC is anticipated to bring exciting opportunities for Filipino customers, offering a wide range of high-quality vehicles that cater to various preferences and needs. As JAC expands its presence in the Philippines, consumers can look forward to a lineup of electrified models that embody the brands commitment to cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
- Advertisement -

BYDs Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have emerged as strong contenders for the prestigious 2024 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) awards. The World Car Awards has recognized the BYD Seal performance sedan as a Top 10 Finalist for the WCOTY overall title, while the BYD Dolphin hatchback has secured a spot as a Top 5 Finalist in the 2024 World Urban Car category. These nominations also make the BYD Seal and Dolphin eligible for the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award.

The BYD Atto 3 subcompact crossover has also earned a place among the initial 36-car list of qualifiers for the 2024 World Car Awards. With three eligible entries, BYD is one of only two brands to have achieved this feat for this years World Car of the Year prize.

The World Car Awards, now in its 20th year, consists of over 100 jurors who are esteemed motoring journalists from around the world. Their role is to recognize, reward, and inspire automotive excellence, leadership, and innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

BYD DOLPHIN

To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, vehicles must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units per year and priced below the luxury car level in their primary markets. They must also be available for sale in at least two major markets on two separate continents between January 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024.

Antonio Zara III, President of Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), the exclusive distributor of BYD cars in the Philippines, expressed pride in the inclusion of the BYD Seal and Dolphin as finalists in the World Car of the Year awards. Zara further highlighted the availability of the BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin models at BYD Cars Philippines dealerships, noting that they embody BYDs core brand advantages, such as innovation, technology, safety, range, and accessibility. He also mentioned the Ayala Corporations commitment to installing 160 EV charging stations this year, making BYD electric vehicles practical and sustainable mobility solutions for an increasing number of Filipino car buyers.

- Advertisement -

Test drives and reservations for BYD vehicles can be made at authorized dealers located in Quezon Avenue and Makati. Customers can also inquire through the official BYD Cars Philippines website (www.bydcars.ph) or the brands social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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:

CRISPR is combined with nanopore sensing technology to detect whether or not mpox is present in a sample. Credit: Md. Ahasan Ahamed.

Mpox is a rare viral disease that is spread through physical contact between people. Currently, testing for mpox requires lab equipment and can take a few hours to get test results. But new research suggests a way for faster testing that could be done in any clinic soon.

Md. Ahasan Ahamed, a graduate student mentored by Weihua Guan at Pennsylvania State University presents this research at the 68th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, held February 1014, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Though mpox symptoms are generally mild with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, severe cases can occur and require medical attention. Because the disease is contagious, testing is important so that people with the disease can isolate until symptoms resolve or get appropriate medical care.

To develop a faster test, the researchers used CRISPR, the Nobel-prize winning gene editing technology. Since 2017, scientists have expanded the application of CRISPR technology from gene editing to molecular diagnostic techniques.

For this study, Ahamed created a genetic sequence combined with a reporter to specifically target the mpox virus. Then a programmable CRISPR RNA binds to both the target and a protein called Cas12a and together, the CRISPR/Cas12a cleaves the reporter to create various sizes of fragments. The researchers can then use nanopore sensing technology to analyze those reporters' fragments, providing a rapid and accurate test that detects whether or not mpox is present in the sample.

The team confirmed that the test they created is specific to mpoxwhen they tested samples of cowpox virus, a close relative of mpox, the test did not show a positive result.

The whole process is quick: "In total it takes 32 to 55 minutes to detect the target, depending on viral load," Ahamed said, which is much faster than it currently takes to test for mpox in a lab using PCR method.

The researchers plan to apply this nanopore technology to create tests for other pathogens, allowing one sample to be tested for multiple targets using portable device. And while the technology is not currently commercially available, Ahamed is hopeful that they will soon create a device that could make this kind of pathogen testing widely available.
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:

People who visit the Andes Mountain Range in South America can feel the physical effects of lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. However, some people who live there have evolved over hundreds of generations to tolerate these low-oxygen conditions. Credit: Elysia Cook McDermott

Humans are still evolving, and Tatum Simonson, Ph.D., founder and co-director of the Center for Physiological Genomics of Low Oxygen at University of California School of Medicine, plans to use evolution to improve health care for all.

Her latest research, which was published February 9, 2024 in Science Advances, reveals that a gene variant in some Andean people is associated with reduced red blood cell count at high altitudes, enabling them to safely live high in the mountains in low-oxygen conditions. Simonson's UC San Diego lab is applying those findings toward understanding whether there may be a genetic component to why some people with sleep apnea or pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fare better than others.

Explained Simonson, "There are people with COPD who breathe a lot and maintain a higher oxygen saturation. Others with the same disease don't breathe as much, and their oxygen saturation is low. Researchers suspect there may be genetic differences underlying this variation, similar to the variation we find in pathways important for oxygen sensing and responses underlying natural selection at high altitude."

Our cells need oxygen to survive. When there isn't enough in the environment, our bodies produce extra red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Too many red blood cells, however, create a dangerous condition called excessive erythrocytosis (EE), which makes the blood viscous, which could lead to stroke or heart failure.

Her previous research showed that many mountain-dwelling Tibetans exposed to low-oxygen situations are born with innate mechanisms that protect them from poor outcomes at high altitude, including the overproduction of red blood cells. Part of this is due to changes in the regulation of the EPAS1 gene, which lowers hemoglobin concentrations by regulating the pathway that responds to changing oxygen levels. Advances in genetics have shown that modern Tibetans received this genetic advantage from their ancestors who mixed with archaic humans living in Asia tens of thousands of years agoa unique evolutionary history confined to this population.

For her latest research, Dr. Simonson, who is also the John B. West Endowed Chair in Respiratory Physiology and associate professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine & Physiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, zoomed in on the EPAS1 region of the genome. She and her team focused on a mutation in the gene that is present in some people living in the Andes but is absent in all other human populations. When they scanned whole Andean genomes, they found a pattern surrounding this variant suggesting that the genetic change, which alters only a single amino acid in the protein product, happened by chance, relatively recently (from 9,000 to 13,000 years ago), and spread very quickly through hundreds of generations within the Andean population.

Similar to Tibetans, the EPAS1 gene is associated with lower red blood cell count in Andeans who possess it. However, the researchers were surprised to find that the variant works in a completely different way from the Tibetan version of the gene; rather than regulating its levels, the Andean variant changes the genetic makeup of the protein, altering the DNA in every single cell.

UC San Diego Researchers found that a gene variant in some Andean people is associated with reduced red blood cell count at high altitude, enabling them to safely live high in the mountains in low-oxygen conditions. The results could help scientists improve precision medicine for sleep apnea and pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Credit: Elysia Cook McDermott

"Tibetans have, in general, an average lower hemoglobin concentration, and their physiology deals with low oxygen in a way that doesn't increase their red blood cells to excessively high levels. Now we have the first signs of evidence that Andeans are also going down that path, involving the same gene, but with a protein-coding change. Evolution has worked in these two populations, on the same gene, but in different ways," said Simonson.

This study exemplifies a current approach in research that connects genetic targets of natural selection with complex disease genesunderstanding, for example, how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive and maladaptive responses to low oxygen, as this study reveals.

In Simonson's lab, that means figuring out what downstream target genes are being turned on in response to low oxygen, among other things. Said Simonson, "This paper shows one gene associated with one particular phenotype, but we think there are many different genes and components of oxygen transport involved. It's just one piece of that puzzle, and could provide researchers with information relevant to other populations."

Simonson and her team are working with Latino populations in San Diego and El Centro, California, as well as Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico, taking them to high altitudes and recording their breathing while awake and asleep. They're cross-referencing their findings with publicly available databases to determine whether the findings they've made in Andeans are also found in local Latinos who may share some genetic variants with the Andeans.

"In precision medicine, it's important to recognize variation in genetic backgrounds, specifically in historically understudied populations," Simonson said. "If we can find some shared genetic factors in populations in an extreme environment, that may help us understand aspects of health and disease in that group and groups more locally. In that way, this study aims to push research forward, and towards comprehensive personalized medicine approaches in clinics here in San Diego."

More information: Elijah S. Lawrence et al, Functional EPAS1 / HIF2A missense variant is associated with hematocrit in Andean highlanders, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj5661 Journal information: Science Advances
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 stool test appears to detect colorectal cancer precursors better than the current fecal immunochemical test. This could further reduce the number of new colorectal cancer cases as well as the number of people dying from the disease. A study led by the Netherlands Cancer Institute compared both tests.

Their results are published in The Lancet Oncology.

Each year worldwide, approximately 1.9 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 935,000 people lose their lives as a result of the condition. If detected early, colorectal cancer is curable. However, by the time symptoms such as weight loss or blood in the stool appear, it is often too late. That is why many countries have introduced population-based screening programs. In The Netherlands, for example, people between the ages of 55 and 75 are invited to be tested every two years.

Most population-wide screening programs use the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a stool test that measures the presence of the blood protein hemoglobin. Worldwide, colorectal cancer screening programs have proven to be successful in diagnosing colorectal cancer at earlier stages and reducing colorectal cancer mortality.

Three proteins

"The current test performs well but leaves room for improvement," says Gerrit Meijer, principal investigator at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. "We want to be able to detect the tumors before they have become invasive, that is at the stage of larger premalignant polyps. Treating physicians then can remove these polyps during a colonoscopy, rather than by surgery."

Meijer and his colleagues at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, the Amsterdam UMC and Erasmus MC have been working on a new test for years. This multitargetFIT-test (mtFIT) measures hemoglobin and two additional proteins. An earlier retrospective study demonstrated promising results.

Cancer precursors

Today, the researchers published the results of a much larger, prospective study that compared the mtFIT to the current FIT in over 13,000 participants of the Dutch national population-based screening program. The study was a success.

"The new test can detect cancer precursors more effectively," Meijer explains. "Our results predict that the test can reduce the number of new cases of colorectal cancer and mortality resulting from it." For participants, the new test is just as easy to use as the current test.

More true-positive results

The new test yielded more positive results than the current test. While this led to more colonoscopies, with the new mtFIT test, doctors found abnormalities in 299 persons, compared to 159 persons with the current FIT test. This difference mainly concerned persons with a high-risk precursor of colon cancer (216 versus 114). Meijer says, "The new test detects more larger polyps without a significant increase in 'false-positive' results and thus unnecessary colonoscopies."

The exact number of colorectal cancer cases that could be prevented with this new test depends on the way the current FIT test is used in different countries.

Meijer says, "The Dutch screening program applies a relatively high cutoff value to consider the FIT test positive, meaning unfavorable. Here, the new mtFIT test could lead to 21% fewer cases of colorectal cancer and 18% fewer mortalities. In countries that already use a lower FIT cutoff value, these figures would be lower, but likely at least 5% fewer people would develop colorectal cancer, with at least 4% fewer mortalities. In both scenarios, the new test could be cost-effective."

Implementation of mtFIT in existing FIT-based screening programs will be relatively easy because both tests basically require the same screening logistics.

"This is exceptionally good news," says Meijer. The new test cannot replace the current population screening test just yet. "The critical next step is to produce the test at an industrial scale according to European diagnostic test guidelines. To this end we founded the company CRCbioscreen, to enable the test to benefit CRC screening participants in the Netherlands and beyond."

More information: The multitarget faecal immunochemical test for improving stool-based colorectal cancer screening programmes: a Dutch population-based, paired-design, intervention study, The Lancet Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00651-4 Journal information: Lancet Oncology
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Rat fetal lung cells like those used to measure sodium transport. Cell nuclei are shown in blue and in orange are the actin filaments in the cytoskeleton. Credit: Jonas Naumann.

Many premature infants need mechanical ventilation to breathe. However, prolonged ventilation can lead to problems like respiratory diseases or ventilation-induced injury.

Jonas Naumann and Mareike Zink study the physics of mechanical stress from ventilation at Leipzig University, in Leipzig, Germany and discovered some of the mechanisms that explain why premature lungs are especially sensitive to stress. Naumann presents the research at the 68th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, held February 1014, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

When you breathe normally, your diaphragm and the muscles between ribs create a negative pressure inside the lung. "But when you are undergoing mechanical ventilation, you are creating hydrostatic overpressure. And the forces which are acting during mechanical ventilation are completely different than during normal breathing. And this is probably causing some kind of damage to the cells," Zink explained.

Using lung tissue from fetal and adult rats, the researchers together with collaborators from the Division of Neonatology, University Clinic Leipzig, used varying amounts of tension with rest phases in between, similar to the actions that occur within the lung during mechanical ventilation.

Even with a little pressure, the premature rat lung tissue showed characteristics of being both elastic and viscous. This means the lung tissue changed its shape and responded to stress in a way that wasn't normal. Moreover, they found that "the fetal lung is much stiffer than the adult lung under deformation," said Naumann.

To determine whether these tension-related changes in the tissue led to alterations in sodium transport, which is important for removing the water from the lungs that is present at birth, the team used electrophysiology to measure the movement of ions across a layer of premature lung cells.

They found that changes in pressure affected the activity of two channels involved in sodium transportthe epithelial sodium channel and the sodium-potassium ion pump in the cells of lung alveoli. This disruption in the normal function of these transporters could explain why mechanical ventilation has negative effects on the infant's lungs.

"This may be the reason why lung fluid cannot get absorbed that well into the circulation after the preterm births," Naumann explained. He hopes that there will be more research about what ventilator settings might lead to the best outcomes for preemies. Naumann points out that "small pressure gradients can have such a big impact on the lung mechanics."

The next phase of their research will be exploring how the lung tissue's extracellular matrix, the scaffolding and the glue that holds cells together, plays a role in mechanical ventilation. By better understanding how the premature lung responds to pressure, they hope that future studies improve therapies for babies born early.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Friday issued a letter to U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy to voice his concern over a potential plan to move outgoing mail processing from Missoula to Spokane.

"I write today regarding reports I have heard from Montanans about the Mail Processing Facility Review at the Missoula Processing and Distribution Center that was recently announced by the United States Postal Service," Tester wrote. "I share the concerns that Montanans have voiced in response to this review and oppose any plans that would reduce workforce, capacity or delivery standards for Montanans."

The USPS had in January announced a plan to conduct a review of the Missoula facilities to see if they can be "modernized" for more efficient operations. The Postal Service said it is looking into whether outgoing mail processing services currently performed in Missoula could be done in Spokane. That would mean all outgoing mail in Missoula would be first trucked to Spokane for processing, then a lot of it bound for Missoula and western Montana would get shipped back to Missoula for delivery.

Last week, the president of the local chapter of the American Postal Workers Union Local #113, Robert Hopp, told the Missoulian that he and "100%" of his fellow unionized, non-management co-workers were against any such plan. Hopp said he believed between 9 and13 non-career employees would lose their jobs. Hopp also said mail delivery times would be drastically increased because the mail would have to make such a long journey. He noted that things like important tax documents, bills and medications would get delayed.

Tester seemed to share Hopp's concerns, saying the Missoula P&DC is a critical part of postal operations in Montana.

"The center employs over a hundred Montanans and has served the community for decades," Tester wrote. "If processing were to be moved out-of-state, mail would get sent from Missoula more than 200 miles over two mountain passes to Spokane to be sorted before any of it is sent back to be delivered. This plan would involve driving our mail in semis over Lookout Pass, which is a precarious route and is often closed due to bad weather. I fail to see how this transfer would result in improved postal service for Montanans."

Tester said many small businesses in Montana rely on the mail system to send products to customers and many people rely on timely USPS service to send checks and mortgage payments to the banks. He also noted that mail delivery affects seniors in rural areas who depend on the mail for prescriptions and federal benefits.

"I urge you to immediately halt any proposal to move Missoula operations to Spokane and refocus efforts on improving delivery standards in rural America," Tester concluded.
Story Time for Diverse Abilities

Join Youth Services librarians when they read a selection of engaging stories geared toward teens through adults with cognitive or other disabilities. This program is held twice a month with the next Story Time happening on Feb. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Art Box on Level Two of the library.

AARP TaxAide Free Services

This tax season AARP Foundation TaxAide will offer free federal and state tax preparation every Tuesday starting Feb. 6, at Missoula Public Library. From students to seniors and everyone in-between, if you file a simple 1040 Form the AARP Foundation TaxAide would love to see you! All TaxAide preparers are IRS certified and your federal and state taxes will be electronically filed on site, thereby speeding up your refund. Visit their website to make an appointment and learn more at: aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/.

Memory Cafe: Valentine Crafts and Treats

Missoula Public Librarys Memory Cafe is a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers and family members. This month celebrate love when you make Valentine crafts and treats. This program is held on Feb. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Cooper Room B on Level Four of the library.

Read with Dogs

Registered Pet Partners Therapy Dog teams are just waiting for your child to read them a book at Missoula Public Library! Your child can read a favorite book from home or pick one of the many picture books we have to offer. This program is held on Feb. 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library and is great for hesitant readers or kids who just love dogs.

Talk Time for English Language Learners

On Feb. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library come in and practice speaking with other English language learners. Learn about U.S. culture and meet people from around the world. Child care enrichment activities are provided onsite in collaboration with Families First Learning Lab.

Windows 11 Home Edition User Group

Want to be more confident using Microsoft Windows? Join us for two-hour Microsoft Windows User Group sessions the second Wednesday of every month. In this class, held on Feb. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Blackfoot Room on Level Four of the library, participants will have fun learning everything about Windows with instructor and your Windows facilitator, Dan Hubing. These sessions are open to the public and no registration is required; simply show up and enjoy. Each session will start with a demonstration and discussion of a specific feature followed by an open discussion with Q&A. Prior to attending the meeting participants can download the Windows 11 User Group Tips PDF file, find updates to the meeting, and get the latest tips document on the Missoula Public Librarys website at: missoulapubliclibrary.org/calendar-of-events/windows-11-user-group/.

MakerSpace Mending and Sewing

Bring your damaged clothing to the Makerspace and learn how to mend them during these mending and sewing-focused walk-in hours. This drop-in program is held every Wednesday with the next session on Feb. 14 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the MakerSpace on Level One of the library.

YMCA Yoga at the Library

Missoula Public Library is thrilled to partner with Missoula Family YMCA to offer free yoga! On Feb. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. in Cooper Room A on Level Four of the library we will focus on basic yoga postures, alignment principles, and breathing techniques that help balance, strengthen, and stretch the body  beginners are welcome!

Missoula Scholastic Chess Club at MPL

Join the Missoula Chess Club for this meeting held the first and third Thursdays of each month throughout the school year. Students from grades second through 12 are welcome to come play and learn new moves and beginners are welcome. The next club meeting will be held on Feb. 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Cooper Room B on Level Four of the library.

Family History Writing Contest Review Deadline

The Writing Contest coordinator will review any submission received by 5 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, Feb. 16 for formatting compliance. Entries will be accepted until March 1, via Submittable: https://missoulapubliclibrary.submittable.com/submit.

Friday Afterschool Meals at the Library

Afterschool meals are available at Missoula Public Library! MPL will serve meals to kiddos 18 and under, courtesy of the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, every Friday in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library from 2:30 to 5 p.m. The next afterschool meals will be available on Feb. 16. This service will run until June 7.

Western Montana Genealogical Society Work Day

The Western Montana Genealogical Society will host a Work Day on Feb. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Blackfoot Room on Level Four of the library. Bring a part of your genealogical project to the gathering. Other genealogists will be working on their projects and can lend a hand if needed, and share websites and advice on research problems.
LUANG PRABANG, Laos  Landlocked Laos doesn't have the famous beaches of its neighbors to attract tourists, but instead relies on the pristine beauty of its mountains and rivers and historical sites to bring in visitors.

The crown jewel is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where legend has it that Buddha once rested during his travels. It brings all the elements together, with its mix of historic Laotian and French colonial architecture on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers.

But a multibillion-dollar dam project underway 15 miles upstream has prompted concerns that it could result in the city losing its UNESCO status, and broader questions about what the government's ambitious plans to build multiple dams across the Mekong will do to the river, the lifeblood of Southeast Asia.

When the Luang Prabang Dam is complete, and it's already well under construction, the river is going to trickle into a dead body of water, said Brian Eyler, director of the Washington-based Stimson Center's Southeast Asia Program and its Energy, Water and Sustainability Program.

The people going to Luang Prabang as tourists to see the mighty Mekong and see how the Lao people interact with the river, all those interactions are going to be gone  all the fishing, meaningful local boating and commerce done by locals on relatively small boats will end.

The dam is also being built near an active fault line, and though studies of the design conclude it could withstand an earthquake, local residents are worried.

For Som Phone, a 38-year-old tour boat operator and lifelong Luang Prabang resident, memories of the 2018 collapse of another dam in Laos that killed dozens and displaced thousands, blamed on shoddy construction, are still fresh.

Many people died, he said.

Luang Prabang is not yet on UNESCO's list of endangered World Heritage sites, but the Paris-based agency has outlined a series of concerns, including the protection of historic buildings and the effect of the dam project on protected wetlands and the city's riverbanks, and is awaiting a report back from Laos.

Previous studies carried out by the authorities have not yet established whether or not the project could have a negative impact, UNESCO said in an email.

The issue is to be discussed by UNESCO in July during its meetings in New Delhi, but in the meantime, the construction continues.

The site is a hive of activity, with backhoes tearing shovelfuls of deep red soil from the hills along the river, which are then dumped along with loads of stone into the Mekong to form a foundation.

The dam site is within view of the Pak Ou caves, home to hundreds of Buddha statues and a popular side trip for tourists visiting Luang Prabang.

Once completed, the project is expected to displace more than 500 families and impact 20 villages.

Nestled among the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang was the capital from the 14th to the 16th century before it was moved to Vientiane.

Its historic center has numerous Buddhist temples, a former royal palace, buildings from the French colonial era and a mountaintop shrine built around what is said to be Buddha's footprint. Several picturesque waterfalls are within a short drive from the city.

A bustling night market boasts stalls selling traditional Lao handicrafts, locally made whisky, as well as trinkets made from fragments of some of the millions of American bombs dropped on the country during the Vietnam conflict in a campaign to try to disrupt communist supply lines. At a vibrant morning market, vendors sell brightly colored peppers, spices, fish and more exotic foods.

Many visitors arrive on small river cruise boats, or by train on a new high-speed rail system, built with funding from China as part of its Belt and Road project, which connects Vientiane with the Chinese city of Kunming.

It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape combined with its natural spaces located in the heart of the city and along the riverbanks and wetlands.

The Luang Prabang dam is one of nine that Laos plans across the Mekong. Two others already exist, and Laos has also constructed dozens of dams on Mekong tributaries, moving at a rapid pace over about the last 12 years as part of an ambitious government plan to make the country the battery of Southeast Asia by supplying its neighbors with electricity.

Laos has relied heavily on foreign funding, primarily from China and Thailand, for the construction, part of the reason it now owes a crippling debt to China that it is struggling to repay.

When we think about the Laos battery of Southeast Asia, program, that was really Laos flinging its doors wide open to foreign investors to come in and build dams, said Eyler, who also co-leads the Stimson Center's Mekong Dam Monitor program.

The first mainstream dam was the Xayaburi dam, just downstream from Luang Prabang, which began operating in 2019 and has already affected the city, said Philip Hirsch, a professor emeritus of human geography at Sydney University.

For tourist Barbara Curti, who came to Luang Prabang to see the real people, the real life of Laos, a new dam could significantly impact the appeal of the city as a destination.

They would change too much of the life and the real character of the city, said the 46-year-old Italian, sitting on the banks of the Mekong with a friend. In my opinion, we have to preserve the traditions.

Laos crown jewel: Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It has been said that: "When fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag and waving the cross."
WEST LIBERTY  This month, the West Liberty Community School District is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its English-Spanish Dual Language program.

First starting in fall 1997, the program became the first of its kind within the state and has seen many students successfully graduate from it.

The Dual Language Program was meant as an innovative way to help both English and Spanish-speaking students within the West Liberty community, said Brenda Arthur-Miller, the program's director.

Since its initial start, the program has extended to the communities of Atalissa and Nichols as well, serving students throughout their time in school  from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade.

The dual language program is as strong as ever, and we are excited to be celebrating the 25th year of this amazing program in our district, Arthur-Miller said. Were very grateful for the support weve received from the community, the school board and our families in helping this program get to 25 years.

Looking back on the programs start, while there was plenty of enthusiasm for the program, it had taken some time to find teachers and building new curriculum to help fulfill the programs growing needs as its first group of students went from kindergarten to third grade and beyond, she said.

It was sort of like the old building the airplane as youre flying it metaphor," Arthur-Miller said.

Still, thanks to the hard work done by the Dual Language staff as well as the support the program continued receiving from the community through grants, the program slowly proved to be a success. In 2007, West Liberty was able to begin a partnership with the International Spanish Academy, part of the Ministry of Education in Spain.

Through this new partnership, the programs first group of graduating students, who graduated in 2011, were able to receive diplomas from the International Spanish Academy in addition to their high school diplomas. They are officially recognized as being bilingual and biliterate following their passing of the AP Spanish-Language and Culture test at the end of their senior year.

Our first graduating group was 13 students and since then, depending on the year, we graduate somewhere between 15 to 25 kids from the dual language program each year, and its just continued to grow, Arthur-Miller said.

Some of the program's strength comes from the community and family commitment to it, she said. That builds on the district's commitment, giving the program the resources it needs to thrive.

Its a program within our district but its not a mandatory program, so it requires commitment from everyone involved, and we definitely have that commitment, she said.

Arthur-Miller went on to emphasize the benefit that having a seal of biliteracy alongside bilingual skills can have on their students transcripts and resumes. Many colleges offer credit to those who have taken the AP Spanish exam and earned at least a 3 on it.

Beyond the academic and career benefits, however, Arthur-Miller also said she saw the program as another way to bring the community together.

West Liberty is over 60% Hispanic, she said. Which is also reflected within our school community, so we have a lot of families whose first language is Spanish  with some having it as their only language  so this program is a way to connect with and support our community as well as provide (Spanish) literacy services for our English-language learners helping them be more successful academically and in English-language proficiency.

Looking ahead to the programs future, Arthur-Miller said the district would continue finding ways to grow and develop it, adapting and likely incorporating new standards, curriculum and technology into the program.

Were never satisfied with the status quo," she said.
This last New Year's Eve, the Napa Valley skies were ablaze with illegal fireworks. In the winter, were less concerned about fires from stray fireworks, but nonetheless, they are illegal. Thinking ahead to the next Fourth of July and the controversy over dangerous summertime fireworks, Ive wondered if there are alternatives to our addiction to the explosive nighttime displays.

Our Independence Day celebrates Americas birthday, a celebration of the rich history of a proud, complex and rowdy country. The Fourth reminds us that we all have so much in common: the desire to blow things up.

Interesting, theres a direct life-safety issue as well. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission an estimated 10,200 firework-related injuries occurred in 2022, with almost 7,500 of them occurring around the Fourth. No surprise.

July Fourth is selected to create stiff necks, terrify dogs and scramble fire trucks. With todays fire safety requirements and energy sustainable demands, alternate methods of producing the smoke and glory are essential. Maybe laser light shows are our destiny. Architects and engineers have been using lasers for years to measure spaces, check foundations, read bar codes, provide surgery and music. So what about holiday Sky Displays?"

Laser light displays can be a huge range of special effects with intense colors, up to 1,000 feet above the audience. Any of us who have attended BottleRock or Oxbow music events know how low-level laser displays can highlight the event. As the laser shows become more complex and achieve high atmospheric dynamics, they can mimic the traditional or explore new frontiers. They can also display images, logos and advertising that could rival network TV. Im not sure if we want to see Progressive Insurance ads in the sky but thats something to consider. Its time to make a change to a less disruptive, more eco-friendly alternative.

A laser display can be incredibly hypnotic and inspiring. Much as we love celebrating the 1814 Star-Spangled Banner with exploding rockets and red glare, the world has changed, and we are all trying to embrace a new future without dangerous explosives and carbon burning, that fireworks are all about.

The fireworks industry is transitioning to sky displays and also embracing drone shows of lit-up flying objects replacing the classic explosions. While the cost is currently high, the U.S. Military is rapidly expanding the software and technology to make drones accessible to so many industries. Sometimes we forget our militarys inventive contributions such as GPS, the internet, microwave ovens, tampons (yeah, believe it!) and even silly putty. Your dollars at work!

A drone light show is a swarm of drones flying in formation, directed by a ground station using precession cadence to maintain constant location. Drone light shows can be in excess of 1,000 drones, and perform such things as dances, light effects, animations, and acrobatics. All drone pilots in the U.S. are now required to operate their drones according to FAA Remote ID rules. The brightest and best illuminated drone is the Lumenier ARORA and is the Taylor Swift of drone light shows.

The cost of a drone show varies enormously. So far, I have not found a single company in California. They all seem to be in the Midwest but perform all over our state. A municipality could pay between $12,000 and $15,000 for a small drone light show of 25 drones. The costs goes up from there, and a drone light show with 1,000 drones could easily cost nearly $500,000.

An alternative on the horizon is combining drones with lasers to create 3-D shows. Rather than individual drones, creating individual pixels, look to multiple drones airborne to create a smoke screen for 3-D laser projected shows. A Hungarian company, CollMot Robotics Ltd, is pioneering aerial laser and drone projection fireworks. We will keep track of them.

If youre wondering why Id address this in our cold and rainy winter, maybe its something to consider before its too late for this upcoming Fourth. Or maybe thinking of summers lazy days is good for our winter weary souls.
A former Napa resident has been jailed on felony incest and sexual assault charges alleging he abused his young daughters and a niece about a decade ago.

The 63-year-old man, whose listed residence is in Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested in that city on a Napa County warrant issued Jan. 17, according to documents filed in Napa County Superior Court. He was extradited to California and booked into the Napa County jail, where he continued to be held without bail Friday.

A criminal complaint identifies the victims as the mans two daughters, who were about 6 and 5 years old at the time of the abuse, and a niece who was 14. The older of the daughters, who are now in their teens, disclosed the abuse in an interview, according to a Napa Police filing.

The Napa Valley Register is not identifying the defendant to avoid disclosing the identity of his three accusers.

The Napa County district attorneys office has charged the man with four felonies, including intercourse with a minor and two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.

The defendant was arraigned at a Thursday afternoon hearing in Napa, where he did not enter a plea. His next hearing was scheduled for March 4.

The ultimate prize: A look at every Super Bowl ring ever produced Super Bowl I: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10 Super Bowl II: Green Bay Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14 Super Bowl III: New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7 Super Bowl IV: Kansas City Chiefs 23, Minnesota Vikings 7 Super Bowl V: Baltimore Colts 16, Dallas Cowboys 13 Super Bowl VI: Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 3 Super Bowl VII: Miami Dolphins 14, Washington Redskins 7 Super Bowl VIII: Miami Dolphins 24, Minnesota Vikings 7 Super Bowl IX: Pittsburgh 16, Minnesota Vikings 6 Super Bowl X: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17 Super Bowl XI: Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14 Super Bowl XII: Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10 Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31 Super Bowl IV: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Los Angeles Rams 19 Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10 Super Bowl XVI: San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21 Super Bowl XVII: Washington Redskins 27, Miami Dolphins 17 Super Bowl XVIII: Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redskins 9 Super Bowl XIX: San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16 Super Bowl XX: Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10 Super Bowl XXI: New York Giants 39, Denver Broncos 20 Super Bowl XXII: Washington Redskins 42, Denver Broncos 10 Super Bowl XXIII: San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16 Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10 Super Bowl XXV: New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19 Super Bowl XXVI: Washington Redskins 37, Buffalo Bills 24 Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17 Super Bowl XXVIII: Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13 Super Bowl XXIX: San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26 Super Bowl XXX: Dallas Cowboys 27, Pittsburgh 17 Super Bowl XXXI: Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21 Super Bowl XXXII: Denver Broncos 31, Dallas Cowboys 24 Super Bowl XXXIII: Denver Broncos 34, Atlanta Falcons 19 Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16 Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Giants 7 Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17 Super Bowl XXXVII: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, Oakland Raiders 21 Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29 Super Bowl XXXIX: New England Patriots 24, Philadelphia Eagles 21 Super Bowl XL: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Seattle Seahawks 10 Super Bowl XLI: Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17 Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14 Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23 Super Bowl LIV: New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17 Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25 Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17 Super Bowl XLVII Baltimore Ravens 34, San Francisco 49ers 31 Super Bowl XLVIII: Seattle Seahawks 43, Denver Broncos 8 Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24 Super Bowl 50: Denver Broncos 24, Carolina Panthers 10 Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 OT Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIII: New England Patriots 13, Los Angeles Rams 3 Super Bowl LIV: Kansas City Chiefs 31, San Francisco 20 Super Bowl LV: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Kansas City Chiefs 9 Super Bowl LVI: Los Angeles Rams 23, Cincinnati Bengals 20 Super Bowl LVII: Kansas City Chiefs 38, Philadelphia Eagles 35
American Canyon leaders want more information on Measure K, the planned ballot initiative to grant automatic approval to proposed warehouses that meet certain criteria.

Proponents gathered enough signatures to qualify the measure. That gives the City Council two choices  pass the measure as written into law or put the measure on the ballot. No date for the election is mentioned in city reports.

The City Council on Tuesday delayed that day of decision to March 5. It decided to first order a report on the measures potential impacts. These reports are often called 9212 reports, after the state Election Code section that authorizes them.

A 9212 report looks at such things as a ballot measure's fiscal impact, effects on land use and effects on infrastructure. It must be presented within 30 days.

To be fully informed, what we have to do is have that report, Mayor Leon Garcia said.

American Canyons industrial area is home to numerous warehouses, many of which support the wine industry, but also for such firms as IKEA and Amazon. The largest are several hundred thousand square feet.

Measure K would grant ministerial approval to proposed warehouses meeting certain standards for wetlands habitat, Swainsons hawk habitat, building energy efficiency and traffic management, among other things. Qualifying projects wouldnt face public hearings or require Planning Commission or City Council approval.

Measure K is backed by Sacramento-based Buzz Oates. The City Council last year approved the developers large Giovannoni Logistics Center, resulting in a court challenge by environmental groups that has stalled the warehouse project.

Joe Livaich of Buzz Oates told the council Tuesday that the standards in Measure K are in line with what American Canyon is adopting citywide.

We encourage the citys report, he said. I think what youll find is this measure will apply really to one major property in the city, and thats the one weve been trying to develop for the last number of years.

Livaich pointed to various features of the Giovannoni project, such as using renewable energy and no natural gas.

"Wed like to build our project," he said. "We're here because of lawsuits we feel were unjust, right, that's for a court to decide.

Attorney Frances Tinney of the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the groups suing the city over the Giovannoni project, said Measure K would lead to mandatory rubber-stamp approvals that couldnt be challenged.

Design standards under Measure K are less protective of the environment than standard California practice, according to Tinney. The measure would eliminate local oversight, taking away the publics right to have input on land use decisions and the citys right to make those decisions, she said.

The initiative would effectively hand developers a blank check to build warehouses in American Canyon without the risk, time or expense of environmental compliance, said Tinney.

Resident Barry Christian supported having the city do a report to analyze the impacts of Measure K.

I dont know if Im for Measure K or against it, he told the council. The problem is I dont understand it. I dont have enough information.

City Councilmember Mark Joseph had several areas hed like the 9212 report on Measure K to look at. We need to analyze just how much environmental review will occur or not occur if Measure K is passed, he said.

Measure K supporters needed to collect 1,323 signatures from American Canyon voters to qualify a measure. Napa County verified that 1,609 valid signatures were collected based on a sampling of 500 signatures, according to the city.

Also Tuesday, the City Council endorsed the idea of setting greenhouse gas emission standards for future warehouses. Among them are using zero-emission equipment and having rooftop solar panels.

Youre taking the environmental lead here, certainly in Napa County, certainly in the North (Bay) counties, but in all areas of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, because they dont have that standard, City Attorney William Ross said. You are doing something substantive.

City Councilmember Pierre Washington put it differently. To simplify it, this is the blueprint for developers to be successful, he said.

The council unanimously voted to introduce the proposed law and could take a final vote on Feb. 20.

PHOTOS: Napa honors Black History Month with speakers, celebration
Russia is ready to facilitate the safe return of Karabakh Armenians to the region if they wish, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told TASS.

"Unfortunately, the majority of Karabakh Armenians left the region. It was their hard but voluntary choice. In this regard, it is important to create conditions for the return of those who want to do so, with proper provision of their rights and security," he said.

"We are ready to provide all possible assistance to this process, including through the Russian peacekeeping contingent, whose presence is of great importance," Galuzin said.

According to the deputy foreign minister, "thanks to Russian efforts, including at the cost of the lives of six of our peacekeepers, significant civilian casualties were avoided" during the Azerbaijani aggression in September 2023.

"With the active mediation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent on September 20, 2023, an agreement was reached on the cessation of hostilities and negotiations were held between representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh and the Azerbaijani authorities. Our peacekeepers provided shelter for civilians, delivered humanitarian aid, organized medical evacuation," he said.

At the same time, Galuzin said that "the mentioned events did not happen out of thin air: the Armenian side recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Karabakh as part of it, as early as at the summit under the auspices of the EU in October 2022 in Prague."

"At the same time, the issue of ensuring the rights and security of the Armenian population of the region was not resolved then. Now Karabakh is being integrated into the legal field of Azerbaijan," he said.
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

The Kremlin comments on PM Pashinyan's statements about possibility of Armenia leaving CSTO
Hamas official survives assassination attempt

Lebanese army soldiers secure the area around a car wrecked in a reported Israeli drone strike. Photo: AFP

A senior Hamas officer survived Saturday an Israeli assassination attempt in Lebanon, Palestinian and Lebanese security sources told AFP, with officials reporting two killed in the attack south of Beirut.



Israeli forces and the Lebanese movement Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, have traded near-daily fire since war broke out on October 7 between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip.



But the Israel-Lebanon violence has been largely contained to the border area, and Saturday's strike was the second-farthest deadly attack from the frontier in four months of hostilities.



Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said an Israeli drone struck a car in the coastal town of Jadra, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the border.



The Palestinian source, requesting anonymity for security concerns, said the strike "was a failed attempt to assassinate a senior official in the (Hamas) movement".



A Lebanese security official, also requesting anonymity, identified the target as Hamas recruitment officer Bassel Saleh.



Shortly after the initial strike on Saleh's car, a second Israeli drone hit the same location, killing two people, the official said.



Hezbollah said one of its members had died.



Saleh "survived but suffered burns on his back and was admitted to hospital", the Lebanese official said.



The official added Saleh is "in charge of a recruitment unit in the West Bank", occupied by Israel since 1967.



A Hamas official in Lebanon told AFP that no member of the group had been killed in the Jadra attack.



An official with the Lebanese Risala Scout association, which operates rescue teams and is affiliated with the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement, told AFP that two civilians had been killed.



But Hezbollah later announced one of its members had been killed by Israeli fire. A source close to the group told AFP the man, Khalil Fares, was one of the two people killed in his town of Jadra.



There was no immediate comment from Israel.



An AFP photographer at the scene saw a damaged car and a charred motorcycle nearby, with bloodstains all over the site of the strike near the beach.



On Saturday, the NNA reported several Israeli strikes on south Lebanon villages, with Hezbollah also claiming attacks on Israeli positions across the border.



Hezbollah in a statement also said it "took control of an Israeli enemy Skylark drone".



Cross-border fire since the start of the Israel-Hamas war has killed at least 229 people in Lebanon, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also including 27 civilians, according to an AFP tally.



On the Israeli side, nine soldiers and six civilians have been killed, according to the Israeli army.



On Thursday, an Israeli drone strike seriously wounded a Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon, with the group later firing a salvo of rockets into northern Israel.



In January, a strike widely attributed to Israel killed Hamas's deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri in Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold -- the most high-profile Hamas figure to be killed during the war. (AFP)
Rajya Sabha will on Saturday, the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, hold a short-duration discussion on the White Paper put out by the Centre and on the Pran Pratistha of Ram Lalla. BJP parliamentarians Sushil Kumar Modi and Prakash Javadekar will raise the discussion on the White Paper, informing its impact on the lives of the people of the country. The nearly 60-page White Paper, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha by Sitharaman on Thursday, claimed that the banking crisis was one of the most important and infamous legacies of the UPA government. The White Paper said that the UPA government abandoned reforms after coming to power in 2004 and that it failed to build on the strong foundation laid by the previous BJP-led NDA government. It said the economy grew fast between 2004 and 2008 largely due to the "lagged effects" of the reforms of the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Even as the country was standing at the cusp of emerging as a powerful economy, little was done by the UPA government to build upon the strong foundation laid by the previous NDA government. The UPA government took credit for the high growth but did little to consolidate it. The failure to take advantage of the years of high growth to strengthen the budget position of the government and invest in infrastructure to boost future growth prospects stood exposed It accused the UPA government of political interference in the commercial lending decisions of public sector banks. It said controversies such as the 2G spectrum scam, the coal gate scam and the Common Wealth Games (CWG) reflected poorly on India's image as an investment destination. Congress parliamentarian Manish Tewari, in his reply to the debate on the 'White Paper' in the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighted the achievements of the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and termed the White Paper to be a 'political manifesto' of the ruling party. The Congress MP further said that this is not a 'White Paper', this is a 'black wash'. This is the last session of the current Lok Sabha before the general elections, which are likely to be held in April-May this year. The Budget Session was initially scheduled to conclude on February 9 and has been extended by a day. (ANI)
About 44 per cent of India's energy requirements at present come from non-fossil sources and are likely to touch as high as 65 per cent by 2030, much higher than what the country pledged at the COP summit in 2021, said Union Minister RK Singh. At COP26 held in 2021 in Glasgow, India committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, to reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India as a whole also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. "At COP26 we pledged that by 2030 we will have 50 per cent of our capacity which will be non-fossils, mostly renewables. If fact it would be actually 60-65 per cent. We will be way beyond what we pledged," the minister who handles power and renewable portfolio said at The Energy and Resources Institute's World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 on Friday evening. The minister said that 103,000 megawatts of renewable capacity is under construction in India, and 71,000 megawatts is under bid, which according to him was unmatched. "Our rate and speed and scale of the energy transition is perhaps unmatched. We are the only one who is issuing bids for round-the-clock renewable energy. We are the only country that is adding storage as a mission to bring the price of storage down," he said. India's per capita emission is one of lowest at 2.0-2.6 tonnes, against the world average of 6.8 tonnes, he asserted. "Developed countries have become developed by using fossil fuels. 77 per cent of the legacy carbon dioxide load on our planet earth was caused directly by them, which has led to the rise in global temperature." Whereas India with 17 per cent of the global population contributes to just 3 per cent of the legacy carbon dioxide load, he said. "The rate at which the developed countries are spewing emissions, if they continue at this rate. The available time before we reach that 1.5 degree rise in global temperature is just 4.5 years. But we don't see any signs of their reducing their pace of emission," he quipped. He suggested that developing countries need carbon space to become developed, and supported his argument by saying that the developed countries' per capita emission is perhaps four times the global average. High per capita emission is the nub of the problem, he asserted. "Developed countries must realise that no country in the world is going to compromise on their development no matter how many speeches you give. You need to vacate carbon space so that the developing countries can develop," he added. Further, he said that developed countries must be assisted with finance and access to technology. "We need to bring down the price of energy transition, otherwise it won't come down." (ANI)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 10: Tata Power, one of the largest integrated utilities in the country, continues its growth momentum, with the Company reporting its 17th consecutive quarter of PAT growth. Better realisation in the core business segments consisting of Generation, Transmission & Distribution and Renewables, helped the Company grow its Q3FY24 reported PAT to Rs. 1,076 crore as compared to Rs 1,052 crore of the corresponding quarter last fiscal. The 9MFY24 PAT grew to Rs 3235 crore as against Rs 2871 crore for the 9MFY23 PAT. During the October-December 2023 quarter, Tata Power's revenue rose to Rs 14,841 crore as compared to Rs 14,339 crore in the last financial year. EBITDA for the quarter grew by 15% YoY to Rs 3,250 crore. For 9MFY24, the Company's revenue grew to Rs 45,286 crore, an all-time high for said period. At Rs 9,342 crore, the company's EBITDA for the same period is also at a record high. The contribution of core businesses now stands at 71% for 9MFY24 PAT, compared to 40% in FY23. The strong momentum in the core business segment also shows the Company's contribution to the energy transition that the country is witnessing. The Company has been working in various ways, including the development of 2.8 GW Pumped Hydro Storage Projects with an investment of ~ Rs 13,000 crore, to offer firm and 24x7 dispatchable renewable energy to all segments of consumers. In its effort to mainstream the adoption of solar energy in the country, Tata Power has facilitated over Rs 3,500 crore worth of customer financing for solar projects benefiting 2,200 C&I customers and thousands of residential customers. Tata Power is developing a green energy transmission corridor, as the Company won its first-ever project under the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process during the quarter. The Company Tata Power won the bid to develop an Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) - Bikaner III Neemrana II Transmission Ltd that will be developed in 24 months. This prestigious Rs 1,544 crore transmission project will enable the evacuation of 7.7 GW of renewable energy from Bikaner Complex in Rajasthan. The Company has also emerged as a winner for another intrastate transmission scheme in Uttar Pradesh that will be developed under project SPV "Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Ltd". Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Power, said, "Our core businesses continue to perform well and have helped the Company clock its 17th consecutive PAT growth quarter. Our consistent performance shows strong fundamentals of excellence in operational performance and project execution capability. As the country witnesses a surge in power demand, Tata Power is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth momentum with its cutting-edge, customized and cost-effective clean and green energy solutions." Consolidated financial performance (in Rs crore) As on 31st December 2023, the Company's operational capacity is 4270 MW in the renewables segment, generating 6,031 MUs of green power. Another 4752 MW of projects under TPREL and 4120 MW of projects under TPSSL are under execution, thus taking the total clean energy capacity to over 10,000 MW in the next 12-24 months. The Company is on an accelerated growth trajectory of transitioning to green energy and aiming for around 70% of capacity from non-fossil-based fuels by 2030. Highlights: Driving Green Energy transition through Renewables: * The Company's clean energy portfolio now stands at ~ 5,600 MW, accounting for 39% of their overall capacity, with another 4752 MW under construction, taking the clean energy portfolio over 10000 MW in the next 12-24 months. - TPREL wins 612MW Utility Scale Solar EPC orders worth Rs 2,849 crore in Q3FY24, the highest ever in a quarter. - Tata Power's solar rooftop portfolio (incl. group captive) surpasses 2,000 MW, retaining the highest market share in the segment for the ninth year in the row. - Commissions a pioneering 1,040 KW Bifacial Solar System project at Asia's largest tea estate, Chengmari in West Bengal - TPREL bags its first Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) Project from SJVN Limited. This 1,316.5 MW of RTC project has 460 MW of solar, 799 MW of wind and 57.5 MW of battery storage and will provide round the clock power supply. - Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd (TPSSL) signs a contract with NTPC to supply 152 MWp DCR solar PV modules for its Nokh Solar Park in Rajasthan - TPREL commissions a 110 MW solar power project for the Kerala State Electricity Board; 25 MW solar power project for GUVNL and 91.8 MW Hybrid Wind power project for MSEDCL - TPSSL crosses a milestone of facilitating over Rs 3,500 crore of customer financing for solar projects helping to mainstream the adoption of Solar Energy in the country; Over 2,200 C&I customer supported with customized financing solutions till date; The extensive network of more than 20 active financing partners includes SBI, SIDBI, UBI, Bank of Baroda, Tata Capital Powering E-Mobility * Tata Power ties-up with Indian Oil Corporation, to install 500+ fast and ultra-fast EV charging points across its multiple retail outlets. * TPREL energizes 412 public EV charging points in Q3FY24 taking the total charging points to 5,300+ public/ semipublic chargers across 480 cities. Additionally, the company added 226 bus chargers and 11,400+ home chargers in Q3FY24, taking the bus charger count to 690 and home chargers to over 73,000 Transmission & Distribution * Tata Power acquires Bikaner-III Neemrana-II Transmission Limited to evacuate 7.7 GW of renewable energy from the Bikaner complex in Rajasthan * Reaches milestone of ~9 lakh smart meter installation across its Discoms in Mumbai, Delhi and Odisha Sustainability & CSR * To promote biodiversity in the Western Ghats, Tata Power joined hands with ICICI Foundation to launch 'Project GhanVan' -- a visionary tree plantation programme; over the next three years, the two organisations will plant 2.5 lakh indigenous trees * In December, Tata Power joined hands with the Government of Odisha and signed an MoU to make local youths industry-ready through skill development programmes at 20 ITIs in the state * To celebrate National Energy Conservation Day, Tata Power organised Urja Mela 2023 in Delhi, which saw the participation of 700 students and teachers from 15 States; the Mela aims to groom young leaders as climate champions About Tata Power Tata Power is a leading integrated power company and a part of Tata Group, India's largest multi-national business conglomerate. The company has a diversified portfolio of 14,453 MW, spanning across the entire power value chain - from renewable and conventional energy generation to transmission & distribution, trading, storage solutions and solar cells and module manufacturing. As a pioneer of clean energy transition in India, Tata Power has 5,593 MW of clean energy generation, which constitutes 39% of its total capacity. The company has also committed to achieve carbon neutrality before 2045.Tata Power has established India's most comprehensive clean energy platform, with offerings such as rooftop solar, microgrids, storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, home automation et al. The company has also attracted global investors to support its growth and vision. Tata Power has successfully partnered with public and private entities in generation, transmission & distribution sectors in India, serving approx.13 million customers across the country. To know more about Tata Power, visit www.tatapower.com. Disclaimer: The following press release/announcement may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements are based on management's current views, expectations, assumptions, and projections regarding the Company's future performance, business plans, growth prospects, competitive and regulatory environment, and other related matters. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements are not limited to changes in economic conditions affecting demand/supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, alterations in the business environment, fluctuations in Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements, and other incidental factors. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements based on subsequent events, information, or developments, except as required by applicable laws and regulations. (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)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry held a consultation with representatives of Indian cement industry on the mechanism to collect cement production data ensuring 100 per cent coverage of the industry. Cement is one of the eight core industries in India. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The cement production data is used by Office of Economic Advisor, DPIIT to calculate the Index of Eight Core Industries in which the weightage of Cement production is 5.37 per cent. Indian cement industry is the second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes and production of 391 million tonnes of cement in 2022-23. Presently, the cement production data is collected by DPIIT through Cement Information System (CIS) portal. However, some plants are not providing data regularly. Cement production data is used by the government for policy decisions and for calculating the index of industrial production. Robust and accurate data will benefit everyone including the cement industry in making informed decisions. Joint Secretary, DPIIT Sanjiv informed that DPIIT is giving Ad-hoc permissions to cement plants as part of Ease of Doing Business, for manufacture and sale of cement without ISI mark for a period upto 150 days or till the plant gets BIS certification, whichever is earlier. In future registration in CIS portal will be a pre-requisite for considering the proposal for grant of Ad-hoc permission. He also informed that the CIS portal is being revised and the modified CIS portal will be launched shortly. For updation of CIS portal, he directed National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) to discuss with representatives of cement industry. The representatives of cement industry assured DPIIT that the cement production data will be provided regularly and agreed that the accurate and authentic production data of the cement industry will be beneficial for all. The industry representatives also assured that remaining plants will be onboarded on CIS portal by 31st March 2024. The meeting was organised in hybrid mode on Friday. Besides, officers from NCCBM the meeting was attended by the representatives of Cement Manufacturing Association(CMA) and various cement companies namely, Saurashtra Cement Ltd.; Dalmia Cement (B) Ltd.; Shree Cement Ltd.; Adani Group; Star Cement Ltd; Jammu and Kashmir Cement Ltd. (JKCL); Heidelberg Cement; Orient Cement; Shree Cement; Nuvoco Vistas Corp; Zuari Cement Ltd.; My Home Industries Ltd., UltraTech Cement Ltd., The India Cement Ltd. and officials from Cement Section, DPIIT. (ANI)
In an address to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Piyush Goyal unfolded the visionary plans of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the journey from spiritual consciousness to national development. Goyal highlighted Modi's ambitious vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, underscoring the Prime Minister's farsightedness, innovative thoughts, and comprehensive ideas. Goyal expressed confidence in the forthcoming "Amrit Kaal" (auspicious time), foreseeing India's evolution into a developed and prosperous nation under the guidance of the Amrit generation. The minister underscored the importance of expanding consciousness from devotion to Ram to a collective commitment towards the nation. The narrative further delved into PM Modi's unwavering commitment to the construction of the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Goyal emphasized that no force in the world could deter the construction of this monumental symbol. In 1989, Prime Minister Modi initiated the Ram Shila Poojan, a significant step that involved public participation, with people contributing stones and bricks for the temple's construction. Goyal said, "PM Modiji had resolved to build the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. No force in the world could stop the construction of the Ram Mandir. In 1989, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji initiated the Ram Shila Poojan, where people donated stones and bricks for the temple construction. He continued to march forward with the seed mantra derived from Goswami Tulsidas's saying, 'Ram kaaj karibe ko aatur'." The foundation stone-laying ceremony emerged as a symbol of this movement, with PM Modi organizing a yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya alongside Honorable Lal Krishna Advaniji. This journey aimed at creating awareness nationwide about the symbolic importance of a leader, or "charioteer," as depicted in scriptures. The report continued to narrate how witnessing a humble tent dedicated to Lord Shri Ram moved PM Modi, leading him to pledge his return to Ayodhya only when the temple construction commenced. This pledge was fulfilled following the Supreme Court's verdict, marking the beginning of the grand Ram Mandir. As the Supreme Court's verdict came to fruition, PM Modi visited Ayodhya, conducting the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the temple. In support of the Ram Mandir, a massive signature campaign was orchestrated under PM Modi's leadership, with 10 crore signatures collected nationwide. The coverage extended to PM Modi's international outreach during the 1998 International Ramayan Summit in Mauritius, where he shared insights into the movement, gaining recognition from the global community. Shifting gears to the political landscape, the report highlighted the significant victory of the BJP under PM Modi's leadership in 2014, forming a majority government. Even then, the commitment to building the Ram Mandir was reaffirmed through the BJP's resolution letter. Goyal said, "In 2014, under his (PM) leadership, the BJP achieved a landslide victory, forming a majority government. Even then, the BJP's resolution letter expressed the commitment to building the Ram Mandir. I believe that whatever commitment PM makes, he fulfills it. When 140 crore citizens came together in unity, they celebrated on January 22". Goyal expressed his belief in PM Modi's commitment, quoting the Prime Minister's statement, "This is not just a temple; it is the temple of India's Vision, philosophy, and direction." The temple was portrayed as a symbol of India's developmental journey and a pilgrimage site for its rich heritage. Goyal said, "The way Ayodhya is emerging as a new smart city, with a remarkable railway station built by our Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, showcases the grandeur of the Ram Mandir. The Maharishi Valmiki airport by our Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, stands as a testament to Ayodhya's transformation into a Vedic city". Goyal added, "The city, illuminating the Vedas, has the world's largest solar street lights being installed. PM Modi, in his decision, initiated the lighting of one crore poor families' homes using solar power initially. This not only provides free electricity to them but also opens up opportunities for them to sell excess power, thereby increasing their income". The city's enlightenment through the installation of the world's largest solar street lights underscored PM Modi's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, providing free electricity to one crore poor families and offering avenues for income generation through excess power sales. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that the Grand Temple in Ayodhya strengthens India's democracy and highlights the spirit of democracy and is a symbol of India's development journey. "The temple strengthens India's democracy, highlights spirit of democracy and our heritage and awakens national consciousness in 140 crore Indians. This temple is a symbol of India's journey of development and is also one of the pilgrimage places of India's heritage," Goyal said during a short duration discussion on the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in the Rajya Sabha.He said PM Modi had undertaken a strict 11-day fast before the Pran Pratishtha in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Hitting out at the Congress for not giving adequate respect to their former Prime Minister Narsimha Rao, Goyal said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honoured the former Prime Minister of the Congress party, but it was his misfortune that he was neither a Nehru nor a Gandhi. If he had been from the Nehru-Gandhi family, then it would have been understandable. "The Prime Minister who had been in office for five years and had served the country for the last 60 years was not even honoured by the Congress after his death. How will that party understand Narasimha Rao's contributions? The party has not even allowed his body to enter the party office. I think the Congress president locked the doors and allowed the body to stay on the footpath. I do not think such a party can take care of Narasimha Rao's dignity," he said. Goyal highlighted Modi's ambitious vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, underscoring the Prime Minister's farsightedness, innovative thoughts, and comprehensive ideas. Goyal expressed confidence in the forthcoming "Amrit Kaal" (auspicious time), foreseeing India's evolution into a developed and prosperous nation under the guidance of the Amrit generation. The minister underscored the importance of expanding consciousness from devotion to Ram to a collective commitment towards the nation. In 1989, Prime Minister Modi initiated the Ram Shila Poojan, a significant step that involved public participation, with people contributing stones and bricks for the temple's construction. Goyal said, "PM Modiji had resolved to build the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. No force in the world could stop the construction of the Ram Mandir. In 1989, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji initiated the Ram Shila Poojan, where people donated stones and bricks for the temple construction. He continued to march forward with the seed mantra derived from Goswami Tulsidas's saying, 'Ram kaaj karibe ko aatur'." The foundation stone-laying ceremony emerged as a symbol of this movement, with PM Modi organizing a yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya alongside Honorable Lal Krishna Advaniji. This journey aimed at creating awareness nationwide about the symbolic importance of a leader, or "charioteer," as depicted in scriptures. The report continued to narrate how witnessing a humble tent dedicated to Lord Shri Ram moved PM Modi, leading him to pledge his return to Ayodhya only when the temple construction commenced. This pledge was fulfilled following the Supreme Court's verdict, marking the beginning of the grand Ram Mandir. As the Supreme Court's verdict came to fruition, PM Modi visited Ayodhya, conducting the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the temple. In support of the Ram Mandir, a massive signature campaign was conducted with 10 crore signatures collected nationwide. The coverage extended to PM Modi's international outreach during the 1998 International Ramayan Summit in Mauritius, where he shared insights into the movement, gaining recognition from the global community. Goyal said, "In 2014, under his (PM) leadership, the BJP achieved a landslide victory, forming a majority government. Even then, the BJP's resolution letter expressed the commitment to building the Ram Mandir. I believe that whatever commitment PM makes, he fulfills it. When 140 crore citizens came together in unity, they celebrated on January 22". The temple was portrayed as a symbol of India's developmental journey and a pilgrimage site for its rich heritage. Goyal said, "The way Ayodhya is emerging as a new smart city, with a remarkable railway station built by our Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, showcases the grandeur of the Ram Mandir. The Maharishi Valmiki airport by our Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stands as a testament to Ayodhya's transformation into a Vedic city". Goyal added, "The city, illuminating the Vedas, has the world's largest solar street lights being installed. PM Modi, in his decision, initiated the lighting of one crore poor families' homes using solar power initially. This not only provides free electricity to them but also opens up opportunities for them to sell excess power, thereby increasing their income". (ANI)
In reaction to the Prime Minister awarding Bharat Ratna to former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao, as well as father of green revolution, MS Swaminathan, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Dola Sen questioned why these personalities are being honoured after 10 years. "It is a good thing that they are giving senior personalities Bharat Ratna posthumously. But why did they remember them after 10 years? This question will arise," Sen said while speaking to ANI on Friday. The TMC MP also remembered the role of LK Advani, who was also awarded the Bharat Ratna this year, in descrating the erstwhile Babri Masjid. "We remember what happened in 1992 when the Babri Masjid was destroyed. Murli Manohar Joshi and Advani were there. Ek Dhakka Aur Do. We remember that," Sen said. Sen said that awarding Bharat Ratna to LK Advani was an afterthought to balance the act of not inviting the veteran political leader, who was at the forefront of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple movement, to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. "But this time Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call the President nor anyone but he himself became the priest and performed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He did not all Advani nor Joshi. This is why there is criticism and hence this (conferring Bharat Ratna to LK Advani) is an afterthought to balance it," Sen remarked. Further, Sen claimed that when people realised that the act of awarding Advani the Bharat Ratna was a balancing act by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and criticised them for it, the Narendra Modi government decided to stretch the list to include three more recepients. "Following this criticism started again. Everyone was saying that it was a balancing act. So they increased the list. So it is okay. Better late than never, even if it is an afterthought. Seniors are getting honoured. So it is okay," Sen said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. Along with them, MS Swaminathan also known as the father of the green revolution will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Travel bookings confirm strong recovery of Spring Festival holiday consumption

Xinhua) 09:08, February 10, 2024

People shop for Spring Festival couplets at a local market for the upcoming Chinese New Year in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- With the Spring Festival just around the corner, Cheng Wanqi has already booked hotel rooms for her family in south China's island province of Hainan.

Instead of returning to hometown for their family reunion this year, Cheng has chosen to take her family on a trip elsewhere during this traditional Chinese festival.

China's service-focused e-commerce giant Meituan Dianping has revealed that during this year's Spring Festival holiday, tourism consumption including the likes of accommodation, scenic spot tickets, and transportation will enjoy a strong recovery, with the number of orders for Spring Festival travel consumption booked half a month in advance increasing about 5-fold compared with 2023.

Several cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Harbin, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xi'an and others have become popular tourist destinations in China, while the number of Chinese booking overseas vacations has also been increasing, said the company.

A dragon-themed sculpture is pictured at Haikou International Duty Free City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

In addition, bookings and orders for the traditional family reunion dinner on the eve of the Spring Festival have seen a sharp rise. An increasing number of consumers are ordering full meals or adding dishes to their meals through takeaway services via online platforms, according to the data from Meituan Dianping. In the first week of February, the number of bookings for dine-in family reunion dinners at restaurants had increased by nearly 70 percent compared with the previous week.

Data released by an online retail platform linked to Meituan Dianping on Wednesday showed that during the past month, sales of liquor, milk and cherries have reached a new high, while the sales of many categories of goods such as home appliances, beauty care products, pet products, maternal and child products, and clothing have increased by over 100 percent.

Pinduoduo, a leading Chinese e-commerce platform, launched a Chinese Lunar New Year shopping campaign in January, together with businesses from around the country, to ensure the supply of groceries for the festival. According to a staff member with Pinduoduo, the sales volume of various commodities has increased to varying degrees, among which the sales volume of high-quality fresh foods such as cherries, strawberries and king crabs has increased especially significantly.

Han Yang, who has worked in Beijing for five years, bought some food and fruits online for his parents who live in his hometown -- Xuchang in central China's Henan Province.

"Although I will go back to my hometown during the holiday, I still chose to buy gifts for them via online platforms in advance, which is very convenient," Han said.

"Impressive pre-holiday booking data underlines strong recovery in Spring Festival consumption," said Li Jiwei, deputy dean of Meituan Research Institute, while adding that the positive purchasing trend had also ushered in a good start for online consumption in 2024.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Accusing the UPA government of hampering defence preparedness by policy paralysis, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said that shortage of ammunition plagued defence forces during its rule and the Modi government has doubled defence budget. Replying to the debate on the 'White Paper on Indian Economy' tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday, Sitharaman accused the Congress-led UPA government of compromising national security in 10 years. She said the UPA government believed that an undeveloped border is safer than a developed border. " National security was compromised in those ten years....Critical shortage of ammunition and defence ammunition was the main feature of 2014 when we inherited the economy. Bulletproof jackets were not available for our soldiers...Night vision goggles were not available, so in the night they couldn't do a thing and were exposing themselves like sitting ducks in pitch darkness," she said. "I am quoting somebody's words - Independent India has had a policy for many years that the best defence is not to develop our borders. An undeveloped border is safer than a developed border. So, many years there was no construction of roads or airfields in the border areas - Who said this? The then Defence Minister AK Antony," she added. Sitharaman said she can read out the "list on corruption" in defence. "There was Rs 3,600 Crores of AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam in 2013. In some other context, in 2011, CAG had pulled up the Defence Ministry for delay in buying artillery guns. Defence was compromised continuously...Total ignoring of armed forces," she said. "Defence budget has doubled during the last 10 years. In 2013-14, it was Rs 2.53 Lakh crore. Now it is Rs 6.22 Lakh crore in 2024-25. Capital expenditure, including border roads and for defence forces, equipment investments, defence capital budget increased from Rs 86,741 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1.72 Lakh crore this year," she added. She said due to Make in India push, several critical defence equipment were being made in the country. "Due to Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, defence procurement is happening more through there...It is a matter of pride that due to Make in India push, today INS Vikrant, LCA Tejas, Akash, BrahMos missiles, main battle tank Arjun, artillery gun system Dhanush are all being manufactured in India. Besides this, today women are flying Rafale and guarding the borders too," she said . Sitharaman talked of the steps taken by the Modi government to boost self-reliance in defence and expedite environmental clearences for faster economic development. "I challenge anyone who says this document is baseless. Everything is with evidence. I challenge anyone who says that we have kept the White Paper which has no proof," she said amid interruptions by opposition members. "The White Paper is a serious document for documentary evidence for everything that is said in it and prepared with an intention of informing the House of the 10 years' dedicated effort to get the government work in such a way that the economy is back on rails and also progress in such a way that our aspirations can be met," she added. (ANI)
A group of 27 students from Kashmir valley met with the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT (Union Territory) Chandigarh, Banwari Lal Purohit here on Friday. The students were visiting Chandigarh as part of the 'Bharat Darshan Study Tour Programme', organized by the Government of India. The tour aimed to provide these young minds with a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures, interact with distinguished leaders and broaden their perspectives. The students were engaged in an interactive session with Governor Purohit. According to a press release issued by the Punjab Raj Bhawan, the session proved to be profoundly inspiring as the Governor shared invaluable insights on the moral and social responsibilities incumbent upon the youth in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047', as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the importance of integrity in all endeavours, Governor Purohit emphasized the significance of honesty in dealings and the pivotal role of time management in achieving personal and national goals. Governor Purohit said, "The youth of today are the architects of tomorrow's India. It is imperative for them to imbibe values of honesty, integrity, and dedication towards nation-building. I am confident that these bright students from Kashmir Valley will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our country." The 'Bharat Darshan Study Tour Programme' serves as a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to gain exposure to various facets of Indian culture, heritage, and governance. Through such initiatives, the Union Government aims to nurture a generation of enlightened citizens who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and ethically conscious. (ANI)
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Friday said that the political conspiracy behind the events in Sandeshkhali was hatched by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to divert attention from the widely acknowledged state budget. While underscoring that the Sandeshkhali panchayat is governed by CPI(M), the party asserted that the state police will unearth the cabal that has colluded to destroy the peace of West Bengal. "Sandeshkhali is CPI(M)'s bastion. We have never won in this area. The violence is a result of the collective efforts of both the BJP and the CPI(M). Out of 14 anchals in the area, violence was orchestrated in one anchal. This isolated incident is being used to propagate that violence is being witnessed in all of Sandeshkhali," AITC leader Partha Bhowmick said addressing a press conference at Trinamool Bhavan. Bhowmick further said that some Trinamool Cogress workers were attacked by some unknown miscreants some days back. "A few days ago, Trinamool Congress held a rally to protest against the BJP-led Central government for depriving Bengal of its rightful dues. While returning from the rally, our workers in Sandeshkhali panchayat were attacked by some unknown people. Later, a larger mob targeted Trinamool leaders and set their houses as well as poultry farms on fire. Today, efforts were made to spread the violence to nearby villages. This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt law and order in a peaceful area. Police have taken necessary action and made arrests," he said. Highlighting the political conspiracy behind the chaos and its trigger, Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar condemned the incident and said that CPI(M) and BJP workers were trying to create mayhem in the area. "We condemn the ongoing violence but there is also information that CPI(M) and BJP workers are trying to create mayhem there. Mamata Banerjee had announced that the state government would release pending dues of 21 lakh MGNREGA workers who had not received their wages from the BJP-led Centre by February 21. The aggrieved workers set to benefit from the announcement were very happy. But to make sure that this doesn't remain in the news, efforts are being made to disrupt peace in the state. We strongly condemn this," he said. The AITC leaders reiterated that police and administration will take action against anyone trying to disrupt the law and order in the area, irrespective of their political affiliation. "The ADG has categorically mentioned that the law and order is under control. The Police are also taking necessary action against all who stoked violence. Trinamool Congress does not endorse any kind of voilence," AITC MP Pratima Mondal said. (ANI)
According to the official release from the hospital, the successful medical intervention marks the first instance of removing such sharp foreign bodies without resorting to open surgery in any pediatrics centre in Odisha.

The patient, a 9-year-old boy hailing from West Bengal, was brought to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after aspirating a stitching needle, approximately 4 cm in length, into the left lower lobe bronchus lateral segment of the lungs.

An expert team of pediatricians--Dr Rashmi Ranjan Das, Dr Krishna M Gulla, Dr Ketan, and Dr Ramakrishna, skillfully performed bronchoscopic interventions to extract the needle without encountering any complications, AIIMS Bhubaneswar stated in the release.

The executive director of the hospital, Dr Ashutosh Biswas, congratulated the 'dedicated team of doctors', praising their life-saving procedure.

Dr Rashmi Ranjan Das also emphasised that such a surgery could have jeopardised the boy's health, potentially requiring the removal of a portion of the lungs.

AIIMS stated that the patient, admitted for four days post-procedure, is now in stable condition and on the path to recovery.

"This innovative procedure, available at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and only a few centres across India, utilizes less invasive flexible bronchoscopy for the removal of sharp airway foreign bodies," the hospital stated further in its release. (ANI)
Urging the Centre to expedite its diplomatic efforts in securing the release of fishermen apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concerns about the increase in attacks on members of the state's fishing community in the region and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Stalin stated, "I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming increase in incidents of apprehension of Tamil fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lankan authorities. This issue severely impacts the right to livelihood of these fishermen, as the communities have utilised these fishing waters for generations." CM Stalin urged Prime Minister Modi to renew the Joint Action Group to resolve fishermen's issues. He also highlighted a 'significant increase' in the number of fishermen being arrested. "The traditional fishing waters that Tamil fishermen have relied upon for generations are getting increasingly restricted, making it difficult to sustain their livelihood impacting the economic stability of these communities. This also threatens the cultural and social fabric of the region that revolves around the fishing industry. During 2023, the Sri Lankan navy arrested 243 fishermen and seized 37 boats. However, in the past 28 days alone, 88 fishermen and 12 boats were apprehended in six incidents," Stalin wrote. He mentioned that a legislation recently passed in Sri Lanka allows the country to nationalise the seized boats, which could drive members of the state's fishing community into penury. "I had previously addressed you regarding the amendment made to the Fisheries Act by the Government of Sri Lanka in 2018, which enables the Sri Lankan Government to nationalise foreign fishing vessels. Due to this action of Sri Lanka, the seized fishing boats of our fishermen that are in good condition cannot be salvaged and brought back to Tamil Nadu. Many fishermen have invested their life savings in acquiring and maintaining their boats, which are vital for their trade," he wrote while urging the Sri Lankan government to make necessary amendments to the law. Stalin also requested Prime Minister Modi to ensure that "all-out diplomatic efforts should be made to secure the release of 77 fishermen and their 151 boats from Sri Lanka". (ANI)
RAS officers Anju Rajpal and Omprakash Bunkar were appointed joint secretaries (Chief Minister) whereas Jaiprakash Narayan and Hemendra Nagar were appointed to the post of deputy secretary (Chief Minister).

RAS officer Lalit Kumar was elevated to the position of managing director of Rajasthan Seed Corporation. He was earlier a joint secretary to CM Bhajan Lal.

Many RAS officers were appointed as special assistants to state ministers, as part of the administrative reshuffle.

"Rajpal Singh has been appointed as special assistant to Minister of State for Industries KK Bishnoi, whereas Omprakash has been appointed as special assistant to Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham," read a copy of the order issued by the Department of Personnel. (ANI)
A group of BJP workers threw ink and broke the windows of a car in which journalist Nikhil Wagle was travelling in Pune on Friday evening. A video of the incident purportedly showed BJP workers surrounding the car, throwing ink at the vehicle and breaking its windscreen and window panes with rods. The mob was also heard chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. Meanwhile, Wagle said in a post on 'X' that the meeting will take place come what may. He also informed that his team is currently surrounded by senior police officers. "Friends, come what may, the meeting will take place. At present we are surrounded by senior police officers," the senior journalist said. Wagle also posted on 'X' about a talk-show on Friday at Pune's Nilu Phule Auditorium in which distinguished speakers such as actor-filmakerAmol Palekar, Asim Sarode, Reshma Ramchandra are slated to attend, apart from himself. Earlier in the day, BJP workers were seen protesting against Wagle in Pune. The police were seen detaining the workers and taking them into custody. The workers were heard raising slogans in favour of BJP veteran LK Advani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Modi, earlier, announced that senior BJP leader and former deputy PM, LK Advani, would be conferred with the Bharat atna, the country's highest civilian honour. Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi said the former Union Minister's contribution to the development of India was 'monumental'. "I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, 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," PM Modi posted from his X handle. (ANI)
The meeting was held at Janata Bhawan in the state capital, Guwahati.

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, and senior government officials were present in the meeting.

Finance Minister Neog is set to present the state budget for fiscal 2024-25 in the Assembly on February 12.

Earlier, Neog said a realistic budget has been prepared where the priorities of every sector will be reflected.

"Firstly, we have prepared a realistic budget. We are trying to present a budget which will have something for every sector of the state. We will try to give benefits to our women and youths and as a whole, we will try to raise public and capital expenditures with a focus on the development of infrastructure," the Finance Minister said.

Last year, Neog presented a budget with an aggregate expenditure estimated at Rs 3.21 lakh crore for the year.

The 'Budget Session' of the Assam Assembly commenced on February 5. (ANI)
Extending his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao was picked for India's highest civilian honour, the 'Bharat Ratna', his son Prabhakar Rao on Friday said his father contributed a lot to the country through his policies and made a historic difference to the nation. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Prabhakar Rao said, "It'sD not only for the family but for the admirers and followers of Narasimha Rao on being chosen for the Bharat Ratna (posthumously). We extend our sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for taking the initiative to bestow the country's highest prize on PV Narasimha Rao." "Narasimha Rao had a lifelong association with politics and grew as a statesman while contributing a lot to the country with his visionary leadership. His land reforms and, especially, the economic reforms made a historic difference to India. His services and leadership were recognised globally," he added. Earlier PV Narasimha Rao's family members paid tributes to the former PM at PV Gyan Bhoomi at Necklace Road in Hyderabad after the announcement that he will be conferred posthumously with the Bharat Ratna. Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister of the country from June 21, 1991 to May 16, 1996. He was born on June 28, 1921 in Karimnagar. Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, also hailed the decision to confer former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao with India's highest civilian honour on Friday. He recalled that under Rao's leadership in 1992, India and Israel had established diplomatic relations. "Congratulations to PV Narasimha Rao on this recognition. In 1992, during his tenure as PM, diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established. 32 years later, these relationships flourish like very few do," Gilon posted on X. Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh as well as Green Revolution pioneer MS Swaminathan will be conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously, adding to the two receipients announced earlier-- late socialist leader and two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. (ANI)
Informing about the decision, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday said such indiscipline from doctors will not be tolerated.

"Government hospitals exist for the health care of the people and not for personal work. I cannot tolerate such indiscipline from doctors," Gundu Rao said.

Dr Abhishek was a contractual doctor at the hospital in Chitradurga and his suspension was ordered on the recommendation of the state Health department.

"All contract employees, including doctors and staff performing duties in the health department, should perform their duties as per the government service rules. I have already instructed the concerned doctors and all the staff to be careful so that such abuses do not happen in government hospitals," Karnataka Health Minister said.

The Karnataka Minister urged the medical staff to focus on performing their duties.

"Facilities provided by the government to the government hospitals are for the health care of the common people," he said.

Earlier this week, a video of the doctor conducting a pre-wedding shoot without permission went viral on social media. (ANI)
A clash erupted between the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Left organisation at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday night at the University's General body meeting (UGBM). While accusing each other of creating a ruckus in the meeting, both ABVP and the Left parties claimed that their members were injured. Anagha Pradeep, Councillor, JNU Councillor alleged that the ABVP workers were not allowing the University's General body meeting to proceed ahead. "After 2019, JNUSU elections are happening. JNUSU is the highest decision-making body for students. A University's General body meeting (UGBM) was called after collecting 1200 signatures. The administration and ABVP are running an agenda that JNUSU is not a notified body and it is illegal. In two to three court cases we have been recognized. ABVP workers started saying that we could not chair the UGBM. They started misbehaving and started heckling those who were controlling the sound mic system. They even started beating common students," Anagha Pradeep told ANI. However, Umesh Chandra, ABVP JNU President alleged that members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and Student Federation of India (SFI) were threatening them to leave the meeting. "They were threatening the tent house workers to start operating the speaker system. They were using casteist remarks against them. We wanted the proceedings to go peacefully hence we intervened. UGBM was not started till midnight. They were saying that ABVP workers should leave UGBM. Around four to five workers have been seriously injured. They used Dafli as a weapon to attack us," Chandra told ANI. Police are yet to file a complaint in the matter. (ANI)
In reaction to the Prime Minister awarding Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, former Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MLA, Virpal Rathi expressed delight over the announcement in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. "Farmers are in a wave of joy. He was the messiah of farmers. Chaudhary Charan Singh has always worked for the welfare of the farmer class, the labor class, and all sections of society. What he has done for everyone, especially farmers, is commendable. Chaudhary Charan Singh has earned the trust and support of the people through his actions," former Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MLA, Virpal Rathi said. When asked about the central government's decision to award Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, he expressed that the decision is excellent and good. "It should have been done a long time ago. It's a bit late. I feel that all farmers will be happy with this news," Virpal Rathi said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna and, along with them, MS Swaminathan, also known as the father of the green revolution, will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award. Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi said this honour is dedicated to the former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh's incomparable contribution to the country. Several leaders across the country extended greetings upon the grand announcement. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he is honoured to inform the Rajya Sabha that Chaudhary Charan Singh, who has been a symbol of honesty and worked for the welfare of farmers, has been awarded the Bharat Ratna. Chaudhary Charan Singh was born in 1902 at Noorpur in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, in a middle class peasant family. He graduated in science in 1923 and did his post-graduation at Agra University in 1925. Also trained in law, he set up practice in Ghaziabad. He shifted to Meerut in 1929 and later joined the Congress. He was first elected to the UP Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli, and represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He became Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant's Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, Justice, Information etc. In June 1951, he was appointed Cabinet Minister in the State and given charge of the Departments of Justice and Information. Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Sampurnanand in 1952. When he resigned in April 1959, he was holding charge of the Department of Revenue and Transport. (ANI)
Ladakh BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Ladakh and said that he anticipates greater focus on the region in the potential third term of PM Modi's government. His statement came after their meeting, where the MP discussed various topics related to the region's development. "PM Modi wants to beautify Ladakh. So I shared several topics with the PM related to Ladakh... Several developments have been made in the past year in Ladakh under PM Modi's vision. We thanked him for this and we believe that when PM Modi forms the government for the third time, Ladakh will get more importance," Namgyal told ANI. PM Modi on Friday had lunch with fellow MPs at the Parliament canteen. The event was attended by MPs from various parties and different parts of India. The attendees who joined PM Modi for lunch were BJP MPs Heena Gavit, S Phangnon Konyak, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, L Murugan, TDP MP Rammohan Naidu, BSP MP Ritesh Pandey and BJD MP Sasmit Patra. Union Minister L Murugan described the lunch as a unique experience, offering valuable insights into PM Modi's dedication and work ethic. "Today was a very special day for us 8 MPs. We had an opportunity to have lunch with PM Modi at the Parliament canteen--not just BJP, there were MPs from other parties as well...PM spoke about his daily routine...we learned so many things and got inspired. He said that he would be sleeping only 3 and a half hours and after 6 pm, he doesn't have any meal," Murugan told ANI. PM Modi himself acknowledged the enriching experience of sharing a meal with individuals from various political backgrounds and regions. "Enjoyed a sumptuous lunch, made even better thanks to the company of Parliamentary colleagues from various parties and different parts of India," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'. (ANI)
Calling former Prime Minister and Jat leader Chaudhary Charan Singh a "symbol of honesty", Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said his life was dedicated to the country's farmers. In an interview with ANI, he stated that regardless of whether Chaudhary Charan Singh was the Agriculture Minister, chief minister or Prime Minister, he left an indelible impression of people's hearts and minds with his exemplary and visionary leadership and public service. "The love he had for the 'Kisan Annadata' was, perhaps, the one aspect that characterised him as a person and leader. He demonstrated indomitable courage in how he faced and fought the dark phase of the Emergency. He never wavered from his principles, people loved his simplicity, honesty, and dedication towards the poor and farmers. When such a personality is honoured with the nation's highest prize, it leaves one with a great feeling. Today, crores of people in the country will get a very good sleep," the Vice President said. "Many have been wondering all these years why Chaudhary Charan Singh-ji did not receive the Bharat Ratna till now. No one ever raised such a demand as, despite not being named for the country's highest honour all these years, he was a Ratan (a gem) for the farmer, for villagers and for the poor. However, when he is poised to (posthumously) receive the honour today, we can say that now, India is scaling new heights. Today's India is taking a leap, today's India is effective in the world, the Indian economy today, the special place it holds on the global stage is a matter of envy for many. This decision has brought solace to my heart and filled me with pride that I am the native of a country where such a visionary leader is being honoured with the highest prize," Dhankhar added. The Vice President said there can be no greater achievement than being the son of a farmer and occupying the office of the Vice President. "When I received word that Chaudhary Charan Singh would be conferred with our highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, I did not waste a second in sharing the news with the fellow members of the Rajya Sabha. The news was received with a lot of happiness by the members. I was personally overwhelmed by the news. I had never imagined that I would be reaching this position. However, such is the face of a new and changing India," he added. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dhankhar expressed his joy that five proud sons of India will be receiving the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, during his term as Vice President. "The entire life of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji was dedicated to farmers and villages. He was a symbol of honesty, I did not get much of a chance to meet him often, but in 1977, when he visited Rajasthan, I went from Jaipur to Sri Ganganagar to meet him. Today, the generations have come to regard him as a symbol of honesty, a leader who dedicated his life to farmers. He was a universal and well-loved farmer leader," Vice President Dhankhar told ANI on Saturday. He further recommended studying the life story of Chaudhary Saheb and acquiring more knowledge about his thoughts and ideas, as well as how he wanted to strengthen the country's farmers. "I have studied the policies of Chaudhary Sahab and observed that he fought for farmers' rights and wanted their contribution to enhancing the agricultural economy of the country. I have said in my speeches at many places that farmers should be strengthened. There should be investment in agricultural marketing, there should be development in agricultural export and import, and there should be development in milk and vegetable production. Choudhary Saheb had a big vision," Dhankhar added. Further expanding on the 'great' aura of the former PM and much-loved farmer leader, Vice President Dhankhar said, "The country will never get to see what Choudhary Saheb and other leaders had seen during the dark days of the Emergency. Every institution failed, the courts, too failed. In fact, nine high courts of the country tried to punish the man. However, the Supreme Court eventually overruled the high courts in affirming that the fundamental rights were sacrosanct and cannot be suspended. Choudhary Saheb fought bravely (during the Emergency)," he added. "Choudhary Saheb was a true supporter and a champion of farmers, and the poor and today, I want to salute him. He was our gem and will always remain in our hearts. Be it anywhere in the country, be it North, South villages or cities, his persona as a farmer leader continues to tower above all else. Seeing the happiness on the faces of the members of Parliament, especially those who come from rural areas and are closely connected with farmers, today was deeply gratifying. I have rarely experienced such happiness," he added. Apart from Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Centre also announced on Friday that former PM and Congress leader Narasimha Rao and the man behind India's Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan, would also posthumously receive the country's highest honour. Chaudhary Charan Singh served as the Prime Minister of the country from July 1979 to January 1980. A mass leader, his public life was defined by his fight for farmers' interests and welfare. (ANI)
'Kisan Putra' Vice President Dhankhar said the Bharat Ratna honour for former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh was a moment of pride and joy for India's farmers. Dhankar, who hails from a farming family himself, in an interview with ANI recalled the immense contribution of farmer leader and former Prime Minister in furthering the cause of farmers in the country. "You see, check on any parameter today. He is a symbol of honesty and has been a universally accepted leader of the farmer community, dedicated to the cause of the farmers. Be it the Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, be it the Chief Minister, be it the Prime Minister of the country, be it the Home Minister. He left a mark, the love he had for the farmers and his complete concentration of thoughts in the matter of clear communication in the political field was his big identity. He bravely fought the phase of the Emergency with his principles, he never gave in. His honesty in his work, his dedication towards the poor farmers, this is his identity. No one could come near Chaudhary Saheb," the Vice President recalled. Late former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and Narasimha Rao, BJP stalwart and former deputy PM LK Advani, the harbinger of India's Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan, and late two-time Bihar Chief Minister and a champion of social justice, Dr Karpoori Thakur, will be conferred with the country's highest civilian honour later this year. Expressing joy on Chaudhary Charan Singh being chosen for the Bharat Ratna, the Vice President said it will bring joy to crores of farmers in the country. "It is very important that the nation give one of our tallest leaders and proudest sons his due. We are fortunate to be living at a time when the country is in the Amrit Kaal. And, to bestow the country's top honours on deserving people at this time makes it all the more special," Dhankhar said. Vice President Dhankhar said Chaudhary Charan Singh, a mass leader who devoted his life to striving for farmers' interests and welfare, never lost touch with originality and kept his moral standards and principles paramount. "The inspiration I got from Choudhary Saheb came largely from a key aspect of his life--that he never lost touch with originality and kept his morality and principles supreme. No one could even think of being dishonest with him. Throughout his life, he remained steadfastly opposed to the culture of recommendation," the Vice President said. "When a leader, who did such great work, was a lifelong stickler for principles and left an enviable legacy of visionary leadership and public service, gets his due so late, there is bound to be an outpouring of pain that had been suppressed all this time. However, the pain will have lost a measure of its effect now. He will get the Bharat Ratna and crores of farmers across the country can sleep peacefully now," he added. The Vice President added that Chaudhary Charan Singh used to call farmers the "backbone of the Indian economy" and his dream about farmers' welfare is finally being fulfilled today. "He always used to say this about farmers: that they are the backbone of the economy. Today, I am pleased to see that the children of farmers have jobs and are doing well in life. The landscape of villages has changed. In a way, Chaudhary Saheb's dream is being realised today," he said. The Vice President recalled the sense of joy and pride he felt when he was informed of the award, a sense that he conveyed to the upper house of Parliament where he is Chairman. "I come from a farmer family and am Vice President now, when I was informed of this award I immediately informed the Rajya Sabha of this and all the members welcomed this announcement. There was no bigger honour for me, a person who never dreamt of being on this post, to have made this announcement" the Vice President said. (ANI)
He also participated in the 'Bhasma Aarti' performed here on the occasion and took blessings of Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva).

'Bhasma aarti' (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual here. It is performed during the 'Brahma Muhurta' between around 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning. According to religious beliefs, the wishes of the devotee who participates in the Bhasma aarti are fulfilled.

According to the priest of the temple, following the tradition the doors of Baba Mahakal were opened in the Brahma Muhurta and after that a holy bath of Lord Mahakal was performed with Panchamrit, which included milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey. Later the Bhasma Aatri was performed along with beating drums and blowing conch shells.

Actor Narula told ANI, "I am very happy to visit here. I felt a different energy here today. I prayed to Baba Mahakal to keep me and my family healthy." (ANI)
To combat illegal activities, the police in Champhai district, Mizoram, have reported substantial success in seizing contraband drugs and areca nuts worth over Rs 34.12 crore and 40.60 lakh respectively this year, the statement said on Saturday. According to a press statement released by Mizoram Police, since January 1 this year, Champhai police have seized 3.380 kg of heroin worth Rs 1,01,40,000, 15.152 kg of Methamphetamine worth Rs 1,96,97,600, 10.385 kg of Crystal meth worth Rs 31,15,50,000 and 45,190 kg of areca nut worth Rs 40,60,150. As per the statement by Mizoram Police, the Champhai Police, in collaboration with Assam Rifles, conducted a joint operation on Friday near Vawmkaw lui, Zokhawthar. "Mizoram Police remain committed to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our communities. Under a special drive against drugs and areca nuts, big seizures have been made by Champhai Police in the last couple of days. On February 8, 'A' company of 42nd Assam Rifles and Zokhawthar police conducted a joint operation near Vawmkaw lui, Zokhawthar and they recovered and seized 30,300 tablets of drugs. The operation resulted in the seizure of 3.452 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 44,87,600 and cash amounting to Rs 17,49,500 (500 currency notes) from the possession of Harich Uddin (40 years old) of Naya Bazar, Karimganj district of Assam in presence of reliable witnesses. The accused was arrested, and his vehicle was seized," a press statement by Mizoram Police said. "The accused was arrested and his vehicle bearing registration number TR-01B2-0381 was seized. A case was registered at Zokhawthar Police Station," the statement added. On February 7, another joint operation yielded significant results. "On Thursday, Champhai Police and Assam Rifles conducted a joint operation on the outskirts of Mualkawi village and recovered 50 soap cases containing brown powder suspected to be heroin weighing 605 grams, value of Rs 18,15,000 from one vehicle bearing registration number MZ-04A-8953 driven by Lalremruata (23 years old) of Zokhawthar village plying from Champhai towards Zokhawthar village. A case was registered at Champhai Police Station," a press statement by Mizoram Police said. Hnahlan Police Beat post seized 40 bags of wet areca nuts, each weighing 80 kg and valued at Rs 6,40,000, from a truck illegally importing goods from Myanmar. Simultaneously, Champhai Police at Chalbawiha Junction Khankawn Police Check Gate seized 100 bags of dry areca nuts (Rs 5,20,000) from one truck and an additional 100 bags from another, both illegally imported from Myanmar. "On February 7, Hnahlan Police Beat post seized 40 bags of wet areca nuts (each bag contained 80 kg, valued at Rs. 6,40,000) from one truck) bearing registration number MZ-01W-1086 driven by the owner of the said areca nut, F.Lalmalsawma (38 years old) of Hnahlan Tlangnuam Veng at the outskirt of Hnahlan village. The seized contraband items were illegally imported from Myanmar and the same will be handed over to the Superintendent, Custom Preventive Force, Champhai, " the statement said. "On the same day, Champhai Police on duty at Chalbawiha Junction Khankawn Police Check Gate and patrolling party led by Officer-in-Charge, Champhai Police Station recovered and seized 100 bags of dry areca nuts (each bag contained 80 kg, valued at Rs 5,20,000) from one truck bearing registration number MZ-02-7941 driven by Malsawmkima of Melbuk Village and 100 bags of dry areca nuts from one truck bearing registration number MZ-01B-7387 driven by Thiansuanpianga (21 years old) of Melbuk Village. The owner of these dry areca nuts is known to be Saikhumi (57 years old) of Melbuk Village. The seized contraband items were illegally imported from Myanmar and the same will be handed over to the Superintendent, Custom Preventive Force, Champhai," said the press statement of Mizoram police," it added. (ANI)
Police said on Saturday that four people were killed and 15 others were injured after a truck collided with a bus in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district.

Nara Lokesh, TDP's national general secretary, said in a statement, "As the community mourns the loss, there are growing calls for the government to provide robust support to the families of the deceased."

He expressed concern over the incident and emphasised the urgency of improving medical facilities to ensure better care for those injured in such unfortunate accidents, the statement added.

"The tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of comprehensive measures to enhance road safety and emergency medical services," Nara Lokesh said.

The incident took place at Musunuru Toll Plaza.

DSP Kavali Venkataramana said, "Four people were killed and 15 others were injured after a lorry collided with a bus on Musunuru Toll Plaza, in Nellore District.

Meanwhile, in a separate accident that happened on Saturday morning at Angallu Livestock Market in Andhra's Chittoor district, at least 10 male sheeps (rams) were killed after Bolero car from Adivlopalli to Angalu lost control and overturned near the Saibaba Temple on the bypass road in Basinikonda, Madanapally.

The mishap resulted in the deaths of ten rams, with seven more rams, goats, and their kids sustaining serious injuries.

Among those injured were local merchant Saifulla (63) from Eswaramma Colony, his son Basha, and Ramaiah (65) from the village of Bodimallu Dinne, Kondamaripalli. They were promptly transported to the local district hospital, along with 108 other personnel affected by the incident.

Inspector Ravi Kumar reported that the imbalance of the vehicle led to the accident. The driver and co-passengers sustained minor injuries and were subsequently transferred to a nearby hospital for further treatment. (ANI)
Sameer Wankhede, the former zonal director of Mumbai's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday said that he has full faith in the judiciary after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case against him. The Enforcement Directorate has initiated the case, acknowledging a CBI FIR that alleges a Rs 25 crore bribe demand by Sameer Wankhede from superstar Shah Rukh Khan's family to spare his son in the drugs on cruise case. Wankhede expressed surprise that the ED's Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) is based on a CBI FIR, which is currently under question before the Bombay High Court. He refrained from commenting further as the matter is subjudice and stated that he would give the appropriate reply in court at the right time. "ED had registered the said ECIR in 2023. It is surprising that this ECIR is based on the CBI FIR which is already under question before the Bombay HC. Since the matter is subjudice, I don't intend to comment anything further. I will give the appropriate reply in the court at the appropriate time. I reiterate that I have full faith in the Indian Judiciary. Satyamev Jayate," Wankhede said. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case against Sameer Wankhede, the former zonal director of Mumbai's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), officials said on Saturday. In addition to Wankhede, three other NCB officers have been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. "ED registered a case against former Mumbai NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede. ED has now started an investigation into the money laundering case against Sameer Wankhede. ED has also summoned three NCB officers for questioning," said the Enforcement Directorate. Last year, the CBI booked Wankhede for allegedly demanding Rs 25 crore as a bribe for not framing Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-crime case. The agency said that the deal was closed for Rs 18 crore, adding that Wankhade's assets were not proportionate to his known sources of income. Other corruption charges against Sameer Wankhede and other NCB officials were also in process. The FIR copy said he was not able to justify expenses made during his foreign visit. Wankhede has alleged that he was being punished for being a patriot. Wankhede raided Cordelia Cruise and arrested actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, in an alleged drug case. (ANI)
Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Chief Jayant Chaudhary on Saturday hailed the government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh as a significant step towards strengthening the farmers. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, the RLD chief said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the issues of toilets in villages and the government prioritises women empowerment, he recalls Chaudhary Charan Singh's words. Chaudhary emphasised that the joy was not confined to Singh's family but shared by the entire farming community. "The decision taken to award Chaudhary Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna, it is a big decision...Yesterday, people celebrated Diwali after the announcement...Yesterday, the farmers distributed sweets in Connaught Place. This only shows that the decision was not only limited to his family members but is a decision to strengthen the farmers," the RLD chief said in Rajya Sabha today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that the former Prime Minister of the country, Chaudhary Charan Singh, will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour. "I have observed that the current government's style of work over the past 10 years also reflects Chaudhary Charan Singh. When the Prime Minister sheds light on the sanitation issues in rural areas...I see Chaudhary Charan Singh's speech in it," Chaudhary said. Chaudhary further added that recognizing Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, has sparked a renewed interest in his legacy among the nation's youth and policymakers. This move by the Indian government not only institutionalizes Singh's contributions but also serves as a morale booster, inspiring individuals to believe in their potential to overcome challenges, much like Singh himself. "The Prime Minister and the Indian government have done two major tasks by giving Bharat Ratna to Charan Singh. First, we institutionalized Chaudhary Charan Singh's legacy again. A new curiosity has been aroused in the students studying in all the universities of the country, a new curiosity and feeling has been created in the youth growing up in the village. The policymakers in the country's mainstream have been told again to study Chaudhary Charan Singh again," Jayant Chaudhary said. "The second big task that the Indian government has done by giving Bharat Ratna is to boost morale. Bharat Ratna is not just an award, it is the highest honour. And I know that today's life problems in front of the country and the challenges of farmers' problems are not solved by giving Bharat Ratna, but in the coming years, the person born in the hut will say that if Chaudhary Charan Singh like me can get Bharat Ratna then I am also capable of solving my own problems," the RJD MLA said. Charan Singh was born in 1902 at Noorpur in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, in a middle class peasant family. He graduated in science in 1923 and did his post-graduation at Agra University in 1925. Also trained in law, he set up practice in Ghaziabad. He shifted to Meerut in 1929 and later joined the Congress. He was first elected to the UP Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli, and represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He became Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant's Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, Justice, Information etc. In June 1951, he was appointed Cabinet Minister in the State and given charge of the Departments of Justice and Information. Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Sampurnanand in 1952. When he resigned in April 1959, he was holding charge of the Department of Revenue and Transport. In CB Gupta's Ministry he was Minister for Home and Agriculture (1960). Charan Singh served as Minister for Agriculture and Forests (1962-63) in Sucheta Kripalani's Ministry. He gave up the Department of Agriculture in 1965 and assumed charge of the Local Self-government department in 1966. Today is the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament. This is the last session of the current Lok Sabha before the general elections, which are likely to be held in April-May this year. The budget session initially scheduled to conclude on February 9 was extended by a day. (ANI)
Tibetan Buddhist monks on Saturday offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery here in Panthaghati, near Shimla, to welcome 'Losar'---Tibetan New Year 2151. The Tibetan monks in the Dorjidak Monastery offered special prayers for world peace and the long life of their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on the occasion. A young monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, the Taklung Tsetul Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, was also present in the Losar prayers in the monastery. While speaking to ANI, a monk said, "Losar is an important and auspicious day for us as per the Tibetan lunar calendar. We call it LOSAR, which translates to New Year. The Tibetans and Himalayan Buddhists are celebrating this day by offering prayers for world peace and the long life of the Dalai Lama." "Special prayers have been offered to the Dalai Lama and other high lamas of Buddhism. This present year (2151) is observed as the 'Dragon Year' according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Here we have the young boy Lama, the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetul Rinpoche, and we are happy this losar is important to us," said the monk. Meanwhile, Spiritual leader Dalai Lama has also extended his Losar wishes to Tibetans and posted a message on his social media handle. Taking to X, Dalai Lama in a video posted, "I would like to wish my fellow Tibetans, both inside Tibet and those in exile, a happy new year this Losar. Tashi Delek to all of you." "Despite undergoing great difficulties in exile and living under a powerful Communist Chinese regime, the faith and aspiration of our people, the majority of whom are inside Tibet, have remained undiminished while I have been the leader," he said. "Although the Communist Chinese rulers after the so-called peaceful liberation wished that we Tibetans forget our religious faith, we have held onto our convictions and our culture even more firmly. In the reality of today's world, I think it's necessary that the new generation take a fresh look at the traditions we have preserved in the light of Western scientific interest," added the spiritual leader. Losar, also known as the Tibetan New Year, is a festival celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists around the world. The term "Losar" translates to "new year" in Tibetan, marking the beginning of the lunar new year in the Tibetan calendar. Celebrated primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutan, Losar is the time for family and friends to come together to rejoice, eat, drink, and make merry. This year, Losar is being celebrated between February 10 to 12. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday accused Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and other Congress leaders of creating an environment in the House that disrespects the memory of Chaudhary Charan Singh, thereby causing distress to farmers across the country. Dhankhar added that such behaviour should induce a sense of shame. "You virtually insulted Chaudhary Charan Singh; you insulted his legacy. You had no time for Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh. You are hurting every farmer in the country by creating such an environment inside the House on the issue of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Our heads should go in shame," the Rajya Sabha Chairman said. Dhankhar added, "Don't use this language. I will not tolerate insults to Chaudhary Charan Singh. He stands for impeccable public life, unimpeachable integrity, and commitment to farmers...I have seen with my eyes ruckus, chaos, condemnation, shouting and sloganeering." Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that the former Prime Minister of the country, Chaudhary Charan Singh, will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour. Charan Singh was born in 1902 in Noorpur, in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, in a middle-class peasant family. He graduated in science in 1923 and did his post-graduation at Agra University in 1925. Also trained in law, he set up practice in Ghaziabad. He shifted to Meerut in 1929 and later joined the Congress. He was first elected to the UP Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli and represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He became Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant's Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, Justice, information, etc. In June 1951, he was appointed Cabinet Minister in the State and given charge of the Departments of Justice and Information. Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Sampurnanand in 1952. When he resigned in April 1959, he was holding charge of the Department of Revenue and Transport. In CB Gupta's Ministry, he was Minister for Home and Agriculture (1960). Charan Singh served as Minister for Agriculture and Forests (1962-63) in Sucheta Kripalani's Ministry. He gave up the Department of Agriculture in 1965 and assumed charge of the Local Self-Government Department in 1966. Today is the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament. This is the last session of the current Lok Sabha before the general elections, which are likely to be held in April-May this year. The budget session initially scheduled to conclude on February 9 was extended by a day. (ANI)
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin urged to expedite the approval of Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) Project. "I would like to draw your kind attention to the inordinate delay in the approval for the Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) project and request you to expedite the process. The Phase-l of CMRL Project has been successfully implemented as a 50:50 joint venture between the Union Government and the Government of Tamil Nadu. Based on its success, we have approved Phase II under the same model, having three more corridors covering 119 km, at a cost of Rs 63,246 crore. The same was recommended to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), for approval during January 2019," M.K Stalin wrote in his letter to PM. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) and NITI Aayog have endorsed the eagerly anticipated Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) project. "With the recommendation of MOHUA and NITI Aayog, the funding approvals from JICA, ADB, AIIB and NDB have also been tied up. After this, the Hon'ble Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for Phase II of the CMRL project on 21-11-2020. Our Government was eagerly awaiting the approval by the Union Government after the announcement for counter-part funding for the project was made in the Union Budget for 2021-2022 and upon the project being recommended by the Public Investment Board (PIB) on 17-08-2021 as a Central Sector Project under equity sharing model. But, unfortunately, there has not been any progress since then, despite this issue being pressed by me during my various meetings with you. I learn that the above proposal is awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for more than two years now," he added in his letter. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expresses concerns over the delay in Central Government approval, impacting the timely execution of Phase II. "In anticipation of the Union Government's approval, we have commenced the works for Phase-Il to ensure that the project is completed as per the timelines. We have been meeting the expenditure from state funds, due to the Union share being held up in the absence of CCEA approval. This has slowed down the pace of work and has also placed severe stress on state finances. This issue needs to be addressed immediately so that this dream project of the people of Chennai can be implemented within the targeted time," M.K Stalin in his letter to the PM. "I, therefore, urge you to personally intervene in this matter and expedite the approval of the Phase-ll CMRL project under the 50:50 joint venture model, as was successfully done for Phase-I," the letter added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressing a Viksit Bharat programme virtually said that there were four pillars of the programme, the poor, youth, farmers and women. PM Modi who addressed 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Gujarat' programme via video conferencing also inaugurated and perform Bhoomi Poojan of more than 1.3 lakh houses across Gujarat built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other housing schemes. The PM said owning a house is a guarantee of one's bright future and his government doing exactly the same through the PM Awas Yojana. "For any poor person, his own house is the guarantee of his bright future. But with time families are increasing, hence the need for new houses is also increasing. It is the effort of our government that everyone should have a permanent roof and their own house.," PM Modi said. "Using new technologies and ensuring a fast rate of construction we have changed the face of the Awas Yojna. We are using technology to ensure delivery. It is the endevour of my government that every person should have a proper house" the PM added. PM Modi also said that the greatest achievement of his government was bringing 25 crore people out of poverty and it was time to do more. "Today every child in this country wants India to become a developed nation in the next 25 years. For this every citizen is contributing in their own way" the PM said. As many as 24.82 crore individuals in India moved out of multidimensional poverty over the past nine years, according to a recent NITI Aayog report. The Viksit Bharat programme was organised at more than 180 places across all districts of Gujarat, with the main programme held at district Banaskantha. The state wide programme witnessed participation of thousands of beneficiaries of various government schemes including housing schemes. The programme was also be joined by Chief Minister Gujarat, other Ministers of Gujarat Government, MPs, MLAs and local level representatives. While presenting the interim Budget for 2024-25 in Parliament on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that her government will launch a scheme to help deserving sections of the middle class living in rented houses, or slums, or chawls and unauthorized colonies to buy or build their own houses. Highlighting the achievement of PM Awas Yojana (Grameen), the Union Finance Minister said that despite the challenges due to COVID, implementation of the scheme continued and the government is close to achieving the target of three crore houses. She said that two crore more houses will be taken up in the next five years to meet the requirement arising from an increase in the number of families. PM Awas Yojana (Rural) is close to achieving the target of 3 crore houses. (ANI)
Lashing out at the opposition for questioning the timing of the announcement of Bharat Ratna ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Chief Jayant Chaudhary said if the ruling government wants to honour someone, "what is wrong?" Lashing out at the opposition for questioning the 'timing' for announcing the award, he said, "Are they (the opposition) claiming that the government should not be awarding Bharat Ratna to anyone during the election year?" "On what basis did the ruling government or political parties take the decisions with regards to Bharat Ratna?" It is where a political party will get the maximum political mileage and issues on which the emotions of the public are connected," he asked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, and, along with them, MS Swaminathan, also known as the father of the green revolution, will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award. After the announcement, Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said on Friday that it is of no consequence to him that the recognition has come on the 'eve of general elections'. While Chidambaram welcomed the decision of the central government, he also said, "Happy that secular, socialist leaders have been awarded Bharat Ratna It is gratifying that the BJP is discovering the contribution of the three eminent men. It is of no consequence to me that the recognition has come on the eve of general elections. Homage to the memory of the three Bharat Ratna Awardees." Hailing the government for announcing the award, RLD Chief further said, "If someone understands the public impulse... Those who have not been conferred with Bharat Ratna... Previous governments did not award Bharat Ratna to them. If the government wants to honour them, what is the deal, and what is wrong?" On a question about RLD joining hands with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, he said, "You have asked a straight-to-business question." He mentioned that his emotions "were connected on their own" (without naming anyone or political party) after the Centre announced the Bharat Ratna (for his grandfather, former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh). "The accord... (between the BJP and RLD). What kind of matters have been fixed...What will our strategy be? How will the party contest the elections? The answers to all these questions will be answered with time," he added. There have been speculations about Jayant Chaudhary jumping ship to the BJP, giving a jolt to the INDIA bloc. Earlier in the day, the RLD chief said in Rajya Sabha today, "The decision taken to award Chaudhary Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna, it is a big decision...Yesterday, people celebrated Diwali after the announcement...Yesterday, the farmers distributed sweets in Connaught Place. This only shows that the decision was not only limited to his family members but is a decision to strengthen the farmers". This is the last session of the current Lok Sabha before the general elections, which are likely to be held in April-May this year. The budget session initially scheduled to conclude on February 9 was extended by a day. (ANI)
In a major blow to the opposition INDIA bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday that his party will contest alone all 14 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and Chandigarh. Categorically signalling that there will be no alliance with the Congress in the state, Kejriwal said that the party will announce candidates for all 14 seats in the next 10-15 days. "I would like to seek your blessings on one more thing. In the next two months, the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled. In this election, Punjab has 13 seats and one in Chandigarh. In total, there are 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, the Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all the 14 seats. Just like you had supported us two years back, I would like to seek your blessings to let Aam Aadmi Party win in all 14 seats by pressing on the 'broom'," Kejriwal urged people to vote for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While launching the Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme in Punjab's Amloh, the AAP chief said, "Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab." Drawing attention to the party's election symbol, the Delhi Chief Minister said that people need to "sweep Punjab" with full force. "We have to sweep all the 14 seats with an overwhelming majority and let Aam Aadmi Party secure victory. All of us need to sweep with full force," Kejriwal said. The AAP supremo's announcement comes weeks after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that his party would contest solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, dealing another blow to the INDIA bloc hours after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced to contest in all seats in West Bengal alone, sharing no seat with her alliance partners. Punjab CM had said in January that there would be no alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AAP will get 13 seats (in Punjab)," Mann said at a media briefing. Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also announced to go solo in Haryana in the Lok Sabha polls. In an exclusive talk with ANI, AAP leader Sushil Gupta said, "We will contest alone in all 90 assembly seats in Haryana. Regarding the Lok Sabha, we have communicated our stance to the national leadership of our party that we are strong and we can contest the elections in alliance and independently as well. The final decision will be taken by the party leadership." AAP's announcement also comes close on the heels of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making yet another flip by deserting the Mahagathbandhan alliance and joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kumar was one of the tallest leaders of the INDIA bloc other than West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the 2019, Lok Sabha polls, the Congress had won eight seats, the Shiromani Akali Dal had won in two seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party had won two and the AAP had won one seat. (ANI)
The Islamic Association for Peace held a protest on Saturday in front of the Chinese Consulate in the North 24 Parganas district against the alleged persecution of Uyghur Muslims by China and the wrong inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh in the Chinese standard map 2023. The Islamic Association protested with posters and banners on the street opposite the Chinese Consulate Office at Salt Lake, based in the Bidhannagar area. A team of police was, therefore, deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation. The protestors demanded the exclusion of Arunachal Pradesh from the Chinese standard map and also to stop the persecution of the Uyghur Muslim community in China. Besides, they also demanded a boycott of Chinese products. "We have come here to peacefully protest against the atrocities against Uighur Muslims in China. We, the peace-loving Muslims of the world, want all humans to live in peace. We want peace for everyone; that's why we are staging a sit-in protest for some time so that the whole world gets to know that we want all humans to remain human, and no one should commit atrocities in the name of religion. This is what we want," Abdullah, a protestor, told ANI. "We have seen the atrocities against Muslims in China through Facebook and YouTube. Therefore, we will appeal to the Chinese government to keep their Muslims at peace. Everyone should live like brothers; we are making this appeal from India, Bharatwarsh," he added. China has been accused of committing grave human rights abuses and persecution of minority communities, especially those from the Uyghur community in the Xinjiang province. A 2022 report by the UN titled 'Xinjiang Report', found that Beijing's actions against Uyghurs and other minorities could amount to "crimes against humanity." Since 2018, several human rights bodies, including those of the UN have docmented mounting human rights abuses. However, despite a seemingly high acceptance rate, China broadly rejected recommendations on the rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, cooperation with the UN and unrestricted UN access to all regions of the country, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, the death penalty and the ratification of international treaties. Recently, China's human rights record faced international scrutiny during the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, taking place from January 22 to February 2. Meanwhile, in August last year, China released the 2023 edition of its so-called "standard map," incorporating the country's claims over the nine-dash line, thereby laying claim to a large part of the South China Sea. The map also shows Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is "South Tibet," as part of its territory. India lodged a strong protest against China, rejecting claims made by Beijing in the so-called "standard map" and saying they have no basis to claim India's territory. The Ministry of External Affairs said such steps from the Chinese side would only complicate the resolution of the boundary question. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said it is an "old habit" of China to stake claims on territories that do not belong to them. He dismissed Beijing's "absurd claims" and said "putting out a map does not mean anything." Other than India, several other countries, namely the United States, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, also condemned Beijing's move. (ANI)
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed hope for Pakistanis to get an India-like democratic system amid the reports of Pakistani military 'rigging' elections to 'prop up' its candidate following the counting of votes after General Election in the country. As of now, there is no sign of any political party getting a clear mandate in General Elections. Azad had blamed Pakistan for its uncordial relations with India, however, said that the citizens of Pakistan are "innocent". "Pakistan is responsible for the tensions between the countries...But the citizens are innocent. We had democracy in our destiny...but they had dictators in their destiny...Army runs the governments there. Even if an elected representative appear, he was at the mercy of the Army. They were ousted (from power) whenever the Army felt that the person was not following them," former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said. "We had hoped for a free and fair election. But they interfered here as well...We, in India, are fortunate that the Army doesn't interfere in electing MPs and MLAs. That is what happens in democracies across the world. We pray for the people of Pakistan to get democracy like us some day," said Gulam Nabi Azad. Further, when asked about Bharat Ratna being conferred to former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, Azad welcomed the decision and said no politics should be done over it as it's a "good decision" Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna and, along with them, MS Swaminathan, also known as the father of the green revolution, will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award. (ANI)
During her visit, she is conducting separate meetings with officials from the State Congress Committee, MLAs, former ministers, district heads, and others to formulate the election strategy, an official press release said.

Congress leader Kumari Selja commented on the BJP's election rhetoric, stating that the party has a tendency to make ambitious claims, citing their slogan of winning 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. She pointed out that in Haryana, they initially spoke about securing 75 seats but ended up with 40.

Congress Disciplinary Committee chairman and former Minister Navprabhat told ANI that "Kumari Selja is currently gaining insights into the political landscape of Uttarakhand and the party's condition during the ongoing meeting at Uttarakhand Congress Bhawan".

Furthermore, he informed that an observer's team is actively touring the Lok Sabha constituencies, and they are scheduled to meet with the state in-charge Kumari Selja tomorrow.

He indicated that the Congress in the concluding phase is likely to select and announce the names of the candidates for the upcoming elections

Earlier, In January, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Dehradun.

Strategic points were discussed to win all five seats in the general elections with 75 per cent votes during the meeting.

The Lok Sabha General elections 2024, are expected to be held in India between April and May 2024.

As per the Election Commission voter list for Uttarakhand as of January 1, 2024, there are now 83 lakh voters in Uttarakhand, which also includes service voters. (ANI)
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die on Saturday after the conclusion of the budget session. This was the last day of the ongoing budget session of the 17th Lok Sabha before the general polls. The budget session, which began on January 31, was to conclude on February 9 but was extended by a day. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, in his valedictory remarks, said that the House had passed several significant legislations including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita bill, triple talaq bill and women's reservation bill. Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that the overall productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha has been around 97 per cent, the highest among the tenures of the last five Houses . The lower House of Parliament also lost a total of 387 hours to disruptions In his remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the past five years of BJP-led government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country. PM Modi greeted the members and lauded the role of Speaker Om Birla in running the House. "These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes...The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha," he said. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his valedictory remarks, highlighted that the country is making phenomenal progress in all walks of life. "As highlighted by the Hon'ble President in her address, Bharat is making phenomenal progress in all walks of life. We are in Amrit Kaal of our republic. As members of the Upper House, we have to ensure exemplary standards of conduct. We need to be a source of inspiration as Bharat steadfastly surges towards a Viksit Rashtra and a global leader. We are in an era of immense possibilities. Let us vigorously contribute to the continual, incremental rise of Bharat. I have no doubt that this sentiment is shared by every member of this House and the people at large," Dhankhar said. Dhankhar also mentioned the bills that received a nod from the House. "It is noteworthy that during this session Hon'ble Members spoke in 15 regional languages with simultaneous interpretation in Hindi and English. In addition to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to President's Address and interim Union Budget, this House also passed 7 Bills including Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill and Constitution Amendment Bills related to inclusion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. I would also like to mention that 22 Private Members' Bills have been introduced in this Session," he said. He said the House also bade farewell to 68 Members. "Out of this, three members retired in the month of January and the remaining 65 would be retiring between February and July this year. Let me express our profound appreciation for the distinguished service rendered by each one of our esteemed retiring colleagues," Dhankhar said. He expressed gratitude to Deputy Chairperson Harivansh and members on the panel of Vice-Chairpersons for assisting him in conducting the proceedings of the House. "I also thank the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the Leaders of various Parties and the Hon'ble Members for their cooperation." The Rajya Sabha chairman also extended greetings to the members ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls. "I acknowledge the untiring efforts of the Secretary-General and his team of dedicated officers and staff in ensuring that the session runs smoothly. Before I conclude, I would like to extend my good wishes to all of you for the forthcoming festivals and for the general election," he said. Lok Sabha elections are slated to be held in April-May. (ANI)
Days after violence erupted in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh on Saturday alleged that BJP, Congress and CPI-M are engaged in trying to provoke the situation as the region returns towards normalcy. During the violence, agitated villagers set fire to the poultry farm belonging to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shiv Prasad Hazra. "The situation is under control. There were some allegations, not against the government but personal issues. BJP, Congress and CPI-M were provoking and hence on the direction of CM Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee ordered the formation of a four-member committee. The committee has sent its primary report and one zila parishad of TMC, Uttam Sharda is suspended for six years..." When asked about Amit Shah's statement over CAA, he said, "This shows that the BJP is way too behind in the politics of 'roti, kapda aur makaan'... They brought CAA to deviate and polarize in the name of religion. Anybody whose name is in the voters' list is a citizen and as far as infiltrators are concerned, Amit Shah ji has responsibility for that as BSF comes under MHA." Further, underscoring that the Sandeshkhali panchayat is not a strong ground for TMC, Ghosh asserted that the state police will unearth the cabal that has colluded to destroy the peace of West Bengal. Residents, particularly women, marched through various sections of Sandeshkhali, carrying slippers in their hands, demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in an alleged land ration allotment scam. Local residents claimed that Shiv Prasad Hazra took over their land against their will, leading to their agitation and subsequent protest against the TMC leader. Despite a significant police presence in the area in response to the protests, the villagers set fire to the poultry farm of Trinamool leader Shivprasad Hazra. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sunday would mark an important milestone in Madhya Pradesh's development journey. PM Modi added that he will get the privilege to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of many development projects worth about 7300 crores in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua at 12:40 pm. "Tomorrow is an important milestone in the development journey of Madhya Pradesh. I will get the privilege to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of many development projects in Jhabua at around 12:40 pm. During this period, I will also have the opportunity to distribute monthly installment of food subsidy for tribal women beneficiaries," the Prime Minister said in a post on 'X'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh on Sunday at around 12:40 PM where he will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth about 7300 crores in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh. The vision of Antyodaya has been a guiding light for the initiatives taken by the Prime Minister. One of the key focus areas has been ensuring that benefits of development reach out to the tribal community, major sections of which were not able to gain these benefits even several decades after independence, a press release from the Prime Minister's Office read. In line with this, Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple initiatives that will benefit the significant tribal population of the region. The Prime Minister will disburse monthly instalments of Aahar Anudan under Aahar Anudan Yojna to about two lakh women beneficiaries. Under this scheme, Rs 1500 per month is provided for nutritious food to women of various specially backward tribes of Madhya Pradesh. PM Modi will distribute 1.75 lakh adhikar abhilekh (record of rights) to beneficiaries of SVAMITVA Scheme. This will provide documentary evidence to people for the right to their land, the release said. Prime Minister will also transfer Rs 55.9 crores for 559 villages under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana. This amount will be utilised for various kinds of construction activities including Anganwadi Bhawans, Fair Price Shops, Health Centres, additional rooms in schools, internal roads, among others. Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 'CM Rise School' in Jhabua. The school will integrate technology to provide modern facilities like smart classes, and e-library to students. Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects that will strengthen the water supply and provisioning of drinking water in Madhya Pradesh, the release said. The projects whose foundation stone will be laid include the 'Talavada Project' which is a drinking water supply scheme for more than one thousand villages of Dhar and Ratlam; and 14 urban water supply schemes under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, benefitting more than 50 thousand urban households across multiple districts of Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister will also dedicate to Nation 'Nal Jal Yojna' for 50 Gram Panchayats of Jhabua which will provide tap water to about 11 thousand households. Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail projects during the programme. These include laying of foundation stone for the redevelopment of Ratlam railway station and Meghnagar railway station. These stations will be redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat station scheme. The rail projects dedicated to the nation include projects for doubling of Indore- Dewas- Ujjain C cabin railway line; Itarsi- North - South grade separator with yard remodelling; and third line connecting Barkhera- Budni-Itarsi. These projects will help strengthen rail infrastructure and reduce travel time for both passenger and goods trains, the release said. Prime Minister will dedicate to nation multiple road development projects worth more than 3275 crore in Madhya Pradesh including four-laning of Harda-Betul (Package-I) from km 0.00 to km 30.00 (Harda-Temagaon) of NH-47; Ujjain Dewas section of NH-752D; four-laning (16 km) of Indore-Gujarat MP Border section of NH-47 and four-laning of Chicholi-Betul (Package-III) Harda-Betul of NH-47; and Ujjain Jhalawar section of NH-552G. These projects will improve road connectivity and also help in economic development in the region. Further, the Prime Minister will also dedicate and lay the foundation stone of other development initiatives like waste dumpsite remediation, and electric substation, among others, the release said. (ANI)
In connection to Punjab farmers 'dilli chalo' call on February 13, Haryana Police blocked one side of the Patiala Delhi national highway at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border and deputed heavy police force including women personnel. Higher officials including Hisar range Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Matta Ravi Kiran visited the border and asked local police officials to ensure a ban on entry of Punjab farmers in the national capital on February 13. Commuters in Ambala share their experience as Police barricading being put up in view of 13th Feb farmers' protest. Gurmeet, one of the commuters said, "We are facing difficulty. We are walking on foot. Auto rickshaws are demanding higher fares..." Kiran says, "...Bus drivers say that we will have to wait for 5 hours if we travel by bus. We are getting late, so we are walking on foot." Another commuter says, "We are facing difficulty...They have put up barricades." SHO Joginder Singh said, "...Barricading is being done here so that they can't advance any further. Three-layer barricading is being done..." However, police officials seemed tight-lipped over this issue and refrained from commenting on the issue openly. Jind police SP Sumit Kumar said that 'taiyari puri hai aur Punjab ke kisano ko enter nahi karne diya jaayega' (Complete arrangements have been made and Punjab farmers will not be allowed to enter Haryana). An adequate police force has been deputed at the border to deal with protestors. Media was not allowed to go close to the border. However, sources said that police are fortifying the border and leaving no stone unturned to stop agitators. Thorny iron wires, boulders with rebars, anti-riots vehicles and other things have been rushed at the state border. CCTV cameras were installed at the border to keep a tab on the movement. This time it is clearly visible that police have made all their efforts to stop farmers at the border as such arrangements were seen at Delhi borders during the 2020-21 protest which lasted 13 months. Farmer unions have claimed that a major action would be taken in Haryana if police resorted to force or any kind of atrocities on their counterparts. Farmers associated with different farmer unions in Haryana held a secret meeting in Jind and made a plan to back up the protest. They made a team of 10 members from Jind and Kaithal district which will coordinate with all unions in case of emergency.(ANI)
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy inaugurated 100 buses at Necklace Road, Hyderabad on Saturday. The ceremony was organised by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). The State Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Ministers Sridhar Babu, Seethakka and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy were also present in the inaugural ceremony. Following the inauguration, the state Ministers including the Chief Minister boarded the bus and took a ride. Earlier on Wednesday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his distress over the recent attacks on Indian students in the US and urged the External Affairs Minister to address the issue. He also announced the launch of a help desk for students living abroad. This announcement comes after the attack on Syed Mazhar Ali, a student from Hyderabad, by four robbers in Chicago on Sunday. "Very disconcerted to learn of the attack on Syed Mazhar Ali, a student from Hyderabad, by four robbers in Chicago. This follows a fatal attack on B. Shreyas Reddy, who was killed in Ohio. I request Hon'ble External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kindly convey our concerns over the safety of our students and citizens living there. My government will set up a dedicated help desk for all youth living in the USA and other countries, especially students, to ensure all their needs are met. It is my assurance to all citizens of Telangana - wherever on earth you are - the Congress government is there for you!," CM Revanth Reddy said. Meanwhile, the wife of the Indian student who was allegedly brutally attacked in Chicago has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting his assistance in getting him medical aid. The student Syed Mazahir Ali pursuing a master's degree in the US was attacked by three people in Chicago on Sunday, according to his wife, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi. She said that she received a call from her husband's friend on February 4 in which she got to know about the attack on Ali. Razvi told ANI, "My husband, Mazahir Ali, went to Chicago. On the fourth of February, there was a deadly attack on him. He was going home at around 1 am when three people got out of the car and attacked him. They also attacked them with a gun. My friend called me and I got to know at around 4 am that he was attacked. At around 6 am, I got a WhatsApp video which showed that he was bleeding heavily. After that, I couldn't talk to him much." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the coming 25 years are very significant for the country as every person has taken the resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047. "The next 25 years are very important for our country. Political activities have their place, but the aspirations, expectations, dreams and resolve of the country are that these 25 years are something in which the country will achieve the desired results," said the Prime Minister. Throwing light on the significance of the next 25 years for the nation, the Prime Minister said that the nation has taken the resolve to accomplish its dreams. Speaking about the Salt Satyagraha started in 1930 by Mahatma Gandhi and Swadeshi Andolan, the Prime Minister said, "These events may have been insignificant at the time of its inception but they set the foundations for the next 25 years leading to India's independence in 1947". He said that a similar feeling can be experienced within the country where "every person has taken the resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047". Noting that basic needs in the world have changed in the 21st century, the Prime Minister mentioned the value of data. "The passage of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act has safeguarded the data of the present generation and also garnered interest from across the world," the Prime Minister highlighted the nation's diversity and the diversified data that it generated within the country. Referring to new dimensions of security, the Prime Minister talked about the importance of marine, space and cyber security. "We have to create positive capabilities in these areas and also to develop wherewithal to deal with the negative forces", said the Prime Minister adding that space reforms are forward-looking with long-term implications. Touching upon the economic reforms carried out by the 17th Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister informed that thousands of compliances were removed to make the lives of common citizens easier. Reiterating the belief in 'Minimum Government and Maximum Governance', the Prime Minister said that the capabilities of any democracy can be maximized by ensuring minimum government intervention in citizen's lives. The Prime Minister said that the past five years of BJP-led government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country and it is rare that transformation due to these measures can also be experienced in the same period. "These five years were about reform, perform and transformation in the country. It is very rare that both reform and performance take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes. The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha," he said. "In five years of the 17th Lok Sabha, several important decisions have been taken and facing several challenges, everyone, according to their capability, has tried to give the right direction to the country," he said. "In a way, it is a day to rededicate ourselves to the country after five years of ideological journey and time devoted to the service of the country," he added. The Prime Minister said, "More than 60 obsolete laws were removed. This was needed to improve the ease of doing business, he said. PM Modi emphasized the need for trusting the citizens. He informed that Jan Vishwas Act decriminalized 180 activities. The Mediation Act has helped in breaking unnecessary litigation-related issues". The Prime Minister said that the 17th Lok Sabha had 97 percent productivity.The budget session of Parliament began on January 31 and was extended by a day till February 10. This is the last session of Lok Sabha before the general elections that are expected to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
Taking part in the discussion on Budget 2024-25 in the Assembly on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significant aspects of the state government's largest budget, while using couplets from Rahim and Tulsidas to strongly critique the leader of the opposition party. Additionally, the Chief Minister compared the current budget with that of 2016-17. Amidst the slogans of Jai Shri Ram, the Leader of the House expressed happiness over the recognition of Chaudhary Charan Singh and other eminent personalities of the country with the Bharat Ratna. He also extended greetings to all 93 members who participated in the budget discussion. CM Yogi remarked, "A conducive investment climate has been fostered in Uttar Pradesh. As a result, investments exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore will be implemented in the state through a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for February 19." He emphasised that this signified that Uttar Pradesh possessed the potential and its youth were endowed with talent and aspirations, but the state leadership lacked the determination to act. "There was a dearth of foresight, vision, and proactive policy-making. However, today, we have successfully transformed Uttar Pradesh into a revenue-surplus state," he said. CM Yogi Adityanath launched scathing attacks on opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav using couplets from Rahim and Tulsidas. He quoted, "When they were in power, they had their own priorities. They lacked the will to act. Their priorities did not include development, farmers, youth, women, or the poor." At the outset of his address, CM Yogi remarked, "It was anticipated that when the issue of farmers is raised in the budget speech, the leaders of the opposition parties would surely invoke Chaudhary Saheb. No one is willing to come together with them, apprehending deceit." He explained, "Just as the sun takes water from the sea, river, and pond, but no one notices, when it rains in the form of clouds, everyone does. The same holds true for this 'lok kalyankari' and 'lok mangal' budget. This budget has been presented keeping in mind all 75 districts without any discrimination." Today, Uttar Pradesh stands as a revenue surplus state, marking a remarkable transformation from its BIMARU status within a span of 7 years, achieved without the imposition of any taxes. Notably, mandi fees have been halved, and the state boasts the lowest diesel and petrol rates in the country. This remarkable progress is attributed to the principles of Ramrajya, he said.CM Yogi recalled that in 2017, when the government presented its inaugural budget in the House, it was dedicated to Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram. "It is our good fortune that, when our government presented its eighth budget, the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Shri Ram in a 'navya, bhavya, divya' temple in Ayodhya has also been completed with great pomp. As a result, this budget is also dedicated to Lord Shri Ram, because he is a symbol of public welfare, and thus this budget is for public welfare," he said. CM Yogi said that in this first budget of 'Amritkaal,' every endeavour has been directed towards realizing the ideals of Ramrajya. The CM stated, "In view of accelerating the economic development of the state with the largest population in the country, this budget has been presented with a better roadmap to take Uttar Pradesh to a new height of prosperity along with a 'sarvsparshi' (all-embracing), 'sarvsamaveshi' (all-inclusive), and 'Lokmangal' (public welfare) approach." This budget encompasses a wide spectrum of initiatives, spanning from Antyodaya to fostering a developed economy, from enhancing infrastructure to improving ease of living, from facilitating ease of doing business to attracting investment, and from supporting agriculture and farmers to uplifting the underprivileged. It also addresses the intertwining aspects of faith, education, health, and self-reliance, with a resolute commitment to the empowerment of women. "It is possible that the leader of the opposition party may have objections regarding the size of the budget because for the first time, the budget of Uttar Pradesh is Rs 7.36 lakh crores. This is also a historic budget of a historic year," the CM said. CM Yogi emphasized the significant growth of the current budget, which surpasses three times the budget of 2012-13 and is double that of 2016-17. "With a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year, its substantial size isn't solely about expenditure but is dedicated to public welfare and the comprehensive development of all segments of society, including infrastructure, education, health, and technology, in alignment with the aspirations of Uttar Pradesh's 25 crore people," he said. In a concerted effort to fortify these endeavours, this budget has been crafted with a determined resolve to enhance the standard of living for the common people and elevate Uttar Pradesh's per capita income to match the national average. "If we compare it to 2016-17, over the past seven years, despite enduring the pandemic challenges like COVID for three years, our administration has effectively doubled the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)," he said. He further said that until 2017, the total GDP of Uttar Pradesh stood between Rs 12 and 13 lakh crore. "Remarkably, in just 7 years, we managed to double the state's economy, a feat that previously took 70 years to accomplish. We also achieved success in doubling the per capita income of Uttar Pradesh. Today, when we are discussing the budget of 2024-25, the economy of Uttar Pradesh has reached the second position. Our share in the country's GDP has increased. Today Uttar Pradesh is contributing 9.2 percent to India's economy and our aim is to elevate this to 10 percent within the next year. Over the ensuing five years, our goal is to match our contribution to the state's population," he further said. CM Yogi highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has been liberated from the BIMARU tag. This achievement was possible due to effective measures to curb tax evasion, plug revenue leaks, and reduce the CD ratio of the state. Uttar Pradesh now leads in digital transactions, with the number reaching 1174 crore 32 lakh this year. This means that more than half of the transactions are conducted through UPI, underscoring the state's rapid digitalization and economic progress. "Today, through DBT, 11 departments have succeeded in providing Rs 70 thousand crore to the poor people of the state through more than 62 crore transactions," he said. Banking services serve as the backbone of Uttar Pradesh's economy, facilitating credit and infrastructure for investment. "In this regard, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a frontrunner among states. The state's banking sector, which totaled around Rs 12 to 13 lakh crore in 2017, has surged to approximately Rs 26 lakh crore today," he said. Uttar Pradesh leads in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with 9 crore accounts, half of which are owned by women. Additionally, over 17 lakh street vendors are benefitting from the PM SVANidhi scheme, making Uttar Pradesh the top-performing state in the country in this regard. The state also ranks first in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana with 5 crore 55 lakh beneficiaries. "Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh stands second in the nation in terms of income tax return (ITR) filings. In June 2014, approximately 1.65 lakh income tax returns were filed in Uttar Pradesh, which has since surged to about 12 lakh by June 2023, indicative of an increase in per capita income in the state," he said. He further said that employment opportunities have been created here. "If we look at the state on the national level compared to 2022-23, the national economic growth rate was 7.2, whereas the state's growth rate was 14.3 percent. The unemployment rate in the state was more than 19 percent before 2017, which is 2.4 percent today," he said. Before presenting his views in the budget discussion, CM Yogi expressed appreciation for the central government's decision to honour several eminent figures with the Bharat Ratna title, including former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao, agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan and Karpuri Thakur posthumously, as well as veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. He continued, stating, "Chaudhary Saheb belonged to Uttar Pradesh, and as the Chief Minister of the state and later as the Prime Minister of the country, he consistently amplified the voices of millions of farmers. His recognition is truly a tribute to the farmers of our nation. This is also a tribute to the memories of Chaudhary Saheb." Reflecting on Chaudhary Charan Singh's legacy, CM Yogi emphasised his indelible contributions as both the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Prime Minister of India. "The improvement seen in revenue is the contribution of Chaudhary Saheb. A poor person is getting his rights today because of the contributions made by Chaudhary Saheb. The voice of farmers is being given importance on every platform and they can become a part of the government's agenda owing to the efforts of Chaudhary Saheb. All these leaders or experts associated with different fields gave an identity to the country and Bharat Ratna is a suitable honour for them," he said. During this, CM Yogi also expressed his gratitude to those members who took part in the discussion on the budget in the House. He said that a total of 93 members of the ruling party and the opposition participated in this entire discussion and made it more constructive. (ANI)
DMK MP T Siva in Rajya Sabha on Saturday expressed his discontentment over the White Paper presented in Parliament and said that the economy was "very stable" under the UPA government as compared to the present NDA government "only corporates are enjoying". DMK MP T Siva said, "White paper may appear to be a comparison, but it is not a fact. When UPA was in power, the economy was in a very stable condition, whereas now it is very unstable. So many suicides occurred, unemployment has increased, farmers are not given the due price for their produce, the price rise is unprecedented, and the middle class and poor are suffering the most, only corporates are enjoying." Members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) were among those who walked out over the white paper brought by the government in Parliament to compare the state of the economy during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regimes. He further said that the opposition was not given ample time for discussion on the subject and everything was decided by the government itself without the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) allotting the time. "It is unconventional, unethical, and unprecedented that without the BAC decision and allotting time for a particular discussion, time was also decided by them and the opposition party was not given ample time," he added. He further said that the opposition has registered its views within a short period. "Today I gave a 267 notice to suspend the proceedings and discuss the government's reluctance to not release the flood relief fund to Tamil Nadu. We staged a protest and walked out since they were not yielding to our demand," he added. CPI(M) member John Brittas said, 'Protesting against the discrimination shown to Kerala, we are walking out. 'We are also not party to communalise the political situation,' he said 'This is not a white paper. This is an election paper. Selective amnesia and cherry picking. finance minister (Nirmala Sitharaman) has said 2004-2009 was a good period but she gave the credit to the previous (NDA) government. Strange enough,' the leader of the Left party said. Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to the floor of the Rajya Sabha to address the ongoing debate surrounding the White Paper, providing insights into the economic landscape inherited by the Modi government and outlining key initiatives undertaken to address challenges and propel the economy forward. Reflecting on the economic trajectory since 2014, Sitharaman acknowledged the solid foundation laid during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure (1998-2004), attributing the subsequent downturn to the UPA's mismanagement during its 10-year rule. (ANI)
Coming out all guns blazing at the BJP-led Centre during a debate in the Lok Sabha on a resolution on the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said he has the highest respect for the deity but 'hates' Nathuram Godse, the assailant who fatally shot Mahatma Gandhi. Bristling at the ruling BJP during the discussion on the Ram Temple in the Lower House, the AIMIM MP said, "I have the highest respect for Lord Ram but hate Nathuram Godse because he killed the person whose last words were 'Hey Ram'." Taking the attack to the ruling party at the Centre a notch higher, Owaisi demanded that the BJP come out with a clarification on whether the government has a 'religion of its own'. "I want to ask today: is this government under the leadership of PM Modi for a particular community, the practitioners of a certain religion or the entire country? Does this government have a religion of its own? I believe that this country does not and should not stand for any particular religion," Owaisi said. The AIMIM Supremo further called on the government to come clean on whether the resolution on the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the deity on January 22 was meant merely to mark the triumph of one religion over the other. "Through this resolution on the January 22nd event in Ayodhya, is this government sending out a message that it marked the triumph of one religion over the other? What larger message are they sending out to the 17 crore Muslims in the country?" the AIMIM leader asked. Also lashing out at the BJP for allegedly labelling leaders from the minority community after Muslim invaders and rulers, Owaisi asked, "Am I a spokesperson for Babar, Jinnah or Aurangzeb?" The Rajya Sabha, meanwhile, also held a discussion on the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on the last day of the 17th Lok Sabha. Taking the floor in the Upper House during the discussion, BJP national president JP Nadda said the 'Pran Pratishtha Day' marked the resurgence or rebirth of the country's spiritual and cultural conscience. "When we speak of the 500-year-old history, it was that of slavery and oppression. However, January 22, 2024 will go down as a day of rebirth and resurgence of the country's spiritual and cultural conscience. This day will remain memorable for thousands of years," Nadda said. (ANI)
After coming out against the high command for the state of affairs within and the heavyweights for turning down the Ram Temple invitation, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam was expelled from the party for six years over indiscipline and anti-party remarks, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. The decision was taken by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday after a proposal seeking his dismissal from the party was mooted by the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. "In view of the complaints of indiscipline and repeated statements against the party. Congress President has approved the proposal of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee to expel Pramod Krishnam from the party for six years with immediate effect," read an official statement issued by the Congress on Saturday. Of late, Acharya Pramod Krishnam was in the crosshairs of his party with his public statements against the decision of Congress heavyweights--national president Kharge, former presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi--to decline the invitation to the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22. He also came out openly against his party high command over the perceived slackness in its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the disorder and rising differences in the Opposition bloc--INDIA while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the decades-old Ram Temple movement to a logical end. Labelling as 'unfortunate' the decision by the Congress top leadership to turn down the invitation, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "Ram Sabke Hain (Lord Ram belongs to all)". "Ram sabke hain (Lord Ram belongs to everyone). All that I would say is that turning down the invitation to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony was unfortunate," Acharya Krishnam told ANI in an interview earlier. Heaping praise on PM Modi, the dissident Congress leader said had it not been for him, Ram Mandir would never have been a reality. "From Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehrum till today, the country has seen many PMs. But none made such a big effort to fulfil a long-held demand or wish. I commend the Prime Minister for his leadership and efforts to take the Ram Temple movement to its logical end," he said. Earlier, on January 29, Acharya Krishnam also took a dig at Rahul's ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', saying that while all other political parties are gearing up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress seemed to be gearing up for the "2029 elections". "Congress has some great and intelligent leaders. While all other parties around them have begun hectic preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is happy indulging in political tourism and travel. It would seem that the Congress has hit upon a ploy to win the 2024 elections after this year passes. Or rather, it almost looks as if we have already given up on 2024 and are preparating for the 2029 elections. Had we been preparing earnestly for 2024, things wouldn't have come to this," Acharya Krishnam told ANI earlier. After the politically significant exit of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) Supremo, Nitish Kumar, from the Congress-led INDIA bloc and return to the BJP-led NDA, the now-expelled Congress leader said the Opposition alliance no longer exists. "I believe there is no such thing as INDIA any more. The alliance contracted multiple serious ailments and afflictions at birth. Then it slipped into the ICU and ventilator. Eventually, it was Nitish Kumar (one of the key architects of the Bloc) who performed its last rights in Patna. I don't think it exists any longer," Acharya Krishnam said. (ANI)
The drive was organised as per the schedule for Central Government Ministries and Departments, with special emphasis laid on improving current cleanliness levels in the office premises, disposal of scrap and waste materials and the utilisation of social media to amplify the cleanliness message.

Swachhata banners were displayed at all prominent places of the Ministry building and all its offices and subordinate offices in India and Indian missions and posts abroad.

A 'Shramdaan' was undertaken by officials to keep their offices and surroundings clean.

Special drives to clean toilets, bathrooms, staircases and corridors, as well as the segregation and safe disposal of paper waste, plastic waste and e-waste banners were also undertaken as part of the cleanliness drive.

A review of the access to toilets by 'Divyang' (disabled persons) at South Block, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan was also carried out, the ministry stated.

Indian Missions abroad and RPOs/ PoEs in lndia actively participated in carrying out cleanliness activities during Swachhata Pakhwada, the MEA release stated, adding that the Indian Missions also engaged local Indian diaspora to participate in Swachhata activities.

Swachhata activities undertaken by MEA officials in India and those situated abroad included blood donation camps, Nukkad Nataks, Plogging/Swachhata walks, Signature campaigns, painting competitions, planting of saplings and Kavya Pratiyogita (poetry recitation).

The ministry, in its statement, added that the Swachhata Pakhwada was celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm and the activities undertaken were comprehensive in size and scale and saw widespread participation in India and abroad. (ANI)
Sri Lankan member of parliament, Namal Rajapaksa, visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Friday, saying that he felt honoured and blessed to visit the shrine. Speaking to reporters after visiting the grand temple, the Lankan MP said with the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Lord Ram, the old glory has been restored to the original birthplace of the deity. "We are glad to be here. We are privileged and honoured to receive the blessings of Lord Ram at his abode in Ayodhya. It is more special for me as I identify myself as a Sri Lankan connected to Ramayana trail and growing up in a background rooted in Buddhist culture while also being very close to the Hindu community. It is, indeed, a great honour for me and my wife to be here today. We feel blessed to be here," the Lankan MP said. "It's a great thing that the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) himself got involved (in raising the Ram Temple in the Ayodhya) and got this done. We believe that Lord Ram's birthplace has returned to its glory days. I'm sure there are many devotees from all over the world like me who are waiting for an opportunity to visit this magnificent temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram," Rajapaksa said. Earlier, on Thursday, a delegation from Fiji, led by Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, embarked on a spiritual journey to Ayodhya to experience the divinity around the grand abode of Lord Ram. The delegation, representing the Indian diaspora in Fiji, arrived at Maharshi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on Thursday, eager to partake in the religious and cultural significance of the sacred city. In a media interaction, the Deputy PM of Fiji highlighted the profound connection of Fijian citizens of Indian origin to their roots during the visit to Ayodhya. The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram was held at 12:29 pm on January 22, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idol of Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla was unveiled to devotees across the world after the rituals. (ANI)
Korean Cultural Centre India celebrated 'Seollal,' the Lunar New Year, by organizing an event at the centre's auditorium in the national capital, an official statement said, adding that 110 Indian students and officials attended the celebrations. Seollal or the Lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in South Korea which commemorates the first day of the Korean Lunar Calendar with hope and greeting for the New Year ahead. During the event, the Korean Cultural Centre India showcased the traditional events that are held back in their homeland, such as greeting the elders in the family and wishing them a happy New Year. "The tradition also involves visiting the graves of ancestors and paying respect to them. The occasion is further celebrated by playing traditional games, wearing the Hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korean people, and eating Tteokguk, a rice cake soup. Tteokguk is a special festival dish that is prepared on Seollal, as it is believed that it is only after consuming a bowl of Tteokguk on the first day of the Lunar year that a person grows a year older," the official statement read. The highlight of the event was the showcasing of the Korean Lunar New Year paintings which were drawn by Indian students themselves. These paintings will be on display at the Korean Cultural Centre India until 12th February. Speaking on the importance on holding cultural exchanges such as these between the people of India and Republic of Korea, Hwang Il Yong, director of Korean Cultural Centre India, said, "I hope that this opportunity will allow students to talk about each other's Lunar New Year customs and feel Korean culture more closely." Mansi Tyagi, a participating student expressed her excitement over the Seollal festivities, saying, "This is a good occasion for friends to come together and experience Korean culture. I was excited to experience the traditional elements of Seollal festivities like wearing Hanbok, eating Tteokguk and playing traditional games that native Koreans play on this occasion. It was all such a wonderful experience." Shilpi Karmokar, a student at the Korean language class at King Sejong Institute at the Korean Cultural Centre in India, said the event presented a great opportunity to promote Korea and its traditions to those Indian enthusiasts who want to learn more about Korean history and culture. "This event is a great medium for spreading cultural knowledge to people who wish to learn more about Korea, its history, and its culture. And, it is also a good experience for the newly enrolled students here at the institute," she said. (ANI)
Amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice, saying that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day. "My beloved countrymen. By turning out in such huge numbers and exercising your democratic right of franchise, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise citizens' rights. I congratulate you all on helping us win the elections handsomely. I had full faith in your turning out in such large numbers to cast your ballots. You lived up to my trust and the massive turnout on election day surprised many. The 'London Plan' because of your active participation in the democratic exercise. Nawaz Sharif is a leader of low intelligence who gave a victory speech despite his party trailing in 30 seats," the former PM and PTI founder said in an audio clip of his AI-enabled voice on social media platform X. Expanding on his party's claims of rigging and electoral malfeasance, Imran said, "No Pakistani will accept this (elecoral malpractice) and the international media has also reported extensively about it. As per the Form 45 data, we are on course to win more than 170 National Assembly seats. My fellow countrymen, you all have set a date for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. We are winning the 2024 elections with a two-thirds majority. Everyone has seen the power of your vote. Now show your ability to preserve and protect it." Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Shairf and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co Chairman Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting in Lahore, Dawn News reported quoting sources. The meeting came shortly after Nawaz claimed victory in general elections held a day earlier, and invited his allies to form a coalition government. The PPP and PML-N were both part of the PDM government that took over from PTI after Imran Khan's ouster from the prime minister's office in 2022. Meanwhile, according to the unofficial provisional results reported by Dawn News for 212 out of 266 seats, the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are leading with 82 seats. On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) which has emerged as the single largest party, is trailing with 64 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) at 40seats. (ANI)
The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, urged Pakistan authorities on Friday to uphold fundamental human rights, including a free and fair trial through the independent judicial system and also expressed concern over restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day and significant delays in election results. "The UK urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights, including free access to information, and the rule of law. This includes the right to a fair trial through adherence to due process and an independent and transparent judicial system, free from interference," the British Foreign Minister said in an official statement. "We recognise, however, serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections. We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols. We also note the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process," the former British PM said. He also underscored the significance of the election of civilian government with the people's mandate, saying that the new government must be accountable to the people it serves. The statement, quoting British Foreign Minister, read further, "The election of a civilian government with the mandate to deliver crucial reforms is essential for Pakistan to flourish. The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan's citizens and communities with equity and justice. We look forward to working with Pakistan's next government to achieve this, and across the range of our shared interests." Significantly, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court. As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates, Dawn reported. According to the latest provisional results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are leading with 58 seats. On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) which has emerged as the single largest party, is trailing with 34 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) at 34 seats. According to the unofficial results called by Geo News for 224 out of 265 seats, independent candidates, mostly backed by PTI, are leading with 91 seats, followed by PML-N and PPP at 64 and 50, respectively. The ECP has released the provisional results for 134 out of 265 seats in the National Assembly. (ANI)
Amid heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza, human rights advocates are accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of misleading the public over weapons to Israel, which have come under greater scrutiny, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday. According to the report, at issue is legislation that prohibits the government from exporting military equipment to foreign actors if there is a risk it can be used in human rights abuses. But regulatory loopholes, combined with a lack of clarity over what Canada sends to Israel, have complicated efforts to end the transfers, according to the report. Dozens of Canadian civil society groups this month urged Trudeau to end arms exports to Israel, arguing they violate Canadian and international law because the weapons could be used in the Gaza Strip. But in the face of mounting pressure since Israel's war on Gaza began on October 7, Canada's foreign affairs ministry has tried to downplay the state's role in helping Israel build its arsenal. "Global Affairs Canada can confirm that Canada has not received any requests, and therefore not issued any permits, for full weapon systems for major conventional arms or light weapons to Israel for over 30 years," the department said on Friday. "The permits which have been granted since October 7, 2023, are for the export of non-lethal equipment," it added. But advocates say this misrepresents the total volume of Canada's military exports to Israel, which accounts for more than USD 15 million (21.3 million Canadian dollars) in 2022, according to the government's own figures. Al Jazeera reported that it also shines a spotlight on the nation's longstanding lack of transparency around these transfers. "Canadian companies have exported over [84 million, 114 million Canadian dollars] in military goods to Israel since 2015 when the Trudeau government was elected," said Michael Bueckert, vice president of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, an advocacy group. "And they have continued to approve arms exports since October 7 despite the clear risk of genocide in Gaza," Bueckert said. "Unable to defend its own policy, this government is misleading Canadians into thinking that we aren't exporting weapons to Israel at all. As Canadians increasingly demand that their government impose an arms embargo on Israel, politicians are trying to pretend that the arms trade doesn't exist," he added. While Canada may not transfer full weapons systems to Israel, the two countries enjoy "a consistent arms trade relationship," said Kelsey Gallagher, a researcher at Project Ploughshares, a peace research institute. The vast majority of Canada's military exports to Israel come in the form of parts and components. These typically fall into three categories, electronics and space equipment; military aerospace exports and components; and finally, bombs, missiles, rockets and general military explosives and components. But beyond these broad categories, which were gleaned by examining Canada's own domestic and international reports on weapons exports, Gallagher said it remains unclear "what these actual pieces of technology are". "We don't know what companies are exporting them. We don't know exactly what their end use is," he told Al Jazeera. "What does this mean? No one knows because there's no definition of that and it really could be quite a number of things," said . Al Jazeera reported that Henry Off, a Toronto-based lawyer and board member of the group Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) suspected that Canadian military components are reaching Israel via the United States, including for installation in fighter jets such as the F-35 aircraft. But these transfers are difficult to track because a decades-old deal between Canada and the US - 1956's Defence Production Sharing Agreement--has created "a unique and comprehensive set of loopholes that are afforded to Canadian arms transfers to the US," said Gallagher. Despite these hurdles, Canadian human rights advocates are pressuring the government to end its weapons sales to Israel, particularly in light of the Israeli war in Gaza. Still, Canada insists that it maintains one of the strongest arms export control regimes in the world. Asked whether his government intends to end arms transfers to Israel, Trudeau said in Parliament on January 31 that Canada "puts human rights and protection of human rights at the centre of all our decision-making." "It has always been the case and we have been consistent in making sure that we are responsible in the way we do that. We will continue to be so," the Canadian Prime Minister said. Gallagher, at Project Ploughshares, told Al Jazeera, that Canada maintains "a level of permissibility" in choosing which countries it chooses to arm, including Israel. (ANI)
At a time when general elections in Pakistan remained a burning issue globally, at-home politics portrayed a totally different picture, with protests and boycotts across the nations, especially Balochistan. Against the backdrop of armed conflict, a sizable segment of Balochistan's population voiced a vehement rejection of the electoral process through demonstrations and boycotts. Quite recently, a major protest took place in Heronk, a district of Kech in Balochistan, where women gathered in front of a polling booth, vocalising their disagreement with placards linking election participation with terrorism, reflecting a larger mood of hostility towards the political process in Balochistan. The situation worsened when security officers allegedly used force to remove the demonstrators, showing tensions between the local population and government. Similarly, dramatic scenes unfolded in Goburd, Mand, when Baloch women and children screamed "Yeh Wardi Wale, Deshatgard" (These Uniformed Ones, Terrorists) in front of Pakistani military trucks. Following that, the electoral process was halted in the region. https://x.com/TBPEnglish/status/1755526201362305051?s=20 This outpouring of discontent was echoed in other districts, including Kech, Gwadar, and Kharan, where local demonstrators disrupted the polling process. Polling sites in Tehsil Mand in Kech district and Tehsil Hoshab remained vacant, with no polling officials or voters present, echoing strong demands by nationalist organisations to boycott the polls. A relatively low participation was seen in Baloch-majority parts of Balochistan, reported The Balochistan Post. At least nine people lost their lives, and over a dozen sustained injuries in a series of violent incidents on Thursday, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district and multiple districts of Balochistan, as per Dawn. In Dera Ismail Khan, five police personnel were martyred, and two others were injured as an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated within the jurisdiction of Kulachi police station. According to Dawn, the incident occurred while a police vehicle was patrolling the Gara Aslam area of Kulachi for election security. Militants ambushed the vehicle, resulting in casualties. Furthermore, polling stations in Gwadar, Kech, and Panjgur districts of Balochistan faced grenade and rocket attacks, claiming the lives of five police officers in the D.I. Khan blast. Additionally, the toll rose to 30 in Khanozai and Qila Saifullah due to bomb explosions. In a statement, Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai confirmed the death toll and noted that the Islamic State (Wilayah Pakistan) claimed responsibility for targeting the election office of an independent candidate in Khanozai as reported by Dawn. Meanwhile, amid the violence, polling in central, southern, and northern districts proceeded peacefully with tightened security measures. The incidents underscore the challenges faced during the election process in certain regions, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and vigilance to ensure the safety of citizens and electoral processes. (ANI)
Sailani Avenue is notably named after Nain Singh Sailani, an Indian-origin soldier honoured in Australia.

"Visited Sailani Avenue in Perth. Named after Nain Singh Sailani, an Indian-origin soldier honoured in Australia. Glad to meet some of our veterans and Indian community leaders there," the EAM wrote on X.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1756165112967364728?s=20

Private Nain Singh Sailani was one of 12 known Anzacs from the Indian community who enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces in 1916, and one of two who were killed in the Belgian campaign.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was originally a First World War army corps of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Earlier in the day, the External Affairs Minister met his counterpart Penny Wong

"Joined my friend FM @SenatorWong for a morning discussion on Day 2 of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference. Discussed India-Australia ties, Indian Ocean architecture and our shared interests in the Indo-Pacific" Jaishankar posted on X.

Jaishankar is currently in Australian city of Perth on a two-day 7th Indian Ocean Conference.

The Conference is a flagship consultative forum for countries in the Indian Ocean Region, organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation. The conference is held in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, along with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and the Perth-US Asia Centre in Australia.

The theme of this edition of the conference is Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean.

This significant gathering, organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation, marks a collaborative effort with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and the Perth-US Asia Centre in Australia.

The 7th Indian Ocean Conference brings together distinguished leaders and delegates to deliberate on crucial regional issues. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Madagascar counterpart Rafaravavitafika Rasata on the sidelines of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth on Saturday. The two leaders, as they met, discussed bilateral relations shared by India and Madagascar. In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, " Nice to meet FM @rafaravavitafi1 of Madagascar on the sidelines of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference." "Discussed our bilateral relations that we hope to deepen," he added. On the sidelines of the 7th Indian Ocean Conference, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart, Senator Penny Wong, held discussions in Perth on Friday on a spectrum of global issues, including the Indo-Pacific and the situation in West Asia. The meeting commenced with a warm exchange between EAM Jaishankar and FM Wong. Both leaders expressed delight at the opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship. The talks primarily centred around the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various domains, with a particular focus on matters related to the Indian Ocean region. Jaishankar is currently in Australian city of Perth on a two-day 7th Indian Ocean Conference. The Conference is a flagship consultative forum for countries in the Indian Ocean Region, organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation. The conference is held in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, along with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and the Perth-US Asia Centre in Australia. The theme of this edition of the conference is Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean. This significant gathering, organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation, marks a collaborative effort with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and the Perth-US Asia Centre in Australia. The 7th Indian Ocean Conference brings together distinguished leaders and delegates to deliberate on crucial regional issues. Since its inception in 2016 in Singapore, the Indian Ocean Conference has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among nations and principal maritime partners in the region. Through its platform, the Conference endeavours to facilitate discourse on the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The 7th Indian Ocean Conference stands as a testament to the collective commitment towards enhancing stability and sustainability across the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)
Former Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, The Express Tribune reported. Additionally, Khan's close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported. Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail. Imran and Qureshi were indicted as per charges on February 6. The duo was brought before the court, and the former prime minister informed the judge that he had been unjustly arrested on May 9 from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), according to The Express Tribune. Imran was booked in many cases relating to the rioting that erupted throughout the country on May 9, following his detention in a corruption case. The complaints filed in Rawalpindi included an attack on the gate of General Headquarters (GHQ), rioting at a sensitive institution's office, and other incidents. He rejected the claims included in the cases' first information reports (FIRs). It should be mentioned that, following his release from Adiala jail, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi was hauled away by Punjab police in connection with the attack on the GHQ, according to The Express Tribune. In July last year, a high-level joint investigative team (JIT) looking into the May 9 violence decided to designate the former premier in two terrorist cases, including an attack on GHQ. With the inclusion of new sections to the proceedings, the PTI head was charged with planning and inciting violence. The bail has been granted to Imran Khan at a time when the results of the Pakistan General Elections that took place on February 8 are highly anticipated. The counting for the elections held on Thursday is underway, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the single-largest party but is trailing behind the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). Meanwhile, amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice, saying that the 'London Plan' of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day, as he also claimed victory in the general elections. Moreover, Nawaz Sharif also announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies - Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fractured mandate. (ANI)
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to chalk out plan for the evacuation of the population from Rafah, his office said on Friday in a statement, ahead of an anticipated ground offensive there, according to CNN. Rafah, a southern Gaza city, currently houses more than 1.3 million people. The majority of the people, who are living there are basically evacuees from other parts of Gaza, according to the United Nations. Netanyahu, on Thursday said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will "soon go into Rafah, Hamas's last bastion." As the IDF's operations progressed south into Gaza, many Palestinians fled the territory and sought safety in the city. However, it is unclear where they will travel next; the city borders Egypt to the south, but the border into the nation has been closed for months. In the statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that it was impossible to eradicate Hamas while leaving "four Hamas battalions in Rafah," according to CNN. "On the other hand, it is clear that a massive operation in Rafah requires the evacuation of the civilian population from the combat zones." "That is why the Prime Minister directed the IDF and the defence establishment to bring to the Cabinet a dual plan for both the evacuation of the population and the disbanding of the battalions," the statement added. In a statement issued Friday, the office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas slammed the military escalation plan, calling a potential evacuation a "real threat" and "dangerous prelude" to Israeli expulsion of Palestinians from their land, according to CNN. "The time has come for everyone to bear their responsibility in the face of creating another catastrophe that will push the entire region into endless wars," the statement said. 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. In addition, IDF troops also located RPGs inside terrorist's residences. (ANI)
Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the construction of the Ram Temple and said that it was a great experience to visit the historic place. He visited the Ayodhya Ram Temple on Friday and said that he felt honoured and blessed to visit the shrine. Speaking to ANI, Rajapaksa said, "It's a great feeling to get blessings from Lord Ram in Ayodhya. And I think it's beautifully done and we are glad that Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India have brought back the old glory and redone the history." He said that everyone should visit the Ram Temple not just to seek blessings but also to witness the architectural marvel. "I think it is a historical temple and it's good to see that it has got back its old glory thanks to the current government, Prime Minister Modi and his administration. It is something that I think everyone should visit and experience. Not only getting blessed from the Ram Temple but also get that experience and also to witness the architectural marvel that has been carved into the temple," Rajapaksa said. The Sri Lankan MP also applauded the strong cultural and religious bond between India and Sri Lanka. "There is a strong cultural and religious bond between the two nations and which will last for generations and I am sure the Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka and also the Hindu devotees and Buddhists in India will find a lot of similarities in our cultures," he further said. The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram was held at 12:29 pm on January 22, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idol of Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla was unveiled to devotees across the world after the rituals. Earlier, on Thursday, a delegation from Fiji, led by Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, embarked on a spiritual journey to Ayodhya to experience the divinity around the grand abode of Lord Ram. The delegation, representing the Indian diaspora in Fiji, arrived at Maharshi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on Thursday, eager to partake in the religious and cultural significance of the sacred city. In a media interaction, the Deputy PM of Fiji highlighted the profound connection of Fijian citizens of Indian origin to their roots during the visit to Ayodhya. A delegation from Suriname also visited Ayodhya, the sacred city known for its cultural and religious heritage. The delegation, led by Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname, Marinus Bee, arrived in Ayodhya on Wednesday morning and engaged in spiritual and cultural activities. The delegation offered prayers to the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Temple. (ANI)
A massive protest erupted in Muzaffarabad city in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday, where people protested against miserable living conditions in the region. A noted political activist, Toqeer Gilani, accused Pakistan of "betraying" the people of PoK compelling them to live a "miserable life." A video went viral on several social media platforms, showing people from the PoK region coming raising with concerns that have remained unfulfilled for long. In the viral video, Gilani can be seen addressing the people. "The leaders of Pakistan today have become ignorant; they have stopped listening to our demands and are making us beg for our rights. For over 70 years, the leaders of POK have not been able to feed our people. They are not able to give us a bag of flour," he said. Gilani further stated that "We unitedly stand here today to judge whether our leader has fulfilled their promises or not. No one who does not stand in solidarity with your intentions can be called a friend or a leader or even a supporter. Anyone who stands before you and says that 'the government of Pakistan stands with you and the army of Pakistan will fight for you and your rights' is fooling you and is nothing more than a con". "Every day, we see how the administration and the Pakistani army are demeaning our demands and how they are arresting our activists and leaders, ultimately suppressing our voice for justice. We see every day how the security agencies are insulting our mothers and sisters. We see how the powerful people of this country are hurting people by orchestrating several bomb blasts in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and suppressing the demands of the poor people of Punjab province" he added. Gilani in the video also mentioned, "The people of PoK today need to rise and fight for their own rights as the government is not ready to give them their rights. And the atrocities upon us have been continuing for several years now. They keep making claims over what they have given us over the period, but our situation has not improved at all." Meanwhile, POK is regularly witnessing protests by the general public, who are demanding their rights by presenting a unified front against the regime. Recently, the people of POK were successful in compelling the authorities to suspend tax collection after heavy protests. But as soon as the sit-in organised by the people of POK was taken back, the authorities started to ignore the accepted agreement. However, the leaders of the protest from the Awami Action Committee have warned the authorities that the protest will be reinitiated if no substantial action is taken on the previously accepted demands of the people. (ANI)
A six-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, and two rescuers who went looking for her nearly two weeks ago were found dead on Saturday, The New York Times reported, citing the Palestine Red Crescent. According to the report, two rescuers with the Red Crescent were dispatched in an ambulance on the evening of January 29 to find the girl, who was believed to be trapped in a vehicle in Gaza city with six dead family members. The aid group claimed they were killed by Israeli fire. The Red Crescent, in a statement on Saturday, accused Israeli forces of bombing the ambulance as it arrived "just meters away from the vehicle containing the trapped child Hind", killing the two rescuers inside. It said this happened "despite prior coordination" between the Red Crescent and the Israeli military. https://x.com/PalestineRCS/status/1756352099430834337?s=20 The Red Crescent shared an image of the charred and nearly unrecognisable ambulance on social media. The Israeli military did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the Red Crescent's allegations. The military said last week that it was not aware of the incident. A spokeswoman for the Red Crescent said the girl's family had discovered the bodies of their relatives and the ambulance crew. It was not immediately clear how Hind died, The New York Times reported. The Red Cross had issued a series of desperate posts since the rescuers went missing, trying to draw attention to the harrowing situation. The search was hampered by the ongoing presence of Israeli forces in the area, making it too dangerous to send more rescuers to the scene, according to the Red Crescent. Israel's aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza has left more than 27,000 people in Gaza dead in the past four months, according to health authorities in the territory. More than 12,000 of the dead are children, according to Gazan authorities. The UN agency for children, Unicef, said on Friday that more than 600,000 children and their families have been displaced to the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Israel's war in Gaza began after Hamas staged a cross-border attack on Israel which Israeli authorities said killed about 1,200 people. The two ambulance team members, Yousef Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, were sent after a Red Crescent dispatcher spent three hours on the phone trying to console Hind as she was trapped in the car. The Red Crescent said it had coordinated the movements of the ambulance with the Israeli military. Similar coordination is done by other aid organizations operating in Gaza, including UN agencies. Some aid groups have reported convoys coming under fire. The New York Times reported that the two rescuers confirmed arriving at the scene of the vehicle in Gaza City, in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood, at about 6 p.m. on January 29. Then the Red Crescent lost contact with them and had not heard from them since. The Israeli military's tanks and forces remained in the vicinity, preventing the Red Crescent from sending other rescuers to the scene, the aid group said. After the tanks withdrew, Hind's family went to the area and saw that she was dead in the vehicle and the Red Crescent ambulance had been hit, with the two rescuers dead inside, said Nebal Farsakh, a spokeswoman for the Red Crescent. She added that the family notified the Crescent and sent them photos. "What can we say to the mother of 6-year-old Hind? What can we say to the families of our missing colleagues Youssef Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoon?" the Red Crescent's final post on the case read on Friday, before the group received confirmation that they were all dead. "Every day for the past 11 days, they have endured heart-wrenching uncertainty about the location of their loved ones. Their suffering makes us more determined to find out what happened. We must learn the truth," it added. (ANI)
The Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, on Saturday called for urgent reforms of the United Nations and agencies under it while making a strong case for the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. "We are of the view that India as a permanent member of the Security Council could make a significant contribution to promoting balance as well as an agenda focused on the interests of the world majority, primarily the countries of the Global South," the Russian envoy said. In an interview with the RT news agency, the Russian envoy added, "We have repeatedly indicated our support for New Delhi's candidacy. Our Indian partners have proven themselves worthy during their non-permanent membership in the UNSC in 2021-2022 and have successfully led the Council twice. Their G20 presidency was also a clear confirmation of their high professionalism in multilateral diplomacy and the ability to find consensus amid growing geopolitical tensions." On the alleged polarisation at the UN, the envoy said it significantly complicates the expansion of security council, adding that the West already has an overrepresentation at the world body. "Polarization at the UN significantly complicates dialogue on expanding the Security Council, in which the West is already disproportionately 'overrepresented'. Against this background, we are doubtful of the vigorously promoted applications of new Western candidates," Alipov said. "At the same time, it is widely recognized that bringing the composition of the UN Security Council in to line with modern realities, bearing in mind the well-founded aspirations of India and other reputable contenders from Asia, Africa and Latin America for permanent membership, is long overdue. In this respect we value the broadest possible consensus," the Russian ambassador to India added. Calling the growing trade ties and economic and bilateral relations with India as 'unprecedented', the Russian envoy said, "Our trade and economic cooperation has reached an unprecedented level. Russia is one of India's four main trading partners. We maintain a leading position in the supply of hydrocarbons providing more than a third of Indian imports." "Supplies of mineral fertilizers and products of the agricultural and diamond sectors are growing. All this creates a favorable atmosphere for our mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve new heights and strengthens the feeling of mutual trust in the business environment," he added. India and Russia have maintained a robust strategic partnership, rooted in historical ties and shared interests, over decades. Central to this relationship is extensive defence cooperation, with Russia serving as a major supplier of military equipment to India and both nations engaging in joint military exercises, co-development of advanced military platforms, and technology transfers, according to the Russian news agency. More recently, energy collaboration has become another strong pillar of bilateral ties. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KNPP), India's largest, is being built in Tamil Nadu with technical assistance provided by Moscow. Russia's expertise in nuclear technology has been instrumental in advancing India's capabilities, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership, according to RT. The two countries have pledged to deepen their nuclear cooperation, recognizing its strategic importance for energy security and technological advancement. Over the past 18 months, India has emerged as one of the largest importers of Russian oil--a stand New Delhi has had to defend on many occasions from accusations by Western media, and even some political leaders, of funding 'Russia's war' with Ukraine. (ANI)
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post with more information as it becomes available.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  One person is dead and two are injured after Salt Lake City Police say they were involved in a traffic crash in the 100 block of S. 5600 West tonight.

Police said they closed 5600 West between Interstate 80 and 150 South as they deal with the crash. A medical helicopter was seen at the crash scene.

Further details were not made available tonight. Police say they will likely release an update Saturday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
UPDATE: Blow-Lowe has been located.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police are searching for an 11-year-old girl who was last seen in the east valley.

Haumea Blow-Lowe was last seen on Friday around 8 p.m. near the 6200 block of Dundee Port Avenue near Bonanza Road and Sloan Lane.

Haumea Blow-Lowe (LVMPD)

She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie with Harvard written on it and black shorts.

Anyone with information regarding Blow-Lowe and her whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at (702) 828-3111, the Missing Persons Detail during business hours at (702) 828-2907 or by email at missingpersons@lvmpd.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A 12-year-old boys death at a North Carolina wilderness camp for troubled teens has been called suspicious by investigators because it occurred less than 24 hours after he arrived.

The Transylvania County Sheriffs Office said the boy, who has not been identified, was taken to the therapeutic Trails Carolina Camp in Lake Toxaway on Feb. 3, after which he was assigned to a cabin with other minors.

The next morning, however, staff discovered that the boy was not breathing, authorities said. When first-responders arrived, they attempted to resuscitate the boy before realizing that he had been dead for some time.

A forensic pathologist said the boys death did not appear to be natural, according to the sheriff's office, which noted that Trails Carolina has not completely cooperated with their investigation. Trails Carolina refuted this claim in a statement on Friday.

This is the second death at Trails Carolina in the last decade, according to NBC News. In 2014, 17-year-old Alec Lansing was separated from his group on a hike and died of hypothermia.

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.
Theres plenty of recipes to keep the kids happy (Getty)

My favourite day of the year is today: Pancake Day.

Whether you sway for sweet or savoury, our curated selection of 15 of flippin fantastic (yes, sorry) pancake recipes, from chefs, restaurants and even a gym, has you covered.

But first of all, lets discuss the perfect pancake.

Executive chef of Scottish hotel The Caledonian Ryan MacFarlane says a non-stick pan over a medium-high heat with a small amount of clairifed butter is the way to go. Cook one side until it develops a golden brown colour on the surface, then confidently flip it with a thin spatula in one swift motion to ensure an even cook on both sides, he says.

His secret ingredient? A surprising one. Sparkling water. For a pancake with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, I suggest incorporating sparkling water into the batter. The carbonation in the water contributes to a lighter texture, while the batter still mains its structure for a good crunch.

He also recommends letting the batter rest overnight, or for at least 30 minutes, to allow the flour to fully absorb the liquid resulting in a smoother batter and more consistent pancakes when cooked.

Tom Cenci, head chef of Nessa in London, also uses sparkling water, and says that if youre going to commit the ultimate sin of buying a pre-made mix, try pimping it up with things like vanilla essense, cinnamon or lemon zest.

And, if you prefer something on the more exotic side, Saiphin Moore, co-founder of Rosas Thai, says one of her favourite pancakes is a roti-style version sold on street stalls in her home country. Its a roti topped with condensed milk, sugar and bananas, a favourite among backpackers! The roti is folded and fried in lots of butter until its crispy around the edges, typically topped with sugar, bananas and drizzled with condensed milk, but you can get lots of different toppings such as egg, or even chocolate.

But now, what youre really here for, the recipes. Get flippin!

Silver dollar pancakes

On a typical Shrove Tuesday, I make American-style silver dollar pancakes for my kids in the morning. Theyre named after their small size and are really fun to stack up. We normally serve them with maple syrup and have them for breakfast that day. Then, in the evening, my husband James (Chef James Knappett, co-founder of Kitchen Table) will make us traditional English pancakes for dessert after dinner. He serves them classic, with sugar and lemon juice.

Recipe by: Sandia Chang, Kitchen Table

Ingredients:

1 cups all-purpose flour

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

 tsp salt

1  cups milk

3 tbsp vegetable oil

2 eggs, separated

Method:

1. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

2. In another bowl (or I use a large liquid measuring cup) combine the milk and vegetable oil. Add the egg yolks to the milk and whisk to break up the yolks.

3. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. There will still be small lumps.

4. Place the egg whites in another bowl and beat until they have stiff peaks.

5. Add about 1/3 of the stiff egg whites to the pancake batter and stir it in to combine and lighten the batter.

6. Add the remaining egg whites and gently fold until no white streaks appear.

7. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Grease with butter or with nonstick cooking spray.

8. Pour about the size of a silver dollar of batter onto the hot griddle. Let the pancakes cook until bubbles form, then flip and continue to cook until browned and cooked through.

9. Continue with the remaining batter until all of the pancakes are cooked

Puffy pancakes (Emily Cuddeford, Twelve Triangles)

For crepes, I would always say add an extra egg yolk, make sure the batter is thin enough and give it a good rest before cooking.

Recipe by: Emily Cuddeford, Twelve Triangles

Makes: 9 large or 14 little ones

Ingredients:

220g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

40g caster sugar

A pinch of salt

3 eggs

150g buttermilk (the thick stuff from the supermarket )

30g butter

Method:

1. Weigh the dry ingredients into a bowl.

2. Melt the butter in the frying pan you will use to cook the pancakes, then wipe off the excess with kitchen roll.

3. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk with the melted butter. Add this into the dry ingredients and whisk to mix, it will be quite thick and start to bubble as the bicarb starts to react with the acid from the butter milk.

4. On a medium heat, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the frying pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, you will see bubbles start to come through the batter and you are looking for them to be a nice deep golden colour on each side.

5. Serve with yoghurt, roasted rhubarb and sweet dukkah for some crunch. These are also great with butter and jam if you have leftovers.

Crepes suzette

Crepes suzette were created by accident when a dessert caught fire (Natasha Sideris)

Many great dishes have been created by accident in the kitchens of absent-minded cooks and hot-headed chefs. One story of the origin of these crepes tells how a young assistant waiter was finishing off a dessert for the Prince of Wales at the Cafe de Paris, when it caught fire. What the chef was thinking in entrusting this grand finale to an amateur we can only guess. But were grateful he did, because we now have this wonderful, burnt sugar and orange liqueur flambeed classic. Serve the crepes with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe by: Natasha Sideris, tashas

Serves: 4

For the crepes:

1 cup flour

 tsp salt

500 ml milk

1 tsp sugar

5 tbsp soft unsalted butter 3 large eggs

1 vanilla pod, seeds removed 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for frying

125 ml beer, preferably lager

For the orange liqueur sauce:

500ml orange juice

 cup sugar

1 vanilla pod, seeds removed

2 oranges, zested and segmented

180g butter, softened

100ml Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)

Method:

For the crepes:

Sift together the flour and salt. Whisk together the milk, sugar, butter, eggs and oil. Whisk milk mixture into the flour mixture. Pour the batter through a fine sieve into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the beer,cover and refrigerate for about 4-5 hours, or best overnight. Remove the batter from the fridge and let it stand to reach room temperature. Heat a flat non-stick crepe pan to medium heat, lightly brush with a little bit of oil and pour 125ml of batter into the pan. Once the crepe starts to make bubbles all over it is ready to be flipped. It should be about two minutes per side. Remove the crepe from the pan, place on a platter and cover with a lid or dome to prevent the crepes from drying out. Repeat until the batter is finished.

For the orange liqueur sauce:

Heat the orange juice, then add the sugar, vanilla seeds and orange zest and bring to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, whisk the butter in, bit by bit. When the sauce is smooth and thickened, add the orange segments and bring back to a boil.

To serve:

Place the crepes one at a time into the boiling sauce. Make sure they are completely covered. Fold them in half and in half again to make triangles. Make sure you have a few orange segments inside each crepe. Once they are folded in the pan, covered in sauce and very hot, add the Grand Marnier. Carefully set the sauce alight with the flame of the gas burner or a lighter, and allow it to flame briefly. Serve with ice cream and the remaining sauce on the side.

Chocolate and banana pancakes

These fluffy and delicious Chocolate Banana Pancakes are healthy and easy to make (Cyril Lignac)

Recipe by: Cyril Lignac

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Rest time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the pancakes:

250g of flour

30g caster sugar

17g baking powder

1 pinch of fine salt

2 organic eggs

65g butter

30ml whole milk

Grape seed oil

For the accompaniments:

1 banana

12.5ml of full liquid cream with 35% fat very cold

15g vanilla sugar

A few spoonfuls of spread

Method:

1. Place a bowl in the freezer to cool it, it will be used to mount the Chantilly cream. Melt the butter in the microwave.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and fine salt. Add the eggs, mix gently, then pour in the previously melted butter, slowly pour in the milk, stirring gently without whisking too much, if there are any lumps left, it does not matter. Leave to stand for 15 minutes at room temperature. The device must not be smooth and especially not fall.

3. Peel and cut the banana into slices 0.5 cm thick and place them on a plate. In a chilled bowl, pour the very cold cream, start whipping it, then add the vanilla sugar. When the whipped cream is firm, keep it cool.

4. In the pan, spread a little oil with a paper towel to avoid excess fat. Pour the batter little by little into discs 10 cm in diameter, place a tablespoon of spread in the center, pour over a second layer of pancake batter to cover the spread, then leave to color overheat medium and, when bubbles begin to appear on the surface, flip the pancakes using a spatula. Let brown on the other side for about 1 minute.

5. When the pancakes are golden on both sides, put the pancakes on the plates. Cover them with banana slices and a quenelle of whipped cream.

Kimchi potato pancakes

These kimchi potato pancakes are a delicious alternative (Cuisinart/Garden Trading)

These kimchi potato pancakes are a delicious alternative to the traditional pancake perfect for brunch or a mid-week dinner. Quick and easy to make, they can be ready in less than half an hour and are a tasty vegetarian option too.

Makes: 12 pancakes

Prep time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 3mins

Ingredients:

300g Maris Piper potatoes, chopped into 3cm chunks

150g kimchi (fermented cabbage), roughly chopped, plus extra to serve

Bunch spring onions, finely sliced

Zest of 1 lime, grated

75g self-raising flour

2 medium free range eggs

100ml whole milk

To serve:

4 eggs

400g babyleaf spinach, washed

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

4 tsp sesame seeds

Lime wedges

Method:

Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes, until just tender. Drain the potatoes and add back to the pan for 1 minute to dry, then mash.

In a large bowl, add the mashed potato, kimchi ,plus any liquid that comes with it, half of the spring onions, lime zest and flour. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Put the oven tolow (to keep the pancakes warm, before serving).

In a separate bowl, lightly beat 2 of the eggs, with the milk. Add this to the potato mixture and stir, until a batter like consistency is formed.

Attach the pancake plates to the waffle and pancake maker and set the temperature to medium. Once the green indicator light shows, pour approximately 50ml of batter into each pancake plate. Close the lid and cook for 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Take a medium frying pan and add a little oil. Fry the remaining 4 eggs, until cooked to your liking, before transferring to a plate.

Add the spinach to the same pan and let it start to wilt, over a medium heat. Stir occasionally, before adding the sesame oil.

Serve the kimchi pancakes, with the spinach and a fried egg.Sprinkle with the remaining spring onions, some extra kimchi and a wedge of lime.

Four-ingredient vegan crepes (sweet or savoury)

These four-ingredient crepes are incredibly versatile (Viva!)

These four-ingredient crepes are incredibly versatile. As a plant-based dish theyre free from eggs and dairy, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. They can be made sweet or savoury.

Recipe from: Everyone Can Cook Vegan, from the UKs leading vegan charity Viva!

Ingredients:

150g/1 cup plain flour

 tsp salt

350ml/1 cups unsweetened plant milk (soya and almond work best)

1 tbsp neutral oil (eg rapeseed) plus extra for frying

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together before stirring in the plant milk and oil.

2. Heat a little oil in a crepe pan or wide frying pan on a medium-high heat.

3. When the oil is hot, pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, swirling it around so that it thinly coats the pan.

4. Fry on both sides until lightly golden.

Maca and oat pancakes

Combine wholesome oats with the ancient Peruvian superfood maca to provide a nutritious kick to start your day (Aldi)

Recipe by: Aldi

Serves: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

130g plain flour

30g porridge oats

25g maca powder

 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Pinch of salt

250ml sweetened almond drink

30ml coconut oil

30ml maple syrup

Extra coconut oil, to fry

Method:

1. Mix the plain flour, porridge oats, maca powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt together in a bowl and whisk well.

2. Add the almond drink, coconut oil and maple syrup and mix well.

3. Heat some oil in a frying pan. Take a spoon of the batter and add to the frying pan, cook on each side for a couple of minutes. Transfer to an oven to keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest.

4. Great served with sliced bananas, satsumas, grapes, chopped nuts and drizzled with extra maple syrup

Biscoff and banana pancakes

Ever thought of swirling Biscoff through your next batch of pancakes? (Aldi)

Recipe by: Aldi

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

250g self-raising flour

1 tbsp caster sugar

1 tsp salt

1 medium egg

300ml milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

4 bananas

Biscoff spread

Method:

1. Place the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix well.

2. Add the egg and milk and bring together with a wooden spoon.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan and add 2-3 spoons of mixture to the pan. Let the mixture run in the pan.

4. After 2 minutes, flip over with a spatula and cook for a further 2 minutes.

5. Repeat the process until all the mixture is cooked.

6. Chop the bananas into small disks.

7. Serve the warm pancakes spreading on biscoff spread and layering up with the banana disks. For that extra sweet tooth why not also drizzle over some Nutoka spread.

Berry Pancakes

Help get in the kids five-a-day with these amazing berry pancakes (Aldi)

Recipe by: Aldi

Serves: 4

Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pack Scotch pancakes

1 punnet strawberries

1 punnet blueberries

1 punnet raspberries

1 bag of fresh mint leaves

50g milk chocolate

100g soft cheese

Method:

1. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt gently in a bowl over a slowly simmering pan of hot water.

2. Remove the stalks from the strawberries.

3. Cut the strawberries and raspberries in half.

4. Using a teaspoon, spread some soft cheese on the top half of each pancake.

5. Decorate liberally with the berries and mint leaves.

6. Using a cocktail stick and the melted chocolate, draw a face on the lower half of each pancake, not forgetting a huge smile!

Chocolate protein pancakes

The perfect healthy start to your morning (F45)

Recipe by: F45

Serves: 2

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 free range egg

60ml egg whites

50g chocolate whey protein powder

45g almond flour

 tsp stevia

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp (5ml) extra virgin coconut oil

30g Greek yogurt (natural, no added sugar)

2 tsp cacao nibs

15g crushed peanuts

Method:

1. Crack the egg in a bowl and mix in the egg whites. Whisk vigorously

2. In a separate bowl, combine the protein powder, almond flour, stevia and baking soda

3. Pour in the egg mixture and mix well until all the ingredients are combined

4. Heat coconut oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium temperature and pour 1/4 cup of the mixture into the pan at a time and cook until bubbles appear in the mixture. Flip the pancake over and continue cooking for a further 2 minutes with a lid on (note - the texture in the centre of the pancake will be soft and moist)

5. Repeat this process until all the batter has been used

6. Divide the pancakes into two serves. Dish one serve of the pancakes on a plate

7. Add 15g yogurt, 7g crushed peanuts and 1 teaspoon of cacao nibs over the top

8. Refrigerate the leftover pancakes and store away the toppings for tomorrow's breakfast

Coconut and goji berry sweet potato pancakes

A dairy free, gluten-free twist on the classic (F45)

Recipe by: F45

Serves: 2

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

250g sweet potato, chopped

1 free range egg

40g quinoa flour

5ml (1 tsp) extra virgin coconut oil

100ml unsweetened almond milk

2g (1tsp) cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

70g coconut yoghurt (unsweetened)

20g dried goji berries

10g walnuts

Method:

1. Fill a saucepan with water over medium heat and bring to the boil. Add the sweet potato to the saucepan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potato is soft

2. Drain the water from the saucepan and transfer the sweet potato to a bowl

3. Mix in the almond milk, cinnamon, baking powder, and quinoa flour

4. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk vigorously. Pour the egg mixture into the bowl of sweet potato and using a hand mixer blend the ingredients together

5. Heat coconut oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium temperature and pour the pancake batter into the pan in circles. (tip: for the pancakes to cook in the center, make small thin pancakes). Cook for a few minutes or until bubbles begin to appear.

6. Flip the pancake over and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. Transfer the pancakes to a plate. Continue this process until all the batter has been used

7. Divide the pancakes into two serves

8. Dish one serving of the pancakes and serve with 35g coconut yoghurt, 10g dried goji berries and 5g walnuts

9. Refrigerate the second serving of pancakes, coconut yoghurt, goji berries and walnuts for tomorrow's leftover

Green pea buckwheat pancakes

These healthy pancakes are packed with vitamins, fibre and minerals (F45)

Recipe by: F45

Serves: 2

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

110g frozen green peas, thawed

50g buckwheat flour

1 free range egg

100ml unsweetened almond milk

15ml rice malt syrup

2 tsp (10ml) extra virgin olive oil

1/3 tsp stevia granules

500ml water

5g cacao powder

15ml extra virgin coconut oil

50g fresh strawberries, chopped in half

Method:

1. Bring water to boil in a saucepan over medium heat and boil the peas for 8minutes or until soft. Drain the water and transfer the peas to a food processor

2. Add the buckwheat flour, stevia granules, rice malt syrup and almond milk to the food processor

3. Crack the eggs into the food processor and process until the mixture is combined

4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup of the mixture into the fry pan and cook for 1-2 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear in the mixture

5. Flip the pancake over and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used

6. In a small bowl combine the cacao powder, coconut oil, rice malt syrup and stevia. Continue mixing until the mixture is well combined

7. Divide the green pea buckwheat pancakes into two serves

8. Pour half of the chocolate sauce over one serving of the pancakes. Add 25g of strawberries on top

9. Refrigerate the second serving of the pancakes, strawberries and chocolate sauce for tomorrow's leftover

Beetroot pancakes

Bring the beetroot craze to pancake day (Cawston Press)

With Beetroot on everyones radar as the official superfood of the moment, why not bring the craze to your Pancake Day celebrations?

Ingredients:

120g self-raising flour, (wheat or gluten-free)

Pinch of salt

15g caster sugar

1 large egg

70ml whole milk

70ml Cawston Press Brilliant Beetroot Pressed Juice

Method:

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and a vibrant purple. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and put on a medium heat. Ladle or pour 3 pancakes at a time around 9cm wide. Once the surface has bubbled up and just set (2-3 mins), flip over. Cook for 1 more minute on the other side. Remove the pancakes from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining mixture. (makes approx 9 pancakes).

Enjoy sweet: Serve with butter and maple syrup OR greek yoghurt and fruit compote/fresh berries

Enjoy savoury: Serve with fresh goats cheese, walnuts pieces and a dusting of cumin OR cream cheese, smoked salmon and horseradish OR sour cream, anchovy and capers

Buckwheat galettes de sarrasin

This is a traditional style popular in northern France (Doves Farm)

This traditional style of savoury pancake, popular in northern France, is filled with spinach, cheese and egg then folded into a square for finishing in the oven.

Makes: 6 galette pancakes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the galettes:

50g butter, melted

100g Doves Farm Organic Wholemeal Buckwheat Flour

Pinch of salt

1 egg

300ml milk

Oil, for pan

For the spinach and egg filling per galette:

25g spinach

1 tbsp cream

25g comte cheese, grated

1 egg

Butter, softened

Salt and pepper

Method:

For the galettes:

1. Melt the butter.

2. Put the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and stir to combine.

3. Break the egg into the bowl, add 150ml of milk and beat to a smooth paste.

4. Stir in the remaining 150ml of milk to make a thin batter. You can use the batter immediately or refrigerate for up to 12 hours if you wish.

5. Lightly oil a frying pan so that the oil just covers the surface and get the pan nice and hot.

6. Stir the melted butter into the batter.

7. Pour or spoon some batter into the hot pan and roll it out to the edges.

8. Cook the pancake on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, loosening the edges, until the base is golden.

9. Turn the pancake over and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.

10. Transfer the galette onto a plate.

11. Repeat until the batter is used.

For the spinach and egg filling:

12. Pre-heat the oven.

13. Rub some butter around the inside of an oven tray.

14. Wash and drain the spinach and put it into a saucepan over a medium heat.

15. As it starts to wilt, stir in the cream, season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

16. Lay out the galette(s) on a clean work surface.

17. Rub a little softened butter in the middle of each galette.

18. Arrange the spinach in a 10cm/4 circle in the middle of the galette.

19. Finely grate the Comte and sprinkle it over the spinach.

20. Break an egg into the centre of the cheesy spinach circle.

21. Fold the edges of the galette over to cover the egg white and form a square.

22. Transfer the square galette onto the prepared oven tray.

23. Bake for 5-12 minutes or until the egg is set.

24. Serve immediately.

Buttermilk pancakes

Buttermilk makes these pancakes extra light and fluffy (Doves Farm)

Buttermilk is a key ingredient in this recipe for light fluffy pancakes. We like to serve these warm with a little butter and fresh strawberries but you could choose lemon and sugar or simply drizzle them with maple syrup.

Makes: 10-12 pancakes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients:

75g butter, melted

125g Doves Farm Organic Self Raising White Flour

2 tbsp icing sugar

 tsp Doves Farm Bicarbonate of Soda

Pinch of salt

3 eggs

250ml buttermilk

Butter, for cooking

Method:

1. Melt the butter.

2. Put the flour, icing sugar, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl or jug and stir to combine.

3. Break the eggs into another bowl, add the buttermilk and beat together.

4. Put a little butter into a frying pan over a medium heat. As the butter melts roll the pan around so that the butter just covers the surface.

5. Pour half the egg mixture into the prepared flour and beat until smooth.

6. Beat in the remaining mixture.

7. Stir in the melted butter.

8. Pour or scoop small mounds of the pancake mixture into the hot pan.

9. Cook the pancakes, loosening the edges, until the base is golden.

10. Turn the pancakes over and cook the other side.

11. Transfer the pancakes to a plate.

12. Repeat until the batter is used.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Need some romantic, rainy weather for Valentines Day? An atmospheric river might help set the mood as rain returns to the Portland metro area next week.

An atmospheric river is expected to take shape over the Pacific Ocean by Monday. The stream of atmospheric moisture will stretch from Hawaii to parts of British Columbia early next week. The flow of moisture will start to move south along the west coast by Tuesday.

MAP: First signs of spring seen around the Pacific Northwest

Tuesdays rain showers will likely increase through the overnight hours and continue through Wednesday. Nearly three-quarters of an inch to a full inch of rain is possible for parts of western Oregon and Washington Tuesday through Wednesday.

Not only could the Pacific Northwest feel the impacts of one atmospheric river by Valentines Day, but a second one is showing signs of developing.

El Nino is ending soon. La Nada is up next





The second atmospheric river of the week could bring another round of persistent rain to the Portland area by next weekend. Weather models are leaning towards the development of two atmospheric rivers, but could combined into one with updates coming next week.

Big Game coverage

Regardless, rainy weather is expected to stay over the Pacific Northwest next week. Not only will rain be falling, but atmospheric rivers also bring mild, more tropical conditions to the region. That means snow elevation levels will likely remain higher than normal. Some mountain snow is expected up in elevations, but mountain locations should also expect melting with the return of warmer weather and high-elevation rain.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Two people are dead and three are injured after a small private plane crashed onto an interstate in Florida on Friday.

The Federal Aviation Administration told media outlets a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet carrying five people crashed onto Interstate 75 near Naples Friday afternoon.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office told local news that at least two people were confirmed dead in the fiery crash.

Pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, and second-in-command Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, died in the crash.

NBC2 reported the Naples Airport Tower was in contact with the plane before it crashed. Air traffic control heard Murph say the plane lost both engines and was two miles away from Naples Airport.

The pilot then was heard to say the plane wouldn't make it.

Three people made it off the plane alive. Crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, were taken to a local hospital to treat their injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol officers said the plane collided with two vehicles. The driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The plane struck a Nissan Armada SUV, but the three women inside were not injured.

The aircraft was reportedly on its way from Columbus, Ohio, to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport before attempting to make an emergency landing in Naples.

The plane is registered to Fort Lauderdale-based East Shore Aviation LLC, the FAA told local news.

Authorities shut down all lanes on Interstate 75 near exit 105 and asked drivers to avoid the area if possible.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Two people were killed after a private jet carrying five people landed on an interstate in southwest Florida and crashed into a vehicle on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The incident occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 75, near mile marker 107 in Collier County, according to a Friday-afternoon statement from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Footage from the scene showed what looked like wreckage, with smoke billowing from it and dozens of emergency vehicles.

Pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park, Florida, and second in command Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach, Florida, were killed, authorities said Saturday.

Two passengers and a crew member survived and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their names are Aaron Baker, 35, of Columbus, Ohio; Audra Green, 23, also of Columbus; and Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, of Jupiter, Florida.

Two vehicles traveling south on Interstate 75 were involved in the incident and were damaged, Florida Highway Patrol said in an updated statement Saturday. A 48-year-old man from Naples was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and was hospitalized with minor injuries, authorities said.

A 66-year-old woman from Massachusetts driving a 2023 Nissan Armada SUV and two of her passengers were not injured.

Christopher Hofmann, the son of co-pilot Ian Hofmann, said in a statement that the family was in shock and devastated.

We know our father died a hero doing his best to save everyone he could on the plane, he said. We ask for prayers during this difficult time.

A small plane that landed on an interstate in southwest Florida crashed into a vehicle on Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. (FL DOT)

The incident occurred at about 3:15 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which said the plane is a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet.

Robin King, a spokesperson with the Naples Airport Authority, said three people on board the private plane managed to escape the wreck.

The plane took off from the Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, at about 1 p.m. The jet was minutes from landing at Naples Airport when the pilots told air traffic control the aircrafts two engines malfunctioned, King said.

The air traffic controllers then lost contact with the aircraft, King said.

Witness Steve Steelsmith, who took video of the aftermath of the incident, told WBBH he was headed southbound on the interstate when the low-flying plane caught his eye.

As the plane was coming in, I seen he tried to bank it left, kind of at the last moment and then there was the impact. I didnt really have a good visual of the impact but I saw the explosion and the smoke coming from the airplane itself, Steelsmith told the news outlet.

He said thats when he drove to the scene and began taking video.

As I was climbing out of my truck, there was an initial explosion, that, at that point, you knew that whoever was still on the plane, it was just a loss, he said.

The plane hit a truck, and someone in the truck sustained a laceration on his head, Steelsmith said.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, authorities said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A 2-year-old Maryland boy was killed and his mother wounded Thursday in the crossfire of a shooting in Langley Park.

Jeremy Poou-Caceres was found inside his stroller with gunshot wounds when a local detective arrived at the scene after hearing shooting, the Prince Georges County Police Department said in a statement.

According to the department, the detective attempted to perform lifesaving measures on the toddler until medical authorities arrived, but the boy was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a hospital.

Vernon Hale, an assistant chief with the Prince Georges County Police Department, speaks about the death of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres.

Vernon Hale, an assistant chief with the Prince Georges County Police Department, speaks about the death of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres.

The toddlers mother was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, police said.

Speaking at a press conference Friday, the police departments assistant chief announced the arrests of two suspects in the shooting, 33-year-old Israel Fuentas Jr. and 28-year-old Johnny Alejandro Turcios.

The assistant chief, Vernon Hale III, described the successful arrests as a 50-50 partnership between the police and the community, after receiving a number of calls from witnesses with information on the two suspects. Hale told reporters that there had been recent gang activity in the Langley Park area, but that the toddlers death would be the first homicide there in 90 days.

One witness told police that the two suspects had been engaged in an argument with others over drug distribution territory before the gunfire began, according to The Washington Post.

A neighbor told the outlet that she took in Jeremy and his mother for a few months last year, and was heartbroken to learn of the toddlers death.

Jeremy, to me, was a very sweet child, the neighbor told the Post. They were like family. He was like one of my children, living with me in the apartment.

According to charging documents cited by local CBS affiliate WUSA9, witnesses provided officers with video and photo evidence of the shooting, which assisted in the suspects capture.

Investigators located a Ford Explorer linked to the shooting that was abandoned less than 1 mile from the scene, the outlet said.

Police reportedly said that they received a call from one of the suspects, Fuentas, a couple of hours after the shooting to report that four armed people had robbed him of his phone, and connected them to the Ford Explorer.

Investigators then traced Fuentas phone to an apartment in Hyattsville, where they found Turcios, who matched the appearance of a person seen in video provided by witnesses, according to WUSA9. Data from the phone allegedly revealed that Fuentas was also at the scene of the shooting, and both men were taken into police custody for questioning.

According to WUSA9, Fuentas told officers that he was in a conflict with another group of men.

I do feel terrible about what happened to that child, Fuentas allegedly told police.

According to Hale, the two suspects have been charged with first- and second-degree murder in Jeremys death. Its unclear whether Fuentas and Turcios have retained legal counsel.

Hale told reporters at the news conference that police are still attempting to identify at least two additional people linked to the shooting.

Related...
The recent atmospheric river storms pushed San Luis Obispo County reservoirs over the edge  literally.

Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake were both overflowing as of Thursday morning, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department.

The Salinas Dam at Santa Margarita Lake began spilling at about 8:30 a.m. on Monday, the countys data show.

Santa Margarita Lake spills on Feb. 6, 2024.

Between Sunday and Monday morning, the reservoir in central San Luis Obispo County received about 3 inches of rain and gained more than 601 million gallons of water to push water levels over its spillway, according to the countys data.

The reservoir feeds into the Salinas River, which runs north through Templeton, Atascadero and Paso Robles before making its journey through Salinas and to the ocean at Monterey Bay.

Water flows in the Salinas River under the East Garrison Bridge in Bradley in February 2024.

Lopez Lake spills for second year in 25 years

Lopez Lake, northeast of Arroyo Grande, began trickling over its spillway on Wednesday afternoon, according to the county.

By Friday, water was fully flowing down the spillway, Public Works shared in a video post on X.

Between Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, the reservoir received about 4.3 inches of rain, the countys data show. During that same period, the lake gained roughly 437 million gallons of water to push it past capacity.

The last time the reservoir spilled was March 2023. That had marked the first time the reservoir spilled in 25 years.

Lopez Lake is spilling! This is the second year in a row that the lake has spilled. Last year was the first time in nearly 25 years! It began spilling on Wednesday and here's a peek.



What's your favorite way to enjoy the lake? #PublicWorks #SLOCounty #SLOCOPWD #LopezLake pic.twitter.com/0vep4jg8np  County of SLO Public Works (@SLOCountyPWD) February 9, 2024

A second year of Lopez Lake spilling doesnt necessarily come as a surprise, however, as the large storms helped the reservoir to regain water storage lost during seismic retrofits to the dam more than two decades ago.

Lopez Lake is located along Arroyo Grande Creek, which runs southeast through Arroyo Grande and empties into an estuary adjacent to the Oceano Lagoon.

When Lopez Lake spills, it can increase Arroyo Grande Creeks flows by 20% to 40%, according to county officials. Historically, those peak flows coupled with torrential storms have caused the Arroyo Grande Creek levee to breach and flood parts of Oceano.

However, repairs to the levee completed in the fall should fend off levee breakage during large storm events, according to San Luis Obispo County water resources division manager Courtney Howard.

Lopez Lake trickles over its spillway on Feb. 7, 2024, after atmospheric river storms dumped several inches of rain on the reservoirs watershed.

Will Whale Rock Reservoir spill this year?

Whale Rock Reservoir, located just outside of Cayucos, is close to spilling as well.

As of Wednesday, the reservoir was at about 97% capacity with water levels about 2 feet below its spillway, according to the City of San Luis Obispo.

Whale Rock has a much smaller watershed than the other two reservoirs, making it slower to gain water even from big storms. Although its difficult to predict when the reservoir may spill, Noah Evans, the Whale Rock supervisor for the city, surmises it could happen this season should more large storms hit.

We still have two months remaining in the wet season, and the chances of receiving additional storms that may fill the reservoir are high, Evans wrote in an email to The Tribune. I am confident that Whale Rock will spill after receiving another storm providing significant rainfall.

Whale Rock spilled last March for the first time in 18 years.

Lake Nacimiento, a reservoir in northern San Luis Obispo County fed by the Nacimiento River, remains far below spilling.

The large reservoir was at 73% capacity as of Thursday, according to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, which manages the lakes water although it lays within San Luis Obispo County.

During the latest storm from Sunday through Wednesday night, the lake gained nearly 12 billion gallons of water, according to Monterey Countys data.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A helicopter headed to Boulder City crashed Friday evening, killing six people including the CEO of Access Bank, reports say.

A Eurocopter EC130 took off from Palm Springs and was headed to Boulder City when it crashed around 10 p.m. near Nipton, California, west of the California-Nevada border.

CBS News confirmed that Nigerian banker Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe,57, CEO of Access Bank, his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, a former chair of Nigerian Exchange Group, were among the six people who died in the crash.

The identities of the other two people on board the helicopter have not been confirmed.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a team to the site to investigate the crash. FAA officials said in a statement that they also are investigating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Luisa Yu has visited all 193 member states of the United Nations.

Yu told BI she spent 50 years traveling to every country in the world.

Yu said she worked two jobs at a hospital and was a part-time travel agent to afford her trips.

Luisa Yu is an accomplished woman. At 79, she's skydived in Dubai, climbed the cliffs of Angola, and stargazed on top of a volcano in Vanuatu.

And in November, Yu visited Serbia, completing her five-decade-long mission of visiting every country in the world. But Yu told Business Insider in a phone call that it was anything but easy, as she had to work two to three jobs to finance her trips.

"It was kind of difficult; it was a lot of work. I juggled driving from one hospital to another. But I was young at that time, in my 30s, so I could do it," Yu said, referring to her career in the medical field.

Starting out with $300 in her pocket

Yu was born in the Philippines in 1945 and moved to St. Louis for an exchange program when she was 23 years old. After graduating, Yu said she found a job as a medical technologist and began traveling around the US in her free time, hopping on and off Greyhound buses and visiting 45 states over three years.

"I first traveled as a backpacker, and I only had $300 in my pocket when I first arrived in the US," Yu said.

"I couldn't afford hotels, so I would take the late hours of the bus so I could sleep. In the morning, I would be in another state, and I would go to the bathroom, clean my face, and start sightseeing," she added.

Yu with an alligator at Everglades National Park. Courtesy of Luisa Yu

In the 1970s, Yu began to dream of traveling overseas. She took on another job at the hospital and started working part-time as a travel agent to save money for her trips.

With time, and as she worked more, the roadblock to her travel dreams changed: Now, she didn't have enough vacation time to travel as much as she wanted.

"It took me five decades to finish. It's not easy as I worked at the hospital, where it's 24 hours, seven days  you have rotations, and you don't have your own time or schedule," Yu said.

"I was also a single mom, so I had to take care of my daughter and work. Every time I took vacation, I had to make arrangements for somebody to take care of her," she added.

Founding a travel agency

Yu said she eventually felt burned out after working 16-hour shifts at the hospital and earning little commission as a travel agent. She went on to found a travel agency in the late 1970s.

But when the Gulf War began in 1990, Yu said her business took a hit, so she sold it. It turned out to be kismet.

Yu said she took the profits she earned from the sale of her agency and invested it in several properties in Miami. It eventually paid off, Yu said.

Yu at the Laas Geel Rock Paintings in Somaliland. Courtesy of Luisa Yu

"I worked hard and saved money, and I thought I would someday quit my job and do what I enjoy so much. I learned so much being alone and being independent," Yu said.

In recent years, Yu said she's spent most of her time visiting the far-flung corners of the world, where she's camped with the Mundari tribe in South Sudan and lounged at the white-sand beaches of the South Pacific island of Kiribati.

And although it took Yu a long time to complete visiting every UN member state, she said the journey was well worth it.

"It was amazing, and it was a big accomplishment. Age is just a number," Yu said.

"I lived life and wasn't afraid," she added.

Yu was one of 51 recorded travelers who completed a goal of visiting every UN member state in 2023  the year with the most number of people to have achieved the feat in history, according to the travel site Nomad Mania.

While Yu spent half a century traveling to every UN member state, several people have accomplished the same feat before turning 30 in recent years. In December, a 26-year-old Singaporean completed traveling to all 193 UN member states in five years. And in 2017, a 27-year-old Connecticut native achieved the same feat in just 18 months.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee is predicting that members of his party would swoop in to rescue Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) if he faces an internal GOP revolt over Ukraine aid.

Democrats would support Johnson, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said this week.

Johnson, since taking over the Speakership last year, has said he supports another round of funding for the beleaguered Ukrainian military. But some conservatives in the Republican conference are fervently opposed to any such proposal.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has suggested she would launch an effort to oust Johnson if he brings a Ukraine bill to the floor.

Amid the GOP squabbling, Smith forecast that Democrats would help Johnson remain in power if the Speaker works to ensure that Congresss top priorities get passed through the House, including bills to fund the federal government and a foreign aid supplemental package, featuring Ukraine assistance, which is expected to move through the Senate in the coming days.

No Democrats voted to save former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) when he was the target of a motion to vacate in October.

If we get a vote on the appropriations bills and we get a vote on the supplemental, therell be enough Democrats that Johnson will not be removed as Speaker, Smith said. Thats just my view.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) leaves the House Chamber following the last votes of the week on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. (Greg Nash)

In that pledge, Smith joins a handful of other Democrats who have also been open to the idea of crossing the aisle to help Johnson survive a potential coup attempt  if he agreed to give Democrats more influence over House business.

Johnson, so far, has been noncommittal about his plans for the legislation.

Were allowing the process to play out, and well handle it as it is sent over, he told reporters this week.

A bipartisan Senate security package had initially combined a series of foreign aid provisions  including assistance for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and Gaza  with tougher security measures on the U.S.-Mexico border. But the border components were rejected by Republicans in both chambers who deemed them too lenient, forcing Senate Democratic leaders to strip out the border language and move the foreign aid pieces as a separate package.

That legislation is expected to pass through the Senate in the coming days, but some House conservatives are already warning that they wont vote to fund a dollar of new foreign aid as long as the migrant crisis at the southern border persists.

Many of those conservatives are pressing President Biden to take executive action on the border  including the installation of remain in Mexico policies adopted under former President Trump  while warning that theres no chance the lower chamber will pass Ukraine aid until the southern border is secure.

Top Stories from The Hill

Fueling that opposition is Trump himself, who says the issue is better left to him as he races to return to the White House.

If the president secured the southern border  which he could do by executive order today  if he did that, you would have room to figure out how to get money for Ukraine. Many members on Capitol Hill would go for it, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said this week. But without a secure southern border, its not going to happen.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), another sharp critic of more Ukraine funding, had led the effort to topple Johnsons predecessor and is now warning Johnson against bringing the Senate bill to the floor.

Theres a celebratory mood about killing that bad Senate amnesty-war bill, and we may have to kill a few more, Gaetz said.

I strongly encourage the Speaker to have some pay-for in any aid to any foreign country, he added.

The most explicit threat has come from Greene, a frequent critic of Johnsons leadership tactics, who has warned she would file a motion to vacate the Speakership if he brings Ukraine aid to the floor.

If he funds $60 billion to fund a war in Ukraine to continue killing a whole generation of Ukrainian men  to continue a war that is a losing war, that [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskys ready for peace talks  yeah, I would introduce the motion to vacate myself, Greene told reporters last month.

The Georgia firebrand has more recently toned down that threat. But Democrats have taken notice, accusing Johnson and other GOP leaders of caving to the most rebellious voices in the GOP conference at the expense of helping an embattled ally repel Russias invasion.

You can look at the battlefield and ports now, with Russians pouring into towns in Eastern Ukraine  incredibly vulnerable, Smith said. But Ukrainians dont have the ammunition to take em out. And thats what were letting happen.

Smith noted that Johnson staged a vote this week on a stand-alone Israel aid bill  which was supported by all but 14 Republicans but fell short of the two-thirds majority it needed to pass  without any conditions related to the southern border.

We cant vote on Ukraine because we cant say that their border is more important than ours. But Israels border is more important than ours? You want to explain that? Smith said.

So it seems to me that the will of the House majority  and a majority of House Republicans, for that matter  who support defending Ukraine should at least be given the opportunity to have a vote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Tim Reid

(Reuters) - The mental ability and age of the United States' presidential candidates took center stage on the campaign trail on Saturday, following a report that suggested President Joe Biden was suffering memory lapses.

Former President Donald Trump accused both Biden, the Democrat he will likely face in November's general election, and Nikki Haley, Trump's last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, of lacking the mental capacity to be president.

Haley - like Trump, campaigning in South Carolina where the two will meet in a primary election on Feb. 24 - went after both men, calling Trump mentally deficient and saying Biden is too old to be president.

Meanwhile, the Biden White House, responding to the report on Thursday from a Department of Justice special counsel that said Biden had a poor memory, continued its full-scale attack on Trump's age and mental acuity after Trump recently mixed up names and made other verbal gaffes.

"Every single time Donald Trump opens his mouth, he's confused, deranged, lying, or worse," T.J. Ducklo, a Biden spokesman, said in a statement released by Biden's reelection campaign.

The issue of mental competency has become a major topic in this year's presidential campaign. Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, are the two oldest men respectively to have been elected president. In recent days, Biden has mixed up the names of some world leaders.

The issue is a vexing one for Biden's reelection campaign. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in September, 77% of respondents said they agreed with a statement that Biden was too old to work in government, while 56% said the same of Trump.

Haley, 52, has called for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75 years old.

The issue was thrust front and center again after Special Counsel Robert Hur, a former U.S. attorney in Maryland during Trump's administration, said in his report that he chose not to bring criminal charges against Biden following a 15-month investigation into his handling of classified documents because the president cooperated.

Hur said the Democratic incumbent would be difficult to convict and described him as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" who was not able to recall to investigators when his son, Beau Biden, died.

Biden angrily denied Hur's allegations about his memory, saying in a White House appearance on Thursday night, "my memory's fine."

Trump, at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, said Hur's report showed Biden "is not fit to serve as our commander in chief."

Trump - who faces four state and federal criminal trials, including one for mishandling classified documents - is close to clinching the Republican nomination, and the prospect of a likely general election rematch with Biden in November.

Haley, who has no clear path to the nomination after Trump's consecutive wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, is refusing to quit the race, making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina, where she trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump.

Trump on Saturday called his former U.N. ambassador "birdbrain" and "brain-dead," suggesting she did not have the mental capacity to enter the White House.

Haley, beginning a two-week bus tour of South Carolina, called Biden "diminished." She also cited a recent Trump speech where he confused her with former Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"It's bigger than just Joe Biden. Whether it's Donald Trump getting me confused with Nancy Pelosi ... it's time for a new generational leader," Haley told reporters.

(Reporting by Tim Reid in Washington; Additional reporting by Jason Lange; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
One of the many people giving public testimony during the Salem City Council meeting on July 10, 2023.

Salem City Council will hold a public hearing Monday and vote on whether to amend the 2024 budget and eliminate 33 vacant positions.

The changes are needed due to a budget deficit. With the failure of the payroll tax measure, the city must amend the budget as staff continue to find other sources of revenue.

"Without additional revenue, reductions in services are needed to maintain a fund balance within policy compliance over the next several years," staff said in a report to council. "This action reduces $4,658,900 and 33.35 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions in the General Fund."

The eliminated positions include two park rangers, four positions with the Salem Outreach and Livability Services team that works with people experiencing homelessness and surrounding neighbors, seven library positions, five police jobs, a fire training officer, two code compliance officers and two IT administrative analysts. All the proposed position cuts are currently vacant.

Council also will vote on whether to transfer $72,000 in savings from the police department to the city manager's office to fund a limited-duration program manager to further Salem's plan for a diversity, equity and inclusion program and a Community Violence Reduction Initiative.

The city's revenue task force continues to explore revenue options, which could include a levy or increased operations fee. The budget committee also will discuss further reduction options to maintain a balance.

Other agenda items include:

A proclamation for February to be Childrens Dental Health Month.

A vote on an intergovernmental agreement with Marion County for Mobile Crisis Response Team Service for Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025.

A review of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board' 's annual report.

The consideration of a motion to allow the display of temporary public art in conjunction with the citys public art program. The motion by Councilor Linda Nishioka would direct staff to investigate ways to allow for temporary art projects like murals to support local businesses and attract tourists.

The consideration of a motion to direct staff to provide a study concerning pedestrian and bicycle safety downtown. The motion by Councilor Virginia Stapleton specifically requests an analysis of pedestrian lead times at intersections and the feasibility of reducing speed limits to 20 mph.

The presentation of an assessment of equity in city programs and services.

How to participate in the Salem City Council meeting

The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, and also can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish.

Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting.

Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net. Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-Council-Meeting.aspx to speak during the meeting via Zoom.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: On the agenda: Salem councilors consider cutting 33 vacant positions
Palestinians inspect a house destroyed in an Israeli bombardment on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday. Some 110 people, including 25 in Rafah, were killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight Saturday, Palestinian health officials said. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Israeli hit Hamas targets in southern Gaza overnight Saturday ahead of an expected offensive in Rafah as Saudi Arabia called for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to prevent a feared humanitarian crisis.

Israel Defense Forces launched overnight airstrikes against Hamas battalions throughout the Gaza Strip that the Gaza Health Ministry said killed 110 people, including 25 in Rafah.

The IDF said Saturday it is engaging in "intensive fighting" against Hamas operatives in southern Gaza's Khan Younis, as well as in other areas of the Palestinian enclave, including its central and northern areas.

Simultaneously, the IDF says the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on various Hamas targets across the Strip during the overnight hours.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told media this week the IDF will target Hamas' remaining forces based in Rafah and the southern Strip next after previously destroying 17 of its 24 battalions in central and northern Gaza.

A picture taken from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip shows smoke rising over buildings in Khan Younis following Israeli bombardment Gaza Strip on Thursday. Some 110 people, including 25 in Rafah, were killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight Saturday, Palestinian health officials said. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI.

An attack on Rafah would cause a humanitarian crisis, Saudi Arabian officials said Saturday while calling on the Security Council to urgently convene to prevent what they fear will be a dire outcome for Palestinian refugees.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned of the extremely dangerous repercussions of storming and targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, which is the last refuge for hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee by the brutal Israeli aggression," they said in a statement.

People gather to inspect the remains of a wrecked police vehicle that was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Some 110 people, including 25 in Rafah, were killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight Saturday, Palestinian health officials said. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Palestinian presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned that an Israeli attack on Rafah by Israel would make the United States partly accountable for supporting Israel and not doing more to compel a cease-fire in Gaza, Egypt Today reported.

Israel is preparing to launch its military operation against Rafah and says it intends to evacuate local residents prior to its start.

Rafah contains more than 1.4 million Palestinians, most of whom are refugees from the military action elsewhere, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.

Israel declared war following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 and kidnapped an estimated 253 civilians from Israel and other nations. The Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday the war in Gaza has claimed nearly 28,000 lives, including Hamas militants.

As the war progresses, most refugees have sought shelter in Rafah and nearby communities in southern Gaza.

Palestinian officials say a military attack there could cost the lives of many more civilians and amplify a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The Episcopal Diocese of Albany is reportedly trying to figure out what to with a priest whos accused of slashing the tires of an ex-lover and former coworker.

The Times Union spoke to the unidentified woman, who said she became involved in a consensual romance with Michael Greene, 49, shortly after she was hired to help with bookkeeping and travel arrangements at St. Pauls Episcopal Church over the summer. The alleged victim, whos in her 40s, said she told the priest shed become uncomfortable with dating him while they worked together and left her freelance job in August after putting in just 16 hours.

Things went south shortly before Christmas when the pair traveled to New York City and Greene became aggressive while the woman was driving, she said. When she decided to stay alone in the Manhattan hotel room they had booked, the priest became angry and reportedly suggested she consider killing herself.

Weeks later, on Jan. 11, police believe Greene slashed the womans tires with an unknown cutting instrument while it was in a parking garage. Hes since been accused of criminal mischief and has a Feb. 20 court date. Greene hasnt entered a plea.

He told the Times Union this week that the incident was a misunderstanding he expects to have resolved soon.

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany told the Times Union it was considering repercussions for Greene, but was unaware of the situation before being contacted by the upstate news outlet. They added that Greene, as a priest, is employed by his own church, not the diocese.

Greene did not attend St. Pauls midweek Eucharist service on Wednesday, according to the Times Union.

The church didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Its unclear if theyre aware of the situation.
DoorDash is weighing on a bill that would allow curbside delivery or pick up for alcohol from apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, according to Channel 9 affiliate, WCIV.

The plans are one step closer to becoming official. House Bill 4364 was passed in the SC House on Thursday. The bill would allow a retailer to offer curbside delivery or pick up for alcohol products.

ALSO READ: DoorDash testing warning pop-up in app that could delay service for non-tippers

A spokesperson for DoorDash released the following statement regarding the sending of the bill to the SC Senate.

Passing this bill brings South Carolina closer to joining the 31 other states in allowing responsible alcohol delivery by third-party platforms like DoorDash, and we applaud House lawmakers for taking this crucial step. Safe, responsible alcohol delivery will expand opportunities for thousands of Dashers and small businesses in the state, while bringing modern convenience and choice to South Carolinians. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers on this bill and urge the Senate to join their colleagues in unlocking this opportunity to benefit communities across South Carolina.

WCIV reported alcohol retailers have said they are supportive of the bill, but are worried about liability issues.

RELATED: Residents fed up with stolen packages at South End condos

Those in support of the measure say they have safeguards in place for the deliveries, including requiring an ID scan from a third-party vendor before any orders can be completed.

The bill is heading to the SC Senate for debate.

(WATCH BELOW: New word for old ways: More North Carolinians identifying as preppers)
The alligator snapping turtle that was discovered in Urswick Tarn - WILD SIDE VETS / SWNS

A carnivorous turtle with jaws strong enough to bite through human bones has been found in a British beauty spot  even though it is normally found in the rivers and swamps of Florida.

The alligator snapping turtle was discovered in Urswick Tarn, Cumbria, after locals reported seeing the fearsome-looking reptile.

The turtle was retrieved from beside the small lake by Denise Chamberlain, a local parish councillor, who put the animal in a shopping basket and took it to a vet.

Dr Dom Moule told Sky News he was really surprised when Ms Chamberlain brought the turtle in.

He thought the reptile would be a loggerhead turtle or a terrapin. I did not expect in the slightest for it to be an alligator snapping turtle, he said.

It was probably dumped by an exotic pet owner who hadnt realised how difficult it would be to look after, Dr Moule added.

The reptile's jaws are powerful enough to snap people's arms - WILD SIDE VETS / SWNS

Alligator turtles are recognisable thanks to their armour-like shells, which give them a prehistoric, dinosaur-like appearance.

Ms Chamberlain warned: Its a very dangerous invasive species. They can snap peoples arms and small children.

With a bite force of 1,000lb, their powerful jaws can snap through bone  so they should never be handled in the wild.

Explaining how the turtle may have wound up at the Lake District beauty spot, she said: Its an item from the pet trade being dumped because an owner was unable to look after it.

It was starting to look quite sorry for itself. I rang various agencies, who were unhelpful. Everyone thought it was a terrapin  its not.

The carnivorous snapping turtle was treated by the vets, whom Ms Chamberlain described as heroes.

She said of their efforts: Theyve got it on its feet. They were brilliant  very helpful.

Impact on local ecology

The turtles are considered an invasive species, even outside of the south-eastern US, because of their impact on local ecology and the fact that they have no natural predators. They are also found in South and Central America.

The reptiles can grow to around 31in and weigh up to 14st, with the oldest recorded one in history living to around 70 years.

The turtles eat fish and mammals that live in fresh water along with vegetation and are mostly active at night, when they hunt for food.

The news comes as one of Britains most notorious invasive species, the American mink, could soon be eliminated from the UK after a successful trial.

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.
Space Iron

Talk about out-of-this-world bling!

Spanish researchers have discovered that two iron artifacts from a hoard of precious treasure that dates back to the Late Bronze Age  before man started the widespread smelting of iron  contain iron from meteorites estimated to be around 1 million years old.

The researchers' findings, as detailed in a paper published in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria last year, detail the chemical composition of what looks to be a portion of an iron bracelet or ring and half of a hollow iron sphere covered with fine gold filigree.

Scientists plucked the two artifacts from an around 3,000-year-old cache called the Villena Treasure, which Spanish historian and archaeologist Jose Maria Soler Garcia uncovered just outside Villena, Spain back in 1963.

The two iron pieces have always generated intrigue among researchers and consternation on their chronology because craftspeople made them at a time "before the production of terrestrial iron started," the researchers state in the paper.

To finally put these questions to rest, researchers subjected the pieces to analysis via a spectrometer, first in Spain and then in Germany. Results strongly suggested the iron came from space.

Surprisingly, the composition of the two artifacts is so similar, "both objects could [have] come from the same meteorite," as senior author and researcher at Spain's Institute of History Ignacio Montero Ruiz told Live Science.

Meteor Metallurgy

Using iron meteorite in the ancient world and prehistoric era isn't unprecedented.

For example, researchers found an iron arrowhead in Switzerland and determined it was made 3,000 years ago from an iron meteorite.

And scientists believe King Tut's dagger, discovered by archeologists inside Tutankhamun's tomb in the early 1920s, may have also been crafted from an iron meteorite.

Regardless, the latest findings could shed new light on metallurgy practices during the Bronze Age.

"The iron technology is completely different to the copper-based metallurgy and to the noble metals (gold and silver)," Montero Ruiz told Live Science. "So, people who started to work with meteoritic iron and later with terrestrial iron must [have had to] innovate and develop new technology."

The scientists are now trying to pinpoint the origins of the extraterrestrial material found in the two artifacts  an archeological puzzle for the ages.

More on meteors: Cops Say Meteorite Appears to Have Smashed New Jersey House
LONG BRANCH, New Jersey  Rep. Andy Kim on Saturday won by a wide margin in New Jerseys first Democratic convention in the Senate primary to replace indicted Sen. Bob Menendez, handing first lady Tammy Murphy a stinging defeat in her home county.

Murphy has been presumed the frontrunner because of her high-profile status as the first lady, her massive fundraising capabilities and, most importantly, the early support shes received from county party leaders in the states most Democratic-rich areas. But she failed to lock up support in Monmouth County, located along the Jersey Shore.

Kim won the contest in a blowout, winning 56.8 percent of the vote. Murphy won 38.8 percent while another candidate, progressive labor activist Patricia Campos-Medina, won 4.2 percent. There were 466 votes cast.

Kim, speaking with reporters after the vote, said he came into the contest and legitimately did not know what the outcome would be.

It shows theres nothing inevitable about this race, Kim said. There's nothing inevitable. There's no sense anybody is destined to be able to win this thing. It confirmed what I've always thought  were the campaign that has the momentum.

Murphy briefly spoke with Kim after his victory and promptly left the convention. Her campaign highlighted Murphys endorsement from Passaic County Democrats the same day, no surprise since that county's chair endorsed her in November.

[Tammy Murphy] is thrilled by the groundswell of support she has received from faith leaders, community members, elected officials, unions, and now Passaic County, spokesperson Alex Altman said in a statement. Tammy is grateful for all the votes she received today from Monmouth County and is thankful to all the delegates that stayed in the room during the long day. Tammy congratulated Andy on a hard fought win today in Monmouth and she looks forward to continuing her work to build a strong coalition across the state and earning the support of New Jersey voters.

The victory has both practical and symbolic purposes. It shows that Kims candidacy has momentum and that he can foster support from rank-and-file Democrats, which will be critical to counter Murphy's institutional support from Democratic party leaders across the state. While on the stump before the convention vote, Kim received raucous applause compared to tepid cheers for Murphy.

It also means that Kim will get the so-called county line in Monmouth  a unique feature of New Jerseys primary ballot. Nearly the entire state  save for two counties  use the so-called party line system, where party-endorsed candidates appear on the ballot together in a single column, making them appear more legitimate to voters. Other candidates could theoretically form their own rival line of candidates on the ballot, although that seldom happens. Kim winning the convention means that he will appear with other party-endorsed candidates down the ballot.

Each county in the state differs in how their county party awards the line, although in some parts of the state the support of a single party leader is all thats needed. Others, like Monmouth, host conventions where local party officials are able to vote on who they want to endorse.

Murphy already has the so-called line locked up in some of the most Democrat-heavy counties in the central and northern parts of the state thanks to the help of influential party leaders  several of whom have financial interest with Gov. Phil Murphy in office.

The governor himself was at the convention. As an elected official in Monmouth County, he is entitled to vote at the convention.

Menendez, who has not said whether hes seeking reelection as he faces corruption charges, did not participate in the Monmouth convention because, an aide told POLITICO, the process is likely to be predetermined.

Monmouth is the first Democratic county organization in the state to host a convention. According to state data, there are 140,000 registered Democrats here, accounting for 5.6 percent of Democratic primary voters  making the party line here a key advantage.

Kim and Murphy both have roots here. Kim represents parts of Monmouth County in Congress while Murphy has lived in Middletown, the largest town in the county, since around 2000. Both campaigns courted support from Monmouth County Democrats ahead of the convention, unveiling lists of endorsements ahead of Saturday (Murphy unveiled an endorsement list that the New Jersey Globe reported included people who later said they did not support her candidacy).

If we can win here where theyve lived for decades, I think that sends a very strong message across all the counties," Kim said. "The energy we have is real and should not be underestimated.

The convention also previewed the Democratic competition to replace Kim in the third congressional district, where Assemblymember Herb Conaway trounced Assemblymember Carol Murphy, who is not related to Phil or Tammy Murphy. While the district is primarily based around Burlington County, it includes parts of Mercer and Monmouth counties in the southern and central portions of the state, respectively.

Tammy Murphy  a registered Republican until 2014  has fashioned herself as a progressive, telling convention delegates before the vote that she supports abortion rights and that "it's high time we pass 'Medicare for All' because health care is a right, not a privilege."

Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone, a strong supporter of Murphys candidacy and a fellow resident of Monmouth County, introduced Murphy at the convention and said she was best equipped to handle abortion rights.

After the results were announced, Pallone said he was disappointed but was 100 percent still supporting Murphy.

We're going to work hard in Monmouth County and throughout the state to make sure that she wins the primary, he said. And I believe that she will.

Pallone, however, was non-committal about whether he would choose to appear with Murphy on the primary ballot, which could make her appear more prominently to voters. Such a move would mean him eschewing the county party endorsement.

I haven't made a decision about what I should do, he told reporters.

Kim told convention goers before the vote that he wanted to codify and protect abortion rights and made a reference to Menendezs indictment  saying that constituents wouldnt have to question his integrity.

You deserve a representative that you can trust, he said. I'm not perfect. I [may cast] votes that you're not gonna be a 100 percent in agreement of. But you will never have to question why I do what I do.

The next Democratic county convention is Feb. 24 in Burlington County, which Kim is favored to win.
(WHTM)  Most people will have dogs and cats as pets, but others want snakes, spiders, or turtles as pets. So what animals are illegal to own in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania laws on exotic pets can be complicated and confusing and include some animals you may believe are legal to have.

According to Pennsylvania code  137.1, It is unlawful for a person to import, possess, sell, offer for sale or release within this Commonwealth the following wild animals or wild birds or the eggs of the birds or a crossbreed or hybrid of the wild animals or wild birds, which are similar in appearance.

Did you know Pennsylvania is home to the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States?

The following are banned from owning (notes if the animal is legal with a permit):

Monkeys (Legal with permit)

Portrait of monkey. Close-up monkey have a rest. Fooling around. Eating bananas. Thailand

Skunks (Legal with approval from PA Game Commission)

Bats (Legal with permit)

Bears (Legal with permit)

Wild American Black Bear Cub in Ontario, Canada.

Bobcats (Legal with permit)

BOBCAT (FELIS RUFUS) ON SNOWY GROUND. UINTA NATIONAL FOREST, UTAH. H

Foxes (All species legal with permit)

This is a portrait taken of a red fox kit in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Coyotes (Legal with permit)

Canada, North America

Lions (Legal with permit)

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Tigers (Legal with permit)

A young Siberian tiger posing on the top of a big rock

Leopards (Legal with permit)

Cheetahs (Legal with permit)

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Cheetah using termite mound as a vantage point. Can reach top speeds of up to 120 km/hr over short distances. Endangered species. Dist. Africa & Middle East.

Cougars (Legal with permit)

Cougar rescued as a cub in Cornville, Arizona. Living happily at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona

Porcupines (Legal with permit)

Quilly Bob Thorton, a male porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) from Triple D Game Farm in Kallispell, Montana. Photographed in southern Utah.

Lynx (Legal with permit)

Bobcat, Felis rufus, Uinta National Forest, Utah, USA

Hedgehogs (Legal with permit)

Hedgehog sitting on green grass.

Squirrels

Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) eating nut.

Chipmunks

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Spend winter sleeping in burrow well stocked with seeds and nuts. Do not hibernate like ground squirrels. Michigan

Sugar Gliders

A very cute sugar glider

Game birds (wild turkeys, crows, ruffed grouse, etc.)

Raccoons (Legal with approval from PA Game Commission)

Shot of this Raccoon taken at North Lake in GG Park.

Opossums (Legal with approval from PA Game Commission)

An Opossum mom was walking under the hedges with her brood.

Minks (Legal with approval from PA Game Commission)

A cute but fierce little mink on a frozen river in the boreal forest near Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan, in Prince Albert National Park.

Muskrat

Muskrat eating grass taken in southern MN in the wild

Monk Parakeet

Serval (Legal with permit)

Serval portrait (Felis (Leptailurus) serval). Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Sep 2011.

Otters (Legal with permit)

Wolves

After eating a deer, a gray wolf pauses with piece of hair from the deer stuck on its nose. This wolf is one of the captive wolves located in the Carlo Avery Wolf Colony.

Endangered Animals

In 2017, House Bill 1273 was introduced by Rep. David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster and Berks) which if passed would make owning hedgehogs and sugar gliders legal. In 2018, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives rejected the bill in a 120-71 vote.

Although, those who wish to own exotic pets can receive a permit to do so. According to PA code  2963, Authorization.The commission may issue permits to persons to possess exotic wildlife which shall authorize the holder to purchase, receive or possess exotic wildlife from any lawful source from within or without this Commonwealth.

Multiple bills in Pennsylvania would restrict, ban firearms

The penalty for not gaining a permit and owning an exotic pet is the following:

A violation of this section relating to permits is a summary offense of the third degree.

Any other violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, but under no circumstances shall the accumulated penalty for purposes of a field receipt exceed $300. There shall be no limit on any accumulated penalty a court may assess.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WHTM Daily Digest

To get information on how to get a permit to own an exotic pet in Pennsylvania, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division at 717-783-8164.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The British Army wants to relax security checks for recruits from overseas to boost diversity and inclusion, The Telegraph can reveal.

Britains armed forces have consistently failed to hit recruitment targets and are looking overseas to boost ethnic minority representation, which currently stands at 14 per cent of the regular army.

A document leaked to this paper, titled The British Armys Race Action Plan, notes that the Army struggles to attract talent from ethnic minority backgrounds into the officer corps.

Published in March 2023 and understood to be the latest guidance, it outlines a series of actions to boost representation and describes security clearance vetting as being the primary barrier to non-UK personnel gaining a commission in the Army.

It vows to challenge SC [security clearance] requirements to boost representation in the intelligence and officer corps, positions which have uncontrolled access to secret assets.

People from Commonwealth countries can serve in the British Army, however, the race plan notes that There are only 131 [serving] non-UK regular officers of which 28 were recorded as an ethnic minority with the rest being white Irish or white Commonwealth.

Sir Richard Dearlove, who served as the head of MI6 between 1999 and 2004, said: The evidence published today in The Telegraph, which apparently prioritises diversity, equality, and inclusion in matters of national security, is very worrying indeed. Effective security policies at whatever level they are applied simply do not allow for politically correct soft edges.

The fighting capability of our armed forces, already hollowed out as the Defence Select Committee recently documented, must not be further compromised by the over-application of DEI ideology. We are living in a world where the threat of war is getting closer.

We give succour to our enemies if the concentration on the creation of an effective warrior mentality is not the primary objective of our navy, army and airforce.

Mr Shapps is understood to be 'furious' about the findings - Rosie Hallam

In response to The Telegraphs findings, Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, has ordered a root and branch review of diversity and inclusion policies in the Armed Forces.

Vetting processes required to become an officer in the Army include undergoing a baseline personnel security standard, counter-terrorism checks and security clearance vetting.

Security clearance is described as being the most common type of vetting process and determines that a persons character and personal circumstances are such that they can be trusted to work in a position that involves long-term, frequent, and uncontrolled access to secret assets.

To gain security clearance, applicants normally need to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years.

This requirement is described as prohibitive to overseas recruits who are looking to become officers because failure to have the correct residency requirements for vetting processes omits personnel from serving in a series of roles across the Intelligence Corps, Royal Military Police and Army Legal Services.

To combat the lack of non-UK representation in officer and intelligence ranks, the plan says: Action: Challenge SC [security clearance] requirements in trades, identifying under which circumstances the rules and SC accreditation should be updated.

The relaxed vetting policy for applicants from overseas has been criticised as wicked in an open letter to Mr Shapps, published in full in the Telegraph on Sunday, from 12 former senior military officers. With Islamism and other extremism rampant, this [policy] is nothing short of dangerous madness, they warn.

They add: The Russians, Iranians and Chinese will be observing our descent into self-hatred and obsessing over diversity and inclusion with glee and that woke defence policies are leading to a moral disarmament in the Armed Forces.

Nothing could be better calculated to destroy the esprit de corps of our armed forces than this poisonous farrago of nonsense or to deter from serving the Crown precisely the type of people most motivated and apt to our high calling. Ours is a tolerant country and this obsessive racialising of everything is both disgusting and reprehensible, they add.

The letter comes as General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff and Head of the British Army, warned last month the Government must prepare to deploy a citizen army due to increasing threats to peace.

The Armys Race Action Plan plan is part of a wider Ministry of Defence diversity push that has caused alarm among former defence chiefs.

Edward Stringer, a retired Air Marshal, said that while serving in the Royal Air Force, he raised concerns at the highest levels.

He told The Telegraph: Good commanders have always valued diversity of thought, and that tends to come from a diversity of background.

Making sure all voices can be confidently heard is a duty of military leadership: to create a genuinely meritocratic, inclusive environment where people can think critically, often under pressure.

Identity politics can subvert this, inserting segregation into the team, and replacing critical thinking with critical theory.

These concerns were raised at the highest level.

Mr Shapps is understood to be furious about the findings and ready to go to battle on the matter.

There are personnel issues that need addressing in the Armed Services but some of these policies are about a woke agenda and extreme critical race theories.

These are leftist ideas that have leaked into the civil service and they are at best a distraction and at worst poisoning the wider discussion, an MoD source said.

Responding to The Telegraphs investigation, Admiral Lord West, a former First Sea Lord, said: It is absolutely extraordinary, the self-inflicted damage that impacts on our Armed Forces from these deranged ideas.

Our job is to protect our nation and our people from those who wish us harm. Anything else is a distraction.

The Telegraph investigation has found that servicemen are told that they must complete mandatory unconscious bias training, are warned against microaggressions such as misusing peoples pronouns, and are encouraged to introduce their own pronouns.

Mr Shapps said: I am ordering a review of diversity and inclusivity policy at the MoD.

We want people from all backgrounds to serve in our military but some policies appear to be more about a political agenda than practically improving the lives of our dedicated soldiers and military personnel.

There will certainly not be any lowering of security clearance requirements on my watch.

And no one should be offended by having religion as part of remembrance services. You dont have to be Christian to appreciate and respect the history and traditions of the United Kingdom.

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.
ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- International aid agencies have called on donors and governments to scale up urgent humanitarian support to avert the growing hunger crisis in Ethiopia due to an El Nino-induced drought.

Oxfam and Concern Worldwide issued separate statements late Thursday, calling for urgent humanitarian support to drought-affected people in northern Ethiopia.

The call followed a recent assessment by the Ethiopian government and its humanitarian partners, which predicted the number of food-insecure people in Ethiopia could reach 10.8 million in the coming months this year.

Oxfam warned that families who are still reeling from the aftermath of a two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia are now resorting to increasingly desperate measures to survive.

It said the conflict and erratic rainfall have further exacerbated the planting season, threatening to plunge the affected people into a more profound humanitarian catastrophe if nothing is done.

Concern Worldwide has scaled up its emergency response in the affected areas. It warned that the El Nino-charged drought has impacted Ethiopia's summer rains, resulting in severe water shortages, dried pastures and reduced harvests in many areas.

The worst drought-affected areas in northern Ethiopia are in parts of Amhara, Tigray and Afar, where communities have yet to recover from the conflict between 2020 and 2022. 
By Ariba Shahid and Charlotte Greenfield

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Candidates backed by the party of jailed Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan plan to form a government, a senior aide to the former prime minister said on Saturday, urging supporters to peacefully protest if final election results are not released.

The nation of 241 million people voted on Thursday in a general election, as the country struggles to recover from an economic crisis and battles militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.

Both Khan and his main rival, three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, declared victory on Friday, increasing uncertainty over who will form the next government at a time when swift policy action is needed to address multiple challenges.

Gohar Khan, the chairman of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) party who also acts as the former prime minister's lawyer, called on "all institutions" in Pakistan to respect his party's mandate.

At a press conference, he said if complete results of the polls were not released by Saturday night, the party would hold peaceful protests on Sunday outside government offices returning election results around the country.

Hundreds of Khan's supporters rallied in the northwestern city of Peshawar led by two of his aides who said they had been declared losers despite having won the polls.

"We never expected it would happen to us," said Taimur Khan Jhagra, one of Khan's former provincial ministers.

The protesters chanted slogans against what they called a vote fraud.

Sharif said on Friday his party had emerged as the single largest group and would talk to other groups to form a coalition government.

By 5 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Saturday, results were still not in for 10 of the 265 seats contested in the election - 48 hours after the polls closed.

The latest tally, posted on the election commission's website, showed independent candidates had won 100 seats, with Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) taking 72 seats.

At least 90 of the victorious independent candidates were backed by Khan and his party, a Reuters analysis showed - putting them well ahead of Sharif's party.

Khan's supporters were running as independents because they had been barred from contesting the polls under his party's electoral symbol by the election commission for not complying with electoral laws.

Despite the ban and Khan's imprisonment for convictions on charges ranging from leaking state secrets to corruption to an unlawful marriage, millions of the former cricketer's supporters came out to vote for him, even though he cannot be part of any government while he remains in prison.

However, under Pakistan's electoral laws, independent candidates are not eligible to be allocated reserved seats, 70 of which are meant to be distributed according to party strength. Sharif's party could get up to 20 of these seats.

Khan's close aide and media adviser, Zulfi Bukhari, told Reuters the party would announce within the next day the party banner they will ask independents to join. In Pakistan, independent candidates cannot form a government on their own and need to join a party.

"And we have no fear of independents going anywhere, because these are the people who have struggled for the last 18 months and endured all kinds of torture and oppression," Bukhari told Reuters in a WhatsApp voice message.

Whoever seeks to form the next government would need support from other parties with no one close to the seat threshold for a simple majority in parliament.

Beside Khan and Sharif, the Pakistan Peoples Party of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated premier Benazir Bhutto, remains a major player with at least 53 seats.

The rest were won by small parties and other independents. This sets up a period of intense political negotiations over the next few days before a parliamentary vote to elect a new prime minister and government can take place.

"No one can form a government without us," Bhutto Zardari told local Geo TV.

'STABLE HANDS'

Pakistan's army chief congratulated the country on Saturday for the "successful conduct" of the election, saying the nation needed "stable hands" to move on from the politics of "anarchy and polarisation".

The military remains the country's most powerful institution and has for decades had a huge role in making and breaking governments. Khan accuses the military of a crackdown on him and his party. The military denies this.

From jail, Khan released an audio-visual message created with artificial intelligence rather than having a statement read out by his lawyers, as is usually the case, in which he rejected Sharif's claim to victory.

In the message posted on social media platform X, he called on his supporters to celebrate what he called a win that had been achieved despite a crackdown on his party and alleged poll rigging to limit the success of PTI-backed candidates.

The United States, Britain and the European Union on Friday each expressed concerns about the electoral process, urging a probe into reported irregularities.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron cited "serious concerns" that raised questions "about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections".

Pakistan's foreign office responded to the comments on Saturday, saying they ignored the "undeniable fact" that the election had been successfully conducted.

"It is our hope that the process will be concluded effectively and it will reflect the will of the people," said former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who is leading the Commonwealth team to observe the voting.

Jonathan called on those with grievances over the election to raise them in line with the laws of Pakistan.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield, Ariba Shahid and Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam; Additional reporting by Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar Editing by Tom Hogue, Toby Chopra, Helen Popper and Giles Elgood)
Authorities announced Friday that an Indianapolis man had been charged with murder in the killings of two women whose bodies were found days apart and less than 150 yards from each other.

David Hiner, 30, has been charged with killing 58-year-old Shannon Lassere, whose body was found in a parking lot Jan. 27, and 52-year-old Marianne Weis, who was found Feb. 1 in a nearby alley, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Marion County Prosecutors Office said Friday in a news conference and press release.

Shannon Lassere (left) and Marianne Weis, shown in photos posted on Facebook, were killed five days apart in Indianapolis.

Shannon Lassere (left) and Marianne Weis, shown in photos posted on Facebook, were killed five days apart in Indianapolis.

Authorities had previously noted the similarities in the killings and asked for the publics help in gathering information about the crimes and the victims.

Lasseres friends and family held a memorial for her on Feb. 4 at the parking lot where she was found.

She was a kind, loving spirit, her friend Stephannie Feggans told WTHR-TV in Indianapolis, alongside Angela Johnson. The women wore matching T-shirts featuring a picture of the three friends with the caption Golden Girls Forever.

Weis older sister told WTHR that she was a beautiful soul.

Our Mari was a beautiful soul who loved to dance and sing, the sister said. She lived with a lot of pain, for reasons well keep private. We dont know much about what happened yet, but seeing her light dimmed this way is devastating.

Both women were found face down with their pants pulled to their knees, which investigators said appeared to be a result of being dragged by their arms, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by HuffPost. Lasseres purse was next to her body, investigators said, and didnt appear to be missing any items.Weis personal belongings were found near her body as well, they said.

Lasseres son told investigators that the night before her body was found, he last saw her about 10:30 p.m., when she left his home, possibly to walk to a gas station nearby, according to the affidavit. Her body was discovered about a quarter mile from her sons home.

The pathologist who performed Lasseres autopsy said she suffered two large sharp force injuries  one on each side of [her] neck. The same pathologist conducted Weis autopsy and found multiple sharp force injuries to her neck and multiple injuries to her hands that he said were consistent with defensive wounds. Both deaths were ruled homicides due to the multiple sharp force injuries.

Surveillance video captured Weis leaving a pub about 7:45 p.m. with a Black man and later walking with him outside, according to the affidavit. Police officers patrolling the area said they recognized the man as Hiner, who lived in an apartment complex near where both bodies were found, based on screenshots of the surveillance footage, investigators said. They also reported that he had a splint and a bandaged ring finger.

Hiner denied knowing or being with either victim, according to the affidavit.

When they searched his home, investigators said, they found a pair of jeans that allegedly matched those seen in the video soaking in a bucket of bleach in the bathtub. A pair of Nike shoes in Hiners room appeared to have dried blood on them, which authorities claim linked Hiner to Weis and Lassere based on preliminary tests.

Investigators initially arrested Hiner for violating probation in another county, authorities said Friday. It is unclear whether he has an attorney to speak on his behalf.

An initial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, when Hiner will have an opportunity to formally enter a plea.

A friend posted a tribute on Weis Facebook page, saying that she did not deserve to go out this way.

Anybody who knew you knows what a true angel you are and now you have your wings, the friend wrote.

Related...
In an interview lasting more than two hours, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson sat down with Vladimir Putin in what was the Russian presidents first major interview with a Western journalist since his countrys invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The discussionwhich began with a lengthy Putin monologue reviewing centuries of Russian historycovered many of the topics on which Putin has propagandized for decades, such as the allegedly artificial construction of the modern Ukrainian nation, supposed U.S.-led coups in support of Western interests, and the ostracization of Russia by the West after the fall of the Soviet Union. Many of Putins points were outright false, and the interview omitted essential information related to many of his claims. So, which of the Russian presidents answers were the most questionable? Well take on a few of them here, relying on the transcript of the conversation made available by the Tucker Carlson Network.

The 2014 Coup in Ukraine

While Putin considers the question of Ukrainian nationhoodor lack thereofrooted in centuries of Russian history, he blames much of the current conflict on 2013 and 2014 Euromaidan protests and the Revolution of Dignity. In 2014, there was a coup, Putin told Carlson. [Ukraine] started persecuting those who did not accept the coup, and it was indeed a coup. [Ukraine] created the threat to Crimea, which we had to take under our protection. [Ukraine] launched the war in Donbas in 2014 with the use of aircraft and artillery against civilians. This is when it all started. Carlson asked who the coup was backed by.

With the backing of CIA, of course, Putin responded.

It benefits Putin politically to describe the Revolution of Dignity as a coup, but the reality of what transpired is much more complex.

The 2014 Euromaidan protests began after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement, which would have strengthened ties between the EU and Ukraine and established a comprehensive free trade agreement between the two. The agreement had sailed through the Ukrainian parliament in February of that year, but Yanukovych backed away from the proposal despite having originally supported it. Initial protests against Yanukovychs decision in late 2013 were peaceful, but tensions flared in January 2014 after a set of repressive new laws restricted rights of protest. By the end of February, Yanukovych had fled Ukraine for Russia and the parliament voted to oust him from office, though the constitutionality of the measures taken by the Ukrainian parliament is still debated. New elections were scheduled for May, when oligarch Petro Poroshenko won victory.

The Kremlin has repeatedly described the 2014 ousting of Yanukovych as a coup, and even orchestrated a complex disinformation operation to support secession movements in Crimea. After Yanukovychs departure, Russian military forces and separatist militias in Crimea invaded Crimea on February 27, 2014, seized key facilities, and then held a sham referendum in March resulting in the peninsulas annexation. These actions violated the 1991 post-Soviet Belavezha Accords accepting then-existing borders, commitments made in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, and the 1997 Ukrainian-Russian Treaty of Friendship.

There were free elections in Ukraine after the revolution, in which Petro Poroshenko came to power who had no role in the revolution, who was an oligarch, who was not particularly friendly with the West, and who actually had quite tight ties with Russia, Peter Dickinson, a Ukraine and Russia expert at the Atlantic Council told The Dispatch Fact Check. Thats an obvious issue with the whole narrative of this coup.

Nazi Ideology in Ukraine

Another point reinforced by Putin in the interview was the need for de-Nazification in Ukraine. According to Putin, after gaining independence, Ukraine adopted a national identity built upon false heroes who collaborated with Hitler. Because of this, Putin says, the modern Ukrainian state is rooted in Nazi ideology.

Putin is not entirely incorrect that Ukraine has a complicated history with Nazism: The country has erected statues and named streets after a number of Ukrainian nationalistssuch as Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevychwho collaborated with Nazi forces during World War II. Likewise, modern Ukraine has struggled to address neo-Nazi sympathy, including in some of its far-right political parties and volunteer battalions. Putin overstates these links, however, and even blatantly misrepresents an event in the Canadian Parliament as a key point of evidence for modern Nazi sympathies in Ukraine.

The president of Ukraine visited Canada.  The Canadian Parliament introduced the man who, as the speaker of the Parliament said, fought against the Russians during World War II, Putin told Carlson. Well, who fought against the Russians during World War II? Hitler and his accomplices. And it turned out that this man served in the SS troops, he personally killed Russians, Poles, and Jews.  The president of Ukraine stood up with the entire Parliament of Canada and applauded this man. How can this be imagined?

The Dispatch Fact Check addressed a similar claim by Vivek Ramaswamy in November, explaining that the Ukrainian delegation was unaware of the veterans Nazi affiliation.

While Zelensky did applaud Hunka alongside the rest of the Canadian House of Commons, any suggestion that he knew of Hunkas Nazi affiliationlet alone supported him because of itis unsubstantiated. Anthony Rota, the speaker of Canadas House of Commons, later said he had not informed either the Canadian government or the Ukrainian delegation of the plan to honor Hunka, and resigned from his post. This House is above any of us, he told his fellow lawmakers. I reiterate my profound regret.

Peace Negotiations

Another point of emphasis for Putin during the interview surrounded the prospect of peace talks with Ukraine and Russias good will attempts to reach a deal. In one instance, he claimed that the two countries had agreed to terms before British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Ukraine and tanked the deal. We negotiated with Ukraine in Istanbul, we agreed, Putin said. But then [Ukraines lead negotiator, Davyd Arakhamia] publicly stated to the whole world, We were ready to sign this document but Mr. Johnson [then the prime minister] came and dissuaded us from doing this, saying it was better to fight Russia.

The claim is a misrepresentation of actual statements made by Arakhamia. In an interview about the Istanbul negotiations, Arakhamia said that Boris Johnson, visiting Kyiv in April 2022, had encouraged the Ukrainian government to continue fighting Russia and not sign any agreement. While Johnson admits to expressing concerns over a potential negotiation to Zelensky, he denied that he had pressured Ukraine to end negotiations in an interview with The Times, saying that allegations from Russia to the contrary were propaganda.

They really hoped almost to the last that they would put the squeeze on us to sign such an agreement so that we would take neutrality, Arakhamia said of the peace talks. They were ready to end the war if we took, as Finland once did, neutrality and made commitments that we would not join NATO. However, Arakhamia explained that Ukraine would have had to change its constitution to accept the proposed Russian termsthe document explicitly calls for Ukraine to become a NATO memberand added that Ukraine did not trust that the Russians would uphold their end of any deal.

Putins claim that Russia withdrew troops from Kyiv to facilitate negotiations is also inaccurate. We withdrew the troops from Kyiv, he said. As soon as we pulled back our troops from Kyiv, our Ukrainian negotiators immediately threw all our agreements reached in Istanbul into the bin and got prepared for a long-standing armed confrontation with the help of the United States and its satellites in Europe.

But the Russian militarys withdrawal from Kyiv around that time wasnt driven by the goodness of Putins heartthe Kremlins forces were defeated by Ukrainian troops in the field. It does not stand up to even the very smallest amount of scrutiny, Dickinson said. Russia was beaten in the Battle of Kyiv, they withdrew with their tail between their legs, and then tried to dress it up by saying, Well, actually, its part of our peace negotiation plans.

Putin also claimed that Zelensky issued a decree prohibiting negotiations with us. This is somewhat misleading. In October 2022, Zelensky issued a decree that specifically ruled out negotiations with Putin himself, but did not ban any negotiations with the country. [Putin] does not know what dignity and honesty are, Zelensky said. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia.

The Nord Stream Pipeline

Alongside his bold claim that the CIA backed a coup in Ukraine, Putin also asserted that the U.S. and CIA were responsible for the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline in late 2022. Who blew up Nord Stream? Tucker asked. You, for sure, Putin responded. You personally may have an alibi, but the CIA has no such alibi. Investigations are still ongoing, but there is no evidence as of yet that the U.S. or CIA orchestrated the sabotage.

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea and are used to transport natural gas directly from Russia to the European market. On September 26, 2022, seismic stations in Scandinavia registered explosions near the pipelines, with Denmark and Sweden later determining that the blast that caused the resulting leaks resulted from large amounts of explosives.

In June 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that the CIA had warned the Ukrainian government not to attack the pipelines after it heard of plans to destroy a main energy connection between Russia and Europe weeks before the sabotage occurred. Some intelligence has suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group orchestrated the attacks, but U.S. officials have said that they do not believe an operation was carried out with the knowledge of Ukrainian government officials. Many theories exist blaming a number of potential perpetratorsincluding the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia itselfbut none are conclusive. On February 7, 2024, Sweden announced that it was closing its own investigation into the sabotage due to the country lacking jurisdiction, however investigations remain ongoing in both Germany and Denmark.

The Case of Evan Gershkovich

Carlson ended the interview by questioning Putin on the case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who has been detained in Russia for almost a year. The guys obviously not a spy. Hes a kid, and maybe he was breaking your law in some way, but hes not a super spy and everybody knows that, Tucker told Putin.

You can give a different interpretation to what constitutes a spy, but there are certain things provided by law, Putin responded. If a person gets secret information and does that in a conspiratorial manner, then this is qualified as espionage. And that is exactly what he was doing. He was receiving classified, confidential information, and he did it covertly.

Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 while on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburga large city in central Russia. The FSB alleged that Gershkovich was acting on instructions from the American side to collect information about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret. Russian officials have said that Gershkovich was caught red-handed trying to access Russian state secretsthough no evidence has yet been presented publicly to back up this assertion, and both the Wall Street Journal and U.S. government deny any allegations of espionage. A Moscow court recently ruled to extend Gershkovichs detention until March 30, the fourth time his detention has been extended.

Russia has previously used detentions for both the purpose of retaliation and of bargaining, though this is the first time a U.S. journalist has been arrested for espionage since the Cold War.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other bishops in the House of Lords are accused of blindness to the impact of mass migration - DOUG PETERS/PA

Judges have raised concerns that some unquestioning church leaders are being duped by insincere asylum seekers converting to Christianity to avoid deportation.

A series of judicial decisions have highlighted examples of clergymen and lay leaders failing to query the motives of purported converts whose asylum applications they have agreed to support.

The disclosures came as Lord Carey, the former archbishop of Canterbury, accused his successor, the Most Rev Justin Welby, and other bishops in the House of Lords of blindness to the impact of mass migration on our culture, our infrastructure and our common life.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, he urged bishops to do much more to listen to struggling communities who feel alienated and marginalised by unprecedented rates of immigration and change.

In an extraordinary attack on the Churchs current leadership, Lord Carey, who was archbishop between 1991 and 2002, linked the ongoing row over conversions of asylum seekers to Archbishop Welby and other bishops opposition to the Governments Rwanda plan, saying that the Churchs opposition has disturbed me by its ferocity and intensity.

The peer warned that the Church was failing to provide sufficient advice to vicars on how to discern whether these conversions are authentic, long-standing and life-changing.

A judge found it very surprising that church authorities had allowed an asylum seeker to be baptised at Wakefield Cathedral, pictured, only five weeks after arriving - LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

Immigration tribunal decisions analysed by this newspaper show that the Home Office has repeatedly raised questions in court about the extent to which clergy are probing the true intentions of migrants seeking to convert from Islam to Christianity.

Migrants can claim asylum based on their conversion to a new religion if they will face persecution in their home country because of their new faith. In many cases religious ministers agree to support their claims.

In two separate cases uncovered by this newspaper, judges questioned how local church leaders were able to vouch for the faith of asylum seekers from Iran and Iraq when they were unable to communicate properly with them due to a language barrier.

In one case a vicar claimed to have had an in-depth conversation with an Iranian-born migrant whose application he was supporting, despite the man himself saying the pair had never discussed his faith one-to-one.

He said their interactions were limited to greetings and asking how we are ... [With] broken English and hand signals. In the same case the judge found it very surprising that church authorities had allowed the man, in his 40s, to be baptised at Wakefield Cathedral only five weeks after arriving in Britain.



The disclosures come after the Church of England dismissed claims by Suella Braverman and Priti Patel, in last weeks Sunday Telegraph, that churches were routinely supporting bogus asylum claims.



George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, said that the Churchs opposition to the Governments Rwanda plan has disturbed me by its ferocity and intensity - ANDREW CROWLEY

Archbishop Welby accused the Churchs critics of mischaracterisation and said that, in asylum cases, we simply follow the teaching of the Bible which is to care for the stranger. It is the job of the Government to protect our borders and of the courts to judge asylum cases.



The clergys role supporting asylum applications is being considered by ministers in the wake of the chemical attack that injured a mother and two children. Abdul Ezedi, the suspect, was finally granted asylum after claiming he had converted from Islam and that his life would be in danger if he returned to Afghanistan.



The Church of England rejected claims by the Rev Matthew Firth, who was in charge of a parish in the north of England, that it is complicit in a conveyor belt of asylum seeker baptisms used by migrants to remain in the UK.



However several of Mr Firths claims about the approach taken by insincere converts appear to be borne out in asylum case decisions studied by this newspaper - including the tendency for such migrants to prominently display their faith on Facebook, before using those posts in an attempt to support their asylum claims. In the case of one migrant, whose asylum claim was subsequently rejected, a judge said such posts were entirely generic and purely to bolster his claim.



The Church of England has said that the support of religious ministers for any asylum application does not amount to some sort of magic ticket.



But judicial decisions analysed by this newspaper reveal a series of cases since 2018 in which judges have questioned the accounts given by religious or lay church leaders about asylum seekers claiming to be genuine converts to Christianity.



Migrant unable to name church

In one case, a leader at an evangelical church in Wiltshire was found by an immigration judge to have been duped by an Iranian migrant in his 20s whose claim to have converted from Islam to Christianity before coming to Britain was deemed not plausible.

While the leader, then a pastoral assistant, gave entirely sincere evidence as to his belief in the appellants conversion the tribunal judge noted the degree of the unquestioning nature of that belief. The migrant was unable to even name the church.



In another case, the vicar of a church in Barnsley wrote letters and appeared at a formal hearing in support of an Iranian-born man in his 40s who claimed to be a converted Christian.



However, the First Tier immigration tribunal judge, Abigail Holt, concluded: In short, [the vicars] assessment of the appellant seems to have been on the basis that he was a pleasant, friendly, courteous individual ... However, these factors do not mean that [the vicars] assessment of the appellant corroborates his claim and I am not satisfied that the appellant is a genuine Christian who would be at risk of persecution or worse upon return to Iran.



The judge added of the vicar: The tenor of his evidence was that it was part of the Christian duty to be open to new recruits, if not very keen. I find that this unquestioning attitude is likely to have blinded [the vicar] to considering alternative motivations on the part of the appellant. There was no evidence that it ever crossed his mind why joining the church might be an attractive option for the appellant for other reasons connected to gaining status in the UK, i.e. other than his claims to be genuinely interested in Christianity. In short, [the vicar] took the appellant uncritically at face value.



A subsequent decision upholding Judge Holts rejection of the mans asylum application pointed out that the judge found it very surprising that the appellant was allowed to be baptised by the church authorities at Wakefield Cathedral on 2 May 2018 because he had only arrived in the UK ... about 5 weeks earlier, which brings into question how well they knew the appellant and whether there was any critical assessment of his motivation and keenness to undergo the baptism ceremony.



Fear of harm claim rejected

In a second case, a judge concluded that a lay leader of a church in Wigan, Greater Manchester, attempted to gloss over the language problem in the case of an asylum seeker whose case she was supporting - despite the vicar acknowledging that the migrants English was so very poor that it took weeks to understand why he came to the church in the first place, according to a 2019 decision.



In another case, a judge said that a vicar in Hartlepool who expressed genuinely held views that another Iranian-born man was a genuine Christian convert, had known the man for only a relatively short period of time and had somewhat limited interaction with him.

The judge upheld a decision by Sajid Javid, the then home secretary, to reject the mans fear of harm claim, and concluded that he was neither a credible witness nor a consistent one in respect of his claim to be a genuine Christian convert in the United Kingdom.



A Church of England spokesman said: Clergy are expected to uphold the law, just like any other citizen, and so the highest standards are expected of them in making truthful representations of character and engaging honestly with formal legal processes.

Clearly we can never know 100 per cent, which is why we support the Home Office in their ultimate duty to vet and decide applications. In the Barnsley case, the system clearly worked - the references given by the church did not prove decisive, the judge made a determination, and in this instance the application was rejected.



The Anglican Diocese of Leeds, which is responsible for Wakefield Cathedral, said ministers took potential baptisms extremely seriously and knew they must show discernment regarding personal integrity and faithful commitment when bringing people to baptism.

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 dragon is not scary, says former senior UN official

Xinhua) 09:13, February 10, 2024

People stage dragon and lion dance performances during a celebration ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, in Helsinki, Finland, on Feb. 5, 2024. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)

Erik Solheim, the former UN under-secretary-general, said the dragon in Chinese culture is a symbol of good luck strength, health, and power.

OSLO, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The dragon in Chinese culture is not a frightening creature, but a symbol of good luck, said a former top UN official in an interview with Xinhua this week.

"My Chinese friends wish their babies to be born in the Year of the Dragon," said Erik Solheim, the former UN under-secretary-general and executive director of the UN Environment Programme.

"I think the Chinese dragon culture is harmless, the Chinese dragon should not be scared of. Let's rather focus on how to show curiosity and respect for each other."

Solheim said that in China, the dragon is a symbol of good luck, strength, health and power. In European folklore, however, the mythical creature has a more ominous reputation.

"The dragon has a very central place in Chinese culture. It is also closely connected to the emperor and power. We Europeans more tend to see the dragon as a scary creature that may harm us, maybe inspired by dinosaurs," said Solheim.

This photo taken on Jan. 27, 2024 shows some ice lanterns displayed in Oslo, capital of Norway. (Photo by Chen Yaqin/Xinhua)

Referring to suggestions that the English translation of the Chinese dragon should be "loong" to differentiate the mythical creature from its Western counterpart, Solheim argued for clarity.

"Few people (in the West) know what a loong is. I believe it is better to explain the role of the dragon in Chinese culture," he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect over fear of cultural symbols.

Solheim dismissed concerns that referring to Chinese people as "descendants of the dragon" could cause unease in the West, even amidst geopolitical tensions.

Instead, he advocated for focusing on mutual curiosity, respect, and collaborative problem-solving over the symbolism of national emblems. This approach, he argued, can help address global challenges such as environmental destruction, economic recovery and conflict.

Erik Solheim speaks during an interview at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 31, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Recalling his extensive travels in China, Solheim expressed a particular fondness for historic cities like Xi'an, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Suzhou, underscoring the deep impressions left by China's diverse provinces and culture.

A winner of the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, Solheim said he has witnessed China's great achievements in developing ecological civilization over the years. The award highlights the importance of solidarity and cooperation among countries in the face of global challenges, he added.

"I love China, its history, culture, people, nature, food and recent achievements in development and environment," said Solheim.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
STOCKHOLM, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Swedish Prosecution Authority announced on Wednesday the closure of its investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, citing a lack of jurisdiction in the case.

As the 16-month-long investigation concludes, the authorities, who identified the incident as a "gross sabotage" possibly involving "a state actor," have failed to pinpoint any culprits.

Analysts believe Sweden's ultimate decision to transfer and relinquish the "hot potato" to Germany is driven by intricate and delicate political considerations.

EVIDENCE OVER TO GERMANY

"The investigation into gross sabotage against Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines is closed, as Swedish jurisdiction does not apply," stated the Swedish Public Prosecution Authority.

Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, remaining tight-lipped due to secrecy, refrained from providing further details or commenting on any suspected individuals involved.

The primary purpose of the investigation was to uncover whether Swedish territory and citizens were involved in the act, thereby risking damaging Swedish interests or security, said the authority.

But the investigation showed "nothing has emerged to indicate that Sweden or Swedish citizens were involved in the attack which took place in international waters," it added.

Calling the investigation "systematic and thorough," Ljungqvist said the authority had analyzed many ship movements, conducted an extensive crime scene investigation and held several interviews.

He added that Sweden has provided potential evidence to the ongoing German investigation, aligning with the concurrent Danish inquiry into the matter.

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has consistently sought updates on the investigation's progress but has been denied access to the information. He added, "We will monitor subsequent investigative actions and make decisions accordingly."

MYSTERY REMAINS UNRESOLVED

The Nord Stream pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to European markets via Germany, were severely damaged in September 2022 after blasts in the Baltic Sea.

Denmark, Sweden and Germany launched investigations following the explosion, which resulted in four leaks. Russia's participation in the investigations was denied.

In March last year, the Swedish prosecutor labeled the gas pipeline explosions as "gross sabotage" with a potential state actor involvement.

Despite unverified reports implicating the United States, Ukraine and Russia, no suspects have been publicly identified. All parties have denied involvement 16 months after the incident.

Washington and some of its allies have long criticized the pipelines, warning they posed a risk to Europe's energy security due to dependence on Russian gas.

The credibility and logic of a 5,000-word investigative report titled "How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline" by Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh in February last year stand out among various revelations.

Hersh revealed that the sabotage of the pipelines was a secret operation ordered by the White House, implemented by the CIA and assisted by the Norwegian Navy. But the White House and the Norwegian foreign ministry both denied involvement.

The Washington Post reported in April last year that Western officials would rather not know who bombed the Nord Stream pipelines, fearing it might implicate their own allies.

POLITICAL COMPLEX BEHIND

The investigation is "a hot potato" for Sweden, security reporter John Granlund said in an analysis on Swedish Television on Tuesday, commenting on the expected results.

"Every decision by the authorities risks having consequences for the security policy. By all accounts, the choice ultimately fell on the easiest path -- to let Germany finish the job," he said.

Granlund said the arrangement is convenient for Sweden as "all other solutions would have led the Swedish authorities down a path where they had to single out a possible perpetrator or state."

Sources with insight into the matter said both the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice have been consulted due to the issue's sensitivity as it involves security policy and foreign powers.

"If the Swedish Prosecution Authority and the Security Service had opted for a more offensive solution, for example, singling out a country, the government and the authorities would have been faced with difficult follow-up questions about, for example, why they don't go all the way and take measures against the state responsible," he analyzed.

Kenneth Buhl of the Royal Danish Defense College said Sweden's surprising decision "indicates there could have been some kind of a political involvement," Euronews reported.

"Sweden stands in a sensitive position as it wants to join NATO and may not want to rock the boat further," Buhl was quoted as saying.

Sweden is currently the only Nordic state that has yet to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Analysts point out that Sweden, which has abandoned its long-standing policy of military non-alignment but is not yet covered by NATO's collective defense, hopes the United States could advance the accession process.

In December last year, Sweden and the United States signed a new defense cooperation agreement, granting U.S. military access to the country's 17 military bases, which allows prepositioned stocks of military equipment and operations on Swedish territory, according to Swedish Armed Forces.

"I assume that the U.S. was behind the Nord Stream destruction ... It is a plausible theory, therefore, that Sweden wants to avoid conflicts with and please the U.S.," Jan Oberg, director of the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

He said the Swedish Prosecution Authority's "decision and weak argument are highly remarkable," emphasizing that "pure politics once again overrule the truth." 
President Biden argued that Congress inability to pass funding for Ukraine for its war against Russia is close to criminal neglect, in a conversation with the German chancellor Friday

The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine is close to criminal neglect. It is outrageous, Biden told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of a bilateral meeting.

The conversation comes as tensions rise in Europe over Congress failure to pass new aid for Ukraine. Scholz arrived in the U.S. to argue that a win for Russia in the war would be harmful to the West and its allies, and to express how Germany has continued to fund Ukraine despite having budget constraints.

The Senate voted Friday evening to push a $95.3 billion package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security priorities closer to passing, but it hasnt come without friction.

All but four GOP senators voted to block the bipartisan deal that included border security measures earlier this week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stripped the border provisions from the bill after the vote.

Schumer asked his Republican colleagues to work with him so they can move this bill more quickly. The deal includes $60 billion in aid for Ukraine.

In his conversation with the German chancellor, Biden added the House is also being somewhat reluctant but said he hopes that its more politics than real.

Scholz emphasized Germanys contributions to the war and said he believes the House will follow Bidens lead and provide the necessary support for Ukraine. Without it, he said, Ukraine does not have a chance to defend itself.

Biden agreed and said So much is at stake, so they better step up.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If Joe Biden is elderly  hes 81, in case you hadnt heard  then I guess those White House reporters screaming demeaning non-questions about his age and acuity at his Thursday press conference are guilty of elder abuse.

Watching the pack howl, They say you are too old! and Why does it have to be you? was painful, though I was more embarrassed by their performative hectoring, which I dont know that Ive ever seen lead to any true accountability, than by his long pauses while they shrieked.

As I might have mentioned before, Id rather have a president who believes in democratic norms but says Mexico when he means Egypt than one who calls Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban the leader of Turkey but also does not believe in old-timey traditions like conceding a clear electoral loss. Or refraining from egging on a mob shouting that they want to hang your own vice president.

Whether out of decrepitude, delusion or dishonesty, Donald Trump, a pup of 77, has for years said things at least as baffling as Biden did when he called French President Emmanuel Macron by the name of his long-ago predecessor, Francois Mitterrand.

For instance, that time in 2019 when Trump said the Continental Army manned the air and took over the airports during the Revolutionary War. Because nothing has ever been his fault, he blamed the teleprompter that hed sworn hed never use for something that was never on it.

Recently, Trump accused Nikki Haley of failing to secure the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Obviously, he meant to instead falsely hold then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi responsible. Just as Biden meant to reference former German Chancellor Angela Merkel when he instead mentioned the late Helmut Kohl. And just as Trump meant to say hey to Sioux City when he instead greeted Sioux Falls.

I wouldnt want either presidential contender on my team in Charades, OK? But not all flubs are equally problematic.

Can true stable genius tell truth from fiction?

On Thursday, Trump told reporters that Pelosi was to blame for the insurrection that he planned and provoked, and that his lawyers had just told the Supreme Court never happened at all.

This was not an oopsie, but either another lie or, because by this point he might have conned himself, the ravings of someone who can no longer tell the difference between the truth and even the most unconvincing imposter.

There is an important difference between getting a name or place wrong, which both men have done, and the fountain of toxic nonsense that Trump sprays.

The New York judge overseeing a civil trial against Trump found that for decades, he committed fraud by inflating the value of his assets. Does the self-declared true stable genius, who has declared bankruptcy six times, even know his net worth? Can he tell PR from reality, and how would we know?

After a lifetime of being rewarded for the flamboyant and the fictional, is he still capable of reining in the kind of defamatory commentary about E. Jean Carroll that is going to cost him $83 million?

And is even the crowd that insists politicians are all bad  theyre not, and Ive noticed that only Trump supporters make this claim  sure that someone with the self-control of a kid on a sugar high should get the nuclear codes to play with again?

No one can pretend that Biden is as hale today as when Trump mocked him for falling off his bike two years ago. Though the economy is by almost every marker better today than under his predecessor, Biden does move more slowly and speak more haltingly now. While Trump, though he often makes no sense, spews words easily and everywhere.

The ancient advice, usually attributed to the French actress Catherine Deneuve, that beyond a certain age, a woman has to choose between her face and her derriere, also applies to older gentlemen. And there, too, the presidential rivals part company, with Bidens low BMI reading as frailty and Trump, who lets just say has not chosen his rump, looking not just more solid but younger.

Gratuitous special counsel elderly man comment

To distract from the substance of special counsel Robert K. Hurs 388-page report, which found that Joe Bidens handling of official documents was not criminal, and also was nothing like Trumps, the former Trump official that Merrick Garland had appointed to investigate Biden couldnt resist the urge to comment gratuitously that Biden was a well-meaning elderly man so forgetful he couldnt recall his son Beaus death.

Naturally, this hey-look-over-there ploy worked, in part by making Biden angry almost beyond speech.

It also encouraged those Democrats who are never satisfied to again ponder replacing the president on the November ballot. (Remember four years ago, when they wanted to trade dull Joe for exciting Andrew Cuomo?)

Never-dissatisfied Republicans, meanwhile, continue to set their bar so low that variations on well I never expected Trump to be Jesus still get nods all around.

Senior moments have been an issue in other campaigns, of course. Ronald Reagan, who once greeted the Liberian leader Samuel Doe as Chairman Moe, minimized concern about his age during his 1984 run against Walter Mondale by joking that I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponents youth and inexperience.

Age remains the principal issue dogging Biden because no other accusations have stuck. White House reporters had no time to yell at Trump about his lapses, because there was so much corruption to shout about instead.
U.S. President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington on Feb. 9, devoting much of their discussion to American support for Ukraine.

U.S. aid remains stalled in Congress due to hesitation from the Republican party, which both Scholz and Biden warned could have serious consequences for Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

The visit came as a bill containing $60 billion in aid for Ukraine inched forward in the Senate after months of delays. U.S. officials have warned that funds for Ukraine have essentially run dry in the absence of new legislation.

The Republican hold up on supporting new aid packages is "close to criminal neglect," Biden said as he met with Scholz in the White House.

Scholz has warned in recent weeks that even increased support for Ukraine from Europe cannot make up for a significant decrease in aid from the U.S.

"The president is very clear, and we agree: If it is not possible to bring about a decision in the American Congress that releases funding for the further support of Ukraine, then that is a threat to Ukraines ability to defend itself," Scholz said after a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators.

After being criticized for a sluggish response after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Germany has scaled up its military assistance to Ukraine, becoming the second-largest provider of security aid after the U.S.

Germany's parliament approved its 2024 budget on Feb. 2, which included 7.6 billion euros ($8.2 billion) in military aid for Ukraine.

The budget received criticism from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its amicable views toward the Kremlin. Peter Boehringer, an AfD lawmaker, said there would be "no debt" for the war in Ukraine if AfD were in charge.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced already in November 2023 that Berlin plans to double its aid for Ukraine for the following year, going from 4 billion euros to 8 billion.

While Germany ramps up its military support, Scholz has criticized other EU countries for not providing as much as they can to assist Ukraine's defense efforts.

Read also: Pentagon spox hints US air defenses continue to flow to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Short Beach Trail in Oceanside was closed by Tillamook County over concern it could lead to a lawsuit, following a decision by Oregon's Court of Appeals.

A bill aimed at protecting Oregon cities and counties from lawsuits when people are injured on hiking trails will have a hearing at 1 p.m. Monday in the state Senate Committee On Judiciary.

Trail advocates hope it can restore recreational immunity, a law that was thrown into question by Oregons Court of Appeals last summer and led a handful of towns on the Oregon Coast to shut down trails.

The bill is being shepherded forward by state Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, who has made it an amendment within Senate Bill 1576  a civil omnibus bill. It would be a short-term fix, Prozanski said, before a more lasting solution could be crafted in the longer 2025 legislative session.

Recreational immunity is a state law that has long protected local governments, the state and landowners that open public or private land for recreation from liability if someone gets hurt.

In July, Oregons Court of Appeals ruled the City of Newport couldnt use recreational immunity to dismiss a lawsuit from a woman who sued the city after slipping and breaking her leg while crossing a trail bridge.

The case, and the Oregon Supreme Courts affirmation of the ruling, sent shockwaves through the Oregon trails community.

CIS Oregon, the largest insurance carrier for Oregon cities and counties, declared the court had effectively ended recreational immunity and advised cities to consider closing trails.

At least five trails in Waldport, Oceanside and the Port of Garibaldi have closed and trail projects have been delayed. Most cities and Oregon's state parks department are taking a wait-and-see approach.

By Friday evening, six people had submitted testimony supporting the bill.

"I want to see a fix to Oregons recreational immunity law because having access to trails, beaches, and forests is part of what makes us Oregonians, wrote Dan Haag, director of trails and outdoor recreation for Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. If people no longer can access trails and beaches, they will no longer feel the need to visit and spend the money in the local economy.

The Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, which advocates for injured individuals, says concern about recreational immunity is overblown and ginned up by insurance companies that don't want to pay out claims to victims who need money for medical care.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Recreational immunity bill for Oregon trails gets hearing
Im not sure how much penetration that gets, not just in the Black community, but really most communities, says Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist.

Democrats are fiercely defending President Joe Biden after a special counsel report exonerating him of any legal ramifications for possessing classified material described the 81-year-old world leader as a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

Political strategists tell theGrio that Black voters are likely not concerned about the claims made by Department of Justice special counsel Robert Hur and are more concerned about President Biden delivering for their communities  which they argue is plentiful.

Hur, who led a months-long investigation into Biden after classified documents were found in his private residence last summer, was slammed by the White House on Friday after he claimed in his final report that the presidents memory was severely limited.



The Republican prosecutor, whom U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed to conduct an independent investigation into the Biden documents case, asserted in his report that the president could not recall specific dates like when his son, Beau, died of cancer in 2015 or when his term as vice president under President Barack Obama began.

A few short hours after the reports release on Thursday, President Biden delivered evening remarks telling the American public that his memory is fine. Growing emotional while discussing his deceased son, Biden said, How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasnt any of their damn business.



Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who served under President Obama, said in a statement on X that Hur  a former U.S. attorney appointed by former President Donald Trump  included too many gratuitous remarks that were flatly inconsistent with long-standing DOJ traditions.

Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris told a reporter on Friday, The way that the presidents demeanor in that report was characterized could not be more wrong on the facts.



She added, When it comes to the role and responsibility of a prosecutor in a situation like that, we should expect that there would be a higher level of integrity than what we saw.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a First In The Nation campaign rally at South Carolina State University on Feb. 2, 2024, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The vice president continues campaigning across the state ahead of the Feb. 3 primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist, told theGrio that Hur could not indict President Joe Biden legally, so he tried to indict him politically.

Seawright added, Trump, on the other hand, was charged with 91 of the most serious and unimaginable crimes, and that seems to be a fading memory for many.



Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, was indicted for obstructing justice after his own federal investigation over possession of classified documents.

Politically motivated or not, media pundits and Republican opposition seized on Hurs report regarding President Bidens memory, continuing to drive what has been months of concern regarding his age and its effect on his ability to serve another four years if reelected in November.

Seawright lambasted the media and Bidens distractors for redirecting attention from the successes of the Biden-Harris administration to instead manufacture outrage about something that will not even be a factor when we get into the fall.

Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist who worked on Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, told theGrio that voters, Black voters in particular, will likely be unconcerned about the Thursday report written by a partisan Republican.

Im not sure how much penetration that gets, not just in the Black community, but really most communities, he said. Black voters are like all voters; they are primarily concerned about their bottom line.

Payne said Black voters care more about their economic and social well-being. He also applauded the White House for their quick response in having Biden speak out publicly shortly after the Hur report release. He described Biden as defiant and in command.

Despite a slip-up on Bidens part, in which he misspoke, mistaking the president of Egypt for the president of Mexico during his Thursday night remarks, the White House and his defenders dismissed any suggestion that the presidents age is a factor in his ability to do his job.

The people who he needs to be with him and the coalition he needs to keep together, theyve done the math on Joe Bidens age, argued Payne. They did the math in 2020. I dont think much of that coalition is going to be moved off of Joe Biden just because hes three years older.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden arrives next to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to deliver remarks in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 7, 2020, after being declared the winners of the presidential election. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

As it relates to Black voters, Payne said something Biden does particularly well is being forthright [and] genuine  which is what he believes the president demonstrated in his remarks.

Voters have a pretty good lie detector, he added.

Trump, 77, has had his own memory gaffes while on the campaign trail, including confusing his Republican opponent Nikki Haley for U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and falsely claiming he won an election against former President Obama despite never running against him.

Seawright said in an almost inevitable general election 2020 rematch between Trump and Biden in November, Democrats will have to highlight the dangers that come along with Donald Trump, including all of his rhetoric and actions taken while president.

Speaking about Black Americans, he said Trump has done everything to undermine us and our efforts to move towards progress.



On the contrary, he argued, Biden has prioritized the issues important to Black voters.

Black voters, knowing that this is perhaps the most consequential election of our lifetime and how the impact of this election will have a generational impact, said Seawright, I certainly dont think that the conversation on K Street will impact what Black voters are thinking about on our streets.

He added, Age has not had an impact on his effectiveness to do the job. And certainly, no one can argue his effectiveness.

Gerren Keith Gaynor

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post Black Democrats fiercely defend Biden after special counsel report claims of poor memory appeared first on TheGrio.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's Chinese community welcomes the Chinese New Year as the country continues to see its economy moving forward with the anticipation of more prosperous times ahead.

In Kuala Lumpur, positive sentiments prevail as the capital city is adorned with gold and red decorations, prominently featuring this year's zodiac animal, the dragon. Dragon-themed decorations including a display at the Petronas Twin Towers, captivate a large number of visitors.

Among the Malaysians celebrating the festival is marketing manager Tan Hui Yun, who said this year is one of optimism with the expectation that economic recovery is proceeding at an acceptable pace.

"Things are looking up. There are some things that could be better but there is a clear improvement. I will return to join my family for our reunion dinner without as many worries as the past few years. There is an uptick in business and I do not feel as pressured or worried about my expenses," she said.

Reflecting these sentiments is the country's wholesale and retail trade which hit an all-time high of 143.9 billion ringgit (30.21 billion U.S. dollars) in December, according to the Department of Statistics, driven by expanded activity in the retail trade sub-sector, wholesale trade and even the motor vehicle sector.

Tourism operator Jimmy Thoo Choy expressed hope that the visa-free entry granted to nationals from China starting Dec. 1 last year would boost Malaysia's tourism industry with an increase in arrivals expected in 2024.

"Feedback from inbound travel agencies and tour operators shows that they have not seen any significant increase in 2023 but are looking at steady growth going into 2024," he said, highlighting the upcoming 50th anniversary of the China-Malaysia diplomatic relationship as a catalyst for travel.

Meanwhile, the country's new king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and the queen extended their greetings to Malaysians celebrating the New Year.

"The King and Queen also express hope that the Chinese New Year festivities will further bolster unity among Malaysians, irrespective of their race, religion or culture," they said in a statement.

For his part, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wished the Chinese community a happy and prosperous new year.

"The Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac, means strength and charisma, as well as creativity and confidence."

"Therefore, in order to boost the spirit of these universal principles, we as Malaysians must continue to be determined to become an advanced and madani (civilized) society," he said in Chinese. 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Black-owned business along Grand Rapids Wealthy Street is working to share opportunities with other small businesses.

Basic Bee is located at 804 Wealthy St. near Eastern Avenue. Owner Renise Warners started the retail store in 2020, first opening it along Division Street downtown before moving it to Wealthy Street two years later.

Warners has a background in retail, having worked for brands like Hollister and Apple and later for smaller local businesses. She started helping open new retail spaces, which gave her the inspiration to open her own store. In 2019, she made the jump, and starting putting things together.

I really took my time trying to put together my concept and find a great location to get started, she said.

The Basic Bee in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

23 businesses West Michigan welcomed in 2023

The Basic Bee offers size-inclusive clothing with trendy, fashion-forward pieces, Warners said. She also offers West Michigan-made products like candles and room sprays. She explained she finds products to offer in her store through online research, trend analysis and checking social media.

Im checking Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest to see what trends are coming, but then also adapting those for West Michigan, she explained. Obviously, we have a different style than people do maybe have in Miami or New York or LA. So adapting those trends that were seeing all over the world to a West Michigan shopper.

The Basic Bee in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

The Basic Bee in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

Her customers keep her passionate, she said, and she has enjoyed building a community with people who keep coming back.

Ill learn their style and know what things theyre looking for, she said. When Im picking out product, I can see them in the item and that just brings me so much joy. It makes me happy to know that I know who Im buying for, I know this person is going to love this item and (it) helps me bring a little bit of joy into the world.

People were excited when her store moved to Wealthy Street, she said. Basic Bee and next-door Chartreuse Sisters occupy a building that had been vacant for 30 years. Warners said people were very welcoming.

The inclusion of Basic Bee and the bakery Chartreuse Sisters next door really livened up the corner a lot, she said. So weve gotten great feedback from the community.

The Basic Bee in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

Basic Bee hosts at least one event a month, like the Barbie Bash, which included two pop-up shops from two other local businesses and a partnership with the next-door bakery. Warners said she often hosts other businesses in her store, like permanent jewelry business Static Flow.

One thing I like to do in store is just offer some extras to customers whenever I can and give other businesses a chance to shine as well, she said. Ive been blessed to have a location in a great area, so if I can open up that customer base to other people Im more than happy to do so.

She explained its important to her to share resources with her community and shes glad to help others because of the opportunities that she has had.

Renise Warners inside her store, The Basic Bee, in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

I feel that not enough people do that. Theres lots of gatekeeping that happens, especially within retail and for smaller businesses, she said. Theres more than enough resources for everyone. You just have to be able to find them. And sometimes its just a friend or a colleague making a suggestion that gets your foot in the door and gets you where you need to be. And so if I can offer that to anybody else, I would gladly do so.

Having a community to back her up has been good as a business owner herself. Warners has a boutique bestie, another small business owner who she can bounce ideas off and talk about the struggles they both have.

Theres always challenges as a business owner, Warners said. She has to wear a lot of hats, including doing the buying, social media and order packing. Having people there to support her has helped offset those challenges.

The Basic Bee in Grand Rapids. (Jan. 15, 2024)

Growing up, Warners said she was always inspired by Black entrepreneurs. As the community celebrates Black History Month, she said its important to remember theres tons of people to learn about, not just the key figures people usually talk about.

During Black History Month, thats when theres events and theres programming and theres resources  that are usually readily available but theyre in your face at this time, she said. So its really a good opportunity to learn more, because Black history is American history and its something that everyone should know, understand and be a part of.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Her advice to those thinking about starting a business is take the leap.

A lot of people have their plans, and they just dont ever pull the trigger or they wait and say, Maybe its not the right time. I should wait,' she said. But sometimes you have to take the leap of faith and just do it. And thats what I did with Basic Bee, I could have continued the path that I was doing and started the business later but I really, really wanted to kick-start everything.

Go for it, jump in, she later added. Failure happens, but you learn from your mistakes. So theres really no downside to just giving it a try.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Rishi Sunak said he and Boris Johnson speak on occasion, the most recent of which was late last year - No 10 Downing Street/Andrew Parsons

Boris Johnson expects Rishi Sunak to telephone him personally if he wants to ask for his help campaigning in the general election, The Telegraph understands.

It emerged that Conservative strategists want to deploy the former prime minister on the campaign trail later this year, despite a major fall-out between the pair in 2023 over Mr Johnsons honours list.

Mr Johnson is not yet believed to have been approached to ask for help campaigning and a source familiar with the former prime ministers thinking suggested that he would expect Mr Sunak to call him personally in the event that the Conservatives would like him to play an active part in a campaign. It is not clear if he would then agree to such a request.

A focus group of seven voters carried out last week in Wellingborough gives an indication of why senior Tories might be seeking the help of Mr Johnson, one of the partys most formidable campaigners, on the campaign trail.

Among members of the group, all of whom backed the Tories under Mr Johnsons leadership in 2019, Mr Sunak was compared unfavourably to his predecessor. While Mr Sunak was described by one voter as a showbusiness man, Mr Johnson was praised for his charisma and ability to talk to the people.

Four out of seven participants pinpointed his departure in September 2022 and subsequent Tory infighting as the reason why they gave up on the party.

Rishi Sunak visits Fordmore Farm Shop to discuss the building of Cullompton railway station - CCHQ/Edward Massey

Last week, Mr Sunak said the pair speak on occasion, the most recent of which was late last year. However, this appears to relate to a brief greeting at the Remembrance Sunday service in November.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson declined to comment.

A No 10 source said: We want the whole Conservative family to come together to beat Starmer and Labour at the next election. Boris and everyone else united in that aim will of course be welcome.

As one of the first by-elections in the year in which a general election is due to take place, the result in Wellingborough, Northants, will be keenly watched by Tory MPs wondering if their own electoral prospects have all but vanquished.

Not a single member of last weeks focus group intends to support the party again in Thursdays contest to replace Peter Bone after sexual misconduct and bullying allegations were upheld against Mr Bone, who denies the claims.

Wellingborough has a Conservative majority of 18,540 and the vote takes place on the same day as the Kingswood by-election to replace Chris Skidmore. Labour is the bookmakers favourite to gain both seats.

Participants in the focus group, organised by the More in Common think tank, described the Prime Minister as financially on another planet and accused him of abandoning hard-working people.

How can Rishi understand?

Millie, a support worker for abuse victims, said: Its tough out there and Sunak is a multi-millionaire. How can he ever understand when its heat or eat, and in some cases neither?

Shola, a taxi driver who criticised Mr Sunak over the use of taxpayer-funded hotels to house Channel migrant arrivals, added: Personally I think hes a showman, he is a showbusiness man. He has nothing, we didnt even vote for him.

The cost of living was identified by the group as the issue affecting them the most, followed by NHS waiting times and anti-social behaviour.

There was disbelief that the Tories had selected Helen Harrison, Mr Bones girlfriend, as their candidate in Wellingborough. Ryan, a social worker, asked how stupid does the Conservative Party think we are?

All seven participants reacted negatively to a transgender jibe made by Mr Sunak on Wednesday as the mother of Brianna Ghey, a murdered trans teenager, attended Prime Ministers Questions.

Claire, an admin assistant, said the joke absolutely turned my stomach, while Millie added: Its just so insensitive. Its about trying to score points but not knowing your audience. He just doesnt get it.

Luke Tryl, the director of More in Common, who moderated the session, said: Considering all of this group voted Tory in 2019, their extent of disillusionment with the Government was shocking even for someone who runs focus groups like this on a weekly basis.

On everything from dealing with the cost-of-living crisis to the NHS to Rishi Sunaks week of gaffes, the group were unanimous in their view the Government had run out of steam and many harked back to a Boris administration or even Nigel Farage and Reform.

Mr Tryl said the only silver lining for the Conservatives was there was not much love for Labour either.

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.
Pembroke Park Commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs faces a misdemeanor charge after prosecutors say he falsely accused Town Mayor Ashira Mohammed of bringing a gun back to a public meeting in November.

On Feb. 1, Jacobs was charged with misuse of 911, according to the Broward County Clerk of Court records. His arraignment is scheduled for April 9.

The charge stems from a chaotic public meeting on Nov. 8 where Mohammed was searched in front of television cameras by police.

READ MORE: Drama over an alleged gun in meeting is latest controversy for embattled Broward town

Shortly before the meeting, Jacobs called the Broward Sheriffs Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to a probable cause affidavit. He told authorities Mohammed was armed with a weapon and he was scared for his life.

Pembroke Park Police Chief Ra Shana Dabney-Donovan was informed of the possible danger and approached the commission to discuss the matter. Jacobs stopped Dabney-Donovan from revealing that he had put in the call.

The affidavit states that after a brief break, the allegation was brought forward privately. Mohammed, confident she didnt have a gun on her, demanded to be searched in plain view of the public.

While cameras were rolling, the police chief searched her and her purse  no gun was found.

At the time, Mohammed told the Miami Herald the allegation was outlandish. She continued to say it was another stunt by Jacobs, who has attacked her and other officials proposals.

He does this to everyone, she told the Herald. He does this to everyone, especially to women and minorities.

History of Scandal

Jacobs was formerly the mayor of Pembroke Park and was accused of creating a hostile, volatile and toxic work environment, according to Local 10 News.

Mohammed was also accused in 2020 of blurring the lines between official town business and her personal endeavors.

An inquiry from the Broward Office of the Inspector General found that the mayor was using town employees to do work for her law firm and a campaign staffer to post from the towns Facebook page.

Miami Herald reporter Grethel Aguila contributed to this report.
When I first started at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, I would park far away and wait for my classmates to walk in before I ventured out of my car. I didnt want them to see that my car was also my home, full of my pillows, my bedding, my clothes, my life.

I was among the over one-third of young people who age out of foster care and become homeless by age 26.

After five months of living in my car, studying and working multiple jobs, a property manager took a chance on me despite my poor credit score. I finally got the keys to my own apartment.

I see this firsthand every day in my work as a director at PATH, a California homelessness service provider that helps people make their journeys home. To look back at how far Ive come feels like a dream.

Here's what California needs to solve the homelessness crisis

Tragically, half a million Americans sleep in our streets and shelters every night  more than a quarter in California. Our high numbers have been met with a push to return to cite those who live outdoors and sweeping encampments by state and local leaders of both parties.

Reflecting on the lucky break I had to get into housing, I think about the resources it would take for thousands more to come home without needing luck. California has the means and the method within reach to truly solve homelessness. Over the past few years, steady innovation and several robust one-time investments have developed tools that can help anyone.

A woman walks past a homeless person's tent with a chair in downtown Los Angeles, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

We just lack the resources to help everyone.

To solve homelessness in California, we need two big but achievable things: ongoing annual funding for proven solutions, and that the lions share of those funds support affordable housing.

Homelessness is a top concern among voters and politicians alike, yet the state fails to provide ongoing funding in the annual budget.

Homelessness impacts peoples health: Her suicide wasn't a personal failure. When she needed community, the system let her down.

Compare this with health care, transportation or education that can count on consistent funds each year. Imagine if educators had to go to Sacramento to ask for the money to keep schools open every year. Thats what we ask of our homeless response sector.

Consistent funds allow providers to recruit and retain staff, deliver services at scale and continue creating new homes.

COVID created one-time investments that we must continue

The life-and-death stakes of COVID-19 focused Californias efforts. An infusion of state and federal funds facilitated increased coordination, improved shelter options through programs like Project Roomkey and Homekey, and helped house tens of thousands of Californians.

But these were temporary, one-time investments. Now hundreds of billions in federal pandemic relief funds directed to California have expired, and Californias $97.5 billion surplus from 2022 has dried up. The looming "funding cliff" could leave thousands of vulnerable Californians without the help they need.

A recent report offered California a blueprint to solve homelessness in 12 years with an annual commitment of $8.1 billion, about 2.7% of the state budget. This includes $488 million per year in supportive services like case management and employment assistance that help people stay housed.

An additional $630 million would provide shelter to keep people safe while they wait for a permanent home. Nearly 93% of the funds  $7.5 billion annually  should go toward new homes and rental subsidies that bring people home.

Thats far from where we are today. Only 24.5% of state-funded interventions are focused on helping people access permanent housing. Today, for every 100 extremely low-income people in California, only 24 units of affordable housing are available.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

California must decide on how serious we are about preventing homelessness

We face a stark dilemma: Either commit to ongoing funds dedicated to housing as study after study recommends, or continue making ad hoc investments as the funding cliff threatens to undo all of our progress.

Ongoing funding alone isnt a silver bullet. Attention to health, justice and foster care system reforms will prevent many from becoming homeless. Services help keep people stably housed.

But a lack of affordable housing is the root of our crisis. Mississippi and Detroit have extreme poverty and comparable levels of mental illness and substance use, but low housing costs prevent the kind of homelessness that California faces.

Priced out: Buying a home was a dream for millennials like me. For many, it won't be possible.

At my desk, I keep a long list of people in Santa Barbara who could move into homes tomorrow if we had them. Every agency doing this work has such a list of people who have said Yes but are waiting.

For a lucky few, like me, a friendly property manager will come along at the right time. But as we fund our system today, it leaves too many people out.

Providers like me know how to solve homelessness. Our federal and state leaders can supply the necessary resources, consistently and equitably, to do it. Then California will stand out as a model to be emulated  not a warning.

Liz Adams serves as Santa Barbara regional director of People Assisting the Homeless (PATH). She spent her teen years experiencing the foster care and probation systems and became one of the many youths who exit foster care and became homeless by the age of 26.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California can fix homelessness crisis. But do our leaders want to?
In California, a seismic shift endangers the educational landscape as we know it.

While overshadowed by national elections, campaigns for school boards and other local positions are in full swing. And school districts are undertaking the task of updating their Local Control and Accountability Plan, or LCAP. Mandated by the state, it is a strategic plan created with parents, educators and the community at large.

In short, the LCAP serves as a guide, articulating the districts goals, actions and services to ensure every student has equitable access to a rigorous education. However, for such a vital process, public awareness remains low.

Data-informed and with a focus on transparency and inclusivity, the LCAP template mandates that spending decisions are aligned with district priorities. Districts with special educational considerations, for example, such as significant English learner populations, will consult with expert advisory committees. School boards are then obligated to conduct public hearings.

For parents unable to participate at a district level, school site council discussions become paramount. Insisting on widely accessible materials and early outreach, parents can ensure that the LCAP becomes a powerful instrument for the equitable and effective allocation of resources.

Against this backdrop, vitriol toward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has intensified, threatening to weave its threads through the fabric of our education system. The LCAP, with its emphasis on monitoring the success of under-resourced students, becomes a focal point for political aggression, transforming every LCAP season into much more than a bureaucratic process.

It is a battleground for the values that shape our childrens experiences and future.

But the local struggle simply mirrors a far broader conversation. White people have stopped playing nice when it comes to DEI, and it should come as no surprise  it was a straw house to begin with. The most poignant thing to remember about the backlash against DEI initiatives is that it does not reflect widespread societal sentiment, but rather a reactionary response from a small, vocal minority.

Unfortunately, these factions are often well-funded, amplified and given bully pulpits by right-wing news outlets and social media. But they amount to little more than the Big Bad Wolf attempting to topple advancements toward justice.

Consider the alarming book bans in Florida, Texas and other states. The Washington Post uncovered that a mere 11 people orchestrated 60% of book ban requests. School board battles across the nation are similarly influenced by a select group of conservatives who are using their positions to advance a white supremacist agenda through public engagement. Even in higher education, we saw one persons superiority complex drive the removal of Claudine Gay from her post as Harvard president.

The backlash against DEI is the hijacking of otherwise applicable language for unintended purposes. Weve seen this with terms like woke or critical race theory. By distorting the definitions of these terms to insinuate an affront to white people, they rally people against what would be positive tools for progress.

Any critical conversation quickly debunks such methods, but the mob mentality they mean to incite is not known for thoughtful debate. These are tactics designed to appeal to fear rather than reason.

Having served four years on a site council, and as a mayoral appointee to my hometowns racial equity commission, I am deeply invested in the educational experience. As a Black woman and parent, the LCAP review season and the fight against efforts to undermine DEI initiatives hold a deeper resonance.

The veneer of nice must be stripped away to confront the root causes of injustice. In the face of anti-DEI sentiment, our resolve must echo Maya Angelous wisdom: We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. No matter how loud the opposition, the cause can only be defeated if those who stand up for justice falter.

Amira K.S. Barger is the executive vice president of communications and DEI advisory for a public relations firm, and a professor at Cal State East Bay.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Californias most mundane school planning processes are vulnerable to DEI backlash
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The campaign for the fifth Senate election in Cambodia kicked off on Saturday, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) holding a large rally.

Yich Samethy, a member of the National Election Committee (NEC), said the campaign period will last 14 days, ending two days before the Feb. 25 election.

Four political parties are standing in the election: the ruling CPP, the Funcinpec Party, the Khmer Will Party, and the Nation Power Party, he added.

The CPP said some 10,000 of its supporters hit the streets in Phnom Penh on Saturday to campaign for the election.

In a message to mark the start of the campaign, CPP's President Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his profound gratitude to the people for trusting and supporting the CPP in all circumstances in the past 45 years.

He said the CPP will "strictly comply with the laws, regulations, procedures, and ethics of the election and respect the election results."

He added that the party will cooperate with all parties concerned to maintain a good political atmosphere in order to ensure a free and fair election.

The election for the Senate, or the upper house, held every six years, is non-general because ordinary citizens do not take part in the electoral process.

According to the NEC, all 125 National Assembly members and 11,622 commune councilors will vote at 33 polling stations across the Southeast Asian country.

The Senate has 62 seats, but the vote will be held for 58 seats only, as two senators will be appointed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and two others by the National Assembly, or the lower house.

In the last Senate election in 2018, the CPP won all 58 seats. 
Canada's Natalie Spooner, left, Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse (20) celebrate a goal against the United States during the third period of a Rivalry Series hockey game Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Regina, Saskatchewan. (Liam Richards/The Canadian Press via AP)

REGINA, Saskatchewan (AP)  Natalie Spooner opened the scoring on a power play 58 seconds into the third period and Canada won its third straight to send the Rivalry Series to a decisive seventh game, beating the United States 3-0 on Friday night.

Emerance Maschmeyer made 27 saves, and Emily Clark and Sarah Nurse added goals. Game 7 is Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

We have a very special group, staff down to players and I think being able to lean on past experience is huge for us and our confidence, Clark said. Obviously, rosters are different, but theres definitely a core group and core experience that you can lean on and just a belief that this group has done it before.

Twenty-six seconds after U.S. defender Megan Keller was penalized for body-checking, Spooner took a centering pass from Marie-Philip Poulin on a rush, cut right to the slot and fired a wrist shot to the far side past goalie Aerin Frankel.

I saw her, and I saw that she saw me, but I saw two sticks in the way and the way that she sauced it right over those two sticks, it was it was beautiful, Spooner said. Shes the best player in the world and she can pull plays out of nowhere and thats kind of what she did. She got the puck and made stuff happen.

Soon after, Canada killed off the last of the United States' five power plays.

We had a lot of PKs, which we dont want to have, but as a goalie, those are some fun moments to come up big for your team, Maschmeyer said. It feels good. My role is to come up big when were down a player. Thats my role. I enjoy PK.

Clark made it 2-0 with 9:08 left. She sped up left side off a turnover, cut to middle and put her own rebound past Frankel. Nurse scored with 4:25 to go.

The United States had its best chance to beat Maschmeyer came early in the second period on a power play when Hayley Scamurra's close-range attempt slid through the crease.

She started on time when maybe the rest of us didnt and she kept us in it  she got that win for us, Clark said about Maschmeyer. Shes my best friend so Im super happy for.

The U.S. failed to wrap up the series for the third straight game and second time in three nights in Saskatchewan. On Wednesday night in Saskatoon, Canada won 4-2.

Tonight, just wasnt our night, U.S. coach John Wroblewski said. Canada kept pushing and was eventually rewarded in the third. Were going to regroup and be ready for Game 7 on Sunday.

The Americans opened the series in November with a 3-1 victory in Tempe, Arizona, and a 5-2 decision in Los Angeles. In December, they won 3-2 in Kitchener, Ontario, and Canada outlasted the U.S. 3-2 in a shootout in Sarnia, Ontario.

There was a 10-minute delay at the start of the second period because of a problem with the scoreboard system. After returning to the ice for the start of the period, the officials sent the teams back to their dressing rooms.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) said Friday that a cat had tested positive for the rabies virus.

The cat was found on Talbot Run Road near Black Ankle Road and has been quarantined at Frederick County Animal Control since Feb. 5.

Creative ways to spend Valentines Day in the DMV

The male cat is described to be a black domestic shorthair that is around 4 years old. FCHD said that he is intact and has deformed teeth from an injury.

Rabies can be spread through the infected animals saliva, usually by a bite. Rabies is nearly always fatal to humans once infected if not treated, according to the FCHD.

Symptoms of rabies include:

Fear of water

Excessive salivation

Not eating or drinking

Limping

Unusually friendly or aggressive behavior and/or atypical behavior

FCHD says if anyone came into contact with this cat between Jan. 22 to Feb. 5, should consult their healthcare provider and notify FCHDs Community Health Services at (301) 600-3342.

If you think any pet came into contact with the cat, reach out to your veterinarian and notify FCHDs Environmental Health Office at (301) 600-1717.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Alliance Rotary Club member Raymont Johnson speaks during a luncheon meeting, sharing details on his church and the Family Matters Resource Center.

When there is a need in Alliance, the Family Matters Resource Center steps up.

I like to say that we offer services from the womb to the tomb, Raymont Johnson told his fellow Alliance Rotary members during a luncheon meeting. And when we identify a gap in service, we dont sit back and say that someone should be doing something about it. We do something about it.

Johnson and his wife, Brenda, are the force behind the Family Empowerment Ministries Inc., which they founded in 2007 while they were living in Maryland.

Raymont Johnson, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and teacher, and Brenda, a music teacher and chef, relocated in 2014 to their hometown of Alliance.

We came home to do the work that God has called us to do, said Raymont Johnson, pastor of the Spirit of God Christian Center, which started as a space in the College Plaza shopping center. Over the last decade, it has expanded, with FEMI and the church now occupying the former First Presbyterian Church at 425 E. Market St. They can be reached at 330-913-7007.

Now God has seen a way to give us the space to execute the vision that He put in our heart, Johnson said during the recent meeting.

Johnson listed numerous programs and services available throughout the year at the Family Matters Resource Center, noting that most are exclusive to the center and were started after the Johnsons recognized a need in the Carnation City.

For instance, eight third-graders regularly visit the center for after-school tutoring. Deemed the awesome crew by Johnson, the students are working to pass the third-grade reading proficiency test. He noted that more than 45% of students statewide score below their grade level on the test.

When we saw that statistic, we recognized there was a need, Johnson said. So we started this program, which is the only after-school program in the city with this academic focus.

During tutoring sessions, the students work on reading skills and take practice tests to prepare for the state test.

We started out with 10 students, but now we only have eight, said Johnson. The truth is, though, that there are probably 100 students that could benefit from this type of tutoring. Thats what you sometimes find when you do our kind of work. We can identify things that people need, but that doesnt necessarily mean they want it. They dont want to put the investment in to make sure their child has what he or she needs to succeed.

Johnson, though, said he remains optimistic the tutoring program will prove beneficial, and that it can be expanded.

Another program created under FMRC was Diaper Days Xtreme. He said it was born out of statistics that showed Stark County had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the state, and that there were pockets of Alliance with high numbers of babies dying prior to their 1st birthday.

As a result, FMRC worked with Thrive in Canton, and now expectant and new mothers receive a large box of diapers and wipes each month for a year after completing safety courses on three consecutive days.

We dont focus in on one area, said Johnson. We try to just fill those gaps.

That includes a food pantry that operates on the first and second Friday of each month and also provides emergency service.

FMRC also provides a free Soul Food Dinner for about 100 people on the first Sunday of the month, asking those who can to give a donation. The food is prepared by Brenda Johnson, who operates BJs Kitchen, a catering service that creates scratch-made comfort food.

The food we serve is the same stuff that we would sell, said Johnson. The meal we provide is the same level that we expect to be served.

About 50 meals are served at the Family Matters Resource Center on those Sundays and another 40 to 50 are delivered to shut-ins and seniors.

Between the food pantry and Soul Food Sunday meals, we feed 500 to 600 people a month, said Johnson, noting that the pantry has seen a 40% increase in traffic over the last several months. That tells us there is quite a need.

Tuesdays are busy at FMRC.

From 9 a.m. to noon, members of the community can have a free consultation with an attorney about issues that are impacting their quality of life, limiting their opportunities, or threatening their safety, health or stability. The Neighborhood Law Project also helps with minority small business and non-profit startups as well as court debts, drivers license suspensions, criminal records, barriers to employment, and housing issues.

During that time, families of opioid addicts can complete a brief training and receive a free NARCAN kit that could potentially save their loved ones life.

From 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, the Greater Stark County Urban League operates a satellite office with a focus on its Building Bridges With Navigators program, a premier work education and employment program.

Through Aspire of Stark County, Family Empowerment Ministries also provides GED classes, pre-employment tests and other adult education services from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Additional programs that the Family Matters Resource Center provides include:

 Basic computer skills classes for seniors to help them navigate the world of email and the internet.

 Mentorship programs at Alliance High School and Alliance Middle School, known as Lunch with a Leader. At the high school level, students are introduced to different leaders and professionals from the community to expose them to different career paths and as many one-on-one mentorships are established as possible. At the middle school, students can talk about issues that their parents might not talk with them about, such as the recent topic of stress  what causes it in the students lives and healthy ways to deal with it.

 Youth Night Out is held every second Friday of the month when families come together and prepare a meal and get lessons in cooking and nutrition.

 Creating Lasting Family Connections Classes, which are nine sessions and aims to strengthen relationships between family members as they gain valuable communications skills while raising healthy, resilient children.

 Parent Cafes, which allow parents to learn from each other while they discuss a number of topics.

 Training for men that revolves around fatherhood, including 24/7 Dad, Father Factor and the Inside Out Dad.

Everything we provide at the Family Matters Resource Center is free, Johnson said. He said grants and donations, as well as his church, help with funding.

In all the things we do, no one has ever asked if we are Democrat, Republican, or Independent, said Johnson. Because that doesnt matter. What does matter is that we are meeting a need in their lives. And we dont have a Black or white problem in Alliance. We have a poverty problem. The Family Matters Resource Center has the heart and the space to serve, so thats what we do. We love God and people and we want to serve.

For more information about the Family Matters Resource Center, visit femiohio.org or call 330-913-7007

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Raymont Johnson: Alliance's Family Matters Resource Center solves needs in city
People take photos in a shopping area in front of a dragon during Lunar New Year. The city celebrates first Lunar New Year since pandemic restrictions ended. Keith Tsuji/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Chinese authorities are hoping that New Year travel and celebrations will provide a much-needed boost to the ailing domestic economy as the Year of the Dragon began on Saturday.

More than 170 train tickets had been bought by Friday, as migrant workers return to family homes to celebrate the New Year in line with long-standing tradition. Many travel from the major centres on the eastern coast into the interior.

Chinese New Year is marked in late January or early February every year. The Year of the Dragon succeeds the Year of the Rabbit. According to Chinese custom, the dragon brings strength and good luck. Dragon years  which come round every 12 years  are popular for childbearing.

The holiday is the most important in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated by Chinese communities all round the world.

Parades are held in many cities in East Asia and also in major Western centres such as New York and London. In New York, the top of the Empire State Building is lit up red, and in London, there will be a parade through the West End with events on Trafalgar Square. Sydney's Opera House is also be bathed in red.

Red, the colour of good luck, is characteristic of New Year celebrations. Doors are decorated with red to invite prosperity and good luck in. Red envelopes containing money are often given as presents.

Worshippers offer incenses on the Lunar New Year which marks the Year of the Dragon during Lunar New Year. The city celebrates first Lunar New Year since pandemic restrictions ended. Keith Tsuji/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Worshippers offer incenses on the Lunar New Year which marks the Year of the Dragon during Lunar New Year. The city celebrates first Lunar New Year since pandemic restrictions ended. Keith Tsuji/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Worshippers offer incenses on the Lunar New Year which marks the Year of the Dragon during Lunar New Year. The city celebrates first Lunar New Year since pandemic restrictions ended. Keith Tsuji/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- To welcome the Year of the Dragon, a wave of festive celebrations sweeps across the globe, with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds joining in to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese Lunar New Year traditions.

Numerous iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building in New York to the London Eye, Tokyo Tower and the Sydney Opera House, have been illuminated in vibrant red hues and decorated with Chinese elements, creating a cheerful festival ambiance to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

The Empire State Building has shined red for the 24th consecutive year. "It's an annual tradition at the Empire State Building to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the heart of New York City. Our iconic Fifth Avenue lobby windows will feature a festive art installation to honor this year's animal, the dragon," said Christina Chiu, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Empire State Realty Trust.

Various entertaining and cultural events were organized in France, Slovakia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Central African Republic and elsewhere.

On Feb. 4, the Chinese community in France took center stage on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, hosting a series of vibrant performances to herald the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. The traditional dragon and lion dances, fish lanterns and Hanfu performances attracted over 50,000 people.

"Magnificent event. It's the first time I've seen an event like this. It feels good to see colorful events like this from another culture," attendee Jean-Baptiste told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese New Year can "touch everyone."

In celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year, a concert was held on the same day in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Musicians from the Chinese Chamber Orchestra of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music presented a performance featuring traditional Chinese music.

Addressing the event, Marek Estok, the country's state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, said that the concert "takes us through Chinese melodies into Chinese history and unique culture which has positively influenced and enriched mankind for thousands of years with its precious philosophy, literature and architecture."

The Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival celebration featuring all kinds of Chinese folk art in the country's capital of Abuja on Feb. 3.

Hailing the festive atmosphere as "electrifying," Adeshina Adegboye, a Nigerian mechanical engineer who attended the event for the first time, said, "As you can see, this celebration clearly shows the shared joy of the Chinese and their Nigerian friends."

Confucius Institutes in Rwanda and the Central African Republic held colorful activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Students learning the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute of the University of Rwanda engaged in various activities, including a lecture introducing the Spring Festival, paper cutting, and writing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and happiness.

With the dragon symbolizing wisdom and strength, Daguia Clotaire, Central African Director of Confucius Institute of the University of Bangui, said, "That's exactly what the Chinese people are doing, working hard to develop their country." 
The school day begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays at Roseville Area High School  as opposed to 8:10 a.m. starts the rest of the week  yet many students still are arriving late.

Time for an intervention. Last week, dozens of kids were steered to the cafeteria, handed scripts and told to phone home with the message: I now plan to be in class on time.

It's all about boosting school attendance in a tough post-pandemic era. In some Minnesota schools, half of the students miss 10% or more of the school year. And attendance has been even worse among some demographic groups.

Attempts to address the issue will likely come to the fore during the approaching legislative session, with at least one education advocacy group making it a priority. Already, several east metro school districts have huddled with Ramsey County Attorney John Choi to consider possible solutions to attendance concerns and the way truancy ripples across other societal issues.

Choi has a role in enforcing truancy laws, but he does not speak in hard-line terms. He wants to see the various players unite and work toward common goals. Of particular concern, he said, is the difficulty tracking students who've left a district and never returned to school.

"There is a very distinct connection, I think, with some of the most serious and violent offenses that have been committed by youth," Choi said last week. "Law enforcement often will ask, 'Where do you go to school?' And many times the kids will look back at the police officer and say, 'I don't go to school.' "

He plans to continue working with the state Department of Education to strengthen data access and perhaps pitch a pilot project for Ramsey County this legislative session.

At the district level, St. Paul and Roseville are employing new strategies to get kids in school and reporting success. Officials with those districts, as well as North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale and West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, were among the school leaders to meet with Choi during the fall.

The education advocacy group EdAllies, which works closely with underserved communities, aims to help drive conversation at the State Capitol around lagging test scores and shaky attendance  as well as identifying potential fixes.

At a session kickoff event last week, EdAllies laid out findings that show:

 More than 30% of the state's students were chronically absent in 2021-22  meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year.

 Nearly half of students living in poverty were not regularly attending school, nor were 40% of Black and Latino students, and more than half of Native students.

 More than half of the students in 78 districts across the state were chronically absent.

Matt Shaver, EdAllies' policy director, said too many students are missing out on free meals, ethnic studies courses and mental health support, all of which were legislative priorities a year ago.

"We're talking about numbers that are not going to fix themselves on their own," he said of the need to dig into the issue. "We are trying to start a conversation."

DFL state Rep. Laurie Pryor, of Minnetonka, who chairs the House Education Policy Committee, said last week via email: "Chronic absenteeism is an issue that we would like to look at this year."

Attendance still lags pre-pandemic levels

In 2021-22, the most recent year for which statewide attendance data is available, just 57% of St. Paul students and 63% of Roseville students were regularly attending school.

St. Paul has put finer points on its 2022-23 data, and it shows that half of Native students and 35% of Black students missed 20 or more days. This year, the district has added an American Indian attendance intervention specialist and seen a slight improvement in the number of kids who attend school regularly, said Kathy Lombardi Kimani, director of the Office of School Support.

On a broader level, St. Paul and Roseville are taking similar approaches to getting kids in class. Attendance teams have been assembled at the schools. Teachers call parents when a student has three unexcused absences. Attendance gains are made a part of individual school improvement plans.

Melissa Sonnek, assistant superintendent of Roseville Area Schools, said some buildings have attendance mentors who reach out to kids to say: "'Hey, we missed you yesterday. We're so glad you're here today,' and kind of help them get caught up," she said.

Roseville Area High School is projecting a 21% drop in unverified absences this year. That translates to students missing an average of about five days in 2023-24, said Principal Jen Wilson, who is in her first year there. She said schools should work "to cultivate joy" so kids want to return each day.

Lombardi said the percentage of St. Paul students who attend school regularly rose in this year's first quarter but was not yet at pre-pandemic levels.

"We are trending in the right direction," she said. "But we are all still working hard to get that number even lower."
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  With reports of an increasing population of unhoused people in Ingham County, city and county officials are looking for solutions.

Weve got to do things differently, says Ryan Kost, First Ward Lansing City Council member. The weve always done it this way model is not working anymore.

His criticism comes in the wake of a week that witnessed homeless camp evictions and as the city is fighting to find the best use of $800,000 in state dollars to address homelessness.

(WLNS)

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor says the city is doing what it can.

We do what were supposed to do in terms of helping people, he says. Were just seeing more encampments now. Were seeing them in more public places.

Schor recognizes the city is facing an increase in the number of unhoused people and sweeps arent a long-term answer.

With an unexpected appropriation from the state budget of $800,000 for homelessness, he says he wants input.

And so does the citys Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board. The body will hold a public session on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Foster Community Center for input into how to spend the state cash.

You know, you hear all kinds of complaints, but we want to hear what folks believe are good solutions using the $800,000, Schor says.

He says he is interested in exploring solutions similar to those used in Reno, NV. There, using federal COVID dollars, officials created an emergency shelter that served as a safe one-stop place to begin a journey from unhouse to safe, affordable housing. It dramatically reduced the number of unhoused people  by 60 percent NewsNation reported in December  and virtually eliminated homeless encampments.

Julia Miller is a director of Punch with Lunch Lansing. Theyre a nonprofit organization that provides harm reduction services as well as outreach to people experiencing substance abuse and homelessness  and everything in between.

She says she has long advocated for a tent city model and she is encouraged city officials want new ideas.

Its great that hes willing to look at different ideas, she says of Schor.

Both she and Kost tell 6 News the journey from experiencing homelessness to safe, affordable housing is a long complicated process. First, a person has to want to find housing  and that also means overcoming the stigma of asking for help. Once someone asks for help it can take months to negotiate the paperwork and get approval for assistance. Then theres finding an affordable, safe location to rent in the middle of a housing crisis.

Kost tells 6 News responses to homelessness have been very good about saying there are resources available  what he characterized as step one  but not very good with the follow-up steps.

Miller notes that accessing housing often involves gaining access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services.

6 News has learned exclusively tonight that Ingham County leaders are gearing up to use their power to help as well.

Ingham County Commission Chair Ryan Sebolt says leadership met Thursday night and had a lively discussion about advancing a millage to assist in upgrading decaying housing stock and creating shelter solutions for the communitys unhoused population.

The discussion is very early, but leadership  he says  is ready to move forward.

A millage, Miller cautions, could have a negative impact  pushing more people who are already living on the financial edge into homelessness. But she recognizes taxation is one of the few ways the government has to leverage the cash needed.

Ultimately  the city and county governments are on the cusp of redefining the local response to homelessness  a whole of community reacting to assist the whole person.

For Miller, that does give me some amount of hope.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
TAMPA (WFLA)  The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing person in the waters around 35 miles off Anna Maria Island.

The boater disappeared in the water after a 28-foot boat capsized and sank off the islands coast.

2 dead after small jet strikes vehicle while landing on I-75, officials say

The Coast Guard said it rescued two people who were brought to emergency service crews for care.

Saturday morning, the USCG said it was suspending the search pending new information.

The search is ongoing with surface and air crews. Anyone with information is asked to call Sector St. Pete at 727-322-4180.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost has been hired as the host of the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington D.C. on April 27.

His sharp insights perfectly meet this remarkable time of divided politics, White House Correspondents Association President Kelly ODonnell said on Friday while announcing the upcoming gig.

His smart brand of comedy and keen observation will turn up the heat on the national news media and across the political spectrum, she continued. A night of laughs and reflections as our dinner honors freedom of the press as a cornerstone of American democracy. I am beyond excited to welcome one of NBCs brightest stars to one of Washingtons greatest traditions.

Along with fellow funnyman Michael Che, Jost has spent the past decade anchoring the venerable sketch comedy shows fake-news segment, Weekend Update.

Jost began his career as a journalist with his local newspaper, the Staten Island Advance. He has penned articles for The New York Times and The New Yorker. His resume includes his New York Times bestselling memoir,  A Very Punchable Face.

The 41-year-old comedian is no stranger to making fun of political figures, thanks to his weekly gig on late-night TV. That included a 2020 impersonation of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who once lived in the same dorm as Jost at Harvard.

Last years dinner was hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr., while former Daily Show host Trevor Noah did the honors in 2022. The 103-year-old event was canceled the two previous years on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every U.S. president except Donald Trump has attended the annual skewering of political and media figures. The 45th president has repeatedly stated Saturday Night Live should be investigated for mocking him while he was in office.

President Joe Biden spoke at last years gathering, where he expressed support for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, whos currently held captive by the Russian government on charges of espionage. Biden is expected to attend this years event as well.

Wood Jr. last year described the president as an 80-year-old man begging us for four more years of work. Biden and Trump appear headed for rematch in November.
Theres no escaping it now.

We are a deeply divided country in the midst of a presidential campaign in which the mental acuity of an 81-year-old sitting president will be one of the central issues through November, possibly eclipsing the economy, climate change, immigration and reproductive rights.

This is happening in the middle of an unprecedented demographic shift, just several years out from the first time in human history in which people 65 and older outnumber people 18 and under, with many millions of people suffering the harrowing experience of memory loss.

Its a moment that can serve as an opportunity to invest in more research, educate the public on early detection and treatment and fortify resources for patients and their loved ones. Or it can be a time to exploit and politicize cognitive loss or even mock it, as GOP candidate Nikki Haley has done with her new Grumpy Old Men ad campaign.

Read more: Column: Biden's memory is failing. So is Trump's. The question is whose flaws are more dangerous

Questions about President Bidens mental and physical health  as well as that of civility-impaired former president and likely opponent Donald Trump, who is 77  were already part of the political conversation, with critics of Biden proclaiming him unfit. But the issue became magnified after Thursdays report on Bidens handling of classified documents, in which a special counsel called the president a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

The Trump team pounced, with strategist Chris LaCivita telling the New York Times the special counsel report is damning and defining. Well, OK, but if mental fitness is the issue, let's not forget that LaCivita's guy lost the last presidential election decisively but still thinks he won.

Biden didnt help his cause Thursday night when he proclaimed my memory is fine, only to then refer to the president of Egypt as the president of Mexico. This followed two recent similar gaffes involving the leaders of France and Germany.

We could be in for months of this, exploring new frontiers in the post-sanity of American politics. When Biden speaks, you hold your breath. When Trump speaks, you shake your head.

The miscues by Biden are alarming, no doubt, especially when you consider that if reelected in November, hell be serving in his mid-80s. But what are the options for Democrats? In theory it should be easy enough to beat a former president who whiffed on virtually every top campaign promise  healthcare reform, a national infrastructure plan, the return of manufacturing, the draining of the corruption cesspool and a wall paid for by Mexico.

If Biden's handlers hide him, that could hurt. If they push him in front of cameras, that could hurt more. Is the plan to keep a low profile, hope for a win, and then hand the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris?

We just don't know, but it is worth noting that the special counsel who diagnosed Biden is a lawyer, not a doctor. And frankly, we dont know if what were seeing in Bidens public moments is normal aging of the brain, or whats called mild cognitive impairment, which can be an early sign of a disease that can lead to dementia.

Mistaking someone or misspeaking doesnt mean you have dementia, said Dr. Zaldy S. Tan, director of the Cedars-Sinai Memory and Healthy Aging Program.

As we age, Tan said, we have some changes associated with information processing. The speed  slows down. Thats part of normal aging. Mentally, we wont be able to pull out that information as quickly as we once did if someone is asked a question or rapid-fire questions. We need more time to process that information.

Without a full exam and neurological testing, as well as a look at how Biden functions behind the scenes day to day, Tan said, its not possible to make a clinical diagnosis.

I think its important for the public to know that someone in their later years may not be as quick and snappy as someone who is younger, but it doesnt mean they are not capable of doing a job. It depends on what the job is and whether speed of thinking is paramount, or whether experience and wisdom are more important, Tan said.

Debra Cherry, a clinical psychologist and executive vice president of Alzheimers Los Angeles, echoed Tan on the danger of long-distance diagnoses.

I dont have any reason to believe that Biden has any sign of cognitive impairment, and I dont have any reason to believe that Trump has cognitive impairment, Cherry said.

Read more: Voter guide to the 2024 California primary election

There once was, however, a president who was a bit easier to assess.

I think back to when Ronald Reagan was in office and he showed many more signs of cognitive impairment before he was finally diagnosed, Cherry said.

Professor Margaret Gatz, an Alzheimers researcher whos been at USC since 1979, said she objected to the special counsel calling Biden elderly and forgetful, as if the one guarantees the other. One person might be fuzzy at 60 and another sharp at 90.

Gatz said people with cognitive impairment or even mild dementia find ways to compensate and continue normal function  they might put the car keys in the same spot every time they return home, for instance.

If you ask someone to remember a list of 16 words and see how many they can say back, even if they cant do that very well, it may have little or no implication for their decision making in other areas of life, Gatz said. If Mr. Biden cannot reel off the names of the capitals of every country hes been to, that does not have implications for whether he can think clearly, creatively and decisively about how to handle crises and policy decisions.

Gatz did add, however, that in the abstract, she has a concern with anyone whos 80 years old being president of the United States, because with aging, all people lose a step here and there.

Well, it looks like almost a sure thing that someone 80 or older  Biden or Trump  will be the next president.

Maybe instead of a series of debates, we should demand a battery of neurological testing.

steve.lopez@latimes.com

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.
"I know what the hell I'm doing," President Biden said Thursday of the special counsel report that drew attention to his age and memory lapses. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

For the record:

5:50 p.m. Feb. 9, 2024: A previous version of this column said the Super Bowl is on Monday. It will be played Sunday.



In a career that spans more than half a century, President Biden has long been known all too well for mangling words, names and dates in verbal pratfalls known, perhaps gently, as gaffes.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, then-President Donald Trump publicly charged that Biden, then only 77, was suffering from dementia. The insult didnt stick; Biden campaigned effectively enough to defeat Trump that November.

But the controversy over the presidents mental fitness has only intensified as he has sought a second term.

Bidens age, since he's the oldest man ever to serve as president, inescapably weighs on voters minds.

Thursdays report from special counsel Robert Hur deepened Biden's political problem by painting a more damaging official picture of the president than had been seen before.

The report said Biden, now 81, came across as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

That may have been the nicest thing it said.

In his interviews with Hur, Biden had difficulty remembering which years he had served as vice president and what year his son Beau had died, the report said. His memory of a White House debate over Afghanistan, a subject on which he was once passionate, was hazy.

In response to one question, the president replied: If it was 2013, when did I stop being vice president?

Biden and his aides responded to the report with fury.

I know what the hell Im doing, the president told reporters a few hours after the report's release.

On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, called Hur's decision to include the details of Bidens memory gaps gratuitous and politically motivated  a talking point other Democrats repeated throughout the day. (The special counsel is a Republican who was originally appointed by Trump.)

Aides suggested that Biden might not have been at his best when he met with Hur. They said he was focused on the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which had occurred only a few days before the interviews.

Still, as Biden demonstrated, the issue of his fitness threatens to surface every time he appears in public. On Thursday, in the news conference he called to defend his mental acuity, he misidentified the president of Egypt as the president of Mexico.

The question is present on both sides of the presidential campaign, since Trump, who turns 78 in June, would be the second-oldest man ever to win a major partys nomination.

And Trump, too, often appears to suffer from memory lapses.

He recently confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining challenger for the GOP nomination, with Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic speaker of the House.

He referred to the president of Hungary as the president of Turkey.

He bragged last year that he had defeated President Obama in the 2016 election, when his opponent was Hillary Clinton, and claimed that he had won all 50 states that year (he won 30).

He warned that Biden might lead the country into World War Two.

Polls suggest that most voters perceive Trump as more vigorous than Biden. An NBC News poll this week showed Trump ahead by 16 points on the question of who is more competent and effective.

In a YouGov survey released Friday, 47% of voters said that Biden's health and age would "severely limit his ability to fulfill his duties" if he were reelected in November. Only 32% said the same about Trump.

But neither candidate emerged from that survey a clear winner.

The YouGov poll found that roughly the same share of Americans thought that either Biden or Trump would be fit to serve another term  just over one-third in each case. One in five said that neither would be fit.

Trump has glaring flaws beyond his memory problems. He is the undisputed king of presidential mendacity; the Washington Post has estimated that he made more than 30,000 false or misleading claims during his four years in the White House.

He frequently expresses admiration (or perhaps envy) for dictators such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump has also argued that a president should be immune from federal laws, and that the provisions of the Constitution that allowed Biden to win the 2020 election should be terminated.

And, of course, he faces a stack of indictments in four separate criminal cases, including one for refusing to turn over classified documents after leaving the White House. Although Hur criticized Biden's memory, he also made a point of contrasting Biden's cooperation with Trump's stonewalling.

"After being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite, Hur's report said. According to the indictment, he not only refused to return the documents for many months, but he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it.

So yes, both candidates have memory problems. The more important question is: Whose judgment is sounder?

Bidens response to reporters questions about his fitness sounded straightforward: Watch me.

Voters are entitled to respond: OK, show us.

But the president and his aides have carefully rationed his public exposure.

He hasnt done many town halls, an exercise he once enjoyed. Hes ducked most requests for media interviews. He even passed up a chance for a nationally broadcast interview during Sunday's Super Bowl, an opportunity most presidents take to reach a gigantic audience.



Several years ago, I asked Biden what strategy he relied on to bounce back from a gaffe.

Own it, he said.

But in response to Hurs report, he angrily denied that he had any serious memory problems.

They dont know what theyre talking about, he said of the prosecutors.

But he might be better off if he took his own advice  and acknowledged his fumbles.

After all, the voters' choice is between two elderly men with poor memories  and only one of them doesnt respect the Constitution.

The question isnt whose aging memory is sharper. Its whose flaws are more dangerous.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A building burns where at least three people were killed in a "massive" wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine early on February 7, 2024.

This is a commentary by Mark Murphy, a local author and physician. He is a longtime contributor to the Savannah Morning News.

In 1936, Europe looked the other way when Adolf Hitler entered the Rhineland. Two years later, Germany annexed Austria. Wishing to avoid an all-out war with Germany, British Prime Minster Neville Chamberlain authored the Munich Agreement, which allowed Germany to occupy the Sudetenland, the German-speaking portion of what was then Czechoslovakia. In 1939, Hitler violated the Munich Agreement as he invaded Poland, starting World War II.

By the time the war ended, more than 73 million (24 million combatants and 49 million civilians) were dead.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, which was at the time part of Ukraine. Although the U.N. adopted a resolution condemning the annexation, the world otherwise did very little.

In February 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, hoping to topple an increasingly West-leaning government so that it could be turned back into a Russian satellite state. Russian leader Vladimir Putin falsely claimed that Russian-speaking individuals in the easternmost Ukrainian provinces called the Donbas were being discriminated against by Nazis in Ukraine and used that pretense as grounds for what he termed a special military operation against Ukraine.

The Ukrainians fought back, however. Eventually, most of the NATO alliance fully supported Ukrainian sovereignty, supplying the Ukrainian military with weapons and other materials they could use to turn back the Russian offensive.

Today, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is at a virtual stalemate. The numbers of those killed or wounded in action have been hard to ascertain, but the U.S. military has estimated that Russia has had more than 80,000 soldiers killed and 240,000 wounded, while Ukraine has had 70,000 soldiers killed and 100,000 wounded.

Approximately 9,000 Ukrainian civilians have also been killed. To put this into perspective, the U.S. lost 58,220 soldiers during the entire Vietnam War, 36,634 soldiers during the Korean War, and 2,402 during the war in Afghanistan.

After initial broad-based bipartisan support from the U.S., the flow of armament from the United States to Ukraine has recently all but stopped. And why has it stopped? Politics.

Throughout our history, the United States has been a bulwark of democracy, with more than a million American lives sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear.

The most important point in the conflict is this one: Ukraine, a sovereign nation, was invaded by Russia under the orders of its President, Vladimir Putin, the leader of Russia since 1999. A former KGB agent, the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin, Putin rules Russia with an iron fist. He has shown no hesitation in having opponents jailed, exiled, or even murdered to maintain power.

The politics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have taken on significance in the United States because of Ukraines role in the first impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. In 2019, President Trump attempted to coerce Ukraine into starting an investigation into then-candidate Joe Biden in exchange for releasing military aid to Ukraine, which had previously been approved by Congress.

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office determined that these actions by President Trump were a violation of federal law. That conclusion, in turn, led to President Trumps first impeachment.

Trump has had issues with Ukraine ever since. In his defense, President Trump cited concerns over corruption in Ukraine. There is no question that there has been a system of cronyism in place in that nation for years, as is commonplace in many former Soviet bloc countries. However, corruption concerns should never detract from the fundamental need of support for democracy, which has always been the traditional U.S. stance.

We have instead allowed partisan political divisions to interfere with that usually steadfast position. Something is seriously wrong with this picture.

There are those who say that what happens in Ukraine does not matter to us, that this is an internal dispute between two former Soviet bloc countries that has no significant bearing on the United States. Those people are wrong.

Russia has seen its international influence wane dramatically since the breakup of the USSR in 1991. The nation is an economic lightweight, with a GDP of about $2 trillion (by comparison, the state of California has a GDP of over $3.4 trillion). Russias military, once feared throughout the world, is a shell of its former self.

Russias wounded pride has made it inherently unstable. Much like pre-World War II Germany, it has staked its national pride on conflict and disruption, espousing the development of a New World Order in which the Western democracies, led by the United States, no longer hold sway. Russia has now allied itself with China, North Korea and Iran, nations who would like mothing better than to see the U.S. and its allies tear themselves apart.

Russias trump card in all of this is its vast stockpiles of nuclear weapons. It currently has nearly 6,000 nuclear warheads (NATO has roughly the same number). Both Russia and NATO have more than enough nuclear weaponry to end all life on earth as we know it.

If Russia successfully returns Ukraine to its orbit, all the other former Soviet bloc states will be at risk. Russian pride has become increasingly dependent upon the narrative that it has a right to expand to its former territorial borders to protect itself from the West.

With the Russian Bear backed into a corner, the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO becomes increasingly likely.

It is a possibility that we are not prepared for. Sonke Nietzel, one of Germanys leading military historians, claims that his country would not be prepared to defend itself against a Russian attack for 15 years. Jacek Siewiera, Chief of Polands National Security Bureau, has warned his nation has three years to prepare itself for a Russian invasion on its eastern flank.

The Russian alliance with Iran, China, and North Korea is a loose aggregation of international misfits, but they have one thing in common: They all hate the United States. Moreover, they will do anything in their power to sow discord and mistrust in our country.

The Chinese have made no secret of their desire to invade Taiwan. Iran has designs on forming a united Islamic front in the Middle East and in Africa. The combination of Russian military manufacturing and nuclear weapons capability, Chinese economic might and technology, and raging jihadist fervor could usher in the unthinkable: Another worldwide conflict, but with enough deadly weaponry to annihilate the human race.

Mark Murphy

We need to be clear about who our true enemies are. Democrats are not our enemies. Republicans are not our enemies. Our enemies are those foreign powers whose most fervent wish is the failure of our democracy and the collapse of the U.S. role as the leader of the free world. Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea want us to fail. We cannot allow political differences to distract us from the bigger geopolitical issues which loom just over the horizon.

While we bicker among ourselves, fighting meaningless skirmishes over whose political party will hold sway in Washington, our true enemies are busy plotting the next Great Conflict.

There is a saying, dating back to Roman times: If we would have peace, we should prepare for war. Teddy Roosevelt paraphrased that sentiment with the phrase, Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Today, we need that big stick in Ukraine. Democracy depends upon it.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Columnist: Why the conflict in Ukraine should matter to us
Ukraines newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is causing concern not only due to his reputation as a Soviet-style general with little regard for his troops lives but also because of his relatives in Russia, The Guardian reported on Feb. 9.

Read also: Germanys highest-ranking military officers visit Kyiv at Zaluzhnyis invitation on day of his dismissal, meet Syrskyi

Formerly the commander of the land forces, Syrskyi is credited with masterminding the defense of Kyiv at the wars outset and the successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast in late 2022.

However, he has also faced criticism for persisting in the ultimately failed defense of Bakhmut, resulting in significant casualties.

Read also: Former British Army Colonel: Syrskyi is 'forceful general' who will capably steer Ukraine through 'tough times ahead'

In a statement on Feb 9, Syrskyi sought to address this criticism, stating, The life and health of servicemen have always been and are the main value of the Ukrainian army.

Syrskyi, who was born in Russias Vladimir Oblast and attended the Moscow high military command school before relocating to Ukraine in the 1980s, still has close family residing in Russia. His brother Oleg, when contacted by the Russian state news agency Ria, claimed to have no knowledge of Syrskyis whereabouts or activities.

On the social network Odnoklassniki, Syrskyis 82-year-old mother, Lyudmila, has been observed frequently liking posts supportive of Russias invasion.

Read also: Head of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation discusses reasons for Syrsky appointment

While Zelenskyys office has portrayed Syrskyi as someone who could bring a fresh approach to the battlefield, specifics have not been provided.

Presidential offices adviser Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized the need for direct answers to pressing questions in light of the current situation, stating, Now its 2024, it cant just be a year that we sit and wait for something to happen in Russia.

On Feb. 8, Zelenskyy, by his decree, dismissed Valerii Zaluzhnyi from the position of the chief, which he held for over 2.5 years, appointing Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in his place.

Syrskyi outlined the following priorities:

clear and detailed planning of the all military administration bodies actions taking into account the needs of the front in the latest weapons, the fastest and the most rational distribution of everything necessary for combat units

availability of information about all the needs of the front and the situation in each its area

maintaining a balance between the performance of combat missions and the restoration of units, and units with enhanced trainings

introduction of new technical solutions, scaling of the unmanned systems and means of electronic warfare (EW) use.

Zelenskyy also announced that the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine would be renewed. According to him, this is being done to involve the experience of combat commanders, reboot the generals, and change approaches to rotation, front management, mobilization, and recruitment.

The president announced the decision after a week of rumors about Zaluzhnyis resignation and reports of conflict with the chief, which began to reappear in November 2023 after two resonant articles by Time and The Economist and a series of events that followed.

Read also: Zelenskyy overhauls Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, reshuffles top military leadership

WP earlier reported that the possible reason for Zaluzhnyis resignation could be differences over different views on mobilization in Ukraine.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
This column appears every other week in Fosters Daily Democrat and the Tuskegee News. This week, Guy Trammell, an African American man from Tuskegee, Ala., and Amy Miller, a white woman from South Berwick, Maine, write about the death penalty and a recent Alabama execution.

By Guy Trammell

Of the 31 states permitting execution, Alabama began issuing what would become the most death sentences in 1812, when Eli Norman was hung for murder. In 1927, electrocution replaced hanging. About two-thirds of Alabamas executions happened since 2002, when lethal injection became the primary method.

Eighty percent of Alabamas 146 death row inmates either didnt get a majority jury decision, or a judge overruled the jury - which occurred mainly during election years. Juries had given life sentences to 11 of the 72 people executed since 1983. Those executed were 56% white and 44% Black, despite Blacks being about 20% of Alabamas population.

Guy Trammell Jr. and Amy Miller

In November 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey halted all executions after three consecutive botched attempts to find a vein for lethal injections. In one case, Joe Nathan James received extensive cuts and punctures during his three-hour 2022 execution, the longest in United States history. Ivey insisted the state didnt fail, but that legal tactics and criminals hijacking the system are at play here.

In 2011, Jason Williams was executed with a secret combination of illegally purchased drugs after the federal Drug Enforcement Administration had seized Alabamas illegal supply of sodium thiopental, used for lethal injection. In 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit required that Alabama reveal to the public the components of its lethal injection formula.

In 1989, Kenneth Eugene Smith was convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire death of Elizabeth Sennett. In his 1996 appeal, 11 of 12 jurors voted for life in prison but an Alabama judge ruled for execution, citing a law allowing judges to override jury decisions on a death sentence. In 2016, that law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Alabama was the last state to abolish the law.) Smiths 2022 lethal injection was stayed after executioners exeeded the legal time limit to hook him up for a lethal injection.

In executing Smith on Jan. 25, 2024, Alabama became the first state to deliver death by nitrogen hypoxia. In 2020, the American Veterinary Association advised against using nitrogen for euthanasia in mammals because of pain, panic and severe physical distress, while state attorneys assured courts it produces unconsciousness in seconds.

However, witnesses reported that on Jan. 25 Smith appeared awake and shook and writhed from 7:53 p.m. until 8:25 p.m. Prison officials were visibly shaken. A witness to four previous Alabama executions said, I have never seen such a violent reaction to an execution.

In 2018, Governor Ivey, concerned about the lack of lethal injection drug supplies, signed legislation allowing executions by nitrogen hypoxia. The United Nations warned that use of nitrogen hypoxia might amount to torture. In 2023, Alabama announced the near completion of a nitrogen hypoxia death chamber without providing details, nor any information about how these executions worked.(waitwhy am I getting thoughts of the Nuremburg trials??...)

- Blaming others for lethal injection mutilations and suffering while searching for a vein!- Overruling and ignoring juries so judges can increase their executions record for reelection!- Ignoring human rights in order to KILL people! Its really time to focus on what is going on!!

By Amy Miller

Its the little things that get me.

Kenneth Smith held his breath as long as he could, trying to get every last minute of life on Jan. 25 before he died after the state of Alabama replaced oxygen with nitrogen in the air he was allowed to breath.

Phillip Hancock asked for Kentucky Fried chicken - dark meat - for his last meal before being killed by lethal injection, but the officials in Oklahoma in November mistakenly, I guess, brought him light meat instead.

Im surprised anyone wants to eat at all when facing imminent death. I am heartened, but pained, by Smiths desperate desire to hold onto life. I am less surprised that, despite rumors of everyone turning to God in the foxhole, Smith apparently gave up on such an all-loving, all-knowing being in the face of his execution.

I have talked about this before. You cant know what you will feel till you are there. Whether there means being on death row or whether it means suffering the loss of a loved one to murder.

I take it as truth that if my loved one had been murdered by Smith or Hancock or any of the other 8,500 people who have been on death row in the United States since the 1970s, my feelings about whether they should live or die would be far more emotional. But this is why we have laws, judges and juries.

What astonishes me is that decent people carry out these executions. I know it is possible. I just dont understand how they can sleep at night.

What truly astounds me is that most Americans favor the death penalty in at least some cases.

This, despite the fact that more Blacks than whites are executed, a statistic that does not reflect the ratio of murders committed, let alone the population.

This, despite the dozens of people who have been exonerated after being on death row and in some cases executed. A stunning 82% of retried death row inmates turned out not to have committed crimes that legally called for the death penalty and 7% were not guilty at all.

This, despite that only 55 countries worldwide and almost none in the West have capital punishment.

This, despite that the United States is in the top five countries when it came to the capital punishments, joining the ranks of China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

This, despite the number of botched executions  in 2022, seven out of 22 executions went wrong.

This, despite biblical commandment thou shalt not kill.

This, despite the fact that death penalty appeals cost taxpayers many times that of imprisoning someone for life.

And despite the fact that executing a murderer will never bring anyone back to life, more than half of Americans think we should knowingly, willingly kill someone  someone who may turn out to be innocent - rather than imprison them for life.Amy and Guy can be reached at colorusconnected@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Death penalty persists despite proven cruelty, injustice
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A policeman and three terrorists were killed in a clash in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, official sources said.

The terrorists attacked a police van near a police station in Dera Ismail Khan district of the province, killing the policeman right at the spot, the officials told Xinhua.

Three terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire by police, and their bodies have been taken into custody for investigation, the sources added.

The area had been cordoned off for investigation. No group has claimed the attack yet. 
Lord Cameron told a meeting of Arab ambassadors in London that UK would look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state - Eddie Mulholland

David Cameron put a knife in Israels back by floating possible UK recognition of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of Hamass Oct 7 attack, John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, has said.

Mr Bolton said that the Foreign Secretarys remarks were no way to treat an ally at a time when Israel was being menaced by Iran and responding to an attack that he said was comparable to 9/11.

In January, Lord Cameron told a meeting of Arab ambassadors in London that Britain would look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state to see whether it could help to secure irreversible progress towards a two-state solution.

The comments provoked controversy, with some Conservative MPs claiming that recognition would reward Hamass atrocities in the wake of Oct 7.

A few days later, Lord Cameron expanded on the comments during a trip to Lebanon by saying that recognition cant come at the start of the process, but it doesnt have to be the very end of the process.

But Mr Bolton  who served as NSA to Donald Trump and as US ambassador to the UN under George W Bush  said that conferring recognition without waiting for the conclusion of talks between Israel and the Palestinians was ill-judged.

He said: This is dangerous ground for the unwary, including both Cameron and the credulous Biden administration, which is also musing about recognising a non-existent state.

Lord Cameron meets with Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem - Polaris/Kobi Gideon

As well as being bedrock peace-process doctrine that Israel and the Palestinians had to agree to any two-state solution, Mr Bolton said the Foreign Secretarys comments were poorly timed.

Israel is responding to a terrorist attack comparable to al-Qaedas 9/11 attack on America, while simultaneously menaced by Irans quest for nuclear weapons, he said. What kind of ally then puts a knife in Israels back?

Mr Bolton said that statehood had critically important characteristics in international law that were not currently being met in relation to the Palestinians.

Implying that Whitehall officials might harbour a bias against Israel, he said: However much the Foreign Office dislikes Israel or [prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, there is no justification for abandoning a key premise of the international state system.

He claimed that Lord Camerons other-worldly notion of recognising a Palestinian state before there is one stemmed directly from the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who lobbied for recognition at the UN.

In the aftermath of Lord Camerons comments, Rishi Sunak insisted there had been no change to the UKs policy on recognising a Palestinian state, saying that the Foreign Secretarys words had been over-interpreted.

Mr Bolton said that the Prime Minister had walked back Camerons frolic, but still queried comments made by Mr Sunak last week that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state at a time that is most conducive to the peace process.

Unfortunately for the Prime Minister, any prospect that Israel would agree, already close to non-existent, died along with over 1,200 Israelis killed in Hamass barbaric Oct 7 attack, Mr Bolton said.

Total victory

Instead, he added that the UK and US should let Israel pursue total victory over Hamas. In the Second World War, president Franklin Roosevelt insisted that Germany and Japan agree to unconditional surrender. There is no reason Israel should not demand the same from Hamas.

A longstanding advocate for tougher action against Tehran, he added: We can then turn to other Middle Eastern threats facing Israel and the wider West, nearly all of which emanate from Iran.

A government spokesman said: The UK Government stands with Israel following the horrific attack of Oct 7 and against the continuing terrorist threat they face.

As long-standing policy, we remain committed to a two-state solution that protects the peace and security of Israelis and Palestinians. That would require significant steps to be taken including Israels security to be guaranteed, Hamas no longer in charge in Gaza and a bolstered Palestinian Authority. As the Government has said, this should happen at a time most conducive to peace.

The first priority in Gaza must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get hostages out and aid in, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.

Lord Cameron on Saturday night criticised Israel after Israels prime minister signalled a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah and said he was deeply concerned at the move.

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 Daytona Beach woman was booked into the county jail Friday charged in the death of a child, according to jail records.

Talia Nelson, 43, was charged with first-degree felony murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.

According to a Daytona Beach police news release, officers were dispatched and responded to a home on Carolina Lake Drive on Jan. 1, where they found "an obviously neglected 14-year-old male."

The teenager was transported to Halifax Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives began an investigation, and an autopsy was performed. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be homicide.

Nelson was being held without bond. She made her first appearance Saturday morning and is scheduled to be arraigned on March. 5.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young did not respond to an email Friday night seeking comment; neither did the department's public information office.

Nelson pleaded no contest to grand theft in a 2023 case in which she was accused of taking $700 from the purse of a customer at a McDonald's. Nelson worked at the McDonald's and the customer had forgotten the purse. Adjudication was withheld in the case.

She was adjudicated guilty of petty theft in 2020 for stealing $29 from an employee's purse while she worked as a housekeeper at Daytona Beach Inn and Suites in Daytona Beach Shores.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach woman faces murder and manslaughter of child charges
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they are seeking the communitys help in identifying suspects who tried to rob a teenager in Anacostia on Friday.

The suspects approached the victim in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE at about 8:10 a.m. There, they demanded property from a teenager and a struggle ensued  a second teen was assaulted.

One of the suspects pulled out a gun and fired once.

DC police open fire after man shoots at them in Southeast, MPD says

The victims were able to escape uninjured. The suspects fled in a car without being able to take any property.

The suspects were captured by surveillance video and are pictured below:

(Metropolitan Police Department)

Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Jamaal Pennington, 39, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge on felony child sex charges.

A jury convicted Pennington on Aug. 30 on charges accusing him of having sex with a minor and causing another adult to have sex with a minor in March 2018.

Judge Scott Minder sentenced Pennington to 13 years for the conviction for sexual conduct with a minor. Pennington received credit for that sentence for 2,125 days he had already spent in jail. Minder also sentenced Pennington to 17 years on the other charge, technically molestation of a child. The sentences are mandatory consecutive sentences.

At one time, Pennington had faced nine felony charges, from child sex trafficking to aggravated assault to sexual conduct with a minor, after being indicted in 2021. He represented himself at trial this summer. Seven of the charges were dismissed by the judge, five on a motion by prosecutors and two on a motion by Pennington, after a witness refused to testify.

The victim in the remaining charges claimed that Pennington was not the person who touched her, and Pennington maintained his innocence.

Attorney Vladimir Gagic had his law license suspended while serving as Penningtons public defender, after 20 years as an Arizona lawyer. He believed Pennington was innocent of all charges, and accused the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and the courts of engaging in a conspiracy against Pennington. The County Attorney's Office strongly rejected that claim.

At the sentencing hearing on Friday, Sherika Rhymes, speaking via Zoom on behalf of victims of crimes related to charges that had been dismissed in the case, said Pennington's case had been a long process for her family to endure.

Attorney Vladimir Gagic sits as a witness in defense of his former client, Jamaal Pennington.

"You deserve every part of your sentence that you've given," Rhymes said to Pennington. "You have ran from accountability. You have ran from responsibility."

Minder said that while he allowed Rhymes and another victim representative to speak about offenses that were dismissed, he did not use their statements "in any way, shape or form" to sentence Pennington.

Speaking on behalf of Pennington, Pastor Andre Miller, vice president of the Arizona state conference of the NAACP, called the jury verdicts against Pennington unjust.

"There are many concerns with this case," Miller said. "I asked for an integrity review from the county attorney, and it was my belief that that would happen prior to sentencing because it's hard to unravel the conviction, especially with black and brown defendants."

A spokesperson for the County Attorney's Office said its Prosecution Integrity Unit would conduct a review of the case after the sentencing.

Several family members spoke on Pennington's behalf, including his younger sister Jazmone Pennington.

"My brother is not who you all are trying to paint him to be," Pennington said. "I believe that there was a lot of unjust things that happened during the trial."

Carol Pennington, Pennington's mother, said her son has a large family "who loves him dearly."

"To my knowledge, he has never harmed anyone," she said of her son.

In his remarks, Pennington said he had been convicted without a thorough investigation or sufficient evidence.

"The system is broken," Pennington said. "The police will arrest you on words alone."

Minder cited family and community support, Miller's words and Pennington's lack of a felony history as mitigating circumstances. The state presented no aggravating circumstances.

"The evidence was presented here. A jury made their decision, and I am going to respect their decision," Minder said. "It does not mean that I don't have some level of hope that you have not done these things."

Minder then told Pennington that he has an opportunity through appeals or post-conviction relief to make additional arguments about his perceived innocence.

"I normally don't say that, but I raised it now because you have in your briefing and your discussions here today talked about a lot of things you did not raise at trial," Minder told Pennington, who had represented himself with the aid of a legal adviser.

"I have no idea whether that would have changed anybody's mind at trial. And I have no idea what evidence you have to support those things," Minder said. "But it is clear that you have a firm conviction  it is clear that your family has firm conviction  it is clear that members of the community have a firm conviction that this is an unjust result."

Pennington told the court he had filed an appeal of the convictions.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jamaal Pennington sentenced to 30 years in prison on child sex charges
LUSAKA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Measures taken by health authorities to tackle a cholera outbreak in Zambia have yielded positive results, resulting in a decline in daily cases and deaths in recent weeks, a senior government official said on Friday.

Following the outbreak of the waterborne disease in October last year, health authorities quickly swung into action and put in place a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the epidemic, which has gone a long way in combating the disease.

The approach saw the implementation of various measures aimed at containing the disease, which is mainly caused by the consumption of contaminated water and food, mostly in densely populated shanty compounds.

"I am pleased to announce that the effective measures we have put in place, using a multi-sectoral approach, are yielding fruits," Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said.

Masebo said the country has seen a significant reduction in new cholera cases and deaths, and is looking forward to the end of the outbreak.

Among the intervention measures put in place were to improve the water and sanitation situation in cholera hotspots, which saw the burying of shallow wells used for water, especially in Lusaka, the country's capital, as well as addressing the problem of pit latrines.

This move saw various international partners, including China, coming on board to improve the water situation through the donations of water tanks.

According to Masebo, the establishment of treatment centers equipped with necessary medical supplies and personnel to manage and treat cholera was another measure that has helped in tackling the disease, while intensive public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities have gone a long way in raising awareness of the disease.

She, however, noted that the ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that preventive measures are maintained and that the community receives ongoing support in rebuilding and recovery.

According to the minister, the country recorded 169 new cases in the past 24 hours compared to 246 cases seven days ago, while Lusaka Province, which has been the epicenter of the epidemic, recorded 109 cases compared to 150 a week ago.

Masebo added that the National Heroes Stadium, which was designated as a national cholera treatment center, has also seen massive reductions in the number of patients being treated, including new admissions.

She said the center had 43 patients in admission as of early Friday compared to admissions of about 1,187 at the peak of the outbreak.

So far, the country has recorded 18,099 cases and 671 deaths, while 17,223 people recovered from the disease. 
A 14-year-old Mariemont High School student was arrested on Wednesday after admitting to having a plan to harm students and staff at the high school.

Lawyers released what they claim were the circumstances surrounding a 14-year-old Mariemont High School student who was arrested in connection with planning a school shooting.

In a statement issued Friday, Hamilton County Public Defender, the student's defense team, said he has "significant mental health challenges," including autism spectrum disorder.

The team also claims the Mariemont student was "impressionable" to the "predatory behavior" of an adult male who interacted with the teen over social media.

The 14-year-old was arrested Wednesday after admitting to having a plan to harm students and staff at the high school. According to Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers, the teen had a list of eight students and one teacher who were to be targeted. The teenager devised the plot with a man in his 20s who lived in another state, officials said.

The plan for the crime, according to text messages between the two from January, involved using gas to incapacitate others, disabling school surveillance cameras and, officials said, accessing a gun that was in the home where the teen lived with his father.

In the released statement, the defense team said the teen did not have access to any guns.

Another text message written by the teenager in January also discussed plans to kill, kidnap and rape people during the attack.

The plan was thwarted only after another student, Boom Swallen, heard about it. Swallen told his father what he heard, who then contacted the police.

The 14-year-old in question has been charged as a juvenile with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. Powers said her office will seek to have the case sent to adult court, where he would face a maximum sentence of life in prison with a chance of parole after 35 years.

The 14-year-old's defense team said that trying the teen as an adult amid the circumstances they outlined in their statement is "against everyone's interest" and "will not further public safety."

The Enquirer does not name juveniles charged with crimes when their cases are still in juvenile court. A pretrial hearing is set for Feb. 21 in juvenile court.

The adult who was communicating with the teen has not been arrested as of Friday evening. Colorado Springs Police Public Relations Manager Ira Cronin told Enquirer media partner Fox19 that the police department and the Denver FBI have made contact with the adult and are keeping the individual on their radar.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lawyers say Mariemont 14-year-old in shooting conspiracy is autistic
Denison University junior Renai Heath hangs a piece of her artwork instead the former retail space inside Granville Village Hall. Heath's work, along with work from other Denison students, will be displayed temporary inside the space.

An empty former storefront now has new life along Granville's East Broadway.

The artwork of Denison University junior Renai Heath is now filling the windows of 143 E. Broadway, the former retail space inside the Granville Village Hall building.

For Heath, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, this is one of her first opportunities to showcase her work outside of Denison. Heath said she's used her art as gifts, and it usually caters to her family or her personally. It's also been featured in shows on the Denison campus. But showing off seven of her pieces to the Granville community will be a new experience for her, she said.

"The fact that it's going down to a larger audience is an exciting opportunity for me," said Heath, who is majoring in fine arts. "I'm so happy to see the reviews and see how much it impacts just Granville as a whole."

Granville Village Manager Herb Koehler and Denison University junior Renai Heath in front of her artwork now displayed at Granville Village Hall.

Heath's art focuses on Black culture, and with February being Black History Month, she said it's a wonderful time to make sure her culture is represented beyond Denison's campus.

In an artist statement that's displayed alongside her work, Heath writes, "The primary objective of my art is to communicate and nurture positive and personal storytelling as well as empowering relational expressions of the Black experience. I am particularly interested in depicting Black women in positive, peaceful, and resilient roles while still affected by trauma and shared experiences. I seek to create an arts advocacy that stimulates cultural enrichment with creativity and personal expression."

Heath is the first artist to have her work featured, and likely other art work from her and other Denison students will rotate in the coming months.

Artwork from Denison University junior Renai Heath is displayed at the door of Granville Village Hall.

The art will be there temporarily, as the village prepares to expand the Granville Police Department, which is based in the backside of the building, into the former retail space. Plans for that expansion are still being solidified, Police Chief Bill Caskey said.

A resident expressed dismay over the paper that had been covering the windows and wanted to see something else instead, Caskey said. Village council members discussed featuring art, and Caskey reached out to Micaela Vivero, a sculpture professor and chair of studio art at Denison, to find a future professional artist who might be interested.

"Anytime you have an opportunity to view and appreciate a genuine work of art, that's a good thing," Caskey said. "This allows us not only to do it, but to share with the rest of the village."

Vivero said she didn't have to look far. Heath is an acclaimed artist at Denison, and anyone who comes to the building knows her work.

"She is unstoppable. She makes artwork constantly," Vivero said. "She's a very committed student, very serious, very talented student and we're very proud of her."

mdevito@gannett.com

740-607-2175

Twitter: @MariaDeVito13

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Denison student art to be displayed in empty storefront of village hall
Below Detroit's streets is a network of tunnel systems almost as elaborate as the bustling metropolis that sits above it.

Unveiling this underworld opens a cavern of secrets necessary to understanding Detroit's history. While most of the tunnels are now abandoned and closed off to the public, learning about these labyrinths can contextualize the city's importance on the national level.

From the salt mines used to launch the city into economic prosperity at the start of the 20th century to the remnants of hidden caverns used to store liquor during America's Prohibition, explore what lies below:

The remains of a pedestrian walkway in Highland Park at Second Avenue and Pilgrim on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.

Pedestrian walkways

Around 100 years ago, the popularity of automobiles resulted in a historic spike in pedestrian deaths. Detroits Highland Park neighborhood, which housed close to 50,000 residents in the early 1920s, reported a historic spike in pedestrian fatalities in 1924.

The solution was to build an underground tunnel to direct all pedestrian traffic, similar to the style of underground walkways seen in London and Canada. Three more tunnels were built at the Highland Park intersection in 1925, including one in Midtown at Cass Avenue and Peterboro Street, though no physical remnants of the latter site remain today.

Documented by TikTok user @Colin313 in July 2022, Highland Parks raised cement underpass can be seen at the corner of Cortland and Second Avenue.

The remains of a pedestrian walkway in Highland Park at Second Avenue and Cortland Street on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.

Salt mines

Rock salt was discovered below the depths of Michigans streets in 1895, and almost immediately, the horizontal salt beds were mined for the resources rich currency.

By 1906, Detroit established the Detroit Rock Salt Co. to develop a safe, effective way to mine the salt. It took years of configuration before a 1,060-foot shaft was dug into the citys core and by 1914, Detroit was exporting 8,000 tons of rock salt each month.

300 feet below street level, a worker supervises the conveyor belt as it carries chunks of rock salt towards the surface from the International Salt Mine, Detroit, Michigan. Photo taken by late Detroit Free Press Chief Photographer Tony Spina on January 14, 1971.

The mines remained operational until 1984 and reopened after a brief hiatus in 1983 to provide the road salt used by the city today. Road salt is the only form of salt currently produced by the mines, and tours were provided briefly in the mid-1980s but are now suspended because of ongoing production.

More: A look inside Wayne County's salt distribution process each winter

Tunnels at Detroit's Fisher Building

Detroits Fisher Building was constructed in 1927 by the Fisher brothers, whose Fisher Body Co. was responsible for the closed-body chassis of the 1910 Cadillac and introducing the first four-door sedan bodies.

This immense success in reimagining the automobile industry motivated the brothers to purchase 32 parcels along West Grand Boulevard to serve as an expressive testimonial of the Fishers activity in Detroit.

The art deco, 441-foot building is flanked by two 11-story, flat-roofed wings and is topped with a glowing green spear.

Below ground, an elaborate tunnel system connected the Fisher to New Center and General Motors buildings to ease employee commute.

The tunnels are open today, though all of the once bustling storefronts are now shuttered.

More: 10 fascinating facts about Detroit's Fisher Building

Detroit Medical Center tunnels

Adjacent to Wayne State Universitys campus in Midtown, the Detroit Medical Center holds eight hospitals in a one-block area surrounded by John R, Mack, St. Antoine and East Canfield Street. A tunnel system connects each of the hospitals making safe, seamless travel for patients and medical employees alike.

Prohibition-era tunnels

A little over 100 years ago, Detroit stood as the first major U.S. city to instate Prohibition, a complete criminalization of alcohol and those who distribute and consume it, which lasted more than a decade before being repealed in 1933.

Almost as quickly as the law was enacted, underground smuggling and speakeasies began to appear, with some experts estimating Detroits river crossing to Canada was responsible for 75% of alcohol flowing into the U.S. during Prohibition.

Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill located at 624 3rd St. in downtown Detroit.

Tommys Bar on Third Avenue was formerly owned by businessmen affiliated with the citys notorious Purple Gang, and a WSU-sponsored archaeological dig in 2013 unearthed an underground speakeasy and tunneling system leading to a false room below the bar.

Utility tunnels

Installed in the early 1950s, utility tunnels below Detroits Midtown and downtown streets carry the water and steam necessary to fuel the area.

"The Muckers" (1956) by late Detroit Free Press Photographer Tony Spina. Workers excavate a utility tunnel underneath Detroit, Michigan. Part of a series.

A network of steam tunnels and pipes dates to 1903 and is used to heat buildings throughout the city today. Reaching 60 feet below the street surface and opening into a 10-foot by 10-foot well, the tunnels stretch for miles.

The steam loops ran on coal until converting into natural gas in the 1970s, and Detroits incinerator became its main source by 1986.

The steam is also used to cook hot dogs at Lafayette Coney Island and brew beer at Detroit Beer Co.

Beyond the city ...

Detroit Metropolitan Airport's Light Tunnel

A tunnel of psychedelic lights connects Detroit Metropolitan Airports A and B/C Councourses to an original soundtrack.

Located in McNamara Terminal, the Light Tunnel is nearly 800 feet long and illuminated by 9,000 feet of glass panels and LED lighting  as a moving walkway carries passengers through the tunnel.

For those with light or noise sensitivity, a suspend button at the end of each tunnel pauses the light and music show for 15 minutes.

Northland Centers underground tunnels

Below the halls of the former Northland Center in Southfield is a miles-long labyrinth of tunnels, with an astonishing 484 rooms, dating to 1954. The tunnels were used primarily for truck deliveries to and from Northlands stores and also included storage space and nuclear bomb shelters.

The unique system of service tunnels set a precedent for surrounding shopping centers, although they were off-limits to the public and remained closed and unpassable after the mall's closure in 2015. The tunnels were likely buried during the malls demolition in 2021, leaving behind a treasure trove of arcade games and mannequin torsos.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's abandoned tunnel systems open door to another world
WASHINGTON  Did Special Counsel Robert Hur cross the line when he attacked President Joe Bidens mental acuity in a report that was supposed to be about the mishandling of classified documents? Former prosecutors  even some Republicans  say he did that and more.

On Thursday, Biden himself angrily accused Hur of gratuitous slander in announcing that the president would not face criminal charges, in part, because he was "an elderly man with a poor memory."

A day later, prominent Democrats including former attorney general Eric Holder and Vice President Kamala Harris  both former prosecutors  rushed to Bidens defense. So did a host of other legal experts on social media and in interviews with USA TODAY.

Some Republicans did too, saying Hur went overboard with his description of Bidens performance during an interview with prosecutors. Hur's 388-page report included shocking details describing how the 81-year-old president allegedly didnt remember when he was vice president or when his son Beau died of brain cancer. Biden angrily refuted those accusations Thursday night.

I think it's outrageous. Prosecutors are taught that the Department of Justice should speak through charges or it shouldn't speak at all, said Mark Lytle, a veteran Justice Department public corruption prosecutor who also served in the White House Counsel's Office in the Trump administration.

More: Kamala Harris slams DOJ report on Biden documents as White House works to control damage

A special counsel's 'Jim Comey moment'

Special Counsel Robert Hur's report drew comparisons with former FBI Director James Comey's decision to ignore Justice Department guidelines in announcing a renewed investigation of Hillary Clinton's handling of classified material nine days before the 2016 election. An inspector general's report lashed Comey for his actions, and former President Donald Trump used the Clinton investigation as a pretext to fire him.

Im no fan of President Biden, but he's not charged with a crime and now he's out there having to defend himself. And how can he defend himself when theres no jury or judge to decide whether those allegations are true? asked Lytle, who describes himself as a Republican. Hur is acting like prosecutor, judge and jury. And the other side of that coin is it gives Trump and other opponents of Biden all this ammo to argue against him.

Like others, Lytle described Hurs report as a Jim Comey moment, a reference to then-FBI director James Comeys decision to publicly announce the reopening of his investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server just 11 days before she lost the November 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump.

Comey also trashed Clinton in a lengthy news conference that July, saying he had evidence of potential violations of the law by Clinton because of her extremely careless handling of classified material, before adding that no reasonable prosecutor would bring an actual case against her. Comey's comments gave Trump ammunition that he used to defeat Clinton in the general election, and prompted a sharp rebuke by the Justice Department inspector general.

Hur, who was a career Justice Department official and prosecutor before Trump appointed him U.S. Attorney for Maryland in 2018, has not publicly commented on his bombshell report, or the backlash from some of his colleagues. Hur was appointed special counsel in the Biden documents case by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

More: Exonerated but not unscathed: Biden faces political nightmare with special counsel investigation

'Not a standard prosecutorial review'

Special Prosecutor Robert Hur served as the top federal prosecutor in Maryland under President Trump. He was appointed to investigate President Joe Biden's handking of classified documents by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Jonathan Turley, a nationally recognized conservative legal scholar and defense attorney, defended Hur, saying he needed to include such details in order to justify not charging Biden after such a high-profile probe.

"This was not a standard prosecutorial review," Turley told USA TODAY. "The special counsel was expected to give a detailed report and he based his legal conclusion in part on the fact that President Biden could not remember critical facts and that he would make a sympathetic defendant. So he made clear that that was a significant concern for the prosecutors."

"At first blush I was surprised by these references and observations," Turley said. "But in fairness to Hur, the thrust of the investigation was to determine President Biden's knowledge and actions over the course of 40 years. And so the president's memory was always going to be material to any conclusions that were reached in his investigation, and he had to explain why (Biden) did not have answers to these questions."

More: Biden turns confrontational over alleged memory loss in DOJ report: 'How in the hell dare he'

'Borderline reckless' editorial comments

President Biden lashed out at Special Counsel Rober Hur on Thursday night for claiming he couldn't recall the year his son, Beau Biden, had died of brain cancer.

Gene Rossi, another longtime federal prosecutor and Justice Department official, said he understood why Hur needed to include some details of Biden's alleged failure to recall certain events or his state of mind at particular times because it went to the heart of whether the president knew he was in possession of classified material  including when talking to a ghostwriter for a book he wrote after the Obama administration.

"But he crossed the line in the sense that he brought up a details that probably had nothing to do with whether President Biden violated the law," said Rossi. "Whether President Biden allegedly did not remember when his son passed away, which I find absolutely preposterous if that happened, has nothing to do with the allegations as to whether he willfully retained documents."

Hur's "strong language about the mental acuity and the age of President Biden causes me pause because that was, frankly, borderline reckless editorial writing," Rossi added. "They could have done it in more professional way. And I think that those passages are completely unnecessary."

Opinion: Special counsel says Biden is 'elderly man with a poor memory.' And he's the Democrats' guy?

Allan Lichtman, a presidential historian and professor at American University, said Hurs report was clearly an unnecessary personal attack on Biden.

I have to say this report from the special counsel was a disgrace, Lichtman said on CNBC. If you're not charging someone, you don't attack them with your personal opinions, your views, your innuendo.

James Comey was roundly and rightly condemned for doing this back in 2016  and now we've seen the same thing from Mr. Hur and it is totally Inappropriate," Lichtman said. "If this had been done to any ordinary citizen, you know there would be howls of outrage.

'Way too many gratuitous remarks'

Eric Holder, a longtime career prosecutor and attorney general under President Barack Obama, was one of many lawyers who said Hur included far more detail about Biden's state of mind than was necessary.

"Special Counsel Hur's report on Biden classified documents issues contains way too many gratuitous remarks and is flatly inconsistent with long standing DOJ traditions," Holder said in one of several posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Had this report been been subject to a normal DOJ review these remarks would undoubtedly have been excised."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Special Counsel Robert Hur Biden report crossed line, prosecutors say
Law enforcement officers are investigating the death of Ukrainian soldier Yurii Halkin from Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, who died in a car accident on 8 February. The man came back to Ukraine as part of a prisoner swap with Russia on 31 January 2024.

Source: press service of the Dnipro police

Details: Halkin was hit by a lorry in Dnipro. The driver of the vehicle was sober. Halkin was crossing the road near an intersection.

Law enforcement officers opened a criminal case, within the framework of which a number of examinations have already been ordered. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

In a commentary to Hromadske, Valeriia, Yuriis daughter, said that she did not even have time to see her father, as he was taken away for rehabilitation.

Photo: Valeriia Halkina on social media

"My father is gone. He was killed neither by war, nor by a bullet, nor by two years in captivity. He was just crossing the road when he was hit by a car. I was waiting for your call, as you promised, but I wont ever hear it," she wrote.

Background: On 31 January, Junior Sergeant Zakhar, whose family was killed in a missile attack on a high-rise building in Dnipro in January 2023, was also released from Russian captivity.

On 8 February, Ukraine brought home another 100 of its defenders. It is known that this was the 51st exchange.

Support UP or become our patron!
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is months out from a crucial election seen as a barometer of his mid-term popularity, but surveys show he has a big problem  the latest scandal surrounding his wife.

Kim Keon Hee, 51, is not a typical first lady in patriarchal South Korea. She had already established a career in organizing art exhibitions when she married Yoon, then a prosecutor, 12 years ago. The couple have no children but own a brood of cats and dogs whose photos feature prominently in Yoons presidential office.

Unlike her predecessors, who mostly kept a low profile in the shadow of their husbands, Kim has her own fan club and appears comfortable in the spotlight  as an avid promoter of Korean culture, a vocal critic of the dog meat trade and a glamorous fashionista on overseas trips with Yoon, often donning outfits from domestic brands.

But it was reportedly her love of designer handbags that has thrust the first lady into the center of a raging political storm, in which she was accused of accepting a $2,200 Christian Dior bag as a gift.

Kim is yet to address the unfolding drama, despite growing calls for an explanation and an investigation, though her husband has said the allegations against her are a political stunt. CNN has reached out to the presidential office for comment.

The first lady is no stranger to controversy  over the past few years, she has apologized for resume-padding and has faced allegations from academic plagiarism to stock manipulation.

Kim has not publicly commented on the two latter accusations. The presidential office has repeatedly denied that she was involved in stock manipulation.

The latest storm swirling around Kim has refused to blow over. Instead, it has escalated into a full-blown crisis for Yoon and South Koreas ruling party as they gear up for a closely contested parliamentary election in April.

The Dior bag is the proverbial needle that broke the camels back, said Cho Hee-kyoung, a law professor at Hongik University in Seoul, citing the never-ending litany of scandal surrounding Kim since Yoon started campaigning for president.

But with the Dior bag, there is this powerful visual evidence.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, attend an Independence Movement Day event in Seoul on March 1, 2023. - Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

Dior bag scandal

The controversy began in late November, when a secretly filmed video surfaced online purporting to show Kim receiving a cloud blue, calfskin Lady Dior Pouch from a Korean American pastor, Choi Jae-young.

Why do you keep bringing these? Please, you dont need to do this, the first lady is heard saying in the video when presented with the gift. The footage does not show her taking the bag from Choi, though a Dior shopping bag is seen placed on a coffee table as they continue their conversation.

According to Choi, the meeting took place in Kims personal office at her art exhibition company in September 2022, months after Yoon took office as president. Choi said he recorded the meeting with a secret camera hidden in his wristwatch.

The footage was released more than a year later by Voice of Seoul, a left-leaning YouTube channel known to be highly critical of Yoons conservative government. The channel also provided Choi with the wristwatch and the Dior bag, according to the pastor.

South Koreas anti-graft law bans public officials and their spouses from receiving gifts valued at more than $750 in connection with their public duties. By appearing to not reject the bag, Kim gave ammunition to critics who have long accused her of using her position for personal gain.

On Wednesday, Yoon addressed the allegations publicly for the first time, claiming the videos release was designed to influence the April vote.

This is clearly a political stunt, involving hidden camera footage captured a year ago and releasing it before an election, the president said in an interview with public broadcaster KBS.

Going forward, my wife and I need to be more clear and firm when dealing with people so that the public doesnt worry.

Yoon did not specifically deny that his wife had accepted the bag but expressed regret that Kim was not more resolute with Choi.

My wife lost her father during middle school, so when people from her hometown approach her, its difficult for her to be cold to them, he said. She couldnt say no to him when he kept telling her to visit. If theres a problem, it was that she couldnt cut him off more cold-heartedly and thats regrettable.

Some Yoon supporters have also accused Choi and the Voice of Seoul of setting a trap to smear the first lady and influence the upcoming election. Choi, an advocate for Korean reunification, has promoted friendly relations with North Korea, in contrast to Yoons tough stance against Pyongyang.

Shin Pyeong, a lawyer and close supporter of Yoon, pointed to patriarchal attitudes in South Koreas traditionally conservative society, saying at the root of the scandal lies the dark side of misogyny and phallic worship.

There is no other way to explain this strange craze that is biased against Kim, he said in a social media post in January, adding that in South Korea, prejudice against women is still deeply rooted.

But critics say it has nothing to do with misogyny.

It seems that the first lady seeks too much attention and there seems to be no one who can rein her in, said Cho, the law professor.

I dont think its got much to do with patriarchy. Her conduct would be objectionable even in a matriarchy, she said.

In a news conference in January, Choi defended his use of a hidden camera to film Kim, saying it was necessary to expose her alleged abuse of her position as first lady.

Choi said he had approached Kim on a messaging app to share advice on North Korea policy when Yoon was running for president. He said she agreed to a meeting in June 2022, during which his offer of a Chanel cosmetics set worth $1,300 was accepted by the first lady.

Choi claimed he asked to meet the first lady multiple times, but his requests were only granted on two occasions after he told her in advance that he would bring expensive gifts.

Choi also claimed that during the meeting in June, he overheard Kim talking on the phone and sounding as if she was meddling in the appointment of a senior government official. She acted and spoke as if she was the president, he told the news conference.

Choi said he was shocked and decided to record his next meeting with the first lady to secure evidence of her interfering in state affairs.

In the secretly filmed footage of their next meeting, Kim is heard expressing her intent to actively get involved in inter-Korean matters. But it was the Dior bag that sparked the most uproar.

South Korean society reacts most sensitively when public figures or people close to them abuse their power and enjoy privileges by leveraging their political and social status, said Kim Yun-cheol, a politics professor at Kyung Hee University.

South Korean voters have a low tolerance for corruption in the wake of high-profile scandals involving former presidents, including the countrys first female leader Park Geun-hye, who was impeached in 2017 following mass protests over her confidantes meddling in state affairs.

Yoon, who was part of a special investigation team that indicted Park, had vowed to continue to fight against corruption as president.

President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a news conference in the Netherlands on December 13, 2023. - Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage/Getty Images

Political fallout

The expensive alleged gift has already proved costly for the first lady and her husband.

Kim has all but disappeared from public view, while support for Yoon dropped to a nine-month low.

The presidents approval rate fell to 29% in a weekly poll released last Friday by Gallup Korea. The scandal around the first lady was cited as one of the top reasons behind public disaffection  after the economy and Yoons perceived lack of communication.

In a Gallup Korea survey last month, 56% of respondents said Kim should apologize for allegedly receiving the Dior bag. In another poll released by YTN cable news, 69% of respondents said they want an explanation from Yoon.

The scandal could not have come at a worse time for Yoon and the ruling People Power Party (PPP), who are striving to win back a majority in parliament to cement the conservative governments hold on power. The election is seen as a mid-term evaluation of Yoons governance. If the PPP fails to retake control of the legislature, Yoon is likely to be plagued by political deadlock for the remainder of his five-year term.

The main opposition Democratic Party has seized on the issue to attack Yoon, accusing the president of concealing suspicions surrounding his wife.

The mounting public backlash has also caused a rift between Yoon and senior members of the PPP  one party official even compared Kim to Marie Antoinette, the 18th century French queen notorious for her extravagance. Some PPP members have urged Yoon and Kim to apologize.

The partys interim leader Han Dong-hoon, widely seen as Yoons closest aide, acknowledged the scandal is a matter of public concern. While calling it a planned set-up using a spy cam, the former justice minister conceded there were several misdeeds in handling the issues.

Shortly after his comment, Han told South Korean media hed been asked by the presidents office to resign as party leader, which he refused.

Han and Yoon have since appeared to be mending fences, showing up at public events together. Han later told local media he and the president are in agreement on how to serve the people, and denied there was any rift between them.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee arrive for a formal dinner at the G20 Summit on November 15, 2022 in Bali, Indonesia. - Leon Neal/Getty Images

High-profile first lady

Kim married Yoon in 2012, long before the career prosecutor entered politics. By then, she had worked her way up in the art industry and founded her own exhibition agency, Covana Contents.

She was 39, he was 51, and they had been acquaintances for a long time until a monk stepped in and played matchmaker, Kim said in an interview in 2018.

My husband is an honest and pure person, she said at the time. He didnt have any money and it felt like he would never be able to get married if it wasnt for me.

Kim Yun-cheol, the politics professor, said Kim Keon Hee differs significantly from other first ladies before her.

Shes been a career woman who has succeeded in acquiring status and accumulating wealth through her socioeconomic activities, and she is not of a quiet housewife style, he said.

I believe the ideal style of first ladies in Korea has been someone whos elegant, quiet, and doesnt stand out in front, but Kims style can be seen as exceptional.

The first ladys high profile has earned her fans but also increasingly drawn criticism.

She seems to have a tendency to show off in her behaviour and that is why the public seems to have developed a feeling of rejection or disapproval, wondering if she is trying to attract attention by coming out and standing in front of President Yoon, said Kim Yun-cheol.

Kim Keon Hee has been mired in controversies ever since her husband joined the presidential race.

In 2021, she publicly apologized for inflating her resume, an issue that came under scrutiny during Yoons presidential campaign. In her apology, Kim also vowed to remain focused on my role as a wife if Yoon won the election. Following her promise, Yoon abolished the office in charge of the first ladys affairs after he became president.

But Kim has been dogged by subsequent scandals and remained in the political limelight.

She has faced persistent accusations of plagiarism over her academic writings. Her PhD alma mater, Kookmin University, said it found no misconduct in Kims dissertation or other publications after an eight-month probe, but a group of professors disagreed and released their own findings arguing otherwise.

The opposition has also long accused Kim of being involved in stock price manipulation of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea, more than a decade ago  allegations the presidential office has repeatedly denied. Last month, Yoon vetoed a bill passed by the opposition-controlled parliament that would have mandated a special prosecutor to investigate Kims alleged involvement.

The first lady is also haunted by her mothers conviction and one-year prison sentence for forging a financial document in a land purchase, a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court in November.

And last year, the government scrapped an expressway project in Seoul amid opposition allegations that its construction would benefit Kims family by raising the price of land they own.

Cho, the law professor at Hongik University, said part of the public anger over Kims scandals is also directed at Yoon.

Because after all, he was elected because he seemed to be justice personified, she said, referring to the presidents previous career as a prosecutor.

He claimed that he would bring back justice and fairness, but he is bringing neither of these when it comes to his wife.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A tractor is seen in a protest in Rome, Italy, Feb. 9, 2024. Farmers in Italy, Poland, Spain and Bulgaria have staged new protests this week against excessively restrictive European Union regulations and cheap imports from non-EU countries. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

ROME/WARSAW, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Farmers in Italy, Poland, Spain and Bulgaria have staged new protests this week against excessively restrictive European Union regulations and cheap imports from non-EU countries.

In Italy on Friday, a convoy of tractors drove past the historical center of Rome, bearing national flags and slogans such as "Without farmers: no food, no future" and "End payment for not growing crops."

"We have our priorities and we have followed the rules, and now we expect our priorities to be taken seriously by the authorities," Salvatore Fais, leader of Agricultural Redemption, the organizer of the protest, told Xinhua.

Hours later, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with farmer representatives and announced that personal income tax exemptions would be extended to those with an annual income of up to 10,000 euros (10,800 U.S. dollars).

In Poland, farmers also took to the streets on Friday, blocking off roads and the border crossings with Ukraine, in protest against EU farming policies and cheap imports from Ukraine.

The demonstration is planned to last for 30 days. Poland's Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Czeslaw Siekierski said he would support the implementation of a "complete" import ban on product categories if necessary.

He mentioned sugar and poultry as potential targets due to concerns about the excessive influx of such products from Ukraine.

Friday is the fourth day of protests by Spanish farmers, who have been blocking several streets, highways and ports across the country and announced plans to gather in Madrid. A convoy of tractors bearing Spanish flags disrupted the traffic on the A-2 highway to Madrid near the central town of Torija during the daytime.

Spanish media reported that the farmers railed against the EU's environmental rules and what they called as excessive taxes and red tape.

On Thursday morning, Bulgarian farmers' protests blocked the outbound traffic at the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point on the Romania side. The blockade lasted approximately four hours, according to the Giurgiu Border Police Territorial Inspectorate.

According to Bulgaria media, the nationwide demonstrations by farmers and agricultural workers in Bulgaria started on Tuesday and stemmed from concerns over cheap imports from Ukraine.

Farmers have staged demonstrations across Europe in recent weeks to protest against low produce prices, rising costs, cheap imports and constraints linked to the EU's policies against climate change. They are demanding action by the authorities.

The European Commission has made some concessions over the last few weeks, including withdrawing plans to halve the use of pesticides and other dangerous substances. Nonetheless, the protests have continued. 

A tractor is seen in a protest in Rome, Italy, Feb. 9, 2024. Farmers in Italy, Poland, Spain and Bulgaria have staged new protests this week against excessively restrictive European Union regulations and cheap imports from non-EU countries. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
He didnt die a wealthy man.

Although Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom Sr. accumulated substantial wealth during his lifetime, his riches were the legacy he left both personally and professionally.

During his 40-year medical career, Ransom served patients in North Texas, ran the earliest hospital for Black people in Fort Worth, operated a pharmacy, and had a major role in public health initiatives.

Ransom was born in 1886 in Columbus, Kentucky, but left to seek an education outside of the solidly segregated south. He graduated from Southern Illinois State Normal University in Carbondale, Illinois, followed by pharmacy school in Princeton, Indiana.

His medical training was done at the National Medical College in Louisville, Kentucky, an historically Black medical school. Ransom graduated as the valedictorian of his class in 1908.

Abraham Flexners 1910 report, which established the principles for a quality medical education and evaluated the countrys medical schools, called National Medical College, the cleanest and best run [Black medical school] in the country.

Because Black medical graduates were not generally admitted to post-graduate medical programs, Ransom took additional surgical training through the Laboratory of Surgical Technique at Provident Hospital (a Black hospital) in Chicago. He also undertook training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Although the Mayo Clinic didnt accept Black physicians into its training programs until 1966, Ransom may have been the first Black physician to learn there. In 1915, Ransom wrote to the Clinic asking if he could observe surgeries there (a common way for physicians to learn) during the summer. Dr. William James Mayo replied that Ransom was welcome to observe for the six week period, even though he wouldnt receive any type of certificate. He observed a wide variety of operations by the countrys best surgeons, and Ransoms many patients were the beneficiaries.

Ransom and his first wife, Ellen Vaughn Ransom  a teacher, moved to Brooksville, Oklahoma, in 1908. Brooksville was one of over 50 Black towns established in the state to provide a haven free from discrimination and abuse for people of color. Ransom also passed his Oklahoma state pharmacy boards, so was able to practice as both a physician and a pharmacist. Unfortunately, Ellen Ransom died following a stillbirth in 1912.

The move to Texas

Possibly because of the tragedy of losing his wife, but also for the opportunities offered by a larger community, Ransom moved to Gainesville, Texas, in 1914. Shortly thereafter he married Ethel Wilson, a nurse. Their son, Riley A. Ransom Jr., was born in 1915.

The Ransoms established the Booker T. Washington Sanitarium in Gainesville. Newspapers printed regular reports about people from the region who traveled to the hospital for surgery or treatment and gratefully mentioned the good care they received.

The couple also became involved in local activities, including patriotic events and fundraising during World War I. Ethel was a member of the Texas Commission on Interracial Cooperation, which promoted and facilitated advanced educational studies for Black people.

Building a practice in Fort Worth

Gainesville still couldnt provide the opportunities that a larger city like Fort Worth did. In 1920, Gainesvilles population was about 7,500 people compared to Fort Worths 106,482. Ethel and Riley Ransom moved their hospital to Fort Worth in April 1919, converting rooming houses (first at 417 E. Fifth and then 509 Grove) into hospitals.

Ransom favored existing rooming house buildings for hospital use. Their floor plans offered a number of rooms and were easily converted to hospital use. The nurses who worked at the hospital often lived either in one of the rooms or in the Ransoms own large house. Ransom also established a training program for nurses at the hospital, graduating the first class in 1924.

In 1925, Ethel Ransom, was shot in the leg a she stood on the porch of the hospital at 509 Grove St. Investigations later indicated that five shots came from the tenth floor of the Hotel Texas. Three men were arrested, but it was determined that the shots were stray and that no damage had been done.

The name of the hospital shifted over time. Riley Ransom was a Baptist, so for a time it was called the Negro Baptist Hospital. About 1927, the name changed to the Fort Worth Negro Hospital. The well-known Winterthur Museum in Delaware holds a rare business card for Dr. Ransom from this time period, which notes that he is the hospitals surgeon-in-chief.

A business card of Dr. Riley Ransom Sr. from about 1927 to 1930, when his hospital was at 509 Grove St., where the Bass Hall parking garage now stands.

In 1929-1930, the hospital transitioned from 509 Grove to 1200 E. First St. in a Black neighborhood in the northeast section of the central business district. The building was another rooming house with 20 rooms. Ransom developed it into a modern facility with the latest equipment.

Dr. Riley A. Ransom Sr. operated a hospital at 1200 E. First St. between about 1929 and 1949. This early photograph shows the building before 1937.

At this time, the only other hospital facilities that would accept Black people were the City-County Hospital and St. Josephs. Both had Negro wards in the basement. Not surprisingly, many Black people preferred to have surgery or receive treatment at a hospital where they werent relegated to the basement, but Ransom always had to counter assumptions that white physicians were more qualified than Black physicians.

Ransom was active in the community. He served as the chairman of the social diseases committee for the Volunteer Health League of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and was a first aid instructor for the local Red Cross. He also belonged to the Tarrant County and Texas medical societies, as well as the NAACP.

Lifes challenges

Tragedy struck Ransom in December 1937, when his beloved wife Ethel died from a streptococcus infection at a time when antibiotics were not available. Shortly after Ethel Ransoms death, her husband expanded the hospital. He added several rooms, supported by columns, on the front of the building. A new sign identified the hospital as the Ethel Ransom Memorial Hospital.

After his wife Ethel Ransoms death in 1937, Dr. Riley Ransom Sr. renamed the hospital after her. This image shows the hospital, with a small front addition, as it looked in 1946.

He also married for a third time, wedding Mattie B. Glover, another nurse who worked at the hospital. The couple adopted a baby in 1939, a process that required an opinion from the Texas Attorney General. The baby girl was bi-racial  and the law at that time prohibited Black people from adopting white infants and white people from adopting Black infants. Texas Attorney Gerald C. Mann ruled that because the baby had a Black father, it was Black  a continuation of the one drop theory.

By 1940 Riley A. Ransom Jr. had completed medical school and joined his fathers practice. The hospital received a high honor that year  admission to the Register of the American Medical Society. It was the first Black hospital in Fort Worth  and one of relatively few in the country  to attain this status.

Dr. Riley A. Ransom Sr. (right) and his son Dr. Riley Ransom Jr. standing in front of the Ethel Ransom Memorial Hospital building in 1946.

Ransom married again, about 1943, to Devalia Lee, and she adopted the daughter from his previous marriage. (How Ransoms marriage to Glover ended is not clear.)

Ransoms later years were dogged by his own health conditions. He had diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (which made it difficult, if not impossible, to perform operations), kidney disease, and high blood pressure. After a 40-year career in medicine, Ransom died in 1951, leaving an estate of $10,000, or about $116,000 in 2024 dollars. His impact on the community was much larger.

Ransom has received many honors for his long service. His grave has a Texas Historical Marker, and in 2010 he was one of nine Black physicians honored with a Heritage Plaque from the Tarrant County Medical Society.

Carol Roark is an archivist, historian, and author with a special interest in architectural and photographic history who has written several books on Fort Worth history.
Dr Dimitrios Psaroudakis has been suspended by the doctors regulator for three months

A doctor who said Hammersmith would be better if it was Jew free was found not to be racist but comfortable with discriminatory language by the General Medical Councils independent tribunal.

Dr Dimitrios Psaroudakis, a consultant gynaecologist, has been suspended by the doctors regulator for three months after making dozens of racially offensive, sexist and derogatory remarks about colleagues and patients.

The Harley Street fertility consultant was reprimanded for messages he sent to a colleague, known as Ms A, during his time at the Evewell fertility clinic between 2020 and 2022.

An independent panel heard how Dr Psaroudakis made repeated references to Jewish colleagues as yews - because of his accent - and used this as shorthand when he messaged Ms A.

He also called his Jewish colleagues big nose, leprechaun, alky and s*** for brains, while messaging on the companys IT systems before his resignation in September 2022.

He suggested Hammersmith, London, would be improved if it were yew free, and regularly referred to the clinic as the temple.

Racially offensive term

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which runs independent hearings for the GMC, concluded that the term yew was racially offensive.

It was Dr Psaroudakis common practice to pick out and use what could be considered offensive or derogatory characteristics about people whom he did not like, the panel concluded.

Rather than use someones name or work title, Dr Psaroudakis preferred to make unpleasant and unacceptable references to protected characteristics of colleagues.

The tribunal makes no finding that Dr Psaroudakis is a racist but is satisfied that he is someone who is quite comfortable with using discriminatory language.

Dr Psaroudakiss suspension began in mid-January, 16 months after he had resigned from his role because of his comments, and he will be able to practise again from April.

Bob Blackman, a Conservative MP, told The Telegraph it beggars belief that he was only suspended for three months and called for the GMC to strike him off the register altogether.

Zero tolerance approach

Its absolutely absurd, he should be struck off, he said. We should have zero tolerance to antisemitism and people that display attitudes like that bring the medical profession into complete disrepute.

Three months, is he going to change his view? I dont think so. They seem to be naive beyond belief.

Dr Psaroudakis was also found to have made sexist, sexually explicit and morally reprehensible comments.

In particular, the tribunal heard that the consultant had joked about the death of a patients husband, who had died the previous week by suicide, saying he smelled her shoes.

Mr Thomas Moran, the GMC counsel, said Dr Psaroudakiss explanation for the comments had been demonstrably false and that they were so repulsive that he could not face telling the truth.

The GMC said it sought a suspension, which it deemed necessary to maintain public confidence. The MPTS said it couldnt comment on individual tribunals, but pointed to its conclusions.

Regarding the length of the suspension, it deemed three months reflected the level of seriousness of the misconduct and would send out a message to the doctor, the profession and to the public that such conduct is unacceptable.

Regret and remorse

It said Dr Psaroudakis had expressed genuine regret, remorse and apology, and had not sought to blame others and he had engaged in courses aimed at remediation and developing insight.

It comes after The Telegraph revealed that Dr Wahid Shaida, who ran the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir until its ban last month, was still able to practise as a GP despite calling the October 7 massacre by Hamas a very welcome punch on the nose to Israel, and seeking to justify the attempted murder of Sir Salman Rushdie on social media.

The NHS was forced to leapfrog the GMCs process and remove Dr Shaida from its list of approved doctors, but he is still accredited by the regulator and can practise privately.

Meanwhile, Dr Martin Whyte, a paediatrician, who was sacked from his role at the British Medical Association for posting zeig heil hahaha gas the Jews, is also still licenced to practise by the GMC with no restrictions.

Dr Psaroudakis did not respond to a request for 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.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)In order for a bill to become a law, it must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the president.

All bills start as ideas. These ideas may come from a member of Congress, or a citizen. Once the bill is written, it needs support from a sponsor and other lawmakers before it can be introduced.

Introducing a bill to a committee

Once a member of the House or Senate introduces a bill, it is then usually referred to the appropriate committee within the House or Senate. The committee will do research and revise the bill before it is formally recommended to the entire chamber in either the House or Senate.

Bringing a bill to the floor

Once this happens, the bill is brought to the entire floor for consideration. This is where members can debate the bill and recommend changes. When all the changes have been made, then the bill is ready to be voted on.

If the majority of the chamber votes yes, then the bill passes that chamber. It is then sent to the other chamber where it goes through the exact same steps. It is introduced in a committee and then sent to the floor to be voted on.

Sending a bill to the president

Once it gets approval in both the Senate and the House, it is sent to the presidents desk for signature.

If the president signs the bill, then it becomes law.

However, the president does not have to sign the bill, instead the president can veto the bill which would send it back to Congress.

If the House and Senate believe the bill should become a law, they can hold another vote. If two-thirds of Representatives and Senators support the bill, the presidents veto is overridden, and the bill becomes law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Since taking office in January, Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez has followed a public and sometimes controversial path by confronting men on the streets of the town who he says are drinking in public, littering or committing other offenses  and then posting video of the showdowns online.

But his latest confrontation may have backfired. The Ward 2 Democrat was arrested Friday and charged with simple assault and harassment charges after a tense exchange Wednesday night with three homeless men near the Meridian Transit Plaza apartments.

Rodriguez posted video of his alleged encounter with the three men online, as well as other posts criticizing the police department.

Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez appears in an Instagram video criticizing police for arresting him after a confrontation with homeless men allegedly drinking in public.

"I just got my fingerprints taken, mugshot taken and I was handcuffed to a bench," Rodriguez, 29, posted on Instagram Friday.

Assault charge against Rodriguez

A letter from Police Chief Jonathan Delaney to Mayor James Dodd, posted on the department's Facebook page, states that Rodriguez was taken into custody on Friday, charged with disorderly persons offenses and released following an investigation of the Wednesday night incident.

Delaney wrote that Rodriguez "became engaged in a verbal confrontation with the males and later "assaulted one of the males by kicking the male's hand causing injury."

"Rodriguez continued to pursue the males while video recording after they attempted to leave the area and forced the males to cross the roadway," Delaney continued. "Rodriguez attempted to block the males' avenue of escape, which caused a dangerous situation in the roadway."

Rodriguez posted what he said was a video of the encounter on his Instagram page. In it, one of the men can be seen drinking from a bottle. One of them is walking unsteadily as he attempts to leave the scene, while Rodriguez follows. Police show up later on in the video.

'I'm not playing anymore'

"Stay here," Rodriguez says to one man. "I'm not playing anymore. You guys know you shouldn't be there. No more apologies. I've told you many times already."

As the homeless men speak in Spanish, the video, subtitled in English, shows one of them accusing Rodriguez of being a cocaine dealer and shouting "You're going to pay" as a patrol officer observed.

Between the Wednesday night confrontation and his arrest on Friday, Rodriguez posted another video in which he criticized the police for not charging the men, who Delaney identified as homeless, with any crimes.

"They were let go by police and told to go the other way," he said. "I'm being told because these three individuals do not have addresses, my complaints are going to go, and I'm saying it word-for-word, 'nowhere.'" Rodriguez says in the video. "I'm frustrated because this is a flaw in our justice system. We cannot have these open drunkards accusing and harassing people in our community with zero consequences."

Homeless issues in Dover

Town officials have previously acknowledged public drinking and intoxication among the homeless population. It became an issue in last year's election, which saw Rodriguez win a seat on the council as part of Dodd's "Rescue Dover" ticket.

Dodd, a former four-term mayor, easily won the 2023 general election in the heavily Democratic town after beating the incumbent mayor, Carolyn Blackman, in the June Democratic primary. Rodriguez won his seat after ousting incumbent Ward 2 Alderwoman Judith Rigg in the primary.

Dodd declined to comment on Saturday morning.

Rodriguez posted about his outrage about being arrested.

"What's more alarming is this summons did not come from any of the three individuals you saw in the video," he said. "It came from a police officer. If this is [how] the police department wants to handle the situation, this is scary. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a real problem here in Dover."

More: Three homeless deaths in two weeks have Dover, Morris officials searching for solutions

Social media frenzy

Rodriguez continued to press the issue in public forums, commenting on a police department Facebook post announcing the arrest.

"Thank you for coming out and showing that this is a clearly politically motivated charge," Rodriguez wrote, addressing the chief. "They were publicly drinking and it was captured on video for all to witness, but I shouldnt expect you to state that as it doesnt fit your narrative."

"I did not physically harm anyone," he continued. "Rather, I kicked the liquor bottle out of the individual's hand, as I also admitted to the police officer that same night. I have nothing to hide. Yes, I shouldnt have acted in that way but Im also human and let my anger get the best of me. Im sure that has never happened to anyone else."

Support, backlash online

Some social media commenters supported his actions.

"Public intoxication is illegal," Anthony Miragliotta wrote. "Sergio is a true public servant who deeply cares about his community. He strives each day to make Dover a better place."

Others pushed back, criticizing Rodriguez's actions.

"Homelessness is a policy issue," Rosi Aylin posted in the Dover Community Forum Facebook Group. "Maybe if the counselman did his job and worked on improving the housing situation in town, that wouldn't of happened."

"As a public servant, you should never be getting physically angry with residents in our town," Gisela Bells commented. " If you cant handle dealing with people without getting worked up, then its time for you to step down before something worse happens. Honestly, how did you even get into this position?"

Court appearance scheduled

Saturday, Rodriguez told the Daily Record the same homeless men confronted him outside Meridian Plaza on Friday.

Rodriguez's first appearance in court is scheduled for March 3. He expects the issue will be discussed at the next council meeting on Tuesday.

Council Member Rodriguezs choice of action is a personnel matter, so I cant comment on his choice," Ward 3 Councilwoman Karol Ruiz told the Daily Record. "Our Dover council must address the housing crisis in our community in collaboration with existing service providers."

"We have an impressive police department with many highly educated, bilingual police officers implementing proven community policing strategies that support such collaborative work," Ruiz continued. "Our Health Department, Fire Department, and Code Enforcement Department respond humanely to the crisis of homelessness and unstable housing regularly as well. The solutions exist, we just need to implement them."

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Dover councilman charged with assault after confronting homeless men
The first global database to track cases of anti-religion violence became available to the general public in January, providing rights advocates, ministries and others a plethora of information to defend religious freedom and belief.

The Violent Incidents Database (VID) tracks types of perpetrators, religion of victims and both non-physical and physical violence, from forcible marriage to killings. Run by the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) and funded by Global Christian Relief (GCR), it is the first worldwide database of incidents of anti-religion violence, said IIRF International Director Dennis Petri.

Its not expert-opinion based, its just recording incidents as they appear in public sources in the media, and thats really the added value of the instrument, because it fills a gap, Petri told Christian Daily International. And of course, its useful for research but also for ministries that work in that space to inform their strategic planning, and also for advocacy and awareness raising, because it really gives you a sense of the scope and the magnitude of different phenomena.

Providing searches by country, religion and perpetrator, the database also includes data on arrests, vandalism, sexual harassment, abductions, attacks on houses, attacks on shops, closures of worship venues, attacks on religious buildings and cases of people forced from their homes or countries.

Kinds of perpetrators listed are religious groups, organized crime, political parties, religious leaders, ethnic leaders, family, government officials, ideological pressure groups, ordinary civilians, revolutionaries or paramilitary groups and multilateral organizations.

Research on religious freedom violations has developed greatly in the past few decades, Petri said, and several Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) data sets have emerged.

They all have their value, and theyre getting better, and so thats very helpful, but there was not an event-based database just yet, an instrument that records incidents of religious freedom violations whether violence or non-physical violence, and so thats what we do, Petri said.

The IIRF has had a database of religious violence cases in Latin America going back to 2002, but the group launched it as a global database available to the public starting in January.

Reception has been very good, Petri told Christian Daily International at the Jan. 30-31 International Religious Freedom in Washinton, D.C. In academia, its already seen as a complement.

Unlike some instruments that focus on one religious group, the VID catalogs incidents of violence against eight categories of people, including animists and atheists.

There are entire religious traditions that just dont collect data, Petri said. Its very difficult to get together information. And even within Christianity, which does the best job, its still very uneven. So, some countries and some denominations will have more reports than others.

About 95 percent of the data is based on public sources, Petri said, and by clicking on the Actions column of a given report, a user can access the URL for the incident source.

Its a database that at least, we hope, gives an expression to whats known out there, and of course what we know is not everything that happens, Petri said. It can serve journalists, clearly, to raise awareness, to write context for stories, and it can give access to individual incidents, but mainly it provides the quantification just to give a sense of the scope of these things.

The data base is a complement, not a substitute, for more targeted research, filling in the gaps of other efforts, he said.

Of course, its very helpful for policymakers, especially people in the human rights fields, because in human rights whats required is a way to prove that what youre talking about is not just isolated incidents or exceptions but part of a pattern, that its structural. And the VID gives that framework, Petri said.
DOVER  The grieving family of Capt. Jack Casey, a Marine Corps helicopter pilot, raised a Marine Corps flag at half staff in his honor Saturday outside Dover City Hall in a ceremony with the mayor.

Dozens of mourners consoled family and friends of Casey, a 26-year-old from Dover who was one of five Marines killed in a CH-53E helicopter crash in stormy weather late Tuesday in California. The helicopter was found Wednesday, and the Marines' identities were announced Friday.

Casey, a 2011 graduate of Saint Mary Academy and 2015 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, both in Dover, commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019. He was promoted to the rank of captain on Sept. 1, 2023 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal during his time in the service, according to the Marine Corps.

The family of the late Capt. Jack Casey, a helicopter pilot from Dover joins city leaders to raise the Marine flag with the American flag at half staff Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Casey died recently in a helicopter training flight crash in California.

Leading the Saturday tribute to Casey was Dover Mayor Bob Carrier, a lifelong city resident who knows members of the Casey family going back generations.

Words are tough. I've been here all my life. I've known all the Caseys ... wonderful family, wonderful people. This is a totally dark day for the city of Dover, the mayor said. This touches home for all who live here, and then everywhere else. It should not happen like this. But we have to thank and salute Jack for keeping us out of harm's way. And he dedicated his life. He knew, I am sure, as most Marines and servicemen (do), knew what the possibilities were. He took that charge and he did what he did.

Family and friends of late Capt. Jack Casey, a Marine helicopter pilot from Dover, take part in a ceremony Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at City Hall. Casey was one of five Marines who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California

Obituary: Capt. Jack Thomas Casey

Moments after the Marine Corps flag was flown, billowing in a slight breeze and struck by sunbeams, attendees looked to the sky and pointed out a bald eagle circling in the distance overhead.

May you rest in peace, Jack, and thank you. Thank you for your dedication, Carrier added. For all of you here today, thank you for coming. Its very important to recognize this. Im sure that therell be other opportunities for us all to give our condolences to the Casey family (and) friends.

Caseys parents and relatives stood behind Carrier and clutched each other during his remarks prior to the flag-raising, then led a round of applause after the flag was raised. All were met with hugs from crowd members following the brief ceremony.

Dover Mayor Bob Carrier speaks to family and friends of late Capt. Jack Casey during a flag ceremony outside City Hall Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

The late Marine is survived by his wife, Emma Lindberg of Shepherdstown, West Virginia; his mother, Catherine (Robinson) Casey of Dover; his father James B. Casey of Andover, Maine; and his siblings, James D. Casey, Patrick J. Casey, Sean J. Casey and Catherine E. Casey.

Previous story: Capt. Jack Casey of Dover one of five Marines killed in helicopter crash

The Marine helicopter went missing on Tuesday during its return to Miramar air station in San Diego from Creech Air Force Base. The following day, the wreckage was located near Pine Valley, a mountain community.

The four other male Marines identified as victims of the crash were Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28.

Family and friends of late Capt. Jack Casey, a Marine helicopter pilot from Dover, take part in a ceremony Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at City Hall. Casey was one of five Marines who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California

The military is investigating the helicopter crash.

The five deceased Marines were assigned to Miramars Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Air Station Miramar in California.

We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service familys worst fear, said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, in a statement. Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together.

Capt. Jack Casey of Dover, New Hampshire, was one of five Marines killed in a helicopter crash near San Diego.

Saint Mary Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School both recognized Caseys impact on their respective communities in individual social media posts on Friday.

Jack had a profound impact on those who knew and loved him, and we recognize the immense loss in our community. He made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nations freedoms and we come together in honoring his memory, St. Thomas posted in social media. He was an exceptional student during his time at St. Thomas Aquinas which translated to his career in the United States Marine Corps. Jacks courage and commitment to serve our country and fight for our nations freedoms, epitomizes the values in our school community. We ask you keep the Casey family, friends, and fellow Marines in your hearts and in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

"Jack was not only a dedicated student during his time with us but also a courageous individual who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation's freedoms, Saint Marys post read in part. Jacks unwavering commitment to service and bravery exemplifies the values we hold dear in our community."

Dover Mayor Bob Carrier speaks to family and friends of late Capt. Jack Casey during a flag ceremony outside City Hall Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

According to Caseys obituary, his funeral arrangements will be made available soon.

Casey is the second New Hampshire service member to die in a helicopter flight training exercise in three months. Gorham resident and Army Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, 25, was one of five service members who died aboard a UH-60 helicopter that crashed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during an air refueling training mission in November.

Prior to that, in June 2022, Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Losapio, an Exeter High School graduate who grew up in Kensington, was one of five Marines who died in an aircraft crash in California during a training mission.

The CH-53E Super Stallion has been involved in several deadly incidents, USA Today reported.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Marine Capt. Jack Casey honored in Dover NH by city, family, friends
Scholz and Biden during a meeting on 9 February. Photo: Getty Images

During a meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White Houses Oval Office, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recalled the "ridiculous interview" that Russian President Vladimir Putin gave to former American TV presenter Tucker Carlson.

Source: European Pravda; German tabloid newspaper Bild

Scholz said the Russian president had told "a lot of lies about the history of this war" during the interview.

The Chancellor noted that Putin was only interested in "getting a piece of his neighbours territory", describing this as "imperialism".

He stressed that the only reason that Russia's war against Ukraine is still going on is because "the Russian president wants to annex parts of Ukraine".

"The general message for him [Putin] should be: Our assistance for Ukraine will not decrease," Scholz added.



Background:

Earlier, the European Commission noted that Putin had repeated old lies, distortions and manipulations in the interview.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Putin's claim that the war he unleashed against Ukraine is the result of NATO expansion "clearly ridiculous".

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski noted that there was nothing new about Putin's claims, but it is shocking that an American journalist is giving them a platform.

Support UP or become our patron!
Oleksii Prokopenko, Head of the US-based Humanitarian Centre for Ukraine in the United States (HUCUS), has presented Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto with a piece of a Russian tank that had been destroyed in the Battle of Kyiv.

Source: Ukrinform news agency, as reported by European Pravda

Details: This happened during the European Conference at Harvard University in Massachusetts. It brought together European diplomats and officials, students and scholars from the United States and the European Union.

Photo: Oleksii Prokopenko

Photo: Oleksii Prokopenko

The conference, which takes place on 9-10 February, features panel discussions on EU policy, global economic issues and challenges, the situation in energy markets, and Russia's war against Ukraine.

"It (the tank  ed.) was made in Russia but destroyed and recycled in Ukraine. Carry this (the piece of tank) as a keyring with your house keys to stay aware of what Russian terror is. Please remember the lessons of history and what Soviet tanks brought to the streets of Budapest in 1956," Prokopenko said, handing the gift to Szijjarto.

In a comment to European Pravda, Prokopenko explained that Peter Szijjarto reacted to the gift in a "restrained and diplomatic manner".

"The minister emphasised that his country wants peace in Ukraine, but I did not hear him say the word 'victory'. Besides, Szijjarto noted that he remembers the lessons of 1956 well and that his family also experienced those events," Prokopenko said.

In addition, Prokopenko reported that Szijjarto added that Hungary was taking care of Ukrainian refugees, nearly a million of whom live there.

Background: Szijjarto himself has previously noted that he believes it is unfair that the Hungarian authorities are labelled "Putin's friends" when they are simply raising "strategic issues".

Support UP or become our patron!
An illustration of the asteroid belt as a dense donut-shaped ring of yellow points with the Sun at the center. The background is black with hints of dark blue in the corners and small white pinprick stars sprinkled throughout. A small illustrated Earth sits to the left of the Sun, and a semi-opaque, cone-like teal triangle extends from Earth toward the right. The cone opens up to a mosaic of a couple dozen small, square-like shapes representing Rubin Observatorys LSST Cameras detector area. The mosaic is overlaid onto a portion of the asteroid belt, and each tile represents a camera image that detects a group of asteroids. A thin curved white line begins behind the Sun and swings out around the Earth, tracing the path of a small, not-to-scale spacecraft heading toward the illuminated asteroids, ready for exploration.

The forthcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory will never leave Earth itself, but the highly detailed, "big picture" view of the cosmos it will offer scientists may very well kick-start a new era of space exploration.

The solar system is filled with billions of small rocky bodies and icy objects, many of which formed around 4.5 billion years ago when planets like the Earth were forming around the sun. Space missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, and Psyche have been making strides in visiting these primordial solar system bodies. They've been collecting images, and OSIRIS-REx even snagged a few samples, for investigation here on Earth  all informed by data collected by observatories across the globe.

Rubin, which will see its "first light" in 2025, will be capable of detecting millions of new asteroids, comets and potentially even bodies passing through our planetary backyard from other systems. Take Oumuamua, for instance, which was first spotted in 2017. After detecting these bodies, Rubin will then quickly track them as they move around the solar system and tread close to Earth  or even if they remain in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Related: Dark energy is forcing the universe to expand. This new observatory may show us how

"Nothing will come close to the depth of Rubin's survey and the level of characterization we will get for solar system objects," Siegfried Eggl, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Lead of the Inner Solar System Working Group within the Rubin's Solar System Science Collaboration, said in a statement. "It is fascinating that we have the capability to visit interesting objects and look at them close-up. But to do that, we need to know they exist and where they are.

"This is what Rubin will tell us."

Picking out asteroid muses

Rubin will monitor solar system bodies and cosmic objects that quite far out, beyond even the limits of the solar system and the Milky Way galaxy, as it conducts its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

Scanning the entire southern hemisphere sky every few nights with an 8.4-meter, fast-moving telescope and the largest digital camera in the world, Rubin is expected to vastly increase our catalog of known solar system objects that has been built over 200 years  by at least 5 times, scientists project.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory as it appears at twilight on the El Penon peak of Cerro Pachon in Chile.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory as it appears at twilight on the El Penon peak of Cerro Pachon in Chile. (Image credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. Pinto)

Not only will Rubin, presently under construction on the mountain Cerro Pachon in northern Chile, spot a multitude of new solar system objects, but scientists also expect it to gather more information about the broader "spacescape" of the solar system.

This could reveal whole regions that contain unique objects to consider as future space mission targets.

"If you think of Rubin as looking at a beach, you see millions and millions of individual sand grains that together constitute the entire beach. There might be an area of yellow sand, or volcanic black sand," Eggl said. "A space mission to an object in that region could investigate what makes it different. Often, we dont know whats weird or interesting unless we know the context its in."

The observatory will be further able to alert operators to changes in the night sky within 60 seconds of spotting them, which could help space agencies quickly plan and deploy a mission toward rapidly moving objects of interest.

This could also give scientists an early warning of an interstellar object like Oumuamua as it passes through the solar system, for instance, allowing teams to study the intruder in situ before it slips out of reach and back into deep space.

"Rubin is capable of giving us the prep time we need to launch a mission to intercept an interstellar object," Eggl added. "That's a synergy that's very unique to Rubin and unique to the time were living in."

An illustration of NASA's Lucy spacecraft as it approaches the asteroid Dinkinesh.

An illustration of NASA's Lucy spacecraft. (Image credit: Robert Lea/NASA)

One project that is already gearing up to take advantage of Rubin data is the JAXA/European Space Agency Comet Interceptor mission that will launch in 2029. The Interceptor will await sighting of a visitable, long-period solar system comet or interstellar object as it passes in front of the sun. Then, it will be deployed for investigtaion.

Rubin could also assist with missions concerning interesting objects located close to the passage of a spacecraft as it conducts its primary mission.

RELATED STORIES:

 We still don't know what dark matter is, but here's what it's not

 Hypothetical 'dark photons' could shed light on mysterious dark matter

 Rubin Observatory and Google will store astronomy data in the cloud

One active mission that could benefit from Rubin's eye on the solar system is NASA's asteroid-hopping spacecraft, Lucy. The 12-year mission is set to perform the first in situ study of the Trojan asteroids, two families of space rocks that share Jupiter's orbit around the sun.

Rubin could spot smaller, fainter asteroids that lie near Lucy's path to Jupiter, offering the NASA mission some new and unexpected fly-by opportunities.

"With our current telescopes, weve essentially been looking at the big boulders on the beach," Eggl concluded. "But Rubin will zoom in on the finer grains of sand."
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Several business in East El Paso are dealing with the aftermath of being burglarized on Friday morning, Feb. 9.

Salon Glo and Studio DC are located within the same shopping center in East El Paso and both were victims of a break-in early Friday morning.

Salon Glo has a damaged window that the owner said was from a BB gun. The thieves also damaged a decorative door outside the business.

I think this is what saved us is that board, because thats a wall against that. On the other side, I think if they would have broken in and they would have cracked the station and then the two mirrors that are back there, and thats what all I can understand, said Julie Ulloa, owner of Salon Glo.

Studio DC has a completely shattered and broken door with the loss of a few thousand dollars.

Both businesses are located on Viscount near Gateway West.

Daniel Chavez, owner of Studio DC, said he noticed that his TV was pulled out as if the intruders tried to take it along with a monitor.

Theres some tools missing and some of the cabinets were open and then one of my workers came in, said her money was missing from her drawer. Shears, scissors, clippers, and it seems like they (intruders) just stopped halfway in the salon like they got interrupted or something, Chavez said.

Chavez told KTSM he thinks the intruders didnt realize that they left some of their belongings behind, causing Chavez to close his doors for half a day.

Ulloa said as a small business owner its upsetting having to deal with this type of situation especially since neither salon had cameras.

Now I have to replace the door and the window. So were talking about $800, $900 out of my pocket because were all trying to work, live paycheck by paycheck. And as far as something like this, its money that we didnt expect an expense, that we didnt need, you know, Ulloa said.

Chavez said since there is no video proof he advises other business owners to make an investment in surveillance cameras.

Get some cameras. Always be aware of your surroundings and never take anything for granted, Chavez said.

Salon Glo was able to repair and replace their window and door Friday afternoon, although Studio DC is still awaiting repairs.

I hope they get caught. I mean, I wouldnt want them to do this again. I mean, its not a good feeling coming in here and realizing your business had been robbed. Its invasion of privacy, Chavez said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Written by Paul Wu, translated by Abigail Wu

Last Sunday, I attended a worship service at a church, noticing a one-third reduction in the attendance. Additionally, the number of worship sessions decreased from three to two. Choirs and fellowships are also suspended until the end of February.

Curious about this, I inquired with the church's pastor. He explained that the church's members are primarily migrant workers, and many had returned home during the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year. This led to a significant decrease in the church's attendance and a shortage of staff serving in the church, which prompted the suspension of some ministries.

This situation is prevalent in many churches, particularly those consisting mainly of migrant workers. Over the years, I've interacted with numerous staff workers and believers, understanding that the impact of returning home for the Chinese New Year on the church goes beyond the immediate circumstances.

Z, a Christian lady born into a rural family, works in a southern city. When she arrived in the city, feeling lonely, she joined and served in a church, making friends there. However, when she returned home for the Spring Festival, she did not attend any gatherings, though there was a medium-sized church nearby.

According to her, "While in the city, I felt very lonely, so I participated in church activities and made many friends. However, when I returned home for the Chinese traditional festival, the overwhelming visits and reunions left me with no time for church."

Similarly, W, a Christian gentleman from Northeast China, also refrains from attending services when he returns to his hometown. The reason is the abundance of local friends, which makes Christian fellowship unnecessary. Moreover, he may not have the same topics as other believers with a lower educational level in his hometowns church.

Pastor L, passionate about evangelism, recognizes the significance of believers back home spreading the gospel. He pointed out, "During the Chinese New Year, hundreds of millions of people move around the country. If among them there are Christians, the gospel can be brought back to their hometowns. They may proclaim it there and lead many to Christ."

Hence, he focused on the doctrinal training of migrant workers, hoping they could bear witness to Christ when they returned home. One male believer from a rural area in Anhui, trained by Pastor L, returned to his hometown during the Spring Festival. He led many locals to faith, starting a registered church.

Similar to Pastor L, Christian woman C also highlighted the significance of believers returning to their hometowns for their local churches. However, she pointed out, "Many migrant believers in the city have received theological equipment in urban churches. If they go back home, they can bring back good ministry practices, thereby promoting the development of local churches."

Every time she returns home for the Spring Festival, she engages in discussions with local pastors and elders. She introduces successful experiences from urban churches, providing devotional materials to help them pastor the church and edify believers.

W, a Christian writer, has always been cautious about estimating the number of Chinese Christians. Through observing the quietness in urban churches during the Spring Festival, he proposed a viewpoint on China's church revival.

He stated, "The revival of urban churches is brought about by migrant workers. Although many coastal city churches are thriving, the first generation of Christians is not substantial; they are mainly composed of migrant believers. Therefore, in terms of the overall national count, the number of Christians has not increased significantly, and it is just an illusion of the revival of urban churches." This is a perspective worth considering, but further in-depth research is needed to arrive at a more accurate conclusion.

The author is a Christian living in Fujian and the article was originally published by the Gospel Times. It was translated and republished by China Christian Daily.
HARRISON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  The Harrison County Sheriffs Office said a man was arrested in connection to child pornography and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Corrigan-Camden ISD teacher arrested for solicitation of minor

On Nov. 30, 2023, the sheriffs office said they received a report of a video depicting Christopher Hunter Rosenthal allegedly sexually assaulting children ages three, five and seven.

According to the sheriffs office, a search warrant was executed for Rosenthals Snapchat. Officials reportedly found a video of Rosenthal sexually assaulting a 2-year-old along with explicit photos of four children.

An arrest warrant was issued for Rosenthal on a charge of aggravated sexual assault and possession of child pornography. Officials said that Rosenthal was arrested on Feb. 5 in Monahans, Texas by the Ward County Sheriffs Office.

The Harrison County Sheriffs Office said they are still investigating this case and waiting for Rosenthal to be extradited back to Harrison County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
A high school principal out of Riverside County was arrested Friday for failing to report claims of sexual abuse made against a former teacher, according to authorities.

Dr. Greg Anderson, 44, of Eastvale, was arrested on suspicion of violating mandated reporter laws while serving as the principal of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department.

The alleged violations were in connection to the November arrest of a teacher at the school, 44-year-old Chad Costello of Anaheim.

The law enforcement investigation into Costello began in April, when deputies responded to the schools campus after the allegations were made.

Costello was placed on administrative leave and later arrested on suspicion of child annoyance and sexual battery in November.

The investigation into Dr. Anderson found evidence that he failed to report any alleged incidents to law enforcement, according to the sheriffs department.

In a statement, the Corona-Norco Unified School District acknowledged that the arrest of Anderson would likely raise concerns within the schools community, but committed to providing a safe learning environment.

The district has a longstanding commitment to adhering to mandated reporting procedures, the statement read in part. This situation underscores the importance of trust and accountability within our educational community. As such, we will conduct a thorough review of our existing protocols and procedures to ensure reporting requirements are clear and followed at all levels of the organization.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Pasos Animal Services is celebrating National Pet Responsibility Month by encouraging responsible pet ownership within the community, according to a news release sent by the city.

The city says El Pasos Animal Services is placing a spotlight on the citys animal ordinances under Title 7 of the city code to promote the national celebration:

Leash and Confinement: It is prohibited for pets to roam at large. All pets must be safely confined within their homes, and when outside, they must be on a leash or in a carrier. Exceptions include vaccinated cats, sterilized cats, and community cats processed through the trap-neuter-return protocol.

Registration, Vaccination, and Microchipping: Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to be registered, vaccinated, and equipped with an implanted microchip. Rabies vaccines are mandatory, administered exclusively by a licensed U.S. veterinarian.

Annual Updates: Registrations must be renewed annually, and rabies vaccines must be administered before the expiration of the first and each subsequent vaccination period. Microchip information must be updated within seven days whenever there is a change in phone number, address, or ownership for the pet. In addition to the obligatory rabies vaccines, it is highly recommended to vaccinate dogs and cats against parvo, distemper, and FVRCP.

Identification: Pet owners must ensure that their dogs or cats wear a collar or harness with their current registration tag whenever outside their home.

Breeding Permits: It is illegal for breeders to sell cats or dogs without a permit in El Paso. As of now, there are no registered breeders within the city.

These ordinances are designed to promote responsible pet ownership, ensuring the safety and health of our beloved pets and the entire community, said Terry Kebschull, El Paso Animal Services director. By adhering to these regulations, we create a safer environment for both pets and residents.

The community can report suspected animal ordinance violations to 311 and for a comprehensive list of El Pasos city ordinances, visit elpasotexas.gov/city-clerk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso is hoping to move forward with plans to build the long anticipated Downtown arena. After putting the project on hold for more than a year, eyes are focused on breaking ground in an area around the historic Union Depot.

According to the proposal, the train depot in Downtown El Paso would not be demolished but the surrounding area would be redeveloped.

Rep. Chris Canales, whose district includes Downtown, said: The amazing Union Depot building is both on the Historic Register and obligated to remain a train station because of past investment by the Federal Transit Administration, so I want to be completely clear: There is zero chance at all of it being demolished.

Canales said he is excited to take design inspiration for the venue from the building.

Its a good location that will bring more interest and attention to the historic Union Depot next door and activate an old industrial site, and it can all be done with what remains of the originally approved budget, he said.

City Council is set to discuss and possibly take action on the proposal during the Tuesday, Feb. 13 meeting.

The discussion comes after halting the process in January 2023, when initial project plans were to build the arena in the Duranguito neighborhood.

While the new proposed site does not have any houses or apartments, the Union Depot hosts Amtrak, which still has train service throughout the week, and Texas Tech Universitys Huckabee College of Architecture.

Regarding the proposal, Texas Tech University said in a statement:

The City of El Paso has been a good partner for Texas Tech University, and we look forward to working together to ensure our students, faculty and staff in the Huckabee College of Architecture continue to receive a world-class education in the Sun City.

According to the proposal, should council approve the Union Depot site, Phase 2 would include public engagement, an archaeological survey and concept development.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
An El Paso man pleaded guilty in a New Mexico federal court to attempted murder for shooting a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a human smuggling attempt.

Roberto Esquivel, 25, pleaded guilty Jan. 30 to one count each of attempted murder of an officer of the United States, aggravated assault of an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, according to federal court records.

The guilty plea was made before U.S. District Court for District of New Mexico Chief Magistrate Judge Gregory B. Wormuth in Las Cruces.

Esquivel was arrested Jan. 5, 2023, and has remained jailed, federal court records show. He will remain jailed until his sentencing.

More: New DEA El Paso leader focused on fight against Mexico drug cartels, fentanyl epidemic

A date for a sentencing hearing has not been set. A plea agreement filed in federal court states Esquivel and federal prosecutors agreed to a 19-year prison sentence. A federal judge must accept the agreement at a sentencing hearing.

Esquivel was facing up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the attempted murder, aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm charges, the plea agreement states. He was facing 10 years in federal prison on the conspiracy to transport illegal aliens charge. The plea agreement does not state what Esquivel will receive on the conspiracy charge.

Border Patrol agent shot twice in ballistic vest during traffic stop

A U.S. Border Patrol agent conducted a traffic stop about 11:30 a.m. Jan. 5, 2023, on Highway 146 near Animas, New Mexico. A black sedan was pulled over because the driver was displaying "unusual behavior while driving," a federal complaint affidavit states.

The agent was wearing "plain clothes and his government-issued ballistic vest, marked on the front with 'POLICE FEDERAL AGENT' and displaying his USBP badge patch," the affidavit states.

As the agent went up to the vehicle, Esquivel removed a gun from the center console and placed it under his right leg, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico officials said.

More: Border Patrol stops migrants in semitruck, storm drain tunnels in El Paso-Las Cruces area

The agent went up to the driver's side window and began talking with Esquivel, who gave the agent his U.S. driver's license. The agent then asked five other people in the vehicle in Spanish what country they were from and if they had legal documentation to be in the U.S.

The five passengers told the agent they were from Mexico and illegally in the U.S., the affidavit states. The agent then asked Esquivel to step out of the vehicle.

Esquivel began to open the door but "suddenly" pulled out a black handgun and fired at the agent, the affidavit states. The agent ran back across the road to find cover and return fire. Esquivel then fled in the vehicle.

The agent holstered his gun and realized he had been shot twice in the back of his ballistic vest, the affidavit states. A plea agreement filed in federal court states Esquivel fired at least four shots.

The agent's supervisor arrived and took the agent to a hospital in Deming, New Mexico.

Esquivel lost control of the vehicle and rolled over multiple times, officials said. He ran away from the crash site and threw the gun away in the desert before he collapsed, officials said.

More: El Paso high school student arrested in smuggling case after migrant falls from overpass

Several people in the vehicle were injured in the crash, the affidavit states. Esquivel and one migrant were taken to an El Paso hospital for treatment. Court documents do not state what injuries Esquivel and the migrant suffered.

Law enforcement officers recovered a black Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun about 150 yards east of wherethe vehicle crashed in the desert, the affidavit states.

Shooter told migrants to 'Shut up'

FBI agents interviewed the migrants later that day. The migrants identified Esquivel as the driver of the vehicle and the shooter, the affidavit states.

At least two of the migrants told agents they saw Esquivel with the black handgun before and during the shooting.

The migrants pleaded with Esquivel to stop the vehicle as he fled. Esquivel told the migrants to "shut up," the affidavit states.

Esquivel claims he panicked and shot the agent

FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents interviewed Esquivel the next day at a hospital in El Paso. He was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to talk to the agents.

Esquivel was taking the migrants to Deming, New Mexico, when he was pulled over, he told the agents. He picked up the migrants in El Paso, officials said.

He initially thought a police officer was pulling him over but then realized it was a Border Patrol agent by the markings on the agent's ballistic vest, the affidavit states. He told the agents that he hid the gun under his leg so the Border Patrol agent would not see it.

More: Sunland Park brothers reindicted in migrant stash house case

Esquivel said he panicked when the agent asked him to get out of the car, so he pulled out the gun and fired at the agent, the affidavit states. He added the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun found in the desert was the gun he used in the shooting.

In a second interview with agents, Esquivel said he transported migrants illegally in the country at least four times, the affidavit states. He said he would talk to the smuggler on the WhatsApp messaging application to arrange where he would pick up and drop off the migrants.

Esquivel said he was expecting to be paid "$300 a head" for each migrant he took to Deming, the affidavit states.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso man pleads guilty to shooting Border Patrol agent
A few years back, Tesla was talking a huge talk about a supercomputer that it called Dojo, which was supposed to be key to the company's self-driving efforts.

Musk himself called it a "super power training computer" and a "beast." The car company claimed it was the fifth most powerful in the world. In 2022, the company's early prototype drew so much power that it tripped the power grid in Palo Alto, California.

Is the much-hyped supercomputer still a going concern? You'd think so, given all that braggadocio  but as highlighted by CleanTechnica, CEO Elon Musk was asked about it at a January investor meeting and his answer was absolutely baffling.

"I mean, the AI auto question is  that is a deep one," he said, tripping over his own words again and again. "So, we're obviously hedging our bets here with significant orders of Nvidia GPUs  or GPUs is the wrong word."

"Really needs to be  there's no  it doesn't even  it doesn't mean  you can't, like, produce graphics," he said. "So, that's what's  sort of a graphical processing unit, neural net processing unit or something like that."

"But I would, you know, think of Dojo as a long shot," he eventually admitted, after proffering that training a car is "much like" training a human.

"It's a long shot worth taking because the payoff is potentially very high," he mused. "But it's not something that is a high probability."

Dissecting Musk's largely nonsensical remarks, it's hard to believe the company is making much concrete progress on Dojo after all this time  or, if it is, it sounds like Musk has no idea about it.

In fact, it calls to mind an anecdote about Musk during his time at Zip2, one of his early companies. There, according to an employee, he put a normal PC inside a giant pompous wheeled case, which he would show off to potential investors and tell them it was a "mini supercomputer."

In other words, it sounds a lot like Musk is the same as he's always been: a talented marketer who leads with the hype, adjusting the story as he goes in response to reality. Remember when he first showed off a Tesla "robot" called Optimus, except that it was just a person in a suit?

Sometimes, these stories can take on a life of their own. Optimus is now an actual robot that can shuffle around and perform rudimentary tasks, though not without controversy.

Some of Musk's magic, though, may be starting to fade. Tesla's shares have been put through the wringer this year, in large part due to the mercurial CEO's racist antics. Earlier this month, Quartz reported that the company is now officially the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500, a market index tracking the 500 largest companies in the US.

There's still at least some lingering hype for Dojo. A September report by investment bank Morgan Stanley predicted that it could add a whopping $500 billion to the company's value. Shares jumped at the news, indicating some optimism about the project.

At the same time, as Clean Technica points out, Musk's most recent comments about Dojo are markedly different than how he was talking about the project a few years ago.

In fact, just six days before hopping on the earnings call, Musk threatened to pursue AI ventures "outside of Tesla" unless he was allowed to claw back a 25 percent stake, an increase of 12 percent given his standing at the time.

Incensed, some long-time investors accused Musk of "blackmailing" shareholders.

More on Tesla: Tesla Is Officially the Worst-Performing S&P 500 Stock of the Year
For twenty years, the tiny town of Haverhill, New Hampshire has held one of New Englands darkest secrets.

It was here on February 9th, 2004, that UMass nursing student Maura Murray vanished after a single-car crash on Route 112.

Mauras case has drawn international scrutiny, but to this day, there is no sign of what happened to Maura.

Theres been still no credible sightings. Nothing has been found. And its just been a nightmare for 20 years, Julie Murray, Mauras sister, tells me.

Julie Murray is now the familys spokesperson, but Julie is also Mauras tireless advocate, urging New Hampshire investigators to keep her sisters case alive.

I never thought in a million years Id be sitting here 20 years later, still without answers. And, you know, were kind of in the same place we were back in February 2004 with developments in the case, Julie Murray said.

In New Hampshire, authorities insist they are not giving up on Maura Maura. They say they are keeping all options open.

We regard this case as a suspicious missing persons case, Myles Matteson, Chief of the NH Attorney Generals Criminal Bureau told us.

The mystery of Maura Murrays disappearance begins at UMass Amherst on the afternoon of February 9th. Thats when Maura emailed professors about a death in the family, packed some things, and drove North.

There was no death in the family.

Surveillance images taken when Maura withdrew $280 from an off-campus ATM are the last images we have of her. Hours later, in Haverhill, NH, a neighbor heard a crash and called police. Another neighbor, a school bus driver, told police he approached Maura and offered her help, but she waived him off.

By the time police arrived minutes later, Maura was gone.

It was, a short time frame from when she crashed her car, was seen, interacted with on the side of the road until law enforcement arrived at the scene. So a matter of minutes, Matteson said.

Growing up, Maura and her family spent idyllic summers camping and hiking in New Hampshires White Mountains, but no one knows why she was traveling there in February 2004.

Julie Murray and her family quietly conduct their own searches, away from the intense public scrutiny that Mauras case attracts.

To have strangers online come up with wild conspiracy theories and speculation and misinformation. Thats just another layer of re-traumatization on top of a very vulnerable family, Julie Murray said.

Mauras family copes with her disappearance every day. They think Maura was a victim of foul play; they dont think she is still alive.

But at 20 years, their search for the truth continues.

Theres no quit in the Murray family, so were going to keep doing whatever it is we need to do to find Maura, Julie Murray said.

This week the FBI released a computer-generated image of what Maura Murray might look like today.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Maura Murray, contact the NH Cold Case unit at 603.271.2663. Or email them at coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 20-year-old man was arrested in San Elizario on Friday, Feb. 9 and was charged with burglary of vehicles, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were sent out to the 300 block of Purcell in San Elizario about a report of a burglary of vehicle.

Upon arrival and further investigation, deputies were able to find the suspect, who was identified as 20-year-old Andrew Isaiah Guerrero, the Sheriffs Office said.

Guerrero was taken into custody without incident and was subsequently booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility for burglary of vehicles with a $2,000 bond.



The Sheriffs Office said deputies previously arrested Guerrero in January for a separate burglary of a vehicle incident.



For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The citys Charter Review Committee delved into whether the City Commission should have more members and what impact that might have on community representation and the bitterly divided board itself.

The 10-person CRC, which first convened last month, discussed the issue and a related one, moving from at-large to single-member City Commission districts, during their meeting Thursday at City Hall. Currently, the City Commission is made up of five commissioners, all elected at-large or citywide.

Beth Corum, Chief Operating Officer at Capital City Bank, speaks to attendees of Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Conference during the breakfast session at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.

CRC member Beth Corum, CEO of Capital City Banking Group, said she is not in favor of expanding the commission without a conversation about representation. She said city commissioners have historically been clumped in one area of our city and that there are a lot of rooftops across town with no representation.

I dont have my mind made up which way I think the city should go, Corum said. But I do believe expansion comes with additional representation in other areas of our city.

Bruce Strouble

CRC member Bruce Strouble, an adjunct history professor at Tallahassee Community College, said he believed at-large commissioners do in fact represent their constituents. He questioned whether the CRC should be looking at representation based on where officials live or other factors, from demographics to socio-economic status.

I dont know that thats our charge, Strouble said. Weve only been asked to look at  the number of electors. Again, I have to reiterate this, if we go from five to seven to nine to 12 to 15 to 19, it doesnt mean that we would get everyone represented.

Jared Willis

CRC member Jared Willis, a lawyer, lobbyist and political consultant, gave the hypothetical that if the current commission is a "perfect image of what Tallahassee looks like" it doesn't guarantee that will always be the case as the city grows in population.

"I do think as we're talking about the number of electors, just moving from five to seven to nine to 11, without any other consideration is a mistake," Willis said.

CRC member Chantelle Dorsey, a DJ and Florida Channel employee, said adding more commissioners wouldn't change the City Commission's 3-2 voting dynamic. The commission often splits 3-2 on major issues, with Mayor John Dailey and Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox on one side and Commissioners Jack Porter and Jeremy Matlow on the other.

"Instead of a 3-2 break, we would have a 3-4 break," Dorsey said. "I think it's an ... expensive stalemate."

Strouble said he wasn't worried about the 3-2 voting block and that the CRC wasn't tasked with addressing that.

"I feel that that could be changed in one election," he said.

The CRC also again discussed whether city commissioners should be paid a higher salary and whether their pay should be tied to the Leon County Commission

The city charter currently calls for city commissioners to make half of what Leon County commissioners earn with the exception of the mayor, whose pay is based on the County Commission chairman's salary. County commissioners earn $90,577; city commissioners earn $45,288.

Committee members previously talked about taking commissioner salaries out of the charter, but CRC member Mark Mustian, a former city commissioner, called that a "recipe for disaster."

"So we're gonna have the elected officials vote on their own salaries?" he wondered aloud. "That wouldn't be the best idea at all."

The next CRC meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 15 at City Hall in the Tallahassee Room. The committee plans to begin voting on proposals at the following meeting on Feb. 20.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Charter Review Committee debates adding more commissioners
Romania issued a warning to the population of border settlements and took off F-16 fighter jets during the attack of Russian drones on Odesa Oblast on the night of 9-10 February.

Source: Romanian Ministry of National Defence, reported by European Pravda

Details: The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of Romania issued an air-raid warning in the Tulcea and Galati districts bordering Ukraines Odesa Oblast.

RO-Alert notifications were sent to residents of the districts by 01:00 local time, which lasted until almost 03:00. The Romanian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the air-raid warning was issued again at 05:00 and lasted until 06:20.

In addition, F-16 aircraft of the Turkish Air Force were taken off from the Fetesti air base on both occasions "to carry out search missions in the national airspace in this situation".

The Romanian Defence Ministry emphasised that no violations of Romanian airspace were recorded during the air-raid warnings, but that they are additionally checking the area around Tulcea just in case.

"The Ministry of National Defence strongly condemns the attacks carried out by the Russian Federation on the facilities and elements of civilian infrastructure in the Ukrainian Danube ports. These attacks are unjustified and seriously contradict the norms of international humanitarian law," the statement said.

Background:

On the morning of 10 February, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia attacked Ukraine with 31 drones, 23 of which were shot down. In Odesa Oblast, the attack took place in three waves, resulting in four wounded people and damaged civilian infrastructure in Odesa and Izmail.

This is not the first time that the Romanian-Ukrainian border has had an air-raid warning due to Russian drone attacks.

Support UP or become our patron!
Former President Donald Trump, now the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, made false claims Friday about the extent to which he and President Joe Biden each cooperated with federal authorities over the classified documents they each retained after they left office.

I cooperated with the very unfriendly and hostile feds. I cooperated far more than Biden did, Trump said in a speech to the National Rifle Association in Pennsylvania, echoing a claim he made in a written statement on Thursday. Trump continued soon after: But Biden fought them all the way. I didnt. Theyre trying to make it the other way; no, Biden fought them very hard and they never got what they wanted to get anyway.

Facts First: Trumps claims he cooperated with federal authorities far more than Biden did and that Biden fought them all the way are both not true. There is no reasonable argument that Trump cooperated as much as Biden, let alone far more: Biden cooperated with his federal investigation in multiple ways, according to the special counsel who probed his conduct, while Trump faces a charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice, among other obstruction-related charges, for allegedly trying in multiple ways to thwart the probe into his own conduct. In addition, even prior to the launch of the special counsel probe into Trump, Trump failed for months to comply with requests from the National Archives and Records Administration to return the documents in his possession  and then failed to return all of the documents after the Justice Department produced a grand jury subpoena for them.

The special counsel who handled the Biden probe, Robert Hur, wrote that there are serious aggravating facts in the Trump case that dont exist in the Biden case: Trumps alleged obstruction and Bidens thorough cooperation.

In a report in which he announced he would not be bringing charges against Biden, Hur wrote: Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite. According to the indictment, he not only refused to return the documents for many months, but he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it. In contrast, Mr. Biden turned in classified documents to the National Archives and the Department of Justice, consented to the search of multiple locations including his homes, sat for a voluntary interview, and in other ways cooperated with the investigation.

Hur added that Biden participated in an interview with our office that lasted more than five hours and provided written answers to most of our additional written questions.

The false claim that Biden fought them all the way

There is clearly no basis for Trumps claim that Biden fought them all the way. Hur documented numerous ways in which Biden cooperated with the special counsel and other federal authorities. In fact, Bidens representatives sparked the probe that eventually resulted in Hurs appointment by self-reporting in 2022 that they had appeared to find classified material in an office Biden had used.

As Hur wrote, Bidens representatives notified the National Archives and Records Administration on the same day in November 2022 that they discovered classified documents in his former Washington, DC, think tank office. Later that month, the day they discovered classified documents in the garage of his Delaware home, they notified the federal prosecutor who had been assigned to lead the initial investigation. The same day, Biden gave the FBI consent to search his garage.

In January 2023, Bidens team notified the federal prosecutor the day after they had discovered more classified material in Bidens house, and they allowed FBI agents in. Within days (it is not clear precisely when), Biden consented to an FBI search of his entire house. FBI agents were also permitted to search the think tank office and Bidens Senate papers at the University of Delaware, which Trump has previously falsely claimed Biden was not allowing anyone to see under any circumstances.

The false claim that Trumps cooperation exceeded Bidens

It is abundantly clear that Trumps cooperation with federal authorities in his own documents probe did not come close to matching Bidens  and thats obvious even without getting into special counsel Jack Smiths allegations of criminal obstruction by Trump. In 2021, before Smith was appointed, Trump failed for months to satisfy a series of requests from the National Archives and Records Administration to return official documents, all of which the Presidential Records Act says legally belong to NARA after the conclusion of a presidents term.

Trump finally returned 15 boxes to NARA in January 2022. But Smith alleges that Trump proceeded to engage in a conspiracy to obstruct justice.

After the Justice Department served Trump with a grand jury subpoena in May 2022 to return all documents with classification markings, Trumps team returned 38 such documents in June 2022, and one of his lawyers signed a certification saying that all records covered by the subpoena had been provided after a diligent search. But that was not true  the subsequent FBI search of Mar-a-Lago in August 2022, under a search warrant, found more than 100 documents with classification markings  and Smith alleges that various acts of Trump obstruction occurred during the period following the subpoena.

Smiths indictment of Trump alleges:

TRUMP endeavored to obstruct the FBI and grand jury investigations and conceal his continued retention of classified documents by, among other things,

a. suggesting that his attorney falsely represent to the FBI and grand jury that TRUMP did not have documents called for by the grand jury subpoena;

b. directing defendant WALTINE NAUTA [a personal aide] to move boxes of documents to conceal them from TRUMPs attorney, the FBI, and the grand jury;

c. suggesting that his attorney hide or destroy documents called for by the grand jury subpoena;

d. providing to the FBI and grand jury just some of the documents called for by the grand jury subpoena, while claiming that he was cooperating fully;

e. causing a certification to be submitted to the FBI and grand jury falsely representing that all documents called for by the grand jury subpoena had been produced  while knowing that, in fact, not all such documents had been produced;

and f. attempting to delete security camera footage at The Mar-a-Lago Club to conceal information from the FBI and grand jury.

Smiths indictment provides details behind these allegations. They are allegations, which have not been proven in court, but there are no such allegations about Biden.

PolitiFact previously fact-checked Trumps Thursday written statement asserting he had cooperated more than Biden, concluding that the claim is ridiculous.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has warned of fake websites supposedly linked to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Source: CCD

Quote: "The Internet is flooded with advertisements for websites supposedly linked to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These websites are located on different domains and are created by anonymous people.

The centre stresses that these sites are not associated with Valerii Zaluzhnyi and that the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have already been informed about their activities.

The enemy is likely behind the creation of these online platforms, seeking to divide Ukrainian society and using various means to do so. In particular, the sites lead to anonymous Telegram bots that collect information about users, which can be used against Ukrainian citizens in the future."

Details: The CCD warned against registering on these sites and asked people to follow only verified sources.

Support UP or become our patron!
Locals have feast of "gutu" to celebrate Tibetan New Year

Xinhua) 09:38, February 10, 2024

Sichod Wangmo (R) takes a bowl of "gutu" from her son at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

Sichod Wangmo (2nd R) and her family have "gutu" at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

Sichod Wangmo's grandson Pasang Norbu (R) talks with her great-granddaughter Yangjen Lhamo after dinner at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

Sichod Wangmo's great-grandson and great-granddaughter wait to have "gutu" at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

Sichod Wangmo's daughter-in-law cooks "gutu" at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

Sichod Wangmo has "gutu" at home in Damxung County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 8, 2024.

The Tibetan New Year coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.

Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu", a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning.

As the festival approaches, the village is exuding a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Like other locals, family members of Sichod Wangmo also gathered at home and enjoyed the feast, looking forward to having better days in the upcoming year. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
(Bloomberg) -- District Attorney Fani Willis began a romantic relationship with the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election-conspiracy case against Donald Trump before she hired him in 2021, a co-defendant of the former president claimed, contradicting her assertion that the affair started in 2022.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The claim was made Friday in a court filing by Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who accuses Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, and special prosecutor Nathan Wade of having an improper secret romance. Roman claims that taxpayers have paid Wade more than $650,000, and Willis benefited by taking trips with him. Roman wants a judge to dismiss racketeering charges against Trump and others, or remove Willis, Roman and the DAs office from the case.

In a Feb. 2 court filing, Willis admitted shes had a personal relationship with Wade, but denied they engaged in any misconduct, an assertion that he also made in an affidavit. Roman attorney Ashleigh Merchant seeks to use a Feb. 15 court hearing to show that Willis was lying. One of the witnesses she would call is Terrence Bradley, a lawyer who practiced with Wade and had represented him in his ongoing divorce, Merchant wrote.

Bradley has non-privileged, personal knowledge that the romantic relationship between Wade and Willis began prior to Willis being sworn as the district attorney for Fulton County, Georgia in January 2021, according to the filing. Bradley can confirm that Willis contracted with Wade after Wade and Willis began a romantic relationship, thus rebutting Wades claim in his affidavit that they did not start dating until 2022.

Read More: Trump Georgia Prosecutors Admit Affair, Deny Any Misconduct

Merchant wrote that several issues must be resolved to determine whether Willis and Wade should be disqualified.

Did Willis and/or Wade receive a personal interest or stake in Mr. Romans prosecution? according to the filing. Since Wade denied being in a personal relationship with Willis until after his appointment and has denied cohabiting with Willis, these contentions will need to be disproven. These issues address whether, and to what extent, Willis received personal benefits from monies she paid Wade for his work as a special prosecutor.

Willis has asked Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee to block subpoenas seeking her testimony, as well as that of Wade, Bradley and others.

The indiscriminate breadth with which defendant Roman has sought to secure testimony from District Attorney employees is troubling, and suggests an eye toward public narrative as opposed to legal remedy, the DAs office said in a Feb. 7 filing.

Wade said in his affidavit filed on Feb. 2: In 2022, District Attorney Willis and I developed a personal relationship in addition to our professional association and friendship. He added: No funds paid to me in compensation for my role as special prosecutor have been shared with or provided to District Attorney Willis.

The personal relationship has never involved direct or indirect financial benefit to Willis, they have no shared financial accounts, and they have never lived together, according to the DAs filing. When they travel together, the cost is divided roughly evenly between the two, with neither being primarily responsible for expenses of the other.

In Fridays filing, Merchant said Wades assertion that the relationship didnt start until 2022 is patently false.

Read More: Fani Willis Subpoenaed by House Over Whistleblowers Claim

Speculation about Williss relationship with Wade fueled a scandal that grew as she refused to comment beyond a Jan. 14 church speech when she said she was flawed and her critics were playing the race card. Willis, an elected Democrat, brought one of four criminal cases against Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to face Joe Biden again.

(Updates with details of filing)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A far-right group has released a video accusing the Oreo cookie brand of grooming children because of its partnership with PFLAG.

Is your favorite cookie company grooming children? the video from the National Legal and Policy Center asks. What happened to the kid-friendly cookie we used to all know and love? Dont let PFLAG and Oreo corrupt your children. The video features images of Pride events and books that anti-LGBTQ+ activists have sought to remove from schools, such as This Book Is Gay and Gender Queer. It was released Wednesday.

An accompanying press release claims that PFLAG condones gender transition treatments for children as young as three years old, and battles to make sure books with explicit content are allowed in public schools and libraries. The first is not true; children who are that young transition socially only and do not undergo any treatments. The second is an exaggeration; adults have every right to access books with explicit content, while for children and teens, PFLAG and other LGBTQ-supportive groups advocate for the availability of books with inclusive but age-appropriate content.

The press release uses several other typical right-wing themes, such as claiming LGBTQ-inclusive school curriculum indoctrinates children and that the American Library association, with which PFLAG has partnered to fight censorship, is Marxist-led.

The Advocate has asked for comment from PFLAG, which has not responded. The Oreo brand has been a generous donor to PFLAG over the years, sponsoring supportive films and fundraising events, and releasing special-edition cookies and packaging for Pride Month.

The National Legal and Policy Center is filing a shareholder resolution to be considered in May at the annual meeting of Mondelez International, Oreos parent company. It calls on the company to consider the risks of its partnership with PFLAG, which the resolution describes as a radical LGBTQ activist group. It mentions backlash against brands and companies that have LGBTQ+ connections, such as Bud Lights partnership with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney and Targets marketing of Pride merchandise. But these brands and companies have received praise for LGBTQ+ inclusion as well.

The National Legal and Policy Center isnt one of the better-known right-wing groups, but its leaders have many far-right connections. Paul Chesser, director of the centers Corporate Integrity Project, has worked with the Heartland Institute, and Carl Horowitz, director of the Organized Labor Accountability Project, was formerly with the Heritage Foundation, according to Influence Watch, an organization that profiles influencers of public policy. The center has previously criticized companies that support Black Lives Matter and accused President Joe Bidens administration of corruption.
Editor's note: The full names of the soldiers introduced in the story are not disclosed due to security concerns amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

DONETSK OBLAST  As artillery began pounding the cold-hardened ground ahead of them, two Ukrainian soldiers listened warily to shell impacts creep closer.

They were squeezed together in a roughly dug hole no deeper than half a meter, in a meager defensive position on the front line north of Avdiivka  an embattled city just outside Russian-occupied Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. It was November, and cold weather had already gripped the east of the country.

The two soldiers, Oleksandr, 42, and Anatoly, 31, sat quietly together, holding their breath. Oleksandr knew that the hole provided inadequate cover for the two men.

And as he had feared, a Russian mortar landed right next to the pair on their fifth and last night at the position. Anatoly was struck in the back by shrapnel.



Ukrainian police officers patrol a residential area after shelling in the front-line city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, on Oct. 17, 2023. (Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"Everything happened quickly, and he was screaming," Oleksandr said, recalling how the darkness prevented him from seeing anything.

"I wrapped him (with bandages), did everything (I could)," he added, describing how he felt all over Anatolys body to feel the wetness of blood to work out where his comrade had been wounded.

The pair had to wait 10 hours for medical evacuation due to the relentless Russian shelling. Of two other pairs of soldiers positioned nearby, three were killed and one wounded in the same artillery attack.

The account of Oleksandr, a soldier with an anti-tank platoon of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, matches other testimony that there are almost no fortified positions on the very front line near Avdiivka  further threatening the lives of those tasked with defending the city.

Many infantrymen and other soldiers deployed on the first line of defense have complained that their positions  often just holes like the one described by Oleksandr  appear to have been poorly prepared ahead of the major Russian offensive on Avdiivka. With Russian forces constantly on heavy assault, there is almost no time to build anything more.

Oleksandr, a soldier deployed in an anti-tank platoon with the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade fighting near Avdiivka, poses for a photo at his base near the front line in Donetsk Oblast on Dec. 22, 2023. (Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

The second line of defense, a few kilometers behind the front, is still being built, according to nearly a dozen interviewed soldiers.

While Russia continued to strengthen its defense lines even as it launched an offensive on multiple axes over the winter, Ukraine appears to have done little to prepare for a long attritional battle during its summer counteroffensive.

Given the current intensity of the Russian attacks on front-line positions at Avdiivka, soldiers say they have to make do with what they have.

Read also: Ukraine finally moves to fortify front line, but could it be too little too late?

This puts soldiers lives at heightened risk, leaving them without proper protection from Russias continuous attacks.

In comments to the Kyiv Independent, the Defense Ministry said that Ukraine has been constructing the fortifications near Avdiivka since 2014 and has been focusing on areas at highest risk since 2022.

However, in November 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for work on fortifying Ukrainian defenses on the major fronts to be accelerated. Ukraine then created a working group to organize the building of second and third defensive lines using private contractors  with the military organizing the first defense line.

Wounded Ukrainian soldiers wait to be transferred for medical treatment on the front line near Avdiivka, Ukraine, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu/Getty Images)

All the same, even a well-built trench needs to be constantly maintained, as Russia is using "bulldozer tactics," according to former Ukrainian colonel and military analyst Serhiy Hrabskyi.

Hrabskyi stressed that positions on the first defense line  regardless of how much time was spent on their fortification  could be quickly deformed due to the sheer force of Russias firepower.

These are deliberate Russian tactics: pounding Ukrainian positions with artillery and mortar fire so that only small holes are left, and the defense is compromised, the expert said. It would be suicidal for engineering troops to come forward to construct fortifications during active fighting, he added.

But no matter the conditions of the positions, the Ukrainian soldiers say that they are determined to hold the ground for as long as their commanders order them to defend Avdiivka.

"Im ready, but I don't know if Ill be there until the end," Oleksandr said as he spoke to the Kyiv Independent, sitting on a bed in a cottage behind the lines where he was based. Tears welling in his eyes, he said he was thinking of his daughter.

Read also: When dying stops being scary: Worn out Ukrainian soldiers in Donbas hold off Russian assaults

Ukraines military admitted on Feb. 8 that Russian forces had entered Avdiivka.

"Combat clashes are taking place not only in the residential sector in the north of the city, but also within the citys urban development," said Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesman for Tavria group overseeing the southeastern front.

Russian forces are applying their main efforts in the north of Avdiivka, trying to cut off the main logistic route into the city and achieve its "operational encirclement," Lykhovii said.

Now the situation in Avdiivka, a Ukrainian fortress that was briefly occupied in 2014, is more critical than ever, with Russian forces only a few kilometers away from fully encircling the city.

Ukrainian soldiers  even those defending the city since the beginning of the full-scale war  acknowledged that the fall of Avdiivka seems inevitable, given Russias offensive capability that is extremely costly but still effective in the long run.

Rob Lee, a military expert and Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, agrees that "if the flanks collapse too far and the resupply roads come under too much fire, there may be a point where it becomes too difficult or costly to continue holding the city."

"If Russia commits enough resources to Avdiivka and Ukraine runs low on artillery ammunition, Russia may be able to take the city  though likely only at high cost," Lee said.

Russia's major offensive

Russia unleashed one of its heaviest offensives on the eastern Avdiivka sector in mid-October, as Ukraines summer counteroffensive began to grind to a halt in Zaporizhzhia, in the south.

Thrusting forward columns of armored vehicles, Russia attempted to squeeze back the defenses of Avdiivka using vast troop numbers  pressuring the lines around the Ukrainian stronghold from the north, east, and south.

Observing Russias offensive, the U.K. Defense Ministry said that despite suffering heavy personnel and equipment losses, Russia had launched what was likely to be its "most significant offensive operation" since at least January 2023, involving multiple armored battalions.

The first month-and-a-half of Russias massive frontal assault on Avdiivka had likely led it to face "some of the highest Russian casualty rates of the war so far," the ministry said in a November intelligence bulletin.

Now, four months into the operation, the Russians made some gains north of Avdiivka, drawing closer to the giant Avdiivka Coke Plant and the main road leading into the city  a crucial logistic route for Ukraine.

To the south, Russian forces have already controlled the industrial zone  previously a Ukrainian strongpoint  since December 2023, expert Hrabskyi said.

Buildings of the Avdiivka Coke plant rise behind fields outside the city of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, on March 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

"Even at the cost of these colossal losses, (Russian forces) were able to achieve a result," Hrabskyi said. They were ordered to enter the industrial zone  they did it. They lost a completely extraordinary number of people  thats another issue. But they got in (Avdiivka) and can keep going."

"Its very difficult to say at what point the defense of Avdiivka will become impractical for Ukrainian forces," he added.

Read also: As Bakhmut counteroffensive lags, soldiers burnt out from horrors of war

If the defenses preventing Russia from closing the current five-kilometer gap between the north and south flanks are compromised, Ukraine might no longer see much point in defending the city, according to Hrabskyi. A decision to pull out may come if Russia manages to reduce the gap by a kilometer or two, which would allow Russian mortars  not just artillery  to hit the main supply route into the city, he said.

It would be disadvantageous for Ukraine to fight in Avdiivka itself, as the quantity of troops plays a major role in urban warfare, as was seen in the Russian assault on Bakhmut, the expert said.

The particularly fierce fighting rages on in the northern part of Avdiivka.

Russia appears to be planning to cut off the Ukrainian forces by entering between a Soviet-era coke plant  which has an extensive network of tunnels beneath it  in the westernmost part of the city and a quarry roughly five kilometers eastward, the spokesman of Ukraines Tavria military group, Lykhovii, said on Feb. 8.

Hrabskyi and many of the soldiers agreed that losing the plant would make the defense of Avdiivka "practically meaningless."

A bird's-eye view of the city as an airstrike on the Metinvest coke plant is seen in the background of Avdiivka, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2023. (Vlada Liberova / Libkos via Getty Images)

For sapper Oleksandr, the initial days of Russias major offensive on Avdiivka are a blur.

Deployed near the plant, Oleksandr went as close as 50 to 100 meters from the nearest Russian positions to lay anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in what he called "the dead zone." Targeting the routes often used by Russian assault groups, he worked sector by sector during the quieter moments, day and night.

But thats not enough to stop the Russians.

"It is necessary to build a line of defense with trenches, a system of fire points, minefields, etc.," Oleksandr explained. For us, it's like this: We have trenches, and that's it, it's enough.

"We just need to build a defense line in which they (the Russian troops) would suffer colossal losses. It is being built, but f*ck, if it had been built (earlier)"

Bakhmut flashbacks

For the soldiers currently fighting in the Avdiivka sector, Russias tactics  relying on massive numbers of troops to wear down defenses  are only too familiar.

Many of them were deployed in Bakhmut over the brutal winter months of the previous year, and remember how Russian troops first squeezed defenses on the flanks before taking their offensive into the city.

Russia appears confident that its high-expense tactics will also work in the Avdiivka area, and is throwing everything  men and equipment in massive numbers  into battle, soldiers and experts say.

Many Ukrainian soldiers said they expected Avdiivka to suffer a similar fate to Bakhmut  where Russia eventually nearly encircled the defenders, and cut the supply routes into the city, forcing a Ukrainian withdrawal.

"There are just so many of them (Russian troops), and they are just advancing on quantity," said Vitalii, a night drone pilot with the Skala 425th Assault Battalion. He says he tries not to think about what might happen to the city.

Meanwhile, Major Mykola from the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade deployed south of Avdiivka said he thought Russia wouldnt achieve an encirclement of the city, but that Ukraine might withdraw anyway to save its troops.

Major Mykola with the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade deployed near Avdiivka poses for a photo in front of his base in Donetsk Oblast on Dec. 20, 2023. (Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Observing Russian troop movements from above, Vitalii said he felt that those deployed near Avdiivka were more experienced than the Wagner mercenaries he encountered in the Bakhmut area  with a level of training similar to that of the Ukrainians.

If Russian forces capture the villages of Stepove and Berdychi to the northwest of Avdiivka, the situation in the city would be critical, Vitalii believes. He added that the Russians were working effectively first in small, hard-to-detect groups  followed up by a coordinated assault by larger groups.

Extraordinarily, some civilians, mostly elderly people, are still present in the already war-ruined city.

Avdiivka's head of military administration, Vitalii Barabash, poses for a photo in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, on Dec 21, 2023. (Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Though surrounded by some of the heaviest fighting of this war, less than 1,000 civilians of the original 32,000 pre-war population continue to live in dire conditions in Avdiivka, head of the citys military administration Vitalii Barabash said.

In contrast to the soldiers, Barabash is sure Ukraine will hold the city, although he acknowledged that the whole of Avdiivka is under fire, and particularly the central part of the city with its many multi-story buildings.

"There is no building unscathed. That is, they are all damaged," Barabash said, adding that Russian troops intensified their attacks on Avdiivka itself on Oct. 10, 2023  the very day they began their large-scale offensive.

Barabash, who regularly visits the city to try to persuade residents to flee their homes, said that regular apartment basements in Avdiivka arent the best protection  they may withstand artillery attacks, but not hits by Russian KAB guided aerial bombs.

As of late December, more than 160 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 360 wounded in Avdiivka, Barabash said.

Asked if any preparation was ongoing in case of the potential capture of Avdiivka by Russia, Barabash said, "we have plan A, plan B, and plan C  there are different options, (and) were always discussing them." He gave no further details.

On Feb. 6, Barabash called the situation surrounding Avdiivka "very difficult," even critical in some areas, but insisted that it is still under control.

A soldier with the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade poses for a photo near the Avdiivka front line in Donetsk Oblast on Dec. 20, 2023. (Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Resources shortage

Nearly two years into the full-scale war, long-lingering problems  including the lack of preparation of fortifications  are starting to become even more serious.

Along the front line, Ukrainian soldiers complain of severe shortages of ammunition, equipment, troops, and drones.

Compared to the 120 shells allocated to each tank in southern Kherson Oblast during Ukraines fall 2022 counteroffensive, for example, tanks are now rationed 15-20 shells each as of December, according to tank crews with the 59th brigade.

A group of soldiers from a Grad 122 mm multiple rocket launcher battery with the 59th also said the ammunition shortage only allows them to shoot one rocket at a time  while their launchers can shoot 40 in one salvo.

"Were working like regular, barrel artillery right now," soldier Bohdan said. "Instead of 40 (rockets, were shooting) one."

Military experts said that the future of the battle for Avdiivka would depend on how many resources each side is able to garner for it. For Ukraine, Western military aid will thus be a crucial factor in the coming months.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry and the General Staff didn't respond to the Kyiv Independent's questions as of publication time.

Among the most serious issues reported all along the front line is that Ukraine is facing a major personnel shortage  particularly in the infantry.

To reinforce infantry units after heavy losses, Ukraine has transferred soldiers from units specialized in artillery or logistics to infantry positions, according to the soldiers interviewed by the Kyiv Independent. This means soldiers deployed on the first defensive line may not even know the basic survival skills of an infantryman, which results in even more casualties.

Serhii, a 20-year-old artilleryman with the 59th, said that his originally 64-man artillery group had sent 15 men to the front line. He said most of them had been killed in their first days there. He attributes it to the fact they "knew almost nothing" about being in the infantry. Only four out of 15 survived.

A photo capturing a tank near the Avdiivka front line in Donetsk Oblast on Dec. 19, 2023. (Editor's Note: The number on the tank has been blurred for security purposes.) (Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

A similar way of repurposing soldiers was previously reported by multiple soldiers in the Bakhmut sector, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Avdiivka, during Ukraines costly defense of that city last year.

Hrabskyi says that circumstances force Ukrainians to use such "non-standard methods."

"Now (Ukrainian forces) are looking for any opportunity to inflict maximum damage on the enemy and delay its advance, gaining time," Hrabskyi said.



Read also: Ukrainian soldiers storming eastern bank of Dnipro fear their mission is hopeless

______________________________________________________

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Asami Terajima, the author of this article.

Thank you for reading our story. 2024 is expected to be yet another bloody and tough year for Ukrainian soldiers on the front line. Everywhere I go, I see exhaustion and pain in the soldiers' eyes, and the least I can do is write about every stage and aspect of the war in Ukraine. To help the Kyiv Independent tell more stories that would otherwise not be told, please consider supporting us by becoming our patron.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A man has admitted to sexually exploiting a West Michigan minor after being extradited from Spain to face federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Michigan.

On Thursday, 24-year-old Kristian Ignacio Feliz, of Connecticut, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, the office announced Friday in a release.

Feliz admitted to using an internet messaging platform to compel a minor located in Kalamazoo to make and distribute child pornography of herself, according to the attorneys office. This took place from October 2022 to January 2023. Then, in early January 2023, the office says Feliz went to Kalamazoo and recorded himself having sex with the same minor.

He was indicted in March 2023 and extradited from Spain in November to face the charges, according to the release.

My office is committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from child exploitation, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. I appreciate the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, FBI, and our Spanish law enforcement partners for their persistent and successful efforts to bring Mr. Feliz to justice.

Feliz is expected to be sentenced in May. The attorneys office says he faces between 15 and 30 years in federal prison.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) long-shot bid against President Biden has humiliated the lawmaker again and again.

Fetterman joined CNNs Abby Phillip Friday evening, where he scoffed at the mention of Phillipss name. He reacted to a clip of Phillips declaring that the Democratic Party should have done more to urge Biden to pass the torch, as questions around the Presidents age and mental competency continue to cloud his reelection efforts.

Whats sad is to have some guy with way too much money and he wants to piss it away and somehow help Trump at this point. So, he has the right to do that, but hes just been humiliated again and and again and again, Fetterman said, Mediaite highlighted.

Phillips announced in October that he would be challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination. After previously signaling he would not run, Phillips said Biden has done a great job as president, but it was time to provide someone younger the opportunity to lead.

Phillips is one of the wealthiest members of Congress, and is heir to his stepfathers distilling company empire. He is also former co-owner of gelato company Talenti.

Fetterman argued that Phillips, like all of the GOP candidates who jumped in the race against former President Trump, are irrelevant.

Its going to come down to that same choice between Trump and Biden, Fetterman predicted.

Phillips backtracked last month from his original plan of suspending his campaign by March 5 if he didnt gain enough momentum. He said in January that he would now stay in the race as long as it takes to have a match-up with Trump.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The final two victims who were among six people found shot to death in the Mojave Desert were identified Friday night.

The massacre took place on Jan. 23 in a remote desert area in Adelanto, located in San Bernardino County.

At the time, the San Bernardino County deputies received a call from one of the victims, Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, saying he had been shot.

Deputies responded to the area at around 8:15 p.m. and with assistance from a California Highway Patrol airship, quickly located five bodies. The sixth victim was discovered the following morning.

All of the victims had been shot to death while four of them were also burned, authorities said. The four victims who were initially identified were:

Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, of Adelanto

Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, of Hesperia

Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, of Hesperia

Jose Ruelas-Calderon, 45, of El Mirage

The last two victims to be identified Friday night are:

Narcisco Sandoval, 47

Adrian Ochoa-Salgado, 41

This aerial image from Sky5 taken on Jan. 24, 2024, shows evidence markers where several people were found shot to death in El Mirage. (KTLA)

A SUV is seen riddled with bullet holes and surrounded by evidence markers in the Mojave Desert near Victorville, California on Jan. 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Investigators are seen at the dirt crossroads in the Mojave Desert where the bodies of six people were discovered. Jan. 24, 2024. (KTLA)

A vehicle where six people were found dead is seen in El Mirage on Jan. 24, 2024. (DonLuisMeza)

This aerial image from Sky5 taken on Jan. 24, 2024, shows evidence markers where several people were found shot to death in El Mirage. (KTLA)

A SUV is seen riddled with bullet holes and surrounded by evidence markers in the Mojave Desert near Victorville, California on Jan. 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Authorities investigate after six bodies were found off Highway 395 in El Mirage on Jan. 23, 2024. (OnScene.TV)

Sketch of one of six victims brutally killed in the Mojave Desert on Jan. 23, 2024. (SBSD)

The circumstances leading up to the killings remain unclear, but investigators believe it may have stemmed from a dispute over illegal marijuana.

At the scene, a dark-colored Chevrolet Trailblazer with an Oregon license plate had shattered windows and was riddled with bullet holes. Just yards away, a white Dodge Caravan minivan was also found.

Following the deadly shooting incident, authorities used human and technological sources to track down and arrest five suspects who were identified as:

Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, of Apple Valley

Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, of Apple Valley

Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, of Adelanto

Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, of Adelanto

Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26, of Adelanto

County investigators have not confirmed whether the massacre is related to the cross-border drug trade saying, We cant comment on if this is cartel-related or not.

Man sentenced to death for quadruple murder in Riverside County

The Shadow Mountain area, which is just west of where the murders took place, is known for illicit marijuana incidents, according to SBSD Sherriff Shannon Dicus.

The killings remain under investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Michelle Del Rio at 909-890-4904 or Deputy Coroner Carol Fostore at 909-387-2978.

Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley pointed the finger at her competitor and former president Donald Trump when talking about a string of GOP setbacks this week.

"Republicans had a really bad day," Haley told a crowd in Newberry, South Carolina Saturday afternoon.

"The reality is chaos follows him," she added, referring to Trump. "On that day of all those losses, he had his fingerprints all over it."

House Republicans suffered back-to-back blows Tuesday, as their long-awaited vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed  with the help of a handful of their own members  along with the GOP's proposed Israel funding bill.

That same day, a federal appeals panel ruled that Trump is not immune to charges alleging he tried to overturn the 2020 election. The judges rejected arguments by Trump's legal team that a president could not be prosecuted unless impeached and convicted by Congress.

"What is happening?" Haley asked, before placing blame with the former president.

Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Spartanburg, S.C., Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.

"We can't be a country in disarray and a world on fire and go through four more years of chaos. We won't survive it," Haley said.

Haley included in her list of Republican losses rumors of Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel's post-South Carolina primary exit, in the wake of tension between Trump and McDaniel.

South Carolinians will head to the polls for the GOP primary election on Feb. 24. Haley, South Carolina's former governor, has events planned throughout her home state this weekend, ahead of Monday's early voting start date.

Haley also took aim at President Joe Biden in her speech to Newberry Saturday, who had his own rough day Thursday after a special counsel report described the president as "a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory."

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington.

The White House fired back at the report, with Biden's attorneys criticizing what they called "highly prejudicial language." Biden also angrily rejected the claims, telling a press conference Thursday night that his "memory is fine."

"He can fight it all he wants," said Haley, who has called for mental competency tests for politicians throughout her presidential campaign.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley blames Trump for Republican losses, takes swipe at Biden
WESLEY CHAPEL, Florida  Donald Trump continued his steady march toward the GOP nomination on Saturday after the Florida Republican Party endorsed him for president.

It marks the Florida Republican Partys biggest embrace of the former president yet and comes just weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 contest.

For the state party to take the action that it did is a commanding statement, said state Sen. Joe Gruters, newly elected national committee member for the Republican National Committee. This race is over. The party's 100 percent behind the former president. And there's zero doubt now.

The motion for the state committee to support Trump came from Rep. Dean Black, who chairs the Duval County GOP and said the vote was met with clapping, cheering, standing ovation. Trump, who didnt attend Saturdays state GOP meeting near Tampa, is widely considered the likely nominee for president though former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is still in the race.

We recognized what the American people are saying all across the country, and that is that this primary is now pointless, Black said. It's clear that the people want Donald Trump as their nominee for President of the United States.

The partys support of the former president solidified Trumps dominance in his adopted home state after a bruising primary against DeSantis in which the former president repeatedly mocked and politically outflanked the governor in his native state  one that handed DeSantis a historic 19-point reelection victory in 2022 but whose GOP ultimately sided with Trump.

Several Republicans said they were relieved by Saturdays vote since various members had split allegiances with two leading candidates running for president from Florida. People are excited to actually start getting together and rolling downhill towards the general, Lee County Chair Michael Thompson said.

Even before DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race, Trump garnered support from the states congressional delegation and GOP grassroots members in counties across Florida through straw polls and formal endorsements.

Trump over months courted Florida Republicans thanks to an organized campaign apparatus composed of experienced, Florida-based operatives, including Susie Wiles, who formerly worked for DeSantis.

Last November, the former president set aside prime seating at a campaign rally in the Cuban-majority city of Hialeah, while skipping out on the Republican presidential debate in Miami, and just days later invited 250 volunteers to Mar-a-Lago for an evening outdoor reception to show his appreciation for their work.

Trump also spoke at a Republican Party of Florida meeting in Kissimmee in November alongside a handful of lawmakers who flipped in his favor, bringing them onstage and praising them each by name in a knife-twisting showdown where the words Florida is Trump Country were projected over video monitors behind him onstage. DeSantis, however, received more support for his presidential bid from state lawmakers.

Under pressure from Trump backers, top officials in the Republican Party of Florida voted in September to remove a provision in its state bylaws that required any candidate seeking to be on the March 19 presidential primary ballot to pledge loyalty to the eventual GOP nominee.

Florida-based Trump senior adviser Brian Hughes said Trump welcomed the endorsement and said the former presidents connection to the state was special.

We see now more than ever Florida will be bright Red for President Trump, he said over text message.

DeSantis also didnt attend Saturdays two-day party meeting, centered on training ahead of the election and electing party officers. Trump won Florida by three points over Biden in 2020, and polling shows him ahead for 2024. Republicans out-register Democrats by more than 800,000 voters in Florida and are committed to sign up even more in the coming months.

DeSantis endorsed Trump immediately after dropping out of the presidential race but days later raised doubts that the former president could win in November due to lack of enthusiasm and continued to pummel him over his Covid record. Since returning to Tallahassee, DeSantis has been holding regular events throughout the state, often to criticize President Joe Biden.

Anthony Sabatini, who chairs the Lake County GOP, said he advised the state party to endorse Trump way earlier  at the very start of the presidential primary  because it would have saved us $400 million, referring to rival GOP campaigns and political action committees.

We as the party had the political obligation to prevent a wasted primary, he said.

This weekend also capped off a time of turmoil for the Republican Party of Florida, which recently ousted former chair Christian Ziegler amid a sexual assault investigation. Police ultimately chosen not to recommend Ziegler be charged with rape but he could face charges of illegally recording the alleged victim in the case.

We had a real tough primary, said Thompson of Lee County. Every primary is really tough, but this one was extremely tough because of the candidates that were running. We're excited to get past the Ziegler-gate, get past the endorsements here, get everything back on track.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast took matters into his own hands after having to chase a DUI driver who tried to run away from a crash Wednesday.

The Citrus County Sheriffs Office said Prendergast was in the area of Gulf to Lake Highway and Homosassa Trail when he found a crash that severely damaged at least one vehicle.

$36M Mega Millions ticket sold at Florida Publix to expire this weekend

After speaking to witnesses at the scene, Prendergast learned that the suspect, identified by the sheriffs office as Michael Sutton, ran into the woods.

The sheriffs office said Prendergast told dispatch he would look for the suspect himself. The CCSO air unit helped the sheriff from the air as he began searching for Sutton.

Shortly after the Sheriff had entered the woods and began calling out for the suspect to surrender, the pilot radioed that the suspect was raising his hands to surrender, the sheriffs office said. Sgt. Strickland and the Sheriff subsequently detained the suspect.

Sutton has been charged with DUI with property damage and leaving the scene with property damage. While he suffered injuries while fleeing, the victims were uninjured.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Shed no tears this Valentines Day. Shred them instead.

Scorned lovers can savor the holiday this year by tearing mementos of their exes into pieces  just like their hearts once were torn apart.

Just get a $16.50 ticket to the pop-up Crushed Heartbreak Bar at The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New York City in NoMad, where you can then write whatever you want about your former flame on an index card  and then put it through a shredder.

The bar closes on March 3.

Upon arrival, youll be poured a Banish Your Ex shot, which is served with a dropper, so your exs tears can be added to the glass of Belvedere vodka, apricot, and Pama liqueur.

The waitress will ask you to recite this mantra as your drink: I banish you from harming me, now leave my life and let me be.

Brooklynite Indy K. shreds an ex she broke up with the week prior. Stefano Giovannini

Brooklynite Indy K.s wounds were still fresh when she showed up at the bar on Thursday.

She had just split with her boyfriend of four years after she learned he was unfaithful  from the woman he was cheating with.

I broke up with him because a girl called my phone 40 times looking for him, the 34-year-old told The Post. He was living with her.

The note she shredded said Muah sin barras which means Youre done in Spanish.

Liliana Francisco said, Cheating is the endgame for most relationships. Stefano Giovannini

Liliana Francisco, 45, of the Bronx was also there to rid herself of a major cheater she dated for four years.

Cheating is the endgame for most relationships, she warned. But Im ready to shred, ready to let that go.

She recalled the red flags she ignored, which included him having a lot of social media interaction with followers and being very friendly with females.

The venue provides tissues while playing breakup-themed songs like Flowers by Miley Cyrus, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, Justin Timberlakes Cry Me a River, and Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande.

Jenn DImperio learned never to date a deejay after the one she was with broke up with her over text. Stefano Giovannini

Jenn DImperio, 36, of New Jersey, shredded a deejay she met through work and dated for nine months long distance  and penned Dont date a DJ on the piece of paper she decimated.

We were supposed to be going to my cousins wedding in California, I was a bridesmaid, he was coming to meet my entire family, she recalled. And five days before we were supposed to leave, he broke up with me through a text message and then blocked me.

Moral of the story: dont date a deejay.

Thirty-six-year-old Christian Z. of Queens was hoping to move on from a colleague he dated  and shredded the words Fk it, I tried.

A coworker, they never end well, he warned.

DImperio and her friends enjoy the Banish your Ex shot. Stefano Giovannini

Monica U. referenced her ex, whom she dated for five years, in her note, which read Young Love Sometimes Doesnt Last. Stefano Giovannini

Monica U. of Queens  who wore a heart-printed dress  was there to shred a man she met through mutual friends and dated for a rough five years.

Im a single parent, and he was never used to that, the 32-year-old said before she shredded her note, which read Young Love Sometimes Doesnt Last.

She gave him the boot a few years ago and has since moved on  as did he.

I actually bumped into him a week ago. He has a wife and a kid, she said. It was so weird.
PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN)  Former Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon has taken a new role as Pflugervilles Director of Emergency Services, the City of Pflugerville told KXAN Friday.

Chacon started in the role Dec. 18. In September 2023, Chacon retired from APD after 25 years of service and two years leading the department.

APD Chief Joseph Chacon to retire; chief of staff named as interim police chief

With 25 years as a Pflugerville resident and former Austin police chief, Chacon brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, the City said. As a longtime resident, he understands the unique needs of Pflugerville, ensuring that safety and well-being remain paramount.

The emergency services director coordinates the citys disaster response and emergency preparedness among other emergency-related responsibilities.

APD Chief Joseph Chacon gives a media briefing after a shooting involving an Austin Police Department officer (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Judge Dayna Blazey officially swore Joseph Chacon in Oct. 29 as Austins new police chief. (KXAN photo)

FILE: APD Interim Chief Joseph Chacon gives an update at the scene of a triple shooting in northwest Austin in the Arboretum area on April 18, 2021. (KXAN Photo)

APD Chief Joseph Chacon (KXAN Photo).

Interim APD Chief Joseph Chacon addresses rising crime in the downtown area and gives an update on the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) that was launched in April 2021 (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)

The City said Chacon is committed to enhancing emergency preparedness and will develop and implement comprehensive plans to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The man at the center of the largest and most costly public corruption trial in Tulare County history pleaded no contest on Friday to six felony and two misdemeanor counts.

However, former Healthcare Conglomerate Associates' CEO Dr. Yorai Benny Benzeevi will likely not spend any jail time for his admitted crimes. The plea agreement requires the emergency room doctor to pay the Tulare Local Healthcare District $2.4 million in restitution, serve 120 days of house detention, and do community service and probation.

When a defendant enters a no-contest plea, they agree to accept the court's sentencing without admitting guilt.

Benzeevi could face at least five years in custody if he violates any of the plea agreement terms.

"Healthcare is truly a basic quality of life issue, and the rural health care system in California is fragile," District Attorney Tim Ward stated. "I view the Tulare Regional Medical Center as a vulnerable victim, and I am pleased the hospital and the citizens of Tulare have persevered to arrive at this significant day."

Benzeevi was facing up to 40 years in prison for multiple criminal counts during his controversial administration of Tulare Regional Medical Center from 2013-2017. When charges were filed in 2020, the district attorney's office had estimated that Benzeevi could have been ordered to pay up to $20 million in restitution to the hospital district if convicted on all counts.

Former Healthcare Conglomerate Associates' CEO Dr. Yorai Benny Benzeevi, left, and his attorney Nina Marino appear Friday, February 9, 2024 via Zoom during a hearing conducted by Judge Michael Sheltzer in Tulare County Superior Court .

Tulare County Superior Judge Michael Sheltzer ordered no jail time for Benzeevi so he could continue to work and pay restitution.

Benzeevi will return to court in July for the official sentencing hearing.

It is unclear how the plea will affect Benzeevi's medical license. According to the Medical Board of California, Benzeevi's medical license is valid through 2025 and is based in Sherman Oaks.

Tulare Local Healthcare District President Kevin Northcraft was grateful for the "unwavering pursuit of justice" by the district attorney's office, he said in a statement to the Times-Delta/Advance-Register.

Benzeevi and his co-defendants inflicted "immeasurable damage" on Tulare's healthcare system, Northcraft said.

In a statement, Citizens for Hospital Accountability, a grassroots group of Tulare citizens who raised concerns about HCCA and spearheaded a recall election against HCCA supporters on the healthcare district board, described the court hearing as "monumental."

"On this day, it isnt just a saying that justice shall prevail, it is reality," the Citizens for Hospital Accountability wrote. "There can be no celebration that any of this happened at all, but there is a celebration to know we have all helped to put an end to it."

The statement also praised Ward and the prosecutors and investigators who worked on the case.

"Moving forward, our efforts and resources will be focused on the remaining defendant in a combined quest for justice for these victims," Ward stated.

Judge Michael Sheltzer conducts a hearing in Tulare County Superior Court on Friday, February 9, 2024 for the former Healthcare Conglomerate Associates' CEO Dr. Yorai Benny Benzeevi, left, and his attorney Nina Marino via Zoom.

Where do the other defendants stand?

Benzeevi's plea deal was similar to co-defendant Alan Germany, the former HCCA CFO who, in December 2023, pleaded guilty to charges of conflict of interest while running the hospital but avoided jail time after he agreed to pay $150,000 in restitution, serve 540 hours of community service and write a letter of apology to the hospital district for his conduct.

Deputy District Attorney Trevor Holly had wanted Germany to spend one year in jail for his crimes, but Sheltzer ruled that the first-time, non-violent offender did not qualify for incarceration.

The final defendant in the sprawling corruption case, former HCCA attorney Bruce Greene, is expected back in court in May. In January 2023, Greene's firm settled a civil lawsuit with the Tulare hospital district for $3 million.

It is unknown if Germany and Benzeevi have agreed to testify against Greene, who is facing charges of conflict of interest, grand theft, conspiracy, money laundering, and multiple counts of embezzlement by a public officer.

Tulare County Assitant District Attorney Kirk Davis speaks to media Friday, February 9, 2024. following a hearing with former Healthcare Conglomerate Associates' CEO Dr. Yorai Benny Benzeevi and his attorney Nina Marino via Zoom in Tulare County Superior Court.

The case against HCCA

In 2020, Benzeevi, Germany, and Greene were charged with more than 80 combined crimes, including grand theft, conspiracy, money laundering, and multiple counts of embezzlement by a public officer.

Those crimes revolved around HCCA's controversial 2013-2017 administration of Tulare Regional Medical Center that led to patient deaths, a failed bond measure, recall elections, payrolls being missed, closure of the hospital, bankruptcy, and the eventual 2018 takeover and reopening by Adventist Health of the Tulare public hospital.

"It is alleged that the defendants used control of public hospital entities to enrich themselves through the improper use of taxpayer and private loans, and other public integrity crimes," the Tulare County District Attorney's Office wrote in a 2020 press release announcing the charges.

Judge Michael Sheltzer conducts a hearing in Tulare County Superior Court on Friday, February 9, 2024 for the former Healthcare Conglomerate Associates' CEO Dr. Yorai Benny Benzeevi, left, and his attorney Nina Marino via Zoom.

In 2020, Ward estimated prosecutors spent $1.5 million in staff hours and overtime, travel, and associated costs during the 13,500 hours of the investigation.

That total does not include the court time since the charges were filed. A series of the trio's lawyers battled the DA's office over frozen bank accounts, conflicts of interest with the Tulare County District Attorney, and defense attorney billing issues as the case went on for more than three years.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Former Tulare hospital CEO Benny Benzeevi pleads no contest
Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who is national co-chair of the Forward Party, meets with members of the Utah Forward Party in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Ever since the Forward Partys inception in 2022, its founders were clear about one thing: it would be some time before a Forward candidate appears on a presidential ballot. The party  a mix of disillusioned politicos of all stripes, attempting the latest disruption of Americas two-party duopoly  would begin by seeking ballot access in individual states and running candidates in local races.

One of those states, Utah, officially recognized the Forward Party late last year. This year, the party will run candidates in six races across the state, from county councils to the state legislature.

To Forward Party brass, running down-ballot candidates could help the party have more influence in the 2024 presidential election than by running a presidential candidate. During a breakfast meeting with Utah Forward Party leadership on Friday, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman  a Forward Party co-founder and co-chair  explained that Forward Party candidates winning elections across the state could help ensure a secure election.

Related

Regardless of who wins (the 2024 presidential election), there will be lawsuits, Whitman said. In a contested election, it will be integral that local officials who deal with administering elections  like secretaries of state or county commissioners  act with integrity. They are the ones holding the line, Whitman said.

Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who is co-chair of the Forward Party, center right, meets with members of the Utah Forward Party in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

What you want is officers in those positions who are nonpartisan, not making these decisions based on partisanship, but based on whats correct, she continued.

Unlike other political parties, the Forward Party doesnt have a policy platform. It welcomes members of all political stripes, allowing each state chapter to determine its own policy areas of focus. (In Utah, for example, the party is focused on implementing ranked-choice voting and securing independent redistricting commissions). It does require any individuals wishing to run on a Forward Party ticket to sign a candidate pledge, vowing that they will always defend a vibrant democracy.

Forward Party members think they can instill just the collaborative forward thinking that is missing in Washington. If Forward Party members were in Washington this week during the meltdowns over border legislation and foreign aid for Israel and Ukraine, Whitman wouldnt say how they would vote, but she assured me that they would be working to find a solution. Whitman, who served as a Republican governor in New Jersey, said Senate Republicans who backed out of a deal they helped negotiate displayed hypocrisy.

Utah Forward Partys Phil Boileau listens to former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who is national co-chair of the Forward Party, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

If they negotiated in good faith toward a bipartisan solution, you dont walk away from that, just because the leader of your party says so, Whitman said. Thats appalling to me.

A Forward Party candidate winning a U.S. Senate or House race is unlikely. For now, the party is focused on other races. Around the table with Whitman were a handful of declared candidates running for local office: Miles Pomeroy, for Utah treasurer; Josh Smith, for the state House; David Hinckley, for the state Senate; Laura Johnson, for the state school board. In many races across the state where the party doesnt run a candidate, the party may endorse others.

We can have public officials who are not tied to an ideology, but are just trying to enact good government policies, said Smith. The degree to which that turns down the temperature and engages people who didnt want to be part of the partisan food fight  I think its going to be revolutionary.

To earn recognition as a political party in Utah, it had to submit 2,000 signatures from registered Utah voters to the lieutenant governors office. The party submitted 2,525, and in the process, pitched each one on the Forward Partys mission.

The Republicans and Democrats have a couple hundred years head start on us, state chair Adam Teuscher said. So were going to try to catch up, but it may not happen all right away this year.

Utah Forward Partys Adam Teuscher talks with former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who is national co-chair of the Forward Party, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
We strongly disagree with the Jan. 24 op-ed, A vicious legal battle is the result of putting politics above Everglades restoration, by Stuart Pimm and Christopher McVoy.

Media coverage of The Everglades Foundation, Inc. vs. Thomas Van Lent has been cast as an attack on science as it pertains to Everglades restoration. This could not be further from the truth.

The Everglades Foundation is a science-based organization; this has been true since our inception in 1993. We do not attack science or scientists, nor do we put politics before our stated mission: to restore the Everglades through science, advocacy and education. Our science team has been, and continues to be, instrumental in driving restoration forward for the benefit of all who depend upon a healthy Everglades ecosystem.

For The Everglades Foundation, this matter is strictly an employment issue related to Dr. Van Lents theft of hundreds of thousands of our documents when he left the organization in 2022. His actions are detailed by a forensics investigator in court documents, which are publicly available.

In May 2023, the court found Van Lent guilty of criminal contempt for violating a court order and destroying Foundation data. The court sentenced Van Lent to 10 days in jail for his contemptuous conduct. This is in the public record.

The Foundation works tirelessly to restore Americas Everglades. We are committed to science, and we value the many scientists with whom we work across organizations and agencies. The court has properly decided Van Lents employment matter.

Carlos de la Cruz, Jr.,

board chair,

The Everglades Foundation,

Key Biscayne,

Robert Parks,

board member,

The Everglades Foundation,

Miami
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The fourth suspect wanted for an armed robbery in Covington, Tennessee, was arrested Thursday night.

According to Covington Police, 20-year-old Kiyon Currie was arrested at 9 p.m. at a home on North College Street. Officers with Covington Police, the Violent Crime Unit, and a K-9 officer reportedly found Currie in a back bedroom and took him into custody without incident.

3 arrested, 1 on the run after armed robbery in Covington

Currie was wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a car wash on East Ripley Street. The victim told police that he had picked up three men and one woman from the Broadmeadows Apartments and drove them to Jackson, Tennessee, before returning to Covington.

Covington Police say that once they returned to Covington, one of the suspects told the victim to take them to the car wash. Police say thats where the suspects robbed and assaulted him, pointing a gun at him and forcing him to surrender his wallet, car keys, and cell phone.

Kalisha McKinnie, Jayden Gayden, and Tavion Gayden have also been arrested in this case. Currie and Jayden Gayden have been charged with aggravated robbery. Tavion Gayden and McKinnie have been charged with facilitation of a felony.

McKinnie has also been charged with two counts of criminal simulation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
El Paso, Texas, currently has a 1,000 ft buoy blockade pinned into the river bed with netting underneath to prevent migrants from swimming through - JORDAN VONDERHAAR/BLOOMBERG

France should deploy Texas-style buoy blockades in shallow waters off the coast of northern France to prevent people smugglers launching small boats into the sea, says the former immigration minister.

Robert Jenrick, who this week will visit the USs southern border with Mexico, believes France needs to ramp up its use of the tethered buoys to block the passage of the small boats at hot spot beaches on its Channel coast.

Mr Jenrick worked with his French counterparts, as immigration minister until last December, to block off canals and rivers leading to the Channel using the chains of buoys to prevent small boats packed with migrants making their way to the sea.

He believes the French should go further and this week he will visit El Paso in Texas where 1,000 ft long chains of buoys are being used in the Rio Grande to prevent illegal migrants crossing the river from Mexico.

Robert Jenrick hopes initiative like the one in Rio Grande River, Texas will help curb the migrant crisis on the northern coast of France - JORDAN VONDERHAAR/BLOOMBERG

He will meet Greg Abbott, the Texas governor, who has deployed the massive buoy barrier in high-traffic areas. The buoys, which rotate so that migrants cannot climb over them, are fastened to the rivers bottom, with nets below the waterline to prevent people swimming underneath.

Mr Jenrick, who quit the Cabinet over his belief that Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill did not go far enough, said similar tactics at hotspot beaches in northern France could make launching the small boats from those locations virtually impossible.

He believes it would also free up police officers from those locations to cover a wider range of the 100-mile long stretch of northern French beaches used by the people smugglers.

The Western world faces a migration crisis. Its vital the UK adopts the latest technology and the most effective tactics from other countries that are facing similar challenges, said Mr Jenrick.

As immigration minister, I worked with French officers to deploy buoys to blockade the smugglers boats. They proved highly effective and as the Governor of Texas has now shown they work at scale too.

As currently conceived the Rwanda policy wont provide the effective and sustainable deterrent we desperately need.

The Government cant afford to simply wait and see. We need to be doing absolutely everything we can to end this national security emergency. More blockades arent a silver bullet, but they would provide an important step forward.

Mr Jenrick said the buoy blockade would be a boost to the extra defences already being put in place by the French as part of the 478 million three-year deal that Mr Sunak agreed with Emanuel Macron, the president of France, in March last year to stop the crossings.

As a result of the deal, the number of officers deployed on foot or in buggies on the French beaches has more than doubled to some 800 every night.

Previous attempts at river blockades have been unsuccessful as people smugglers have adapted tactics to avoid the measures - SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP

Last month the French also agreed to start using drones for surveillance on a regular basis after a legal hitch prevented their deployment.

The extra defences  including the buoy blockades of rivers and canals  are believed to have contributed to a 36 per cent fall in the number of illegal Channel crossings last year from 45,774 to 29,437.

French border force and police tethered the buoys across the inland waterways after smuggling gangs changed tactics and started using them to evade the patrols of officers and the intense surveillance on the beaches.

The gangs transported empty taxi boats down the rivers, waterways and canals to the sea before sailing them along the northern French coast to pick up the migrants at a pre-arranged rendezvous to then take them across the Channel.

The tactic capitalised on the French refusal to stop the boats once they were at sea because of the risk to life from capsizing. Because the migrants wade into the water to get onto the taxi boats, the French have been reluctant to intervene.

Instead, the French have blocked rivers such as the Authie and Canche by using chains of buoys to create a floating barrier near their estuaries where they flow into the English Channel.

Following his visit to the US-Mexico border, Mr Jenrick will travel to Washington DC on Wednesday where he will set out his views on the migration crisis in a speech at the Heritage Foundation and meet with lawmakers in Congress.

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 far-right convoy calling itself Gods army rallied in three cities near the southern border last weekend to decry what they called a migrant invasion as a result of escalating tensions between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the federal government in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The convoy, which was led by organizers known for promoting election denial narratives, QAnon and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, formed amidst Abbotts disapproval of President Joe Bidens handling of the southern border.

Texas is on the frontlines of this battle for freedom and states rights for their constitutional right to close the border if the federal government will not, Texas congressman Keith Self said at a rally in Quemado, Vice reported.

The convoy that passed through Eagle Pass attracted a blend of Christian nationalists, MAGA influencers, Jan. 6 rioters, QAnon conspiracy theorists and militia-style groups. The participants espoused anti-government conspiracies and dehumanizing language about migrants.

Mark McCloskey, who gained notoriety for brandishing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters in June 2020, addressed the crowd, alleging a conspiracy involving the government and cartels in child trafficking.

These people are evil, they are pedophiles, theyre monsters, they run our government, they hate us, they think they know better than us, McCloskey said. This is all the culmination in their minds of a century-old progress towards a single-world socialist government.

He claimed that the forces that want to destroy our republic are genuinely the forces of evil, who hate our republic and freedom, according to Vice.

Sheriff Brad Coe from Kinney County, Texas, who previously characterized the border crossings by migrants, some of whom are seeking asylum from countries afflicted by violence or political and economic instability, as a flat-out invasion, also addressed the crowd.

As Christians, were called to speak the truth and thats something that, if youre trying to control people, is very dangerous to those in power, Coe said. There's a reason why they make fun of calling yourselves God's Army because its Gods Army being called to tell the truth. That means that your loyalty is to God, its to the Constitution.

Dehumanizing rhetoric, especially comparing people to animals and to trash, are common extremist tactics, Libby Hemphill, a professor at the University of Michigan's School of Information and the Institute for Social Research, told Salon. The goal is to make some other group less relatable and seem less valuable so that extremists can justify actions and policies that hurt those groups.

Abbott has intensified border enforcement as part of a deepening conflict with the federal government over control of a section of the Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, a town with approximately 29,000 residents, The Texas Tribute reported. While immigration law enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction, Abbott asserts that the Biden administration's lenient approach to immigration enforcement has compelled the state to take matters into its own hands.

Texas has for months continued to lay razor wire along the Rio Grande to repel asylum seekers from crossing the river. Last month, the Supreme Court sided with the Biden administration in allowing Border Patrol agents to remove the wire put in place by Texas. The ruling neither explicitly provided Border Patrol agents access to the park nor mandated the removal of the concertina wire, leading Abbott to reaffirm his stance.

Abbott last week posted on X that Texas will not back down from our efforts to secure the border.

His sentiment echoed previous ominous statements he has made, where he declared an invasion and vowed to take unprecedented action to halt illegal border crossings. Abbotts defiance has earned him support from prominent Republican figures including former President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and 25 Republican governors, Mother Jones reported.

Last month, 25 governors released a joint statement supporting Abbott for "stepping up to protect American citizens from historic levels of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs like fentanyl, and terrorists entering our country".

Half of them even traveled to Shelby Park and praised Abbott for his efforts in building a border wall, using razor wire and floating buoys at the border.

Abbott as well as the other governors supporting his stance, assert that 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.

When people buy into these dehumanizing narratives, or become immune to them because they're so common, they stop seeing other people as equally deserving, making it easier to set up false battles and stoke intergroup violence, Hemphill said.

There was a time when most of the violent extremism we saw in the United States was not politically motivated, said Patrick Riccards, the CEO of Life After Hate  a nonprofit that helps deradicalize people from violent far-right groups and other extremist organizations. There was still hating all sorts of groups, but it was it was not part of the political infrastructure. That's not true anymore. All of this is intertwined.

From the very top, there's language and buzzwords that are serving as rallying cries to draw individuals, Riccards said.

The Gods army movement is a frightening development for our country, Riccards explained, adding that the disorganization had been the one saving grace that we had.

But now, as extremist groups band together in the United States, they begin to understand the potential power they have as a united front. It becomes incredibly frightening, he continued.

Extremist networks are effectively all feeding off one another and snowballing, Hemphill said. They use grievances and othering to set up false us versus them battles and make things seem like zero-sum games. These battle narratives rile people up and make them feel part of something.

Contrary to the rhetoric echoed by some of these groups, local residents of Eagle Pass Border express a starkly different sentiment. They have told reporters that the recent presence of Republican officials and the trucker convoy promoting Abbott's divisive rhetoric have contributed to spreading "hate and dissension" in their community.

We are constantly being told that were being invaded, and that never felt true until today, when the convoy came to town in anticipation of the governors event, Jessie F. Fuentes told WOAI NBC News Channel 4. This is political theater by outsiders. The reality is that it has brought dangerous, violent groups into our beautiful, peaceful city. Eagle Pass is safer than most cities in America if you look at crime statistics. This is just a fact. We dont appreciate these staged events that dramatically misrepresent our reality on the border and that invite extremist groups that pose a real danger to people in our community.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Much of the rhetoric around issues of immigration at the border is not being used to signal to extremist groups to come defend the border, but is instead being employed to tell individuals who share that ideology that I believe in you, Riccards said.

My greatest fear is that we're going to see some very real, ugly violence, he explained. These are individuals that have a specific belief, and they intend to enforce it.

When it comes to maintaining public safety and addressing safe paths out of extremist organizations, Hemphill advised that individuals have to think of extremism as an epidemic, not just treat the symptoms like violence.

Retribution against extremists or debating on their terms will not prevent violence or reduce their effectiveness, Hemphill said. People are susceptible to extremism, in part, because of real feelings of isolation, worry, financial strain and disempowerment. We need to recognize that folks are hurting and offer honest counternarratives about shared benefit and common humanity. People need something to be a part of and to feel like they matter; we can all understand that. Addressing the underlying reasons someone felt like extremists were a good fit for them will be more effective than trying to debate or punish people who are already bought in.
Andres Duany unveiled dramatic transformation plans for Vero Beachs downtown Friday night.

Unlike the applause and standing ovation he got from about 300 people in 2020 after presenting plans for the three corners the city owns at 17th Street and Indian River Boulevard, Fridays crowd of about 150-plus was more muted.

It's not that Duanys plans weren't exciting and didn't offer dramatic improvements over todays downtown.

There were and did.

But in the Three Corners case, Duanys plan was in every way incredible. Maybe that's to be expected when you're trying to improve on the sites of sewer and electric plants and land next to a power substation.

In trying to improve a downtown that is as vibrant as it's been in the almost 40 years Ive been here, Duany was up to the challenge.

Looking ahead without annexation

During a master plan presentation Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, Andres Duany of DPZ CoDesign showed this image of historic Vero Beach downtown arcade-type buildings (top) to what could be the future (bottom).

Andres Duany and Xavier Iglesias, of Miami-based DPZ CoDesign, work on their downtown master plan presentation in the Vero Beach Community Center late Friday afternoon, February 9, 2024. They're working in a room containing a mural of Vero Beach.

It wasnt about getting Vero Beach back to its heyday of the Ozzie and Harriet years when everyone shopped downtown for everything and the Florida Theatre was the place to be on weekends for double features.

Duanys vision was more about finding a way to use the citys heritage to ensure the Indian River County seat will be more than a hodgepodge of buildings as it enters the 2030s and faces competition from the oceanside business district, the Three Corners and rapidly growing Sebastian and Fellsmere.

In other words, how will downtown Vero Beach, connected to its traditional neighborhoods, grow economically to ensure its long-term financial well-being?

To its credit, Vero Beach has not annexed property into the city the way Fellsmere, Sebastian, Stuart, Fort Pierce and many other cities have. Expanding boundaries largely dilutes cities and their services, serving as Ponzi schemes to keep more tax dollars coming in from expanded boundaries and new construction.

Cities cannot just rest on their laurels. Vero Beach has shown its warts the past few years  think the continued loss of mixed-use buildings accessible to the public (I call it condo creep) along its waterfronts and the proliferation of storage units.

So while I'm a big fan and enjoy the downtown  as many others do, evinced in meetings the past year or so about the Twin Pairs and the downtown master plan  it has to evolve.

The reality is downtown's future is limited without private investment in housing. Housing developers have stayed away from downtown Vero Beach because they can get a much better bang for their buck elsewhere  vacant land on State Road 60 for massive apartment complexes or elsewhere in the county for cookie-cutter homes sprouting faster than pimples on a teenagers face.

The solution, like it or not as Duany explained, is allowing enough homes on property to make it economically viable. The city can do that by not imposing parking requirements on a limited number of early adopter developers.

After all, city consultants found 1,353 public parking spaces downtown. That includes 390 in the county courthouse parking garage, which is about 9% full at 6 p.m. and 43% full at 11 a.m., its peak, weekdays. In other words, there could be, just in the garage, more than 300 places for new downtown apartment dwellers to park overnight and on weekends.

How easy is it to add homes downtown?

In his proposed downtown Vero Beach master plan presentation Friday Feb. 9, 2024, city consultant Andres Duany showed this image of a possible future downtown. State Road 60 westbound starts from the lower left of the image and runs toward the upper right, its intersection with 14th Avenue -- the city's main downtown street -- just above the center of the image. The four corners of the intersection include a park to the southeast, then clockwise, larger buildings on the site of Scott's Sporting Goods and Coffee House 1420 and, to the northeast, Vintage Vero.

Looking back to get ahead: Will downtown Vero Beach future hearken back to historic past, anchored by Hotel Del Mar?

Planning ahead for growth: Enjoy snowbird traffic on Sebastian, Vero Beach roads? Could be standard in 5 to 10 years

Even more to come: Bold ideas for Vero Beach downtown unveiled on eve of final master planning meeting

A historical perspective: Vero Beach, Stuart, Three Corners: New Urbanist Andres Duany faces different challenges

Building residences isn't that simple. Adding single-family homes, even two on a lot, makes no sense in many areas downtown. Developers can build 17 homes per acre there under current zoning, but thats not been enough to get anyone to bite.

City planners already have proposed doubling that, while Duany pitched increasing it more than fivefold. He showed concepts for four-story buildings: commercial uses on the first floor, with apartments on the next two or three.

That would yield seven units on a 20- by 120-foot lot and up to 60 units on a lot of a little more than a half-acre. The vast majority of those units would be more affordable, studios to two bedrooms, at 400 to 900 square feet. Developers potentially could build fewer units.

But young people and empty nesters who have few housing alternatives dont need lots of room. A growing number would prefer to live downtown and not rely on two cars, or in some cases, even one.

Duany showed possibilities for the southwest corner of 14th Avenue and 21st Street, across from the Pocahontas Apartments. Proposed changes would allow a hotel of 128 rooms or 92 apartments or condominiums.

Interestingly, developers were interested in building there recently, but were hamstrung by city code. Think its too many units? Remember, that block was home to the posh, 75-unit Hotel Del Mar for nearly 40 years, until downtown flight began in the mid-1960s.

Increasing density, or allowable units per acre, would have to be approved by city voters. The city council hopes to pitch such a question during the November election.

A downtown of the future with more than a few mixed-use, four-story buildings seems a little scary given what it looks like now. Then again, Duany showed a picture of 14th Avenue from the 1920s or 1930s. The block where the Florida Theatre is was predominantly three or four stories.

Sea change or slow evolution?

In starting off his proposed downtown Vero Beach master plan presentation Friday Feb. 9, 2024, city consultant Andres Duany showed this image of the east side of 14th Avenue downtown, likely in the 1930s. He cited, especially, the building heights, style and awnings. Much of the city's future should connect it with the past, he said.

I dont think there will be a sea of four-story buildings in my lifetime.

Once the city stops parking deals, developers would have a much tougher time building. To me, the idea would be to give non-financial incentives as long as it makes sense. The city could benefit too, for example getting building owners next door to maintain a proposed city park at 14th Avenue and westbound State Road 60.

And think about it. Isnt there some limit on capital to be invested in this county? And if you, like many downtown property owners, are getting record rent and high demand now, what would motivate you to tear down your building and rebuild?

I don't see a sea change, but a slow evolution.

The good news is Duany offered a series of relatively inexpensive low-hanging fruit-type projects that could be done incrementally over time. Doing so would, as local architect Chris Baker told me, keep excitement high about the citys future. It began with the Three Corners initiative.

As Duany told me last month, It takes two blocks to have a great downtown, citing Winter Park and Charleston, South Carolina, where improvements spread a block every year.

Upcoming column will take closer look

LAURENCE REISMAN

While I wrote about some of his boldest proposals, such as an improved Pocahontas Park and City Hall, the other day, my next column will take a closer look at some updated and new highlights.

As for the master plan presentation, it was bold, exciting, different and entertaining. Its a work in progress, as Duany will present an official document, including feedback on Friday, to the city in a month to six weeks.

So stay tuned!

This column reflects the opinion of Laurence Reisman. Contact him via email at larry.reisman@tcpalm.com, phone at 772-978-2223, Facebook.com/larryreisman or Twitter @LaurenceReisman.

If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Can downtown Vero Beach compete with beach, Three Corners, Sebastian?
Smoke rises from Gaza, as the sun sets, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Sderot

CAIRO (Reuters) - At least 28,064 Palestinians have been killed and 67,611 others injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct. 7, the health ministry in Gaza said in a statement on Saturday.

Israeli forces killed at least 117 Palestinians and injured 152 others over the past 24 hours in Gaza, the statement added.

(Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi, Writing by Adam Makary; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Police in Georgia, together with federal agencies, are conducting a crackdown on activists involved in a continuing campaign against a controversial police and fire department training center known as Cop City that has included acts of arson and sabotage against equipment being used on the project.

This week alone saw Atlanta-area raids by law enforcement that took a woman out of her house with no shirt, left a naked photo of another woman on display after ransacking a room and dragged a man by his hair  while arresting none of them.

Related: Georgia senate passes bill curtailing charitable bail funds for protest groups

The pre-dawn raids on three houses on Thursday were the third Swat-style operation in residential areas of Atlanta and nearby unincorporated DeKalb county tied to a movement that began in 2021  and the first in which the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a prominent role.

The fight against Cop City has attracted national and global headlines, especially after police shot and killed one environmental protester at a campsite in a public park  the first such incident of its kind in US history.

At least one of the search warrants for Thursdays raid seen by the Guardian authorized the FBI to confiscate dozens of items from the raided homes  including laptops, cellphones, Defend the Atlanta Forest stickers and posters and personal journals.

The operation came after weeks of Atlanta officials promoting a campaign to catch activists linked to arson against construction and police equipment, all the while activists have been committing more acts of sabotage, alternating with nonviolent, civil disobedience.

The training center is being built on a 171-acre footprint in a forest south-east of Atlanta. Opposition to the project has come from a wide range of local and national supporters and is centered on concerns such as unchecked police militarization and clearing forests in an era of climate crisis. Atlanta police say the center is needed for world-class training.

One activist, John Mazurek, was arrested in Thursdays raid and charged with first-degree arson, in connection to an incident in July in which eight police motorcycles were burned. More arrests will come soon, the Atlanta police chief, Darin Schierbaum, told a press conference.

Andre Dickens, the Atlanta mayor, told reporters that the right way to make your voice heard on the project was by doing things like going to city council meetings  even though the same city council has refused to verify and count more than 100,000 petition signatures from Atlanta voters seeking to put the question of whether the training center should be built on the ballot in an upcoming election.

Meanwhile, Atlanta officials have been ramping up a publicity campaign offering a $200,000 reward in December for information leading to arrests for arson. Last month 450 billboards promoting the reward were put up in cities such as New York and Seattle. Atlanta police recently announced that the projects price tag had risen by $20m to nearly $110m, due to increased insurance and other costs tied to opposition against the project.

At the same time, activists burned construction equipment at least twice in January, and another pair of activists tied themselves to an Atlanta construction site linked to Brasfield & Gorrie, a company working on Cop City.

A social media account explained the dual approach: There is not two movements, one that dismantles earth-destroying machinery by night, another that coordinates nonviolent direct action by day. There is one movement, dedicated to victory, using methods most suited for the building of serious and capable networks of resistance.

Thursday mornings raid included agents and officers from the ATF, FBI, Atlanta police and Georgia state patrol.

One of three residents at a house raided in the Lakewood neighborhood spoke to the Guardian on condition of anonymity. She woke to blue lights outside her window at approximately 6am on Thursday and heard voices in the hallway outside her room shouting, Atlanta police! Get out and show both hands in the air! She had pajama bottoms on, but no top. She grabbed a bathrobe without a belt or tie and asked if she could put on some clothes.

They grabbed me, led me outside and handcuffed me  leaving me completely uncovered, she said. Officers led her to a squad car, where she remained for what seemed like hours  while officers came in and out of the car, her top uncovered the whole time. One took photos of her, insisting, its only of your face.

After some time, she was released.

A person living at the house where Mazurek was arrested woke up on Thursday to a flashbang grenade. He jumped out of bed, put on socks, and shouted, Im leaving my room! He got on his knees and looked up to see a Georgia state trooper pointing a gun with a red laser at his face. A trooper grabbed me by my hair and dragged me on my knees to the back door, he said.

He was also put in a squad car for some time, only to be released. He went to a shed in the back of his house with another one of his roommates. He saw a nude Polaroid photo of his roommate on a table. She said the police had placed it there and started crying.

A person who identified herself as a long-time partner of Mazurek said the arrest Thursday feels like desperation on the part of the city, to put a face on their fear-mongering. She said she was sure there was no evidence tying the arrestee to the July incident.

Georgia has already made history in its response to Cop City protests, indicting 61 people on Rico or conspiracy charges tied to opposition against the project.

The Atlanta Police Foundation  a private, non-profit organization  is behind the training center, using taxpayer and corporate funds. At a press conference in front of the foundations midtown Atlanta headquarters, the activist Rev Keyanna Jones highlighted the escalating tactics seen in the raid.

The more they press, the more we gonna push, Jones said.
German Major General Christian Freuding and Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer visited Kyiv on Thursday, 8 February, at the invitation of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the recently dismissed Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as he was still in office.

Source: German tabloid newspaper Bild, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The tabloid noted that the German officers had arrived in Ukraine to exchange ideas with their counterparts.

The German Defence Ministry also confirmed the visit: "The Bundeswehr Inspector General, General Breuer, is currently in Ukraine, accompanied by Major General Freuding and others."

A defence ministry official said the German officers had arrived in Kyiv at Zaluzhnyi's invitation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Zaluzhnyi from his post as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces on Thursday, 8 February.

The talks involving Bundeswehr representatives in Kyiv sought to "further exchange views on current defence needs and future military challenges," the German defence ministry added.

Background:

On 9 February, it was reported that Rustem Umierov, Ukraine's Defence Minister, introduced Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to partners in Germany and France.\

The Pentagon, commenting on the changes in Ukraine's military leadership, reiterated the United States' readiness to cooperate with the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

The European Commission has stated that the European Union's support for Ukraine will remain unchanged after the resignation of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Support UP or become our patron!
Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Carsten Breuer met with the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi

Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer and Defense Ministry special staff for Ukraine, Major General Christian Freuding, arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit at the invitation of former Commander-in-Chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi on the day of his dismissal, the German newspaper Bild reported on Feb. 8, citing German Defense Ministry.

According to the publication, the military officers were spotted at a hotel in Kyiv.

Read also: Defense Minister introduced new Armed Forces chief at General Staff meeting

Freuding heads a working group coordinating aid to Ukraine at the German Defense Ministry, while Breuer is Germanys highest-ranking military leader and a confidant of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The purpose of their visit, according to the German Defense Ministry, was to further exchange information on current defense needs and future military challenges.

Read also: Syrskyi makes his first statement as the Commander of the Armed Forces, main tasks outlined

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Zaluzhnyi from his post as chief of the armed forces by decree on the evening of Feb. 8. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was appointed in his place.

The next day, Syrskyi met with Breuer to discuss the situation on the front lines and the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in terms of weapons, ammunition and air defense systems, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported on Facebook on Feb. 9.

"We are focused on fruitful cooperation, effective communication and real-time exchange of experience," he said.

 /Facebook

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 16-18, the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported on Feb. 7.



Read also: Budanov and Zaluzhnyi awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Chick-fil-A Northwoods opens Tuesday at 18120 U.S. 281 North. Handout | Chick-fil-A

One of Chick-fil-A's San Antonio locations has moved into new digs.

The Stone Oak shop, open for nearly 26 years, came under the ownership of Juan Garza in 2022. Now, Garza has moved it into a new home, at 18120 U.S. 281 North. Chick-fil-A Northwoods is set to open Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., welcoming 20 new workers.

Chick-fil-A continues expanding in S.A.: Chick-fil-A building distribution center in Selma to supply its growing number of San Antonio stores

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The restaurant will feature dual drive-thru lanes and additional parking spaces to accommodate guests, with a new dining area with 68 seats indoors and 26 seats outdoors.

There are more than 40 Chick-fil-A locations around the San Antonio area.
SALEM, Va. (WFXR) The Mack truck facility in Salem is about to get a bit bigger. On Friday, Feb. 9, the company announced a $14.5 million expansion that will bring more opportunities to the area.

Governor Youngkin was in Salem on Friday to announce the expansion project that will see 51 jobs added to the Roanoke Valley. Representatives from the trucking company, its owner  Volvo- Richmond and the Roanoke Valley were on hand for the expansion announcement.

They say the 72,000-square-foot add-on would not be possible without teamwork.

Mack truck knows this firsthand, that innovation begins here. Talent is here. Growth and opportunity are here. And working together. We have an amazing recipe for success, Youngkin said.

Senator Kaine cosponsors bill to improve infrastructure in public schools

The extra space will allow Mack Truck Company to expand its medium-duty truck manufacturing and begin manufacturing a medium-duty electric line.

The production of its new line of medium-duty trucks  it was the first automotive project established in Virginia from prototype to production. And were proud that it originated right here in Roanoke County, where we have the business climate to help fuel Macks future long-term success, said Phil North, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors.

Rich Million, the senior vice president of strategy and business development with Mack, said due to strong demand for those products, the Swedish company decided to put more investment into the facility.

The Volvo group in Virginia is very important. We have more than 5,000 employees in the area. Million said. Very strong presence, we continue to invest in this local community.

Youngkin said hes hopeful that Macks expansion in the Commonwealth will bring other companies to the area as well.

Boones Mill artist Colby T. Helms releases debut album Tales of Misfortune

We need to do the work necessary for Virginia to be out in front. That we have the workforce to be the one that all employers want to hire, that we have site ready investments so that businesses can expand or come so that we know Virginia has an advantage and Virginia will win, Youngkin said.

The governor says the Roanoke Valley is becoming one of the fastest growing areas in the Commonwealth but says education is key to making sure that growth continues. Particularly for southwest Virginia, he says having places for students to go after they graduate or earn accreditations like the growing Salem Mack facility or the Volvos largest assembly plant in Pulaski certainly helps.

One of the great things about educational efforts is that were opening up pathways for students to seize this opportunity, Youngkin said.

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine also released a statement applauding the expansion. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are growing our economy and making our trucks cleaner tomorrow than today, said Kaine, I was proud to cast the deciding vote for this legislation in the Senate, and I look forward to seeing how this investment will support Salems workers, economy, and community.

Mack representatives WFXR the expansion project will be concluded by 2025.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
The Cabinet of Ministers has dismissed Oleksandr Pavliuk, First Deputy Minister of Defence, as he is leaving for another position. The media believe that he will become the head of the Ground Forces instead of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Source: Taras Melnychuk, government representative in the Verkhovna Rada, on Telegram

Quote from Melnychuk: "The Cabinet of Ministers has dismissed Oleksandr Pavliuk from the post of First Deputy Minister of Defence due to his transfer to another job."

Background:

The media believe Pavliuk will become the new commander of the Ground Forces instead of Syrskyi.

On 8 February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

Support UP or become our patron!
Under pressure from government transparency advocates, the House voted Thursday to reconsider a bill that would allow municipalities to charge up to $25 an hour for records requests that took more than 10 hours to fulfill.

Under heavy lobbying from government transparency advocates, the New Hampshire House reversed itself Thursday and agreed to rethink a bill it passed last week that would allow communities to charge up to $25 an hour to fulfill requests for public records when doing so took more than 10 hours.

In arguing to send House Bill 1002 back to the House Judiciary Committee for more work, several House members said they didnt understand the legislations unintended consequences when they voted for it last week.

The bills opponents argued an hourly fee of up to $25 would restrict access to public records that enable the public to hold government accountable, a right enshrined in the state constitution, which says access to government documents should not be unreasonably restricted.

In recent years, residents have used right to know requests to uncover a shady land deal by Webster town officials and improper tax assessments in Nashua. The city has been found in violation of the law by denying records that should have been public and was ordered to get remedial training on the law, according to court records.

Rep. Kelley Potenza, a Rochester Republican, was among those who urged the House to reconsider its passage of the bill.

Many representatives that I heard from did not understand the full scope of the impact and potential consequences their vote on (the bill) would have on their communities, she said, but moreover, all of New Hampshire (and) whether it aligned with the values and priorities of the New Hampshire citizens who hold the contract, the contract being our constitution.

The reconsideration vote passed, 195-183. In arguing against reconsideration, Rep. Julie Gilman, an Exeter Democrat, appeared to state inaccurate information about the bill and the right-to-know law, RSA 91-A. She said the bill puts into law a policy that a public body may, not shall, but already can adopt.

The state Supreme Court has ruled that communities can charge for the actual cost of documents provided in response to a records request. There is no law that allows public bodies to charge up to $25 an hour to duplicate, redact, and otherwise make the record available.

An effort to table the bill by Rep. J.R. Hoell, a Dunbarton Republican, failed, 126-254.

The right of the citizens to understand and know what is going on with their government is so sacrosanct that it should never be eliminated, Hoell said in a message to the Bulletin following the vote. Requiring citizens to potentially pay hundreds of dollars to understand what is going on with their government is abysmal and a real threat to our free and open society.

On a voice vote, the House agreed instead to return the bill to the House Judiciary Committee, where members can expect the New Hampshire Municipal Association to continue lobbying for it and a diverse group of opponents to ask that it be defeated.

Opponents include the New Hampshire Press Association, ACLU of New Hampshire, Right to Know NH, and two groups that advocate for conservative, limited government, the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire.

In written testimony to House members this week Greg Moore, regional director for Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire, addressed the New Hampshire Municipal Associations complaint that overly broad records requests are costly and burdensome for its members.

Onerous public records requests certainly can be a drain of taxpayer resources, Moore wrote, but the alternative of having a more corrupt government is far more expensive and corrosive to public trust.

The New Hampshire Municipal Association told the committee in August that a survey of 70 of its members revealed that the average public records request takes less than five hours, which would exempt them from the hourly fee proposed in the bill.

A vast majority, 88 percent, of respondents said they receive fewer than 100 right-to-know requests a year. Of the 58 communities that estimated the cost of fulfilling records requests, few said the expense was less than 1 percent of their annual operating budget.

The type of large or voluminous request that would fall under the bill are infrequent, the association said in its written testimony, with the majority reporting one or two a year. In a few cases, communities have said theyve received massive requests from commercial outfits, including one case where a solar panel company requested copies of building permits with hopes of marketing their panels to property owners.

Natch Greyes, government affairs counsel for the association, also noted that the bill would require municipalities to provide the person requesting the records a cost estimate before fulfilling the request and allow them to suggest how a person could narrow their request.

Some of the bills opponents challenged the associations argument that the infrequency of large, burdensome requests indicates the bill would result in a records fee in most cases. Instead, that indicates its not necessary, they said.

At the minimum, opponents have requested the bill be amended to include a provision that would allow someone to request a fee waiver, including in cases where the information in the documents is in the public interest.

Following the vote, Gilles Bissonnette, ACLU New Hampshires legal director, called the vote a positive step.

Forcing people to pay unreasonable fees for document requests decreases government accountability and transparency. Under our current transparency law, we have made clear that an open government is an accountable government  and HB 1002, as drafted, would have dismantled that value and provided avenues for abuse and obstruction by government agencies, he said in an email. Todays vote by the N.H. House to send HB 1002 back to committee is a positive step, and we look forward to working with the committee on a solution that prioritizes transparency.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Transparency advocates slow NH bill with public records fee
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  With the 2024 presidential race shaping up to be a rematch of the 2020 election, polling indicates many Americans are not enthused about another Biden-Trump matchup. But with no significant Democratic challenge to the sitting president, Joe Biden, and with Donald Trump far and away leading in the Republican race, that appears to be where this election is heading.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. files as presidential candidate in Utah, the first state to grant him access

The road to the White House has long come through Michigan. The same will be true again in 2024, with Republicans and Democrats fighting over those important electoral votes to make sure they ultimately win in November. But Saturday, another voice  a man who says he is no longer affiliated with any party  spoke to a packed house at St. Cecilia Music Center in downtown Grand Rapids about how he thinks he can bring the country together.

He starts by bringing one of the most storied names in U.S. political history with him. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., part of the family that created a Democratic dynasty for decades, told a standing-room-only crowd he is no longer a Democrat and is offering himself up as an alternative to the current politics as usual.

RFK Jr.s possible Libertarian bid rankles Democrats

From warning against an unsustainable debt to a housing crisis that takes away the dream of owning a home for many, Kennedy explained why he believes he can reunite a nation that he says is divided.

The environmental attorney also talked about the United States being the sickest in the world due to pollutants in the water and atmosphere.

DNC files federal complaint alleging RFK Jr.s super PAC is working too closely with his campaign

In a conversation with News 8 political reporter Rick Albin before the event, Kennedy explained what motivated him to run.

The 70-year-old Kennedy said, Im running because I think our country has departed from its ideals and values that I grew up with. When I grew up, when I was a little boy, our country had an industrial base. The American middle class was the greatest economic engine in the history of the globe. We had moral authority across the world. Our country was beloved. I traveled with my father all over the world, and crowds of millions of people would come out because they loved their country. Thats no longer true. We have a generation of American kids that are not going to ever be able to afford a home  thats wrong. Nobody else is talking about that.

RFK Jr. switches from Democrat to independent amid White House bid

The Democrat-turned-independent also has some serious reservations about whats happening on the southern border and believes that needs to change, too, along with a number of other issues he raised during his speech.

Kennedy will face some obstacles trying to get to the White House  first in getting his name on ballots in every state across the country, and second in the historically poor showing that independent and third-party candidates have had when it comes to the presidential election. But with a full house in Grand Rapids Saturday, attendees seem to have found an alternative to Republicans and Democrats.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Readers perusing the New York Tribune in early January of 1924 would have learned some intriguing news: George Gershwin is at work on a jazz concerto, set to premiere in February.

A jazz concerto? What could that even mean?

The usual domain of concertithe classical music led at the time by the likes of Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Schoenbergwas one thing. This newfangled music called jazz was something else entirely, and only just forming. What we now consider the genres first recordings, by the Original Dixieland Jass Band, were only seven years old. Readers would have been justified in wondering what might happen at this upcoming Experiment in Modern Music, as the concerto billed itself.

Among those curious readers was Gershwin himself. It was news to him that he was composing such a work, apparently to be performed by popular bandleader Paul Whiteman as conductor on February 12. Gershwin was a rising songwriter with a few hits to his name, but he had produced nothing so ambitious as a whole concerto, with or without jazz. And with the word out, there would be no getting out of it.

So Gershwin dashed off a score for two pianos. Whitemans colleague Ferde Grofe would make the arrangement for the premiere, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. Only later would Grofe make the full arrangement for orchestra and piano that audiences know today as Rhapsody in Blue.

The urgency and frenetic energy that Gershwin surely felt as he scrambled to meet the deadline came through in the work he produced. One theme sounds like hustling to get a job done, and another bit could accompany a sprint up the stairs to make it to the office on time. The whole work has an immediacy to it, which is surely one reason it remains a concert favorite a century later. Rhapsody in Blue doesnt require a furrowed brow or belabored efforts to figure out whats going on; its sunny, romantic, even sentimental themes hit right away.

This would prove to be Gershwins specialty. Half of the duo (with his older brother Ira) behind such staples of the Great American Songbook as Summertime, Someone to Watch Over Me, and Embraceable You, the younger Gershwin excelled at crafting concise tunes that stand on their own, ingratiating themselves to the listener. His preludes for piano are similarly compelling, gentler bonbons. One second, were treated to a ruminative piano serenade; the next, were getting walloped by brassy fanfare; a second more, and we might be watching the climactic lovers kiss at the movies.

Its not just any particular melody, though, or even the summation of melodies, that has appealed to audiences. We feel that there is something bigger at play. Rhapsody isnt just one more piece for orchestra; it feels like a dialectical synthesis, so to speak, of Old World formality and tradition colliding with the brashness and freedom of the New World. It borrowed from classical music and infused it with the new sounds of jazz to create something more vibrant than either alone.

The music speaks for itself, but the pieces popularity surely owes something to this missionary dream that Rhapsody represents a musical shining city on a hill, conveying what is most American about American music. Gershwins own view supports this view: He called the piece a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, and even originally titled it American Rhapsody. After learning the solo arrangement of the piece in high school, I similarly thought of it as the ultimate union between classical and jazz. After Rhapsody in Blue, what else was there to say?

But in so loving Rhapsody, we risk freezing it in amber, needlessly halting an evolving tradition just as it was getting going. After all, what even constituted jazz at this early time? That was an open question, and the genres future was entirely up for grabs. In 1924, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and James P. Johnson were already composing great music, but jazz was very much in its tadpole days. We in the audience miss so much when we stop at Rhapsody and skip over everything that came after. The pieces jaunty adventure and lush romance are still worlds away from, say, the raw blues of Louis Armstrongs West End Blues, recorded only four years later. And, we must admit, Rhapsody in Blue just aint got that swing; it doesnt quite have the feel of jazz, the cool rhythmic sensibility which is arguably most fundamental to the genre.

This is no mark against either composer or composition. It was only fair for Gershwin to throw down his declaration of what American music might be in the still-young century. But perhaps we would be respecting Gershwin and Rhapsody more if we heard the piece as one statement in a conversation that had just begun: not the final word, but a grand first draft. It would be excessive to suggest that the piece has been too popular for its own good. (I, for one, cant imagine ever not being happy to see it on a concert program.) Nevertheless, Rhapsody was but one early attemptfollowed later in the century by works such as Morton Goulds Chorale and Fugue in Jazz and Duke Ellingtons A Tone Parallel to Harlemto figure out where this strange sound of jazz might fit into the picture of American music.

Gershwin would continue filling in that picture for the rest of his relatively short career. He set off for France to study with classical masters like Maurice Ravel, but they saw that the American was onto something different and refused to teach him, insisting that they would only cramp his developing style. Left to go it alone, Gershwin went on to compose other works melding classical idioms with American tastes, including An American in Paris, the Piano Concerto in F, and his opera, Porgy and Bess. But too soon, the shape of American music to come would be left to others: In 1937, a brain tumor killed Gershwin. He was 38.

In 1955, Leonard Bernsteinthe pianist and conductor behind, for my money, the best recording of Gershwins classicremarked that Rhapsody in Blue is not a real composition in the sense that whatever happens in it must seem inevitable  You can cut out parts of it without affecting the whole  You can remove any of these stuck-together sections and the piece still goes on as bravely as before. With melodies like GershwinsGod-given, in Bernsteins wordswho could object? In lesser hands, this strategy would have produced hackwork. But for Gershwin, it led to a masterpiece that captivates even a century later.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
Bexar County first responders work to rescue a person from a vehicle that was involved in a deadly collision early Thursday in the 14700 block of Potranco Road. Ken Branca/21 ProVideo Bexar County first responders work to rescue a person from a vehicle that was involved in a deadly collision early Thursday in the 14700 block of Potranco Road. Ken Branca/21 ProVideo Bexar County first responders work to rescue a person from a vehicle that was involved in a deadly collision early Thursday in the 14700 block of Potranco Road. Photo by Ken Branca/21 ProVideo

A wrong-way driver is accused of drinking, driving and causing a three-vehicle collision that left a beloved San Antonio teacher dead.

Giovanna Blangiardo, 35, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the death of Whitney Brooke Weddel. Blangiardo posted bond and was released from the Bexar County jail on Friday. Her bail had been set at $250,000.

The special conditions of Blangiardos bond indicate that she is to be under full house arrest with a GPS tracker and must pass a weekly drug and alcohol test.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The accident occurred at 4:30 a.m. Thursday as Blangiardo was driving the wrong way in the 14700 block of Potranco Road.

At some point, Blangiardo collided with another vehicle head-on, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. A third vehicle was caught up in the chain-reaction collision, but no one was injured in that car.

Both Blangiardo and Weddel were pulled by firefighters from the cars and taken in critical condition to an area hospital. Weddel died at the hospital. She was 39 years old.

Weddel was an East Central High School graduate who went on to teach in the school district, according to East Central Independent School District.

She was beloved by her students and admired by her colleagues, the district said in a statement. Whitneys impact was far-reaching and will continue for generations to come as she has dozens of former students working as healthcare professionals across our city and beyond. ECISD is grateful for her impeccable service and is deeply saddened by her passing.
NEW YORK  The twisted fiasco surrounding the Guardian Angels takedown of a Bronx man in Times Square  who their controversial boss Curtis Sliwa erroneously called a migrant and a shoplifter  took a new turn Friday when a woman Guardian Angel involved in the altercation filed criminal charges against him.

Guardian Angel Kimberly Torres filed a harassment complaint against the 22-year-old man, who was surrounded and strong-armed to the ground during a live Fox News interview focusing on the citys migrant crisis that Sean Hannity conducted with Sliwa this week.

In a video released Friday on X, Torres, who identifies herself as a Mexican, a mother and a Muslim, said she was trying to deescalate the situation when the Bronxite shoved her.

He was aggressive, very angry, Torres explained, getting emotional at times during the video, which she recorded in both English and Spanish. He took his hands with all his might and all his force pushed me. I went back. At that point, the Guardian Angels saw me hurt. They came to my defense.

Torres, who wears a Muslim headscarf under her red Guardian Angels beret, is behind Sliwa during the segment and can be seen confronting the pedestrian before the takedown.

As the altercation was filmed, Sliwa identified the man as a migrant and a shoplifter, although neither were true.

Our guys have just taken down one of the migrant guys right here on the corner  42nd (St.) and Seventh (Ave.), The 2021 GOP mayoral candidate said. Lets just say we gave him a little pain compliance. His mother back in Venezuela felt the vibrations. Hes sucking concrete.

The 22-year-old eventually received a summons for disorderly conduct.

Surveillance video contradicted what Sliwa said. The man the Angels roughed up may have been a little bit drunk, but he was just trying to make his way down Seventh Ave. when Sliwas goons stopped him, a police source with knowledge of the case said. He tried to push past them and they strong-arm him to the ground,

A high-ranking NYPD police official said Torres was recorded on body worn camera saying she didnt want to file a complaint right after the incident, although she has every right to change her mind and file a complaint at a later date.

It was not immediately clear if the man was facing harassment charges Friday.

Police were continuing to painstakingly investigate every aspect of the incident, from the man and the Guardian Angels actions to steps taken by responding officers, the police official said.

Its a very thorough investigation, the source said.

Facing a torrent of controversy over his flippant flub, Sliwa gave a half-hearted apology over calling the man a migrant.

I apologize for miss characterizing the mans citizenship status, misunderstanding what had caused Guardian Angels to step in, Sliwa said on X Friday. The organization and its members would not stand by when someone has hurt a woman, while creating an unsafe situation for all.

Sliwa, a conservative talk radio staple, has courted controversy throughout his time in the limelight.

In 1992, he admitted to having faked several crimes years earlier, including his own kidnapping, to gain publicity and spotlight dangers in the subway system.

This weeks incident added fuel to already high tensions in New York City as officials struggle to handle an ongoing rise in migrant arrivals for more than a year.

A group of migrants attacked two NYPD officers outside a shelter in Times Square on Jan. 27, sparking outrage.

Theres also been heated debate over the citys shelter and benefits policies for the new arrivals. A growing number of progressives have voiced concern over the prospect of anti-migrant bigotry sweeping the city.

The Guardian Angels, which Sliwa launched in the 1970s to fight rampant subway crime, have long had a tense relationship with police.

City progressives have called for the tables to be turned on the Angels, with some saying they committed a hate crime, but Sliwa rejected the suggestion Friday.

No Guardian Angel, a majority minority organization, would ever have provoked an attack based on who someone is or where they came from, he said. They responded to a man intentionally being disruptive, aggressive towards film crew members, the crowd and unfortunately put his hands on a female.

_____
The twisted fiasco surrounding the Guardian Angels takedown of a Bronx man in Times Square  who their controversial boss Curtis Sliwa erroneously called a migrant and a shoplifter  took a new turn Friday when a woman Guardian Angel involved in the altercation filed criminal charges against him.

Guardian Angel Kimberly Torres filed a harassment complaint against the 22-year-old man, who was surrounded and strong-armed to the ground during a live Fox News interview focusing on the citys migrant crisis that Sean Hannity conducted with Sliwa this week.

In a video released Friday on X, Torres, who identifies herself as a Mexican, a mother and a Muslim, said she was trying to deescalate the situation when the Bronxite shoved her.

He was aggressive, very angry, Torres explained, getting emotional at times during the video, which she recorded in both English and Spanish. He took his hands with all his might and all his force pushed me. I went back. At that point, the Guardian Angels saw me hurt. They came to my defense.

Torres, who wears a Muslim headscarf under her red Guardian Angels beret, is behind Sliwa during the segment and can be seen confronting the pedestrian before the takedown.

https://x.com/CurtisSliwa/status/1755787779538051296

As the altercation was filmed, Sliwa identified the man as a migrant and a shoplifter, although neither were true.

Our guys have just taken down one of the migrant guys right here on the corner  42nd [St.] and Seventh [Ave.], The 2021 GOP mayoral candidate said. Lets just say we gave him a little pain compliance. His mother back in Venezuela felt the vibrations. Hes sucking concrete.

The 22-year-old eventually received a summons for disorderly conduct.

Surveillance video contradicted what Sliwa said. The man the Angels roughed up may have been a little bit drunk, but he was just trying to make his way down Seventh Ave. when Sliwas goons stopped him, a police source with knowledge of the case said. He tried to push past them and they strong-arm him to the ground,

A high-ranking NYPD police official said Torres was recorded on body worn camera saying she didnt want to file a complaint right after the incident, although she has every right to change her mind and file a complaint at a later date.

It was not immediately clear if the man was facing harassment charges Friday.

Police were continuing to painstakingly investigate every aspect of the incident, from the man and the Guardian Angels actions to steps taken by responding officers, the police official said.

Its a very thorough investigation, the source said.

Facing a torrent of controversy over his flippant flub, Sliwa gave a half-hearted apology over calling the man a migrant.

I apologize for miss characterizing the mans citizenship status, misunderstanding what had caused Guardian Angels to step in, Sliwa said on X Friday. The organization and its members would not stand by when someone has hurt a woman, while creating an unsafe situation for all.

Sliwa, a conservative talk radio staple, has courted controversy throughout his time in the limelight.

In 1992, he admitted to having faked several crimes years earlier, including his own kidnapping, to gain publicity and spotlight dangers in the subway system.

This weeks incident added fuel to already high tensions in New York City as officials struggle to handle an ongoing rise in migrant arrivals for more than a year.

A group of migrants attacked two NYPD officers outside a shelter in Times Square on Jan. 27, sparking outrage.

Theres also been heated debate over the citys shelter and benefits policies for the new arrivals. A growing number of progressives have voiced concern over the prospect of anti-migrant bigotry sweeping the city.

The Guardian Angels, which Sliwa launched in the 1970s to fight rampant subway crime, have long had a tense relationship with police.

City progressives have called for the tables to be turned on the Angels, with some saying they committed a hate crime, but Sliwa rejected the suggestion Friday.

No Guardian Angel, a majority minority organization, would ever have provoked an attack based on who someone is or where they came from, he said. They responded to a man intentionally being disruptive, aggressive towards film crew members, the crowd and unfortunately put his hands on a female.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is taking a swipe at primary rival and former President Trump with a mobile billboard about his age, as he starts campaigning in South Carolina ahead of the upcoming primary.

The billboard will pass through the Myrtle Beach area Saturday and will stop outside of Trumps rally while showing a video of both Trump and President Biden seemingly getting confused during speeches and mumbling during public remarks, the Haley campaign confirmed to The Hill.

Nikki Haleys campaign launched a mobile billboard in South Carolina targeting former President Trump, President Biden. (Courtesy of Nikki Haley campaign)

The video is part of the campaigns Grumpy Old Men series against the two party front-runners and was originally run as an ad, which The Hill first reported on. The video will specifically highlight moments when Trump confused Haley for former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and mixed up Sioux City, Iowa, with Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, said Friday that both Trump and Biden would use the Oval Office, if they secure their second term, as a taxpayer-subsidized nursing home.

Her campaign has intensified the scrutiny around Trump, as the former president still leads her by double digits in her home state ahead of the Feb. 24 primary. Currently, Trump leads Haley by roughly 32 points, according to the The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling average.

Haleys camp has vowed to stay in the race longer, but she faces an uphill climb to secure a primary victory in her home state, where support for the former president has not wavered. Trump has secured endorsements from top politicians in the Palmetto State, casting further his influence over the states voters ahead of the contest.

Haley proposed a mental competency test for politicians over the age of 75 nearly a year ago, and has called for a new generation of leadership in her party.

Trump has hit back at Haley for going after his age, saying ahead of the New Hampshire primary that he would score higher on a cognitive test than her.

Politico first reported on the mobile billboard reveal.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Nikki Haley is stepping up her attacks on Donald Trump's age  this time at his own rally in South Carolina.

The Haley campaign on Saturday will parade a mobile billboard around the Myrtle Beach area, including by Trumps rally in Conway, where the former president will appear for the first time this year in the state ahead of South Carolinas Feb. 24 GOP presidential primary.

Haleys latest trolling attempt, first confirmed to POLITICO, involves the campaign playing a video featuring clips of Trump and President Joe Biden trailing off and otherwise appearing confused during recent public remarks. Thats after Haley declared on Friday that Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, would be using the White House as a taxpayer-subsidized nursing home, and that Trump is suffering from mental deficiencies.

The issue of candidates age, long a feature of the presidential campaign, took on heightened significance when the special counsel investigating Bidens handling of classified documents issued his report on Thursday on the matter. While finding no criminal charges were warranted, the report presented a damaging portrait of Bidens mental acuity.

Horry County, the site of Saturdays Trump rally, is a conservative stronghold where Trump won nearly half the vote in a still-crowded 2016 presidential primary  and some of the least fertile ground for Haley in this months contest. Her campaigns decision to send a roving billboard truck into the heart of MAGA country underscores Haleys brash approach of rebuking Trump now that the race is a head-to-head match  and as she remains far behind.



Her recent offensive against Trump, after months of offering only tepid criticism of the front-runner, comes as the former South Carolina governor trails Trump by a massive margin in her home state. Trump racked up top Republican endorsements early in the state and has kept a firm grip on the conservative base in South Carolina.

Haley and her top campaign aides have said she plans to stay in the primary race for the long haul  regardless of her South Carolina performance  and that she has no reason to bow out before voters in Super Tuesday states cast ballots in early March.

Since announcing her bid a year ago, Haley has called for a new, younger leader for the party and country. But she has ramped up her criticisms of Trump lately, including during a segment on Saturday Night Live last weekend.

Trump has likewise gone after Haley, posting on Truth Social on Friday a 2012 video of Haley at a Mitt Romney rally mistakenly praising then-President Barack Obama, instead of Romney, and criticizing her for taking campaign money from Democratic donors.

Donald may be suffering from memory issues, Haley, who is 52, posted in response, asking whether Trump forgot that he had donated to Democratic politicians.

Haley on Saturday is embarking on a bus tour to stops in rural South Carolina.
Natasha Courtenay-Smith alleges that the Notting Hill Shopper Bag is too similar to her own Notting Hill Shopping Bag

The designer of a fashionable eco-friendly shopping bag admired by the Princess of Wales has launched a legal battle against two Afghan businessmen she accuses of copying her designs.

Natasha Courtenay-Smith has accused the pair of attempting to fool shoppers by copying her famous Notting Hill Shopping Bag.

Ms Courtenay-Smith, who previously collaborated with Natalie Imbruglia, the pop star, on a limited-edition range of the bag, was furious when she discovered that Nangialai and Ehsanullah Takanai were selling what she says were copycat versions in Notting Hills Portobello Road Market.

She claims that by calling their products the Notting Hill Shopper Bag  with the word shopper substituted for shopping in a similar font  the Takanais are trying to confuse members of the public into believing the bags are her original design.

Breach of copyright

The entrepreneur, who gives 10 per cent of her profits to causes which promote Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market as shopping destinations, is now suing her rivals for damages of up to 500,000, accusing them of breach of copyright and passing off their products as hers.

Friends of Ms Courtenay-Smith say that by copying her products they are undermining the work she does with charities to help the local community, including courses to help children acquire business and numeracy skills.

The claims are disputed by Nangialai and Ehsanullah Takanai.

Ms Courtenay-Smith, 46, launched her eco-friendly bags, made from cotton and jute, as a special souvenir of the area in 2009  going on to build the brands popularity as one of the most popular tote bags in London, turning over 57,815 in 2022 from sales in shops, markets and online.

The then Duchess of Cambridge expressed admiration for Natasha Courtenay-Smith's bags in 2015

In January 2015, the then Duchess of Cambridge visited Portobello Road Market and expressed her admiration when she was shown the bags as part of a display by local businesses and community initiatives.

When Ms Courtenay-Smith, a former journalist and writer, discovered the Takanais were selling what she claims were copies of her bags at Portobello Road Market in January 2023, she says she became determined to protect her brand.

Legal documents lodged in the High Court by Ms Courtenay-Smiths legal team maintain that as well as having almost identical wording to hers, the Takanais bags also have similar strap-lines, printed in a similar font in an identical position.

In January last year, one of the Takanais representatives approached her business, The Notting Hill Bag Company, and asked to enter into an agreement to sell bags with her trademark, logo and brand name, the court will hear.

The original Notting Hill Shopping Bag

But Ms Courtenay-Smith refused the request. She also opposed Nangialai Takanais application to trademark the Notting Hill Shopping Bag on Jan 11, and Ehsanullahs bid to trademark the Notting Hill Shopper Bag six days later, saying they were made in bad faith.

Ms Courtenay-Smith claims the Afghans and their companies  the Notting Hill Shopping Bag Company Ltd and the Notting Hill Shopper Bag Ltd  are deliberately using a website address to imitate her website and deceive members of the public.

The court will hear claims that the pair are trying to misappropriate her goodwill and reputation, and to step into the shoes of her company, which was dissolved in 2018 before being restored to the register of companies earlier this year to allow her to sue.

Ms Courtenay-Smith is seeking an injunction banning the Takanais from selling bags called the Notting Hill Shopping Bag or the Notting Hill Shopper Bag, along with orders forcing them to hand over or destroy those items.

Natasha Courtenay-Smith donates 10 per cent of her profits to causes which promote Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market

In a joint statement with her business partners Canpolat An and Taylor An, Ms Courtenay-Smith said: While imitation is often seen as a form of flattery, we encourage originality. We simply request that others create their own designs, rather than copying ours. We are both confident in the legal standing of the Notting Hill Shopping Bag design, and committed to its continued mission of making a positive difference to the Portobello Road community.

The Takanais reject her accusations and have lodged a counterclaim, arguing that there is no trademark for products that are purely descriptive of an area and that there are many other similar items for sale around Notting Hill.

They argue that the bags logo lacks the degree of originality necessary for protection as an artistic work. It is a banal arrangement of words in a standard layout which did not require intellectual creativity. Accordingly no copyright subsists in it, whether as an artistic work or at all.

The pairs solicitors, JP Mitchell, say their bags have been on sale for a number of years and that there hasnt been a single instance of confusion over this period.

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 brightly colored dragon-shaped lantern lit up at night surrounded by red spherical lanterns covered in Chinese characters.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Saturday (Feb. 10) marks the Lunar New Year, a holiday with rich traditions and cultural significance for people worldwide. Lunar New Year begins with the second new moon to occur after the Winter Solstice each year, meaning it typically falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20.

During this time, families and friends gather to eat traditional foods and pay tribute to their ancestors. Many families and locations also celebrate with fireworks or parades featuring colorful dragons or lions. Gifts are exchanged, including traditional money-filled hong bao, or "red envelopes." Celebrations last for 15 days and end on the night of the next full moon, which will fall on Feb. 24 this year.

Related: What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2024

The origins of Lunar New Year are thought to date back to prehistory. The holiday's timing is based on the traditional Chinese calendar, known as a lunisolar calendar, which is based on the changing position of the sun in the sky and the phases of the moon.

While China today uses the Gregorian calendar for most civil and governmental purposes, traditional Chinese holidays, festivals and other rites are still based on the lunisolar calendar.

a woman kneels at an altar covered in fruit and red candles

A woman performs prayer during a Chinese New Year Eve Celebration at Boen San Bio Temple at Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia on Feb. 9, 2024. (Image credit: Firdaus Wajidi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

While celebrated worldwide, Lunar New Year is most prevalent throughout China and other Asian countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

people in red silk outfits walk through a crowded city street while holding up a large dragon puppet

A dragon dance troupe performs at the Kuan Yim Shrine in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve on Feb. 9, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Image credit: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)

Billions of people throughout the world travel during the Lunar New Year period, considered the largest annual human migration. There is even a term for the travel rush in China: "Chunyun," or "spring transportation." It's named for the Chinese term for the Lunar New Year celebration period, Spring Festival.

A huge crowd of people during the day. It's an aerial view.

Passengers wait to board trains at the Hankou Railway Station Feb. 23, 2007 in Wuhan of Hubei Province, China. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Like many of their Chinese compatriots, the Shenzhou-17 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station celebrated Lunar New Year with a special feast including smoked fish, scallion pancakes, roast duck, glutinous rice cakes, tomato and egg soup, dumplings, sweet rice porridge, mango, sesame buns, fruit juices and more.

The Shenzhou-17 crew unfortunately can't travel home to feast with their families, as their mission aboard Tiangong won't end until April 2024.

RELATED STORIES:

 China's space station, Tiangong: A complete guide

 China's Shenzhou 17 astronauts arrive at Tiangong space station (video)

 The moon: Everything you need to know about Earth's companion

Lunar New Year 2024 is the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, seen by many cultures as an especially lucky year in which to be born. So lucky, in fact, that baby booms tend to occur in Years of the Dragon every 12 years as the zodiac cycle repeats.

The Dragon is the only legendary creature out of the animals of the Chinese zodiac and symbolizes good luck, strength, intelligence and good fortune. The Dragon also carries deep cultural and historical significance in China, sometimes serving as a symbol of the emperors and empires of China's rich 5,000-year history.
Felix Jesus Hernandez at his murder trial Tuesday. A jury found him guilty for killing Victoria Stampley after a night of drinking in 2022. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

A Bexar County jury took four and a half hours Friday to find a San Antonio man guilty of murder for fatally shooting a woman who was berating him as his girlfriend gave her a ride home after a night of heavy drinking on Jan. 22, 2022.

His girlfriend, Stacy Page, testified that Felix Jesus Hernandez fatally shot Victoria Alicia Stampley, 42, in the back seat of the car and ordered her to drive around for two hours, despite her attempt to get Stampley to a hospital.

When they returned and dropped her off near her home, Stampley was near death, Page said. First responders found her dead when they were called to the scene hours after the sound of gunfire brought police officers to the same block, where they found only bullet casings.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Page said she and Hernandez were celebrating her birthday at a bar on North St. Marys Street called The Mix, and drank vodka from a bottle in the parking lot with Stampley after it closed.

Stampley frequented the St. Marys Street nightclub strip and had walked there that night because she had three DWIs and didnt have a license to drive. Page told the jury that Stampley was too drunk to walk home, so she offered her a ride in her fathers red Dodge Charger to her house on Post Avenue just west of Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Page estimated her own level of intoxication was 8 or 9 on a scale of one to 10 and acknowledged under cross-examination that she should not have been driving.

While in the car, Page said, Stampley became belligerent and seemed to believe that she was in an Uber, not understanding why Hernandez was in the car with them. Stampley yelled expletives at Hernandez, who got out, opened the back passenger door and shot Stampley four times when they arrived at her house, Page said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Page said Stampley pleaded with them to take her to a hospital as they drove around. She said she got to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital but Hernandez told her to keep driving and she was afraid of him and complied.

Eventually, the dying Stampley implored them to just take her home, and they did, Page testified. Hernandez carried Stampley out of the car and left her in the driveway of a vacant house on Post Avenue.

Page was a cooperating witness for prosecutors, having reached a deal to have her own murder charge in the case reduced to tampering with evidence in exchange for her testimony. She and Hernandez both worked to clean up the vehicle at a car wash in New Braunfels after the shooting, with their kids present, according to surveillance video shown to the jury.
Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel used an Illinois GOP fundraiser Friday night to deliver a valedictory address of sorts as she prepares for her ouster from the party post later this month under pressure from former President Donald Trump.

Appearing at an event aimed at encouraging Republicans to vote early and by mail, a Bank Your Vote program she initiated despite criticism from Trump and other GOP leaders that the practice Democrats have used successfully has been littered with fraud, McDaniel made no mention of the former president or her imminent departure as RNC chair.

She exhorted a crowd of more than 700 people in a ballroom at the Westin OHare hotel in Rosemont to pledge to vote early, avoid an Election Day vote deficit and save the party from the expense of pushing them to vote in the campaigns final days.

Why bank your vote? We in the party must start utilizing mail-in and early voting, she said. Please raise your hand and you will pledge to vote early this election. Everybody, we got to do it.

Recounting how Michigan, where she was state party chair, voted Republican for the presidency in 2016 for the first time in decades after being told the state was unwinnable, McDaniel said, We turned it red and you can do it here, too.

Democrats in Illinois have had a long history of successful early vote and vote-by-mail organizing, which has put the states declining Republican Party at a deficit on Election Day. The state Democratic Party in a statement called the RNCs effort a case of ballot hypocrisy and noted its support for legal efforts to curb the counting of mailed in ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day after the day of election.

McDaniels appearance came after she met Monday with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida property. Afterward, he called her a friend but said changes to the RNC would be coming after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24.

Serving in her fourth two-year term as RNC chair, McDaniel had spent her tenure trying to satisfy Trump, most notably even dropping her maiden name, Romney. Shes a niece of Trumps GOP nemesis, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah.

She also moved to convert a rooted establishment party organization into one more reflective of Trump, and backed him even as he falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen.

But party fundraising slowed and the GOP track record has not been stellar, with Democrats taking control of the White House and Congress in 2020 while Republicans underperformed in the 2022 midterm elections.

Attending what she said was her first state party celebration of the Bank Your Vote program, McDaniels message was a sharp reversal in strategy of urging GOP voters to cast their ballot on Election Day and shun early voting.

The events keynote speaker, Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, appeared to step on the evenings message when he declared to loud applause, I believe that we should have an Election Day, not an election month.

Kennedy also made the only reference to McDaniels departure.

She is a rock star. She is star-spangled awesome. Shes been one of the best chairs we have ever had and I want to thank her for that, Kennedy said.

Kennedy also made no mention of Trump but heralded Republican policy achievements during his tenure as president, while giving a blistering critique of President Joe Biden and Democrats.

I believe Republicans are not perfect, but the other side is crazy as hell, he said. The American people do not deserve to be governed by a deeply weird, hopelessly woke people who hate George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head.

The Biden administration sucks, Kennedy said. President Biden has been spectacularly off. For three years now, hes been pushing on a door thats clearly marked pull.

rap30@aol.com
WASHINGTON  Mitch McConnell is widely known to be a cunning, Machiavellian tactician who maximizes his partys power in the Senate to accomplish hugely consequential conservative victories, including a right-wing Supreme Court majority that may last for decades.

But the recent drama in Congress upper chamber exposed what has been evident behind the scenes for some time now: McConnells influence in the GOP has been sharply diminished, and the 81-year-old minority leader who suffered from health problems last year doesnt hold the same sway in his conference that he once did.

A growing number of conservative senators are in open rebellion with his tactics and heeding instead the words of Donald Trump, the former president McConnell shielded from conviction following the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection  a fateful decision that the GOP establishment is now reaping. Some are even calling on him to step down as leader, a post that he has held longer than any senator in U.S. history.

The Senates Republican conference is more divided than ever and afraid of incurring Trumps wrath over issues that, just a few years ago, it wholeheartedly embraced: stronger border enforcement and a muscular U.S. foreign policy that challenges autocrats rather than champions them, here and at home.

The last few months have been just abysmally embarrassing, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a McConnell antagonist, reflected this week. Its hard to keep track of leadership positions. It shifts hour by hour.

McConnells push for passage of more U.S. aid to Ukraine, which he has called a vital national security issue, has exposed a deep rift within a party that has trended more and more toward isolationism under Trump. This week, only 16 of the Senates 49 Republicans voted with McConnell to advance legislation that includes aid to Ukraine. A bill that paired foreign aid with conservative border policy got even less GOP support  just 4 votes  after Trump urged Republicans to kill it, despite months of negotiations with Democrats that McConnell blessed last year.

In truth, a large number of Senate Republicans are opposed to supporting Ukraine with or without U.S. border security provisions, and theyre not interested in listening to McConnell about it. A party leaders strength in negotiations with the other side of the aisle comes from an ability to maintain party unity, but after months of cajoling, McConnell hasnt been able to do that. The Kentucky senator initially pushed for passage of aid to Ukraine in October but was overruled by a majority of his conference, which demanded the border policy changes in the first place.

I followed the instructions of my conference, McConnell explained this week. It was my side that wanted to tackle the border. We started it. Obviously with a Democratic president and a Democratic Senate, our negotiators had to deal with them.

He added that the politics changed since then, as Trump romped to victories in early GOP presidential nominating states and urged Republicans to reject the deal so he could continue blaming Democrats for border problems in Novembers general election.

GOP criticism of McConnell is nothing new. After the 2022 midterm elections, 11 Republican senators voted against him as leader in a secret ballot. What is striking is how much louder the critics have become lately, and how much effort theyve put into undermining his strategy at every step of the way. The group includes Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Cruz declared earlier this week that its time for McConnell to go, lashing out at the policy and politics behind the border bill.

I think a Republican leader should actually lead this conference and should advance the priorities of Republicans, the Texas senator said at a press conference.

Tensions over the border bill and Ukraine funding boiled over in a seemingly endless series of closed-door meetings on Capitol Hill, as Republicans agonized over whether to proceed despite opposition from both Trump and Republican leadership in the House. One GOP senator joked that the party was staging an intervention after one particular heated discussion earlier this week. In the end, after months of negotiations, Republicans ditched the border bill in favor of a stand-alone foreign aid package, something that was on the table last year.

Democrats marveled at the chaos and wondered how they could ever trust Republican negotiators again.

Ive never seen anything quite like the depth of the anger, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said of the state of the GOP. They have some challenges as a conference, and its not obvious to me that theyll be able to pull it all back together.

One bright spot for McConnell and GOP leadership is that next year they stand a good chance of retaking the Senate majority. Unlike in 2022, when he backed extremist candidates for the Senate, Trump this time is much more aligned with the preferences of the establishment GOP. On Friday, for example, Trump backed businessman Tim Sheehy in Montana over conservative Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) in the race against incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). As retiring Sen. Joe Manchins (D-W.Va.) seat in West Virginia is vey likely to flip, a GOP pickup in either Montana or Ohio, two red states where Trump is popular, would give the party a majority.

But McConnells life could get even more complicated if Trump wins the White House again. The two men have a frosty relationship, McConnell rarely mentions Trump, and Trump has made no secret about his desire for a new leader who is more closely aligned with him on Ukraine and other issues.

Its a tough, tough job. Hes in a tough position, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said of McConnell. I think he is frustrated that the standard-bearer of his party has a totally different view.

McConnells GOP allies in the Senate, meanwhile, have downplayed criticism of his strategy and described his role as more of a facilitator than a captain.

Mitchs job is not to tell us how to vote; its to coordinate the thing to get through as best as he can. He doesnt set the agenda, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said.

Theres always been the opinion of some of the members that they would have preferred a different leader. That hasnt changed, he added. But right now, I can just tell you that I think if you had a vote today, he would still get a supermajority of the members supporting him.

Sen. MItt Romney (R-Utah) said of the push to oust McConnell, I dont think thats in the cards until he decides thats something he wants to do, which I dont expect anytime soon.
With multiple rounds of storms forecast through Sunday morning, Austin area residents should be prepared for possible high winds and hail, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms moving through Central Texas could bring winds of up to 40 mph and penny-size hail, though the risk for severe storms comes after 4 p.m. Saturday and into the overnight hours.

About 1 inch of rain is expected in south Central Texas, though some areas could see up to 2 inches of rain. Meteorologist said the rain can cause minor flooding in urbanized or saturated areas along and east of Interstate 35.

On Sunday, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 10 a.m. The morning will start cloudly but will gradually clear. Wind gusts are expected to be as high as 25 mph with a 70% chance of rain.

The start to the workweek is expected to be dry with cooler temperatures  highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. On Thursday, rain chances kick up to 30% in Austin and 75% Friday, according to weather forecasters.

8:40AM: The storm moving into Travis County is below severe limits at this time, but is being closely monitored. A good bit more lightning has been noted over the last few radar scans. Hail up to penny size and gusty winds to 40 mph are possible with this storm. pic.twitter.com/OUxgnxfWT9  NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) February 10, 2024

How much rain did Austin get in January?

Austin's total rain accumulation in January was 6.07 inches, making it the fifth wettest January on record for the city, the weather service announced Feb. 1. It also marked the wettest month since May 2021, when 7.23 inches of rain fell.

Road closures, driving conditions map in Texas

Only a few roads have been closed in Central Teas due to flooding, according to ATX Floods. Roads in Austin were unaffected Saturday morning, though patches with standing water could still occur. Urbanized or saturated areas along and east of I-35 are the most likely to experience flooding.

More: What is the weather in Austin? Highs in the 70s and light rain possible this week

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin weather: High winds, hail possible with storms through Sunday
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that while she thinks President Bidens age, which is a growing topic of concern among voters, is a legitimate issue, she advised him to lean in to his years of experience.

I talked to people in the White House all the time, and you know, they know its an issue, but as I like to say, look, its a legitimate issue, Clinton told MSNBCs Alex Wagner in a sit-down interview earlier this week. Its a legitimate issue for [former President] Trump whos only three years younger. So, its an issue.

The former first lady continued, saying it could be difficult for both Biden and Trump to connect with certain voters, because of their age. Instead, she said the president should focus more on the wisdom hes gained over the years.

I think Biden also should lean into the fact that hes experienced and that experience is not just in the political arena. Its like, the stuff of, you know, human experience, she said. I think he should be willing to really pull that out  and I think he should care more about it.

According to a recent NBC News poll, Bidens age and health are serious issues of concern for voters. Seventy-six percent of respondents had major or moderate concerns when asked if Biden, 81, has the mental and physical acuity to be the countrys top leader.

Clinton noted that while Biden makes the occasional joke about his age, he should do it more.

At a press conference Thursday evening, Biden angrily defended himself after special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated his retention of classified documents at his Delaware home and former vice presidents office, released his report, which painted the president as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

Biden insisted that his memory was fine and that he knows what the hell Im doing, although later in the press conference he mistakenly referred to the president of Egypt as the president of Mexico.

Clinton argued that while Bidens age is an issue, voters should consider whats at stake in the election, as he prepares for a potential rematch against Trump, the likely GOP nominee.

Im for Joe Biden for reelection on the merits because I think hes done a really good job as president, Clinton said. So, I think he should continue to get out and campaign.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ramon Preciado, 53, is arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 3, by the San Antonio Police Department in connection to the fatal shootings of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra. His son, Christopher Preciado, 19, was also arrested and charged with capital murder, while Ramon was charged with abuse of a corpse, according to SAPD Sgt. Washington Moscoso. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Myrta Romanos is escorted Wednesday, Jan. 10, in San Antonio by San Antonio police officers to a police car after she was arrested on charges related to the slayings of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

A judge agreed to reduce bail Friday for the mom accused of helping her son hide the bodies of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra.

The total bail for Myrta Romanos, 47, was cut almost in half to $600,000.

Romanos son, Christopher Preciado, is accused of shooting Soto and Guerra in a drug deal days before Christmas. He has been charged with capital murder of multiple people and is being held without bond.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Preciados father, Ramon, 53, also is accused of helping hide the bodies and has a hearing on his bail scheduled for Monday.

The bail for Romanos and Ramon Preciado was oppressive, according to their attorneys. Ramon Preciados bail totals $600,000, and Romanos was $1.1 million. Both have been held in the Bexar County Jail since they were arrested in early January.

Court records state the defendants family and friends have been unable to raise the money needed to post bond.

Romanos is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence with intent to impair an investigation and altering, destroying or concealing a corpse.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Her attorney, J. Charles Bunk, asked a judge to lower her bail to $250,000.

Nothing can be more oppressive than a third-degree felony bond being set at $500,000 and a second-degree bond being set at $500,000, Bunk said during a Friday hearing.

Bunk emphasized that the bail in this case is higher than similar cases that the district attorneys office has filed.

I am not asking this court to do anything extraordinary. The amounts were asking for are consistent with bonds this DAs office has solved before, Bunk said.

When she was first arrested, police said Romanos may be a stepmother to Christopher Preciado, but they were unsure of the exact relationship. At the Friday hearing, Romanos confirmed she is his biological mother.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

As Romanos sat on the witness stand, prosecutors noted the lack of family help in raising money for her bond and her not having a job for more than 10 years as factors in why a bail reduction should be denied.

Romanos told prosecutors that her family has not tried to raise the money.

They dont have the funds for that  or means for that, Romanos said.

She added that its not her familys responsibility to come up with the money for her bail.

Prosecutors emphasized Romanos alleged involvement in helping her son hide and dump the bodies of Soto and Guerra.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Did she call for help? Did she ask anyone to help this person? Did she call 911? Did she render aid? Did she do anything to try and preserve human life? No, she did not do that. She handed her husband a towel to wipe his (finger) prints off the car, a prosecutor said in final statements.

Judge Miguel Najera reduced Romanos bail for two of her three charges from $500,000 to $300,000 and $500,000 to $200,000. Her third charge was denied a reduction.

Ramon Preciado 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.

The two are accused of helping Christopher Preciado, 19, hide the bodies of Soto, 18, and Guerra, 22. Police said Christopher Preciado killed the couple after they met with him to sell him marijuana.

Soto and Guerra disappeared shortly before Christmas. She was due to give birth to a boy, Fabian. Her family grew frantic after she failed to show up for an appointment at a hospital where doctors planned to induce labor.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

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 Examiners Office.

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 pulled 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.

Police said 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.

Romanos has a pre-hearing set for April 16.
The hard-right president of Hungary stepped down on Saturday in the face of widespread protests and intense criticism surrounding a pardon she granted to a man convicted of helping to conceal pervasive sexual abuse carried out by the director of a state-run childrens home.

Katalin Novak, who at 46 is the youngest-ever person and first woman to hold the Hungarian presidency, said in a nationally televised address that news of the pardon had caused bewilderment and unrest for many people.

The pardon was one of about two dozen that Novak issued in April 2023, just before Pope Francis was set to visit the country.

I made a mistake, she said. Today is the last day that I address you as a president.

I made a decision to grant a pardon last April believing that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of children whom he had overseen, Novak said in Saturdays address. I made a mistake, because the decision to pardon and the lack of justification were apt to raise doubts over the zero tolerance that applies to pedophilia. But here, there is not and nor can there be any doubt.

The pardon was revealed on Feb. 2 by independent news site 444, which identified the recipient as Endre K., the former deputy director of the Kossuth Zsuzsa Childrens Home in Bicske, a town roughly 20 miles from Budapest. Endre K. was sentenced in 2018 to a three-year prison term for coercing victims to retract their allegations against his boss, Janos Vasarhelyi, who received an eight-year sentence for sexually abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

The backlash was immediate, and ran through the week. On Friday, some 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside Novaks office to demand her resignation. A large protest was staged outside her office on Friday evening, with roughly 1,000 demonstrators gathering and some putting children's toyssome with tape covering their mouthson the ground outside the building.

Novak has been called a puppet of ultranationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose Fidesz Party has made a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions and consolidate power since winning a constitutional majority in 2010. A vocal advocate for traditional values, Novak assumed the presidency in May 2022, after serving as Minister for Families.

A protester in Budapest holds a sign reading Bastards outside the offices of Hungarian President Katalin Novak. Janos Kummer/Getty Images

If this can happen, then the decade-long struggle of the victims and their legal defense has become utterly pointless, Andras Gal, a lawyer representing victims in the Kossuth Zsuzsa case, told independent Hungarian news outlet Telex.hu. ... I think that her pardoning of the deputy director who forced the victims of the severely paedophilic childrens home director to change their testimonies is another huge step backwards. From now on, it seems there are no limits.

Gal told Telex, which was founded in 2020 by Hungarian journalist Veronika Munk, that the victims, over the intervening years, have become psychologically wrecked. At least one has died by suicide, and others struggle with substance abuse as they continue to wrestle with the aftereffects of what they endured.

On Thursday, Orban formally proposed an amendment to the nations constitution that would bar future presidents from pardoning anyone convicted of committing crimes involving children.

Another Fidesz member, former Minister of Justice, Judit Varga, also stepped down over the pardon and said in a Facebook post that she will retire from public life. Novak has not said what she plans to do next. Her seat will be filled, in an acting role, by parliamentary speaker Laszlo Kover.

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.
Katalin Novak announces her resignation live on TV from the presidential palace of Budapest - SANDOR PALACE/AFP via Getty Images

Hungarian president Katalin Novak has resigned following outrage over a decision to pardon a man convicted of helping to cover up sexual abuse in a childrens home.

Ms Novak, a close ally of Viktor Orban, Hungarys conservative prime minister, pardoned some two dozen people in April 2023 - among them the former deputy director of the childrens home, who helped his boss hide his crimes.

I made a mistake... Today is the last day that I address you as a president, Ms Novak said as she announced her resignation in a speech broadcast on state television.

I made a decision to grant a pardon last April believing that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of children whom he had overseen. I made a mistake as the pardon and the lack of reasoning was suitable to trigger doubts over the zero tolerance that applies to paedophilia, she said.

Ms Novak, a former minister for family policy, became the first woman to hold the largely ceremonial role of president in March 2022.

Since the independent news site 444 revealed the controversial pardon decision last week, the countrys opposition has been calling for Ms Novaks resignation.

On Friday, a thousand demonstrators rallied at Ms Novaks office calling for her to quit.

Rare setback for Orban

In a bid to contain the political damage, Mr Orban, whose Fidesz party is beginning the campaign for European Parliament elections in June, submitted a constitutional amendment to parliament late on Thursday depriving the president of the right to pardon crimes committed against children.

On Saturday, Mr Orbans former justice minister Judit Varga, who was expected to lead Fideszs list for the elections, and who also signed off on the pardon, said on Facebook she would step down as an MP, taking responsibility for the decision.

The scandal was a rare setback for Mr Orban, who has been in power since 2010, and who faces European parliament elections just as the country emerges from an inflation crisis.

Mr Orban has for years campaigned to protect children from what he has described as LGBTQ activists roaming the nations schools. This has been one of several issues over which Mr Orban has clashed with the European Commission.

The head of Fideszs parliamentary group, Mate Kocsis, said Ms Novak and Ms Varga made responsible decisions which the party would respect.

Fidesz leads opinion polls ahead of the June elections but about a third of voters are undecided.

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 president has resigned amid controversy over her pardoning of a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case.

President Katalin Novak faced days of growing pressure to resign because she decided to pardon a man who was convicted of covering up crimes committed by a sexual predator at a childrens home.

The 46-year-old announced in a televised message on Saturday that she would step down from the presidency, an office she has held since 2022.

I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people, Novak said on Saturday. I made a mistake.

Novak - the first female president in Hungary's history - has unleashed a political scandal unprecedented for the country's long-serving nationalist government, Fidesz.

Her resignation is a rare episode of turmoil for the right-wing party, which under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the media in its favour.

Novak, a key ally of Orban, has been an outspoken advocate of traditional family values and the protection of children.

"We know for sure that no serious decision is made around the Fidesz House without Viktor Orban's knowledge and consent," wrote Hungarian politician Donath Anna on Facebook.

"Viktor Orban must stand up and explain what happened. Judit Varga signed the pardon on behalf of the prime minister and his government. This is Orban's system, so his responsibility cannot be denied."

Scandal could bring down other politicians

Hungary's main opposition parties have called for a presidential election.

"In order to prevent this from happening again.... we are taking the initiative so that the people, not Viktor Orban and the Parliament, decide on the person of the new president of the republic, as it works perfectly in most European countries," wrote Klara Dobrev of the left-wing Democratic Coalition on Facebook.

Hundreds of protesters gathered by the Presidential palace in Budapest on Saturday night to celebrate her resignation.

Demonstrators said they were glad, but added that a single resignation is not enough to change the overall system created by Orban.

"Shes not the main criminal, youve got to look all the way to the top. I think she has good intentions, but I know shes a big fan of Orban. The truth needs to be found, and its scary that a Fidesz person is going to replace her, said protestor Anna Bujna.

The man whom Novak pardoned was sentenced to more than three years in prison in 2018 for pressuring victims to retract their claims of sexual abuse in a state-run children's home by its director, who was sentenced to eight years for abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

It was well known that Novak had pardoned some two dozen people ahead of Pope Francis' visit to Hungary in April 2023.

However, it was only recently disclosed that one of those pardoned was the deputy director of the children's home who covered for his boss while he preyed on its residents.

Novak was the youngest person to ever hold the office of president in Hungary.

Also implicated in the pardon was Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure, who endorsed the pardon as Hungarys then Justice Minister.

Varga was expected to lead the list of European Parliament candidates from Fidesz when elections are held this summer. But in a Facebook post on Saturday, she said she would take political responsibility for endorsing the pardon and retire from public life".

Varge also resigned from her seat as a member of parliament.
Hungary's President Katalin Novak Katalin Novak takes part in a panel at the World Economic Forum. Hannes P Albert/dpa

Hungarian President Katalin Novak announced her resignation on Saturday following mounting pressure over her pardon of a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.

"I made a mistake," said Novak in a video broadcast by state television.

It was recently revealed that Novak pardoned a man who had been legally convicted of aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of children and young people.

The disclosure triggered street protests and condemnation from lawmakers across the political spectrum.

The man Novak pardoned was the deputy head of a children's home in Bicske near Budapest.

According to a court ruling, he forced children to recant their testimonies as victims of abuse against the director of the home in order to exonerate his boss.

The home director was sentenced to eight years in prison. His pardoned deputy received a prison sentence of three years and four months.

The pardon took place in April 2023, on the occasion of Pope Francis' visit to Budapest. However, it only became known a week ago through media reports.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing populist, submitted a proposal to parliament on Thursday evening to change the Hungarian constitution so that in future, criminals whose crimes victimize children should never be pardoned.

Orban's government likes to be seen as a protector of children from sexualized violence.

Despite an international outcry, it pushed through a law in 2021 that prohibits the education of children in schools about homosexuality. Critics blasted the measure as equating homosexuality with paedophilia.

Shortly before her resignation, Novak had returned to Budapest early from an official visit to Qatar.

In Hungary, heads of state play a subordinate role politically. They are elected by parliament, usually on the recommendation of the strongest party. The appointment of Novak, who had been a leading member of Orban's Fidesz party, was proposed by the prime minister.

Novak, who took office in May 2022, has not always been on the same page as Orban.

On several occasions, she expressed clear criticism of the Russian invasion Ukraine, while Orban maintains friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Novak also spoke out in favour of Hungary's parliament swiftly ratifying Sweden's accession to NATO, which Orban is holding up.
FILE - Hungarian President Katalin Novak delivers her speech during Pope Francis' meeting with the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in the former Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, April 28, 2023. Hungarys conservative president has resigned amid public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case, a decision that unleashed an unprecedented political scandal for the long-serving nationalist government. Katalin Novak, 46, announced in a televised message on Saturday Feb. 10, 2024, that she would step down from the presidency, an office she has held since 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool, File)

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarys conservative president resigned Saturday amid public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case, a decision that unleashed an unprecedented political scandal for the long-serving nationalist government.

Katalin Novak, 46, announced in a televised message that she would step down from the presidency, an office she has held since 2022. Her decision came after more than a week of public outrage after it was revealed that she issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of hiding a string of child sexual abuses in a state-run childrens home.

I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people, Novak said on Saturday. I made a mistake.

Novaks resignation came as a rare episode of political turmoil for Hungarys nationalist governing party Fidesz, which has ruled with a constitutional majority since 2010. Under the leadership of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Fidesz has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the electoral system and media in its favor.

Novak, a key Orban ally and a former vice president of Fidesz, served as the minister for families until her appointment to the presidency. She has been outspoken in advocating for traditional family values and the protection of children.

She was the first female president in Hungarys history, and the youngest person to ever hold the office.

But her term came to an end after she pardoned a man sentenced in 2018 to more than three years in prison. He was found guilty of pressuring victims to retract their claims of sexual abuse by the institutions director, who was sentenced to eight years for abusing at least 10 children between 2004 and 2016.

I decided in favor of clemency in April of last year in the belief that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children entrusted to him. I made a mistake," Novak said Saturday. I apologize to those I have hurt and to any victims who may have felt I am not standing up for them.

As head of state, I am addressing you for the last time today. I resign from the office of president of the republic, she said.

Also implicated was Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure who was minister of justice at the time and endorsed the pardon. Varga was expected to lead the list of European Parliament candidates from Fidesz when elections are held this summer.

But in a Facebook post on Saturday, Varga announced that she would take political responsibility and retire from public life, resigning my seat as a member of parliament and also as leader of the EP list."

At the presidential headquarters in Budapest on Saturday evening, around 200 people gathered in what was originally planned as a protest to call on Novak to resign.

After her announcement, attendees said they were happy, but that it wasn't enough to fundamentally change Orban's system of governance.

Im glad that she resigned but I think things arent solved this way. Shes not the main criminal, youve got to look all the way to the top," said Anna Bujna.

Erzsebet Szapunczay, another attendee, said she was very, very happy with Novak's resignation, but that she should have resigned from the first moment, like many people in this government, because shes not alone.

"Her resignation was correct, because this way she saves herself from even more people hating her and being outraged that she represented this country until now, she said.

Orban's Fidesz enjoys the highest level of support among Hungary's political parties, and a fragmented opposition has contributed to his winning four straight election victories.

His government, considered the most friendly to the Kremlin in the European Union, has been criticized within the bloc for holding up key decisions such as support for Ukraine and admitting Sweden into the NATO military alliance.

On Saturday, the head of Fidesz's parliamentary delegation, Mate Kocsis, said in a statement that Novak and Varga had made a responsible decision, and that the party was grateful for their work.
Trail riders travel down the road Friday toward their last lunch stop before heading to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds. Three groups of trail riders met up for the lunch  Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, South Texas Trail Ride and Laredo Trail Ride. The free lunch was hosted by 3 Amigos Trailriders. There are a total of 11 trail rides sanctioned by the rodeo. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A trail rider waters his horse as they travel down the road toward their last lunch stop Friday before reaching the livestock show grounds in San Antonio. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has 11 sanctioned trail rides, three of which were meeting up for lunch Friday. On Saturday, they will make a grand entry at the rodeos Saturday matinee performance. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Trail riders travel down the road toward their last lunch stop Friday. Three groups converged for the lunchtime event: Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, South Texas Trail Ride and Laredo Trail Ride. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Trail riders travel down the road Friday for their last lunch stop before heading to the livestock show grounds. All 11 trail rides will take part in the grand entry at the rodeos matinee performance Saturday. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Trail riders with Cabalgata Internacional La Grande water their horses Friday at their last lunch stop at the lot behind ASCO Equipment in San Antonio. The group has riders from both Mexico and the United States. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Laura Rodriguez, with the Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, ties her horse to a fence at the trail riders last lunch stop Friday. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Sacho Cuebars, with the Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, shows off his spurs Friday in San Antonio. His group started their ride Friday at the Camino Real International Bridge that connects Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Christian Landero, 11, practices lassoing at the trail riders last lunch stop Friday. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Jorge Ortez, with the Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, waters his horse at the trail riders last lunch stop Friday. His group was meeting up with two others  South Texas Trail Ride and Laredo Trail Ride. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Horses are tied up at a fence at the trail riders last lunch stop Friday at the lot behind ASCO Equipment on Friday. Three groups were meeting up for lunch  Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, South Texas Trail Ride and Laredo Trail Ride. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Vanessa Fernandez, left, and Lana Santos, right, 2, wave to the trail riders as they travel down the road Friday toward their last lunch stop before reaching the livestock show grounds. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Trail riders travel down the road toward their last lunch stop Friday. Three groups were meeting up for lunch  Cabalgata Internacional La Grande, South Texas Trail Ride and Laredo Trail Ride. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A trail riders heads to the last lunch stop before reaching the livestock show grounds. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Juan Gonzalez, with Brazoria Riders from Manvel, TX, takes a nap Friday at the lot behind ASCO Equipment in San Antonio. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has 11 sanctioned trail rides, three of which were meeting up for lunch Friday. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

A celebration of the Old West and the time of cowboys wouldnt be complete without a trail ride or two  or 11 if youre talking about the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the rodeo  the oldest of its trail rides is only a few years younger, 70. But the connection between trail rides and rodeos is much older than that.

Trail rides date back to the vaqueros in Mexico driving cattle to better grazing sites or to market, said Bruce Alberthal, chairman of the trail ride committee for the San Antonio Livestock Exhibition, the nonprofit behind the rodeo.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

By the 1800s, it was the cowboys of the Old West heading out on cattle drives. At the end of the trail, they would test their skills against each other, Alberthal said. Then communities near cattle ranches started holding competitions on special occasions such as the Fourth of July, according to the Texas State Historical Association. By the 1890s, according to its website, rodeos had become a spectator event in the West.

There are 11 trail rides sanctioned by the San Antonio rodeo. They will have covered about 1,300 miles combined, with participants traveling on average 18.9 miles a day, according to the rodeo. Each one has a different starting point, but they all end at the rodeo arena. This year, theyll be riding into the Frost Bank Center for the grand entry at the start of the Saturday matinee performance.

Alberthal said about 1,000 people participate each year, riding horseback or on wagons. He said trail riders often use vacation days so they can make it for the entire weeklong ride.

While weather can dampen participation, it also can make memories.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Alberthal said the most memorable trail ride that he took part in started off with a cold rain that formed icicles hanging from cowboy hats and horse tails. But by the end of the week, trail riders were in short sleeves and slathering on sunscreen.

Family is the most amazing thing about trail rides, Alberthal said. It may not be blood, but a bond that keeps one group together through any situation is a special thing.

Heres a closer look at each trail ride, starting with the oldest.

Texas Trail Ride

Established in 1954, the Texas Trail Ride is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. On its Facebook page, the Texas Trail Riders Association calls it The Grand Daddy of Em All.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

It started Saturday in Oakland, which is on land that originally was granted to James Bowie. Oakland is in Colorado County, east of San Antonio and just east of Lavaca County.

The trail ride goes through Sublime, Shiner, Gonzales, Belmont, Seguin and Marion before reaching the Bexar County Junior Livestock Show Grounds, covering nearly 133 miles.

South Texas Trail Ride

Established in 1959, the South Texas Trail Ride is Keeping the Cowboy Tradition Alive, according to its Facebook page.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

It started Friday in Edroy, named for the two developers who planned it  Ed Cubage and Roy Miller, according to TSHA. Its in San Patricio County, northwest of Corpus Christi.

The trail ride goes through Tynan, Beeville, Pettus, Kenedy, Falls City and Floresville before arriving at the livestock show grounds, covering about 148 miles.

Old Chisholm Trail Drivers

The Old Chisholm Trail Drivers started in 1961 with five men from Cuero  John Hamilton, Gene Carson, Albert Ley, R.G. Trent and Lias Steen, according to the Cuero Record.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

This years ride started Saturday in Cuero, named after a creek the Spanish called Arroyo del Cuero, or Creek of the Rawhide, referring to the killing of wild cattle if they got trapped in the mud of the creekbed, according to TSHA. Its in central DeWitt County, southeast of San Antonio.

The trail ride goes through Westhoff, Nixon, Stockdale and La Vernia before reaching the livestock show grounds, covering about 103 miles.

Alamo Trail Ride

Live and Ride the Legend is the recruiting call of the Alamo Trail Ride, established in 1962.

The ride started Saturday in the foothills of Montell in the Hill Country. Montell is located in the Nueces River canyon in northwestern Uvalde County.

The trail ride crosses hills and valleys, canyons and river crossings as it makes its way across historic ranches to Concan, covering 100 miles. Riders then trailer to the livestock show grounds.

Laredo Trail Ride

Also established in 1962, the Laredo Trail Ride bills itself as a family fun event on its Facebook page.

Riders hit the trail Saturday, starting from Oscar Moreno Ranch, just outside Laredo. Laredo in Webb County served as a concentration point for the forces of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna during the Texas Revolution, TSHA says.

The trail ride goes through Artesia Wells, Cotulla, Dilley, Pearsall, Moore, Devine, Natalia, Lytle and Von Ormy en route to the livestock show grounds, traversing 165 miles, according to its Facebook page.

Hill Country Trail Ride

Established in 1965, the Hill Country Trail Ride has maintained the Texas culture and heritage of trail riding.

The trail ride began Saturday in Blanco, which TSHA describes as primarily a ranch and farm trade center. Its in Blanco County, north of San Antonio in the Hill Country.

It goes through Kendalia and Boerne, covering just over 65 miles, before trailering to the livestock show grounds.

Mesquite Trail Drivers

The Mesquite Trail Drivers group was established in 1965 as a social and recreational club promoting the American pioneer experience as it related to equestrian travel.

Trail riders left Saturday from Bastrop, which was established by Stephen F. Austin after the Baron de Bastrop won Spanish approval to start a German colony but was unable to pull it off, according to the TSHA.

The trail ride goes through Luling, Kingsbury, Seguin, New Berlin and Adkins before arriving at the livestock show grounds, covering about 103 miles.

Cowboy Capital Trail Ride

The Cowboy Capital Trail Ride, established in 1969, started this years ride with a Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday. It also gave members the option of riding in the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive last weekend.

The trail ride begins in Bandera, which calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World.

The first four days are in the Bandera-Tarpley area before heading to Helotes, covering nearly 100 miles. After taking part in the Helotes Elementary School parade, participants will trailer to the livestock show grounds.

Alamo Kountry Kickers Trail Ride

Established in 1975, Alamo Kountry Kickers is a trail riding group that knows how to have fun the right way. The club was started by six people in 1969 under the name Randys Rodeo Regulars, according to the history on its website.

The groups first trail ride to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was called Kerr Country Trail Ride; but since it wasnt a sanctioned ride, it also was called The Outlaw Trail Ride. It wasnt officially recognized until 1980.

The trail ride started Saturday in Comfort in the western portion of Kendall County. This year, the route goes through Boerne, Bulverde and Schertz before heading to the livestock show grounds, covering more than 80 miles.

GRA-TRAils Trail Ride

The GRA-TRAils Trail Ride is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The Greater Randolph Area Trail Riders Association was established in 1983 as a nonprofit that would promote family, fun, fellowship, and the love of horses, according to its website. In 1998, the group got approval on a probationary basis to hold a trail ride to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. It became a sanctioned event the next year.

The trail ride started with 2 days of riding in Buda before trailering to San Marcos. The riders then will travel to New Braunfels and Marion before heading to the livestock show grounds covering roughly 75 miles.

Cabalgata Internacional La Grande

Established in 2020, this is the newest of the sanctioned trail rides. The Cabalgata Internacional La Grande features riders from both Mexico and the United States.

The ride started Friday after a binational opening ceremony on Camino Real International Bridge, which connects Piedras Negras, Mexico, to Eagle Pass.

On the line that connects Piedras Negras-Eagle Pass, we held the ceremony of La Grande, a ride that reminds us that Mexico and the United States, maintain a close bond of collaboration and harmony, through our traditions and cultures, always united by a connection of brotherhood, Piedras Negras Mayor Norma Trevino Gonzalez said in a Facebook post.
More than a year overdue, the Idaho 55 highway project near Smiths Ferry wrapped up in late December with state transportation officials now acknowledging they again exceeded a budget that had already swelled to double its original price tag.

Preliminary estimates from the Idaho Transportation Department place the cost of the mile-long lane-widening project near Valley Countys southern edge at $62.8 million. Thats $1.2 million above ITDs revised estimate in summer 2022. Its total budget for the project started at $30.8 million when construction got underway in fall 2020.

Idaho 55 acts as a primary thoroughfare between Boise and McCall, and the project site sits in a sensitive mountainous corridor along the Payette River. But repeated rock slides during the first two years of construction required emergency road closures and contributed to its lengthy delay of completion in winter 2023.

ITD officials, however, contend that the project, which straightened the curved highway, widened shoulders and added guardrails to improve safety, was finished on time at the end of 2022. But construction crews again returned in spring 2023 and continued work into December to stabilize a troublesome hillside at the northern end of the project zone that gave way in late 2021 and sent about 70,000 tons of rock and debris onto the roadway.

Crews worked to remove rock and debris from one of nine hillsides along the Idaho 55 highway project north of Smiths Ferry. Construction began in fall 2020 to widen and straighten the mile-long stretch of road for safer travel along the Payette River.

The original highway safety improvement project was completed as scheduled, ITD spokesperson John Tomlinson told the Idaho Statesman in an email. Work on the one hillside essentially became a separate project from the main project, he said, after the large-scale, unpredictable rock slide at one point closed the road for nearly three weeks.

ITD did not seek bids for the additional hillside work, and M.A. DeAtley, a Washington-based firm originally awarded the road project, remained the construction contractor. Instead, a contingency fund of up to $15 million was set aside to add erosion controls and snow fencing to ensure safety on the one hillside.

That was on top of a revised plan to remove another 140,000 tons of earthen material from the troublesome hillside to further flatten its slope at an added cost of $9 million. By the end, the contractors extra excavation from the lone hillside increased to about 255,000 tons of material, Tomlinson said, which surpassed $16 million in added costs.

Installation of snow fencing on a troublesome hillside was one of the finishing touches to complete the overdue Idaho 55 highway project that wrapped up in December 2023.

Meanwhile, the erosion controls and about 140 snow fences installed on the one hillside came in at less than the expected amount, he said. But it still equated to just the additional work on the single hillside eclipsing $25 million.

We had to do something

The overall project cost excludes another $1.8 million spent on the original project design and construction plans that later had to be amended. Even with the added design cost, the figures mean the overall project was kept within 2% of that summer 2022 cost projection, which Tomlinson said left the agency happy. ITD construction projects typically plan for a 5% contingency for potential project overages, he said.

As happens during a construction project, some of the costs increase and some of the costs go down during different phases of the project, Tomlinson said. To have a multimillion-dollar project be within that percentage is remarkable.

Construction on the Idaho 55 highway project near Smiths Ferry got underway in fall 2020, but ran into lengthy delays following repeated rock slides. The mile-long lane-widening project wrapped up in December 2023 at a preliminary estimate of $62.8 million  more than double the original price tag of $30.8 million.

The Idaho 55 project near Smiths Ferry was envisioned to enhance safety in the rugged mile-long stretch that historically carried an above-average crash rate, according to ITD data. Since the late 1970s, those accidents included at least five deaths in three wrecks where vehicles went off an embankment and into the Payette River.

Julie DeLorenzo, a member of the ITD board whose district encompasses Ada and Valley counties and includes the Idaho 55 project, did not respond Thursday to a request for comment from the Statesman. She acknowledged at a September 2022 board meeting that the growing project costs garnered criticism from the public, but that safety improvements on the highway segment were necessary and years in the making.

We had to do something, DeLorenzo said at the time. I know it costs a lot of money.  You cant predict whats going to happen under a mountain, and even with all the experts and their knowledge in rockfall and changing slope still didnt get us quite there.

Gov. Brad Little also previously weighed in with concerns about the high-profile projects delays and ballooning costs. His office also did not respond to a Thursday request from the Statesman for comment about the projected total cost and December 2023 completion date.

Gov. Little is never pleased when projects encounter unforeseen delays and cost more money, Madison Hardy, Littles spokesperson, told the Statesman in a statement last May, but the safety of Idahoans is his top priority and the project must be done right.
Idaho death row prisoner Thomas Eugene Creech, pictured here in November 2020, was convicted of three murders in the state and two more in Oregon and California between 1974 and 1981. Now 73, he has been incarcerated in Idaho for nearly 50 years.

Idahos first execution in nearly 12 years will continue as scheduled later this month after the states highest court Friday denied a stay of execution for Thomas Creech and dismissed two of the longtime death row prisoners state appeals.

Attorneys for Creech argued Monday before the Idaho Supreme Court requesting the stay. They said the constitutional rights issues raised in their clients two appeals, the complexities of the cases and a plain reading of state law provided for a halt of their clients execution. The courts five justices unanimously disagreed, siding with the state district court that previously ruled against Creech in both cases.

In one case, the lower court ruled Creech was not entitled to claim he had received ineffective legal counsel during a prior sentencing, when he was handed the death penalty, on account of his attorneys at the time not presenting his history of childhood physical and sexual abuse and traumatic head injuries to the judge. Creech also did not file the appeal in a timely manner as required by Idaho law, wrote Richard Bevan, Idahos chief justice.

In the second case, Creechs attorneys argued that their clients death sentence should be thrown out because it was handed down by a judge, rather than a jury, and was therefore unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that only juries could impose a death sentence. Creechs appeal was denied for not having been filed in a timely manner, according to Idaho law.

The Idaho attorney generals office, which argued against Creechs appeals, did not respond to a request for comment Friday from the Idaho Statesman.

Creechs attorneys with the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho said they were disappointed that the Idaho Supreme Court chose against answering whether it is constitutional for the state to execute a prisoner sentenced to death by a judge rather a jury.

The courts decision doesnt change the fact that the country has put this practice behind it, Deborah A. Czuba, supervising attorney of the legal nonprofits unit that oversees death penalty cases, said in a statement to the Statesman. And it doesnt change the fact that the very judge who sentenced Tom to death now opposes his execution because it would just be an act of vengeance. 

Creech, 73, has been incarcerated in Idaho for nearly 50 years, the majority of that time on death row. He has been convicted of five murders, including three in Idaho. Creech is suspected of several other murders for which he was never charged, including a decades-old cold case murder in San Bernardino County, California, in October 1974.

Creech first was convicted in Idaho of the November 1974 double-murder of Edward Thomas Arnold, 34, and John Wayne Bradford, 40, in Valley County. He was handed the death penalty, but his sentence was later dropped to life in prison after a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against automatic death sentences.

Creech was later convicted of the May 1981 murder of fellow prisoner David Dale Jensen, 23, while the two were serving in the Idaho maximum security prison. Creech pleaded guilty to Jensens murder and was again sentenced to death.

Justices reject evolving standards argument

At Mondays hearing, LaMont Anderson, the chief deputy attorney general for the offices capital litigation unit, called Creechs attorneys argument for retroactive resentencing by a jury the biggest Hail Mary that Ive seen during more than 26 years in his position.

This petition is not legal, Anderson told the justices. And the reason its not legal is because it was a claim that was known or reasonably could have been known decades ago.

Creechs attorney, Jonah Horwitz, alleged that allowing his clients execution to move forward would make Idaho the last state in the country to execute a prisoner in the absence of a jury. He argued that evolving standards of decency across the U.S. warranted applying the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which prevented a judge, rather than a jury, from deciding on a death sentence.

In the other appeal, Anderson argued that the courts ruling on whether a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision applies to state appeals would have a massive effect on at least three other Idaho death row prisoners cases. Anderson said the recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent regarding ineffective legal counsel did not comport with prior state law adopted by the Idaho Legislature.

The Idaho Supreme Courts rulings Friday keep Creechs scheduled execution by lethal injection on Feb. 28 on track. State prison officials said in October that they already have the drugs necessary for a lethal injection, which have become increasingly difficult to obtain.

The states most recent attempt to execute Creech, late last year, was upended when the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole agreed to provide Creech a rare clemency hearing for a death row prisoner to consider whether to drop his sentence to life in prison. Creech was supported in his effort by a number of former state prison workers, as well as the judge who sentenced him to death, and he was just the third death row prisoner to receive clemency review in Idaho since 1976.

Following the January hearing, the parole boards commissioners announced last week that they had deadlocked in a 3-3 vote, which functioned as a denial of his clemency. The state obtained Creechs latest death warrant the next day.

Creechs attorneys then sued the parole board and the Ada County Prosecutors Office, which argued against clemency for Creech, in federal court following the parole boards decision. That federal appeal arguing that Creechs constitutional rights were violated at the hearing remains active.

Anderson, in a letter to the parole boards executive director, pleaded with the parole board not to grant clemency review for death row prisoners going forward.

The state sincerely hopes the commission will give greater pause before granting commutation hearings in the future for other death-sentenced murderers because that decision itself appears to spawn additional litigation, Anderson wrote. If the commission and the people of the great state of Idaho want to know why these cases take so long to complete, just look at the history of Creechs case.

In another federal appeal, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals remanded elements of a legal challenge to the lethal injection drugs intended for use in Creechs execution back to the lower federal court. Creechs attorneys were invited by the appellate court to refile their petition with the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

Creech has avoided execution 11 times during his decades on the states death row. Idaho has not executed a prisoner since June 2012.

We will continue to fight to keep the government from killing a harmless and deeply remorseful old man who is beloved by the prison staff that will have to execute him, Czuba said.
Texas National Guard soldiers install additional razor wire lie along the Rio Grande on January 10, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. Following a major surge of migrant border crossings late last year, miles of razor wire as well as huge quantities of refuse remain along the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass.

The claim: Data shows immigrants entering the US illegally outnumber American births

A Dec. 30, 2023, Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows a line graph that purportedly compares American birthrates to illegal immigration from 2019 to 2023.

The chart supposedly shows the number of immigrants entering the country illegally rising steadily before surpassing the number of births in August or September 2023.

Wow, more Illegal Immigrants are entering our country than American's (sic) are giving birth, the caption reads.

X owner Elon Musk, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and other social media users shared versions of the graph and the claim. People who reacted to their posts said it was evidence that immigrants are taking over the country.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

The graph and data behind it do not show the number of immigrants entering the U.S. illegally. It shows the number of documented encounters between border officials and immigrants, a tally that doesn't factor in the many immigrants who are turned away. Experts warn this figure isn't an accurate representation of the number of people entering the U.S. illegally.

Social media graph based on flawed statistics

Jack Malde, senior policy analyst of immigration and workforce policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said the comparison the post sets out to make is not fundamentally sound.

"A comparison of number of births to illegal entry is random," Malde said. "There is no logical link between these two variables, and it isnt at all clear what one should take from the fact that one is bigger than the other. I understand how a chart like that can stimulate discussion, but it isnt useful to compare these two variables."

A closer look at the numbers shows this post got the specifics wrong as well, though, due to misunderstanding U.S. immigration data.

The graph was first shared in December 2023 on X, formerly Twitter, by an account called Datahazard that claimed illegal immigration surpassed births in August 2023. The user later said the switch actually happened in September 2023. Neither is correct.

The chart compares births to encounters, a tally that counts the number of incidents in which an immigrant is either apprehended or expelled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. There were fewer encounters than births in August 2023.

September 2023 data requires a closer look. There were 341,387 encounters that month, compared to 305,000 births.

But unlike the number of births, the encounter tally includes people who did not stay in the U.S. In September 2023, 68,210 people left or were expelled from the U.S. following encounters, according to Department of Homeland Security data. That alone would bring the illegal immigration tally below the number of births.

"Bottom line, the number of new illegal immigrants settling in the country is without precedent, but it does not exceed births," said Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies.

But there are other problems with conflating encounters with illegal immigration, experts say.

The incidents identified as encounters don't all involve people attempting to enter illegally, Malde said.

"The term illegal entry can be highly misleading as some people who are classed as encounters who have not been removed from the country or sent back to where they came from may be legally seeking asylum but not had a final determination made yet," Malde said. "These people are not illegal immigrants.'"

And an individual can be encountered more than once, which the DHS calls a repeat encounter.

There are no national statistics on repeated encounters publicly available. However, Customs and Border Protection records the number of repeated encounters at the Southwest border. For example, the border agency reported it had 232,972 encounters in August 2023. But the agency said there were only 164,911 unique encounters along the Southwest border that month, which refers to people who have only been encountered once within 12 months.

Adriel Orozco, senior policy counsel at the American Immigration Council, told USA TODAY that repeat encounters happened more frequently under Title 42, a public health order that prohibited border control agencies from detaining migrants in holding stations where COVID-19 could spread. The order, which lasted from March 2020 to May 2023, allowed for immigrants to be quickly expelled, but those expelled to Mexico could return to the U.S. fairly quickly without certain penalties.

Fact check: No, Jeffrey Epstein no esta vivo, murio por suicidio, esperaba su juicio

Experts also note that the concept of comparing official illegal immigration data to any other number is misleading because no count will factor in the number of people who enter the country undetected.

While DHS employs a number of concrete metrics to track border security operations, it is difficult to precisely quantify illegal flows because illegal border crossers actively seek to evade detection, and some flows are undetected, reads a DHS fact sheet.

USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Datahazard did not return a request for comment.

PolitiFact also debunked this claim.

Our fact-check sources:

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: Data doesn't show illegal immigration outpaces birthrate | Fact check
Rian Ernest, a Golkar Party candidate, shows his campaign cards during a campaign rally at a lower-income neighborhood in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Jan. 19, 2024. Christians like Ernest face questions about their faith in the world's third-largest democracy, which will stage presidential and legislative elections Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  With a broad smile on his face, Jakarta city council candidate Rian Ernest answers almost every question about his faith with the same line.

Im Christian, but my wife and children are Muslims, so pray for me to get the guidance," Ernest said.

Ernest is one of thousands of candidates facing the contradictions of seeking office as a member of a minority in the world's third-largest democracy, which is holding national elections on Wednesday.

Elections in the country often reveal a tension between pluralism and the power of conservatives from its Muslim majority.

Nearly 90% of Indonesias 277 million people are Muslims. There are just under a million Christians in Jakarta, out of around 10 million people.

Christians like Ernest hold around 14% of seats in the national legislature, while making up just under 9% of the general population, but they face constant questions about their faith. A national quota system has helped more women win office, but fallen short of its own targets. And in this election, a new party is seeking to win representation for marginalized groups like domestic workers and people with disabilities.

Ernest, a lawyer turned politician, is running for a seat in the city legislature in East Jakarta for Golkar, Indonesias second largest party. The capital is one of the best places to run as a Christian, he says.

Jakarta elected an ethnic Chinese Christian governor in 2014, but he lost reelection after conservative Muslims accused him of blasphemy, and wound up jailed for it.

After Basuki Tjahaja Purnama accused rivals of misinterpreting the Quran to oppose a Christian governor, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in protests. Now Anies Baswedan, who rode the protests to victory over Purnama in the 2017 governor's race, is a leading candidate for president.

Its the kind of mindset that might make some non-Muslim candidates think twice about campaigning in a conservative Muslim community, Ernest said. He added that most Indonesians are tolerant unless something triggers a conflict, and the country has a pluralist society that respects freedom of expression.

This year, Ernest is trying to win over voters by offering rice for around half the usual price, with a picture of Ernest, his candidate number and a campaign message in each one. He says it's a better alternative to vote buying, which is widespread in Indonesian elections.

Supriatna, a 22-year-old food vendor and first-time voter, said he appreciated the campaign stop in a neighborhood almost never visited by politicians. He said Ernests faith does not concern him.

The most important thing is that legislative candidates want to go directly to the grassroots, asking directly what the people need, said Supriatna, a first-time voter who, like many Indonesians, uses only one name.

Female candidates face perhaps a steeper uphill battle, despite a quota system requiring 30% of candidates to be women since 2004.

Since 2004, the number of seats held by women in the national parliament has climbed from around 8% to just over 21%, according to World Bank figures. Women are even rarer in provincial and district legislatures, only 18% and 15% respectively, according to the General Election Commision. In 25 of Indonesia's 167 district parliaments, no women at all were elected in 2019.

I want to be there to voice the needs and issues of women that must be accommodated by law, said Muharyati, another candidate in East Jakarta, who goes by only one name.

A 54-year-old single parent of two whose left hand is partially missing, Muharyati chairs the Indonesian Association of Disabled Women and says she had to endure ridicule because of doubts about her competence to sit in Jakartas House of Representatives.

She is running with the newly formed Labor Party, which is putting forward candidates from marginalized groups in its races across the country.

Muharyati said many policies, laws and regulations tend not to side with women, especially women with disabilities.

I will fight for equal rights for women and people with disabilities if I am elected to office," Muharyati said.

Another Labor Party candidate, Yuni Sri Rahayu, 41, is seeking to represent Indonesia's millions of domestic workers, who are not protected under Indonesian labor laws and regulations.

She has worked as a domestic helper since the age of 16, and is a board member of the National Advocacy Network for Domestic Workers.

Some 9 million Indonesians were in domestic work in the country and abroad as of 2020, according to an estimate by Indonesias National Commission on Violence Against Women released in 2020.

Rahayu says her professional background has been an obstacle for her in convincing the residents to support her in February legislative election.

I want to fight and encourage lawmakers to immediately pass the domestic worker protection bill into law, she said.

Lawmakers first proposed a bill to protect domestic workers in 2004, addressing issues of discrimination, abuse and humiliation, but it's never passed, despite at least three more attempts.

Domestic workers often work long hours without adequate rest or time off, and have little protection from violence from employers. They also do not receive no social security.

Many people think it is an odd that a housemaid is contesting for legislator, Rahayu said. But we seriously need representatives in the parliament to voice the rights of fellow domestic workers."
By Ananda Teresia and Bernadette Christina

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Indonesia's presidential contenders packed final rallies in the capital Jakarta and the Central Java city of Solo on Saturday, ahead of the world's biggest single-day election.

Candidates enter a cooling-off period on Sunday, running through election day on Wednesday, when voters will choose among three contestants running to succeed the hugely popular President Joko Widodo, who has led Indonesia for a decade and cannot run again.

The contenders to lead the world's third-largest democracy are popular ex-governors Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, and former special forces commander Prabowo Subianto, who has soared in opinion polls with the tacit backing of the president, and with the incumbent's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate.

At stake is the leadership for the next five years of a mineral-rich Group of 20 economy of 270 million people positioning itself as a future destination for multinational firms in the electric vehicle supply chain.

A light-blue wave took over Jakarta's main sports complex as hundreds of thousands of Prabowo's supporters gathered, many wearing T-shirts in his signature colour.

High-schooler Alfiatnan, 18, said she would vote for Prabowo because this was his third attempt at the presidency. "I think there's no harm giving opportunity to someone who is trying. His optimistic spirit influenced me to choose him."

INTIMIDATION CLAIM

Supporters at Anies' rally in the capital filled an 82,000-capacity stadium, chanting Islamic prayers. Some stayed overnight to secure a spot to see the former Jakarta governor.

"I arrived here yesterday on purpose because if I had come today, I'm afraid I couldn't have gotten inside," said Ida Zubaedah, 50. "I need to be inside because I want to see Anies."

Anies fired up the crowd, urging them to "fight with conscience" any intimidation before or on voting day.

"Hearing that in the next few days there will be operations, intimidation, opinions being led so that voting will be done in one round for a certain candidate, I believe Indonesian people... will show they are the ones who determine their future," he said, without naming anyone or presenting any evidence.

Responding to Anies' claim of expected intimidation, Prabowo's vice presidential candidate Gibran asked in a campaign appearance for his rival to bring proof.

A spokesperson for Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, did not respond to a request for comment. His administration has ordered civil servants and law enforcement officers to remain neutral.

In Solo, Ganjar rode a cart filled with produce pulled by oxen, underscoring his man-of-the-people style, greeting thousands of supporters braving the rain.

Ganjar, Central Java's former governor, called on people to vote for him to show "true resistance" against the use of state resources during campaigning, without naming any of his rivals.

At another rally in Central Java, Ganjar's running mate, Mahfud MD, said Indonesian democracy was "in crisis" and "heading into darkness" because corruption was rising, law had been misused and "the constitution has been played."

SURVEY BOOST

Jokowi, has faced allegations of interfering to try to sway the outcome of the election by making highly publicised appearances with frontrunner Prabowo.

Jokowi has responded that a president has the right to campaign, while saying he did not plan to campaign for anyone.

Two closely watched opinion polls on Friday and Saturday showed a growing likelihood of Prabowo winning more than 50% of votes, avoiding a run-off between the top two candidates, which would be held in June.

"All the reliable indicators showed, God willing, the election is one round," Prabowo told reporters after the big rally in Jakarta, saying attendance had exceeded his expectations.

Undecided voters could be critical to former academic Anies and the populist Ganjar to force a second round, a scenario that could change the dynamic of the race.

Prabowo has sought to rebrand his reputation as a hot-tempered nationalist and feared lieutenant of the late strongman ruler Suharto. He now cultivates a gentler image as a cat-loving grandfather with clumsy dancing.

Arya Fernandes of Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies said a good turnout was vital if Prabowo aims to win outright next week.

"It depends on whether Prabowo can ensure that his loyalists show up to the polls," Fernandes said.

(Additional reporting by Stanley Widianto; Writing by Martin Petty and Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor and William Mallard)
Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, centre right, and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, greet their supporters during their campaign rally at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  The three candidates in Indonesia's presidential election held their final campaign events in front of tens of thousands of people on Saturday, four days before more than 200 million citizens cast their votes in the worlds third-largest democracy.

The frontrunner, former special forces general Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, 36-year-old Surakarta mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, held their final rally at a Jakarta stadium.

On Feb. 14, we will all determine the future of our children and grandchildren. ... We strive to bring prosperity to all Indonesian people. We will continue what has been built by previous presidents, Subianto said.

While he is the oldest candidate, Subiantos running mate is the youngest  though his selection provoked controversy as he is the son of the current president. They are pursuing youth support, with social media and video billboard campaigns featuring Pixar-style animated depictions of themselves. Theyre meant to soften the image of the gruff-talking former general, whos been accused of past human rights abuses, which he has denied.

Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan together with his running mate, Muhaimin Iskandar, held their final campaign event at another stadium in the capital.

Our responsibility is to work together to stop injustice, inequality and bring about change, Baswedan said in front of tens of thousands of residents and the leaders of the political parties who support his race.

Meanwhile, thousands of people dressed in black and white shirts gathered in Central Java province to support the governing party's candidate. Ganjar Pranowo, a former governor of the province, held his final rallies in Surakarta and Semarang, in the area that is vital to his campaign.

Speaking in Surakarta, Pranowo emphasized that he and his running mate Mohammad Mahfud have listened to the people they met during the campaigns, such as those who questioned the high price of rice.

A leader cannot be silent if there are screams among the people, Pranowo said.

Nearly 205 million Indonesians, predominantly young people, are eligible to vote in the presidential and legislative elections in the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world

Even though they have held several massive in-person campaign events, the three contenders mostly campaigned through social media, reflecting increasing internet access even in rural areas.

The presidential election will determine who will succeed President Joko Widodo, serving his second and final term.

Since mid-October 2023, support for Subianto has continued to increase at the expense of his rivals.

The Indikator Politik Indonesia agency said in its latest survey that it was possible that Subianto and Raka could could win outright in the first round, but it was also possible that the election would go to a runoff.
Texas Department of Public Safety officers guard an entrance to Shelby Park on Jan. 11 in Eagle Pass. FBI agents disrupted a plot by three men  two of whom said they were part of a militia  to travel to the Texas-Mexico border to kill Border Patrol agents and immigrants crossing illegally because they believed the country was being invaded, according to court documents filed in federal courts. One of the men also called and left a phone message with Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office to alert him about their plans, saying: If yall cannot take care of this border and shut it down then we will be forced to come in and do it ourselves, according to a criminal complaint. Sam Owens/Staff photographer Texas Department of Public Safety officers work inside a fenced-off Shelby Park on Jan. 11 in Eagle Pass, Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Migrants find a way through the concertina wire along the banks of the Rio Grande by Shelby Park in Eagle Pass in this August 2023 photo. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

FBI agents disrupted a plot by three men  two of whom said they were part of a militia  to travel to the Texas-Mexico border to kill Border Patrol agents and immigrants crossing illegally because they believed the country was being invaded, according to documents filed in federal courts.

One of the men also called and left a phone message with Gov. Greg Abbotts office to alert him about their plans, saying: If yall cannot take care of this border and shut it down then we will be forced to come in and do it ourselves, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint does not say when he left this message but that he summarized it to a confidential FBI source on a recorded phone conversation Oct. 3, 2022.

The men  Bryan C. Perry, 38; Jonathan S. ODell, 33; and Paul Faye, 55  were arrested by FBI agents and face various federal charges in connection with their alleged plot, which authorities say they started organizing in 2022 and planned to carry out in October 2023.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The most recent arrest was Faye, of Tennessee, on Monday. He faces a single charge of being in possession of an unregistered firearm silencer.

In the complaint, the FBI said Perry had extensive contact with Faye before Faye was arrested. Faye expressed a desire to travel with Perry and another individual to the border and commit acts of violence, the complaint says.

Perry and ODell also are accused of attempting to kill seven federal agents. According to the complaint, as the FBI attempted to serve a search warrant at ODells home in Missouri, Perry fired about 11 shots from a multicaliber rifle at FBI agents.

Perry, of Tennessee, and ODell, of Missouri, were arrested in late 2022 and were indicted last year by a grand jury on several charges, including conspiracy to murder a federal officer, conspiracy to assault a federal officer, attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer, according to superseding indictments filed last year in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. After their arrests, authorities found six firearms, over 20 magazines, roughly 1,770 rounds of ammunition and other equipment at ODells residence.

According to the complaint, Perry and ODell began talking as early as November 2021 about grievances they had with the federal government. The next year, they attempted to recruit other members to their militia group to travel to Washington, D.C., to stop the madness going on, the complaint says. It also says they shared maps of the Capitol and other governmental buildings.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Basically start a war

In August 2022, Perry and ODell agreed to go to war with the border patrol, according to a superseding indictment. Perry later told a woman he attempted to recruit on TikTok and Instagram that his intentions are to go down there and basically start a war, the complaint says.

I mean, you know I know a lot of people are like, well, we dont want violence. Well, thats what its gonna take for people to open up their eyes, Perry told an undercover federal agent over the phone, the complaint says. Im goin down there to hold up a rifle. You come across, youre gonna lose your life.

According to the complaint, Perry uploaded a TikTok video announcing the groups plan to travel to the border with the intent of shoot(ing) to kill. ODell indicated in the comment section that they planned to go to Texas on Oct. 2, 2022. In the video, ODell appears while holding the buttstock of a rifle. In other TikTok videos, Perry blames Border Patrol agents and said he viewed them as treasonous for allowing migrants to cross the border.

The complaint does not say where on the Texas-Mexico border the men intended to travel. But in Fayes criminal complaint filed Feb. 2, the FBI said he was in communication with a person from North Carolina who previously had been to Eagle Pass with a militia group called NC Patriot Party and planned to travel back to the border Jan. 20.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Lawyers representing the three men didnt respond to an email after business hours seeking comment. Perry and ODell have pleaded not guilty.

Authorities first learned of Perrys threats to attack the federal government after receiving an anonymous tip in September 2022, according to the complaint.

Perry and ODell were members of the self-styled 2nd American Militia, according to an October indictment, and made plans to travel to the border to shoot federal agents who opposed them and then take the ammunition and night vision goggles from the slain agents.

At one point, prior to Perrys arrest, he told an FBI source that he called Abbott.

I basically told him, I said look, weve uh  I am a cofounder of a militia out here in Tennessee and Missouri. Um, you know weve-weve been watching the news. We know that yalls (sic) watched people come across the border that are trafficking drugs, Perry said, according to the complaint. You know, its not acceptable anymore. If yall cannot take care of this border and shut it down then we will be forced to come in and do it ourselves.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Abbotts office did not immediately return a request for comment.

We are being invaded

Fayes arrest came one day after Abbott hosted Republican governors from across the country in Eagle Pass to double down on his border security tactics, which he has said are necessary to defend the state from an invasion of migrants. Abbott planned to host another news conference Thursday in Eagle Pass, this time with Republican lawmakers from Texas.

In an eight-page criminal complaint, the Justice Department outlined a monthslong relationship between an undercover FBI agent and Faye, which began in March 2023 on TikTok.

In December, just over a year after Perry and ODell were arrested, the FBI agent and Faye discussed a plan to travel south with unregistered firearms and explosive devices to carry out a plan with militia groups from Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee to stir up the hornets nest at the border.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Faye discussed his belief that the government was training to take on its citizens, and more specifically, that the federal government was allowing illegal immigrants to enter the United States to help the government, the complaint read.

The complaint alleges that Faye told the undercover agent that he could gather necessary gear for their plan, like bulletproof vests, from deceased individuals as we go. Additionally, Faye told undercover agents that he already was in possession of explosive targets and that he had booby-trapped his property in the event law enforcement came to his home, according to the complaint.

In January, Faye transferred the unregistered silencer to the agent as they prepared to travel to the border, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. After Fayes arrest, law enforcement searched his property in Cunningham, Tenn., and recovered several firearms, a silencer, explosive targets and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, the release stated.

Last year, according to the complaint, Faye asked the undercover agents to train together in person before traveling to the border, saying the patriots are going to rise up because we are being invaded. We are being invaded.

Abbott repeatedly has characterized the high numbers of migrants  many of whom are seeking political asylum  arriving at the Texas-Mexico border as an invasion. His campaign used the term as recently as Wednesday morning in a fundraising email. And lawyers for Attorney General Ken Paxtons office recently tried to make a legal argument, saying Texas is being invaded by transnational cartels. However, District Judge David Ezra dismissed Texas argument and wrote: Such a claim is breathtaking.

Still, Abbott and other Republican leaders in Texas and across the country have doubled down on the use of the phrase, despite demands from. immigrant rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers to stop using rhetoric that could inspire someone to commit violence against immigrants.

In August 2019, a gunman  who railed about a Hispanic invasion in a document published online  drove about 700 miles from Allen to El Paso and fatally killed 23 people and injured 22 others at a Walmart. According to the Justice Department, the gunman has described himself as a white nationalist, motivated to kill Hispanics because they were immigrating to the United States.

Last month, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told reporters in Eagle Pass that Texas is being invaded by murderers, molesters, terrorists, rapists, gang members, drug dealers, car jackers, kidnappers in describing the people crossing the Texas-Mexico border. When asked by a reporter if using such language could inspire another violent attack such as the August 2019 mass shooting in El Paso, Patrick responded by saying that is a silly question.

Every time an elected official publicly embraces the rhetoric of the replacement and invasion conspiracy, they are contributing to a climate where someone with hate in their heart and a gun in their hand believes they should take matters into their own hands, said Zachary Mueller, political director at Americas Voice, a progressive pro-immigration group.

Earlier in January, Abbott was heavily criticized for saying that Texas has used every tool to control the border short of ordering officers to shoot migrants.

The only thing that were not doing is were not shooting people who come across the border, because of course, the Biden administration would charge us with murder, Abbott said during the Jan. 5 radio interview with Dana Loesch, a former editor at Breitbart News and spokesperson for the National Rifle Association.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran and the United States have exchanged messages throughout Israel's four-month-old war on Hamas in Gaza, including about Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, the Iranian foreign minister said on Saturday.

"During this war and in the recent weeks, there was an exchange of messages between Iran and America," Hossein Amirabdollahian said through a translator at a press conference capping a day-long visit to Beirut.

He said the United States had asked Tehran to request Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, "not to get widely, fully involved in this war against" Israel.

Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily fire with the Israeli military along the Lebanese-Israeli frontier to support its Palestinian ally Hamas, and has vowed to "fight to the end" should Israel launch a full-scare war on Lebanon.

Israel launched a war it says aims to destroy Hamas after the Islamist group staged a deadly cross-border assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7.

The conflict has rippled across the region and earlier this month Washington staged strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Irag, Syria and Yemen in retaliation for a deadly attack on U.S. troops in Jordan.

Amirabdollahian on Saturday warned Israel against taking any steps towards a broader war against Lebanon, saying that would be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "last day."

He also said Iran saw a political solution as the only way to end the Gaza war.

"Iran and Lebanon confirm that war is not the solution, and that we absolutely never sought to expand it," Amirabdollahian told a news conference earlier on Saturday alongside his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib.

He also said Tehran was in talks with Saudi Arabia on a political solution to hostilities in Gaza.

Hamas this week proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which remaining hostages held by Hamas would go free, Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza and agreement would be reached on an end to the war.

Netanyahu called the Hamas terms "delusional" and vowed to fight on. But Amirabdollahian said Hamas was presenting ideas based on a "realistic view," and that they should be widely backed in order to end the war.

Amirabdollahian met on Saturday with Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, foreign minister, speaker of parliament and Hezbollah head Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

Hezbollah's Al-Manar television outlet said the foreign minister and Nasrallah reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and southern Lebanon, including "the near future of the situation in Lebanon".

Amirabdollahian is set to travel on to Syria, according to Syrian media, and will meet top officials there.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps have suffered one of their most bruising spells in Syria since arriving a decade ago to aid President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war.

Since December, Israeli strikes have killed more than half a dozen of their members, among them one of the Guards' top intelligence generals.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Frances Kerry)
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A woman was arrested Thursday after she allegedly held onto a boy against his will on a TRAX train and threatened to kill two passengers who tried to help.

Jessica Brown Moore, 36, was arrested for the offenses of child kidnapping, a first-degree felony; two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony; failure to stop at command of law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; and interference with an arresting officer.

Urban Skijoring spectacle: Why Salt Lake City is dumping 500 tons of snow onto the street

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the Utah Transit Authority Police Department intercepted a TRAX train at the West Valley Central station after hearing reports of a woman with a knife.

While speaking with witnesses, police learned the suspect, identified as Moore, sat down next to the juvenile, making him obviously uncomfortable, the affidavit states.

Moore reportedly grabbed onto the juvenile, refusing to let him go.

The witnesses said they called over to the juvenile, telling him to sit by them as they were concerned for his welfare, the affidavit states.

This reportedly made Moore irate, and she started to swear at them, threaten them with bodily harm, and threaten to kill them, the affidavit states.

Police said Moore then asked if anyone had a knife, and an unknown third party allegedly stepped forward and gave her one. Moore took it and again threatened to kill the witnesses, the affidavit states.

The affidavit did not mention this third party again.

The juvenile reportedly told police Moore told him she would kill him, and said she held on to him and would not let him go at his stop. The juvenile said he was extremely frightened.

Moore reportedly tried to run away from police when they arrived and resisted their attempts to place her in handcuffs.

She was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Israel claims its forces have discovered a tunnel network spanning hundreds of metres and running partly under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Gaza headquarters.

Army engineers showed journalists the underground passage and what they claimed was a terrorist data centre, weeks after countries, including Britain, suspended its funding for the aid agency following allegations that 12 of its employees took part in the Oct 7 Hamas attacks.

The UNRWA headquarters is in Gaza City, one of the areas hundreds of thousands of civilians fled in the early days of the war as Israel made advances on the region.

Reporters entered a shaft next to a school on the periphery of the UN compound, descending to the concrete-lined tunnel.

Twenty minutes of walking through the stifling hot, narrow and occasionally winding passage brought them underneath UNRWA headquarters, an army lieutenant-colonel leading the tour said.

An Israeli lieutenant-colonel walks inside a tunnel underneath the UNRWA compound - AP/Ariel Schalit

Here, a hallway was plastered with posters bearing the logo of Hamass military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.

There was an office space, with steel safes that had been opened and emptied. There was a tiled toilet. One large chamber was packed with computer servers, another with industrial battery stacks.

Israel Defense Force officials claim Hamas used the server farm for intelligence gathering, data processing and communications.

This place is one of the Hamas intelligence units, where they commanded most of the combat, said the lieutenant-colonel, who gave only his first name, Ido.

He said Hamas appeared to have evacuated in the face of the Israeli advance, pre-emptively cutting off communications cables that, in an above-ground part of the tour, he showed running through the floor of the UNRWA headquarters basement.

Israeli soldiers inside a tunnel that the army claimed was a Hamas command tunnel - AFP

Chairs and other objects stored inside - Reuters

In a statement, UNRWA said it had vacated the headquarters on Oct 12, five days after the war began, and was therefore unable to confirm or otherwise comment on the Israeli finding.

UNRWA... does not have the military and security expertise nor the capacity to undertake military inspections of what is or might be under its premises, the statement said.

In the past, whenever (a) suspicious cavity was found close to or under UNRWA premises, protest letters were promptly filed to parties to the conflict, including both the de facto authorities in Gaza (Hamas) and the Israeli authorities.

Israeli soldiers use a camera to inspect the tunnel - Reuters

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general, did not know what is under [the] headquarters in Gaza.

These recent media reports merit an independent inquiry that is currently not possible to undertake given Gaza is an active war zone, he said.

UNRWAs supporters said it is the only agency with the means of aiding Palestinians in deepening humanitarian distress. Israel said the agency is perforated by Hamas and must be replaced. Hamas has denied operating in civilian facilities.

Israel has been accused of falsifying information to tarnish UNRWA, which employs 13,000 people in the Gaza Strip and has been a lifeline for the aid-dependent population for years.

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.
Israeli soldiers take position as they enter the UNRWA headquarter where the military discovered tunnels underneath of the U.N. agency that the military says Hamas militants used to attack its forces during a ground operation in Gaza, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The Israeli military says it has discovered tunnels underneath the main headquarters of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza City, alleging that Hamas militants used the space as an electrical supply room. The unveiling of the tunnels marked the latest chapter in Israel's campaign against the embattled agency, which it accuses of collaborating with Hamas. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military says it has discovered tunnels underneath the main headquarters of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza City, alleging that Hamas militants used the space as an electrical supply room.

The unveiling of the tunnels marked the latest chapter in Israel's campaign against the embattled agency, which it accuses of collaborating with Hamas.

Recent Israeli allegations that a dozen staff members participated in the Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7 plunged the agency into a financial crisis, prompting major donor states to suspend their funding as well as twin investigations. The agency says that Israel has also frozen its bank account, embargoed aid shipments and canceled its tax benefits.

The army invited journalists to view the tunnel on Thursday.

It did not prove definitively that Hamas militants operated in the tunnels underneath the UNRWA facility, but it did show that at least a portion of the tunnel ran underneath the facility's courtyard. The military claimed that the headquarters supplied the tunnels with electricity.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the agency had no knowledge of the facility's underground, but the findings merit an independent inquiry, which the agency is unable to perform due to the ongoing war.

The headquarters, on the western edge of Gaza City, are now completely decimated. To locate the tunnel, forces repeated an Israeli tactic used elsewhere in the strip, overturning mounds of red earth to produce a crater-like hole giving way to a small tunnel entrance. The unearthed shaft led to an underground passageway that an Associated Press journalist estimated stretched for at least half a kilometer (quarter of a mile), with at least 10 doors.

At one point, journalists were able to gaze upward from the tunnel, through a hole, and make eye contact with soldiers standing in a courtyard within the UNRWA facility.

Inside one of the UNRWA buildings, journalists saw a room full of computers with wires stretching down into the ground. Soldiers then showed them a room in the underground tunnel where they claimed the wires connected.

That underground room bore a wall of electrical cabinets with multicolored buttons and was lined with dozens of cables. The military claimed the room served as a hub powering tunnel infrastructure in the area.

Twenty meters above us is the UNRWA headquarters," said Lt. Col. Ido, whose last name was redacted by the military. "This is the electricity room, you can see all around here. The batteries, the electricity on walls, everything is conducted from here, all the energy for the tunnels which you walked though them are powered from here.

The Associated Press journalist could see the tunnel stretching beyond the area underneath the facility.

Hamas has acknowledged building hundreds of kilometers (miles) of tunnels across Gaza. One of the main objectives of the Israeli offensive has been to destroy that network, which it says is used by Hamas to move fighters, weapons and supplies throughout the territory. It accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields and has exposed many tunnels running near mosques, schools and U.N. facilities.

Lazzarini said the agency was unaware what lay beneath it, saying he had visited the facility multiple times and did not recognize the electrical room. In a statement, Lazzarini wrote that UNRWA had conducted a regular quarterly inspection of the facility in September.

UNRWA is a human development and humanitarian organization that does not have the military and security expertise nor the capacity to undertake military inspections of what is or might be under its premises, read the statement.

Also in the tunnel, journalists saw a small bathroom with a toilet and a faucet, a room with shelves and a room with two small vehicles in it that soldiers said the militants used to traverse the tunnel network. The military said Saturday night that the tunnel began at a UNRWA school, and was 700 meters (765 yards) long and 18 meters (20 yards) deep.

The military said forces uncovered rifles, ammunition, grenades, and explosives in the facility, claiming it has been used by Hamas militants. Lazzarini said the agency has not revisited the headquarters since staff evacuated Oct. 12, and is unaware of how the facility may have been used.

Israel has found similar primitive quarters in tunnels across Gaza over the course of its 4 month-long campaign in Gaza. The offensive was launched after Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and dragging 250 hostages back to Gaza. Since then, Israeli war planes and ground troops have killed over 27,000 Palestinians in the strip, unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe and wreaked widespread damage.

Leaving the facility, it was nearly impossible to identify one window left fully intact. Bullet holes pockmarked the walls. Shrapnel was everywhere, crumpled-up U.N. vehicles were perched precariously atop building debris. Dogs roamed the area.

The Israeli army is occupying our biggest UNRWA headquarters," Touma said in response to Israeli allegations. Thats whats outrageous.

___

Associated Press writer Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Chinese-built 1st transmission line of Bangladeshi power grid network strengthening project put into operation

Xinhua) 09:47, February 10, 2024

DHAKA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-built 1st transmission line of Power Grid Upgrading and Renovation Turnkey Project in Bangladesh has been put into operation, boosting the transmission capacity of power grid in the northwestern Rajshahi region.

The project was jointly undertaken by Fujian Electric Power Engineering Company (FEPEC), CCC Engineering Ltd. and Jiangsu Etern Co., Ltd.

The project covers the construction, expansion, upgrading and renovation of about 99 substations and about 1,000 km of transmission lines operated by the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh. The 1st transmission line is a 132kV double circuit line from Niyamatpur to Rahanpur.

Shen Jianlong, chief representative of FEPEC, told Xinhua that after the operation, it will effectively improve Bangladesh weak power grid, make the power grid of 132kV connected and synchronized with 230 kV ring networks, and help Bangladesh power grid achieve stable operation.

According to rough calculation, installed capacity of power constructed in form of general contract or subcontract by Chinese companies reaches more than 9,038MW, accounting for 35 percent of total installed capacity in Bangladesh, which secures stable power supply for rapid economic and social development of the country.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, shown in this 2022 photo, called for mandatory DNA testing for migrants even if it meant detaining children at the border for prolonged periods during a Turning Point USA event in Brownsville. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer

WASHINGTON  Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores offered a defense of detaining children at the border for prolonged periods when she advocated for mandatory DNA testing for migrants during a Turning Point USA event in Brownsville.

Right now they just want the child to be out of the facility for as fast as possible. They have removed all DNA testing so there is no more DNA testing, and I 100% think we need to bring that back, the former Republican Congress member said at a news conference earlier this month. I dont care if these children are with us for months.

Flores is running to retake her seat in the 34th Congressional District from Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. Three other Republicans are running in the district, but Flores has the backing of national Republican groups and is leading in fundraising.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In her statements, she defended former President Donald Trumps zero tolerance policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, which was widely criticized as inhumane after it led to thousands of migrant children being separated from their parents or guardians, who were detained and prosecuted for illegal entry.

The previous administration, you had to do DNA testing and that is why children would stay in custody longer even though a lot of people would criticize. Why are they holding the children? Flores said. Well, because we would rather have them in custody until we are 100% sure that they are going to be with someone that they are related to.

When asked to elaborate on her comments, Flores rejected the notion that she was advocating the return of Trump-era family separations.

I completely oppose separating children from their families and the mainstream media twisting my words to fit their partisan agenda, Flores said in a text message when asked about her remarks.

DNA testing migrants began under Trumps administration amid concerns that adults were claiming children as their own to avoid detention. The practice continued into President Joe Bidens administration, though immigrant rights activists have raised concerns over privacy, particularly among asylum seekers fleeing repressive governments.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Federal agents collected DNA samples from over a third of migrants they detained in fiscal year 2022, according to the Government Accountability Office, but struggled with DNA collection kit shortages. In her talk, Flores suggested that problem could be resolved by detaining children until authorities can verify they are traveling with parents or legal guardians.

Right now they are not even asking for documentation, we are just taking their word. I am sorry, but in todays times, your word is not enough for me. Show me, prove to me this is your child, she said at the Turning Point event.

Turning Point USA is a national conservative youth organization with chapters at universities across the country. The group regularly hosts events with conservative speakers.

Federal law usually prohibits migrant children from being detained longer than 20 days. But under the Trump administration, thousands of children were taken into government care after being separated from their parents under the zero tolerance policy. With their parents detained, the children were treated as unaccompanied minors after the 20-day detention limit.

The federal government scrambled to find shelters or families to house the children. Eventually, the Trump administration reversed course on family separations after fierce public blowback.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Flores isnt alone in insisting on more DNA testing for migrants. Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation to codify DNA testing migrants before releasing them with children.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden of Terrell were both original backers of a bill to do so, introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee last summer. That bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to treat a child as an unaccompanied minor if it cannot establish the childs family or legal ties with an accompanying adult.

Flores won election in the 34th Congressional District in a 2022 special election after the retirement of Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela. She is the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress. Flores was in office for only a few months, much of that while the House was in recess. But she made a mark as being an outspoken conservative, portending greater inroads among Republicans in the traditionally Democratic South Texas.

Flores lost reelection to Gonzalez, who ran in the district after moving from the neighboring 15th Congressional District. Since redistricting, the district is heavily favored to vote Democratic; Biden would have won it by over 15 percentage points under the new lines. Gonzalez won his 2022 race by over 8 percentage points after national groups from both parties poured millions of dollars into the race.

Republicans are hoping to recapture the seat this year. The National Republican Congressional Committee named the 34th District its main Texas target for a flip this year.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 31 Palestinians Saturday in Rafah, the southern city of Gaza, a densely populated area that now serves as the largest refugee camp for Palestinians fleeing the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not provide details or a timeline, but announced he had asked the military to plan for an evacuation of the more than 1 million people there ahead of a ground invasion. The announcement set off widespread panic, The Associated Press reported.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Rafah, which is situated at the border with Egypt. It is the last designated safe zone in Gaza, and Israel claims it is the last remaining stronghold for militant group Hamas.

Several people have been killed since strikes began in Rafah, even as the Biden administration and aid agencies have warned Israel to not expand its ground offensive there, since so many refugees are sheltering in the city.

President Bidens warning have become more urgent as tensions rise in the Middle East since the war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas entered Israel in a surprise attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 people hostage. Since then, Israel has launched a counteroffensive that has killed more than 28,000 people.

Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned that a ground offensive in Rafah would have disastrous consequences and alleged that Israel plans to eventually force Palestinians out of their land entirely, The AP reported.

The bodies of 117 people who were killed in Israeli airstrikes were brought to hospitals, raising the total death toll for the war to 28,064, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Most of the people killed so far have been women and children, The AP reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Italy bids farewell to Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, son of Italy's last king in Turin

Italy bids farewell to Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, son of Italy's last king in Turin

TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral in the northern Italian city of Turin on Saturday of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, the only son of Italy's last king, who died last week aged 86.

Among those present in the city's main cathedral were Prince Albert of Monaco and Spain's former Queen Sofia, while small groups of well-wishers braved the rain outside holding up placards with slogans such as "Safe Journey, Prince".

A message of condolence from Pope Francis was also read out but the service attracted only limited interest in Italy, reflecting the fact that Vittorio Emanuele lived much of his life in exile in Switzerland.

His 51-year-old son, Emanuele Filiberto, bent down and kissed the coffin as it was placed into a hearse. He was flanked by his mother, Marina Doria, the widow of Vittorio Emanuele.

Born in the southern Italian city of Naples, Vittorio Emanuele left his homeland as a child when his father Umberto II was forced to depart following the 1946 national referendum that abolished the monarchy and established a republic.

Vittorio Emanuele had declared himself King of Italy and long battled the rule in the Italian Constitution which barred all male members of his family from returning to the country.

He did finally return to Italian soil in 2002, after parliament lifted the ban, travelling to Rome for a brief visit and an audience with Pope John Paul.

But he met a cool reception on his return, the House of Savoy's image having been sullied by its World War Two-era association with fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and Vittorio Emanuele's own legal problems.

(Reporting by Massimo Pinca in Turin; Writing by Keith Weir)
(Bloomberg) -- Giorgia Melonis plan to shift the burden of Italys debt to her voters reached a new milestone when a pitch for government bond sales ran during the nations most iconic song contest.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The advertisement, which appeared during a public TV broadcast from the annual Sanremo Music Festival on Friday night, promoted an issuance of the BTP Valore bond later this month as offering an advantageous return exclusively dedicated to small savers.

As Italy benefits from a rare respite in financial markets just as it prepares to issue the most bonds in its history, Melonis right-wing administration is leaning harder than ever on consumers.

Getting ordinary savers to buy debt, along with taking measures to avoid any worsening of public finances, are now key pillars of Romes strategy to stay sustainably afloat. Italys issuance to retail investors dwarfs that of other European countries. With the new series of such bonds coming late this month, the recent experience suggests demand will stay vigorous.

Success for the new bonds would be another fillip for Meloni, whos started the year on a strong footing, having avoided a potential downgrade of Italys debt to junk in a string of ratings reviews. The yield spread between its bonds and German equivalents, a key measure of euro-area risk, recently touched a two-year low.

Fabio Panetta, governor of the Bank of Italy, said Saturday at the annual Assiom Forex event in Genoa that Italys deficit will decrease but that debt is unlikely to shrink.

The information available for 2023 suggest that the fiscal deficit and public debt as a percentage of GDP have fallen, he said. Over the next few years, despite the expected decline in the deficit, debt should remain broadly stable.

--With assistance from Chiara Albanese.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) had an emergency board Friday and appointed Vanessa Dunn as the agencys Acting Chief Executive Officer for a 60-day period.

Dunn, who had been serving as JHAs Chief Operating Officer for nearly two years, replaced Dwayne Alexander who resigned.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Prior to joining JHA, Dunn served as executive director of the Washington Housing Authority in Washington, North Carolina. She also served as Director of Housing Services for the Housing Authority of the County of Wake in North Carolina.

She holds a bachelors degree from Johnson C. Smith University and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University. The JHA board will be meeting in the coming weeks to begin the process of selecting its next CEO.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

I want to thank my fellow board members for coming together today on short notice to address this leadership issue, said JHA Vice Chair Heather Horovitz.

And I also want to thank Vanessa Dunn for her willingness to step up and lead the Authority at a time when we have so many exciting projects ahead of us.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  With Sunday as National Inventors Day, its a good time to bring up a classic Arkansas inventor who put the Natural State on the innovation map early on.

As the legend has it, James Black (18001872) was responsible for crafting the first Bowie knife at his blacksmith shop in Washington, in Hempstead County in 1831. The knife was made popular by legendary frontiersman Jim Bowie (17961836) who later died at the Alamo.

Only in Arkansas: Historic Bowie Knife

According to the Central Arkansas Library Systems Encylopedia of Arkansas, Black had perfected the necessary multi-step process used to forge the knife. This led to him having a reputation as a quality knife maker, which Bowie sought out.

A Bowie knife is known for its trademark curve near the point and a handguard to keep the users grip from slipping.

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, a Washington, Arkansas, newspaper article in 1841 credited Black with forging the first Bowie knife for Jim Bowie. This is important, as others have taken credit for the knifes design and initial forging, including Bowies brother Rezin who said Jesse Clifft made the first knife out of a file at his shop in Louisiana.

Arkansas at 187; Celebrating the Natural States June 15 birthday

Black had been born in New Jersey before first traveling to Louisiana, then Arkansas. He married a woman from Hempstead County and they had five children. Sadly, his later life had a series of downturns, including the death of his wife after eight years of marriage, and then losing custody of his children, along with the loss of his property to his father-in-law, also a blacksmith and former business partner. Blacks vision also began to fail.

Worse, late-life dementia left Black unable to recall all the steps involved in forging the knife, which had made his knife-making skills so in demand.

Oldest church in Arkansas still standing in White County holds rich history

A trip to the Historic Washington State Park blacksmith shop is an opportunity to see what the Blacks work life must have been like, as well as learn more about the mans role in Arkansas history.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
Japan has launched a new Taigei-class sub every year since 2020.

These "Big Whale" subs are expected to hunt Chinese warships should a war break out.

Their advanced capabilities and stealth make them prime candidates for ambushes on Chinese warships.

In October, Kawasaki Heavy Industries launched Japans newest submarine in a ceremony at its shipyard in Kobe, Japan. Named, JS Raigei (Thunder Whale in Japanese), the diesel-electric attack sub is the fourth boat of the Taigei-class , which translates to big whale.

Its launch comes almost exactly one year after the launch of the third Taigei-class sub, JS Jingei (or Swift Whale). With a building time of about two years each, Japan has launched a new Taigei-class sub every year since 2020.

The quick timetable demonstrates more than the excellent turnaround time of Japans major shipbuilders; it also demonstrates Japans resolve to modernize its submarine fleet with a new class of diesel-electric submarine regarded as one of the best anywhere in the world.

Featuring a host of new technologies and innovations, Taigei-class subs were designed in large part to defend from the very real and growing threat posed by Chinas navy, and are expected to play an essential role in hunting Chinese warships should a war break out.

New threats, advanced subs

Japans submarine prowess is the result of a large industrial base and a wealth of experience building and operating submarines for over a century.

Japans Soryu-class , pronounced soar-yuu, has been especially lauded for its effectiveness and advanced capabilities, including being one of the first frontline submarine classes to be equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which allows diesel-electric boats to operate underwater for longer periods.

The technological sophistication of their submarines, combined with the might of allied US Navy nuclear-powered attack subs, enabled Japans navy, known officially as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), to field a small sub fleet compared to its neighbors.

Even in the years immediately after the Cold War, with the threat from the Soviet Union virtually vanishing overnight and the one from Russia appearing significantly degraded compared to its forebear, Chinas submarine fleet, though large, was still mostly regarded as generations behind in terms of capability, resulting in a technological gap.

In recent years, however, that gap has closed dramatically.

Chinas current sub fleet, numbering some 59 boats, includes approximately 10 improved Kilo-class , 12 Type 039-class , and 21 Type 039A-class diesel-electric attack subs. The force also includes six Type 093/093A nuclear-propelled attack submarines and six Type-094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

Those models are equipped with modern systems and weaponry, and have modern capabilities. The Yuan-class boats, for instance, are outfitted with AIP technology, and appear to be getting upgrades to make them stealthier .

Whats more, China has become increasingly assertive with its naval forces, including around the Senkaku Islands , which Beijing claims but Japan maintains sovereignty over.

Consequently, Japan needs to both increase the size of its submarine fleet, and equip each sub with advanced technologies to achieve a qualitative advantage.

Japan is building a larger submarine fleet but it is still only about a third the size of China's. This image shows the Soryu-class submarine Kokuryu. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

The Big Whale

In 2010, a year after the commissioning of the first Soryu-class sub, Japan unveiled plans to increase its submarine fleet from 16 to 22 boats. It also continued to pursue new technologies it had started researching in the first decade of the 2000s.

One of those technologies was lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Much more efficient than standard lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries maintain a larger voltage potential as they discharge energy. They are also generally more energy dense and can be capable of storing twice as much energy as lead-acid batteries.

For submarines, this means faster accelerations and top speeds, more time underwater, less maintenance, faster recharge times, lower noise levels, and better overall performance. Li-ion batteries also negate the need for AIP, since they are more efficient and already store so much energy. Submarines need burst speeds to evade depth charges and homing torpedoes.

While other navies have been reluctant to adopt Li-ion batteries for submarines because of the risks of them malfunctioning and starting fires, Japan became the first (and so far only) country to integrate the technology into submarines with the commissioning of the final two Soryu-class subs , JS Oryu, and JS Toryu.

In 2020, Japan launched JS Taigei, the lead boat of its class and the first submarine designed from the outset to carry Li-ion batteries. Commissioned in 2022, it is similar in appearance to the Soryu-class, but is slightly larger, measuring 275 ft long and 30 ft wide, with a surface displacement of approximately 3,000 tons. A US Navy Los Angeles class attack sub, by comparison, is about 90 feet longer.

Like the Soryu-class, it is built with an X-shaped rudder for enhanced propulsion performance and operates the same countermeasure system. It is also equipped with the same ZPS-6F surface/low-level air search radar, carries the same towed array sonar, and has an optronic mast.

But the Taigei-class also has new systems in addition to the Li-ion batteries, including a new snorkel system, a new sonar system based on fiber-optic array technology, a new combat management system that gathers data from all sensors, and a pump-jet propulsor .

With a crew of 70, the Taigei-class is also built with a female-only section in the crew compartment for six female submariners- the first such accommodation in a Japanese submarine.

The subs have six torpedo tubes for Type 89 and Type 18 torpedoes, and are capable of launching UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

A central role

Submarines have long been expected to play a dominant role in a potential future conflict with China, and Japanese subs are viewed as especially important. Wargames simulating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies last year even described Japanese submarines as most valuable.

Because of their advanced capabilities and stealthy attributes, they would be prime candidates for ambushes on Chinese warships in strategic naval choke points in the East and South China seas, as well as in the Sea of Japan.

Of particular importance are the Miyako Strait and Bashi Channel; the bodies of water between Japan and Taiwan, and Taiwan and the Philippines, respectively.

Japanese subs, as well as submarines from allied and partner nations like the US, UK, and Australia could turn those bodies of water into kill zones, restricting the Chinese navys freedom to maneuver and its ability to send ships and submarines to the Second Island Chain and beyond.

The JMSDF conducted anti-submarine warfare drills with one of its submarines in the South China Sea in September and conducted its first joint ASW exercise with the US Navy in the area in 2021.

Being the most modern submarine in its fleet, the Taigei-class would play a central role in these efforts.

Japan has so far launched four Taigei-class submarines since 2018; JS Taigei, JS Hakugei, JS Jingei, and JS Raigei. Only the first two have been commissioned into service, though JS Jingei is expected to be commissioned in March. JS Raigei is planned to be commissioned in 2025.

Japan plans to acquire at least seven Taigei boats. They will replace the JMSDFs Oyashio-class subs, the first of which was decommissioned last year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  A Georgia woman was arrested on Richmond Road in James City County Friday after Flock Safety alerted them to a stolen vehicle driving in the county, police said.

James City County Police arrested a Georgia woman and charged her with unauthorized use of a vehicle after getting a report of a stolen vehicle from Flock Safety (WAVY Photo  Matt Twist).

James City County Police arrested a Georgia woman and charged her with unauthorized use of a vehicle after getting a report of a stolen vehicle from Flock Safety (WAVY Photo  Matt Twist).

Police arrested Charline Risher of Stone Mountain, Georgia and charged her with unauthorized use of a vehicle after Penske reported to authorities that the vehicle she was driving, a 10-foot moving truck, was stolen from Stone Mountain.

James City County Police said that, as a safety measure, they briefly restricted the eastbound lanes of Richmond Road to aid them in the arrest.

In photos, a yellow Penske box truck can be seen along the side of the road, with James City County Police vehicles behind it and multiple officers at the scene.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Cayla Harris covers Texas politics and government for the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at cayla.harris@hearst.com.

She also serves as training director of the Hearst Fellowship Program, a two-year initiative allowing early-career journalists to gain experience at Hearst newspapers across the country.

She previously covered New York state government for the Albany Times Union. She grew up in New Jersey and is a 2019 graduate of the George Washington University, where she studied journalism and Spanish.
A judge has resigned after sending 500 texts during a toddler's murder trial in which she mocked a prosecutor, jury members, and witnesses

An Oklahoma judge resigned after she was caught sending hundreds of texts during a murder trial.

She mocked prosecutors and witnesses, including saying the deceased child's mother was a "liar."

Her resignation came before she was due to trial in a special court on Monday.

An Oklahoma judge has stepped down after she was caught sending hundreds of text messages while presiding over a murder trial concerning the death of a two-year-old boy.

Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom exchanged more than 500 texts with a bailiff in which she mocked prosecutors and witnesses, including the mother of the deceased toddler Braxton Danker, the Associated Press reported.

Khristian Martzall, the boyfriend of the childs mother, was on trial and was later convicted of second-degree manslaughter.

The chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Justice John Kane IV, recommended her removal from the bench in October over accusations of gross neglect of duty, lack of proper temperament, and other grounds, the AP reported.

The move to oust Soderstrom came about after the Oklahoman published 50 minutes of security footage, which showed Soderstrom sending messages for minutes while in the courtroom.

In Kanes petition, he said that an investigation into her texts revealed she described the defense attorney as awesome and wanted to clap for her.

By contrast, she mocked a prosecutor for sweating through his coat and made fun of jurors hair and teeth.

She also texted a laughing emoji icon to the bailiff, who made a crass and demeaning reference to the prosecuting attorney's genitals.

When the deceased childs mother took the stand as the prosecutions key witness, she sent a text saying: Can I please scream liar, liar?'

Other texts appeared to show the judge expressing her opinion that the defendant was innocent.

Soderstrom decided to step down before she was due to go on trial in a special court on Monday, per the AP.

The judge, who took office last year, said that she decided to step down rather than see out the trial because she did not believe it would be fair.

In a resignation statement published by local media, Soderstrom said that when she took office, she promised to uphold the Constitution in a fair, even-handed and efficient manner.

In spite of resistance at nearly every turn, I believe that I have done so. However, being human, I have also faltered, she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A nurse at the Las Colinas Detention Facility was acquitted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the death of an inmate in 2019 that also led to similar charges against the doctor on duty at the time.

Danalee Pascua, 39, was found not guilty of causing the Nov. 11 death of 24-year-old Elisa Serna at the detention facility by an El Cajon jury after over two days of deliberations.

The jury did not reach a verdict on the charges against Friederike Von Lintig, the physician overseeing the medical observation unit on the day she died. With the hung jury, it is unclear whether prosecutors will seek a retrial in the criminal case against the doctor.

Court allows ex-SDSU football players to use explicit videos for defense in rape suit

Both were accused of negligence in Sernas death, which happened five days after she was booked into jail. The county medical examiner determined she died from complications of chronic polysubstance abuse with a contributing factor of early intrauterine pregnancy.

In the trial, prosecutors argued the two failed to adequately treat Serna in the final hours of her life while she was experiencing seizures, vomiting and other symptoms of withdrawal. They said she was accused by the medical staff of faking her condition.

Prosecutors alleged Von Lintig did next to nothing to treat her, besides placing her in one of the cells of the medical observation unit. Serna suffered multiple seizures in the hours leading up to her death, but prosecutors said the doctor did not respond to calls for assistance.

A few hours after Von Lintig left for the day, when Pascuas shift started, Serna endured another seizure, prompting her to collapse and hit her head on the wall. Prosecutors said Pascua failed to take her vital signs after her fall, instead leaving the cell to sit at the nearby nurses station.

About an hour later, Pascua noticed Serna was pale and did not appear to be breathing. She was pronounced dead shortly after additional emergency medical personnel arrived.

The attorney for Von Lintig argued their client was unaware of the full scope of Sernas condition, as Nov. 11 was the first day she began treating her and she said she had not witnessed or been informed of the seizure symptoms or vomiting.

Meanwhile, Pascuas counsel said the nurse did not do anything that led to her death in the time she observed her and was following standard protocols. They added that she was only briefed about her situation an hour before she collapsed and did not actually witness it happen.

While Pascua was cleared of criminal liability, a federal lawsuit brought by Sernas family against the county remains ongoing. It is one of several pending cases in connection to deaths at San Diego County jails.

Every day its a daily fight to just get the justice that she needs, Sernas mother, Paloma Serna, told FOX 5 at the beginning of the trial last month.

Drugs, ghost guns seized from Fallbrook home; three arrested

The high rate of in-custody deaths has drawn extensive criticism over the years, including a scathing report from the California State Auditor that said the inmate care policies and practices within the San Diego County Sheriffs Department were failing to prevent these incidents.

In a statement after the verdict, SDSO officials said they had the utmost respect for the jurys decision in the case while expressing sympathy to Sernas family and those impacted by her death.

Providing for the security and safety of those in our custody, and those working in our facilities are amongst the highest priorities for the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, the statement continued.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
An appeals court Thursday asked the Florida Supreme Court to take up a potentially far-reaching issue about minors who seek to have abortions without notifying and getting consent from parents or guardians.

The request, known as certifying questions of great public importance to the Supreme Court, came after a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal last month dismissed an appeal by a minor seeking a waiver from a parental notification and consent requirement in state law.

The Jan. 3 ruling appeared to be a first of its kind because the panel said it did not have legal jurisdiction to decide the case. The ruling said the case lacked a necessary justiciable controversy because it did not have an adverse party. Such an adverse party could have been a parent or guardian of the minor.

This appeal comes to us with only the minors interests presented to the court, said the ruling, written by Judge Lori Rowe and joined by Judges Thomas Winokur and Brad Thomas. And without representation of the interests of the parents  the parties whose rights are directly implicated under the parental notification and consent law. Indeed, the appeal comes to us with no appellee (a respondent in an appellate case) at all. Under these circumstances, there is no justiciable controversy for us to adjudicate.

Read: Report: DEA operation nets head of drug trafficking organization based in Orlando

Rowe acknowledged that the ruling departed from how appeals courts have handled such cases in the past, when the courts have issued rulings about whether waivers should be granted.

Lawmakers included a process in state law for minors to seek waivers in circuit courts and, if they are unsuccessful, to go to appeals courts.

In a two-page order Thursday, the panel asked the Supreme Court to decide, in part, whether an appeals court may exercise appellate jurisdiction over a trial courts ruling denying a judicial waiver under (the state law) in the absence of an adverse party in the appeal?

Read: Pedestrian dies after car crash in Merritt Island, troopers say

The order also said the Tallahassee-based appeals court denied a request for a hearing before the full court in the case  what is known as a rehearing en banc. It did not provide an explanation.

The minor in the case, identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe, went to the appeals court after Leon County Circuit Judge Lance Neff turned down her request for a waiver.

The Jan. 3 ruling did not provide details about the minor, such as her age, or the reasons that Neff ruled against her. A concurring opinion by Thomas, however, said the minor received assistance from her boyfriend and his mother in seeking to have an abortion without her parents getting notified.

Read: Dog dies in a house fire in a Titusville home

Records and court proceedings in such cases are confidential.

While he agreed with the main ruling, Thomas concurring opinion indicated he thinks parents rights are being violated.

Without notice and without an opportunity to be heard, the minors parents are deprived of the most fundamental liberty interest recognized in law: the fundamental right to care for and raise their daughter, to advise and counsel her regarding this decision, Thomas wrote.

Read: Warm weather to start the weekend

Florida voters in 2004 approved a constitutional amendment that cleared the way for the Legislature to pass a law requiring that parents or guardians be notified before minors have abortions. Lawmakers in 2020 added to that with the consent requirement. The law has retained a waiver process.

The notice-and-consent issue has long been controversial, with supporters of the requirements saying minors are not mature enough to make abortion decisions. But opponents have argued, for example, that some minors could face issues such as abuse if their parents found out they were pregnant.

Waiver cases reaching appeals courts are relatively rare. But a different panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal on Dec. 15 took up and ruled in such a case, rejecting a waiver request from a Calhoun County minor.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The name of the 16-year-old killed in a shooting on Friday night, February 9 in Harrisburg has been released.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WHTM Morning Weather

The Dauphin County Coroner has identified the child as Torray Eden. According to the coroner, Eden was pronounced dead due to his injuries at around 11:11 p.m. on Friday at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The coroner stated that the manner of death had been ruled as a homicide.

Harrisburg Police say the shooting happened on Market Street. Officers responded to the 1800 block around 10:15 p.m. on Friday for a person struck.

There were a couple of parties that were questioned subsequent to the initial investigation and its a very active investigation thats underway and ongoing. I can say that this incident appears to be isolated, however unfortunate the circumstances are, it doesnt apear to be a threat to public safety, Harrisburg Bureau of Police Captain Terry Wealand said.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Harrisburg Police at 717-558-6900.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Kansas attorney general is telling public schools theyre required to tell parents their children are transgender or nonbinary even if theyre not out at home, though Kansas is not among the states with a law that explicitly says to do that.

Republican Kris Kobachs action was his latest move to restrict transgender rights, following his successful efforts last year to temporarily block Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys administration from changing the listings for sex on transgender peoples birth certificates and drivers licenses to reflect their gender identities. Its also part of a trend of GOP attorneys general asserting their authority in culture war issues without a specific state law.

Kobach maintains that failing to disclose when a child is socially transitioning or identifying as nonbinary at school violates parents rights. He sent letters in December to six school districts and the state association for local school board members, then followed up with a public statement Thursday after four districts, all in northeast Kansas, didnt rewrite their policies.

The Kansas attorney generals letters to superintendents of three Kansas City-area districts, Topekas superintendent and the Kansas Association of School Boards accused them of having surrendered to woke gender ideology. His letters didnt say what he would do if they didnt specifically require teachers and administrators to out transgender and nonbinary students.

Olathe man one of 5 Marines killed in California helicopter crash

LGBTQ+ rights advocates saw the letters as seeking policies that put transgender and nonbinary youth in physical danger but also as an attempt to tell transgender people that theyre not welcome. Jordan Smith, leader of the Kansas chapter of the LGBTQ+ rights group Parasol Patrol, said forced outing will create more anxiety for students and even push some back into the closet.

Its like they dont want us to exist in public places, said Smith, who is nonbinary.

Five states have laws requiring schools to inform parents if their children use different pronouns, socially transition to a gender different than the one assigned at birth or present as nonbinary, according to the Movement Advancement Project, which supports transgender rights. Another six have laws that encourage it, the project says.

Kansas is on neither list. A bill introduced last year would bar schools from using the preferred pronouns for a student under 18 without a parent or guardians written permission, but it did not clear a Senate committee.

GOP lawmakers did enact a law over Kellys veto that ended the states legal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities by defining male and female for legal purposes based on a persons reproductive anatomy identified at birth. But Republican state Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita, a vocal supporter and a former middle school principal, said it does not cover issues about whether schools must inform parents about a childs gender identity at school.

Erickson said she now favors taking a look at the bill before a Senate committee, saying it addresses a policy gap.

The parents have a right to know what is affecting their child, she said.

In 2022 a federal judge hearing a northeast Kansas teachers lawsuit concluded that her school districts policy of not informing parents of a childs gender identity at school without their consent violated a parents constitutional right to raise children as they see fit. The district settled the case, paid the teacher $95,000 and revoked the policy.

The judge said parents constitutional rights include a say in what a minor child is called and by what pronouns they are referred.

3 times Kansas City Chiefs fans helped break Guinness World Records

But Kobach cited neither that case nor Kansas law in his letters to the state school boards association, the Topeka school district and the Kansas City, Shawnee Mission and Olathe districts in the Kansas City area. Instead he cited U.S. Supreme Court decisions going back as far as 1923 that he said affirmed parents rights. His office released copies Thursday.

He told each district that its policies on transgender students violated parents rights and said two other districts in the Wichita area quickly rewrote their policies after his letter arrived. In his letter to the school boards group, he noted it provides legal help to local districts.

In each letter he said withholding such information from parents would be arrogant beyond belief.

State attorneys general serve as the lead lawyers for state governments, and most also oversee at least some criminal prosecutions. But they also look outward, and Kobachs letters werent the first to issue warnings not grounded in a specific state law.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita launched an online form Tuesday to gather complaints about objectionable curricula, policies, or programs affecting children in education. His office said it will follow up on submissions that may violate Indiana law but added that materials dont have to meet that criteria to be posted for people to review.

Last year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent requests to at least two medical providers that dont operate in his state for information about providing gender-affirming care as part of an investigation, though its not clear what Texas law would cover them. Washington states attorney general invoked a law there to block Seattle Childrens Hospital from complying, and QueerMed, a Georgia-based telehealth provider, said on its website that it will not comply.

As for Kobach, Tom Alonzo, a Kansas City LGBTQ+ rights advocate, argued that the attorney general is bent on intentional marginalization of transgender people. Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said Kobach is ignoring students right to privacy and called the attorney generals stance cruel and dangerous.

While the Kansas City district declined comment, the other three districts said they deal with transgender and nonbinary students case by case and seek to work with parents. The Topeka district expressed confidence that its practices are legal. The four districts are among the largest in Kansas and together have more than 88,000 students or 18% of the total for the states public schools.

The strongest response came from Michelle Hubbard, the Shawnee Mission superintendent, in her districts response in December. She chided Kobach for not citing actual cases in the district of parents rights being violated and suggested that he was relying on misinformation from partisan sources.

We are not caricatures from the polarized media, but rather real people who work very hard in the face of intense pressure on public schools, Hubbard wrote.

___

Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Associated Press writer Isabella Volmert in Indianapolis contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
President Joe Biden furiously challenged the impression outlined in a special counsel report that his poor memory and mental limitations may have factored into his mishandling of classified materials.

The report spells out why Biden wont face charges following an investigation into the classified documents and materials that were found at his private Delaware home and the Penn Biden Center in 2022 and 2023.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally at George Mason University on Jan. 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)

Investigators determined that Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his time as vice president while he was a private citizen. Those materials were marked classified documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and notebooks containing Bidens handwritten entries about matters of national security and foreign policy that were collected from sensitive intelligence sources.

Despite the fact that Biden deliberately kept these documents, Special Counsel Robert Hur noted that if the case was taken to trial, the presidents attorneys could present a few arguments that would make it difficult for a jury to determine he acted with criminal intent, including calling his mental agility into question.

We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory, the report states. Based on our direct interactions with and observations of him, he is someone for whom many jurors will want to identify reasonable doubt. It would be difficult to convince a jury that they should convict him  by then a former president well into his eighties  of a serious felony that requires a mental state of willfulness.

Biden condemned the impression that his age or mental faculties impact his work or his knowledge of White House procedures.

I am well-meaning, and Im an elderly man, and I know what the hell Im doing, Biden told reporters on Thursday after the report was released. Ive been president. I put this country back on its feet. I dont need his recommendation.

The report stated that investigators with the special counsels office said Bidens memory was worse after they interviewed him.

He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended (if it was 2013  when did I stop being Vice President?), and forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began (in 2009, am I still Vice President?). He did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died, the report states.

That line of questioning was something else Biden firmly denounced.

I know theres some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events. Theres even a reference that I dont remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? Biden asked. Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself it wasnt any of their damn business. The simple truth is I sat for five hours of interviews over two days of events, going back 40 years. At the same time, I was managing an international crisis.

The report also compared Bidens case to that of former President Donald Trump. Trump was criminally indicted for mishandling classified documents at his Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida.

According to Hur, what distinguishes Bidens case from Trumps is Bidens cooperation with the investigation. He wrote that Trump allegedly refused to return classified documents and avoid prosecution despite being given multiple chances and that he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it.

In contrast, Mr. Biden turned in classified documents to the National Archives and the Department of Justice, consented to the search of multiple locations including his homes, sat for a voluntary interview, and in other ways cooperated with the investigation, Hur wrote.

When asked about Trumps indictment, Biden had once said he wondered how anyone could be that irresponsible and voiced concern about datathat may compromise sources and methods.

The report also cites one other instance in which a past president took classified documents and evaded prosecution.

The clearest example is President Reagan, who left the White House in 1989 with eight years worth of handwritten diaries, which he appears to have kept at his California home even though they contained Top Secret information, the report reads. During criminal litigation involving a former Reagan administration official in 1989 and 1990, the Department of Justice stated in public court filings that the currently classified diaries were Mr. Reagans personal records.

When asked if he takes any responsibility for the way the classified materials were handled, Biden said, I take responsibility for not having seen exactly what my staff was doing. That  goes in and points out things that appeared in my garage, things that came out of my home, things that were moved were moved not by me but my staff.

I Know What The Hell Im Doing: Biden Fires Back at Special Counsel Claim That His Poor Memory Contributed to Mishandling of Classified Documents
Violence has continued this week in the Gaza Strip, as well as across the broader Middle East. The U.S. administration has been pushing for a prolonged cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, but so far has not succeeded. Here's what you need to know:

ISRAEL SAYS IT WILL FIGHT ON IN GAZA

Israel said Friday it would continue with its invasion of the Gaza Strip and push into the southern town of Rafah to uproot Hamas. More than half of the territorys 2.3 million people are packed into this city on the border with Egypt, and its unclear where they can go. Egypt will not accept displacement of Palestinians on its territory, while much of the rest of the Gaza Strip is already under evacuation orders and is the scene of intense battles between Israel and Hamas.

The situation in Rafah is catastrophic: the town is packed, many people are living in tents, there is not enough food, electricity or water, and Israeli airstrikes kill people almost every day. Twenty-eight people died early Saturday. Close to 28,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry.

RIFT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE U.S.

Israels push for Rafah has widened the gap between it and the United States. The U.S. wants Israel to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas, which would allow the remaining Israeli hostages to return home and help protect Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, snubbed Antony Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, who visited Jerusalem with this message early this week; afterwards, Netanyahu called a press conference and said there would be no cease-fire and Israel would fight on until total victory.

President Joe Biden on Thursday called Israels approach to the war over the top and said that the suffering of civilians has got to stop. Since the start of the war, these were perhaps the strongest words of criticism by Biden, who has broadly been supportive of the Israeli effort to destroy Hamas.

Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip after Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people in communities across southern Israel and kidnapped 250 on Oct. 7. Just over 100 Israeli hostages were swapped for Palestinian prisoners in a deal last November. About 100 are still held by Hamas; the rest are thought to have perished.

THE REGION REMAINS ON EDGE

The broader Middle East remains on edge as violence has also continued between the U.S. and armed groups allied with Iran. The U.S. military said on Friday it had launched another round of strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, targeting drone boats and anti-ship cruise missile launchers. The Houthis are an Iran-backed group that controls much of northern Yemen. They have been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, one of the worlds most important trading arteries, in an effort to put pressure on Israel to stop its campaign in Gaza.

The U.S. and Britain, in turn, have been bombing the Houthis, saying that they are trying to protect freedom of trade and navigation on the high seas. These attacks have so far not succeeded in deterring the Houthis: two more ships were targeted by their missiles on Wednesday.

Separately, a U.S. drone strike killed an Iraqi militia commander in Baghdad on Thursday. The U.S. said that the Kataib Hezbollah commander was responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on American troops in the region. Kataib Hezbollah is one of many militias in Iraq that are backed by Irans leaders. They use these armed groups to project power across the region and keep up pressure on their archenemy, Israel, as well as the U.S.

The groups have launched nearly 170 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the start of the war in Gaza, last week killing three Americans and five Kurdish fighters allied with them. U.S. troops are in these places to contain the Islamic State group, which still has a presence in the deserts of eastern Syria and western Iraq.
What to know about the special election to replace George Santos

A high-stakes special election in disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos former district is being held on Tuesday 13 February, in a race that will likely have major implications for national politics.

The special election in New Yorks 3rd Congressional district pits Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip up against Tom Suozzi, a former three-term congressman, who vacated the seat in 2021 to launch an unsuccessful run for governor.

Ms Pilip is an Ethiopian-born, former Israeli Defense Force paratrooper whose compelling backstory has Republicans touting her as a future star of the party.

The by-election has taken on added significance due to Republicans slim majority in the House, and is shaping up as a bellwether for how well both parties are faring ahead of the 2024 general election.

The campaign has been dominated by national issues such as border security, abortion, the economy and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Both parties will be watching the results closely for any signs that the candidates messaging on contentious issues resonates with voters.

Mazi Pilip, centre, arrives to vote early at a polling station in Massapequa, New York, on Friday with former GOP congressman Peter King and Oyster Bay town supervisor Joseph Saladino (AP)

Recent polling has shown Mr Suozzi with a four point lead in a district that traditionally leans slightly Republican, but the race is essentially a toss-up.

Early voting is underway, and the results will be announced on Tuesday night.

Heres what to know about the election.

The key issues

New York Citys migrant crisis has clearly been top of voters minds, and both candidates have sought to stake out hardline approaches to border security.

At the final candidate debate on Thursday hosted by News 12, emotions ran high as Ms Pilip accused her rival of opening the border, raised his past criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and noted his support for sanctuary cities.

Mr Suozzi responded that his opposition to ICE officers in 2022 was due to the agency not cooperating with local police, and said he was one of only 18 Democrats who backed continuing funding for the agency when he was in Congress.

He also pointed out Ms Pilips opposition to a bipartisan Senate bill that would have tightened border security and provided aid to Israel and Ukraine. Republican support for the bill vanished after Donald Trump came out in opposition to it.

Tom Suozzi is an experienced political campaigner (AP)

The Democrat has also sought to distance himself from the Biden administration over its handling of the border.

I support strong border security... and anything else you hear is garbage, he says in a recent campaign advert.

He also pointedly noted that he didnt think it would be helpful for President Joe Biden to campaign in the district with him in a recent CNN interview.

An estimated 161,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York since April 2022, and the cost of housing them has blown a multi-billion dollar hole in the citys finances.

At Thursdays News 12 debate, the pair also clashed over the issue of abortion rights.

Ms Pilip, who has seven children, reiterated her position that she would not support a national aboriton ban, before calling on Mr Suozzi to apologise for lying about her stance.

Rather than apologise, Mr Suozzi repeatedly questioned whether she was pro-choice and pressed her to state whether she would vote to codify abortion protections.

Contrasting candidates

Ms Pilip left Ethiopia at the age of 12, when she was among the 14,500 Jewish people airlifted out of the country during Operation Solomon.

After serving in a gunsmith unit in the IDF, she earned a bachelors degree in occupational therapy from the University of Haifa and a masters in diplomacy and security from Tel Aviv University.

Ms Pilip married a Ukrainian-American doctor before moving to the US. She was first elected to the Nassau County legislature in 2021 and won re-election late last year.

Though running as a Republican, Ms Pilip remains a registered Democrat. Her campaign team has said she opted to wait until after the election to formally change her party affiliation to avoid legal complications that could potentially knock her off the ballot.

While the candidates have pushed their credentials as pragmatic moderates, their parties have invested huge amounts of money in trying to portray each other as on the fringes.

Democrats have spent $8m on political adverts painting Ms Pilip as a Maga extremist.

Mr Suozzi, a polished public speaker and debater, has targeted his opponents lack of experience, and questioned her qualifications and ability to be an effective operator in Washington.

He is well known to voters in the district, having held elected office in the district for much of the past three decades. In 1993, he was elected mayor of Glen Cove, on Long Islands North Shore.

Republicans for their part have invested more than $3m trying to paint Mr Suozzi as on the extreme left.

During Thursdays debate, he poked fun at GOP efforts to cast him as aligned with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

(For) you to suggest that Im a member of the Squad is about as believable as you being a member of George Santos volleyball team, he said.

Ms Pilip has won endorsements from the Jewish Press, and the influential local paper, the North Shore Leader.

Mr Suozzi has the backing of the New York Daily News, and Newsday.

A wealthy, multicultural district

New Yorks 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nations fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish. The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

George who?

One thing is clear: New Yorks 3rd Congressional district is ready to move on from the embarrassment of the scandal-plagued, federally-indicted George Santos.

In December, Mr Santos became only the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from the House of Congress after the release of a damning House Ethics Committee report.

Two months earlier, he was charged with a host of fraud and dishonesty offences including embezzling money from his campaign and lying to Congress about his wealth.

A few quips aside, Mr Santos has been largely anonymous in debates and campaign speeches by the two candidates.

The key question is whether voters are ready to elect another unknown quantity in Ms Pilip.

Associated Press contributed to this report
A high-stakes special election in disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos former district is being held on Tuesday 13 February, in a race that will likely have major implications for national politics.

The special election in New Yorks 3rd Congressional district pits Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip up against Tom Suozzi, a former three-term congressman, who vacated the seat in 2021 to launch an unsuccessful run for governor.

Ms Pilip is an Ethiopian-born, former Israeli Defense Force paratrooper whose compelling backstory has Republicans touting her as a future star of the party.

The by-election has taken on added significance due to Republicans slim majority in the House, and is shaping up as a bellwether for how well both parties are faring ahead of the 2024 general election.

The campaign has been dominated by national issues such as border security, abortion, the economy and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Both parties will be watching the results closely for any signs that the candidates messaging on contentious issues resonates with voters.

Mazi Pilip, centre, arrives to vote early at a polling station in Massapequa, New York, on Friday with former GOP congressman Peter King and Oyster Bay town supervisor Joseph Saladino (AP)

Recent polling has shown Mr Suozzi with a four point lead in a district that traditionally leans slightly Republican, but the race is essentially a toss-up.

Early voting is underway, and the results will be announced on Tuesday night.

Heres what to know about the election.

The key issues

New York Citys migrant crisis has clearly been top of voters minds, and both candidates have sought to stake out hardline approaches to border security.

At the final candidate debate on Thursday hosted by News 12, emotions ran high as Ms Pilip accused her rival of opening the border, raised his past criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and noted his support for sanctuary cities.

Mr Suozzi responded that his opposition to ICE officers in 2022 was due to the agency not cooperating with local police, and said he was one of only 18 Democrats who backed continuing funding for the agency when he was in Congress.

He also pointed out Ms Pilips opposition to a bipartisan Senate bill that would have tightened border security and provided aid to Israel and Ukraine. Republican support for the bill vanished after Donald Trump came out in opposition to it.

Tom Suozzi is an experienced political campaigner (AP)

The Democrat has also sought to distance himself from the Biden administration over its handling of the border.

I support strong border security... and anything else you hear is garbage, he says in a recent campaign advert.

He also pointedly noted that he didnt think it would be helpful for President Joe Biden to campaign in the district with him in a recent CNN interview.

An estimated 161,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York since April 2022, and the cost of housing them has blown a multi-billion dollar hole in the citys finances.

At Thursdays News 12 debate, the pair also clashed over the issue of abortion rights.

Ms Pilip, who has seven children, reiterated her position that she would not support a national aboriton ban, before calling on Mr Suozzi to apologise for lying about her stance.

Rather than apologise, Mr Suozzi repeatedly questioned whether she was pro-choice and pressed her to state whether she would vote to codify abortion protections.

Contrasting candidates

Ms Pilip left Ethiopia at the age of 12, when she was among the 14,500 Jewish people airlifted out of the country during Operation Solomon.

After serving in a gunsmith unit in the IDF, she earned a bachelors degree in occupational therapy from the University of Haifa and a masters in diplomacy and security from Tel Aviv University.

Ms Pilip married a Ukrainian-American doctor before moving to the US. She was first elected to the Nassau County legislature in 2021 and won re-election late last year.

Though running as a Republican, Ms Pilip remains a registered Democrat. Her campaign team has said she opted to wait until after the election to formally change her party affiliation to avoid legal complications that could potentially knock her off the ballot.

While the candidates have pushed their credentials as pragmatic moderates, their parties have invested huge amounts of money in trying to portray each other as on the fringes.

Democrats have spent $8m on political adverts painting Ms Pilip as a Maga extremist.

Mr Suozzi, a polished public speaker and debater, has targeted his opponents lack of experience, and questioned her qualifications and ability to be an effective operator in Washington.

He is well known to voters in the district, having held elected office in the district for much of the past three decades. In 1993, he was elected mayor of Glen Cove, on Long Islands North Shore.

Republicans for their part have invested more than $3m trying to paint Mr Suozzi as on the extreme left.

During Thursdays debate, he poked fun at GOP efforts to cast him as aligned with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

(For) you to suggest that Im a member of the Squad is about as believable as you being a member of George Santos volleyball team, he said.

Ms Pilip has won endorsements from the Jewish Press, and the influential local paper, the North Shore Leader.

Mr Suozzi has the backing of the New York Daily News, and Newsday.

A wealthy, multicultural district

New Yorks 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nations fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish. The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

George who?

One thing is clear: New Yorks 3rd Congressional district is ready to move on from the embarrassment of the scandal-plagued, federally-indicted George Santos.

In December, Mr Santos became only the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from the House of Congress after the release of a damning House Ethics Committee report.

Two months earlier, he was charged with a host of fraud and dishonesty offences including embezzling money from his campaign and lying to Congress about his wealth.

A few quips aside, Mr Santos has been largely anonymous in debates and campaign speeches by the two candidates.

The key question is whether voters are ready to elect another unknown quantity in Ms Pilip.

Associated Press contributed to this report
If the law doesnt give you what you want, try intimidation.

Thats the reprehensible tactic that our states biggest schoolyard bully, Attorney General Kris Kobach, is using in a dangerous attack on transgender children for fun and political profit (his own).

From his elected perch as the states top law-enforcement official, Kobach sent legal-sounding threatening letters to six Kansas school districts targeted by a D.C.-area pressure group with ties to the Koch Industries political machine.

The letters demand that the districts rescind existing school policies and force their employees to immediately inform parents if their child is gender non-conforming at school. Two districts have complied, four are resisting.

In his threat letters, Kobach cites no actual law, because Kansas doesnt have one.

A bill to do what Kobach wants to do failed last year in committee at the Legislature, most likely because there are enough lawmakers in both parties who recognize the profound and present danger it represents to children.

Endangering children

When kids are involuntarily outed to their parents, the potential outcomes range from We love you more than anything and we want to understand what youre going through, so lets talk, to Ima gonna beat that little queer until he starts actin like a man.

The consequences of ill-considered disclosure are severe, sometimes fatal.

Theres an elevated risk of suicide when transgender youth are mishandled at school and home, according to a joint study by researchers at Barry University of Florida, the University of Toronto and Ohio State.

Fifty-six percent of (transgender) youth reported a previous suicide attempt and 86% reported suicidality, the study reported. School belonging, emotional neglect by family, and internalized self-stigma made a unique, statistically significant contribution to past 6-month suicidality.

The multi-agency federal website Youth.gov identified family rejection resulting from sexual orientation or gender identity, as the No. 1 reason for LGBTQ youth homelessness. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse came in second.

LGBTQ youth are at more than double the risk of homelessness compared to non-LGBTQ peers, according to the Chapin Hall Research Institute at the University of Chicago.

Homeless LGBTQ youth are three times as likely to have exchanged sex for basic needs and 2 1/2 times as likely to have been forced to have sex, Chapin Hall found.

Educators and school psychologists understand all this, and theyre trained and positioned to read situations and determine case-by-case if theyd be putting a child in harms way by notifying parents.

We can trust their judgment far more than we can trust Kobachs grandstanding.

In addition to implying that the school districts are violating laws that dont exist, Kobach demanded that school officials answer an interrogation echoing Sen. Joseph McCarthys red-scare reign of terror in the 1950s.

For example:

If such a (nondisclosure) policy exists, who formulated and/or drafted the policy? Please identify every person involved, regardless of whether such person was a District employee or otherwise paid by the district; include consultants, volunteers, activists, and all other persons. Also, please identify the role each person played in formulating and/or drafting it.

Theres no reason for Kobach to have that information and whatever he plans to do with it, it cant be good.

It smacks of an enemies list, so If you work for a school district, or wrote a letter or commented to the school board in favor of LGBTQ-friendly policies, be afraid.

Maize, Belle Plaine districts cave to pressure

Kobach sent his threat letters to six school districts.

Two of them, Maize USD 266 and Belle Plaine USD 357, cravenly caved and rescinded their policies  and shame on them for that.

Four districts, Kansas City USD 500, Olathe USD 233, Shawnee Mission USD 512 and Topeka USD 501, stood up for their kids and against Kobachs phony legal drama, so props to them.

The American Civil Liberties Union issued a legal analysis Friday backing the districts that are telling Kobach to go pound sand:

Students have a constitutional right to privacy with respect to information about their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is unlawful for school officials to disclose that information. Forced outing of transgender students likely violates federal privacy laws in addition to students constitutional privacy rights.

The Koch connection

Kobachs crackdown on school districts handling of queer kids absolutely drips with hypocrisy.

His press release offers this quote from Deputy Attorney General Abhishek Kambli: A lot of times these policies are pushed by outside activist organizations and adopted by school boards without being fully informed about what the policy would actually do.

Thats an astonishingly arrogant and galling statement, because Kobachs the one doing the bidding of outside activist organizations.

His own letters admit that he targeted school districts based on a hit list he got from Parents Defending Education, a political action group in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Arlington, Virginia.

PDE has compiled a slick website containing policies from more than 1,000 school districts across the nation that the group claims violate parents rights  the same language Kobachs using in lieu of actual legal grounds for harassing the schools.

PDE files its taxes as a nonprofit charitable organization.

Its tax forms show it was founded in 2021 and in its first two years of operation, it collected about $7.4 million in grants and donations and paid its founder and president, Nicole Neily, nearly half a million dollars.

You dont get that kind of money from bake sales.

Neily is closely affiliated with the Koch network, having worked for the Franklin News Foundation and the Cato Institute, FreedomWorks, serving as a Koch fellow for the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Center for Financial Privacy and Human Rights, and serving as a board member for Young Voices and Young Americans for Liberty, according to SourceWatch, a website run by the Center for Media and Democracy.

Neilys vice president, Caroline Moore, a former staffer in the Trump White House, has also worked for at least two Koch-funded political operations, the Federalist Society and the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

Maybe Kobachs attack on gender non-conforming students represents a shift in Koch strategy, from trying to destroy public education in general to trying to destroy individual kids in schools.

Whatever this is, its grossly misguided and Kobachs an all-too-willing participant in the plot.

What Kobach is doing is worthy of impeachment proceedings, although that will never happen in our Republican-dominated Kansas Legislature.

Kobach has abused his title, his powers and his office in this attempt to coerce school officials to endanger transgender kids without legal grounds, and hes threatened citizens privacy and rights.

He does so in pursuit of political ambition, instead of enforcing state law, which is what we pay him for and what he swore an oath to do.

It wont end until we vote him out.

Our next opportunity will be Nov. 3, 2026.

Mark your calendar.
FILE PHOTO: Honour guards march near the renewed Kyrgyz national flag during a ceremony in Bishkek

BISHKEK (Reuters) - A court in Kyrgyzstan has ruled to dissolve a non-governmental organisation that ran a popular news website often critical of the government.

The court order late on Friday to shut down Kloop.kg follows raids on several other media outlets and arrests of their reporters, which Western governments have criticised as a crackdown on independent media.

Kloop.kg's troubles began last August when state prosecutors filed a lawsuit to have it shut down on the grounds that Kloop Media, its NGO publisher, was not registered as a media organisation.

Prosecutors also pointed out that many of the outlet's publications were critical of the government, saying they discredited the authorities of the Central Asian nation.

The court said that Kloop Media was carrying out activities that were outside of its charter.

"The court ruling on Kloop is another nail in the coffin of media freedom in Kyrgyzstan," Anna Kapushenko, the editor-in-chief of Kloop.kg's Russian-language version, told Reuters.

The group said it would appeal the ruling.

Media in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic, have long enjoyed greater freedoms than those in other Central Asian countries with more autocratic governments.

However, under President Sadyr Japarov, who came to power in 2020, the country adopted a law making it illegal for media and individuals to "discredit" the authorities, giving the government a tool to go after its critics.

Kyrgyzstan is closely allied with Russia and hosts a Russian military airbase.

(Reporting by Aigerim Turgunbaeva; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Clelia Oziel)
A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City Friday night.

Details remain limited but the incident was reported shortly before 10 p.m., according to LASD.

The deputy sustained some sort of injury while they were at the Temple City station located on the 8800 block of East Las Tunas Drive, authorities confirmed.

A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City on Feb. 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City on Feb. 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City on Feb. 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City on Feb. 9, 2024. (RMG News)

A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was rushed to the hospital following an incident in Temple City on Feb. 9, 2024. (KTLA)

Sky5 video captured the deputy being rushed by ambulance from the station to a local hospital for injury treatment. A trail of patrol cars was seen clearing the roads and escorting the ambulance through freeways and surface streets.

The deputys current condition and the severity of their injury were not released. The events surrounding the incident remain unclear.

No further details were released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Academy of Media Arts school principal Dana Hammond in the lobby area of the school, located inside the L.A. Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

All across the Academy of Media Arts, there are signs of an active campus life.

School projects are still plastered on the walls; books are strewn on tables; apples sit uneaten in the cafeteria.

What is missing are the students  some 50 ninth- through 12th-graders, many from low-income Black and Latino families, who were forced to scramble after the private high school in downtown Los Angeles abruptly shut its doors Jan. 15.

The school occupied the first three floors of the L.A. Grand Hotel, which since 2021 has been used as temporary housing for hundreds of homeless Angelenos. The school's founder, Dana Hammond, filed a breach of contract lawsuit in January against the building's owner, claiming that the presence of so many homeless people made the campus unsafe, forcing it to close.

A syringe on the ground outside the Academy of Media Arts school, housed in the L.A. Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

In an interview, he also blamed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for repeatedly extending the city's lease at the property for her Inside Safe interim housing program.

"Human poop on sidewalk. The smell of urine across campus. Outburst from 'Inside Safe' tenants. Break-ins by 'Inside Safe' tenants. Drug paraphernalia found on campus. 'Inside Safe' tenants found in trash bins," read comments left on a classroom whiteboard.

Asked about Hammond's allegations, Clara Karger, a spokesperson for Bass, said in a statement that the city heightened security at the Grand by installing more fencing, conducting on-site visits to address the school's concerns and collaborating with the academy's security personnel to respond to urgent calls.

When Hammond signed the lease to move his school into the L.A. Grand in 2022, it was the culmination of nearly two decades of work.

His school, which began in a South Los Angeles church, now had its own space where the students could have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

After an aggressive recruiting campaign pushed the student body up to 250, a mass exodus began, dropping the enrollment to around 50. Hammond said that by mid-January, he was unable to pay the $100,000 monthly rent.

Reports compiled by school security and reviewed by The Times describe incidents involving the hotel's residents, including a man threatening to fight security outside the schools gate; a woman exposing herself to students at 9:30 a.m.; another woman lying completely naked behind the school, who threatened to shoot and stab a security officer when confronted; a man who broke into the school through the back.

Academy of Media Arts school principal Dana Hammond stands in the school's outdoor amphitheater. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Empty classrooms at the Academy of Media Arts school, which has temporarily closed down. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

"Our students lives were in jeopardy because of the Inside Safe residents," Hammond said. "Were not enemies of the homeless shelter, we just cant put them in the same building as a high school."

But records reviewed by The Times show that the school had long struggled with problems not directly connected to the homeless presence.

For years, the academy operated as a Los Angeles Unified School District charter school, which meant it received funding from the California Department of Education but maintained a level of autonomy over its operations. As a private school, the school obtained funding through donors and tuition.

The academy had been scrutinized by LAUSD for failing to meet academic standards as students fell behind in subjects such as math and English. The school also failed to do proper criminal background clearances for teachers and had seven different principals over a four-year period, according to LAUSD records.

The charter schools current academic performance levels are not meeting the academic needs of its students, the LAUSDs Charter School Division wrote in a notice of violation report on the Academy of Media Arts in April 2023.

While Hammond disputed the allegations, the school converted from charter to private later that year.

LAUSD officials did not respond to requests for comment on the district's former relationship with the academy.

Hammond didn't directly respond to The Times inquiry about the notice of violation, sharing instead a document from 2020 that detailed how the academy would address concerns over teacher credentialing.

In the lawsuit, Hammond claimed that the hotel's owner said the homeless residents would be moved out soon after the school moved in. But that did not happen.

The hotel is owned by Chinese billionaire Wei Huang, whose real estate company, Shen Zhen New World I, was found guilty of fraud and bribery charges in connection with the corruption case involving disgraced former Councilmember Jose Huizar.

A judge fined Shen Zhen $4 million .

Huang was charged with bribery and fraud in the case. He fled the country after the FBI began executing search warrants in 2018 and is considered a fugitive by the U.S. attorney's office.

Huang repeatedly made false and misleading representations to suggest that the L.A. Grand Hotel would cease to be a homeless shelter in the near future, despite the fact that Huang had no intention of terminating the lucrative agreement, wrote lawyers for Hammond and Dennis L. Smith, who hopes to open a nightclub on the roof of the hotel and joined Hammond in the lawsuit.

Russ Cox, a representative for Huangs company and himself a defendant in the case, declined to comment.

Dennis L. Smith is trying to open the Rome Nightclub on the roof of the L.A. Grand Hotel downtown. He is disappointed because he has all the necessary permits, but there are delays. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Huang acquired the Grand in 2010, operating it as a four-star, 14-story hotel described on social media as an urban oasis.

In 2021, the Grand became a site for Project Roomkey, a federally funded program that provided shelter to unhoused people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city has paid Shen Zhen more than $25 million since the academy opened at the site in 2022, according to city records.

"The mayors office does not condone the behavior of the fugitive owner of the Grand," Karger, the mayor's spokesperson, said in a statement to The Times.

The city continued operations with L.A. Grand  and added more residents  after Bass took office in late 2022, even with the academy already present at the building.

The city extended its lease to continue operating the shelter through the end of July. The extension will cost $20 million, including $13.9 million for the lease and food and $6.8 million for services, according to the city records.

The mayor's office did not respond directly when asked by The Times whether it might seek further extensions beyond July 31. In a statement, Karger said the L.A. Grand's residents are expected to begin moving to the Mayfair Hotel in May.

"The L.A. Grand has brought hundreds of unhoused individuals inside from the tough elements of living on the streets. The work continues to save lives every day," Karger said.

Around the school the sidewalks are strewn with garbage, empty liquor bottles and even discarded syringes. The sign welcoming visitors to the Academy of Media Arts is graffitied over.

Graffiti, trash and an abandoned scooter in front of the Academy of Media Arts school. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

We moved from the church to the hotel, which I thought was a wonderful idea before I found out about the homeless shelter, said Mary Tascian Williams, who worked at the school from June 2022 until it shut down.

Williams said she used to spend much of her day walking the floors making sure no one broke into the school.

On Jan. 10, an intruder broke into the school lobby just minutes after students had gone to lunch in a different part of the campus.

When approached by the security guard, the man said, They are trying to kill me, according to an school incident report.

It took numerous LAPD officers to subdue him, the report said.

Hammond said the episode left students afraid and him at a loss for how to protect the teens. On Jan. 12, Hammond and more than a dozen students went to a City Council meeting to speak about the problems.

Academy of Media Arts school principal Dana Hammond walks up a stairwell toward a homeless shelter in the same building. Residents of the homeless shelter have caused numerous incidents, which led the school to temporarily close down. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

He met with Councilmember Kevin de Leon, who spoke about the issue at the meeting and toured the school that night.

"The location raised legitimate and serious concerns for students, faculty, and staff, especially regarding breaches into the school by the residents of the Grand," De Leon told The Times in a statement. "It was my hope in meeting with parents and administrators that we could avoid the school's closure which has become a real tragedy for Black and Brown students and parents alike.

At the hearing, De Leon questioned the mayors office on when it planned to exit the Grand and move Inside Safe participants into the Mayfair Hotel. Officials did not provide a timeline.

When the mayor first took office in December 2022 we were very much aware there were security concerns, public safety concerns, Lourdes Castro Ramirez, the mayors chief housing and homelessness officer, said at the council meeting. There were immediate actions taken to increase security, bring in service providers.  I take their concerns very seriously and plan to follow up to better understand how to resolve these issues.

Her comments came after three students cried at the council meeting. Others spoke about how much they loved the school and how sad they would be to lose it.

A security guard patrols the halls of the L.A. Grand Hotel's Project Roomkey homeless shelter housed in the same building as the Academy of Media Arts on Jan. 30 in downtown Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Im not against the Inside Safe program. I want all the homeless people to have a safe place to live. But they cant be doing that while my education and the education of my peers are at stake, student Alex Hernandez said. I feel threatened because this is very dangerous.

Times staff writer David Zahniser 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.
For a party that is 20 points ahead in the polls. Labour attracts extraordinarily little scrutiny. The general opinion is that Sir Keir Starmer is dull, safe and vaguely Blairite. Didnt he kick out Corbo? And purge his party of anti-Semites? And hasnt he just cancelled his 28 billion green investment plan, until this week the centrepiece of his economic programme?

I confess that this was my view until I started to read some of Labours policy documents. True, Starmer had a radical past. In his twenties, he edited the Trotskyist magazine Socialist Alternatives. He stood to the Left of every Labour leader from Neil Kinnock to Tony Blair. As late as 2020, he assumed the party leadership claiming that Corbyns 2017 manifesto was our foundational document. But surely, I reasoned, a combination of economic and electoral interests would push him to a more centrist position.

Then I had a proper look at some of Labours commitments. As I scrolled, I felt what was left of the fuzz on my crown begin to prickle and, as old Hamlet says, each particular hair to stand on end like quills upon the fretful porpentine.

Why, I wondered, had these pricey pledges gone almost unreported? Even Right-of-Centre newspapers seem more interested in railing against the failures of the current government (and those failures are real enough) than in properly dissecting what is to come under Labour.

I suspect many Sunday Telegraph readers are in a similar place. Not looking too hard at Sir Keir allows us to compare the Sunak ministry to our idealised alternative rather than to the practical, real-world alternative. But if you want to get a sense of what Starmer will do, take a quick dekko at the paper launched by Angela Rayner last month, almost wholly overlooked by the media, titled A new deal for working people.

Paragraph after paragraph carries a pledge to regulate or spend. Britain, which is finally dragging itself out of the hole dug by the lockdowns, will be shoved back down again under the weight of more trade union powers, workers rights and industrial claims.

Employees will have the right to switch off outside of working hours, with employers told not to contact them. Bosses will have a legal duty to tell their staff that they can join trade unions, and more union activities will be funded on company time. Collective bargaining will be extended.

Does Rayner imagine that this is the moment to make our firms less competitive? The pandemic and the Ukraine war were a double whammy to our economy. Taxes are at a 70-year high, debt is nearly 100 per cent of GDP and public sector productivity has slumped, as state employees refuse to return to the office.

Since none of the parties dares bring spending back to where it was at the start of 2020, the only alternative is to grow faster. The private sector could have the muscle-mass to pull us back to prosperity. But not if we keep stacking weights on it.

Here are some more of Labours weights: higher statutory sick pay; ending the qualifying period for extended employment rights; banning zero hours contracts; additional maternity leave and paternity leave and bereavement leave; longer deadlines to bring cases to industrial tribunals; removing caps on compensation limits; new health and safety laws; more provision for stress and mental health; more awareness of neurodiversity; equal pay comparisons across different employers; gender pay monitoring for outsourced workers.

The list goes on, and on, and on. And every one of these proposals will cost money and, worse, time. Labours leaders evidently have no idea what it is like to run a firm within tight profit margins. Many employers already offer their staff terms that go beyond these provisions. But they will now have to put up with the extra hassle, the log-keeping, the insurance against vexatious claims, the days off to prove to inspectors that everything is compliant.

Consider, as a case in point, Labours promise of a new Race Equality Act, which would require companies to show that they were not paying people differently on the basis of ethnicity.

There is absolutely no suggestion that employers are currently doing this, and for good reason. Quite apart from being both immoral and bad for business, it is already illegal. An additional statutory obligation will do nothing for ethnic minorities, but will be, in Kemi Badenochs words, a bonanza for activist lawyers.

It was, after all, a creative interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act that led in part to the bankruptcy of Britains second city. Birmingham City Council had been paying staff the same rates for the same jobs, but it turned out that there were bonuses available to bin-men and grave-diggers that were not available to cooks and care staff. Since the former jobs were deemed to be male-dominated, the local authority was stung with a bill for compensation and has already paid out over 1.1 billion.

Does this sound like a party with (to quote the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves) a serious plan to grow the economy?

The essence of Blairism was to ensure that the private sector continued to generate revenue that ministers could then redistribute to favoured groups. But Starmer seems not to have grasped that first bit. Again and again, he offers policies designed to appease a particular pressure group, or to elicit a good headline, with no thought given to the long-term costs.

For example, scrapping non-dom status is popular, because it looks like making rich foreigners pay more of our taxes. Except that they wont. We are dealing, by definition, with an unusually mobile section of the population. The idea that they will wait around to be taxed on income that has nothing to do with the UK is a fantasy; and, when they leave, we will pick up the tab for the taxes that they were paying here.

Similarly, charging VAT on private schools will bring loud applause from a Question Time audience. But it wont bring much revenue.

Some parents will avoid the charge by pre-paying fees years in advance. Others, unable to afford it, will leave the sector (Labour says five per cent, the independent schools themselves reckon 25 per cent). Their children will then have to be accommodated in state schools, wiping out the gain.

Then theres the raid on private pensions. This will now, apparently, be enacted in a way that ensures we retain public sector leaders. But its effect, none the less, will be to disincentivise saving and reduce investment.

All these things pale into insignificance next to the gargantuan cost of decarbonising the grid by 2030. And dont get me started on the risk of adopting all the EUs social and environmental policies as part of some dynamic alignment deal.

In Labours defence, most of the policy commitments mentioned here are popular. Of course they are, when polled in isolation. Who doesnt want new benefits, or more rights at work? Even higher taxes are popular when people think they will fall on the rich  which is how all new taxes are initially sold, before it becomes clear that the rich are insufficiently numerous.

The trouble is that Britains present mood is both impatient and statist. Whether because of screen addiction or a general shrinkage in our attention spans, we demand instant gratification, jam today. And, after months of being paid to stay at home, we now expect the government to pay our energy bills, fix our rent, run our transport.

Rishi Sunak, who inherited both a massive deficit and a subsidy-hungry country, is aiming to reduce taxation, spending and borrowing. Too timidly for conservative commentators, yes, but too radically for an electorate which, on economics, is further Left than at any time since the mid-1970s.

What will prompt a change in the public mood, now as then, is a full-on balance of payments crisis. Which, when Labour implements these policies, may be inescapable.

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.
Marisa Tomei channeled her inner bad boss in the new Amazon Prime movie "Upgraded," and said it didn't come naturally to her.

Its hard for me to do that. Im like, No ones going to take me seriously, she said during an appearance on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.

Her character, Claire Dupont, is a high-flying dealer in the art world. When Ana (Camila Mendes) gets a job working for her department in the gallery, she thinks it's a dream come true. But the dream has a catch: Dealing with Claire and her assistants.

Maris Tomei (Amazon)

Speaking to TODAY.com backstage at 30 Rock, and wearing an all-red jumpsuit that Claire Dupont would certainly approve of, Tomei says she grew to "like" being able to "push the edge" of likability in her role.

"I thought I could probably push it even more. I told myself to keep going. Just let it  let it rip. Don't worry about being nice," she says, before adding that whatever Claire gave to her "didn't stick."

She thinks her character, like Mendes' Ana, is self-made, which explains that mysterious accent she has. "She is her own creation. She wants the atmosphere around her to crackle. So, we made up (the accent)," she said.

Tomei's character has drawn comparison to Miranda Priestley in "The Devil Wears Prada." Both are impeccably dressed titans who move in rarefied, wealthy art circles. Their chic coldness is admirable.

As for whether she thinks the two characters, in their fictional universes, have crossed paths?

"I don't think so. I think they're like cats, circling each other from far away, but not really get into it," Tomei says.

In short? Claire Dupont is a bad boss, but also a bad---. Coincidentally, that's the word Lady Gaga once used to describe the actor in 2011, also naming Tomei the person she'd most want to play her in a biopic. Both Tomei and Gaga were born and raised in New York.

I would have Marisa Tomei play me. I am such a Marisa Tomei fan. All my friends call me Marisa when I get angry, because my New York accent just flies out of my body and I start smacking my gum, Gaga, then 24, said on Sirius XMs Morning Mashup.

12 years later, has any progress been made? "It was a compliment then and I'm complimented now," Tomei says, laughing. "I have to take her up on it, though. Gotta get cracking."

Leading lady is where she belongs. Tomei, over the course of her long and Oscar-winning career as an actor, has played a variety of roles, and told The Cut in 2018 that the "wing man" role has "a lot more interest, is funnier, has a lot more character."

She's since had a change of heart. "I have to take that back because they get paid less. So I've changed my mind on that situation," she says.

Tomei, on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, reflected on how far she's come since her early roles, like on the sitcom "A Different World."

During her time on the show, she developed a close friendship with Lisa Bonet with the two of them even living together during filming. Bonet later made the Oscar winner the godmother of her three children.

"It feels like another planet," Tomei recalls. "It was a highlight, for sure."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police are asking residents to stay vigilant for party houses in their neighborhoods during Super Bowl weekend.

LVMPD needs your help to report chronic nuisance or party homes in your neighborhood, The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Enterprise Area Command stated in a flyer to community members.

Las Vegas police warn of house party dangers over holiday weekend

Residents who spot an issue in their neighborhood have several options which are listed below.

PARTY HOUSE REPORTING OPTIONS

Call 311 if you think police need to be aware of suspicious or nuisance behavior

If it rises to the level of an emergency contact police at 911

Anonymously submit tips to Crime Stoppers online or at 702-385-5555

Visit LVMPD.com to Find your station and submit a service request

If you are aware of a problem or party house in your community, we want to know about it, police added.

3 people shot at weekend house party shooting in North Las Vegas

In 2023, there were at least four reports of house party deaths across Las Vegas, which took the lives of at least five people and injured several others. At least three of the people killed were teenagers.

17-year-old shot, killed outside house party in east Las Vegas valley identified

In the past, police have indicated that parties at short-term rentals also contribute to the problem among permanent residents. Police also typically receive more calls for service during tourism influxes and large gatherings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
An artist's sketch depicts the scene in the Supreme Court on Thursday as the justices hear arguments about disqualifying Donald Trump from the ballot. (Dana Verkouteren / Associated Press)

To the editor: I heard an excellent argument put forth by a Yale professor of history who suggested that we either live by the rule of law or by fear.

Many fear violence that may result if former President Trump is disqualified from the 2024 election. That is the modus operandi of dictators: Create fear.

The U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments Thursday in the Trump disqualification case, must rule according to the law. If the justices allow themselves to be ruled by fear, then historians a century or two hence will look back on this period and laugh about how this democracy was destroyed by ridiculously twisted interpretations of the 14th Amendment.

We cannot be ruled by fear.

Zena Thorpe, Chatsworth

..

To the editor: Those calling for Trump's disqualification from the ballot talk as if this is the only way the Democrats can win in 2024  that the only path to victory is to have President Biden reinstalled by a small group of judges.

Has anyone thought of the political consequences of half the country seeing Biden as an illegitimate president?

Ray Hogenson, Sun Valley

..

To the editor: We don't need to rely on the Supreme Court to keep Trump from the presidency. We need only rely on ourselves.

In California, all registered Republicans can vote in the Republican presidential primary. If you are not already a registered Republican, you can easily change your party affiliation by re-registering before March 5.

An overwhelming turnout for Republican candidate Nikki Haley in California (and every remaining primary state) could ultimately succeed in denying Trump the GOP nomination.

Helene Presskreischer, Needham, Mass.

..

To the editor: The Supreme Court's parsing of the 14th Amendment, even though there is nothing to parse and it is so plainly written that even we lowly citizens can understand it, shines a light on the justices' cowardice.

Cloaked in an argument that one state, following the words of our Constitution and acting in good faith, might somehow lead the federal government and the country around by its nose, the justices all but ignored the textbook example of the need for the 14th Amendment that this case presents.

This is frightening.

Martin Wauson, Anaheim

..

To the editor: It seems that a lot of people are missing what appears to be the logical conclusion of the intent of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. It seems to me that this is the "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" rule.

It doesn't change any qualifications that the Constitution requires to hold these government positions; rather, it adds an exception for a very specific and potentially dangerous situation.

In the case of the office of the president, the Constitution doesn't exclude someone who has been arrested or convicted of a crime and is even in prison. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment doesn't change that.

Rather, it applies only to those who had sworn an oath to the Constitution, and then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against it. It's a question of honor and integrity. The Constitution allows people to hold positions of great power, and requires only that officeholders honor their oath.

However, this disqualification isn't even the final word, since the amendment allows someone to petition Congress to remove the restriction. What other criminal or civil prosecutions afford that type of relief?

Bill Lawrence, Hawthorne

..

To the editor: Oral arguments at the Supreme Court indicate that the justices' likely excuse for letting Trump evade consequences for engaging in an insurrection will be the specious contention that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is not self-executing but requires Congress to pass enforcement procedures.

To demonstrate the absurdity of this position, consider how the Supreme Court would deal with Barack Obama running for president for a third term. Would the court allow this obvious violation of the 22nd Amendment because Congress failed to enact supporting legislation?

John Weinell, San Clemente

..

To the editor: If Trump says Section 3 of the 14th Amendment doesn't apply to him because the president is not an "officer" of the U.S., and the amendment doesnt explicitly mention the president, then the same argument can be made of Article VI of the Constitution.

The final clause of Article VI says all federal and state legislators and judicial and executive officers are bound by oath or affirmation to uphold the Constitution, but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to hold any "office or public trust under the United States."

So, if Article VI also does not involve the presidency, then Trump or any other president can be subjected to a religious test.

Trump's "officer" argument seems rather absurd.

Ruben Jauregui, Hacienda Heights

..

To the editor: Of course the president is an "officer" under our Constitution. In fact, the president is the highest U.S. officer  commander in chief.

Jerry Rubin, Santa Monica

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dozens of students rally outside the Florida State University Student Union to defend diversity and voice their opposition of cuts to Sociology and other DEI initiatives as a Florida Board of Governors meeting was held inside the building on Jan. 24.

As a recently retired physician with an undergraduate major in sociology, I am appalled by the decision of the Florida Board of Governors to remove this topic from the list of core general education subjects. Over a long career as a pediatric subspecialist, there was possibly no set of background courses and perspectives I returned to more often than my sociology training.

Sociology is commonly defined as the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. That includes such topics as variations in cultures and beliefs  how different groups view the meaning of illness, who in the family is the likely decision-maker, how to work with people from different cultures, the significance of religion in decision-making or views on authority.

These are the type of things that anyone working closely with other people needs to be aware of and sensitive to. As a physician working with the families of sick children, these were issues to be considered daily.

If I found sociology so valuable in a highly technical field, it is likely even more so in fields such as criminology, tourism, event management and education, working with people from many cultures and backgrounds. Sociology courses will still be available on the curriculum, but far fewer students will get a taste of the subject and consider further exposure.

I naturally used my undergraduate education in biochemistry, physics and chemistry, all of which were required pre-med courses. Those were deep background subjects, however, and almost never directly applicable. Considering how best to approach a specific family or person and how their views might be different from mine required in-depth thought.

Sometimes I return to the first principles, those I learned in sociology, and continue to occasionally read as a refresher. Sociology has not been hijacked by left-wing activists, but it certainly looks like the Florida Board of Governors has been hijacked by those on the right.

Paul A. Pitel, M.D., Jacksonville

Common sense? Out the window

A "Let's Go Brandon" flag flies below the American flag on Feb. 18, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.

I am quite frustrated by many citizens of this wonderful nation. I have never in all my life  and Im an older person  encountered such uncivil actions and inappropriate signage. Ive seen a lot more offensive language on bumper stickers and flags since former President Donald Trump took hold of otherwise decent Americans.

Since the 2020 election, someone in a small southwest Florida town has had a 5-by-10-foot flag flying above his home saying F*** Biden. This is where anyone can see it, including children, as it is close to a middle school in a residential community. I believe most of us can figure out this indecent four-letter word.

Then there are those bumper stickers and signs that say, Lets Go Brandon. My daughter had to explain to me what it really meant. I was beside myself; I couldn't believe that people were doing this. As frustrated as many of us were with the war in Iraq and former President Bush, nobody ever did that.

Rest assured, if anyone ever hoisted a similar flag against Trump, his legions of dangerous, extreme right-wing individuals would probably burn the house down. I am at a loss. Now I see that people are apparently going to vote for him in the next election, including Republicans currently in office.

How could you possibly vote for a man that has done so much damage to this country, especially inciting and encouraging an insurrection? The brainwashing has gone way too far. We need a return to common sense  and decency.

Orquidia DeArriba, Jacksonville

Pets need telemedicine, too

While some pet health issues require office visits, many can be resolved without causing distress to the animal. A pair of proposed bills before the Florida Legislature would expand access to veterinary telemedicine.

If your pet hates going to the veterinarian, telemedicine could help. Visits to the veterinary office can be stressful for pets and pet owners alike, especially if your pet displays aggression towards other animals or humans. The veterinary environment can cause animals to act in ways they normally would not because they are fearful and uncomfortable.

For some animals, this stress can pose a major barrier to receiving the care and treatment they need and deserve. Some pet owners would rather avoid the vets office for situations when an in-person physical exam is not necessary, out of a fear that their pet could act aggressively toward, or worse yet, hurt veterinary staff.

Veterinary telemedicine would take some of the burden off pet owners with fearful, reactive or aggressive animals by allowing them to have their pets seen safely from the comfort of their own home for routine situations. Unfortunately, Floridas outdated regulations block veterinarians from practicing veterinary telemedicine or prescribing medication unless they have recently examined the pet patient personally  even when its not needed for diagnosis.

This is why Floridians would benefit from the Providing Equity in Telemedicine Services Act. Also known as the PETS Act (HB 849/SB 1040), it would expand access to veterinary telemedicine and allow pet owners the freedom to have their pets treated in a calm, comfortable environment. I strongly urge my state legislators to pass the PETS Act, so that all pets  regardless of their disposition  can get the care they deserve.

Beth Graham, Ponte Vedra Beach

Childcare providers still struggling

The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act ended for the childcare industry late last year. However, many childcare centers and family home care sites are still struggling to keep their doors open to the local children and families we serve.

This bill served as a grant that allowed many providers to restructure from the COVID pandemic, in which we faced temporary closures and shortage of staff, as well as parents afraid to return their children back into a childcare setting with others.

The act provided funds for childcare providers to increase wages to attract teachers and retention funding to help keep current teachers employed. Additionally, parents were assisted with funding resources that allowed their childcare expenses to be reduced.

Our goal is for our local legislators to understand the importance of childcare providers as essential workers, along with the overall need for working families to have a safe, fun and structured environment for their children. Our state can make this happen by providing another round of assistance to the providers and families to help stabilize childcare needs.

Equille Johnson, Achievable Dreams Learning Academy, Jacksonville

U.S. must keep Electoral College

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) serves free lunches to police and staff members at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington, D.C. One year prior, supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building to disrupt a congressional vote to confirm the electoral college win for Joe Biden.

As the presidential election approaches this fall, we hear a lot from those who want to do away with the Electoral College and replace it with a popular vote. It may sound reasonable to make this change; however, what often gets lost is why the Electoral College was instituted in the first place.

The U.S. is not a true democracy, but a constitutional republic  a system of government based on the rule of law that guarantees that each person has certain inalienable rights that cannot or should not be infringed upon. In other words, where the majority has less power to oppress the minority. The Electoral College was instituted so that the bigger and more populous states cannot impose their will on smaller states.

If we truly want a free country where the rights of individuals matter, then keeping the Electoral College is necessary to fight against the tyranny of the majority, so they cannot vote away the rights of the minority.

Calvin Johnson, Jacksonville

Labor shortage worse without immigrants

Immigrant caregivers make up 27% of the direct care workforce  including home health aides, childcare workers and nursing assistants.

National Caregivers Day on Feb. 16 is an opportunity to recognize the critical role of immigrants in our care workforce, our community, the economy and in our families.

Our population is aging at a faster rate than were able to hire new home care workers, which means were now facing a huge care workforce shortage. The risk is that our elderly or disabled loved ones could go without care if the situation is not addressed.

Immigrant caregivers make up 27% of the direct care workforce  including home health aides, childcare workers and nursing assistants. Without immigrants, the labor shortages in our health care and childcare systems would be even worse.

Immigrants make countless contributions to keep families and kids healthy and safe. To really show our thanks to immigrant caregivers this National Caregivers Day, we need permanent protections for immigrants and expanded work permit authorizations. It is long overdue and critical to our families and community.

Nadine Hughey, St. Augustine

Mayor Deegan gets it

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers talk with the media as crews try to extinguish the fire in the RISE Doro apartment building under construction downtown.

Correlation may not be causation, but I have noticed significant changes since Donna Deegan was elected mayor.

A horrible sewer drain by my house has backed up to my driveway for years, despite multiple emails, calls and letters to former Mayor Lenny Currys office. It was recently serviced and fixed, with clear communication about the project from the city.

I also have a rental property nearby, but squatters moved into the building next door and were a frightening nuisance for my tenants. For months I complained and filed grievances with the city. I finally got a call back after Deegan was elected. They evicted the squatters and made the owner take responsibility. Then the parking alley behind the property was repaved.

Curry wanted to sell JEA, but he could not mow the grass or fix the potholes. Thank you, Mayor Deegan, for understanding what matters.

Adam Wade, Jacksonville

DeSantis playing with fire

Backed by members of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in a hangar on Feb. 1 at Cecil Commerce Center on Jacksonville's Westside. There he announced 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.

A Feb. 2 article in the Times-Union reported that Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to send the Florida State Guard to Texas to help the state continue fortifying its border. His argument that Texas has state sovereignty  together with his defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that recognizes federal government authority over our borders  is ludicrous and extremely dangerous.

Under the American federal system, individual states are not sovereign independent governments. Our ancestors fought a civil war that settled this question. DeSantis comments are akin to those of Southern secessionists who fired on federal troops at Fort Sumter in April 1861, commonly understood as the event that triggered Southern state secession and a bloody civil war.

Will DeSantis order Floridas Guard members to attack federal troops should they encounter one another along the Texas border? Our governor is playing with fire and should know better.

Sherry Magill, Jacksonville

Good year for Duval public schools

Congratulations to Duval County public schools, its board and all involved for continued efforts reflected in an impressive rise in graduation rates for the 2023 school year. As reported by The Florida Times-Union on Jan. 30 and based on a state report, of 34 high schools in Duval County, six are charter schools.

Zero charter schools have graduation rates in the top 10 in Duval County, while four of them are in the bottom seven listed schools. While this data only tells part of the story, it certainly begs the question of how much better Duval public schools would be if the state of Florida, local leaders and philanthropists invested more in those schools that benefit all of our students  rather than lobbying for legislation and taking money from those schools to benefit their own agenda.

David S. Loeb, M.D., Ponte Vedra Beach

Trump should stop whining

E. Jean Carroll leaves Manhattan Federal Court following the conclusion of her civil defamation trial against former President Donald Trump on Jan. 26 in New York City. A jury awarded Carroll a total of $83.3 million, finding that Trump acted maliciously for one of the two statements at issue.

Former President and current candidate Donald Trump often brags about his wealth, so he should be able to pay columnist E. Jean Carroll her $83.3 million defamation settlement, along with his legal fees. Do most Trump donors know they have helped pay his legal fees? I doubt he'd do the same for them.

The media needs to ask him how he'd resolve the border crisis (with specific answers, not just "don't accept a deal"), attacks on U.S. troops abroad and the Israel/Hamas conflict. Make him tell his views on these critical subjects, rather than continuing to whine about his troubles and how he's being picked on.

Deborah Cearnal, Orange Park

Wrong question for homelessness

In a letter to the editor on Feb. 4, a reader proposed a question after a recent article about homelessness. He asked, How many of the homeless feel better now that another Confederate monument has been removed? Then he questioned Jacksonvilles priorities.

A question more aligned with his worry about the monuments might have been: How many of the descendants of those who were enslaved feel better now that another Confederate monument has been removed?

His question on monuments had zero to do with a cause or solution to homelessness.

Martha Hellmuth, Middleburg

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Retired doctor appalled by Florida decision on sociology in colleges
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Little Rock School Districts schedule for the spring 2024 semester will be seeing a small change next Friday.

In a statement sent out Friday afternoon, LRSD officials said the district will have a regular school day on Feb. 16 in order to meet state requirements for the required number of student instructional hours.

Arkansas public school students no longer receiving AMI days; how this is impacted by LEARNS Act

The adjustment comes after school districts across Arkansas were forced to close for several days in January due to severe winter weather.

Feb. 16 was originally intended to be for parent-teacher conferences, which are now rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb 20 after school, according to LRSD.

Officials with LRSD noted that Monday, Feb. 19 will still be a professional development day for teachers and students will not attend that day.

The statement said that although the school hours for middle and high schools will not change, bell schedules may. Parents of students in those schools will receive specific details about bell schedule changes from their childs school.

Small Arkansas town makes most of a snow day

District officials said that the school year will now end on May 31.

More information on the schedule change can be found at LRSD.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Updated 4:23 p.m.

Former President Donald Trump ended his nearly 2 1/2 hour speech Saturday by urging those attending his rally to get out and vote in the upcoming Republican presidential primary on Feb. 24.

Trump spoke to thousands at Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center in Conway.

Most of the speech was Trump regaling his triumphs while in office and what he will do if re-elected this year. He also took shots at former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

Early voting for the primary begins on Monday, Feb. 12.

Protesters removed from Trump rally

Updated 2:59 p.m.

Protesters were removed from Donald Trumps Conway rally Saturday.

The crowd could be heard shouting as police escorted them out of the Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center.

Security escorts protesters out of the HTC Center at Coastal Carolina University during former President Donald Trumps rally on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Emalyn Muzzy/emuzzy@thesunnews.com

South Carolina Trump growls at CCU crowd

Updated 2:41 p.m.

Trump took the stage Saturday to thousands of people shouting, USA, USA, USA.

South Carolina! Trump said to those at the HTC Center at Coastal Carolina University in Conway. The former president and presidential candidate was at CCU for a campaign rally.

It comes ahead of the Republican president primary Feb. 24 in the state.

This November were going to win the White House and take back our country, Trump told the crowd.

Trump greets overflow crowd outside at Conway presidential rally

Updated 1:49 p.m.

Former President Donald Trump appeared at CCUs campus and greeted the thousands that were waiting outside for his arrival.

The crowd of thousands went wild.

Former President Donald J. Trump addresses the thousands of people who had gathered outside waiting for his arrival at Coastal Carolina University in Conway. Trump is having a presidential campaign rally on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 Jason Lee/jlee@thesunnews.com

The people were not able to get inside the HTC Center because it had already filled. The center holds 3,000.

It was estimated about 2,000 people were outside.

Trump arrives at CCU as thousands await outside

Updated 1:31 p.m.

There is standing-room only inside the HTC Center in advance of former President Donald Trumps arrival.

There is an overflow area outside where thousands are waiting for Trump to arrive.

It has been announced that Trump has arrived at the CCU campus.

Thousands wait outside in advance of former President Donald Trumps speech at Coastal Carolina University in Conway on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Jason Lee /jlee@thesunnews.com

Donald Trump motorcade rolls through Myrtle Beach

Updated 1:20 p.m.

Coventry Parkway and Farrow Parkway in Myrtle Beach is now closed to traffic and supporters are gathered outside Emmens Preserve.

Roads were closed at Coventry Parkway and Farrow Parkway in Myrtle Beach as Donald Trumps motorcade rolled through Myrtle Beach. Protesters were also outside along the roadway. Michael McNulty/Contributed photo

Former President Donald Trumps motorcade just went through the intersection.

SC Governor McMaster quotes Spice Girls for Trump

Updated 12:48 p.m.

It was a musical speech for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

Not only did McMaster walk out on the stage Saturday to music from hard-rock band AC/DC, he also quoted the music girl group Spice Girls tune, Wannabe, by quoting the lyrics I tell you what I want, what I really, really want, when urging supporters to vote for Donald Trump.

He ended his speech by also quoting country music singer Tim McGraw as well.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster takes the stage ahead of former President Donald Trumps speech at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Feb. 10, 2024 Jason Lee/jlee@thesunnews.com

SC representative Russell Fry speaks

Updated 12:33 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry took the stage Saturday.

Its a lot warmer here than New Hampshire, Fry said, referring to the recent primary election in the state.

Is this Nikki Haley country? Or is this Donald Trump territory? Fry asked the crowd, who responded with boos and cheers. Fry added that President Joe Biden heard the screams in his home.

CCU students dressed in black protest Trump rally

Updated at 12:17 p.m.

A group of students dressed in black have assembled across Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center to protest the rally.

Kaci Dozier, a senior at CCU, said the group is protesting the university not giving students advanced notice of the rally, which could risk the safety of students living on campus.

Freshmen are locked in their dorms because theyre terrified of all the unidentified (people here), Dozier said.

Dozier added that she does not live on campus.

Coastal Carolina University students dressed in black are protesting the Trump rally on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The students said they are upset because the university didnt give students advanced notice of the rally. Ben Morse/bmorse@thesunnews.com

Trumps doppelganger spotted at rally

Updated 11:49 a.m.

It appears that seats may have filed up inside for the rally as people are now standing.

However, those that did get seats are making the most out of their opportunity to hear Trump speak, including David Sandifer, who appeared as Trumps doppelganger.

Sandifer said he likes to dress up as Trump for rallies and hosts some of his own in the area.

David Sandifer appeared as Donald Trumps doppelganger at Saturdays rally at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Feb. 10, 2024 Emalyn Muzzy/emuzzy@thesunnews.com

Bikers show up to support Trump

Updated 11:44 a.m.

Rich Taylor, a Myrtle Beach motorcyclist who arrived on a motorcycle and owns three Harley Davidsons, said he and his four other biker friends were in Conway to support Trump because he makes them feel good.

Dont have tickets to see Donald Trump? Heres how to watch him

Updated 11:30 a.m.

If you were hoping to see former president Donald Trump speak in Conway Saturday but dont have the time or energy to attend the rally, dont worry  you can still watch his speech online. Trump will speak at 2 p.m.

Here is where you can watch the presidential candidates rally.

Santa, college students among those supporting Trump

Updated 10:53 a.m.

Several people attending the rally have offered up why they are there.

Myrtle Beach resident Billy Hinson, driving a pickup truck with a Trump flag and a South Carolina flag, said hes at the Conway rally to listen to Trumps voice.

I think (Trump is) the best thing since ice cream, Hinson said.

CCU students near the front of the line of people waiting to get in said that theyve been at the campus since 4 a.m. Its an opportunity to go to a Trump rally. I wasnt old enough to vote in 2020. Im a young conservative and stand with President Trump on the issues, Matthew Wisniewski , 20, from Maryland.

Vendors selling Trump merchandise also are on campus.

Nikki Haley campaign to roll out mobile billboard near Trump rally

Updated 10:47 a.m.

Nikki Haleys campaign on Saturday is planning to parade a mobile billboard around the Myrtle Beach area, including by Donald Trumps rally in Conway, attacking Trumps age, according to Politico.

The campaign will play a video featuring clips of Trump, 77, and President Joe Biden, 81, trailing off and otherwise appearing confused, the article said.

Conway is where the former president will appear for the first time this year in South Carolina ahead of the states Feb. 24 GOP presidential primary.

Line of Trump supporters grows for rally

Updated 10:30 a.m.

More than three hours before Trump is scheduled to make his appearance, the line of people waiting to get inside extends all around Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center, wrapped around a nearby practice field and out along the sidewalk of Chanticleer Drive past the TD Sports Complex.

The scene is described as similar to a tailgate party on a football game day.

The arena is filling up quickly as the doors have been opened for those waiting to get in.

The Sun News will be updating its video coverage live on Instagram.

The Sun News reporter Ben Morse will be updating live on Instagram from the Donald Trump rally Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in Conway.

Comedy Central comedian seen at rally

Updated 10:06 a.m.

Comedian and Comedy Central correspondent Jordan Klepper was seen at the Donald Trump rally in Conway Saturday morning.

Klepper is known for going to Trump rallies and interviewing people about various topics concerning Trump and politics. His interviews appear on Comedy Central.

Comedian and The Daily Show correspondent is seen talking to people attending the Donald Trump presidential rally at Coastal Carolina University in Conway Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Joe Bustos

Doors open early for rally

Updated 10 a.m.

Donald Trump organizers prepare to open doors early for those waiting to get inside. The doors will open at 10 a.m.

A large crowd has already gathered and parking along Chanticleer Drive is filled up. People are having to park further away as parking officials are making drivers move along.

Horry Police warn of traffic delays

Updated 8:37 a.m.

Horry County Police has issued a traffic advisory for Donald Trumps visit. Trump will be at Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center to speak at 2 p.m. However, doors open at 11 a.m.

Police are advising drivers to be aware of potential traffic disruptions near the college campus in Conway, which may include U.S. 501 and Highway 544.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - DIGNITARY VISIT



Horry County will be visited by a dignitary later today.



Please be aware of potential traffic disruptions before you head out.



Traffic delays are most likely to occur near the college campuses in Conway.



Pack your patience. pic.twitter.com/Vxna1Lkefj  Horry County PD (@horrycountypd) February 10, 2024

Trump supporters spend night on university campus

Updated 8:27 a.m.

Hundreds of supporters, many who spent the night on Coastal Carolina Universitys campus, have gathered outside the gate in barricaded lines. The supporters are chanting and holding signs ahead of Donald Trumps arrival today at the HTC Center.

Prepare for Trumps event today: Where to park, what to bring

The parking lots surrounds the HTC building will not be available as Founders Drive between Chanticleer Drive and Highway 544 will be closed. The GG and KK lots will be open along with other parking lots around campus.

It would be smart to pack a meal or bring snacks. Doors open at 11 a.m. and Trump is supposed to begin speaking at 2 p.m. If you arrive early, you could be at the rally for over four hours, and that doesnt include the time it takes dealing with traffic before and after the event.

The Secret Service has a long list of banned items, which includes large backpacks, firearms, glass, thermal or metal containers, coolers and selfie sticks. To enter the building, you will need to go through security. Security teams will search your bag before you enter and put you through a metal detector.

Trump visit to bring traffic delays. What roads to avoid for Myrtle Beach, SC area rally

Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays during the time Trump will be in the area. Also, Trumps rallies generally draw large crowds, increasing traffic along U.S. 501 and Highway 544 near the college.

Trump will mostly likely fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport before traveling by motorcade on U.S. 17 to CCU along U.S. 501. It is about an 11 mile trip from the airport to the university.

In addition, Highway 544 could be affected as the HTC Center is located on the back side of the college campus, near the busy highway.

President Donald Trump was in Conway in 2018

President Donald Trumps motorcade arrives in Conway, S.C., on Sept. 19, 2018, during Trumps visit to North Carolina and South Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
In a report published by Reuters, Vladimir Putin is looking to exchange American Journalist, Evan Gershkovich for Vadim Krasikov who Reuters has described as a hitman.

Krasikov is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident at a park in Berlin, in open daylight. Krasikov was sentenced in 2021.

Krasikov was born in what is now known as modern-day Kazakhstan in 1965 and open-source investigator(s) at Bellingcat, an investigative journalism group from the Netherlands, believe that he worked for Russia's FSB State Security Service an equivalent would be the United States FBI. An unnamed German judge had accused Russia of state terrorism following the murder of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Tiergarten Park. The judge says Putin must have authorized the order to kill Khangoshvili as Russian law gives him the power to approve operations to kill individuals should the state label them as a terrorist and these operations can be conducted abroad as well. Russia has disputed the judge's interpretation.

Krasikov's lawyers have also disputed his guilt and have gone on record saying that Krasikov isn't the Russian state hitman that he's being accused of. Instead, he's Vadim Sokolov a Russian tourist who was simply visiting Berlin on the day of the murder. However, Krasikov was identified by Ukrainian intelligence by his tattoos and was photographed while he was attending a wedding in Eastern Ukraine.

How The Operation Was Done

Krasikov carried out the operation by riding behind Khangoshvili on a bicycle and shot him three times on August 23rd, 2019. He was then spotted as by-passers found him trying to change his clothes and dispose of the bicycle by throwing it into a pond. The by-passers then informed the police. He entered the territory by traveling to Paris as a tourist and then entered Germany a day before the operation was carried out.

Germany has not provided comment on the potential for a prisoner swap for Evan Gershkovich. However, it would be strange because Germany would be swapping a person convicted of murder in its territory for a United States citizen. It remains unclear why Russia has only now decided on a prisoner swap, but it also remains unclear whether the deal would even be accepted. Russia has attempted to make a swap for Krasikov before for other American prisoners as reported by HNGN and was criticized by former President Trump.
James Hallowell didnt dream of financial success.

He just enjoyed the work.

For the better part of five decades, that was at Hallowell Chevrolet, the car dealership his father Dennis Hallowell opened in Clovis in 1944.

The dealership, and its iconic neon sign, became a landmark when it moved to six acres of land on the outskirts of Shaw Avenue in 1965. By the time Hallowell sold the company and retired in 2000, it could sell 2,000 cars in a good year and was generating more than $65 million in sales.

I used to say that I would probably die here, but then I decided that probably wasnt a very good idea, Hallowell told The Fresno Bee at the time. There are moments that I am elated, and there are times I am terrified. My wife keeps telling me there is life after Hallowell Chevrolet.

And there was.

Hallowell died Jan. 31 at the age of 90.

Coke and James Hallowell are shown on April 19, 2000, at their Clovis auto dealership.

An obligation to give

Hallowell was born in Brawley near San Diego in 1933, but moved to Clovis in the first year of his life.

The central San Joaquin Valley is where he stayed. He graduated from Clovis High School and then Fresno State, where he earned a degree in marketing before starting full-time at his fathers dealership.

In 1957, he married Coralein Smith, or Coke as shed become known, on Valentines Day. The two met in elementary school and were high school sweethearts. They had two children, Joell and Elise.

They also became a force in Fresnos social scene, known for supporting any number of philanthropic endeavors in the community. In 1995, they made a five-year pledge of $100,000 to Fresno State that included money to underwrite the University Lecture Series. Four years later, the couple put a donated conservation easement on their 700-acre cattle ranch to the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, a cause that Coke continues to champion.

A 112-year-old farmhouse was restored and bares her name as the Coke Hallowell Center For River Studies.

Hallowell was also a supporter of the arts in the community. He was on the board of the Fresno Philharmonic during a contentious time in the late 1990s and at the Fresno Art Museum, where he helped raised $2 million for an expansion that included the Coke and James Hallowell Sculpture Park. The expansion opened in 2000.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

James Hallowell, 1995 Leon S. Peters Award Winner from Fresno State Library on Vimeo.

For Hallowell, there was duty in philanthropy.

It was something he learned from his father.

He did not have great means, but he was always very generous in the community, Hallowell recalled in a 1995 video interview with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.

He always gave. I always just grew up thinking that was an obligation. That was a commitment, he said.

Thats what we should do.

And the pair were active in their giving, he said, choosing to support things while they were still around to see the benefit rather than wait until we lay down and die.

There was pleasure in doing thing for the community.

It feels good, he said.

When asked what he would want people to say about him and his family at the time of his eventual passing, Hallowell can be seen smiling largely, visibly moved by the question: That I lived a good life. I loved my family. I loved my work and my community. What more can you ask for?

A private memorial has been held. The family asks that donations in remembrance be sent to the San Joaquin River Parkway or the Fresno Art Museum.

James Hallowell received the Leon S. Peter Award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in 1995. The longtime businessman and philanthropist died Jan. 31 at the age of 90.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  The Longview Police Department said they are looking for the whereabouts of a man last seen on Feb. 3.

Family offering up to $10k reward in search for missing Tyler man

Christian Farmer, 28, was last seen in the Birdie Park area on 701 West Niblick St. Farmer is described as 61 and weighing about 135 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He was reportedly wearing a burgundy hoodie, blue sweatpants, Nike shoes and a possible bag with him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1170.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Louisiana hunter found dead in Conecuh County

CONECUH COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  A Louisiana man was found dead Friday in Conecuh County, according to the Conecuh County Coroners Office.

The Conecuh County Coroners Office responded Friday around noon to County Road 7 in the Repton area to a dead hunter, who had been located.

WEATHER AWARE: Low threat of Severe Weather for Joe Cain Day

Richard Wayne Bice, 74, of Pearl River, Louisiana, was reported missing by his family on Thursday. Multiple agencies began an all-night search, and he was found Friday morning.

According to the coroners office, Bice is believed to have died on Wednesday after he had harvested a deer and attempted to pull the deer to his truck.

No foul play is suspected, the coroners office said.

The Repton Volunteer Fire Department, Conecuh County Sheriffs Department and Conecuh County EMA assisted the coroners office in finding and recovering Bices body.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
A Louisiana lawmaker is proposing a bill that would allow for nitrogen gas to be used in executions in the event lethal injection is unavailable, making it the latest state to consider adopting the practice after Alabama put a man to death last month through the first-of-its-kind method.

Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, a Republican who chairs the House's Civil Law and Procedure Committee, said Friday that he drafted the bill primarily as a way to ensure the identities of individuals and companies that help to administer the death penalty in the state remain confidential. In recent years, manufacturers and suppliers known to have their drugs used in lethal injections have declined participation, which has made the process increasingly difficult in states such as Louisiana.

Muscarello said he still believes lethal injection can be used the vast majority of the time, but the state should have other options.

"The state of Louisiana will do everything within its power to make sure this process is done efficiently and humanely and we will not cut any corners in order to make sure we are doing this the right way," he said. "But at the end of the day, we made a commitment to the families of victims with the verdicts that were reached, and we need to proceed forward."

He added that he would help in the design of a nitrogen hypoxia protocol in conjunction with the governor's office "to make sure it's done correctly and above board."

The bill, which was prefiled on Thursday, is expected to be discussed in a special legislative session focusing on the state's criminal justice system beginning Feb. 19. If passed, it would give the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections the "discretion" to select a process of either lethal injection, electrocution or nitrogen hypoxia, in which a person breathes only nitrogen and dies from a lack of oxygen.

About 60 people are on death row in Louisiana, but the state has not put anyone to death since 2010, last using lethal injection. The method has stalled due to the shortage of the necessary drugs and litigation challenging the state's lethal injection protocol.

Anti-death penalty activists place signs along the road heading to Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., ahead of the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith on Jan. 25, 2024. (Kim Chandler / AP)

Electrocution had been the sole method of execution in the 1980s, but was no longer viable after the electric chair at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola was retired in 1990.

Muscarello's bill includes penalties for anyone who discloses the names of people, businesses and organizations involved in the execution process, similar to a shield law in South Carolina.

Anyone who violates the law in Louisiana "shall be imprisoned for not more than two years and fined not more than $50,000," and could also face civil action, according to the bill.

"We don't want to reinvent the wheel, and we want to follow the other Southern states," Muscarello said.

The office of Gov. Jeff Landry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the first-term Republican, who campaigned on being tough on crime, has been vocal about finding alternate methods in order to restart executions. When he served as state attorney general, he publicly supported the use of death by firing squad, hanging or electrocution.

"States around us are finding ways and methods in order to execute those that have been tried and convicted and sentenced to death, Landry told reporters last week.

He added that he and the state Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, "are going to fulfill our commitments."

"Families deserve their day of justice," Landry said.

The governor did not specifically mention Alabama, but the state drew attention for administering the first execution using nitrogen hypoxia in January. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall hailed the outcome as "textbook" and said his state would continue to use nitrogen gas, despite concerns by human rights and religious groups around the world. According to witnesses, the inmate who was put to death did not become unconscious as quickly as expected and thrashed on the gurney.

"Rather than inventing new ways to implement capital punishment, we urge all states to put in place a moratorium on its use, as a step towards universal abolition," Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, said last month.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was 58 and on Alabama's death row for over three decades for a 1988 murder-for-hire slaying, was strapped down and fed nitrogen gas through a mask attached to his face. The execution lasted about 20 minutes.

Smith's lawyers had tried to block the practice, arguing the use of an untested method only heightened concerns over cruel and unusual punishment amid fears he might vomit into the mask and choke or suffer a seizure. Alabama's nitrogen hypoxia protocol also drew scrutiny over how heavily redacted the document has been in public filings.

The state had said in court filings that "the experts agree that nitrogen hypoxia is painless because it causes unconsciousness in seconds" and death within minutes. But media witnesses in Smith's execution said it appeared to take longer than the state had suggested for him to become unconscious and die.

Nonetheless, Marshall has offered to help other states that want to develop nitrogen hypoxia protocols.

King Alexander, president of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said criminal justice practices that allow the state to routinely hold the highest incarceration rate in the nation isn't helping the economy or instilling confidence in elected officials.

"Like many of my fellow Republicans, one of my core goals for our great state is seeing companies and investors build new projects that create opportunities for individuals and economic growth for everyone. For that to happen, Louisiana must look to the future, not the past," Alexander said. "Some lawmakers propose we jump-start and expand the death penalty by returning to outdated methods like gassing our citizens and the electric chair, and allowing for expanded and troubling new levels of state secrecy. We know these potential measures can only move our state backwards."

But Louisiana is not alone. Republican lawmakers in Ohio introduced a bill last week to make nitrogen hypoxia an alternative to lethal injection and require a nitrogen execution if lethal injection drugs are not available. Ohio has not put an inmate to death since 2018, and attempts to do so have been delayed over the inability to procure the right drugs. Still, four executions are slated for this year in the state.

Two states, Mississippi and Oklahoma, have approved nitrogen hypoxia in executions in addition to other methods, although neither has a protocol in place like Alabama.

At the start of the year, even before Alabama carried out its nitrogen execution, a Nebraska lawmaker introduced a bill to make nitrogen hypoxia another option for death row inmates besides lethal injection. Like Ohio, Nebraska has been unable to carry out an execution since 2018.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A state regulator has accused a Lubbock doctor of violating a restriction on his medical license more than 60 times over the course of about two months and on Friday temporarily barred him from practicing medicine at all.

The Texas Medical Board found Friday that Dr. Jeffrey Norman Colvin, a Lubbock anesthesiologist, "poses a continuing threat to public welfare" and suspended his medical license without notice, effective immediately pending a formal suspension hearing, according to a news release from the board.

The board alleges Colvin wrote more than 60 prescriptions for controlled substances, largely to women, between Dec. 7 and Feb. 2. During that time, a disciplinary restriction on his medical license prohibited him from treating female patients.

The Texas Medical Board initially suspended Colvin's license on Dec. 6, after his November 2023 arrest. His ability to treat male patients was restored on Jan. 30 before being rescinded again Friday.

The 70-year-old doctor is accused of inappropriately a woman during a Sept. 1 examination, according to Texas Medical Board records. The patient complained to the board that Colvin sexually abused her during the appointment and gave a detailed statement of the doctor's alleged inappropriate behavior.

The patient also reported the alleged abuse to the Lubbock Police Department, sparking a criminal investigation leading to a warrant for his arrest issued Nov. 14, according to court records.

Colvin, who has practiced medicine for about 36 years, was arrested four days later for a class A misdemeanor count of indecent assault, which carries a punishment of up to a year in jail, the Avalanche-Journal previously reported.

He is accused of "touching part of the genitals of (a woman) ... to arouse or gratify (his) sexual desires," according to a criminal complaint filed in Lubbock County Court at Law No. 1.

He was released on bond set at $25,000.

Court records show Colvin is represented by Lubbock attorney Michael King. A trial for his case has been set for June 24.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock doctor Colvin accused of writing prescriptions while suspended
A first-of-its-kind block party is set to take over a downtown San Luis Obispo street on Saturday as the city and a local business partner to celebrate Lunar New Year and the contributions of the citys historic Chinatown district.

The party will take over a block of Palm Street between Chorro and Morro streets throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m.

It will feature a number of events, presentations and activities for people to partake in as they celebrate both the new year and the 150th anniversary of the Ah Louis Store, one of the last remaining vestiges of the citys historic Chinatown.

Were so excited that the city, in partnership with the Ah Louis Store and the team at Karson Butler Events, is able to have this brand new community event, economic development and tourism manager Molly Cano told The Tribune in the week before the party. I think something that were really excited about is being able to tell the story overall for the historic Chinatown district and be able to really kind of put a focus and an emphasis on this unique historic district that we have within the community.

Cano said Karson Butler Events, which opened up a retail gift shop in the Ah Louis building in 2016, was instrumental in planning and executing the unique event.

Co-founder and CEO Amber Karson said she and her sister Emily Butler had long been looking for ways to honor the history of the building and the legacy of its original owner, Ah Louis.

Its been a dream of ours to reinvigorate what weve learned about the history, Karson told The Tribune on Monday. Thats really important to Emily and me. When we are in that building, the whole point is to bring love and light back to the Louis home. It was such a cornerstone of our community.

People stopped and posed for photos in front of the Ah Louis Store building in downtown San Luis Obispo. The historic business was decorated ahead of a Lunar New Year block party to be held Fe. 10, 2024

Ah Louis Store building celebrates 150th anniversary

Beside being a prominent businessman, Ah Louis was also something of an honorary mayor of San Luis Obispos original Chinatown, which spanned a swath of Palm Street until much of it was bulldozed in the 1950s.

The brick Ah Louis Store that sits on the corner of Palm and Chorro streets today was built in 1885, replacing a wooden one that was built in 1874, and is one of the last remaining buildings original to that district.

Over the years, it at times served as a post office, general store, bank and an employment office, besides being a gathering point for the Chinese community in San Luis Obispo.

Karson noted that during its lengthy history, the building and the block were also the site of numerous parties and celebrations, including ones for the Lunar New Year.

Taking that into mind as the buildings 150th anniversary approached, Karson said she felt the time was right to connect with the city for a massive celebration focused around the stores birthday and Lunar New Year.

Workers install a neon sign in downtown San Luis Obispos Historic Chinatown District ahead of a Lunar New Year block party on Feb. 9, 2024.

The city and Butler reached out to local cultural groups, including the Central Coast Chinese Association and the Cal Poly Chinese Students Association, for input while planning the event.

They also have been working directly with the Louis family, especially Dr. William Watson, Louis grandson and the owner of the Ah Louis Store building, she said.

Beside the Ah Louis Store, other businesses in the Chinatown district  including Mee Heng Low, the Palm Theatre and Hotel San Luis Obispo  will also have special activities for the block party.

It is really kind of this fantastic synergy between a lot of people that have been dreaming and planning this for a while, Karson said.

San Luis Obispo diversity, equity and inclusion manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua said the celebration is a way for the city to highlight the important contributions of diverse populations to the regions history  but also as a way to acknowledge its diversity today.

Something that is very critical, that we want to be able to acknowledge, is we want to make sure people know the city is in fact, quite diverse, he said. We want people to know that they are critical today.

Southpaw Sign Co. installed the restored historic Chongs Candy Store sign, a former Chinatown business. They also made a new one with San Luis Obispos Chinatown District logo, installed Feb. 9, 2024.

SLO prepares for block party, hangs historic neon sign

A flurry of activity was happening downtown on Friday afternoon as the city continued preparations for Saturdays celebration.

Against a backdrop of bright red hanging lanterns strung across the street, workers helped install the Chongs Candy Store neon sign on the side of the parking garage at 812 Palm St., as well as a new sign that declared the area the Chinatown Historic District.

Chongs Candy Store was a Chinatown business that crafted handmade candy for decades. Its original sign was acquired by the city and kept in storage for some time before recently being restored so it could be installed on the side of the parking structure.

On Monday, the city and Karson were also nervously keeping eyes on the forecast in case this winters characteristically stormy weather returned. But as of Friday, the outlook was calling for sunny skies in San Luis Obispo throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the decorations will remain throughout the month of February, including lanterns and lighting along Palm Street and an homage to a Paifang, or a decorative Chinese archway, adjacent to the Ah Louis Store, according to a city release.

The city of San Luis Obispo and Karson Butler Events partnered to host a free Lunar New Year block party downtown, including a drone light show. The event will honor the 150th anniversary of the Ah Louis Store.

Whats on the lineup for Lunar New Year block party?

The free community event will feature a full day of activities and experiences for visitors.

Its expected to kick off with various booths staged throughout the block, showcasing local clubs and associations. Many of those booths will feature activities and food, according to the schedule posted on the events website, slochinatownhistoricdistrict.com.

An opening ceremony and celebration of the Ah Louis Stores 150 years is set for 2 p.m., followed by a performance from the Central Coast Chinese Association. A food panel on SLOs Rising Asian Food Scene will take place at 3 p.m., and then a dance performance by the Cal Poly KAJA KREW at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Palm Theatre will hold a special screening of the 2001 romantic drama In the Mood for Love at 4:15 p.m.

Into the evening, the Inari Tea Lounge will host a tea ceremony demonstrations at 4:30 p.m., the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team will perform at 5 p.m. and a parking lot dance party will start at 6 p.m.

To cap off the evening, at 6:30 the citys first-ever drone light show light up the sky, reminiscent of traditional fireworks.
Kansas' Republican attorney general Kris Kobach is telling public schools they are required to tell parents if students attending the school are transgender or non-binary-even if they haven't "outted" themselves to their family.

Even though there is no law in the state of Kansas that requires them to do so. Kobach's declaration was the latest move to restrict transgender rights in the state.

Last year he successfully, albeit temporarily, blocked Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration from changing the listings for sex on the birth certificates and driver's licenses of transgender people that reflect their gender identity.

This move is part of a larger Republican strategy in which GOP state attorney generals are using their authority to wade into culture wars without a specific law or official mandate to do so.

He argues that failing to "out" a transitioning or non-binary student violates a parent's right to know. In December, Kobach sent letters to six school districts as well as the state association for local school board members.

He then issued a public statement after four districts refused to rewrite their policies. In a classic bully maneuver, he sent letters to superintendents of three Kansas City-area districts, Topeka's superintendent, and the Kansas Association of School Boards accused them of having "surrendered to woke gender ideology."

The letters did not lay out the consequences for those who refused his declaration.LGBTQ advocates believe the letters are seeking policy changes that would put transgender and non-binary people in physical danger and an official attempt to let transgender people know they're not welcome.

Jordan Smith, leader of the Kansas chapter of the LGBTQ+ rights group Parasol Patrol, had this to say;

"It's like they don't want us to exist in public places," said Smith, who is non-binary.

There are laws requiring schools to inform parents if their children use different pronouns in five states, Kansas is not one of them, and six other states with laws that encourage schools to "out" transgender and non-binary students.

Last year a bill was introduced in Kansas that would bar schools from using the preferred pronouns for a student under 18 without parental consent. How it never cleared a Senate committee.
Billing himself as the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House, Donald Trump addressed National Rifle Association members for the eighth time in his political career on Friday night in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania  appearing as the keynote speaker of the NRA Presidential Forum, part of the gun groups Great American Outdoor Show.

Trump began his address by making promises directly to gun owners. When Im back in the Oval Office no one will lay a finger on your firearms, Trump said. He then alleged: The only thing standing between me and the obliteration of your Second Amendment is me.

But as Trump spoke, he quickly pivoted to a rambling complaint about what he decried as a selective prosecution of him  but not president Joe Biden  for mishandling classified documents. A special prosecutor Thursday declined to bring charges against Biden. If hes not going to be charged then I should not be charged, Trump declared.

Trump claimed he was being targeted by very unfriendly and hostile feds. He blasted Biden, whose mental fitness the Republican special counsel brought into question  much to the ire of the current president. Trump said that he wasnt sure whom to blame for the supposed disparity of justice. I dont know if its Biden, Trump said, Because Im not sure he knows hes alive.

The rest of Trumps address decried the damage destruction and filth of Americas cities, the stampede of illegal aliens, and warned that another Biden administration could lead America into a ruinous conflict. Favoring a strange rhyme, Trump said: World War III  it will never happen with me.

Trump and the gun lobby have a long and sordid history  which Trump called a great relationship. The former presidents new speech to the NRA comes at a moment of peril for both Trump and the organization, at the hands of the same antagonist  New York Attorney General Letitia James (D).

Trump first addressed NRA members at the gun lobbys Nashville convention in 2015. The NRA proceeded to spend a staggering $31 million boosting Trumps 2016 campaign, more than twice what it laid out in favor of Mitt Romney four years earlier.

After his narrow 2016 victory, Trump rewarded the gun rights group by loosening background checks and easing export controls, greasing the skids of gun commerce. Trump later designated gun shops as essential businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even more consequential, he appointed a supermajority of conservatives to the Supreme Court. That bloc united behind the radical 2022 Bruen decision, which bestowed on gun owners a constitutional right to carry handguns in public for self-defense. The lawsuit was brought by an NRA affiliate, the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.

In advance of the Harrisburg event, the gun lobby praised Trump  the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee  as a steadfast advocate for the NRA. The ex-president has stuck with the NRA even at times of scandal, including through the revelation that the NRA was infiltrated by Russian agents, who curried favor with the gun association, seeking to influence GOP decision makers, including Trump.

The former president has also stood by the gun lobbys side in the aftermath of horrific shootings. He addressed the membership at the 2022 convention just days after the Uvalde school massacre. In that address, Trump mangled the pronunciation of names of the deceased children as a mournful electronic gong sounded in their memory. He has consistently condemned calls for gun control, and after a January school shooting said the right response was to get over it.

Both the gun lobby and the former president are in court in New York, facing similar charges of corrupt business dealings.

The NRA is incorporated as a nonprofit in New York. It faces charges of widespread misuse of resources and self-dealing by senior executives. The trial has already resulted in a coup for prosecutors. Wayne LaPierre  the honcho of the NRA over the last three decades  announced his surprise resignation on the eve of opening arguments.

At trial, prosecutors have presented evidence LaPierre misused NRA donor funds for illicit perks, including nearly half a million dollars worth of private jet travel, often for relatives; a $38,000 trip to the Bahamas; and hair and makeup sessions for LaPierres wife that ran as much as $10,000 a pop. Jurors have also heard of lavish yacht vacations, paid for by an NRA contractor, that were not reported by LaPierre as gifts.

LaPierre previously repaid $300,000 to the NRA for excess benefits, but could be on the hook to repay millions more. The former CEO of the organization has claimed some of his perks were legitimate, including the purchase of boutique Zegna suits, which he described as justified because they were costumes he needed to wear on TV.

The state of New York is seeking a court-appointed monitor to oversee the gun lobby. That result may be unlikely, but the NRA nonetheless has been hobbled. As its court troubles have mounted, the NRAs revenue and membership have cratered, and the group has had to shell out tens of millions in its legal defense.

While the NRA remains a formidable political force, it appears to lack the king-making power it possessed in Trumps first presidential bid.

Trump similarly is facing big trouble from James in New York, as his family Trump Organization was found in a civil trial to have committed fraud, revolving around inflated business valuations, including the square footage of his personal penthouse. The former president and his children Eric, Don Jr. and Ivanka are currently awaiting judgment  which could include a $370 million fine or an even more thorough dissolution of the former presidents real estate empire.

The Harrisburg event featured the first public speech by LaPierres little-known successor at the helm of the NRA, new CEO Andrew Arulanandam. Wearing a sharp corporate suit, Arulanandam pumped a fist and declared that 2024 will be a decisive year in our fight to defend our rights, adding: It will be up to all of us to make ensure that we have leaders like your fellow NRA member, Donald J. Trump.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone
This week:

The 9-1-1 cast previews an even more bonkers season.

Our unimpeachable The Traitors casting ideas.

Beyonce?!

The funniest play Ive seen in years.

This weeks most important photo.

We Made the Perfect The Traitors Cast

Excitement is a foreign feeling for me these days. It seems so preposterous that I imagine it would be akin to what its like to fly, or to be on the moon.

Well, Peacock built me a rocket ship and blasted me off this week, with the news that The Traitors, the greatest television series of our time, has been renewed for Season 3. Given the reality competitions popularity, a renewal might have seemed inevitable. But look around at 2024, people! Nothing good should be thought of as certain.

Its a true gift to be able to continue to enjoy the currently airing second season while fantasizing about the murder-plot machinations that could come in the next installment. So weve seized that opportunity: Here are The Daily Beasts Obsesseds biggest Traitors fans dream picks for the cast of Season 3.

Alan Cumming in an episode of "The Traitors" Peacock

Me:

Clay Aiken (American Idol)

Lance Bass (*NSYNC)

Candiace Dillard Bassett (The Real Housewives of Potomac)

Carl Radke (Summer House)

Michelle Visage (RuPauls Drag Race)

Eva Marcille (Americas Next Top Model/The Real Housewives of Atlanta)

Captain Sandy (Below Deck)

Dorit Kemsley (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills)

Danny Roberts (The Real World: New Orleans)

Ted Allen (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy/Chopped)

Laura Bradley:

Flava Flav (Flavor of Love)

Nick Viall (The Bachelor)

Bobbi Althoff (The Really Good Podcast)

Bianca Del Rio (RuPauls Drag Race)

Helen Holmes:

Bethenny Frankel (The Real Housewives of New York)

Jax Taylor (Vanderpump Rules)

Addison Rae (TikTok)

Ice-T (Ice Loves Coco)

Fletcher Peters

Kelley Wentworth (Survivor), Phillip Sheppard (Survivor)

Eddie Lucas (Below Deck)

CJ Franco (Fboy Island)

Everyone

Tiffany New York Pollard (Flavor of Love/I Love New York)

I Cant Stop Laughing

Do you ever see some internet-y thinga meme, a photo, a tweet, a viral storyand it somehow sews itself into your brain so well that every once a while you just randomly think about it and start laughing? Not like a giggle. A full-on, silently heaving, tears-streaming-down-the-face laughing fit?

For me, that used to be the legend of Poot Lovato. [Returns seven minutes later after the laughter has subsided.] But theres a new entry in the canon: the wax figure of Beyonce that looks exactly like King of Queens star and heroic Scientology whistleblower Leah Remini.

I first saw a few tweets about it, and then my colleagues were Slacking about itall before I saw the actual photo of the wax figure. Maybe it was the lead-up to finally seeing the picture. Whatever it was, I couldnt stop laughing, and have periodically had to pause my life over the last 24 hours each time the image surfaced again in my life and I couldnt accomplish anything because I was laughing again.

Behold:

I am screaming! And loving all the tweets!



This perimenopausal woman will take any and all comparisons to the beautiful Beyonce! https://t.co/d8qVR90tcQ  Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) February 8, 2024

I think were all the iconic Tiffany New York Pollard GIF at this moment.

giphy

A Genius Gets Their Due

I truly dont think its possible to describe the mad brilliance of Cole Escolas new off-Broadway Oh, Mary, a singular work of virtuoso comedy that is as inventive and shrewd as it is absolutely stupid. The gist: Escola, a comedian and actor who has accrued a passionate cult following for over a decade, stars as Mary Todd Lincolnas in the wife of Abrahamin an 80-minute laughter fit that they also wrote.

Courtesy of Oh, Mary

Id say get yourself a ticket as soon as you can, except Im sure its already sold out, the buzz (gays screaming about it all around New York City) has been so great.

Hang It in The Louvre

I understand there are people for whom this photo is incomprehensible and doesnt matter much. But for those for whom it does matter, this image of The Gilded Age star Morgan Spector wearing a t-shirt featuring fanart of his co-star Carrie Coon in character while in a gym wearing no pants is a new Mona Lisa.

HE HAS THE BERTHA SHIRT OHMYGOD pic.twitter.com/iy2PhUyXbw  the gilded age struggle tweets (@gildedstruggle) February 7, 2024

What to watch this week:

Couple to Throuple: Diabolical trash which is exactly what you want. (Now on Peacock)

The Taste of Things: Food in film has never been so sensual. (Now in theaters)

One Day: Sexy and gorgeous and somehow better than the Anne Hathaway version. (Now on Netflix)

What to skip this week:

Halo: Shouldnt a show based on a video game be more fun? (Now on Paramount+)

Lisa Frankenstein: Were rooting for Diablo Codys comebackand were still rooting. (Now in theaters)

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.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.6 on Friday rocked a Los Angeles region that has been battered by a series of winter storms since last week.

The quake was centered about 7 miles northwest of Malibu, in mountainous terrain near Los Angeles Countys northern coastline, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

It struck at 1:47 p.m. local time, the USGS said.

At least two aftershocks at preliminary magnitude 2.7 and 3.0 were recorded after the 4.6 earthquake, according to the USGS.

Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Fred Fielding told NBC Los Angeles an earthquake of that magnitude is only going to cause minor damage, he said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said on social media platform X that residents should check their residences and neighbors.

After surveying your home for #quake damage and assuring no injuries, please check on your pets and at-risk neighbors, especially seniors living alone, it said.

LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott told NBC Los Angeles that there has been no significant damage so far.

A Ventura County Fire Department X account said the department was fully operational and reporting no injuries.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said no wave threat was likely from the temblor.

Despite its mellow nature, the earthquake might have been felt by as many as 12 million people, Caltech geophysics researcher Allen Husker, citing USGS data, said on NBC Los Angeles.

A ShakeAlert went out to the cellphones of MyShake app users and other subscribers to the USGS-run system. The alerts warn residents about an earthquake before it reaches many users, giving some time to take cover. The system is still evolving and depends on the addition of seismometers. It is available to an estimated 50 million residents of California, Oregon and Washington.

The area of the earthquake has numerous faults, including the Malibu Coast Fault, which runs from an area near Point Dume east toward the city of Santa Monica.

Lucy Jones, a former USGS seismologist who founded the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society, said that as time goes on, the potential the quake was a foreshock to something bigger diminishes rapidly.

But she told NBC Los Angeles its a good time to remind Californians to be prepared for a bigger one. Her top recommendation is to have drinking and potable water on hand, because a major earthquake is likely to disrupt water supplies.

The most important thing you can do is make sure you have water stored, she said.

The region was battered by a trio of storms since last week, bringing historic amounts of rain and flooding to areas from Ventura County to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Fridays temblor struck on a date that marks one of the regions most damaging earthquakes, the 1971 magnitude 6.6 Sylmar earthquake, named for L.A.s northernmost neighborhood. It was blamed for 64 deaths and more than $500 million in damage, the USGS said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Maiz Agua Sal is targeting a March opening on Charlottes west side.

The authentic Mexican tortilleria and agave bar, called MAS for short, is the latest restaurant for ARDR Hospitality Group, co-founded by Alyson Davis and husband Dan Davis. The group operates Craft Tasting Room, Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails and The Green Room.

ALSO READ: Usher announces tour ahead of Super Bowl appearance

MAS is more than two years in the making. Plans for the concept were first announced in December 2021.

The brand  named for the corn meal, water and salt used to make fresh tortillas  was inspired by the Davises time spent in Mexico with longtime childhood friends. Chef Jonathan Olvera, a first-generation Mexican-American from Salisbury, has been tapped to lead the kitchen.

Read more about what to expect when the restaurant opens on CBJs website here.

(WATCH BELOW: Reusable cups unveiled for Plaza Midwood social district)
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A major water leak shut down a medical building in Norfolk.

WAVY has confirmed the Medical Tower at 400 Gresham Drive is the structure impacted by the water leak.

A spokesperson for the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters (CHKD) told WAVY the building will be closed for the foreseeable future. A Google search currently lists it as permanently closed.

A water leak from the heating system caused damage to several floors.

The spokesperson said CHKD was already planning to relocate its offices in the Medical Tower to other facilities; this incident moved up that timeline.

Patients received an email explaining that the water leak caused the building to be evacuated and ultimately closed.

WAVY received a copy of the email Innovation Cardiology sent its patients stating that it would be temporarily relocating its practice to the ground floor of CHKD, which is on the same campus as its now closed office. The CHKD address is 601 Childrens Lane.

There will be signage at the hospital directing patients to the temporary office.

The email advised patients to use parking deck A at the CHKD visitor lot and to get their parking passes validated before leaving their appointments.

Our small team at Innovation Cardiology remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional care for our nearly 2000 patients. We are diligently working to minimize clinical disruptions to our practice. Portion of email from Innovation Cardiology to its patients

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
United States President Joe Biden issued an order that details requirements for other countries to receive American military assistance, including new human rights conditions.

The Democrat's new directive appeared to ease a split among left-wing lawmakers over his continued military support for Israel's war in Gaza. On Friday, officials praised the order that authorizes a swift cutoff of military aid to countries that violate international protection of civilians.

Requirements for Military Aid

For the president, the commitment to conditioning U.S. military aid for the Middle Eastern country and other allies and strategic partners will help him shore up support among center-left Senate Democrats. This would be particularly true for his proposed $95 billion supplemental assistance package.

The package is primarily aimed at providing military aid for Ukraine in its continued war against Russia and for Israel in its war against the Hamas terrorist group.

Democratic senators called the president's new directive, which seeks to bring breadth, oversight, deadlines, and teeth to efforts to ensure foreign governments do not use American military aid against civilians, historic, as per the Associated Press.

In a statement, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said that the new order is a "sea-change" in terms of how they approach U.S. military aid and its impact on civilians. Her remarks were made at a Capitol news conference with other Democrats who negotiated with the White House for two months on the matter.

Several human rights advocates have argued that the challenge for the new directive would be the same that plagues all previous efforts to withhold U.S. weapons and funding from human rights abusers. This is whether administrations will actually enforce the human rights conditions against strategically important allies and partners.

A former head of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, said that the issue was never knowledge of U.S. military aid being used in violation of international law so much as enforcement. Biden's new order also comes in what is officially known as a presidential memorandum, which has the force of law.

Read Also: New York Candidates Clah in Special Election Debate Amid Efforts To Win George Santos's Vacated Seat

Israel's War in Gaza

Under the new memo, the secretary of state needs to "obtain certain credible and reliable written assurances from foreign governments receiving defense articles." The Biden administration has sought to downplay the latest decision, noting that while the standards are not new, it marks an opportunity to publicly spell out the existing requirements, according to CNN.

A senior administration official dismissed any suggestion that Israel's military actions in Gaza were a motivating factor in the creation of the memo. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed while 66,000 others have been injured.

Biden's new policy also requires the State Department and the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue periodic reports on whether or not allies are meeting the requirements.

The memo noted that American departments and agencies will "engage with foreign parties to share and learn best practices for reducing the likelihood of and responding to civilian casualties."

Nations that are receiving military aid from the United States were given 180 days to provide the required assurances. However, those like Israel, who were engaged in active conflicts, were only given 45 days, said the Times of Israel.

Related Article: U.S. Deems Iran-Backed Militia as Mediocre
In this image from video provided by the Clark County District Court, a defendant identified by court officials and records as Deobra Redden is seen launching over the desk of Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing in a felony battery case on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 in Las Vegas. Redden has now been indicted by a grand jury for attempted murder Thursday, Feb. 8.. (Clark County District Court via AP)

LAS VEGAS (AP)  A man who leaped over a judicial bench and attacked a Nevada judge during a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas last month that was captured in a courtroom video that went viral has now been indicted for attempted murder.

A grand jury returned the nine-count indictment against Deobra Redden, 30, in Las Vegas on Thursday. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 29.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus was about to deliver Reddens sentence in an attempted battery case on Jan. 3 when he lunged over the bench at her.

Courtroom cameras recorded as Holthus clerk and a court marshal fought with Redden to restrain him in the wild video that was widely viewed on the internet and social media posts. A week later Judge Holthus sentenced him to up to four years in prison for the battery charge he had pleaded guilty to in November.

The new indictment for attempted murder alleges that Redden attacked Holthus by grabbing her, pulling her hair, placing his hands around her throat and/or hitting her on the head by manner and means unknown. Hes also accused of punching and/or kicking and/or pushing a Las Vegas police officer.

A lawyer who represented Redden at the initial hearing did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment on Saturday.

Reddens foster mother, Karen Springer; and older sister, LaDonna Daniels, told reporters outside court last month that Redden has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, though court records show he was found competent to stand trial.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said at the time that Reddens adult criminal history included convictions for three felonies and nine misdemeanors, mostly involving violent acts.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  A man was arrested Friday in connection with a September 2023 fentanyl-related death in Williamson County.

The Williamson County Sheriffs Office said Marek Dillard was arrested Friday for murder.

On Sept. 21, the sheriffs office responded to Snelling Drive in Leander for an alleged overdose death, according to WCSO. The organized crime unit found a 40-year-old man dead and pills containing fentanyl at the scene.

The WCSO said an investigation linked Dillard to the sale of the pills.

Dillard was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to WCSO.

Dillard did not have an attorney listed online. He remains in the Williamson County jail as of Saturday morning.

Fentanyl-related death bill

In 2023, Texas lawmakers passed a bill that allowed prosecutors to seek a murder charge in connection to fentanyl-related deaths. The bill also increased criminal penalties for selling and distributing fentanyl.

The bill went into effect Sept. 1, 2023.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man involved in a fatal Hazelwood Neighborhood shooting in 2022 was convicted on Thursday.

On Feb. 1, Stephen Matthew Toelle, of Portland, waived his right to be indicted by a Multnomah County grand jury on one count of second-degree murder and other charges, court documents show. Instead, Toelle was convicted on Thursday by Judge Christopher Marshall of first-degree manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon and attempt to commit a Class A felony.

On Sept. 30, 2022, around 2:15 a.m., the Portland Police Bureau received reports of shots fired on Southeast 148th Avenue, between Southeast Stark and East Burnside streets.

Pedestrian killed in crash identified by Salem police

Shortly after that initial call, officers learned that a man, later identified as 35-year-old Dusty Baker of Vancouver, was being treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds and connected the Hazelwood shooting to the victim.

Officials said Baker was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle before succumbing to his injuries. His death was later ruled by a medical examiner to be homicide by gunshot wound.

Hours after the shooting, the then 31-year-old Toelle was arrested in Happy Valley on an arrest warrant for murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A 63-year-old man died on a Lufthansa flight on Thursday, according to Swiss-German outlet Blick.

Witnesses told the outlet the man had blood gushing from his nose and mouth.

The witnesses said passengers were screaming at the sight.

A 63-year-old man died during a Lufthansa flight this week after losing "liters of blood' in a scene that terrified passengers.

The unidentified man boarded a Lufthansa flight from Bangkok to Munich with his wife on Thursday, according to Swiss-German outlet Blick.

Witnesses Martin and Karin Missfelder told Blick that they sat in the row diagonally behind the male passenger and his wife. Karin Missfelder said the man looked unwell when he boarded the plane.

Airline cabin. iStock/Getty Images

"He had cold sweats" and "was breathing much too quickly," Karin Missfelder said in a translated quote.

The man's wife said his breathing and appearance looked off because they rushed to catch the flight, but the symptoms worried the crew. Despite their initial hesitations, the crew allowed the man to remain on the flight.

Karin Missfelder, a nursing specialist at the University Hospital in Switzerland, told Blick that her concerns for the man persisted, prompting her to tell a flight attendant that a doctor should examine the man. At this point, the plane's captain arrived and briefly spoke to the man.

"He then called for a doctor over the loudspeaker and a young, around 30-year-old man from Poland with poor English looked at the German," Karin Missfelder said.

Martin Missfelder said the doctor however did little to treat the man beyond checking his pulse and asking how he felt. Soon, the man's health drastically deteriorated.

"They then gave him a little chamomile tea, but he already spit blood into the bag that his wife held out to him," Martin Missfelder said.

At one point, Martin Missfelder said blood gushed out of the man's nose and mouth. He said the man lost "liters of blood," some of which splattered onto the aircraft's walls.

"It was absolute horror. Everyone was screaming," Martin Missfelder told Blick.

Flight attendants immediately jumped in and attempted to resuscitate the man, Blick reported.

"It was dead quiet on board," Karin Missfelder said.

Data from flightradar24, an online air traffic tracker, showed that the flight departed from the Bangkok International Airport at 12:07 a.m. before diverting back amid the chaos. Karin Missfelder told Blick the man, now dead, was carried into the galley as the plane returned to the airport.

A Lufthansa representative confirmed the death to Blick.

Lufthansa aircraft. NurPhoto/Getty Images

Representatives for Lufthansa did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Last year, Lufthansa made headlines after a flight from Texas to Germany experienced severe turbulence that sent people and food flying into the air.

One passenger told Business Insider she hit her head on the plane's ceiling. "It felt like it hit the eye of a tornado," Rolanda Schmidt told BI. "It would not stop. I thought we were going down."

That flight made an emergency landing near Washington, DC.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A man on Friday pleaded no contest to threatening to kill shoppers at the Foods Co. on Haley Street.

Adrian Aceves pleaded no contest to three counts of making terroristic threats, and a fourth count was dismissed, court records show. He faces eight years and eight months in prison at his sentencing next month, prosecutors said.

Doc Nigh the DeLorean guy, dead at 67, was just a kid at heart

On Feb. 5, 2023, Aceves allegedly yelled racial slurs and threatened to kill patrons while brandishing a hammer and knife in the stores parking lot.

The 35-year-old Aceves has a history of such behavior.

In July 2021, he wielded a knife and called employees terrorists at the Kings Drive-In on Niles Street. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading no contest to a threats charge.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Horn Lake Police Department is searching for the suspect who robbed a bank at gunpoint Friday evening.

Horn Lake Police responded to the Renasant Bank on Goodman Road West just before 5 p.m.

Midtown boutique forced to close after employee steals merchandise

According to police, a man walked into the bank, brandished a gun, and demanded money from several of the bank tellers.

Horn Lake Police say the suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Photos courtesy of the Horn Lake Police Department





Police say no shots were fired and no one was injured during the robbery.

Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call the Horn Lake Police Department at 662-393-6174.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A man convicted of a quadruple murder in Riverside County was sentenced to the death penalty, officials announced Friday.

Jose Vladimir Larin Garcia, 24, was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 6 of the execution-style murders of four people in Palm Springs, according to the Riverside County District Attorneys Office.

The victims were identified as:

Carlos Campos-Rivera, 25

Jacob Montgomery, 19

Juan Duarte-Raya, 18

Yuliana Garcia, 17, who was also pregnant at the time

On Feb. 3, 2019, Larin Garcia was riding in a vehicle with three victims. They drove to meet up with a fourth victim, Campos-Rivera, outside of his apartment complex.

When Campos-Rivera was spotted, the suspect shot him twice, including a kill-shot to the head, before the vehicle drove away.

According to a witness, the other three victims were heard screaming from inside the car when multiple gunshots were heard before a loud crash.

The four victims killed in a shooting massacre on Feb. 3, 2019. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office)

Jose Vladimir Larin Garcia, 24, was sentenced to the death penalty for the execution-style murders of four people in Palm Springs in 2019. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office)

I would like to thank the District Attorneys office for the support that I have received for the past few years, said Maria Morales, the mother of Yuliana Garcia, pictured with prosecutors. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office)

Arriving officers spotted the crashed vehicle on Sunny Dunes Road where inside, the bodies of Montgomery, Duarte-Raya and Yuliana Garcia were found. All victims were found with targeted gunshot wounds to the head, authorities said.

Yuliana Garcias hand was also found injured, believed to have occurred as she tried to shield herself from the barrage of gunfire at close range, the DAs office said.

The suspect ran from the scene and was located a few blocks away, hiding underneath a truck. He was spattered in the victims blood, with his shoes and jacket removed at the time, police said.

Authorities transported the suspect to the hospital to treat multiple abrasions. While there, he called his mother and told her he needed to speak with a lawyer. He later fled barefoot from the hospital still wearing his medical gown, authorities said.

Theft group may be behind hundreds of home burglaries across Southern California

The next day, investigators located and arrested the suspect at a Greyhound bus station. He had shaved his head, changed into different clothing and was holding a Florida-bound bus ticket booked under a fake name, court documents said.

He was charged with four counts of murder, but a mistrial was declared in March 2022. A second trial was held where the jury found the suspect guilty of four counts of first-degree murder.

They also found true the allegation of the personal use of a firearm and the special circumstances of lying in wait, along with multiple victims involved. Due to these special circumstances, he was eligible for a death sentence, the DAs office explained.

On Feb. 9, a Riverside County judge affirmed the jurys findings that Larin Garcia should be sentenced to death.

Principal on leave after upsetting active shooter drill at L.A. County school

The death penalty is reserved for those who have truly proven themselves to be without remorse for actions that are among the most egregious imaginable, said Mike Hestrin, Riverside County District Attorney. The decision made today is not one made lightly, but reflects the heinous nature of these crimes, committed by a man who took so much away from so many people, for something so inconsequential.

The magnitude of the crimes that the defendant committed that night was enormous, said Samantha Paixao, the Deputy DA who prosecuted the case. It was five victims who were taken. Carlos, Jacob, Juan, Yuliana, and her unborn child. Their loss left a gaping wound in their lives. Mothers and fathers who are left without their child, children who have to grow up without their father, their grandchild, the siblings who must go on without their loved one.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Correction: an earlier version of this article misstated the judge who sentenced Surfun Boens. It was Judge Paul Scott.

Diona Burks doesn't want to remember her grandson Russell McKeehan Jr. as he died, but for how he lived.

McKeehan, 45, was shot and killed in January 2023 at a Fleur Drive hotel. Surfun Boens, with whom he was staying, was found guilty of his murder, and on Friday was sentenced to life in prison.

Burks, whose statement was read in court by prosecutor Kevin Bell, said what matters about "Rusty" McKeehan was his love for his family, his friends, and life.

"I want to remember and think about his love for the Pittsburgh steelers  and eating food I had prepared for him," she wrote.

Others who spoke at Friday's hearing recalled about McKeehan as the life of a party, his importance to his five children, and how his loss devastated his mother, who died of cancer just months after her son's killing. His 16-year-old daughter said she longs to hear him respond when she speaks to him while visiting his grave, and that "hell never know how hard I try to make him proud."

McKeehan struggled in his final years  his family spoke of his battle with addiction  and was on the verge of homelessness when he wound up sharing Boens' hotel room. At his trial in November, prosecutors said Boens repeatedly called police trying to get McKeehan evicted, and alleged that he shot McKeehan twice in the head while he slept on Jan. 13, 2023.

Boens filed a motion seeking a new trial, maintaining his innocence and accusing his attorneys of various failings before and during his trial. Judge Paul Scott rejected his claim that the verdict was "contrary to the weight of the evidence."

"I dont believe that the verdict is incorrect," he told Boens. "I dont think this is a close call. I do in fact think the evidence was overwhelming."

Boens briefly addressed the court before his sentencing, saying of McKeehan's family that, "Im sorry for their loss, whatever, and I didnt do this." Defense Attorney Wendy Samuelson declined to comment after the hearing.

In addition to the mandatory sentence of life without parole, Boens also was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to McKeehan's estate, as required under Iowa law.

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 man gets life in prison for roommate's murder
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police are searching for the suspects who shot and killed a man Friday afternoon.

Memphis Police responded to Southwall Street and Heber Avenue at 3:25 p.m.

Man shot after turning around in Frayser driveway

Police say officers found a man who had been shot. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

According to police, the suspects fled the scene in a gray sedan. Police say preliminary information suggests that this was a targeted shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot in Southeast D.C. on Saturday afternoon.

One dead, 3 injured after shooting in Northeast DC

MPD responded to the 1800 block of Alabama Ave. S.E. at about 12:32 p.m. for the report of a shooting. There, they found a man whod been shot  he was conscious and breathing.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The suspect arrested for allegedly breaking into the Dallas Zoo and stealing two monkeys in Jan. 2023 was found mentally ill and incompetent to stand trial, a ruling which resulted on Monday in the dismissal of six counts of animal cruelty, according to Dallas County court records.

Davion Irvin, 24, was booked into the Dallas County Jail in Feb. 2023. He was accused of stealing two emperor tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo and cutting into other habitats. In one instance, a clouded leopard named Nova escaped from her enclosure. In another, the habitat of some langur monkeys was cut open. Police were also investigating the death of an endangered vulture, Pin, but police have not linked Irvin to that case, authorities said.

Court records also say Irvin has already spent more time in jail than the maximum punishment for the misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.

Irvin still faces two felony burglary charges, but those cases have been placed on hold while he receives medical treatment, according to court records.

Irvin was identified as the suspect in the zoo break-ins based on surveillance images from the Dallas Zoo, where according to the arrest warrant and the Dallas Morning News, employees noted strange behavior from Irvin. He would ask employees questions such as where they got the animals, where the animals went at night, what their schedules were and if they were ever violent.

Police said in a warrant that Irvin admitted he intended to take Nova but could only manage to pet her because he couldnt catch her. Nova was later found in the zoo and returned to her habitat.

On Jan. 14, the day after Nova went missing, zoo officials announced theyd also found the langur monkey exhibit had been broken into. None of the monkeys were missing or harmed.

Irvin also told police he took the monkeys on the night of Jan. 29, breaking into the zoo by jumping over the fence after dark, the Dallas Morning News reported. He cut through metal mesh to get to a door and then cut the enclosure where the monkeys were and took them.

From there, according to the Dallas Morning News, Irvin took a DART train and then walked to an abandoned home in Lancaster, where he put the monkeys in a room with no access to natural light or outside air.

There, police also found cats and 13 pigeons inside the home, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Due to his involvement in the murder of Jovenel Moise, the former president of Haiti, a former US government informant, received a life sentence. Two months before the sentence, Joseph Vincent, a 58-year-old Haitian-American, entered a guilty plea to participating in the murder conspiracy of the late president.

"Please forgive me for what I did," he said to the judge in a Miami court before receiving his sentence, as per BBC News.

Haitian President Assassination Case

Vincent finds himself among 11 individuals implicated in a high-profile case concerning the assassination of Haiti's former President Jovenel Moise. The accused include Colombian ex-soldiers and businessmen, charged with various roles in supplying funds, weaponry, and executing the nighttime assault.

Initially, the assailants posed as agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) during the attack, although the DEA later clarified that neither Vincent nor another Haitian-American suspect, James Solages, acted on behalf of the agency. Vincent's fate now lies in a Florida prison, as per the court's decision.

Moise's killing thrust Haiti into a tumultuous power vacuum, exacerbating existing instability as violent armed groups expanded their influence. The situation escalated in January, with the United Nations reporting it as Haiti's most violent month in over two years, witnessing over 1,100 casualties from killings, injuries, and kidnappings.

Preceding February 7, anti-government demonstrations erupted, initially in response to unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry's pledge to resign, which he later retracted. Henry has since reiterated his commitment to organizing free and fair elections, contingent upon restored security conditions.

Meanwhile, the ongoing legal proceedings implicate Vincent and his co-defendants, including Frederick Joseph Bergmann Jr., who pleaded guilty to involvement in Moise's assassination. Bergmann's sentencing is provisionally scheduled for April 18, 2024, according to Reuters.

Read Also: US-Backed Forces Have Requested Additional Air Defenses As Strikes From Iran-Backed Forces Continue

Deceptive Tactics in Haitian President's Assassination

The Haitian ambassador to Washington, Bocchit Edmond, revealed that the assailants had falsely identified themselves as DEA operatives upon breaching Moise's fortified residence. The meticulously coordinated attack unfolded with individuals purportedly announcing themselves as part of a DEA operation, aiming to deceive security personnel and residents.

Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian Chilean businessman, has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the assassination. Last summer, a federal court in Florida sentenced Jaar to life imprisonment.

Following the assault, Moise's widow, Martine Marie etienne Moise, sustained injuries but has since recovered. She lamented the attack as an attempt to extinguish her husband's vision and aspirations for Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's most impoverished nation.

Since Moise's assassination, Haiti has plunged into chaos, witnessing a surge in violence perpetrated by street gangs and vigilantes, met with retaliatory violence from affected communities. The aftermath underscores the enduring challenges facing Haiti as it navigates through a turbulent period of political and social upheaval, The Guardian reported.

Related Article: Pentagon Warns Iranian-Backed Militia Leaders After Kataeb Hezbollah Commander Retaliatory Strike
A tiny helicopter drone can be seen far in the distance on a brownish-red hill covered in wind-swept dunes.

Like some hobbits, a wee Martian helicopter received a special honor.

The final resting place of NASA's Ingenuity, grounded after its last flight on Jan. 18, now has a new name bestowed from fans of fantasy.

"The Ingenuity team has nicknamed the spot where the helicopter completed its final flight 'Valinor Hills' after the fictional location in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels, which include 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy," NASA officials wrote on Monday (Feb. 6).

Related: NASA to 'wiggle' broken Ingenuity Mars helicopter's blades to analyze damage

Tolkien (1892-1973), an Anglo-Saxon scholar at the University of Oxford, is best known for his fantasy works that include "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR), "The Hobbit" and "The Silmarillion."

Several of Tolkien's stories have been turned into tales for radio, television, streaming and Hollywood, such as the LOTR and "The Hobbit" movie series directed by Peter Jackson in the 2000s and 2010s, and "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Amazon Prime series from 2022.

a panoramic photo of grayish-red sand dunes. one on can be seen a tiny helicopter drone, far in the distance

Valinor was a part of the Undying Lands, a location cited often in Tolkien's mythology. The most-cited reference to those islands comes at the end of LOTR. The elves granted some of the main characters refuge there, after the invitees played key roles in a quest to destroy a powerful finger-ring threatening the universe.

The islands of the Undying Lands were the home of the elves and also the Valar, the latter referring to beings who played a role in creating the world, according to a 2009 paper in the peer-reviewed journal "Mythlore " led by Keith Kelly, of Pennsylvania's Kutztown University. While not quite equivalent to the Judeo-Christian concepts of heaven, according to Tolkien's letters cited in the paper, the Undying Lands are a point of eternal refuge and rest.

The informal name for the location (used by NASA engineers for navigation and honorific purposes) is apt for Ingenuity, which made 72 flights since alighting on the surface of Mars with its robotic companion, the Perseverance rover, on Feb. 18, 2021.

After making the first flight of a powered aircraft on a planet other than Earth, Ingenuity's adventures extended quickly from its five-flight scope to acting as a scout for future Perseverance sampling locations to enhance the mission's ongoing search for ancient Red Planet life.

The last sojourn was cut short on Jan. 18 due to a difficult stretch of Martian sands described as "bland", so much so that it was difficult for the helicopter to judge landscape features such as rocks for navigation.

a small helicopter can be seen motionless on a sand dune in the distance as red soil and rocks fills the scene

The helicopter's flying days are over after engineers spotted damage to the blades, making it incapable of flying again. As Ingenuity is otherwise in good health, however, it can still transmit engineering data to Perseverance so long as the rover remains within range.

Perseverance, however, will continue to prioritize its mission of collecting samples for a possible Mars sample return mission (MSR) in the 2030s. That means that sooner or later, the rover will move away from the grounded Ingenuity and leave the flying sentinel silent, marking the end of the drone's mission.

A shadow of a broken helicopter rotor on Mars

RELATED STORIES:

 NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity takes off on historic 1st powered flight on another world

 'It's sort of been invincible until this moment:' Mars helicopter Ingenuity pilot says 'bland' terrain may have doomed NASA chopper

 Nuclear-powered Dragonfly mission to Saturn moon Titan delayed until 2028, NASA says

NASA does plan to continue deploying flying sentinels on future missions, including two fetch helicopters on the MSR mission plan. But that's assuming that ongoing budgetary woes for the program can be overcome quickly. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which manages Ingenuity and MSR, slashed 8% of its workforce this week due to Congressional uncertainty about NASA's budget and MSR.

NASA is operating under a continuing resolution that freezes spending at 2023 budgetary limits until the spending for the new fiscal year can be negotiated. "The impacts will occur across both technical and support areas of the Lab," JPL officials said in a recent statement. "These are painful but necessary adjustments that will enable us to adhere to our budget allocation while continuing our important work for NASA and our nation."
Willa Wyatt poses with a framed copy of a Ralph M. Lee poem, "Our Town," which was gifted to the Mars Hill Town Board by the Friends of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School during its Feb. 5 meeting at the historic school.

MARS HILL - The town of Mars Hill is getting national recognition thanks to its historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School, which hosted the Mars Hill Town Board for its February meeting.

The public records show that Madison County operated free public schools for Black students beginning in 1874. By 1905, Black schools were operated throughout Madison County in Marshall, Hot Springs, Little Pine, Mars Hill, Bull Creek, and Ivy. After the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School was established in 1928, Black students throughout the county attended the school at Long Ridge until the schools were integrated in 1964.

The only school of its kind still standing in Western North Carolina, the one-classroom building on Mount Olive Drive was constructed in 1929. Rosenwald schools, named for a wealthy retail executive who backed the effort, were built in the early 20th century to serve Black students across the country when segregation era laws prevented them from attending public schools then reserved for white students only.

The Friends of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School formed in 2009 and established a planning committee to save the building.

Following more than 12 years of rehabilitations and renovations, the building is now listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places.

Willa Wyatt is the Friends of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School's chair.

According to Wyatt and Friends member Ray Rapp, the school and its renovations is bringing Mars Hill into the national spotlight.

"The school is getting some national attention in lots of different ways," Wyatt said. "The Rosenwald Schools, nationally, the ones that are left, what we're hearing is that there are probably less than 10% left of the more than 5,000. And North Carolina probably has more than 60 of the 800 left."

Rapp, who along with his wife, Dorothy, belong to the Friends of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School group, thanked the board for holding its February meeting at the school.

"I hope next year, we'll have another meeting here for Black History Month as well," Rapp said. "I think it's important for the board to know that, thanks to the leadership of this lady sitting right in front of me, we are, first of all, the school that its renovation has prompted the state of North Carolina to amend its curriculum on Black history in North Carolina, to include the story of segregation and segregated education in North Carolina.

"This was the school, because of the work of Willa and Dorothy with the State Department, to adopt that. It was beta-tested in this county this past spring for the first time. This little building is what prompted that."

The Rosenwald schools were named in honor of Julius Rosenwald, former president of Sears and Roebuck who collaborated with Booker T. Washington  a renowned educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute  to aid Black colleges and preparatory academies.

Additionally, the Mars Hill Rosenwald School's impact has reached other areas of the country, as a group is aiming to bring a national park to Chicago to celebrate Julius Rosenwald.

"The group wants five satellite facilities among the 11 Southern states, and this is one of the ones that's being considered," Rapp said. "Some would say, 'Well, there's still 10% of those 5,000 schools left in different stages.' That's true, but this is the school that's pictured on the cover of the promotional literature in the national park.

"This little school goes beyond what we do here. It has both a state and national impact. And I think it's important for folks to know that."

Willa Wyatt, Friends of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald committee chair, presented the board of education with this painting of the school building by Charity Ray, an alumni of the school.

The National Trust For Historic Preservation is leading the charge in the quest to have a select few schools included in the National Parks System.

The legislation, H.R. 3250, was signed into law in January 2019 and authorized a National Park Service special resource study to evaluate a select list of Rosenwald Schools and sites associated with the life and legacy of Rosenwald for potential inclusion in the National Park System, including the Russell School in Durham County.

The campaign to establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park seeks to promote the establishment of a multisite National Park celebrating the life and legacy of Rosenwald, according to the campaign's website.

'Our Town'

Wyatt also gifted the town a framed copy of a poem written by former Mars Hill Mayor Ralph M. Lee, called "Our Town," which was originally written as a Christmas card to a friend or family member, according to Wyatt, who said she was given the framed poem by her next-door neighbor Garnette Sprinkle, who died in June 2023.

Wyatt said the Friends group decided to gift the town the copy of the poem, which starts:

I bet that God smiles when He looks downUpon our gentle little town,With narrow streets and winding lanes,And bumpy roads in rolling plains. There's nothing fancy, nothin' great,Just lots of love and not much hate.Why, if you'd walk along the streetThere's just no tellin' who you'd meet.

A copy of the Ralph M. Lee poem, "Our Town."

Ralph M. Lee also served on the Madison County Board of Education.

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce met at the Rosenwald School Feb. 6.

On Feb. 16, Land of Sky Regional Council plans to host its meeting at the school.

Friends of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School hosts its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. This month, the group will host an open house for its Feb. 13 meeting, in which it will present Mars Hill University a $4,600 check the group collected as part of its Charity Ray painting fundraiser.

"That is to go to the scholarship, per Charity's wishes," said Wyatt of Ray, who worked in the university's Nash Hall, where Ray worked for many years.

For more information on the campaign to establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park, visit rosenwaldpark.org.

Johnny Casey has covered Madison County for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel for nearly three years. He earned a first-place award in beat news reporting in the 2023 North Carolina Press Association awards. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or jcasey@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Anderson Rosenwald School bringing national attention to Mars Hill
Nightmares have tormented Soo Wong for the past year, fueled by the horror she witnessed when a gunman opened fire inside a California dance hall, killing her close friend and 10 other people as a Lunar New Years eve party was in full swing.

Wong found herself overwhelmed by grief and the lingering terror that left her jumping at loud noises and sleeping with the lights on.

At the beginning, I didnt dare see a therapist, Wong said.

When she finally went to a psychologist seeking relief, their probing questions only resurfaced some of her most painful memories.

The psychologist kept asking me how everything happened that night on the scene, and it made me uncomfortable, she said. I realized that I was still very heartbroken. She stopped going after just a handful of sessions.

Wong is among the dozens of partygoers who were gathered inside Monterey Park, Californias Star Ballroom Dance Studio on January 21, 2023, when a man began shooting inside the mirrored dance studio, transforming what was meant to be a celebration of one of the majority-Asian communitys most joyous holidays into a tragedy. Wong watched in shock as her longtime friend, Diana Tom, collapsed beside her from a fatal gunshot wound.

More than a year later, some survivors and community leaders say the struggle to overcome trauma is still ongoing  and has been complicated by barriers to accessing Asian-language mental health care, navigating daunting insurance systems and grappling with cultural stigma around seeking mental health support after a shooting that disproportionately impacted older Asian immigrants.

While city officials have tried to bridge some of the gaps in care by setting up a center that offers support groups and counseling services, not all survivors are comfortable reaching out for help, said Eric Chen, a Christian pastor who has become a lifeline for many survivors.

Wongs heartbreak persisted as the months passed, and at the encouragement of a friend, she took a chance on another therapist  this time on her own terms. Whoever was treating her would need to find a way to do so without revisiting her memories of the shooting.

It was truly much better, Wong recalls. I told them not to ask me about what happened that night, because Im very sad. The words couldnt come out from my mouth. So they used different methods to treat my trauma.

Wong, who is from Myanmar, also found new ease with the second therapist because the pair could speak in Cantonese, a language she is far more comfortable with than English.

Chen helped translate Wongs conversation with CNN and elaborated on the pivotal value of Wongs shared language with her therapist.

It was helpful because she was able to comprehend everything that the therapist was saying. In English, its hit or miss. Sometimes you understand, sometimes you wont understand, Chen said.

Pastor Eric Chen has become a crucial source of support for several Monterey Park shooting survivors. - Laura Oliverio/CNN

Chen has spent countless hours supporting Wong and other survivors in the wake of the shooting, helping them with seemingly simple tasks that trauma and language barriers make daunting for victims: retrieving abandoned items from the dance studio, translating information about recovery resources into Mandarin and calling insurance companies on their behalf.

Most of all, though, Chen has made it a point to treat each survivor like a member of his own family  an approach he says has allowed him to gain trust in a community that cherishes built trust and close family bonds. Those connections have also brought Wong comfort.

Sometimes I dont want to talk about it, but friends or church pastors ask us how we are, Wong said. Sometimes I open up, and after telling them whats in my heart, I feel better.

Talking about your thoughts, its a healthy thing.

Seeking community solace

Star Ballroom long served as the beloved home of Monterey Parks tight-knit dance community and provided a social hub for many of the areas older residents. Its indefinite closure after the shooting left victims without a crucial place of connection even as they mourned the losses of friends and longtime dance partners.

Traumatic memories struck like aftershocks, said Lloyd Gock, who also survived the mass shooting.

Gock recalled watching the nights festivities as some people were arm-in-arm with dancers just moments before they were fatally shot. They were still caked with their dance partners blood as they sat in the police station late into the night, he said.

There were so many horror stories, Gock said, noting the weight of his own trauma made it difficult for him to return to work at his clothing manufacturing company.

Realizing that dozens of survivors and families of those who died needed a safe space to share their grief, Gock paired up with Pastor Chen and began holding monthly support group meetings.

How do we be better at talking to people around us and  help each other to get back on track? he said of his intention in starting the group.

Dozens of survivors ended up attending the meetings, Gock said, at first just seeking comfort in each others company and then sharing in the pain. One of Gocks goals with the group was to combat any stigma or shame surrounding mental health care that may have prevented some victims from seeking support, he said.

Still, there were others who opted to mourn privately. I know some survivors, they didnt even tell their kids about that night because they didnt want to burden their family with that emotional trauma, said Chen.

Its just part of the culture to not to talk about your emotions and all those negative things that happened, the traumatic experiences, because its a burden, Chen said. Its shameful and youre a burden to somebody else.

Asian Americans  who make up more than 65% of Monterey Parks population  are among the least likely to receive mental health treatment, according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which found just around 25% of Asians with mental illness sought mental health services that year compared to 39% of Black adults and 52% of Whites.

Cultural stigma around receiving such care  or even admitting one needs help  plays a large part in Asian communities low utilization of mental health care, said Dr. Rona Hu, medical director of Stanford Hospitals acute psychiatric inpatient unit.

A hand-decorated lantern flickers during a one-year anniversary vigil for the Monterey Park shooting victims. - Ringo Chiu/AP

The stigma includes some of the things that are true for everyone but are probably even more so for Asians, Hu explained. Theres often a sense that when people have a mental condition, that its their fault or the family members fault  that theyre doing this on purpose or theyre weak  or that the family did something wrong to deserve this.

Mental health outreach should be culturally sensitive, Hu said, and include bilingual health care providers input from community leaders  something Monterey Park officials are already taking into account.

In the aftermath of the Lunar New Year tragedy, the city established the MPK Hope Resiliency Center, where victims can receive multilingual counseling, attend survivor support groups and be connected to resources about victims compensation funds and other support systems. The center has also held hundreds of workshops, including music groups, art sessions and  in an effort to replace an important source of connection  dance classes.

We want to make sure that dance, which is such an important part of many peoples lives, is still there for the community, said city councilman Henry Lo, who was serving as mayor when the shooting happened.

Its important to always remind ourselves that this type of trauma recovery doesnt happen just in a few months, or even a year, Lo said. People deal with the trauma at different speeds.

Finding care in your own language

For Wong, her initial reluctance to continue counseling wasnt about shame surrounding seeking mental health support, but rather the fear of reliving her most traumatic memories and uncertainty about whether a new therapist would be any different from the last.

To her relief, the second therapist was mindful of her request to avoid speaking about the incident and was also able to speak comfortably with her in Cantonese, allowing her to express herself more clearly than in English.

Speaking to a doctor or therapist who shares your language or cultural experiences can improve a patients comfort when receiving care, according to Dr. Bryant Lin, co-director of Stanford Medicines Center for Asian Health Research and Education.

Just having translators is sometimes not enough, Lin said. Theres a lot of evidence showing that if you have racial-ethnic concordance with your provider  and especially language concordance  it really improves your perceived quality of care.

But for some Monterey Park victims  and the community advocates determined to help them  finding in-language therapists has proven difficult.

Elizabeth Yang, a local attorney who often danced at Star Ballroom, founded the nonprofit Asian Minds Matter to provide bilingual counseling and mental wellness resources to local Asian residents after the shooting. But she said finding local Chinese-speaking therapists was tremendously challenging.

I havent been able to find enough professionals who can speak the language, Yang said. The few she has found have packed calendars and arent accepting new clients, she said. It just made me realize theres a huge shortage of Chinese-speaking professionals in this arena.

As of 2021, only around 3% of psychologists in the US are Asian, according to the American Psychological Association.

There are quantifiably fewer Asians in mental health compared to other areas of medicine, said Hu, the Stanford psychiatric unit director, noting the disparity may stem in part from cultural stigma.

Shared language is not the only benefit of having a provider that shares your culture or ethnicity, Hu said. An Asian therapist or psychologist may more innately understand an Asian patients experience  such as being the victim of anti-Asian bias  and be able to gain their trust more comfortably.

Even the first step to finding an in-language psychologist  looking for someone covered by insurance  can be intimidating or impossible for some non-native English speakers. To navigate the whole thing, you have to be able to speak English, Chen said.

Chen witnessed this firsthand as he sat on the phone with a survivors insurance company earlier this month, translating as she tried to find a psychologist who speaks Mandarin. After finding just three possible providers in her area, the victim soon discovered that none were accepting new patients.

She still hasnt found somebody, he said.

Reaching for lasting joys

Exactly a year after the shooting, survivors, city officials and loved ones of all ages crowded into a restaurant near Monterey Park for a One Year New Life Banquet organized by Gock and Chen.

Instead of a mournful gathering, the night was a celebration of the strength of the survivors and close bonds theyve forged while supporting one another, Gock said.

A year earlier, a line of festively dressed dancers had gathered in front of a long mirror in Star Ballroom to perform a line dance, but their nimble step work was violently interrupted by gunfire.

Gock had asked the group to recreate their dance during the anniversary event to show we are resilient toward the violence and what happened to us.

Lloyd Gock began hosting support groups for fellow survivors and victims' families after the shooting. - Laura Oliverio/CNN

I want to see everybody happy, dancing again. Come back out and enjoy. Dont be afraid. Dont be scared, Gock said before the lively celebration.

Wong, one of the many survivors in attendance, felt the night was bittersweet.

Seeing the survivors, its a joyous occasion, she said. We still have life to live, were still together. But of course, our hearts carry sadness. Together, we still dance, sing, eat, talk. Its reason to be happy.

Slowly, Wongs nightmares have faded as she fills her days with small acts of healing  speaking to her therapist, picking her grandchildren up from school, dancing with friends.

The scar on our hearts will never go away, she said. We will carry it in our hearts, the pain from what happened that night.  But we shouldnt think about it all the time.

Still, each time she takes to the dance floor, she cant help but think of Tom, the friend she lost that night, and wish she was still there moving beside her.

CNNs Kathleen Magramo contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A Frenchman has officially set a world record for the tallest matchbook sculpture with his 23.6ft model of the Eiffel Tower after initially being snubbed by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Richard Plaud said he had been on an emotional rollercoaster this week, after spending 4,200 hours over eight years on building his model from more than 706,000 matches and 23kg of glue.

Mr Plaud said in an earlier announcement that he was denied a world record by Guinness because officials said he used the wrong type of matches.

Guinness World Records initially told him he didnt make the cut as he hadnt used matches that were commercially available. Mr Plaud started off by using commercial matches, cutting the head off each. Tired of this tedious process, he asked the manufacturer if he could buy just the wooden sticks without the head, prompting Guinness to refuse his record.

But Guinness said on Friday it was too harsh on Mr Plaud. Mark McKinley from Guinness World Records said he was really excited to be able to approve it.

Were happy to be able to admit that we were a little bit too harsh on the type of matches needed in this attempt, and Richards attempt truly is officially amazing, he was quoted as saying by BBC.

We are therefore very happy to award Richard with the Guinness World Records title and we have corrected some inconsistencies within our rules which now allow the matchsticks to be snipped and shaped as the modeller sees fit, he said.

Mr McKinley added that Guinness regrets the distress that the last 24 hours will have caused on what should have been a moment for celebration for Richard.

The tallest matchstick sculpture is 7.18m (23ft 6in), achieved by Richard Plaud (France) in Saujon, Charente-Maritime, France, on 7 January 2024, reads the entry on the Guinness website.

Earlier, a disappointed Mr Plaud wrote on Facebook: The Guinness Book judges have delivered their verdict, without actually seeing my tower in real life.

BIG DISILLUSION, DISAPPOINTMENT AND INCOMPREHENSION, he continued. [They] tell me that the 706,900 rods stuck one by one are not matches!!?? And they are too cut to the point of being unrecognisable!!??

The artist then poked fun at the London-based organisation. Clearly, the English are really different he said, adding: No offence to the English.

Mr Plaud, who is from Montpellier-de-Medillan in western France, completed the tower on 27 December, according to reports.
Throughout my tenure in public service, I have unwaveringly committed myself to the cause of fostering ethical governance across local and state levels. Our journey toward progress, albeit slow, faces a new and unprecedented challenge that threatens the very foundation of public trust we've strived to build.

The Florida Senate, passing an amendment without going through the committee process  and with no public hearings  seeks to severely weaken both state and local ethics commissions. This represents a direct assault on the pillars of accountability and transparency essential to our democracy.

This legislative maneuver is not just disappointing; it's a cause for outrage. We have placed our trust in these bodies to safeguard the public interest, yet they are now orchestrating efforts that undermine the processes designed for this purpose.

The Jacksonville Ethics Commission, a beacon of our collective efforts to combat corruption (as demonstrated in its role against the JEA privatization bid), exemplifies what is at stake. The diligent work in exposing corruption by ethics officers  like Carla Miller and Kirby Oberdorfer  highlights the critical importance of our ongoing mission.

The bill in question (SB 7014) introduces prohibitive measures that overburden citizens seeking to lodge legitimate complaints. It mandates that complainants possess personal knowledge of the alleged ethics violation and effectively strips local ethics commissions of their ability to initiate independent investigations.

Furthermore, it requires complainants to submit a sworn, notarized affidavit, creating a significant barrier for those wishing to report on issues such as inadequately completed annual financial disclosures by elected officials.

Imagine the impact on our political landscape if the most common complaints to the Florida Commission on Ethics  such as misuse of public position, receiving disproportionate benefits, conflicts of interest and voting conflicts  were left unaddressed?

In short, this bill muddies up the waters and makes it harder for the public to lodge complaints.

One might wonder: Why does this matter? It matters because the people of Florida have clearly expressed their desire for stronger ethics laws. In 2018 the overwhelming approval of Amendment 12 (at 78.92%), which introduced tougher restrictions on post-office lobbying and the misuse of positions for disproportionate benefit, demonstrated the public's appetite for stringent ethical standards.

This bill, however, seeks to move us in the opposite direction, making it increasingly difficult for the public to hold their representatives accountable.

After passing the Florida Senate unanimously, the bill is a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to prioritize political survival over the welfare of the communities they serve. It's a regressive step that not only insults the intelligence of our citizens but also jeopardizes decades of progress in ethical governance.

As a Jacksonville City Council member and a steadfast advocate for ethical integrity, I am appalled by the potential repercussions of this legislation. Yet, I remain hopeful that our Duval delegation will see the dangerous implications of SB 7014, keep the destructive language out of its House companion bill (HB 1597) and act swiftly to prevent their passage.

We must unite to oppose these measures, reaffirming our dedication to the principles of ethics, integrity and public trust that form the cornerstone of our democracy.

Letters: Removal of sociology from core subject list at Florida universities is appalling

The journey toward ethical governance never ends; it's a constant uphill battle. We've built solid ethics commissions and laws to keep things on the straight and narrow, but there will always be those trying to knock these down. We can't afford to ease up in our fight to keep Florida's ethics strong. It's crucial that we band together, reinforcing our commitment to honesty and transparency.

By taking a stand now, we ensure a fairer future for everyone. Together, we can preserve the integrity of our public institutions and ensure that our governance remains by the people, for the people.

Carlucci

Matt Carlucci, Jacksonville City Council, At-Large Group IV

This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida's SB 7014 will hinder ethics complaints filed by citizens
Chinese vice premier stresses travel safety during Spring Festival

Xinhua) 10:01, February 10, 2024

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday emphasized putting safety first for transport operations and providing sound transportation services during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Ministry of Transport.

While at the ministry, the vice premier virtually inspected traffic conditions on a number of routes in various areas, including Beijing, Jiangsu, Guangdong and Hainan. He also learned about weather conditions after the holiday, forecasts of return-journey passenger flows and preparation work relevant to responding to emergencies.

Some areas have continuously suffered from extreme weather conditions in recent days, He said, urging relevant departments to make early preparations for possible weather changes and emergencies on the return trip after the holiday.

The vice premier also noted the need to comprehensively strengthen workplace safety responsibilities and to promptly implement plans for road diversions and highway control, in order to resolutely eliminate safety hazards.

He also emphasized reinforcing the monitoring of return-journey passenger flows, guidance of travel information and the guarantee of smooth traffic logistics.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Sheng Chuyi)
A Texas mother has been taken into custody following reports of serious abuse towards her children, which reportedly involved an incident where she tried to place her 3-year-old daughter in a heated oven.

As per an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4, a woman named Lul Top, aged 36, was taken into custody when her five children were taken away from her on January 8. This incident occurred at the family's rented residence in Allen, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

Police Arrested Abusive Texas Mother After Tense Confrontation

The police got caught in a highly intense situation when they tried to serve a warrant at a residence in the Dallas suburb of Allen. According to reports, the individual they were looking for, known as Top, had taken safety in the attic of the residence. Following a tense two-hour standoff, authorities successfully apprehended her. The arrest was a result of allegations described in an arrest affidavit, which portrayed a troubling image of domestic abuse and endangerment.

Based on court documents, the crime took place on January 8 when Allen police were called to Top's residence. Claims emerged that she had used a stick to attack her husband while their six children were present. After the incident, Child Protective Services acted quickly and got the children out of the home. Nevertheless, the disturbing findings revealed by investigators did not cease.

Interviews conducted at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County revealed chilling accounts from the children. A 3-year-old recounted a terrifying ordeal where Top allegedly attempted to place her inside a hot oven. The child's siblings, aged 10 and 4, corroborated the account, with the eldest stating that he physically intervened to rescue his younger sibling from harm.

Disturbingly, the children revealed a pattern of abuse involving knives. They described how their mother would brandish a cleaver and threaten to mutilate them if they did not comply with her demands, which often revolved around obtaining alcohol. Several children bore scars consistent with knife wounds, further corroborating the horrifying claims, according to Fox 4.

Read Also: New York Candidates Clah in Special Election Debate Amid Efforts To Win George Santos's Vacated Seat

Texas Mother Arrested for Child Abuse

Neighbors expressed shock and dismay upon learning of the disturbing events unfolding next door. William Whitney, a neighbor, recounted a concerning encounter with Top just days before the standoff. He described a pervasive atmosphere of unease surrounding the residence, with frequent police visits and children left unsupervised in the yard.

The arrest warrant served on Top included charges of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reflecting the severity of the allegations against her. Upon her arrest, police seized knives from the residence as potential evidence.

The standoff itself unfolded with high tension, as captured in dramatic footage showing a police armored vehicle and SWAT team converging on the property. Authorities implored Top to surrender peacefully, utilizing loudspeakers to coax her out of hiding. After deploying chemical agents, Top emerged from the attic and was taken into custody without further incident.

Top now finds herself detained at the Collin County Jail, facing a daunting bond of $600,000. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting reflection on the plight of the children caught in the midst of such a nightmarish ordeal.

As the investigation progresses, police are diligently striving to ensure that justice is served for the victims of this tragic situation, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: Missing Marines Confirmed Dead After Helicopter Crash Near San Diego
On the evening of March 17, 2020, a former Mexican police officer working for the Sinaloa cartel left his hotel room in Tijuana and walked across the U.S. border into Southern California at 10:09 p.m.

Ricardo Ramos Medinas first stop was San Diego International Airport, where he picked up a rental car. He drove to a nearby location and met a female drug mule, who handed off a grocery sack filled with methamphetamine. Then he set out on a much longer journey  a 16-hour drive to Montana.

Medina had made the trip a handful of times before, but this time it didnt go as planned. Before he reached Butte, he was pulled over by state and federal officers. Inside his white Jeep Compass, they found about 2 pounds of pure methamphetamine  enough, authorities said, to supply the entire town of Townsend, Montana (population: 2,150), for multiple days.

The arrest, which was outlined in court papers and in interviews with investigators on the case, helped bring down a drug trafficking ring that federal prosecutors said brought at least 2,000 pounds of meth and 700,000 fentanyl-laced pills into Montana from Mexico over three years.

Why Montana? said Chad Anderberg, a Montana Division of Criminal Investigation agent who was one of the lead investigators on the case. It boiled down to money. He could make so much more profit from drugs he sold here than in any other place.

Illegal drugs have long flowed from Mexico to the more remote parts of the U.S. But with the rise of fentanyl, cartel associates have pushed more aggressively into Montana, where pills can be sold for 20 times the price they get in urban centers closer to the border, state and federal law enforcement officials said.

Some areas of the state have become awash with drugs, particularly its Indian reservations, where tribal leaders say crime and overdoses are surging.

On some reservations, cartel associates have formed relationships with Indigenous women as a way of establishing themselves within communities to sell drugs, law enforcement officials and tribal leaders said. More frequently, traffickers lure Native Americans into becoming dealers by giving away an initial supply of drugs and turning them into addicts indebted to the cartels.

South of Canada and east of Glacier National Park, Browning, Mt., is a remote, and often overlooked town at the edge of the Great Plains. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

A mural warns of the dangers of methamphetamines in Browning, Mt. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

Right now its as if fentanyl is raining on our reservation, said Marvin Weatherwax, Jr., who serves on the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and represents the 15th district in the Montana House of Representatives.

Cracking down on the drug trade is especially challenging in a state as vast as Montana where law enforcement struggles to police the wide-open spaces and Indian reservations rely on under-funded and short-staffed tribal police forces. On at least one reservation, tribe members formed a vigilante group in a desperate bid to fight drug-related crime.

But Montana authorities have made inroads in the last couple of years. The arrest of the former Mexican police officer was part of a massive bust that ensnared 21 other members of a drug-trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world. And since last April, 26 suspects have been charged in a second federal drug case involving Mexican cartel associates and members of two Native American tribes.

People are surprised, said Jesse Laslovich, the U.S. attorney for Montana, who has been overseeing the investigations. Youre as far north as you can get in the United States, and yet we have the cartel here.

Marvin Weatherwax Jr., D-Mt., represents District 15 in Montana, and is a member of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

They know who to choose

Stacy Zinn spent her first four years with the Drug Enforcement Administration in El Paso, Texas, where she investigated Mexican cartels. She went on to work in Afghanistan and Peru pursuing narcoterrorists and cocaine traffickers. In 2014, the DEA transferred her to Montana and later placed her in charge of its offices in Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula.

When I was promoted and they said, 'Youre going to Montana,' Im like, Montana? Are there drugs in Montana? recalled Zinn, who retired from the DEA in October after 23 years.

The state is sometimes referred to as the last best place in America. Its 1.2 million people are spread out across 150,000 square miles of mountains, rivers and mostly rugged terrain.

Locally made methamphetamine was long Montanas primary drug scourge. But in the mid-2000s, the once-plentiful meth houses in the Midwest and northern states began to disappear amid new restrictions banning access to the drugs precursor chemicals. Mexican cartels saw an opportunity and began capitalizing, law enforcement officials said, flooding the U.S. with a super potent form of meth and targeting indigenous communities in particular.

Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Montana (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

Zinn was shocked by the scope of the meth problem when she arrived in Montana 10 years ago. But then came the arrival of fentanyl, which is even cheaper to produce and far more deadly.

A counterfeit fentanyl pill that can be made for less than 25 cents in Mexico sells for $3 to $5 in cities like Seattle and Denver where drug markets are more established, but up to $100 in remote parts of Montana. It was one of the few states that hadnt been a focus of Mexican cartels, Zinn said, but that soon changed.

The profits are just out of this world, she said.

Zinn was more than 1,300 miles from the southern border and here she was once again investigating Mexican cartels  the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, or CJNG.

I got excited, Zinn said. This is the territory I know and understand.

At first she just heard whispers of a cartel presence. But over the years cartel associates have appeared to grow bolder, she said, showing up more often as they seek to expand their operations.

Stacy Zinn, former Montana director of Drug Enforcement Agency operations, in Billings, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

The cartel will send out their advance team or individuals to get to know whos distributing small amounts on this reservation, who can we get our claws into, Zinn said. And then when they do that, then they own them. Weve seen that over and over.

Women are often prime targets. Cartel associates have pursued single women on reservations, according to law enforcement and tribal officials, and then used their homes as bases of operations.

They know who to choose, said Stephanie Iron Shooter, the American Indian health director for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. Just like any other prey predator situation  thats how it is.

The drug crisis has been felt most acutely on Montanas Indian reservations.

Between 2017 and 2020, Montanas opioid overdose death rate almost tripled (from 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents to 7.3). In the decade leading up to 2020, the rate of overdose deaths among Native Americans was more than twice that of white Montana residents, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

One of the few gas stations in Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

In many ways, Indian reservations make for ideal places for a drug operation to set up shop. The communities suffer from high rates of drug addiction and low numbers of law enforcement.

The Northern Cheyenne tribe relies on two federally funded Bureau of Indian Affairs tribal police officers per shift to patrol more than 440,000 acres of land home to roughly 6,000 residents, according to the tribal council. The adjacent Crow Reservation, the largest in the state, has four to six police officers per shift to patrol a swath of land the size of Rhode Island, according to Quincy Dabney, the mayor of Lodge Grass, a town on the reservation.

When we dont have the boots on the ground and people arent being held accountable, it really becomes the Wild, Wild West, said Laslovich, the U.S. attorney. I think you see that in Indian Country, here in Montana, more than we should.

Complicating matters further, the reservations are sovereign nations where local law enforcement is restricted from operating without an agreement with the tribe. Even when agreements are in place, local and state authorities are often barred from arresting tribal members. And the tribal police officers are largely prohibited from arresting outsiders on the reservation.

An abandoned house on the west side of Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

It adds up to a jurisdictional maze that hampers crime fighting at a time when drugs are ravaging Indian communities, current and former law enforcement officials say.

We are fighting this problem standing on one leg, and half the time were handcuffed, Zinn said.

Dismantling a drug-trafficking ring

The case involving the former Mexican police officer-turned-drug trafficker was set in motion a couple of years earlier when the Butte-Silver Bow Sheriffs Office received an intriguing tip.

In September 2018, a worker at a local FedEx store called to report that multiple people had been coming into the shop and stuffing wads of cash into packages addressed to the border town of San Ysidro, California (Fed-Ex prohibits the shipment of cash).

A couple of months later, one of the people who was sending the cash admitted to investigators that it was drug proceeds tied to an organization in Mexico.

Over the next several months, investigators with a DEA task force developed a cooperating witness. The witness introduced an undercover agent to the man who was supplying the drugs from his base in Sinaloa, Mexico  Humberto Villarreal.

You just dont get these kinds of cases where were dealing straight from Mexico, said Sgt. Kevin Maloughney, an 18-year veteran with the Butte-Silver Bow Sheriffs Office.

Soon the agents were ordering meth and fentanyl-laced pills directly from Villarreal. The drugs typically flowed to Montana from stash houses in southern California, authorities said.

Ricardo Ramos Medina, a former Mexican police officer-turned-Sinaloa cartel associate, was stopped by police in March 2019 for running a red light in a remote section of Montana. (Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators focused on Medina, the former police officer and a cousin of Villarreal, after he was pulled over on the Fort Peck Reservation, in the far northeastern corner of the state, for running a stop sign in March 2019.

The sheriff's deputy let him go with a warning. But a report of the unusual encounter with a Mexican national in such a remote part of Montana later made its way to the agents investigating drug trafficking.

They discovered that Medina was a key part of the drug ring. He had valid U.S. visas, which made it easy for him to cross into the U.S. at the port in San Ysidro, Calif., on trips to collect cash and deliver drugs.

Because he had no criminal history, there would be no reason for him to be further scrutinized, said Anderberg, the Montana investigator.

After his arrest, Medina told investigators that he had traveled to Fort Peck in an effort to expand the cartel's drug operation to the reservation, according to Anderberg.

The multi-agency investigation resulted in the seizure of 65 pounds of meth, more than 2,000 counterfeit OxyContin pills laced with fentanyl and 3 pounds of heroin. The agents also confiscated more than $32,000 in cash and 19 firearms, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Montana.

Between 2019 and 2022, federal agents seized more than 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills, $32,000 in cash, 19 firearms and 65 pounds of meth, some of which was shipped in cases. (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana)

Villarreal was sentenced to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Medina pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Twenty others were also convicted for their roles in the drug trafficking network.

A second federal drug case in Montana has led to charges against more than two dozen people and includes allegations of Mexican cartel members using Native Americans as pawns in the operation.

The still-ongoing probe centers on the Crow Indian Reservation, where authorities say cartel associates took over at least two properties and used them to distribute meth to people on the reservation as well as the nearby Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and in the town of Billings.

Lawyers for two of the midlevel defendants, Ranita R. Redfield and Zachary D. Bacon, described in court papers how they were used by the cartel.

Redfields lawyer wrote that she returned to the Crow Reservation after enduring a period of family turmoil and heartbreak, only to get drawn into the cartels clutches.

Footprints in the snow near the Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Mt., (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

Choosing to distance herself from acquaintances who knew her from the past and had no place to live, she often stayed with the cartel, the lawyer, Jessica Polan Wright, wrote. Trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction and under the cartels control, Ranita became a pawn in their operations.

Redfield, 47, who pleaded guilty to dealing meth, was sentenced in December to five years in prison.

Bacon, 35, got involved in the operation after meeting the daughter of one of the Native American drug dealers, his lawyer wrote in court papers. He pleaded guilty in September to selling meth; he was sentenced to five years of probation.

The cartels business model involves first locating and ingratiating themselves upon the local distributors. Then, when the bills started coming due, they brought in other, less friendly individuals, the lawyer, Matthew Claus, wrote.

Men stand next to a mural in central Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

The cartel extracted tens of thousands of dollars in cash, guns and vehicles from the Crow Reservation. Money and guns flowed out of state and out of the country and then the cartel left. In their wake, they left addicted, strung out, impoverished tribal members facing prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences, like Zach Bacon," Claus added.

The suspected ringleader, a member of the Jalisco New Generation cartel who goes by the name of Carlos, is now on the run, according to law enforcement sources.

Anguish on the reservations

The Blackfeet Reservation in northern Montana was rocked by tragedy in March 2022. Over a single week, 17 people suffered fentanyl overdoses, four of them fatal.

The community is home to the only in-patient treatment center that exists on a Montana Indian reservation. But the 16-bed facility, Crystal Creek Lodge Treatment Center, has long focused on people struggling with alcohol abuse.

Were lacking a lot of resources to deal with a crisis that even our facility is not equipped to handle, said Durand Tyland Bear Medicine, the director of Crystal Creek Lodge Treatment Center.

Saint Michaels cemetery in Browning, Mt. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

In the southeastern part of Montana, the Northern Cheyenne reservation is also in the grip of a drug epidemic, but its fueled by methamphetamine.

Some of the drugs pouring into the reservation came from the cartel network operating out of the neighboring Crow Reservation, prosecutors said in court papers.

Serena Wetherelt, president of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, said violent crime and burglaries surged during the pandemic, and calls to the police often resulted in no response. The situation got so dire, she said, that some tribal members formed their own vigilante group, the Peoples Camp.

They had cars. They had spotlights. They had a phone, she said. People would call that number rather than call the cops.

In 2022, the Northern Cheyenne tribe filed a federal lawsuit against the Interior Department and its Bureau of Indian Affairs, alleging that the federal government had breached its obligation to keep residents on the reservation safe by failing to provide adequate law enforcement officers.

Serena Wetherelt, President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe (Erin Trieb for NBC News)

A Bureau of Indian Affairs spokesperson said the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Wetherelt said the situation went from bad to worse in the months after her tribe filed the lawsuit.

Last December, Wetherelt was notified by a tribal police chief that a reorganization of the federally funded force meant the number of officers and other staff was slashed from 19 to seven, according to members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council.

Were not asking very much from the government, Wetherelt said. We are asking for basic law enforcement to help our people

Her voice cracked with emotion and then she briefly went silent.

Im sorry, but this really makes me emotional, she continued. We just cant seem to get anywhere.

Downtown Browning, Mt. (Aaron Agosto for NBC News)

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
New Mexico was expected to get hotter and dryer in the next five decades, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state must find new sources of water to prevent industries from drying up the state's freshwater supplies.

She announced Jan. 30 a 50-year water plan, developed over the past several years, that the governor said will better prepare the state for an expected loss of 25 percent of New Mexico's freshwater during that time frame.

The plan was presented at the end of January in a press conference at the State Capitol in Santa Fe where Lujan Grisham was surrounded by supportive cabinet members, lawmakers and local leaders.

More: NGL Energy Partners subsidiary expands water disposal pipeline in Permian Basin

It will include a water education plan aiming to reduce local consumption by 10 percent, incentives for new technology to cut agricultural use by 20 percent and establishing a program to collect statewide water loss data.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tours the trail at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, June 1, 2022 in Carlsbad.

The plan also entailed a permitting program for surface water discharge, better regulating potential impacts to rivers, streams and lakes, and investments in forest management to reduce wildfire threats.

This came on the heels of a report issued in March 2022 by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources showing the state was likely to see an average temperature increase of 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 50 years.

More: Texas blocks oil and gas wastewater wells amid earthquakes. What is New Mexico doing?

The report was commissioned by the state to inform its efforts to develop the plan released this week.

Rainfall was not predicted to increase consistently, the report read, while snowpack and associated runoff were expected to decline by 2070, weakening stream flows.

Lujan Grisham said the plan would direct state agencies on conserving existing freshwater supplies, while also finding new sources like brackish water that could be used by industries in place of water fit for human consumption.

More: Lujan Grisham wants to use oilfield waste to solve drought. Is it an industry 'bail-out?'

Over the long haul in the next 50 years, were going to have 25 percent less water. If we do nothing, where would you make 25 percent cuts? Lujan Grisham said during the press conference. We dont have to make those draconian choices. We need to do a lot more conservation.

New Mexico looking for new water sources to overcome drought

The governor earlier this year proposed a $500 million Strategic Water Supply, included in the plan, that would see the state buy treated wastewater from the oil and gas industry and others using bonds, and then provide the water to other industries.

More: Northern New Mexico Democrats propose fee increase, penalties on oil and gas companies

This was a means to reduce strain on the arid states dwindling water supplies but was met with opposition from the environmental community arguing such fluids would never be safe enough for use outside of extraction.

Lujan Grisham countered such concerns by arguing the treated brackish and wastewater would not be used as drinking water, but for water-intensive industries that do not provide for human consumption and were needed to diversify New Mexico's economy.

We do have to bring to fruition water supplies that we dont use. Theres nothing in this plan that would suggest that we are looking for new drinking water supplies, she said. We are asking industries including oil and gas to reuse their water and make it safe. Brackish water is a huge untapped supply.

More: New Mexico starts 2024 in drought. Rains on the horizon, but will it be enough?

And it could prove needed as the state was struggling in a multi-year drought that appeared to be getting worse.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported 98 percent of New Mexico was under some form of drought conditions, with about 35 percent of the state in extreme drought and 6 percent listed in exceptional drought," as of Jan. 23.

The U.S. Drought Monitor for New Mexico as of Jan. 23, 2024.

That's worse than last year when only 4 percent of the state was in extreme, and less than a percent of New Mexico was in exceptional drought conditions, the monitor reported.

More: 'Fundamental disagreement' puts GOP and 'bureaucrats' in Santa Fe at odds for conservation

Lujan Grisham said better planning was needed to prepare New Mexico for this downward trend.

It means were going to innovate and manage our water resources better, she said.

New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said the plan will also direct his agency on how it will clean up contaminated water in New Mexico.

More: Gov. Lujan Grisham wants New Mexico to spend big. Should oil and gas foot the bill?

Kenney listed several sources of contamination in the state, including 14 superfund sites, 261 former uranium mining sites, more than 300 abandoned sites, and 944 underground tanks he said were leaking at gas stations.

The secretary also pointed to water contamination at federal facilities like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Air Force bases in the state.

He said part of the plan entailed New Mexico using satellite imagery to find leaks throughout the state that could pose risk to ground water supplies.

More: GOP fears swollen budget, as Democrats plan to spend big in New Mexico legislative session

No amount of bad water is good water. We spend a lot of time on the quality of water. There is no shortage of work at the Environment department, he said. While were holding polluters accountable, we are also preserving the clean water that we do have, so were not having to clean it up at a later date.

New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney speaks at the annual WIPP Legislative Breakfast, Feb. 3, 2020 at the Hotel Santa Fe.

How will New Mexico pay for its water needs?

But that will take millions, maybe billions of state dollars in the coming years, and New Mexico Rep. Nathan Small (D-36), who serves as chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee said the budget bill recently passed by the committee for further lawmaker review was supportive of the governors water agenda.

He said that involved funding for a $100 million water trust, appropriations to the Interstate Stream Commission for water planning and to local communities for protection of existing sources for communities.

More: Do New Mexicans want solar? Lawmakers want to bet $110 million on local energy demand

Small agreed that the state should fund efforts to protect existing sources, but also find new sources for water users in New Mexico, an agenda he said could attract new businesses.

Were managing, were treating and protecting our watersheds, he said. We can utilize new sources and be welcoming to these large economic development projects.

The governor was also joined by local leaders from Clovis, where the recently-formed Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy was working to find new sources of water for the eastern New Mexico plains, an area struggling with limitations to the Ogallala aquifer as its sole source.

This included new pipelines to bring water in from nearby reservoirs, said Clovis Mayor Mike Morris, who consulted with the state as part of its planning efforts and said the new plan would help support local communities like his own.

Everyone is trying to do something. People say were going to need to think of something different, were going to have to make changes, Morris said. Our groundwater has been mined at a rate that is unsustainable. We need a second source.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Lujan Grisham warns New Mexico faces worsening water losses
British cheeses now make up half the cheese board served by Claude Bosi at his restaurants - JEFF GILBERT FOR THE TELEGRAPH

When Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi first came here a quarter of a century ago he could barely get a sniff of a good British cheese.

To the ambitious French chef, the choice seemed to be mostly run-of-the-mill cheddar or a Stinking Bishop at best.

But such has been the revolution in homegrown gastronomy that British cheeses now make up half the cheese board at his famed Bibendum restaurant and all at his Brooklands establishment.

The evolution of cheese here has been amazing, he told The Telegraph. Using British cheese is an easy choice, but when I came to England 25 years ago there was hardly any choice. The best cheese at the time was a cheddar or a bit of Stinking Bishop.

Bosi's Bibendum Restaurant In Chelsea, west London - SAM MELLISH/GETTY

Arriving as head chef at Overton Grange in 1999, before opening and gaining two Michelin stars at Hibiscus in the market town of Ludlow the following year, Bosi was taken aback at the paucity of choice of British cheeses.

After all, few countries in Europe could boast a dairy industry as plentiful as Britains.

To the classically trained chef, it appeared to be a reflection of this countrys general utilitarian attitude towards food.

Food to the British at that time seemed to be about work, eat, go home, he said. It was certainly not about enjoying a large plate of cheese with a glass of wine at the end of a good meal.

Bosi had, however, arrived at the dawn of a transformation in British cuisine.

Over the years that followed the quality and variety of British cheese began to expand dramatically, along with homegrown produce in general.

Now customers are so much more demanding, and thats encouraged farmers and producers to put more time into what they make, said the chef, who went on to gain two Michelin stars for both Bibendum, in South Kensington, and Brooklands at The Peninsula, overlooking Hyde Park.

Bosi says 25 years ago the option of British cheese was limited - JEFF GILBERT FOR THE TELEGRAPH

Even a decade or so ago Bosi served very few British cheeses at his restaurants, save for a Stinking Bishop or a good Stilton.

But his cheese boards are now home to 50 per cent French and Italian produce and the rest from Britain, with the home-produced varieties rivalling the best from across the Channel.

We have a Davidstow cheddar that is one of the best ever  as good as a 48-month-old Comte if not better, said Bosi.

At Brooklands, where we promote British produce, we even have a cheese to rival Reblochon. It was mind-blowing.

Bibendum offers Michelin-starred French cuisine - JOHN CAREY

Many of Bosis cheeses are supplied by cheesegeek, an artisan cheesemonger founded in 2017 by former City analyst Edward Hancock, which also delivers British artisan cheeses directly to customers doors.

And where diners from the continent were once disdainful of British food, they too have come to appreciate its qualities.

Indeed British cheeses have now established a reputation worldwide, and not just on Bosis cheese boards.

Since 2019, no country has had more cheeses in the Top 16 of the World Cheese Awards than the UK.

They want to see what British food is about and British cheese is now an easy sell for them, said Bosi. Customers are 100 per cent more open to British cheese than they were 15 years ago. After all, a great cheese is a great cheese, wherever it comes from.

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.
Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, has called for increased military assistance to Ukraine in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Source: European Pravda, citing Ollongren in an interview with NOS on 9 February

Details: Ollongren said that "when it comes to... conventional weapons, training, and spare parts, I believe there should be no restrictions" regarding support for Ukraine. The Minister of Defence of the Netherlands emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine.

Quote: "I think we have evolved in how we do this. We started supplying [weapons  ed.] from our own stocks, and now we collaborate with other countries and industries because we also needed to support our supplies," she added.

Ollongren stressed that military support for Ukraine benefits not only Ukraine itself but also the security of the Netherlands, as even being a member of the EU and NATO does not guarantee immunity from full-scale war.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Netherlands has provided military support to Ukraine amounting to 2.63 billion. This includes combat vehicles, anti-aircraft defence systems, F-16 fighter jets, ammunition, field beds and computers.

Background:

Earlier this week, Ollongren announced that her ministry is preparing to send six more F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This brings the number of aircraft the Netherlands has pledged to deliver to Ukraine to 24.

Support UP or become our patron!
WHITE HAVEN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Controversy and confusion in Luzerne County Friday night a police officer has been let go, according to the chief of police, because of mishandled paperwork.

The removal led to a closed-door meeting in White Haven and what appeared to be tensions outside the building as well.

A missing persons report that was filed to the White Haven Police Department a day ago has now stirred controversy in the department, leading to the removal of an officer.

Thats the voice of the White Haven police chiefs husband shouting across the street toward who we believe is White Havens mayor outside the borough building Friday night.

Report: Luzerne County prison staff failed to follow protocol during escape

White Haven borough members told 28/22 News an executive meeting regarding personnel, was being held and was not open to the public.

White Havens chief of police Joanna Jinks says she was not in attendance at the meeting.

The controversy stems from a white haven police officer being removed from duty after allegedly manhandling a missing persons report of a young girl from Luzerne County.

That report was filed to the White Haven Police Department on Thursday.

The officer who originally took the call for the missing person has been relieved of duty at the mayors discretion. The mayor received a report that the initial complaint about a missing person was improperly handled so it is currently under investigation, explained Jinks.

White Haven police did not release the name of the missing girl.

Family members told 28/22 news that they have been in contact with the teen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3, makes his pitch as a Senate candidate to Monmouth County Democrats on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

Congressman Andy Kim won the Democratic party endorsement for U.S. Senate over first lady Tammy Murphy at the Monmouth County Democratic convention in Long Branch on Saturday.

Hundreds turned out to cast their ballots for Kim, Murphy or activist Patricia Campos-Medina at the states first convention in what will likely be a contentious battle leading up to the June Democratic primary.

Kim, who represents New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, garnered 265 votes to Murphys 181. Campos-Medina received 20 votes.

Kim and Murphy are vying for ballot position in the race to be the Democratic nominee for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who faces multiple federal indictments and has not yet announced if he intends to run again.

Tammy Murphy addresses the Monmouth County Democratic organization on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

In addition to speeches from Kim and Murphy, the hundreds of delegates on hand heard from longtime Congressman Frank Pallone, who spoke in support of the first lady. Gov. Phil Murphy was also in attendance but did not take the stage.

Tammy Murphy has already garnered the support of Democratic leaders in several counties, as well as endorsements from six members of the states congressional delegation.

But Kim, a three-term congressman, has amassed grassroots support and had a 12-point lead in a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released earlier this month. His campaign so far has stressed his experience in Washington, and he's noted in speeches that he is the only declared candidate to hold office.

Kims win means that in Monmouth County he will have the county "line," or preferred bracketing on the primary ballot. Candidates who are granted that position usually win.

The results here today represent what were seeing throughout our state; we are building a movement for change in New Jersey and that movement cannot be stopped, Kim said in a statement. This was the first ladys home county; winning by such a significant margin shows that Democrats are demanding someone they can trust and someone with proven experience. Were going to keep fighting in every county for every vote and to make sure we restore integrity.

Alex Altman, a spokesperson for the Murphy campaign said that "Tammy is grateful for all the votes she received today from Monmouth County and is thankful to all the delegates that stayed in the room during the long day."

Altman said Murphy congratulated Kim and that she "looks forward to continuing her work to build a strong coalition across the state and earning the support of New Jersey voters."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Senate race: Monmouth Dems back Andy Kim in blow to Tammy Murphy
In a sea of red hats, American flag apparel and a crowd of all ages, Donald Trump spoke about how the world would be different if he won, the importance of American oil and his opponents pitfalls.

Coastal Carolina Universitys HTC Center, where Trump spoke, holds around 3,000 people and after the building reached capacity, thousands more stayed outside. It was estimated more than 2,000 people were outside. This is more than five times the 650 people who showed up for former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haleys rally two weeks ago in the Myrtle Beach area.

There was also a large number of young people who showed up to support Trump  many who are teenagers and young adults unable to vote in the 2020 election.

During his speech, Trump mocked Haleys husband, who is a member of the National Guard and is currently deployed in Africa, according to The New York Times. He will serve a year there.

Wheres her husband? Oh hes away, hes away. What happened to her husband? What happened to her husband? Trump said. Where is he? Hes gone, he knew.

Haley responded on X, formerly Twitter, saying, Someone who continually disrespects the sacrifices of military families has no business being commander in chief.

Michael is deployed serving our country, something you know nothing about. Someone who continually disrespects the sacrifices of military families has no business being commander in chief. https://t.co/AfN3u4AsJc  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 10, 2024

Trump also questioned Haley and President Joe Bidens competency, especially Bidens given his age. Biden is 81. He said out of the three, he would be the only one to pass a competency test.

This was among other topics Trump touched on, including the importance of American oil and the role it could play in the economy. He said the U.S. could be making lots of money by selling the vast amount of liquid gold underground in the U.S.

Trump said he believes that if he would have been in office, the war with Ukraine never wouldve started and that Hamas never would have attacked Israel.

Gen Z turns out for Trump

At the Trump rally in Conway, there were many college-aged and 20-something people attending. Some of them are students at CCU or others are visiting with their CCU friends.

Brianna Stefik, a 20-year-old CCU student, said she was excited to be there to listen to a former president speak. She also felt included in the crowd.

The nice thing about college is everyones different, but its nice to be with people who understand my point-of-view, Stefik said.

Ava Lorentz, who was dressed in a Women for Trump shirt and hat, seconded the feeling of community. The 20-year-old goes to college in New Hampshire but is visiting her cousin who attends CCU for the weekend. She said she met a woman in Conway who has been helping her move through the crowd.

Seats ran out hours before Trump came on stage, so people stood, making it difficult to maneuver through the crowd.

Lorentz said she arrived at the HTC Center at 8 p.m. Friday night and hadnt eaten much since then. While staying outside, a guy she didnt know bought burgers for people and shared with her.

The energy is awesome; its good because theres so many college students and the adults are also excited, she said.

Supporters turn out to see Trump

Many Trump supporters who spoke to The Sun News said they support Trumps immigration policies and hope that he will better the economy. Amber Mercer of Georgetown said she has to choose between buying her medication and food for her dogs and believes Trump will help bring down costs for essentials.

Trump visited Conway on Saturday for a Get out the vote rally. He spoke at 2:30 p.m. at the HTC Center on the Coastal Carolina University campus. He was in the Myrtle Beach area exactly two weeks before the Republican primary on Feb. 24, where he will face off with Haley.

This is Trumps first campaign visit to the Myrtle Beach area since 2015 and residents in the area were excited to see him.

Trump was elected as the 45th U.S. president when he won the electoral vote. He ran for re-election in 2020 and narrowly lost to Joe Biden. He is running for president again, and although the primaries are not over, it is looking as if there will be another Biden v. Trump showdown this fall.
The Monongahela Incline is running again after an over month-long closure because of electrical and mechanical problems.

Its return to service is welcomed by local businesses, residents and tourists in Pittsburghs Mount Washington neighborhood.

Its stellar, its amazing, its so convenient. I just rented out a room to someone who works in Station Square, so hes going to be using it every day, said Mount Washington resident Geoff Lay, who spoke with Channel 11 as he rode the incline with his dog Bosco on Saturday.

The Mon Incline has had several setbacks since August. The most recent issue happened at the start of January  when Pittsburgh Regional Transit says a malfunction prevented the cars from slowing down as they approached the stations.

This malfunction led to a five-week shutdown while contractors made repairs and state officials inspected the 154-year-old incline.

Its not only passengers who are happy to see it back in service, so are area businesses like Difiores Coffee and Ice Cream.

Owner Todd DiFiore says 95% of his business comes from visitors who take the incline up to the Shiloh Street shopping district.

They are my silent partner, I love my Monongahela Incline. They have made me. They made my dream come true. I need them, DiFiore said.

Other area restaurant owners feel similarly and say they took a hit from the Mon Incline shutting down several times this year.

RELATED COVERAGE >> Businesses remain frustrated as Mon Incline closure continues

Im sure theyre like super happy for the small businesses, especially the day before the Super Bowl, I dont know if that was a factor but I am sure theyre pretty happy about it, said Mount Washington Cullen Bolty.

All of the recent fixes were under contract of the 2022/2023 rehabilitation project and didnt cost PRT or Allegheny County taxpayers additional money. Now that the historic incline is back in service, those who depend on it hope that all the problems are solved.

It definitely brings positive aspects to my commuting when I want to go downtown, Lay said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Woman shot, killed in her Baldwin apartment Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day this year, heres what Catholic leaders say you should do City of Pittsburgh exploring supporting professional basketball team VIDEO: Owner of Sharpsburg car dealership accused of ripping off customers DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Kayla Montgomery emerged as a crucial witness for New Hampshire on Friday, taking the stand in the trial against her estranged husband, Adam Montgomery, who stands accused of the heinous murder of their 5-year-old daughter, Harmony.

The courtroom at New Hampshire's Hillsborough County Court was gripped as Kayla recounted the harrowing details of her daughter's tragic demise.

Adam Montgomery Murders Own Daughter

According to Kayla's testimony, she was confronted with the heart-wrenching sight of Harmony's lifeless body in the back seat of a car, a victim of alleged physical abuse inflicted by Adam Montgomery. Shockingly, instead of seeking immediate help, Adam purportedly concealed the child's body, setting in motion a series of grisly events.

Prosecutors outlined a chilling narrative, alleging that Adam Montgomery callously moved Harmony's body multiple times, resorting to grotesque methods to hide his heinous crime. They described how Montgomery, 34, resorted to storing his daughter's compressed body in a tote bag, even bringing it to his workplace where it was stored inconspicuously in a freezer.

"He brought it with him regularly to work and he stored it in a freezer where the company kept food, ingredients," prosecutor Christopher Knowles elucidated, underscoring the macabre nature of Montgomery's actions.

The court heard how Adam Montgomery allegedly disposed of Harmony's body in various locations, including a friend's car trunk, a cooler in his mother-in-law's apartment building, a ceiling vent of a homeless shelter, and ultimately an undisclosed location. These revelations painted a chilling picture of calculated efforts to evade justice.

Harmony's disappearance in 2019 went unnoticed by authorities for two years, during which Adam Montgomery purportedly went about his life callously, indulging in fast food and drugs while ignoring his daughter's distressing cries, according to New York Post.

Read Also: PayPal's Offline Payment Service Coming Soon! Here's How EU's DMA Can Help Make It Happen

Harmony Montgomery Murder Trial

Knowles depicted a scene of unimaginable horror, detailing how Montgomery subjected Harmony to physical abuse, even as she languished in the family car, doubling as their home. The prosecution alleged that Montgomery's neglect and violence ultimately led to Harmony's tragic demise, leaving her lifeless body to be disposed of like "yesterday's trash."

Montgomery, who pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and assault, faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars if convicted. Despite vehement denials of the accusations leveled against him, Montgomery's defense strategy hinges on discrediting Kayla Montgomery's testimony, accusing her of fabricating allegations to protect herself.

In a heart-wrenching account, Kayla Montgomery described the gruesome aftermath of Harmony's death, detailing Montgomery's attempts to expedite the decomposition of her daughter's body. She recounted how she complied with Montgomery's directives out of fear, assisting in removing Harmony's clothes and facilitating the disposal of her remains.

Prosecutors pressed Kayla for details regarding the disposal of Harmony's body, but she maintained she was unaware of the precise location where Montgomery had disposed of their daughter's remains.

Prosecutors want to pursue justice for Harmony, whose life was brutally ended soon under circumstances cloaked in darkness and sadness during the trial that has attracted national attention. Kayla Montgomery's testimony reveals the ongoing search for responsibility and the truth amidst the terrible tragedy, The Sun reported.

Related Article: Avolon CEO Claims Boeing Making Significant Progress, Argues Other Manufacturers Also Have Quality Issues
The movement of trucks at the Shehyni-Medyka border checkpoint between Ukraine and Poland has been restored, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Feb. 10.

Polish farmers launched a blockade at the Medyka-Shehyni crossing with Ukraine on Feb. 9. According to border control, the protest ended at 11:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 10 and 220 trucks are now expected to enter Ukraine.

The farmers announced the protests in advance, citing an alleged lack of action by Warsaw and Brussels to address the influx of Ukrainian goods. Earlier, Polish carriers and farmers blocked four crossings between November 2023 and January to protest Ukrainian imports and liberalization of permits for Ukrainian truckers.

The protests center around imports of agricultural goods from Ukraine, which Polish agricultural groups claim present unfair competition to their own businesses. Warsaw has banned the import of grain and several other products from Ukraine in 2023, but other items, such as sugar or poultry, continue to raise worries among Polish farmers.

Polish farmers agreed to suspend their initial blockade on Jan. 6 after Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski agreed to meet some of their demands, including corn subsidies, increasing liquidity loans, and keeping agricultural tax at the 2023 level.

A new wave of protests erupted on Jan. 24, blocking roads across Poland again in connection to imports from Ukraine and other non-EU countries.

The Solidarity trade union announced at the beginning of February that they would block roads and border crossings with Ukraine between Feb. 9 and March 10 because of the supposed "passivity of the Polish authorities" and of the EU in solving the import issue.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Pregnancy is often a time of nerves and excitement while you wait for your new arrival. While work may be the last thing on your mind, making sure you take full advantage of your maternity rights is crucial.

The rules around maternity leave and pay can differ between employers, but as a minimum all employees are entitled to leave that is provided for in law. Furthermore, the law also makes provisions for those who are adopting or having a child through surrogacy.

How these rights interact with any additional employee benefits at your workplace will determine what leave you are entitled to take, and what pay you can expect during the period.

Employers must also abide by legal protections to ensure they dont discriminate against those on maternity leave.

Here, Telegraph Money takes you through everything you need to know about taking time off when having a baby. Jump to:

What is maternity leave?

Under law, mothers are entitled to take up to one year of maternity leave from their job, split into 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave followed by 26 weeks of additional maternity leave.

While you dont have to take the full 52 weeks, you must take at least two weeks off after you have your baby, or at least four weeks if you work in a factory.

The law also provides for a new parent who has adopted or opted for surrogacy.

Maternity leave can start up to 11 weeks before your due date. If your baby comes early or you are off work due to a pregnancy-related issue up to four weeks before the due date, your leave will start automatically from that date.

What are your legal rights to maternity pay?

The main, and probably most important question, is what pay youre legally entitled to during your time off.

Statutory maternity pay lasts for 39 weeks, but it tapers off during that time. While youre entitled to maternity leave regardless of how long youve worked at your employer, theyre only required to fund your maternity pay if youve been employed with them for at least 26 weeks. Some employers may offer to pay before this time, but they arent legally obliged to.

If youre not eligible to claim maternity pay from your employer you may need to claim maternity allowance instead, which is paid at the same rate as statutory maternity pay. To be eligible, you must have been employed for at least 26 weeks or the 66 weeks before your babys due date, earning at least 30 a week during at least 13 weeks  but they dont have to be consecutive.

Under the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations, for the first six weeks of your leave you get 90pc of your gross average pay  before tax. However, you will still pay tax and National Insurance on the pay you receive.

Your average pay calculation is based on what you earn when you are around 18-26 weeks pregnant.

For those on zero-hours contracts it will be calculated using what you earned in that timeframe. Likewise for those working on a commission basis, commissions are considered earnings for the period and used to work out maternity pay. This is the same for any overtime paid during that window of time.

A person could, I suppose, increase work during that period to increase the value of statutory maternity pay, said Mr Walters. Although for someone earning above the statutory minimum entitlement that would only affect the first few weeks of maternity leave when in receipt of 90pc of normal earnings. And its an unattractive proposition for a pregnant employee to have to ramp up work in that way.

During your maternity leave your pay will come from your employer as normal, but they can usually claim over 90pc of these payments back from HM Revenue and Customs.

Recommended

How much it costs to have a family  from pregnancy to private school

Read more

After the first six weeks you will receive 172.48 a week or 90pc of your weekly earnings, whichever is lower. This will be paid for another 33 weeks. Of course, this is just the statutory amount  your employer may have a more generous scheme.

Some employers offer full pay for a number of weeks, rather than the reduced legal requirement, meaning that new parents can take time off without a hit to their finances.

For example, Aviva offers its UK employees 12 months parental leave, with six months at full basic pay. The insurer also offers up to one year of leave, of which 26 weeks is at full basic pay, for adoption and surrogacy.

However, companies can impose thresholds longer than the statutory requirement for how long you need to have worked at the company before you can take advantage of their more generous policy.

If youre not sure what your employers policy is, or youre thinking of moving jobs at a similar time as starting a family, then you should contact your employers HR department.

Sometimes this information is available if the company has a recruitment section on its website.

What are your rights if you are adopting?

Statutory adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, explains James Walters, managing associate at law firm Lewis Silkin. If they meet qualifying conditions, the adopter has the right to 52 weeks leave and 39 weeks pay.

An adopting couple must choose which of them will be entitled to adoption leave and pay (they become the primary adopter) and they must notify their employer, so the employer can administer [the benefits], said Mr Walters.

Rights are also the same for the second adoptive parent. The primary adopters partner has the same right to two weeks paternity leave and pay as a birth mothers partner, and adoptive parents can also make use of the shared parental leave scheme, Mr Walters added.

How does shared parental leave work?

Shared parental leave rules mean you can split 50 weeks of leave (a year minus the two weeks the birth mother must take off work)  37 of which are paid  between you and your partner.

The partner who gave birth can choose to end their leave before the maximum period and give the remaining time to their partner to take off. They will receive shared parental pay during this time.

For example, the birth parent could stop their maternity pay after 25 weeks and return to work. For the remaining 12 weeks, the couple can claim shared parental pay  if the other parent chose to take three months off work.

These periods can be split into blocks, with a parent returning to work in between, or taken in one go.

Parents can also take time off together and be paid at the same time, despite the common misconception that this is not possible. It is allowed under the statutory scheme, although it is worth checking how your employers scheme works.

The rules may be different if you have adopted or had a baby via surrogacy.

In a surrogacy arrangement, only the birth mother is entitled to maternity leave and pay. However, paid adoption leave (and paternity leave and shared parental leave) is available to the intended parent, said Mr Walters.

Do you get paid maternity leave if you are self-employed?

Being self-employed does make maternity leave slightly more complicated, but you still have rights and options for pay while youre not working.

While you dont have a right to statutory maternity leave, if you are registered as self-employed with HMRC you can claim up to 39 weeks of maternity pay. This is known as the maternity allowance. Its paid through the Jobcentre so that you can take time off to be with your baby.

Maternity allowance is between 27 to 172.48 a week.

However, you need to have been self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks prior to having a baby and making National Insurance contributions. The lower rate is for those who have paid less than 13 weeks of Class 2 National Insurance contributions during this time, or if you are the partner of a self-employed person and you help in their business without being paid.

You can apply for the allowance once you are at least 26 weeks pregnant, using a Mat B1 form. You can ask your GP or nurse for one of these after your 20-week scan.

You might also be eligible for maternity allowance if youve recently stopped working.

If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible for the payment, it is generally advised to submit an application and the Department for Work and Pensions will make a decision. How much you are paid will depend predominantly on your National Insurance contributions while being self-employed.

Should you save up for maternity leave?

Saving and budgeting for maternity leave is an important step to ensure you arent caught out by receiving reduced pay.

The first step is to review your current finances, make a note of essential expenses and those that you can reduce or cut all together.

At this point, MoneyHelper, advises having a frank conversation with your partner about money. If one or both of you are earning less, or not at all, during the leave period it will likely change how you make financial decisions.

With this in mind, it could be worth starting a savings pot as soon as possible to help cover the loss of earnings when the time comes.

It is also worth looking to see whether you are entitled to any support, such as child benefit that could help boost your income when the baby arrives.

Recommended

The clever child benefit hack that even high earners can use

Read more

How does maternity leave affect your pension?

While youre on maternity leave, your employer should continue making contributions into your workplace pension, assuming youre receiving maternity pay. The statutory length of time for them to do this is 39 weeks, but some opt to pay for longer.

Your own contributions will likely decrease, as they are based on a proportion of your maternity pay, not your full salary.

Taking maternity leave, and the increased chance of working part-time after having children, has a significant impact on womens pension savings. Government data on the gender pension gap reveals a widening gap between pension wealth held by men and women, once women enter their 40s.

For women aged 45-49, the gap is 47pc, before dropping to 35pc by the time women reach the age of 55.

However, there are things you can do to minimise the effect maternity leave has on your savings.

Alice Guy, head of pensions and savings at Interactive Investor said: Its important to keep an eye on your pension wealth, even if you take time out from the workplace. If youre planning to reduce your hours or take time out from the workplace, then its worth seeing if you can afford to make more than the minimum pension contributions while youre still working full time.

Another option, if you can afford it, is to continue to make pension payments as a non-earner. Youre allowed to pay up to 2,880 into your pension as a non-earner and still receive a tax-relief top up as if you were a taxpayer.

Recommended

'I want to have a baby  how do I make sure my pension doesn't suffer?'

Read more

What happens when you return to work?

While youre on maternity leave your job is protected, and you are entitled to return to the same role after ordinary maternity leave and the same conditions. However, you do need to give your employer eight weeks notice before returning to work if you are only taking 26 weeks, rather than the full year.

However, this changes when you take additional maternity leave. At this point you are entitled to your role back, unless it is not reasonably practical for your employer. At this point they need to offer you an alternative role on similar terms.

In this scenario, Shazia Shah, senior associate at law firm Irwin Mitchell, said you should scrutinise the new role carefully and shouldnt assume it is on the same terms and conditions as your previous position.

I have taken cases to tribunal on whether it is an appropriate role or not, she said.

The key point is that you cannot be discriminated against for being on maternity leave. This means that if a pay review takes place while youre off you are entitled to the same consideration as all other employees.

Likewise, if there is the chance for promotion or a new job opening, your employer must let you know so you can put yourself forward. They should also let you know about any training or similar opportunities that take place while you are off.

If you are in line for a performance-based bonus, you should be included in the process with the decision based on your performance while you were at work.

A common question Ms Shah gets asked by clients is whether they can lose their job while on maternity leave.

Sometimes I think there is a misconception that people have additional protection while on maternity leave, but that isnt the case, she said.

You can be let go  either dismissed or made redundant  during maternity leave as long as the leave isnt the reason for you losing your job. The dismissal cannot be based on criteria that would be discriminatory as a result of your leave. For example, lack of attendance could not be a factor while you are away.

You are able to leave your job while on maternity leave, the same as any employee, and will be subject to your contractual notice period. However, if your company offers enhanced maternity pay above your legal entitlement, you may have to repay some of it.

Recommended

Nanny or nursery? How to make the right decision for your wallet (and children)

Read more

What happens to your holiday allowance while you are on maternity leave?

You still accrue holiday while you are on maternity leave, and should also be able to claim back any bank holidays that occurred during the leave.

It is common practice for employers to allow you to carry unused leave to the following year, rather than you losing it.

Some employees may choose to either extend their maternity leave by adding holiday onto the end of the maternity period, or using holiday leave to reduce the amount of time theyre receiving reduced pay, as you should be paid in full for holiday days.

Keep-in-touch days and going back to work

It is good practice for employers to be in contact with employees while they are away on maternity leave, and some managers may want to agree what you would consider reasonable contact before going on leave.

However, any work you do  including training and meetings  has to be during keep-in-touch days. Anyone on maternity leave has the option to take up to 10 keep-in-touch days.

These must be agreed with your employer in advance, as they do not have to give them to you, but can be a helpful way to ensure you dont miss out on training or development opportunities during your time off.

Your rate of pay for those days is also at their discretion, although the time is commonly paid at your normal salary.

When the time comes to go back to work, you may want to speak to your employer about agreeing on a more flexible working arrangement, or even going part-time. You can do this while staying in your role by making a statutory flexible working request.

The Working Families charity recommends asking for any changes as soon as possible, as you do not have a right to them and it may involve a negotiation.

What happens if you miscarry or your baby is stillborn?

In the awful circumstance that you miscarry, time taken off work will likely be covered under normal sick-leave as a pregnancy related illness, and you will be entitled to time off under your companys sickness policy.

If you need additional time off for bereavement or other needs, you can discuss this with your employer. Your organisation may have a policy that outlines anything they can offer in terms of flexible working and adjustments.

If you have a stillbirth or your baby dies after birth, you are entitled to take full maternity leave. Likewise, a partner is still entitled to statutory paternity leave after a stillbirth or death.

However, shared parental leave may not be available under these circumstances.

Recommended

Five reasons it pays to be married (and one that might make you think twice)

Read more

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 severe weather threat that began over the weekend will continue along the Southeast coast through Monday evening, AccuWeather forecasters say.

The first round of severe weather erupted from Saturday afternoon to Saturday night, and brought hail and heavy rainfall to central Texas. Hail up to the size of golf balls occurred. On Sunday and Sunday night, a second round of severe storms brought hail up to the size of baseballs from eastern Texas to southwestern Mississippi.

By Monday morning, the severe weather from over the weekend had congealed into a large swath of downpours across Alabama, Georgia, the western Florida Panhandle and into the Carolinas. Several flash flood warnings were in effect in this corridor with reports of street and river flooding.

Flooding downpours are expected to remain a concern through the evening hours as the swath of downpours slowly progresses eastward and expands northward.

There is the potential for isolated spin-up tornadoes embedded within severe thunderstorms, with the greatest risk for this to occur being across the Florida Panhandle, southeastern Georgia and southwestern South Carolina. Hail and damaging wind gusts can also occur in the strongest storms.

"Flight delays are likely to tally up at airports such as Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, the busiest airport in the world, as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue through Monday," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva.

Travelers along interstates 10, 20, 75 and 95 can anticipate slowdowns as the rain and thunderstorms cross the region. Motorists will also need to be wary of areas of standing water or debris on secondary roadways.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+

The storm is expected to blanket a large part of the Northeast with half a foot to a foot of snow and major travel problems from Monday night to Tuesday.

Meanwhile, locations across the South Central and Southeast will trade the stormy pattern of late with calmer and drier conditions as a zone of high pressure arrives in the wake of the storm.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Brandi Bass carries a dog as she, as well as other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Emma Richardson, along with other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, helps transport dogs back to their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter had been operating for the past year from its adoption center after an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Roy Rodriguez carries a dog as he, as well as other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Ralph Morrissey carries a dog as he, as well as other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter had been operating for the past year from its adoption center after an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Ralph Morrissey helps guide a dog back to Pasadena Animal Control and Shelters newly reopened primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Sarah Garcia, along with other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, helps transport dogs back to their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Joel Beckham, left, and Emma Richardson with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter help transport dogs back to their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Joel Beckham, along with other staff and volunteers with the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter, helps transport dogs back to their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Visitors look through books with information and images of cats eligible for adoption at the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center after an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Pamala Vargas looks through books of animal eligible for adoption with her family at the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center after an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Pamala Vargas looks through books of animals eligible for adoption at the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Pamala Vargas reacts after seeing one of the dogs sweet faces while looking through books of animals eligible for adoption at the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center when an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park and ripped off the roof of the building on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Images of dogs for adoption are seen at the Pasadena Animal Control and Shelter move back into their primary facility, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Pasadena. The shelter is preparing to reopen its main facility after operating from its adoption center after an EF3 tornado ripped through Pasadena and Deer Park on January 24, 2023. The move limited the organizations sheltering of dogs and cats from 160 animal to 40 animals. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

The Pasadena animal shelter stopped most operations after it was heavily damaged by a January 2023 tornado. Now, it's ready to reopen and adoptable pets are moving in.

Animal control officers brought in 20 dogs to the Pasadena Animal Control and Adoption Center on Thursday alone, most of the animals found wandering the streets.

Like shelter staff, the new arrivals were acclimating to their surroundings in crates and in kennels at the newly-renovated holding facility, which is scheduled to officially reopen to the public Feb. 13.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

They were brought automatically to the shelter because we now have those kennels available, Melissa Clark, the shelters manager, said of the animals brought in this week.

Next door at the adjacent adoption center, another 30 to 40 dogs taken in the last week waited in pop-up crates that filled one room.

Theyre ready to come over to the shelter and actually have real kennels with more leg room, said Clark.

The move-in process is the culmination of a challenging year, she said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The animal shelter had been operating at 15 percent capacity since January 2023, when a tornado ripped the roof off the main shelter building, abruptly halting its operations.

The city was forced to limit intake of stray cats and dogs and made the most of the space at the adjacent adoption center, a second shelter facility that had previously been used for public visitations of dogs already microchipped, fixed and ready for adoption.

Virtually every room in the second building was reconfigured to make room for kennels to house the strays the shelter was able to take in.

Shelter now built better

The renovated facility has a new roof designed to withstand extreme weather as well as an updated electrical and H-VAC system and new floors.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its been a long year trying to manage the citys stray pet population without the room, said Brandi Bass, the shelters spokesperson.

The reopening of the main shelter means operating at full capacity, which is 160 animals at one time.

Everyone has done an amazing job working together during the time we were in that transition period, said Bass. I feel like were re-energized and super excited getting back to normal operations.

'Tornado dogs'

The tornado damage was a devastating blow to the shelter, but Clark said one positive outcome was that all the approximately 70 dogs and cats that had been housed at the shelter at the time became part of a larger story and were all adopted relatively quickly.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The tornado had given them a backstory, and that generated an emotional response, with people requesting a meet-and-greet with a tornado dog.

Most of the more recent arrivals are so new to the shelter that staff hasnt had time to assign identification numbers or learn their backgrounds.

One litter of puppies was rescued by animal control officers from underneath a house, a few came in as inseparable street companions and one mother cat is fiercely guarding her kittens while she continues to nurse.
Zooming Out

After a nine year wait, NASA's finally launched its PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem) mission, which will take a never-before-seen look at the tiny life forms and particles teeming in our planet's atmosphere. What it uncovers could revolutionize our understanding of global warming, our planet's oceans, and those oceans' threatened ecosystems.



"What we're doing here with PACE is really the search for the microscopic, mostly invisible universe in the sea and the sky, and in some degrees, on land, too," PACE project scientist Jeremy Werdell told CNN.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the nearly $1 billion PACE satellite took off early Thursday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Once deployed, the satellite is expected to carry out the mission for at least three years, but has enough fuel to stay in orbit for at least ten.

Bit Players

PACE's inner-workings are fascinating. It's equipped with three sensors: a camera called the Ocean Color Instrument which will monitor the distribution of phytoplanktons, and two polarimeters to observe aerosols in the atmosphere via the sunlight reflected by Earth.

As photosynthesizers, phytoplanktons  which include tiny algae and plants  have produced around 50 percent of the Earth's oxygen. Crucially, they also suck up huge amounts of carbon dioxide that'd otherwise stay in the atmosphere to heat up the planet. They're clearly indispensable, but some species come with a major caveat: they produce toxic blooms that threaten other forms of marine life. Understanding this carbon-trapping and how these blooms are produced will be key to assessing the state of marine ecosystems going forward.

Aerosols play a similarly important role. While greenhouse gasses like carbon get all the attention for driving global warming, aerosols also affect our climate  and even sometimes cool it  but are harder to account for.

"They come from sources like dust blowing off the Sahara wildfires and even human activities," NASA Earth Science director Karen St. Germain told CNN. "They seed clouds that can grow into hurricanes coming across the Atlantic, but they also reflect a lot of the sun's energy.

"So, they too play an important role in the long-term stability of Earth's climate," she added.

Double Agency

This potentially earth-shattering revelation couldn't come at a more pressing time. With CO2 emissions still climbing, it's more important than ever to understand how Earth's ecosystems  and its oceans especially  will be affected by climate change. And NASA, for its part, is making it clear that this is tops the agenda.

"We are undeniably in the midst of a climate crisis," NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy told CNN. "Our planet is undergoing transformative changes from the surge in extreme weather events and devastating wildfires to the rising sea levels."

"NASA is not just a space and aeronautics agency," she added. "We are a climate agency."

More on NASA: NASA Rover Spots Dead Mars Helicopter in Its "Final Resting Place"
Jens Stoltenberg, pictured with Ukraine's president Zelensky, urged support for the struggle against Russian aggression - AFP

Europe must shift to wartime weapons production to deter Russian aggression and help Ukraine, the secretary general of Nato has said.

Jens Stoltenberg warned that we need to reconstitute and expand our industrial base faster, to increase deliveries to Ukraine and refill our own stocks.

This means shifting from slow peacetime to high-tempo conflict production, he told the German Sunday daily Welt am Sonntag.

Russias invasion of Ukraine proved that peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted, he said ahead of this months second anniversary of Putins illegal invasion.

If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread further, he said.

Supporting Ukraine now and investing in Natos own capabilities is our best defence.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching its second anniversary - REUTERS

Nato does not seek war with Russia, but we need to brace ourselves for potentially decades of confrontation.

Mr Stoltenbergs comments came amidst growing pleas for shells, ammunition and other military aide from Ukraine as it battles Russian forces into a third year.

Moscow has shifted to a wartime economy and invested huge sums in its military. Russia is spending 40 per cent of its GDP on the war, which the West is struggling to match.

On Friday, Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden urged American lawmakers to approve a long-delayed military aid package for Ukraine.

The failure of the United States Congress in not supporting Ukraine is close to criminal neglect, Mr Biden said as he hosted Mr Scholz in the Oval Office.

Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with US President Joe Biden on Friday - SHUTTERSTOCK

EU leaders backed a 50 billion (42.6 billion) aid package for Kyiv after Hungarys Viktor Orban, Putins closest EU ally, dropped his veto on the funds on February 1.

In November, Boris Pistorius, the German defence minister, admitted that an EU pledge to provide Ukraine with a million shells by March this year would not be met.

Mr Stoltenberg said: As long as we invest in our security and we stay united, we will continue to deter any aggression.

We monitor closely what Russia does and we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the alliance.

Nato defence ministers will meet in Brussels on February 15, one week ahead of the second anniversary of Russias offensive in Ukraine.

A meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will be a key feature of the talks.

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.
NATO is moving forward with its plans to take over the coordination of arms supplies to Ukraine, which has been previously done by the United States, Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Feb. 9, citing government officials and diplomats.

It was the United States that created the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), within which countries providing military support to Ukraine meet regularly at the American air base in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

Read also: NATO chief Stoltenberg in Washington to drum up support for $60 billion in U.S. aid for Ukraine

However, according to the newspaper, an alternative mechanism is being sought, in part because of concerns about Donald Trumps re-election as U.S. president.

According to Handelsblatt, plans to bring the Ramstein meetings under the auspices of NATO were developed by U.S. Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. These plans were discussed within the alliance this week.

Read also: President Biden says Trump threatened Republicans if they supported border bill containing Ukraine aid

But, as the newspaper notes, such a move would be explosive, as since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO has emphasized that military assistance is a decision of individual member states, not a program of the alliance.

Sullivan and Stoltenbergs plan is supported, in particular, by Eastern European countries, as well as the United Kingdom and France.

However, the German government is skeptical, noting that in this case, the alliance would be in line with the Kremlins narrative that NATO is at war with Russia.

The Ramstein format would also make it easier to engage states that support NATO in its efforts but are not members.

The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) will take place on Feb. 14, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The 18th virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) meeting was on Jan. 23. Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh said it focused on Ukraines long-term needs, including increased supplies of long-range weapons.

Read also: Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States warns that Ukraine is critically short on military equipment, running out of missiles

Earlier, Ukraines Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, stated that Kyiv would collaborate with the American peoples elected president. She noted Ukraines gratitude to former President Donald Trump for supplying Javelin missiles.

National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov also said that if Trump becomes president, it will not be a tragedy for Ukraine. He is convinced that the state will exist regardless of who wins the election.

Donald Trump has repeatedly boasted that he could end Russias war against Ukraine within 24 hours but has not provided any details of his plan. Trump also said that he would allow the aggressor state to seize part of Ukraine.

Commenting on Trumps statements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the transfer of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and Crimea to Russia was not a peaceful plan but a surrender. He also invited Trump to visit Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Members of the Navajo Nation Councils Resources and Development Committee on Thursday received a $13.5 million check from CKP Insurance on behalf of the Navajo Nation for indemnities based on the 2023 crop year.

Since 2016, the Navajo Nation has purchased crop insurance through CKP, initially implemented by the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Pilot Insurance Program. Crop insurance is designed to provide coverage on pasture, rangeland, and forage acres, and is based on a rainfall index that determines precipitation within an area.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Crop insurance is a critical resource that supports our ranchers and farmers in years of drought conditions. The indemnities paid to the Nation are used to fund infrastructure projects through the Navajo Nation Department of Agricultures Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Management and Expenditure Program, RDC Chairwoman Brenda Jesus said.

CKP presented 2023 crop year reports with indemnity proceeds certified by the USDA. This year, the Navajo Nations benefit amounted to $13,573,487, certified as an indemnity insurance payment to the Navajo Nation. Similar presentations were extended to other tribes participating in the program.

As climate change continues to impact the Navajo Nation during the summer months, our investment in crop insurance lessens the impacts that low rainfall has on our agricultural industries, ranchers, and farmers, said RDC Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson. The protections against low rainfall provide for improvements to our irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure projects while offsetting losses for low harvests.

Summit discussions addressed the necessity of effective fund utilization. While acknowledging the financial support, challenges persist in ensuring timely and impactful spending. The RDC emphasized the importance of aligning spending with the annual average benefit of $17 million, spanning a seven-year period.

The Resources and Development Committee continues pushing for proactive planning for fund deployment, advocating for timely allocation and expenditures for projects from the AIF. Since 2016, the Navajo Nation has received over $110 million through the program.

When the Resources and Development Committee accepted the check on behalf of the Navajo Nation, it was a tremendous show of good faith in support of Navajo ranchers and also our farming projects on the Navajo Nation, said RDC member Shawna Ann Claw.

The indemnity payment underscores the Navajo Nation's commitment to addressing agricultural challenges and fostering sustainable development within tribal communities. The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture will continue to collaborate with the Navajo Nation Council to allocate resources toward vital infrastructure initiatives.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Fireworks light up the sky over the lagoon Monday, July 3, 2023 during the annual 3rd of July Fireworks Celebration at Glen Oak Park in Peoria.

The annual July 3 fireworks show at Glen Oak Park could come to end or see major changes come as the Peoria Park District explores how the event can move forward safely.

Security concerns surrounding the event  and an uptick in crime in the East Bluff  has led the park district to consider its options.

Police would like to see Glen Oak fireworks end after chaotic 2023

The Peoria Police Department would like to see the event canceled indefinitely, according to spokesperson Semone Roth.

"If it were up to the Peoria Police Department, they would love for that event to be canceled altogether," Roth said. "Because of certain security concerns with parties surrounding that event, a lot of times there's been issues and incidents that occur with pop-up parties after this event and just certain incidents where there's drinking, fighting and things like that."

Robert Johnson, the president of the park district's board of trustees, said he would like to see the fireworks remain at Glen Oak Park and the community cannot allow poor behavior from youth to disrupt the event.

"If they (Peoria police) want to see it canceled indefinitely, then they're not doing their jobs," Johnson said. "What are we going to do, cancel everything in Peoria every time there's an issue and then the taxpayers have to suffer because they want amenities, they want to events to go to? That's a quality of life issue."

Johnson said if the community decides and informs the park district board it does not want the event to continue, he would back that request. But he said the decision needs to come from the community, not the police department.

"I will support whatever the community wants. They're the ones that elect me to do a job for this park district and it's them I will be listening to, not the police," Johnson said.

Peoria Park District board president Robert Johnson, middle, and executive director Emily Cahill, right, join in singing "Happy Birthday" to State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth during a press conference celebrating the new Lakeview Loop outdoor roller-skating facility planned for Lakeview Park and future upgrades to Donovan Park on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023 at the Lakeview Recreation Center in Peoria.

Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill said the park district has seen a decline in attendance and an increase in security issues, particularly among unaccompanied minors, at the event in recent years.

She said last year's event was attended by 1,200 people and required roughly 60 people from the Peoria Fire Department, Police Department and security teams to run the event.

"We are pretty realistic about the fact that the event cannot continue as it is now," Cahill said. "We know that whether it's a different kind of programming opportunity for participants or it's changing how the structure is set up, we know something needs to modify and maybe that it needs to be in a different location, a location that is easier to access and control."

More: 'Anchor for the park': Glen Oak amphitheater will see changes over the next two years

After last year's event, Peoria police noted six incidents happening in the East Bluff area the night of July 3.

Police used pepper balls to disperse a crowd of over 200 people at the intersection of McClure and Arcadia avenues after fights broke out among juveniles. One juvenile was taken to the hospital with a stab wound.

Three people were injured by gunfire at a large house party of 200 to 250 people in the 1000 block of East Kansas Street that night as well.

Police also responded to a report of 50 shots fired in the 700 block of Virginia Avenue that night in a shooting that left one person injured and four vehicles damaged by gunfire.

Elsewhere, police seized firearms from suspects in the 800 block of East Republic Street, the 1100 block of Arcadia Avenue and at Glen Oak Park as well that night.

Cahill said Glen Oak Park's many entry points and location in a densely populated neighborhood add to the challenges surrounding the event.

Park District board trustee Joyce Harant said some of the behavior seen at the event has been "disturbing" and "dangerous," but she would like to see the park district find a way to keep the fireworks at Glen Oak Park.

"The security concerns are real and very valid. This event has been changing for the past several years, and, of course, COVID didn't help," Harant said. "But what I want to see is for us to have an event that we have confidence we can provide it as safely as we do our other park district events."

City Councilmember Tim Riggenbach, whose 3rd District is home to Glen Oak Park, says he receives complaints every year about illicit fireworks in the East Bluff neighborhood.

"Unfortunately, the large crowds seem to exacerbate the problem," Riggenbach said.

Park District seeks public input on future of Glen Oak fireworks

Youngsters play with sparklers before the fireworks show Monday, July 3, 2023 at the annual 3rd of July Fireworks Celebration at Glen Oak Park in Peoria.

A survey was sent out by the park district asking what the community would like to see for the future of the event. Cahill said public input is pivotal to the decision the park district and board of trustees will make.

Cahill said the park district has met with law enforcement, school officials and East Bluff leaders to get their thoughts on the event's future, as well.

"It deserves the opportunity for us to get public input, to get strong conversation about what it could be before we determine it shouldn't be anything," Cahill said.

Riggenbach said he was made aware of a petition circulating the East Bluff neighborhood from people who are opposed to the fireworks and "want their neighborhood back."

More: An in-depth look at WTVP's future and criminal investigation

Johnson said early feedback he has gotten from residents indicates people want to see the fireworks remain at Glen Oak Park. He said the fireworks are an important way to bring people together in Peoria.

"The Glen Oak fireworks bring together that community on the East Bluff  and lord knows it has its challenges in that part of the city  but it brings all walks of life together, whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Latinos, it brings a whole group of individuals in this city together for one time and they should not have to worry about having violent challenges and people doing things they shouldn't do."

When the park district is done gathering community input, the matter will go to the board of trustees for a vote in late March or early April.

"We're assuming that the event will happen, and so our goal is not to say can we do all this and then just cancel it  we may end up there, but that's not our preference," Cahill said. "Our preference is to reimagine it, whether it's location, programming or logistics to have an event that we really think is part of Peoria's personality because it's been around for so long."

Stadium Park, adjacent to Peoria Stadium on Lake Avenue, was mentioned in the survey as a potential new location.

Harant said the outcome she would like to see is a preservation of the fireworks at Glen Oak Park but noted that may not be the outcome. She said she wants to review all of the community feedback before deciding how she will vote.

"I just want to put it all together and figure out as a community how we can have the best event possible," Harant said.

More: Multimillion-dollar roller skating rink is coming to this Peoria park

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Why Peoria police want problematic fireworks show canceled
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The 4Warn weather team reports that the Buffalo area reached 59 degrees Friday, three degrees shy of the record high temperature set back in 1925.

Its changing weather conditions like this that those in Western New York has learned to take in stride.

One day its snowing, one day its raining, one day youre getting ice cream. You just kind of go with it and roll with the punches, said Black Rock resident Sean Tulumello.

Ice cream was on the mind of many local individuals and kids Friday as News 4 spoke to a few neighbors who used the excuse of warm weather for a quick treat.

I mean, what is February? You know, I think any month is a good month for ice cream, Tulumello said. We just kind of saw the sun and I just had to get myself a little ice cream for the road.

Im so excited for ice cream and all the ice cream stores to be open. Its amazing. Ice cream is so good, said one kid on Friday.

Local parks were also packed with runners, dog walkers, laughing children and parents who were using Fridays higher than normal temperatures to take their kids outside to burn off all the energy they stored up to this point during the winter.

We are feeling a little guilty. Its so warm and were loving it. But yes, we are definitely going to take advantage of the nice days, said mother Molly Stock.

Other mothers News 4 spoke with Friday said their kids have now been able to play outside for recess in school. A change of pace that makes all the difference.

You dont have to stay inside because the hard gym floor always rips at your knees and it just really hurts, said one kid at Delaware Park.

Still recess isnt enough to get them tired out, the more time outside the better.

Its a really great way to fill the time between school and dinner, which sometimes feels very long in the winter. So, were really fortunate, one parent said.

Its just really nice to have the sun out. It sounds very simple and silly, but kids love to play and its just nice to be outside and not be freezing, concluded another mother.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Fort Bend County diners can choose from plenty of lunch specials around town, but one local restaurant offers a great deal and a chance to see a one-of-a-kind education program in action.

Fort Bend ISDs student-run restaurant, the Grill, located at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, reopened its doors to the public on Tuesday.

The Grill is one of Fort Bend ISDs enterprise learning labs, which aims to provide real-world experience to high school students.

I think this is pretty much the first time something like this has happened  kids managing a professional kitchen, said Lucien Zaldana, lead instructor and chef. Weve created a kind of food hall experience.

Culinary students prepare a family meal during class Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The day begins at 7.15 a.m., with groups of students rotating through the kitchen for 90-minute sessions.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The first session is focused on prep work. Wednesday morning saw students in smocks and floppy toques clustered around a prep station, listening to their instructor discuss the days menu. Today theyre discussing leafy greens.

Butter lettuce makes the best lettuce wraps, said instructor Kaylene Schliesser. Mustard leaves have a bitter flavor profile, and they tend to be cheaper, so they get used for lining sandwich trays.

Open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, the Grill attracts 50-100 patrons daily, said Lawrence Bennett, CTE operations coordinator at the Reese Center.

All orders must be picked up by 5 p.m. Guests can access the Grill through entrance A3, marked Restaurant, at the Reese Center.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

For the first group in the morning, its mostly prep work, Zaldana said. If anything needs to be prepped specifically, well start assigning tasks. (The kids) are broken up into their individual teams and stations and know what their responsibilities are going to be at their stations. For the second and third groups, its mostly live firing, orders coming in. So we have tickets coming in that the kids have to deal with  its real world experience.

Culinary student Sydney Dent, 17, tastes empanada filling as she works on the seasoning Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Its always been a part of my family to cookall of my life, she said. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Students also act as servers, taking and fulfilling orders.

The Grill also manages catering requests, crafting trays of sandwiches and pastries for events hosted at the Reese Center, Zaldana said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The menu is expansive, ranging from pizzas and burgers to passionfruit pavlovas. Sandwiches are priced at $6.50, cupcakes and brownies at $4. The kids grilled cheese costs $3.

Culinary students Jordan Franklin, left, and Arlandria Barnes prepare basil to be used in a salad Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary instructor Kaylene Schliesser jokes with her students Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary students taste arugula before using it in a salad Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary students talk during class Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary students Gabrielle Jones, 15, and David Red, 15, joke during class Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary instructor Lucien Zaldana, second from right, helps Johnny Le, 17, prepare an empanada filling for the schools grill Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary instructor Kaylene Schliesser hands out a test review to her students Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Jordan Franklin, center, and his culinary classmates taste arugula and other vegetables for the salad they plan to prepare Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Culinary student Sydney Dent, 17, prepares an empanada filling during class Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Fort Bend ISDs James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Caleb Kirkpatrick, 16, from Dulles High School, said he watched his four older siblings either cooking simple meals or resorting to expensive takeout.

I always knew I wanted to be able to cook for myself, said Kirkpatrick. My mom has a catering business. Ive been cooking for a long time. I took a culinary course in middle school and elementary school. Lastly, ladies love a guy who can cook, right?

The Grill first opened its doors in 2021 and has been overseen by three different managers. Now, the Grill gets a fresh start with Zaldana at the helm.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Its been a very busy few weeks for Lila Moss. In mid-January, the 21-year-old daughter of Kate Moss staged an appearance at her mothers 50th birthday dressed up as, well, her mother. And since then, shes also shared her pre-Fashion Month beauty routine and cosigned the return of skinny jeans. (And thank GOD for that; weve all been waiting for years, skinny jeans hanging sadly in our closets, for that specific sign-off.)

This week, however, ushered in what might be the crowning moment of Lilas career: Somehow, shes managed to sneak her way into British Vogues Legendary! cover alongside superstars like Jane Fonda, Oprah Winfrey, and Victoria Beckham. Look closely, and there she is, right behind three-time Grammy winner Dua Lipa.

At the risk of being rude, how exactly do we think this happened? Maybe British Vogues outgoing editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, caught wind of Lilas brave endorsement of skinny jeans and simply had to give her a call. Or, perhaps, Lilas presence here has a little something to do with the fact that her mother is also on the cover.

In fairness, Lila Moss is no stranger to Vogue; she actually nabbed her first cover (for Vogue Italia) at the tender age of 13. It was a beautiful black-and-white portrait of Lila and her mother, but some readers were underwhelmed by the image, which didnt strike them as quite cover-worthy. Then again, we should all be so lucky as to look that put-together in our tween years; mine, in contrast, mostly involved frizzy, orange peroxide highlights and way too much Limited Too. That said, most of us also did not have the help of a supermodel mother and a team of stylists.

Needless to say, Lila did not stop there. In 2020, she made her solo debut, once again in Vogue Italia, with a closed-eyes shot that would likely not have done too well on Americas Next Top Model. Shes since covered Vogue Japan, Vogue Hong Kong, Vogue Korea, and British Vogue once before, in 2023, with her mother in tow. She also made her runway debut with Miu Mius spring summer 2021 show, where she strutted her stuff in pure Y2K style.

But what can we really say about Moss cover shots? Theyre fine, but theyre also forgettable. Her best by far was her prior British Vogue appearance, where she and her mother twinned in icy-white hats and sweaters. Thats the only occasion in which her face even approaches what Tyra Banks once called smizing. Shes certainly inherited some of her mothers trademark features, like those gorgeous cheekbones, but she lacks that cocky, piercing gaze that made Mama Moss so famous. When Kate Moss stares into camera, shes making a statement that demands we all listen; when Lila Moss tries to do the same thing, she looks more like shes asking us all a question with her eyes. The face is stunning, but the expression seems younger and more unsure.

Which brings us back to this Legendary! Vogue cover, which poses Moss next to modeling icons like Naomi Campbell. She isnt the only modeling nepo baby on display, either; Gigi Hadid and Cindy Crawfords daughter, Kaia Gerber, also made the cut. One could maybe make the case for Hadid as a Gen-Z icon, and yeah, Gerber has a few movies under her belt, but if were being honest with ourselves, would we really describe any of these younguns as legends in the same sense as, say, Serena Williams, who is also on the cover?

Then again, maybe the internet critics crying nepotism are being a little too precious about this. If were being real with ourselves, how many human beings on this Earth are actually on par with the handful of true legends on this cover? Would anyone organically mention Oprah Winfrey in the same breath as some of her non-nepo neighbors on this cover, like Cara Delevingne or Bridgerton Season 2 star Simone Ashley? Probably not! This is a Vogue cover, not a stone-carved ledger of our most extraordinary women, and most of us sitting on our couches sneering at these photos on Reddit are likely not that much more accomplished than the next Lila Moss. She might be clinging to her mothers coattails today, but who knows? Maybe tomorrow shell make like fellow cover star Miley Cyrus and prove to us all that theres more to her than her famous last name.

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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada prosecutors have filed phone records from the state Republican Party chairman and the Clark County party chair as part of the fake elector case involving the two men and four others, documents said.

In 2020, the six so-called fake electors submitted phony electoral certificates to re-elect then-President Donald Trump. Last month, lawyers for the group asked a judge to throw out the case and move it out of Las Vegas.

In December, a Clark County grand jury indicted the group on charges of offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, stemming from the submission of the documents in 2020. Both charges are felonies. Prosecutors charged Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald, Clark County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Law, Jim DeGraffenreid, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice.

In documents the attorney generals office filed Thursday, the day of the partys caucus, prosecutors said they had obtained call records from McDonald and Law, which they said showed the men making phone calls to each other in the days leading up to the certificates submission. The contents of the calls were confidential with prosecutors citing privacy.

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald, Jesse Law, Jim DeGraffenreid, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice all appeared remotely for their initial arraignments. (KLAS)

These phone calls were interspersed during the timeframe in which the co-defendants were also exchanging emails with proposed draft language and revisions of the false or forged documents they eventually offered for filing and uttered, prosecutors said in court documents.

In response to the groups request to have the case moved from Clark County, prosecutors argue McDonald and Law live in the county and planned the Dec. 14 meeting and subsequent sending of electoral certificates within the county, documents said.

The six electors signed the paperwork signaling their support for Trump in a symbolic ceremony devoid of any legal merit and coinciding with the official state-sanctioned tally on Dec. 14, 2020.

As the 8 News Now Investigators reported in December 2021, the certificate sent by Nevada Republicans and received by the National Archives looks much different than the official state-sealed one and reads, We, the undersigned, being the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America from the State of Nevada, do hereby certify six electoral votes for Trump.

The outside of the envelope accompanying the documents was stamped and verified by the U.S. Postal Service and was addressed and sent via certified mail to the National Archives from the rural town of Minden, Nevada. The USPS time-date stamps indicate the packet arrived in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 22, 2020.

Prosecutors added Thursday that a copy of the fake certificates was also mailed to the federal courthouse in Las Vegas.

The states real election certification versus the one sent in by the Nevada Republican Party. (KLAS)

In the days after and in filings since, the six Republican electors said they filed the certificates due to the then-ongoing legal battles from the Trump campaign. However, in mid-December 2020, no legal case remained open in Nevada. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled against the Trump campaign on Dec. 8, 2020, six days before the Dec. 14 ceremony.

Still, in the days following the Nevada Supreme Courts ruling, defendants took steps to draft, revise and execute an instrument claiming the contrary to be true  that Donald Trump had won the election, and that they were therefore the presidential electors for Nevada, prosecutors said. These actions, taken after the ruling of the Nevada Supreme Court, evidence defendants intent to commit the crimes alleged.

In a statement after the event, Nevada GOP chair Michael McDonald said the partys electors convened in Carson City due to ongoing legal battles seeking to overturn the election results.

Nevada State GOP Chairman Michael McDonald announces President Donald Trump before he speaks the Nevada Republican Party Convention at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/L.E. Baskow, File)

Last legislative session, Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said no state law allowed him to prosecute the electors. However, his office presented the case to a Clark County grand jury in late November.

Last month, lawyers for the three electors said impaneling a Clark County grand jury was more favorable to the prosecutors outcomes, implying Nevadas largest county leans toward Democrats favor. They also cite the ceremonys location in northern Nevada, not Las Vegas. They also said prosecutors failed to prove the electors knowingly provided false information.

No widespread voter fraud was ever discovered in Nevada. The state supreme court denied the Trump campaigns request to overturn the states election results and proclaim the then-president the winner. Biden won Nevada by more than 33,000 votes, a result the court certified that November. Several Republicans, including Cegavske and then-Attorney General William Barr, said there was no evidence of any widespread fraud.

Representatives from the Nevada GOP have not responded to repeated requests for comment.

Judge Mary Kay Holthus was scheduled to hear the motion to dismiss on March 4. A jury trial was scheduled to begin that day, though lawyers have asked a judge to postpone the trial, which was scheduled to begin March 11.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The Nicolas Maduro regime has arrested at least three of Maria Corina Machados closest collaborators and has ruled that she will not be able to compete in this years presidential elections, but the opposition leader says she feels great optimism about Venezuelas immediate future.

The regime is extremely weak at this moment, suffering from very low popularity and counting with very few tools to face the rebirth of hope in Venezuela, Machado said on Wednesday at a roundtable organized by the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee.

We do have a real opportunity for a peaceful transition in Venezuela through presidential elections that according to the Constitution should take place this year. The regime is in its weakest position ever due to the current correlation of forces. Even though the shout, they only resources they have is the use of violence and their efforts to generate terror. We, within the opposition forces, are stronger today than ever, she said.

The latest polls published in Venezuela suggest that Machado is correct. The opposition would defeat Maduro in a possible presidential election by a ratio of 72% to 8%, according to an opinion poll published this week by the firm Meganalisis.

Finding itself outmatched in the electoral field is the reason why the regime ended up turning its back on the commitments it made in Barbados in favor of holding free and fair elections this year under the supervision of international observers, Machado said.

Despite this, Machado told a small group of US representatives that 2024 will be a defining year for Venezuelans.

The time to act is now. We have a huge opportunity, first because the regime is breaking down because they have completely lost their social support, and second because they are suffering internal clashes between the different criminal groups they consist of, because they are fighting over the few sources of income that are left after having pillaged the whole country, she said.

A third element that is dragging the country towards a democratic transition is enormous international pressure, which Machado described as truly global.

Maduro, meanwhile, has been showing few signs of being willing to reverse his decision not to run against Machado in a presidential election, and his regime is not moving forward in the implementation of a electoral system reform, despite agreeing to do so in Barbados.

The United States has said that the Venezuelan government has until April to honor its commitments, otherwise Washington will reimpose the previously lifted sanctions on Venezuelan oil sales.

During the round table, Machado said she feels confident the Biden administration and the bulk of the international community will continue to support her, dismissing fears that in the face of the regimes refusal to allow her to run in an election she would be tossed aside in favor of another opposition candidate the regime would find more agreeable.

I trust that I will continue to have the support of the international community, because in reality this is not about me. This is about the choice of the three million Venezuelans who voted for me in the primaries, in what was a historic process, she said. So this is not about me, but about the right of the Venezuelan people to choose the leader and the candidate they want to run against Maduro.

Despite Machados optimism, her followers in Venezuela continue to be the target of a wave of repression launched by the regime. As of now, at least three members of her party, Vente Venezuela, are missing and are presumably under the regimes custody.

What we have here is a state that has decided to crush its opponent, crush it. That means taking three Venezuelans, who were detained or kidnapped as of today, Machados campaign manager, Magalli Meda, said in a video published on Thursday on her X account.

Describing the detentions of the three Vente Venezuela leaders as kidnappings, Meda said that these actions demonstrate the Maduro governments fear to compete against Machado.
For its first few years, New Hampshires education freedom accounts program has been capped to families that are low income or lower middle class. For families of four, that has meant a maximum $109,000 per year for the whole household.

But New Hampshire Republican lawmakers are pushing to expand the voucher-like program into a higher income bracket  one with a cap of $158,000 for a family of four.

Its like a nurse and a cop, said Kate Baker Demers, the executive director of the New Hampshire Scholarship Fund, which administers the EFA program, describing the typical family professions that could qualify.  Its two teachers.

The New Hampshire House considers legislation to expand education freedom accounts on Feb. 8, 2024.

On Thursday, the New Hampshire House approved that expansion, advancing a bill to raise the income cap to 500 percent of the federal poverty level, up from the current 350 percent. The vote was narrow: 190-189.

And in an unusual parliamentary move, House Finance Committee Chairman Ken Weyler waived the bills fiscal note, stopping the bill from going next to his committee and instead fast-tracking it to the Senate.

The legislation, House Bill 1665, would raise the income level cap for a family of four from $109,500 under the current law to $156,000.

The vote signaled unified Republican support for expanding the program, which was first passed in 2021. When launched, the program was limited to families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level; lawmakers raised that cap to 350 percent in 2023.

The EFA program allows families to use the per-pupil share of state funding that would go to their childs public school and toward private school and home schooling expenses instead. That amount is a minimum of $4,100 per student, but can increase by several thousand dollars depending on the childs other qualifications, such as eligibility for a free and reduced-price lunch or need for special education services. On average, the state pays out about $5,235 per student, according to the state Department of Education.

Republicans have championed the program as an avenue for families to explore alternatives when their childs public school is not working out for them. And on Thursday, they argued that the 350 percent cap leaves out a number of middle-class families who could still benefit from having financial assistance for alternative education.

School choice programs have the best form of accountability, said Rep. Glenn Cordelli, a Tuftonboro Republican. Parents can walk when theyre not happy with their kids education. In public schools, what happens if the school is failing? They get more money.

But Democrats said the bill would open the doors to tens of thousands more students participating and would result in a hit to the states Education Trust Fund. That fund distributes more than a billion dollars per year to public schools.

Rep. David Luneau, a Hopkinton Democrat, noted that the majority of kids who are benefitting from EFAs were already home schooling or attending private school when their families received the EFA. A minority of families transferred from a public school to an alternative option, data from the Department of Education has shown, Luneau said. And he said raising the income limits would allow more families whose kids are already enrolled in private education to receive government support.

New Hampshire taxpayers cant afford this, Luneau said. Were just now starting to be able to analyze the data from the three years that the EFA program has been around. Lets not take on an additional $45 million a year in new costs until we have a better handle on how this program is working.

Currently, more than 4,500 students participate at a cost of $23.8 million per year. An analysis by the pro-public education organization Reaching Higher New Hampshire found that raising the cap to 500 percent could cost the state $66 million per year, based on current enrollment in private school and home schooling and Census income estimates. The increase could mean that 63 percent of New Hampshire children ages 6 to 17 would be eligible, Reaching Higher found. The Department of Education says it cannot predict how much take-up would occur should the EFA expansion pass.

Baker Demers, whose organization accepts applications for EFAs and administers the accounts, says that the current 350 percent cap can trip up some families who think they are eligible but are not. The Childrens Scholarship Fund turned away about 250 families in the last school year whose income precluded them from an EFA, she said.

It includes your child support, if you get food stamps, if you have any Social Security, like if youre a widower, for example, and you have some death benefit, that counts as your household income. So you might say, OK, I only make $50,000 on paper, but then with your death benefit from your person who died, youre over.

As for how many children might join the program should the EFA expansion pass, Baker Demers said about 20,000 kids would be added to the total eligibility.

The vote came after the House rejected another proposal to make the EFAs available to all families by removing the income limits entirely. That bill, House Bill 1634, fell eight votes short.

HB 1665 had a fiscal note attached, a mechanism added to any bill that affects the state general or education trust funds. Usually those bills head automatically to the Finance Committee after they pass on the House floor the first time; committee members then examine the fiscal impacts of the legislation and decide whether to recommend the bills on those grounds.

Had HB 1665 been sent to House Finance, it would have required a final vote on the House floor after it left the Finance Committee. But Weylers waiver of the fiscal note means that it will head to the Senate unaltered.

In a short speech from the floor, Rep. Joe Sweeney urged his Republican colleagues to vote against reconsidering the 190-189 decision in order to send the bill directly to the Senate.

If I know the New Hampshire House just historically passed an expansion of educational freedom account eligibility from 350 percent to 500 percent, and if I further know that that bill has been waived by the House Finance Committee, and if I know that we can now get that bill onto the other body and closer to becoming law in the state of New Hampshire, would I now press the red button and vote no on reconsideration, he said.

In a statement afterward, Rep. Mel Myler, a Hopkinton Democrat, criticized the maneuver.

Republicans are clearly scared that public opposition to the school voucher program will grow even stronger if the financial impact to taxpayers becomes known, he said.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH House passes education freedom accounts expansion
The California Department of Justice will not bring criminal charges against two LAPD officers involved in a fatal shooting that raised eyebrows when it was revealed that law enforcement's initial version of the events was not completely accurate.

Officers shot Samuel Soto, 53, on the evening of July 26, 2021, after responding to an off-duty officer's call that Soto was bleeding from the neck and carrying a blade on a Pico-Union street, according to a state Department of Justice report released Friday.

But the narrative of the shooting initially provided by Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore simplified a complicated situation. While Moore said a preliminary investigation showed that Soto was armed with a knife when shot and taken into custody, body-camera footage later released by the department showed that he dropped the knife after he was first shot by police and that other officers shot him again minutes later, while he was unarmed.

"After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. However, DOJ recognizes the important lessons to be learned from this incident," the department wrote in a statement.

Read more: 'He doesn't have the knife!': Body-worn video puts LAPD shooting in new context

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta's office found that it could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers did not reasonably fear for their safety and the safety of others when they shot Soto, making a criminal prosecution unwarranted, according to the statement. California law requires the DOJ to investigate instances in which "unarmed civilians" are killed by law enforcement.

The probe  which included interviews of officers and witnesses, as well as a review of body-camera footage  painted a picture of an already dangerous situation that was intensified by the arrival of backup officers and a low-flying police helicopter that hampered communication between the authorities.

One of the responding backup officers, David Voci, fired the three final shots that hit Soto, investigators said. In body-camera footage of Voci arriving at the scene, one of the first responding officers can be heard yelling that Soto was no longer armed with a knife. Soto was instead holding a black object  later identified as a phone  when he took two steps toward Voci, who shot him.

After shooting, Voci immediately asked colleagues if Soto still had the knife.

"No, the knife is over there," one officer responded.

Read more: California attorney general launches investigation into LAPD shooting in Pico-Union

Soto was hospitalized immediately after the shooting and died from his wounds months later.

The day after the shooting, Moore told the Police Commission that officers responding to the intersection of Union Avenue and Pico Boulevard found Soto holding a knife.

The officers gave Mr. Soto commands. However, he refused to comply, and an officer-involved shooting resulted, Moore told the panel. Mr. Soto was struck by gunfire and taken into custody.

The explanation did not mention that Soto was no longer armed when he was shot three times by Voci.

Moore later said he was giving the information he had at the time.

Read more: A man with a knife was shot by police. Then an LAPD helicopter made things worse

The DOJ's report absolved Voci of wrongdoing in the shooting.

"The evidence supports the inference that Officer Voci reasonably, though mistakenly, believed Mr. Soto was armed with a knife and Mr. Soto posed an imminent threat to his life," the report said.

The DOJ also found that a low-flying helicopter "created loud noise," making "communication difficult and the scene more chaotic."

Moving forward, the DOJ recommended that the LAPD evaluate whether officers followed departmental policies surrounding Tasers  as all but one officer lacked fully charged or functioning devices  as well as consider working with the Los Angeles Fire Department on ways to improve dispatch communication.

The DOJ also said there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against Officer Eduardo Martinez, who shot Soto when he ran toward him with a knife, before backup arrived, investigators say.

The LAPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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 Harris County court buildings, pictured in 2020. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

More than 270 people were convicted of murder or capital murder in Harris County last year, a figure that more than doubled the number of convictions in the county before the COVID-19 pandemic, District Attorney Kim Ogg said.

Ogg, who is in the midst of a reelection campaign against former county prosecutor Sean Teare in the March primary, on Friday touted the increase in the total number of convictions the DA's office won last year, either through trials or plea negotiations. She credited a special team of prosecutors, convened in 2022, that focuses on murder and capital murder cases for the increase. She said 564 murder charges were filed in 2022, 301 in 2023.

Ogg's office had not responded as of Friday afternoon about the number of dismissals in 2023.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"In 2023, what you can see is that our prosecutors and our courts went to work on murder," Ogg said.

MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Thousands of Houstonians are sent to jail with no legal basis under DA Ogg, judges say

Last year's murder convictions led to people being sentenced to more than 7,000 years in prison, Ogg said.

The murder convictions in 2023 happened in cases that were first filed as far back as 2018, Ogg said. The average murder case takes more than three years to resolve from the time it's first filed, she said.

There were 14 murder trials that ended with an accused person being acquitted, according to the DA's office. It was unclear from the figures released Friday how many murder charges were dismissed last year.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

There are still more than 1,700 murder and capital murder cases in the Harris County court system that have yet to be resolved, Ogg said.

"We're a long way from being finished," she said. "We still, and always will, have many capital (murder) and murder cases pending until the murder rate really comes down and the courts stay open and the labs keep our evidence coming."

Even before the pandemic, Harris County courts were backlogged because of disruptions caused by Hurricane Harvey, which flooded the county courthouses.

Still, the total number of convictions last year is nearly triple the number of convictions Ogg's office achieved prior to the major disruption to the justice system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the DA's office convicted 98 people or murder or capital murder. In 2020, when courts were closed or forced to do business remotely, there were only 37 such convictions, according to the DA's office numbers.

The first years of the pandemic saw a spike in violent crime reported in Houston and across the country. Violent crime rates are going down, but a backlog in unresolved cases still exist.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Along with her team of prosecutors, Ogg credited the conviction increase to a state law passed in 2023 that mandated district courts to prioritize murder cases. She said police were getting better at solving crimes - thanks to the advances in security cameras and evidence gathered from cellphones - but repeated a criticism that backlogs in Houston's crime lab were delaying the resolution of more cases.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Most travelers prefer nonstop flights to get to their destinations, depending on cost. Wichita Eisenhower National Airport offers 11 year-round nonstop flights and five seasonal ones.

On Friday, Wichitas Director of Airports Jesse Romo named five additional routes the city is trying to get: New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte.

The dark blue lines show where Wichita wants to have nonstop air service: New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte. (Courtesy City of Wichita)

Charlotte is amazingly the third largest hub in the world, and that is a huge American hub thats been growing, so that is one that weve got our eye on that we continuously talk to Americans about, he said.

He said businesses have indicated New York is one of the targets they want to see next.

There might be more opportunity in Newark vs. a JFK just because of slot restrictions with airlines, Romo said. It depends on whos growing. Uniteds got the biggest hub, but theyre really not going to grow it this year.

Sedgwick County employee arrested while on duty, suspected of official misconduct

He thinks United may look at growth in 2025, and he said there are things Wichita can do to set the stage.

At this point, the optimistic is maybe we can get closer in 25, but that doesnt mean we let off the gas in 24, Romo said. We have to keep moving full steam ahead.

He warned that it is unlikely the airport would be able to repeat 2023 when four nonstop flights were announced: Phoenix, Miami, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C.

Last year was an anomaly, he said. Typically, its a very long process to get air service.

ICT returning to normal

Romo covered several topics as he presented his annual report to the Wichita City Council on Friday.

He said airport revenue in 2023 was up eight percent over 2022, while expenses were five percent under budget.

More Kansas drivers topping 100 mph

Even though there were 11% fewer flights in and out of the airport, the number of passengers was close to the record-breaking year of 2019. Romo says its because airlines are shifting to bigger planes.

Were getting way from the regional, smaller jets and getting into the bigger aircraft, less pilots, less crews, less aircraft, so the airlines are responding accordingly, he said.

He said the airline industry continues to face challenges, such as aircraft certifications, pilot shortages and air traffic control shortages.

But were still expecting to see continued growth throughout the industry over the next couple years, Romo said.

Staffing issues

Romo said the airport is facing the same staffing challenges as other businesses.

Its a competitive market right now, right, and so its a reduced workforce, he said.

He said other companies offer signing bonuses, incentives and better salaries than Wichita can.

In 23, the amount of hires that we had about equaled the amount of exits that we had, Romo said. It takes a lot of effort to get people in and fully trained, and then were doing our best to try and fill those gaps.

He said mechanic and HVAC positions are particularly difficult to fill. The airport operations division, which oversees construction and does safety inspections, only has five or six workers. If one or two of them leave, it is a significant hit to staffing levels.

Theyll get their feet wet into the airport operations environment and get a lot of experience in things that are going on out there, and we usually see them grow and develop and take on bigger roles at bigger airports, Romo said. So, thats a lot of what that turnover is.

He said the airport grounds and fleet division is short on equipment operators and mechanics. They are trying to cross-train others to help with snow removal.

It takes a lot of training for them to know where the (runway) lights are, Romo said. You knock out the wrong light, and you could shut down an entire runway.

Change coming to screening passengers

Passengers are used to getting screened by the Transportation Security Administration, but Romo said the TSA is changing things to give the duty to local airports. He is not happy about it.

They created this new amendment to us and said, Well, youre going to have to do it now. So we have to create a new program, create new training standards, get all this ramped up, Romo said.

He said the TSA originally wanted airports to take over in five months, but airports complained, and the TSA changed it to one year.

Starting next year, were going to be in a position where were going to end up having to hire more staff, Romo said. Its a national policy, so its going to have cost ramifications to us.

He hopes national airport associations or Congress can intervene before it happens.

Parking garage

The parking garage is a huge revenue generator for the airport. Romo said the staff is working on a $2.5 million project to make electronic vehicle charging stations possible for rental car agencies and airport customers.

One of the things we had was a request from rental car companies to do this, and so we are building out the infrastructure in the parking garage first in order to sustain the additional electrical load and draw, he said.

He hopes to complete most of the infrastructure by the end of 2024.

Whats next for the airport?

The last airport master plan was done in 2005. Romo said it is time for another one. The airport has already selected a consultant.

There will be a lot of stakeholder engagement, and well be utilizing our Airport Advisory Board and other people to participate in giving us input and feedback, he said.

Romo says the project will be a 20-year outlook for the airport. He expects it to kick off this year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) were detected and tracked on Feb. 9, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) press release.

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This is the third time NORAD detected and tracked Russian aircraft in four days. This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.

Read also: NATO aviation alerted as Russian Su-35 intercepts Polish border plane over Black Sea

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

The United States has regularly reported sightings of Russian military aircraft in the Alaska region over the past year.

Earlier, Pro-Kremlin voices on social media have expressed strange optimism that Russia might somehow challenge U.S. sovereignty over Alaska.

This followed an order by Russian President Vladimir Putin directing authorities to search for foreign lands that once belonged to the former USSR the Russian Empire and register ownership over them.



Read also: German AF scramble planes after Russian military jet without transponder spotted over Baltic Sea

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 group of Nordic and Baltic countries, together with Czechia, have called on the European Commission to prepare a proposal for new sectoral sanctions against Russia and further curtail trade with the aggressor country.

Source: European Pravda, citing a joint letter posted by Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Quote: "Only 60% of our trade with Russia is subject to EU sanctions. There is 40% more to go to stop feeding the aggressor's war machine."

Details: In the letter, the foreign ministers of the signatory countries note that the EU has not yet exhausted its options for imposing sanctions on Russia and that sanctions pressure should be increased, while also strengthening safeguards against circumventing existing restrictions.

Quote from the letter: "We urge the European Commission to present a proposal for the next package of sectoral sanctions as soon as possible. Although the additional listing of individuals and entities for the second anniversary of the war is an effective measure, we believe that it should be complemented, with utmost priority, with efficient sectoral sanctions.

Our focus should be on further cutting Russian revenues to finance the war, cutting off its access to sensitive goods and technology empowering its military machine, and tackling evasion and circumvention of sanctions."

The letter is signed by the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Czechia.

As Russia continues its war in #Ukraine & against the rules-based world,urge @EU_Commission to present a proposal of new sectoral sanctions.

Only 60% of our trade with Russia is under #EU sanctions. There is 40% more to go to stop feeding the aggressors war machine. pic.twitter.com/BJjtBRq0RT  Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) February 9, 2024

Background:

The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia to be approved by the second anniversary of the full-scale war. According to media reports, it is expected to include about 120 or more individuals and companies, including some involved in arms imports from North Korea.

The EU approved its 12th package of sanctions against Russia on 18 December 2023. The aggressor country's diamond industry was particularly affected by the restrictions.

Support UP or become our patron!
North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson seems to want to ban transgender people from using the bathroom that most aligns with their gender identity. Yes, the same kind of bathroom bill that failed almost seven years ago.

In recent remarks as Robinson campaigns to be the states next governor, hes said that transgender women should be arrested for using womens bathrooms. Hes also said that instead of using the womens bathroom, trans women should find a corner outside somewhere.

We're going to defend women in this state, the GOP politician said in a video filmed at a campaign event this month. That means if you're a man on Friday night, and all the sudden on Saturday, you feel like a woman, and you want to go in the women's bathroom in the mall, you will be arrested  or whatever we got to do to you.

Mark Robinson - We Will Arrest People For Using The Bathroom They Choose www.youtube.com

In another speech, Robinson said, if you are confused, find a corner outside somewhere to go. We're not tearing society down because of this.

Mark Robinson on Bathrooms www.youtube.com

Robinsons opponents for the Republican nomination for governor havent addressed or condemned his anti-trans comments, but have called him out for his other bigoted remarks.

Mark Robinson will lose and hurt all GOP candidates if he is the nominee, candidate Bill Grahams spokesman Alex Baltzegar said in an email to North Carolina public radio station WUNC. His comments about the Holocaust being hogwash along with his demeaning comments about women will wreck GOP chances for regaining the White House and the governorship here in North Carolina.

The station reports that Grahams campaign launched new campaign ads and a website, meetmarkrobinson.com, which focus on Robinsons incendiary comments. The outlet notes that the ads leave out his anti-LGBTQ+ statements.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell, another GOP lawmaker running for governor, echoed Robinsons transphobia. He said, women should be in womens bathrooms only, and if the General Assembly thinks those laws need to be tightened, then thats something they should work on ... I just think there are so many laws that people need to make sure are actually being enforced, according to the radio station.

Hes historys latest example of someone whos trying to rise to power based on telling people who to hate, Folwell added.

Robinson has a history of making gross anti-LGBTQ+ comments.

Speaking at a North Carolina church in June 2021, he said, Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth.

He added, And yes, I called it filth, and if you dont like that I called it filth, come see me and Ill explain it to you.

In November of that year, in another church appearance, he said straight couples are superior to same-sex ones because they can potentially reproduce sexually. He equated LGBTQ+ people with what the cows leave behind as well as maggots and flies.
MD Anderson Cancer Center is seen, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

A junior faculty member at MD Anderson Cancer Center has accused a high-profile scientist of improperly taking credit for research and making false, defamatory statements that damaged her career, according to a lawsuit filed in Harris County.

The suit, filed in August and first reported Thursday by STAT News, represents an unusual public clash at one of the worlds leading cancer research hubs. The defendant, Dr. Padmanee Sharma, is a senior MD Anderson faculty member and a major figure in the field of immunotherapy, or treatment that uses a persons immune system to attack cancer cells. She is married to Dr. James Allison, a Nobel Prize winner and the namesake of MD Andersons Allison Institute.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The plaintiff, Dr. Jamie Lin, an assistant professor and onco-nephrologist at MD Anderson, alleged in court documents that Sharma used threats to claim a significant authorship position on a manuscript submitted to a research journal, even though Sharma wasnt involved in the original work. Lin said Sharma began to repeatedly threaten and intentionally defame her after they continued to disagree on the authorship position. Sharma interfered with another manuscript from Lin, falsely alleging plagiarism, according to the lawsuit.

Sharma issued a general denial of the allegations in court documents. As an employee of a University of Texas System institution, she asserted sovereign immunity, a legal principle that protects governmental agencies from lawsuits. Her attorneys with the Texas Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Lin could not be reached for comment Friday. Her attorney, Julia Haines, was not immediately able to respond when reached by phone.

MD Anderson, which is not named as a defendant, said it does not comment on pending litigation. The dispute became public only after failed mediation attempts within the institution, the lawsuit said. Lin asserted in court documents that she has no complaint against MD Anderson and that she wants to continue working there.

We can share that the institution has established processes for addressing concerns filed by any MD Anderson employee, according to a statement from an MD Anderson spokesperson. Upon receiving a concern, the institution immediately initiates its review process. In some cases, an external review may be required. Upon completion of each review, the institution addresses the findings and closes the matter.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

IMMUNE THERAPY: Combination immunotherapy promising in advanced prostate cancer

In the medical field, authorship positions convey how much a person contributed to the work and can carry a certain amount of prestige. For example, they can help researchers obtain promotions or funding to support future endeavors.

One of the manuscripts at the center of the dispute deals with tertiary lymphoid structures  clusters of immune cells that can develop in inflamed tissues. TLS is associated with conditions like autoimmune disorders, infections and cancer.

The complaint says Lins spouse, Dr. Cassian Yee, conceptualized the idea in November 2020 of a TLS signature in immune nephritis, or kidney damage caused by the immunotherapy. In the complaint, Lin said she and her spouse led the research laid out in the paper. The research and findings are not detailed in court documents.

After Lin presented the analysis to her superiors, including Sharma, the senior researcher unambiguously verbally threatened Lin at the Santa Barbara Airport, demanding to be added to the manuscript as a senior corresponding author, the lawsuit said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

That authorship position typically indicates that the researcher worked in a supervisory role. It also gives them the important responsibility of communicating with the journal during the submission process and other interested parties after publication.

The complaint said Sharma threatened to pull financial support for Lins research if the senior researcher was not included. The junior faculty member was frightened for the stability of her career and was forced to acquiesce, according to the complaint. Later, Sharma agreed to remove her name from the manuscript at Lins request but continued to make other attempts to claim credit, the lawsuit states.

After the manuscript was submitted for publication, Sharma wrote to the publication, the Cancer Immunology Research Journal, suggesting an investigation had been opened into Lins connection to the research. No such investigation existed, the lawsuit said, adding that the statement was false and defamatory.

The manuscript was ultimately pulled from publication on Nov. 10, 2021. The journal returned the manuscript and told Lin that it would not be sent for a re-review because of Sharmas allegations of an internal investigation. Mediation attempts between the two researchers failed, the lawsuit said, and Lin was eventually required to put the issue behind her.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In 2022, Lin completed a draft of another manuscript and circulated the document among her superiors. After it was accepted to be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight, Sharma emailed the journal editor and falsely alleged Lin plagiarized data, patient sources and research results, the lawsuit said. Sharma also told the editor that the journal accepted the work without including us as co-authors, according to an excerpt from an email included in the complaint.

With the manuscripts publication stalled, Lin hired an outside expert to investigate the plagiarism claims and found no basis for the allegations, the lawsuit said. Her pleas continued to be ignored by superiors, forcing her to seek court intervention, the lawsuit said.
All the occupants of the automobiles damaged in Friday's fiery plane crash on I-75 in Naples survived, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Five people were on the private jet when it crashed on the highway, killing two people on board.

Two ground vehicles were damaged in the crash: a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2023 Nissan Armada SUV. The driver of the Silverado, a 48-year-old Naples man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital, FHP said.

The driver of the Nissan, a 66-year-old woman, and her two passengers, an 85-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman, escaped with no injuries. The occupants of the Nissan were all from Massachusetts, according to FHP.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 jet crashed on southbound Interstate 75, near mile marker 107, Pine Ridge Road, at about 3:10 p.m.

The pilot reported a dual engine failure to the Naples airport shortly before the crash, according to a recording of flight communications. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Florida plane crash: People in vehicles hit on 1-75 survived
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A central Ohio city agreed this week to a settlement with a former K-9 officer and a truck driver involved in an attack last year, video of which garnered national attention and raised questions about the use of dogs to apprehend suspects.

Records shared with The Associated Press by the city of Circleville show it will pay Jadarrius Rose $225,000 after he suffered bites from a dog that was part of the Circleville Police Departments canine unit on July 4. Rose signed the settlement documents on Jan. 8.

Runner beating the odds says exercise slowed progression of multiple sclerosis

Kenneth Abbarno, Roses attorney, said the settlement is a step towards accountability but the effects of the attack on the 24-year-old will stay with him.

What happened to Jadarrius can never be remedied, Abbarno said. This has permanently altered how hes going to encounter law enforcement for the rest of his life.

Additional records signed Thursday by former officer Ryan Speakman, the dogs handler, show that the city also agreed to pay him $40,000.

Under the settlement, records relating to Speakmans termination will be removed from his personnel file, he will submit a voluntary letter of resignation effective last July and he will be able to purchase Serg, the Belgian Malinois who bit Rose, from the city for $1.

The city will also provide Speakman with a neutral letter of reference detailing his dates of employment, his position at the department and his pay rate at the time of his resignation, according to records.

Supporting Alex: Local HS teams-up to help classmate

Speakman was placed on leave and then fired from the force after the agency said he did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers.

Also as part of the settlement, the Ohio Patrolmans Benevolent Association must withdraw a grievance the union filed arguing that he was fired without sufficient grounds.

The union which has represented Speakman, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Speakman is scheduled to have an arbitration hearing on Feb. 21.

During Roses arrest near Circleville, recorded by police body cameras, Speakman let the dog maul Rose while he was on his knees with his hands in the air, as state troopers shouted for him to restrain the animal. Rose, then 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, required hospital treatment.

A police report said the chase on Ohio Route 35 began because Roses truck appeared to be missing a mudflap and he did not stop for an inspection.

Two reported dead after plane from Ohio State Airport crashes in southwest Florida

Police have alleged that Rose initially refused to get out of the truck and later defied instructions to get on the ground.

While the dog was on Rose, a trooper yelled: Get the dog off of him! Rose, in visible pain, said Get it off! Please! Please! before the attack ended.

Audio recordings indicate that Ross told a 911 dispatcher the officers pursuing him were trying to kill him and he did not feel safe pulling over. He also said he was confused about why the officers were trying to stop him and why they had guns drawn after he briefly stopped before driving away.

The dispatcher told Rose to stop and to comply with officers, and that they were not trying to harm him.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The Russians attacked an oil depot in Kharkiv overnight, killing seven people.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration reported that at least 10 UAVs were launched from Russian territory, with eight of them being successfully shot down.

Quote from Syniehubov: "The attack targeted the oil depot, leading to a fuel leak. Currently, one fuel tank is still intact, posing a persistent danger.

If necessary, we will expand the evacuation and relocation zone.

50 people have already been evacuated. Four people were rescued, including one child. Over 200 rescue workers are involved in dealing with the aftermath of the attack."

Background:

Russian Shahed drones attacked a gas station in Kharkiv on the night of 9-10 February, causing an oil spill that, in turn, set 14 private residential buildings on fire. Kharkiv authorities initially said one civilian was killed in the attack.

Later, it became known that after the nighttime Russian attack on Kharkiv, a fire in a private house killed a family of five people: a husband and wife and their three children.

Support UP or become our patron!
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Crestview teen has been arrested after making online threats of bombing a school, according to law enforcement officials.

UPDATE: Mobile woman arrested after Friday morning shooting on South Ann Street

The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office charged a 16-year-old with making an electronic threat of a mass shooting/terrorist act on Wednesday night, according to an OCSO news release.

According to authorities, the teen had created a video threatening to use explosives to blow up Crestview High School.

Arrest reports said that two juveniles posted a video on Snapchat.

In the video, one said, Of course we hate school.

The other person, the 16-year-old, said they would blow up the school with C4 in their backpacks.

The teen said the comments in the video were a joke, adding that they were part of a social media trend.

Burris Farm Market closes after more than three decades in Baldwin County

Authorities said that making a written or electronic threat of a mass shooting or terrorist act is a second-degree felony.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
An Oklahoma judge stepped down Friday after allegedly exchanging more than 500 texts with a bailiff in which she mocked trial participants and talked offensively about the states attorneys while she presided over a June murder trial.

Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom agreed to resign as part of a settlement with the state after it accused her of inappropriate conduct on the bench and petitioned for her removal from office. She had held the position in the 23rd Judicial District of Oklahoma since January 2023 and her term was set to expire in January 2027.

A petition filed in October cited text exchanges in which Soderstrom made fun of attorneys, jurors and witnesses. The filing also described Soderstrom showing a dislike for state prosecutors while showing favor to the defendant and complimenting the defense attorney. Accusations against her included gross neglect of duty, gross partiality in office and oppression in office, according to the filing.

I promised to ensure the law and procedures were applied equally to Plaintiff and Defendant alike, Soderstrom said in the resignation statement released by her attorney. In spite of resistance at nearly every turn, I believe that I have done so. However, being human, I have also faltered.

The Council on Judicial Complaints found Soderstrom and the courtroom bailiff texted each other copiously during the trial, mocking a prosecutors appearance and praising a defense attorneys comments, according to the petition.

One of the texts from Soderstrom to the bailiff cited in the petition read that the district attorney was sweating through his coat. In another, she commented, Why does he have baby hands?  They are so weird looking, the petition said.

Praising the defense attorney, the judge texted, Shes awesome. Soderstrom later asked, Can I clap for her? the filing said. She also texted the bailiff that a police officer who took the stand was pretty, adding, I could look at him all day, according to the petition.

Soderstrom in other messages used an expletive to call one video played to a witness boring, speculated whether one juror was wearing a wig and opined that due to a lack of DNA evidence against the defendant, there would be no way they get guilty on murder, according to the petition.

In her statement, Soderstrom said she had intended to take the allegations to trial but changed her mind.

My core beliefs and the variables that served me well as an attorney  honesty, preparation, principles and passion  are better utilized as an advocate and not as an arbiter, she wrote. The actions necessary to disseminate the information and required to hold each person and elected official accountable for their actions require more than a trial before the Judiciary.

The settlement agreement does not contain any admission of wrongdoing.

Under the settlement, Soderstrom agreed to not seek another judicial position in Oklahoma, but the deal does not prevent her from running for public office.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
UPDATE @ 3:25 P.M.

News 4s Amaya Ward reports from the scene that police say two customers were in an altercation outside of the dispensary and started shooting each other.

The person who was shot drove themselves to the hospital and is in stable condition.

The other suspect went to a nearby house where police arrested him and are now towing his car.

ORIGINAL STORY

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  One person has been transported to the hospital following a shooting at a dispensary near SW 55th Street and S Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

Shooting at dispensary near SW 55th St. and S Pennsylvania Ave. Photo courtesy KFOR.

Shooting at dispensary near SW 55th St. and S Pennsylvania Ave. Photo courtesy KFOR.

Oklahoma City Police say they responded to a call about a disturbance at a dispensary where two people reportedly fired shots at each other.

One person was injured and transported to the hospital in unknown condition. Police say the other ran from the scene to a nearby house.

News 4 has a crew on the scene and will provide updates when more information is available.

This is a developing story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Update: Victim IDd after call for help leads deputies to man stabbed to death in Fallbrook

FALLBROOK, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  One person was found dead at a motel after a stabbing Friday in Fallbrook, authorities said.

The call was reported to law enforcement around 4:21 p.m. from an Econo Lodge Inn & Suites located at 1608 South Mission Road, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI.

Hold on to what you love. All five Marines killed in helicopter crash identified

A witness told the sheriffs department about a potential suspect who ran from the area with blood on his clothing. When authorities went to search the area, a neighbor reported a suspicious person in their yard, prompting deputies to surround the suspect and safely detain him.

Authorities evacuated motel residents as the investigation is ongoing.

The victims identity has not been released at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Colette McLeary stands in front of her new home in West Houston on Wednesday, Feb. 7 2024. Photo courtesy Operation Homefront

Becoming a first-time homeowner is usually life-changing. But for Colette McLeary, who has moved more than 15 times in the last 12 years, receiving the keys to her home felt like a sign she is safe and secure.

McLeary was handed the keys to her new home Wednesday as part of nonprofit Operation Homefronts efforts to support veterans. The house will officially belong to her, mortgage-free, after two or three years. Until then, she will receive quarterly check-ins and financial education from Operation Homefront.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

This home is beautiful, she said. They really thought of everything. Walking through the home for the first time, I felt like a kid again.

She said she has already fallen in love with the details of the West Houston residence, such as the crown molding and flooring.

Operation Homefront has helped connect 685 veterans to homes since 2012, and JPMorgan Chase, one of their earliest partners, has helped fund more than 500. They celebrated the occasion through a press event Wednesday with a tour of the home McLeary had not seen before.

More than 60% of military and veteran families spend more than they can afford when it comes to housing, according to Operation Homefront. The goal is to get veterans into homes they can afford to maintain in the long term.

We want to try to get them out of that rent cycle so they can become homeowners, said JPMorgan Chase Vice Chairman Marty Goossen.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

McLeary, who served for 12 years in the Marine Corps and four years in the Army, said she wanted to move to Houston from California to be closer to her son and his family.

She heard about Operation Homefront through a friend and was attracted to it because of the financial education the organization could offer.

She is the first Marine and woman to serve in her family. McLeary has been waiting for a home through the program since the fall, and she said having a stable home will help her ongoing adjustment to civilian life.

I just wasnt stable. I moved around a lot from state to state, and even within the state, because of rent increases. I had to find something cheaper, McLeary said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

She said her 4-year-old grandson already knows which room he wants to call his own when he spends weekends at her home.
Editors Note: Danielle Campoamor is a freelance writer formerly of TODAY and NBC. The views expressed here are her own. Read more opinion on CNN.

After the Democratic Party gifted the GOP with what has been lauded as the most conservative, restrictive immigration and border security bill in recent history, Republicans have rejected the proposal at the behest of the partys leader, 2024 GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. After playing by Republicans inhumane rules, Democrats are left with no agreement and emerge with battered values in the process.

Danielle Campoamor - Ashley Batz

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson proudly declared the deal was dead on arrival after the text of the bill was released on Sunday, though it is not clear whether Johnson actually took the time to read any of it. Trump has continuously lambasted the legislation, claiming on his makeshift social media platform Truth Social that only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill. His sycophantic followers in the House and the Senate have, of course, followed suit, with Republicans blocking the bill in a procedural vote in the upper chamber.

Now, the path to any hope for immigration reform in the near future is all but blocked, and Democrats seem perplexed. More than a few liberal legislators have been scratching their heads at the notion that their political counterparts would outwardly reject an anti-immigration fantasy of a bill despite Trumps endless claims that rapists, criminals, people from so-called insane asylums and deadly drugs are crossing the border willy-nilly.

Just gobsmacked, Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii posted on social media. Ive never seen anything like it. They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it.

This back-and-forth political theater should serve as a reminder to Democrats that playing by the inhumane rules of the GOP in the name of faux compromise is an exercise in futility and an embarrassment for the only political party acting like the adults in the room.

The bill itself  one President Joe Biden is all-too-happy to lobby for on the national stage  is antithetical to the promises made at the start of the Biden-Harris presidency. On Bidens first day in office and with images of children locked in cages still fresh in our collective memory, the president sent a comprehensive immigration bill to Congress that he claimed sought to restore humanity and American values to our immigration system.

Now, he is championing a bill that would allow any sitting president to completely shut down the southern border if crossings surpass 5,000 on average per day or 8,500 in a single day. In a 2018 tweet, then-President Trump threatened to do much of the same  close the southern border entirely if he didnt get money to build his wall.

The $118 billion package would also limit access to the asylum system, making it harder for those fleeing their homes to seek refuge in the United States. It funds the very border-barrier construction Trump ran on not once but twice and restricts the use of what is known as humanitarian parole, in which immigrants can seek temporary legal status that allows migrants to not only enter the country but legally work.

The same so-called bipartisan bill completely leaves out the future status of the roughly 580,000 active DACA recipients, or Dreamers, whose parents brought them to this country as children without legal status.

Dreamers are Americans, Biden tweeted back in 2020 during his winning presidential campaign. But Trump ripped away the hard-won protections of DACA recipients, throwing their lives into upheaval. Its unacceptable, and on day one of my presidency I will protect them from deportation and send a bill to Congress.

Now, Biden is stomaching a piece of legislation that negates that promise and many more. Instead, presumably in the name of a re-election quest, his administration as well as rank-and-file Democrats are treating DACA recipients much like Republicans do: as political pawns worth sacrificing as they search for so-called common ground with a group of bad-faith actors who do not care what happens at the border, only that they can campaign off of it.

A compromise assumes that both parties have a general understanding of give, get, lose, gain  a concept that no longer exists in Republican politics but one that Democrats seem hellbent on holding onto. This is not the Republican Party of days long past, yet every year Democrats refuse to act accordingly. As a result, they have started to regurgitate right-wing immigration talking points, using words like border crisis and flow of deadly fentanyl when all evidence points to the contrary. In 2022 seizures of fentanyl were up 480% compared to 2020, according to US Customs and Border Protection  proof that border security is doing its job and intercepting smugglers and shipments of illegal drugs.

And despite the pearl-clutching and fearmongering of GOP politicians and pundits warning of an immigrant invasion, Republican lawmakers still shot down the agreement intended to address what the House speaker called a catastrophe at the border. As Sen. Krysten Sinema of Arizona  who was arguably a Republican in Democrat clothing until becoming a member of the Independent party  said on the Senate floor, After all their cable news appearances, after all those campaign photo ops in the desert, after all those trips to the border, this crisis isnt actually much of a crisis at all.

If the Democrats want to win in 2024 and beyond, it would behoove the party to stop treating the GOP as anything other than a farce and, instead, stay true to the morals, ethics and values they claim to champion. To stoop to the level of the Republican Party, where the bar is already in Satans basement, is to diminish this countrys political state as a whole. Dont take a page out of the GOPs manual; burn it.

The American voter deserves a party that stands up for what is right and upholds the very foundation of this country  one built on the backs of immigrants seeking refuge and the American dream. What voters do not need is a party that caves to their toddler counterparts by gladly handing them the cup they asked for, only to have those same toddlers throw it to the ground because its blue, not red, and therefore not good enough.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Friday Channel 9 saw groups of kids filling business parking lots instead of classrooms.

This has been an ongoing problem in Central Florida since the pandemic.

Orange County School District has surpassed the state average for student absences.

Channel 9 received complaints from community members about large groups of students skipping school and causing a disturbance in the community.

Read: 5 Marines killed in helicopter crash identified

Channel 9 drove past and saw groups of kids hanging out instead of sitting in their classrooms.

In an interview, Orange County Superintendent Maria Vazquez called attendance a challenge, as 27% of the districts students were chronically absent- missing 21 days in a school year in 2021-2022.

We used guidance counselors and staff to go out and do home visits, Vazquez said. Make parents aware their child is missing school.

Read: Police release description of vehicle possibly involved in New Smyrna Beach deadly hit-and-run crash

Channel 9 spoke to a mom from Winter Park, she is aware her kids are missing school but its not by choice.

If the parent has to be at work at 8:00 a.m. and the bus is supposed to come at 8:30 what happens if the bus doesnt show up? Ebony Kingwood said.

Kingwood said her children have missed three days since January.

Read: Small plane crashes into vehicle while making an emergency landing on I-75

Their bus has either come early without warning or significantly late and she doesnt have a car to make up for the inconsistencies.

Either they stay home, or I have to find a ride for them to get to school, Kingwood said.

Community members spoke up about the impacts of the students who chose not to go to class, some businesses lock their doors.

We have had a reduction in the number of students who are chronically absent but our percentage is still in the 20s, Vazquez said.

OCPS would not provide the data reflecting the reduction.

In September, the district said it was working to hire a truancy interventionist, we learned it has not done it yet.

The district also acknowledged transportation issues playing a role in some absences.

I asked what plans they discussed or made to address that issue.

They did share plans that addressed the transportation problem but said students wont be penalized due to transportation issues.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  With Valentines Day approaching, romance movie enthusiasts could be looking beyond classics like The Notebook and Notting Hill to add to their watchlist.

Oregon may be a more popular location for horror and thriller movies, but plenty of filmmakers have used the state as the backdrop for their love stories  although some are more conventional than others.

Tokyo Sando to join Midtown Beer Garden months after announcing closure

Goldie Hawn portrays a wealthy, mean-spirited heiress who is diagnosed with amnesia after falling off a boat. Although she is married to another man, her hired carpenter  played by Kurt Russell  convinces her that she is his wife and the mother of four boys. While acting as a family, the two somehow fall in love. The movie features scenes in the beach town of Newport.

In this film inspired by Charles Baxters 2000 novel The Feast of Love, Morgan Freeman stars as a college professor who narrates the complicated relationships of customers who frequent a coffee shop in Portland. Residents may recognize some of the scenes set at Reed College or the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub.

Gov. Tina Koteks multi-million dollar housing bill gains momentum

Luke Wilson is the main character in this story about a Portlander whose love of marijuana causes his love interest to move to New York City. Before he travels to NYC in hopes of rekindling the relationship, the film includes many scenes in Portland, Sauvie Island and Vancouver, Wash.

The jury may still be out on whether Twilight is a true love story, but the movie based on Stephenie Meyers fantasy book was considered swoon-worthy by many. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson act as love interests who live in Forks, Wash.  but many scenes were filmed in Portland, St. Helens and Oregon beaches and parks.

El Nino is ending soon. La Nada is up next

Based on the novel of the same name, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues centers a woman born with large thumbs that help her hitchhike across the country. Uma Thurman leads as Sissy Hankshaw, who ultimately falls in love with a fellow cowgirl on a ranch. The movie features multiple Oregon cities including Sisters and Bend.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The worst kept secret in Kyiv has finally been confirmed: the man who led Ukraines armed forces for two years is out of his job.

President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Thursday, after 10 days of rumor and speculation  and months of a fraying relationship.

The announcement comes at a critical moment in the war with Russia and is likely to herald a change in Ukrainian strategy. But it is also hazardous.

The removal of Zaluzhnyi from his position as commander-in-chief comes as Ukrainian units are on the backfoot in several parts of the long front line, especially in the eastern Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. They are desperately short of shells and other munitions and running short of experienced soldiers.

The Russian war machine is running at full tilt and has a much larger pool of men to draw from than Ukraine to replenish its ranks. Russia is skirting international sanctions and its oil revenues help fund plentiful war spending.

Zelensky said he and Zaluzhnyi had a frank discussion about what needs to be changed in the army. Urgent changes. He added that the feeling of stagnation in the southern areas and the difficulties in the fighting in Donetsk region have affected the public mood.

The public mood is indeed gloomier. According to a recent survey in Ukraine, those who believe that events are going in the wrong direction increased from 16% in May 2022 to 33% in December 2023.

Its unlikely that Zaluzhnyis replacement, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, will offer a radical change of style but he is thought to be closer to Zelensky.

Syrskyi has been in command of land forces since the Russian invasion but was criticized for extending the defense of Bakhmut at great human cost. Subordinates have described him as lacking empathy and some soldiers took to calling him General 200 (200 is the military code for killed-in-action.)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Oleksandr Syrskyi, seen in Kupiansk. - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

Syrskyi is seen a consensus choice, says Matthew Schmidt, director of the International Affairs program at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Some say hes too Soviet, meaning unimaginative but capable, some say he doesnt take uncomfortable truths well  something Zaluzhnyi did  and some say hes the best of the worst kind of general.

Schmidt says there are few options right now. Maybe its a phase in the war where a safe choice is the right move.

Syrskyis most urgent task will be to stabilize the front lines. Also in his inbox: how to replenish the depleted ranks of some of Ukraines best brigades and how to expedite the arrival of Western munitions at the front lines - and how to cope until that happens.

Other priorities include: what stress to place on longer-range strikes against Russian infrastructure such as fuel depots and military bases, integrating F-16 combat aircraft into battle plans, and the rapid development of the next generation of unmanned systems.

Shortages on the frontlines

Amid persistent Russian attacks around Avdiivka and Kupyansk, the first priority is make sure you can hold the current line of contact, Schmidt says.

Frontlines have changed little in months despite fierce fighting. - Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu/Getty Images

Putins tactical weakness doesnt mean he cant kill thousands of his soldiers in an attempt to take significant chunks of territory. Any new chief of staff has to respect that risk, he adds.

Frontline units in several vulnerable areas told CNN in recent weeks that they were often chronically short of ammunition, particularly Western 155mm artillery shells. At one gun position, troops were resupplied with smoke shells after exhausting their high-explosive ammunition, they said.

Its better than no shells, one soldier said.

The head of Ukrainian Military Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, told CNN at the end of January that ammunition is one of the most decisive factors in the war.

With the Biden administrations package of $61 billion in military aid blocked in Congress, the US has been sending smaller packages for several months, and the slowdown has already begun affecting the Ukrainian militarys planning and operations, according to US officials.

Schmidt says the immediate priority is to get enough artillery shells to the front to keep the Russians from exploiting the pause in US aid. Each artillery shell thats available to fire equates to needing fewer infantry to hold the line.

Syrskyi's manner has been criticized while the outgoing army chief is widely popular. - Vadim Ghirda/AP

Unclogging the pipeline of US military aid and boosting European production of munitions are critical priorities if Ukraine is to move from hanging on to fighting back. The EU has acknowledged it will fall far short of its goal of producing one million artillery shells for Ukraine in the year to March, estimating the number will be roughly half of that.

This week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: If you ask a soldier at the front what he needs most right now, he will say shells. This answer was the same yesterday, a month ago, six months ago and a year ago.

The main goal is to ensure that the shell shortage never turns into a shell famine, he added.

Outnumbered

Russias pool of manpower is at least three times greater than that of Ukraine. Budanov told CNN that Russian forces in and near Ukrainian territory consist of 510,000 military personnel alone.

Ukraines more professional units are exhausted by two years of non-stop combat, their ranks thinned by casualties. Ukraine does not publish figures, but US officials estimate that as many as 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and nearly twice that number injured.

The scale and speed of additional mobilization in Ukraine is a thorny political question, and one source of the rift between Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi, who said the military needed another half-million soldiers and criticized gaps in our legislation that allow citizens to evade their responsibilities.

In a column for CNN last week, Zaluzhnyi said: We must acknowledge the significant advantage enjoyed by the enemy in mobilizing human resources and how that compares with the inability of state institutions in Ukraine to improve the manpower levels of our armed forces without the use of unpopular measures.

Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi speaks with his predecessor Valerie Zaluzhnyi after awarding him with the Hero of Ukraine Gold Star. - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

A bill passing through the Ukrainian parliament would lower the minimum age for the draft to 25 from 27 (a provision Zelensky did not sign last year) and introduce harsh punishments for people who flout mobilization rules. Citizens of military age would be obliged to carry military registration documents with them.

A more ambitious version of the bill was withdrawn amid public criticism, and it remains to be seen how effective the new measure is in addressing serious shortfalls. Zelensky is concerned about the governments ability to pay for a larger standing army (frontline pay is six times the average Ukrainian wage at $3000 per month) and about the political risk.

The population is still committed to the fight, we see that in opinion surveys, but theyre exhausted, Schmidt says.

Unmanned systems

Zaluzhnyi has persistently argued that given Russias higher pool of manpower and armor, Ukraine needs a step-change in its battlefield technology: more sophisticated drones and other unmanned systems would provide real-time intelligence and accurate targeting information, for example.

In his recent essay Zaluzhnyi suggested that turbo-charging such investment, as well as embracing cyber technology, could produce results within five months.

Time is of the essence. The Russian military continues to make mistakes, but it is learning and adapting, especially in the exploitation of attack and reconnaissance drones and electronic warfare.

Budanov told CNN that the Russians had conducted what you call lessons learned and drew their own conclusionsThe number of unmanned systems of all kinds, including ground-based systems and so on, has increased significantly.

Ukrainian soldiers defending the skies around the capital, Kyiv, told CNN that the Russians were fielding new camouflage, deceptive flightpaths and engineering innovations to make their drones and missiles harder to take down.

The Russian military has also exploited glide technology to deliver aerial bombs more accurately, one reason that the Ukrainian offensive in the south faltered last summer.

Put simply, Ukraine needs to widen the technological gap, as Zelensky acknowledged in his address announcing the leadership shake-up. Its rapidly expanding domestic drone industry will be critical in that effort and is already showing results.

First person, or FPV drones deployed in the Avdiivka area have had a devastating effect on Russian attempts to encircle the town, inflicting heavy losses on tanks and munitions vehicles. Lt. Gen. Serhii Naiev, Commander of Ukraines Joint Forces, says they are a much cheaper but no less effective means of destroying enemy equipment and manpower than anti-tank missile systems and artillery ammunition.

The introduction of F-16s, expected at the earliest this spring, should erode the Russians edge in the skies, but Zaluzhnyis stated goal of achieving absolute air superiority to enable Ukraine to go on the offensive seems a distant prospect. Meshing the new combat planes into an overall battle strategy will be a critical task for Syrskyi.

One area where the Ukrainians have been successful in recent months is in extending their attacks against Russian military infrastructure, transport links and refineries, as far away as St Petersburg and the Russian Far East.

The recent drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) strike on a refinery in Volgograd was the latest win in a series of targeted strikes.

More significant still, and despite having virtually no navy of its own, the special operations run by Budanov and the Security Service (SBU) have allowed Ukraine to bottle up the Russian Black Sea Fleet in portwhile also destroying multiple air-defense and ammunition sites in Crimea, according to the US Naval Institute.

Ukraine has pioneered the development of maritime drones to take out several of the Black Sea Fleets warships. Aerial drones, missiles and sabotage operations have at least disrupted Russian logistics.

They need to interdict Russia supply lines in Ukraine and make the Russian public feel the war in their daily lives. If Putin has to move resources to protect his rear, that means less to go on the attack with, in Schmidts view.

Big shoes to fill

Over the past year, a sense of optimism among Ukraines allies and frontline commanders alike has given way to a darker mood, as Zelensky has acknowledged. Zaluzhnyis gloomy assessment in December was that There will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough, a comment that did not endear him to the presidency.

Exhaustion at home, squabbles among allies (the EU versus Hungary) and the paralysis in Congress have added to what is a bleak outlook. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been buoyed by the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House.

Filling Zaluzhnyis shoes wont be easy.

Mick Ryan, a retired Australian general who has visited Ukraine and met with senior officials, describes him as a charismatic and popular military leader who anticipated and prepared in the weeks before the Russian large-scale invasion.

He is a heroic figure  devaluing his achievements is impossible, one soldier fighting in Zaporizhzhia told CNN.

Syrskyi has his own achievements, especially the defense of Kyiv in the early days and the lightning offensive that recovered swathes of Kharkiv in September 2022.

But the conflict has changed vastly since then.

Relentless Russian bombardment continues - but Ukrainian attacks on Russia are escalating. - Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty Images

In the immediate future, the Ukrainian leadership must show unity after what has been a messy changeover. Myhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the office of the President, said that during a war, political competition, especially at the level of the army, generals, and politicians, doesnt look so good.

Instilling a new sense of purpose is all the more important as Ukraine faces a window of vulnerability.

As Matthew Schmidt puts it, Putin can throw bodies at the enemy, using Russian quantity to overcome Ukrainian quality. Its a very Stalinist approach to the battlefield, and its built into Russian strategic culture.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SALINE COUNTY, Ark.  Overnight lane closures on Interstate 30 in Saline County are expected to continue through February, according to officials with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

ARDOT crews will be working in the east and westbound lanes between Highway 70 (Exit 111) and Sevier Street in Benton (Exit 116) to widen I-30 to three lanes in each direction, which will require periodic overnight lane closures.

ARDOT expects tens of millions in penalties for I-30 contractor

During the construction, eastbound or westbound traffic will be reduced to one open lane starting at 9 p.m. and will reopen no later than 6 a.m. the next morning.

Traffic will be controlled with construction barrels and signs, along with assistance from the Arkansas Highway Police.

This $187.3 million project is part of ARDOTs Connecting Arkansas Program. To learn more, visit ConnectingArkansasProgram.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
A woman has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for threatening a U.S. District Judge in Florida. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A 50-year-old Houston woman was sentenced Friday to 37 months in prison after sending threatening voicemails to the U.S. district judge in Florida presiding over Donald Trump's classified documents criminal case.

Tiffani Shea Gash pled guilty in November to the charge of interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure. She left three voicemails for U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Sept. 1, 2022, claiming Cannon would be killed.

She also claimed in two of the voicemails that she hired people to shoot and bomb Cannon's house. In the voicemails, Gash called herself "Evelyn Salt," the name of Angelina Jolie's character in the 2010 film "Salt."

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Upholding the rule of law is one of the main priorities of the Department of Justice, and that means protecting public servants from violence, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Alamdar S. Hamdani said in a statement. Holding Tiffani Gish accountable for her threats to assassinate a federal judge sends a strong message that we have no tolerance for those  who often hide behind a far-off keyboard or phone line  seeking to undermine our democratic institutions by threatening the safety of the people who help those same institutions thrive.

The guilty plea carried a maximum sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine. During Friday's hearing, Gish's mental health and previous threats to government agencies were discussed.

Gash was originally arrested a few days after she made the calls in September 2022.
Polling Staff count votes after ballot casting during the 2024 Pakistani general election. Hussain Ali/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The party of former Pakistani premier Imran Khan on Saturday claimed victory, as conflicting claims about the outcome of the national elections intensify the race to form a new government.

The leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Gohar Khan, told a press conference that we have won a majority and will form the government."

Gohar Khan rejected former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs apparent victory speech on Friday and his announcement that he would start the process of forming a coalition government by meeting other parties.

We request the institutions respect peoples mandate. Rejection of the people's choice would have repercussions for democracy, he said.

He thanked the public on behalf of former premier Khan who is currently in jail on several different charges.

The PTI chairman said that the party won 170 out of the 265 seats of national assembly, but the final results were rigged.

Khan also said that the party was leading in provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

According to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), results from many constituencies are yet to come in.

PTI-supported candidates are leading with 100 seats followed by 71 seats for Sharifs PML-N, out of the total 266 seats.

Pakistan's elections were overshadowed by telecommunication and internet bans and allegations of manipulation that were exacerbated by a delay in announcing partial results.
Investigators are on scene after a Eurocopter EC130 passenger helicopter, similar to the one shown here, crashed in the Mojave Desert on Friday night. There were no survivors

A top Nigerian banker and his family were among six people killed when their passenger helicopter crashed in the Mojave Desert on Friday night.

No survivors have been located, said San Bernardino County Sheriffs officials on Saturday.

The identities of those killed will be officially released by the sheriffs coroners division once positive identification has been made and next of kin have been notified, authorities said.

On Feb. 13, the sheriff's coroner's office released the names of those killed in the aviation crash as:

Blake R. Hansen, 22, of Moorpark, California

Benjamin D. Pettingill, 25, of Camarillo, California

Herbert O. Wigwe, 57, of Lagos, Nigeria

Doreen C. Wigwe, 56, of Lagos, Nigeria

Herbert C. Wigwe, 29, of Lagos, Nigeria

Abimbola O. Ogunbanjo, 61, of Lagos, Nigeria

Nigerian banker, family

Herbert Wigwe, 57, the CEO of one of Nigeria's largest banks, was among those killed in the helicopter crash, the Associated Press reported.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director general of the World Trade Organization, said in a post on X, that Wigwe, the top leader of the Lagos-based Access Bank, was on board the helicopter with his wife and son, whose names were not mentioned.

Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of one of Nigeria's largest banks, and members of his family, were among six killed in a helicopter crash on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 in the Mojave Desert

A fourth passenger, Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was among the dead. He is the former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange, the AP reported.

At a news conference on Saturday night, National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham had confirmed all six people on board  the pilot-in-command, a safety pilot and the four passengers  were killed, though he gave no names.

The agency is investigating what caused the helicopter to crash.

Downed aircraft

First responders were notified at 10:12 p.m. on Friday of a downed aircraft east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road.

The area is located east of Barstow, between Baker and the California-Nevada state border.

A preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration showed a Eurocopter EC-130 that departed Palm Springs around 8:45 p.m. was bound for Boulder City, Nevada, when it crashed about an hour later.

Boulder City is about 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas, where the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers are set to play in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe , Group CEO Access Bank @HerbertOWigwe , his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) February 10, 2024

The downed helicopter is registered to a Burbank-area tour company called Orbic Air, NBC reported.

Airbus single-engine H130, previously known as the EC130 T2, is widely used with sightseeing services, charter operators, and emergency medical services, among others, according to Airbus.com.

Investigation, 'a long process'

Witnesses reported that it was raining with a wintry mix at the time of the crash, according to Graham. People also reported a fire on the helicopter plus some downed power lines, the AP reported.

This is the beginning of a long process. We will not jump to any conclusions, Graham said during the news conference Saturday night. He also expressed our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

The incident marks the second fatal helicopter crash in California in less than a week after five Marines were killed when their aircraft went down while returning from a training exercise last Tuesday.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Top Nigerian banker, family, killed in helicopter crash in Mojave Desert
PATERSON  City taxpayers may end up paying the price for the excessive force crimes committed by Police Officer Kevin Patino.

While Patino stood before a federal judge on Thursday admitting he assaulted two Paterson residents in separate incidents, the attorneys representing his victims in lawsuits against the city sat in the courtroom looking on.

Both lawyers subsequently issued statements to Paterson Press about Patinos guilty pleas.

Today marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for our client, said Abdul Hamden, part of the legal team for one of Patinos victims, Osamah Alsaidi. The guilty plea entered by officer Patino is a significant and outright acknowledgment of the assault under color of law that occurred. This outcome not only affirms our clients courage in standing up for his rights but also serves as a testament to the importance of accountability in our justice system.

Paterson police headquarters at the Frank X. Graves Jr. Public Safety Complex in April 2021.

The attorney for the other man Patino admitted assaulting, Rosdward Hernandez, also praised the outcome of the criminal cases.

I think that the civil rights division of the US Attorney's Office deserves a lot of credit in investigating these incidents and obtaining this plea, said Christopher Fitzgerald, Hernandezs lawyer. Allowing the defendant to plead to a misdemeanor but insisting that it include the assault on Mr. Hernandez tells me that the DOJ sees this behavior as a wider systemic issue within the department rather than just one rogue cop who they can throw the book at.

How will the convictions affect civil claims?

Neither attorney talked about Patinos convictions in terms of the financial impact on their civil claims.

But their pending cases assert that Patinos attacks against their clients stemmed from a longstanding culture of wrongdoing in the Paterson Police Department, one they said city officials allowed to continue unchecked.

Paterson taxpayers already have paid millions of dollars in legal settlements in numerous other police misconduct cases in recent years.

On Wednesday, the day before Patino made his two guilty pleas, lawyers for Alsaidi and the city met elsewhere at the federal courthouse in Newark to discuss a possible deal in that lawsuit. One of the citys attorneys in a Feb. 5 letter suggested to the judge in the civil case that it would be prudent to wait for the conclusion of the criminal proceedings before moving on.

Theres a significant difference between Patinos cases and federal authorities convictions of the infamous self-proclaimed robbery squad of six rogue cops. The robbery squads victims  mostly suspected drug dealers  didnt sue the city.

Alsaidis lawsuit accuses a second Paterson cop, Kendry Tineo-Restituyo, of participating in the assault. Patino said in court Thursday that the other officer, whom he didnt name, slammed Alsaidi to the ground. Tineo faces pending criminal charges as well as the lawsuit.

Patino and Tineo-Restituyo have been on paid administrative leave since May 2021, shortly after the criminal charges were filed against them. Payroll records show that both officers' salaries are $61,185. The two cops continued to get contractual pay increases while on leave for the pending criminal charges. At the time they were first accused, their salaries were $49,117, city records show.

Earlier: Paterson cop Kevin Patino takes misdemeanor plea deal in two assaults

What did officials say?

Neither Mayor Andre Sayegh nor Police Department officials responded to a reporters inquiries about Patinos city employment status considering his convictions. In the past, cops have been removed from the Paterson payroll almost immediately after they pleaded guilty to crimes.

But those instances involved felony convictions. Patinos plea was for misdemeanor charges of depriving his victims of their civil rights. His job status did not come up for discussion during Thursdays federal court hearing.

Patino faces a maximum of one year in prison for each conviction, but the federal courts use sentencing guidelines that almost always impose lesser penalties. His sentence also could entail supervised release, the judge said.

Paterson Black Lives Matter leader Zellie Thomas expressed displeasure with the outcome in the Patino case.

Someone convicted of assaulting an officer faces far stiffer penalties than when an officer assaults a civilian, Thomas said. It's an example of how systemically law enforcement is protected in all stages of the process, from internal investigations to sentencing. Because of that, it doesn't always feel like accountability to victims or their communities.

Patino's lawyer responds

In a statement Saturday, Patino's attorney, Todd Spodek, said, "Mr. Patino, a decorated police officer and veteran, deserves to put this matter behind him. I wholeheartedly applaud the U.S. Attorney's Office decision to offer a misdemeanor resolution to the case and dismiss the indictment."

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What Paterson NJ police officer convictions mean for lawsuits
More than 7.8 million passengers flew out of Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in 2023, eclipsing the previous record of 6.9 million passengers set in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 by 13% and the 2022 number by 17%.

2024 is already off to a strong start, according to Senior Deputy Director of Airports Gary Sypek, who expects a new passenger record again as airlines will be flying to more destinations. Silver Airways has returned, and is expected to offer direct flights to three Florida cities later this year.

New flight offerings at PBI include:

Golf enthusiasts lucky enough to get Masters tickets will be able to fly out of PBI on Delta Airlines direct to Augusta, Georgia while Southwest Airlines will be offering nonstop service to St. Louis during spring training. The St. Louis Cardinals train in Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium.

Silver Airways, daily flights to Tampa and Nassau beginning March 5; Tallahassee service three times a week beginning March 6; Pensacola service two times a week beginning March 7; and service to Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, times a week beginning March 5.

Frontier Airlines, new nonstop service from to San Juan, Puerto Rico three times a week beginning June 2.

American Airlines, extended nonstop service to Chicago OHare throughout the summer.

A JetBlue plane takes off from Palm Beach International Airport. The airline is the airport's dominant carrier. More than 1 million passengers flew on its planes at PBI in 2023.

PBI passenger numbers have shown for some time that the airport has fully recovered from the pandemic slowdown.

MORE: A 'game changer': JetBlue direct flights from Fort Lauderdale to Tallahassee begin

JetBlue continues to be the number one carrier at PBI, accounting for 27% of all traffic in 2023. The airline processed 1.1 million passengers, marking the first time it exceeded the one-million figure.

Delta was a close second to JetBlue, accounting for 26% of passengers. Southwest registered the largest percentage increase year-to-year of any airline, up 46% from 2022 with 293,000 passengers serviced.

Silver Airways spokeswoman Kate Loughlin said Silver recognizes PBI as a great niche market as there is a great demand for flights within Florida and to the Bahamas from PBI. Its planes can carry up to 70 passengers. One-way fares start at $79 for Tampa, $105 for Tallahassee, $109 for Marsh Harbour, $115 for Nassau and $119 for Pensacola.

Top airlines at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and their percentage of the market,

PBI had a busy December with nearly 800,000 passengers using the airport, 14% more than in 2022. But it may have been too busy as many travelers had to deal with flight delays of two hours or more during the month due to heavy air traffic volume.

The FAA issued ground delays from Dec. 26 through Dec. 28 to limit air traffic. As a result, flights headed to and from the airport were delayed an average of 70 minutes. More than 100 flights were impacted. Other South Florida airports experienced extensive delays as well.

How did Fort Lauderdale Airport fare?

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) also reported strong numbers for 2023; preliminary data shows that nearly 35 million travelers flew out of the Broward County-based airport.

Unlike PBI, FLL has yet to exceed the pre-COVID traffic of 2019. While the 2023 figure is 10% higher than 2022, it is about 5% less than the 2019 number. FLLs newsletter reports a busy holiday time. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, it served roughly 2 million passengers, about 14% more people than the same period the previous year.

FLL continues to offer new flights:

JetBlue celebrated its inaugural service to Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) on January 4. The flights operate once daily.

Silver Airways began offering nonstop service on Dec. 18 to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights operate twice weekly. One-way fares start at $129.

Can Spirit survive as a stand-alone carrier?

PBI and FLL could be hurt by the outcome of the proposed JetBlue-Spirit airlines merger. A federal judge has blocked the merger because he found it would lead to much higher fares for consumers. The two airlines are appealing the decision. A hearing is expected to be heard in June.

MORE: Spirit, JetBlue appeal of decision that blocked its merger to be heard in June. Will it be too late?

Spirit stock has lost more than half of its value since the court ruling in January. Analysts have speculated that the airline will not survive as a stay-alone entity. It is the number one carrier at FLL, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic; JetBlue, the number two carrier, accounts for 20%.

During an earnings call Feb. 8, Spirit executives took issue with the pessimism of Wall Street analysts, claiming it can survive if the merger does not go through. Spirit CEO Ted Christie accused the analysts of advancing a "misguided narrative." He said the airline has increased its liquidity levels to give it "the necessary flexibility to successfully close with JetBlue or to pursue standalone plans."

Spirit has already started to reduce flights on off-peak days and has suspended flights from some of its recently launched markets. Spirit stock has lost more than half of its value since the court ruling.

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: PBI breaks passenger records in 2023; new routes driving volume
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A pedestrian was killed Friday night near Sand Hollow State Park.

Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Quincy Breuer said the accident happened near mile marker 13 on SR-7, just outside of Sand Hollow State Park.

Urban Skijoring spectacle: Why Salt Lake City is dumping 500 tons of snow onto the street

The accident involved two cars and a pedestrian, who died as a result of their injuries.

The accident is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post with more information as it becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A shooting outside of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom in Champaign has left an employee of the business in critical condition.

Just before 3:20 p.m. on Feb. 8, Champaign police responded to a shooting in the 100 block of North Market Street. The officers found a 45-year-old man  identified as Brandon Hardway by family  at the scene "with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso."

Hardway's wife, Erin Hardway, confirmed her husband was the victim in a Facebook post. A GoFundMe had raised more than $17,800 as of 5 p.m. on Friday.

Hardway was hospitalized, and Champaign police arrested 24-year-old Fidele Tshimanga from Urbana in connection with the case.

On Facebook, Pour Bros. described the shooting as an "unspeakable tragedy."

A 2023 photo depicts a mural inside of Pour Bros. Taproom in Peoria Heights. On Feb. 8, 2024, a shooting outside of the business's Champaign location left an employee in critical condition.

More: Man convicted of murdering wife, stepson in West Peoria, while sparing his twins

"To be blunt, the Pour Bros. Family is not ok and will be taking the necessary time to support everyone impacted by this situation with love and positivity," the business wrote on its Peoria Heights page.

A post to the Champaign Facebook page added: "We are all hurting immensely."

While the Champaign location is currently closed, Pour Bros. will continue to operate its other locations with a heavy heart. These include:

4450 N. Prospect Road Suite C-1, Peoria Heights

236 E. Front St., Bloomington

1209 4th Ave. Suite 2, Moline

In its post, Pour Bros. thanked everyone in the community for their support so far.

"Please keep all the positive energy coming," the business wrote. "We appreciate each and every one of you."

More: Second suspect has been arrested in deadly Peoria shooting

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois business is 'hurting immensely' after shooting in Champaign
A trash pile containing coolers, buckets, bottles and other debris litter a portion of the desert on Arizona State Trust Land in the north Valley, near New River Road and Carefree Highway.

Corrections & Clarifications: Peoria Vice Mayor Jon Edwards' first name was misspelled in an earlier version of the article.

At a plant nursery near Lake Pleasant last June, farming supplies started to go missing. One day it would be a watering hose. The next day it was a shade cloth and then tree stakes.

For the employees of Arizona Wholesale Growers, it wasnt immediately obvious what had been happening. That was until they went to use a tractor only to find that its wheels had been removed.

The companys 80-acre farm isnt open to the public and is located down a 1.3-mile stretch of Maddock Road, just off New River Road. Its a private street, dotted with signs that warn against trespassing.

The remote area of the north Valley is considered Arizona State Trust Land, overlapping both the city of Phoenix and the city of Peoria. Much of the land west of New River Road is in Peorias jurisdiction, while the area east of the road falls under Phoenix city limits.

Near the farm there, a man camping had been gradually building a shelter for himself out of the nurserys supplies.

He took the wheels off it and dragged them to the desert and used them as weights, Shawn Cox, Wholesale Growers general manager, said, adding, The only way we knew (it was our stuff) was because our name was on the wheels.

When Cox confronted the individual hoping to retrieve their belongings, the man became irate, prompting Cox to call police. He was allowed to take the tires back, but nothing else. The company's name on them was the only proof he had to show they belonged to the farm.

In another instance with a different camper who was trying to drive over the companys retention ditches, Cox got into an argument after asking the person to stop filling in the drain, which is used to avoid flooding.

In recent months, Cox said, hes talked to a few campers living in the surrounding State Trust Land  likely without a permit or beyond the 14 days Arizonas Land Department allows. For some, hes asked them to stop taking the companys property, and to others, hes advised them not to ditch their trash in the desert.

People leave their tents behind and leave their mattresses behind, Cox explained. (Campers will) leave, and a day later, youll see people out there picking out their junk, like scavenging out whats left behind.

Its occurrences like these that have gotten the attention of elected officials in Peoria and Phoenix.

Peorias Councilmember Brad Shafer and Vice Mayor Jon Edwards are spearheading a task force comprising members of the city managers office, code compliance, the Peoria Parks and Recreation and Police departments.

Together, theyve been coordinating talks with Councilmember Ann OBrien of northern Phoenix, the Phoenix Police Department, and Arizona State Land Department officials. Their charge is to draw up solutions to tamp down unpermitted camping and littering.

We want people to come camp and hike, said Shafer, who represents the Mesquite District, an area of northern Peoria that includes the recreational space surrounding Lake Pleasant. We want all that, but we want people to be respectful and take care of our desert.

Brad Shafer, Peoria councilmember

Assembling the task force

Recently, Shafers seen an excess of camping around his district  largely, he acknowledges, because of the pleasant weather, relative to the Valleys unforgiving summers.

Though not having an issue with people enjoying the outdoors, some campers, he said, are overstaying their welcome, continuing to camp for longer than the Land Departments 14-day period on overnight visits.

Furthermore, Shafer continued, Were seeing them leave trash in the desert and dumping sewage in the desert. And I have found two abandoned vehicles that have been stripped as well. So, at the end of the day, theres a bunch of trash.

The Arizona State Land Department requires those camping on State Trust property to purchase a recreational permit, valid for a year. While the department grants permit holders unlimited day-use access during the year, it caps overnight camping to no more than 14 cumulative days.

The department also requires permit holders to not leave trash behind at their campsite.

Some of those campers who are here for recreation are very responsible. They take care of the campsite. They dont leave their trash behind. Theyre doing a great job, Shafer said.

Others though, hes noticed, are not as considerate. and are likely to stay much longer than two weeks.

Ive seen huge water containers ... which tells me theyre going to be there a long time, he said.

To address the concerns, the council-led task force was assembled to have the local police and code compliance divisions work with the State Land Department on enforcing camping regulations, Peoria Deputy City Manager Mike Faust said.

We're evaluating options, Faust said of the early stages of the task force. Really the first thing that comes is how can we look at volunteer police or some other option of going out and just checking permits, doing an education piece.

Echoing the comments on an educational approach, Councilmember Edwards said the city wants to first inform campers of the regulations and show them the steps of getting a permit.

We want people to enjoy the area as long as they're following the rules, he said.

During a recent visit Peoria, Phoenix and land department officials took to the State Trust property, they talked to 25 people, Faust said. Of the 25, 24 of them had permits to camp. The other individual was able to simply go online and pay for the permit.

If they're still there without a permit or beyond the 14 days, then State Land would have to be contacted, and then they, State Land, engages P.D. to initiate trespass, Faust explained.

Statewide, four field investigators respond to complaints and inquiries, but they are not able to patrol for checking permits, said Land Department spokesperson Lynn Cordova.

The investigators are not sworn peace officers so they must rely on local law enforcement for assistance, she said in an email, adding, Local law enforcement has every right to take enforcement action on State Trust Land, especially when it comes to local ordinances.

Enforcement and education

With State Trust property falling under the Land Departments jurisdiction, police officers from Peoria and Phoenix can respond to calls for service and can ask to check campers permits. But as Faust noted, officers must first contact State Land regarding suspected trespassers.

Peoria Police Lt. Mike Faith is assigned to the northern part of the city, from Bell Road to Lake Pleasant, and oversees the departments off-road vehicle program.

He said over the coming weeks, the department will take an education-first approach, so the public is aware of whats allowed on the State Trust property.

Our goal is to go out there to first make contact, see if they have a permit, meet permit restrictions and guidelines, Faith said, adding, Itll be a case-by-case basis, but we want to start enforcing that 14-day rule, so people arent creating a situation where its unsightly, unsanitary for other people.

Part of that education effort, according to Faith, is informing campers that once those 14 days are up, they cant just relocate several feet away and purchase another permit.

That might be something that is perceived by them but not actually in law, he said.

Another component will include offering resources to those experiencing homelessness, Faith said.

The city of Peoria has made that a foundation of our community engagement, if you will, so we understand what theyre going through and then provide them resources if we can, Faith said.

Where are the campers coming from?

Those camping on the land are out there for a variety of reasons, the city officials noted.

Mostly, theyre out-of-town visitors looking to camp recreationally. Some are believed to be contractors for the nearby semiconductor manufacturing complex. Others are urban, nomadic campers traveling and living out of vans.

Social media and various other outlets have made it a trendy thing to do, Faith said. Im going to get in my RV and live my life the nomadic way.

Another tent of campers, however, are people struggling and have lost their housing, like 54-year-old William Brackett.

For the past few days, hes been camping in an RV with his wife and five dogs in an area near New River Road and Carefree Highway.

He said they are in between homes and plan to camp there until early March, when theyll hopefully be able to drive east to his wifes hometown of Wisconsin. The move comes after years of getting pricked by the cactus, a colloquialism he shared, but using more colorful language.

Brackett and his wife were recently evicted from their home following a dispute with their landlord over a black mold issue. Theyve since been living in the RV that someone gave them the day of the eviction, and cant find another rental because of exorbitant pet fees.

Nobody else would take us because of our dogs, Brackett said. I mean, if they do take you, they want almost $1,000 a month  For people living in an RV, if youre living in an RV, you cant always afford the amenities of life.

Much of their belongings are in storage, waiting to be loaded in a van Brackett intends to purchase for their move to the Midwest. The couple, he said, has a house waiting for them.

We just don't have the money to get up there, Brackett said.

Where to dump the junk

Asked for his observation on any litter, Brackett said he hadnt noticed much trash where hes been camping. He mentioned that he intends to dispose of his refuse properly when theyve accumulated enough.

Finding out where that is poses some complications though as Bracketts truck got a flat tire not long after setting up camp.

I was gonna go down to the gas station  and ask them where we could take it. They might know, he said. They might say, Just throw it in here if you don't have a bunch, because I know they got dumpsters. Some places let you do that. Some places say, Don't you do that!

Employees of the nearby Minute Mart and Shell gas station off Lake Pleasant Parkway said campers oftentimes come in to ask where they can dump their trash. Their response, however, is simply that theyre unaware of a location.

Many other campers, the employees said, just unload their garbage in the stations dumpster, which is prohibited. One of the cashiers said theyre constantly telling campers not to do it again after theyve been caught.

At least one bright spot in the issue, another cashier noted, is the campers are throwing their trash in a receptacle rather than leaving it in the desert.

The Land Department doesn't place receptacles for campers to use "because campers are supposed to remove their own trash," said the Land Department's Cordova.

Though unsightly litter is something the task force wants to address, Faust emphasized that campers are not usually the source of the garbage. What the officials found, he said, is that the campers are pretty respectful of the land.

Usually, when we have littering in desert landscape, it's usually just people dumping and it's not the direct result of these campers, Faust said. At least that's not what we found.

Nonetheless, littering remains an issue for Peoria police, said Faith, who added that some officers have enjoyed going up there and cleaning that area up because we want the desert to be accessible to everybody.

As far as clearing up piles of garbage that officials find, that takes a collaborative effort.

If there are a fair amount of people out there and trash, were going to work with our partners to get that trash cleaned up, whether that be city dumpsters to clean that up, said Faith, who was unable to quantify how much trash has been hauled.

In the past, Shafer explained, the city has worked with either volunteers from nonprofits or the police department to remove the garbage.

Though the work gets done to clean up the areas, Shafer said hes hoping the task force can find a more sustainable option.

You can pick up trash but then the trash comes back, Shafer said. He added: Thats what weve done in the past  this time, we're trying to look at long-term solutions

Both the city of Peoria and the State Land Department have various cleanup and abatement funds in their budgets to address the litter, according to Faust. The city of Peoria had not yet responded to a request on how much it spends for such cleanup efforts as of this posting.

Signage Arizona Wholesale Growers posted off Maddock and New River roads in the north Valley warns people, largely campers, not to use the companys private entrance. Company employees drive the 1.3-mile stretch of road to get to its farm.

Long-term goals

Grateful to be working with her counterparts in Peoria and the State Land Department, Councilmember OBrien, Phoenixs District 1 representative whose area borders Shafers district, stressed the early nature of the task force.

I will tell you its a little too early at this stage, theres still a lot of data to collect and look at, before we discuss possible solutions, said OBrien.

Her office, she said, wants to know how often camping permits are generated and how many people camp on the State Trust land.

Ann O'Brien is on the Phoenix City Council representing District 1. She has served on the Phoenix City Council since 2021.

From February 2023 through January 2024, the department issued 29,394 recreational permits, according to Cordova. The average number of recreational permits sold over the previous two calendar years, she said, was 27,405.

Revenue off those recreational permit sales, amounted to $494,320 in 2022 and $521,945 in 2023, according to Cordova.

For Cox, he said he wants people to continue camping in the area and traversing the hiking and riding trails nearby. He just wants visitors to take care of those amenities.

I know that were farmers and its our thing to care about the plants and the habitat out there, but I hope people find that its a good place to hike, an interesting place, he said. I hope its not destroyed by a few bad apples. I hope they find it worthwhile to keep protecting.

Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Peoria battles unpermitted camping, dumping near Lake Pleasant
In this photo released by Sputnik news agency on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to a question during an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. | Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Photo via Associated Press

It took a lot of moxie for Tucker Carlson to arrange a two-hour sit-down interview with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Theres the moxie it took to brave things like threats of travel bans from the European Union. But theres also the moxie of thinking that one is going to control an interview with Putin, which clearly did not go Carlsons way.

Instead, Carlson got a 40-minute disquisition on the history of Ukraine, with Putin barreling on despite Carlsons attempts to steer the conversation back to the present day. The look on Carlsons face is hard to describe: its a cross between suddenly realizing you are out of your depth and having to look resolute and undaunted  simultaneously.

Ep. 73 The Vladimir Putin Interview pic.twitter.com/67YuZRkfLL  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 8, 2024

While not a historian of Russia or Ukraine, I am a big fan of knowing history in order to understand the worldviews that motivate state behavior. History is a site of contestation itself, and those conflicts of fact and interpretation are as important as what happens on battlefields. Its important to know what elements of history are agreed upon and which are contested in order to make sense of the current day. Ill leave it to others to examine Putins version of the history of Rus  the medieval Russian state  but the history surrounding the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent years to the present is a time period that international relations scholars like myself know well.

Putins recounting of that time period is not false, but is not the whole story, either. Putin points to three developments after the fall of the USSR that set the stage for the armed incursion which started in 2014. He points to promises made to Mikhail Gorbachev by the George H.W. Bush administration that were broken by Bill Clinton; covert Western support to groups in the Caucasus fighting the Russian government during the time of the George W. Bush administration; and rejection of a proposal for a multilateral missile defense program during that same administration.

On balance, although this is an area of historical contestation, he is probably right about the first. Gorbachev felt he had received promises that there would be no expansion of NATO eastward. American officials deny this. I dont think Gorbachev misunderstood at all, and neither do others who were in a position to know. But the fuller story is that there was immense debate within the U.S. about NATO expansion and whether Russia would be invited to join the club of Western nations or not.

Related

There were some, like George Kennan, the father of containment, who felt it was a fateful error to expand NATO but keep excluding Russia, and who correctly predicted it would eventually lead to renewed conflict with Russia and the West. But there were others, including several important European allies who lived much closer to the Russian border than Americans ever would, who justifiably felt they could not trust Russia. They were joined by voices in the U.S. that saw a unipolar moment of victory and could not possibly imagine embracing Russia as an ally.

The proposal to accept Russia as a real partner in Europe was replaced by a very much watered-down arrangement called the NATO Partnership for Peace that kept Russia as an outside observer to NATO. And when Clintons grand strategy of enlargement was unveiled, it undid any last vestige of hope that Russians had that NATO would not expand eastward against them. Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary were the first former Warsaw Pact nations that Clinton announced would join NATO in 1999.

When I reflect on this time period, I have sympathy for all parties. I feel for Gorbachev, who spent the remainder of his days as a reviled outcast in his own land for having believed George H.W. Bush. But I also have sympathy for the American position. In the 1990s, it was just not humanly possible to accept the former Soviet Union, which had wrought so much terror and bloodshed in its heyday, into real partnership with the Atlantic Alliance, which had been formed precisely because of that terror and bloodshed. Maybe it should have been done, but it couldnt have been done at that moment in time. Russias support of Serbia in the Balkan Wars of 1992-99 seemed to vindicate that fateful decision in the eyes of many.

It is true, as Putin implied, that there was a second chance during the George W. Bush administration. There was a real opportunity, building upon the mutual sympathy shown in reaction to 9/11 and the Beslan massacre, that the U.S. and Russia were fighting on the same side at long last. But while Bush and Putin appeared to appreciate each other personally, there came provocations by both sides that meant trust was not really established.

For example, Russia launched the very first cyberattack against Estonia during this time and was encouraging break-away territories in Moldova, Georgia and other nations. The U.S. for its part added seven more countries, including the Baltics, into NATO, encouraging Georgia and Ukraine to apply to NATO as well, initiatives the Europeans wisely torpedoed. Russias response to Bush was to attack Georgia to teach the Georgians a geography lesson.

So while Putin may be right in saying the George W. Bush administration rejected his efforts for joint missile defense, its hard to see why Bush should have been expected to embrace any such plan, given the state of U.S.-Russia relations. As to Putins charge that the U.S. was funding rebels in the Caucasus under Bush, Putin admits that Bush seemed to be unaware of this. It would be nice to know more about that claim.

Barack Obama came into office determined to reset relations with Russia, but its more accurate to say that he blew up those relations instead. The involvement of the Obama administration in the Maidan uprising is controversial to this day. Certainly it was used as justification by Putin for the military incursion in 2014 and again in 2022. After the invasion of Crimea, Obama positioned NATO troops right up to the Russian border in the Baltics, Romania and Hungary.

And so the die was cast, probably irrevocably, for U.S.-Russian relations. Putin is right to raise the question of whether different decisions made back in the 1990s could have prevented what we see now. But Putin is wrong to suggest its been a wholly one-sided tragedy.

Valerie M. Hudson is a university distinguished professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a Deseret News contributor. Her views are her own.
The weekend is here and so are the rain showers. Unfortunately, your constant companion will be an umbrella. Rain may damper some of your plans this weekend in Houston and areas north, but if you are heading to the coast for Mardi Gras! Galveston, you might get lucky.

A strong upper-level storm and cold front will move into Texas this weekend with widespread rain and thunderstorms through Sunday. Temperatures wont vary much with morning lows near 60 degrees and afternoon highs on either side of 70 degrees.

This projection of what future weather radar could look like for noon on Saturday shows heavier rainfall north and east of Houston. Pivotal

On Saturday, the cold front will slow or stall near the Interstate 10 corridor. With a tropical feel and abundant moisture, this frontal boundary will act as the focus for locally heavy rain.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

We could see some training thunderstorms, which means once one storm cell gets pushed away from the area by upper-level winds, a new storm cell forms and takes the original cells place over the same area. When this happens, it raises the concern for locally heavy rain and the possibility of flooding.

FLOOD TRACKER: Get real-time flood updates in the Houston region and live weather radar

Rain totals with this weekends storm will top 1 to 3 inches but after the heavy rainfall last weekend, our soil is very saturated and hasnt had a chance to recover. This means that most of the expected rain will be in the form of runoff and could cause some localized street flooding.

The National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center has placed Southeast Texas under a heightened threat of excessive rainfall for Saturday.

A few strong storms could worsen with low-end severe weather threats. The weather service defines severe weather as storms that produce winds of 58 mph or stronger, hail at least an inch in diameter or a tornado.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The weather service's Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Southeast Texas under a low risk of severe weather. A few thunderstorms may be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds.

Its important to note that the axis of heavy rainfall will depend on the location of the cold front when it begins to slow or stall out. However, the National Weather Service in Houston says its always best to be prepared and ready to act if a flash flood warning is issued in the Houston metropolitan area.

Drive with caution and turn on headlights. Cars may flood in low-lying areas. Pooling water on roadways may increase the risk of hydroplaning.

Pay attention to the weather. Have alerts turned on your phone and monitor the forecast.

Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing a rapid rise on creeks and bayous. However, creeks and bayous are not likely to exceed their banks.

Saturday night and into Sunday, the upper-level part of the storm will become more pronounced and move into Texas. This will keep a rain and storm chance around for the majority of Sunday with the same threats across the region, strong storms, and heavy rain.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The cold front will finally push offshore on Sunday night and will bring an end to the rain and storm threat. Cooler temperatures will fill in with breezy north winds and lots of sunshine on Monday.
Editors note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, volcanic debris buried Pompeii and created a city forever frozen in time.

Researchers consider the doomed metropolis to be one of the worlds most poignant archaeological sites.

Pompeiis well-preserved expanse holds a multitude of finds that continue to surprise archaeologists as they unearth more of the lost city.

Intact items such as chariots, frescoes and even graffiti have shed light on what ancient Roman life was like in the prosperous resort before the cataclysmic event  and provided evidence of when the eruption occurred.

And now, researchers investigating artifacts from the neighboring city of Herculaneum are using new technology to peek beneath Vesuvius blanket of ash and mud to uncover more of historys best kept secrets.

The wonder

One of the Herculaneum scrolls undergoes analysis using lasers. - EduceLab/University of Kentucky

Artificial intelligence has revealed the first nearly complete passages to be decoded from the charred, brittle Herculaneum scrolls.

The hundreds of burnt papyrus scrolls, which managed to survive Vesuvius eruption inside what experts believe was likely the house of Julius Caesars father-in-law, appear as though they could crumble at any moment.

But technological advances are making it possible to virtually unwrap the scrolls for the first time since AD 79, allowing papyrologists to translate the words of the philosopher Philodemus.

(In these passages) hes persuading the people who are listening to him to sort of relax, find good friendships, spend your time living in the moment and enjoying pleasures, said Roger Macfarlane, a professor of classical studies at Brigham Young University.

Ocean secrets

Its known as the most dangerous and terrifying part of the ocean.

The Drake Passage, spanning 600 miles (965 kilometers) wide, is squeezed between South America and Antarctica.

Landmasses help to slow storms that gather strength across oceans. But there is nothing to stop screaming winds, towering waves and the worlds strongest storms that whip up in the deep waters of the Drake.

The marine regions underwater mountains intrigue scientists, and its a crossing that ship captains ferrying tourists must make  and they do it with a healthy dose of fear.

Fantastic creatures

A polar bear is seen napping in the image captured by Nima Sarikhani that won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. - Nima Sarikhani/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

A serene image of a polar bear napping on an iceberg off Norways Svalbard archipelago has received the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Peoples Choice Award.

Whilst climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope that this photograph also inspires hope; there is still time to fix the mess we have caused, said British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, who took the image.

The winning photo will be on display until June 30 at Londons Natural History Museum, along with finalist images showcasing a sweet moment of lion parenting and glowing moon jellyfish beneath the northern lights.

Curiosities

Australian scientists have discovered an unlikely ally in their quest to track endangered species: spiders.

Not only do the fine webs spun by the eight-legged critters trap prey such as flies, the silken structures also are capturing environmental DNA.

When researchers collected spiderwebs from Western Australias Perth Zoo and the Karakamia woodland sanctuary, they were able to identify genetic material from 93 animals.

With only trace amounts of DNA needed to identify animals, this cheap and non-invasive method could be a game-changer in how we explore and protect our terrestrial biodiversity, said Joshua Newton, a doctoral student at Curtin Universitys School of Molecular and Life Sciences.

Meanwhile, a new finding could explain why insects cluster beneath bright artificial lights at night  and its not because theyre drawn to the glow like moths to a flame.

Other worlds

An illustration depicts the heavily cratered moon Mimas as it orbits Saturn. - Frederic Durillon/Animea Studio/Observatoire de Paris - PSL, IMCCE

Mimas, one of Saturns tiniest moons, is known for a giant crater that gives the satellite an uncanny resemblance to the Death Star from the Star Wars films.

Now, astronomers think the cratered chunk of ice orbiting Saturn has a deep secret: a hidden ocean.

An international team of researchers analyzed data collected from NASAs Cassini mission and noticed that Mimas spin and orbital motion have changed over time likely due to the presence of a global ocean beneath its icy crust.

The study team was surprised to discover that the ocean is relatively young, astronomically speaking, at only 5 million to 15 million years old. Mimas could change the way scientists understand ocean worlds across our solar system, which may harbor life beyond Earth.

Explorations

Share these fascinating reads with your friends:

 Archaeologists unearthed an ancient burial site, including a rare wooden bed used in a Roman funeral, during excavations in the heart of London.

 The PACE mission launched this week to study the invisible universe of Earths microscopic marine life and atmospheric particles from space.

 A super-Earth plus evidence of a second Earth-size planet  has been spotted orbiting in the habitable zone of a star 137 light-years away.

 Researchers found a fresh clue that sheds light on how microscopic tardigrades, also called water bears, are able to survive in some of Earths most challenging environments.

 Curious about what Aprils total solar eclipse will look like in your city? Check out our interactive map to see how much of the suns face will be blocked, based on your location.

Like what youve read? Oh, but theres more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Note to readers: This story has been updated with new information since it was originally published. The Florida Highway Patrol released a statement saying all northbound lanes on I-75 are open again, including near the crash site.

The Naples Daily News and the News-Press are covering a breaking news story about a plane crash on Interstate 75 today. The plane was approaching the Naples Airport and was approximately four miles away.

This is a developing story. Here is what we know:

When did the plane crash near Naples happen?

The Federal Aviation Administration said at about 3:10 p.m.

Where did the plane crash on its way to the Naples airport?

The jet crashed on southbound Interstate 75, near exit 105, Golden Gate Estates, in Collier County.

How many passengers were on the plane that crashed near Naples?

Five.

How many died in the plane crash on the interstate near Naples?

Collier County Sheriff's Office confirmed at least two people are dead. Officials have reported a vehicle was hit when the plane crashed.

What type of plane crashed on the interstate near Naples?

It is a Bombardier Challenger 600 dual engine jet.

Where did the plane that crashed on the interstate near Naples depart from?

The Ohio State University's airport in Columbus, Ohio. It left Ohio at 12:30 p.m,

What was the flight plan for the plane that crashed on the interstate near Naples?

After landing at the Naples Airport, the plane was scheduled for departure to Fort Lauderdale, said Robin King, the director of communication with The Naples Airport Authority

What was the cause of the plane crash on the interstate near Naples?

"It was coming in for a landing," she said. "We received word that it had possibly lost an engine, we have not confirmed that, then we lost contact."

King said the airport lost communication with the plane just before the crash.

Naples Airport dispatched firetrucks with a special foam-type substance that can help control jet fuel fires.

What is the status of traffic flow on I-75 near Naples?

Check on the latest from FHP: Here

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Plane in Florida crashes into Interstate 75 near Naples. What we know
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Authorities have identified the Portland woman shot to death in the Lents neighborhood Thursday morning.

Police say Janette Becraft, 85, was found dead when officers responded to reports of a possible shooting at 6000 SE 100th Avenue around 9:52 a.m. Her death was ruled a homicide by a gunshot wound.

Police search for man accused of yelling racial slurs, spitting on 2 teens

Before discovering Becraft, officers say a man they attempted to contact inside the home had not cooperated with officers and may have been armed. After two hours, the man eventually came out, and a tactical team took him into custody.

Police have not identified the person in custody, but neighbors say a former professional wrestler lived in the home with his wife.

Brelynn Matthieu, who lives in the other unit of the duplex, told KOIN 6 Becrafts death came as a shock.

Its just a huge tragedy, Matthiew said. I was pretty decently close to both of them and loved them very much. Its a really sad day, all around.

Very fortunate: What helped Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from turning more problematic

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Ryan Foote at ryan.foote@police.portlandoregon.gov and 503-823-0781 or Detective Travis Law at Travis.Law@police.portlandoregon.gov and 503-823-0395. Reference Case No. 24-31552.

Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
This bog mummy called Red Franz, pictured July 6, 2005, is part of the exhibit, The Mysterious Bog People, at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA. Police in Northern Ireland recently discovered a different bog body. | Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press

When the Police Service of Northern Ireland received a call about human remains in October 2023, they thought there was a good chance they were about to see a crime scene.

But when they got there, they couldnt be sure if the remains were ancient or the result of a more recent death, according to Detective Inspector Nikki Deehan from the Police Service.

What did police find?

The October 2023 tip was about a body sticking out at Bellaghy Bog in Londonderry County, Northern Ireland, per Smithsonian Magazine.

Police officers found that parts of the skin on the body were still pink and intact, and the kidney was still malleable when touched, Deehan said in an interview with the Financial Times.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland decided to excavate the body with care and treat it as a possible forensic investigation. They also found and studied several bones and fingernails.

With the help of researchers at Queens University Belfast, they were able to determine the body belonged to a young male between the ages of 13 and 17, and that he most likely died around 500 B.C.E, per Smithsonian Magazine. His body is now considered to be part of a class of human cadavers known as bog bodies.

Queens University Belfast also did a thorough search in the area the body was found in case there were any more bog bodies, but found nothing, per the Police Service.

What are bog bodies?

Bog bodies is a term used by researchers for mummified corpses found in a bog, which is type of wetland found in Northern Europe, according to National Geographic.

Many other bog bodies have been found in other European countries, Smithsonian Magazine reported.

Some researchers have also found preserved skeletons in the United States, specifically the peat ponds in Florida, according to National Geographic.

What can we learn from bog bodies?

Researchers have actually been able to learn a lot about ancient people from studying bog bodies. At the National Museum of Ireland they have whats called the Bog Bodies Research Project to analyze and learn from these unique discoveries.

According to National Geographic, scientists have been able to figure out a bog bodys last meal, take their fingerprints and identify when they died. The oldest bog body ever found is the Koelbjerg Woman, who died around 8,000 B.C.E.

There is also the bog body known as the Tollund Man, who was found in Denmark in 1950, according to Smithsonian Magazine. His body was so well preserved that officials thought they had stumbled upon a murder scene. They could see a noose that was still around his neck.

I hope, in due course, the find will help us all understand better something of our very early history, said John Joe OBoyle, the chief executive of forest service in Northern Ireland, about the recent bog body discovery there.
Polish farmers ended their protest at the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint, and truck traffic has resumed there, the State Border Guard Service reported on Feb. 10.

The protest ended at about 11:30 a.m.

According to the State Border Guard Service, 220 trucks are waiting to enter Ukraine. Vehicle registration and passage in both directions is being carried out as usual.

Read also: Poland announces increased control and inspections at Ukraine border

The Poles said on Feb. 2 that they had "lost their patience" and would launch a nationwide strike on Feb. 9, blocking the border with Ukraine.

The Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint was to be blocked from 11:00 a.m. on Feb. 9 due to a strike by Polish farmers.

Polish farmers announced that they would block another checkpoint, Zosyn-Ustyluh on Feb. 12.

Polish farmers also said that starting from Feb. 9 they would prevent the unloading of agricultural products from Ukraine at the HrubieszowVolodymyr-Volynskyi checkpoint.

Read also: Polish government reaches agreement with truckers, ending border blockade

Starting from approximately 10:00 a.m. EET time on Feb. 12, the passage of trucks is expected to slow down to approximately 3-4 trucks per hour at the Uhryniv-Dohobyczow checkpoint. Buses and personal vehicles will be allowed to cross as usual. There may be traffic restrictions at a number of checkpoints: Dorohusk - Yahodyn, Hrebenne - Rava-Ruska, Medyka - Shehyni, Zosin - Ustyluh, and Dohobyczow - Uhryniv.

The European Union is preparing a draft resolution extending duty-free trade with Ukraine until June 2025, rejecting Poland's proposal to reintroduce tariffs on some "sensitive products."

Instead, Poland is demanding that a "safeguard clause" be introduced for Ukrainian products, which provides for the possibility of applying regional safeguard measures if a market problem affects not the entire EU but one member state or region.

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
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, center, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, right, speak together in the House chamber at the Capitol in Washington, May 17, 2022. J. Scott Applewhite, STF / Associated Press

Bipartisan border bill

Regarding Cruz, Cornyn help sink border bill Republicans had long demanded, (Feb. 7): The Republicans, including John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have lambasted the Biden administration continuously for failing to stem the migrant tide at the southern border. Now, they vote against an arduously negotiated, bipartisan bill, backed by Border Patrol personnel, containing unprecedented measures to do just that. Then they twist themselves into pretzels trying to justify their opposition by mischaracterizing what the bill does. (The bill does not just let 5,000 people a day into the country.)

We are not stupid. We have all heard Donald Trump instruct Republicans to refrain from constructive action on the border so that he can thwart Biden and make the campaign claim that he is the only one who can fix it. Trump exacts compliance by threatening to direct his obedient supporters to vote against any Republican who defies him. The self-interest, hypocrisy and dishonesty of these politicians toward the country and toward all of us is staggering.

Maureen Wharton, Houston

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

If Sens. Cruz and Cornyn cannot vote to even allow debate on a bipartisan, negotiated bill, is there any doubt they run for office solely for the senator title and attendant benefits rather than a desire to be a legislator?

Gary Frueh, Katy

Contradiction

Regarding Texas Latinos prefer Trump over Biden in presidential election, UH poll finds, (Feb. 2): In light of the oft-repeated political mantra that Hispanics are all criminals, it is shocking to read poll results showing Latinos favor Trump over Biden.

That all Hispanics are criminals is as mindless a stereotype as the one that all politicians are corrupt. Of course neither is true, but why should we Hispanics endorse those who demonize our ethnicity?

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

And how is a campaign built on retribution a magnet for us evangelical Christians who hear the love thy neighbor as thyself sermon on Sunday? Is that sermon not relevant for us Monday through Saturday?

Maligning minorities while soliciting their vote in the same breath is, indeed, breathtaking.

Yolanda Ramirez Moore, Humble

Regarding Texas Republicans are ratcheting up talk of a border invasion. Critics worry it will incite violence, (Feb. 1): So I read that the lite guv of Texas, Dan Patrick, reports that these folks crossing our border with Mexico are coming here with health issues, theyre uneducated, unemployed, and all they do is commit crime on the streets. A contradictory letter from a Chronicle reader recently complained that illegal immigrants are taking Texans jobs because they submit bids to do the same work at a lower price. Personally, Im impressed that sickly, uneducated, unemployed criminals find time to successfully engage in capitalism so soon after arrival.

Gene Fisseler, Houston

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Auto-ped crash

Regarding Advocates: Downtown crash raises questions on Houstons seriousness of pedestrian safety, (Feb. 2): While the recent downtown pedestrian accident occurred during the day, the vast majority of auto-pedestrian accidents are at night. Houston is filled with LED glare on steroids business lights pointed at drivers exactly where people are most likely to cross the street at bus stops, convenience stores and apartment complexes. Much of the worst lighting is redundant and completely unnecessary after hours when soft, under-eave lights  or even no light  paired with motion detection cameras is plenty for security.

No public infrastructure can correct that problem. We need visible education from the police to swivel hinged LED light downward. Often the solution is free: just the flick of a switch. Houston needs to move to soft, shielded, more golden LED light to create a beautiful and safe city at night. We have a new code for future lighting, but waiting ten years to correct thousands of existing high-glare lights means ten more years of high accident rates.

Until we fix the glare, the city needs to explain to drivers they will have to slow down below the speed limit when glare hits them, and pedestrians need to know that the same light that is illuminating for them is likely blinding the driver coming at them.

Deborah Moran, Houston

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A pedestrian is killed in a crosswalk, and the new mayor is silent on the issue. It seems like a no-brainer to me that you would want to immediately condemn drivers killing pedestrians. Enforcement is one approach, but that would probably not have prevented this death. Other measures, such as prohibiting turns on red (like New York has done), would be more effective downtown. As a pedestrian, my greatest fear is people turning on red while not paying attention.

Alan Jackson, Houston

The No. 1 given solution to traffic enforcement is that we need more police on the streets. Exactly, but we need more police in all aspects of law enforcement, and we cant seem to be able to hire and train them.

Does a traffic cop need the same level of training as one who is confronting and arresting more dangerous criminals? In most instances, no.

Put them in uniform and arm them with ticketing books. When and if the need arises, have them call for backup.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

These individuals can likely be trained in a quarter of the time. If they are doing their jobs, they are probably bringing in more revenue in fines than they cost.

What we are doing now isnt working. Maybe its time to think outside the box.
The movement of heavy lorries resumed at the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint after Polish farmers ended their protest and unblocked it on 10 February.

Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Details: Ukrainian border guards said, citing information from the Polish Border Guard, that the protest in front of the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint ended at 11:30.

"There are 220 lorries waiting to enter Ukraine. Vehicles are being processed and cleared in both directions as usual," the State Border Guard Service added.

Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, reported on the morning of 10 February that Polish farmers continued to block three border crossing points  Yahodyn-Dorohusk, Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne and Shehyni-Medyka.

In total, 1300 heavy lorries were waiting to cross the Ukrainian-Polish border.

Background:

On Friday, farmers from all over Poland launched a protest that is expected to last 30 days. It involves, among other things, blocking roads and border crossings with Ukraine.

Earlier, the State Border Guard Service said it expected protests at five checkpoints, two of which would start on Monday, 12 February.

Support UP or become our patron!
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  More than a week after an emergency was declared to combat the fentanyl crisis and there are no updates on what the City of Portland, State of Oregon and Multnomah County are doing with that emergency. Meanwhile, neighborhoods are still struggling daily with the effects of the drug.

In Southwest Portland, neighbors who live near the Portland Art Museum told KOIN 6 News they are frustrated by the sight of frequent, open drug use.

It seems to be more persistent and I dont know why, said Darlene Urban Garrett.

Police identify elderly woman shot dead in Lents neighborhood

As a testament to what Garrett described as a rapid deterioration of her neighborhood in the last few weeks, one law enforcement source told KOIN 6 News they just dealt with a case in which a teenager was chased by someone with a needle.

That incident, along with fires sparking up against the buildings, people unable to use the sidewalks and drug problems prompted a cleanup along Southwest Jefferson Street that neighbors say was badly needed.

The City of Portland said Mental Health Addiction Services of Oregon were conducting outreach this week to areas cleaned up on Friday. Mayor Ted Wheelers office said several people accepted shelter offers.

Drunk drivers flip car, hit tree in separate crashes, Cornelius police say

Its my grocery store, its my convenience store, I walk there a few times a week. And yeah it has gotten worse, Garrett said. A lot of us fear Safeway leaving because the problems there have been so dramatic.

During KOIN 6 News information gathering, this reporter saw firsthand people using fentanyl outside of stores and near transit stops Friday.

The location is one block from the border of the Downtown Portland Clean and Safe District, a region of the city that Mayor Ted Wheelers office expanded last year.

We dont have the Clean and Safe services, we dont have the expanded Clean and Safe, and I do think that is an issue, Garrett said.

Police search for man accused of yelling racial slurs, spitting on 2 teens

Wheelers office said further Clean and Safe expansions would have to be approved through city council. However, they also said the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police have conducted patrols in the area near the Safeway.

The ongoing activity in this area is unacceptable. Mayor Wheeler, his team, and our partners are working to tackle these problems from all sides, a spokesperson for Wheelers office told KOIN 6 News.

Its the latest example of problems neighborhoods across the Rose City have seen, leading to the tri-governmental 90-day emergency declaration of downtown Portland.

What we adopted was fairly generic without a lot of specific actions, said Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards.

Several commissioners called for measurable outcomes and specific goals of the fentanyl emergency last week. Commissioner Sharon Meierans amendment to add them failed. Now one week in, theyre still waiting for an update.

2 atmospheric rivers to impact Portland area around Valentines Day

I would like to understand exactly the mechanism of the incident command structure, Meieran said.

Two weeks ago, when we had a weather emergency, it was all hands on deck for the county, we got daily updates, Brimm Edwards said. And I would expect going forward, at our weekly meetings, the incident commander would give us updates about what actions have been taken.

County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said there would be updates next week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that if Russia wins in Ukraine, Russian aggression could spread to other countries, so NATO members need to actively prepare for a possible confrontation.

Source: n-tv, with reference to Stoltenberg in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, reported by European Pravda

Details: Stoltenberg said that the Alliance should "prepare for a confrontation (with Russia  ed.) that could last for decades", and therefore its members need to expand their defence industry faster.

"If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries," he stated.

In order to deter Russian aggression, Stoltenberg believes that it is necessary to continue to support Ukraine and invest in NATO's military capabilities, as Russia is already preparing its economy for a long war.

"We need to recover and expand our industrial base more quickly so that we can increase supplies to Ukraine and replenish our own stockpiles. This means shifting from slow peacetime production to fast production, as is necessary in times of conflict," he explained.

Background: In recent weeks, a number of European NATO countries have also warned of the risk of Russian aggression in the near future.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in January that the Alliance should prepare for a Russian attack on a NATO country within 5-8 years.

Mikael Buden, Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, and Swedish Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oscar Bolin said that all citizens should be prepared for war.

And the Commander-in-Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces urged not to waste a "window of opportunity" to prepare for a potential direct confrontation with Russia, as this time could run out in a few years.

Support UP or become our patron!
Millions of visitors are expected to invade Ohio two months from now for front-seat views of the April 8 total solar eclipse.

The extra people could easily cause traffic jams, overload cellphone towers, disrupt emergency personnel, and even buy up important supplies like food, medicine and gasoline.

That's why Ohioans who live and work anywhere near the eclipse's path should use the next few weeks to prepare for the stampede.

The Ohio EMA has compiled a map of public viewing areas expected to be available during the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. The blue line represents the centerline and the red lines show the boundaries of the totality viewing area.

The Mansfield area alone could see as many as 250,000 guests the weekend of the eclipse, according to Rebecca Owens, director of the Richland County Emergency Management Agency.

April 8 is a Monday, and many reservations are already booked starting the Friday before. Crowds may linger until Tuesday.

"Be prepared," Owens said. "Think of it as a bad weather weekend. What would you do if you knew that we were getting six inches of snow that weekend?"

Here are five ways you can be prepared before the April 8 total solar eclipse:

1. Run errands early and stock up on essential supplies

The state's influx of guests is expected to begin Friday, April 5.

Traffic won't be bad at first, since people will trickle into the area over a three- or four-day period.

Once they're in Ohio, though, the visitors will begin buying food, medicine, gasoline and every other resource.

"Run your errands early in the week," Owens said. "Take care of getting your prescriptions refilled and any kind of medical supplies that you need."

Gas stations could sell out before trucks can refill their tanks.

Restaurants and grocery stores could run out of some items, including baby and pet foods.

Even the ATMs could go dry.

"If you're needing cash, you need to get that sooner rather than later," Owens said. "If something happens that the internet is down during that weekend, you may not be able to access cash."

2. Expect cellphone and internet service interruptions

As the number of people in Ohio grows, more devices will begin fighting over limited bandwidth.

Cellphone service is expected to be limited, and emergency personnel are concerned even line-supplied internet connections could be affected.

"There might be a better possibility of communicating via text versus actually trying to make a phone call," Owens said.

Service providers are warning customers that calls could be dropped or delayed.

Public safety professionals have been advised to access a secure wifi network ahead of the eclipse, since that will help calls and texts go through even if the wireless network is down.

"You need to know what is going to be your means of communication with your family if something happens, or if you need 911," Owens said.

3. Make a plan for every known potential emergency

Ohio's roads will be busy the weekend leading up the eclipse, but they will get even worse Monday, April 8.

The eclipse will enter western Ohio about 3:10 p.m. near the city of Greenville in Darke County, according to a NASA map. The path of the eclipse will travel northeast, reaching Cleveland by 3:15 p.m.

"Our big concern with the traffic is going to be after the eclipse," Owens said. "People want to leave pretty quickly after the event ends."

The thousands of extra vehicles could block roads for the rest of that afternoon, maybe even part of the night.

Dan Everly, left, and Bryan Summer of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club look over some of their equipment as they stand inside at Lowe-Volk Park as it rained during last year's annular eclipse.

Many Ohio schools will be closed that day, and employers have been warned about the traffic jams.

Patients are urged to reschedule any regular medical appointments they may have for April 8.

Those who have serious medical conditions  including pregnancies  should touch base with their healthcare provider ahead of time for instructions on what to do if a situation arises while the roads are blocked.

"You do need to have another plan," Owens said. "It's highly likely that there might be some adjusted traffic patterns, so people might not even be able to go the way they normally would go anyway."

4. Know where you're going to watch the eclipse

Of course, those who aren't experiencing emergencies will also be impeded by the unusual number of vehicles on Ohio's roads the weekend of the eclipse.

The ideal situation would be for everyone to stay home and shelter in place, but the EMA director admitted that wasn't possible with all of the watch parties planned across the Buckeye State.

"Be prepared, I guess, really is what we're trying to encourage people to do," Owens said.

There will be delays everywhere, so failure to plan ahead could leave someone stranded in a traffic jam watching the eclipse from the side of the road.

5. Be sure you have the proper solar glasses

There's still some time to purchase the special protective solar glasses that are designed for safely watching solar eclipses, but it's running out fast.

For those who cannot find them through schools or libraries or other organizations, the glasses are available online through several retailers at prices that astronomers say are reasonable.

The dangers of not wearing solar glasses  or wearing the wrong glasses  can be severe and lifelong.

Solar glasses like these can be purchased online. Make sure they have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon and the ISO reference number 12312-2

Those safety concerns are why members of the International Organization for Standardization met in Switzerland and determined exactly how the most protective solar glasses should be made, the American Astronomical Society has reported.

Glasses that meet those standards have the code "ISO 12312-2:2015" stamped on them so everyone knows they are safe for use.

No matter how professional a new pair of glasses may look, it's important for the viewer to find the ISO 12312-2:2015 stamp before using them, because lower-quality glasses can make their way into the market.

"It is not necessarily illegal for a product to fail to meet the requirements of an ISO standard," the American Astronomical Society website reads. "But it may be inadvisable to buy or use such a product, as failure to meet the requirements of an applicable standard likely means the product is not well suited to its purpose."

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: April 8 total solar eclipse will bring millions of visitors to Ohio